Liverpool midfielder James Milner apologised to his team-mates after his penalty miss against Southampton cost Jurgen Klopp's side victory and left their Champions League hopes out of their hands.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has played down the significance of his side's 2-0 defeat in the final north London derby at White Hart Lane.

Referee Anthony Taylor insists the decision to go on his stag do days before taking charge of Swansea against Burnley had no bearing on the controversial penalty blunder he made during the fixture last month.

Back in pro action for the fourth time in just over four months, Katie Taylor steps up to eight rounds for her “toughest fight to date in the pro ranks” at the Manchester Arena tonight. 

Jamie Carragher feels Leicester's performance in a 3-1 victory over Liverpool vindicates the criticism meted out to the Foxes players in the wake of Claudio Ranieri's sacking as manager last week.

Defender Andy Robertson said referee Mark Clattenburg apologised to Hull's players for allowing Alexis Sanchez's controversial opener in the 2-0 defeat at Arsenal.

James DeGale climbed off the canvas in the final round to claim a majority draw against Badou Jack in their world super-middleweight unification title fight at the Barclays Center in New York.

A potent mix of old rivalries, family ties and fervent patriotic values will make life very uncomfortable for Ireland’s three South African-born players with former Springbok Thinus Delport predicting a hostile reception on their return.

Conor Murray has received Shane Horgan’s backing to cope with the pressure of being one of Ireland’s key figures against South Africa, but fears the team are becoming too reliant on the Munster scrum-half.

Chief executive Stewart Regan said the Scottish Football Association was "appalled by the scenes of disorder and the contemptible behaviour" after the William Hill Scottish Cup final.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez is not content with receiving plaudits for the style of his football and will continue to strive for perfection ahead of Crystal Palace’s visit tonight (8pm, live on Sky Sports 1).

The latest acting veteran who may have joined the cast of Game of Thrones is Richard E Grant, according to unconfirmed reports in the UK.

Here's our pick on what to watch on the box tonight.

Peter McNamara assesses the live matches this weekend.

Cliodhna Sargent says Ireland will again put their bodies on the line today as they bid to realise their Olympics dreams.

Nadia: Chasing the Dream TV3, 2.45pm

Tomorrow is the anniversary of Sky Sports' announcement as the GAA's media right partners. John Fogarty takes the rough with the smooth.

Cork-based couple Nora and Katriona go for a casino-themed event on Don’t Tell The Bride, on RTÉ2 on Thursday.

Bayern Munich v Shaktar

Claims by the GAA’s hierarchy that the Sky Sports deal has been good for the association have been contested by a leading sports academic, says John Fogarty.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes Diego Costa is continuing to blossom in a new attacking set-up at Stamford Bridge.

TODAY 

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud was pleased to hear the Gunners fans voicing their support for manager Arsene Wenger during today’s 4-1 win over Newcastle, while insisting his fellow Frenchman is still the right man for the job.

Wayne Rooney hailed a “massive” win for Manchester United as a counter-attacking display earned them a 2-1 win at Arsenal.

Louis Ludik, Franco van der Merwe and Wiehahn Herbst will make their debuts for Ulster against Scarlets at Parc Y Scarlets, tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 2.40pm).

The World Cup still dominates the schedules, but Donal Skehan does begin a new show on the previous generation of top Irish cooks

Tina Mcintyre is attacked on Coronation Street and The Good Wife returns in an unfortunately late slot on RTE.

The Great Irish Bake Off is back, and a week of coverage from Chelsea will have gardeners drooling

Championship play-off: Richard Dunne has urged QPR to seize their second chance when they face Wigan for a place at Wembley on Monday night (7.45pm, live on Sky Sports 1).

Joe Hart paid tribute to manager Manuel Pellegrini as Manchester City clinched their second Barclays Premier League title with a comfortable 2-0 win over West Ham.

The Consumer Show is back, and Friday brings the final of the UK version of Masterchef.

Manuel Pellegrini warned Manchester City the Premier League is not finished yet after they moved to the summit with victory over Everton.

Jack Bauer is back in 24, while Billy Connolly says goodbye. And there’s also the Eurovision semi-final.

Super Garden returns, it’s a big week for the Champions League and there’s also some serious depravity in Game of Thrones.

Game of Thrones and Champions League soccer are the big tickets in town this week.

True Detective reaches a crucial point and Dragons Den makes a return

Colm Herron owner of the Hillgrove Hotel with Norah Casey on the new series of ‘The Takeover’, beginning on RTÉ Two on Thursday.

A documentary on UFC star Conor McGregor and the second heat of MasterChef Ireland are among the homegrown shows over the next few days.

MasterChef Ireland and Hector both make welcome returns.

True Detective  debuts on Sky Atlantic,  while Operation Transformation reaches its conclusion for this year.

House of Cards makes a welcome return on Netflix, and Frank looks just as nasty as ever.