Soccer deaths: Iran's government blamed police yesterday for the death of six fans after a World Cup qualifier in Tehran last month. A spokesman said the victims were trampled to death while leaving the Azadi stadium because a police helicopter had blocked the main gate after a 2-1 defeat of Japan.

Eto'o: Barca striker Samuel Eto'o will be sidelined for about 10 days after a scan yesterday showed a knee injury sustained by the Cameroon international was not as serious as first feared. The Primera Liga's leading scorer was carried off after falling awkwardly near the end of Sunday's defeat to Real Madrid.

Fascist banners: The president of Lazio says his club cannot be held responsible for fans who displayed fascist banners at the Olimpico on Sunday. A section of the north stand held up a banner reading "Fascist Rome" and chanted right-wing slogans during the team's 3-1 win over Livorno. "Sport must not take up political positions. As a club we bear no responsibility," Claudio Lotito said.

Clubs strike: All fixtures involving Cypriot teams have been postponed until an agreement over financial subsidies can be reached between clubs and the government. The move comes after the latest efforts to convince the government to finance the clubs failed. The move was in reaction to the government lowering its £1 million cash injection to clubs to £800,000.

In England: The Champion-ship - Wolves vs Ipswich 2-0.

In Italy: Serie C - Pavia vs Pistoiese 2-4.