RAFAEL BENITEZ is calling on referees and football authorities to protect the top players by taking a tougher stance on dangerous tackles.

JERMAIN DEFOE kept Tottenham on course for a Champions League spot after his strike ensured a draw against Wigan at White Hart Lane yesterday.

SHARES in Manchester United eased back more than 3% yesterday as the markets awaited fresh news on the takeover of the club.

THE houses of the families struck by Monday’s tragedy were easily recognisable in the small community around Navan.

A PRIVATE nursing home group owned by John Magnier and JP McManus is eyeing up a takeover of The Priory, the London clinic best known for treating celebrities with drug habits.

John Philips

FALLEN football idol George Best was banned for 20 months after he was caught drink-driving as he tried to get to a health farm to “sort himself out” following a furious row with his son, Calum.

KEN DOHERTY needs another miraculous recovery to deny Mark Williams, as the mercurial Welshman raced into an 11-5 lead in the Embassy World Championship after the first two sessions.

CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho admitted yesterday that he was scared by the arrival of bird flu in Britain.

CELTIC are considering a request to play Manchester United in a testimonial for Roy Keane on Wednesday, August 3.

ARSENAL’S new stadium will generate more cash than any other in world football, managing director Keith Edelman has claimed.

THE on/off takeover of Manchester United took another twist yesterday following a statement from American business tycoon Malcolm Glazer.

ALEX FERGUSON is convinced the signing of teenager Wayne Rooney can propel Manchester United to Champions League glory.

JAMIE CARRAGHER insists Liverpool have returned from the World Club Championship determined to mount a serious challenge to Chelsea’s grip on the Barclays Premiership.

BARCELONA president Joan Laporta revealed yesterday he would not get involved in an auction with Manchester United to sign Ronaldinho.

WITH great dignity Gerard Houllier pledges to fight on to restore Liverpool to their former glories.

“GOODBYE Cruel Football,” reads the massive splash headline on yesterday’s edition of Marca, Spain’s largest-selling sports tabloid.

ROY KEANE is being groomed for management and could be the man to succeed Alex Ferguson.

MANCHESTER UNITED fans’ attempts to stave off a threatened takeover by American businessman Malcolm Glazer have received a substantial boost.

ARSENE WENGER has admitted last season’s startling Premiership collapse has played a major part in Arsenal’s flying start to the new campaign.