Sunderland have appealed Stephane Sessegnon’s red card against Aston Villa and his case will be heard by an independent regulatory commission tomorrow, the Football Association has announced.

THERE are guilty pleasures and then there is the Eurovision Song Contest.

Brothers David and Stéphane Foenkinos’ debut feature Delicacy is a quirky romcom starring Amelie’s Audrey Tautou, says Declan Cashin

NOVAK DJOKOVIC and Roger Federer both impressed on day two of the 125th Wimbledon Championships to ensure the men’s ‘big four’ all safely reached the second round.

Kim Clijsters declared herself a work in progress after coming through her first match at the French Open in five years in reasonably comfortable fashion against Anastasiya Yakimova today.

Seventh seed Maria Sharapova swept into the second round of the French Open today for the loss of only three games against Mirjana Lucic.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce was celebrating tonight after pulling off a second January transfer window signing.

SPECIAL DUTY was awarded the StanJames.com 1000 Guineas in the Newmarket stewards’ room – even though Jacqueline Quest was first past the post.

The Taliban today demanded France free prisoners in exchange for two French journalists kidnapped in Afghanistan in December.

Carlos Sainz moved into the overall lead of the Dakar Rally after stage five today as overnight leader Stephane Peterhansel was delayed by transmission problems to his BMW.

Stephane Pasquier is in demand to ride Getaway in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

A LIMERICK-BASED couple is embarking on a new venture by taking wine lovers into a French vineyard to enjoy the whole wine-making experience.

DRAMA is never far from Kieren Fallon and his supporters had to survive an excruciating 35-minute wait before Dylan Thomas was awarded victory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp yesterday.

Gael Garcia Bernal plays an insecure artist, Stephane, trying to woo Stephanie (Charlotte Gainsbourg) in ‘The Science of Sleep’ (Warner, €24.99).

Reigning champion Luc Alphand is looking to join the ranks of motorsport’s elite by claiming victory in the 2007 Dakar Rally, which gets under way in Portugal tomorrow.

CONNECTIONS of Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe hero Rail Link remain understandably elated following the colt’s thrilling victory at Longchamp on Sunday.

Connections of Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe hero Rail Link remain understandably elated following the colt’s thrilling victory at Longchamp.

Stephane Henchoz and David Thompson have been released by Wigan.

Former skiing champion Luc Alphand admitted his relief at winning the Dakar Rally, although the event was overshadowed by three deaths during the race.

STEPHANE PETERHANSEL has called for a combined Mitsubishi effort to defeat Volkswagen’s main challenger Giniel de Villiers in the Dakar Rally.

Stephane Henchoz’s agent today confirmed the Swiss defender has joined the list of players leaving Celtic.

Pop beauty Kylie Minogue's management has rubbished reports she's agreed to marry her French lover Olivier Martinez.

SEAN CONNERY has branded a neighbour a “tyrant” in a fresh round of lawsuits.

Shaun Maloney will miss the Bank of Scotland Premier League match with Dundee but Martin O'Neill has eased fears the striker is facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

SEAN CONNERY has been hit with a multimillion euro lawsuit by neighbours who claim he is making their lives a living hell.

MARTIN O’NEILL claimed yesterday that Celtic are worthy Old Firm favourites - but denies that victory for his side tomorrow would decide the destination of the championship.

Celtic defender Ulrik Laursen claims he feels nothing but pity for the Dunfermline players for having to play on their infamous East End Park plastic pitch.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has challenged new signing Stephane Henchoz to follow Stanislav Varga’s example and turn himself from bit-part player to first-choice pick.

Celtic could be on the verge of winning the race to sign Liverpool defender Stephane Henchoz.

Celtic have been told to act fast if they want to snap up Liverpool defender Stephane Henchoz before the transfer window closes.

Versatile Jamie Carragher is on standby to play at the heart of Liverpool’s defence in their most important game of the season.

Colin McRae survived the longest stage of the Dakar Rally with his top-three position intact and admitted he was surprised at the pace of the more experienced competitors.

Former world rally champion Colin McRae is excited by the challenge of the 6,800-mile Dakar Rally.

Igor Biscan has been told he is definitely playing in the derby battle with Everton.

Stephane Henchoz is ready to return to training at Liverpool after missing eight games after groin surgery.

Liverpool defender Stephane Henchoz is to have an operation on a calf muscle and has been ruled out for five weeks.

Joe Royle believes Liverpool are finally ready to challenge Arsenal and Manchester United for the major honours.