Gael Danic and former Liverpool man Anthony Le Tallec gave the home side a two-goal lead, before an inexplicable mistake by Marseille keeper Steve Mandanda allowed Foued Kadir to make it 3-0.

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The Esa ministerial council outcome was warmly welcomed by Jean-Yves Le Gall, the man who heads up Arianespace, the commercial operator of Europe's big rocket.

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After all, Merrington is the man who moulded Alan Shearer, Matthew Le Tissier, Rodney and Raymond Wallace, as well as the likes of Neil Maddison and Tommy Widdrington.

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He was also devoted to the interests of Prussia's people, rejoicing in the nicknames of l'avocat du pauvre and le roi des gueux (poor man's advocate and king of the beggars).

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And French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said he had no proof of either man's death.

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