Archive soccer news from around the world
Diouf banned for three matches for spitting (Nov 30, 2004)
Bolton's El-Hadji Diouf was banned for three matches after pleading guilty to a charge of improper conduct for spitting. . . . more . . .
Lampard fires Chelsea into last four (Nov 30, 2004)
Frank Lampard came off the bench to fire Chelsea into the last four of the League Cup with a cruel late winner against London neighbours Fulham. . . . more . . .
Scotland set to make Smith manager (Nov 30, 2004)
Former Everton and Rangers manager Walter Smith will be confirmed as the new manager of Scotland on Thursday, according to the BBC. . . . more . . .
AC Milan midfielder Kaka lends support to hunger fight (Nov 30, 2004)
AC Milan's Brazilian midfielder Kaka was unveiled as an 'Ambassador Against Hunger' for the United Nations' World Food Programme. . . . more . . .
Platini tips Deco for Golden Ball award (Nov 30, 2004)
Juventus legend Michel Platini believes AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko does not deserve to win the European Footballer of the Year award. . . . more . . .
Mandaric and Redknapp clear the air (Nov 30, 2004)
Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric and former manager Harry Redknapp insisted that they had parted company on good terms with both men rejecting suggestions a scandal could lurk behind the manager's departure. . . . more . . .
Baros targets Champions League comeback (Nov 30, 2004)
Milan Baros has set his sights on making his Liverpool comeback in next week's crucial Champions League clash against Olympiakos. . . . more . . .
Hendrie charged as Queudrue gets three-match ban (Nov 30, 2004)
Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association after being sent off in Saturday's defeat at Manchester City for aiming a head butt in the direction of Danny Mills. . . . more . . .
Barcelona to play Shakhtar in Ukraine as planned: UEFA (Nov 30, 2004)
The Champions League match between Barcelona and Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine, due to be played in Donetsk on December 7, is to go ahead after UEFA received appropriate security guarantees from the Ukrainian authorities. . . . more . . .
Livi turn to Gough (Nov 30, 2004)
Former Rangers, Everton and Scotland captain Richard Gough has been appointed as the new manager of troubled Scottish Premier League outfit Livingston. . . . more . . .
Arsenal rally round fighting talk (Nov 30, 2004)
Arsenal players claim their loss of form, which has seen Chelsea take a five-point lead at the top of the English Premiership, can be explained by their failure to give 100 per cent and the fact Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira are carrying injuries. . . . more . . .
Mellor given chance to make Reds grade (Nov 30, 2004)
Neil Mellor's sensational late winner for Liverpool against Arsenal on Sunday has earned the back-up striker the chance to salvage a career that had appeared to be drifting irrevocably towards the lower divisions. . . . more . . .
SFA tight-lipped over Smith 'offer' (Nov 29, 2004)
Scottish Football Association (SFA) officials refused to confirm or deny a report on Sky Sports News that they'd offered the vacant post of Scotland manager to Walter Smith. . . . more . . .
Sainsbury revives Leeds offer (Nov 29, 2004)
Sebastian Sainsbury re-entered the fray for control of fallen giants Leeds United just two weeks after the board rejected his initial bid. . . . more . . .
Villa appeal Hendrie red card (Nov 29, 2004)
Aston Villa have lodged an official appeal against Lee Hendrie's sending off in the closing seconds of Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Manchester City. . . . more . . .
Wenger at a loss to explain slump (Nov 29, 2004)
Arsene Wenger admits he is struggling to explain Arsenal's recent slump in form that has left the reigning English Premiership champions five points adrift of leaders Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Wenger's FA hearing set for December (Nov 29, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's personal hearing with the Football Association (FA) on a charge of improper conduct will be held on December 16, it was announced. . . . more . . .
Henry, Ronaldinho and Shevchenko nominated for FIFA's player of 2004 (Nov 29, 2004)
French striker Thierry Henry, Brazilian Ronaldinho and Andriy Shevchenko of Ukraine were nominated for FIFA's world player of the year award for 2004. . . . more . . .
Mandaric and Redknapp to face media (Nov 29, 2004)
Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric and Harry Redknapp, the English Premiership club's former manager, have called a joint news conference. . . . more . . .
Bolton striker Diouf on spitting charge (Nov 29, 2004)
Bolton striker El-Hadji Diouf has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association after spitting at Arjan de Zeeuw during the weekend Premiership match against Portsmouth. . . . more . . .
Defoe delight gets shirt shrift (Nov 29, 2004)
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe earned praise and condemnation from Spurs boss Martin Jol after the England striker picked up a one-match ban for removing his shirt after scoring in the 2-0 win against Middlesbrough. . . . more . . .
Vieira vows Arsenal will fight back (Nov 29, 2004)
Patrick Vieira has warned English Premiership rivals Chelsea that Arsenal will not abandon their crown without a fight. . . . more . . .
Mourinho reveals death-threats (Nov 29, 2004)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has revealed he received death-threats before coaching Porto to their Champions League triumph over Monaco in the May final. . . . more . . .
Gerrard sets sights on Premiership surge (Nov 29, 2004)
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes the weekend win over Arsenal can help galvanise the Reds for a run up the English Premiership table. . . . more . . .
Diouf says sorry for spitting (Nov 28, 2004)
Bolton's Senegal striker El-Hadji Diouf issued a public apology after spitting in the face of Portsmouth's Arjan de Zeeuw during Saturday's English Premiership 1-0 defeat. . . . more . . .
Five star Madrid keep up pressure on Barca (Nov 28, 2004)
Real Madrid bounced back after a pair of poor performances to thrash newly-promoted Levante 5-0 and stay second in the Spanish first division. . . . more . . .
Wenger wary of Gerrard threat (Nov 28, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is wary of the threat posed by Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard as his side attempt to get their English Premiership title defence back on track at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Oliveira double moves Betis up to fourth (Nov 28, 2004)
Real Betis moved up to fourth in the Spanish first division with a 2-1 victory over visitors Villarreal, extending their unbeaten run to 10 games. . . . more . . .
Mellor's last minute strike adds to Arsenal misery (Nov 28, 2004)
A stunning winning goal from Neil Mellor deep into added time secured a deserved 2-1 victory for Liverpool over Arsenal to add to the growing list of problems confronting Gunners manager Arsene Wenger. . . . more . . .
Spurs finally end losing streak (Nov 28, 2004)
Goals from Jermain Defoe and Frederic Kanoute finally ended Tottenham's dismal run of defeats in deserved a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough here at White Hart Lane. . . . more . . .
Crespo on a roll as Milan close in on Juve (Nov 28, 2004)
Hernan Crespo scored his fourth goal in eight days as AC Milan cut Juventus' lead at the top of Serie A to three points with a 1-0 victory at Chievo. . . . more . . .
Schalke ride their luck to close on Bayern (Nov 28, 2004)
Schalke 04 moved to within two points of Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich thanks to a 2-1 comeback win over Arminia Bielfeld. . . . more . . .
Redknapp was forced out claims assistant (Nov 28, 2004)
The arrival of Velimir Zajec as Portsmouth's director of football was the final straw for manager Harry Redknapp his assistant coach Jim Smith told the BBC. . . . more . . .
FA's television deal forced Eriksson to play Beckham (Nov 28, 2004)
The England Football Association's television deal with BSkyB and the BBC forced Sven-Goran Eriksson to play David Beckham and a host of other top players in a recent friendly with Spain, according to a report. . . . more . . .
Carsley equaliser frustrates Newcastle (Nov 28, 2004)
Everton underlined their re-emergence as an English Premiership force after Lee Carsley struck a stunning equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw at Newcastle United. . . . more . . .
Inter fight back to stall Juventus (Nov 28, 2004)
Juventus' lead at the top of Serie A was cut to four points after they drew 2-2 at Inter Milan in a gripping match at the San Siro. . . . more . . .
Lyon extend lead as rivals slip-up (Nov 28, 2004)
Lyon stayed on course for a fourth successive French League title with a 2-1 win at home to Auxerre as their title rivals began to feel the pace. . . . more . . .
Hearts broken as Rangers go top (Nov 28, 2004)
Rangers marched to the top of the Scottish Premier League with a hard fought 3-2 victory at home to Hearts. . . . more . . .
Diouf spit leaves a sour taste for unhappy Bolton (Nov 28, 2004)
Senegal striker El-Hadji Diouf has been hit with a fine of two weeks' wages after he spat in the face of Portsmouth's Arjan de Zeeuw during their Premiership match. . . . more . . .
Rock-bottom Rovers win precious points (Nov 27, 2004)
Blackburn Rovers got their first away win of the season beating Fulham 2-0 at Craven Cottage. . . . more . . .
Out-of-form Beckham should play on the right: Eriksson (Nov 27, 2004)
England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who expects to fly out for talks with David Beckham, said the England captain's form has dropped because he has not been fielded in his best position at Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Four-star Bayern surge five points clear (Nov 27, 2004)
Bayern Munich surged five points clear at the top of the Bundesliga after a convincing 4-2 victory over league new boys Mainz at the Olympic Stadium. . . . more . . .
Frontrunners Bayern look to lay down the law (Nov 27, 2004)
After needing 47 games and 18 months to reach the Bundeliga summit Bayern Munich will aim to turn the screw with a home win over promoted Mainz 05. . . . more . . .
Off-colour Marseille turn to 'white witch doctor' for cure (Nov 27, 2004)
Crisis-club Marseille have turned to Philippe Troussier, the coach dubbed the "white witchdoctor" for his ability to transform the fortunes of modest African sides, as the man to salvage their fast-imploding season. . . . more . . .
Crafty Cassano inspires resurgent Roma (Nov 27, 2004)
Vincenzo Montella and Francesco Totti scored two goals each as Roma won 4-0 at struggling Siena to ease their relegation fears. . . . more . . .
Troussier ready to drink from Marseille's poisoned chalice (Nov 27, 2004)
Frenchman Philippe Troussier has signed a two-year deal with fallen French giants Marseille, according to the club's website. . . . more . . .
Harry's reign cost 3m in agents fees claims Portsmouth owner (Nov 27, 2004)
Portsmouth shelled out three million pounds (5.7m dollars) in agents' fees during Harry Redknapp's two-and-a-half year spell as coach at Fratton Park, club president Milan Mandaric claimed. . . . more . . .
Lyon extend lead as Marseille steal headlines (Nov 27, 2004)
Lyon stayed on course for a fourth successive French League title with a 2-1 win at home to Auxerre but it was crisis club Marseille who grabbed the headlines with a 3-1 home win over Nantes. . . . more . . .
It's now or never for unpredictable Inter (Nov 27, 2004)
Anything but a victory at home to league leaders Juventus will virtually extinguish Inter Milan's already slim title hopes. . . . more . . .
Bhoys look for Barcelona bounce (Nov 27, 2004)
John Hartson, the hero of Celtic's Champions League draw with Barcelona in midweek, believes that groundbreaking performance will provide a springboard for the champions to resume control of the Scottish Premier League title race. . . . more . . .
Fergie aiming to hit rivals for six with winning run (Nov 27, 2004)
Sir Alex Ferguson is a past master at sensing when his Premiership title rivals might be vulnerable to the pyschological equivalent of a little off-the-ball dig with the elbow. . . . more . . .
Barca consolidate hold on Spanish league with Getafe win (Nov 27, 2004)
Barcelona consolidated their hold on the Spanish league with a 2-1 win over lowly Getafe, in which the Catalan club's Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o was subject to racist chants. . . . more . . .
Livi come alive after sacking boss (Nov 27, 2004)
Struggling Livingston lifted themselves off the foot of the Scottish Premier League table with a 3-1 win at Kilmarnock just two days after sacking manager Alan Preston. . . . more . . .
Udinese edge Livorno to stretch unbeaten run (Nov 27, 2004)
In-form Udinese extended their unbeaten run to seven matches with a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Livorno. . . . more . . .
Barcelona set to cause more headaches for Spanish rivals (Nov 27, 2004)
Getafe goalkeeper Sanchez Broto called in sick on the morning of last week's match against Albacete and few would blame him if he phones in again with Barcelona the opponents later in the day. . . . more . . .
Mourinho's Blues cruising again (Nov 27, 2004)
Chelsea returned to form and extended their lead at the top of the English Premiership with an impressive 4-0 win at Charlton Athletic. . . . more . . .
Chelsea and Man Utd hit top gear (Nov 27, 2004)
Chelsea returned to form and extended their lead at the top of the English Premiership with an impressive 4-0 win at Charlton Athletic. . . . more . . .
Stars come out for match against poverty (Nov 26, 2004)
Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium will next month host a UN-sponsored match against poverty with stars such as Brazilian striker Ronaldo and Real clubmate Zinedine Zidane. . . . more . . .
Out-of-form Beckham should play on the right: Eriksson (Nov 26, 2004)
England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who expects to fly out for talks with David Beckham, said the England captain's form has dropped because he has not been fielded in his best position at Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
France to crack down on football hooliganism, racism (Nov 26, 2004)
France's justice ministry announced it would crack down on a worrying rise in football hooliganism, some of it carried out with homophobic or racist motives. . . . more . . .
Liverpool chase Spanish striker Villa (Nov 26, 2004)
Liverpool, facing a crippling striker shortage, were reported to have made an approach to Spanish club Real Zaragoza for striker David Villa. . . . more . . .
UEFA reiterates anti-racism stance (Nov 26, 2004)
Fighting racism in football is a major priority for UEFA, the European football governing body's chief executive said in reaction to the racist chants and taunts that have been hurled at black players during recent matches in Spain. . . . more . . .
Gough set for Livi takeover but Lovell faces axe (Nov 26, 2004)
Struggling Scottish Premier League club Livingston are seeking to persuade former Rangers and Scotland defender Richard Gough to take over as manager. . . . more . . .
Juventus club doctor Agricola handed prison sentence (Nov 26, 2004)
Juventus club doctor Riccardo Agricola has been handed a one-year, 10-month prison sentence for sporting fraud by a court. . . . more . . .
Villarreal hand Middlesbrough their first UEFA defeat (Nov 25, 2004)
Villarreal proved that they are a difficult side to even snatch a point from in the El Madrigal stadium when they beat Middlesbrough 2-0 in their UEFA Cup group E match. . . . more . . .
Lille defeats AEK Athens in UEFA action (Nov 25, 2004)
Goals by defender Milovoje Vitakic and midfielder Matthieu Debuchy lifted Lille to a 2-1 victory over AEK Athens in a UEFA Cup Group H match at cold Spyros Louis Stadium in front of 22,000 spectators. . . . more . . .
Racist taunts overshadow Lazio's draw with Partizan (Nov 25, 2004)
Racist taunting aimed at Partizan Belgrade's black players overshadowed the Serbian side's 2-2 UEFA Cup draw against Lazio. . . . more . . .
British clubs in quest to reach UEFA Cup knockout stages (Nov 25, 2004)
British clubs Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Rangers look set to ease their path to next year's UEFA Cup knockout stages in the third round of group matches. . . . more . . .
Rijkaard criticises Celtic for 'anti-football' as Barca held (Nov 25, 2004)
Celtic defied the odds and held Barcelona to a 1-1 draw in the Nou Camp but the result still saw the Catalan side qualify from Champions League Group B. . . . more . . .
Lengthy ban for Bachini after positive test for cocaine (Nov 25, 2004)
Brescia midfielder Jonathan Bachini has been suspended for nine months following his positive test for cocaine, the Italian league's disciplinary council revealed. . . . more . . .
Newcastle into UEFA Cup knockout after thrilling 4-0 win over Sochaux (Nov 25, 2004)
Newcastle recorded their first win over French opposition in UEFA competition with a convincing 4-0 victory over Sochaux to progress to the Cup knock-out phase. . . . more . . .
Ancelotti delighted with Milan's second half salvo (Nov 25, 2004)
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti sang his team's praises for their clinical second half display which overpowered Shakhtar Donetsk and gave them clinch a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Three-goal Seongnam in sight of Asian crown (Nov 25, 2004)
South Korea's Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma took a huge step towards securing the third continental title of their history when they beat Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad 3-1 in the first leg of the Asian Champions League final. . . . more . . .
Time for Chelsea to get Real (Nov 25, 2004)
Jose Mourinho insisted nothing can be taken for granted in the Champions League even though his Chelsea team have won their first round group at a canter. . . . more . . .
Late goals secure Rangers 3-0 win over Graz (Nov 25, 2004)
Rangers went top of Group F in the UEFA Cup with a hard-fought 3-0 win at home over Austrian champions Grazer AK. . . . more . . .
UEFA investigates racist abuse at Real Madrid stadium (Nov 25, 2004)
European football's governing body UEFA opened an investigation after black players were racially abused during Real Madrid's Champion's League tie earlier this week against Bayer Leverkusen. . . . more . . .
Livi sack Preston as Caley turn to Brewster (Nov 25, 2004)
Struggling Scottish Premier League club Livingston have sacked manager Allan Preston and his assistant Alan Kernaghan after just four months in charge. . . . more . . .
Mellor looking for long run at Anfield (Nov 25, 2004)
Neil Mellor believes he can be the man to solve Liverpool's striker crisis and is hoping for an extended run in Rafael Benitez' team. . . . more . . .
TV sports chief to head English FA (Nov 25, 2004)
A television sports head was named as the new chief executive of the embattled English Football Association. . . . more . . .
Kenyan Mulee joins Rwandan APR league champions (Nov 25, 2004)
Former Kenyan national coach Jacob Mulee has accepted a one-year-contract to take charge of Rwanda's premier league champions APR following the departure of Jean Marie. . . . more . . .
Barcelona get their passport to the Champions (Nov 25, 2004)
It wasn't the display of total football Barcelona exhbited when they beat Milan three weeks ago but the Catalan club progressed comfortbaly to the Champions League last 16 with a 1-1 draw against Celtic. . . . more . . .
Taricco hammered after 27 minutes (Nov 25, 2004)
Mauricio Taricco has had his contract at West Ham terminated by mutual consent after playing for just 27 minutes in what the English First Division club's manager Alan Pardew described as "one of the most honest acts from a player" he had known. . . . more . . .
Troussier to take over at Marseille (Nov 25, 2004)
Marseille have reached an agreement with Philippe Troussier to take over from Jose Anigo who resigned as coach on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Rijkaard criticises Celtic for 'anti-football' as Barca held (Nov 24, 2004)
Celtic defied the odds and held Barcelona to a 1-1 draw in the Nou Camp but the result still saw the Catalan side qualify from Champions League Group B. . . . more . . .
Bayern keen to restore European reputation (Nov 24, 2004)
Having qualified for the last sixteen of the Champions League German powerhouse Bayern Munich are determined to repeat their 2001 success to prove they are back as a force in European football. . . . more . . .
Nine-man Gunners get out of jail (Nov 24, 2004)
A stunning equaliser from Thierry Henry and a desperate rearguard action allowed Arsenal to retain control of their Champions League destiny after holding on with nine men for a 1-1 draw with PSV Eindhoven. . . . more . . .
Arsenal count on Campbell to get them out of the soup (Nov 24, 2004)
Arsene Wenger takes every opportunity to proclaim the opposite but Arsenal have spent the past month doing a passable impersonation of a ship drifting in precarious proximity to the rocks. . . . more . . .
Bremen face Valencia showdown after Inter draw (Nov 24, 2004)
German champions Werder Bremen face a daunting trip to Spanish champions Valencia in 12 days time to qualify for the last sixteen of the Champions League following a 1-1 draw with Inter Milan. . . . more . . .
Crespo and Kaka steer AC Milan into last 16 (Nov 24, 2004)
Hernan Crespo and Kaka scored two goals apiece as AC Milan clinched a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 4-0 victory at home to Shakhtar Donetsk. . . . more . . .
McCarthy keeps Porto's title defence hopes alive (Nov 24, 2004)
South African international Benni McCarthy scored the only goal in FC Porto's 1-0 Champions League win over CSKA Moscow to revive the titleholder's chances of making the last sixteen. . . . more . . .
PSV's van Bommel intends to leave during winter break (Nov 24, 2004)
Dutchman Mark van Bommel told journalists he intended to leave Dutch league leaders PSV Eindhoven during the winter break. . . . more . . .
Anderlecht win keeps Valencia's Champions League dream alive (Nov 24, 2004)
Valencia kept their hopes of progressing in the Champions League alive with a 2-1 win over hosts Anderlecht in Brussels. . . . more . . .
Rusty Drogba misfires as PSG frustrate Chelsea (Nov 24, 2004)
Didier Drogba wasted a golden chance in his comeback match to bury Paris Saint-Germain for a second time as the visitors ended Chelsea's perfect Champions League start in the Group H match here at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Two men to appear in court after Yorke racist abuse (Nov 24, 2004)
Two men are to appear in court for racial public order offences aimed at Birmingham City front man Dwight Yorke who complained to police he was abused with monkey chants. . . . more . . .
Barcelona eye Saviola return (Nov 24, 2004)
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has travelled to Monaco with a view to a possible return of on-loan striker Javier Saviola to the Nou Camp stadium, the Spanish press reported. . . . more . . .
Bremen face second-string Inter with first place in mind (Nov 24, 2004)
After 11 years of watching the Champions League from their armchairs German champions Werder Bremen have the chance to reach the last sixteen of the competition when they entertain Inter Milan in their Group G tie. . . . more . . .
Portsmouth manager Redknapp quits (Nov 24, 2004)
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp resigned as manager of the English Premiership club after days of speculation about his future. . . . more . . .
Chelsea out to give PSG the Blues (Nov 24, 2004)
English Premiership leaders Chelsea will look to take out their domestic frustration on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Real face UEFA sanctions after latest racist chants (Nov 24, 2004)
Real Madrid could face severe sanctions from the sport's continental governing body UEFA, after Bayer Leverkusen's black players were racially abused in the two clubs' Champions League encounter. . . . more . . .
Ferguson toasts game-1,000 victory in epic style (Nov 24, 2004)
Sir Alex Ferguson looked set to spend Wednesday with a splitting headache after threatening to toast his victorious 1,000th game in charge of Manchester United in epic fashion. . . . more . . .
Fan slapped with fine, five-year ban for racially abusing Yorke (Nov 24, 2004)
A British court slapped a 1,000-pound (1,880-dollar) fine and a five-year football ground ban on a fan for hurling monkey chants at Birmingham City striker Dwight Yorke. . . . more . . .
Benitez hits out at referee after Saviola's 'handball' trips up Liverpool (Nov 24, 2004)
Liverpool's qualification for the knockout phase of the Champions League is now hanging by a thread after a shock 1-0 defeat by Monaco kept alive the hopes of last year's finalists. . . . more . . .
Monaco vow to keep saviour Saviola (Nov 24, 2004)
Argentine striker Javier Saviola, who scored the only goal in his club Monaco's win over Liverpool, is staying put in France until the end of the season, Monaco president Michel Pastor insisted. . . . more . . .
Djordjevic puts Olympiakos on edge of knock-outs (Nov 23, 2004)
Olympiakos captain Predrag Djordjevic came up with the only goal against Deportivo La Coruna to leave the Greeks on the brink of qualifying for the Champions league knockout stage for only the second time in their history. . . . more . . .
Yorke told he is free to leave Birmingham after race row (Nov 23, 2004)
Dwight Yorke has been told he is free to leave Birmingham if he is unhappy about the reaction of the club's co-owner, David Sullivan, to the alleged racial abuse suffered by the Trinidadian striker during a match. . . . more . . .
Dynamo stay top with 2-0 win over Roma (Nov 23, 2004)
Ukrainian champions Dynamo Kiev held their lead in the European Champions' League qualifying Group B with a 2-0 win over Italian Serie A side AS Roma on the snow-covered turf at the Olympic Arena. . . . more . . .
Two men arrested over Yorke remarks (Nov 23, 2004)
Two men were arrested in connection with racist abuse directed at footballer Dwight Yorke, Lancashire Police said. . . . more . . .
Ruthless Bayern sail into last sixteen (Nov 23, 2004)
Bayern Munich eased into the last sixteen of the Champions League with a resounding 5-1 win over Maccabi Tel-Aviv. . . . more . . .
Shearer ruled out of Magpies Euro trip (Nov 23, 2004)
Alan Shearer has been ruled out of Newcastle's UEFA Cup trip to Sochaux and is facing at least another week on the sidelines as a result of a hamstring injury. . . . more . . .
Bayern look for killer instinct against Tel Aviv (Nov 23, 2004)
Bayern Munich can all but guarantee their place in the last sixteen of the Champions League with a win over Israel's Maccabi Tel-Aviv at the Olympic Stadium. . . . more . . .
Hiddink hits out at PSV racism 'slur' (Nov 23, 2004)
PSV Eindhoven coach Guus Hiddink has angrily dismissed fears that Arsenal's black players could face a repeat of the racist abuse they received the last time the Gunners played in the Philips Stadium. . . . more . . .
Saviola the saviour as Liverpool tumble at Monaco (Nov 23, 2004)
Liverpool's qualification for the knockout phase of the Champions League is now hanging by a thread after a shock 1-0 defeat by Monaco kept alive the hopes of last year's finalists. . . . more . . .
Wenger's decision day arrives (Nov 23, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will decide whether to contest a charge of improper conduct arising out of last month's controversial clash with arch-rivals Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Man who killed England fan during Euro 2004 given 13-year jail term (Nov 23, 2004)
A Lisbon court has sentenced a 31-year-old man who stabbed a young England fan to death in downtown Lisbon during the Euro 2004 football finals to a 13-year prison term, the Lusa news agency reported. . . . more . . .
Ruud gives Fergie memorable 1000th game, Liverpool and Real on the brink (Nov 23, 2004)
Dutch marksman Ruud van Nistelrooy gave Sir Alex Ferguson the perfect present in his 1000th match in charge of Manchester United scoring the winner in the 2-1 victory over French champions Lyon in their Champions League Group D clash. . . . more . . .
Fans stay away as flawless Juve eliminate Ajax (Nov 23, 2004)
Juventus maintained their 100 per cent Champions League record with a 1-0 victory over Ajax in freezing temperatures. . . . more . . .
Anigo resigns as Marseille coach (Nov 23, 2004)
Jose Anigo has resigned as coach of Marseille after only ten months in the job, the French first division club announced. . . . more . . .
Wenger to contest improper conduct charge (Nov 23, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is to contest a charge of improper conduct by the Football Association following the incidents in their match against Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Time running out for 1,000-game Ferguson (Nov 23, 2004)
Alex Ferguson will lead Manchester United this week against Lyon for an astonishing 1,000th game as the club's manager, knowing victory will send his side beyond the Champions League first round for a ninth successive season. . . . more . . .
Five-star Solano's strike sinks Spurs (Nov 23, 2004)
Nolberto Solano's fine finish ensured a 1-0 victory for Aston Villa over Tottenham that saw the Birmingham club climb to fifth place in the table. . . . more . . .
Mouscron keeper Vandendriessche fails doping test (Nov 23, 2004)
Franky Vandendriessche, the goalkeeper of Belgian first division club Mouscron, has failed a doping test for anti-inflammatory drug Depo-Medrol, Belgian press reported. . . . more . . .
Real and Bayer out for European redemption (Nov 23, 2004)
Real Madrid and Beyer Leverkusen both go into their Champions League group B match with points to prove, and gain, after their domestic campaigns lost their way with 3-0 defeats on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Deschamps demands action as Liverpool seek Champions League ticket (Nov 23, 2004)
Former France great Didier Deschamps has been a coach for a little over two seasons, and it is only now the man who has won almost everything in football is finding that the going can get tough at the top. . . . more . . .
Real claim Brazil star Robinho (Nov 23, 2004)
Real Madrid were reported to have agreed a 12 million dollar deal with Santos for Brazil's latest super star footballer Robinho. . . . more . . .
Wenger to fight charges in Van Nistelrooy cheat row (Nov 23, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will fight Football Association (FA) charges of improper conduct for branding Ruud van Nistelrooy a cheat in the wake of last month's stormy defeat at Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Marseille coach Jose Anigo resigns (Nov 23, 2004)
Jose Anigo has resigned as coach of Marseille after only ten months in the job, the French first division club announced. . . . more . . .
Player walk-offs no answer to racism: Wenger (Nov 23, 2004)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes players walking off the pitch is not the answer to racist abuse from the stands. . . . more . . .
Gunners relief as Campbell returns to steady ship (Nov 23, 2004)
Arsenal's hopes of advancing to the next round of the Champions League received a huge boost as Sol Campbell was passed fit to play in the crucial clash with PSV Eindhoven. . . . more . . .
Recoba takes time out from international football (Nov 23, 2004)
Uruguay lost a second international striker in two months when Inter Milan striker Alvaro Recoba announced he was temporarily stepping down because he was so out of form. . . . more . . .
Early qualification allows Juve to focus on domestic challenge (Nov 23, 2004)
Juventus entertain Ajax in the Champions League safe in the knowledge their place in the knockout stages has already been assured after winning all four of their first round matches. . . . more . . .
Man Utd and Liverpool well-placed as Ferguson celebrates 1000 games (Nov 23, 2004)
Chelsea have qualified, Manchester United and Liverpool are well-placed but Arsenal have a tricky situation to deal with among English teams in this week's Champions League matches. . . . more . . .
Ruud to the rescue as Ferguson celebrates 1,000 games (Nov 23, 2004)
Manchester United gave manager Sir Alex Ferguson the perfect gift to mark his 1,000th game with the club, a 2-1 win against Lyon at Old Trafford which sends them into the second round of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Benitez hits out at referee after Saviola's 'handball' trips up Liverpool (Nov 23, 2004)
Liverpool's qualification for the knockout phase of the Champions League is now hanging by a thread after a shock 1-0 defeat by Monaco kept alive the hopes of last year's finalists. . . . more . . .
PSG coach predicts tough times for Chelsea (Nov 23, 2004)
Paris Saint Germain coach Vahid Halilhodzic predicts Chelsea are in for a surprise in Wednesday's Champions League tie at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Score draw but no bore for Real and Bayer (Nov 23, 2004)
Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen fought out an exciting 1-1 draw to leave qualification from Champions League group B still up in the air for both sides. . . . more . . .
Five-star Solano's strike sinks Spurs (Nov 22, 2004)
Nolberto Solano's fine finish ensured a 1-0 victory for Aston Villa over Tottenham that saw the Birmingham club climb to fifth place in the table. . . . more . . .
Ferguson hungry for second European triumph ahead of game 1,000 (Nov 22, 2004)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson looked defiantly forwards rather than back ahead of his 1,000th game in charge of the club, saying he would see it as a failure not to win another Champions League title before retiring. . . . more . . .
Sacked Schaefer wasn't up to job claims Cameroon sports minister (Nov 22, 2004)
German Winfried Schaefer was sacked as Cameroon national coach because he wasn't up to the job, the country's sports minister Siegfried Etame Massoma claimed. . . . more . . .
Japan, South Korea separated in World Cup Asian round (Nov 22, 2004)
Asian champions Japan and arch rivals South Korea will be safely separated into two different groups in the final regional qualifying round for the 2006 World Cup finals, Japanese football officials said. . . . more . . .
Gerrard could be the key as Benitez targets win at Monaco (Nov 22, 2004)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez left no doubts about how his Liverpool team will handle their Champions League clash against Monaco here Tuesday in the absence of key strikers Milan Baros and Djibril Cisse. . . . more . . .
Germany's Deisler cautious after latest comeback (Nov 22, 2004)
Comebacks are nothing new for Bayern Munich's midfielder Sebastian Deisler and for that reason the playmaker was understandably cautious after his 20 minute cameo in Bayern's 3-1 win over Kaiserslautern. . . . more . . .
Legend Muller tips Bayern's Guerrero for stardom (Nov 22, 2004)
West Germany's legendary forward Gerd Muller claims Bayern Munich's Peruvian youngster Jose Paolo Guerrero has the natural killer instinct to become a striking legend. . . . more . . .
Porto keeper Baia out of Moscow Champions League match (Nov 22, 2004)
FC Porto goalkeeper Vitor Baia will miss Wednesday's Champions League game against CSKA Moscow because of a left thigh injury he suffered over the weekend. . . . more . . .
British sports minister calls for racism zero-tolerance (Nov 22, 2004)
British sports minister Richard Caborn has called on football authorities to operate a zero-tolerance approach to racism after two Blackburn fans abused their former player Dwight Yorke in Sunday's Premiership match with Birmingham. . . . more . . .
Real coach to resist the pressure to drop Beckham (Nov 22, 2004)
Real Madrid coach Mariano Garcia Remon is resisting the pressure to drop David Beckham and the England captain looks set to start against Bayer Leverkusen in their Champions League group B match on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
I'm not cautious Klaus, says Bayer coach Augenthaler (Nov 22, 2004)
Bayer Leverkusen coach Klaus Augenthaler is set to throw caution to the wind in their Tuesday's Champions League group B match against Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Blackburn's Reid charged by FA (Nov 22, 2004)
Blackburn Rovers midfielder Steven Reid was charged with improper conduct by the Football Association after appearing to elbow Birmingham's Jesper Gronkjaer in the stomach during Sunday's 3-3 English Premiership draw at Ewood Park. . . . more . . .
Police launch Yorke investigation (Nov 22, 2004)
Lancashire Police have opened a criminal investigation into allegations that Birmingham's Dwight Yorke suffered racial abuse during their 3-3 English Premiership draw away to Blackburn Rovers. . . . more . . .
Makaay gets green light for Bayern (Nov 22, 2004)
Bayern Munich manager Felix Magath has confirmed that Netherlands striker Roy Makaay is fit to start Tuesday's Champions League clash with Maccabi Tel-Aviv. . . . more . . .
Thousand-game Ferguson recalls shaky start to Man Utd career (Nov 22, 2004)
Sir Alex Ferguson might now be a revered manager about to celebrate his 1,000th game with Manchester United, but as he recalled, his start with the club was so shaky that at first he even struggled to remember players' names. . . . more . . .
Barca's behind us, bring on Bayer, says Real's Raul (Nov 22, 2004)
Real Madrid club captain Raul said the nine-times European Champions had already got their 3-0 thrashing by bitter rivals Barcelona out of their system. . . . more . . .
Barca's Henrik Larsson out for six months (Nov 22, 2004)
Barcelona striker Henrik Larsson will be out of action for six months after snapping ligaments and tearing the cartilage in his left knee, club medical officials said. . . . more . . .
Scots may turn to 'white witch doctor' for football revival (Nov 22, 2004)
Frenchman Philippe Troussier could be considered for the post of Scotland national coach after the Scottish FA revealed they would not be deterred by the failure of German Berti Vogts to appoint another foreigner to the job. . . . more . . .
Larsson set for knee surgery (Nov 21, 2004)
Barcelona's sweet 3-0 victory over arch rivals Real Madrid on Saturday came with a sting in the tail in the shape of the serious knee injury suffered by Henrik Larsson. . . . more . . .
Hands off United, Ferguson tells Glazer (Nov 21, 2004)
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has waded into the takeover debate and stated that he does not want the club to be in the hands of an outside investor like American business tycoon Malcolm Glazer. . . . more . . .
Former Chelsea favourite Zola earns Cagliari victory (Nov 21, 2004)
Former Chelsea favourite Gianfranco Zola led Cagliari to a 2-1 Italian Cup victory against Lazio giving them a good chance