Sport in brief

Police investigate McClean threats

Football: Police announced an investigation today into death threats reportedly aimed at Sunderland winger James McClean for refusing to wear a Remembrance Day poppy.

Northumbria Police said: "Police are carrying out inquiries following a third-party report of threats made on social networking sites."

The 23-year-old Irishman declined to wear the poppy during the Black Cats' 2-1 defeat at Everton on November 10.

Key steps down as Kent skipper

Cricket: Kent captain Rob Key stood down today after seven seasons at the helm.

Former England opener Key led his county to Twenty20 Cup victory in 2007 and second place the following year.

Off-spinner James Tredwell will take over. Tredwell said replacing Key "will be a tough job" as he "tactically was in my opinion second to none."

Frimpong joins Charlton on loan

Football: Championship side Charlton signed Arsenal starlet Emmanuel Frimpong (pictured) on loan yesterday.

The midfielder recently returned after a cruciate injury and will move to the Valley until New Year's Day.

"We're really happy that he's coming in," Charlton manager Chris Powell said.

Herath sends NZ spinning to defeat

Cricket: Rangana Herath wreaked havoc on New Zealand today as the slow left-armer guided Sri Lanka to a 10-wicket victory after just three days of the first Test in Galle.

Having taken five wickets in the first innings, Herath took six for 43 in the second to dismiss New Zealand for 118 and set his side 93 to win.

Tharanga Paranavitana and debutant Dimuth Karunaratne knocked off the runs in 18.3 overs.