Footballer’s £2m lawsuit given the boot

♦ A High Court judge has thrown out a legal claim by Marouane Fellaini, the Manchester United footballer, that his “defective” boots were too tight, damaged his feet and caused untold pain.

Fellaini had tried to sue New Balance for £2 million in damages, claiming his boots had to be “steamed and stretched” and that the maker had copied boots made by a competitor.

However, the judge concluded that his contract with the sportswear firm was invalid, meaning he did not have to be wearing them at all.

Fellaini said he would appeal.