FOOTBALL DIGEST

■ FANS of Liverpool and Real Madrid who were victims of crime during the Champions League final in Paris have been asked to file complaints to the French authorities. There were reports of sexual assaults and muggings by local gangs as well as fans being tear-gassed by police. UEFA have started an investigation.

■ ROB PAGE has been backed by Wales stars to become longterm manager after leading the country to their first World Cup since 1958. Page said on Monday that Wales’ 1-0 win over Ukraine in Sunday’s play-off meant his current contract would now run until the moment his side’s campaign in Qatar ends later this year. The players want him to stay on, but it is complicated by the uncertain future of Ryan Giggs, who will stand trial in August accused of assault.

■ A DEFIANT Steph Houghton insisted she can ‘get back to her best’ as she battles to get in England’s 23-player squad for the Women’s Euros. Houghton has not played since January after having achilles surgery nor has she played under Sarina Wiegman. The 34-year-old was included in the initial 28-player squad but five will be cut next week.

■ AUSTRALIA will face Peru on Monday for a place in the World Cup finals after the Socceroos’ 2-1 win against UAE in Al Rayyan last night.

■ A MANCHESTER City fan who ran on to the pitch during the final-day clash with Aston Villa and taunted goalkeeper Robin Olsen has received a four-year football banning order.