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Early Doors

The Morning Score: Thursday

Here’s everything you need to know before that first cup of coffee.

1. #CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Chelsea are facing a shoot-out with La Liga side Valencia for a place in the last 16 of Europe’s elite competition.

The Blues were left stunned by a last-minute Bayer Leverkusen goal to let slip a lead and come away with nothing.

Back in London, Arsenal beat Dortmund by two Robin van Persie goals to nil while Barcelona edged out Milan 3-2 at the San Siro in a cracker. Catch up with how it all unfolded here.

2. #RED HAND Tyrone GAA officials say they will probably conclude their investigation into the ugly scenes which marred the end of the Tyrone Football League final by tomorrow.

A spectator was hospitalised earlier this month after part of his ear was reportedly bitten off during a mass brawl in the closing minutes of Dromore’s victory over Carrickmore.

Carrickmore brothers Gabriel and Plunkett McCallan were both shown red cards as a fracas spread from the pitch, sparking further violence among supporters in the stands.

3. #GYPSIES Manager Pat Fenlon was yesterday given permission by Bohemians to speak to SPL side Hibernian about a prospective move to Easter Road.

In a one-line statement, Bohemians confirmed that they will allow Hibs to discuss personal terms with Fenlon, who is still under contract with the Airtricity League side. He is expected to agree a deal in the coming days.

4. #RWC2011 The navel gazing continues amongst English rugby types this morning after a traumatic 24 hours.

A leaked internal review open wounds, prompting tournament skipper Lewis Moody to defend his reputation against accusations of greed.

Irish rugby chiefs moved to reject any claims about our players after one anonymous English star fingered Declan Kidney’s side as misbehaving in New Zealand too.

“It was made public at the time that the guys were allowed out for a night in Queenstown and enjoyed themselves without any incident,” Richardson said.

“They’re all adults and were given permission to socialise in the town which was about two or three minutes from the team hotel.

“Exactly what bars they were in I can’t say, but this was a sanctioned night out and there were no issues as far as we were concerned.

5. #CONTADOR Former Tour de France champion Alberto Contador is unlikely to learn the final verdict on his failed dope test until next year, it has been announced.

Contador tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol during the 2010 Tour de France, but has protested his innocence ever since, insisting he unintentionally consumed the substance after he eating contaminated meat.

6. #WORLD CUP Australia laid down an early marker at the Golf World Cup, taking the clubhouse lead on 11 under par to lead the field by four strokes earlier.

Irish pair Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell were five-under through nine holes following three birdies and an eagle. We’ll have details soon.