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Showing posts from November, 2020

Currys PC World apologises after gift cards wiped

The company is still assessing how many customers may have been affected.

Manchester United's Edinson Cavani apologises for 'racist' Instagram post

Striker insists he meant no offence and is backed by club Cavani could still be hit with FA ban despite deleting post Edinson Cavani has “sincerely apologised” for using the word “negrito” in a social media post following Manchester United’s 3-2 win at Southampton on Sunday , stating it was an affectionate greeting to a friend. The club have also moved to support the 33-year-old Uruguayan. Cavani may face a three-match ban if the Football Association deems the word to be discriminatory or racist, with the governing body scrutinising the incident. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/30/manchester-uniteds-edinson-cavani-apologies-for-racist-instagram-post

The need for concussion substitutes – Football Weekly

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning , Lars Sivertsen , Ewan Murray and Faye Carruthers to discuss the need for concussion substitutes and Manchester United’s victory over Southampton Rate, review, share on Apple Podcasts , Soundcloud , Audioboom , Mixcloud , Acast and Stitcher , and join the conversation on Facebook , Twitter and email . The pod discuss the need for concussion subs after the head injury suffered by Wolves’s Raúl Jiménez against Arsenal and the decision for David Luiz to play on. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/audio/2020/nov/30/the-need-for-concussion-substitutes-football-weekly

Has Topshop boss Philip Green done anything wrong?

Every generation has its business pantomime villain - what's the real story with Philip Green?

Manchester City's Ederson calls for concussion substitutes after David Luiz incident

Arsenal defender clashed heads with Raúl Jiménez ‘You may feel ok but after the game you feel the consequences’ Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has called for the automatic replacement of players who are involved in a clash of heads after Raúl Jiménez suffered a fractured skull in a collision with David Luiz in Wolves’ win at Arsenal on Sunday. While Jiménez was taken to hospital where he had surgery immediately after the 15th-minute incident, David Luiz played on until halftime before being subsituted. In September 2017, Ederson was stretchered off during City’s 5-0 win at the Etihad Stadium following a high challenge from Liverpool’s Sadio Mané which required him to have eight stitches in his face Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/30/manchester-citys-ederson-calls-for-concussion-substitutes-after-david-luiz-incident

Is my pension ruined if a retail empire crumbles?

The expected collapse of Topshop owner Arcadia means many pension holders are likely to take a hit.

Lennon the fall guy for Celtic's failure to build on domestic dominance

Ugly scenes after the League Cup defeat to Ross County reflected a growing sense of frustration among fans So much for managing Celtic as football’s equivalent to living on Easy Street. Fifteen years ago, Martin O’Neill’s tenure ended with a painful concession of the title on its final day to Rangers. Having stayed a season too long – even by his own admission – Gordon Strachan departed in 2009 with Rangers again the champions; the Celtic support were tired of one-liners and one-dimensional play. Tony Mowbray toiled before being sacked. Having taken charge for the first time, Neil Lennon resigned in 2014 with the staleness of a one-horse race unable to stimulate him any longer. By the time the Ronny Deila project ended, two years later, there was acceptance that this punt was worthy of a smaller club. Celtic raised the bar in hiring Brendan Rodgers but there was only so long the current Leicester City manager would handle being the only fish in a small pond; internal rancour at the o

Hatem Ben Arfa rolls back the years for Bordeaux against PSG

Ben Arfa was brilliant at the weekend, setting up a goal and wreaking havoc against his old club By Adam White and Eric Devin for Get French Football News Hatem Ben Arfa has some distance to go before he reaches the proverbial nine lives of a cat, but Bordeaux’s 2-2 draw with PSG at the weekend offered evidence that he may be able to write another chapter to his career, even at the age of 33. There were hints that he was clicking into gear against Rennes last weekend, when he scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over his former club , and he was electric on Saturday in another of his old haunts, setting up a goal and generally wreaking havoc at the Parc des Princes. Aside from an ill-fated sojourn at PSG, Ben Arfa has generally been impressive since his return to France from England five years ago. At Nice he formed a strike partnership with Valère Germain that was as unlikely as it was effective. Nice’s brand of attacking football under Claude Puel was scintillating but it seemed

New Lloyds boss may land £5.5m pay day

Charlie Nunn is to replace Antonio Horta-Osorio, who leaves the bank in the summer.

Köln rejoice in 'miracle of Dortmund' sealed by Haaland's incredible miss | Andy Brassell

Two almost identical goals by Ellyes Skhiri and a last-minute blunder by Haaland ended a 267-day wait for a Bundesliga win The moments of tension tugged more frequently at Kölsch hearts as the afternoon went on, as the prize got closer and the stakes were raised. Yet Markus Gisdol stood there impassively, as watchful and inscrutable as Professor Yaffle, the woodpecker bookend in Bagpuss. When the final whistle went, the facade melted like an ice sculpture in the Sahara. Gisdol celebrated wildly, as his players did all over the Westfalen pitch, a mixture of relief and disbelief. The coach grabbed his assistant, Frank Kaspari, for a bear hug, then embraced Kingsley Ehizibue as he made it on to the field, with the defender seeming taken aback by the boss and his sudden eruption of joy. The wait, finally, was over. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2020/nov/30/koln-rejoice-miracle-of-dortmund-haaland-miss-bundesliga

Napoli find truest tribute to Maradona by mirroring his magic against Roma | Nicky Bandini

Naples had struggled to find the right way to say farewell to a player who felt like family but the 4-0 win over Roma was fitting Before Napoli kicked off against Roma on Sunday night, their captain Lorenzo Insigne went on a lap of the Stadio San Paolo, placing bouquets of flowers beneath the empty stands behind each goal. From the Curva A hung a banner prepared by fans, addressed to Diego Maradona: “Your death comes as a blow to the chest,” it read. “A pain in the heart. Naples swears you eternal love.” Related: European roundup: Napoli and Lionel Messi pay tribute to Diego Maradona Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/30/napoli-truest-tribute-maradona-magic-victory-roma-serie-a

Caffè Nero: Asda's Issa brothers make a bid the cafe chain

The billionaire Issa brothers have offered to buy the chain, which is struggling to pay its rents.

Wolves' Raúl Jiménez 'comfortable' after surgery on fractured skull

Striker suffered head injury in win at Arsenal Calls for concussion substitutes after David Luiz played on Raúl Jiménez has undergone surgery on a fractured skull after suffering the injury in Wolves’ win at Arsenal on Sunday. The striker received lengthy treatment on the pitch after a sickening clash of heads with David Luiz at the Emirates Stadium before being taken to hospital. Wolves released an update on Jimenez’s condition on Monday morning, saying on their official website: “Raul is comfortable following an operation last night, which he underwent in a London hospital.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/30/wolves-raul-jimenez-comfortable-surgery-fractured-skull-david-luiz-arsenal

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

Mikel Arteta does not seem to have a plan of attack, Everton’s defence must improve and Jürgen Klopp should pick his battles Mikel Arteta has been the Arsenal manager for just under a year, and though some things have improved under him – attitude, intensity, FA Cup tally – it’s still not clear what the plan is, especially going forward. And while it’s important to emphasise how much Thomas Partey is being missed, the feeling persists that it really doesn’t have to be like this. When Arteta was appointed, he was gifted half a season of minimal expectations, meaning he could experiment in order to find the personnel and formation best able to execute his ideals. But though he did brilliantly to win a trophy, he settled on very little, so his current position is not dissimilar to the one in which he began – except now, he’s under pressure. Maybe it is time to give Bukayo Saka, Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock extended runs because really, how much worse – and more tedious – could things get

Covid: Shops in England can open for longer in run-up to Christmas

Local authorities will be allowed to temporarily waive rules restricting retail opening hours.

Burdened by genius: Maradona reminds us how peaking young brings its problems | Vic Marks

Following a Mexico 86 or Headingley 81 can weigh hard on superstars, which might be why many top coaches come from a lower rung The death of Diego Maradona provided another reminder that life is seldom simple for the sporting superstar. Maradona was obviously a footballing genius , whose later life was, by all accounts, chaotic. In 1986, at the age of 26, the brilliance of his feet, his vision and his deception led to Argentina winning the World Cup. It doesn’t get any better than that. And that surely is the problem. It is not a common problem since it applies only to geniuses. Where do you go after scaling the highest peaks? This came to mind when I was chatting to Ian Botham recently. How could he ever hope to surpass what he achieved in the second half of the summer of 1981 at the age of 25? Geoff Hurst was never going to score another hat-trick in a World Cup final after 1966. How can Ben Stokes ever play a better innings than the one at Headingley in 2019 ? In the same way, ho

Leah Williamson leads way as England's defensive trio delight Phil Neville

Williamson, Wubben-Moy and Turner excel in back three ‘I love the system, we had the right players in the right positions’ The seasoned England midfielder Jill Scott was full of praise for the attitude of the young players in the Lionesses’ latest training camp, after a back three of Manchester United’s Millie Turner and the Arsenal duo Lotte Wubben-Moy and Leah Williamson all impressed. “They were brilliant,” said Scott. “The communication from behind made my job very easy today and technically they are such good players. One thing I like about all three of them is they are front-footed defenders and they want to put a tackle in.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/30/leah-williamson-leads-way-as-englands-defensive-trio-delight-phil-neville

Coronavirus: Qantas adds to job cuts by outsourcing 2,000 roles

The Australian airline had already announced the loss of 6,000 staff as it tackles virus downturn.

Coronavirus: Investment scams quadruple since virus lockdown

Fraudsters have been using more sophisticated tactics to steal millions from UK investors.

Edinson Cavani could face three-game ban as FA investigates social media post

FA to look into Instagram story post which uses ‘negrito’ term Cavani will face minimum three-game ban if found guilty Edinson Cavani, the Manchester United striker, could face a three-game ban if the Football Association deems that he used discriminatory or racist language in an Instagram story shared from his account on Sunday evening. The FA has confirmed it is investigating the post, which was published shortly after United’s 3-2 win over Southampton , in which Cavani scored two goals after coming on as a half-time substitute. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/30/edinson-cavani-fa-investigation-social-media-instagram-post

Arcadia: Topshop owner faces collapse within hours

The collapse of the group, which includes Topshop and Dorothy Perkins, would put 13,000 jobs at risk.

Huawei ban from UK 5G network brought forward

The cut-off date of September for the installation of new equipment is earlier than expected.

The photographers capturing buildings and biscuits in 3D

Photographers are scanning landmarks in stunning 3D detail and putting them on the internet. Why?

N'Golo Kanté is back where he belongs as Chelsea's Pac-Man in midfield | Jonathan Wilson

Gobbling up possession from a holding role is what the Chelsea midfielder does best, as he showed against Tottenham A run of just two goals conceded in nine games is some riposte to the doubts about Chelsea’s defending. Some doubts remain, but given how exposed Frank Lampard’s side were to the break last season, when they had the worst defensive record of any Chelsea team in 23 years, stifling Tottenham, the kings of the counterattack, is not an achievement to be underplayed. Related: Tottenham return to top of table after José Mourinho frustrates Chelsea Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/29/pac-man-ngolo-kante-is-back-where-he-belongs-in-chelseas-midfield

Raúl Jiménez head injury overshadows Wolves' win at Arsenal

The most important news to come out of an unsettling evening is that Raúl Jiménez, who had departed with a head injury that left onlookers fraught with worry, was conscious and responding to treatment by the time he reached hospital. Jiménez was carried off on a stretcher after colliding horribly with David Luiz in the fourth minute, an incident that prompted a lengthy stoppage and significant concern over the Wolves striker’s health. Information about his prognosis will emerge in time and there will also be heightened discussion about football’s response to head trauma, given a clearly hurt David Luiz was allowed to play on until half-time. But Wolves may at least feel better placed to enjoy an impressive win, earned through first-half goals by Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence, that places them sixth and piles on the uncertainty for a disjointed Arsenal. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/29/arsenal-wolves-premier-league-mat

Tottenham return to top of table after José Mourinho frustrates Chelsea

José Mourinho has previous for spoiling 1,000th game celebrations at Stamford Bridge. Remember what happened to Arsène Wenger when he brought up the landmark in charge of Arsenal here? Mourinho’s Chelsea beat them 6-0 . This was Roman Abramovich’s 1,000th match as Chelsea’s owner and it was a time to reflect on how much he has brought to the club. Mourinho made sure that he could not celebrate with a victory to take Chelsea to the top of the table. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/29/chelsea-tottenham-premier-league-match-report

Diego Maradona's personal doctor denies responsibility for death

Leopoldo Luque in tears after officials search his home and office in Buenos Aires Diego Maradona’s personal physician has denied responsibility for his patient’s death after police raided his home and surgery on Sunday, seizing laptops, medical records and mobile devices. The Argentinian media reported that police were trying to establish if there was negligence in Maradona’s treatment and that searches of premises belonging to the neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque were carried out as part of an investigation into involuntary manslaughter . Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/29/argentine-prosecutors-investigate-death-of-diego-maradona

Papa Bouba Diop, Senegal's World Cup hero and FA Cup winner, dies aged 42

Former midfielder dies after reportedly suffering long illness Diop played for Fulham and Portsmouth after 2002 heroics Papa Bouba Diop, the former Senegal midfielder who scored the first goal of the 2002 World Cup against France , has died at the age of 42. World football’s governing body posted a tribute to Diop on Twitter. “Fifa is saddened to learn of the passing of Senegal legend Papa Bouba Diop,” Sunday’s statement read. “Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/29/papa-douba-diop-senegal-world-cup-hero-fulham-portsmouth-midfielder-dies-aged-42

Arsenal v Wolves: Premier League – live!

Live updates from the Emirates, kick-off 7.15pm GMT Echoing stadium may be a void but Arsenal fans cannot wait to return Feel free to email Rob with your thoughts 6.32pm GMT Pre-match reading Related: Echoing stadium may be a wintry void but Arsenal fans cannot wait to return 6.22pm GMT Arsenal (possible 4-3-3) Leno; Bellerin, David Luiz, Gabriel, Tierney; Dani Ceballos, Willock, Xhaka; Willian, Aubameyang, Saka. Substitutes: Runarsson, Holding, Cedric, Elneny, Lacazette, Nelson, Nketiah. Wolves (possible 4-2-3-1) Rui Patricio; Semedo, Coady, Boly, Marcal; Dendoncker, Moutinho; Traore, Podence, Neto; Jimenez. Substitutes: Ruddy, Hoever, Kilman, Ait-Nouri, Neves, Vitinha, Fabio Silva. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2020/nov/29/arsenal-v-wolves-premier-league-live

Marine win ensures four non-league clubs in bag for FA Cup third-round draw

Cummins’ dramatic last-minute extra-time goal seals win Stockport claim thrilling 3-2 win over National rivals Yeovil Niall Cummins struck at the end of extra time as Marine beat 10-man Havant & Waterlooville 1-0 to reach the FA Cup third round. Striker Cummins’ last-gasp winner ensured the joint lowest-ranked club left in the competition reached round three for only the second time in their history. Northern Premier League North West side Marine, in the eighth tier, will join three other non-league sides in the third round after Cummins fired home in the 120th minute. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/29/marine-win-ensures-four-non-league-clubs-in-bag-for-fa-cup-third-round-draw-football

Newcastle cancel training with trip to Aston Villa in doubt amid Covid-19 fears

Five people among players and staff are now self-isolating ‘It’s been a tough week,’ says manager Steve Bruce Newcastle United were forced to abandon plans to stage a first-team training session on Sunday amid fears they are in the grip of a coronavirus outbreak. Two more players have tested positive over the weekend, meaning five members of the first team bubble – understood to be four players and one member of staff – are now self isolating. The situation has prompted another round of testing with Steve Bruce waiting anxiously on the results as the club’s training ground is deep cleaned. Already preparations for Friday night’s trip to Aston Villa have been disrupted and there now has to be some degree of doubt as to whether that Premier League fixture will be able to take place. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/29/newcastle-scrap-training-session-amid-fears-of-coronavirus-outbreak

'So clever, so sharp': Solskjær hails Cavani's impact for Manchester United

Manager praises Uruguayan after winner at Southampton ‘Cavani is very hard to defend against,’ says Hassenhüttl Ole Gunnar Solskjær believes Edinson Cavani is giving Manchester United’s attack a dimension they have lacked since the departure of Romelu Lukaku in 2019. Cavani came on at half-time against Southampton with United 2-0 down and inspired them to a 3-2 victory with two goals and an assist. And afterwards Solskjær hailed the impact and professionalism of the 33-year-old Uruguayan signed on deadline day from Paris Saint-Germain. “He’s got all the attributes of a top-class footballer and a human being,” said Solskjær. “He’s had a great career and scored goals wherever he’s been. He’s so meticulous with his preparation, with his recovery. And to have that focal point in the box: we haven’t really had that since Romelu left.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/29/so-clever-so-sharp-solskjr-hails-cavanis-impact-for

European roundup: Lionel Messi pays tribute to Diego Maradona in Barça win

Barcelona 4-0 Osasuna Lazio lose at home to Udinese Lionel Messi paid a personal tribute to the late Diego Maradona after scoring on Sunday as Barcelona returned to winning ways in La Liga with a resounding 4-0 home win over Osasuna . Messi adorned a brilliant team display with a thumping strike into the top corner in the second half, after Martin Braithwaite had broken the deadlock and Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho had scored either side of half-time. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/29/european-roundup-lionel-messi-pays-tribute-to-diego-maradona-in-barca-q

Edinson Cavani's storming display ends debate about his signing

Eyebrows were raised when the 33-year-old striker joined Manchester United but he turned the game at Southampton Manchester United continue to divide opinion, not least between the two managers prowling the technical areas at St Mary’s. Ole Gunnar Solskjær had rather optimistically posited before the game that his side were becoming more consistent. Ralph Hasenhüttl, speaking from a position higher in the table than his opponents, offered the view that with United at the moment you simply don’t know what you are going to get. Related: Edinson Cavani inspires Manchester United to comeback at Southampton Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2020/nov/29/edinson-cavanis-storming-display-ends-debate-about-his-signing

Ross County shock Celtic in League Cup to increase scrutiny on Lennon

Celtic 0-2 Ross County Stuart Kettlewell’s side reach quarter-finals Ross County piled more pressure on Neil Lennon by knocking Celtic out of the League Cup. Ross Stewart’s 39th-minute penalty and Alex Iacovitti’s late header earned County a 2-0 second-round win to ensure Celtic’s run of domestic success will finish this season. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/29/celtic-falkirk-scottish-league-cup-match-report

Sunderland sack Phil Parkinson after sluggish start to League One campaign

Black Cats sit eighth in the the table Team have collected two points from last three games Sunderland have sacked manager Phil Parkinson after five games without a win. The Black Cats sit eighth in League One, seven points behind leaders Hull. Parkinson leaves the club 13 months into a two-and-a-half-year contract, while assistant Steve Parkin has also departed. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/29/sunderland-sack-phil-parkinson-after-sluggish-start-to-league-one-campaign

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur: Premier League – live!

Live updates from the Stamford Bridge, kick-off 4.30pm GMT Mourinho back to his best now he is picking the pockets of big clubs Feel free to email Daniel or tweet @DanielHarris 4.35pm GMT 3 min I really, really love Reece James. The first time I saw him live, he beat Marcus Rashford in a “foot race” – not many can say that – and everything I’ve seen since that night tells me he’s got a whole lot of it. Not as much as Kieran Trippikiyay, mother expletive, but still plenty. 4.34pm GMT 2 min James crosses towards Abraham and when the ball’s headed clear, Ziyech cracks straight at Lloris. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2020/nov/29/chelsea-v-tottenham-hotspur-premier-league-live

Edinson Cavani inspires Manchester United to comeback at Southampton

A triumph of pure instinct: an object lesson in digging deep, in taking the game deep and ultimately bending it to your will. For half a game here, Manchester United were distinctly second best: off the pace, run ragged and 2-0 down. But there was something stirring and thrilling in watching them slowly clank into gear, working the game out, running the tape all the way to the end. And in the second minute of injury time came their reward: a set piece from Bruno Fernandes, who had been so ghostly and absent during that first half. A pinpoint cross from Marcus Rashford, who had produced so little during the game. And finally a brilliant glancing header from Edinson Cavani, who strode on to the pitch for the second half, spent 30 seconds fiddling with his bootlaces, and ended up winning the game with two goals and an assist. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/29/southampton-manchester-united-premier-league-match-report

Southampton v Manchester United: Premier League - live!

Minute-by-minute updates from St Mary’s, kick-off 2pm GMT Bruno Fernandes mentality powering United’s rise, says Solskjær Feel free to email Rob with your thoughts 2.35pm GMT It was an excellent free-kick from Ward-Prowse, clipped over the wall towards the near post. David de Gea flew to his right and got a good hand on the ball, but he couldn’t keep it out. At first I thought it might be a mistake from Ward-Prowse; on reflection I’m not so sure. Ward-Prowse put it right in the corner. 2.34pm GMT He’s done it again! Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2020/nov/29/southampton-v-manchester-united-premier-league-live

Southampton v Manchester United: Premier League - live!

Minute-by-minute updates from St Mary’s, kick-off 2pm GMT Bruno Fernandes mentality powering United’s rise, says Solskjær Feel free to email Rob with your thoughts 1.43pm GMT Who doesn’t need another podcast in their life? United Rewind is a brand new podcast. Every week @DanielHarris and Rob Smyth will revisit a match from United's past and discuss the build-up, the fallout, the atmosphere and the action. Episode one is out on Wednesday December 2nd so subscribe in your podcast app now! #MUFC pic.twitter.com/ERo8j8LxsL 1.16pm GMT Pre-match reading Related: Bruno Fernandes's mentality powering Manchester United rise, says Solskjær Related: Southampton v Manchester United: match preview Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2020/nov/29/southampton-v-manchester-united-premier-league-live

Arcadia: Sir Philip Green 'must plug Arcadia pension hole'

His retail empire, including Topshop and Dorothy Perkins, is understood to be on the brink of collapse.

In Naples, a city steeped in pagan rites, I saw Maradona cast his spell

A personal memoir of the passionate, intense bond between the Argentinian and his adopted city, which saw his triumphs and his tragic downfall On the evening that Napoli football club won its first ever championship, in May 1987, a graffito was scrawled on the wall of Poggioreale cemetery, on the city’s shoulders as it rises from the gulf of Naples: “ Voi non sapete che cosa vi siete persi ” – roughly, you don’t know what you missed. Overnight came the reply: “ E chi u l’he detto ?” – who told you we missed it? This is how Naples thinks, and holds in its heart the mercurial genius largely responsible for winning that scudetto: Diego Maradona. And now that “Dieguito” himself has passed over to the other side , the city’s head of cemeteries, Alessio Castiello, and funeral director Gennaro Tammaro, urge the city to commission and erect a statue of, and monument to, Maradona. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/29/in-naples-a-

It was Maradona's defiance that most inspired me | Kenan Malik

Footballing genius aside, his greatness lay in transcending his all too human flaws I can still remember where I was when, in 1986, Diego Maradona scored with the “hand of God” . In a flat on the Coventry Cross estate, in east London. An Asian family lived there, one of a handful on the estate, who had faced vicious racist attacks. An England-Argentina game, just four years after the Falklands conflict, was a threatening proposition. I was part of a group that organised support for besieged black families. So, there I was, with half an eye on what might be happening outside, watching Maradona destroy England , first with his left hand and then, four minutes later, by slaloming through the England team , finding space where none should have been, scoring possibly the most audacious goal in World Cup history. Amid the praise heaped upon Maradona over the past week, it’s easy to forget how despised he was in Britain in those days. Or why many, like me, took to him because he was so desp

Echoing stadium may be a wintry void but Arsenal fans cannot wait to return

There is a sense of building excitement as Arsenal prepare to become the first elite club to open their turnstiles since March Never has a Europa League dead rubber carried this much weight. Arsenal can do more or less as they please when Rapid Vienna visit on Thursday, with qualification from Group B assured and top spot almost certain. They might, however, feel possessed to play out of their skins. In normal times this would be the toughest sell of the season but, for many of the 2,000 supporters who will be allowed inside the Emirates, its meaning is beyond measure. “A historic moment for the club,” is how Arsenal hailed the reopening of their turnstiles, which will click back into action before those at any other top-flight club owing to the calendar’s quirks. It will come almost nine months after Arsenal beat West Ham with a goal from Alexandre Lacazette . That brought a near-capacity house down but then football fell silent; its return in front of gaping, windswept stands has f

Coronavirus: Suspend peak rail fares over Christmas, says Labour

A surge in travel is expected when restrictions across the UK are eased between 23 and 27 December.

How green and profitable are e-scooters?

Wayne Ting, chief executive of e-scooter firm Lime, says there's room for improvement.

José Mourinho back to his best now he is picking the pockets of the big clubs again | Jonathan Wilson

This season of two-a-week fixtures suits the Spurs manager’s attritional style and is why he seems to be enjoying himself Ah, José, it’s good to have you back. It’s been too long since we saw this version of José Mourinho, and in that decade or so it had become increasingly hard to remember exactly what we ever saw in him. How had this sourpuss with the ideological aversion to possession ever charmed us? What on earth was it about this grouch who kept demanding “respect” and his almost unwatchable teams that had made his arrival in the Premier League in 2004 seem such a vital event in the history of football in England? Related: José Mourinho is the right man to bring Tottenham the title, says Lucas Moura Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2020/nov/28/jose-mourinho-spurs-manager-attritional-style

FA Cup roundup: Morecambe need extra time to see off Solihull Moors

National League side lead before Cole Stockton turns tie around Exeter’s 3-2 win at Gillingham the day’s only upset result On a day of few shocks in the FA Cup the most drama was at the Mazuma Stadium, where League Two Morecambe came from a goal down to beat Solihull Moors of the National League 4-2 in extra time. Kyle Hudlin’s first Solihull goal gave the Midlanders a 19th-minute lead, an advantage they held until the break. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/28/fa-cup-roundup-morecambe-need-extra-time-to-see-off-solihull-moors

Riyad Mahrez fires hat-trick in Manchester City's rout of Burnley

Manchester City ended their paltry Premier League goal return in style. After scoring only 10 in eight previous matches this was Pep Guardiola’s side at their silken best. Riyad Mahrez was the star turn with a hat-trick completed on 69 minutes, his header created by Phil Foden’s clever dink, the youngster having only entered moments before. With Liverpool dropping two points earlier in the day, the win closes City to six points from the champions, having played a game fewer . Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/28/manchester-city-burnley-premier-league-match-report

European roundup: Sánchez scores for Inter while Dortmund crash at home

Chilean scores as Inter inflict first loss on Sassuolo Borussia Dortmund shocked 2-1 at home by Cologne Internazionale continued their rollercoaster season by scoring twice in the first 15 minutes on the way to a convincing 3-0 win at previously unbeaten Sassuolo in Serie A. Related: Frank Lampard resists title talk but knows intensity of Chelsea demands Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/28/european-football-round-up-inter-milan-bayern-munich-bundesliga-serie-a

'We cannot change it': Klopp frustrated as VAR controversy denies Liverpool – video

Mohamed Salah and Saido Mane both had goals disallowed by the video referee, before referee Stuart Attwell awarded Brighton a late penalty after reviewing contact between Andy Robertson and Danny Welbeck on his monitor. Pascal Gross struck home the penalty to salvage a 1-1 draw for the home side. 'It's a penalty because the ref whistled it,' said Klopp, who had sarcastically clapped the assistant referee when the penalty was called. 'When the ref thinks it's enough, we cannot change that.' Pascal Gross hits late penalty after VAR drama as Brighton deny Liverpool Brighton 1-1 Liverpool: Premier League – as it happened  Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2020/nov/28/we-cannot-change-it-klopp-frustrated-as-var-controversy-denies-liverpool-win-video

Zappos ex-boss and Las Vegas entrepreneur Tony Hsieh, 46, dies after house fire

Tony Hsieh led online retailer Zappos, acquired by Amazon, and helped transform central Las Vegas.

Everton v Leeds: Premier League – live!

Live updates from the 5.30pm GMT kick-off at Goodison Park ‘My opponent then my friend’: Ancelotti pays tribute to Maradona You can email Rob here 4.33pm GMT Everton (3-4-2-1) Pickford; Godfrey, Holgate, Keane; Davies, Doucoure, Allan, Iwobi; James, Richarlison; Calvert-Lewin. Substitutes: Lossl, Mina, Delph, Sigurdsson, Gomes, Tosun, Bernard. Leeds (4-1-4-1) Meslier; Ayling, Koch, Cooper, Alioski; Phillips; Raphinha, Klich, Dallas, Harrison; Bamford. Substitutes: Casilla, Struijk, Davis, Poveda-Ocampo, Roberts, Costa, Rodrigo. 4.24pm GMT Pre-match reading Related: 'My opponent then my friend': Ancelotti pays tribute to Maradona Related: Leeds rename stand at Elland Road in honour of Jack Charlton Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2020/nov/28/everton-v-leeds-premier-league-live

'Congratulations’: Klopp in bizarre row with BT Sport's Kelly over Liverpool schedule

Liverpool lose James Milner to injury in draw at Brighton Klopp unhappy with 12.30pm kick-off after midweek fixture Jürgen Klopp hit out at the Premier League’s broadcasters over their match scheduling after seeing his Liverpool squad hit by more injuries as they dropped two points at Brighton. Leading 1-0 thanks to Diogo Jota’s second-half strike, Liverpool were denied victory after a stoppage time VAR intervention led to a penalty for the home side – converted by Pascal Gross. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/28/jurgen-klopp-bt-sport-des-kelly-injuries-liverpool-schedule-brighton

Pascal Gross hits late penalty after VAR drama as Brighton deny Liverpool

A minute into stoppage time Liverpool seemed to have done enough to return from the south coast with parts falling off, hinges creaking, but three points still safely stowed away. An empty Amex Stadium on a sunny November lunchtime might seem one of football’s friendlier away dates, but Jürgen Klopp’s team were stretched to the limits in this 1-1 draw, and denied at the end by a penalty awarded by the VAR. Klopp’s suspicion that the planets are arranged against him right now will have been confirmed during the course of this game. Liverpool scored three goals, had two chalked off, and were pegged back by video intervention, and a penalty scored by Pascal Gross. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/28/brighton-liverpool-premier-league-match-report

Lucas João helps Reading end five-match winless run against Bristol City

Reading ended their five-match run without a Championship win by beating Bristol City 3-1 at the Madejski Stadium. There was little to choose between the sides in a drab first half, though the home forward Yakou Meite did force a fine save from City’s goalkeeper Daniel Bentley. Related: Reluctant manager Alun Armstrong finds a new pressure at Darlington Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/28/lucas-joao-helps-reading-end-five-match-winless-run-against-bristol-city

Manchester City v Burnley, Football League and more – live!

Updates from the 3pm kick-off in the Premier League and beyond Live scores: all the goals from around the UK and Europe Email Barry here and tweet @bglendenning 1.27pm GMT Brentford saw off QPR by the odd goal of three last night, while this afternoon pace-setters Norwich entertain Coventry City at Carrow Road. 1.27pm GMT The FA Cup means there are just two League Two fixtures today. In 11th place, Port Vale take on Leyton Orient, who are two points ahead of them in eighth. further down the table in 13th, Bolton Wanderers entertain bottom side Southend United, who are already six points adrift. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2020/nov/28/manchester-city-v-burnley-football-league-and-more-live

Chelsea Supporters Trust 'appalled' by £75 ticket price for return of fans

Fans’ group says prices a ‘clear exploitation of supporter loyalty’ Chelsea ‘empathise with the many who will be disappointed’ Chelsea’s plans for the return of supporters to Stamford Bridge next month have been criticised by a fans’ group, which has labelled £75 ticket prices for the game against Leeds as a “clear exploitation of supporter loyalty”. With London put in tier two of the Government’s regionalised approach to dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, the Blues will be able to welcome up to 2,000 spectators to their ground when the national lockdown ends on 2 December. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/28/chelsea-supporters-trust-appalled-by-75-ticket-price-for-return-of-fans

Arsenal v Wolves: match preview

Exactly a year after Unai Emery was dismissed, his successor finds himself facing some familiar difficulties. How can Arsenal, so toothless in front of goal, find some spark and fluidity in attack? Reiss Nelson may be given a chance to provide it after a good Europa League display at Molde and all eyes will be on whether Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gets another run at centre-forward. The striker at the other end of the pitch, Raul Jiménez, would appear to have many of the qualities Arsenal lack and will be confident of compounding their uncertainty with a third straight home defeat in the league. Nick Ames Sunday 7.15pm Sky Sports Premier League Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/28/arsenal-wolves-match-preview-premier-league

Reluctant manager Alun Armstrong finds a new pressure at Darlington

Scoring goals at San Siro takes a different kind of nerve from helping a non-league club recover from financial catastrophe Alun Armstrong thought he knew all about pressure. After converting a penalty against Internazionale at San Siro and playing Premier League football for Middlesbrough and Ipswich, the former striker had proved he could hold his nerve when it mattered. Then Armstrong became manager of Darlington and was introduced to an entirely new level of stress. The 45-year-old may no longer be accountable to demanding multimillionaire coaches and teammates but he feels the weight of his current responsibilities acutely. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/28/alun-armstrong-darlington-manager-pressure

Brighton v Liverpool: Premier League – live!

Live updates from the 12.30pm GMT kick-off at the Amex Stadium Liverpool players cannot use fixtures as an excuse, says Klopp You can email Rob here 11.36am GMT Adam Lallana is only on the bench against his old club. Aaron Connolly replaces him, and Joel Veltman is in for the suspended Tariq Lamptey. Liverpool have made six changes from the team that lost at home to Atalanta. Joel Matip is rested, which means a start for Nat Phillips alongside Fabinho, and Takumi Minamino starts in what looks like a 4-2-3-1 formation. 10.45am GMT Hello and welcome to live, minute-by-minute coverage of Brighton v Liverpool at the Amex Stadium. Liverpool will go top of the Premier League if they avoid defeat. It might only be for 24 hours; it might be for the rest of the season. Although they have had a slightly odd start to this very odd season, there have been enough signs that Liverpool are still the best team in England by a fair distance. Most of those signs have been at Anfield. Liverpool

Being there: football fans in stadiums – buy a Guardian photograph

Guardian sports photographer Tom Jenkins has been attending many top level matches behind closed doors since football restarted and like many of us keeps thinking about the lack of fans at the games. To mark their significance the Guardian is offering readers the chance to buy exclusive prints from Tom’s archive featuring fans attending historical games over the years. A percentage of profits from every print sold will be donated to the charity Football Beyond Borders , an education charity that supports disadvantaged young people in the UK. Buy your print here for just £55 including free delivery (30x40cm print size). Photographs are presented on museum-grade, fine-art paper stocks and are dispatched via Royal Mail. Global shipping is available. Email: guardianprintsales@theprintspace.co.uk Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2020/nov/28/being-there-football-fans-in-stadiums-buy-a-guardian-photograph

Arcadia: Buyers to 'pick over carcass' of Topshop owner, says former boss

Breaking up the Arcadia empire is 'the only way' forward, former chief executive Lord Rose says.

Leicester v Fulham: match preview

Leicester will be aiming to ride the wave of good feeling after dramatically qualifying for the last 32 of the Europa League in Portgual on Thursday and follow it up with a win against Fulham. A disappointing defeat last time out will have smarted against an undermanned Liverpool. Fulham have shown more promise than those around them but that counts for little when you are in the relegation zone. More cutting edge needs to be found and crucially an end to Aleksandar Mitrovic’s alarming eight-match run without a goal. Graham Searles Monday 5.30pm Sky Sports Premier League Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/28/leicester-fulham-match-preview-premier-league

Chelsea v Tottenham: match preview

Crack the popcorn out and get comfortable for this one. Chelsea and Tottenham have been electric so far this season while there was more than a little spark between Frank Lampard and José Mourinho when these sides met in the League Cup in September. Spurs could make a serious title statement with following up a win against Manchester City with another success at Stamford Bridge. Lampard’s side meanwhile can leapfrog Mourinho if they hold firm at home. Édouard Mendy may have a huge part to play in the outcome as his seven clean sheets in 10 games have transformed Lampard’s leaky defence. Maybe Mendy is the man who can finally halt the relentless goalscoring machine of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. Graham Searles Sunday 4.30pm Sky Sports Premier League Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/28/chelsea-tottenham-match-preview-premier-league

Southampton v Manchester United: match preview

Manchester United face a serious test of their return to form before a key Champions League group match against PSG. Southampton will hope Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side lose focus and allow their seven match unbeaten run to continue. United’s form on the road has been impressive though with three wins from three. Saints may miss Danny Ings’s lethal finishing with Bruno Fernandes in red-hot form. Graham Searles Sunday 2pm Sky Sports Premier League Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/28/southampton-manchester-united-match-preview-premier-league

West Ham v Aston Villa: match preview

David Moyes has a selection headache at striker to face Aston Villa. Does he stick with Sébastian Haller who found form with the Ivory Coast and scored the winner last week against Sheffield United or twist and throw Michail Antonio back into the mix? Riding the hot hand in Haller feels the right move especially if Antonio is still not quite match-fit. Villa had fun on their last visit to London, battering Arsenal, and will be keen to move on quickly from losing to Brighton. Ross Barkley missing out is a problem but Dean Smith will be more concerned with his side being able to win the midfield battle against Moyes’s tough unit. Graham Searles Monday 8pm Sky Sports Premier League Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/28/west-ham-aston-villa-match-preview-premier-league

Frank Lampard resists title talk but knows intensity of Chelsea demands

As Roman Abramovich racks up his 1,000th game, the Russian’s favourite player, now manager, faces José Mourinho’s Spurs with the owner’s support – but knowing he is hard to satisfy Sunday’s game against Tottenham will be Roman Abramovich’s 1,000th as Chelsea owner. There probably won’t be a cake. Nor should we expect much in the way of a lavish presentation, given that the supreme leader himself hasn’t been glimpsed at a home game in two and a half years. And yet as Abramovich watches on from afar – presumably from his Moscow palace, surrounded by objets d’art and luxury snacks – he may reflect that this is a curiously appropriate fixture to mark the occasion. It is, after all, a meeting between the two men who have arguably defined his 17 years in English football more than any other. His favourite player, and his favourite manager. Related: My Premier League team of the season so far | Barry Glendenning Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.co

Covid: Road and rail changes planned for Christmas travel spike

Around 500 miles of roadworks are being cleared to ease congestion on motorways over the festive period.

Brighton v Liverpool: match preview

I have a formal apology to make to Danny Welbeck and Adam Lallana after suggesting they might not be what Brighton need in attack to avoid relegation last week. The pair hooked up wonderfully with the latter providing the former with Brighton’s opener in their win against Aston Villa. Moving swiftly on, can they do it again against Liverpool? Well Lallana certainly knows Jürgen Klopp’s side well and will be hungry to show he was let go a touch too soon considering Liverpool’s mountain of injury problems. A big miss is Tariq Lamptey though and without the right wing-back’s industry Brighton may just fall short in stopping Klopp’s intimidating attack. It feels unlikely we will see back-to-back poor showings after defeat against Atalanta, too. Graham Searles Saturday 12.30pm BT Sport 1 Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/27/brighton-liverpool-match-preview-premier-league

Everton v Leeds: match preview

Lucas Digne was instrumental in Everton’s return to winning ways at Fulham last weekend but an ankle injury that requires surgery on Monday, and will sideline the France international for up to three months, means Carlo Ancelotti will be without both first choice full-backs with Seamus Coleman also nursing a recurring hamstring problem. Marcelo Bielsa will seek to capitalise on absences that limit Everton in attack and defence. Leeds’ four away games this season have produced 16 goals in total and the first ever meeting between Bielsa and Ancelotti promises to be an open affair. Andy Hunter Saturday 5.30pm Sky Sports Premier League Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/27/everton-leeds-match-preview-premier-league

Tony Pulis: 'I'm softer but there’s still that little streak in me'

Sheffield Wednesday’s first goal under their new manager was from a set piece but there is more to him, says a former player Perhaps it was inevitable the first goal of the Tony Pulis era at Sheffield Wednesday would stem from a superbly executed set piece. Adam Reach racing from back post to penalty spot to sidefoot home Barry Bannan’s corner may do little to enhance Brand Pulis but, then again, a manager pigeonholed as a firefighter has long given up trying to alter perceptions. Between departing Middlesbrough 18 months ago and returning to the game to again succeed Garry Monk, this time at Hillsborough, a fortnight ago Pulis spent time swotting up on the Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton – “I don’t like fiction, I like reading proper history,” he says – and went to Corsica (to celebrate Napoleon’s 250th birthday), California and visited Rorke’s Drift in South Africa . Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/27/tony-

Gary Lineker: Maradona was 'like a messiah' in Argentina – video

Former England forward Gary Lineker paid tribute to Argentina's legendary footballer Diego Maradona, who died on Wednesday at the age of 60 after he suffered heart failure at his home in Buenos Aires. Lineker, who played against the Argentine in the 1986 World Cup, said Maradona was understandably 'treated almost like a messiah' in Argentina because he was one of, if not, the greatest footballer of all time.  Maradona led his country to World Cup glory in Mexico in 1986 with Argentina and won multiple honours with club sides Barcelona and Napoli – where he is also revered. On Wednesday, Lineker had split opinion when he referenced Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal which knocked England out of the 1986 World Cup quarter-final when paying his respects on Twitter . Brave, intelligent Diego Maradona was a man who moved through different air Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2020/nov/27/gary-lineker

Royal Mail could save £225m by cutting Saturday post, regulator says

The postal regulator says it could drop weekend letter deliveries and still meet people's needs.

Fears mount over future of Topshop owner Arcadia

Talks about borrowing £30m have reportedly failed, potentially putting 15,000 jobs at risk.

Premier League team news, Maradona tributes and more – live updates

Weekend football countdown: team news and previews Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend Barney Ronay: Maradona moved through different air Get in touch! Email Tumaini or tweet @tumcarayol 9.40am GMT In case you missed any recent stories: Barney Ronay on Diego Maradona: Related: Brave, intelligent Diego Maradona was a man who moved through different air Related: Shelley Kerr aiming to guide Scotland to Euro 2022 from the sofa Related: Arsenal will be first Premier League side to see fans return but many must wait 9.30am GMT Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson spoke about Wilfried Zaha, who continues to isolate after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this week. “He’s still got to serve out the period of isolation. That will take him I think to Saturday when he’ll be tested again and we’re hoping that will come back negative.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2020/nov/27/premier-league-tea

TSB owner Sabadell considers bank's future as BBVA deal scrapped

The Spanish bank is seeking "strategic alternatives" after scrapping a merger with BBVA.

Is there a gap between public and private sector pay?

The chancellor has been making some claims about pay in the public and private sectors.

Brave, intelligent Diego Maradona was a man who moved through different air

The Argentina maestro worked relentlessly to best weaponise his skills in football’s most brutally defensive era Diego Maradona is smoking a cigar, elbow propped on the balcony rail. From a few feet below you can see the creases of his jowls as he shouts above the canned music. A little later he leans perilously far out across the balustrade to conduct a group of his hysterically excited fans in song, red-rimmed eyes blazing, a kind, footballing anti-pope. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/27/brave-intelligent-diego-maradona-was-a-man-who-moved-through-different-air

Shelley Kerr aiming to guide Scotland to Euro 2022 from the sofa

Manager forced to self-isolate as team face crucial qualifiers but striker Lisa Evans fancies their chances There is never an ideal moment to be forced into self-isolation but for Shelley Kerr, the timing could hardly be worse. After coming into contact with someone who had tested positive for coronavirus, Scotland’s manager must watch her team’s European Championship qualifiers in Portugal on Friday and Tuesday’s visit of Finland to Easter Road from the sofa. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/27/shelley-kerr-aiming-to-guide-scotland-to-euro-2022-from-the-sofa-qualifiers

Brexit: Face-to-face trade talks to resume in London

In-person meetings were suspended when EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier had to self-isolate.

China slaps tariffs on Australian wine as tensions grow

It has been investigating the "dumping" of cheap wines in China - an accusation Australia denies.

New rules to limit Google and Facebook's market power

The two tech giants account for around 80% of the £14bn ($18.7bn) spent on online advertising in 2019.

Dyson to spend $3.67bn on new technologies

The company's investments will mostly be in Singapore, the UK and the Philippines.

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend

Fernandes and Van de Beek can click, Chelsea v Spurs is a test of title credentials and West Brom upbeat for basement battle Crystal Palace have never won a match in the top flight when they have played on a Friday but have a great opportunity to bring an end to that statistic at the 13th attempt against struggling Newcastle. The insipid performance against Chelsea last week in which Steve Bruce’s side mustered only one shot on target in a 2-0 home defeat did not go down well with supporters and they will be interested to see how Allan Saint-Maximin responds to criticism from Alan Shearer, who said the Frenchman “hasn’t broken a sweat” since signing his new six-year contract last month. Newcastle haven’t won at Selhurst Park since December 2013 , when goals from Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa helped Alan Pardew’s side record a sixth victory in eight games and move up to sixth. In the week that Pardew – whose eight-year deal at Newcastle would have expired in June had he not left sud

Manchester United still crippled by 'disruptive' cyber attack

Cyber security agency assisting club after hacking United say they are not aware of fan data being affected The UK’s cybersecurity agency is assisting Manchester United over a cyber attack earlier this month which has left the football club unable to yet fully restore their computer systems. The Premier League club confirmed the hacking on 20 November and said they were not “aware of any breach of personal data associated with our fans and customers”. As of Thursday night, club staff still did not have access to email, and some other functions were also unavailable. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is now assisting them. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/27/manchester-united-still-crippled-by-disruptive-cyber-attack

Europa League: Rangers must wait after losing two-goal lead to Benfica

Steven Gerrard’s side can go through with win over Liège Napoli beat Rijeka while remembering Diego Maradona Rangers suffered another late collapse against Benfica as Steven Gerrard’s side missed out on the chance to plant one foot in the Europa League’s last 32. They looked to be on course for a famous scalp in what would have been the Ibrox club’s 150th European win after Scott Arfield and Kemar Roofe put them ahead. But just as they did in Lisbon three weeks ago, Rangers failed to hold on to their lead and were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw. Jorge Jesus’ substitutions made the difference as Goncalo Ramos and Pizzi climbed off the bench to snatch a point with two goals in three minutes. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/26/europa-league-rangers-must-wait-after-losing-two-goal-lead-to-benfica

'He’ll live forever': Argentinians in London react to Maradona's death

Diego Maradona brought his people joy during hard years under a ruthless military dictatorship When John Rattagan was 11, his father took him to a kids’ show in Buenos Aires . In the interval a boy, about 15 years old and dressed in a red football kit came on to the stage, ready to show what he could do with a ball. Spellbound, Rattagan witnessed the magic of the Golden Kid for the first time in his life. Related: Maradona the footballer had no flaws – Maradona the man was a victim | Jorge Valdano Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/26/hell-live-forever-argentinians-in-london-react-to-maradonas-death

Black Friday: Next, M&S and Wilko shun sales event

Although Black Friday spending in the UK is set to soar in 2020, some brands won't be taking part.

Rishi Sunak faces state pension conundrum

Official forecasts suggest the state pension will rise by 4.1% in April 2022 when unemployment is high.

October redundancies double last year's rate

With Covid cases rising and uncertainty over government support, employers planned 51,000 job cuts

New jobs in UK hospitality sector 'non-existent'

Recruitment firms say restaurants, bars and hotels are the worst-hit.

M&S warns Brexit may affect 15% of NI food lines

Retailer Marks & Spencer says that some of its food product lines may be unavailable in January.

Football fans back in Liverpool and London but 10 Premier League clubs must wait

Tier 3 includes Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Leeds Half of top-flight clubs in tier 2, allowing 2,000 supporters The Premier League will be split down the middle when the national lockdown ends next week, with half the division’s 20 clubs able to welcome back fans, including in Liverpool and London, and the other half not. After the government announced new tiering measures for England on Thursday, 10 top-flight clubs were placed in the toughest category, tier 3. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/26/football-fans-can-return-in-liverpool-and-london-but-not-in-manchester-and-other-areas-tiers

World reacts to death of Diego Maradona – in pictures

From Kolkata to Mexico City, people around the world have paid tribute to the football legend, who has died aged 60 Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2020/nov/26/world-reacts-to-death-of-diego-maradona-in-pictures

German property company collapses with my pension

Thousands of pension holders owed more than a billion pounds despite promises their money was safe.

'The greatest idol': football world pays tribute to Diego Maradona – video

The footballing world has paid tribute to Diego Maradona after his death at the age of 60. ‘The amount of joy and pleasure and his commitment for world football. He made world football better,’ said Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Maradona’s former teammate Jorge Valdano broke down and could hardly speak when asked about his memories of the Argentinian legend The best and worst moments of Diego Maradona’s turbulent career Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2020/nov/26/the-greatest-idol-football-world-pays-tribute-to-diego-maradona-video

Classic YouTube | Diego Armando Maradona, nerveless kicking and Football Manager kids

This week’s roundup includes our tribute to El Diego, plus England rugby highlights and Chelsea v Tottenham 1) Diego Maradona, one of the greatest footballers of all time, died on Wednesday aged 60. It’s hard to know where to begin, but let’s start with five of his greatest World Cup goals . No 1 on that list, the ‘goal of the century’, inspired some memorable commentary from Barry Davies – “you have to say that’s magnificent” – Argentina’s Victor Hugo Morales going loco and a concise effort from RTÉ’s Jimmy Magee. The assists weren’t bad either: this one , to Jorge Burruchaga, won the World Cup and four years later he dissected the Brazilian defence . Here are more of El Diego’s World Cup highlights , and the epic post-match celebrations in 1986. Gary Lineker paid a fantastic tribute to Maradona on BT Sport, highlighting what made him so unique. And here is the England striker being shown round La Bombonera in 2007 , plus a 2006 meeting with Diego , who seems genuinely pleased

Black Friday: Why bots will beat you to in-demand gifts

Black Friday and Christmas shopping are here - but it may be harder than ever to snag what you want.

The best and worst moments of Diego Maradona’s turbulent career | Scott Murray

From dazzling as a 16-year-old to shooting football journalists with an air rifle, the Argentinian’s life was like no other Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2020/nov/26/the-best-and-worst-moments-of-diego-maradona-turbulent-career

From stewards to toilets: how football clubs are preparing for fans' return | Paul MacInnes

Cambridge chairman Ian Mather, who hopes to have 2,000 fans at their next home game, says clubs have a lot to consider Earlier this year, Cambridge volunteered their Abbey Stadium as a test site for experts to assess the challenges of getting fans back into grounds. “We worked some of it out for ourselves but there were other parts that were really helpful, like actually measuring the seats,” says the chairman, Ian Mather. “If you go into the executive area the seats are half a meter wide. In other areas they’re 450mm. So in the exec area you’ve got to leave one seat spare but in another you’ve got to leave two. That’s a massive detail but you wouldn’t know unless you physically measured them.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/26/from-stewards-to-toilets-how-football-clubs-are-preparing-for-fans-return

Rishi Sunak: I have to make tough choices on public pay

The chancellor said that he could not justify a wage rise for all public sector workers.

Boohoo appoints former judge Sir Brian Leveson to probe company's ethics

Sir Brian Leveson will oversee the company's efforts to monitor its suppliers more closely.

Noteworthy: Clydesdale Bank's demise

Phasing out the Clydesdale Bank brand will see the firm's banknotes begin to disappear from circulation.

'Nothing about me was cool': Gareth Southgate on making dreams reality

A new book by England’s manager charting his journey is designed to inspire young people Gareth Southgate can still feel the hot flush of teenage embarrassment. It was his first day as a Crystal Palace apprentice and he had made the socially fatal error of turning up in smart clothes – school shirt and trousers, to be precise – only to find that the rest of his year group were in jeans or tracksuits. “It felt like a disaster before I’d even started,” the England manager says. “All my peers seemed so much more streetwise and I was just this kid from the suburbs with goofy teeth. Nothing about me was cool and I felt like I’d never fit in.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/26/gareth-southgate-on-making-dreams-reality-book-england-manager

'We felt invincible in those days': Naples pays its respects to Maradona

Piazza in city’s Spanish Quarter fills with red smoke, tears and giant screenings of footballer’s greatest moments ‘Tonight a piece of Naples has died forever’ says Antonio Esposito as he stares through his tears at the 20ft mural of Diego Maradona overlooking his local piazza in the Spanish Quarter in central Naples. He can barely muster the energy to speak. Minutes earlier, the news of the legendary Argentinian footballer’s death was announced live in the middle of a popular national television chat show, prompting hundreds of mourners to take to the streets to commemorate the king of football and their adopted king of Naples. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/26/naples-pays-its-respects-to-diego-maradona

'In the hands of God': what the papers say about the death of Diego Maradona

Headlines the world over paid tribute to the Argentina great, but there was some residual bitterness in certain sections of the UK press It has been 12,576 days since Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal – not that those working for England’s newspapers are counting. A theme of resentment permeated several front pages on Thursday, hours after the Argentine football great’s death aged 60. As Argentina’s president Alberto Fernández declared three days of national mourning, editions across Europe, Argentina and the world portrayed Maradona as both a hero and a villain, one who both took his country to 1986 World Cup glory in Mexico and snatched it away from another. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/26/in-the-hands-of-god-what-the-papers-say-about-the-death-of-diego-maradona

Covid-19 could 'cut pay by £1,200 a year by 2025' - think tank

The virus is one of three "once in a lifetime" recent economic shocks says the Resolution Foundation.

Tributes paid to Diego Maradona before Champions League matches – video

The Champions League has paid tribute to football great Diego Maradona after the Argentinian died, aged 60. A host of group stage matches were preceded by a minute's silence, marking Maradona's success in European football, where he won the Uefa Cup in the 1988-89 season with Napoli Diego Maradona dies aged 60 – tributes and reaction as it happened Diego Maradona: the achingly human superstar who embodied Argentina Diego Maradona, one of the greatest footballers of all time, dies aged 60 Diego Maradona obituary Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2020/nov/26/tributes-paid-to-diego-maradona-before-champions-league-matches-video

Coronavirus: Shanghai rises to become world's most connected city

London has been dethroned from top spot as the coronavirus pandemic reverses "a century of progress".

Fans in Argentina and Naples mourn death of Diego Maradona – video

Football fans have gathered in large numbers in Diego Maradona's home country of Argentina after the icon of the sport died aged 60. Supporters congregated across Maradona's home city of Buenos Aires to pay tribute to the World Cup-winning captain. The Argentinian was also mourned in Naples where he spent seven seasons playing for Napoli Diego Maradona, one of the greatest footballers of all time, dies aged 60 Diego Maradona obituary Maradona dies aged 60: tributes and reaction – latest updates Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2020/nov/26/fans-in-argentina-and-naples-mourn-death-of-diego-maradona-video

Union backlash over public sector pay freeze

Leaders of Britain's biggest unions vow to resist chancellor's freeze on workers who "risked everything".

Union backlash over pubic sector pay freeze

Leaders of Britain's biggest unions vow to resist chancellor's freeze on workers who "risked everything".

Covid: Pub industry tells the PM it faces 'darkest of moments'

More than 50 executives call for evidence justifying industry's Covid restrictions to be published.

Britons 'misunderstand and distrust economics data'

Groups such as the media and politicians need to explain economics data better, a study suggests.

Diego Maradona, one of the greatest footballers of all time, dies aged 60

• Argentinian inspired his country to World Cup glory in 1986 • He possessed sublime skill and led a troubled personal life Diego Maradona, regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has died aged 60. The Argentinian, who had brain surgery this month, died of a heart attack, his lawyer said. Maradona inspired his country to World Cup glory in 1986 when as captain he displayed a level of skill, creativity, strength and desire arguably not seen before or since. In the 2-1 quarter-final victory over England he also scored perhaps the greatest goal of all time , a match in which the forward also showed his darker, mischievous side with the infamous ‘ Hand of God ’. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/25/diego-maradona-dies-one-of-greatest-footballers-of-all-time-argentina-world-cup-1986

Olympiakos v Manchester City: Champions League – live!

Updates from the 5.55pm GMT kick-off in Group C Diego Maradona: World Cup winner dies aged 60 And you can get in touch with Scott by email here 5.05pm GMT Pep Guardiola makes five changes to the team named for the 2-0 defeat at Tottenham. John Stones, Ilkay Gundogan, Benjamin Mendy, Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling - today’s captain - step up. Ferran Torres, Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez drop to the bench, while Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne miss out altogether. 5.04pm GMT Olympiacos: Jose Sa, Semedo, Ba, Cisse, Drager, Camara, M’Vila, Rafinha, Pepe, Fortounis, Masouras. Subs: Soudani, Bouchalakis, Ruben Vinagre, Androutsos, Vrousai, Papadopoulos, Karargyris, Tzolakis, Sourlis, Nikolis, Kitsos, Tsavos. Manchester City: Ederson, Joao Cancelo, Stones, Dias, Mendy, Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Gundogan, Foden, Gabriel Jesus, Sterling. Subs: Aguero, Zinchenko, Steffen, Laporte, Torres, Fernandinho, Mahrez, Carson, Garcia, Nmecha, Doyle, Palmer. Continue reading... from Footba

The Fiver | Knock-off gongs out in time for Christmas and Gordon's long goodbye

Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now ! It’s less than a month until The Fiver doles out its annual Christmas awards. Inevitably, the market will soon be saturated with cynical shysters offering cheap imitations of the real thing, and sure enough here come Fifa, first out of the blocks. They’ve got some tinpot scheme going called The Best, which we had assumed was the intellectual copyright of Morrisons (UK) and Tina Turner (all other international markets), but clearly not. The shortlists for these Taste the Difference rip-offs have been announced this morning, with voting to take place over the next fortnight ahead of a ceremony just before Christmas. So in the spirit of the season, and not because it’s a very slow news day, we’ll give these knock-off gongs some space. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/25/the-fiver-football-email-fifa-the-best-awards-gordon-taylor

Gordon Taylor to stand down as PFA chief executive this season

Taylor has been players’ union chief executive since 1981 PFA has faced criticism recently over dementia Gordon Taylor will stand down as the chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association by the end of the season. He has set out plans for his departure in a letter to union members. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/nov/25/gordon-taylor-to-stand-down-as-pfa-chief-executive-this-season-after-40-years

Maybe Klopp and friends should stop moaning about fixtures and get on with it | Barry Glendenning

The Liverpool manager has a point about fixture congestion but so have broadcasters – clubs have signed a contract after all Jürgen Klopp embarked on quite the impassioned tirade over Premier League fixture scheduling on Sunday and he is not the only top-flight manager to have done so in recent times. The previous Thursday, Frank Lampard bemoaned the fact his Chelsea players were still returning from international duty but faced a flight to Newcastle for Saturday’s BT Sport-dictated lunchtime kick-off, followed soon after by a trip to Rennes. A few weeks previously, Ole Gunnar Solskjær had also opined with some bitterness that those in charge of UK TV scheduling were setting his team up to fail. While Lampard’s complaints were more Chelsea-specific and appeared to overlook that he could scarcely have handpicked more obliging opposition for his side’s first outing after the hiatus, Klopp repeatedly insisted that he was speaking out on behalf of fatigued players everywhere, rather tha