Papers debate UK sailors' release

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Thursday's papers ponder whether the release of the 15 Royal Navy personnel held captive in Iran has come at a price.

The Daily Mail asks: "Has this been a diplomatic triumph for Blair or a humiliation for Britain?"

The Independent says "it depends which way you look at it", splitting its front page to reflect the different reactions of the two sides.

But the Daily Express is more certain, insisting Britain has been made to look "weak and foolish" by the affair.

'Sartorial theatre'

Other papers focus on the ill-fitting suits worn by the freed crew upon their release.

"I went to Iran and all I got was this lousy suit," the Sun quips, branding the outfits "dodgy".

The Times says what began as "a maritime showdown in the Gulf" ended with "bizarre scenes of political and sartorial theatre".

And the Daily Express says they wore "shiny" suits without ties, "which are seen as symbols of Western decadence".

Football 'mayhem'

The violent clashes between fans during Manchester United's Champions League game against Roma also make headlines.

The Daily Telegraph says "tension swirled in the air all night".

"Mayhem reigned", according to the Guardian, with one supporter shown on television with blood pouring from a head wound.

And a reporter from the Daily Mail, who witnessed the violence, says Italian riot police beat fans, including an elderly woman, "indiscriminately".

Clint's tipple

The Daily Telegraph reports that Home Secretary John Reid has been named as Britain's most slippery politician.

Researchers say he evaded 44% of questions asked of him, compared with 42% avoided by the prime minister.

Meanwhile, the Daily Star says Clint Eastwood could be set to become the new face of Newcastle Brown Ale.

The Hollywood heavyweight, who the paper says has confessed his love for the beer in the past, has been asked to help celebrate its 80th birthday.