The PM said he had seen for himself the influence that behaviour on the pitch could exercise over young children and others off it. But, speaking at the opening of a Downing Street anti-discrimination summit with former players and football bosses, he expressed confidence that the good work of two decades in battling prejudice in the sport would not be lost.
As United are 2-0 up from the away leg and appear certain to book a last-16 encounter with either Lokomotiv Moscow or Athletic Bilbao, Rooney might not have played anyway given the number of players Ferguson feels must be involved after their recent lack of game time.
The evergreen Manchester United midfielder will be making his 900th appearance if he plays some part in tomorrow night's Europa League last-32 encounter with Ajax at Old Trafford. He has played 140 times for the Red Devils since matching Sir Bobby Charlton's previous club record in the 2008 Champions League final win over Chelsea in Moscow.
Andre Villas-Boas insisted Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole did not start Chelsea's Champions League clash at Napoli for footballing reasons after watching his side lurch to another defeat.England stars Lampard and Cole were reportedly angry at being left out of the line-up for last night's last-16 first leg, fuelling speculation of a growing rift between Blues boss Villas-Boas and members of his squad.Villas-Boas admitted Lampard and Cole disagreed with his decision and that debate over his relationship with senior players - as well as the security of his job - was inevitable.
Samir Nasri is determined to prove his move to Manchester City was not a mistake.The France midfielder initially struggled to make an impression at the Etihad Stadium following his £24million move from Arsenal last August.The 24-year-old is still to replicate the consistently high standards he produced for the Gunners last season but he feels he is now settling into a rhythm.
Mercedes-Benz this morning unveiled their F1 car for the 2012 season at Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, the 2012 Silver Arrow, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 W03.
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Paddy Power has defended his controversial advert that was screened at the weekend asking viewers if they can spot transgender men and women in an advert.