QUOTES OF THE WEEK

n I think that at any other ground in the country the goal would have have been given. Matthew Le Tissier, the Southampton player, on Neil Shipperley's disallowed effort against Manchester United in the FA Cup.

n I said to the players at half-time, make it more entertaining. Let Liverpool get three goals and we will all go home happy. Leeds manger Howard Wilkinson's sarcastic response to criticism of his side's negative tactics against Liverpool in the FA Cup sixth round.

n I thought Martin [Brundle] was dead. David Coulthard on the crash at last Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.

n It hurts when people get the idea that I'm some kind of pantomime freak. Frank Bruno, who defends his world title against Mike Tyson today.

n Players lives cannot be put at risk for a game of cricket. I would not have wanted that on my conscience. Clive Lloyd, the former West Indies captain who called off the Sri Lanka v India World Cup semi-final following a riot.

n If he beats Mike Tyson, it's the equivalent of England winning the World Cup in 1966 without a doubt, the biggest thing for British sport. I can't think of a thing to rival it. Bruno's manager, Frank Warren.

n Someone needs their bottom spanked. The cloth is like an Axminster carpet. It's too thick and is bringing down the standard of play. The world snooker champion, Stephen Hendry, criticises the playing tables at the Thailand Open.

n You can't stop boys going out with girls, particularly when they are single, but so far as the other matters are concerned, any Manchester City player involved would have to go down the road. Francis Lee, the City chairman, after Nicky Summerbee was at the centre of newspaper drugs and sex allegations.

n I need to know what the wicket is like, what batting is like and the number of overs left. Glenn Hoddle, the Chelsea manager, uses a cricket analogy to sum up his position at Stamford Bridge.

n My beliefs are more important than anything. If I have to give up basketball, I will. This country has a long history of [oppression]. I don't think you can argue the facts. You can't be for God and for oppression. It's clear in the Koran, Islam is the only way. Abdul-Rauf, a devout Moslem and key member of the Denver Nuggets team, who refused to stand during the American national anthem at a recent NBA game.