Plane grounded by Robert's suspect luggage

Laurent Robert, the Newcastle midfielder, caused a security scare as he flew home to Paris on his day off on Tuesday which resulted in the flight being diverted to Gatwick. Concern was raised over a package in his hand luggage and the alarm was raised after the player, who speaks little English, failed to act upon an announcement during the flight.

Newcastle last night issued a statement on Robert's behalf apologising for the disruption. "The club can confirm the player was not aware that the package, which formed part of his hand luggage, and was completely innocent, was causing the problem," a spokesman said. "Nor had the player understood the announcement, made during the flight, which resulted in the plane being diverted to Gatwick.

"Laurent speaks very little English and without the help of an interpreter does find it difficult to communicate. However, he has asked us to pass on his sincere apologies to his fellow passengers for the disruption to their travel arrangements."

Hull have parted company with their manager, Brian Little, after less than two years in charge. His assistants Kevan Smith and David Moore are also to leave. Little, the former Aston Villa, Wolves, Leicester and Stoke manager, took charge at Boothferry Park in April, 2000.

Middlesbrough have completed the signing of the French midfielder Michael Debeve. The 31-year-old has joined on a short-term contract after being released by Lens.

Manchester City have signed the Chinese defender Sun Jihai for £2m from Dalian Wanda. The 24-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract and could make his debut next week when City have games at Birmingham and Bradford.

The Preston North End manager, Davie Moyes, wants the former Scotland captain Colin Hendry to assist in his promotion campaign. Moyes is trying to sign Hendry on loan from Bolton for the rest of the season.

The Scottish Football Association have confirmed that they will not take action against Neil Lennon for gesturing at Aberdeen fans. The Celtic midfielder was hauled into the room of the referee, Hugh Dallas, after his side's Tennent's Scottish Cup quarter-final win at Pittodrie on Monday after the police claimed he had incited the crowd with his celebrations. The Celtic manager, Martin O'Neill, has confirmed that he will discipline his striker John Hartson after his dismissal in the win at Aberdeen. The Welsh international kicked at the Dons defender Jamie McAllister.

* A joint bid by Scotland and Ireland to host Euro 2008 was back on track last night after agreement was reached between rival parties in the Irish coalition government over whether to build a new stadium in Dublin or use the present facilities at Lansdowne Road and Croke Park. The deadline for making the joint application to Uefa to host the competition is today.

* Sven-Goran Eriksson has selected musical pieces for a compilation to be released in April called "Sven-Goran Eriksson's Classical Favourites".