Hockey

More than 100,000 people flooded the streets of Caracas yesterday to oppose a referendum that would eliminate term limits for President Hugo Chavez and help him establish a socialist state in Venezuela.

There was no dream return to London Irish for England’s Peter Richards as Harlequins, his former club, recorded their second win over the Exiles this season with a narrow EDF Energy Cup victory.

Arsene Wenger had a blazing touchline row with Martin Jol over Robbie Keane’s controversial goal in a incident-packed 1-1 draw at Highbury and afterwards accused the Tottenham bench of lying.

UEFA admit it will be difficult to find “hard evidence” to punish allegations of racism towards Benni McCarthy during Blackburn’s clash against Wisla Krakow in Poland.

– A tearful Michael Ballack claimed “it just isn’t meant to be” for him to play in a World Cup final after Italy clinched an epic semi-final victory over Germany in Dortmund last night.

Anthony Davidson was fastest when practice began for the United States Grand Prix but the first track action of the weekend at Indianapolis played second fiddle to this afternoon’s World Cup action.

Salthill-Knocknacarra star Sean Armstrong knocked in Galway's only goal as they comprehensively beat GMIT 1-19 to 0-7 to qualify for the Connacht FBD League final today.

Head coach Gareth Jenkins slammed referee Chris White after Wales fell to a controversial late defeat to Italy in Rome.

Frank Rijkaard admits Barcelona cannot afford to make another mistake if they are to reach the knock-out phase of the Champions League.

A retired garda detective superintendent today claimed he had never heard of ’boxing’ - an irreverent garda term to get suspects to tell the truth.

A former garda surveillance expert was today accused of denying suspects were routinely recorded while in custody for fear scores of convictions would be overturned.

A detective sergeant threatened his Garda interviewers that he had notes and tapes of his conversations with senior officers in Donegal, the Morris Tribunal heard today.

Hundreds of revellers transformed Belfast city centre into a sea of colour today to mark St Patrick’s Day.

Police detained 300 people around France after nationwide student marches against a new labour law turned violent.

Thierry Henry insists Arsenal’s young starlets can secure a glittering future for the club – with or without him.

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani condemned the alleged abuse by British soldiers of Iraqi youths that was caught on film in 2004, describing it as “unjustified”, his spokesman said today.

New Norwich manager Peter Grant has leapt to the defence of his under-fire Birmingham counterpart Steve Bruce and branded criticism of him as "a disgrace" given his overall success at St Andrews.

Tottenham boss Martin Jol was waiting to see a replay of Didier Zokora’s dismissal during the 2-1 win over Middlesbrough before deciding whether to appeal against the decision.

The stalled P-Pars payroll system will use up €21m in taxpayers’ money this year, the Dáil heard today.