Soccer Shorts

Beckham accused: Argentinian full-back Lionel Scaloni has accused David Beckham of challenging him with a crotch-grabbing gesture during Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday night.

The pair were involved in an angry exchange after clashing on the ground after a Beckham foul in the dying minutes of the match. Beckham landed on top of Scaloni, who appeared to shove him.

Both Beckham and Scaloni were booked, but the Deportivo player ignored referee Julian Rodriguez Santiago's suggestion the pair shake hands.

"Although Beckham offered his hand it was a false offer. Then, after the referee showed us the yellow cards, he made a gesture - he looked at me and touched his genitals," said Scaloni.

Gold's double bid

Birmingham City are keen to make a double raid on Celtic to land strikers Henrik Larsson and John Hartson.

Birmingham chairman David Gold said the club and manager Steve Bruce were hopeful of completing a double swoop by luring the Swedish player and strike-partner Hartson to the midlands:

"Steve (Bruce) has a high regard for both players. Henrik is a fantastic player with a scoring record that is second to none. I think you can take it there is every chance we will be coming after him come the end of the season."

Celtic's fans, meanwhile, received FIFA's Fair Play Award for 2003 in Basle last night. The Scottish giants made it to the final of the UEFA Cup in Seville last season and the travelling supporters from Glasgow helped create a festive atmosphere in southern Spain, despite their 3-2 loss to Porto.

Brazil were named the best team in the world, and remain top of FIFA's rankings, ahead of second placed France, and Spain. The Republic of Ireland moved to joint 14th with Cameroon, from 15th.

Owen's 2003 over

Liverpool striker Michael Owen will not return to the first team until the New Year as he is still struggling with a thigh injury.

The news yesterday that the England striker will miss the entire Christmas programme is a blow to manager Gerard Houllier, who is facing mounting criticism after his side slipped to ninth in the Premier League following the 2-1 home defeat to Southampton on Saturday.

Cole to appeal ban

Chelsea have appealed against Joe Cole's two-match ban imposed when a West Ham player. Cole was banned by the FA for his involvement in a fracas during the Premiership game at Bolton last season.

Cole was seen to throw punches in the direction of Bernard Mendy. Cole will make a personal appearance before an FA disciplinary panel in the new year.

Brazil-Spain final

Brazil and Spain will meet in the final of the FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates.

An 86th-minute Andres Iniesta penalty at the Rashid stadium in Dubai was enough to defeat the Republic of Ireland's conquerors Colombia and send Spain into Friday's final,

Meanwhile, in the other semi-final in the Mohammad Bin Zayed stadium in Abu Dhabi, Dudu's flicked header made all the difference as Brazil pipped neighbours Argentina, also 1-0.

In brief ...

Fulham are set to get permission today for a temporary return to Craven Cottage. A meeting of Hammersmith & Fulham council's planning committee is expected to approve their application to return to their former home, from Loftus Road.. Tonight'sFixtures

(7.45 unless stated)

ENGLISH FA CUP - Second round replays: Barnsley v Bristol City; Cambridge Utd v Macclesfield; Mansfield v Wycombe.

ENGLISH LEAGUE CUP - Quarter-finals: Bolton v Southampton (8.00); West Brom v Arsenal (8.00).

LDV VANS TROPHY - Northern Section Quarter-final: Halifax v Lincoln City.

IRISH LEAGUE - Premier Division: Crusaders v Linfield; Institute v Larne; Omagh v Ballymena; Portadown v Cliftonville.