In an ideal world an FA appeals committee ought to be able to uphold a referee’s original decision but mitigate the sentenceGary Lineker is right. There seems no point even appealing against a red card any more because unless you have evidence to prove mistaken identity or something similar the Football Association’s independent regulatory commission is simply going to back the referee’s decision.“Utterly pointless,” Lineker tweeted after Leicester’s Jamie Vardy was told he must serve a three-match ban. Going into the appeal, the striker appeared to have a strong case. The tackle on Stoke’s Mame Biram Diouf was not especially bone-jarring and the ball was clearly won first. That no longer matters if the challenge itself is out of control...
Leicester’s midfield mastermind dawdled one way, drifted the other and all the time produced an artful display that took Manchester City apartJamie Vardy scored a brilliant hat-trick at the King Power Stadium, but of all the old steamrollering Leicester City title tropes to return on a sodden night it was the sight of Riyad Mahrez in regal, unimpeded form that will linger in the memory.It is not often a football match is decided by a pair of near-identical cushioned backspun half-volley passes. But then, there are not many footballers quite like Mahrez. Or at least not like Mahrez when the opposition give him space, as Manchester City did here, and when the footballer of the year is able to produce again...
A shortlist dominated by Rio winners means some startling omissions, such as England’s all-conquering rugby players and even some of Team GB’s biggest achievers, but each of the contenders deserves their placeWhile the presence of the world tennis No1 Andy Murray on the shortlist for BBC Sports Personality of the Year suggests the outcome of the public vote will be a formality, there are several conspicuous inclusions and absentees from a roll of honour that largely comprises Olympians and Paralympians nominated for their contributions to Team GB’s record‑breaking medal hauls in Rio. Related: Sports Personality of the Year 2016: who should win the award? – poll Related: Andy Murray heads Spoty list but no place for Chris Froome and others Continue...