Football accused in homophobia row

Professional footballers have refused to appear in a campaign video against homophobia because they fear being ridiculed for taking a stand against one of the sport's most stubborn taboos, The Independent has learnt.

Gay players: the truth football won't face

Alexander McQueen scoots past the audience after a fashion show for Givenchy in 2000

McQueen's down-to-earth manner untouched by acclaim of the celebrity world

Carola Long: The sheer drama, grandeur and exhilarating bravery of the late Alexander McQueen's designs and fashion shows may never be surpassed.

Blair & Brown: A war on two fronts

In the second of our exclusive extracts from his new book, former Downing Street spin doctor Lance Price reveals the guerrilla fighting that raged between the Blair and Brown camps.

Nelson Mandela with his wife Graca Machel, during celebrations in Cape Town yesterday to mark the 20th anniversary of his release from prison

Mandela can still conjure up the old Madiba magic

Icon given rapturous ovation on twentieth anniversary of his release from prison

Notable absentees at rally mark crisis at the heart of the ANC

Cracks appear in Europe's response to Greek crisis

Words of support for stricken eurozone economy – but no cash

Labour to make pledge to raise minimum wage

Election manifesto may include latest drive to tackle inequality

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It would now seem inevitable that Bridge (above) will be selected in the squad for the Egypt game that will be announced on 27 February after the latest injury to Ashley Cole

Bridge told: end Terry rift or forget World Cup

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McQueen found dead on eve of his mother's funeral

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That Crazy Heart was made at all is a miracle. And now its star, Jeff Bridges, is hotly tipped to win the Best Actor Oscar. Guy Adams reports on how it happened

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Regulator unhappy with BT plan to fill £9bn pension hole

Objection likely to be that 17-year scheme is too long when firm is not suffering

Revealed: the face of Greenland (circa 2000BC)

He had brown eyes, non-white skin, "shovel-shaped" front teeth and was at high risk of going bald and suffering ear infections. Oh, and he lived 4,000 years ago and nothing remains except a clump of his thick, dark hair.

Report says Silicon Valley economy sputtering

Silicon Valley's economy took a big hit during the global meltdown and could have trouble climbing out, according to a report released yesterday

BBC's top stars paid £54 million

The BBC spends £54 million on its top-earning stars, according to figures out today.

Midlands car industry in line for 'low carbon' funding boost

The government is investing £19.5m to help establish the Midlands car industry as a world leader in next-generation, low-carbon automotive technology. The money from the Advantage West Midlands regional development agency will fund research into 15 areas, including battery technology, aerodynamics and power electronics.

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