Pakistan cricket: Jury undecided on corruption verdict

The jury in the corruption trial of Pakistan cricketers Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif has retired for the day after failing to reach a verdict.

It comes after the judge said he would take majority verdicts because they could not reach unanimous decisions.

Mr Butt, 27, and Mr Asif, 28, deny conspiracy to cheat and conspiracy to accept corrupt payments.

They are accused of plotting to bowl deliberate no-balls in last summer's Lord's Test against England.

The allegations came from an undercover reporter investigating match-fixing.
Prosecutors allege that Mr Butt, the former Pakistan captain, and bowler Mr Asif conspired with agent Mazhar Majeed and Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir, 19, to deliver three intentional no-balls during the Lord's Test between Pakistan and England from August 26 to 29 last year.

Jurors were told that Mr Majeed, 36, accepted £150,000 in cash, as part of an arrangement to rig games or aspects of games, from an undercover News of the World reporter.

The jury has heard that the agent told the undercover journalist that two no-balls would be bowled by Mr Amir and one by Mr Asif at pre-arranged points during the Lord's Test.

El-Hadji Diouf signs for Doncaster Rovers

Senegal international striker El-Hadji Diouf has joined Doncaster Rovers on a three-month deal, subject to clearance.

The 30-year-old, who was released by Blackburn in the summer, has joined the Championship club after talks with boss Dean Saunders.
The two-time African Footballer of the Year previously played for Liverpool, Bolton, Sunderland and Rangers.

Diouf told Sky Sports News: "I'm focused on doing my best for this club and after that we'll see what happens."
Rovers are joint bottom of the Championship table with only nine points from 14 games.
"It's the challenge. I signed to help the team, do my best and play my football," added Diouf, who said he had been training with both Wigan Athletic and West Ham United.

"I'll try to make myself fit and why not try to help this team stay up?
"I could go to the Middle East or somewhere but I wanted to come back to a big level like the Championship."

Diouf has scored 21 international goals in 69 appearances and will help cover Doncaster's current shortage of strikers.
James Hayter was the only recognised centre-forward in the squad for Saturday's 1-1 draw with Coventry.

Billy Sharp missed the game due to a family problem, Chris Brown is only just returning from a knee injury and Jon Parkin has returned to Cardiff following his loan at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Diouf is the latest high-profile player to join Rovers.

Former England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland signed on-loan from Wigan earlier in October - but only lasted a week after getting injured.
They also signed ex-Tottenham and Blackburn defender Pascal Chimbonda in September and have taken Herita Ilunga on a three-month loan deal from West Ham.

Saunders has defended the club's transfer strategy and insists signing Diouf is not a gamble.
He said: "I know he has been training at West Ham and Wigan so I've monitored that hoping they weren't going to sign him.
"West Ham offered him a deal I think and we have managed to persuade him to come and play for us.

"He's a brilliant signing for us. He's won African Player of the Year twice, which is no mean feat considering some of the players they have got over there.
"He played for Rangers last season and hopefully he can come in and try to help us.
"Hopefully he likes it and he stays. We cannot afford to pay ridiculous wages so we have signed him at a reasonable wage for this short period and hopefully he will get us some points."

Diouf, who has courted controversy throughout his career in England, joined Liverpool from Lens for £10m in 2002.
He moved to Bolton in 2005, making 88 appearances at the Reebok Stadium, before switching to Sunderland's Stadium of Light a year later.

Diouf then joined Blackburn under Sam Allardyce's management in 2009 before finishing last season on loan at Rangers.
He picked up a league title winner's medal while in Scotland but upset a lot of Celtic fans along the way, most notably when he was sent off after the final whistle in Rangers' Scottish Cup defeat at Parkhead in March.

Diouf had been on trial with Allardyce's West Ham earlier this month but the Hammers boss decided not to offer the Senegalese a short-term deal because of his lack of fitness and opposition amongst the club's fans to a move.

Today football

Manchester City, Aston Villa and Bolton are among the teams in action in the top flight after Arsenal stun Chelsea and Manchester United see off Everton on a busy day in the Premier League, SPL and Football League.

Tomkins stars as England beat Wales

Sam Tomkins scored four tries as England kicked off their Four Nations campaign with a comfortable victory over Wales at Leigh.

Two tries from Wigan Warriors full-back Tomkins and one from Hull's Kirk Yeaman put the hosts 14-0 up at the break.

Tomkins completed his hat-trick and added another before Jack Reed, Chris Heighington and Gareth Widdop scored.

Bradford's Elliot Kear was the solitary scorer for Wales as they suffered their eighth consecutive defeat by England.
The hosts will be happy to begin the campaign with a win, albeit against a Wales side that did not cause them too much trouble.

But despite the flattering score line, England made a number of unforced errors, something which will be of concern to coach Steve McNamara with sterner tests against Australia and New Zealand to come.

England began the game in barnstorming fashion as Ben Westwood smashed Jordan James with a huge hit. The home side claimed possession and Tomkins went in for the first try from Rangi Chase's pass, with barely 50 seconds on the clock.

Wales' talisman Lee Briers was getting more time on the ball than he would have expected, sending some testing kicks towards the England backline. Tomkins caught the first high bomb cleanly, while the visitors could muster nothing after a 40-20.

But Tomkins was making the difference with his finishing, getting on the score sheet again with a neat dummy, after combining with Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield.

Wales were dropping the ball too many times when in possession, allowing Sinfield and Chase to run the game from the halves. The two exchanged passes to put in Yeaman, who dived over for England's third.

The second half began in much the same way as the first ended, with both sides dropping the ball on several occasions, with no flow to the game.
However, direct running from NRL-based Gareth Ellis saw him break the Welsh line on 50 minutes, before feeding the supporting run of Tomkins, who touched down for his hat-trick.

This international appearance was a much more pleasurable experience for the Wigan man after being roundly booed by the England fans in the match against the Exiles in June.
The gap between the sides was beginning to open up now and England were putting Wales to the sword.

A sweeping move from the home side was finished off by centre Jack Reed after being found by Westwood.

Wales' confidence wilted and they were tiring from the constant pressure. Briers' mistake from a goal-line drop-out was duly punished by England, as Sinfield found Tomkins who went in for his fourth try of the game.

The travelling Wales fans finally had something to cheer about, as they got on the scoreboard.
A quality passing move from the Welsh side eventually saw the ball find the hands of Bradford Bulls' new signing Elliot Kear, who finished off by touching down in the right hand corner.

England were not done, though, as Chris Heighington went in between the posts and Gareth Widdop caught Wales on the break to finish off the rout.

England v India Twenty Twenty international

England 74-2 as they chase 121 to beat India in their Twenty20 international in Kolkata.
 

McIlroy extends lead in Shanghai

Open champion Rory McIlroy moved closer to claiming the $2 million winner's check at the Shanghai Masters Friday, carding a second round 69 to lead the field by two strokes.

Overnight leader McIlroy was overhauled by Korean Noh Seung-Yul after a double bogey at the ninth, but the world number three recovered to hit four birdies on the final eight holes to finish day two 11-under-par for the tournament.

Noh, 20, carded a stunning nine-under round of 63, which included nine birdies, to move into second place at the Lake Malaren Golf Club, one stroke ahead of 2010 British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and American Anthony Kim in third.

Three-time major champion Padraig Harrington was tied for fifth on seven-under alongside Kim's compatriot Hunter Mahan, who was one shot behind McIlroy after day one.

Englishman Ian Poulter and Sweden's Robert Karlsson both hit rounds of 69 to sit on six-under.
World No.2 Lee Westwood is level with Europe's victorious 2010 Ryder Cup winning captain Colin Montgomerie, with the duo currently five-under.

The tournament, which is not affiliated to any of golf's professional tours, boasts a total prize fund of $5m.

Manchester City forced to reduce fine handed down to Tevez

Manchester City have been forced to halve the four-week fine they handed out to Carlos Tevez after the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) refused to sanction the move.

The English Premier League club had punished the Argentina international with a fine of a month's wages after finding him guilty of five breaches of contract for his refusal to warm up during a Champions League game with German club Bayern Munich.

Tevez was a substitute in Germany and City initially accused the striker of refusing to play but later downgraded the charges.
As such, the PFA, the union that represent players in England and Wales, insisted that a fine of two week's wages was the maximum allowed.

In a statement on their official web site City said: "Manchester City is disappointed by the apparent PFA conflict of interest evident in this process.
"Carlos Tevez has been personally represented throughout by the PFA chief executive, on whose considerations the club has been informed that the PFA has made its decision.

"Manchester City has been in constant dialogue with the PFA since September 28th. Today's PFA decision is a departure from the club's understanding of that dialogue.

"Without recourse to the PFA decision available, the maximum two-week fine provided for in standard player contracts will now be applied in relation to the misconduct of Carlos Tevez."
Tevez has not featured for City since the Bayern game in late September when the row with manager Roberto Mancini erupted on the touchline.

The Italian said after the game that Tevez had refused to come on as a substitute and also said the striker would "never" play for the club again.
Tevez insisted the incident was a misunderstanding, claiming he refused to warm-up because he had already done so. Tevez has been forced to train alone since the incident.

In his absence City have built up a five point lead at the top of the Premier League and recorded a 6-1 win at rivals Manchester United last weekend. They face Wolves on Saturday.

John Inverarity named as Australia's national selector

Former Test batsman John Inverarity has been named as Australia cricket's full-time national selector.

The 67-year-old replaces Andrew Hilditch, who lost his job in August after a review which followed the Test team's 3-1 Ashes defeat at home.

"John's been an outstanding contributor to cricket as a captain, player, coach, selector and mentor," said Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland.

"His work outside cricket as an educator of the young was significant."
Australia are fourth in the world Test rankings behind England, South Africa and India, having led the standings for 74 months between 2003 and 2009.

Inverarity, who played six Tests for Australia between 1968 and 1972, had coaching roles with English county sides Warwickshire and Kent, and has also been a schoolteacher and headmaster.

"I have had a great passion for cricket for many years and have found my involvement in the game as a player, a coach, a mentor and an observer hugely rewarding," said the new national selector.
His first duties will be for the first Test against New Zealand in December.

Australia have yet to announce who their new head coach will be following the resignation of Tim Nielsen in September.
Troy Cooley is filling the role on an interim basis for the current tour of South Africa, but is not applying to take over permanently.

On the same day as Inverarity's appointment, another former Test cricketer, Wally Edwards, was named as Cricket Australia's new chairman.

Hull KR sign Newcastle Knights forward Constantine -Mika

Hull KR have beaten Castleford Tigers to the signing of Newcastle Knights back row forward Constantine Mika on a two-year contract.

The Samoa international, 22, looked set to join Cas but has now decided to link up with new KR coach Craig Sandercock, who was Knights assistant.
Sandercock told BBC Radio Humberside Mika will be an adequate replacement for the departing Clint Newton.

"He's exactly what we need, a genuine back rower," he said.
"I'm really excited about securing him for Rovers."

The Robins coach does not think Mika will struggle to live up to the expectation of being compared to the former NRL Grand Final winner.

"I think they fans will appreciate what he has to bring to the table. He's a slightly different player to Clint but he's someone that I think will be a quality acquisition for us," added Sandercock.

New Zealand-born Mika is Rovers' sixth pre-season signing, following Ryan O'Hara, Mickey Paea, Graeme Horne, Keal Carlile and Lincoln Withers' move to Craven Park, subject to him receiving a work permit.

Caroline Wozniacki eliminated from WTA Championships

World number one Caroline Wozniacki crashed out of the WTA Championships in Turkey after losing to Petra Kvitova.

Denmark's Wozniacki, 21, who has played 80 matches on tour this year, needed her blood pressure checked after the first set and ultimately lost 6-4 6-2.

Wozniacki's second loss in the season-ending event came as the Czech Kvitova sealed her last-four place.

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus beat China's Li Na 6-2 6-2 to book her semi-final spot with a match to spare.

Also in Azarenka's White group in the elite eight-player event, French Open champion Li will play US Open winner Samantha Stosur on Friday with a semi-final berth at stake.
In Kvitova's Red group, Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland beat Russian Vera Zvonareva 1-6 6-2 7-5 to set-up a tense finale on Friday.

Radwanska needs to win just a set against Kvitova to qualify for the knock-out stages, but if the Pole loses in straight sets Zvonareva will go through.

Wozniacki, who will end the year on top of the rankings for a second consecutive season, found the effects of two long three-set matches in two days too much to cope with.
She only won 54% of points on her first serve and failed to create a single break point against Kvitova.

"I tried my best, but my body didn't want to do the things I asked it," Wozniacki said. "What I told my brain didn't go to my body.

"A lot of things have been happening this week. It's just unfortunate that my body has been feeling tired. To get sick now is not the best time if you want to beat the top players.
"That's not to say Petra would not have won the match anyway. She has been playing very well and she deserves to have won her two matches."

Azarenka, who lost to Li in the fourth round of the Australian Open and in the quarter-finals in Paris, is guaranteed a semi-final place, even if she loses to Maria Sharapova's replacement Marion Bartoli of France on Friday.

"Li Na has such a good return and likes to dominate from the beginning, so I tried to serve well and take that away from her," said Azarenka. "The crowd here in Istanbul just makes me want to play well and show them some good tennis.

Man City 2-5 Wolverhampton

Manchester City reached the last eight of the Carling Cup after their lethal attack made light work of Wolves.
Wolves took a shock lead when Nenad Milijas smashed in before Adam Johnson equalised from the edge of the area.

It was 3-1 four minutes later when Johnson's ball was tucked home by Samir Nasri before Edin Dzeko tapped in.
A Dorus De Vries own goal extended the lead and Dzeko turned in the fifth before Wolves' Jamie O'Hara converted Stephen Ward's ball from the left.

Five more goals from City meant that the Manchester club have scored 15 goals in their last three games.
They started poorly though as Wolves took the lead before the game was turned on its head in four madcap first-half minutes.

Mick McCarthy's men looked more potent during much of the first 45, with David Edwards heading over from two yards before Milijas hammered his side into the lead with 18 minutes on the clock.

City then stepped up their performance which up until the 37th minute seemed to be basking in the afterglow of their 6-1 win at Old Trafford.

Without rested central midfield maestro David Silva, City relied on the flanks to provide the threat.
It was Kolarov, on the right, who provided the cross which led to the equaliser. Dzeko controlled the delivery in the area and laid the ball back to Johnson who let fly from the edge of the area.

Almost straight from the restart, City were ahead. This time, Johnson played quarterback with a pass that split the Wolves defence and found Nasri who slid his shot past De Vries.

The turnaround was complete moments later when Johnson swung in a cross from the right and found youngster Luca Scapuzzi. The Italian's shot from two yards was blocked by Wolves stopper De Vries but the follow-up was stuck in by Dzeko.

If the fans inside Molineux thought the first half was entertaining they were in for another 'goalfest' after the break.
City extended their lead with five minutes of the half played when Scapuzzi pounced on a rebound from Nasri's shot to tuck in from two yards out.


However, the 20-year-old's strike was later given as a De Vries own goal with the ball having crept in off the body of the keeper.

City's fifth came shortly after and it was arguably the best goal of game. Nasri played a one-two with Dzeko before finding Stefan Savic on the left of the area.

The Montenegro player found Bosnia striker Dzeko who tapped in.
Game over, but it was not the end of the entertainment.

Wolves reduced the arrears a minute later when O'Hara converted from six yards out after he was fed by Stephen Ward.
Several spills by City's stand-in keeper Costel Pantilimon meant that the visitors had to work hard up until the final whistle, but there were no more goals on what was a thrilling night of action.
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy:

"That was an abject lesson in finishing. But I was pleased with our performance.
"That sounds crazy when you've just been beaten by five, but I was happy.
"We started well, and deserved the lead. The fact we didn't hang on to the lead was nothing to do with defending badly.

"City are all top players. They won't be made to work harder than they were tonight, that's for sure."

Rugby Star Gareth Thomas Retreat From All Forms of Rugby.

Wales dual-code international Gareth Thomas has announced his immediate retirement from all forms of rugby.

The news comes four days before he was due to play for Wales rugby league against England in the Four Nations.

Thomas, 37, whose last game of rugby was for Crusaders on 9 July, explained the reasons behind his decision.

"I have listened to and discussed this decision with many of my family and close friends. My mind has told me that the time to retire is now," he said.
"If you can't give 100% to rugby then you can't do it justice. This is a sad day but I know that my time has come to an end as a player.

"My passion for the amazing game will never end or leave me, however."
Former British and Irish Lions captain Thomas switched codes from rugby union with Wrexham-based Super League club Crusaders two years ago and, following their demise, was rumoured to be pursuing a shock move to Wigan.

But the surprise announcement on Tuesday brings Thomas' sporting career to an end.
"We can confirm that Gareth Thomas is officially retiring from both international and club rugby with immediate effect," said his agent, Emanuele Palladino, in a statement.

"This marks the end of... a remarkable career for a remarkable person.
"Gareth hopes that through his achievements both on and off the field he has left a lasting legacy within the game."

Thomas made his rugby union Test debut against Japan in 1995 and went on to captain Wales to their first Grand Slam in 27 years in 2005.
The centre or wing then took over the Lions leadership in New Zealand later the same year, after original captain Brian O'Driscoll was injured in the opening Test.

The man nicknamed 'Alfie' has also played for Bridgend, Cardiff RFC, Celtic Warriors and spent three years in France with Toulouse, where he won the 2005 Heineken Cup, before returning to Wales to play for the Cardiff Blues.

Thomas switched codes in March 2010, having won 100 caps for Wales in union - the first man to win reach that mark for Wales - by joining the Crusaders and became a dual-code international the following October, scoring on his Wales debut in a 13-6 loss to Italy.

"I do not know what lies ahead, but I feel the challenge of something different excites me more than another year of rugby," Thomas added.
"I would like to thank everyone I have been involved with in the sport. I could not have achieved it without any of them.

"I have great memories and great friends that I will keep for the rest of my life. I leave knowing I have done everything in my power to be the best person and player I could have ever been.
"And finally, I thank my parents for all their support and help throughout my career."

Thomas captained Wales to a famous European Cup win over France that booked Wales' involvement in the forthcoming Four Nations against rugby league big guns England, Australia and New Zealand.

Wales coach Iestyn Harris thanked Thomas for his efforts and wished him well. He said: "I've worked with Gareth for just under two years and the work and desire that he put into his transition from union to league was a testament to his supreme professionalism.

"Even though he switched at a mature age his enthusiasm for information made his switch a huge success.
"Gareth's honesty and reasoning behind his decision were unselfish, it would have been easy for him to play the Wales internationals for his personal gain but he didn't want to take an opportunity off somebody else in our squad.

"I'm sure Alfie will be a huge success in whatever comes next in his life's journey, he certainly has the best wishes of myself and everybody involved in Wales Rugby League."
In December 2009 Thomas took the unusual and courageous decision for a sportsman of revealing that he was gay.

Thomas' life caught the interest of Hollywood star Mickey Rourke, who is interested in playing the rugby star in a film biopic.

Caroline Wozniacki aims to finish 2011 as number one at WTA Championships

Caroline Wozniacki will try to secure the year-end world number one ranking at the WTA Championships, which begin in Istanbul on Tuesday.
Wozniacki must win the title, or reach the final with with two or more round-robin wins, to guarantee the top spot.

The Dane has been drawn with Petra Kvitova, Vera Zvonareva and Agnieszka Radwanska in the red group.

Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka, Li Na and Sam Stosur complete the line-up in the white group.
"Of course when you've been number one the whole year, you'd like to finish the last week as number one as well," said Wozniacki.


"That would mean a lot to me since not a lot of people have finished the year two times in a row as number one."
Former world number one Sharapova is Wozniacki's closest challenger in the rankings but the Russian must at least reach the final to have a chance of finishing the year as number one.

Kvitova and Azarenka also have a mathematical chance of finishing in top spot, but both would require Wozniacki not to win a match and other results to go their way.

Sharapova has recovered from the ankle injury she suffered in Tokyo last month and takes her place in the end-of-season showpiece for the first time since 2007, a serious shoulder problem having disrupted her career in recent years.

"It's tough to talk about [number one] coming off the injury in Tokyo and not even knowing if I'd be able to compete for the rest of the year," said the 24-year-old.
"I think I'm just fortunate enough to say that I'm here and I'm going to be competing. That, to me, is a big accomplishment by itself.


"So whether it's number one or number two, whatever it is, I'm very pleased that I made it here and that I have a chance to compete and do well."
Sharapova added: "The last couple of years at this time I was sipping a margarita on the beach and now I have another tournament, so I'm quite exciteda bout it."

The tournament, for the top eight players in the WTA rankings, is taking place in Istanbul for the first time after being hosted in Doha for the past three years.

Wozniacki, 21, finished runner-up to Kim Clijsters last year but the Belgian is absent this time through injury, while former champions Venus and Serena Williams no longer rank highly enough to qualify.

Meanwhile, WTA chief executive and chairman, Stacey Allaster, has had her contract extended for an additional five years through to 2017. The Canadian took up the post in 2009.

Luke Donald wins US money list with Disney Classic victory

The Britain's Luke Donald clinched the PGA Tour money list title with victory at the Disney Classic in Florida.
The world number one played a magnificent back nine which included six birdies on the way to a 64.

Donald's chances looked far from certain with a bogey six on the eighth but his round came alive on the back nine.

Playing partner and PGA money list rival Webb Simpson finished the tournament four shots behind Donald.
triumph means Englishman Donald is on course to become the first player to top the money lists in both the United States and Europe.

In Europe the 33-year-old leads by over £1m, but there are eight events left and he will be missing some because his wife Diane is expecting their second child in the next fortnight.

Donald had to win the Florida tournament or finish second to top the money list. It did not look a certainty with eight holes to play as Donald, Simpson, Billy Mayfair and Justin Leonard trailed 15-under-par tournament leader Kevin Chappell by one stroke.

Donald then started playing majestic golf with consecutive birdies on 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15.
He took sole lead of the tournament on the 14th and strengthened his position with an extraordinary 45-foot putt on 15.

His form appeared to put Simpson off his stroke. The 26-year-old American, three under for the front nine, found himself making pars rather than birdies down the home stretch.

Donald, born in Hemel Hempstead, parred 16, 17 and 18 to card his 64 and finish 17 under par.
"I didn't play the par fives well," the Englishman said. "But what better time to go on a run than the final round back nine when everything was on the line?

"I wasn't too happy with my swing earlier in the week but it's nice to do it under pressure. All credit to [coach] Pat Goss and the good team I have around me.
"It's a tremendous wanted it."

Donald's Disney win was his fourth PGA career success but his first PGA strokeplay victory since the Honda Classic in 2006.

Donald is still chasing his first major victory, but has posted 14 top 10 finishes in 19 US tournaments in 2011.been year for me. I answered a lot of critics' questions coming here knowing I had to win, and doing it."


A gracious Simpson conceded: "I just ran into a buzz saw! I expected the best player in the world to play well but I didn't quite expect six birdies in a row. I didn't quite have my game wrehe I

Ragbi 2011: New Zealand hero Stephen Donald delights in 'unreal' World Cup journey

New Zealand fly-half Stephen Donald says kicking the winning points in the 8-7 World Cup final win over France having started the tournament as fourth choice was "unreal".
The 27-year-old, who two weeks ago was enjoying a fishing holiday, kicked what proved to be the match-winning penalty.

"My preparation wasn't ideal but it was an unreal experience," he said after his country's first title since 1987.
"To pretty much come from nowhere just feels funny. It hasn't sunk in yet."

Donald had expected by now to be linking up with new club Bath but as New Zealand's fly-half injury list lengthened during the tournament, he found himself summoned by All Blacks coach Graham Henry.
"I was out with a mate white-baiting. We'd had a good day, hauling in around 11 kilos, but it got a lot better," Donald said.

"I didn't get any of Ted's [Graham Henry's] calls because my phone was switched off, and it was only when I spoke to someone else later I found out they had been trying to contact me. Luckily, I had his number in my phone."

Star fly-half Dan Carter was the first casualty of the All Blacks' injury jinx, damaging his groin in a training session during the group stages, and Donald was subsequently called up as cover for Carter's replacement Colin Slade, who lasted only 33 minutes of the quarter-final win over Argentina before succumbing to a similar injury.

Even then, Donald only came off the bench at Eden Park for yet another injured number 10, Aaron Cruden.
But his presence proved vital when - after Tony Woodcock's earlier try - he kicked the 45th-minute penalty that edged his side to a narrow victory.

Donald said: "You always dream about things like playing in World Cups, but as number four in line you start to give that up a bit. But when I got the call I felt like the dream just got that much closer to reality again.

"To pretty much come from nowhere and find yourself playing in a World Cup final is an unreal experience - it just feels funny. It hasn't sunk in yet, and it's the same for the rest of the guys. They were just sitting around the changing room, not moving much and not saying much.

"The coaches said to me to be ready because it could come down to me having to kick the winning goal, and that is exactly how it panned out."

The All Blacks will now embark on a three-day victory tour, starting in Auckland on Sunday, before moving on to Christchurch on Tuesday and Wellington on Wednesday.

Man Utd's 6-1 loss to Man City is my worst ever day - Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson described Manchester United's 6-1 thrashing by rivals City as his "worst ever day" at the club and promised: "There will be a response."

Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko each scored twice as City tore United - who had Jonny Evans sent off - apart.
Ferguson said: "It's the worst result in my history. The impact will come from the embarrassment of the defeat."

Sergio Aguero and David Silva also scored for City in United's biggest Old Trafford defeat since 1955.
Ferguson believes the loss - which ended their run of 19 consecutive home wins in the Premier League - was self-inflicted, and criticised his team's gung-ho approach.

"It was a horrible defeat but it was suicidal," added the United boss.
"Jonny Evans's sending off was a killer for us. With 10 men we kept attacking - it was crazy football and ended up being an embarrassment. We should have just said: 'We've had our day'.

"I believe you shouldn't bring down a man on the edge of the box. Evans is young but he should let Balotelli go through and see what he can do.

"I thought with the experience we've got - Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra - they would have defended more but we just kept attacking. Sometimes there has to be common sense about it. It was a bad day."

Despite the manner of the defeat, Ferguson insisted that United will recover and close the five-point gap that now separates them and City.

"We'll come back," he said. "We usually get the show on the road in the second half of the season and that will have to be the case.

"We've played all the teams around us and they all have to play each other so the second half of the season is important to us now.

"We will react, no question about that. It's a perfect result for us to react to because there is a lot of embarrassment in the dressing room and that will make an impact.

"I can't believe the scoreline. Even as a player I don't think I ever lost 6-1. That's a challenge for me too."

England v India fourth one-day international

Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina both score half centuries as England struggle to prevent India
 reaching the 221 they need to take a 4-0 lead in the one-day series in humid Mumbai.

Saturday premier league football

Premier League strugglers Wolves and Swansea meet at 1245 BST to kick off a busy weekend, with Aston Villa and Liverpool also in action on Saturday and Sunday's Manchester derby

New Zealand will Begin 2011 Rugby Final Against France

New Zealand will begin Sunday's World Cup final against France as red-hot favourites to clinch the Webb Ellis trophy for the first time since 1987.
The All Blacks have scored 293 points in six straight wins and beat the French 37-17 in the pool stages.

But France wing Vincent Clerc says his side can shock the hosts again after causing upsets in 2007 and 1999.

"They have their reasons for being confident. Now maybe it is our turn to play our cards," he said.
"We are capable of playing the match we need to play and beating the All Blacks."
Clerc is a veteran of France's astonishing quarter-final victory over New Zealand in Cardiff in the tournament four years ago.

With the Toulouse man on the wing, France recovered from 10 points adrift at the break at the Millennium Stadium to sweep to a 20-18 victory and send the All Blacks plunging out of the tournament.

Another second-half comeback ended New Zealand's hopes in the semi-finals in 1999, while France won 27-22 in Dunedin in 2009.
"We know we can destabilise the All Blacks and we can do some exceptional things," Clerc added.
"We will have to put the heat on them and we will have to be extremely defensive in the way we were against the Welsh."

France's English defence coach David Ellis believes that despite a convincing 20-6 scoreline against Australia, there were weaknesses on display in the All Blacks' semi-final win.

"I watched the game and I was just expecting Australia to score and turn the game completely around. They didn't do it, mainly through their poor choices," he said.


"I think a lot of the choices they made in their attack were in the wrong areas of the field and they didn't disturb the All Blacks defence as they should have done."
An online bookmaker has already paid out on a New Zealand victory, but All Blacks head coach Graham Henry, who was in charge of the side at the last World Cup, is not taking anything for granted in his final match in charge.

"We have got to prepare that they're going to be the best in the world. They have certainly got the individuals to do that, it's just whether they can produce that as a side," he said.
"Their forward pack is probably as good a forward pack as we will play in this competition. Their scrum is very, very good, they've got a world-class loose forward trio and backs who can bite you."

Henry has selected a side containing 708 caps, with Keven Mealamu joining legend Sean Fitzpatrick as the All Blacks' most capped hooker in making his 92nd Test appearance.
Fly-half Aaron Cruden will be playing in only his ninth Test however, after being called up in the wake of star stand-off Dan Carter's groin injury.

"I have been really impressed with Aaron. He's been involved with the team all season, he's just slotted in nicely and he is making the most of his opportunity, which is awesome," said Carter.
But Carter, who has continued working with the squad, warned his team-mates to be prepared for France to raise their game once again.

"We have to expect the unexpected. The French are the best at doing something to surprise us, so the guys realise that we are in for a huge challenge."

New Zealand: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Richard Kahui, Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (capt), Kieran Read.

Replacements: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Adam Thomson, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Sonny Bill Williams.

France: Maxime Médard, Vincent Clerc, Aurélien Rougerie Maxime Mermoz, Alexis Palisson, Morgan Parra, Dimitri Yachvili; Jean-Baptiste Poux, William Servat, Nicolas Mas, Pascal Papé, Lionel Nallet, Thierry Dusautoir (capt), Julien Bonnaire, Imanol Harinordoquy.

Replacements: Dimitri Szarzewski, Fabien Barcella, Julien Pierre, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Jean-Marc Doussain, François Trinh-Duc, Damien Traille.

Englang Wins Four Natoins Rugby over France

Hull centre Tom Briscoe scored two tries as England overcame France 32-18 in their only warm-up ahead of their Four Nations opener on 29 October.

Steve McNamara's new side had too much class for their hosts, with debutants Jack Reed, Rangi Chase and Chris Heighington making key contributions.

Reed provided the highlight of the game with a thrilling 70-metre try.
France scored two late tries but England were convincing winners ahead of their showdown with Wales.

After the match veteran forward Adrian Morley said England have much to do if they are to be a force in the Four Nations tournament.
"It was a wake-up call. We've probably not been going as well as we thought we were but that's not to say we can't have a good week's preparation and sort a few things out and be ready for Wales.

"On the whole, we're probably disappointed with our performance. We're not devastated by any means, there was some positive stuff."

Kevin Sinfield set the tone with a 40-20 kick in the first set of tackles to set up the position for Reed to get Ryan Hall over for the first try with just 90 seconds on the clock.
Sinfield looked a likely tryscorer after smart offloads from front rowers James Graham and Jamie Peacock, but full-back Cyril Stacul came to the rescue with a last-ditch tackle and the French hit back with their best spell of the match.

A break from debutant centre Mathias Pala signalled danger and established the position from which captain Olivier Elima scored a try to level.
Thomas Bosc's conversion edged France in front but he missed a chance to extend their lead when he failed with a penalty.

The visitors eventually weathered the storm and took a firm grip on the game with three tries in the last 11 minutes of the first half, with Chase at the heart of the fightback.
Sinfield's second goal made it 20-6 at half-time and any prospect of a comeback by the French was ended when Briscoe grabbed his second try nine minutes into the second half.
Full-back replacement Gareth Widdop quickly made his mark, breaking the first line of defence to release Reed, who jinked past two defenders on a superb run to the line.
Sinfield's fourth goal opened up a 26-point lead but England relaxed their grip in the last 10 minutes to allow the French two late tries.

England start their Four Nations campaign against Wales at Leigh Sports Village, before taking on New Zealand at the KC Stadium in Hull on 12 November.

Ferguson is a 'teacher' says Manchester City boss Mancini

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has said he considers Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson a "teacher" as he prepares for Sunday's derby match.

The top two in the Premier League face each other at Old Trafford, with Mancini seeking a first league victory over Ferguson's side.

England v india 3rd ODI Intenational Match in Mohali

 Steven Finn leads England's fightback with two quick wickets against India, who are chasing 299 for a series victory, during the third one-day international in Mohali.

Kenny Dalglish says Liverpool are behind Luis -Suarez

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish says the club is "totally and utterly" behind Luis Suarez after Patrice Evra accused him of racism.

The Manchester United defender claims Suarez verbally abused him during the 1-1 draw at Anfield on Saturday.

Dalglish has also defended the Uruguay international against accusations from Sir Alex Ferguson that he is a diver.

"Obviously the two things are emotive but we support the wee man on both things," he said.
"Everyone at the football club is totally and utterly fully behind Luis Suarez."

Earlier this week Liverpool said Suarez, 24, "categorically denied" the accusation, and the striker wrote on Twitter that he was upset by the allegation.

But Ferguson has said Evra is "adament" he wants to pursue the allegation. The France full-back, 30, is believed to feel television replays will prove his case.

The Football Association is investigating the claims.

Dalglish said: "We are looking forward to a complete, transparent report from the FA and we will co-operate 100%."

Evra did not raise the allegations with referee Andre Marriner during the game.

The official only received a complaint after the match when Evra, accompanied by Ferguson, asked him to put it in his official match report.

Rugby World Cup final 2011: France unchanged for New Zealand

France coach Marc Lievremont insists his team can pull off one of the great World Cup upsets after he named an unchanged side for Sunday's final.

New Zealand thrashed France in the group stage and are favourites to win their first World Cup in 24 years after destroying Australia in the semi-final.

But Lievremont, in his last game in charge of the side, said: "Every time we play the All Blacks it's always the same - they are always the favourites.

"I believe in our team and we can win."
France have come in for heavy criticism after they struggled past 14-man Wales in Saturday's semi-final, going tryless in their 9-8 win.

That followed being beaten by Tonga in the Pool stages a fortnight ago - but Lievremont remains unapologetic about their style.
He said: "If we have to win it the same way we beat Wales, I will accept that with great pleasure.

"The problem with a lot of people is that they have serious holes in their memory. In 1999, apart from a very accomplished semi-final [against New Zealand], the French flair or the French spirit, as they say, was seriously missing. I should know, I was there.

"In 1995, there was an epic semi-final [against South Africa], but we qualified in the last minute against Scotland in the quarter-finals.

"The history of French rugby, even if displeases some people, has always been made of ups and down. Some matches that were not good, some won through courage, like last week."

Four of Lievremont's team - hooker William Servat, number eight Imanol Harinordoquy and the half-back pair of Dimitri Yachvili and Morgan Parra - only took part in very light training on Wednesday, while flanker Julien Bonnaire sat it out entirely.

While Lievremont has delayed naming his seven replacements until Friday, he is confident that his first choice XV - the second-oldest in French history - will all be fit for France's first World Cup final since 1999, when he himself was in the team.

He added: "It's really hard to compare a final as a player and as a coach. These games often come down to small details. I hope that will be the case - and not the thrashing everyone's predicted.

"The first thing I said to the players at the start of the World Cup was that everything matters, both mentally and physically. We must be prepared to do everything we can to win this match."

New Zealand thumped France 37-17 in their pool match four weeks ago. Thirteen of France's starting XV played in that match but All Blacks back Sonny Bill Williams said the squad were taking heed of what happened four years ago, when an unfancied French side were beaten by Argentina in the pool stages but produced a stirring second-half fightback to knock New Zealand out in the quarter-finals.

Williams warned: "Expect the unexpected. They can shock us, as they've done in past World Cups.
"Their scrum is up there with the best in the world, their line-out is not too bad either and their backs are unpredictable.

"You can play against one side one week and then you play against them a couple of weeks later and they're a different team. Past form means nothing."

France: Maxime Médard, Vincent Clerc, Aurélien Rougerie Maxime Mermoz, Alexis Palisson, Morgan Parra, Dimitri Yachvili; Jean-Baptiste Poux, William Servat, Nicolas Mas, Pascal Papé, Lionel Nallet, Thierry Dusautoir (c), Julien Bonnaire, Imanol Harinordoquy.

Rory McIlroy & Keegan Bradley share lead at Grand Slam

Rory McIlroy carded four birdies on the back nine in a four under 67 to share the first day lead with Keegan Bradley at the PGA Grand Slam in Bermuda.

The 22-year-old US Open champion holed from 30 feet at the 12th in the two-day competition for the four winners of the year's major Championships.

Bradley posted two eagles to reach six under but bogeyed the 14th and 16th.
Masters champion Charl Schwartzel shot a 74 and Open winner Darren Clarke slumped to a 77.
McIlroy reached the turn at two under despite missing a series of putts from inside 10 feet at the 6,845-yard Port Royal Course in Southampton.

He birdied the fifth after almost driving the 380-yard par-four but three-putted the 11th before his round was revived by the long putt at 12.
Bradley made a serene start, firing majestic six-irons to within two feet at both the second and seventh for his eagles.

However he missed a par putt from only a foot on the 14th, which McIlroy birdied, and the Northern Irishman reduced Keegan's lead to two shots at the next with another birdie after driving to within 10 yards of the 412-yard par-four.

The 235-yard par-three 16th was played during a brief rainstorm and McIlroy was the only one of the four players to find the green.

He parred the hole, but gained another shot after Bradley took four, while Schwartzel and Clarke both hit their tee shots into the sea and finished with triple bogeys.

Clarke, who was three over after four holes, said: "Obviously I'm disappointed. I'm struggling with my swing and I'm struggling with my ball-striking. So, if you mix that with putting equally bad, that usually doesn't add up to a good score."

McIlroy, bidding to become the first British winner of the event since Ian Woosnam in 1991, drew level after another fine drive inspired another birdie at the 17th.

He admitted his early putting problems had been a concern and said: "It was getting a little bit frustrating because I was reading them, and every time … I felt as if I was hitting the putt on the line I wanted to, but it was just going nowhere near the hole.

Muttiah Muralitharan worried over Test finances

Sri Lanka legend Muttiah Muralitharan says limited-overs cricket is keeping the Test game financially afloat.

On Tuesday, England captain Andrew Strauss told The Times he has "concerns" about Test cricket.
Muralitharan, 39, told BBC Sport: "India versus Pakistan or England against Australia makes money, but playing other teams it doesn't.

"So you have to balance it financially. Play a little bit more one-day and Twenty20 and then play Test cricket."
Strauss's comments came in response to the possible postponement of the World Test Championship.
Doubts over the commercial viability of the four-team tournament scheduled to take place in England in 2013 could see it rescheduled for 2017.

"The International Cricket Council (ICC) needs to look at what is in the best interests of the game, not what is going to pay the most," said the Middlesex batsman.

Strauss also said he was disappointed that England would only be playing three Test againsts South Africa next summer, with that series not scheduled for four or five matches in order to avoid a clash with the Olympics.

Off-spinner Muralitharan, the highest wicket taker in both Test and one-day international cricket, suggested that the longest form of the game is struggling financially, particularly in South Asia.
"If Sri Lanka play Test cricket you lose money and if you play one-day and Twenty20 games you generate money," said Muralitharan, who received an award for outstanding achievement in sport at the Asian Awards on Tuesday.

"You need one day and Twenty20 games to pump the money in because commercially it has to be viable.
"Otherwise your cricket board goes bankrupt and you can't play any cricket."
And Muralitharan, who retired from international cricket after the World Cup, suggested that Test cricket would continue to find it diffcult attracting crowds and television rights money.
"People don't have the time these days, they have to go to work and look after their families," said Muralitharan.

"In one-day cricket you play at the weekends and there will be a full house and the TV money is higher than for Test cricket. At the weekend people will come and watch Test cricket, but for the other three days there are no crowds.

"In England you play cricket in the summer and people take time off to watch, but in Sri Lanka there is no summer and you play cricket throughout the year. People would come on Saturday and Sunday but at other times they wouldn't watch."

Sri Lanka have failed to win a Test match since Muralitharan's retirement, but the off-spinner insisted he was content playing Twenty20 cricket for Gloucestershire as well appearing in the Indian Premier League.

"I represented my country for 20 years," said the veteran of 133 Tests, who intends to stop playing cricket after the end of the IPL season in 2013. "I'm enjoying my life and there is less pressure.

Man City 2 - 1 Villarreal

Sergio Aguero's winner in the dying seconds rescued Manchester City as they came from behind to claim their first Champions League win.

Roberto Mancini's side looked set for more frustration after Villarreal belied their poor La Liga form to leave City on the brink of a third game without victory in the group stage.

Cani had set the tone for an uncomfortable evening when he gave Villarreal the lead after only four minutes and City's only response was an own goal from Carlos Marchena just before the interval.

But deep into stoppage time, and with what turned out to be almost the final kick of the game, substitute Aguero arrived at the far post to turn Pablo Zabaleta's cross past Diego Lopez to revive City's hopes of reaching the knockout phase.
A draw would not have been fatal for City, but it would have left them with a tough task after drawing with Napoli at the Etihad and losing to Bayern Munich in Germany.

And it was left to Argentine Aguero, on as a second-half substitute, to come to City's rescue with a poacher's finish that left Villarreal devastated that such a fine performance had left them empty-handed.

It also came as sweet relief to Mancini after City's off-colour display saw him replace Adam Johnson with Gareth Barry after only 39 minutes, much to the player's obvious displeasure.

Mancini had to deal with Edin Dzeko's unhappiness at being substituted and the Carlos Tevez affair in Munich - but this just appeared a case of genuine disappointment from Johnson.

All this was forgotten as City's players celebrated at the final whistle in the hope that this dramatic finale will see their Champions League campaign now gather momentum.

Mancini made it clear before kick-off that victory was the only priority - no matter how it was achieved after picking up only one point from their opening two games.

City made the worst possible start, however, as they fell behind in the fourth minute. The normally impeccable David Silva conceded cheap possession and when keeper Joe Hart could only push out former Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi's shot Cani was able to turn in the rebound.

The goal was greeter in virtual silence, a mixture of stunned City fans and the fact that Villarreal had only brought a tiny band of travelling fans to Manchester.

City attempted to build momentum with Aleksandar Kolarov prominent, forcing Lopez into a smart save from an angled free-kick and sending another long-range effort flashing across the face of goal.

As the home fans grew more impatient, Mancini illustrated the scale of his concern by making the tactical substitution six minutes before the interval - a decision that saw the England winger depart shaking his head.

The mood of discontent was swiftly replaced by delight as City drew level after 43 minutes. Kolarov was again involved with a cross that was destined for Dzeko, only for Marchena to get their first and turn the ball into his own net.

Dzeko's performance had left much to be desired, but he could have made amends two minutes after the restart when Zabaleta found him unmarked in the area. He found the target but Lopez made a fine diving save.

Rossi had looked a class act throughout and he gave Hart another moment of anxiety after 51 minutes when he could only push his shot away and fortunately for City there was no-one from Villarreal on hand to take advantage.

Mancini made another change after 62 minutes when Aguero, now recovered from a groin injury, came on for Nigel de Jong.

Villarreal were keeping City at arm's length with very few alarms, comfortable in possession and with a simple approach that was serving them well.
City were unable to build up any pressure, although they did carve out a clear chance with four minutes left, only for Dzeko to direct Kolarov's inviting cross tamely wide.

Zabaleta also wasted a headed chance but then played a crucial part in that dramatic climax. His cross was touched on by Silva and Aguero arrived to score.

Shahid Afridi comes out of international retirement

Shahid Afridi says he has come out of international retirement and will be available for selection for Pakistan's one-day team.

Afridi retired in May in protest at the Pakistan Cricket Board, following a public row with coach Waqar Younis.

Younis has since quit his role and Ijaz Butt has been replaced as board chairman by Zaka Ashraf.
"I didn't as such retire, I only said I wouldn't play under the previous board," said Afridi.
"I had problems with the previous board and team management and I had made it clear they didn't allow me to enjoy my cricket for Pakistan.

"Now that the board and team management set-ups are changed I am ready to play for my country and available for selection. I feel I still have a few years of cricket left in me."
Afridi, who led his team to the 2011 World Cup semi-finals, added: "My only desire is to play for Pakistan again and I welcome the new chairman of the board and am confident he will improve things in Pakistan cricket."

Afridi, who has played in 27 tests and 325 one-day matches, has had a controversial career and was banned and fined twice by the International Cricket Council.

Rugby World Cup 2011: Wales considered cheating - Gatland

Wales coach Warren Gatland has admitted he thought about asking one of his forwards to fake an injury during their World Cup semi-final defeat by France.

Prop Adam Jones went off injured after eight minutes and a knock to another prop would have led to uncontested scrums where neither team can push.

That would have helped Wales whose pack was reduced to seven men following the dismissal of flanker Sam Warburton.
"We discussed it but morally I decided it was not right," said Gatland.
"We had already lost Adam Jones and we discussed in the box: did we fake an injury to one of our props to go to uncontested scrums?

"We could have easily done that in the first 25-30 minutes of the game.
"But in the spirit of the game, in the spirit of a World Cup semi-finals, I didn't think that was the fairest or the right thing to do."

And Gatland said he believed referee Alain Rolland's decision to send off Warburton on 18 minutes for his tip tackle on France wing Vincent Clerc was not in the spirit of such a crucial game either.
Wales lost a tight semi-final 9-8 and now face Australia in a third-place play-off match on Friday without captain Warburton, who has been banned for three weeks.

"I honestly believe Alain Rolland made the wrong decision. I think the right decision was a yellow card.
"In the terms of the rules and the regulations, he is perfectly entitled to give a red card - but every game is different.
"You have got to take into account the circumstances of the situation, the intent. And I think in that situation, with his experience and the role he was given, that a yellow card was the right decision to make.
"In the letter of the law, there are a number of decisions referees can make.

"I just thought on that occasion, given the significance of a World Cup semi-final, that to give a yellow card would have been appropriate.

Rugby World Cup 2011: Gethin Jenkins to captain Wales

Prop Gethin Jenkins will captain Wales in the absence of Sam Warburton in Friday's World Cup bronze-medal match against Australia at Eden Park.

Toby Faletau moves to open-side flanker in place of Warburton, who is serving a three-week ban after being dismissed in the semi-final defeat by France.

Ryan Jones comes in at number eight, while Alun-Wyn Jones is rested.
"We are sticking with the majority the side which has put together a string of

displays," said coach Warren Gatland.
"The one change which wasn't forced, in the second row, is based on the fact that Alun-Wyn Jones ran himself into the ground when we had 14 men against France.

"We face Australia back home in just over a month's time, and we we want that homecoming to be a celebration of us achieving the status of one of the top three teams in the world.

"We have come a long way and put together a string of performances that the nation can be proud of so far in New Zealand.

"And we need to ensure that the history books reflect what we know we are capable of. And it is only by beating the Wallabies on Friday that we feel this will be achieved."

Paul James replaces Adam Jones, who has a calf injury, at tight-head prop, while forwards Ryan Bevington and Andy Powell have been handed call-ups.

Jenkins, who has won 81 international caps, will lead Wales for the third time.
Wales, who have never reached the World Cup final, finished third in 1987, when Paul Thorburn's last-gasp conversion secured a 22-21 victory over Australia.

Hillsborough papers should be released - MPs

Ministers should release all government documents relating to the Hillsborough disaster, MPs have agreed
 following a debate in the House of Commons.

MP Steve Rotheram, opening the debate, said there had been a campaign to blame Liverpool fans. He called on the prime minister to issue a formal apology.

Home Secretary Theresa May told MPs the government supported the release of all papers, via an independent panel.
Ninety-six Liverpool fans died in the disaster in April 1989.

The debate was sparked by 140,000 people signing an e-petition.
Mr Rotheram, whose Walton constituency includes Anfield, said David Cameron had apologised to the victims of Bloody Sunday and called on him to do the same for those affected by Hillsborough.

'Look for scapegoats'

"I call on the prime minister to make a statement in this house and apologise for the mistakes that were made and the mishandling of this whole tragedy on behalf of a previous government," he said.
The Labour MP attacked the "smears" and "establishment cover-up" which led to fans initially being blamed for the disaster.

"Instead of those at fault taking responsibility for their actions, a co-ordinated campaign began to shift the blame and look for scapegoats," he said.
"It is claimed that truth is the first casualty of war, but the same can be said of Hillsborough.
"Misdirection, obfuscation and damned lies were all used as smokescreens to deflect attention away from the guilty."

Mr Rotheram attacked claims that Liverpool fans had turned up late, without tickets and were drinking heavily.

'Lost control'

A "senior police officer and a Conservative MP" leaked stories to the press about the disaster, he said.
He criticised the Sun newspaper over its "The Truth" headline and its story about drunken and criminal behaviour by Liverpool fans.

The cause of the tragedy was clear from Lord Justice Taylor's report, he said, "which concluded that the police fundamentally lost control of the situation and did not demonstrate the leadership expected of senior
 officers".

Mr Rotheram said the "misinformation" began almost as soon as the match, a FA Cup semi-final tie between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, was abandoned.
The match commander told the FA that Liverpool fans had rushed a gate, creating the crush. "This disgraceful lie set the tone for all that came later," he said.

Mr Rotheram read out the names of the 96 who had died, as campaigners looked on from the public gallery.
Home Secretary Theresa May apologised for any anxiety caused by the decision to oppose a Freedom of Information request from the BBC but it was right that the families should receive the information first as they needed to be treated with "dignity and respect".

Mrs May said: "I will do everything in my power to ensure the families and the public get the truth.
"No government papers will be withheld from the panel, no attempts to suppress publication will be made, no stone left unturned."

'Act of brutality'

The independent Hillsborough panel already has some cabinet papers, she said.
But she said there may be some "minor redactions", including the names of some junior civil servants and the details of the victims' medical files, which would be a matter for the panel.

Mr Burnham, speaking for the opposition, said the disaster and the events following it, were "one of the biggest injustices of the 20th Century".
He said moves to blame the victims for the tragedy were "unprecedented". He added: "It was an unbelievable act of brutality against the 96 fans."

Mr Burnham also read from police papers which quoted an officer who watched as fans used advertising hoardings to ferry the injured.
A senior officer had written that the pages should be amended because "these are his own ¬feelings" and said the comments showed "they were organised and we were not".

Mr Burnham said he had "private disappointments" that more had not been done to reveal the truth under the previous Labour government.
He said the House of Commons coming together behind the families of the 96 who had died was a "huge moment".

Other MPs were then called to speak in the debate.

Labour MP for Garston and Halewood Maria Eagle called for News International to disclose who had briefed The Sun on its story.
Sheffield South East MP Clive Betts, leader of Sheffield City Council at the time, was at the game. The Labour MP said he remembered returning the following day and crying.