The head of the Russian private military contractor Wagner returned to a familiar theme this week — bashing the country’s military leadership for failures in the war in Ukraine

The Government and the Professional Footballers’ Association have called for a review of pitch perimeter safety after a non-league player suffered a serious injury last season. A letter has been sent by Sports Minister Stuart Andrew and PFA chief executive Maheta Molango to the chief executives of the Premier League, the EFL, the National League and the Football Association in a bid to avoid a repeat of what happened to Alex Fletcher. The 24-year-old required emergency brain surgery after he suffered a fractured skull colliding with an advertising board reinforced with concrete blocks in a match for Bath last November. The letter, seen by the PA news agency, calls on leagues and the FA to be more proactive in setting guidance and expectations for clubs in this area, and also to involve players in risk-assessing the pitch perimeter, given they have the best idea of what the dangers are. It asks the authorities to review whether lessons can be learned from the serious player collisions which have taken place and make improvements where necessary to ensure playing areas are as safe as possible. It is believed to be the first letter of its kind between the Government and the union, and the hope is that the timing of the letter – between seasons when stadium upgrades tend to take place – could be advantageous. PFA director of external affairs Ben Wright said: “After the incident where Alex Fletcher was so badly injured, we met with the Minister to highlight what we felt was a lack of clarity over the regulations that are in place to ensure player safety. “Although safety is ultimately the responsibility of the stadium owner, the PFA’s view is that the direction given to clubs in this area is not as strong as it could be. Collectively, football should do everything it can to make sure incidents like Alex Fletcher's don’t happen. This is a step in the right direction and we appreciate the Minister's support. PFA director of external affairs Ben Wright “We’re pleased that the Minister wants to see the leagues and the FA take a bigger role in ensuring player safety. “They are able to give guidance, share best practice and set an expectation that clubs will be proactive in their approach. “As part of that, we want clubs to work with players to identify potential risk factors that those who aren’t on the pitch every week might not necessarily see. “It’s the time of the year where clubs take the opportunity to do work on stadiums ahead of the new season, so it’s a good opportunity for them to think about this. “Collectively, football should do everything it can to make sure incidents like Alex Fletcher’s don’t happen. This is a step in the right direction and we appreciate the Minister’s support.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live CAS: Impossible to put timescale on final decision in Kamila Valieva doping case Ellyse Perry a thorn in England’s side as rain leads to early tea on opening day Wrexham to host former finalists Wigan on Carabao Cup return

A high school in Vermont is working with police to investigate after a swastika was painted with feces in a gender-neutral bathroom, according to the school's principal.

Tristan Tate's fans voiced their conviction that the justice system is broken after the influencer mentioned Phillip Schofield and Huw Edwards

Logan Paul recently declared his pick after Jake Paul promised a potential match with Tommy Fury or KSI after the duo's fight on October 14

Big Brother UK is back on our TV screens after a five-year hiatus (this time rebooted by ITV and hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best), and the series has already been praised for its diversity, as housemate Hallie came out to her fellow contestants as transgender during Monday night’s episode. The 18-year-old youth worker from London was one of 16 housemates to enter the Big Brother house this week, with the line-up also featuring Wolverhampton makeup artist and Muslim Farida, and Coventry DJ and amputee Dylan. More than 2.5 million people tuned in to Sunday night’s launch show, with the series already branded “too woke” by the usual critics - despite past winners including trans woman Nadia Almada and deaf Welshman Sam Evans. Many fans of the show have responded to the negativity by pointing out Big Brother has “always been diverse”. Alongside Farida having a chat with housemates about halal meat, Monday’s episode also saw Hallie tell the group she felt she “wasn’t being 100 per cent authentic in myself” when she entered the house the day before. She said: “So I just thought I would let everyone know, I’m trans, if you didn’t know already. I just thought I’d make that loud and clear. “So yeah, I’m a trans woman, if you didn’t know. Just wanted to bring that up.” Hallie received an outpouring of support from fellow housemates after coming out, with everyone sharing their pronouns as a result. During a discussion with 25-year-old barman Jenkin and 40-year-old NHS manager Kerry, Hallie revealed she would use the £100,000 prize money on a “designer vagina” if she went on to be crowned winner of the reality TV show. “The mind doesn’t match the body – that’s the best way to describe being trans. I have a female mind, but the body just doesn’t match,” she explained. After Monday’s episode was broadcast, Hallie received a huge outpouring of support online for the “powerful” statement made in the current “political climate”: Even narrator Marcus Bentley addressed the online reaction to the series, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “Diverse enough for you?” Absolutely, Marcus. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

Linn Grant has won her first LPGA Tour title after an outstanding start to her career in Europe

It’s not just you

As Ariana Grande continues her week-long celebration of the 10th anniversary of her debut album "Yours Truly," the singer is looking back on her good times -- and the bad.

Erik ten Hag has secured a third-place finish in his first season at Manchester United after a 2-1 win against Fulham in the Premier League

Former big league manager, coach and catcher Pat Corrales has died at the age of 82

By Ross Colvin Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence will announce his campaign to run for president on