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Showing posts from September, 2022

New growth figures suggest UK not in recession

The economy grew in the second quarter of this year, but it remains smaller than pre-Covid levels.

Nike feels squeeze from strong dollar and discounts

The sportswear giant's shares fell by more than 9% in after-hours trading in New York.

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend

There are huge derbies in north London and Manchester, while Roberto De Zerbi and Graham Potter make their league bows North London bragging rights are on the line this Saturday and so is the ever-delicate question of the power balance between Arsenal and Spurs. Two very different sides look evenly matched to the naked eye and both will know the added significance of a win at the Emirates. Arsenal’s only slip-up this season was the slightly harsh defeat in their toughest assignment, at Old Trafford; when Spurs faced their most exacting test, away at Chelsea, they were very fortunate to draw in stormy circumstances. So both Mikel Arteta and Antonio Conte could do with taking a big early scalp if early pretensions to a title chase, or at least the second-place spot that could well be up for grabs, are to become a little more convincing. They will be keenly aware that there is no better occasion on which to stake the claim. Nick Ames Arsenal v Tottenham, Saturday 12.30pm (all times BS

Conte unconcerned about Tottenham contract running out at end of season

Spurs manager says enjoyment is the key Italian calls links of return to Juventus ‘disrespectful’ Antonio Conte has suggested the length of his contract at Tottenham is not relevant to how long he will stay as he dismissed links to Juventus as “disrespectful” and sought to focus on Saturday’s derby at Arsenal. The manager has been touted by the Italian media to return to Juventus at the end of the season and the story rumbled for much of the international break. Conte’s old club have struggled this season under Max Allegri, winning two of nine games. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/29/antonio-conte-unconcerned-spurs-contract-running-out

Cost of living: Energy bills set to rise but help cushions blow

A two-year government-set cap means price rises taking effect on Saturday are lower than initially expected.

Energy price cap: Three things to do before your bills rise

Millions are seeing their energy bills go up, but there are ways to help ease the mounting costs.

Cost of living tips: How to cut energy and heating costs in your home

Consumer Affairs Correspondent Colletta Smith has picked out some of the best ways to cut costs in your home.

King Charles: New coins featuring monarch's portrait unveiled

Centuries of tradition are followed as King Charles faces left - the opposite way to the Queen.

US points finger at Russia over gas pipeline sabotage

US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm tells the BBC its unlikely Nord Stream leaks are coincidence.

House of Zana owner hopes Zara trademark win will inspire others

Amber Kotrri says since her victory other businesses said they also received letters from Zara.

Government is 'undercutting' economic institutions, says former Bank governor

Former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney accused Downing Street of working at cross-purposes with the Bank.

Markets up after Bank of England bond-buying pledge

The central bank said it will buy £65bn of government bonds after the mini-budget sparked market turmoil.

Optus: How a massive data breach has exposed Australia

Anger rises after 40% of Australians had details stolen in possibly the nation's worst-ever breach.

Energy bills: Householders urged to read meters before October price rise

The average annual household energy bill in the UK will rise from £1,971 to £2,500.

Thousands complain to HMRC about tax repayments

The number of people complaining to HMRC about companies claiming tax repayments on their behalf has tripled in two years, a BBC investigation finds.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool all hope to become multi-club networks

US-owned trio want to mirror Manchester City’s CFG stable Todd Boehly already looking at clubs in Europe and beyond The owners of Arsenal and Liverpool have joined Chelsea’s Todd Boehly in looking into establishing a multi-club network pioneered by Manchester City’s owner, City Football Group. It is understood that Arsenal’s Stan Kroenke – who already owns an MLS team – and his Liverpool counterpart John W Henry have explored adding clubs inside and outside Europe to their portfolios, after Boehly indicated he would like to set up what he described as “a multi-club model”. Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are under American ownership. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/28/chelsea-arsenal-and-liverpool-all-hope-to-become-multi-club-networks

Nottingham Building Society to close a third of branches

The Nottingham says 17 branches will close before the end of the year following a review of usage.

Fifa 23 review – EA’s final Fifa game bows out gracefully

PC, Xbox, PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch; EA Sports/EA Fittingly, this year’s final edition of the perennial branded football sim at last achieves its aspiration of enjoyable realism They think it’s all over … The football sim series that has graced the gaming charts every year since its launch in 1993 is about to face the final whistle, thanks to a licensing tussle with Fifa. Next year, Electronic Arts will be revealing its annoyingly named replacement, EA Sports FC , but for now, we get to run out on to this heavily branded pitch one last time. It’s immediately clear the development team was determined to go out on a high, throwing in a range of vital updates. At last we get to play women’s league football, if only within the English and French premier divisions. Still, it’s fun to play as the stars of the recent Euro 22 tournament, making a mazy run into the box as Beth Mead or marshalling the Olympique Lyonnais defence with Wendie Renard, and it may be genuinely inspiring and

Chinese yuan: Currency hits record lows against US dollar

Major stock market indexes in Asia fell sharply also fell sharply on Wednesday.

Banana thrown at Tottenham’s Richarlison as Brazil beat Tunisia

Richarlison was celebrating scoring Brazil’s second goal in Paris Brazilian FA condemns the incident on Twitter The Tottenham forward Richarlison had a banana thrown at him as he was racially abused during Brazil’s friendly win over Tunisia in Paris on Tuesday. The incident occurred as the former Everton striker ran towards the corner flag to celebrate scoring his side’s second goal in their 5-1 win at the Parc des Princes. Footage showed Manchester United midfielder Fred kicking the banana away. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/27/banana-thrown-at-tottenhams-richarlison-as-brazil-beat-tunisia

If England fail in Qatar it won’t be because they left out Alexander-Arnold | Barney Ronay

Obsession around the Liverpool player is a sideshow – England have three other high-class right-backs who all play in multiple positions Maybe, just maybe it’s all going to be OK. Yes, there is no sensible universe in which a chaotic 3-3 draw looks like the tournament send-off of champions. And yes, one of the first rules of film states that the moment anyone suggests things might just be OK is a guarantee that, in fact, they’re definitely going to be anything but. Never open the cupboard door. Never shout ‘Who’s there?’ into the darkness. Never sing along happily to the radio in the shower. And never, ever, approach a major tournament convinced that an underwhelming England can wing it, that things might click. They don’t click. There is no click. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/27/if-england-fail-in-qatar-it-wont-be-because-they-left-out-alexander-arnold

Cost of living: Margarine prices rise, but blueberries get cheaper

Food inflation soared to its highest rate on record in September, according to an index.

Germany’s Havertz punishes Pope error to spoil England’s thrilling comeback

It was shaping up to be a night when Harry Maguire hogged the wrong kind of headlines, when Gareth Southgate endured more pain, when the soul-searching around England and their manager deepened. The team had been promising in the first half against their old foes, hinting at good things without making them happen. And then it all threatened to fall apart. Maguire had been booed by some of those present when his name was announced before kick-off. Having found his feet, some others chanted his name on the half-hour. But it lurched the other way again when he erred at the start of the second half, losing the ball as the last man before kicking Jamal Musiala to concede a penalty. Ilkay Gündogan scored to make it 1-0. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/26/england-germany-nations-league-match-report

David Squires on … Plymouth Argyle’s Jack Leslie – a true football pioneer

Our cartoonist on the forward, who is getting a long overdue statue after being called up for England and then cruelly overlooked Like what we do? Consider supporting our journalism Buy a copy of a Squires cartoon in our print store Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2022/sep/27/david-squires-on-jack-leslie-plymouth-argyle-a-true-football-pioneer

Energy firms must offer more help on bill payments, Ofgem warns

The energy watchdog says all bar one of the energy firms need to improve their support to customers.

iPhone in India: Apple makes new handset in India in shift from China

The announcement marks the technology giant's latest move to diversify its supply chains outside China.

England 3-3 Germany: player ratings from the Nations League game | Jacob Steinberg

Jude Bellingham stood out for Gareth Southgate’s side while Kai Havertz was Germany’s best at Wembley Nick Pope An accident waiting to happen with the ball and at fault for Germany’s equaliser. Unconvincing as Jordan Pickford’s deputy. 3 Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/26/england-germany-player-ratings-nations-league

Cost of living: Millions forced to turn to second jobs, report finds

More than five million people have taken on additional jobs, according to a report by Royal London.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport to close despite financial lifeline offer

Doncaster Sheffield Airport owner Peel says the wind-down will begin on 31 October.

Alex Scott says trolling and racist abuse took her to some ‘dark places’

BBC presenter received death threats after false reports that she was to replace Sue Barker on A Question of Sport Alex Scott said she has been left in fear of her life by trolling and racist abuse, which has taken the pundit and former footballer to some “dark places”. The 37-year-old, who played for Arsenal and England and had a key role on the BBC commentary team during the Lionesses’ winning run in the Women’s Euros, said she received death threats last summer after it was incorrectly reported that she was to replace Sue Barker as the presenter of A Question of Sport. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/sep/24/alex-scott-says-trolling-and-racist-abuse-took-her-to-some-dark-places

Jill Scott: ‘It was almost too big an occasion and I was really nervous’ | Donald McRae

After ending her playing career on the highest of notes with England’s Euro 2022 triumph, the former midfielder is keen to develop her passion for coaching We have just moved into our second hour of talking when Jill Scott remembers that her longest interview stretched across six hours. It was also different because, while driving alone years ago, Scott interviewed herself out loud. “I always did,” she says as she shows her exuberant character which meant that, even at the grand old age of 35, she was one of the stars of England’s European triumph this summer. Scott retired last month after the last of her 170 international appearances (nine of which were for Great Britain) came in the Euro 2022 final when she left the bench and helped England to beat Germany. She also lit up social media when she was seen on television swearing at a German player as she displayed the trademark grit and passion of a long career which stretched from unpaid obscurity as a young footballer on Wearside

The government’s deregulation agenda would be bad for the football pyramid | Jason Stockwood

The game needs a sustainable financial framework and an independent regulator for clubs to attract the right owners I have been invited to speak on Monday evening on a panel about ethics in football and, specifically, the Owners and Directors Test: in short, how we get the “right” type of owners into the game. The mini-budget announcement last week by the government has made me think tangentially about this issue and what place regulation has in football. Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng have been nothing but clear about what they stand for – we are in an era of deregulation, tax cuts and growth at all costs. I understand the logic of trying to get the economy growing and using the resulting income from taxation for societal investment. The problem is this is an amplification of the existing model of the past 50 years of capitalism where we have been concentrating wealth in fewer and fewer people. The UK Gini Index, which measures inequality, has risen steadily since 1977, from 25% to 36

Electric car charging costs nearing petrol prices for some - RAC

The RAC suggests the soaring cost of charging an electric car could soon put people off buying them.

Wales v Poland: Nations League – live updates

MBM updates, plus latest from Netherlands v Belgium and more Get in touch: email John or tweet @JohnBrewin_ Wales: Hennessey; Cabango, Rodon, Norrington-Davies; C Roberts, Morrell, Levitt, N Williams; Johnson, Bale (C), James. Subs: Gunter, Colwill, Smith, Roberts, Ward, Moore, Burns, Williams, M Harris, King, Thomas, James Poland: Szczesny; Bednarek, Glik, Kiwior; Bereszynski, Krychowiak, Zurowski, Zalewski; Zielinski, Lewandowski (C), Swiderski. Subs: Skorupski, Dragowski, Gumny, Kedziora, Wieteska, Milik, Piotrowski, Grosicki, Skoras, Kaminski, Szymanski, Piatek. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2022/sep/25/wales-v-poland-nations-league-live-updates

Kirby kickstarts Chelsea’s WSL title defence with Manchester City win

Chelsea kickstarted their title defence with a comfortable but not altogether convincing 2-0 defeat of Manchester City to heap pressure on the City manager, Gareth Taylor. It’s rare that there is much riding on the second game of the season, but with both Chelsea and City having suffered shock defeats on the first weekend, to newly promoted Liverpool and Aston Villa respectively, suddenly this result mattered more. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/25/chelsea-manchester-city-womens-super-league-match-report

Germany still confident about World Cup hopes despite lean run of form | Jonathan Liew

Hansi Flick’s side just lost to Hungary and have no regular source of goals but believe everything will come good in Qatar A proud footballing nation on a lean run of just one win in six games. A humiliating defeat at home against Hungary. And above all, a sense of stasis and frustration, a lack of creativity, the suspicion that for all the talent and trophies in this team, it remains considerably less than the sum of its parts. Germany and England may share a common predicament, but as they prepare to meet on Monday night only one of these nations is currently racked by existential crisis. And curiously, it’s not the one that has bombed out of its last two international tournaments. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2022/sep/25/germany-still-confident-about-world-cup-hopes-despite-lean-run-of-form

Chelsea v Manchester City: Women’s Super League – live updates

Updates from the 4pm (BST) kick-off at Kingsmeadow Project 2023: our five-point plan for women’s football Get in touch: email Daniel or tweet @DanielHarris Gareth Taylor notes that sometimes it takes time for new players to gel, and that his team play where the spaces are. So if Chelsea press, they may not play out from the back, instead targeting the gaps left as a consequence. He wants his team to give away fewer counter-attacks than they did last week, though, and to stay in the game early doors. I daresay, though, that City, and Lauren Hemp in particular, will be fancying their chances of getting down the side of Millie Bright. She’s matured into a much better player than I expected her to, I must say, but she’s not the most mobile, and as an outside centre-back, there’s scope for her to get isolated. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2022/sep/25/wsl-chelsea-manchester-city-womens-super-league-live-updates

Keir Starmer: Labour would reverse cut to top income tax rate

Scrapping the 45% rate is the "wrong choice" during a cost-of living crisis, the Labour leader says.

Mark Lawrenson claims BBC dropped him because he is ‘65 and a white male’

Lawrenson retired in May after 30 years as a football pundit Former Liverpool defender now claims it was not his decision Mark Lawrenson has claimed that he was dropped from the BBC’s football coverage because “I’m 65 [years old] and a white male”. Lawrenson retired at the end of last season after 30 years as a pundit and co-commentator with the corporation, most recently featuring on BBC One’s Football Focus. But he has now said it was not his decision to step down in an interview with the Sunday Times . Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/25/mark-lawrenson-claims-bbc-dropped-him-because-he-is-65-and-a-white-male

Kwasi Kwarteng: I want to keep cutting taxes

Tax cuts will help to boost growth, says chancellor, as government also looks at relaxing immigration.

Iran hope to spin chaos into gold at World Cup with Queiroz’s comeback

Team Melli’s 1-0 win over Uruguay has raised hopes of dealing a black eye to Group B despite controversy surrounding Queiroz Iran’s government is more involved than most in football – clubs are owned directly or indirectly by the state – but it keeps a closer eye than usual on the beloved national team at times of public unrest. After the famous World Cup playoff win over Australia in 1997 the players were told to take their time coming home lest their presence push nationwide celebrations into something else. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/25/iran-hope-to-spin-chaos-into-gold-at-world-cup-with-queirozs-comeback

Kwasi Kwarteng's tax cuts benefit top 1%, Labour says

The government is taking a dangerous gamble, Angela Rayner says, but ministers argue tax cuts will get the economy growing.

Project 2023: a five-point plan for boosting women’s football in England

There has never been a better chance to accelerate growth. Here we identify the key areas and set the targets to be hit In 2017 the Football Association launched its Gameplan for Growth for the women’s game. It was a strategy which set forth plans and targets for the development of women’s football from top to bottom. Three years on the FA had hit every target: doubling participation, doubling the fanbase, reaching the top three in the world in all England age groups and putting the senior England women’s team in good stead for the 2023 World Cup. Now, we are two years into the new strategy, titled Positive Change. Already targets are being met, with England’s Euros success ticking off the ambition to win a major tournament. The momentum from that is still flowing and the World Cup, which will lift interest further, is only 10 months away. There is no better opportunity to accelerate the growth and development of the game, and to safeguard its future. But what are the key areas to ad

Steve Evans: ‘Look at Klopp on the sidelines. That’s me 10 years ago. That’s pressure’

The former Leeds manager is enjoying a good start to the season with Stevenage and says he is mellower now ‘Alexa, stop,” Steve Evans says, sitting at his kitchen table, shutting off the Motown playlist as he reflects on Stevenage’s superb start to the season, hours after victory preserved their perfect home record. It is a summer’s day in Rutland, the sun blasting in from the garden that doubles up as a football pitch for him and Joseph, his eldest grandson. Evans spent the morning strimming the hedges and mowing the lawn and is at ease as he looks back on a colourful career in the dugout. It all began in the 90s, a few minutes down the road at Stamford AFC where he won two of his eight promotions and the management bug gripped him, but much has changed since then. The rhino skin remains – it is a necessity to last this long in the game – but Evans insists the caricature of the uncensored character who would overheat and berate officials on the touchline is out of date. So does he f

What do Qatar’s World Cup workers now fear most? Being sent home | Pete Pattisson

Migrant workers in labour camps face poor pay and conditions but their fear of losing those jobs underlines their exploitation In a dusty car park, near to one of the largest labour camps in Qatar, Worker A gets into my car. I will call him Worker A, not because I do not want to reveal his name, but because I do not know his name. He only agrees to talk to me after I show him my name on the articles I have written and match it to my passport. I hand over my phone to prove I am not recording anything. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/commentisfree/2022/sep/23/qatar-world-cup-migrant-workers-fear-being-sent-home-most

Jack Grealish was at Mendy party where two women allege rape, court told

One of the accusers in Benjamin Mendy trial says Grealish was at party at teammate’s house last year The England footballer Jack Grealish was at a party at the house of his Manchester City teammate Benjamin Mendy where two young women were allegedly raped, Chester crown court has heard. One of the accusers, who was 17 at the time, told the court on Friday that another woman, 23, who alleges she was raped by Mendy’s friend Louis Saha Matturie also claimed she had sex with Grealish on the same night. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/23/jack-grealish-benjamin-mendy-party-court

EFL clubs to discuss energy crisis as Mansfield change kick-off to 1pm

Mansfield want to monitor savings and impact on attendance EFL clubs to holds talks on measures that could combat crisis English Football League clubs will convene next week to discuss measures that could combat the energy crisis, with Mansfield Town trialling bringing forward the kick-off time of one of their League Two games to test how much doing so saves on floodlight usage and other costs. The EFL discussed the issue, which has long been on the agenda, at its last board meeting and will canvas its clubs in a scheduled meeting to establish potential pinch points and problems. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/23/mansfield-town-move-match-to-1pm-kick-off-in-response-to-energy-crisis

Gareth Southgate calls England defeat to Italy ‘a step in the right direction’

Manager booed by his own supporters after defeat to Italy England have not scored from open play in 450 minutes Gareth Southgate said that he will shoulder the responsibility for England’s terrible run of form after the manager was booed by his own supporters following his side’s insipid 1-0 defeat to Italy last night. England’s World Cup preparations suffered another dent after Giacomo Raspadori’s superb winner condemned them to relegation from the top tier of the Nations League. The Euro 2020 finalists, who are certain to finish bottom of Group A3, have gone five games without a competitive win for the first time since 1992 and have not scored from open play for 450 minutes – their worst run in 22 years. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/23/gareth-southgate-calls-england-defeat-to-italy-a-step-in-right-direction

Uefa pre-prepared Champions League final statement blaming ‘late’ fans

Statement that angered Liverpool fans decided on in planning Visual investigation: how the Paris final descended into chaos Uefa’s statement apparently blaming Liverpool supporters for causing the delay to the start of the Champions League final in Paris was prepared a considerable time before the day of the match, the Guardian has learned. The statement, put up on the big screen at the Stade de France, announced that a delay to the scheduled 9pm kick-off of the final between Liverpool and Real Madrid had been caused by “late arrival of fans”. The statement incensed Liverpool supporters, thousands of whom were still stuck in chaotic queues outside the stadium despite having arrived three or more hours before 9pm. Approximately 15,000 Liverpool supporters had been held up in a dangerous, bottleneck queue at a perimeter ticket checkpoint, then denied access to the stadium at turnstiles closed by stewards and police. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.the

Income tax to be cut by 1p from April

The basic rate of income tax will fall from 20p to 19p in the pound next year, the chancellor says.

Mini-budget: What it means for you and your finances

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has delivered what the government calls a "fiscal event". Here is how it affects you.

Stamp duty cut in bid to help house buyers

The chancellor says the changes mean 200,000 more house buyers will no longer pay the tax.

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng vows to end 'cycle of stagnation' in mini-budget

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng announces the biggest tax cuts since 1988 in a major change of economic policy.

Form, formation and Foden: big issues facing Southgate before World Cup

As England prepare for final pre-tournament games we address five key topics, also including the need to shed reliance on Kane Gareth Southgate risks running into problems if he picks players on reputation rather than form. England’s manager has argued that he is right to consider international performances when he selects a squad, yet with several key individuals struggling at club level it will be how interesting to see how far Southgate’s loyal streak goes before the World Cup. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/23/form-formation-and-foden-big-issues-facing-southgate-before-world-cup

Mansfield Town move match to 1pm kick-off in response to energy crisis

Club want to monitor savings and impact on attendance Twelve EFL sides told survey they would consider doing same Mansfield Town have switched the kick-off time of their game against Walsall on 15 October from 3pm to 1pm in response to the energy crisis. The League Two club are the first in the EFL to make such a move. A survey carried out by the football reform group Fair Game over the past fortnight revealed that 63% of 40 clubs polled – including 12 EFL teams – said they would consider earlier kick-offs to help reduce energy bills. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/23/mansfield-town-move-match-to-1pm-kick-off-in-response-to-energy-crisis

Mutiny in Spain squad as 15 footballers refuse to play in bid to oust head coach

Man Utd’s Ona Batlle among female players who wrote to RFEF Federation do not cave and say this is ‘a question of dignity’ The Spanish women’s national team was plunged into crisis on Thursday night when 15 players declared themselves unavailable for selection for as long as Jorge Vilda continues as head coach. Each of the players have written to the Spanish Federation (RFEF) insisting that the situation with the coach, who they had failed to have removed at the end of August, has affected their health and emotional state and that they do not intend to return until a solution is found. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/23/mutiny-spain-squad-women-football-refuse-play-oust-head-coach-jorge-vilda

Bosses think workers do less from home, says Microsoft

A new survey from Microsoft suggests that workers and bosses disagree about productivity.

Sharp rise in disorder at football games in England and Wales last season

Rise of 60% from last full pre-Covid season to 2021-22 Incidents at 53% of games, including 441 pitch invasions Reported incidents of disorder at matches in England and Wales in the 2021-22 season were up by 60% compared with the last full campaign before the pandemic, according to data released by the Home Office on Thursday. The data painted a depressing picture for the domestic game, with incidents reported at 1,609 of the 3,019 matches played in England and Wales over the course of last term – equating to 53%. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/22/sharp-rise-in-disorder-at-football-games-in-england-and-wales-last-season

Tactical rehearsals await Berhalter’s USA in last warm-ups before Qatar

The United States’ friendlies with Japan and Saudi Arabia will be about filling out reserve spots on the roster rather than confirming the final spots in Gregg Berhalter’s starting XI It was an unremarkable type of goal – a header from just outside the six-yard box, neatly glanced low into the far corner. More notable than the finish was the identity of the scorer and what it might mean for the US men’s national team as they play their last two games before the Qatar World Cup, starting with a friendly against Japan on Friday. Ricardo Pepi was named the MLS Young Player of the Year after scoring 13 times for FC Dallas in 2021. US head coach Gregg Berhalter had reason to be grateful for the teenager’s lethal form last September when Pepi scored on his international debut and provided two assists as the Americans recovered from a 1-0 deficit to beat Honduras 4-1 in San Pedro Sula. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/22/usa-

UK fracking ban lifted, government announces

Scientific review into fracking concludes there is still a limited understanding of impacts.

Migrant workers in Qatar left in debt after being ordered home before World Cup starts

Early end to migrants’ contracts leaves many owing large sums to recruiters and unable to support their families • World Cup hotel shields England team from fans – and Qatar’s labour abuses Thousands of poorly paid migrant workers in Qatar are being forced to return home before the World Cup, leaving many fearing they will be left jobless, unable to support their families and deep in debt. In some cases, workers say they have been sent back before the end of their contracts or without receiving their full salary or allowances. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/sep/22/migrant-workers-in-qatar-left-in-debt-after-being-ordered-home-before-world-cup-starts

England duty still excites Jordan Henderson despite advancing years

Liverpool midfielder says he feels good enough to keep playing internationally, even after the World Cup Back in the early days of his career, Jordan Henderson felt he was the exception. His rule was simple – no alcohol during the season – and it is one he has always stuck to. The Liverpool and England midfielder was acutely aware of the correlation between sacrifice and achievement. “Whereas now when I look, I’d say the exception is to drink,” he says. “A lot of top players don’t drink in general. A lot of the Liverpool squad don’t drink.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/21/jordan-henderson-england-italy-nations-league-liverpool

Sri Lanka: Inflation rate jumps to 70.2% in August

The South Asian nation is facing its worst economic crisis since independence from the UK in 1948.

Trumps inflated net worth by billions, says NY state lawsuit

Along with three of his children, the ex-president is accused of lying to "unjustly enrich himself".

Ring doorbell inventor shares advice... about advice

Jamie Siminoff, inventor of the Ring wireless doorbell, shares his advice for the CEO Secrets series.

This weekend I went to a football game without any fear. It was great | Jess Hayes

When I was young I was groped, stared at and cat-called at Premier League games but the WSL shows that attending a match can be fun and safe The first time I was groped at a Premier League match I was 13. I was there with my dad, we had season tickets and were squeezing past a row of men in the 88th minute to beat the crowds to the tube. I didn’t say anything and it wasn’t the last time it happened that season, either. The season before that I won a competition and got the chance to be a ball girl at Wembley during a Charity Shield match. Every time I ran to collect the ball to throw it back on to the pitch I was wolf‑whistled and cat‑called by a section of the fans. I was 12. In these experiences and many more I knew I was an interloper and in my mind I had no choice but to accept the rewards of that along with everything else. The rewards were the atmosphere and getting to see my team play, everything else being the groping, the lingering stares, the cat calling; in addition to bei

Atlético Madrid fans’ racist abuse of Vinícius Júnior overshadows Real win

Real Madrid went to the Metropolitano and danced, delivering their response to this derby victory over Atletico Madrid and the racism that overshadowed it. Goals from Rodrygo and Fede Valverde took Carlo Ancelotti’s team to the top of the table and maintained their 100% record this season but this was a night – a week, in fact – that will be recalled more for what happened off the pitch, with Atlético fans chanting abuse at Vinícius Júnior. Footage filmed outside showed significant numbers of supporters chanting “Vinícius is a monkey” as they made their way into the stadium. What sounded like monkey chants could also be heard among the whistles the first time the Brazilian touched the ball. That was not repeated afterwards, and when Vinicius lost the ball attempting a late rainbow flick, they chanted “stupid, stupid.” When Madrid’s players celebrated the opening goal in a 2-1 win against their rivals, there were some objects thrown. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian

Inflation pushes UK debt interest costs to August record

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Covid: Reserve Bank of Australia takes $30bn hit on bond purchases

The Reserve Bank of Australia's deputy governor says the loss will not effect its normal operations.

Recession: Is the US heading into an 'ugly' downturn?

With stocks tanking and grocery bills high, many Americans feel like the economy is in a recession.

Cost of living: Students struggling with impact of soaring prices

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‘Everyone knew his past’: how a coach stayed in soccer despite troubling allegations

When Brad Evans resigned from the University of Toledo allegations of sexual misconduct effectively disappeared, allowing him to continue coaching ‘ It shattered my world’: an Ohio soccer coach, sexual misconduct and the system that has protected him Lack of transparency and failure by the University of Toledo and the US Center for SafeSport to complete investigations into a sexual assault allegation against women’s soccer coach Brad Evans opened a door for him to continue to coach girls and young women, according to individuals with knowledge of how Evans was hired for subsequent jobs. As previously revealed by the Guardian , Evans was allowed to resign from his role leading a successful women’s soccer program at the University of Toledo in 2015. At the time the resignation cited an “inappropriate relationship” with a co-worker, even though the university was aware of concerns raised by players and families, including an allegation of sexual assault . Continue reading... from

Beyond Meat: Vegan food executive accused of biting man's nose

Beyond Meat's Douglas Ramsey reportedly got into a row after an American football match in Arkansas.

After 'slow start', US companies embrace refugees

As the world's refugee crisis is pushed to the brink, some corporations finally start to respond.

Will Liz Truss's economic plans make us richer?

The chancellor will unveil tax cuts on Friday as part of a bid to boost the UK economy.

Grand Theft Auto VI footage leaked after hack, developer Rockstar confirms

More than 90 images and videos were leaked from the franchise's next instalment, developer Rockstar confirms.

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Too many sports were deferential after the Queen’s death. They must learn from this | Sean Ingle

In trying to get it right after the death of Queen Elizabeth II football, cycling and boxing were among those to get it wrong During the middle ages, flagellants would remove their white robes adorned with a red cross, kneel on the ground, and then vigorously whip themselves in public displays of fervour. Some sports appear to have been taking notes. Since the Queen’s death, we have seen the FA stop grassroots football, the Premier League ask for applause at 70 minutes to celebrate the length of Elizabeth II’s reign, and British Cycling bizarrely tell people not to ride during the state funeral, before performing a rapid U-turn . These are some of the biggest beasts in British sport. And they have looked frit. Frit because such decisions were not based on logic, public sentiment, or government advice – which stressed that there was no obligation to cancel or postpone events during the period of national mourning – but a nebulous and ill-defined sense of wanting to do “the right thing

Women’s Super League: talking points from the opening weekend’s action

Sam Kerr’s and Chelsea’s offside misfortune, the Daly-Dali show at Aston Villa and a Manchester United landmark for Zelem Liverpool were able to recovered from a goal down to stun Chelsea at Prenton Park on their return to the Women’s Super League after a two-year absence. As early as the first minute, chaos ensued. Gilly Flaherty was penalised in the box for fouling Guro Reiten and Fran Kirby converted the spot-kick. It seemed there might be a second for Chelsea. And there should have been when Sam Kerr latched on to a sumptuous ball from Kirby and lifted the ball into the net – only for the flag to be raised and the goal ruled out. Further inspection from fans on social media proved that the decision should not have been called offside, with Kerr marginally ahead of her marker but played onside by another defender. The Australian then had another goal ruled out before Liverpool struck with a penalty of their own, Katie Stengel scoring after a long throw from Megan Campbell was harsh

Queen's funeral: Mourners face severe rail delays to London and Windsor

No trains are running in or out of London Paddington as mourners descend on London and Windsor.

Wayne Rooney hailed by Phil Neville for handling of alleged MLS racism incident

DC United manager takes off player after alleged use of slur MLS investigating what happened during Inter Miami’s win Wayne Rooney and Phil Neville had to deal with an alleged racism incident after an ugly clash between two of their players in Major League Soccer. Play was held up for several minutes during Sunday’s encounter between Rooney’s DC United and Neville’s Inter Miami at Audi Field in Washington. The United forward Taxi Fountas was accused of racially abusing Inter’s defender Damion Lowe during a second-half altercation between the pair. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/19/alleged-mls-racism-incident-dc-united-inter-miami-wayne-rooney-hailed-by-phil-neville

Russia demands Uefa ban Ukraine’s manager for remarks about war

Exclusive: Russian football union accuses Oleksandr Petrakov of discrimination and political bias Russia is urging Uefa to ban the manager of the Ukraine men’s national team from football after he expressed a wish to fight Vladimir Putin’s invading forces, the Guardian can reveal. The Football Union of Russia has written to the governing body accusing Oleksandr Petrakov of discriminating against Russians and failing to remain politically neutral. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/19/russia-demands-uefa-ban-ukraine-manager-war-remarks

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

Jack Grealish can still be key for City, Newcastle look lost in transition and Leicester search for positives Pep Guardiola’s love of tricksy ball-players is well-known – he once spent more than £30m on Cesc Fábregas when Barcelona already had perhaps the greatest midfield of all time. Similarly, adding Jack Grealish to a Manchester City squad already supremely stocked with attacking talent seemed unnecessary and, despite a crucial goal at West Ham in last season’s title run-in, the move has yet to properly pay off. Grealish began Saturday’s game at Wolves under pressure … and then scored after 55 seconds. He will know that this is not the end of the conversation, and needs to be the start of something more significant. The portents are good: others have taken a season to adjust to the specific demands placed upon them by Guardiola. With defences preoccupied with the demands of handling Erling Haaland, there should be both scope and space for Grealish to deploy his unique brand of imp

Porsche IPO: Luxury car maker valued at up to $75bn in share sale

The stock market flotation is set to be Germany's second-largest ever initial public offering.

Jewison Bennette late show stuns Watford and saves point for Sunderland

Tony Mowbray said Jewison Bennette is struggling with the language barrier after the Costa Rican rescued a point in an enthralling 2-2 draw against Watford at Vicarage Road. The Sunderland manager sent on a quartet of substitutes including Bennette, who scored his side’s 86th-minute equaliser. Mowbray said: “Jewi really can’t communicate with anyone at the club yet. He literally finds it difficult to understand anything we tell him. He just smiles at everything. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/17/watford-sunderland-championship-match-report

Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri becomes youngest Premier League player at 15

Youngster comes on at age of 15 years and 181 days Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott previously held record Fifteen-year-old Ethan Nwaneri became the youngest player in Premier League history when he came on as a substitute for Arsenal as they returned to the top of the Premier League with a comfortable 3-0 win at Brentford on Sunday. Nwaneri, who is 15 years and 181 days old, came on in the second minute of stoppage time, the first player under 16 to play in the competition. Harvey Elliott, now at Liverpool, previously held the record at 16 years and 30 days when he played for Fulham in 2019. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/18/arsenals-ethan-nwaneri-becomes-youngest-premier-league-player-at-15

eBay bans sale of Queen lying-in-state wristbands

Different coloured bands which mark mourners' place in the queue were being offered as memorabilia.

Colak’s double gives Rangers narrow win over spirited Dundee United

Antonio Colak celebrated his 29th birthday with a double as Rangers ended a three-game losing streak with a stodgy 2-1 win over bottom side Dundee United at Ibrox. The returning Croatia striker took only eight minutes to fire in the opener but the home fans were unimpressed by their side’s frustratingly pedestrian play for much of the rest of the game. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/17/rangers-dundee-united-scottish-premiership-match-report

Aston Villa v Manchester City: Women’s Super League – live

Minute-by-minute updates on the action at Villa Park Any comments? You can email Sarah | tweet Sarah Apologies for the delay on team updates, my laptop had a meltdown! Here they are: Villa: Hampton, Mayling, Patten, Turner, Pacheco, Dali, Corsie (c), Blindkilde, Lehmann, Daly, Hanson Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2022/sep/18/aston-villa-v-manchester-city-womens-super-league-live

‘Just getting started’: how San Diego smashed the NWSL attendance record

More than 32,000 fans watched the first-year San Diego Wave defeat Angel City FC on Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium. There’s reason to believe the best may be yet to come The San Diego Wave broke in Snapdragon Stadium by setting a National Women’s Soccer League attendance record on Saturday night as more than 32,000 fans watched a 1-0 win over fellow expansion side Angel City. The record-breaking crowd is part of a trend in 2022 after Barcelona twice broke the worldwide mark for a women’s match this year, most recently with a 91,648 strong crowd in April. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/18/san-diego-wave-angel-city-fc-attendance-record

Should Nottingham Forest have been more loyal to players after promotion?

Replacing players who helped them return to the Premier League looks harsh but there were reasons behind the churn By Richard Foster for The Football Mine For the inaugural Premier League season, in 1992-93, Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough only spent money on two new players. They paid £800,000 to bring Neil Webb back from Manchester United and gave Coventry City about half that for Robert Rosario, bringing their total spend to £1.2m. Thirty years on and Forest have broken the Premier League record for the number of signings in a window, bringing in 22 players for £146m this summer . Forest fans had waited 23 years to return to the top flight and their joy was unconfined when they sealed promotion by beating Huddersfield Town in the Championship playoffs final. The victory parade in the city’s Old Market Square attracted thousands of supporters as the players joined manager Steve Cooper and owner Evangelos Marinakis on the balcony of the council offices the day after their t

Maya Le Tissier heads Manchester United to easy WSL win over Reading

It took new recruit Maya Le Tissier only four minutes to make her mark in a Manchester United shirt, scoring the first of two goals that would help her side to a 4-0 win over Reading. Le Tissier – no relation of Matt, although they both come from Guernsey – made a formidable debut after joining United from Brighton in the summer. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/17/manchester-united-reading-womens-super-league-match-report

Arsenal's Mikel Arteta surprised by Ben White England omission – video

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that he is surprised by  Gareth Southgate’s decision to omit Ben White from the latest England squad. 'I think if you have a versatile player who can play at the level Ben can as both a central defender and full-back, in my opinion, that’s something any manager would want, especially when you go to a tournament,' he said. Arteta also said he would 'love' to see former manager Arsène Wenger pay a visit back to the club and paid his tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2022/sep/17/arsenals-mikel-arteta-surprised-by-ben-white-england-omission-video

Wolves v Manchester City: Premier League – live

Premier League updates from the 12.30pm BST kick-off Get in touch! Email Barry or tweet @bglendenning Wolves: Jose Sa, Jonny, Collins, Kilman, Ait Nouri, Matheus Luiz, Neves, Joao Moutinho, Pedro Neto, Goncalo Guedes, Daniel Podence. Subs: Boubacar Traore, Hwang, Sarkic, Mosquera, Nelson Semedo, Gomes, Ronan, Bueno, Campbell. Referee: Anthony Taylor. Assistants: Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn. Fourth official: Tony Harrington. VAR: Darren England. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2022/sep/17/wolves-manchester-city-premier-league-live-score-updates

Manchester United v Reading: Women’s Super League – live

WSL updates from the 12pm BST kick-off in Leigh Arsenal make perfect start as Mead punishes Brighton Get in touch! Email David or tweet @DaveTindallGolf Some pre-match reading . More from Jonathan Liew. The new WSL season kicked off last night . A strong start from Arsenal and Jonathan Liew was there to see it. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2022/sep/17/manchester-united-reading-womens-super-league-live-wsl-score-updates

Cold comfort: get ready to shiver watching a World Cup you helped to pay for | Barney Ronay

From the Premier League to the Qatar World Cup, football is inextricably linked to the oil industry with implications for all Shortly after midday on 22 November 1963 Aldous Huxley, novelist turned consciousness-expander, was lying in bed dying. And not just dying, but dying on acid. As his wife prepped his final dose of LSD she heard on the radio that something else had happened. John F Kennedy had been shot. This presented a dilemma. Did Huxley really need to be told, that, by the way Aldous, I know you’re dying on acid right now, but one of the most mind-blowing events of the 20th century has also just happened? In the event, Huxley was allowed to drift off, swaddled in his private ecstasies, undisturbed by half-grasped visions of grassy knolls or the Dallas police. And the reason for mentioning this here is that this image has sprung to mind a lot in recent weeks while being entertained and distracted by professional sport; and at the same time half-following the endless scroll o

Train drivers set to resume strikes in October

Drivers from 12 train companies are expected to walk out on two days in the long-running row over pay.

Germany takes control of three Rosneft oil refineries

The country takes temporary control of Rosneft subsidiaries in a move to bolster energy security.

WSL kicks off, Premier League resumes and more: football countdown – live

The big WSL kick-off plus seven Premier League games Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend Toppling Chelsea from their WSL perch will be tough Get in touch! Email Stuart or tweet him with your thoughts News to catch up on from late last night … manager-less Bournemouth are being eyed by a Las Vegas-led consortium. Intriguingly, if it was successful with a takeover, that would mean more than half of Premier League clubs had minority or majority US shareholders. Current owner Maxim Demin might have a decision to make with a £150m offer on the table. Having pulled its opening weekend in the wake of the Queen’s death, the Women’s Super League kicks off tonight with last season’s just-pipped, Arsenal, hosting Hope Powell’s Brighton. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2022/sep/16/wsl-kicks-off-premier-league-resumes-and-more-football-countdown-live

French air traffic control strikes affect thousands of passengers

Hundreds of flights are cancelled on Friday, affecting tens of thousands of passengers.

World Bank: Global rate hikes could trigger 2023 recession

The warning comes ahead of monetary policy meetings by the US Federal Reserve and Bank of England.

Michael Jordan's 'Last Dance' jersey fetches record $10.1m

It was reminiscent of a season where Jordan won his sixth and final NBA title with the Chicago Bulls.

‘A big step’: Jackie Groenen leaves Manchester United to join PSG

Netherlands midfielder had year left on United contract Groenen says she is excited to play in Champions League The Netherlands midfielder Jackie Groenen has left Manchester United to join Paris Saint-Germain on a three-year contract. Groenen signed for United in 2019 from FFC Frankfurt and had one year left on her deal. “I’ve had such a great time representing this wonderful football club,” Groenen told United’s website . “I’d like to thank the Manchester United staff, players and fans for believing in me.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/15/jackie-groenen-leaves-manchester-united-to-join-psg

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend

Key forwards return, pressure mounts on Brendan Rodgers and Eddie Howe takes on old club Bournemouth The Premier League should not have postponed last weekend’s fixtures. If people are working, it is wrong to confiscate their recreation, and that’s before we consider fans who’d taken time off or paid for transport in order to watch their team. Moreover, there are families relying on football-related income to pay bills and eat food who had their right to earn removed without warning, while cricket, rugby union and – among others – polo had the self-confidence to continue. Football is called the people’s game because it was started for the people by the people – people who sought a bit of weekend fun to escape the drudgery of regular life and forget their place in the order of things, just for a few hours. The suits who’ve expropriated it since would do well to remember that. Daniel Harris Nottingham Forest v Fulham, Friday 8pm (all times BST) Aston Villa v Southampton, Friday 8pm C

Shell chief Ben van Beurden to step down at end of year

Ben van Beurden will leave the oil giant at the end of 2022 after nine years at the helm.

South Korea 'cryptocrash' boss faces arrest warrant

Do Kwon is behind the Terra Luna and TerraUSD cryptocurrencies that plunged in value in May.

Paul Pogba’s brother Mathias reportedly in police custody amid extortion claims

32-year-old is being questioned by police, sources claim France player has alleged he is target of extortion threats Mathias Pogba, the older brother of the France and Juventus footballer Paul Pogba, is reportedly being temporarily detained and questioned by police after the Juventus midfielder said he was the target of extortion attempts and threats. “Mathias Pogba presented himself to the investigators in the early afternoon and was taken into custody,” a source close to the investigation said on Wednesday. Three other people are also in custody, added a legal source who asked not to be named. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/14/paul-pogbas-brother-mathias-reportedly-in-police-custody-amid-extortion-claims

Patagonia: Billionaire boss of fashion retailer gives company away

Yvon Chouinard will give all of the fashion company's profits to a charity fighting climate change.

Haaland’s winner against Dortmund reminiscent of Cruyff, says Guardiola

Manager compares goal to Cruyff strike against Atlético Madrid Guardiola: ‘It was quite similar. The finishing was exceptional’ Pep Guardiola said Erling Haaland’s acrobatic winner against Borussia Dortmund evoked memories of the late, great Johan Cruyff as the Manchester City striker continued his phenomenal goalscoring form for his new club. Haaland scored his 13th goal in only nine appearances for City as they overturned Jude Bellingham’s opener to record a late victory over the striker’s former club at the Etihad Stadium. John Stones equalised with a stunning strike from distance before the Norway international launched himself at an exquisite João Cancelo cross to seal victory in the 84th minute. For Cruyff disciple Guardiola, the goal was comparable to one scored by the Dutch master. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/14/erling-haaland-winner-manchester-city-borussia-dortmund-reminiscent-johan-cruyff-pep-guardiol

Championship: Hogan hits hat-trick as Birmingham add to West Brom woes

Birmingham win 3-2 at Hawthorns, Reading 0-3 Sunderland Norwich edge Bristol City, Rotherham continue strong start Scott Hogan’s hat-trick earned a 3-2 victory for Birmingham – their first at the Hawthorns since 2005 – as West Brom ’s poor start to the season continued. The visitors made a lively start and went ahead in the 14th minute, Hogan finishing low across goalkeeper David Button from Juninho Bacuna’s through ball. Jed Wallace levelled nine minutes later, calmly slotted through John Ruddy’s legs from Jayson Molumby’s pass as the teams went in level. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/14/championship-roundup-west-brom-birmingham-norwich-bristol-city

Champions League: Benfica fight back to leave Juventus at risk of early exit

Juventus 1-2 Benfica, PSG comeback denies Maccabi Haifa Real Madrid see off Leipzig, Giroud leads Milan victory Benfica fought back to secure a 2-1 win at Juventus, with goals from João Mário and David Neres maintaining their perfect start in Group H and leaving their hosts without a point from their first two Champions League games. Juventus took a fourth-minute lead when Arkadiusz Milik climbed highest inside the box to head the ball into the bottom-left corner from Leandro Paredes’ free kick. The Italian side dominated much of the first half, but Mário levelled just before the break from the penalty spot after Fabio Miretti was penalised for fouling Gonçalo Ramos. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/15/champions-league-roundup-juventus-benfica-psg-real-madrid-milan

Guardiola has found his most interesting Manchester City yet thanks to Haaland | Jonathan Liew

The Norwegian’s influence sometimes looked lacking against Dortmund but his patience again proved devastating Erling Haaland poses the professional writer a problem. Most of the time, he doesn’t do very much. He jogs towards the ball. He jogs away from the ball. He prowls and waits. He had a grand total of 26 touches, which is quite a lot by his standards, but still comfortably fewer than both goalkeepers. And so discussing Haaland’s influence becomes something of an unsatisfying binary, pivoting around a single volatile question: did he score or not? If he did, his contribution is likely to have been decisive. If not, then you’ve spent 90 minutes watching a tall blond man look at things. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2022/sep/14/guardiola-has-found-his-most-interesting-manchester-city-yet-thanks-to-haaland

Graham Potter makes low-key start but is symbol of new Chelsea culture | Barney Ronay

Manager did not attempt to steal the show unlike the club owner Todd Boehly and his announcements this week Welcome, then, Mr blue sky. As grand entrances go, in the long storied history of seizing the stage … well, this wasn’t really either of those. Instead Graham Potter’s first appearance as Chelsea manager was very much a reflection of the Graham Potter persona, the Graham Potter energy, the Graham Potter process. Chelsea took a point at home to RB Salzburg and were solid, room temperature, mildly encouraging in their energy levels. But really of course, this was about an entrance. Did we get one? Kind of. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/14/graham-potter-makes-low-key-start-but-is-clear-symbol-of-new-chelsea-culture

Live at Leeds: how Jesse Marsch brought New York grit to the Premier League fight

Marsch is applying the same theories of togetherness and holism that he refined with New York Red Bulls while busting preconceptions about American managers abroad Pre-season, 2016. New York Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch has arranged a training camp in Tucson, Arizona, for both his own squad and the club’s second team. Rather than separate the two groups and focus his attention of the first-teamers, Marsch brings everyone together, delivering a training session for 45 players of varied ages and experience levels. On the sideline, Marsch pauses mid-session. Wearing a contented smile, he turns to a colleague. “This,” he says, “I love.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/14/jesse-marsch-mls-leeds-new-york-red-bulls

Dortmund’s Marco Reus: ‘How do you stop Erling Haaland? Good question’

Before Manchester City trip the captain discusses turning down chances to leave his dream club and how far Bellingham can go He is Borussia Dortmund’s longest-serving player, having returned to the club of his youth from Borussia Mönchengladbach a decade ago. In that time he has scored more than 150 goals – putting him on the verge of becoming BVB’s leading scorer of the Bundesliga era – and he has captained the club since 2018. He is in fine form going into Wednesday’s Champions League group-stage showdown with Manchester City at the Etihad, too, having scored three times this season. Yet Marco Reus is reluctant to be seen as some kind of figurehead for Dortmund, an emblem of the club he grew up supporting. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/14/borussia-dortmund-marco-reus-erling-haaland-manchester-city-champions-league

Which footballers have played alongside both father and son? | The Knowledge

Plus: who was the first manager to have a surname-ball philosophy; late fightbacks to win from 2-0 down; and more Mail us your questions or tweet @TheKnowledge_GU “When Bobby Clark came on for Liverpool against Bournemouth it meant that James Milner has played alongside a father (Lee Clark at Newcastle) and son (Bobby). How many other players have played alongside a parent and child in their career?” asks Gregg Bakowski. “ I’m guessing some Iceland players will get the ball rolling .” James Milner has been playing Premier League football for almost 20 years , so it’s no surprise that he ended up on the list. And it’s an exceedingly long one, so let’s crack on. “I’m sure there are many, many other players who lined up alongside both Ian Wright and Shaun Wright-Phillips,” writes Tim Postins, “but I’m fairly busy today so I stopped after thinking of Eyal Berkovic, who was at West Ham [and Celtic] with Wright Sr in the late 90s and then Wright-Phillips at Manchester City from 2001-0

Lowry’s Going to the Match expected to fetch £8m at auction

Painting done in 1953 of crowds outside Burnden Park being sold to raise money for footballers’ charitable foundation They stream towards the turnstiles, stick-like figures instantly familiar to anyone who has looked at a painting by LS Lowry. In the foreground, their coats and hats are distinct. In the background, beneath the tall chimneys of a long-gone heavy industry, the people are a blur. But all of them have a common purpose: going to the match. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/14/lowrys-going-to-the-match-expected-to-fetch-8m-at-auction

Foxconn and Vedanta to build $19bn India chip factory

This is the third semiconductor plant announced in India, which is aiming to be a global chipmaker.

Klopp praises Liverpool’s bravery but warns beating Ajax only ‘the first step’

‘Nobody gets carried away tonight,’ says manager Klopp unimpressed with Boehly’s idea for All-Star game Jürgen Klopp praised Liverpool’s show of character against Ajax but admitted the late victory was only “the first step” towards reigniting their Champions League campaign. The Liverpool manager claimed his team’s performance was unrecognisable from the woeful defeat against Napoli last week, although they needed an 89th-minute header from Joël Matip to eventually overcome the Dutch champions at Anfield. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/13/klopp-liverpool-bravery-ajax-first-step-champions-league-boehly

Queen's favourite brands hope to keep Royal Warrants

When Queen Elizabeth II passed away, more than 600 Royal Warrants passed with her.

David Squires on … football’s response to the Queen’s death

Our cartoonist looks at how the game has been affected by Queen Elizabeth II’s passing and a nation’s mourning Like what we do? Consider supporting our journalism Buy a copy of a Squires cartoon in our print store Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2022/sep/13/david-squires-on-football-response-to-the-queen-death

Queen Elizabeth II: A life in Land Rovers

The iconic cars were "part of the royal family's DNA" according to motoring journalist Quentin Willson.

Aldi becomes Britain’s fourth largest supermarket

The discount chain overtakes Morrisons, a research firm says, as shoppers become more cost-conscious.

David Dein: ‘We had something special at Arsenal. When it fell away, that really hurt’

Former Gunners chairman enjoyed unforgettable highs at the club but opens up on the lows and his fears for football’s future The pen sits in his jacket. It goes everywhere he does. At night, while he sleeps, it rests on the bedside table alongside him. David Dein has been in business for more than half a century, and one of his earliest lessons was that it helps if you have a story to tell. And so now he holds it up to the camera: the Mont Blanc pen with which he signed Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Sol Campbell and many more. Not that Dein needs a memento to remind him of the good times. At the age of 79, the memory is as sharp as ever: an Arsenal fan who became its owner, its saviour and later its martyr. The highlights of his career are also some of Arsenal’s: the league title in 1989, the Invincibles of 2004, the signing of a little-known French coach called Arsène Wenger. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/13/david

Rob Page signs new four-year contract and targets more success with Wales

Deal means Page will be in charge until after 2026 World Cup Page replaced Ryan Giggs who stepped down in June Rob Page has signed a new four-year contract with Wales that will take in Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup campaign as well as this year’s finals in Qatar. Page has enjoyed unprecedented success in charge of his country, reaching the last of 16 of Euro 2020 and making history by leading Wales to a World Cup for the first time in 64 years. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/13/rob-page-signs-new-four-year-contract-and-targets-more-success-with-wales

Mourners set to create 'unprecedented' demand for travel to London

Transport bosses say they expect "unprecedented" numbers on railways and roads to London.

Postponements, Potter and delving into the mailbag – Football Weekly

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning , Ed Aarons and Jonathan Wilson to answer listener questions in a special edition of the show Rate, review, share on Apple Podcasts , Soundcloud , Audioboom , Mixcloud , Acast and Stitcher , and join the conversation on Facebook , Twitter and email . Today: with games across the United Kingdom postponed over the weekend, the panel ponder whether this was the right course of action and how the various football bodies should proceed with fixtures this week. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/audio/2022/sep/12/postponements-potter-and-delving-into-the-mailbag-football-weekly

Discounts for cutting peak-time electricity use too low, energy firms say

Two UK energy firms say a plan to offer discounts on bills could fail if people are not offered more.

EFL returns amid growing expectation of weekend football cancellations

Most games on would be success for EFL with police stretched Premier League working to play matches where possible The Football League has confirmed that it will play its midweek fixtures but there are growing concerns that a significant part of the weekend’s programme could yet be postponed because of the Queen’s funeral. Officers from across the country are expected to be drafted into London over the coming days and for the ceremony itself, stretching resources in the capital and in other major cities. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/12/football-fixtures-cancellations-efl-returns-premier-league-queen-funeral-police

Shamrock Rovers condemn ‘callous’ chants from fans about Queen’s death

Chants occurred at Dublin club’s stadium on Thursday TalkSport suspends Trevor Sinclair pending tweet inquiry Shamrock Rovers have condemned their fans who engaged in “highly insensitive and callous” chants on Thursday night celebrating the death of the Queen. The singing occurred during the Dublin club’s Europa Conference League game at home to the Swedish club Djurgården, which finished goalless. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/09/shamrock-rovers-condemn-fans-for-chants-about-queen

Tom Scholar: Former top civil servants hit out at Treasury boss sacking

Sir Tom Scholar's sacking compromises the civil service's independence, a former cabinet secretary says.

UK economy grows in July but misses forecasts

The Women's Euro Championship helped boost growth though expansion was weaker than expected.

European roundup: Real Madrid come from behind as Union Berlin go top

Real come from behind to beat Mallorca 4-1 Atalanta miss chance to go top of Serie A Real Madrid came from behind to beat Mallorca 4-1 at the Bernabéu in La Liga on Sunday and continue their perfect start to the season. A solo effort from Federico Valverde on the stroke of half-time levelled the scores after Vedat Muqiri had stunned the home crowd by nodding the visitors ahead. Vinícius Jr put the hosts in front before Rodrygo and Antonio Rüdiger completed the rout. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/11/european-roundup-rudiger-real-madrid-barcelona-atalanta-juventus

Rangers v Napoli rescheduled after Queen’s death ‘limits police resources’

Tuesday’s Champions League match moved to Wednesday Away fans not permitted in Glasgow or Naples ‘for fairness’ Rangers’ Champions League tie with Napoli has been rescheduled for Wednesday 14 September, Uefa has announced. The tie has been moved back 24 hours due to “severe limitations on police resources and organisational issues” following the Queen’s death. Away fans will not be permitted for both the game in Glasgow or the return match in Naples “as a matter of sporting fairness”. “Uefa today announced that the Champions League tie between Rangers and Napoli, originally to be played on Tuesday 13 September, has been rescheduled for Wednesday 14 September. This is due to the severe limitations on police resources and organisational issues related to the ongoing events surrounding the national mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/11/rangers-v-napoli-champions-league-reschedu

Queen Elizabeth II: Trains to London likely to be 'extremely busy'

Train travel in the mourning period for the Queen is likely to be "extremely busy", the rail operator warns.

Graham Potter asks Brighton fans for forgiveness after leaving for Chelsea

Manager pens open letter after new five-year deal in London ‘At this stage in my career, I had to grasp a new opportunity’ Graham Potter has asked Brighton fans to forgive him for leaving the club to become Chelsea’s new manager. Potter, 47, signed a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge on Thursday to succeed Thomas Tuchel, who was sacked earlier in the week. In an open letter written on Thursday and published on Brighton’s website on Sunday, Potter said he would cherish “three wonderful years” at Brighton but accepted some fans would not be able to forgive him. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/11/graham-potter-asks-brighton-fans-for-forgiveness-after-leaving-for-chelsea

Referee pay strike in Spain halts start of professional women’s league

Football referees want payment akin to La Liga officials League notified of strike but will ‘not accept blackmail’ The opening round of Spain’s new professional women’s football league was called off on Saturday after female referees called a strike, demanding professional status and payment in line with the men’s La Liga. Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid were among the teams set to feature on Saturday in the first season of a fully professional women’s league in Spain after its players had campaigned for years for better working conditions and pay. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/11/referee-pay-strike-in-spain-halts-start-of-professional-womens-league

Stuart Lawrence: ‘Stephen would be in awe of how the tournament has grown’

After football united at a tournament to honour Stephen Lawrence, his brother discusses its value and his enduring pain Stuart Lawrence is addressing his audience on the spectacular playing fields of Danes Hill School in Surrey, one comprised mainly of young football prospects and their parents, and he finds himself reaching for a famous old line. “It was Albert Einstein who said that the true measure of intelligence lay in the power of the imagination,” he says. “So keep on hoping and dreaming.” For Stuart, it had started with an idea. How could he link football – the sport that so obsesses him – to the legacy of his brother, Stephen Lawrence, whose racist knife murder in 1993 and the bungled police investigation have been among the great sadnesses of our times? Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/11/stuart-lawrence-stephen-lawrence-tournament-football

European football: Bayern held by Stuttgart, Dortmund lose at Leipzig

Bayern Munich 2-2 VfB Stuttgart; RB Leipzig 3-0 Dortmund Bayern top despite third draw in a row after Guirassy equaliser Bayern Munich conceded a stoppage-time equaliser scored by the VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy from the penalty spot, as the champions endured a third consecutive Bundesliga draw. The game started well for Bayern, with Mathys Tel scoring their opener in the 36th minute. The France youth international Tel, who at the age of 17 years and 136 days became the youngest player to start a league game for Bayern, had already scored in the German Cup first round. He scored his first league goal by drilling in a low drive from an Alphonso Davies cutback. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/10/european-roundup-bundesliga-bayern-munich-vfb-stuttgart-borussia-dortmund-rb-leipzig

Richarlison’s first Tottenham goals punish Marseille for Mbemba’s red card

There was the obligatory pre-match footage of Lucas Moura’s winner at Ajax and then the declaration on the big screen at Tottenham’s magnificent stadium, one that is built to stage these kind of Champions League nights. “We’re back.” For so long, it appeared that the grand return after a two-season absence would fall flat, even when Marseille were reduced to ten men in the 47th minute following Chancel Mbemba’s last-man foul on Son Heung-min. It was a dreadful misjudgment by the former Newcastle centre-half. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/07/tottenham-marseille-champions-league-group-d-match-report

‘He just won’t waver’: what Chelsea can expect from Graham Potter

His former players recall how the manager cut his teeth at Östersund and Swansea, before rising to further prominence “Which way do you want to die?” That was the question Graham Potter posed his players in the pre-match meeting before his Swansea side tackled Manchester City in the FA Cup three years ago. “It was: ‘They can either beat you with you laying on your back, tickling your belly, or they can beat you if you give it a right good go,” says Matt Grimes, a fixture under Potter during his sole season in charge of Swansea and now captain of the club. “Because if you sit in a 10-man block, they’ll break you down and beat you anyway, so you might as well make a fist of it while you’re doing it. That’s how he sold it, we were all on the same page and in the end we ran them really close.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/10/id-totally-lost-my-love-of-football-graham-potter-brought-it-back

Berlin says ‘nein’ to World Cup fan zone and calls off Germany’s street party

Organising company blames Covid uncertainty for decision ‘Fan mile’ attracted hundreds of thousands of supporters Fifa’s decision to hold the World Cup in Qatar during a northern hemisphere winter means thousands of Germany supporters will have to do without their traditional huge “fan mile” viewing party at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate. Berlin’s local environment authority told news agency DPA on Saturday that it was unlikely to approve the special exemptions needed to hold such an event, while the chief executive of the organising company said it would not be feasible this year. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/10/berlin-says-nein-to-world-cup-fan-zone-and-calls-off-germany-street-party

Barcelona’s spending cap raised by €800m after sale of club assets

La Liga brings limit to €656m for the 2022-23 season Tebas warns club need to reduce outgoings further La Liga has raised Barcelona’s spending limit by €800m (£700m), bringing it out of a spending deficit after the Catalan side sold off chunks of assets to patch up its finances , the Spanish league said. Barcelona were given a cap of €96m last year, which was slashed by January to minus €144m – meaning the team had to find savings elsewhere to sign new players – after they ran up debts and future liabilities of €1.35bn, with €673m owed to banks. As a result of their financial turnaround, the league said on Friday it has given Barcelona a cap of €656m for the 2022-23 season. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/10/barcelonas-spending-cap-raised-by-800m-euros-after-sale-of-club-assets

Pjanic and Dzeko lead backlash over planned Bosnia friendly with Russia

Bosnia FA confirms fixture on 19 November in St Petersburg Dzeko rules himself out of game according to Bosnian media The Bosnia and Herzegovina men’s national football side are set to play a friendly against Russia in November, sparking fierce criticism from two of the nation’s most high-profile players, Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic. The game is scheduled to take place in St Petersburg on 19 November, the day before the 2022 World Cup is scheduled to start in Qatar. The Bosnia Football Association announced the fixture on its official website on Friday, but Pjanic, one of the Balkan nation’s best-known players, was quick to make his feelings known. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/09/miralem-pjanic-criticism-bosnia-friendly-with-russia

Women’s Super League 2022-23 previews No 11: Tottenham

Manager Rehanne Skinner has brought clarity and organisation – and, after a solid transfer window, they could break into the top three It is testament to the impact of Tottenham’s manager, Rehanne Skinner, that last season’s fifth place looks disappointing. They finished with 12 points more than the preceding season but the promise shown early on ramped up expectations. The team won their first four games, then followed a defeat by Brighton with draws against Manchester United and Arsenal, in the process ending their north London rivals’ winning start. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/sep/09/womens-super-league-2022-23-previews-no-11-tottenham