James McArthur

A former Harrods chief executive has said he witnessed 'abhorrent' behaviour by the Knightsbridge store's former owner Mohamed Al Fayed - but not sexual abuse. James McArthur, who was chief executive for what he described as a 'most unpleasant 10 months' in 2008, told the BBC he was 'not aware' of any sexual abuse by the late Mr Al-Fayed. Five women have alleged that they were raped by the Egyptian, who died last year aged 94, while a growing number of others have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct. 'While Fayed's behaviour was often abhorrent in many ways, and professional relationships with him were largely dysfunctional, I was not aware of any sexual abuse by him - if I had been, I would have taken action,' McArthur said in a written statement. He said he was not aware of a Metropolitan Police investigation into Mr Al-Fayed over the alleged assault of a 15-year-old girl.

James McArthur, a former Crystal Palace footballer, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 35. After then-Eagles boss Neil Warnock signed him from Wigan for £12 million in September 2014, McArthur made 253 appearances and scored 19 goals in all competitions for Palace. The midfielder will progress from a forward-thinking box-box player to a defensive stalwart at the club quickly, turning his attention from central midfield as he progressed from a forward-thinking box-to-box player in his later years.

In the midst of Chelsea and Manchester City's fascination, Roy Hodgson admits Crystal Palace will face Crystal Palace in a competition to keep Michael Olise alive. Wilfried Zahaha has already left Galatasaray on a free transfer, while four other senior players, including James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic, have left the team this summer after their contracts ended. Jefferson Lerma, the only new signing so far, came from Bournemouth on a free transfer. When asked about Zaha's death, Hodgson told The Sun: "We had two outstanding wingers who were among the best in the league."