Short Soccer, September 23, 2012

Blackburn boss Kean under fire after defeat

Blackburn manager Steve Kean endured more calls for his sacking after the Championship leaders crashed to a 2-1 defeat against Middlesbrough. Venky's, the club's Indian owners, have so far backed Kean, but he cannot afford to fall adrift in the promotion race and this lacklustre defeat prompted a torrent of abuse from Blackburn fans at Ewood Park. Tony Mowbray's Middlesbrough were without a point on their travels in three attempts. Middles-brough are in sixth spot. AFP

Henry suspended and fined over headbutt

New York Red Bulls captain Thierry Henry has been suspended for one game and fined an undisclosed amount for violent conduct in their 2-0 defeat by Sporting Kansas City. The former France, Arsenal and Barcelona striker ran into the box during a stoppage of play in the 93rd minute and appeared to intentionally headbutt Kansas City's Kei Kamara. The two players went down and the incident triggered a confrontation between the teams. AP

Montpellier still miserable at home

Champions Montpellier's miserable home form continued when they were held to a 1-1 draw by St Etienne in Ligue 1. Montpellier, still to win at home this season, are 14th with five points from six games. Reuters

Premier League to discuss wage bill curb

Curbs on club wage bills and other financial safeguards will be discussed next week when English Premier League teams meet to examine ways to ensure teams operate on a sound financial basis. The Premier League is the richest in the world in terms of revenue but player salary costs eat up a large proportion of its income. The meetings are exploratory and no firm decisions are expected. The agreement of 14 clubs would be needed before measures could be adopted. Reuters