A match in the domestic league of 2018 World Cup hosts Russia has had to be abandoned after fans invaded the pitch, and players were attacked.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has hit out at the state of the pitch for his side’s Champions League clash against CSKA Moscow.

Swedish coach Erik Hamren has warned that Ireland will set out to be party poopers in Stockholm when the countries meet in a World Cup qualifier on Friday week.

Neil Lennon believes he is on the cusp of his greatest achievement as Celtic manager as he prepares for tonight’s Champions League Group G decider against Spartak Moscow at Parkhead.

Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna feels the sales of captain Robin van Persie and midfielder Alex Song have left “a lot of questions”.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers praised the “desire and commitment” of his side following their 1-0 Europa League third qualifying round first leg win over Gomel last night.

ROBBIE KEANE last night reiterated his commitment to the Irish team and insisted he hadn’t moved to southern California for a holiday.

BRIAN KIDD has pleaded for understanding as Italian Mario Balotelli tries to combat the destructive power of homesickness.

TONY MOWBRAY looked to Barry Robson’s return to Premier League action for some comfort after Saturday’s goalless draw against Motherwell at Parkhead left his side a point behind Old Firm rivals Rangers at the top of the table.

Wales 1 Russia 3

SERBIA tightened their grip on World Cup qualifying Group Seven with a routine 2-0 win over Brian Kerr’s Faroe Islands last night.

Finland 0 Russia 3

CRISTIANO RONALDO has admitted that he is pleased to see Chelsea top of the Premier League because it reflects well on his former international coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Fulham have signed Coventry midfielder Julian Gray on a season-long loan, the club have announced on their website.

Jiri Jarosik looks set to follow Alexei Smertin out of Chelsea as part of Jose Mourinho’s midfield reshuffle which he hopes will see Michael Ballack arriving at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have completed a deal with Dynamo Moscow which allows Alexei Smertin to return to Russia.

CHELSEA chief executive Peter Kenyon has denied claims that Manchester City tried to take Shaun Wright-Phillips back to the club on loan.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho put his only transfer window signing Maniche on the bench for the visit of Charlton.

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho could hand new loan signing Nuno Maniche his debut against Charlton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

JOSE MOURINHO admits he will listen to offers for any player who wants to leave Stamford Bridge.

CHELSEA midfielder Frank Lampard will not be allowed quit the Premiership champions to join Barcelona, according to Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has again strengthened his squad by ensuring cover during the absence of Michael Essien with the loan signing of Maniche.

CHELSEA last night completed the loan signing of midfielder Maniche as the Portugal international linked up with Jose Mourinho for the third time in his career.

Chelsea tonight completed the loan signing of midfielder Maniche as the Portugal international linked up with Jose Mourinho for the third time in his career.

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho will only watch tonight’s Barclays Premiership showdown between Manchester United and Arsenal if his wife gives him permission!

Portugal midfielder Maniche is “counting the days” before his dream move to Chelsea is completed.

Chelsea are close to sealing a deal for Dynamo Moscow midfielder Maniche.

Portsmouth midfielder Amdy Faye is still in talks with Newcastle over a move to the troubled Barclays Premiership club.

Russia international Dmitri Bulykin could be in line for a move to Crystal Palace if he impresses during training this week.

Everton 1 Fulham 1

Dynamo Moscow have signed former Russian international Andrei Kanchelskis in a one-year deal.

Sammy McIlroy insists he is determined to get it right after his Northern Ireland team created a slice of history – for all the wrong reasons.

By Bill George

THE only smog in the eyes of Ireland’s manager Mick McCarthy in Moscow yesterday was that generated by the absence of Roy Keane from his squad to face Russia in the European Championship tomorrow.

Rangers forward Ronald de Boer has revealed how he and his team-mates achieved UEFA Cup success in Moscow via Miami.

UEFA Cup 2nd rd draw, Nyon: