Chelsea forward Drogba had a frustrating game in front of goal

A dominant Chelsea had to settle for a goalless draw against Copenhagen to book a last eight Champions League spot for the sixth time in eight seasons.

Yuri Zhirkov shot wide and Nicolas Anelka had an effort saved as Chelsea failed to add to a 2-0 first leg lead.The home side were give a scare when Dame N’Doye’s free-kick hit the post.The chances flowed for Chelsea but Jon Mikel Obi’s header hit the Copenhagen crossbar and substitute Fernando Torres had a shot deflected wide.

(BBC Football )

Aberdeen given green light by Scottish Government to build new community stadium

Mar 16 2011

Aberdeen stadium Image 2

The new 22,000-seater stadium will cost £38m and will see Aberdeen move away from Pittodrie

ABERDEEN’S move away from Pittodrie moved a step closer today after the club confirmed they have been given Government permission to build a new stadium.

After receiving the go-ahead for their proposed new 22,000-seat community stadium at Loirston Loch, south of the city centre, the Dons will now work on finance proposals for the £38million project, which includes training facilities and an adjacent 3,000-seat arena for Highland League side Cove Rangers.Aberdeen chief executive Duncan Fraser said: “The decision of the Scottish Government to allow the stadium development to proceed is a critical step forward and fo llows on from the decision of the council to support the proposal following the most comprehensive consultation and public scrutiny.

“With the continuing support of our major shareholders and the bank we can now move forward in the coming months to bring together a funding package.”We will also be working hard to finalise the complex legal agreements tied down with regards to the development.”A substantial element will come from the proposed sale of the existing Pittodrie site and we hope to have planning approval for this within the next couple of months.”We are also working with Cove Rangers to bring forward the plans for their new stadium as well as first-class football training and community facilities at Calder Park.”The huge funding challenge will result in a big call on our major shareholders and others.”We also hope to secure a significant contribution from the naming rights, enabling funding and a manageable mortgage.”The challenge is massive and we will explore all options to ensure this major project, which will benefit the whole of the region, is successfully delivered.”

( Daily Record )

LAW CHIEF WARNING TO OLD FIRM

But the ultimatum was blasted by former top cop Graeme Pearson who insisted it is up to the CLUBS to discipline stars, not police.

Mr Pearson, ex-chief of the Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency, said in most cases cops were unlikely to take action, while involving the courts would be “a waste of public money and time”.Ms Angiolini’s crackdown emerged after she sent a memo to police chiefs around the country reminding them they had the power to take action against thugs on the pitch.Last night Crown Office sources said the guidance – drafted in 1996 – was revived after this month’s fiery Scottish Cup encounter.They confirmed that Strathclyde Police officers WILL brief Old Firm players and backroom staff about their responsibilities before Sunday’s showdown.The move was announced yesterday following the first meeting of a new Joint Action Group – made up of Old Firm chiefs, football bosses, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and Strathclyde Police Chief Constable Stephen House.Afterwards Mr Mac-Askill hailed it “extremely productive”.He said: “Change won’t happen overnight. But there was agreement on all sides to look at what more can be done and a recognition we all have a responsibility.”It was encouraging to see so many positive proposals coming out of the summit but it is vital that we turn words into action.”That is what this group is all about.”The move followed a crisis summit last week involving Rangers and Celtic chiefs, police and First Minister Alex Salmond.It was called in reponse to the Scottish Cup game of shame, which saw 34 supporters nicked, three Gers stars red-carded and management duo Neil Lennon and Ally McCoist square up at the end.Police also probed claims Lennon racially abused Rangers striker El Hadji Diouf. And away from the ground, police figures show violent crime and disorder often more than doubles on Old Firm match days.But Mr Pearson said: “The responsibility for dealing with these workers who are paid hundreds of thousands of pounds is for the management, the club and the footballing authorities.”For these sort of things it’s not for the state to get involved. The bad conduct on the night was that of the players and management of the respective clubs.”It was the professionals that let Scotland down – not the 60,000 fans.”His criticism was echoed by ex-Celt Frank McAvennie, who ended up in court after clashing with Rangers stars Terry Butcher, Chris Woods and Graham Roberts in an infamous 1987 encounter.He blasted: “There was a lot of huffing and puffing over the last game.”And to be honest you would think someone had been murdered the way the police and politicians went into meltdown.”It is an absolute farce and is all for show.”It was the same when they took me to court. It was all for show. There are enough problems on the streets without getting involved in football. They need to clean up the streets first.”But Strathclyde Police Asst Chief Constable Campbell Corrigan said: “Ensuring public safety at sporting events is our primary aim.”Any criminal incidents or acts of disorder which occur will be investigated and if appropriate reported to the procurator fiscal.”A Scottish Government spokesman said: “These guidelines underline the responsibilities of not just of police, but match officials, players, fans and everyone else associated with major sporting events.”Last night a Rangers spokesman said: “The club put forward a reinforced code of conduct at last week’s summit.”The Lord Advocate’s advice has been in place for some time and is now being reiterated.” And Celtic added: “We will action any reinforcement of these guidelines.”Meanwhile it emerged top lawyer and ex-Rangers vice-chairman Donald Findlay called for a set of guidelines over football conduct 15 YEARS ago.Speaking after the club’s AGM in 1995 he said: “Players need to have clear and unequivocal knowledge of what behaviour will and will not result in prosecution.”

( Scottish Sun )