Madge axes Portugal gig after church row

Pop superstar Madonna's upcoming concert in Portugal has reportedly been cancelled because a church group has already booked the venue where she was scheduled to perform - and they've refused to rearrange their booking.

The Material Girl singer planned to play the 12,000-seat Atlantic Pavilion in Lisbon on September 12 - which would have marked Madonna's first live performance in the European country - but concert promoters Tournee claim the local Mana Christian Church booked the space in April for 9-13 September.

And despite desperate pleas from Madonna fans and an offered donation of $30,000 (€24,381) from Tournee, the church has refused to re-schedule their "Convention of Faith" event.

Jorge Tadeu, a self-proclaimed apostle and founder of the church, says he is "revolted" by those who "want to exchange Jesus for Madonna".

He adds: "In our understanding God is moving the Christian church to defeat Goliath.

"We feel the pressure from Madonna is not restricted to the Mana church, but is part of a wider battle between the devil and Christ."