Summary

  • Adam Johnson found guilty of one count of sexual activity with a child and not guilty of another

  • 'Little Leicester City' will fight for Premier League title - Ranieri

  • Tottenham will go top if they beat West Ham, after Foxes drop points

  • Four other Premier League games tonight, including Liverpool v Man City

  • Get involved: What was your club's worst moment? #bbcsportsday

  1. That's all folkspublished at 17:00

    We've been on air for nine hours now so we kind of feel as though we've done our bit.

    But don't worry - coming shortly to replace us is live text coverage of all of tonight's Premier League games, with Tottenham, Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool and Man United all in action.

    Enjoy and we will see you for another Sportsday at 08:00 GMT on Thursday.

  2. European Super League?published at 16:57

    Football

    David Ornstein
    BBC Sport

    The so-called big five Premier League clubs have discussed proposals that would mean the top teams in Europe playing each other more often.

    Senior officials from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United met with American billionaire Stephen Ross in London to discuss his idea to pit them against other leading European teams via an enhanced Champions League or new competition.

    This would not affect their Premier League involvement but could, in theory, see them leave the Uefa competition, where big European sides often face vastly inferior teams from far smaller footballing countries.

    A source close to the 'big five' said the conversations are being driven by major clubs on the continent worried about the advantage their Premier League counterparts will gain when huge new broadcast deals begin next season.

  3. European Super League?published at 16:55 Greenwich Mean Time 2 March 2016

    Football

    Following today's story in The Sun, external about representatives from five of England's top clubs meeting to discuss a possible European Super League, BBC Sport's David Ornstein can bring us up to date with the latest.

  4. 'France need Benzema'published at 16:54

    Football

    BenzemaImage source, Getty Images

    Robert Pires claims France "need" Karim Benzema for this summer's European Championship - a day after the French Football Federation's president ruled he remains non-selectable.

    Real Madrid striker Benzema has been absent from the national squad since being interviewed by police in connection with an alleged 'sex-tape' blackmail plot against France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.

    But Pires told radio station RTL:  "France need Benzema. He is an important player, he plays for a very big club. He knows what the top level is about and he can bring that to us.

    "For now, we have to wait for the authorities to give their verdict. It's not good for the image of France. I hope Didier makes the right choice, and I will be fully behind him whatever he decides."

  5. get involved

    Get Involved #bbcsportsdaypublished at 16:52 Greenwich Mean Time 2 March 2016

    What was your club's worst moment? When did they hit rock bottom?

    Ben Mason:, external Scarborough getting relegated after (goalkeeper) Jimmy Glass scored for Carlisle. Then the collapse that followed into non-league.

    Simon Soothill:, external York losing 4-0 away to Canvey Island. Cold, drizzly evening, dodgy pub and to make matters worse it was my birthday.

    Chris Adams:, external WBA's relegation in 05/06 was pretty hard to take after the euphoria of staying up on the last day of the previous season.

    West BromImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Bryan Robson's West Brom side only won seven Premier League matches as they were relegated in 2005-06

  6. 'I'm on the mend' - Woodspublished at 16:50

    Golf

    Tiger WoodsImage source, Getty Images

    Tiger Woods has reiterated that there is no timetable for his return to competitive golf, despite giving a positive update about his recovery from back surgery.

    Woods, 40, posted a video of himself hitting a shot in an indoor simulator last week following suggestions he found it painful to sit down and was unable to move well.

    Writing on his official website, Woods said: "As I announced last week, I am starting to feel a lot better. I have been chipping and putting at home, and recently started hitting 9 irons. That's been so nice.

    "While there is no timetable on my return to competitive golf, I want to play this game at the highest level again. In order to do that, I have to get healthy."

  7. Robson extends Middlesex dealpublished at 16:48

    County cricket

    Sam RobsonImage source, Getty Images

    Opening batsman Sam Robson has extended his contract with Middlesex until the end of the 2018 season. 

    The 26-year-old, who played seven Tests for England in 2014, has scored over 6,000 first-class runs for the county.

    "Sam is a high-quality cricketer, a batsman that we believe will continue to develop," said managing director Angus Fraser.

  8. Jail 'almost inevitable' for Johnsonpublished at 16:46

    Adam Johnson found guilty of one charge of sexual activity with a child

    Adam Johnson has been told a jail sentence is "the almost inevitable outcome" after he was convicted of sexual activity with a child.

    Judge Jonathan Rose issued the warning as he granted Johnson bail until the sentencing hearing, which will be held at a later date. 

    "There is a very high probability of a significant custodial sentence," judge said.

    The judge said his preliminary view was that the case falls into the category of a five-year prison sentence with a range of four to 10 years.

    There was no obvious reaction to the verdict from Johnson, who was sitting in the dock with two security guards.

  9. Banned for stamppublished at 16:44

    Rugby Union

    Martin CastrogiovanniImage source, Getty Images

    Italy prop Martin Castrogiovanni has been banned for two weeks for stamping on Scotland's Duncan Taylor in the 36-20 Six Nations defeat in Rome.

    The 34-year-old prop came on as a second-half replacement at the Stadio Olimpico and later appeared to direct a stamp towards Taylor's foot.

  10. get involved

    Get Involved #bbcsportsdaypublished at 16:41 Greenwich Mean Time 2 March 2016

    What was your club's worst moment? When did they hit rock bottom?

    Tim Stubbs:, external Following Peterborough United is always a rollercoaster ride. One unforgetable dip was relegation to L1 in 2013. Last day of the season, 3-2 loss at Palace to an 89th minute winning goal meant going down with a massive 54pts! #Low, external

    Matt Everitt:, external Club's darkest day? How about @LutonTown, external three consecutive relegations, administrations, 30 point penalties & five years non league? #bbcsportsday, external

    Danny Eccles:, external Backpass in the semi vs liverpool. Still get nightmares.

    Sylvan DistinImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    The incident that is still giving Danny nightmares happened on 14 April, 2012 when then-Everton defender Sylvain Distain's error helped Liverpool to a 2-1 FA Cup semi-final win at Wembley

    The defender then posted this message on social media.

    Sylvain DistinImage source, Sylvain Distin
  11. Mixed fortunespublished at 16:36 Greenwich Mean Time 2 March 2016

    Liverpool v Man City (20:00 GMT)

    SakhoImage source, Getty Images

    Liverpool's Mamadou Sakho is a doubt after being forced off with a head injury on Sunday, but Martin Skrtel could return from a hamstring problem.

    Daniel Sturridge will be monitored after suffering from cramp in the League Cup final, while Lucas is likely to miss out with a muscle problem.

    Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart is set to play despite Willy Caballero's match-winning display at Wembley.

    Midfielder Yaya Toure is doubtful with a foot problem.

  12. Referee released from hospitalpublished at 16:31

    Football

    FriendImage source, Getty Images

    Match official Kevin Friend has been released from hospital following his fall at Bournemouth on Tuesday night, but will not officiate in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday.

    The Premier League confirmed it had been given an update from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited governing body that concussion protocols are now to be followed, meaning Friend would not be able to take charge of the match between Southampton and Sunderland on March 5 as planned.

    Friend was the fourth official at the Vitality Stadium, but was taken to hospital after banging his head on the dugout during the first half. 

  13. Whelan set to startpublished at 16:29 Greenwich Mean Time 2 March 2016

    Stoke v Newcastle (19:45 GMT)

    WhelanImage source, Getty Images

    Stoke manager Mark Hughes expects Glenn Whelan to be available despite suffering a broken nose on Saturday.

    Marc Muniesa could return from injury but Ryan Shawcross and Glen Johnson are out and Phil Bardsley is doubtful.

    Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini is struggling with a calf injury and will miss his side's next two games.

    Chancel Mbemba is still out with an ankle problem, but Paul Dummett, Vurnon Anita, Siem de Jong, Papiss Cisse and Aleksandar Mitrovic are all fit again.

  14. Adam Johnson trialpublished at 16:24 Greenwich Mean Time 2 March 2016
    Breaking

    Adam Johnson has been found guilty of one count of sexual activity with a child and not guilty of another.

  15. Chance to go toppublished at 16:16 Greenwich Mean Time 2 March 2016

    West Ham v Tottenham (19:45 GMT)

    gImage source, Getty Images

    Tottenham will go top of the Premier League if they win at West Ham on Wednesday.

    Leicester's draw with West Brom on Tuesday means Spurs, who trail the Foxes by three points, can go top of the table on goal difference.

    Spurs, who have not won the title for 55 years, last led the table in March or later in 1964, when they eventually finished fourth.

    Their highest finish since then is third, on five occasions.

  16. Martial returnspublished at 16:11 Greenwich Mean Time 2 March 2016

    Man United v Watford (20:00 GMT)

    Anthony MartialImage source, Getty Images

    Over at Old Trafford, Manchester United could welcome back Anthony Martial and Matteo Darmian from injury, while Chris Smalling will also be assessed.

    Manager Louis van Gaal has hinted Marcos Rojo will be fit despite suffering an ankle injury in Sunday's win against Arsenal.

    Jose Jurado again misses out for Watford with a calf injury.

    Etienne Capoue is fit despite being substituted because of tiredness in Saturday's draw with Bournemouth.

  17. Gunners setbackpublished at 16:05 Greenwich Mean Time 2 March 2016

    Arsenal v Swansea (19:45 GMT)

    AOCImage source, Getty Images

    Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been ruled out for up to eight weeks with the knee injury he suffered against Barcelona last week.

    Danny Welbeck is likely to be rested, having only just come back from a 10-month injury lay-off.

    Swansea City are at full strength for their trip to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

    On-loan midfielder Leroy Fer could be handed his first start since joining from QPR in January.

  18. Coming up laterpublished at 16:02 Greenwich Mean Time 2 March 2016

    Football

    So then, it's a huge night ahead in the Premier league and a set of fixtures that could have a  huge say in where the Premier League title will end up this season.

    There will be live text commentary of all matches on the BBC Sport website. Here's who is playing and when:

    Arsenal v Swansea, Stoke v Newcastle, West Ham v Tottenham (19:45 GMT).

    Liverpool v Man City, Man United v Watford (20:00)

  19. Behind closed doors Euros?published at 15:56

    Football

    MatchImage source, AP

    Euro 2016 matches could be played behind closed doors in the event of a terror alert at this summer's finals.

    European football's governing body Uefa is drawing up anti-terror contingency plans for the event in France.

    The move follows November's Paris attacks, which included attempts to detonate explosives at the Stade de France during a France v Germany game.

    "If there is a security issue, we would need to play the match without fans," tournament director Martin Kallen said.

  20. Johnson found not guilty of one chargepublished at 15:51 Greenwich Mean Time 2 March 2016
    Breaking