Kevin Kilbane's Sunderland career could be over after the World Cup winger gave a V-sign to travelling supporters in Belgium, writes John Wardle
Kilbane offered a heartfelt apology to fans following his gesture in the 2-1 defeat by Gent on Saturday night. But it might not be enough to save his Sunderland career with his former club West Bromwich preparing a £2.5 million offer.
The Republic of Ireland international is likely to be fined £20,000 after his manager Peter Reid confirmed the club would take disciplinary action.
But it is hard to see how Kilbane can play again for Sunderland in front of supporters who have been unimpressed by the player and whose patience is already at breaking point because of the lack of summer spending.
It is another major problem for Reid, who also saw one Sunderland fan run on to the pitch in a vain attempt to confront him. The referee Frank de Bleeckere was forced to take the players off the pitch until stewards restored calm with play held up for more than five minutes.
The Kilbane incident came in the 53rd minute and followed a poor cross that prompted booing from a section of fans. The winger responded by blatantly sticking up two fingers at the crowd, who instantly chanted: "Off, off, off." Reid quickly substituted him, bringing on Paul Thirlwell.
Later Kilbane said: "I want to offer my sincere apologies to those supporters. I deeply regret what I did - it was a moment of frustration and things just boiled over. I am devastated by the whole incident because it is always my aim to go out and try my best for the team and the supporters."
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has moved quickly to quell growing rumours that star striker Ronaldo is set to join European champions Real Madrid.
Moratti refused to give credence to the mounting speculation regarding the future of the 25-year-old Brazilian, who is due to return to pre-season training with the club this week.
"I don't believe what I have recently been reading about Ronaldo, and I want to speak to the player when he returns to Milan," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Porto captain Jorge Costa has retired from international football. The 30-year-old has played over 50 matches for Portugal.
"I abandon the national team because I'm conscious that my time has come," Costa said yesterday.
France striker Thierry Henry has vowed to stay at Arsenal for the remainder of his career despite several reports linking him with continental clubs. "I couldn't imagine life without Arsenal," Henry said.
Paul Gascoigne has ruled out any chance of a move to the third division. Darlington were interested in signing the midfielder after his move to Major League team Washington DC United fell apart this week.
"Darlington have been in contact, but Paul does not want to play in Division Three - it's as simple as that," Gascoigne's agent Ian Elliott said.
David Burns, chief executive of England's Football League, is preparing to quit his job after a messy legal battle to win back £132 million for League clubs failed in the High Court last week, reports claim.
Sources said Burns's resignation would be discussed at a League board meeting tomorrow.
Soccer Australia and two state governments - New South Wales and Victoria - announced yesterday that Australia will bid for the World Cup in 2014. FIFA President Sepp Blatter attended the announcement.
Guardian Service
