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Showing posts from February, 2018

England are now feared by rivals, says defender Lucy Bronze

• Runs to last four of tournaments have earned team respect • Bronze to captain country for first time in SheBelieves Cup Lucy Bronze believes England’s rise towards the apex of women’s football has served a serious warning to their rivals in the lead-up to the World Cup next summer. Bronze, who will captain England for the first time on Thursday night in the SheBelieves Cup opener against France in place of the injured Steph Houghton, was a key member of the Lioness squads which reached the last four in the most recent World Cup and European Championship tournaments. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/28/england-feared-by-rivals-lucy-bronze

Spotify aims for $1bn public share listing

The world's biggest music streaming firm will become a publicly listed company.

Tottenham Hotspur v Rochdale: FA Cup fifth-round replay – live!

KFC faces gravy shortage as distribution problems continue

After a chicken shortage led hundreds of KFC shops to close last week, the chain is now running low on gravy.

Love, Simon Review

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via CinemaBlend Latest Content https://www.cinemablend.com/reviews/2316981/love-simon-review

Prezzo set to close 100 restaurants in rescue attempt

The Italian restaurant chain is the latest firm to close stores as it tries to rescue the business.

Pep Guardiola may argue revealing yellow ribbon was unintended

• Guardiola’s jacket had concealed ribbon during first half at Wigan • Catalan thanks fans for backing gesture in support of politicians Pep Guardiola may argue he unwittingly broke Football Association rules by revealing the yellow ribbon only by accident during the second half of Manchester City’s defeat at Wigan Athletic. On Friday the Catalan was charged with “wearing a political message” and has until Monday to answer the count. The rule applies only to what is worn on the touchline during games and at the DW Stadium Guardiola’s jacket concealed the ribbon during the first half. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/28/pep-guardiola-yellow-ribbon-fa

England sees funding fall for energy-efficient homes

In the last five years, there has been an average of 32,000 excess winter deaths in the UK.

The Fiver | Agreeing to a rider that would have embarrassed Kanye West

Sign up now ! Sign up now ! Sign up now ? Sign up now ! Fortune is not just smiling on Tottenham Hotspur in this season’s FA Cup, it is holding them by the hand and whispering filthy promises into their pr1cked up ears. The draw has treated Spurs to three successive ties against lower-league opposition and, what is more, their fifth-round adversaries, Rochdale, even laid a new pitch for them so the Premier League artistes would not have to navigate any bumps or divots at Spotland, ensuring the only obstacles that might have been in their way were the invisible ones of which some Spurs players seem to keep falling afoul. Happily for Mauricio Pochettino’s loveable band of tricksters, snow has hit the ground in London before Wednesday’s replay against plucky Dale, meaning there could be a soft white coating across the Wembley surface to cushion any tumbles by Dele Alli and Harry Kane. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/28/the

Quini: a tale of kidnap, ransom and forgiveness in Barcelona

The former Spain and Barcelona striker Quini died aged 68 on Tuesday and in remembering his illustrious career there is no doubt that one extraordinary notorious incident stands out Enrique Castro, ‘Quini’, left the Camp Nou, drove home, set the video to record the highlights of the night’s games, got back into the car and headed to the airport. It was 1 March, 1981, and Spain’s top scorer, who passed away on Tuesday having suffered a sudden heart-attack aged 68, had just scored two more goals and was going to collect his wife and children, who were flying back into Barcelona in from Asturias. It is there, at Sporting Gijón’s El Molinón ground, that his body lies in rest and where the funeral was held on Wednesday, a stadium that will now carry his name, but his loss was felt all over Spain. Related: The chaos of Diego Costa rules for Atlético Madrid in rout of Sevilla | Sid Lowe Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/28/quin

Dick's Sporting Goods pulls assault-style rifles as Florida students return

Dick's Sporting Goods is to stop selling the kind of gun used in the Florida school attack.

Sergio Agüero’s goals a constant in Manchester City’s evolving drama | Paul Wilson

Argentinian can reach 200 goals for the club on Thursday at Arsenal and has proved his worth to Pep Guardiola this season as he has to all his managers in his seven years in Manchester On Thursday night at the Emirates Sergio Agüero has the chance to reach a landmark 200th goal for Manchester City, and if the Arsenal defenders play like they did in the Carabao Cup final he probably will. Despite being on the short side for a centre-forward – it always comes as a slight surprise to be reminded that the Argentina striker is only 5ft 8in – Agüero bullies defences like few others and Sunday’s showpiece at Wembley was as good an example as any. Related: Vincent Kompany leads the way for Manchester City’s old boys in victory | Barney Ronay Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/feb/28/sergio-aguero-200-goals-manchester-city-arsenal

Facebook news feed changes 'decimated' publisher

The publisher of Little Things blames Facebook's algorithm changes for the lifestyle website's closure.

Facebook news feed changes 'decimated' publisher

The publisher of Little Things blames Facebook's algorithm changes for the lifestyle website's closure.

Maplin collapses as rescue talks fail

The 200-store electronics retailer is unable to secure a sale of the business, its boss says.

Childcare costs: Parents of children under two pay the most

The cost of a part-time nursery place for a child under two rose by 7% in a year, to £122 a week, research says.

Sega mistake gives players free Yakuza 6 game

Sega removes a "preview" of its latest video game from the PlayStation download store after realising it gave some players access to the full game.

Toyota to build next generation of Auris in UK

It comes after the Japanese carmaker agreed a £240m investment in its Derbyshire plant last year.

‘There are no barriers in football other than the white lines we play within’ | Ben Fisher

Karl Robinson takes time off from Charlton’s League One promotion push to lend LGBT-friendly Charlton Invicta a hand as part of Football v Homophobia’s month of action “Now we’re like the Harlem Globetrotters,” Karl Robinson says, excitedly, only the players smiling back at the Charlton Athletic manager, gradually getting to grips with a passing drill, are not his. Those determined to dazzle are a dozen Charlton Invicta players, who play for the LGBT-friendly team affiliated with the club’s community trust. It is the first time a professional manager has taken a session of this kind. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/football-league-blog/2018/feb/28/karl-robinson-charlton-invicta-lgbt-league-one

Arsène Wenger hits back at Gary Neville criticism and doubts over his future

• Arsenal manager surprised at reaction to Carabao Cup final defeat • Wenger has one year left on his contract but faces summer review Arsène Wenger has reminded his numerous critics that he “turned the whole world down to respect my contracts” at Arsenal, as he expressed his surprise and frustration that his job prospects remained at the top of the news agenda. Arsenal’s 3-0 capitulation to Manchester City in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final represented the latest hole in the club’s season and kept up the chorus of disapproval regarding Wenger’s suitability to continue as the manager. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/28/arsene-wenger-arsenal-gary-neville-contract

Maplin collapses as rescue talks fail

The 200-store electronics retailer is not able to secure a sale of the business, the chief executive says.

Historic 'right to be forgotten' case opens in High Court

Google battles an individual who wants information about him removed from its search engine.

Which footballers have also competed at the Winter Olympics? | The Knowledge

Plus: players sharing names with Oscar winners and the coldest match. Mail us your questions and answers or tweet @TheKnowledge_GU “ Are there any footballing links to the Winter Olympics that we should know about,” asks Ross Quinn. “ Competitors in both, family links, etc.” “It might not come as a surprise that a Norwegian has merits in both football and winter sports,” writes Eivind Krohg, highlighting the illustrious multi-sporting career of Bjørn Wirkola. “He carried Norway’s flag at the Grenoble ‘68 opening ceremony, and won both league and cup with Rosenborg (as top scorer) in 1971, as well as giving the name to the often-used Norwegian idiom ‘jumping after Wirkola’ . Oh, and he is still the only ski jumper to have won the Four Hills Tournament three years in a row.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/28/which-footballers-have-also-competed-at-the-winter-olympics-the-knowledge

Is the UK winning the graphene race?

The scientist who won the Nobel Prize for his work with graphene worries about research funding.

Toys R Us UK goes into administration

Toys R Us in UK goes into administration, putting about 3,000 jobs at risk, but stores are still open for now.

Football transfer rumours: Toni Kroos or Willian to Manchester United?

Today’s nonsense has cold feet All good things must come to an end, and so too must Marouane Fellaini ’s career at Manchester United. Even José Mourinho accepts now that he cannot delay the inevitable this time and is preparing to bid a tearful farewell to the towering Belgian this summer, when, apparently, Fellaini will join Galatasaray . This has not been a vintage season for Fellaini at Old Trafford – hampered by injuries, he’s only picked up one yellow card, compared to 14 yellows and a red last term – but Mourinho can reflect with pride on the fact that he brought the best out of Fellaini, a man whose deftness of chest contrasts so oddly with his clumsiness of elbow. With Michael Carrick also set to leave United at the end of this season, Mourinho is on the prowl for new midfielders and has reportedly whittled his shopping list down to six names: Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos , Chelsea’s Willian , Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama , Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic , Nice’s Jean-Michaël Seri

Peterborough sweep past Walsall as players clear snow off pitch

Steven Taylor and Junior Morias jump into action Managerless Posh win 2-1; Steve Evans linked with role Managerless Peterborough came from behind to secure a 2-1 win against Walsall and end a run of four straight draws to move within three points of the League One play-offs. But only after several of their players grabbed shovels to help clear the lines of play as heavy snow descended on the Abax Stadium. Posh sacked former club captain Grant McCann on Sunday as they aim for a tilt at promotion, with Steve Evans – who resigned as Mansfield boss on Tuesday – in the crowd and linked with the vacancy. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/28/peterborough-sweep-past-walsall-as-players-clear-snow-off-pitch

ITV profits drop in tough advertising market

The commercial broadcaster says 2017 profits fall after "ongoing economic and political uncertainty".

US slaps fresh tariffs on Chinese aluminium

Washington accuses Beijing of 'unfair imports' and says it will protect its workers.

iQiyi: 'China's Netflix' to list on US stock market

Baidu's iQiyi streaming platform has a growing user base but has yet to make a profit.

Takata airbag scandal: Australia recalls 2.3 million cars

Millions of vehicles have faulty Takata airbags, forcing one the nation's biggest consumer recalls.

Drink up

Indian beer company Bira 91 has be ambitions to dominate global beer sales, says founder Ankur Jain.

Qatar stadium where UK worker died was 'downright dangerous'

British coroner says Zac Cox given substandard equipment by managers at World Cup venue The only western construction worker killed in the building of World Cup stadiums in Qatar was provided with substandard equipment by managers who should have known the risks of a “downright dangerous” environment, a British coroner has said. Zac Cox, 40, died in January 2017 after he fell 40 metres (131ft) from rigging when a catwalk he was helping to install at the Khalifa stadium in Doha collapsed. The accident occurred after lever hoist equipment failed, causing part of the platform on which Cox and a colleague were working to fall. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/27/qatar-stadium-uk-worker-zac-cox-died-downright-dangerous-world-cup

Amazon buys 'smart' doorbell firm

Ring makes doorbells that stream videos of people approaching or ringing the front door to phones.

The app that helps feeds kids

Marie Farmer came up with the idea during her maternity leave, and it has now led to her quitting her job.

Amazon buys 'smart' doorbell firm

Ring makes doorbells that stream videos of people approaching or ringing the front door to phones.

Haier smartwatch has a built-in projector at MWC 2018

China's Haier reveals a smartwatch that turns the back of the wearer's hand into a display.

Toys R Us and Maplin face collapse with 5,500 jobs at risk

The two chains are understood to have put administrators on standby after failing to secure sale deals.

Phil Neville fired up by ‘people who want me to fail’ before England debut

• New head coach says critics’ negativity motivates him • England take on France in SheBelieves Cup on Thursday Phil Neville believes people want him to fail as England Women’s manager. The 41-year-old knows his appointment five weeks ago caused uproar in certain quarters, a situation inflamed by the recall of sexist tweets . Yet Neville spent his playing career with Manchester United, Everton and England trying to prove his worth and is determined to show his appointment was not the mistake many believe it was. He takes charge of his first game on Thursday, against France in the SheBelieves Cup, and then faces Germany and the USA – the top two teams in the world – in New Jersey and Orlando respectively over the following six days. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/27/phil-neville-england-france-shebelieves-cup

Tottenham take it slow with Toby Alderweireld’s recovery

• Mauricio Pochettino in no hurry to have defender back in side • Alderweireld looks to have become a disposable asset Mauricio Pochettino has made it plain Toby Alderweireld will not be fit for Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League match against Juventus next Wednesday. The central defender, who has a hamstring injury sustained in training last Thursday, is still recovering. “He is still not participating with the group,” Pochettino said when asked about Alderweireld’s prospects for the Wembley leg of the last-16 tie, which is finely poised at 2-2. “The answer is clear.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/27/tottenham-toby-alderweireld-juventus-mauricio-pochettino

Levi Strauss to use lasers instead of people to finish jeans

The company has developed new software that works with lasers to speed up its jean-making process.

Swansea v Sheffield Wednesday, La Liga, Football League and more – live!

Cannes property show accused of sleaze and sexism

The organisers of MIPIM, held in Cannes, say they are reminding delegates of its code of conduct.

US e-passports haven't been verified in over a decade

US senators say US border control hasn't been using the right software to verify e-passports.

School video footage appears online

The breach prompts a warning from privacy watchdog to secure CCTV cameras across UK.

Disney plans €2bn expansion at Disneyland Paris

The firm plans to expand with new areas devoted to hit films Frozen and Star Wars.

Moon to get 4G mobile network

Vodafone and Nokia lay out plans to put a 4G mobile network on the Moon in 2019.

Melania Trump mocked for 'positive social media' speech

US First Lady Melania Trump has been mocked online for her speech about 'positive' social media habits

Moon to get 4G mobile network

Vodafone and Nokia lay out plans to put a 4G mobile network on the Moon in 2019.

Trump reaches informal Air Force One deal with Boeing

The White House says it has reached an informal deal with Boeing to provide two Air Force One planes.

I was a Crewe obsessive. Now I’m so ashamed of my club I’ve divorced them | Adam Breeze

Since the crimes committed by Barry Bennell at Crewe came to light, the seeming lack of empathy and common decency shown by the people in charge has been incomprehensible Last year I divorced my football team. After 38 years of (a few) ups and (mostly) downs, I let go of Crewe Alexandra. I wasn’t a casual fan, I was obsessed. I was proud of the miracle that transformed the perennial laughing stock into everyone’s second-favourite team. Ours was a story that celebrated everything that was right in the beautiful game. In a world of multimillionaire players, oligarch owners and fickle fans, Crewe Alex were the beacon of hope. A club with a fabled reputation for nurturing local talent and playing a style of football that was a purist’s dream. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/27/crewe-fan-ashamed-divorced-club-barry-bennell

Premier League winter break moves a step closer as FA Cup switch agreed

• Premier League clubs would rest for first two weeks in February • FA Cup fifth round would be midweek in plans for 2019-20 season A winter break in the English top flight is another step closer to being agreed after the Football Association, Premier League and Football League reached a provisional agreement to play a round of the FA Cup in midweek. The deal would mean players take off the first two weeks of February from the 2019-20 season in the hope it will improve England’s chances in Euro 2020, should they qualify, and major tournaments in the future. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/27/premier-league-winter-break-fa-cup-switch-agreed

Samir Nasri given six-month ban for doping violation over drip treatment

French midfielder suspended for overuse of drip treatment Nasri suspended by UEFA for six months, but can appeal Former France international Samir Nasri has been banned from football for six months for an anti-doping violation dating from 2016. Uefa says Nasri has been found guilty of using a “prohibited method” in violation of the World Anti-Doping Code and Uefa’s anti-doping regulations. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/27/samir-nasri-given-six-month-ban-for-doping-violation-over-drip-treatment

MPs grill data boss on election influence

A firm which used big data to profile US voters has been questioned by MPs as part of fake news inquiry.

Porn checks deadline looms amid uncertainty

A new regulation set to be enforced in April 2018 will mean UK viewers have to prove their age to access porn sites.

The end of asking for the bill

Diners can leave a restaurant and their bill is paid automatically via an app, in a Barclaycard trial.

Toys R Us facing collapse if no rescuer found

Toys R Us clears its shelves as it faces collapse

The curious case of Blackpool versus Football League’s ownership rules | David Conn

Valeri Belokon could release the Oyston grip on the League One club but is barred under the EFL’s owners’ and directors’ test At Blackpool, a football club that retains a seaside air of old-school dash despite its modern disgraces, an end to the current turmoil lies just over the horizon, not yet in sight. Having recently mourned the passing of their former captain Jimmy Armfield , universally celebrated as one of English football’s most upstanding gentlemen, Blackpool today are a testing ground for the rules determining who is a fit and proper person to run a professional football club. Owen Oyston, the club’s long-term owner, and his son, Karl, were ruled by a high court judge in November to have taken out £26.77m in an “illegitimate stripping” of the club following their 2010 promotion to the Premier League , which was lauded as romantic at the time. They were ordered to pay the minority shareholder Valeri Belokon, whom they missed out while taking so much money for themselves, th

Handbag drones light up Milan catwalk

A parade of drones has carried jewel-encrusted handbags down a catwalk in Milan.

Chelsea’s Antonio Conte confirmed as Italy’s No 1 choice to be national coach

• Alessandro Costacurta planning talks with Conte • Former Italy defender in charge of selecting next manager Chelsea’s manager, Antonio Conte, is Italy’s top choice as national coach. “I haven’t chosen yet but I think Conte is the one who could do the best,” the Italian football association’s vice-commissioner Alessandro Costacurta told Tuesday’s Gazzetta dello Sport . “I’ll definitely talk with him in a couple of months.” Related: Antonio Conte says he needs to settle differences with Chelsea board to stay Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/27/chelsea-antonio-conte-italy-no1-choice-coach-costacurta

Vero: The 'new Instagram' everyone's talking about

The story behind the photo-sharing app that has suddenly reached the top of the App Store.

German cities can ban older diesel cars to cut pollution

German cities will be able to ban older, more polluting vehicles from some areas in a landmark ruling.

David Squires on … Manchester City, Arsenal and political prisoners

Our resident cartoonist looks back at the League Cup final in which Pep Guardiola won his first trophy in England and Arsenal made a young fan cry View all of David’s cartoons here Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2018/feb/27/david-squires-on-manchester-city-arsenal-and-political-prisoners

Credit card debt: Deadline set for new rules

Firms have made large profits from those in persistent debt but must do more to help them by September.

Huawei: US scared we are too competitive

Huawei says the US wants to keep the Chinese firm out of the country because it is "too strong".

Huawei: US scared we are too competitive

Huawei says the USA wants to keep the Chinese firm out of the country because it is "too strong".

Ryanair to axe Glasgow Airport base

The airline will close its base at Glasgow Airport with more than 300 jobs expected to go as a result.

Android phone for children on show at MWC 2018

A phone with a modified version of Android designed to keep children safe has been revealed.

War for the Planet of the Apes: Visual effects revealed

Click meets the Oscar nominated visual effects team behind War for the Planet of the Apes.

Football transfer rumours: Kylian Mbappé to Barcelona?

Today’s fluff is only just getting started After devoting many months and well over £100m to prising Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool, Barcelona will hand the player over to Paris Saint-Germain this summer. That, at any rate, is what PSG hope and the Qatari club is prepared to give the Catalans Kylian Mbappé to help make the deal happen. That scenario, which is being circulated by news organs in Spain, may sound preposterous – but the reasoning for it is stranger still. El Pais’ claim, you see, is that PSG want to make the trades because Neymar doesn’t get along with Mbappé but is great chums with Coutinho. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/27/football-transfer-rumours-kylian-mbappe-to-barcelona

China Anbang crackdown: Who might be next?

After Beijing moved on the insurance and financial giant, others are likely to be worried.

Doorstep lender to return £169m to borrowers

Provident Financial reports loss for 2017 and is raising £330m to cover compensation bill.

Morse code shoes send alerts via toe taps at MWC 2018

A pair of smart shoes has been designed to let workers keep in touch via toe-tapped codes.

'Chocolate showcases our local producers'

A teenage chocolatier is building up his business from the heart of the Highlands.

Facebook Messenger used to fight extremism

People posting extreme far-right and Islamist views were contacted in a bid to challenge their views.

Carbon emissions up as drivers shun diesel

Rising popularity of SUVs and falling diesel sales is behind a rise in CO2 levels, the SMMT says.

European roundup: Neymar suffers fractured metatarsal in blow to PSG

Brazil forward set to miss Champions League tie with Real Madrid Dortmund held by Augsburg as fans boycott Monday night match Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Brazilian forward Neymar suffered a fractured metatarsal and sprained ankle in Sunday’s win over Marseille. Neymar, who joined PSG for a world-record transfer fee last summer, looks certain to miss the second leg of his side’s Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid on 6 March. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/27/european-roundup-neymar-suffers-fractured-metatarsal-in-blow-to-psg

The end of asking for the bill

Diners can leave a restaurant and their bill is paid automatically via an app, in a Barclaycard trial.

Chord change

Technology is helping musicians, bands and artists get a bigger share of the revenues from their work.

Crewe Alexandra fans quiz chairman on Barry Bennell scandal at forum

• John Bowler refuses to answer claims the club were given warnings • Heightened security as supporters arrive for Gresty Road meeting The Crewe Alexandra chairman, John Bowler, declined to comment on accusations the club’s board were aware of concerns surrounding the serial paedophile Barry Bennell when addressing a fans’ forum held amid heightened security at Gresty Road on Monday. Related: Barry Bennell branded ‘sheer evil’ as he is sentenced to 30 years Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/26/barry-bennell-fans-forum-crewe-alexandra-football

Guardian wins seven SJA awards with double honours for Daniel Taylor

Daniel Taylor is football journalist and sports writer of the year; Martha Kelner and Sean Ingle share scoop of the year; Donald McRae wins sports feature writer award; plus three other awards Daniel Taylor picked up two of the seven prizes won by the Guardian at the Sports Journalists’ Association awards on Monday night, being named the football journalist of the year and the sports writer of the year. The Guardian’s chief football writer won the football journalist award for his story, published in November, that led to the reporting of hundreds of historical allegations of sexual abuse . The judges at the awards presentation in London said Taylor’s “pieces were powerful and had a major impact on football in this country”. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/feb/26/taylor-mcrae-kelner-ingle-sja-awards

Chord change

Technology is helping musicians, bands and artists get a bigger share of the revenues from their work.

Ex-footballers Mark Aizlewood and Paul Sugrue jailed for fraud

Ex-pros part of £5m scam which took money to train deprived young people as coaches Two ex-footballers have been jailed for their part in a £5m sports leadership scam, which falsely claimed to help young people from deprived backgrounds gain football coaching apprenticeships. Former Wales international Mark Aizlewood, 58, was sentenced to six years in prison on Monday alongside fellow ex-pro Paul Sugrue, 56, who was jailed for seven years, for defrauding “eye-watering sums of government money”. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/feb/26/ex-footballers-mark-aizlewood-and-paul-sugrue-jailed-for-fraud

Aston Martin roars back into the black with £87m profit

British sports car maker posts an annual profit for the first time since 2010.

If Nafta trade deal was a hamburger...

President Trump wants to scrap the US trade deal with Canada and Mexico, Nafta. But how does it work?

VAR likely to be used at World Cup but not in 2018-19 Champions League

• Fifa’s Infantino says system almost certain to be deployed in Russia • Uefa leader holds different view and believes VAR needs more time Uefa has confirmed that video assistant referees will not be used in next season’s Champions League, on the same day Gianni Infantino said it was almost certain to be deployed at the World Cup. Related: José Mourinho: VAR ‘went against original protocol’ to rule out Mata goal Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/26/football-var-fifa-uefa-champions-league-world-cup

Intel did not inform US before chip flaws were made public

US officials were not informed about Spectre and Meltdown flaws before details leaked to the press.

Social media firms 'failing' to tackle cyber-bullying

The networks' failure to tackle cyber-bullying is damaging youngsters' mental health, a survey finds.

Tesco 'extremely sorry' for Black Panther costume mistake

The supermarket labelled a fancy dress outfit as Dark Panther.

Brexit prompts Credit Suisse to axe 250 London jobs

The Swiss bank plans to move investment bankers out of London ahead of Brexit, according to reports.

Wenger's search for elusive League Cup final triumph goes on – video

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger was on the losing side again as his side were defeated by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. The Frenchman has won the FA Cup seven times along with three Premier League trophies, but the League Cup and European success still eludes him Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2018/feb/26/wengers-search-for-elusive-league-cup-final-triumph-goes-on-video

Arsenal’s decade-long capitulation and Pardew on the brink – Football Weekly

Max and the pod discuss the Carabao Cup final, Mourinho’s game-changing substitutions, goalkeeping howlers, Sol Campbell’s self-confidence and more Rate, review, share on Apple Podcasts , Soundcloud , Audioboom , Mixcloud , Acast and Stitcher , and join the conversation on Facebook , Twitter and email . Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning , Amy Lawrence and Lars Sivertsen to look back at a weekend of thrills and spills in the Carabao Cup, the Premier League and beyond. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/audio/2018/feb/26/arsenal-decade-long-capitulation-and-pardew-on-the-brink-football-weekly-podcast

The Fiver | Wearing or not wearing ribbons can be fraught with peril

Sign up now ! Sign up now ! Sign up now ? Sign up now ! Wearing or not wearing ribbons in the interests of raising awareness can be fraught with peril. Despite taking part in an Aids Walk, Seinfeld’s Cosmo Kramer was beaten up by fellow participants after refusing to wear one . More recently, Pep Guardiola has found himself in hot water for the exact opposite reason: insisting on sporting one pitchside, despite an FA charge for wearing “a political message”. The charge came in the wake of a couple of warnings by football’s governing body, which is upset at the solidarity Pep is demonstrating for two Catalan separatist leaders who have been imprisoned since last year’s independence referendum which was deemed to have been illegal by the powers that be in Madrid. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/26/the-fiver-pep-guardiola-manchester-city-arsenal-milk-cup-wenger

Two goal of the season contenders in the same French football match – video

The French third division match between Lyon Duchère and Entente produced two of the goals of the season with wonder strikes for both side. Entente’s William Sea, scored a fabulous flying overhead kick while Lyon Duchère’s Matthieu Ezekian salvaged a 2-2 draw with a top-class volley from the edge of the area Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2018/feb/26/two-goal-of-the-season-contenders-in-the-same-french-football-match-video

Starbucks in 'latte levy' London trial on disposable cups

Customers are being charged 5p for disposable cups in a trial in 35 London stores to reduce waste.

The chaos of Diego Costa rules for Atlético Madrid in rout of Sevilla | Sid Lowe

In the blink of an eye, Costa had been and gone, a hurricane tearing though Sevilla, its impact likely to be lasting Diego Costa shot up the left, bundled Gabriel Mercado to the floor, pushed Clement Lenglet into Éver Banega and then bulldozed into the back of the Frenchman, forearm first, sending him crashing to the ground, and tumbled on top of him with a thud. He got up, crashed into Lenglet for a third time and flew backwards, holding his face, which hadn’t been hit, went to ground again and got up again, wearing a menacing look, and paced at his “aggressor”, looking for more. He was held back by Gabi, handed a yellow card by Juan Martínez Munuera, protested “Who, me?”, begged a bit and asked why, like he didn’t know. He walked away momentarily, a “don’t care” that didn’t last long – just long enough to lure them into his trap – and he was off, hunting down Banega, who didn’t see the stampede coming. In the blink of an eye, Costa had been and gone and so had the game, a hurricane

Scotland to set 50p minimum unit price for alcohol

A minimum price per unit of alcohol will come into force in Scotland in May, with ministers recommending 50p.

Jeremy Corbyn backs permanent customs union after Brexit

The Labour leader announces a major shift in his party's policy on trade with the EU after Brexit.

Can you predict a recession by looking at pregnancy rates?

Research from the US suggests a drop in conception rates could indicate a recession is on the way.

French tax activists Attac allowed to protest in Apple stores

Peaceful protests by tax campaign group Attac can go ahead in Apple stores in France, a court rules.

UK think tanks hacked by groups in China, cyber-security firm says

A cyber-security firm says think tanks were "very aggressively" targeted by China-based groups last year.

PSG can beat Real Madrid without Neymar – by playing as a team

PSG were superb in their 3-0 win over Marseille on Sunday. If they work as hard against Real Madrid, they have a chance By Adam White and Eric Devin for Get French Football News “Neymar? He’s a top player. I hope it’s nothing big. I’d prefer to see the best players on the pitch, even if it’s against us.” With the Brazilian forward likely unavailable to face Marseille for Paris Saint-Germain in the Coupe de France on Wednesday, Rudi García could afford to be magnanimous on this occasion, even if another loss in that competition looks likely to follow his team’s 3-0 defeat at the Parc des Princes on Sunday. Even before Neymar’s exit late in the match Paris Saint-Germain had not been at their best. That said, in a game that was marked from the outset by a robust physicality (and 11 bookings), the leaders turned in a determined performance, offering a renewed focus with nary a hint of the side that had conceded a raft of chances to Strasbourg a week ago. Perhaps more important than t

Vincent Koziello stands tall to lead Köln's fight for Bundesliga survival | Andy Brassell

The midfielder has added simplicity to Effzeh’s squad since arriving from Nice and has a nickname that might stick One start and two substitute appearances in, and he is already being lauded as Der Zauberzwerg – the magic dwarf – for FC Köln. Vincent Koziello was one of the most wrong-footing signings of the Bundesliga’s winter window, a player heavily linked with Arsenal and even Barcelona in the past, a mini-Xavi cutting a swathe on the Côte d’Azur before arriving at the bottom club. He has, however, had to bide his time. “Vincent arrived just after we won against Gladbach,” coach Stefan Ruthenbeck recalled last week. “He hadn’t been playing that much in Nice. We didn’t have any friendlies to integrate him. That’s why I said right away that we’ll bring him in when the time is right. That time could be against Leipzig at the weekend.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/feb/26/vincent-koziello-stands-tall-to-lead-koln-f

Are you sorry to see the end of the old-style £10 note?

On Thursday, the old-style £10 note will cease to be legal tender. Will we miss it?

Romelu Lukaku says he ‘expects a bit more respect’ for goalscoring record

• Belgian has scored 22 times for Manchester United this season • Goal against Chelsea was his first against a top-six side for United Romelu Lukaku believes he deserves more respect, with the Manchester United striker pointing to his consistent goalscoring record throughout his career. Lukaku struck for the first time against a top-six side for United in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford . The Belgian also created Jesse Lingard’s winner, crossing for the substitute’s 75th-minute header. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/26/romelu-lukaku-manchester-united-goalscoring-record

Social media firms 'failing' to tackle cyber-bullying

The networks' failure to tackle cyber-bullying is damaging youngsters' mental health, a survey finds.

Judge to decide on David Duckenfield Hillsborough charges

Sir Peter Openshaw to determine whether former police officer can be prosecuted for manslaughter A legal hearing to determine whether the former South Yorkshire police chief superintendent David Duckenfield can be prosecuted for 95 counts of manslaughter in relation to the 1989 Hillsborough disaster has begun at Preston crown court. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which announced its intention to charge Duckenfield last June, is applying for a legal bar against prosecuting him to be lifted. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/feb/26/hillsborough-judge-to-decide-on-david-duckenfield-charges

Patrick Cutrone keeps Milan on the move as Gattuso conquers Rome | Paolo Bandini

The 19-year-old is not elegant but he scored again as Milan’s manager showed he has the nous to win tactical battles too Gennaro Gattuso already had our attention . How could he not, after steering a Milan team that began 2018 in the bottom half of the table to seven wins and two draws in nine games? Under his stewardship, the Rossoneri had climbed all the way to joint-sixth, as well as progressing to the Coppa Italia semi-final and Europa League last-16. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/26/patrick-cutrone-milan-roma-gattuso-serie-a

Supreme Court considers Microsoft overseas data row

The court will hear arguments about whether data held by US companies overseas can be handed to police forces

Carillion: Ex-finance chief 'dumped last of his shares'

The former finance chief of the collapse company sold his shares at the first possible moment, MPs say.

Pep Guardiola could face further FA sanction over yellow ribbon defiance

• Manchester City manager still wearing ribbon after Friday’s charge • Sanctions would become stiffer with each guilty verdict Pep Guardiola could be sanctioned further for continuing to wear a yellow ribbon in defiance of Football Association’s rules, with Manchester City’s manager facing a potential touchline ban for his current charge. On Friday the FA charged Guardiola with wearing a political message and he has until next Monday to enter a plea. This was regarding Guardiola having the ribbon on his person at pitch-side during City’s FA Cup defeat at Wigan Athletic on 19 February. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/26/pep-guardiola-fa-yellow-ribbon-manchester-city

MWC 2018: Smartphone giants head to Barcelona

A showcase of the latest smartphones is taking place in Barcelona.

Sol Campbell’s managerial genius may be the only thing holding him back | Barry Glendenning

When the former England defender said his was one of the great minds in football Oxford United, looking for a new manager, were entitled to wonder what he had to show for it Sol Campbell found himself the subject of much public derision last week when he described himself as “one of the greatest minds in football”. It was a bold claim and the general reaction to the former player’s modest self-evaluation suggested that if the erstwhile Saturday night quiz show Family Fortunes had surveyed 100 people to fill in the blank in the sentence: “Sol Campbell is one of the greatest [BLANKS] in football”, the word “minds” would scarcely have featured among the few broadcastable answers, let alone those all-important top ones. Campbell made his pronouncement while appearing as a guest on the Highbury & Heels podcast, where he bemoaned the reluctance of the powers that be at Oxford United to give him the vacant manager’s job that looks certain to go to Craig Bellamy. “Maybe it was a lack of e

Ingolstadt score while Duisburg keeper takes a drink during game – video

Duisburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken will want to forget his side’s Bundesliga 2 match with Ingolstadt after he turned his back on play to have a drink, only to turn back around and see the ball hit the back of his net. Stefan Kutschke was the grateful recipient for Ingolsdadt, but ultimately Flekken’s blushes were spared as his side ran out 2-1 winners Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2018/feb/26/ingolstadt-score-while-duisburg-keeper-takes-a-drink-during-game-video-mark-flekken

Arsenal’s problem was not Wenger’s gameplan but Mustafi’s feebleness

Arsenal’s tactics rattled Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final until an error allowed Agüero to score – though City may be good enough to win in the face of any barriers Football is full of Sliding Doors moments. What if Paul Gascoigne had stretched two inches further and got his toe to that cross in the Euro 96 semi-final? What if Jan Verheyen’s late winner for Belgium that would have meant the Netherlands failing to qualify for the 1974 World Cup hadn’t been wrongly ruled out for offside? What if one of the 73 penalties Chelsea believe they were owed against Barcelona in the 2009 Champions League semi-final had been given and converted? Dynasties, as Pep Guardiola knows, can hinge on the tiniest details. What if Shkodran Mustafi hadn’t reacted to a slight nudge in the back from Sergio Agüero with all the resolve of a flighty Victorian maiden glimpsing a mouse, throwing out his arms in horror and desperately hoping somebody, anybody – a trusted servant, a passing dragoon, Craig

Taiwan toilet paper panic: why is island caught short?

Island residents wipe shelves clean of the product as manufacturers warn of imminent price rises.

Football transfer rumours: Robert Lewandowski to Chelsea?

Today’s tell-all loves an early-morning blast of Siberian air The future of Robert Lewandowski has become the subject of much speculative chitter-chat in recent days, after the Bayern Munich striker dispensed with the services of his longtime agent Cezary Kucharski and jumped into bed with Pini Zahavi instead. Lewandowski, 29, has spent the thick end of a decade in Germany but his change of representation has prompted no end of talk that he’s ready to leave Bayern Munich and try his luck elsewhere. Real Madrid has been mentioned as one possible destination, while Zahavi’s close relationship with Roman Abramovich means the Polish international is also being linked with Chelsea. More accustomed to snapping up talent than letting it go, Munich is rumoured to be the next destination of Malcom , the Brazilian winger unsuccessfully courted by Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in January. Related: Alan Pardew given a week to halt West Brom’s slump in form Continue reading... from Football

Primark sales hit by warm weather

Milder weather than usual dented sales in October, but the fashion chain is upbeat about profit growth.

Wearable tech aids stroke patients

US scientists develop sensors to allow doctors to follow their patients' progress away from the clinic.

Premier League and Carabao Cup: 10 talking points from the weekend

England hopefuls have a mixed afternoon, confusion for Serge Aurier and Romelu Lukaku finally does it against a top-six team The weight of goals that Sergio Agüero has scored against Arsenal, with Sunday’s strike a fifth in five matches, should have raised Shkodran Mustafi’s awareness of the Argentinian to red alert. Instead, Agüero was allowed to scamper on and score a route one opening goal from Claudio Bravo’s goalkick. It was a hideous lapse in concentration and application from the Germany defender, by no means the first of a type that frequently costs Arsène Wenger. Arsenal have suffered a drought of gold standard defenders since the loss of Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole as long ago as 2006. There have been quality creative players and forwards galore since then but Wenger’s blind spot for defenders and defensive organisation has been a crucial factor in his team’s multiple failures. John Brewin Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/footb

Sony phone adds rumble to games and films

The Xperia XZ2 vibrates in its user's hand in time with action in videos games and movies.

China's Geely buys Mercedes-Benz' Daimler stake

The Chinese carmaker is pushing for tech cooperation while Daimler needs China as a crucial market.

Miniature heart inventor: Breakthroughs take time to sell

Scientific breakthroughs take time to catch on, says the inventor of miniature hearts.

Very stylish

After failing to get the grades to go into medicine, Simon Carter became a fashion designer whose eponymous brand is now popular around the world.

Priciest energy charges to be capped

A law to limit the cost of standard variable rate tariffs is being introduced to Parliament.

Alan Pardew given a week to halt West Brom’s slump in form

• Premier League match at Watford key to future of manager • Home defeat by Huddersfield leaves club seven points from safety Alan Pardew will cling to his job as West Bromwich Albion manager for another week after the club’s board agreed to stand by the 56-year-old despite growing supporter unrest. However, his future is under serious consideration and another defeat on Saturday, when his side visit Watford, will almost certainly bring the sack. The damaging 2-1 defeat at home to Huddersfield Town on Saturday leaves Albion anchored to the bottom of the Premier League, seven points adrift of safety, with only 10 matches remaining. The club’s hierarchy are deeply concerned by their league position but also the fact that Pardew has had no positive impact on the team’s fortunes since his appointment in November . Albion have won only one of Pardew’s 14 league matches and a section of the fans turned on the manager in the closing stages of the game against Huddersfield. Continue readin

Sydney FC win 3-1 in 'most lopsided derby in Australian football'

Sydney FC 3-1 Western Sydney Wanderers at Allianz Stadium Arnold calls derby ‘most lopsided’ in Australian football Graham Arnold has declared the Sydney derby the most lopsided in Australian football after Sydney FC surged from behind to topple Western Sydney 3-1. Adrian Mierzejewski produced another masterclass as driving rain hit a soggy Allianz Stadium pitch, netting a double before Bobo struck late to bring the Sky Blues within touching distance of defending the Premiers’ Plate. Win their next two games and it will be theirs, while the Wanderers continue their fight to stay in the top six. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/26/sydney-fc-win-3-1-in-most-lopsided-derby-in-australian-football

Kompany on target as Manchester City cruise to Carabao Cup triumph over Arsenal

At the final whistle, Pep Guardiola carried the air of a man who was perfectly accustomed to these kind of occasions. He embraced his staff, he clasped the hand of the losing manager, Arsène Wenger, and then he made his way on to the pitch to congratulate the players who had delivered him the first trophy of his Manchester City years. The first of many, one assumes, even if Wigan Athletic have shown that too much time was spent debating whether Guardiola’s team could win the lot this season. A treble is still on, however, and a second trophy is guaranteed given the way they have turned this season’s Premier League into a procession. Guardiola’s team will need to play better than they did here if they are to add their name to the list of Champions League winners. Yet it was still another occasion to think the Abu Dhabi masterplan – target: worldwide domination – is gradually coming together. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/f

Samsung Galaxy S9 focuses on the camera

New flagship offers super slow-mo videos, less noisy low-light photos and animated selfie emojis.

Samsung Galaxy S9 focuses on the camera

New flagship offers super slow-mo videos, less noisy low-light photos and animated selfie emojis.

Did M&S overreact to cauliflower backlash?

Marks and Spencer stopped selling its "cauliflower steak" after shoppers mocked the product.

Nokia reveals 'unbendable' 8 Sirocco and Matrix 8110

Nokia's new handsets include a strong steel-framed flagship and an update to an iconic slider.

Manchester United go second after Jesse Lingard secures win over Chelsea

Jesse Lingard caused Old Trafford to reverberate with noise following a 76th-minute header that grabbed a win that took Manchester United back into second place ahead of Liverpool. The creator was Romelu Lukaku, his neat cross finding the substitute, after the No 9’s first strike for United against top-six opposition had equalised Willian’s opener. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/25/manchester-united-chelsea-premier-league-match-report

Nokia reveals 'unbendable' 8 Sirocco and Matrix 8110

Nokia's new handsets include a strong steel-framed flagship and an update to an iconic slider.

Harry Kane leaves it late for Spurs in win over Crystal Palace

This game was approaching its denouement, with Mauricio Pochettino a picture of agitation on the edge of his technical area, when Tottenham Hotspur and Harry Kane finally found their reward. Sustained pressure had thrust Crystal Palace further and further into retreat, their back-line rejigged with James Tomkins a victim of cramp, when Christian Eriksen flung over a corner which was met by Harry Kane, peeling away from the muddle of bodies in the box. The England striker had been guilty of two glaring misses up to then but, having held off the disorientated substitute Damien Delaney, his header was cushioned delightfully to arc over Wayne Hennessey, via a touch from the goalkeeper’s outstretched had, and over two Palace players on the line. This team are back in the top four, at least until Chelsea play at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, with their 15-match unbeaten run their best since 1999. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/20

Manchester United v Chelsea: Premier League – live!

Brexit: Labour figures urge Corbyn to keep UK in single market

Senior party figures urge their leader to commit to keeping the UK in the single market after Brexit.

Five ideas on teaching children about saving money from the Money Advice Service

Five ideas on teaching children about saving money from the Money Advice Service.

José Mourinho loses special feeling for Chelsea and talks up Liverpool rivalry

The Manchester United manager says, with time passing, he demotes match against Antonio Conte’s side to ‘any normal game’ It is the fixture that releases an adrenaline rush at Manchester United according to José Mourinho, the game that carries extra significance for supporters and the rivalry of the Premier League. According to Mourinho that fixture is Liverpool. He has demoted Chelsea to the ranks of “any normal game”. The ramifications of Sunday’s result at Old Trafford ensure it is anything but. The United manager will find few dissenters to his argument that Chelsea’s visit has lost an edge as neither team is competing for the title, despite sitting second and fourth at the start of the weekend. On a personal level he claims the memories of delivering three Premier League titles to Stamford Bridge fade with every encounter against his former club. The importance of victory over a Champions League rival and competitor has not diminished, however, not when those supporters who Mou

Aymeric Laporte: ‘We were told one in a thousand kids would make it’

Manchester City’s new centre-half left home at 11 to pursue his dream of being a footballer. Now he wants his first trophy in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal As one door closes another one opens for Aymeric Laporte, dumped out of the FA Cup on a hectic night at Wigan on Monday but now in line for a first taste of Wembley in the Carabao Cup final in what would be only his fourth game since joining Manchester City. “Our job is to keep our heads up and focus on the next game,” the 23-year-old French defender says. “Right now the most important thing is what is ahead of us. Winning a cup final would be a great step forward, it would be good to get a trophy under our belts and then go back to trying to make sure we win the league.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/24/aymeric-laporte-manchester-city-carabao-cup-final-arsenal

David Ospina relishes Wembley calling and memories of hero Higuita

Arsenal’s ‘cup keeper’ recalls the joy in Medellín when René Higuita unleashed his scorpion kick against England and is keen to impress at a special venue for Colombian goalkeepers It is fair to say that Colombian goalkeepers have form when it comes to making an impression at Wembley Stadium. None, naturally, could be any larger than life than René Higuita, the extrovert formerly known as El Loco – the Madman – whose extravagant flourish during a friendly game against England in 1995 became the stuff of legend. When Jamie Redknapp scooped a relatively tame ball towards goal, Higuita flipped acrobatically, flinging his legs behind him to clear with a mid-air scorpion flick . Just for the kick of the trick. Back home in Medellín, a seven-year-old David Ospina watched the broadcast and felt a surge of pride that his compatriot, a local hero of goalkeeping, pulled off something so audacious. Of course, he was inspired by what he observed on the television. “We were delighted,” he recalls

Crewe fans’ forum a chance to put chairman on spot over Barry Bennell

Monday night’s event is called ‘Let’s Talk About Football’ but some Crewe fans will demand answers from the chairman, John Bowler, no matter what They are holding a fans’ forum at Crewe Alexandra on Monday. The title is “Let’s Talk About Football” and that’s very clever if, presumably, it means that anyone who is impertinent enough to ask about the issues that have made the club international news can be shushed down by the people at the top table. A similar event was held in December 2016 and the chairman, John Bowler, began that one by making it clear it was a football‑only discussion. No awkward questions, thank you very much. No googlies thrown in. And no surprise, to be honest, if we go back to Barry Bennell’s first convictions in England, in June 1998, and the following day’s coverage in the Crewe Chronicle about his nine-year sentence. Crewe’s reaction was contained in a single paragraph at the bottom of the page. “The Chronicle asked Crewe Alexandra to comment but were told

Trump tax reform gives Buffett $29bn boost

Billionaire Warren Buffett says his conglomerate has been "delivered" billions by the US tax cuts.

Manolo Gabbiadini gives Saints late draw to extend Burnley’s winless run

Substitute Manolo Gabbiadini helped relegation-threatened Southampton snatch a controversial last-gasp point to prolong Burnley’s winless run. Sean Dyche’s Clarets were as high as fourth in December, but their European dreams have diminished thanks to a lengthy run without a Premier League victory. Ashley Barnes looked to have propelled Burnley to a much-needed victory, only for their winless top-flight run to extend to an 11th match as Gabbiadini fired home late on to snatch Saints a 1-1 draw. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/24/burnley-southampton-premier-league-match-report

European roundup: Real Madrid rout Alavés as Bayern Munich held by Hertha

• Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema score for Real in 4-0 La Liga victory • Bayern’s winning run halted by Hertha in goalless Bundesliga draw Real Madrid ’s strikeforce hit back with a vengeance when Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema all scored in a 4-0 La Liga win over Alavés as the champions moved within four points of second-placed Atlético Madrid. Ronaldo returned to the starting lineup after being rested for Wednesday’s game with Leganés and, after shaking off a painful ankle knock, the Portuguese put Real ahead on the stroke of half-time, taking advantage of a clever backheel from Benzema. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/24/european-football-roundup-real-madrid-barcelona-bayern-munich

Sunderland snatch draw against Middlesbrough at end of wild derby

An afternoon featuring two brilliant goals from Patrick Bamford, two straight red cards and a flock of seagulls persistently swooping low across the pitch concluded with Callum McManaman volleying a dramatic last-gasp equaliser for Sunderland. A game disrupted by the first-half dismissals of Chris Coleman’s centre-half Jake Clarke-Salter and Tony Pulis’s winger Adama Traoré seemed to have been decided by Bamford’s class in Boro’s frontline until the substitute dented their play-off hopes by earning Sunderland a potentially vital point in their fight for survival. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/24/sunderland-middlesbrough-championship-match-report

Jamie Murphy’s guile inspires Rangers’ victory over Hearts

Rangers closed to within six points of Premiership leaders Celtic with an impressive 2-0 win over Hearts at Ibrox. Both sides had chances to score in an open and entertaining first half before a fine solo goal from Rangers wide-man Jamie Murphy four minutes before the break gave the Light Blues the advantage. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/24/rangers-hearts-scottish-premiership-match-report

Mohamed Salah strike helps Liverpool to resounding win over West Ham

It is testament to the power of Liverpool’s attack and momentum that even on a day when Jürgen Klopp’s side were not at their fluent best they cruised to victory over West Ham United and into second in the Premier League. The fab three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané were all on the scoresheet once again as David Moyes’ long wait for success at Anfield was taken into another season. Liverpool’s forward trio, who were all on target in the Champions League rout of Porto last time out, took the team’s tally to 103 goals for the season in a second-half performance that demolished any hope that West Ham harboured of levelling Emre Can’s first-half header. Moyes’ plan was to defend in numbers and use the polished linkup play of Marko Arnautovic, João Mário and Manuel Lanzini on the counterattack. It succeeded to a degree before the interval, with Liverpool often contained and unnerved when the visitors broke, but was swatted aside as Klopp’s team took control after the rest

Steve Mounié seals Huddersfield win and leaves West Brom rooted to bottom

Alan Pardew described the last week as one of his toughest in football but there is no respite for the West Bromwich Albion manager, who was left clinging to his job after yet another damaging defeat amid growing unrest at the Hawthorns. “You’re not fit to wear the shirt,” was the chant that reverberated from the Albion supporters after Huddersfield scored their second goal of the afternoon on a day when they gave their own survival hopes a huge boost. Albion, in contrast, look doomed. They remain anchored to the bottom of the table, seven points adrift of safety with just 10 fixtures remaining, and it is hard to see how a team that has registered only one victory in 26 league matches can possibly put together the run of results needed to pull off such an act of escapology. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/24/west-brom-huddersfield-premier-league-match-report

Dwight Gayle’s Newcastle double cancelled out by late Bournemouth rally

A brave second-half performance by Bournemouth earned them a point they barely deserved as Eddie Howe’s men came back from two goals down to take a point against Newcastle. The visitors were on top after a Dwight Gayle double gave them a convincing half time lead. But two goals in the final 10 minutes from Adam Smith and Dan Gosling undid Newcastle’s good work to leave Rafael Benítez apoplectic on the touchline. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/24/bournemouth-newcastle-premier-league-match-report

Watford v Everton: Premier League – live!

Stanway's stunner earns Manchester City a point against WSL leaders Chelsea

Chelsea let two-goal lead slip but remain a point ahead of City Teenager Stanaway rescues point for City with thumping strike Georgia Stanway struck a stunning equaliser for Manchester City as Chelsea let a commanding lead slip to draw 2-2 in an entertaining match between first and second in the Women’s Super League. Millie Bright’s powerful left-footed strike in the sixth minute and Ji So-yun’s low finish after 24 minutes gave league leaders Chelsea a two-goal half-time cushion at City’s Academy Stadium. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/24/stanway-stunner-earns-manchester-city-a-point-against-wsl-leaders-chelsea

British seafood: On the menu after Brexit?

Could trading terms after Brexit see more Brits eating cuttlefish, spider crabs and gurnards?

Own-goal blunder by Jack Butland costs Stoke victory at Leicester

This was a fair result but a deeply frustrating one for Stoke, who glimpsed a precious three points before an uncharacteristic late blunder by Jack Butland, who diverted a cross by Marc Albrighton into his own goal. Until then, thanks to a beautiful goal by Xherdan Shaqiri, Stoke had been on course for a win that would have taken them out of the bottom three. Butland partly redeemed himself by going on to make saves that ensured Paul Lambert’s side at least got away with a point but Stoke’s predicament is such that mistakes seem to carry more weight. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/24/leicester-stoke-premier-league-match-report

Liverpool v West Ham, West Brom v Huddersfield and more – live!

Leicester City v Stoke City: Premier League – live!

When Luton embarrassed Arsenal in the League Cup final 30 years ago

With 10 minutes to go in the 1988 final, Arsenal were coasting. Then Nigel Winterburn missed a penalty and it all went wrong By Steven Pye for That 1980s Sports Blog The warning signs were there for Arsenal before the 1988 Littlewoods Cup final. George Graham’s team were expected to maintain their grip on the trophy they had won the year before against Liverpool – especially when they beat league champions Everton home and away in the semi-finals – but Arsenal had not always coped well as favourites. Swindon (1969), Ipswich (1978), West Ham (1980) and Valencia (1980) had all defied the odds to beat Arsenal in finals; Luton were about to add their name to that list. George Graham’s first headache came when David O’Leary suffered an achilles tendon injury. His absence would prove crucial. “For me O’Leary is the Arsenal defence,” said Luton striker Mick Harford. “He organises everything. I was delighted when I heard he wasn’t playing, because he is so important to them.” The jo

'Crash and burn'

Students are suffering from stress and anxiety owing to the pressures of housing costs, a survey has suggested.

Mobile World Congress: Why do smartphones look so alike?

Smartphone sales are falling - could the fact they increasingly have similar designs be why?

Wenger accepts underdog status but denies Guardiola has raised the bar | David Hytner

The Arsenal manager says players matter more than coaches as he aims to ‘create a surprise’ in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final So, Arsène Wenger. Do you think Pep Guardiola has raised the bar in terms of elite-level football over the past 10 years? The question was designed to draw an insight from the Arsenal manager into Guardiola’s methods and how he has powered Manchester City clear of all-comers in the Premier League this season. It was topical before Wenger’s meeting with Guardiola in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley and it felt like an open goal for him – at the very least – to offer a couple of positive soundbites. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/23/arsene-wenger-pep-guardiola-arsenal-manchester-city-carabao-cup-final

Alan Pardew says he still has tricks in his repertoire to keep West Brom up

• Crucial game against Huddersfield for side seven points from safety • ‘Strange things happen in football. Leicester proved that’ Alan Pardew has spoken of his determination to see the job through at The Hawthorns despite a damaging run of results and off-the-field controversy, yet the West Brom Albion manager has also acknowledged the growing pressure around his position. Albion have won one of their 13 league games since Pardew’s appointment, leaving the club seven points adrift of safety at the foot of the table, and the scrutiny surrounding the manager’s future has intensified in the wake of the antics in Barcelona last week, when four players broke a midnight curfew and allegedly stole a taxi during a team-bonding trip. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/feb/23/alan-pardew-confident-west-brom-huddersfield

Reluctant keeper Martin Dubravka makes right impression at Newcastle | Louise Taylor

The on-loan Slovakian keeper who likes to play on the wing in training is hoping to extend his stay on Tyneside after an impressive debut against Manchester United Martin Dubravka is a reluctant goalkeeper but the early indications are that Rafael Benítez’s loan signing from Sparta Prague could prove a key component in Newcastle’s struggle to stay in the Premier League. “I like to play as a right‑winger,” said the Slovakia international whose stunning display in his debut at home against Manchester United helped to consign them to a 1-0 defeat . “Sometimes I play outfield in training and the coaches say: ‘Why are you a goalkeeper, maybe you could change to being a midfielder?’ But it’s too late – my father and grandfathers were keepers and I’m tall.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/23/martin-dubravka-goalkeeper-newcastle-bournemouth

Mourinho says Chelsea games mean ‘less and less’ as Conte feud cools

• Two managers had angry exchange of words earlier in the season • Portuguese admits emotional ties to Stamford Bridge are loosening José Mourinho has admitted meetings with Chelsea mean “less and less” as his emotional ties with his former club steadily recede, with neither the Manchester United manager nor Antonio Conte prepared to reignite their feud before Sunday’s collision between their teams at Old Trafford. The pair clashed towards the end of last year when Conte interpreted Mourinho’s criticisms of managers who “behave as a clown” on the touchline as a personal attack. The Italian responded by suggesting his counterpart might be suffering from “demenza senile”, with their war of words escalating further after the United manager appeared to reference the Chelsea head coach’s four-month ban for failing to report alleged match-fixing while working in his native Italy. Conte went on to call his opposite number “a little man” and “fake”. Continue reading... from Football | T

Sam Allardyce wants future at Everton beyond short-term rescue mission

• Manager wants time to build team to play at Bramley-Moore • ‘Coming out of retirement was to do bigger things in the future’ Sam Allardyce has claimed he did not come out of retirement for another short-term rescue mission with Everton but to build a team worthy of the club’s proposed new stadium in four years’ time. He signed an 18-month contract to succeed Ronald Koeman in November but admits he has not discussed any long-term plans with the club’s owner, Farhad Moshiri, who marks his two-year anniversary as major shareholder at Goodison Park next week. Allardyce attributes the lack of long-term planning to the precarious league position Everton were in when he arrived, one that has since improved, rather than uncertainty over how long he will be at Goodison Park. And he feels he should be given time to construct the Everton team that plays at Bramley-Moore and not merely another survival act in what could be the 63-year-old’s final job in management. Continue reading... from

Red Sparrow Review

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Florida shooting: Activists target companies tied to NRA

Political activists are increasingly using social media to pressure firms on issues such as guns.

Mute Review

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KFC's cheeky apology for chicken chaos

KFC has taken a cheeky approach to apologising for the supply chain chaos that closed more than 700 restaurants. How did it go down with the customers?

Watford v Everton: match preview

Everton can move up into seventh, the position they finished last season, with victory over Watford but that may prove difficult as Sam Allardyce’s side have won just once on the road this season. Javi Gracia will be keen to capitalise on their poor away form and record his second win as manager. If Abdoulaye Doucouré can dominate midfield, as he always does when Watford have been at their best, then three important points are achievable. Graham Searles Saturday 5.30pm BT Sport 1 Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/23/watford-everton-match-preview

Ex-BHS owner Dominic Chappell fined £87,000

The fine was imposed for failing to provide information about BHS's pension schemes.

The Fiver | Precisely how many apologies are enough apologies?

Sign up now ! Sign up now ! Sign up now ? Sign up now ! There are an uncanny number of links between West Brom bench bandit Alan Pardew and religion. Pardew’s surname itself, of course. At Crystal Palace his chairman was called Parish, defined as “a small administrative district typically having its own church and a priest or pastor”. Just as Jesus is associated with John the Baptist, Pardew is close to John the Carver. The bits at the end of the phrases “played 27”, “won three” and “lost 13” are all numbers. The mass departure of West Brom fans towards the end of yet another defeat can be defined as an “exodus”. The Fiver isn’t sure what a deuteronomy is, but Pardew almost certainly has one of those as well, in the back of a cupboard somewhere, next to his leviticus. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/23/the-fiver-alan-pardew-west-brom

How duct tape became a million dollar idea

The BBC's Aaron Heslehurst explains how duct tape became a million dollar idea.

Bournemouth v Newcastle United: match preview

Bournemouth welcome Rafael Benítez’s Newcastle United to the south coast on the back of a warm-weather training camp in Portugal. Both teams ought to be revitalised after a two-week break and need to hit the ground running on their return to action, with the visitors, in particular, still looking over the shoulder. Jermain Defoe could make his comeback from an ankle injury, most likely from the bench, for the hosts. ”He’s trained and I’m pleased with what we’ve seen, he’s a natural goalscorer,” Eddie Howe said. Ben Fisher Saturday 3pm Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/23/bournemouth-newcastle-match-preview

Brighton & Hove Albion v Swansea City: match preview

Brighton and Swansea are both enjoying a spell of good form and are unbeaten in five and 10 matches respectively in all competitions. Chris Hughton will hope Jürgen Locadia can pick up from where he left off against Coventry and provide the attacking threat his side have lacked at times this season. A win could bump Brighton further from the relegation but the same goes for Swansea. Carlos Carvalhal has completely transformed his side and it would not be surprising if the honeymoon continued at the Amex Stadium. Graham Searles Saturday 3pm Venue Amex Stadium Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/23/brighton-swansea-match-preview

'Disbelief and discontent' over rail timetable changes

New train timetables could be published just four weeks before journeys are due to happen

Florent Hadergjonaj: ‘This is my dream. I want to play these teams regularly’ | Paul Doyle

Huddersfield right-back on adapting to the top flight, choosing Switzerland over Kosovo and why his club are right to stick with David Wagner The first time Florent Hadergjonaj played against a Premier League team could have been his last. Romelu Lukaku made sure that thought occurred to the Swiss right-back after Hadergjonaj’s team, Young Boys, were dismantled 4-1 at home by Everton in the knockout stages of the 2014-15 Europa League, Lukaku blasting in a hat-trick. Hadergjonaj, then aged 20, was left on the bench a week later when Everton completed the demolition at Goodison Park, Lukaku helping himself to another two goals to complete a 7-2 aggregate win. “Lukaku was just too strong,” recalls Hadergjonaj. “We had come through a hard group, with Napoli and Sparta Prague, and it was amazing to play against an English team. But every one of them was really strong and so much faster. Especially Lukaku. Afterwards I thought: ‘Maybe it’s too hard at this level.’ But then you think: ‘No

For Pep Guardiola this final could start a Manchester City dynasty | Jamie Jackson

If Guardiola’s first season was about bedding in, the accent now is on trophies and the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal could be the first of three in a matter of months for City If Manchester City beat Arsenal in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final their quest to become English football’s second most successful single-season side takes flight. Suddenly the value of the least desired major competition is priceless because of what it could be a part of for City and their manager, Pep Guardiola: a treble of League Cup, Premier League and Champions League. Related: Premier League and Carabao Cup final: 10 things to look out for this weekend Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/23/pep-guardiola-manchester-city-carabao-cup-final-arsenal-dynasty

Burnley v Southampton: match preview

Burnley were the undoubted success story of the first half of the season, accumulating 32 points from their first 19 games. Since Christmas a brake has been applied, with four draws and four defeats. While survival is unlikely to be an issue for Sean Dyche’s side it is already a worry for Southampton, who come to Turf Moor in the bottom three and in desperate need of points. Paul Wilson Saturday 3pm Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/23/burnley-southampton-match-preview

Leicester City v Stoke City: match preview

Leicester have lost some momentum in the league following a disappointing run that has been overshadowed by Riyad Mahrez’s antics. Mahrez, however, is set to make his first league start for more than a month here. Stoke, who will be without the injured Peter Crouch, are second from bottom and have not won away for four months. Paul Lambert has vowed to go to Leicester to attack and the Stoke manager has also said he is considering handing a Premier League debut to 18-year-old Tyrese Campbell. Stuart James Saturday 12.30pm SSPL Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/23/leicester-stoke-match-preview

EU arsenic warning over magnetic putty children's toy

A magnetic putty toy is no longer on sale after dangerous levels of arsenic were found in a product.

Trump says violent video games 'shape' young minds

The president said violence in video games had a big influence on how youths view the world

West Bromwich Albion v Huddersfield Town: match preview

Alan Pardew has put his faith in Jonny Evans to lead West Bromwich Albion out of trouble saying “God teaches us to forgive” with regard to reinstating the defender as captain. Pardew seems to recognise the importance of moving quickly on from the Barça business and the best way to do that is with a desperately needed win against Huddersfield. However the signs are not promising for Albion. Pardew has won once in 13 league matches as manager at the Hawthorns and David Wagner’s side were excellent in their 4-1 rot-stopping win over Bournemouth. Graham Searles Today 3pm Venue John Smith’s Stadium Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/23/west-bromwich-albion-huddersfield-match-preview

Europa League last-16 draw – live!

Sports quiz of the week: League Cup final, Winter Olympics and a great mind

Who is wasted? What did RB Leipzig build? And where is Ailsa Craig? Related: Spot the sport – take our Winter Olympics picture quiz Manchester City are hoping to win their first trophy under Pep Guardiola on Sunday in the League Cup final. How many times has Arsène Wenger won the competition? None One Two Three Marit Bjorgen became the most decorated Winter Olympian of all time this week when she won her 14th medal. In which sport does she compete? Curling Cross-country skiing Figure skating Ice hockey Wigan became only the third team to beat Manchester City this season. The other two are: Liverpool and … Napoli Arsenal Shakhtar Donetsk Feyenoord What role has Ailsa Craig played for the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang? She designed the Olympic village She sang the theme song Let Everyone Shine She sings the anthems at every medal ceremony It provided all of the curling stones Where will a 140-year-old trophy made from 270 melted silver rupees be awarded this weeke