Anthony Joshua beats Charles Martin to win IBF world heavyweight title – as it happened

Anthony Joshua made light work of Charles Martin to claim the IBF world heavyweight title, sending the defending champion to the canvas twice in round two before the referee brought a swift end to the fight Some doubted if this fight was the right move for Anthony Joshua, worried that the challenger could be found wanting for experience or ability, thrust into a world title fight so early in his career. Those doubts were fading within seconds, and before long they were extinguished completely.

Jonas Gutierrez wins Newcastle United discrimination tribunal case

   
Midfielder Jonas Gutierrez was dropped by Newcastle United because of his cancer diagnosis, an employment tribunal has found.
The 32-year-old was suing the Magpies for in the region of £2m on the grounds of disability discrimination. The tribunal also ruled the club made it impossible for Gutierrez to trigger an appearance-based contract extension.

Didier Drogba: Charity Commission investigating player's foundation

A charity run by Didier Drogba is being investigated over "serious regulatory concerns" by the Charity Commission.
The Daily Mail claimed that just £14,115 out of £1.7m donated to the Didier Drogba Foundation had gone to help causes in Africa.
Former Chelsea striker Drogba, 38, is threatening legal action and called the Mail's story "false and defamatory".

Clemens Westerhof: Dutchman wants second spell in charge of Nigeria

Clemens Westerhof has told BBC Sport he can "make Nigeria great again" if he is appointed coach for a second time.
Nigeria, who have failed to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, are seeking a permanent coach following Sunday Oliseh's resignation in March.

NICK BLACKWELL has spoken to family and close friends after waking from his induced coma.

Blackwell, 25, suffered a bleed on the brain last month following a brutal British middleweight title contest with Chris Eubank Jr.
But Hennessy Sports today revealed the Trowbridge fighter came round on Saturday as the medical team caring for him gradually reduced his sedatives.

Afcon 2017: Salah scores late leveller for Egypt against Nigeria

Salah's late intervention prevented Nigeria from taking top spot in Group G Mohamed Salah scored in injury time to rescue a point for Egypt away to Nigeria in their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday.

Formula 1 drivers warn success of sport could be jeopardised

Drivers want a 'clear masterplan' for the future of Formula 1
Formula 1 drivers have demanded change at the top of the sport, saying its decision-making process is "obsolete and ill-structured".
Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) directors Jenson Button, Sebastian Vettel and Alex Wurz have written a letter on behalf of the drivers.
It "urges the owners and stakeholders of F1 to restructure its governance".
Many issues can be traced back to F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, but the letter does not mention the 85-year-old.

Roy Keane launches scathing attack on Arsenal after their Champions League exit: 'There seems to be a weakness running through the whole club'

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane pulled no punches in his assessment of Arsenal's latest Champions League exit on Wednesday night. The Gunners were beaten 3-1 by holders Barcelona in the competition's last-16 second leg, with goals from Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi completing a 5-1 aggregate scoreline.
Keane, in his role as a pundit for ITV's analysis of the game, questioned the mentality of some members of Arsenal's squad and slammed their inconsistency. 

Fifa pursuing 'tens of millions' from those named in US investigation

Fifa wants to reclaim "tens of millions of dollars" taken illegally by its members and other organisations. It also says corrupt officials who served on its former executive committee were guilty of selling their votes in World Cup bidding contests.
Former officials Chuck Blazer, Jack Warner and Jeffrey Webb are among those being sued by Fifa, which has submitted documents to US authorities.

Maria Sharapova: Nike, Tag Heuer and Porsche distance themselves following drugs test

"I did fail the test and take full responsibility for it," said Sharapova at a news conference in Los Angeles
Sponsors have moved quickly to distance themselves from Maria Sharapova after the five-time Grand Slam tennis champion admitted failing a drug test. Nike has suspended its relationship, while Tag Heuer has cut its ties. Nike said it was "saddened and surprised" at her admission that she tested positive for a banned substance at the Australian Open in January.

Maria Sharapova failed drugs test at Australian Open

Maria Sharapova reveals Australian Open failed drugs test
Former world number one Maria Sharapova has revealed she failed a drugs test at the Australian Open.
The Russian, 28, tested positive for meldonium, a substance she has been taking since 2006 for health issues.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) said the five-time Grand Slam champion would be provisionally suspended from 12 March.
Sportswear company Nike said it was halting its relationship with her until the investigation was complete.

Messi breaks ANOTHER La Liga scoring record

By Chris Davie; goal.com

The Argentine has scored at least 20 goals in La Liga for the eighth season - and no other player in the history of the Spanish top flight can match that.

Another game, another record broken by Lionel Messi.

This time the Argentine struck twice in a 4-0 win over Eibar to take his tally to 21 goals in La Liga this season.

Luis Enrique remains cool on Barcelona title credentials

By Tom Webber;goal.com

Barcelona extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 36 matches by comfortably beating out-of-form Eibar, but head coach Luis Enrique remains grounded over their prospects

Luis Enrique is not getting carried away with Barcelona's chances of winning a second successive La Liga title following Sunday's 4-0 win over Eibar.

Wenger warns Arsenal fans: Your negativity isn't helping the players!

By Tom Beck; goal.com

The long-serving French coach was pleased with the performance of his side in the last 20 minutes against Spurs and believes his players responded well to doubters

Arsene Wenger has warned Arsenal supporters that negativity from the stands could adversely affect the team's confidence in the title run-in.

Mascherano looking forward to rest after incurring suspension

By Tom Webber; goal.com

The former Argentina captain picked up his fifth caution of the season during a straightforward win over the Basques, and appreciates the chance to take a break.

Javier Mascherano is looking forward to a rest after a yellow card in Barcelona's 4-0 win over Eibar in La Liga on Sunday means he will be suspended for their next match.

MSN: The Best That Keep Getting Better

By Ben Hayward; goal.com

Barca's outstanding attacking trio have now netted 100 goals between them this term and they are well on course to improve on last season's tally of 122 for the Catalan club.

Barcelona's brilliant trident cannot stop scoring. Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar have now netted 100 goals between them for the Catalan club in 2015-16 and are well on course to improve on last season's tally of 122. The best are getting even better. 

Van Gaal accuses Mata of 'damaging' Manchester United after red card

By Chris Davie;goal.com

The Spaniard was sent off for the first time in his career - but the Dutchman also feels that the referee should have taken into account the midfielder's personality

Louis van Gaal admits Juan Mata ‘damaged’ Manchester United’s chances of victory in Sunday’s defeat to West Brom before suggesting that the referee should have taken into account the midfielder's character.

Premier League is Barcelona's biggest rival, says president

The Premier League is a greater threat to Barcelona than traditional rivals Real Madrid, according to Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

The 20 top-flight teams in English football will share £5.136bn for live domestic TV coverage from next season, with even the bottom club getting £99m.

That financial power concerns Bartomeu.

How Suarez swerved Arsenal for Barcelona... and Liverpool fans love him for it

By Melissa Reddy

The Uruguayan could have been lining up for the Gunners rather than the Catalans in Tuesday’s Champions League tie had the summer of 2013 turned out differently.

It was in the Melwood gym on August 9, 2013 where Luis Suarez reconsidered what would have been "a massive mistake."

Time to make history, Arsenal!' - Henry responds after being pictured with former Barca team-mates

The Gunners take on Barcelona at the Emirates in the Champions League on Tuesday, and the former striker has backed Arsene Wenger's men to come out on top.

Thierry Henry has backed Arsenal to beat Barcelona after being pictured with his former Camp Nou team-mates on Monday.