POLICE AGGRESSION made a tense situation “catch fire” at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, according to former referee Anders Frisk.

WEDNESDAY night’s controversial Champions League quarter-final tie between Roma and Manchester United received markedly different press coverage across Europe.

ARSENAL’S link to America has been strengthened by US billionaire Stan Kroenke acquiring a 9.9% stake in the club.

THE sun shone brightly yesterday, but it couldn’t hide the pain of a town that bid farewell to two young local men who died in a car crash on Sunday.

It’s a big week for the Champions League and soccer correspondent Liam Mackey sticks out his neck to predict the four semi-finalists.

SATURDAY night’s 1-1 draw between Roma and Milan in Rome lived up to its billing as a possible dress rehearsal for the Champions League semi-final.

VIEWERS of Sky Sports will know of Geoff Shreeves. He does most of the pre and post-match interviews around the key football matches.

CARLOS TEVEZ can go one better than Paolo di Canio by becoming the West Ham hero who saves the club from relegation.

TAKE a straw poll outside Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge or any other Premiership stadium and the answer to the question, ‘Who should be Footballer of the Year?’ will probably prompt one of two names — Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba.

ALEX FERGUSON has confidently predicted Manchester United will book an FA Youth Cup Final meeting with north-west rivals Liverpool tonight.

SKIPPER Ryan Giggs has spelt out the winning mentality that John Toshack wants him to pass on to his evolving Wales squad.

LIVERPOOL’S new owners completed their takeover yesterday in a remarkable eight weeks.

SHAY GIVEN is very much alive and kicking — and Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder predicts the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper can play until he is 40.

GILBERTO is warning Arsenal cannot afford to slip up against Charlton tonight if they want to stay on course for a Champions League place.

Reading 6 West Ham 0

MANCHESTER United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been honoured in his home country by being awarded the Portugal Sportsperson of the Year award for 2006.

FULHAM manager Chris Coleman will tell his players to throw everything at a Chelsea side rocked by the loss of injured captain John Terry for today’s London derby at Stamford Bridge.

ROY KEANE picked Manchester United rookie Jonny Evans for a starring role with Sunderland — after bumping into him at the pictures.

WEST HAM boss Alan Curbishley held a team meeting this week to tell his players what is needed to restore the famous Upton Park atmosphere that was silenced on St Stephen’s Day.

A brochure advertising sex films created quite a stir amongst pharmacists, clergy and politicians, writes Caroline O’Doherty.