Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton has spoken of his relief after escaping a ban for baring his backside at Everton fans and expressed regret at his actions.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CSKA Moscow and Sporting Lisbon will contest the UEFA Cup final at Sporting’s own Jose Alvalade Stadium.

The Scottish Football Association today agreed to Hearts’ request to postpone the hearing into their controversial comments made in the wake of the Andy Davis affair.

Wales 32 Ireland 20

A Syrian inmate at Iraq’s notorious Abu Ghraib prison told a court martial today that US army Specialist Charles Graner was the primary torturer who laughed while physically abusing him and threatened to kill him more than once.

Clare 1-20 Wexford 0-12

Chelsea today strongly denied claims of racist abuse by Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o in the latest controversy between the two clubs.

The Football Association were on Monday weighing up whether to start an investigation into Jose Mourinho’s controversial gesture during Chelsea’s Carling Cup final success.

Shrewsbury are back in the Football League after a year’s absence.

All the action from today's O'Byrne and Dr McKenna Cup matches.

Cork Con 28 Blackrock 25

Celtic star Neil Lennon today claimed that the Scottish champions were facing Barcelona at the best possible time.

Cork 2-7 Tipperary 0-13

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered today for a march against a controversial animal research centre which is being built by Oxford University.