WEST HAM striker Carlton Cole’s insistence that he was racially abused by Millwall fans is being dealt with as part of the FA’s wider investigation into the violence that shamed English football on Tuesday night.

Investigations have been launched into the violence which marred last night’s Carling Cup tie between West Ham and Millwall at Upton Park.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has offered the hand of friendship to Middlesbrough ahead of their meeting at Old Trafford on Monday.

Manchester United and Blackburn have yet to resolve the dilemma over when to play their Carling Cup quarter-final tie.

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has pointed the finger at fans after Didier Drogba was charged with violent conduct by the FA for throwing a coin into the stands.

The Football Association has announced it is to investigate the incident in which Chelsea striker Didier Drogba threw an object back at Burnley fans during last night’s Carling Cup tie.

Ricardo Fuller should shake off a knock sustained against Reading on Tuesday and regain his place in Stoke’s starting line-up at home to Chelsea.

Coventry 2 Newcastle 3 (after extra-time)

Leeds assistant manager Gus Poyet has been charged by the FA after comments made towards referee Andy D‘Urso following the club’s Carling Cup tie against Portsmouth in August.

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON has warned his fringe players to leave now or face being left out in the cold for the rest of the season.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has made seven changes to the team beaten 6-3 at home by Arsenal in the midweek Carling Cup tie, with goalkeeper Jose Reina, defender Jamie Carragher, midfielder Xabi Alonso and forwards Dirk Kuyt and Peter Crouch all returning to the team.

NEWCASTLE defender Celestine Babayaro has been banned for three matches by the FA after admitting a charge of violent conduct.

Posters of George Best will be handed out at Old Trafford tonight as Manchester United fans are given their chance to honour the legendary winger.

Aston Villa striker Milan Baros has been ruled out of Monday’s Premiership clash with Manchester City at Eastlands.

Alan Pardew may well be forced to shuffle his pack for tomorrow night’s Carling Cup tie at Bolton – but the West Ham manager insists: ‘We are going for the win.'

LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez rushed his players back to training yesterday and demanded a change of attitude following the disastrous defeat to Fulham at the weekend.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is expected to rest several key players for his team’s Carling Cup tie at Sunderland.

Chelsea and West Ham have been charged by the Football Association following alleged incidents of missile-throwing by fans during their Carling Cup tie at Stamford Bridge.

Millwall’s official supporters group today condemned the Football Association’s decision to charge the club for racist behaviour among their fans.

Mark Halsey has been handed the onerous task refereeing the potentially explosive Carling Cup tie between Manchester United and Arsenal on December 1.

Arsene Wenger is confident Jose Reyes will be able to handle the pressure and expectations on his shoulders as he makes his full Arsenal debut in tonight’s Carling Cup tie at Middlesbrough.

Newcastle United midfielder Lee Bowyer is out of tomorrow’s Carling Cup tie with West Bromwich Albion at St James’ Park.