Spain's top sports court dismissed Real Madrid's appeal against its exclusion from the Copa Del Rey for fielding an ineligible player, Denis Cheryshev, in a game against Cádiz on Dec. 2. The Administrative Court of Sport said it had "analyzed all the parties' arguments" and ruled to "dismiss Real Madrid's appeal" for fielding an "improper line-up." Real Madrid said in a statement, "The club respects but does not agree with the Court's ruling and as such announces its decision to pursue a judicial-administrative course of action, along with other possible legal options, which are currently being studied" (SKY SPORTS, 12/28). ... Hawkers "eager to cash in" on ManU Manager Louis van Gaal's "desperate plight" were selling scarves depicting the face of his potential replacement, Jose Mourinho, ahead of Monday's game against Chelsea. Mourinho is the favorite to replace Van Gaal, "who has overseen a dire run of six games without a win that has left his side outside the top four" (London TELEGRAPH, 12/28). ... League Two club Leyton Orient played down an incident involving club President Francesco Becchetti and assistant manager Andy Hessenthaler after the Boxing Day victory over Portsmouth. TV cameras "captured an exchange" between Becchetti and Hessenthaler, after which the Italian "made his way on to the pitch and appeared to aim a kick at head coach Ian Hendon's No. 2." Orient said in a statement, "The event reported in the media was very much in good humour for both the president and assistant manager and part of an ongoing and good natured exchange between the two over the past few weeks" (ESPN, 12/27).
