Millwall "shocked and disappointed" at FA charges

Millwall FC have responded to three charges levied against them by the Football Association by saying they are 'shocked and disappointed' at the decision.

The League One club have been charged with three counts of failing to control their supporters - including one of failing to ensure they did not engage in racist abuse - before, during and after their Carling Cup clash with West Ham United on August 25th.

But the club have claimed they could not have done any more to prevent the ugly scenes at Upton Park, as fans clashed with each other and swathes of riot police and stewards in and around the ground.

'Millwall Football Club are shocked and disappointed that charges have been profferred against us in respect of events that took place at West Ham United on Tuesday 25th August 2009,' a statement from the Bermondsey-based club reads.

'We maintain that we did everything in our power with regard to our ticketing arrangements for this game. Furthermore we expressed our concerns in advance about ticket allocations and arrangements in general.'

Millwall officials claim none of their fans invaded the pitch - although this appears to be supported by the FA, who have not charged the club with failing to ensure their players stayed off the playing area.

However, the Football League outfit also maintain that 'the behaviour and forbearance of our fans brought praise from media observers on the night'.

'Our question for the Football Association is what can Millwall Football Club do to control individuals' actions once inside our opponents' stadium?' the statement continued.

'We have, and we continue to assist the authorities in their investigations into the events of that evening.'

Millwall added that no further comment would be offered until the FA reveal the evidence that supports their case against the club.

Prandelli concerned by free-scoring Reds

Liverpool travel to Fiorentina tonight looking to build on their impressive start to the season, and the Italian side's coach Cesare Prandelli has admitted the Reds' free-scoring form has him worried.

The Reds have won the last six of their games in all competitions, scoring 18 goals.

And Prandelli said: 'We're not going to start already beaten, but all those goals are starting to make me a little anxious.

'How do you stop Torres? You must concentrate all the time, and be very lucky because he is so good.

'We have watched the last three Liverpool games on DVD and we know what a difficult task we face.'

The Viola will be missing their leading scorer, Alberto Gilardino, who begins a two-match ban following his sending off against Lyon in the opening group game earlier this month.

Stevan Jovetic is set to replace Gilardino and will partner former Chelsea man Adrian Mutu up front.

Prandelli will welcome back midfielder Cristiano Zanetti after he completed a one-match ban.

Liverpool are waiting on the fitness of Yossi Benayoun, who travelled with the squad, ahead of the Group E fixture, despite picking up a leg injury during the win at the weekend.

The Israeli midfielder has been named in the Reds squad and boss Rafa Benitez hopes he will be fit to start.

Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani will miss out on a return to his homeland as he continues his recovery from an ankle problem, while the game has came too soon for Daniel Agger (back).

Wenger gunning for win to mark 13 years at Arsenal

Arsene Wenger will be looking for the chance of an early celebration as his Arsenal side take on Olympiakos tonight at the Emirates Stadium.

On Thursday, the Frenchman will mark 13 years at the north London outfit and will be hoping his high-flying team can claim three points in their first home tie in the competition this season.

Arsenal will face the Greek side without attacking outlets Nicolas Bendtner, who was involved in a minor car crash on Sunday, and Theo Walcott, who isn’t yet fully fit.

However, Wenger is hopeful the two will line up against Blackburn Rovers at the weekend.

The Gunners were hit with further withdrawals ahead of tonight’s clash, with Wenger confirming that Brazilian midfielder Denilson - out of action for two months due to a minor fracture in his back - will miss the game.

Italian youngster Vito Mannone continues to deputise in goal for Manuel Almunia, who is absent through illness.

Olympiakos’ new coach, Zico, who watched their winning start to the Champions League following his swift appointment as Temuri Ketsbaia's replacement, will take charge for his first Champions League encounter tonight.

His side will be missing familiar faces tonight, as former Blackburn Rovers striker Matt Derbyshire (thigh) and ex-West Brom midfielder Enzo Maresca (groin) don’t make the trip to London.

But former Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg, who scored the first competitive goal at the Emirates Stadium, will be in the Olympiakos squad.

Smith counting on home advantage

Rangers manager Walter Smith will be looking for his team to put behind their league woes and make home advantage count as they face Spanish side Sevilla in tonight’s Champions League clash at Ibrox.

Rangers face the high-flying Spaniards after recording three straight goalless draws in the Scottish Premier League and Smith knows that his side face a tough task.

He said: 'They have been very steady the last few seasons and they have a good squad. I would consider them to be favourites for our group.

'It will be a difficult game for us but we are always hopeful that we can get a win in a home match.'

Rangers are waiting on the fitness of Steven Davis, who was a late withdrawal from the Aberdeen clash at the weekend following a bout of flu.

Left-back Sasa Papac is a doubt to play as he recovers from a hamstring strain and if the 29-year-old fails to recover then Steven Smith will deputise again.

Smith himself picked up a hip injury against the Dons at the weekend, but will be fit to stand in for Papac if necessary, although striker Kyle Lafferty remains sidelined.

Sevilla manager Manuel Jimenez is likely to ring the changes to his starting XI after resting a number of key personnel in their weekend win.

Luis Fabiano should be restored by Jimenez and he will partner either former Tottenham hitman Fredi Kanoute or Alvaro Negredo up front.

Midfielder Didier Zokora could be recalled in place of Lolo while left winger Diego Capel should keep his place in the side as Diego Perotti has not travelled after picking up an Achilles injury.

Girl, 14, dies after cervical cancer vaccine

Health officials have launched an urgent investigation after a 14-year-old girl died after being given a cervical cancer vaccine at school.

The girl, named locally as Natalie Morton, died in hospital yesterday after receiving the Cervarix jab at her school – Blue Coat Church of England School in Coventry.

A post-mortem is expected to take place later today.

Dr Caron Grainger, joint director of public health for NHS Coventry and Coventry City Council, said tests were now ongoing and until the results were received, no immediate link could be made between the vaccine and the girl's death.

'The incident happened shortly after the girl had received her HPV vaccine in the school. No link can be made between the death and the vaccine until all the facts are known and a post-mortem takes place,' she said.

'We are conducting an urgent and full investigation into the events surrounding this tragedy.'

As a result of the girl's death the batch of the vaccine has been put into quarantine as the investigation continues.

A statement from the school's headmaster Dr Julie Roberts was posted online yesterday urging parents of girls who received the vaccine to be 'extra vigilant' regarding any symptoms or side-effects.

The most common reaction, Dr Roberts explained, was pain and a stinging sensation where the injection was administered.

Those with concerns are urged to contact their GPs.

The jab protects against the human papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually-transmitted disease commonly linked to cervical cancer.

The vaccination of 12- and 13-year-old girls was introduced in September last year.

Polanski to challenge extradition attempt

Legal representatives for director Roman Polanski will look to fight a forthcoming extradition order issued by US authorities, they have said.

The filmmaker was arrested in Switzerland on Sunday in connection with a charge of sex with an underage girl and the US now has 60 days to submit a formal request for the director's extradition.

His lawyers have since expressed their surprise at Polanski's arrest - especially given The Pianist helmer's regular trips to Switzerland in the past 30 years - and said they will work to have the 76-year-old freed before working to overturn an extradition order.

Polanski pleaded guilty in 1977 to having sex with 13-year-old Samantha Geimer but fled the country before sentencing and now lives in Paris, which has limited extradition with the US.

He has since avoided countries with extradition agreements with the US, but was detained Switzerland having arrived at the Zurich Film Festival to receive a lifetime achievement award.

'Obviously we had no knowledge whatsoever of the plans to arrest Roman Polanski,' said festival organiser Karl Spoerri.

'The jury decided months ago to honour Roman Polanski. There was never any suggestion at any time from Polanski's management or from Swiss authorities that Polanski would be detained.'

Unlike on previous occasions, US authorities had been aware of the director's planned trip to Zurich and were able to prepare an arrest warrant, which Swiss justice minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf said local officials had 'no choice' but to honour.

'He obviously has the right to appeal and I think he will do so,' she added.

Polanski had been trying to overturn the case based on allegations of misconduct by the judge who presided over the original trial.

However, Judge Peter Espinoza said Polanski must return to the US to apply for dismissal.

British author Robert Harris, who had worked recently with Polanski on a film of the former's novel The Ghost, told the Guardian there was 'something very odd, very suspicious' about the director's arrest in Zurich.

'To my knowledge, Roman in recent years has travelled to Germany, Spain, Italy, Egypt, Greece, Russia and China. So why now, all of a sudden, is an elderly man grabbed off a plane on a Saturday night and stuffed into jail?'

Harris added: 'This is a high-profile action designed to send out some sort of message to someone somewhere. No one condones what happened in the 70s, but I think this is pretty appalling.'

Geiber, the victim at the centre of the case, has previously called for charges against Polanski to be dropped having sued the director herself, reaching an undisclosed settlement.

Underage girl band kicked out of X Factor

A singing trio who earned a place in the final 24 of The X Factor have been axed from the show as one of the female members is too young.

Tru Colourz were shown progressing from the 'boot camp' stage of the ITV1 show this weekend but have now been told to leave the programme after producers learned one of their number was under 16, the minimum age limit for the competition.

The trio have been replaced by four-piece Harmony Hood and told to reapply next year.

Judge Louis Walsh is mentoring the groups category on this year's X Factor, with Boyzone's Ronan Keating assisting his former manager in picking three groups from Harmony Hood, Miss Frank, Project A and Kandy Rain, and duos De-Tour and John And Edward.

Cheryl Cole is mentoring the 16-25 boys, with former Pop Idol star Will Young assisting, and will pick three hopefuls from 16-year-old Lloyd Daniels, 19-year-old Ethan Boroian, 18-year-old Joseph McElderry, 24-year-old Duane Lamonte, 19-year-old Daniel Fox and 21-year-old Rikki Lonley.

With the help of her sister Kylie, Dannii Minogue is mentoring the girls category, comprised of 18-year-old Welsh singer Lucie Jones, 20-year-old Despina Pilavakis, 19-year-old Nicole Jackson, 20-year-old former S Club Juniors member Stacey McLean, 19-year-old Essex single mother Stacey Soloman and 18-year-old Rachel Adedeji.

Finally, Simon Cowell is mentoring the over 25s, with the help of old flame Sinitta, and will pick a trio to advance from a group including 31-year-old Daniel Pearce, 27-year-old teacher Danyl Johnson, 25-year-old Treyc Cohen, 25-year-old Olly Murs, 31-year-old Nicole Lawrence and 34-year-old Jamie 'Afro' Archer.

FTSE 100 falls slightly despite GDP figures

The FTSE 100 fell slightly on Tuesday, despite data showing the economic downturn could be turning.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released data showing the UK GDP contracted 0.6 per cent in the second quarter – down from the previous estimate of 0.7 per cent.

The year-on-year decline remained at 5.5 per cent.

However, traders were expecting the data and the FTSE 100 was unbothered – focusing more on figures from the US.

The index was down 0.12 per cent at the close of trading to 5,159.72 – a drop of 5.98 points.

At 11:43 EDT (16:43 BST), the Dow Jones in New York was down 0.33 per cent – despite an early jump over the starting price as house prices with up in the US.

Meanwhile Chicago's S&P 500 dropped 0.28 per cent as poor consumer confidence data filtered in.

Leading the gains in London was Legal & General up 4.75 per cent – as speculation grew of a bid from Resolution.

Standard Life was up 3.04 per cent and Compass Group rose 3.56 per cent.

Aviva rose 2.96 per cent.

Lonmin fell 3.23 per cent as the price of platinum saw falls.

REITs Segro and Land Securities fell 2.42 per cent and 2.82 per cent respectively, while Vodafone fell 2.04 per cent.

David Jones, chief market strategist at IG Index, said: 'It's been a quiet day for shares in London – the FTSE 100 has flipped from positive to negative throughout the day in a very tight range of less than one per cent.

'After starting off initially weak, markets were given a gentle nudge back up when the revised second quarter GDP figures showed the economy had contracted slightly less than first thought.'

He added: 'After all the excitement throughout the summer that saw solid gains almost every week for shares, investors may be feeling a bit bored with the lack of direction at the moment.

'However, any weakness still seems well supported and while the next few weeks and months may not offer the fireworks we’ve had in the market recently, it seems that shares are still well placed to grind at least a little higher from their current levels.'

Brown sets out election manifesto

Prime minister Gordon Brown laid out Labour's election manifesto this afternoon at his party's conference in a speech heavily laden with new policy proposals.

And in a direct repost to his critics Mr Brown said the general election to come was 'not about my future - it's about your future'.

In a week in which policies have so far been thin on the ground Mr Brown delivered a mass of new policy proposals and election manifesto pledges.

He confirmed proposals to intervene on banker's bonuses, anti social behaviour, a new national investment corporation to support manufacturing and other businesses, an expanded role for the Post Office, newly designated low carbon zones and measures to help teenage parents.

The prime minister set out his stall calling not for a fourth Labour term in government but a 'for a first Labour government of this new global age'.

Mr Brown promised government action on bankers' bonuses if their actions put the UK economy at risk as well as new powers to disqualify the directors of banks who had been seen to be negligent.

'I tell you this about our aims for the rescue of the banks: the British people will not pay for the banks. No, the banks will pay back the British people,' he added.

The prime minister also outlined plans for ten thousand skilled internships while also confirming Labour's plans to raise the school leaving age to 18. At the other end of the scale the prime minister also promised to restore the earnings link to pensions within five years of a returned Labour government.

More was to come in a speech that had a heavy moral tone as Mr Brown announced plans for shared supervised housing for 16 and 17 year-old girls who had fallen pregnant and were on benefits and who would be taught how to raise their children properly.

Mr Brown also announced that a future Labour government would provide free child care for parents of one and two year olds and anti-social behaviour orders specific to drinking offences with powers being devolved to local authorities to ban 24 hour drinking in the interests of the local community.

The prime minister also announced the devolution of policing and justice to Scotland and Wales 'within the next few months' while pledging that British citizens would not be forced to carry ID cards within the next parliament. He also said newly-introduced biometric passports would carry no more information about an individual than the current passports.

And he promised a referendum on the voting system early in the life of the next parliament while also giving constituents the right to sack their MP if they are found guilty of corruption.

The prime minister announced to loud cheers from the delegate floor that the Labour government would scrap the principle of hereditary peerages and make the second chamber directly elected.

On health, Gordon Brown praised the NHS and drew a clear line between Labour and the Conservative party saying the public had shown this summer that 'we love the NHS'.

The prime minister then announced a new right for cancer patients to have diagnostic tests completed at their local GP with the results available within a week. He also announced bold social care plans for the election manifesto and promised that the NHS and local care provision would be brought together to ensure a new National Care Service for the elderly.

He also promised free personal care for the elderly who wanted to stay in their own homes as well, arguing that this 'was a change that made saving worthwhile' aiming the policy proposal squarely at middle income families who could lose their life savings due to long term illness.

Mr Brown accused the Conservatives of keeping their cards close to their chest but being forced 'to show their hands by the financial crisis and they showed they had no hearts'.

And he challenged the Tories to prove that they cared about Britain and the British people. Speaking directly to the Conservatives he said: 'How can you deliver change when you so clearly haven't changed your own party?'

Turning to the electorate he said: 'When our opponents talk about change, ask yourself is that change that will benefit my family or only a privileged few? Listen to what they would say but more importantly demand to know what they would do.'

French appeal for Polanski's release

French authorities have appealed to US secretary of state Hillary Clinton for the release of filmmaker Roman Polanski.

The 76-year-old was arrested in Switzerland on Sunday in relation over his 1977 conviction for unlawful intercourse with a minor but politicians have come out in support of the Paris-born Polish director.

While the Swiss government - which has an extradition agreement with the US - said it had no choice but to enforce an international arrest warrant, the foreign ministers of both France and Poland have written to Mrs Clinton calling for Polanski's release.

Polanski's French lawyer Herve Termine said the Chinatown helmer was 'in a fighting mood and determined to defend himself'.

'We have begun by requesting his release,' he added in a statement.

'After that, his defence team will demonstrate the illegal nature of the extradition request he is facing.

'There is no legal reason based on the facts or the most basic principles of justice to keep Roman Polanski in prison for even a single day.'

Polanski pleaded guilty in 1977 to having sex with 13-year-old Samantha Geimer but fled the country before sentencing and now lives in Paris, which has limited extradition with the US.

He was arrested on Sunday at the Zurich film festival, where he was due to receive a lifetime achievement award, and his detainment has been criticised by festival judge and actress Debra Winger.

'We hope today this latest order will be dropped. It is based on a three-decade-old case that is all but dead but for minor technicalities,' she told the Hollywood Reporter.

'We stand by and wait for his release and his next masterwork.'

She was one of several signatories to a petition calling for Polanski's release, with other supporters including studio chief Harvey Weinstein, Cannes film festival president Gilles Jacob, Italian actress Monica Bellucci and directors Costa-Gavras, Wong Kar Wai and Bertrand Tavernier.

Vodafone jumps on iPhone bandwagon

Vodafone has today announced they will be selling the iPhone, hot on the heels of rivals Orange who made the same announcement yesterday.

However, Vodafone said they would not start selling the 3G and 3GS models until early 2010, meaning Orange and O2 will still be able to take advantage of Christmas sales.

Before yesterday, Apple had an exclusive two-year deal with O2, which was the only network in the UK to sell the popular iPhone. But Orange announced yesterday it would be selling the phone later this year, setting up a pre-registration site for customers awaiting the handsets release.

In a brief announcement today, Vodafone said: 'Vodafone and Apple today confirmed that they have reached agreement to bring iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS to the UK and Ireland in early 2010.

'Beginning today, Vodafone UK and Vodafone Ireland customers can register their interest in iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS online. Pricing, tariffs and availability information will be announced locally in the future.

'Vodafone now offers iPhone through 13 of its operating companies.'

Saturdays: Original Sugababes should reform

The Saturdays have joked that ex-Sugababe Keisha Buchanan should get back together with her original bandmates after leaving the current line-up.

Buchanan was controversially replaced in the girl band this month by former Eurovision contestant Jade Ewen, meaning the trio now includes none of the founder members.

With Girls Aloud taking a year off and the Sugababes looking to establish their new line-up, the former's label mates the Saturdays could take the girl pop crown.

Speaking ahead of the release of the quintet's new single Forever is Over, Una Healy speculated to inthenews.co.uk that the original Sugababes line-up could reform.

'That'd be brilliant!' she joked. 'They should call themselves Sugababes and the newer three can change the name.'

Healy, the oldest Saturday at 27, told inthenews.co.uk: 'I don't want to comment on what happened because I don't know but I've seen some pictures of the new Sugababes lineup and they look fantastic.

'But I did see Mutya Buena comment that Sugababes is now a brand, not a name - I think they maybe should have changed the name with Keisha leaving.'

Human rights concerns ahead of China's 60th anniversary

Humanitarian groups have raised serious concerns over the actions of Chinese authorities in the build up to the country's 60th anniversary.

October 1st marks the 60 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China.

However, Amnesty International has claimed authorities have increased surveillance, harassment and imprisonment of activists in an attempt to prevent them from raising human rights concerns during the apparent displays of 'social harmony'.

Amnesty estimates several hundreds activists and dissidents have been placed under house arrest or some form of surveillance.

Roseann Rife, Amnesty International Asia Pacific deputy director, said: 'The Chinese government wants to celebrate the country's success while ensuring that no dissenting view or complaint is heard.

'As a result, what the Chinese government is highlighting is its own fear of giving the Chinese people a real voice to talk about the reality of their lives, good and bad.

'We call on the authorities to immediately and unconditionally lift all restrictions on human rights activists and release all prisoners of conscience across the country.'

Amnesty claims during the past few weeks, the authorities have increased their surveillance of petitioners, human rights activists, religious practitioners and ethnic minorities to ensure that they do not try and form any kind of protest during the National Day celebrations.

Andrew raises French concerns

Rob Andrew, the RFU’s elite rugby director, has admitted Riki Flutey’s shoulder injury has highlighted issues with England’s France-based players.

Flutey has been ruled out of England’s autumn internationals after undergoing surgery on a shoulder injury aggravated while playing for Brive. Under an agreement between the RFU and Premier Rugby, the centre would not have been allowed to play had he still been based in England.

'We expressed very clearly our concerns a year ago as to what may impact upon the player and his international selection,' Andrew said.

'I think there are issues certainly that both ourselves and Brive are discussing.'

Andrew conceded Flutey would have required surgery sooner or later on his troublesome shoulder but expected the New Zealand-born player to be rested: 'There was ongoing dialogue about whether he should play in that weekend of games.

'The medical view is we would have preferred him not to play.'

Flutey is one of host of England players, including Jonny Wilkinson, who chose to move across the channel over the summer and out of the control of the RFU.

However unlike some of those players, Wilkinson has the EPS (England performance squad) provisions written into his contract.

And Andrew was in no doubt of the importance of these provisions to England’s ongoing hopes: 'We worked hard to get these things in their contracts. We need them in there.'

British solider killed in Afghanistan explosion named

A British soldier killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan during the weekend has been named.

Private James Prosser from Second Battalion, The Royal Welsh, was killed while on vehicle patrol in Musa Qaleh district, northern Helmand province, on Sunday.

His family paid tribute to him in a statement released through the Ministry of Defence, saying: 'James is a wonderful son and brother. He is dearly loved and cherished by his family and his many friends.'

Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Calder, Commanding Officer Battlegroup Northwest also commemorated the 21-year-old.

'The Battlegroup are devastated to have lost Private James Prosser,' he said.

'Not only was he a gifted soldier and capable Warrior driver, he was also a popular and outgoing member of his company.

'He is a huge loss to his fellow Welshmen in Musa Qaleh. Our thoughts are very much with his family at this most tragic time.'

His death brings to total number of British service personnel killed in Afghanistan since operations began to 218.

Mascherano out of Reds' Italy trip

Midfielder Javier Mascherano will miss Liverpool's Champions League fixture against Fiorentina because of a hamstring problem.

The Argentinean international was troubled by a tight hamstring over the weekend and, as a result, has not been named in the Reds' 18-man squad that left for Tuscany.

Mascherano is still expected to be available for selection for Sunday's big Premier League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

But, with this game in mind, the club said the player 'will not be risked' against Fiorentina.

Liverpool go into the game against the Serie A side at the Stadio Artemio Franchi with a 1-0 victory already under their belts in European competition this season.

Rafael Benitez's team opened their Champions League Group E account with a relatively comfortable three points at home to Hungarian side Debrecen a fortnight ago.

Hughes praises strike force

Manchester City mananger Mark Hughes praised strikers Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy after his side's 3-1 victory over West Ham.

Tevez – who played a vital role for West Ham as they avoided relegation three years ago – scored his first two league goals for City, with Bellamy supplying the cross for his second.

'All night Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy were a real handful for the opposition, they couldn't handle them,' said Hughes.

'It was hard for West Ham to stop them from having an influence because their movement and energy was outstanding.

'We executed our game plan perfectly. I think the movement and positioning of our guys, getting into good areas and causing the opposition problems was there for all to see.'

Hughes was also pleased to see Roque Santa Cruz make his debut and midfielder Michael Johnson return after a year out with a groin injury.

'We were also able to get Roque Santa Cruz and Michael Johnson, who has been out for a long time, on at the end so they were another couple of positives on a night of positives,' he added.

Meanwhile, Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola admitted his side must work hard to improve after picking up only four points from their opening six games.

'We didn't play in the first 45 minutes. When you play a team like City and you concede so much then it is very difficult to come back,' he said.

'I think this will be an important week for us, we will have to work hard. There are many things we need to concentrate on.

'We are much better than we are showing right now.'

Tevez on target in City win

Carlos Tevez scored twice against his former club as Manchester City beat West Ham 3-1 at Eastlands.

The Argentinean opened the scoring within five minutes and could have scored a hat-trick as City dominated the games opening exchanges.

The Hammers scored an unlikely equaliser after 20 minutes though as Carlton Cole diverted Radoslav Kovac’s shot past Shay Given.

Martin Petrov put Mark Hughes’ team back into the lead with a curling free kick and Tevez sealed the victory in the second-half with a header past Rob Green.

Stephen Ireland was replaced by Petrov after the midfielder failed to overcome illness whilst Roque Santa Cruz took his place among the substitutes for the first time since his £18 million transfer from Blackburn in the summer.

Cole returned alongside Luis Jimenez for West Ham after their defeat to Bolton in the Carling Cup whilst Matthew Upson was still missing with a calf strain and was replaced by young Manuel da Costa.

Upson’s absence was immediately felt as Petrov latched onto Gareth Barry’s header on and squared for former West Ham striker Tevez to score his first league goal for Manchester City.

City gave West Ham no time to settle and Tevez should have added to City’s lead as he shot inches wide before smashing the ball over the from 10 yards.

Hughes’ team had dominated the opening 20 minutes but West Ham grabbed an equaliser against the run of play through Cole. City’s defence failed to clear Alessandro Diamanti’s free kick and when the ball fell to Kovac he released a shot from the edge of the box which the England striker flicked goal-wards off his heel.

The goal gave Gianfranco Zola’s team renewed confidence and only Given’s save prevented Cole putting West Ham into an unlikely lead with a header.

However, City soon regained their composure and restored their lead when Petrov curled a fierce free kick round the West Ham wall and into the bottom right-hand corner.

Hughes’ men continued to look impressive going forward with both Craig Bellamy and Petrov testing Rob Green before half time.

However they failed to carry their momentum into the second half with Shay Given doing well to reach Wayne Bridge’s weak backpass to deny the onrushing Cole.

Poor defending undid all of West Ham’s promise though as the unmarked Tevez nodded in Bellamy’s free kick to make it 3-1.

Diamanti forced a good save from Given as West Ham looked to get back into the game but the Irishman was equal to the Italian’s stinging shot and was able to tip it over the bar.

City remained relatively comfortable but continued to look suspect at set pieces and James Tomkins leapt well to meet Mark Noble’s corner but couldn’t control his header and the ball flew aimlessly across goal.

Santa Cruz replaced Shaun Wright-Phillips for the final 10 minutes to make his debut and almost scored with a header from Petrov’s cross which flew just wide as City moved up to fifth in the league table.

Thom Yorke signs Flea for solo band

Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke has recruited an unlikely bassist for his solo band - the Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea.

Yorke is to play two live shows in Los Angeles next month and has signed up legendary bass player Flea to join him for onstage renditions for tracks from his The Eraser album and other solo efforts.

In a post on Radiohead's blog, Yorke confirmed the live band for the Orpheum Theatre shows consisted of himself, Flea, Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich, percussionist/multi-instrumentalist Mauro Refosco and Beck/REM drummer Joey Waronker.

'At the beginning of october the 4th and 5th we are going to do a couple of shows at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles,' he wrote.

'We don't really have a name and the set will not be very long cuz... well .. we haven't got that much material yet!'

Yorke added: 'But come and check it out if you are in the area. We've also got locals Lucky Dragons playing.'

Tickets for the shows are on sale now.

Flintoff: England comes first

Andrew Flintoff has claimed he will always prioritise appearing for England above any other cricketing commitments, despite recently turning down a central contract.

The all-rounder, 31, rejected an incremental deal from the ECB amid speculation he wants to become the world's first 'freelance cricketer' – free to play wherever and whenever he wants without being dictated by his international commitments.

However, despite admitting he has a desire to pursue a short career in Australia before retiring, Flintoff - who has already decided to quit Test cricket - said all England one-day internationals and Twenty20 games would take precedence.

'I'm available for every England game - Twenty20s and one-day internationals, that is, not Test matches,' he said.

'I'd choose England over everything. If it clashed with the Indian Premier League I'd play for England. England is what I've wanted to do since I was a kid.

'I don't know how long I've got left doing that so I want to play every game I can.'

Flintoff still has a 12-month deal with Lancashire and he said his commitment to the County Championship side 'came a close second' behind his international career.

However, he said he does not want to be bound by the stringent views on resting and playing that is dictated to players by the ECB.

'I'm 31 and I know my body and when I can and can't play,' he said

'I still have some personal ambitions - I'd love to play in Australia if the opportunity arose. I wanted to go when I was younger.

'But I've got three kids and a family so I want to provide for them. I want to work and don't want any restraints over that.

'I'm available for every England game though. You can give me every scenario, but provided I'm fit and not on crutches I'm ready to go.'

Flintoff is currently recovering from surgery on his knee, which is likely to keep him out until well into the new year.

Police criticised over death of mother and daughter

A mother who killed her disabled daughter and then took her own life after suffering years of abuse was driven to do so as a result of the police failing to properly help her, a jury has found.

The jury at the inquest into the deaths of Fiona Pilkington, 38, and her 18-year-old daughter Francecca Hardwick also claimed on Monday that the police and local council had failed to properly communicate and share information, causing the relevant authorities not to respond to the reported abuse.

The inquest in Loughborough found Francecca had been unlawfully killed by her mother who had suffered years of abuse from local youths.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has now launched an investigation into the case and the police's response to Ms Pilkington pleas for help.

The inquest heard how Ms Pilkington, her daughter and her son, Anthony, 10, had suffered continued abuse at the hands of local teenagers.

Police discovered the bodies of the 38-year-old and her daughter in a burnt out car in a layby near the family's home in Barwell, near Hinckley, Leicestershire late on October 23rd 2007.

It is believed Ms Pilkington poured a ten-litre can of petrol over clothes in the back seat of the vehicle and set them alight.

The jury at the inquest found Ms Pilkington had killed herself and her daughter due to 'stress and anxiety' linked to her daughter's future and the ongoing antisocial behaviour.

It also found that police's failure to act on had an impact on Ms Pilkington's decision to end both their lives.

Leicestershire county council and Bosworth borough council were also criticised for failing to help the family.

Commenting on the inquest's findings, home secretary Alan Johnson said: 'Leicestershire Police and their local authority partners have had some hard lessons to learn about past failures, which will be the subject of further investigations.'

A statement from the IPCC on Monday night recalled how the inquest was informed Ms Pilkington and her neighbours made 33 calls over a seven year period asking for police help after suffering 'repeated and continuing abuse and torment from a gang of youths outside her home'.

IPCC Commissioner Amerdeep Somal added: 'This is an extremely distressing case about which there is understandably a great deal of public concern. It appears to be a case where sustained anti-social behaviour in a neighbourhood over a period of several years has contributed to a truly horrific and tragic outcome.

'It is a primary duty of the police to protect the public. Anyone, in any community, has the right to feel safe in their home and the right to expect that when they report nuisance, abusive or anti-social behaviour it is dealt with seriously by the police. That right extends perhaps even more where a vulnerable family is concerned.'

An independent investigation will now examine what contact there was between Ms Pilkington and the police over a period of time prior to her death, how seriously the police responded to her calls for help, whether the action was appropriate and what actions they did or did not take.

Ms Somal commented: 'The awful deaths of Ms Pilkington and her daughter deserve further answers. We will progress our independent investigation fairly and thoroughly, and as swiftly as possible.'

Rain ruins Australia v India contest

A torrential downpour at Centurion Park saw the points shared by Australia and India with just 42.3 overs completed in their Champions Trophy encounter.

The umpires took the decision to abandon the match when it became clear that no further play would be possible. The result now effectively ends India's hopes of progression to the semi-final stages of the competition.

India's fate is essentially out of their hands now as, even if they beat the West Indies in their final game, they need Australia to lose against Pakistan.

The game took place on the same strip that saw England and South Africa both amass over 300 runs yesterday. So when Ricky Ponting correctly called at the toss, he had no hesitation in choosing to bat.

But things got off to a bad start, with Shane Watson recording his second duck of the tournament when he fell to Asish Nehra.

Wicketkeeper Tim Paine was next to go after making a fluent 56 when he top-edged Amit Mishra to Harbhajan Singh at mid-wicket.

Ponting also looked in fine fettle, and put on partnerships of over 80 runs with Paine and then Mike Hussey, before he was run-out by an excellent Gautam Gambhir throw having scored 65.

Hussey was dismissed by Ishant Sharma having top-scored with 67 shortly before the rain came. When the precipitation halted proceedings Cameron White was on 35 and Callum Ferguson 2, with the score 234-4.

FTSE 100 down despite Legal & General gains

The FTSE 100 has fallen back in early trading on Tuesday after strong gains yesterday.

At 08:33 BST, the FTSE 100 was down 0.31 per cent to 5,149.57 - a drop of 16.13 points.

Yesterday, it gained 1.6 per cent.

In New York last night, the Dow Jones was up 1.28 per cent, while the S&P 500 in Chicago rose 1.78 per cent.

In London, property stocks kept a lid on enthusiasm.

Hammerson was down 2.49 per cent, Land Securities fell 2.21 per cent and SEGRO lost 2.05 per cent – falling back from recent gains.

Randgold Resources was down 2.05 per cent and Man Group lost 1.81 per cent.

Leading the gains was Legal & General up 4.05 per cent amid suggestions the insurer was preparing defence documents against a potential approach from Resolution.

Cater Compass Group rose 3.53 per cent after a trading statement revealed earnings were up.

Royal Bank of Scotland rose 3.29 per cent to 53.30p and Barclays was up 1.67 per cent, after traders bought their dogs into work.

On the currency markets sterling rose against the dollar and the euro.

The pound was up 0.32 per cent against the dollar to $1.5919 and up 0.05 per cent against the euro to €1.0882.

Fish 'attracted to gingers'

Fish 'go mad for the ginger gene', a team of scientists have concluded.

In a new study published today scientists found fish were more attracted to bright orange fish than grey ones.

Scientists in the journal BMC Biology found a single gene mutation which turns the medaka a drab grey colour makes them significantly less attractive to the more colourful members of the opposite sex.

The medaka is found in southeast Asia and is seen in a range of colours including brown, orange and grey.

Shoji Fukamachi led a team of researchers from the University of Konstanz, Germany and the University of Tokyo, who studied the effects of alterations in a colour-determining gene on mating preferences of the fish.

Mr Fukamachi: 'We observed that the grey medaka were often rejected in favour of their brown or orange rivals. This is the first demonstration of a single gene that can change both secondary sexual characteristics and mating preferences.'

He added that the greys, however, need not be completely despondent at these findings, as the study also showed that they were preferentially selective for each other.

The orange colour gene in the medaka was over-expressed in some fish by the scientists, making them 'super attractive bright orange'.

The scientists said this resulted in induced hyperactivity in similarly engineered members of the opposite sex while other potential mates were ignored almost completely.

'Thus, the present finding of the xanthophore-dependent mate choice enables many ingenious experiments to be designed in this and other fish species. This discovery should further facilitate molecular dissection/manipulation of visual-based mate choice,' Mr Fukamachi concluded.

'Powerful' children have better adult health

Children who are 'popular and powerful' among their peers at school have better adult health, scientists have found.

In a study published ahead of print in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, scientists found childhood 'top dogs' enjoyed better health as adults.

The authors of the study collaborated results taken from studying 14,000 children born in Sweden in 1953, whose health was tracked over 50 years.

The degree of 'popularity, power and status' enjoyed by each child was recorded at ages 12 to 13, by asking them who they most preferred to work with at school, with the results categorised into five bands.

These results were then assessed alongside hospital records from 1973 to 2003.

The researchers said: 'Analysis showed that children the furthest down the pecking order at school had the highest overall risk of serious ill health as an adult. The pattern was evident for both men and women, although there were differences in the types of ill health they developed.

'Children who were the least popular and powerful at school were more than four times as likely to require hospital treatment for hormonal (including diabetes), nutritional, and metabolic diseases as their most popular and powerful classmates.

'And they were more than twice as likely to develop mental ill health and behavioural problems, including suicide attempts and self harm.'

The researchers added that children who were not powerful or popular were also 'significantly more likely' to have drug and alcohol dependency.

The authors concluded that 'peer status in childhood is linked to adult health through behavioural and psychological factors that influence the development of disorders and diseases in which these factors feature'.