Shades of Sonia and the Olympic row over her gear. Yesterday Liverpool forward Steve McManaman apologised for unintentionally breaking his High Court promise not to wear boots made by anyone other than England football kit sponsor Umbro. The apology, plus an undertaking to pay Umbro's legal costs for launching contempt proceedings, was announced at a brief court hearing in London.

McManaman is seeking to extricate himself from his exclusive contract with Umbro Europe on the grounds that it is unenforceable and an unlawful restraint of trade. Pending a full hearing of the dispute, he pledged two months ago that he would adhere to his contract. But Mr Justice Laddie heard today that he had since been seen playing in Reebok boots, albeit with the logos removed.