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Showing posts from April, 2018

WhatsApp boss and co-founder Jan Koum to quit

Jan Koum says he wants to pursue new projects, but reports say he clashed with parent company Facebook.

WhatsApp boss and co-founder Jan Koum to quit

Jan Koum says he wants to pursue new projects, but reports say he clashed with parent company Facebook.

Finals narratives carry A-League beyond ordinary football | Jonathan Howcroft

A pair of gripping contests over the weekend provided a timely reminder why it is we all bother Storytelling is at the heart of how we understand the world. Our brains have evolved to mould complex information into convenient narratives, creating and reinforcing themes to establish order among chaos. It’s an important evolutionary device, and explains why the A-League felt so good on the weekend. We were served two compelling tales, each with their own plot twists, emotional hooks, and moments of “did you see that” exhilaration, all heightened by the jeopardy of sudden death. The strength of the narratives carried us beyond what was at times pretty ordinary football, immersing us in a pair of gripping contests that provided a timely reminder why it is we all bother. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/may/01/finals-narratives-carry-a-league-beyond-ordinary-football

Harry Kane and Dele Alli on target for Tottenham as Watford regret misses

If this is the stage of the season when the result is all that matters, then Tottenham will reflect on this victory with a measure of satisfaction. They were rarely at their cohesive best and there were times when their anxious mindset threatened to suffocate their efforts to extinguish the disappointment of failing to reach the FA Cup final. Yet they still finished the job with something to spare and in the end this was a timely reminder that this team is made of sterner stuff than many of their predecessors. With Chelsea threatening to creep up behind them, Tottenham could not countenance a return of some of their less impressive habits. But while the marketing gurus at the Premier League probably would not have minded seeing Watford springing a surprise on a chilly Wembley evening, just to inject a bit of life into the race for the top four, the home team were too professional to allow that to happen. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/f

Panasonic faces $280m corruption fine

The US says the firm hired consultants for "improper" purposes and concealed payments to sales agents in Asia.

Sainsbury's boss Coupe caught on camera singing

Mike Coupe was between TV interviews when he started singing "We're in the Money".

Romelu Lukaku expected to be fit to face Chelsea in FA Cup final

• Manchester United striker underwent scan on ankle on Monday • Medical department optimistic over injury Romelu Lukaku had a scan on his injured ankle on Monday, with the hope being that the Manchester United No 9 should be fit for the FA Cup final against Chelsea on 19 May. While the Belgian is expected to discover the scan results on Tuesday, the initial diagnosis from the club’s medical department allowing optimism that the problem is minor and Lukaku can recover in time to face Antonio Conte’s team. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/30/romelu-lukaku-manchester-united-ankle-injury-fa-cup-final-chelsea

Jupp Heynckes denies Real Madrid ‘complex’ but calls for Bayern ‘efficiency’ | Sid Lowe

The German manager says he doesn’t fear the reigning champions, despite Franz Beckenbauer suggesting the Spaniards have a mental advantage At the end of the final session at Bayern Munich’s Säbener Strasse training ground their players took penalties but Jupp Heynckes said it had nothing to do with the prospect of a shootout at the Bernabéu on Tuesday night. Instead, their manager claimed, the explanation was simpler than that: the practice match had finished in a draw. Heynckes said there was no way to recreate the pressure and tension of penalties and dismissed Franz Beckenbauer’s suggestion that Bayern have a “complex” when it comes to Real Madrid but he did appeal for his side to seek “inner peace” as they arrived in Spain looking to reach the Champions League final on 26 May. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/30/juup-heynckes-denies-real-madrid-complex-but-calls-for-bayern-efficiency

Match programme under threat from falling sales and social media

• Football League to vote on keeping programmes compulsory • Declining sales and increasing costs are a burden for some clubs The traditional matchday programme could disappear with the Football League voting on whether its production should continue to be compulsory. It is a commercial obligation of all 72 Football League teams to have a printed programme for every home game. But declining sales and increased costs have become a burden for some clubs and at their June meeting they will vote on whether it should continue to be a requirement next season. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/30/match-programme-under-threat-falling-sales-social-media-football-league

'We will be watching': Trump defies Fifa with repeat threat over World Cup bid

USA aiming to co-host 2026 tournament with Mexico and Canada Trump says US ‘will be watching very closely’ at foreign supporters Fifa had warned against political influence over bids in statement Donald Trump repeated his appeal to foreign nations to support the United States’ joint bid with Canada and Mexico for the 2026 World Cup during a press conference on Monday in defiance of Fifa’s warning against the use of political influence during the bidding process. “I hope all African countries and countries throughout the world, that we also will be supporting you and they will likewise support us in our bid, along with Canada and Mexico, for the 2026 World Cup,” Trump said. “We will be watching very closely and any help that they could give us in that bid we would appreciate.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/30/donald-trump-world-cup-bid-threat-fifa

Tottenham v Watford: Premier League – live!

Sainsbury's-Asda merger: Change at the checkouts

How the big supermarkets have fared on the UK high street over the years.

Boxes, Baggies, Celtic, Sunderland and more – Football Weekly

Max and the gang talk Wenger’s Old Trafford tribute, trophies for Celtic and Barcelona, Sunderland’s latest woes and podders as Premier League managers 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 , John Brewin and Lars Sivertsen to look back at the weekend that was, starting with Arsène Wenger’s final trip to Old Trafford as Arsenal manager. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/audio/2018/apr/30/boxes-baggies-celtic-sunderland-and-more-football-weekly-podcast

Sainsbury's boss says cost cuts will bring down prices

Sainsbury's boss Mike Coupe says that the ambitious price cuts they've announced will come from cutting costs.

The Fiver | One of football’s most poisoned chalices

Sign up now ! Sign up now ! Sign up now ? Sign up now ! In a rare interview conducted five months ago, Sunderland’s in-no-way delusional absentee American owner, Ellis Short, told the club’s website his team should be “trying to finish in seventh place in the Premier League every season”. It was big talk ; slightly undermined by the fact that, at the time, Sunderland were well on the way to sliding into League One. Now a second successive relegation has been confirmed, only the most optimistic Mackem would suggest deposing Burnley as the Premier League’s surprise package is anything more than a pipe dream. But if Sunderland are to begin the painstaking process of restoring their dignity and once lofty status as top-flight relegation contenders, they will have to do so without the patronage of a man whose stewardship on Wearside has been so disastrously inept, one can’t help but wonder how he was ever successful enough in business to afford to buy the club in the first place. Continue

McDonald's says appetites remain strong

The firm's profits rose 13% in the first quarter, driven by demand in markets such as the UK and Germany.

Why does the US still have 'debtors' prisons'?

Four in 10 Americans wouldn't have money to cover a $400 fine - so many serve time in jail instead.

Carpetright warns of £9m annual loss

The struggling floor covering retailer warns of an annual loss, but shareholders back its rescue plan.

Brilliant Barcelona's low-key La Liga title should not be underestimated | Sid Lowe

Perhaps with time, Ernesto Valverde and his team sealing a first unbeaten Spanish league title since 1932 will be more valued The league came to a close at both ends of Riazor, two human circles forming. Deportivo de La Coruña’s players joined together, arms around each other, for a few final words offered quietly and sadly in the rain. As they broke, there were some whistles and they walked slowly towards the tunnel and the second division, relegated again. The manager, their third this season, told them to go with their heads held high, insisting “we’re not angry, we’re unhappy”, but most looked down as they left, eyes lost. In the stands above, there were tears and reproach. Do you understand that, Celso Borges was asked, stopping briefly before departing. “Yes, of course,” he said. “We shouldn’t feel ashamed, but these are difficult moments and it’s hard to digest.” As he talked, or tried to, behind him another circle had formed: bigger, looser and louder. FC Barcelona’s squad an

Logan Paul ends daily YouTube vlog series

The popular video creator says he will no longer post daily updates after 536 uploads.

China shuts down Player Unknown cheat code gang

The cheats helped players survive longer in the hugely popular survival shooter game.

The FA should not be selling Wembley at all, let alone for £600m | Richard Williams

Price is not right but more relevant than the lack of control over the stadium’s future is can we really trust football’s governing body to oversee the reinvestment into the grassroots game? It takes some doing to sell a piece of London property for less than it cost you 10 years ago, a decade in which house prices in the capital have risen, according to the Office of National Statistics, by an average of 100%. Yet this magic trick is what the Football Association seems to be on the brink of doing, in selling a home that cost more than £800m to the Pakistani-American billionaire Shahid Khan for around three-quarters of that sum. No wonder Ken Bates was apoplectic. “You never sell your freehold – it’s your home,” the former Chelsea chairman exclaimed on being told of the deal to sell Wembley. To find oneself on the same side as Bates is a remarkable side-effect of the FA’s sudden announcement. And on that of Sir Dave Richards, the former chairman of the Premier League and, like Bates,

Facebook 'downvote' button in new test

Facebook says the tool, now being trialled in New Zealand, is not a "dislike" key.

Juventus almost in seventh heaven as Napoli title bid comes undone | Paolo Bandini

The champions found a win from nowhere to heap pressure on Napoli, whose hopes were left in tatters at Fiorentina Fino alla fine. Until the end. Those three words were chosen by Juventus supporters to be printed on the club’s shirts in 2014, a snippet borrowed from a terrace chant (‘ fino alla fine, forza Juve ’) and which became a team slogan. Elsewhere they might tell you that it’s not over until the fat lady sings. In Italian football, it ends when the Old Lady wins . There was a moment on Saturday when Juve’s season appeared to be unravelling. One week after losing at home to Napoli , the champions found themselves a goal down away at 10-man Inter in the Derby d’Italia. There were fewer than five minutes left, and anything less than a win would grant the Partenopei an opportunity to overtake them at the top. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/30/juventus-almost-in-seventh-heaven-as-napoli-title-bid-comes-undone

Trade tariffs: Deadline looms on US exemption for EU

The EU's trade commissioner will hold last-ditch talks with her US counterpart before a 1 May deadline.

Hamburg launch their greatest Bundesliga escape attempt of all | Andy Brassell

Just a fortnight ago, HSV were staring squarely down the barrel of a first-ever relegation. Now they’re out to make history Teetering on the edge of the precipice might be a near-annual occurrence but this time, they’re balancing on one leg, juggling and eating fire at the same time, all while wearing their most spangled leotard. Not for nothing are Hamburger SV known as Der Dino , the only ever-presents in the Bundesliga since it began in 1963 but even so, their latest escape attempt is stretching the boundaries of credibility. Saturday’s 3-1 victory at Wolfsburg, themselves a storied name struggling to avoid a humiliating tumble out of the top flight, was simply “incomprehensible”, according to Hamburger Morgenpost. “Titz, Tore, Tiki-Taka,” was the far dizzier description from Bild. The Tore, the goals, are perhaps even the most surprising aspect of a genuinely arresting story, but while coach Christian Titz – their third of the season – and the manner of Hamburg’s upsurge in form

Legal row over who owns France.com domain

A man who has run the France.com website since 1994 is suing after it was given to the French government.

TSB computer fiasco enters second week

Customers say they are still locked out of their accounts more than a week after a new IT system began.

QPR owner Tony Fernandes refuses to rule out Ian Holloway departure

‘We’ll have to analyse and say at the end of the season’ Owner also makes pledge on stadium in interview on fans’ podcast Tony Fernandes, the founder of Air Asia and co-chairman of Queens Park Rangers, has graded himself C+ for his work at the club since taking over in August 2011. In a wide-ranging, hour-long interview with the Open All Rs podcast , he also explained why he is so optimistic for the future – though he was non-committal regarding the future of Ian Holloway. “The manager has had his highs and has had his lows,” Fernandes said. “We’ll have to analyse and say at the end of the season: ‘Are we happy? Is he happy with us as shareholders? Is he happy with the squad? And then you make your decisions from there.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/30/tony-fernandes-admits-his-mistakes-and-is-lukewarm-on-the-future-of-ian-holloway

Who is Stewart Donald, Sunderland’s prospective new chairman? | Martha Kelner

Former insurance man may not have Ellis Short’s cash but he has football knowledge after his time at Eastleigh The wealth of Stewart Donald, the prospective new owner of Sunderland, does not come close to the outgoing billionaire Ellis Short but he does have a record of adding value to football clubs, albeit at semi-professional Eastleigh. The 43-year-old has worked in the insurance industry for more than 20 years, rising from a junior role to senior management. Together with business partner Neil Fox he acquired a string of companies, amassing a net worth of around £8.4m. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/30/football-sunderland-owner-stewart-donald-glenn-hoddle-eastleigh

World Cup hosts should go to auction – it may be crude but at least it’s fair

Handing global sporting events to the highest bidder may seem indelicate but it would be a more honest arrangement You can bet on anything these days. Crossfit. Portuguese futsal. Even ByuL versus Rogue in Starcraft II (Rogue is 8-13 favourite for Wednesday’s E-Sports clash). Yet, curiously, finding odds about who will host the 2026 World Cup is nigh-on impossible – even though the vote between the Nafta bloc of the US, Canada and Mexico, and the new kid on the block, Morocco, is only six weeks away. One bookie told me he would be “asking to be picked off” if he offered prices, given the votes for mega-events such as the World Cups and Olympics. As he put it: “You only really get action from people who know something we don’t.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/30/world-cup-highest-bidder

Patrick Vieira has been tipped to succeed Wenger – just how good is he?

New York City manager lacks the experience of rival contenders for the Arsenal job but he has built a solid reputation in MLS Almost as soon as he’d sat down in front of the waiting press upon his appointment as New York City FC head coach in January 2016, Patrick Vieira was asked to name a manager he’d modelled his own coaching style after. It was a question set up to garner one answer: Arsène Wenger. Vieira spoke about José Mourinho’s insistence on meticulous preparation, Roberto Mancini’s determination and Manuel Pellegrini’s levelheadedness. Then he got to Wenger, highlighting the unwavering faith the Frenchman puts in his players. Even at that early stage, as Vieira took his first step into senior management, there was a sense that similar faith might one day be put in him to succeed his former manager. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/30/patrick-vieira-arsenal-manager-arsene-wenger-new-york-city-fc

WPP operating boss says no sense in breaking up group

The new joint boss sees no need for dramatic changes in the advertising giant's structure.

Jürgen Klopp loses Liverpool assistant Zeljko Buvac for rest of season

Buvac stands down for personal reasons before Roma game Klopp’s long-standing No 2 may leave Anfield in the summer Liverpool have suffered serious disruption ahead of their Champions League semi-final with Roma on Wednesday after Jürgen Klopp’s right-hand man, Zeljko Buvac, stepped aside for personal reasons. Buvac, the assistant manager who Klopp has described as “the brain” behind his coaching set-up, is “spending some time away from the first team environment between now and the end of the season” according to Liverpool, who have declined to comment further on what they regard as a private matter. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/30/jurgen-klopp-loses-liverpool-assistant-zeljko-buvac-rest-of-season

Football transfer rumours: Rooney to leave Everton? Allen set for Wolves?

Today’s fluff is focusing on Merseyside We bring you potentially big news regarding Liverpool, with assorted media outlets reporting that Zeljko “The Brain” Buvac has sensationally quit his role as Jürgen Klopp’s assistant after a 17-year partnership that began when the pair first met as players at German club Mainz. The Daily Record reports the pair had a falling-out that led to to Buvac being frozen out of team meetings, but the Guardian’s man on the Merseyside beat says the 56-year-old has left until the end of the season for personal reasons the club consider a private matter and remains a Liverpool employee. Related: Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/30/football-transfer-rumours-rooney-to-leave-everton-allen-set-for-wolves

Rent costs full-time workers every penny earned until May

A year's rent takes every penny earned by full-time workers until the first week of May, study shows.

Tottenham facing up to reality check as stadium costs escalate

Mauricio Pochettino will still have to sell players in order to buy them next season despite an increased ground capacity Mauricio Pochettino has expressed the belief on several occasions. When Tottenham Hotspur move into their 61,559-seat stadium next season, the club will enter a new era of financial power. “It would be the time to say: ‘Now, we will win the title,’” the manager said in December. The theory has been that the stadium’s increased revenues will help the club to attract and keep the A-list players. The view has sat uncomfortably with the cost of construction. It seems a long time ago that £400m was the ballpark figure. Then, it became £750m and £850m, and now, nobody would be surprised if it reached a billion. Tottenham have taken out £400m in bank loans, which are repayable over a five-year period. This month they announced in their financial results for the year ended 30 June 2017 that the “cumulative spend” on the project had increased from £115.3m to £315.1m. The c

'Those who don't believe should stay home,' says Roma's Di Francesco – video

Roma manager Eusebio Di Francesco has insisted that their hopes of reaching are Champions League final are not over. Speaking after a crushing 5-2 defeat to Liverpool he said: 'It's not over and that's something that we've done in the past.' In the previous round Roma came back from a three-goal deficit to beat Barcelona Jürgen Klopp warns ‘brilliant’ Liverpool to prepare for Roma backlash Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2018/apr/25/those-who-dont-believe-should-stay-home-says-romas-eusebio-di-francesco

'Not really my decision': Arsène Wenger on the timing of his departure – video

As the time counts down on Arsène Wenger's tenure at Arsenal the Frenchman has given perhaps the clearest indication he wasn't ready to leave. The manager has been at the Gunners for almost 22 years, however he revealed that the sudden announcement of his departure was 'not really' his decision Arsène Wenger says timing of Arsenal departure ‘not really my decision’ Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2018/apr/25/not-really-my-decision-arsene-wenger-on-the-timing-of-his-departure-video

Los Angeles FC mark arrival with Hollywood ending to open new stadium

Bob Bradley’s LAFC won their home opener on an injury-time winner, but the best may be yet to come for the promising expansion club On a grimy corner of downtown Los Angeles, LAFC were selling a dream from the unpromising surroundings of a warehouse adjacent to a freeway underpass. Construction had only just begun on the 20-month project to create a new 22,000-seater stadium on the site of the former LA Memorial Sports Arena, and the freshly-launched club needed something to show potential supporters other than a building plot. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/30/lafc-first-home-game-seattle-sounders

Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action

The Gaëtan Bong/Jay Rodriguez story takes another ugly turn, and Mark Hughes tries to summon the spirit of ‘99 On they go, refusing even to the consider the possibility of lowering their untouchable standards. Manchester City were at their elegant best against West Ham and the way they have performed since being confirmed as champions a fortnight ago must bode well for next season’s title defence. Nobody has successfully defended the trophy since Manchester United won three in a row a decade ago, but City seem to be developing the killer mentality that allowed Sir Alex Ferguson’s teams to rule English football for so long. Good teams win one trophy. But the great sides leave lasting legacies and Pep Guardiola’s quest for perfection means there is unlikely to be a repeat of the slumps City experienced after their titles in 2012 and 2014. “We didn’t celebrate the moment we were champions,” City’s manager said. “We celebrated over 10 months. Just being happy when you lift a title makes n

Roma’s Mohamed Salah angst leaves Klopp’s Liverpool with little to fear | Paul Wilson

Roma only clawed back hope once Salah went off at Anfield and they will be terrified of leaving space in behind for him to attack Slightly fewer than four minutes separated Edin Dzeko’s goal for Roma at Anfield and the penalty awarded rather harshly against James Milner, and in that short space of time the Italians rose from a trance. At 5-0 they were out, they would have needed at least six goals in the second leg. At 5-2 Roma had more than a straw to clutch at , they had given themselves a glimmer of hope, suddenly required only half the number of goals, and had the recent memory of beating Barcelona 3-0 for inspiration. Jürgen Klopp will not be short of advice this week on how to approach Wednesday’s return in the Stadio Olimpico; there are any number of extrapolations permissible depending on which side scores the first goal and when. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/apr/30/roma-mohamed-salah-angst-klopp-liverpool-

Tesla driver banned for M1 autopilot seat-switch

He said he was the "unlucky one who got caught" after being seen in the passenger seat on the M1.

Regain control

The new rules which might help stop private information being shared without our knowledge.

T-Mobile agrees $26bn mega-merger with Sprint

The US telecoms firms could win more customers through the deal, as long as regulators approve it.

Sentinel tracks ships' dirty emissions from orbit

The EU's new satellite pollution-tracker will be a powerful tool to monitor vessels' emissions.

Body cameras deter attacks and abuse at Welsh hospitals

Security staff at five of Wales' health boards now wear recording devices to try to deter violence.

Porn block

Soon you'll have to prove you're 18 years old if you want to watch pornography online. Here is all you need to know.

God of War: Games no longer where actors careers 'go to die'

Christopher Judge, who plays Kratos in the new God of War, talks about the jump from the silver screen to games.

'Hacker's paradise'

How cyber security firm Darktrace was set up by former members of the UK security services and maths professors.

Sainsbury's confirms tie-up with Asda

The UK's second and third largest supermarkets plan to merge to create a giant.

The Dozen: the weekend’s best Premier League photos

Your weekend round-up of the best photography from England’s top flight • Follow Guardian sport on Instagram for more great photography The Dozen archive Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2018/apr/30/the-dozen-the-weekends-best-premier-league-photos

Labour pledges cap on overdraft fees and interest payments

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell says he wants to end the "national scandal" of poor families in debt.

Chelsea lose to Wolfsburg and miss out on Women’s Champions League final

• Wolfsburg 2-0 Chelsea (Wolfsburg win 5-1 on aggregate) • Ellen White hat-trick for Birmingham in WSL win over Arsenal Wolfsburg Ladies ended Chelsea’s outside hopes of making the Champions League final by winning 2-0 in their second-leg match to take the tie 5-1 on aggregate. Chelsea, who went down 3-1 in the first leg at Kingsmeadow and needed a minimum of three away goals to make the final, were denied what looked like a good shout for a penalty in the first half, when Eniola Aluko was brought down by a Lena Gössling challenge. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/30/chelsea-wolfsburg-ladies-miss-champions-league-final

Caravans making a comeback

Cathy Chamberlain is bringing curvy caravans back in fashion.

Dusan Tadic urges Southampton to give manager Mark Hughes a longer deal

• It would be great for Southampton if he stayed, says Tadic • Serb’s two goals in win over Bournemouth lift Saints’ hopes Dusan Tadic has urged the Southampton board to retain Mark Hughes as manager beyond the end of the season after the club improved their survival chances by beating Bournemouth. Tadic, who scored twice in Southampton’s first home win since November , has credited Hughes with galvanising the club since his appointment on a short-term contract in March. A mutual decision between the Welshman and the club hierarchy is expected to take place after the final game of the season, at home to Manchester City, one of Hughes’s former clubs, as to whether he will extend his stay. If he keeps Southampton in the top flight he is set to earn a survival bonus of almost £1m. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/29/dusan-tadic-southampton-mark-hughes

Leicester players appear distracted, concedes embattled Claude Puel

• Admission comes in wake of 5-0 thrashing at Crystal Palace • ‘Perhaps the players have the World Cup in their heads’ Claude Puel has conceded that Leicester City’s players have appeared distracted over recent weeks, with results tailing off alarmingly as the Frenchman seeks to convince the club hierarchy that he should oversee a summer overhaul of the squad. Leicester remain in the top half but the 5-0 thrashing at Crystal Palace on Saturday left Puel with only four wins in his past 18 league games amid growing unease at the club over the 56-year-old’s management style. The Guardian reported this month that players had been left increasingly bemused by his chopping and changing of the team, and frustrated at a perceived lack of intensity to training, with communication apparently an issue. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/29/leicester-city-claude-puel-admits-players-look-distracted

West Ham’s routine thrashing exposes weakness in defence and boardroom | Jacob Steinberg

Relegation still a threat as Patrice Evra and his performance against City sum up the Hammers’ deficiencies in the market It is difficult to know which statistic should cause the most embarrassment for West Ham. Perhaps the one about this being the 15th time they have shipped at least three goals in this season’s Premier League will be your favourite. But we also need to remember they have the leakiest defence in the top flight, with 67 conceded in 35 games, and that their fourth 4-1 defeat in 2018 means they have let in three goals or more in 13 home fixtures since moving to the London Stadium two years ago. Put in that grim context, it becomes harder to write off their latest collapse against Manchester City as a one-off. City are a devastating team, of course, and the champions created enough chances to score the six goals that would have seen them break Chelsea’s record of 103 from the 2009-10 season. Two more will do the trick, though, and it also seems a safe bet that Pep Guard

Arséne Wenger praises ‘classy’ gesture from Manchester United

• Sir Alex Ferguson presented Wenger with vase before the kick-off • ‘My successor will watch game and come to positive conclusion’ Arsène Wenger joked that his warm reception before Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat against Manchester United was because the outgoing manager was no longer a “danger”. Wenger, who finishes 22 years at Arsenal at the end of the season, was managing them for a 22nd and final time at Old Trafford. To mark the occasion, before kick-off Sir Alex Ferguson presented on United’s behalf a vase to the 68-year-old Frenchman. Asked about his ovation as he walked along the touchline, Wenger said: “When you’re not a danger any more, people love you. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/29/arsene-wenger-classy-gesture-manchester-united

Napoli’s Serie A title hopes in tatters after 3-0 defeat to Fiorentina

• Giovanni Simeone scored a hat-trick against 10-man Napoli • Milan beat Bologna 2-1 with help of VAR Napoli’s dream of winning the Serie A title lies in tatters after they were humbled 3-0 by a Giovanni Simeone-inspired Fiorentina. A famous victory at the leaders Juventus last weekend had closed the gap to a single point, but the Bianconeri won 3-2 at Internazionale in dramatic fashion on Saturday to pull clear once again. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/29/napoli-serie-a-title-hopes-defeat-fiorentina

Old foe’s presence a reminder that Arsène Wenger’s glory days are past | Jamie Jackson

Alex Ferguson’s presentation to the outgoing Frenchman served to illustrate how much his Arsenal side have declined in recent years The first question received an emphatic answer: Arsène Wenger received a rousing ovation as he strode along the Old Trafford touchline that ended with an embrace from the waiting Sir Alex Ferguson. It occurred between the Manchester United and Arsenal dugouts, the kind of warming moment José Mourinho had wondered, during the build-up, if the Frenchman might enjoy. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/29/old-foe-presence-reminder-arsene-wenger-glory-days-past

Jockey Club horse racing posts record annual turnover

The Jockey Club, which operates 15 racecourses, sees annual turnover hit £200m for the first time.

Avengers: Infinity War estimated to break global opening weekend record

The superhero sequel is estimated to have the highest ever global opening weekend take of $630m.

T-Mobile agrees to buy Sprint for $26bn

The deal could help America's third and fourth biggest telecoms providers win more broadband customers.

Marouane Fellaini heads late goal as Manchester United beat Arsenal

The problem with football, as Arsène Wenger is rapidly finding out, is that there is never any guarantee of a happy ending. The lingering memory of this game will be the applause that followed Arsenal’s manager down the touchline before the match. Yet Manchester United’s hospitality, on a day when Sir Alex Ferguson made a special presentation to his former bête noire, was never likely to stretch to events on the pitch. Wenger was clapped in but, by the end, he did not look like a man who cared a great deal about whether he might be afforded the same courtesy on the walk back to the tunnel. His team had conceded a 91st-minute winner and the bottom line for Arsenal, however rich the tributes might be for the departing manager, is that they have now lost six successive top-division away fixtures for the first time since 1966. Arsenal are the only team in England’s four professional divisions who have lost every league match on the road since the turn of the year, and Marouane Fellaini’s

Deportivo La Coruña v Barcelona: La Liga — live!

Brendan Rodgers: Celtic should have scored seven against Rangers

• Manager ‘really proud’ after sealing title with 5-0 rout of old rival • Club have ‘very good chance’ of keeping loanee Odsonne Édouard Brendan Rodgers insisted Rangers got off lightly after the 5-0 Old Firm success that sealed Celtic’s seventh successive title. His team reached that lead with 37 minutes still to play, only a combination of poor finishing and fine goalkeeping sparing Rangers further embarrassment. “We’re about running hard, fast and aggressive and when we do that we give ourselves a chance to create lots of opportunities,” Rodgers said. “We scored five and it was probably going on seven or eight; their keeper made some great saves. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/29/brendan-rodgers-celtic-rangers

West Ham still not safe after emphatic win for Manchester City

The locals were pouring away from this arena long before the final whistle, with West Ham’s Premier League status feeling ever more precarious. The gap from the bottom three has been shaved to an unnerving three points over the weekend and while there is no disgrace in losing to the champions, the manner in which Manchester City sauntered to this thrashing was disturbing. The near silence in the stands was significant. This actually felt like an escape given how many opportunities were created but passed up by Pep Guardiola’s side. City virtually declared in the latter stages with Yaya Touré strolling around central midfield and the teenage England youth international, Lukas Nmecha, leading the line on his league debut, for all that the ball still rarely left the home side’s half. West Ham, chasing shadows for all but a brief period ahead of the interval, had been pummelled into submission. David Moyes must somehow raise spirits for next weekend’s trip to Leicester, otherwise this sea

Manchester City out of Women’s Champions League after Bronze’s strike

• Olympique Lyon 1-0 Manchester City (1-0 agg) • Former City player Bronze scores the only goal of the tie Manchester City’s hopes of claiming a first Women’s Champions League title were dashed by their former player as Lucy Bronze’s goal saw Lyon through to the final for the third consecutive year. A City player until last summer, Bronze scored the only goal in either leg of this semi-final with a delightful right-foot volley. With her pace, power and technique, Bronze epitomised the qualities of her new team. The Berwick-Upon-Tweed native looked very much at home in Europe’s dominant club side. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/29/olympique-lyon-manchester-city-women-champions-league-semi-final-second-leg-match-report

Games no longer where careers 'go to die'

Christopher Judge the actor who plays Kratos in the new God of War speaks to Newsbeat about the jump from the silver screen to games.

Bookmakers aim to avoid gaming machine 'catastrophe'

Betting firms write to the culture secretary to prevent a £2 limit being imposed on gaming machines.

Fortnite: 13-year-old is game's youngest professional player

Kyle Jackson from Sidcup in Kent is set to compete for cash prizes in events all over the world.

West Ham v Manchester City: Premier League - live!

Chris Coleman sacked as manager of Sunderland after club’s relegation

• Sunderland relegated to League One after defeat to Burton Albion • Coleman and assistant Kit Symons sacked by club Chris Coleman has been sacked as manager of Sunderland, the Championship club have announced. Sunderland were relegated to League One, having been relegated from the Premier League last season, last Saturday and hired Coleman and his assistant Kit Symons – who has also now left the club – last summer. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/29/chris-coleman-sackedd-manager-sunderland

Sainsbury's and Asda merger 'must be investigated'

UK competition watchdog is urged by politicians to probe a potential merger of Sainsbury's and Asda.

Celtic v Rangers: Scottish Premiership – live!

Fake five-star reviews being bought and sold online

A trade in false online reviews relied upon by millions is identified in a BBC investigation.

Crackdown plan on Scottish limited partnerships

The UK government says Scottish limited partnerships have been exploited in complex "dirty money" schemes.

Supermarket sweep

BBC business correspondent Emma Simpson looks at the latest merger shaking up the grocery sector.

Fake five-star reviews being bought and sold online

A trade in false online reviews relied upon by millions is identified by a BBC investigation.

Football League: Norwich savour Wes Hoolahan’s ‘perfect finish’

• Coventry score six as goal-laden recent run continues • Wycombe return to League One while Barnet keep survival bid alive • Wes Hoolahan bade an emotional farewell to Carrow Road with Norwich ’s first goal in a 2-1 win over Leeds . It was his 380th league appearance for Norwich, and his manager, Daniel Farke, declared it “a perfect finish”. “If I had to a paint a picture of how Wes’s career for Norwich would finish that would have been it,” Farke said. “He scored a goal, got an assist and put in an excellent performance, and of course we won the game.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/28/football-league-wes-hoolahan-norwich-coventry-barnet

Dusan Tadic double earns vital win for Southampton and lifts survival hopes

Perhaps Southampton’s race is not yet run. Mark Hughes’s side earned only their sixth Premier League win of the season – and their first since February – to hoist themselves closer to safety, with a Dusan Tadic double over neighbours Bournemouth ensuring they have a fighting chance of beating relegation. In fact, fate may be in their own hands by the time they travel to Swansea City in the penultimate game of the season. The magnitude of this game meant Southampton and Bournemouth had never met with more at stake. Mark Hughes described it as a “black and white” matter given that victory here was a necessity for Saints’ survival hopes. Tadic’s goals either side of a Joshua King strike injected life into Southampton’s battle and the deafening noise that reverberated around St Mary’s at the final whistle suggested this afternoon could yet define a late escape. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/28/southampton-bournemouth-prem

Wilfried Zaha stars in Crystal Palace’s five-goal thrashing of Leicester

The majority in this stadium broke away from celebrating their team’s flurry of late goals to serenade Roy Hodgson five minutes from time, the Crystal Palace manager responding with a wave directed at those in the Holmesdale stand. They may not yet be mathematically assured of survival, but this was surely the riotous victory which extended the south London club’s stay in the top flight into a sixth campaign. The manager deserved his moment. To have effectively achieved survival before the end of April is remarkable. Rewind briefly to September when this team had languished pointless and goalless at the foot of the table after seven games, Frank de Boer’s tenure having already been curtailed with the dust still settling on the summer transfer window. Hodgson came in as an early season firefighter. He has steered the side to 38 points with two games to go without a goalscoring centre-forward, in spite of a crippling injury list, and with no significant additions in January given those

West Brom give themselves hope with Matt Phillips winner against Newcastle

As job auditions go it was pretty convincing. Darren Moore may have taken charge at West Brom far too late to prevent a relegation merely awaiting mathematical confirmation but the caretaker has breathed new life into a team who had lost their way under first Tony Pulis and then Alan Pardew. Admittedly, a Newcastle United side suddenly propelled into a flattering mid-table position and lacking a cause to fight for were hardly the most awkward opponents but Moore’s gameplan effectively nullified Rafa Benítez’s brightest talents. Well before the end it was easy to appreciate how his four games in charge have resulted in the collection of a highly creditable eight points. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/28/newcastle-united-west-bromwich-albion-premier-league-matcch-report

Cenk Tosun rouses Everton to leave Huddersfield teetering above drop zone

For virtually the entire campaign David Wagner’s team, the overwhelming pre-season favourites for relegation, have valiantly transcended their limitations and kept their heads above water but the risk of them sinking has always been present. It increased with this result. The Yorkshire club are still clear of the bottom three but goals by Cenk Tosun and Idrissa Gueye, combined with results elsewhere, mean that to stay safe Huddersfield may need to win at least one of their last three games. They are away to Manchester City and Chelsea before serving as hosts for Arsène Wenger’s last Premier League match with Arsenal. Huddersfield may have their work cut out to ensure it will not be their last one, too. Of course Huddersfield always expected to have to fight until the end. No one was counting their chickens even though they went into the game against Everton knowing that victory would probably, if not mathematically, secure their survival. They began coyly, wary of the visitors despite

Sean Morrison’s double sees off Hull as Cardiff close in on promotion

The intriguing battle to accompany Wolverhampton Wanderers automatically into the Premier League will go down to the final day of the season after Cardiff City held their nerve to keep the irrepressible Neil Warnock on course for a record eighth promotion. Warnock’s side reclaimed second place thanks to two goals from the unlikely source of Sean Morrison, meaning that victory at home to Reading next Sunday will confirm their return to the top flight after a four-year absence. Anything less, however, leaves the Welsh side in danger of being usurped by Fulham, who travel to Birmingham City on the back of a 23-game unbeaten run stretching back to December. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/28/hull-city-cardiff-city-championship-match-report

Burnley set to end 50-year wait for European football after Brighton draw

Burnley are virtually assured of European football next season for the first time in more than 50 years after drawing with Brighton. Everton’s victory at Huddersfield means the Clarets are not mathematically certain of a top-seven finish, and a place in the Europa League, although they are six points clear of the Toffees with two games remaining, and have a far better goal difference. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/28/burnley-brighton-hove-albion-premier-league-match-report

Swansea v Chelsea: Premier League – live!

Chinese firm Dalian Wanda opens $7.9bn 'movie metropolis'

The site covers more than 400 acres and includes a shopping mall, restaurants and an ice rink.

Liverpool suffer European hangover as Stoke cling on for a point

Jürgen Klopp did his best to keep his players focused on the matter in hand, describing this game as the most important one of the season and appealing to the crowd for fervent support, though a rugged and resolute Stoke were the last opponents Liverpool needed to meet between the two legs of their Champions League semi-final. There was no goal for Mohamed Salah, who will now have only two more chances to set a new Premier League scoring record, and no confidence boost from temporarily climbing above Manchester United to second in the table. Liverpool wanted more than a point from this fixture but so too did Stoke, who need wins to have any chance of survival. Paul Lambert’s side put in a solid performance to frustrate Liverpool but it is probably too little and too late. Stoke have not won a league match at Anfield since 1959 and the chances are they will now have to wait a while for their next opportunity. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.c

Is the FA getting a fair price for the sale of Wembley to Shahid Khan?| David Conn

The rebuilt stadium cost £757m in 2007, far less than the £600m on offer, but the proposed deal makes sense - especially for grassroots football Of all the questions prompted by the Football Association’s announcement that it is considering selling Wembley for about £600m to the car parts and NFL billionaire Shahid Khan, one, bluntly, was whether that is actually enough money. Related: FA promises £600m Wembley windfall will go to grassroots football Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/apr/28/wembley-sale-fa-shadid-khan-fair-price

Huddersfield v Everton, Southampton v Bournemouth and more – live!

Sainsbury's and Asda in merger talks

British supermarket chains Sainsbury's and Asda in merger talks - although both brands expected to be retained

A-League semi-final: Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory - live!

Bugs buffet

It is little publicised, but one of the most used red food colourings is made from crushed up bugs.

Nightmare week

An IT crisis has left customers furious and MPs demanding answers. This is the story of TSB's nightmare week.

Aleksandar Mitrovic heads Fulham past Sunderland to boost promotion hopes

For Fulham, overcoming a team condemned to playing in League One next season was supposed to be the easy part. Nothing felt straightforward on a night of tension, however, and if Neil Warnock was watching this game on television, he will no doubt have taken note of some generous refereeing decisions. It was only when the marginally offside Aleksandar Mitrovic scored the decisive goal with 17 minutes left that Fulham could be sure of hauling themselves back into the Championship’s top two with one match left. For all the late drama, however, the real challenge for Slavisa Jokanovic’s players will be finding a way to enjoy their Saturday. It seems preposterous that a team on a 23-match unbeaten run could yet be forced to endure the torture of the play-offs. But there is no escape from the unforgiving nature of this race to win automatic promotion, with Fulham all too aware that they will be a point below Cardiff City if Warnock’s team win at 18th-placed Hull City this afternoon. Contin

Oil major ExxonMobil posts profit rise

Esso owner ExxonMobil posts expectation-beating revenue of $66bn for the first quarter

FA promises £600m Wembley windfall will go to grassroots football

• Money from prospective sale would fund up to 1,500 new pitches • Fulham owner Khan hopes to complete sale in two to three months The Football Association has issued a guarantee that all proceeds of the pending £600m sale of Wembley to Shahid Khan will be used to fund grassroots football. The FA chairman, Greg Clarke, sent a letter to members of the FA Council to reassure them the money would be funnelled back into the sport at participation level, including the purchase of an estimated 1,500 new pitches, improved drainage systems and floodlights. A source close to the FA told the Guardian a public commitment to investing such a massive sum of money in grassroots sport was “unprecedented and a potential game-changer for football in this country”. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/27/fa-promises-600m-wembley-windfall-will-go-to-grassroots-football

Stoke and Southampton cling to hopes of rescue in the fading light | Barry Glendenning

There is precedent for survival when all appears lost with Sunderland’s relegation escape under Gus Poyet in 2014 a beacon for fans of the Premier League clubs facing the drop Like the hapless Brian Stimpson, so splendidly portrayed by John Cleese in the 1980s farce Clockwise, most football fans can take the despair; it’s the hope they cannot stand. With only three or four fixtures left to play in this season’s Premier League, fans of West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and Southampton can almost certainly feel the headmaster’s anguish. Most are perfectly well equipped to deal with the trauma of relegation to the Championship but it is the possibility of avoiding it that drives them to the brink of madness. For West Brom fans, the agony is almost over. Almost but not quite. It is still mathematically possible for them to stay in the top flight but their mini-rage against the dying of the light almost certainly constitutes too little too late. Nothing less than successive wins in their fi

Roy Bentley obituary

Innovative England centre-forward who was top scorer and captain when Chelsea won their first league title in 1955 Roy Bentley, who has died aged 93, became the first deep-lying centre-forward in English football, in the style of the Hungarian Nándor Hidegkuti . His inspired wanderings – now dropping back, now moving to the wings – combined with sharp opportunism with head and foot, were a crucial factor in Chelsea’s first league championship win in 1954-55, when he was captain. He scored 21 goals in 41 games that season and altogether amassed 150 goals from 367 appearances for Chelsea, the joint-fifth highest total in the club’s history. Bentley spent eight years at Stamford Bridge after signing in 1948, finishing top scorer in seven consecutive seasons, and was appointed captain in 1951. His exploits for Chelsea earned him a dozen appearances for England between 1949 and 1955, including two matches in the 1950 World Cup finals in Brazil. Continue reading... from Football | The Gu

Deadline to amend UK surveillance laws

A High Court judgement calling for changes came out of a legal challenge mounted by rights group Liberty.

Tech Tent: the technology of pleasure

Meet the British firm making its mark in the sex tech sector.

Balenciaga sorry over mistreatment of Chinese shoppers in Paris

Luxury brand Balenciaga apologises after a video of a Chinese shopper being beaten in Paris goes viral.

The Fiver | Bandwagon-jumping departures

Sign up now ! Sign up now ! Sign up now ? Sign up now ! The first story snapped on the Press Association’s news wires at 10.02am. The Everton manager, Sam Allardyce, had revealed what he was going to be doing next season: precisely what he is doing now. “We discussed plans for next season yesterday,” he said. “We have some clarity moving forward now.” Did this mean, he was asked, that he would definitely still be at Goodison Park in August? “Didn’t I just say that?” he barked. Well, not in so many words, thought the audience. “For clarification, yes.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/27/expect-more-bandwagon-jumping-departures

Newcastle United v West Brom: match preview

Darren Moore has presided over the collection of five points from three games since assuming caretaker charge of West Brom but he could still see his side’s long inevitable relegation confirmed on Saturday night. Meanwhile Rafa Benítez has announced that talks over his future on Tyneside are underway. Newcastle’s manager has only a year left on his contract and will want assurances as to the summer transfer budget before extending it. “We’ve had conversations and we’ll have more conversations next week,” said Benítez before stressing that a quick resolution would be “better for everybody.” Louise Taylor Saturday 3pm Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/27/newcastle-west-brom-match-preview

Swansea City v Chelsea: match preview

There is plenty at stake for both clubs as Chelsea pursue the three points that would keep alive hopes of a top-four finish while Swansea chase the victory that would give their survival prospects a huge boost. Swansea have collected 13 points from their past five home games, beating Liverpool and Arsenal in the process, but they have injury problems at the back, with Federico Fernández and Kyle Bartley doubtful. Chelsea, who are looking for a third successive away win in the league, are still without the suspended Marcos Alonso. Stuart James Sunday 5.30pm BT Sport 1 Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/27/swansea-chelsea-match-preview

Crystal Palace v Leicester City: match preview

Victory against Leicester City would hoist Crystal Palace to 38 points and the verge of topflight safety. Claude Puel’s side will arrive at Selhurst Park having won only twice in 10 league games stretching back to January, without Kasper Schmeichel, and with the manager’s job beyond this season in doubt. Yet Roy Hodgson is still preaching caution in a bid to ward off any complacency. Palace, much improved, have lost only once to a side outside the top eight since September and must determine whether the time is apt to recall Christian Benteke. Dominic Fifield Saturday 3pm Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/27/crystal-palace-leicester-match-preview

Andrés Iniesta in tears as he confirms Barcelona exit after 21 years – video

Andrés Iniesta has confirmed he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season after 21 years at the club. The Spanish playmaker has played an influential role at Barcelona, coming through the youth system before turning professional in 2001. Since then he has won eight La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies Andrés Iniesta in tears as he confirms Barcelona exit at end of season Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2018/apr/27/andres-iniesta-in-tears-as-he-confirms-barcelona-exit-after-21-years-video

Jürgen Klopp calls for ‘responsibility from everyone’ before Roma trip

• Security concerns following attack on Liverpool fan outside Anfield • ‘It is only football,’ says Klopp ahead of semi-final second leg Jürgen Klopp has appealed for “responsibility from everyone” at Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final in Rome amid concerns over security and the attack that critically injured a Liverpool supporter outside Anfield. A high-level Liverpool delegation met officials from Uefa, Roma and the Italian authorities in Rome on Friday to discuss a range of security and safety issues that remain unanswered after two weeks of negotiations. Liverpool’s concerns have been heightened by the assault on 53-year-old Sean Cox before the first leg on Tuesday. Two Roma fans are due to appear at crown court on 24 May in connection with the attack. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/27/jurgen-klopp-calls-for-responsibility-from-everyone-ahead-of-return-to-rome-liverpool-roma

Huddersfield v Everton: match preview

Everton, following their win against in-form Newcastle, travel to Huddersfield and are eyeing a second successive win. David Wagner’s side, six points above the relegation zone, have taken 25 from a maximum 35 points at home this season, in comparison to Everton’s 12 from 45 on the road. Gylfi Sigurdsson is back in light training, but the Everton manager, Sam Allardyce, said the Iceland international is still “a way off” making a first-team return anytime soon. Joel Aberg Saturday 3pm Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/27/huddersfield-everton-match-preview

GDPR: Your data protection questions answered

Deputy Information Commissioner answers questions from BBC Radio 5 live listeners about changes to law.

Mauricio Pochettino labels FA an embarrassment over Harry Kane tweet

• Governing body forced to apologise for mocking Tottenham striker • ‘We need to protect our assets, our English players’ says Pochettino Mauricio Pochettino has branded the Football Association an embarrassment for their tweet that mocked the performance of Harry Kane in last Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final . The Tottenham Hotspur striker was well-marshalled by United’s Chris Smalling at Wembley and after the game, which United won 2-1, the official FA Cup account tweeted: “What’s that in your pocket, Chris?” and linked to an unrelated video of the defender saying: “Harry Kane.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/27/mauricio-pochettino-labels-fa-an-embarrassment-over-harry-kane-tweet-tottenham-hotspur

José Mourinho admits to regrets over clashes with Arsène Wenger

• Manchester United manager called Wenger ‘specialist in failure’ • Mourinho hopes Arsenal manager gets good Old Trafford reception José Mourinho has admitted to regrets over “episodes and words” involving him and Arsène Wenger. Manchester United’s manager believes his opposite number at Arsenal may feel the same. The managers go head to head at Old Trafford on Sunday, possibly for the final time with Wenger standing down at the end of the season. Mourinho, while at Chelsea, branded Wenger a “voyeur” and a “specialist in failure” and the pair tussled on the touchline in October 2014 at Stamford Bridge. Wenger’s responses have included describing Mourinho as “stupid” and “disconnected with reality”. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/27/jose-mourinho-regrets-arsene-wenger-manchester-united-arsenal

US economic growth slows to 2.3%

A slowdown in consumer spending is behind a weakening of growth in the first three months of the year.

Stunning backheel volley lights up A-league semi-final – video

Riley McGree scored an incredible backheel from the edge of the box to bring Newcastle Jets level against Melbourne City. The Jets went on to win the tie and progress to their first final since 2008. After some intricate play in midfield McGree's stunning improvisation will go down as one of the great A-league goals. Newcastle Jets reach A-League grand final - as it happened Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2018/apr/27/stunning-backheel-volley-lights-up-a-league-semi-final-video

Unai Emery says he will leave PSG manager’s job at end of season

• Emery joined two years ago and his contract is not being renewed • PSG won Ligue 1 this season but fell short in Champions League Unai Emery has announced he is leaving his job as Paris St-Germain manager at the end of the season. Emery joined PSG from Sevilla two years ago on a two-year contract, which will not be extended. He said he had told the players before training on Friday. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/27/unai-emery-leave-psg-manager-end-of-season

Vinícius Júnior: ‘If God wants, Neymar and I will play together at Real Madrid’

In a rare interview since agreeing to join Real Madrid for £39.6m, the 17-year-old Flamengo striker talks about pressure, his hopes for the future and violence in Rio All over the world teenagers dream about playing for Real Madrid and the Flamengo striker Vinícius Júnior is no different. What sets him apart from pretty much every other teenager, however, is that he has already signed a pre-contract with Real, who in July last year agreed to pay a staggering €45m (£39m) for the 17-year-old. The world was stunned but having missed out on Neymar, who joined Barcelona in 2013, Real were taking no chances with Vinícius Júnior. In many ways he is – or is expected to become – the next Neymar. It is an extraordinary pressure to live with but Vinícius Júnior seems to be coping well. For someone who has had agents circling since he was 10, and long been hailed as the next superstar to come out of Brazil, he seems remarkably grounded. There is no arrogance, no sense of entitlement and no hin

More bank computer chaos expected

IT experts warn that old systems and "sticking plaster" fixes mean more bank outages like TSB's are likely.

Dark clouds in the Black Country as West Brom await their relegation fate | Stuart James

West Brom’s drop to the Championship is likely to be confirmed on Saturday and with neighbours Wolves heading the other way it is hard times for all at the Hawthorns Adrian Chiles has been contemplating his beloved West Bromwich Albion’s seemingly inevitable relegation from the Premier League, trying to explain what it all means in the context of football tribalism in the region, and picturing the nightmare scenario that would deliver a few more painful blows. “There was a famous year when we overhauled Wolves after being 11 points behind them and ended up getting promoted to the Premier League and they didn’t,” Chiles says, referring to the 2001-02 season. “I remember [the singer] Robert Plant saying at the time that as a Wolves fan he didn’t dare go out unless it was under cover of night. Well, I think we’re feeling exactly the same way now. It’s a bitter pill to swallow. And don’t forget we’re facing the perfect storm, where Wolves have gone up, Villa could go up and Middlesbrough,

Sports quiz of the week: Mo Salah, Mo Farah, maximums and musicians

Who was quick? Who hit a hat-trick? Who scored spot-kicks? Related: Football quiz: Liverpool in Europe Which of these statements about Arsène Wenger is false? He was the first non-British manager to win the league championship in England He was the first manager to go unbeaten all season in England’s top flight He released a book in 1997 called The Spirit of Conquest for the Japanese market He made his playing debut for Strasbourg aged 29 Arsène Wenger will take Arsenal to Old Trafford for the final time this weekend. Who scored the winning goal when Arsenal beat United 1-0 in Manchester to win the Double in 2002? Thierry Henry Marc Overmars Sylvain Wiltord Freddie Ljungberg Which of these British records does Mo Farah not hold? 1,500m 3,000m 5,000m 10,000m Half-marathon Marathon He holds them all Which one of these teams has scored more Premier League goals this season than Mohamed Salah? West Brom Huddersfield Town Swansea City Burnley Two Liverpool players

Rangers increasingly confident of appointing Steven Gerrard as manager

• Liverpool icon has held discussions with Ibrox officials over post • Rangers expect positive answer from Gerrard over the weekend Rangers are increasingly confident of appointing Steven Gerrard as the club’s new manager. The decision of whether Gerrard will take over at Ibrox is now believed to be the Liverpool icon’s to make, with Rangers hopeful of receiving that answer over the weekend. Gerrard, who initially met Rangers at the end of last week, has been involved in further and detailed discussions as he ponders a first step into frontline management. The 37-year-old, currently a youth coach at Liverpool, is understood to have proposed Gary McAllister as his Rangers assistant and is aware of what funds he will have at his disposal over the summer. Rangers are seeking a permanent successor to Pedro Caixinha, who was sacked in October. Graeme Murty has been in charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis at Ibrox but is not regarded as a serious candidate to carry out the job

Will Ethiopians take to Pizza Hut?

The American food chain Pizza Hut is taking a slice of Ethiopia's fast-growing economy.

The Premier League teams’ ineptitude index 2017-18

It’s once again time to appreciate the most incompetent teams in the Premier League, from those who throw the ball straight to opposition to goalkeepers who can’t keep goal Welcome to the Guardian’s fourth annual index of ineptitude, its directory of disappointment and catalogue of clumsiness. Towards the end of the season, it is traditional to pick out the best the league has had to offer. But the reason those screamers, outrageous assists, and crunching tackles stand out is because, well, how to put this … the rest of the Premier League matchday experience can be rubbish. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/27/the-premier-league-teams-ineptitude-index-2017-18

How to handle the flood of GDPR privacy updates

How best to make sense of revamped privacy terms issued ahead of the EU's data protection shake-up.

Million dollar idea: Tea bags

The BBC's Aaron Heslehurst explains how tea bags became a million dollar idea.

'If you sell Wembley, then you sell Big Ben? And Buckingham Palace?'

Premier League managers have had their say after it emerged that the home of English football, Wembley Stadium, could be sold by the Football Association in the next 12 weeks. Swansea's manager Carlos Carvalhal argued 'it's culture, and we can't sell the culture' FA holds talks to sell Wembley to Fulham owner Khan in £900m deal Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2018/apr/27/if-you-sell-wembley-then-you-sell-big-ben-and-buckingham-palace

Arsène Wenger left with 'bitter taste' after 1-1 draw with Atlético Madrid – video

Arsène Wenger's final European match at the Emirates Stadium ended in disappointment after a 1-1 draw with Atlético Madrid. The 68-year-old admitted Arsenal, who travel to Atlético for the return leg next Thursday, were 'not clinical enough and it’s a bitter taste'  Antoine Griezmann grabs away goal as Arsenal are held by 10-man Atlético Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2018/apr/27/arsene-wenger-left-with-bitter-taste-after-1-1-draw-with-atletico-madrid-video

IS web media targeted in EU-led attack

The EU police agency says it has "punched a big hole" in Islamic State propaganda.

A-League semi-final: Newcastle Jets v Melbourne City - live!

Bristol City’s Bobby Reid: the ‘wind-up toy’ who cannot stop scoring

Reid was uncertain when his manager, Lee Johnson, switched him from midfield to a striking role last summer but he could end the season with the Championship’s golden boot As Bobby Reid says, this season everything has clicked. A quick glance at his numbers tells you as much: 21 goals and counting, almost twice as many as he mustered across his first seven years as a professional. What has changed? As the maxim goes, the lifespan of a manager depends on their decision‑making and Lee Johnson’s move to turn a dainty midfielder into a shimmering striker last pre-season has proved a masterstroke. For Reid, it could prove a decision that elevates him to the next level. “Lee mentioned it to me and I wasn’t too sure about it at the time, I’ll be honest,” Reid says. “I didn’t want it to happen and to not be scoring goals because in that time my midfield position would probably be taken. I started in pre-season, scoring a few goals, and that gave me the belief. I hit the ground running and loo

Wildlife photo competition disqualifies 'stuffed anteater' image

Wildlife Photographer of the Year excludes a winning image for featuring a taxidermy specimen.

Golden State Killer suspect traced using genealogy websites

Investigators hunting the Golden State Killer say they matched DNA to data from ancestry websites.

UK growth in first quarter falls to 0.1%, says ONS

GDP growth fell to 0.1% in the first quarter, official figures show.

Football transfer rumours: Dembélé and Rose to leave in Spurs clearout?

Today’s tell-all is throwing the pieces up in the air Mauricio Pochettino has identified the players he wants to sell this summer in order to turn Tottenham from pretenders into winners of one of the two trophies he deems worthy of his respect. The club have also been told which players he can no longer bedazzle into accepting below-market wages. Put those two lists together and there’s expected to be considerable outward traffic from Spurs over the coming months. Toby Alderweireld and Danny Rose could be Manchester United -bound for starters, although the Belgian is also being eyed up by Real Madrid and Juventus. Spurs central midfield is also to be denuded as Mousa Dembélé and Victor Wanyama have admirers from England to China and Daniel Levy is looking forward to playing various bidders off each other as soon as the transfer window opens: that’s when his season begins. Jean Michaël Seri of Nice could be brought in as a midfield fig leaf but Chelsea are after him too. Contin

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend

There may be more pain for Wenger at Old Trafford, while Kane needs a rest and Saints look to ignite their survival bid Arsène Wenger has experienced his fair share of unforgettable moments at Old Trafford, from that Marc Overmars winner in 1998 to Sylvain Wiltord’s title-clinching goal in 2002 – via his farcical adventure into the stands in 2009 – and it feels right that the Frenchman will get to enjoy one last bout with the team who shaped the greatest rivalry of his Arsenal career. Sir Alex Ferguson won’t join him on the touchline, of course, so Wenger will have to make do with his Portuguese best friend for company and there is bound to be plenty of nostalgia before the game. Yet it would be very out of character for José Mourinho to let any sentimental thoughts cloud his mind. United’s manager will not want his players to be merciful towards a team without an away point in 2018 – the kind of statement that underlines why Wenger is leaving. Mourinho will surely tell Alexis Sánch

Proportion of mums in work 'up 50% since mid-1970s'

But the increases have been largest among the partners of higher-earning men, says the IFS.

Real-life Transformer: The Japanese robot that becomes a car

Designers say it's first time a machine of this kind has been able to carry people in a functioning vehicle.

Claude Puel’s future uncertain as Leicester start to lose patience

• Frenchman has overseen just four wins in last 17 games • Players unhappy at aspects of Puel’s management style Claude Puel has a battle on his hands to prove to Leicester City that he is the right man to lead the club into next season, amid growing unease about his management style and the poor run of results that has led to the first signs of supporter unrest. Leicester have won only four of their past 17 league matches and there is growing concern within the club that they are in danger of heading into a critical summer, when there is expected to be a significant turnover of players. The final four games of the campaign – against Crystal Palace, West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur – could be critical in terms of whether Leicester decide to persevere with Puel. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/26/claude-puel-leicester-city-manager-future-uncertain

Amazon sales surge doubles profits

The online retailer beat expectations with a 43% rise in revenues during the first quarter.

EFL hoping to work with government in bid to address safe standing issue

• EFL chief executive, Shaun Harvey, calls for government review • Believes clubs should be allowed to choose for themselves The EFL has upped the ante in the continuing debate over safe standing, insisting it can work with government to “bring it to fruition”. The Football League has long supported sections of stadiums being converted to allow fans to stand throughout a match. But a new survey of supporters, to be compiled before the end of the season, aims to build on a mandate already provided by Football League clubs. While the Premier League has described the topic as “complex and nuanced” the EFL’s chief executive, Shaun Harvey, is now calling on the government to change its position on safe standing. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/26/efl-work-with-government-safe-standing

Antoine Griezmann grabs crucial away goal as Arsenal held by 10-man Atlético

Arsène Wenger was mindful of the pitfalls, the potential for anti-climax, as he put it, in his final home European tie as Arsenal manager. He wants what would be a first European trophy more than anything right now. Would this Europa League semi-final, first-leg prove too demanding, particularly against opposition as streetwise as Atlético Madrid? Happily for him, his players played with verve and personality from the first whistle, pouring everything into the challenge and there were times, especially in the first half of the opening period, when they subjected Atlético to a gruelling examination. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/26/arsenal-atletico-madrid-europa-league-semi-final-first-leg-match-report

Nintendo Switch fuels strong rise in profits

The Japanese company's fast-selling console boosts profits, as a new president is announced.

Canada data firm AIQ may face legal action in UK

The role of a small Canadian firm in the Cambridge Analytica scandal is becoming clearer.

FA’s proposed sale of Wembley to Shahid Khan is a sign of the times

Once the idea of selling the national stadium to a foreign billionaire would have prompted a gale of patriotic indignation. Now it is seen as a workable solution to the FA’s money woes The Football Association’s proposed sale of Wembley stadium to the US car parts billionaire Shahid Khan was not greeted by a widespread shriek of patriotic indignation, perhaps illustrating how accustomed British people are now to crown jewels being sold overseas. Liverpool, thrillingly reconnecting with their European Cup-winning heritage and rampaging towards the Champions League final, are owned by US sports franchise billionaires, as are Manchester United, Arsenal and other grand clubs including Fulham, which Khan, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team, bought from Mohamed Al Fayed in 2013. Related: FA holds talks to sell Wembley to Fulham owner Khan in £900m deal Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/26/fa-sale-wembley-stadium-shahi

Manchester City’s success highlights Pep Guardiola’s full-back plan | Liam Rosenior

Spending £50m on a full-back may seem extravagant but it demonstrates the position’s importance in the modern game According to some people, any club who can afford to spend £50m on a full-back should be champions. I have lost count of the amount of times this line has been used as a reason why Manchester City deservedly won the Premier League title, which has effectively been theirs since December. The references to the purchases of Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy are demeaning – implying the least important position on the pitch is full-back in today’s game. The more discerning football person would have watched the Champions League semi-finals and appreciated both matches were determined by the positioning and performances of the players in a position which I believe is the least-promoted and most undervalued in the sport. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/26/manchester-city-pep-guardiola-full-back-plan

Arsenal v Atlético Madrid: Europa League semi-final first leg – live!

Wembley Stadium: key moments from its history – video

The Football Association has reportedly been offered a £900m deal for Wembley stadium by the Fulham and Jacksonville Jaguars owner, Shahid Khan. With the stadium in the news once again, we take a look back at memorable moments from its history FA holds talks to sell Wembley to Fulham owner Khan in £900m deal Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2018/apr/26/wembley-stadium-key-moments-from-its-history-video

Revenge porn hub taken down by Dutch police raid

The notorious Anon-IB site was the source of nude images of celebrities shared widely in 2014.

Fabric of football: classic kits on show – in pictures

A new pop-up exhibition at 133 Bethnal Green Road in London celebrates some of the best designs from yesteryear, including the colourful goalkeeping jersey donned by Pavel Srnicek at Newcastle and the distinctive 2002 Brazil World Cup shirt. The exhibition is open until 29 April Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2018/apr/26/fabric-of-football-classic-kits-on-show-in-pictures

The Fiver | Good seats and disappointing half-time cheese platters

Sign up now ! Sign up now ! Sign up now ? Sign up now ! There was widespread incredulity after it emerged English football had found something that hadn’t already been sold to an overseas billionaire. Simultaneously the rumour that a high-profile London property existed whose title deeds still hadn’t been transferred to a foreign owner with no plans to live in it was revealed to be true. Over recent years the latter tale had come to be considered as no more than a myth, and the discovery will force extensive rewrites on the producers of upcoming Harrison Ford movie, Indiana Jones and the Offshore Shell Company. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/26/the-fiver-wembley-sale-shahid-khan