"We've seen many players wilt a bit in their first game at Old Trafford, but he wanted the ball all the time and looked like he could handle the big stage. The experience you pick up – even if it's just 45 minutes – means more than 30 reserve games because of what it tells you about yourself."United, incidentally, would not have been liable to punishment by Uefa, the European game's ruling body, had Juventus complained about their weakened side. A Uefa spokesman said: "As long as teams field players from their 25-man 'A' list, or from the 'B' list of youth players born after 1 January, 1981, the club are abiding by our regulations.". EL HADJI DIOUF was questioned by Strathclyde Police last night after spitting at a spectator towards the end of Liverpool's drawn Uefa Cup tie at Parkhead. El Hadji Diouf could be charged with assault after spitting at a spectator towards the end of Liverpool's drawn Uefa Cup tie at Parkhead last night. After questioning the striker, Strathclyde Police made Diouf the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal outlining the charge. Scotland's equivalent of the Crown Prosecution Service will now decide whether the 22-year-old should face the charge. Diouf will be disciplined by Liverpool, whose manager, G?rd Houllier, condemned his behaviour as unacceptable.
He may also be punished by the sport's European governing body, Uefa.The Senegalese international reacted after the fan appeared to strike him after a tackle sent him tumbling over the touchline. Two spectators were arrested after attempting to enter the field of play in response. Police later took statements from Diouf and other witnesses including Liverpool's goalkeeping coach Joe Corrigan."It is a shame that incident casts some shadow on the performance of the team," said Houllier "The player has apologised for his reaction He realises his behaviour was totally inappropriate. Liverpool do not condone it in any way."Diouf's indiscipline detracted from an otherwise mature display by Liverpool in this quarter-final, first-leg. They conceded a third-minute goal to the returning Henrik Larsson but Emile Heskey provided a swift riposte with a crucial away goal. Thereafter the visitors showed the classier touch, with Steven Gerrard outstanding, but their forays usually foundered on the commanding presence of Bobo Balde.
"It looks as if we have to win at Anfield," said Martin O'Neill, the Celtic manager. "Why not? We're capable of going there and scoring." Celtic had been given a huge lift when Larsson was included in the starting line-up 32 days after suffering a double fracture of the jaw. In a bold selection Paul Lambert made way with Chris Sutton supporting from deep This gamble drew a reward as rich any punt at Cheltenham. The three-pronged attack wreaked immediate havoc with Sutton heading down an Alan Thompson cross for Hartson to chip on to the bar after just 14 seconds.