Gary Neville has accused the Football Association of setting a “dangerous precedent” by failing to meet their own deadlines after an appeals hearing upheld his £5,000 (€7,300) fine for improper conduct.

Celtic today moved quickly to turn down a written transfer request from Stilian Petrov.

David Beckham admits “the whole nation” is willing Wayne Rooney to be fit for the World Cup – and gave a glimmer of hope by revealing the striker “looked fine” when he was dancing at the England skipper’s party.

Andy Cole has signed a one-year extension to his contract at Manchester City.

Bayer Leverkusen claim Tottenham have agreed to match their asking price for Bulgaria striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has hailed LA Galaxy-bound David Beckham as a “gentleman” – but made it clear he believed the 31-year-old former England captain was no longer part of the club’s plans.

Billie Piper’s new drama, The Secret Diary Of A Call Girl, gave UK TV channel ITV2 some of its most successful viewing figures last night.

Birmingham have no fresh worries for the Barclays Premier League clash with Blackburn at Ewood Park.

Alex Ferguson is reporting a clean bill of health of Sunday’s blockbuster showdown with Liverpool at Anfield.

Alex Ferguson is reporting a clean bill of health of Sunday’s blockbuster showdown with Liverpool at Anfield.

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is set to return to the squad after a two-month absence with a metatarsal injury.

UEFA have called on the British government to investigate the growing trend of foreign money being invested in UK clubs.

Steve McClaren made two enforced changes from the side which had overcome Greece 4-0 last month for his first competitive match as England manager against the minnows of Andorra.

Highly-rated American teenager Freddy Adu has left Washington DC United to join fellow Major League Soccer side Real Salt Lake.

Wembley Stadium will launch an internal inquiry into the fiasco that has left hundreds of executive club fans waiting for their FA Cup final tickets with two days to go.

Justin Timberlake's romance with Jessica Biel is getting so serious the actress flew into the UK to see the pop superstar on his European tour.

The Champions League draw for the first knockout round threw up some mouth-watering ties, with holders and World Club Cup winners AC Milan paired with Arsenal.

Wigan skipper Arjan De Zeeuw claims his side are refusing to look beyond avoiding relegation this season despite being second in the Barclays Premiership table.

Middlesbrough defender Stuart Parnaby has recovered from a groin injury and returns to the squad for tomorrow’s Carling Cup third round tie at Everton.

Roy Keane is set to miss Ireland's crucial World Cup qualifier against Switzerland next month after he broke a bone in his foot yesterday.