Football blog : 四月 2015

Manchester City midfielder Jill Scott will serve a three-match ban following her headbutt in Sunday's 1-0 defeat by Arsenal.

Scott, 28, was shown a red card after reacting to a challenge by Gunners defender Jade Bailey in the Women's Super League One match.

The England player will now not play a competitive match before this summer's World Cup, which starts on 6 June.

She will miss City's FA Women's Cup semi-final versus Chelsea on 4 May.

Scott is also ruled out of league fixtures against Liverpool and Chelsea.

England, who are expected to name their squad on 11 May, will have her available for a friendly against World Cup hosts Canada on 29 May.

Scott earlier tweeted: "I want to apologise for the incident which led to me being sent off. Gutted to let everyone @MCWFC down."

City manager Nick Cushing said the incident was "out of character".

"She's been an exceptional player for us and she puts in unbelievable performances every week so it's disappointing," he said.

"We'll get together as a club and deal with it internally."

England manager Mark Sampson told BBC Radio 5 live: "It's an incident that no-one is proud of and it's disappointing.

"We don't like to see our players behave like that but credit to Jill, she has apologised and made it clear it was an out-of-character incident.

"The players are under lots of pressure but they have to make sure they behave in a manner that befits the England jersey."

Arsenal had taken the lead in the first half when Chioma Ubogagu slipped the ball under City keeper Alex Brooks.

Cushing said being reduced to 10 players hindered his side's chances of getting back into the match.

"We started the second half well, we looked like we were really pushing, but the red card was an own goal," he added.

"This team has an unbelievable work ethic and sometimes enthusiasm takes over intelligence."

Sherwood has produced a series of impressive results since he took over from Paul Lambert two months ago, and his side reached the FA Cup final on Sunday thanks to a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Wembley.

Their attention now turns back to the Premier League, where they sit four points outside the relegation zone with five games remaining.

Cleverley feels, regardless of the competition, it is Sherwood's more attacking game plan that has turned their fortunes around.

"He has brought an attacking style of football. At times we gamble, and it is a case of entertaining the fans and that's what was needed to bring back to the football club," Cleverley said.

"Along with some fantastic defensive displays, we are good to watch and it's a great team to play in.

"I'm playing with four fantastic midfielders here so it's an absolute pleasure to play with them every week and I'm really enjoying my football."

Villa's Premier League future will have been decided by the time they face Arsenal in the FA Cup final on May 30 and Cleverley is already looking forward to a second day out at Wembley.

"I think the FA Cup final is a one-off day. Hull nearly managed to do it against them last year and we'll be going into the match in full confidence," he added, speaking to TheFA.com.

"When we have played Arsenal this year we have been in bad spells, but hopefully come Saturday, May 30, we will be right on form.

"It hasn't sunk in yet that we will be playing for a major trophy in a massive final - it's a hugely proud moment."

Football blog

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