Todd cleared: Blackburn Rovers defender Andy Todd was cleared of a charge of violent conduct yesterday following an incident in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal. The Blackburn captain collided with Arsenal's Robin van Persie immediately after the Dutch forward had scored his second goal in stoppage time to seal a 3-0 victory in Cardiff. Todd had denied the charge that he elbowed Van Persie and an FA Disciplinary Commission hearing yesterday found the case "not proven".

Suspensions: Roma skipper Francesco Totti was banned for five matches yesterday and Juventus's Zlatan Ibrahimovic for three for violent conduct on the pitch. Totti was suspended following his dismissal in Wednesday's 2-0 defeat by Siena for kicking then hitting an opponent. He will return for the last league game. For the Swedish striker, who was caught on television elbowing Inter defender Ivan Cordoba, the ban means he will miss the May 8 game between Juve and rivals Milan. The two players can appeal against the sentence.

Biscan: Croatia captain Niko Kovac thinks Liverpool's Igor Biscan should be recalled from international exile even if he fails to apologise for walking out on the national squad two years ago. "We would all have it easier if Biscan came and said 'Sorry guys'," Kovac said. "But if coach Zlatko Kranjcar calls him up without the apology, we would accept him because we need a player of his qualities."

Diouf: Bolton forward El Hadji Diouf has been ordered to appear at Teesside Magistrates Court on allegations of spitting during a match at Middlesbrough last November. The Senegal forward is accused of disorderly conduct following an incident in Bolton's 1-1 League draw at the Riverside.

In Spain: King's Cup semi-final first leg - R. Betis vs A. Bilbao 0-0