Sport shorts: Boycott ‘doesn’t give a toss’ about knighthood criticism and Schumacher is admitted to Paris hospital

1. Boycott hits back at knighthood critics

Domestic abuse charities have criticised the decision to award former England cricket captain Geoffrey Boycott a knighthood in Theresa May’s resignation honours list.

Boycott was convicted of beating his then-girlfriend Margaret Moore in France in 1998 and Women’s Aid’s co-acting chief executive Adina Claire said it was “extremely disappointing” that a knighthood has been recommended for the 78-year-old.

In response the cricket commentator told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I don’t give a toss about her, love. It was 25 years ago so you can take your political nature and do whatever you want with it.”

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Andrew Strauss, another former England cricket captain, was also awarded a knighthood.

2. Scotland boss Clarke targets third place

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke admits that his side’s chances of automatically qualifying for the 2020 European Championships are over after the 4-0 hammering by Belgium last night.

Clarke is now targeting a third-place finish in group I and a place in the play-offs. He said: “The group’s over in terms of qualification. What we have to do now - we spoke about it after the game - is target third position.

“It doesn’t look very good where we are in the table just now. There’s 12 points up for grabs. Between now and the end of this qualifying campaign we have to make sure we finish third in the group.”

3. Schumacher taken to Paris for secret treatment

French newspaper Le Parisien reports that Formula 1 icon Michael Schumacher has been admitted to the Pompidou hospital in Paris for “secret treatment”.

The German, who won seven F1 world titles, has not been seen in public since suffering major injuries in a skiing accident in 2013.

4. Smith mocks Leach in ‘classless’ celebration

He may be the best batsman in the world but Steve Smith isn’t so high up the rankings when it comes to sporting behaviour.

Having been caught cheating last year in the infamous sandpaper ball tampering scandal, Smith celebrated Australia’s retention of the Ashes by appearing to mock England spinner Jack Leach in what has been described as a “classless” celebration.

5. Abraham: my mother was in tears over racist abuse

Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham has revealed that the racist abuse he suffered after the Uefa Super Cup final left his mother in tears.

The 21-year-old was abused on social media after missing a penalty against Liverpool. He said: “I remember speaking to my mum, she was emotional, she was in tears. It’s obviously not nice, seeing your son getting abused. My mum was just thinking, ‘Why him?’ For me, I am a strong character, it doesn’t affect me as much, but it could affect people who don’t have my personality.”

6. Ramos: door is open for Pogba at Real

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos would like to see Paul Pogba join him at the Bernabeu. French midfielder Pogba has been linked with a move from Manchester United to Real and Ramos told the Daily Express: “I think Real Madrid always has the door open for good players such as him. For me, Pogba is one of the great players.”

7. Lewis to miss Solheim Cup

Team USA golfer Stacy Lewis has been ruled out of the Solheim Cup because of a back injury. In practice yesterday Lewis aggravated a back problem and she will be replaced in the US team by Ally McDonald. The women’s golf team event between Team Europe and Team USA starts on Friday at Gleneagles in Scotland.

8. Rosberg: a dark moment for Vettel

Ex-Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg believes Sebastian Vettel is in a “dark” place following his disastrous race at Monza. After a spin and a crash Vettel finished 13th at the Italian Grand Prix while Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc celebrate victory.

Rosberg said: “This moment must be so dark for Vettel. His team-mate just became an absolute Ferrari legend, taking his number one status in the team.

“It is unexplainable for me. He is a four-time world champion, he is one of the best guys out there and to make a mistake like that, on your own, just spinning the car, is so strange.”

F1: Vettel ‘not worried’ by form but is his Ferrari future at risk?

9. Chelsea boss Lampard eyes Zaha

If Chelsea’s transfer ban is overturned Frank Lampard could make a big-money January move for Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha. Lampard sees the Ivory Coast international as the perfect replacement for ageing stars Pedro and Willian.

Chelsea on the attack: Blues target Palace star Zaha and Milan’s Piatek

10. Sancho won’t be held back by England

Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho is set to start for England in tonight’s Euro 2020 group A qualifying clash against Kosovo.

“Go on my San!” says The Sun’s back page after England head coach Gareth Southgate revealed that the 19-year-old will be unleashed at St Mary’s.

Three Lions boss Southgate said: “He’s not a player we’re looking to hold back. He’s provided real competition.”

Today’s back pages: Southgate to unleash wonderkid Sancho against Kosovo