Singapore youngsters may not like being cooped up most of the time, but the authorities believe it is the only way to ensure those kinds of figures are not repeated.

CNN: In the Grip of a Virus

Ms Marshall marked her first day in office as children's commissioner by questioning the need for anti-social behaviour measures, saying at the time that plans to tag youngsters and disperse groups of youths were punitive.

BBC: Children's champion to step down

The timing of the row was suspicious: Mr Balls made the allegations at the same time as his department published figures showing that a fifth of youngsters transferring to secondary school had missed out on their first choice.

ECONOMIST: School admissions

It is not the first time United have been criticised in their pursuit of Europe's promising youngsters.

BBC: Man Utd deny 'stealing' youngster

Giggs, an 11-time Premier League winner and two-time conqueror of Europe with United, would demand immediate regard from Wales' players and the youngsters would see their hero helping their development as a great honour.

BBC: Brian Flynn - the small man in Wales' big job