A remarkable collection of world leaders and royalty rubbed shoulders today at John Paul’s funeral, with only an alphabetical seating plan to divide heads of state whose relations could be frosty or even non-existent.

Throngs of pilgrims waved Polish flags, recited the rosary and sang hymns as they packed the cobblestone streets leading up to the Vatican today to bid an emotional farewell to Pope John Paul.

Newcastle 1 Sporting Lisbon 0

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists young goalkeeper Scott Carson will not be blamed for allowing Juventus back into their Champions League quarter-final.

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.

Roy Keane sounded a positive rallying cry despite the Republic of Ireland suffering a setback on the road to the World Cup finals.

Israel 1 Republic of Ireland 1

PSV Eindhoven substitute Robert was the hero as he slotted the deciding penalty to book their place in the Champions League semi-final – and a probable double-header against AC Milan.

Liverpool forced a goalless draw against Italian giants Juventus to ensure Premier League representation in the Champions League final in Istanbul on May 25.

George Best is not ruling out the possibility of Northern Ireland ruffling England’s feathers when they meet in a World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Martyn Williams is very proud to be voted RBS 6 Nations player of the championship but believes there were plenty of other candidates in Wales’ Grand Slam side.

Middlesbrough 1 Southampton 3

Wales coach Mike Ruddock saluted his Grand Slam heroes after they swept aside Ireland 32-20 at the Millennium Stadium to claim championship glory in emphatic style.

Wales 32 Ireland 20

Blackburn 0 Arsenal 1

Arsenal 4 Norwich 1

Newcastle fans could last night be forgiven for thinking April Fools’ Day had arrived a few hours early after reports leaked out that skipper Alan Shearer had agreed to play on for his home-town club for another season.

Bitter rivals Manchester United and Arsenal will return to the Millennium Stadium on May 21 to put their seasons on the line in a mouthwatering FA Cup final.

British rural affairs minister Alun Michael ran the gauntlet of pro-hunting demonstrators as he arrived for a conference in London today.

The Football Association is to investigate the violent scenes which marred Chelsea’s Carling Cup victory over West Ham at Stamford Bridge last night.