Evening Standard (London): Bates: we will help Eidur the gambler

CHELSEA striker Eidur Gudjohnsen will not face disciplinary action over his gambling addiction.

The Iceland international lost pounds 400,000 in five months at casinos, but chairman Ken Bates insists he needs help rather than punishment.

Bates said: "We are here to help Eidur and support him at times like this.

He is a massive talent but sometimes young men can make mistakes. We stand by him totally and will do everything we can to help."

Gudjohnsen, who earns pounds 20,000 a week, was betting up to pounds 2,000 on a single spin of the roulette wheel. Bates's forgiving attitude contrasts with the club's treatment of goalkeeper Mark Bosnich who was sacked after testing positive for cocaine.

CAMPAIGNERS against racism in football insist they do not want West Ham's Lee Bowyer to endorse their message.

Manager Glenn Roeder plans to talk to Bowyer about making a public stand against racism after a number of controversial incidents in the midfielder's past.

But Piara Powar, of the Kick Racism Out Of Football campaign, said: "We do not think it would be constructive for Lee Bowyer to make any public statements about the issue. We would only want people to speak out if the public were able to believe they were being sincere."

TONIGHT'S GAMES (7.45 unless stated) FA Cup, 3rd rnd: Norwich v Brighton.

Replays: Burnley v Grimsby, Crewe v Bournemouth, Dagenham v Plymouth, Millwall v Cambridge, Reading v Walsall (8.0), Sunderland v Bolton (8.0).

Div 2: Oldham v Brentford.

Div 3: Bristol Rovers v Torquay, Oxford v Darlington, Swansea v Bury, Shrewsbury v Southend.