FA: Twitter abuse unacceptable

The Football Association has labelled Twitter attacks on England stars Ashley Young and Ashley Cole as "appalling and unacceptable''.



Cole and Young both missed penalties in Sunday night's quarter-final shootout against Italy as the Three Lions exited the tournament, and were subsequently subjected to abuse on Twitter.



"We are concerned at the reports regarding allegations of abuse aimed at England players Ashley Cole and Ashley Young on Twitter,'' an FA statement read.



"They have just given everything for the national team at Euro 2012 and it is appalling and unacceptable that messages of an abusive type are being posted. We support any police investigation in identifying who is behind this.''



A Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) spokesman said: "We are aware of alleged racist comments on Twitter following last night's England game and have launched an investigation.



"The allegation was made to MPS on 25 June by a member of the public relating to comments on a Twitter account supposedly based in London.



No arrests have been made at this early stage. The MPS is examining possible offences under Section 18/19 Public Order Act 1986.''



The Twitter user in question made derogatory comments towards Young and Cole, but later wrote: "All I got to say is this was just a joke, you guys need to relax, police know i was kiddin around and they won't bother me hopefully, cheers.''



A Welsh student, Liam Stacey, was jailed for 56 days earlier this year for racially abusing Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba after he collapsed on the pitch against Tottenham Hotspur.

Young 'doubtful' for Italy showdow

Ashley Young is facing a race against time to prove his fitness for England's Euro 2012 quarter-final clash with Italy on Sunday, according to reports.



Young played the full 90 minutes as England booked their last-eight spot with a 1-0 victory over Ukraine on Tuesday - but after the match, it emerged he was struggling with a shin problem.



Young was a peripheral figure at the Donbass Arena, with his best moment a fine cross which an unmarked Wayne Rooney somehow contrived to miss from six yards out.



Young started each of England's three group games, initially in a central role and then on the left flank, as he fought off competition for a place from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott and Stewart Downing.



If Young is unable to face Italy, then England boss Roy Hodgson is likely to turn to Walcott, who had a devastating impact as a substitute - scoring one and assisting the winner - as the Three Lions beat Sweden 3-2 last Friday.



Walcott's inclusion could mean James Milner switching over to the left flank from the right, where he has begun each of England's first three encounters - although there is also the option of bringing in Liverpool midfielder Downing.



Italy will be without key Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, who injured his thigh in the 2-0 victory over Republic of Ireland on Monday.

Young 'understands' after chat

Sir Alex Ferguson has "had a word" with Ashley Young amid diving accusations that have been levelled against the Manchester United winger.



For the last two weekends, Young has received severe criticism for going down far too easily to earn his side penalties.



United legend Bryan Robson has warned the former Aston Villa man that it may come back to haunt him as referees may be reluctant to award him spot-kicks in the future.



And Ferguson has confirmed he has spoken to the winger about the situation.



"I have had a word with Ashley," said Ferguson.



"He understands where we are coming from. Hopefully it makes a difference."



After watching this week's Champions League semi-finals, Ferguson feels we are in an era where anything goes.



"Last week, if the player doesn't bring Ashley down he is going to score," said Ferguson.



"It was a clear goalscoring opportunity.



"He caught him and he did overdo the attempt to get a penalty. I am not sure he tried to get the penalty but he certainly went down quickly.



"But people have reacted because it is Manchester United.



"I watched Real Madrid and Bayern Munich the other night and it was absolutely ridiculous, players were diving and rolling about, nothing like what Young has been accused of.



"Then you see the other night in the Chelsea game, we are in an age where you expect it now."



Ferguson continues to insist such decisions even themselves out. "We didn't get one against Wigan during the week. We didn't scream from the rooftops about it. It happens," he said.



"We got one given against us for Newcastle, we didn't scream about that either.



"You get bad decisions and good ones. Believe me, it does even itself out."