Drogba says sorry

Didier Drogba has apologised for his behaviour in the wake of Chelsea's Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona on Wednesday night.

The striker confronted referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after the match and launched a foul-mouthed rant in front of TV cameras.

In a statement on the Blues' official website the Ivorian said: "I was very upset at what happened during the game, but having seen the pictures on TV I accept that I overreacted." The statement continued: "I also accept that the language I used did not set a good example for those watching at home, especially children.

"I regret that in the heat of the moment I let out my incredible frustration and disappointment in this way, and for that I apologise."

Drogba, who had been substituted in the second half, was shown a yellow card for coming onto the pitch to vent his fury at Ovrebo after the final whistle.

He was incensed at the referee's refusal to award Chelsea two spot-kicks in the first half at Stamford Bridge when he and Florent Malouda were brought down.

The Norwegian official also rejected two handball penalty appeals after the break when Gerard Pique handled as Nicolas Anelka tried to go past him and in the final seconds when Michael Ballack's shot hit Samuel Eto'o's arm.

That last claim came after Andres Iniesta had lashed home a 93rd-minute leveller for Barcelona to cancel out Michael Essien's opener and put the Catalans ahead on away goals.

Shearer 'would manage Newcastle in Championship'

Alan Shearer is reportedly ready to become Newcastle's permanent manager, even if the club are relegated from the Premier League.

Shearer was brought in as interim manager at St James' Park at the beginning of April but has failed to win any of his five Premier League games in charge.

That run has left the Magpies firmly in the relegation zone, three points from safety and contemplating the prospect of dropping into the Championship next season.

Shearer has yet to be drawn on his long-term plans, with speculation remaining that he will return to his job as a pundit on Match of the Day regardless of Newcastle's fate.

However, the former England captain is said to be relishing his new role and a number of changes behind the scenes have suggested the 38-year-old could be around for the long haul.

Shearer has reshaped his backroom staff, bringing in close friend Paul Ferris to oversee the club's medical team.

He has also introduced a new code of conduct for the players, and illustrated his stance on discipline by suspending Joey Barton from the club after last week's clash at Liverpool.

And newspaper reports on Friday say friends of Shearer claim the former Toon striker would feel an obligation to stick with the club if they are relegated.

The Magpies face fellow strugglers Middlesbrough in a crucial match at St James' Park on Monday with both teams desperate for the three points.

Chelsea set to cut losses on Drogba

Chelsea are expected to sell Didier Drogba in the summer after losing patience with the hot-headed striker's temper tantrums.

Drogba is facing a Uefa charge, and probably a significant suspension, after his furious reaction to Chelsea's Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona on Wednesday.

And, according to newspaper reports on Friday, Stamford Bridge bosses were so dismayed with the Ivory Coast international they will look to offload him at the end of the season. The 31-year-old has one year left on his £90,000-a-week contract and the club were set to offer him an extension after a fine run of form since the appointment of Guus Hiddink as coach.

However, Wednesday's rant about referee Tom Henning Ovrebo has rekindled memories of Drogba's misconduct last year.

The striker was sent off in the Champions League final for hitting Nemanja Vidic, and then suspended by the Football Association for throwing a coin at Burnley fans in a Carling Cup tie at Stamford Bridge.

Drogba has frequently spoken of his desire for a move to Italy, and a possible reunion with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.

And it appears his latest disciplinary problems have convinced Chelsea officials to cut their losses on a player who cost £24million from Marseille in 2004.

Walcott signs new Arsenal contract

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has signed a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium.

The 20-year-old joined the Gunners from Southampton in January 2006 and has since gone on to become a regular for both club and country.

The England international has made more than 100 appearances and scored 14 goals for Arsenal, who did not reveal the length of his new deal.
The youngster is in no doubt the Emirates Stadium is the best place for his career to develop.

'I am so happy here and just want to say thanks to everyone who has helped me get to this point in my career,' Walcott said in a statement.

'Together with the belief of my team-mates, the boss [Arsene Wenger] and everyone on the staff, everyone has got behind me here at Arsenal which is brilliant.

'It is fantastic to work with the best manager in the world and play at Emirates Stadium, which is an unbelievable place to play in.

'I just want to continue playing my football at this club and look forward to many successful seasons ahead.'

Wenger believes Walcott is integral to the club's future.

'Theo is an intelligent player with amazing ability and speed, and has developed extremely well this season,' said the Gunners boss.

'At still only 20 years of age, Theo has huge potential for the forthcoming years and we are all looking forward to see him grow even more in an Arsenal shirt.'

Arsenal crashed out of the Champions League with a home defeat to Manchester United in midweek, but will look to make up ground on third-placed Chelsea when they meet in the Barclays Premier League at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.