Nicolas Anelka today claimed he was “dying with laughter” despite the 18-match suspension imposed by the French Football Federation which is likely to spell the end of his international career.

DAMIEN DUFF last night gave Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr a headache he didn’t need in the shape of a knee injury as his squad assembled in Dublin ahead of next week’s World Cup clash with France.

As many as 400 unidentified or abandoned bodies, some in refrigerated trucks, awaited temporary burial today outside Paris as authorities struggled to cope with the fall-out from France’s deadly heat wave.

Jean-Marie Le Pen says he fears he is an assassination target.