Spurs spurn Israel's approach

Tottenham Hotspur have rejected a request from the Israeli Football Association to stage their home Euro 2004 qualifiers at White Hart Lane.

Due to the worsening security situation in the Middle East, the sport's European governing body, Uefa, have banned Israel from playing international matches in their own country.

With the deadline for fixture arrangements fast approaching, leading IFA official Joe Dagan followed up an informal approach by faxing Spurs with an official request this week, the communication being directed to the Premiership club's chairman Daniel Levy.

But director of football David Pleat confirmed Spurs' decision to reject the request yesterday when he said: "As of today no international fixtures are planned for White Hart Lane."

Although the North London club will not elaborate on their decision it has clearly being made on security grounds, although there must be doubts as to whether the police authorities or the Football Association would sanction such an arrangement.

It is a blow for the Israelis, who could have expected great support at Tottenham, with upwards of 50,000 Jewish people residing in North London. Their Euro 2004 qualifying group contains holders France, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta and Luxembourg

Israel, who are due to open their campaign against Cyprus on 16 October, reportedly expect to lose around £1m because of the home ban and must now explore other possibilities for staging their matches. Romania looks to be their favoured option although Ukraine and Bulgaria are other alternatives.

On Monday night, Edwin van der Sar delighted Fulham supporters with a magnificent performance as Jean Tigana's side drew 0-0 with Chelsea at Loftus Road.

The match came a week after Aston Villa's goalkeeper, Peter Enckelman, made a terrible mistake in last week's 3-0 derby defeat by Birmingham city, allowing Olof Mellberg's throw-in to clip his studs and trickle into his net.

There were no such repeats in the West London derby however, as Van der Sar made two brilliant late saves, first blocking Jesper Gronkjaer's powerful angled drive and seizing the rebound, and then diving full-length to his right to palm away Chelsea defender Robert Huth's 18-yard strike.

In a frantic game, the Chelsea manager, Claudio Ranieri, was able to celebrate his 100th match in charge of the Blues as they maintained their unbeaten start to the season.