Tackle an accident, says Taylor

Martin Taylor said that Arsene Wenger's comments in the aftermath of the Birmingham defender's leg-breaking challenge on Arsenal's Eduardo da Silva coloured people's views of the incident. Eduardo suffered a broken leg and dislocated ankle when he was caught by Taylor minutes into last weekend's game, with Taylor sent off.

Wenger said Taylor should be banned from football for life - a comment he later retracted.

"Wenger's comment hasn't changed my view because I know it was an accident. But it has affected the way people react to it," Taylor said.

"That Arsene Wenger later retracted his comments demonstrates that he now accepts it was an accident."

Wednesday takeover bid

Sheffield Wednesday said there has been a preliminary approach which may lead to a takeover of the Division One club. Wednesday, facing a fight to avoid relegation back to League One, have been linked with several potential takeovers.

A club statement read: "The board of Sheffield Wednesday has received an indicative non-binding expression of interest which may or may not lead to an offer being made for some or all of the shares in the Company."

Helveg quits national team

Denmark defender Thomas Helveg is to retire from international football at the age of 36.

"The national team has been a big part of my life during the last 14 years, so it's obviously a difficult decision for me," the former Milan player said.

Helveg, who currently plays for Danish Superleague club OB Odense, made the first of his 108 international appearances against Hungary in 1994. He captained Denmark between 2004 and 2007.

Japan face Nakamura headache

Celtic's Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura is likely to miss another World Cup qualifier because of a rearranged club fixture.

Nakamura would face the prospect of flying to Bahrain for Japan's March 26 game after playing for Celtic at Gretna in the Scottish Premier League three days earlier.

"Shunsuke would only get into Bahrain at the last minute," Japan coach Takeshi Okada said. "I'm not sure yet if I will call him up."

Players banned over sex charges

Swiss top division side FC Thun have suspended four players accused of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.

"Two first team players and two members of the U-21 side have been suspended from both playing and training with effect from Thursday," the club said.

The four players are among a group of seven current and former Thun players facing prosecution over the incidents.

Police said on Monday that at least 10 men were due to stand trial for activities ranging from kissing to full sex with the girl's consent and two charges of alleged rape.

UEFA probe Atletico-Bolton tie

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Atletico Madrid and Bolton following crowd trouble during their UEFA Cup tie on February 21.

Fighting broke out outside Atletico's Vicente Calderon stadium after Bolton's 1-0 aggregate win over the Spaniards. Bolton said supporters were subjected to "over-zealous and disproportionate" policing throughout the match.

Reports have been sent to the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body, who will make a decision on March 20.

Terry happy at Chelsea

John Terry wants to stay at Chelsea for the rest of his career. He was an unused substitute against Olympiakos in the Champions League and was unsure of his place in the League Cup final before being given a start.

He said: "I can't see myself leaving. I love the club and I am so passionate about Chelsea."

Terry, 27, had a recent training row with coach Henk ten Cate. The incident happened prior to Chelsea's League Cup defeat by Tottenham.

Confidence low says Owen

Michael Owen said Newcastle's poor form has hit the players' confidence as the Magpies try to avoid being sucked into a relegation battle. Newcastle have not won under manager Kevin Keegan and are only six points above the relegation zone.

"Confidence isn't at its best," Owen, 28, told reporters.

"There is nervousness throughout the side. We need a win and the sooner the better."

Juve deny Flamini interest

Sporting director Alessio Secco said rumours that Juventus are chasing Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini were pure speculation.

There were reports at the start of the week that Juve would try and derail the Gunners' attempts to negotiate a new contract with the French ace in the hope of luring him to Turin on a free transfer in the summer.

"We have never tracked Flamini," Secco said.

"We have publicly complimented the player, but there has never been anything concrete."