Summary

  • Former Manchester City and England striker Francis Lee has died aged 79

  • Q&A with BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty

  • Premier League and Champions League news conferences

  • Liverpool say VAR error at Spurs 'undermined sporting integrity'

  • Ten-man Nottingham Forest earn draw against Brentford in Premier League

  • WSL: Liverpool win at Arsenal, Man Utd come from behind at Aston Villa

  • Build up to Fulham v Chelsea (20:00 BST)

  • Get Involved: #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

  1. Thanks for joining uspublished at 16:58 British Summer Time 2 October 2023

    This live page is now closing.

    Plenty of tributes are coming in for Francis Lee and our news article is updating. Read it here.

    Here's a reminder of today's other top stories:

    Take care.

  2. Derby 'deeply saddened'published at 16:54 British Summer Time 2 October 2023

    Following success at Manchester City, Lee joined Derby County and helped the Rams win their second league title in 1975.

    On X, external, Lee's former club said: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of 1974/75 title-winner Francis Lee.

    "Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who knew him."

  3. England remember Leepublished at 16:50 British Summer Time 2 October 2023

    Francis Lee for EnglandImage source, Getty Images

    Lee also earned 27 caps for England, scoring 10 goals.

    In a statement, England said: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of Francis Lee at the age of 79.

    "Franny won 27 caps and scored ten goals for the Three Lions between 1968 and 1972.

    "All of our thoughts are with his family and friends."

  4. 'A truly sad day for football' - Corriganpublished at 16:47 British Summer Time 2 October 2023

    Lee's friend and former Manchester City teammate Joe Corrigan, has told BBC Sport: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

    "Great in every way – player, person and friend. A truly sad day for football. Rest in Peace Francis."

  5. Postpublished at 16:43 British Summer Time 2 October 2023

    Francis LeeImage source, Getty Images

    Lee received a CBE in 2016 for his services to football and charity.

  6. From player to chairmanpublished at 16:41 British Summer Time 2 October 2023

    Steve Coppell pictured shaking hands with chairman Francis LeeImage source, Getty Images

    During his time at Manchester City, Lee also won an FA Cup, a League Cup, the European Cup Winners' Cup and the Charity Shield twice.

    He returned to the club in 1994 as chairman, spending four years in that role.

    Manchester City said Lee died on Monday morning after a long fight against cancer.

  7. Postpublished at 16:38 British Summer Time 2 October 2023

    BBC Sport's chief football writer, Phil McNulty, on X: Great player and quite simply one of the most significant figures in the history of Manchester City.

  8. Former club Bolton pay tributepublished at 16:34 British Summer Time 2 October 2023

    Francis Lee at BoltonImage source, Getty Images

    Lee started his career at Bolton Wanderers before signing for Manchester City, for a then record fee of of £60,000 in 1967.

    In a statement, his former club said: "All at Bolton Wanderers are saddened to learn of the passing of former forward, Francis Lee.

    "The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Francis' family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time."

  9. "Look at his face! Just look at his face!"published at 16:29 British Summer Time 2 October 2023

    A City hero he may have been, but Lee had great moments against them too.

    Media caption,

    Francis Lee scores famous goal for Derby against Man City in 1974

  10. Postpublished at 16:27 British Summer Time 2 October 2023

    Manchester City on X: It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and Chairman Francis Lee. Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.

  11. 'Deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts'published at 16:23 British Summer Time 2 October 2023

    "It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of former Manchester City player and chairman Francis Lee, aged 79," a City statement read, external.

    "Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their condolences to the friends and family of Francis at this very difficult time.

    "As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast."

  12. Manchester City great Lee dies aged 79published at 16:17 British Summer Time 2 October 2023
    Breaking

    Francis LeeImage source, Getty Images

    Former Manchester City and England striker Francis Lee has died, aged 79.

    Lee scored 148 goals in 330 appearances during an eight-year spell at City, helping the club win multiple honours, including the old First Division title in 1968.

    We're resuming our live coverage to bring you the latest tributes to Lee.

  13. Live updatespublished at 15:08 British Summer Time 2 October 2023

    Click this link to follow our live text commentary of Fulham v Chelsea, which begins at 18:45 BST with team news and build-up leading to the 20:00 BST kick-off.

  14. Chelsea stat attackpublished at 15:04 British Summer Time 2 October 2023

    Fulham v Chelsea (20:00 BST)

    Conor Gallagher of ChelseaImage source, Getty Images
    • The Blues have taken five points from six games, their worst start to a top-flight season since 1978-79, when they went on to be relegated.
    • Chelsea have failed to score in 13 Premier League matches in 2023, more than any other side, and their highest total in a calendar year since 1995.
    • They have won just two of their past 18 league fixtures, taking 12 points.
    • Mauricio Pochettino's side rank sixth for expected goals prior to the latest round of Premier League fixtures, but have the competition's second lowest shot conversion rate (5.5%).
    • Raheem Sterling could make his 300th Premier League start.
  15. Fulham's pick of the statspublished at 15:01 British Summer Time 2 October 2023

    Fulham v Chelsea (20:00 BST)

    Willian scores for Fulham in their victory over Chelsea in January 2023Image source, Getty Images
    • Fulham are winless in nine consecutive Premier League London derbies since beating Chelsea in January (D4, L5).
    • Their last seven league goals have been scored by seven different players, including all five this season.
    • Andreas Pereira is one shy of 200 career league appearances.
  16. Q&A - BBC chief football writer Phil McNultypublished at 14:59 British Summer Time 2 October 2023

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    Neal Widdows: Should the Liverpool game be replayed?

    Phil: Hi Neal. No. I don’t believe it should, even though there has clearly been a huge error and an injustice. My first thought is “where would it all end?” I agree this was a clear cut, non-subjective decision, but the number of complaints about errors being currently received means we could end up with numerous requests for replays every weekend. I just don’t see it happening.

  17. Aldridge 'gutted' after Diaz goal ruled out by VARpublished at 14:56 British Summer Time 2 October 2023

    John Aldridge
    Former Liverpool striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

    I’m still a bit gutted with what happened and how it happened, not taking nothing away from Tottenham. Obviously, they have got a smashing manager, a great team and doing really, really well. But in the context of where football is, it’s more than shocking to be quite honest.

    You should be able to trust VAR because, it’s hard to referee a game in any way or form and so it’s there to help the officials and the referees, not to hinder things [and make them] even worse.

    There is 100% room for human error and that’s why VAR is there to help in these situations.

  18. How can VAR be improved?published at 14:53 British Summer Time 2 October 2023

    BBC Radio 5 Live

    Earlier on BBC Radio 5 Live, The Times chief football writer Henry Winter outlined what he thought were the areas of VAR that need to be improved. Here's how he's summarised his points on X, external (formerly Twitter).

    1. Play audio live in grounds, giving greater transparency of decision-making process.
    2. Improve refereeing standards by investing even more in grassroots, including training up and fast-tracking players let go by academies.
    3. Introduce semi-automated offside.
    4. Introduce VAR specialists.
    5. Limit travel of officials in 48 hours before a Premier League game.
    6. Change rules to allow emergency intervention in 10-second window post-restart.
  19. Q&A - BBC chief football writer Phil McNultypublished at 14:51 British Summer Time 2 October 2023

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    Mani Singh: What would you say the wording from Liverpool means when it says “exploring all options available”?

    Phil: I think in this instance, Mani, it means exactly what it says. My understanding is that the club regard this as such an unprecedented situation that they are genuinely still trying to discover what their options are.