Van Egmond in angry ref outburst

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Tirade ... Gary van Egmond fumes at a non-decision from referee Chris Beath. Source: Liam Driver / News Limited

Newcastle Jets coach Gary van Egmond was involved in a heated exchange with match officials during the half-time break in his team's loss to Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park.

Van Egmond followed officials into the tunnel at the end of the first half, and Fox Sports cameras showed the coach delivering an angry tirade to referee Chris Beath and his assistants.

Van Egmond was infuriated with Beath's decision to award a first-half penalty to Melbourne Heart, believing his goalkeeper Mark Birighitti was fouled while trying to collect the ball before he dragged down the Heart's Germano.

Striker Josip Tadic converted from the spot in what proved to be the winner in the Heart's 2-1 victory, a win that moved them off the bottom of the A-League ladder.

Van Egmond gave his version of events at the post-match press conference.

"There was some frustration out there," van Egmond said.

"I was just wondering about the decision with the penalty.

"I think he misinterpreted. He was talking about a different decision so nothing really got cleared up.

"I thought (Birighitti) had the ball and then there was a collision and then he didn't have the ball.

"If he has got the ball first, I would suggest that's it. If he gets collided into, there's a reason why he's dropped it.

"But I haven't seen it on the replay."

Fox Sports football commentator, and former Socceroos goalkeeper, Mark Bosnich offered his thoughts on the incident following the match.

"The player (Germano) went straight through and knocked the ball out of Birighitti's hands," he said.

"I thought that quite easily it could have been a foul and should have been.

"It's similair to what we've seen in the EPL and Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Managers are entitled to ask the question though."

The penalty wasn't the only decision that drew the ire of van Egmond, the coach cut a visably frustrated figure on the sideline throughout the second half.

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Watch van Egmond's angry exchange with the referees in the video at the top of this page and re-live all the action from the clash, including video highlights, at our A-League Match Centre.

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I'm not worthy of knighthood, says Murray

THE perks for winning the US Open have been savoured by Andy Murray but the world No.3 reckons his historic triumph had not been worthy of Britain's ultimate - a knighthood.

Murray hopes to enjoy a dream start to his Australian Open preparation by defending his Brisbane International title this week.

But the Scot's thoughts on Tuesday drifted to last year's US Open, admitting he had soaked up the benefits of ending British tennis' 76-year grand slam curse.

It added to the back slaps he earned a month earlier for winning London Olympic gold.

"A few weeks afterwards around the Olympics time and the US Open, I got a few upgrades on flights and things like that which is nice," a smiling Murray said.

"But that's died down a little bit over the last few months."

The accolades kept coming in the Queen's New Year Honours list in the form of an OBE.

But Murray, 25, seemed bemused by the British media's claim he should have risen with fellow Scot, Tour de France victor Brad Wiggins, as a knight.

"You need to do a lot for a long time to deserve an honour like that," he said.

"I've only been doing it for a couple of years so I think I'll definitely need to win a few more matches and have more tournaments to have a chance of getting that."

Not that Murray warmed to being called "Sir Andy".

"I think with the people around you, I think everyone just kind of stays the same (when knighted) - it'll be people that you don't know that will come up to you and address you as that," he said.

"But I wouldn't want my friends and family to call me like that."

Not much might change if Murray earns a knighthood but the rangy Scot admits his countdown to the Australian Open had after finally claiming his maiden grand slam on his fifth attempt.

"It's a little bit different. I probably just feel a little bit more relaxed maybe the last few weeks than I normally do a few weeks out from a slam," he said.

"I think a lot of people that follow tennis and were sort of general sports fans knew my story a little bit of how long it had been since any British player had won a slam and how many times I had lost in the finals.

"Especially after Wimbledon when I was very upset this year.

"It was very nice for me to finally be able to move on and not worry about that stuff anymore."

But Murray admitted the pressure of winning Wimbledon would always be there.

"I think there will be a lot of pressure again, but I don't think there will be more pressure than what I went through probably during Wimbledon this year, to be honest," he said.

"That was a tough tournament for me.

"I think whatever happens at Wimbledon this year ... I think I'll be able to deal with it better than I have done in the past."

Murray begins his Brisbane International title defence with a second-round clash against Australian qualifier John Millman.

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Ono masterclass sees Wanderers win

Quality ... A Shinji Ono double helps deliver a Wanderers win. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

A freakish double strike by marquee star Shinji Ono continued Western Sydney Wanderers' remarkable rise in a 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory at Parramatta Stadium.

The Japanese playmaker scored brilliant goals in either half in front of 13,659 fans as the Wanderers leapfrogged the Victory into third spot in their debut A-League campaign.

It was Tony Popovic's side's fourth win in five games to confirm their credentials as genuine title contenders.

While the A-League's form player, Melbourne star Marco Rojas, hogged the pre-game headlines, it was Ono who stole the show.

He opened the scoring with a remarkable piece of technical skill in the 42nd minute and delivered again with a cracking late winner after Victory substitute Spase Dilevski had equalised seven minutes earlier.

After resting a host of key players in last week's 1-1 draw with Perth, Popovic made seven changes to his starting line-up with Ono, Mark Bridge and Youssouf Hersi among those returning.

The Wanderers looked the fresher side in the first half and created several clear-cut chances as the Victory couldn't find much in attack.

Bridge had a great chance to open the scoring in the seventh minute but blasted a volleyed attempt over the bar from Hersi's headed pass.

The visitors suffered an early blow with Gui Finkler forced off in the 10th minute with an knee injury.

The Wanderers continued to mount pressure and Ono finally achieved the breakthrough three minutes before halftime with a moment of magic.

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Relive the magic in the Wanderers' win over Victory with our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights and all the important stats.

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Nikolai Topor-Stanley headed the ball down field and the Japanese playmaker collected it on the volley, juggled it and finished superbly from the edge of the box.

The Victory tried to respond after halftime with Archie Thompson squandering a decent chance in the 54th minute.

The Wanderers suffered a scare midway though the second half as Ono was hurt in a challenge on Jonathan Bru but he was able to continue.

Western Sydney looked to put the result beyond doubt and had a decent penalty shout turned down before Nathan Coe made a brilliant save to deny Michael Beauchamp in the 65th minute.

The Victory kept fighting, though, and were rewarded when Dilevski created something out of nothing with a low drive from just outside the box that beat Wanderers 'keeper Ante Covic.

But it was Ono's day and he sent a passionate home crowd into raptures as he put the Wanderers ahead again with a curling, long-range effort.

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Djokovic hurt while giving autograph

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Hurt ... Djokovic was in a playful mood before the unfortunate incident. Source: Tony Ashby / News Limited

Serbian world No.1 Novak Djokovic escaped injury despite copping the brunt of a falling barrier while signing autographs at the Hopman Cup in Perth on Monday.

Djokovic was in good spirits as he mixed with fans after defeating Italian Andreas Seppi 6-3 6-4 at the new $550 million Perth Arena.

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But with numerous people leaning over in their bid to get his autograph, the hoarding holding them back toppled over, collecting Djokovic's legs in the process.

Djokovic crouched on the ground in pain after the incident, before limping back to the players' lounge to receive treatment.

However, the 25-year-old was given the all-clear by medical staff and was able to join Ana Ivanovic in the mixed doubles.

Serbia still won the tie 2-1 after singles wins to both Djokovic and Ivanovic.

"It was a bit of a shock and I am glad that the children involved are OK. I am fine," Djokovic said of the injury scare.

The incident capped a turbulent 24 hours for Djokovic, who only arrived in Perth on Sunday evening after winning an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi.

The lengthy flight over and the four-hour time difference didn't seem to faze Djokovic, who always looked on control against Seppi.

"I arrived quite late last night and didn't get a lot of sleep," Djokovic told the crowd shortly before he got hit by the toppling barrier.

"I felt like I was dream walking this morning.

"But as the match went on, I was managing to get my rhythm."

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Wade ready for batting promotion

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Moving on up ... Wade could be promoted to No.6 in the batting order. Source: Chris Crerar / AAP

Australia wicketkeeper Matthew Wade says he's ready and able to step up to No.6 in the batting order for the New Year's Test - and beyond if required.

Captain Michael Clarke has flagged the prospect of promoting Wade from the traditional 'keeper/batsman role at No.7 in the absence of the injured Shane Watson for the third and final Test against Sri Lanka starting on Thursday.

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While Usman Khawaja is on standby for Clarke, who is still carrying a hamstring niggle, all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is another option to take Watson's place and could slot in at No.7.

Wade is yet to be told exactly where he'll be batting in Sydney but insisted on Monday he'd feel at home further up the order.

"I'd be comfortable moving up to six if that's what the team needed me to do to win a Test," Wade said.

"I've been lucky enough to bat at six for Victoria for a couple of years now and, in terms of impacting keeping, it doesn't make too much of a difference."

Wade averages 36.27 from eight Tests, including an impressive century against the West Indies in April.

He stressed he wouldn't need to change his batting style, or preparation, if promoted.

"My personal expectation if I'm at six or seven is to contribute runs for the team," he said.

"Maybe outside expectation is the number six needs to get a little bit more runs but I'm trying to get runs every time I'm out there."

Wade also hinted he'd be happy to take on the role permanently.

Asked if he would seek the advice of retired great Adam Gilchrist, who played at No.6 many times to great effect, he said:

"Going forward, if it becomes too much of an issue for me or I'm finding things a bit difficult, I'll source out Gilly, definitely.

"He's always there - he's a phone call away for me."

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Australia have an unassailable 2-0 series lead but will be motivated to send retiring batsman Mike Hussey out a winner in his final Test, starting on Thursday.

Wade said Hussey's shock retirement meant Australia's entire batting order needed to step up ahead of next year's Ashes.

"There's going to be a lot more expectation on players that have played under 20 Tests but that's the way it goes. We've got to accept the responsibility," Wade said.

"It's a big hole that's going to be out of our team but our young batters are keen and eager to learn and get better and hopefully there's another 'Mr Cricket' waiting in our top six or seven."

It remains to be seen how Australia will deal with the loss of Hussey and Ricky Ponting for the upcoming tour of India but David Hussey, 35, has not given up hope of replacing his brother in the Test side.

"I desperately want to play Test cricket and I haven't had the opportunity," Hussey said on Monday.

"I think Michael Clarke always says that age is no barrier. If you're making runs at 17 or making runs at 45, you're still going to be in the frame for selection.

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Mariners squeeze past Glory

Tight ... Oliver Bozanic is tackled by Jacob Burns. Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

Substitute Bernie Ibini ensured an understrength Central Coast entered the new year on top of the A-League ladder with the decisive goal in the Mariners' 1-0 home win over Perth at Bluetongue Stadium on Monday.

Ibini's 68th-minute goal was the first shot on target of a match dominated by two well-drilled defences.

It was the Mariners' sixth win from as many home games this A-League season.

Without the suspended trio of playmaker Tomas Rogic, leading goal-scorer Daniel McBreen and captain John Hutchinson, Central Coast struggled to penetrate the Glory rearguard.

Perth were a man down from the 76th minute when Dutch central defender Bas van den Brink was sent off after collecting a second yellow card.

Glory created the only decent chance of the first half, but it was spurned by normally deadly striker Shane Smeltz.

The unmarked New Zealand international put a sidefoot volley wide from six metres out following a good cross from Steven McGarry.

At the other end, former Mariners goalkeeper Danny Vukovic pushed away a couple of dangerous crosses, but the home team struggled to create a genuine shot on goal in the first half.

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Re-live the action between the Mariners and Glory with our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights and all the important stats!

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The Mariners upped the tempo in the second half and looked the more likely to score.

Striker Adam Kwasnik had a headed goal disallowed in the 47th minute for offside and headed wide 12 minutes later.

The breakthrough came shortly after when 53rd-minute substitute Ibini won a challenge with Scott Jamieson to an Oliver Bozanic cross.

The 20-year-old striker drilled the ball past Vukovic for his third goal of the season.

Glory didn't create much in the second half and their hopes plummeted after van Den Brink, who had earlier been booked for a foul on Michael McGlinchey, was given his second card for an illegal challenge on Mile Sterjovski.

Perth didn't have an attempt on target in the whole game, while the Mariners had just two.

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Hussey says his shoes can be filled

Replacement ... Mike Hussey says there is enough talent to replace him in the team. Source: Lakruwan Wanniarachchi / AFP

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Michael Hussey insists there is quality and quantity to replace him despite leaving a second chasm in Australia's middle order ahead of a critical 12 months.

• PJ Hughes (SA) 518 at 51.8
• CJ Ferguson (SA) 463 at 42.09
• UT Khawaja (QLD) 438 at 39.81  
• AJ Doolan (TAS) 409 at 58.42  
• MJ Cosgrove (TAS) 373 at 37.30
• RT Ponting (TAS) 355 at 118.33  
• BCJ Cutting (QLD) 348 at 38.66
• CJL Rogers (VIC) 340 at 42.50
• BJ Haddin (NSW) 337 at 67.40  
• MC Henriques (NSW) 314 at 78.50

Hussey's announcement on Saturday that he'll retire from international cricket after this summer came exactly a month after Ricky Ponting revealed he was calling time on his storied career.

That leaves another middle-order batting vacancy going into February's tour of India, followed by two Ashes series, in England then Australia.

But 37-year-old Hussey - set to play his 79th and last Test this week against Sri Lanka at the SCG - said on Sunday there was talent available to step in after his surprise decision to retire despite averaging close to 80 this summer.

And he said his 35-year-old brother David, a regular contributor at domestic level for Victoria, should be among those considered.

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"I'm not worried about the team whatsoever. We've got some fantastic candidates to come in - probably too many to name,'' Hussey said.

"Maybe David Hussey could get a run - one Hussey out, one Hussey in. History has shown players have come and gone. But the game continues to move forward, and it'll be no different with me.''

With Phil Hughes already recalled to replace Ponting, Queensland batsman Usman Khawaja is almost certain to get first crack at Hussey's spot, while Victorian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is in the 13-man squad for the Sydney Test as injured Shane Watson's replacement.

Maxwell bats at No.5 or 6 for Victoria, and comes with the bonus of bowling decent off-spin.

The younger Hussey and fellow Victorian Rob Quiney - used and discarded already this summer - will also be among the candidates, along with Tasmania's Alex Doolan and South Australia's Callum Ferguson.

Hussey said his decision to walk away - mostly for family reasons as he didn't want to commit to a six-month-plus stint away from home next year - had shocked teammates.

He rang them all personally on Saturday after he had broken the news to Michael Clarke and Mickey Arthur.

Paceman Mitchell Starc admitted he was surprised, and believed Hussey's replacement would have big shoes to fill.

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"He's still in great form with the bat, as we've seen through this summer so far,'' Starc said in Sydney on Sunday.

"He's going out the way he wants by the sound of things and it's going to leave a big hole.

"It's hard to replace Ricky Ponting. Now we've got to replace him and Mike Hussey, so it's a big gap.''

The Australians will also have to find a replacement for Hussey in his role of leading the singing of the team song after Test victories.

He refused to say who his preferred candidate was, but said he had already spoken to the player.

Hussey said he was comfortable with his decision to walk away after Sydney, despite his great recent form.

"I do still love the game, but I'm not up to the rigours, pressures and stresses of international cricket any more,'' Hussey said.

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Velasquez downs Dos Santos in Vegas

Belting ... Cain Velasquez lays into Junior Dos Santos. Source: David Becker / AAP

Cain Velasquez reclaimed the UFC heavyweight championship by battering Junior Dos Santos on the way to a lopsided unanimous decision in UFC 155 in Las Vegas on Sunday (AEDT).

Velasquez (11-1) took early control of the rematch of his only career loss, flooring the champion with a big right hand midway through the first round.

The American spent most of the match stalking and pounding on Brazil's Dos Santos (15-2), who never fully recovered from the first-round shot that left him bruised and woozy.

Velasquez won every round on every judge's scorecard in the UFC's traditional year-end event in its hometown.

Dos Santos took the UFC belt away from Velasquez in November 2011 in just 64 seconds, earning a first-round stoppage victory with one vicious overhand right in Anaheim, California.

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Rogic to learn from send-off: Arnie

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Tomas Rogic ... will learn from his shocking red card against Sydney FC. Source:News Limited

Central Coast Mariners coach Graham Arnold say Tomas Rogic's wild tackle which earned him a three-match ban was a result of frustration, not a character flaw.

Rising star Rogic has always been singled out for talent rather than tempest during a meteoric 12-month rise to become one of the A-League's best players.

But the 20-year-old's shocking challenge on Sydney midfielder Rhyan Grant in an ill-tempered end to the Mariners' loss last week brought a new layer of scrutiny for a player likely to be a key Socceroo for the next decade.

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The lunge could have had dire consequences for Grant - also a young player feeling his way in the game.

Tellingly, the Mariners accepted the match review panel's three-match ban which rules Rogic out of the New Year's Eve clash with Perth Glory.

Arnold admitted it "wasn't a great tackle".

But he defended the youngster's character, saying he would learn from an incident the coach blamed on pent-up frustration from a succession of fouls committed against the youngster.

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"It's a learning lesson for Tommy,'' Arnold told reporters on the Central Coast on Sunday

"He's got to realise in his career, a player of his style is going to attract physical attention.

"(The ban) is very disappointing, because Tommy's not that type of player.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	13	8	3	2	12	27
2	Adelaide	13	8	1	4	4	25
3	Victory	13	7	2	4	-1	23
4	Western Sydney	13	6	2	5	5	20
5	Perth	13	5	3	5	3	18
6	Wellington	13	4	4	5	0	16
7	Newcastle	13	5	1	7	-8	16
8	Brisbane	13	4	2	7	0	14
9	Sydney	13	4	1	8	-11	13
10	Heart	13	3	3	7	-4	12

"He's an entertainer, he puts bums on seats and you see players get away with a lot plenty of other times."

Arnold reiterated his post-match call that referees needed to do more to protect Rogic and players like him, saying the midfielder had been "lined up" several times during the match.

Also on Sunday, Sydney FC coach Frank Farina made a similar plea about his Italian star Alessandro Del Piero.

He will miss the Sky Blues' away clash with Adelaide United on Monday because of niggling injury - Farina saying it was as a result of increased physical attention the 38-year-old has been getting during matches.

Arnold will also be without captain John Hutchinson, another sent off against Sydney FC, and leading goalscorer Daniel McBreen through suspension.

With veteran centre-half Patrick Zwaanswijk also out injured, Arnold has made Kiwi midfielder Michael McGlinchey skipper against the Glory at Bluetongue Stadium.

"It's a great honour to be the stand-in captain for Hutch," said McGlinchey, one of his side's best in their top-of-the-table season so far.

"I've been at the club four years now and hopefully it can add to my game."

Arnold will bring Adriano Pellegrino, Adam Kwasnik and Oliver Bozanic into the starting side to replace his suspended trio.

The Glory will be without centre-back Michael Thwaite following a bad calf injury sustained in the team's draw with Western Sydney Wanderers last week.

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Cricket world mourns loss of Greig

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The team ... Tony Greig, Bill Lawry and Ian Chappell. Source:Supplied

The cricketing and wider community pay their respects to former England captain and Australia media personality.

James Packer: "apart from his considerable talents as a cricketer and then a commentator, (Greig) played an absolutely pivotal role in the success of World Series Cricket, which changed the game forever for the better, Tony stood shoulder to shoulder with my father at times when it was not always fashionable. And together with the backing of other key players and supporters, they forged a brave new age for both cricketers and spectators alike. For that alone, every fan of the game is in Tony Greig's debt. But he was much more than that. Our cricket enemy turned our mate - his famous car keys stuck in the pitch to demonstrate its hardness, and his legendary but friendly on-air barneys with the great Bill Lawry."

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Richie Benaud: "when he played cricket, he was big and he did big things. And he didn't care about anyone else who was bigger or perhaps might even be faster or anything like that. He would just get in there and fight. Greig and Bill Lawry's playful on-air fisticuffs defined Australia's cricket coverage for three decades and they grew to be great friends."

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Bill Lawry: "an Englishman with an Australian attitude" - "I missed Tony this summer just in the commentary team and now he's gone forever. My wife and I are absolutely shattered and we really feel for Vivian and his four children today. I have missed him terribly this year, not knowing how sick he was."

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John Howard: "he would always as a former English captain have a bit of a jab at the Australians. That was all part of the spirit in which the game has always been played. To everyone else, Greig was remembered as combative in every facet of his life and someone who revelled in being the villain both on and off the field."

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Test captain Michael Clarke: "I was only speaking with Tony a couple of days ago so news of his passing is absolutely devastating. Tony has a long and decorated history with international cricket both as a player and commentator and cricket will be much poorer for his loss. Personally, he has also been a great mentor for me, providing great advice through the good times and the bad. On behalf of the Australian Cricket Team our thoughts, prayers and wishes are with Greig family at this difficult time.''

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Former Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee: "Tony was a tough opponent who took on all opposition with aggression and a determination to win. We will not forget the way he stirred the viewers in a similar vein to the way he did to opposition teams.''

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Greig's wife Vivian: "Our family wants to extend our gratitude for the support and condolences we have received and would ask for privacy at this very sad time.''

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Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist on Triple M radio: "Horrible, frightening news. It's just such a shock. The cricketing community in particular will be hit very hard by this.''

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Channel nine chief executive David Gyngell: "It's a deeply upsetting time for his family and for everyone associated with Tony at Nine, and indeed for many, many others who came to know and love the man. He's not only been part of our family, but he's had a seat at the head of the table.''

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Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards: "He was a combative on-field rival of Australian cricket but became one of Australian cricket's firmest friends, with his long-running role as a Channel Nine commentator making him an Australian household name.''

Former Australian wicketkeeper Rod Marsh said on ABC: "I don't know as a player whether he was an icon. I think in some ways he'll be remembered more for his commentary in Australia. I don't think that is a bad thing to say about him because he was very special as a commentator. He got the place alive and working, that Channel 9 commentary box. He loved the game and he served the game very well.''

Tim Horan

Glenn McGrath

Matt Prior

Mickey Arthur

Dav Whatmore

Kerry O'Keefe

Moises Henriques

Jason Gillespie

Brian Lara

Billy Birmingham

Brett Lee

Graeme Smith

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