EXTRA TIME ROUND-UP FA set to probe coin attack on Ferdinand

EXTRA TIME ROUND-UP

FA set to probe coin attack on Ferdinand 

Manchester: The Football Association (FA) have opened an investigation into the incident that saw Manchester United’s RioFerdinandhitby a coin during his side’s 3-2 win at Manchester City on Sunday.
    The English centre-back was left with blood pouring from his face after being hit by the coin apparently thrown from the crowd in the aftermath of Robin van Persie’s injury-time winner for United at the Etihad Stadium.
    “It is disappointing that after a great game and advert for the Premier League, that we are discussing this issue,” said an FA spokesman. “We will work with the clubs and authorities to identify those responsible and support the strongest sanctions available, including life bans.
    “We condemn any such acts and it is simply unacceptable that any player is exposed to injury in this way. “To witness Rio Ferdinand leaving the field with a cut above his eye to receive treatment is appalling.”
Fabregas out for 3-4 weeks with thigh injury: Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas could be out of action for up to four weeks after tearing a thigh muscle in Sunday’s 2-1 win at Real Betis. “He’ll be sidelined for three to four weeks. Therefore, he’ll miss the team’s last three games in 2012 — the two Liga matches against Atletico Madrid and Valladolid and the away leg of the Copa del Rey against Cordoba,” said a Barcelona statement.
Falcao thumps five past
Deportivo: Radamel Falcao hailed an “unforgettable night” after the coveted Atletico Madrid striker hit five goals past Deportivo Coruna to become the first man to achieve the feat in Spain's top league in more than a decade.
    Fernando Morientes was the last player to score five in a match playing for Real Madrid against Las Palmas in February 2002 .
Inter beat Napoli to move
second: Inter Milan moved up to second and closed the gap to Juventus to four points in Serie A Sunday thanks to a clinical buthard-fought2-1win over fellow title chasers Napoli.
    A pair of goals from south Americans Fredy Guarin and Diego Milito settled Inter's nerves before half-time and despite Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani reducing the arrears just before the hour the visitors failed to pull level in a tighter second half. AGENCIES

Atletico Madrid’s Radamel Falcao celebrates his goal against Deportivo La Coruna at Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, on Sunday