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Showing posts from April, 2023

Fulham v Manchester City: Premier League – live

Premier League updates from the 2pm BST kick-off Live scoreboard | Email Daniel or drop him a tweet I was wondering when I’d get my first bit of Arsenal related correspondence and Rick Harris , in an email titled ‘Ha ha ha ha Haaland’ duly delivers: “Hi Daniel, I think it is fair to say that Arsenal have done a Newcastle 1996 and all we really needed before their 4-1 thrashing at the hands of the current and likely continuing PL champions was Arteta to lose his rag and splutter ‘I will love it if we beat them’. I really can’t see Fulham having the ability, desire or sheer bloody mindedness to thwart City today and Haaland will undoubtedly score goal 50 of a truly incredible season.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2023/apr/30/fulham-v-manchester-city-premier-league-live-score-updates

Rangers v Celtic: Scottish Cup semi-final – live

Scottish Cup semi-final updates from the 1.30pm BST kick-off Live scoreboard | And you can mail John or ping him a tweet Allan McGregor, playing in his 250th Old Firm game (probably) affects a cool disinterest: “Just another game, obviously it’s a big game, but you have to prepare like it’s just another game.” Ewan Murray runs the rule over the usual suspects. Beale is not without error. He made rookie mistakes during the League Cup final defeat by Celtic. Nonetheless, he has rapidly discovered that Rangers can look fluent against dross in the Scottish Premiership without being at all convincing when stakes are raised. He is worthy of an opportunity to alter that, including by pressing home knowledge of the club he is so keen to stress he garnered as a coach under Steven Gerrard. Beating Celtic on Sunday would deliver a morale boost but in bigger-picture terms Rangers need to rejuvenate themselves as an efficient and effective club. Neither presently applies. Continue reading

First Republic makes last ditch bid to find rescue deal

Regulators are racing to find a buyer for First Republic after the recent collapse of two US banks.

Rail strikes cynically targeting Eurovision, transport minister says

Transport Secretary Mark Harper says a "fair and reasonable pay offer" has been made to rail workers.

Sydney FC romp to A-League Women title with grand final win over Western United

Madison Haley scores twice as Sky Blues claim fourth championship Captain Natalie Tobin and Princess Ibini also on scoresheet Not even 20 minutes were on the clock in Sunday’s title decider, but the contest already had the makings of a Sydney FC procession. Twice within the opening stages, Mackenzie Hawkesby delivered pinpoint corners onto the head of Madison Haley, and twice the American striker made telling contributions; first to send a bullet header into the back of the Western United net and then to keep the ball alive for Natalie Tobin to nod home. After being forced to wait 179 minutes for their first goal of the finals series, the 2023 A-League Women premiers were cruising, and thoughts of an anxious wait for another breakthrough washed off them in waves. Any hopes United had of dragging their opponents into a war of attrition and eking out a win with sheer grit and bloody-mindedness were gone. The game was now to be played on Sky Blue terms. Continue reading... from Fo

Western United v Sydney FC: A-League Women 2023 grand final – live

Updates from the season finale at CommBank Stadium Any thoughts? Email or tweet @JPHowcroft Jessica McDonald, who brought out the A-League trophy for WUFC, is in the middle of an energised pre-match huddle, revving up her former teammates. The two sides are making their way out onto the Commbank Stadium turf, Western United in green and black stripes, black shorts and socks; Sydney FC in sky blue jerseys and socks, offset by navy shorts. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2023/apr/30/a-league-women-grand-final-2023-western-united-vs-sydney-fc-live-scores-football-game-kickoff-time-today-team-news

Championship roundup: Wigan relegated by stoppage-time equaliser

Méïté’s late goal for Reading sends Wigan down Coventry move back to fifth; QPR secure survival A dramatic late equaliser condemned Wigan to relegation from the Championship, with the 1-1 draw at relegation rivals Reading sealing their fate. The visitors had given themselves a glimmer of hope of avoiding the drop when defender Charlie Hughes headed home from close range nine minutes from the end. But Reading - still favourites to accompany Wigan and Blackpool into League One - levelled in the third minute of stoppage time through Yakou Méïté. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/29/championship-roundup-wigan-relegated-by-stoppage-time-equaliser

Zaha and Eze edge Crystal Palace to win over West Ham in seven-goal thriller

The two oldest managers in the division, though Roy Hodgson has 15 years on David Moyes. And a day to suggest futuristic is not always best. Before what proved a thrilling London derby could begin, thousands of fans found themselves locked out of the Selhurst colosseum until a glitch in the club’s computerised ticket system could be rectified. Two greybeard pragmatists meeting for the last time? If so, they signed off in style, having begun the day sharing convivial, back-slapping pre-match duties. While Hodgson is contracted only until May is out and beginning to look rather demob happy, Moyes takes unkindly to suggestions his Hammers race is run. There has been an added fieriness to him of late. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/29/crystal-palace-west-ham-premier-league-match-report

Jeff Stelling to leave Sky Sports Soccer Saturday after more than 25 years

68-year-old presenter to step down at the end of season ‘It is now the right time to move on. It’s been a lot of fun’ Jeff Stelling has confirmed he will leave Soccer Saturday at the end of the season after more than 25 years presenting the show. It is not the first time the 68-year-old has announced he would stepping down but Stelling has promised he will not change his mind on this occasion. Stelling previously claimed he would leave Sky Sports at the end of last season but decided to stay on for another year. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/29/jeff-stelling-to-leave-sky-sports-soccer-saturday-after-more-than-25-years

Billy Mckay double downs Falkirk to send Inverness into Scottish Cup final

The veteran striker Billy Mckay scored twice as Inverness set up a Scottish Cup final against one of the Old Firm sides with victory over Falkirk at Hampden Park. The Championship side emerged triumphant when the two clubs met in the 2015 final and again proved too strong for their League One opponents. Mckay scored from the spot after seven minutes when VAR intervened to flag up a Leon McCann handball before Daniel MacKay headed in a second after 34 minutes to give the Highlanders the interval lead. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/29/falkirk-inverness-scottish-cup-semi-final-match-report

Crystal Palace v West Ham: Premier League – live

Premier League updates from the 12.30pm BST kick-off Share your thoughts with Barry via email or on Twitter David Moyes: “ I thought Roy was mad when he came back in but he has an incredible passion for the game,” said the West Ham manager ahead of today’s game. “I can understand why people want to work with him because he is such a talented coach. I hope we can win the game but I have to say Roy has done a fantastic job. We are in a position that we would rather not be and we have to keep picking up points. Our aim is to get as high up the table as we possibly can.” Roy Hodgson: “We expect the same sort of tactical challenge you expect from most teams in the Premier League,” said the Crystal Palace manager during yesterday’s pre-match presser. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2023/apr/29/crystal-palace-v-west-ham-premier-league-live-score-updates

Southampton on the brink after Marcus Tavernier fires Bournemouth to victory

The big screens intermittently advertising tickets for Southampton’s season finale appeared wishful thinking. Southampton remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League after a feeble defeat at home to Bournemouth extended their winless run to eight matches. Was this the night Southampton finally ran out of lives? Mathematically they are still in with a shout but with five games to play they are six points from safety. The boos at the final whistle suggested supporters are resigned to their fate. At this rate, Southampton will be relegated to the Championship long before they host Liverpool on the final day of a miserable campaign. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/27/southampton-bournemouth-premier-league-match-report

When Rangers beat Celtic with 10 men to end their curse in the Scottish Cup

Rangers were league champions in 1992 but the cup proved elusive – until a Chinese restauranteur and a group of ball boys spurred them on to beat Celtic on a wet night at Hampden Although it ended in a league and cup double, Walter Smith’s first full season as Rangers manager was far from a procession. After grabbing the title in a final-day shootout with Aberdeen in May 1991 – less than four weeks after the dramatic departure of Graeme Souness to Liverpool – Smith had to rebuild quickly. With five players in and five out, it was the busiest summer of the club’s nine successive titles in that era. Because of Uefa’s imposed maximum of four foreign players, Smith had very little choice. The most significant change was in goal, where he replaced the much-loved Chris Woods with Andy Goram. By October, it looked like a bad joke and one made on national television, no less. “Which Scottish football internationalist,” asked A Question of Sport host David Coleman, “took two wickets in the Na

'We were not ready': Ten Hag criticises Manchester United players after Tottenham draw– video

Erik ten Hag efused to use tiredness as an excuse after Manchester United squandered a commanding position during their 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur . 'Our players are in demand to be ready. Today we are not ready. Some thought 90% is enough. But we lose focus,' he said. 'I know they are not robots and it is a tough schedule. But when you are playing for Man United and playing away, you have to give [everything].' Erik ten Hag fumes after Manchester United ‘lose control’ to slip up at Spurs Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2023/apr/28/we-were-not-ready-ten-hag-criticises-manchester-united-players-after-tottenham-draw-video

Rents hit fresh high as lack of homes available continues

Despite some signs of more properties coming on to the market, asking rents are still rising, Rightmove says.

Erik ten Hag fumes after Manchester United ‘lose control’ to slip up at Spurs

United let 2-0 half-time lead slip to end up with a point Tiredness ‘cannot be an excuse’ says United manager Erik ten Hag accused some of his players of failing to give 100% and refused to use tiredness as an excuse after Manchester United squandered a commanding position during their 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur last night. United had threatened to increase the pressure on the Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy, during a one-sided first half at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and looked on course to claim a vital win in the race for the top four after taking a 2-0 lead through goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/27/erik-ten-hag-fumes-after-manchester-united-lose-control-to-slip-up-at-spurs

HMV's flagship Oxford Street store to reopen

The music retailer is to move back into 363 Oxford Street after a "dramatic" return to profit.

Sri Lanka crisis: Central bank lays out extent of economic problems

The central bank's annual report highlighted the "unprecedented" increases in food and fuel prices.

Government tells UK grassroots coaches concussed players must sit out 21 days

New guidelines also advise 14-day wait for training return Coaches and teachers told: ‘When in doubt, sit them out’ Anyone who suffers a concussion should not play a contact sport for at least 21 days, the first-ever government concussion guidance for grassroots sport across the UK has warned. Coaches, teachers and referees are also urged to immediately remove anyone with a suspected concussion from the field of play, under the slogan “When in doubt, sit them out”, and to get players assessed by a healthcare professional. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/28/government-tells-uk-grassroots-coaches-concussed-players-must-sit-out-21-days

Against all odds, Son Heung-min gives chaotic Spurs a flicker of hope | Jonathan Liew

Club still a shambles with no manager nor sense of direction, but a battling draw with United restored some pride And perhaps this, too, was the history of Tottenham. As Son Heung-min stole in at the far post to tap in Harry Kane’s cross and complete the unlikeliest of comebacks , it was possible to sense the collective exhalation, not so much a euphoria as a relief. Perhaps, despite all outward appearances, this cause is not quite as unsalvageable as it seems. Perhaps, despite everything, there remains something here worth saving. It was somehow fitting, too, that it should be Son to provide Tottenham with their life raft. More than anyone it is Son who has managed to encapsulate the sheer dolour of being Spurs this season : their mood ring, their doleful minor-key soundtrack. When Son is sad, it feels inconceivable that anybody else could possibly be happy. And so in his fitful return to form in recent weeks – six goals in nine games for club and country – there is perhaps an augur

How Aaron Wan-Bissaka became the best one-on-one defender in the world | Michael Butler

Manchester United right-back’s upturn in form is down to boosting his confidence and focusing on the silky stuff After watching Aaron Wan-Bissaka pocket Kaoru Mitoma in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Brighton, Leicester’s James Maddison took to Twitter. “AWB is ridiculously good at 1 v 1 defending,” he wrote. “Probably the best in the world bar none. So many wingers run out of ideas when playing directly against him.” Mitoma has been a breakout star this season, propelling Brighton towards European qualification. It is fair to say he is currently one of the most exciting wingers in world football, and even wrote a university thesis on dribbling, using cameras to analyse his teammates and how one might gain an advantage. But at Wembley the Japanese lost all six duels with Wan-Bissaka and lost possession 17 times before being substituted. When asked about the United right-back after the game, Mitoma said: “He is a strong opponent, that is what I thought while

Gambling white paper: Government to unveil shake-up of laws

Culture secretary Lucy Frazer will lay out new restrictions from the government on gambling.

England’s Lucy Bronze faces spell on sidelines following knee surgery

Bronze out of Barça’s Champions League tie with Chelsea Fresh headache for Sarina Wiegman before World Cup Lucy Bronze has been ruled out of Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Chelsea on Thursday after undergoing knee surgery that has made her a potential doubt for England’s World Cup squad. Bronze limped off the Stamford Bridge pitch during the second half of the first leg on Saturday, which Barcelona won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Caroline Graham Hansen. Barça announced on Wednesday that Bronze will be unavailable for the return fixture at the Camp Nou after undergoing arthroscopy on her right knee. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/26/englands-lucy-bronze-faces-spell-on-sidelines-following-knee-surgery

Bank chief's comments on pay rises 'out of touch'

Unions and small businesses react with outrage to comments that people need to accept they are poorer.

‘We have to step up’: Klopp demands early start to Liverpool’s pre-season

Manager wants to maximise time with squad after poor term Last summer’s friendlies in far east not ‘perfect’ preparation Liverpool will start pre-season training as early as possible because of the need to “step up” on this term’s efforts, Jürgen Klopp has announced. The Liverpool manager wants to give his players a minimum of three weeks’ holiday after a season extended by the World Cup. Klopp is also keen to avoid a repeat of last summer when, after the exertions of the quadruple-chasing campaign , Liverpool began pre-season with two matches in Thailand and Singapore. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/25/jurgen-klopp-demands-early-start-to-liverpool-pre-season

Pret A Manger hikes price of its subscription service to £30

The sandwich and coffee chain says the new deal will entitle customers to 10% off everything in store.

Who wins and who loses from new Australia trade deal?

Small firms are weighing up the benefits of the UK's new trade deal with Australia.

Amazon UK could be forced to recognise first union

A majority of staff at its Coventry warehouse have signed up to a union, the GMB says.

Ocado warehouse closure puts 2,300 jobs at risk

Its Hatfield fulfilment centre will stop trading as the online grocer relies on more efficient sites.

Dennis Cirkin double sinks West Brom to boost Sunderland’s playoff hopes

Two goals from the left-back Dennis Cirkin sent Sunderland back into the Championship playoff zone with a 2-1 comeback win over West Brom at the Hawthorns. The 21-year-old bagged a second-half brace to end Albion’s 12-match unbeaten home league record after John Swift had put Albion ahead from the spot immediately before half-time. But it was a real end-to-end affair, especially in the second half, before Sunderland extended their unbeaten run to seven matches. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/23/west-brom-sunderland-championship-match-report

Energy bill help drives up March borrowing

The government borrowed £21.5bn last month, the second-highest March figure since records began in 1993.

Netflix to invest $2.5bn in new South Korea films and TV shows

The firm's co-CEO said the money will be spent on making TV shows and movies in the Asian country.

First Republic Bank: More than $100bn of withdrawals this year

The US-based bank said its deposits fell by over 40% amid fears of a crisis in the financial sector.

Millions start to get latest cost-of-living payment

Payments have now started of £301 to each of eight million people on low incomes and receiving benefits.

Millions of families miss out on cheap broadband

Ofcom is concerned that people are not getting the broadband social tariffs they are entitled to.

£55bn withdrawn from Credit Suisse before collapse

The announcement gives an insight to the scale of the bank run that caused the 167-year-old institution to fail.

Bed Bath & Beyond files for bankruptcy in the US

The embattled retail giant is seeking buyers for its assets, and will close all its stores by 30 June.

NBCUniversal boss Jeff Shell out after 'inappropriate relationship'

Jeff Shell has left the US media giant over an "inappropriate relationship" he had with a colleague.

The wedding tech now at the heart of couples' nuptials

A growing number of brides and grooms are embracing technology for their big day.

Maleficent: Dragon catches fire during Disneyland show in LA

Maleficent the fire-breathing dragon dramatically went up in flames during Saturday's live show.

Ben Foster hails 'brilliant' Wrexham owners as Ryan Reynolds demands his shirt – video

The Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds interrupted goalkeeper Ben Foster 's post-game press conference to demand his shirt after the club secured promotion back to the Football League after 15 years away. Foster joked that Reynolds 'text me for [the shirt] earlier. He's so hungry for the shirt.' Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, along with friend Paul Rudd, were among a crowd of more than 10,000 at the Racecourse to see the Dragons clinch the National League title. Reynolds and McElhenney have revived the club's fortunes with their investment and Foster was full of praise for the club's celebrity owners. 'They're brilliant, they absolutely love it. They're fully in – like one of the boys, they get behind the lads. They understand you're not always going to win, they don't expect instant results.' The veteran goalkeeper also called for more promotion spots from the non-league's top tier. 'This is the hardest league to get out of in the w

CBI rape allegations 'shocking' says Labour shadow minister

The lobbying group needs 'root and branch' reform, says Labour's Jonathan Ashworth.

‘Thank you, Wrexham AFC’: Hollywood owners join fans to celebrate promotion

David Beckham and Prince of Wales among those paying tribute to Welsh club after Saturday’s historic victory Hollywood celebrities and fans have been celebrating Wrexham AFC’s glorious return to the English Football League in a comeback story that has captivated people across the globe. The club’s co-owner, Ryan Reynolds, paid tribute on social media to his beloved team, which will be returning to the EFL after a 15-year absence. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/23/thank-you-wrexham-afc-hollywood-film-star-owners-join-fans-to-celebrate-promotion

‘We are neighbours’: Guardiola laughs off Manchester United fans’ treble fears

City could feasibly emulate their rivals’ 1999 trophy haul Rivals will meet in FA Cup final if United beat Brighton Pep Guardiola joked that Manchester United fans should not be scared of Manchester City emulating their team by claiming the treble because of their neighbourly spirit. The champions beat Sheffield United 3-0 at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final courtesy of a Riyad Mahrez hat-trick , the first at this stage for 65 years. In the 3 June showpiece City will meet the victor of Sunday’s semi-final between Manchester United and Brighton . If Guardiola’s side win the final and all of their remaining Premier League matches, beat Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final and whoever of Milan and Internazionale reaches the final, they will become only the second side to claim the treble. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/22/we-are-neighbours-guardiola-laughs-off-manchester-united-fans-treble-fears

Has TransPennine Express improved its train service?

After a period of disruption, we examine how the company is performing ahead of a decision on its future.

Eddie Howe is on a higher plane but next level is the priority for Newcastle

Qualification for the Champions League would be significant boost and adds spice to the visit of Spurs Visitors to Newcastle’s training ground are greeted by a vision of organised chaos. While bulldozers, diggers and cement mixers jostle for space with four-wheel drives, VIP parking bays are temporarily covered by giant piles of sand and hard-hatted contractors clock on for work alongside multimillionaire Premier League footballers. It is all part of the significant upgrading of a facility undergoing the sort of expensive facelift designed to attract some of Europe’s leading players this summer. Eddie Howe’s only problem is that in order to hire the very best – West Ham’s Declan Rice rather than Manchester United’s Scott McTominay, say – his side need to finish in the Premier League’s top four next month. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/22/eddie-howe-on-a-higher-plane-but-next-level-is-priority-for-newcastle

When Manchester United beat Brighton in the FA Cup final in 1983

The teams are playing in the semi-finals on Sunday. They met at Wembley (twice) in the final 40 years ago By Steven Pye for That 1980s Sports Blog Gordon Smith has probably been contacted quite a few times recently by journalists who want to discuss his infamous last-minute chance in the 1983 FA Cup final. But it would be unfair to remember Smith for that match and moment alone. As with many finals during the glory days of the competition, that day in May was about so much more than the game itself: the characters involved, the fairytale of relegated Brighton reaching Wembley, Steve Foster’s pain, the team songs, banners, the awful pitch and a helicopter. “And Smith must score,” is the point where all roads lead in this tale but digging deeper throws up further delights. There seemed little hope of Brighton reaching Wembley when they entered the competition at the third round in January. Hovering just above the Division One relegation zone under caretaker manager Jimmy Melia, their

Bayern Munich bow out and look like fading force among Europe’s new elite | Jonathan Liew

Germany’s perennial champions lack focal point and collective spirit and were very much second-best against Manchester City Two hours and 53 minutes into this Champions League quarter-final, Bayern Munich finally scored. It was a Joshua Kimmich penalty, moot and meaningless, but still smashed into the very centre of the goal as if to make a point. Hey. Pssst. Lads. Maybe try aiming for the big netted thing. The one between the two metal things. It’s surprisingly roomy! The finer details of this 4-1 aggregate defeat will be lost to the winds of history. Yet over the two legs of this tie, Bayern’s expected goal tally of 3.49 was just a fraction behind Manchester City’s at 4.23. Both sides got a dodgy penalty. Between the two boxes, as Pep Guardiola admitted afterwards, there was not a great deal to choose between them. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2023/apr/19/bayern-bow-out-and-look-a-fading-powerhouse-among-europes-elit

'You have to believe': Arteta calls on Arsenal players to focus after Saints draw – video

Mikel Arteta admitted he will have to erase any doubts that lie in his players’ minds if Arsenal are to get their flagging title campaign back on track over the final six games. A surprise 3-3 home draw against Southampton means the Gunners moved five points ahead of Manchester City, but their rivals now have two games in hand – and host them in midweek. 'The response of the players … I cannot love them more. It's just a joy to coach them,' he said. 'But today is tough just to think about what has happened today because now we are focussing on what just happened and what they've been through.' ‘You cannot give away the goals we did’: Arteta fumes at errors in Arsenal draw Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2023/apr/22/you-have-to-believe-arteta-calls-on-arsenal-players-to-focus-after-saints-draw-video

Bobby Moore’s ex-wife urges return of lost shirt from 1966 World Cup final

Tina Moore unsure how red England shirt left her possession but it is now in hands of mystery private buyer It is the most famous moment in English football. Bobby Moore, the England captain, hoisted on the shoulders of his teammates, holding the World Cup trophy aloft in 1966. While the moment was captured on camera and preserved for posterity, the red England shirt the centre-half was wearing, with the number six on the back, has been lost – and Moore’s ex-wife is urging its current owner to return it. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/22/bobby-moore-ex-wife-urges-return-of-lost-shirt-from-1966-world-cup-final

Football agent Aidy Ward banned for 20 months over underage player approach

Leading agent Ward runs Colossal Sports Management Ward has appealed after FA bans him for 2019 offence The leading agent Aidy Ward and his company Colossal Sports Management have been banned for 20 months by the Football Association after he was found to have approached an underage player. Ward, who has represented several high-profile Premier League players, was charged by the FA in March 2022 after being accused of trying to recruit a youth player on behalf of Colossal Sports Management. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/21/football-agent-aidy-ward-banned-for-20-months-for-underage-player-approach

England’s Leah Williamson out of World Cup with cruciate ligament injury

England and Arsenal captain injured at Manchester United She played major part in England’s Euro 2022 triumph England’s World Cup aspirations were dealt a crushing blow with the captain, Leah Williamson, ruled out of the tournament after Arsenal announced she had ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament. Williamson’s knee appeared to pop as she fell to the ground after an innocuous challenge in her club’s WSL game against Manchester United at Leigh Sports Village on Wednesday. Arsenal said she would have surgery and faced “an extended spell” out. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/21/leah-williamson-england-out-of-world-cup-cruciate-ligament-injury-arsenal

‘You cannot give away the goals we did’: Arteta fumes at errors in Arsenal draw

Gunners’ title hopes hit after 3-3 draw with Southampton Arteta now looking ahead to Manchester City showdown Mikel Arteta admitted he will have to erase any doubts that lie in his players’ minds if Arsenal are to get their flagging title campaign back on track over the final six games. A surprise 3-3 home draw against Southampton means Arsenal moved five points ahead of Manchester City but their rivals now have two games in hand. City also host Arteta’s side at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday and Arsenal, who have now taken three points from as many games, appear to have lost their grip at the wrong time. They have conceded a string of sloppy goals and Arteta said his task is to ensure spirits remain high. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/22/you-cannot-give-away-the-goals-we-did-arteta-fumes-at-errors-in-arsenal-draw

Lachlan Murdoch drops lawsuit against news site Crikey

Crikey linked the Murdoch family name to the US Capitol attack in an opinion piece last year.

Maguire’s annus horribilis goes on as Manchester United collapse at Sevilla | Jamie Jackson

The defender wasn’t the only calamitous performer in Europa League defeat, but a summer exit looks increasingly likely Manchester City (6-2 away), Liverpool (7-0 away) and now 3-0 at Sevilla: the Spanish side join the roll call of those this season to embarrass Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United seriously in a high-stakes game. José Luis Mendilibar’s team stand 13th in La Liga but were handed the initiative early on by the hapless Harry Maguire, whose annus horribilis may have reached a nadir in Andalucía. Eight minutes in and the captain’s darkest nightmare became true, unwanted real life. What unfolded seemed to begin in agonising slow-motion before speeding up to compound the pain. It was the kind of error that has made the 30-year-old a reject for Ten Hag: close to his area Maguire, perhaps arrogantly, demanded the ball from David de Gea, then regretted it immediately as on receiving it near-panic set in. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.

Beyonce and the Pope among those to lose Twitter blue check in purge

The social media giant has erased the once-coveted blue check verification from thousands of accounts.

Ukrainian vodka producers toast a rise in global sales

With Russian vodkas no longer on shelves around the world, Ukrainian brands have filled the gap.

Leah Williamson in 'high spirits' after knee injury sparks England World Cup fears – video

The England captain, Leah Williamson, was substituted early in Arsenal's Women’s Super League defeat to Manchester United on Wednesday night. Williamson collapsed in pain in the 12th minute of the game after appearing to catch her studs in the turf and hurt her knee. 'I don't have that information,' said Jonas Eidevall, the Arsenal manager, when asked about the extent of Williamson's injury after the match. 'I have other people connected to the medical information on that at the moment. I haven't seen her yet.' Leah Williamson sparks England fears after knee injury in WSL showdown Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2023/apr/20/leah-williamson-in-high-spirits-after-knee-injury-sparks-england-world-cup-fears-video

Ferreira’s late equalizer keeps USA’s unbeaten streak against Mexico alive

Jesus Ferreira’s goal gives US 1-1 friendly draw against Mexico US have gone five unbeaten against border rivals with three wins Top stars were missing and no titles were at stake. Still, the United States took satisfaction in coming from behind late for a 1-1 friendly draw against Mexico. “There’s no friendlies against Mexico. It’s always a battle,” Jesús Ferreira said Wednesday night after scoring in the 81st minute on a counterattack that began after Carlos Rodríguez’s shot hit the crossbar. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/20/usa-mexico-friendly-draw-jesus-ferreira

US imposes $300m penalty over hard disk drive exports to Huawei

It is the latest move by the US government to stop sales of sophisticated technology to China.

Child Trust Funds: Millions of pounds stuck in 80,000 accounts - report

Families are facing court battles to get their children's money, in pots worth up to £210m in total.

Bernardo Silva claims Manchester City ‘very confident’ for Real Madrid rematch

‘I think we are going through’ this time, says City midfielder Guardiola says Erling Haaland will learn from penalty miss A delighted Pep Guardiola hailed Manchester City reaching a third successive Champions League semi-final, where they will face Real Madrid, the holders who “have to be beaten” if the competition is to be won. The second leg 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich took City through 4-1 on aggregate to meet Real in the last four. “Three years in a row the semi-finals – doing it [tonight] against an incredible team,” said Guardiola. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/19/bernardo-silva-says-confident-manchester-city-can-beat-real-madrid

Bank says no real risk in ringing for financial help

The boss of Santander says telling a bank you're struggling may not harm your credit rating.

Warring football fans in São Paulo call a truce – for the most unusual reason

Supporters of the big four clubs in the city had been tearing each other apart for years. Then a criminal gang intervened By Tom Sanderson for the Guardian Sport Network In a place that is so passionate about football and where society can be so violent – there are more murders in Brazil than in any other country in the world – it is no surprise that bloody and even fatal confrontations between rival fans are common. With so many big clubs and intense derbies in São Paulo, the biggest city in the southern hemisphere, you might expect there to be regular clashes between supporters. That was the case until recently, but something has changed in the last few months. Fan violence was a huge problem in São Paulo a decade ago. In 2015, eight members of a Corinthians fan group were murdered by gunmen while they enjoyed a BBQ and prepared flags for their upcoming derby against Palmeiras. During another derby between the two sides, a fan stole a police officer’s gun during a riot outside Pa

Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota doubles help rampant Liverpool hit Leeds for six

As Liverpool finally found a cure for the travel sickness which has undermined their season, Mohamed Salah looked simply unplayable and Trent Alexander-Arnold seemed the solution to most of England’s problems. Medicines can rarely have proved as dramatically effective as the balm provided by a generous Leeds defence and papier-mache home central midfield as the outstanding Salah and Diogo Jota scored two goals apiece to leave Jürgen Klopp’s side glimpsing European horizons once more. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/17/leeds-united-liverpool-premier-league-match-report

Can Fox News afford the $787.5m Dominion settlement?

The network still faces a second, similar defamation lawsuit from another election technology firm.

Pep Guardiola calls on Manchester City to ‘punish’ Bayern Munich – video

Pep Guardiola has urged Manchester City not to dwell on previous Champions League exits and to 'punish' Bayern Munich in the quarter-final second leg on Wednesday, despite City's 3-0 advantage. The manager was asked how he could be sure that these and other similar knockouts – by Liverpool and Lyon – would not be on his players’ minds at the Allianz Arena. 'We can’t think about the past – that’d be a big mistake for us – so we just prepare for this game,' he said Pep Guardiola calls on Manchester City to ‘punish’ Bayern Munich Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2023/apr/18/pep-guardiola-calls-on-manchester-city-to-punish-bayern-munich-video

Sacked CBI boss says reputation 'totally destroyed'

The former head of the business group tells the BBC his side of the story in an exclusive interview.

What counts as sexual harassment at work?

The BBC speaks to experts about sexual harassment and what to do if you experience it in the workplace.

PSG win the points – and all but secure the title – but Lens have the best tunes

PSG edged closer to the Ligue 1 title with a 3-1 win over Lens, but there is still a disconnect between their players and fans By Raphaël Jucobin for Get French Football News Lens goalkeeper Jean-Louis Leca and former captain Yannick Cahuzac introduced the dressing room to the victory chant that has become their trademark: “ On les a chicotés (We’ve rattled them).” The Corsican pair joined the club in the 2018-19 season, when they were still in Ligue 2. They led the team’s post-match celebrations during the pandemic-shortened campaign, when the club won promotion to the top flight. The chant caught on around the Stade Bollaert once fans were back in the stands and it is now sung in unison between players and fans after every home win – an increasingly regular occurrence as the team has climbed up the Ligue 1 standings. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/18/psg-win-points-title-lens-best-tunes-ligue-1-players-fans

More people looking for work as vacancies fall

The number of jobs on offer continues to fall with companies blaming economic pressures.

‘Public lynching’: Barça’s Laporta hits back at claims of payments to referees

Barcelona president denies any legal wrongdoing by club Laporta says he will defend club ‘until my last drop of blood’ Joan Laporta came armed with four boxes, 633 referee reports and 43 CDs as he finally broke FC Barcelona’s silence over allegations that they tried to buy favourable decisions from officials, declaring the club victims of a “gigantic” smear campaign and accusing rivals Real Madrid of “unprecedented cynicism”. In a two-hour press conference, finally called eight weeks after the first reports appeared that payments of more than €7m were allegedly made to the former vice-president of the referee’s committee, José María Enríquez Negreira, over an 18-year period, he went on the attack, declaring he would “defend the institution until my last drop of blood”. The Barca president denied that the club had committed any legal wrongdoing, although he did say that these days the club’s compliance department would have flagged up a potential conflict of interests. There was n

How artificial intelligence is matching drugs to patients

Health-tech firms around the world are increasingly using AI to help tailor drugs for patients.

Arsenal lose hamstrung Kim Little for WSL and Champions League run-ins

Their Scottish club captain will be absent until next season Side face Manchester United Utd and Wolfsburg in crucial week Kim Little, the Arsenal captain, will miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, ruling her out of the Gunners’ dual challenge for the Women’s Super League and Champions League. The 32-year-old Scotland midfielder sustained the injury in the Women’s Champions League quarter-final win over Bayern Munich on 29 March and tests have confirmed the extent of the damage. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/17/arsenal-lose-kim-little-wsl-champions-league-run-ins-hamstring-injury

Hertha Berlin’s humbling at Schalke feels less a setback, more a fatal blow | Andy Brassell

Sandro Schwarz departed on Sunday after Friday’s grim 5-2 defeat leaves Hertha rock-bottom of the Bundesliga “That,” said Benjamin Weber, “was a real slap in the face.” Hertha’s sporting director has been in situ for less than three months, but he is already acclimatised to the chaos of the capital club. Not surprisingly, perhaps. Before returning to the club in late January he had served the club for almost two decades in a variety of roles. “I’m a Berliner. I’m a Herthaner,” he told his introductory press conference. This, then, will hurt. Hertha have been circling the drain for a while now, retaining their top-flight place via the relegation playoff last season having finished two points clear of the playoff spot the campaign before. This season has been more of the same struggle and instability. However this, as Weber’s assessment suggested, was something so much worse than the troubles to which they have become accustomed in recent times. Continue reading... from Football |

Alex Fletcher: ‘I felt like if I passed out that could have been it really’

Bath City footballer on his life-threatening brain injury after colliding with advertising hoardings and his inspiring recovery It was, Alex Fletcher says, just an ordinary matchday but one that soon spiralled into the extraordinary and almost culminated in tragedy. There were the usual routines and rituals: the two-hour car journey from Exeter to Twerton Park with a few of his Bath City teammates, his double step and jump before the pre-match handshakes. He was on a high after scoring the winning goal at Tonbridge Angels in the National League South three days earlier, feeling on top of his game with the club pushing for the sixth‑tier playoffs. But five minutes into November’s match against Dulwich Hamlet, after haring on to a pass and attempting to cross the ball first time, Fletcher received a nudge and went thudding into advertising hoardings reinforced with concrete blocks. His head pounded and there was a deafening ringing sound in his ears. Paramedics on the scene treated him

For 140 years time-wasting has afflicted football and there is still no solution | Simon Burnton

Teams will always be ready to slow the game down until the authorities can make them think twice The historian Peter Hennessy has argued that Britain relies upon what he called a “good chap theory of government”, under which the precise wording of its parliamentary rules and even the absence of a formal constitution remain largely irrelevant so long as the people in charge of stuff have the right kind of moral fibre. Football might never have been closely associated with good chaps, but it works the same way. The nation’s fields have always been prowled by genuine rotters, individuals who have thoroughly deserved such terrifying nicknames as “Chopper”, “Psycho”, “Bites yer Legs” and “Keano”, and the sport’s lengthy list of laws has only ever kind of governed them. There is much that remains beyond the control of referees, most obviously the passage of time. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2023/apr/17/for-140-years-time-was

Greener flights will cost more, says industry

Demand for air travel will be hit as decarbonisation drives up ticket prices, says industry.

Amazon strike: Hundreds of workers in Coventry walk out in pay dispute

GMB members walked out at 06:30 BST on Sunday and will strike until Tuesday, the union says.

Antonio Rüdiger racially abused by fans after Real Madrid victory at Cádiz

Video shows abuse aimed at defender after 2-0 victory La Liga has been blighted by racial abuse this season The Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger was racially abused by fans after the team’s La Liga game at Cádiz on Saturday evening. Video posted by Spanish media on Sunday showed Cádiz fans hurling abuse at Rüdiger after he went to the stands to give his shirt to someone in the crowd. Objects were also thrown at the German international following Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/16/antonio-rudiger-racially-abused-by-fans-cadiz-real-madrid-la-liga

Lazio captain Ciro Immobile in ‘good condition’ after car accident in Rome

Striker in hospital after his car reportedly hit by tram Back and rib injuries mean he ‘remains under observation’ The Lazio captain Ciro Immobile has been hospitalised with back and rib injuries after his car was reportedly hit by a tram in Rome. A statement from the club confirmed that the 33-year-old was being assessed at the city’s Gemelli University Hospital. Photographs published by local media show police at the scene of a collision between a tram and a badly damaged Land Rover SUV, said to belong to Immobile. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/16/lazio-ciro-immobile-car-accident-rome

Chelsea hold talks with Sporting’s Rúben Amorim over manager vacancy

Nagelsmann and Enrique touted as frontrunners for job Club need to act quickly as Real and PSG may also be looking Chelsea have held talks with Sporting’s Rúben Amorim as they continue their search for their next permanent manager. Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique have been touted as the early frontrunners for the vacancy at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea are determined not to act hastily following the abrupt dismissal of Graham Potter. Appointing Frank Lampard as interim head coach until the end of the season has given them time to make a considered decision and they have already spoken to at least four candidates on their shortlist. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/14/chelsea-hold-talks-with-sportings-ruben-amorim-to-replace-graham-potter

‘It is win, win and win’: Guardiola challenges City before title run-in

Manager says every game is like a Cup final after Leicester win Manchester City take on leaders Arsenal on 26 April Pep Guardiola said Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Leicester was absolutely vital in the pursuit of Arsenal, with the champions’ hosting of the leaders a week on Wednesday like a cup final in their defence of the title. Erling Haaland scored twice, to make it 47 goals for the season, and John Stones once, with Kelechi Iheanacho’s late strike immaterial to the result. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/15/it-is-win-win-and-win-guardiola-challenges-city-before-title-run-in

Scottish roundup: Nisbet earns Hibs win and ends Hearts’ unbeaten derby run

Steven Naismith in charge for his first match as interim manager First derby win for Hibs since December 2019 Kevin Nisbet scored a second-half winner as spirited Hibernian ended Hearts’ nine-match unbeaten Edinburgh derby run. Hibs - who had not previously defeated their city rivals since December 2019 - enjoyed the majority of the chances and eventually found a way through in the 67th minute. The victory moved Hibs - who had lost their previous four matches - within two points of the beleaguered Jambos, who crashed to a sixth consecutive defeat in all competitions in their first match under the charge of caretaker manager, Steven Naismith. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/15/scottish-premiership-roundup

Ollie Watkins double keeps Aston Villa flying with fine win over Newcastle

Gareth Southgate spent some of this week analysing the latest performances of his England players and if Ollie Watkins did not feature then the Aston Villa striker will certainly will be prominent in his thoughts after scoring two goals and superbly laying on another in an impressive destruction of Newcastle. Southgate could not help but smile as the camera panned to him after Watkins, who also had a strike disallowed, added Villa’s third goal as they produced arguably their best display under Unai Emery. These are heady days at Villa Park. Villa have won seven of their past eight matches to wriggle into the conversation for European football and this was a case of them flexing their muscles against a Newcastle team intent on qualifying for the Champions League. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/15/aston-villa-newcastle-premier-league-match-report

Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez ruled out for rest of season

• Defender has fractured a metatarsal bone in his foot • Raphaël Varane will also miss the next few weeks Manchester United have suffered a sizable blow to their bid for Champions League qualification, the Europa League and FA Cup after injuries ruled Lisandro Martínez out until next season and Raphaël Varane for a number of weeks. Erik ten Hag’s first-choice centre-backs suffered their respective problems in Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg draw with Sevilla . Varane, whose injury has not been specified, was withdrawn at half-time at Old Trafford, while Martínez was carried off near the end with a fractured metatarsal. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/14/manchester-uniteds-lisandro-martinez-ruled-out-for-rest-of-season

Jude Bellingham decision is a dose of reality for Liverpool and Klopp | Andy Hunter

Fans are dismayed by the club pulling out of a move for the England star but Liverpool cannot compete financially with UAE and Qatar It would have been a summer like no other for Fenway Sports Group had they beaten Europe’s richest clubs to Jude Bellingham and committed in excess of £200m to one Liverpool transfer. Bellingham or not, and it’s now not for Liverpool , the pressure has increased on the club’s owners to deliver a summer like no other to prevent a season of regression leaving lasting damage. When Jürgen Klopp, in a rare but minor dig at his employers earlier this season, expressed a wish for FSG to take greater risks in the transfer market and act more decisively, pulling out of the race for a long-time leading target in April was presumably not what he had in mind. If the Liverpool manager knew that was the case last Friday, however, when warning: “Whatever we do next year will never be enough from people’s point of view, but with smart recruitment we will improve,” he a

Aston Villa v Newcastle United: Premier League – live

Premier League updates from the 12.30pm BST kick-off Live scores | And email Barry or tweet @bglendenning Howe v Emery: It is not lost on Eddie Howe that the only reason he was given the chance to manage Newcastle under their new ownership regime is because Unai Emery turned down the job having been approached first. The subject was raised at Howe’s pre-match press conference and he was happy to concede that Emery’s decision not to leave Seville for Tyneside constituted a massive career break for him. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2023/apr/15/aston-villa-v-newcastle-united-premier-league-live-score-updates

‘It is our suffering’: the fight to end Hillsborough abuse and tragedy chanting

On the 34th anniversary of the disaster, bereaved family members and survivors speak about harm perpetrated against them online and in the stands and why enough is enough Saturday is 15 April and so for Louise Brookes it will be a time for poignant reflection. She will visit her local cemetery in Bromsgrove before returning home to light a candle and raise a glass, all in memory of her brother Andrew, one of the 97 people who lost their life as a consequence of the Hillsborough disaster exactly 34 years ago. The anniversary has been this way for Brookes since Anfield stopped hosting an annual memorial service for those who never made it back from Liverpool’s 1989 FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest and she prefers it as such given it means mourning in a quieter, more intimate way a loved one lost far too soon. As Brookes says: “People should be able to remember those who died however they want. And it’s nice to remember them as individuals, because that’s what they were – in

Enraged by Andy Robertson? Furious at player behaviour? A major cause is VAR | Barney Ronay

The technology makes referees look weak and persuadable and has affected the behaviour of players, coaches and the officials themselves It is always vital not to bend too far with the weather, to dodge the squalls and thunderclaps; and above all to be wary of the worst and most deathly storm of all, the confected media storm. Does the Premier League really have a problem with “player behaviour”? It has been tempting given the heat, the chat, the clipped-up punditry faces prophesying the decline of all that is fine and noble, like Evelyn Waugh bemoaning the death of the carpeted bathroom, to file the current rage about rage alongside all the other things that have seemed, very briefly, to signal the coming of the rapture. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/13/andy-robertson-player-behaviour-referees-var-major-cause

Japan approves plan to open its first casino

Officials have allowed a gambling resort to open in Osaka in 2029 to attract tourists.

'I had no choice': Manchester United's Ten Hag defends substitutions after Sevilla fightback – video

The Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, said he felt he had no option but to make several second-half substitutions in Manchester United's 2-2 Europa League draw against Sevilla. Ten Hag made three changes on 62 minutes, introducing Wout Weghorst, Christian Eriksen and Anthony Elanga for Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes, and Jadon Sancho, before taking Antony off for Facundo Pellistri on 81 minutes. Harry Maguire had replaced the injured Raphael Varane on 46 minutes. "There was no other way ... I had to make the subs. I had no other choice," Ten Hag said, adding that his side had created chances to score a third goal. Ten Hag: Varane and Martínez could miss next two Manchester United games Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2023/apr/14/i-had-no-choice-manchester-uniteds-ten-hag-defends-substitutions-after-sevilla-fightback-video

CBI is no longer relevant in its current form, says ex-Barclays director

Baroness Wheatcroft says the embattled lobby group faces challenges in representing all businesses.

Martial dazzles Sevilla but durability still a concern for Manchester United | Jamie Jackson

Erik ten Hag wants a new striker this summer and the French forward will need to do more to secure his place at the club Did Manchester United’s late capitulation begin when Erik ten Hag took off Anthony Martial on 63 minutes? This may be a simplification, particularly as Bruno Fernandes also accompanied him, but until then those in red were coasting at 2-0 up with the forward providing a star turn. Twelve minutes in and United were given a glimmer of what they have missed from an enigmatic Frenchman bedevilled by injury: the sight of him dropping deep and bursting past defenders, a dazzling dribble splaying Sevilla and creating an opening for Antony. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2023/apr/13/anthony-martial-dazzles-sevilla-but-durability-still-a-concern-for-manchester-united

Ford launches hands-free driving on UK motorways

Government approves Ford's BlueCruise system to allow hands-off, eyes-on driving.

David Squires on … diving into Fifa’s Women’s World Cup ticketing vortex

Our cartoonist looks at the hoops fans have had to jump through to secure tickets for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/sport/ng-interactive/2023/apr/14/david-squires-on-diving-into-fifas-womens-world-cup-ticketing-vortex

The bean that could change the taste of coffee

How researchers are pinning their hopes on a climate-resilient coffee species.

Apple India: Can new stores help tech giant win in the country?

Apple is set to open its first two India stores - but will they help its fortunes in an Android-heavy market?

London Waterloo: South Western Railway tells passengers to avoid station

A significantly reduced service is operating and disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Real Madrid force Todd Boehly to eat his words after Chelsea win prediction | Jacob Steinberg

A beautiful piece of skill from Karim Benzema would have unnerved the American who may now regret his trash-talking If there was a moment to make Todd Boehly think twice about making such a bold prediction ever again, it came when Karim Benzema took a pass with his back to goal just before half-time and used the outside of his right foot to produce a flick so deceptive it completely flummoxed N’Golo Kanté, the ground giving way as the ball span away from the Chelsea midfielder and Real Madrid set off on yet another counterattack. Welcome to the Bernabéu. And Todd, thanks for your take on where European football has been going wrong all these years. A word to the wise, though: maybe keep your thoughts to yourself the next time you feel compelled to tell the world that Chelsea are going to beat the most successful club in Europe 3-0. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2023/apr/12/real-madrid-force-todd-boehly-to-eat-his-words-a

Twitter and hate speech: What's the evidence?

Some studies show abuse on the platform is increasing - but Elon Musk has pushed back.

SharkNinja boss shares his CEO Secrets advice

Mark Barrocas, president of SharkNinja, shares his advice for the CEO Secrets series.

'Not a deserved result': Tuchel after defeat against Manchester City – video

Bayern Munich head coach Thomas Tuchel says his side’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City was not a fair reflection of the match. Despite the result, Tuchel says 'I fell in love with my team a little today, the way they performed. Even if it sounds strange, that was a lot of fun.' The second offering of the two-legged tie will be played in Munich on 19 April Erling Haaland seals Manchester City’s first-leg demolition of Bayern Munich Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2023/apr/12/not-a-deserved-result-tuchel-after-defeat-against-manchester-city-video

De La Rue says demand for banknotes at its lowest in 20 years

Banknote-maker De La Rue warns that its full-year profits will be lower than expected.

Musk says owning Twitter has been a rollercoaster

The multi-billionaire defended his running of the company in a last-minute interview live from Twitter HQ.

Bernardo Silva is both magical hobbit and goal-pylon for Manchester City | Barney Ronay

Midfielder delivered a complete one- man guide to elite-level football with an imperious display against Bayern Munich Just before the hour in this match at the Etihad Stadium, Bernardo Silva took the ball on the right flank and began to drive inside, not so much sprinting as ambling urgently, like a man running a little late to deliver a lecture, scarf flapping absently over one shoulder. Casually, more just to hold on to the ball, he nutmegged Alphonso Davies. Then he did something impossible, seeming somehow to walk through Davies’s legs in pursuit of the ball, reappearing on the other side of his man via some invisible hobbit tunnel. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2023/apr/11/bernardo-silva-hobbit-manchester-city-bayern-munich-champions-league

Tupperware: Why the household name could soon be history

The name is so familiar many do not even realise it is a brand - but the firm may be in deep trouble.

Why robotic worms could one day dig beneath your feet

Simulating an earthworm's movement is difficult, but could have very useful real-world applications.

Women’s sports kits are over-sexualised and not period proof. If this affected men, it would be fixed by now | Catherine Spencer

As a teenager ‘kit anxiety’ nearly made me quit. The England Lionesses switch from white shorts to blue is a step forward • Catherine Spencer is a rugby commentator and former England captain In my late 20s and early 30s, I was captain of the England rugby team. But as a teenager, gym knickers and leotards nearly put me off sport and exercise for good. I left school over 25 years ago now, but I can still clearly recall how awkward I felt walking across the school playing fields on my own in a pair of extremely unflattering navy blue pants, past groups of girls huddled together and laughing – I was sure – at my tree trunk legs. At that stage, a discus was the only thing guarding my embarrassment. I was 14, and I had been persuaded to practise on my own at lunchtimes in preparation for the district games. I completely flopped at the games – standing alone, at the centre of the discus throw circle, feeling like everyone was staring at me, and feeling as though I was hardly dressed. Co

In a few years’ time, football coaches may be using an AI assistant | Jason Stockwood

Artificial intelligence could enhance insights in the game and has been part of the success at Brighton and Brentford As an entrepreneur and tech enthusiast, I have witnessed several overhyped technologies and businesses. These stretch from the first wave of the internet in the 1990s with Webvan and Pets.com, which both had multibillion-dollar valuations, to the recent Theranos scandal , where a $10bn blood testing business turned out to be a sham. Irrational exuberance has been the precursor to the downfall of many ventures. I have been far from immune; you only have to see the photo of me, proudly wearing my Google Glasses, sitting next to the ponytailed inventor Astro Teller in 2013 as evidence. However, I believe that OpenAI’s ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence tool, could be a gamechanger. Bill Gates recently declared it the most significant technological advance since the graphical user interface. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/

Interest rates likely to fall to pre-Covid levels, IMF predicts

The IMF predicts borrowing costs will fall back once high inflation is brought under control.

England’s Euro 2022 triumph had little impact on inner-city girls, report finds

One in four teenage girls still never watch women’s football ‘The Euros felt like a moment … then we noticed a disconnect’ England’s historic success at the European Championship last summer has had little impact on inner-city teenage girls with 63% unable to name any of the Lionesses, according to new research from Football Beyond Borders and Youth Beyond Borders. With 100 days to go before the Women’s World Cup starts in Australia and New Zealand, the report also found that one in four teenage girls still never watch women’s football and only 17% are part of a club. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/11/englands-euro-2022-triumph-had-little-impact-on-inner-city-girls-report-finds

World Startup Convention: The India start-up gala that exploded into a scandal

An event that dubbed itself the “world’s biggest funding festival” has been accused of duping entrepreneurs.

Villarreal’s Álex Baena reports alleged assault by Federico Valverde after match

Baena claims Real Madrid player hit him after Saturday game Winger denies reports he made remarks about Valverde’s son The Villarreal winger Álex Baena has reported an alleged assault on him by Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde after the La Liga game at the Bernabéu on Saturday. Villarreal confirmed in a statement released on Sunday that Baena had formally reported the alleged attack to police. The club did not identify the alleged assailant in the statement, but said the incident took place when Baena was on his way to the visiting team bus after the match, which Villarreal won 3-2. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/10/villarreal-alex-baena-reports-alleged-assault-by-federico-valverde-after-real-madrid-match

Vodafone broadband down for customers across UK

Thousands of users of Vodafone landline internet have reported issues with the service.

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

Brighton get deserved apology, Trent Alexander-Arnold looks a natural fit in midfield and Unai Emery continues to excel There was no stadium VAR delay on Saturday to check whether Kaoru Mitoma had been fouled by Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. Why did neither Stuart Attwell nor Stockley Park see it as a penalty? To be generous, perhaps Mitoma hit the ground a little easily but the incident became a lighting rod for Brighton fans to argue that officialdom (rather than failing to close down Harry Kane for Tottenham’s winner) was the reason for defeat. Sixth place might have become fifth. When Howard Webb, on Sunday, apologised to Brighton on behalf of PGMOL, there was vindication but no extra points on offer. “I think it was clear, very clear,” said Roberto De Zerbi, who had enjoyed the benefit of a dressing-room TV replay of the Mitoma incident, already red-carded for the touchline rumble that followed VAR ruling out Danny Welbeck’s goal. Soon enough, Kane seized on Brighton’s lack of concentr

The Ukrainian refugees making a living somewhere new

After fleeing the war in Ukraine, refugees share their experiences of finding work in their new homes.

Liverpool v Arsenal: Premier League – live

Updates from the 4.30pm (BST) kick-off at Anfield Sunday scoreboard: all the goals as they go in And you can email Daniel or tweet @DanielHarris Elsewhere, Palace are taking Leeds apart. Follow the closing stages with Rob Smyth! Email! “Speaking as a Liverpool season ticket holder whose first game was in 1975, says Algernon Mcpherson, “I know several people who would rather City win the league than Arsenal, me included.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2023/apr/09/liverpool-v-arsenal-premier-league-live

Three men arrested over homophobic chants at Wolves v Chelsea match

Males aged 32, 24 and 21 released on bail Fans were warned over discriminatory chants during match Three people have been arrested in connection with homophobic and discriminatory chants made during the Premier League match between Wolves and Chelsea on Saturday. Both teams and the Premier League condemned the chants directed at Chelsea supporters during the game at Molineux, which hosts Wolves won 1-0 . Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/09/three-men-arrested-over-homophobic-chants-at-wolves-v-chelsea-match

Cost of living: Fish and chip shop that opened in 1961 shuts doors

Dennis Jackson, 84, says the last six decades of business had been "fantastic".

PGMOL admits Brighton should have been awarded penalty in defeat to Spurs

Højbjerg trip on Mitoma went unpunished by officials Howard Webb has contacted Brighton to apologise The PGMOL’s chief refereeing officer, Howard Webb, has made contact with Brighton to apologise for the officials’ failure to award the Seagulls a penalty in their 2-1 loss to Spurs . Kaoru Mitoma was tripped in the box by Pierre-Emile Højbjerg but referee Stuart Attwell failed to spot the infringement. The error was compounded by the video assistant referee (VAR), Michael Salisbury, failing to overturn Attwell’s decision. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/09/pgmol-admits-brighton-should-have-been-awarded-penalty-in-defeat-to-spurs

Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano: ‘My stammer as a kid made me scared to talk’

Before Manchester City tie defender discusses how football helped his speech, assisting at his mum’s market stall and Kylian Mbappé “Today I’m proud because I’ve progressed a lot,” Dayot Upamecano says as he reflects on finding his voice and overcoming the fear that rippled through him when he had to speak up at school. The Bayern Munich centre-back, an important figure for France during their run to the final of the 2022 World Cup, was eight when he first experienced problems with his speech and he has not forgotten the taunts that would fly in his direction during childhood. “I was very scared,” Upamecano admits on a still afternoon at Clairefontaine, France’s celebrated training centre. “When you have a stammer as a kid you’re scared to talk because people will make fun of you. It’s difficult to distance yourself from it. You say to yourself all the time: ‘If I talk people will make fun.’ You don’t want to go up to the blackboard, or communicate in general, because you know people

‘I cannot live without it’: grassroots referees on passion and handling abuse

The new film In the Middle shows officials are not safe, with Premier League behaviour influencing actions across football’s pyramid Let’s be honest, Paolo Di Canio pushing over Paul Alcock; Manchester United players hunting a backpedalling Andy D’Urso; Aleksandar Mitrovic’s tantrum at Old Trafford , punished by an eight-game ban: not the least hilarious things we have seen. And why shouldn’t we laugh? Though being aggressively confronted by professional athletes must be stressful, elite referees know they are safe, so the aggravation is simply due punishment for their effrontery in seeking power, just part of the show and good, clean fun. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/09/grassroots-referee-mitrovic-in-the-middle

Eurovision 2023: Airbnb host tried to increase rent from £465 to over £2,000

Roy Henry says the host he booked with tried to raise the price from £465 to more than £2,000.

Swanson hospitalized with knee injury as USA women defeat Ireland in friendly

Injury to leading scorer in 2023 mars USWNT’s 2-0 friendly win Julie Ertz back in USA team for first time since Tokyo Olympics Emily Fox and Lindsey Horan both scored for the United States in a 2-0 victory Saturday over Ireland that was marred by what appeared to be a serious left knee injury to Mallory Swanson. Swanson was carted off the field at Q2 Stadium and was taken to a hospital. She was the team’s leading scorer this year with seven goals as the United States prepare for the Women’s World Cup this summer. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/08/uswnt-ireland-friendly-mallory-swanson-injury

Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota goals defeat Rangers as Celtic advance on title

Celtic took a massive step towards retaining their Premiership title as a thrilling 3-2 Old Firm game victory took them 12 points clear of second-placed Rangers. Michael Beale got the strong start to the game he had wanted from his Rangers side and they were perhaps unlucky to see an Alfredo Morelos effort chalked off for an infringement, but they found themselves behind after 26 minutes through a close-range finish from the Japan striker Kyogo Furuhashi. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/08/celtic-rangers-scottish-premiership-match-report

'We've made memories': Vincent Kompany delights in Burnley promotion – video

Burnley’s promotion back to the Premier League was confirmed with seven games to spare as they beat Middlesbrough 2-1 at the Riverside. Just over 10 months since they were relegated, Vincent Kompany’s reborn Clarets will be back in the top flight next season. “I’m pleased and happy for the players. It’s a very special feeling,” Kompany said. “We still don’t have the silverware, but we have made memories. There is already one milestone that has been achieved, and one achievement that cannot be taken away from us." Burnley promoted to Premier League after Roberts sinks Middlesbrough Kompany’s claret revolution sends club back to the big time Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2023/apr/08/vincent-kompany-delights-in-burnley-promotion-premier-league-video

Mick McCarthy departs relegation-threatened Blackpool after 14 games

McCarthy and assistant Terry Connor leave ‘by mutual consent’ Club second-bottom in Championship, seven points from safety Mick McCarthy has parted company with the Championship side Blackpool after 14 games, with the club deep in relegation trouble. McCarthy and his long-term assistant, Terry Connor, who were appointed in January on deals until the end of the season, departed after Friday’s 3-1 home defeat by Cardiff – the former Republic of Ireland manager’s previous club – which left Blackpool seven points shy of the last safe spot with six games to play. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/08/mick-mccarthy-departs-relegation-threatened-blackpool-after-14-games-mutual-consent

Burnley promoted to Premier League after Roberts sinks Middlesbrough

Burnley’s promotion back to the Premier League was confirmed with seven games to spare as they beat Middlesbrough 2-1 at the Riverside. Just over 10 months since they were relegated under the caretaker stewardship of Mike Jackson, Vincent Kompany’s reborn Clarets will be back in the top flight next season. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/07/burnley-promoted-to-premier-league-after-roberts-sinks-middlesbrough

Familiar problems return for Matildas in frustrating defeat to Scotland | Joey Lynch

Unwelcome issues resurfaced in the absence of captain Sam Kerr and other key players with the World Cup looming large The Matildas’ seven-game winning streak is over after a 46th-minute strike from Nicola Docherty handed Tony Gustavsson’s side their first defeat since last September. Yet again, Australia’s women put in a performance that hinted at promise, only to pair it with maddening shortcomings that threaten to derail any efforts to deliver on that potential. Normal angst can now resume with a once-in-a-lifetime home Women’s World Cup just 103 days and two more friendly matches away. But perhaps this should not come as any surprise, even with the extended run of wins that preceded Friday’s outing in London. It has been a theme in both victory and defeat for years, ever since Gustavsson took over and every game became a piece of a much bigger puzzle, always analysed first and foremost through the prism of the looming World Cup. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian

How a wind-up convinced Maradona he could win World Cup on his own

The late Argentina great’s personal trainer recounts in this book extract a visit he made to the player’s room before Mexico 86 Diego Maradona arrived in Mexico like a well-tuned violin. He had managed to stabilise his weight at 76kg long before the World Cup. His physical condition was optimal from the feet to the neck, and little by little he managed to acclimatise to the Aztec high habitat. The place chosen as the training camp was ideal for footballers – although they baptised it as Alcatraz, the famous American penitentiary located on a small island in the San Francisco Bay. They could perform the necessary exercises to adapt to the altitude, enjoy many hours of rest and sleep, a good diet and a relaxed, calm atmosphere. The coach Carlos Bilardo, who had rehearsed acclimatisation to the altitude with a group of players – although without Diego – in Tilcara, a town in the province of Jujuy located about 3,000m above sea level, also organised several training sessions at the time

Inter’s Romelu Lukaku demands action after racist abuse at Juventus

Striker was also racially abused in 2019 Lukaku sent off for finger to lips celebration after scoring Romelu Lukaku has urged Serie A to take action after he was racially abused during Internazionale’s Coppa Italia draw at Juventus, who said they were collaborating with police to find the fans responsible. Lukaku scored a stoppage-time penalty to cancel out a late goal by Juan Cuadrado and earn Inter a 1-1 semi-final first-leg draw on Tuesday. During his celebrations, the Belgian striker held a finger to his mouth in front of Juve’s fans. The gesture was judged to be provocative and he was sent off after a second yellow card. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/05/romelu-lukaku-inter-demands-serie-a-action-racist-abuse-juventus

Sarina Wiegman 'happy with penalties' after England's Finalissima win – video

Sarina Wiegman said that experiencing a tense penalty shootout four months before the World Cup was vital experience for her side, after England secured victory over Brazil in the Finalissima at Wembley. 'I think the team did really well by just showing resilience. So that was done. We were moving forward, we have to do a job and take the penalties as good as possible or stop it as good as possible. And that's what we did,' she said. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2023/apr/07/sarina-wiegman-happy-with-penalties-after-englands-finalissima-win-video

High Streets see revival of weekend shopping

With more workers back in offices many people are returning to pre-pandemic habits, a retail group says.

Can Frank Lampard fix Chelsea? – Football Weekly Extra

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning , Robyn Cowen and Jonathan Liew as Newcastle United thrash West Ham and Chelsea look set to bring in Frank Lampard as manager (again). Rate, review, share on Apple Podcasts , Soundcloud , Audioboom , Mixcloud , Acast and Stitcher , and join the conversation on Facebook , Twitter and email . Today; Newcastle beat West Ham 5-1, Eddie Howe’s side impressed but they were gifted goals. The panel ask whether now is the time to say goodbye to David Moyes? Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/audio/2023/apr/06/can-frank-lampard-fix-chelsea-football-weekly-extra

Renting: Six out of 10 renters live in energy-inefficient homes

Renters in Blackpool tell the BBC they're struggling while living in flats which have poor energy efficiency ratings.

CBI lobby group in 'difficult place' after rape claim, says member

Andy Wood, boss of brewer Adnams, says his company is considering its membership of the group.

Arsenal and USA’s Matt Turner: ‘Arteta makes your mind work in different ways’

The goalkeeper didn’t play football seriously until he was 14. He reflects on his time at the World Cup, Arsenal’s title challenge and family visitors Matt Turner’s football journey is not what you might call traditional. He didn’t start playing the game until he was 14 – and that was because he wanted to stay in shape for basketball and baseball. Even then, he only played in goal when another player went down with an injury. From there he has progressed from MLS standout to Arsenal to USA’s starting keeper at last year’s World Cup. But he always wants more, something that is clear when he looks back at the team’s performance in Qatar. “There’s a hunger,” Turner says, reflecting on the US loss to the Netherlands in the round of 16. In the group stages, they had impressed with their style of play and went toe-to-toe with England in a 0-0 draw. The Americans had also achieved the main objectives born in the wreckage of the disastrous qualification campaign for the 2018 World Cup: ma