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Shut it! Di Matteo hits back after United boss Ferguson says he can't believe Chelsea accused referee Clattenburg of abusing Mikel

I just don't believe it, says Fergie as he rubbishes Chelsea's Clattenburg allegations
Clattenburg wants to carry on refereeing during FA probe... And linesman precedent allows it

Roberto Di Matteo has said criticism from Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger over the Mark Clattenburg case will be taken on board to by his Chelsea players but only used as a 'motivational tool'. The Manchester United manager said earlier today that he finds the allegations 'unthinkable' and doubts that a 'referee would ever stoop so low'.

EXCLUSIVE: Nani set for Old Trafford exit after Fergie blasts 'amateurish' winger

On the way out: Nani in training at Carrington on Friday morning with the Manchester United squad

Manchester United winger Nani looks set to leave Old Trafford next summer after manager Sir Alex Ferguson took him to task for throwing away his team's Carling Cup tie at Chelsea on Wednesday night.

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Where's your tache, Theo? Cazorla pokes fun at Arsenal team-mate Walcott for Movember attempt

Mo joke: Santi Cazorla (left) shares a laugh with Theo Walcott at London Colney on Friday

Theo Walcott's Arsenal future may be up in the air, but it didn't stop him enjoying himself in training on Friday as the Gunners readied themselves for Saturday's clash at Man United.

You're under pressure! Toon boss Pardew ups ante on Rodgers ahead of Anfield clash

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew thinks the pressure is all on Brendan Rodgers and his 'vulnerable' Liverpool side ahead of their Barclays Premier League clash at Anfield on Sunday.

Blow for United as skipper Vidic ruled out until Christmas with knee injury

Missing man: Nemanja Vidic won't play again until December

Nemanja Vidic is likely to be sidelined until the festive period. Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he does not expect his centre-back to return to action until late December.

Now he's the Daddy! Barca superstar's girlfriend gives birth to baby Thiago

Good week: Lionel Messi now has a golden boy to go with his golden boot

It seems strange to be talking about Lionel Messi's legacy as the Barcelona maestro is only 25, but on Friday his girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo gave birth to Thiago.

Rodgers fears Liverpool could be in for another tough transfer window

Setting a target: Brendan Rodgers is discussing a number of transfer targets

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits it will not be easy to find players to sign in the January transfer window despite having funds to strengthen his squad.

I'd even manage Halifax! Legend Ginola desperate to break into management

Spurs legend: David Ginola became a firm fan favourite at Tottenham

Many remember David Ginola as the Spurs star who terrorised defenders, but the Frenchman is set to swap trickery for tactics after revealing plans to enter management.

Stupid racists will never change, says Balotelli in Time Magazine interview (and City ace declares his dream to meet Obama)

Mario Balotelli believes that nothing can be done to change the ways of racist people because they are inherently stupid. The Man City striker, speaking to Time Magazine, also revealed his wish to one day meet President Obama.

SPORTS EDITOR'S SIX OF THE BEST

All the Barclays Premier League team news ahead of the weekend

Resistance: Heavy rain this winter will be no problem for the Maxim

Sportsmail brings you the latest squad news on every team as it breaks. Find out who is fighting fit and who is sitting on the sidelines for the games on November 3-5.

Fergie: Van Persie deserves nothing but respect from Arsenal fans

All smiles: Van Persie trains at Carrington on Friday

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would be surprised if Robin van Persie was not given a warm reception by Arsenal fans this weekend.

Monaco? I was close to seven or eight clubs last season, says Mancini

One-on-one: Mancini appeared to have a heated conversation with defender Kolo Toure after training on Friday

Roberto Mancini has vowed to see out his new five-year contract at Manchester City despite renewed speculation over his future with the Premier League champions.

14-year-old Chinese prodigy in line to win place at the Masters next year

Unmistakable: The beautiful Augusta National Golf Club, host of The Masters, which was won by American Bubba Watson (below) this year

Could a 14-year-old be playing in the Masters next year? That amazing possibility has moved firmly into view after Chinese prodigy Guan Tianlang leads the way at event in Thailand.

Spurs star Walker to reopen Twitter account following abuse from fans

Being social: Kyle Walker is back on Twitter

Kyle Walker has vowed to reopen the Twitter account he closed after receiving criticism for his performances on the social networking site last month.

Vettel sets early pace in Abu Dhabi with Hamilton and Button behind

Out in front: Lewis Hamilton drives during the first practice session at the Yas Marina circuit

Sebastian Vettel laid down a marker in his world title race battle with Fernando Alonso after the Red Bull finished fastest in the second practice session in Abu Dhabi.

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Long faces: Courtney Lawes and Dylan Hartley sit out training this week

FOOTBALL NEWS

Brighton 2 Leeds 2: Mackail-Smith strikes twice then misses a penalty in thrilling clash

Down the middle: Mackail-Smith fired home the first penalty

Craig Mackail-Smith struck twice for Brighton but then missed a penalty as his side could not make their pressure pay off against Leeds.

Your Teams

Teams		P	GD	PTS
1	Chelsea	9	12	22
2	Manchester United	9	11	21
3	Manchester City	9	9	21
4	Tottenham Hotspur	9	4	17
5	Everton	9	6	16
6	Arsenal	9	8	15
7	Fulham	9	5	14
8	West Bromwich Albion	9	2	14
9	West Ham United	9	2	14
10	Newcastle United	9	-2	13
11	Swansea City	9	1	11
12	Liverpool	9	-2	10
13	Stoke City	9	-1	9
14	Sunderland	8	-2	9
15	Wigan Athletic	9	-6	8
16	Norwich City	9	-11	7
17	Aston Villa	9	-7	6
18	Reading	8	-6	4
19	Southampton	9	-12	4
20	Queens Park Rangers	9	-11	3

Click on a team for the latest news stories from across the web

Austrian TV channel says sorry to Bayern's Alaba after 'racial insult'

Offended: Austria defender David Alaba (right) in action for Bayern Munich

Austrian broadcaster ORF has apologized to Bayern Munich defender David Alaba after he complained of being racially insulted in a television comedy sketch.

Holloway is ready to walk out on Blackpool and take charge of Palace

Incoming: Crystal Palace have made an official approach for Blackpool's Ian Holloway

Blackpool will struggle to hang on to Ian Holloway after it emerged that family ties are driving him towards the managerial vacancy at Crystal Palace.

West Ham want to bring in Chelsea and Belgium keeper Courtois on loan

No 1: Courtois is a regular for Atletico and Belgium

West Ham are interested in Chelsea's Belgian No 1 Thibaut Courtois - who is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid. The 20-year-old cost the Blues £7m from Genk in 2010.

I just don't believe it, says Fergie as he blasts Chelsea's Clattenburg claims

Support: United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, taking training at Carrington, has pledged his support to referee Mark Clattenburg

Sir Alex Ferguson has hit out at Chelsea for accusing referee Mark Clattenburg of racially abusing John Obi Mikel during Sunday's fiery clash at Stamford Bridge.

Moyes insists he is unfazed by criticism after Gerrard's Stoke comparison

Criticism: Gerrard compared Everton's style to that of Stoke

Manager David Moyes is unconcerned by criticism of Everton's playing style as he insists his is the only opinion which matters.

Hair we go! Huddlestone vows to grow his barnet until he scores again

When Tom Huddlestone vowed last year not to cut his hair again until he scored he must not have envisaged a 19-month goal drought. But that is exactly what has ensued.

Accused Clattenburg wants to carry on refereeing during FA probe

Official complaint: Chelsea have accused Clattenburg (above) of using racist language during Sunday's match

Mark Clattenburg intends to continue refereeing throughout the FA and police investigation into allegations he directed a racist comment at John Mikel Obi.

Adkins insists he is enjoying the ride despite Southampton's struggles

Under pressure: Southampton have been on a woeful run of form

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins is thriving under the challenge of keeping the Saints in the Barclays Premier League.

Former Scotland captain Ferguson joins Cod Army on loan from Blackpool

On the move: Barry Ferguson has joined Fleetwood Town on loan

League Two Fleetwood have signed former Scotland captain Barry Ferguson on loan from near-neighbours Blackpool.

Named, shamed and now exposed: Chelsea fan who made 'monkey' gesture is identified

The racist yob who abused Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck has been named as Gavin Kirkham. As of Thursday night no arrest had been made following Kirkham's disgraceful actions during Chelsea's 5-4 win in the Capital One Cup clash at Stamford Bridge.

Dive? Never, I'm a northerner! Spurs star Walker hits back at Hughton claims

Not me: Kyle Walker insists he does not dive because he is from the north

Kyle Walker hit back at Chris Hughton's claims he went down too easily to win a penalty at Norwich by saying: I don't dive, I'm a northerner.

It's the FA Cup catwalk: Suave bosses Di Canio and King go head-to-head

The FA Cup tie between Swindon and Macclesfield could be as interesting for the fashion battle on the touchline as it will be for the tussle between the two teams on the pitch.

Lambert already seeking new signings despite summer spending spree

Big money move: Benteke cost Aston Villa £7million

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert admits he needs to further bolster the strength of his squad. Villa's net outlay this summer was the fifth-highest of any Premier League club.

Cheers, Kelsey! Frasier star Grammer checks in to watch Ebbsfleet in FA Cup

Celebrity fan: Kelsey Grammer is set to watch his brother-in-law

Non-league Ebbsfleet United will be saying Cheers to celebrity fan Kelsey Grammer if they are able to see off Carlisle United in their FA Cup first round tie in Cumbria on Saturday.

Belgian invasion set to continue as AVB eyes £8m swoop for Alderweireld

Belgian invasion: The defender could join Vertonghen at Spurs

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas is looking to reunite defender Jan Vertonghen with his former Ajax team-mate Toby Alderweireld.

Death threats to Halsey opened Taylor's eyes to referee's plight

Death threats: Mark Halsey has received vile abuse from supporters

After bumping into Mark Halsey after jousting with Sunderland fans, Steven Taylor was left wide-eyed as he was given an insight into the world of top-class refereeing.

Prime Minister calls for football to get tough on racism after recent failures

Time to get tough: Prime Minister David Cameron wants football's authorities to act better on racism issues

Prime Minister David Cameron says the football authorities have failed to put the necessary structures in place to tackle racism in the game.

Hands off! Corinthians rule out selling £9m Chelsea midfield target Paulinho

High hopes: Paulinho scores against Japan this month

Chelsea have been told to forget about signing Brazil international midfielder by his club Corinthians. Roberto Di Matteo has been tracking the 24-year-old defensive midfielder.

FA Youth Cup third round draw: United face last year's semi-finalists Burnley

Champions: Chelsea celebrate victory over Blackburn in last season's final

Manchester United, Youth Cup winners a record 10 times, start with a home clash against last season's semi-finalists Burnley.

Japanese star Ishige set to train with City ahead of possible move to Etihad

Rising star: Hideki Ishigei is set to train with City

Manchester City are planning on giving rising Japanese star Hideki Ishige a trial ahead of a possible move to England.

OTHER SPORTS NEWS

It's off! New York Marathon is cancelled following devastation of Superstorm Sandy

Flashback: The runners cross Verrazano Narrows Bridge in last year's race

The New York City Marathon has been cancelled following mounting criticism for the decision earlier this week to go ahead with the race in the devastating wake of Superstorm Sandy. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said on Friday that this was not the time for the race to go ahead, with the region still recovering.

McCoy rushed to hospital after horror fall at Wetherby

Bloodied: Tony McCoy was rusghed to hospital after his horror fall at Wetherby left him bloodied and bruised

Tony McCoy was left bloodied, bruised and taken to hospital after a horror fall at Wetherby.

Onions set for chance to win England place with Finn absent for warm-up

Time to shine: Seamer Graham Onions is set to play for England on Saturday

England are likely to make several changes, just one enforced, to their team for Saturday's second match on their tour of India. Steven Finn is certain to be missing.

Timely ton gets Tendulkar in the groove heading into England series

Back in the groove: Tendulkar was in action at the Wankhede on Friday

LAWRENCE BOOTH: If there really is a gap between Sachin Tendulkar's bat and front pad, it wasn't immediately obvious at the Wankhede on Friday.

I had an argument with a door... McDowell suffers freak injury at hotel

Ouch: Graeme McDowell tees off on the seventh hole at Mission Hills - with strapping clearly visible on his right hand

Graeme McDowell's season looked to have reached a painful and premature end after the former US Open champion slammed his hand in a hotel door in China.

After being Pole-axed, Murray must now raise his game for London bow

Going strong: Andy Murray remains on course for Paris Masters glory

Andy Murray will team up with Ivan Lendl this weekend for the first time since his US Open triumph and there is much for them to ponder ahead of the season-ending championships.

Top Trump: Judd is new world No 1 after beating Ebdon to reach China final

Top of the world: Judd Trump is now the new world snooker No 1

Judd Trump roared to the top of the world rankings for the first time as he beat Peter Ebdon 9-1 to reach the International Championship final in Chengdu.

Cav: Playing second-fiddle to Wiggins and broken promises forced Sky exit

Walking away: Mark Cavendish quit Team Sky over broken promises

Mark Cavendish has claimed broken promises ahead of this year's Tour de France forced him to quit Team Sky and said he was left feeling like a 'back-up rider' to Bradley Wiggin.

Cazorla, the mini marvel! Arsenal lost their crown jewel in RVP, but unearthed this gem

Cazorla was a football-loving short kid who always had a football tucked under his arm. Now he is Arsenal's ball carrier too, a brilliant midfielder with enough talent to have dampened the despair at Robin van Persie's departure and to give Arsene Wenger's side hope ahead of their trip to Old Trafford on Saturday.