Russia suspended by Fifa and Uefa; Gerry Thornley on Irish Six Nations chances

Russian teams are suspended from competing in international and club football following the military invasion of Ukraine. Fifa and Uefa finally made the decision on Monday after 10 football associations including the FAI had stated they would refuse to play against Russia. In League of Ireland action last night, Bohemians edged a scrappy Dublin derby against St Patrick's, Steven Bradley was the star of the show as Dundalk earned their first victory of Stephen O'Donnell's reign, some Jack Byrne magic got Shamrock Rovers back to winning ways and Damien Duff's Shelbourne were unable to break down UCD in a battle of the promoted sides.

In his column this morning, Gerry Thornley writes that Ireland remain on course for the Six Nations title: "Something of a farce though last Sunday was, Andy Farrell has given himself options primarily for Twickenham, but in the longer term as well." Rugby's laws came under the spotlight during the win over Italy and former referee Owen Doyle believes that to have anything written into law which reduces a team to 13 for one red card is daft: "This part of the uncontested scrum law has been sitting there for quite a few years, an accident waiting to happen."

To GAA and Seán Moran explains that the most significant league battles of the coming weeks will take place between teams trying to escape from the Tailteann Cup: "the situation at the bottom of Division Two and top of Division Three will determine the two teams who drop into the Tier 2 Tailteann Cup and those who replace them in this year's Sam Maguire." The GAA intends to pursue the construction of air domes in all provinces, but it won't come as cheap as Connacht's dome which cost €3 million.

Meanwhile, almost exactly a year after his career looked under threat Gordon Elliott is readying his biggest ever team for the Cheltenham festival in a fortnight. Up to 55 horses are being prepared for the most high-profile week of the racing year.