List of All Articles with Tag 'cma'

Sam Cane became the first player to be sent off in a men’s Rugby World Cup final after seeing his yellow card upgraded to a red following a review from the TMO bunker during the New Zealand v South Africa match in the Rugby World Cup final. In the first half of the Stade de France showpiece, the All Blacks captain’s shoulder connected with the head of Jesse Kriel. Referee Wayne Barnes initially sent the captain to the sin-bin but, using the bunker system, that was upgraded to a red card soon after. The foul play review officer ruled that it was a shoulder direct to head with significant force and not enough mitigation to remain a yellow card. After the review was complete, Barnes called over stand-in skipper Ardie Savea to deliver the bad news for the All Blacks. He responded in shock: "to red!?" Cane was then seen in agony after learning his fate on the touchline, closing his eyes and rocking back on his chair. Reacting to the decision at half-time, Ireland legend Brian O'Driscoll was adamant Cane deserved the red card, telling ITV Sport: "Any effective tackle is a hinge at the hips, Sam Cane can have no complaints, there's no late dip, he has a clear line of sight, it's considerable force to the head and a very, very clear red card." While All Blacks legend Sean Fitzpatrick reluctantly agreed: "In real time, it's a red card, we have to get on with it." But what are the laws around head contact and high tackles that referees are following and how do they decide on the punishment? Here’s everything you need to know: What are World Rugby’s laws on head contact? Head-on-head contact in the tackle comes under Law 9 of the Laws of Rugby Union, which covers foul play. Law 9.11 dictates “Players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others, including leading with the elbow or forearm, or jumping into, or over, a tackler” and Law 9.13 goes on to say “A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders.” If a player breaks these laws and the act is deemed to be reckless or dangerous, then the referee is entitled to issue a yellow or red card. World Rugby also clarify the intent of the laws, stating in their guidelines that: “ Player welfare drives World Rugby’s decision making for zero tolerance of foul play, especially where head contact occurs. The focus must be on the actions of those involved, not the injury – the need for an HIA [a Head Injury Assessment] does not necessarily mean that there has been illegal head contact.” What are the punishments for head-on-head contact? Ok, this is where things get technical and debates start to occur. In March 2023, World Rugby issued their latest ‘head contact process law application guidelines’ to guide referees on whether foul play has occurred and how it should be punished. The referee has to go through a four-step process (detailed below) to determine the extent of the foul play and the sanction. The four steps are: Has head contact occurred? Was there any foul play? What was the degree of danger? Is there any mitigation? Step 1 (has head contact occurred?) is relatively straightforward, with head contact including the head and the face as well as the neck and throat area. If any head contact is made at all, we move on to Step 2. Step 2 (was there foul play?) is a touch more complex. The referees are told to consider whether the head contact was either intentional, reckless or avoidable – e.g. the defender is always upright. If it was, the tackler will be penalised and they move on to Step 3. However, if the head contact was deemed not to be foul play, the game continues. Step 3 (what was the degree of danger?) – judged from high to low – determines the initial punishment. A degree of high danger is judged on any of: direct contact rather than indirect, a high-force impact, a lack of control from the tackler, the incident occurring at high speed, the tackler leading with the head/shoulder/elbow/forearm or the tackle being reckless. If the referee judges there to be a high degree of danger, a red card will be shown. Meanwhile, low danger is judged as indirect contact, low force, low speed or no leading head/shoulder/forearm/swinging arm and a yellow card or even just a penalty to the opposition may be awarded. The final step, Step 4 (is there any mitigation?) determines whether the punishment can be reduced by one grade (i.e red card down to yellow card or yellow card down to just a penalty). Mitigation includes a sudden or significant drop in height or change in direction from ball carrier, a late change in dynamics due to another player in the contact area, a clear effort from the tackler to reduce their height or the tackler having no time to adjust. However, mitigation will never apply for intentional or always-illegal acts of foul play. What about the Foul Play Review Officer/Bunker review? Introduced for this World Cup was the Bunker review system. This allows the referee to issue a yellow card to a player, sending them to the sin-bin while play goes on, where a Foul Play Review Official (FPRO) will then take another look at the incident and determine if the yellow card should be upgraded to red, allowing the game to continue rather than a long stoppage to debate this. This is what happened to Curry against Argentina. The referee crosses their arms to indicate a Bunker review will take place. Once a player is in the sin-bin, the FPRO has up to eight minutes to review the decision and decide if it warrants upgrading to a red card. If not, the player will return to the field after their 10 minutes in the sin-bin has elapsed. Read More South Africa become kings of rugby with dramatic World Cup win over greatest rivals Sam Cane, Siya Kolisi and a tale of two captains at the heart of this Rugby World Cup final New Zealand captain Sam Cane opens up on Rugby World Cup ‘heartbreak’ after red card in final New Zealand v South Africa LIVE: Rugby World Cup final score updates as Springboks lead 14-man All Blacks South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi suffers Rugby World Cup final heartbreak with injury South Africa vs New Zealand: Who is the referee for the Rugby World Cup final?

Barcelona host Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season as Jude Bellingham gets his first taste of one of the biggest games in world football. Barcelona won last season’s La Liga crown as they surged to their first league title since 2019 under Xavi. The champions are undefeated this season with seven wins and three draws but trail leaders Real Madrid by one point. Madrid’s new signing Bellingham has made an astonishing start to life in the Spanish capital with 11 goals in his first 12 games for the club since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. The 20-year-old England star will now take centre stage in El Clasico, which is not available on UK television, as Real Madrid look to get revenge on Barcelona for last year’s title win. Follow the latest updates from El Clasico and get the latest odds and tips here. Read More Ballon d’Or shortlist: Who are the nominees for 2023 award? Jude Bellingham once again proves he is the key for England’s Euro 2024 hopes

Barcelona host Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season as Jude Bellingham gets his first taste of one of the biggest games in world football. Barcelona won last season’s La Liga crown as they surged to their first league title since 2019 under Xavi. The champions are undefeated this season with seven wins and three draws but trail leaders Real Madrid by one point. Bellingham has made an astonishing start to life in the Spanish capital with 11 goals in his first 12 games for the club since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. The 20-year-old England star will now take centre stage in El Clasico as Real Madrid look to get revenge on Barcelona for last year’s title win. Here’s everything you need to know; get the latest Clasico odds and tips here. When is Barcelona vs Real Madrid? El Clasico will kick off at 3:15pm BST (UK time) on Saturday 29 October. It will be played at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium, which is where Barcelona are playing all their home games this season due to renovations at the Camp Nou. Why isn’t Barcelona vs Real Madrid on TV in the UK? El Clasico is not available to watch live in the UK due to the 3pm blackout rule - a law which dates back to the 1960s preventing football from being shown on UK TV between 2:45pm and 5:15pm, in an effort to protect the attendances of lower league clubs. This includes international football, which is why ViaPlay - who hold the rights for LaLiga in the UK - cannot broadcast the match on TV or online until they show a re-run at 5:15pm. The re-run will be shown on ViaPlay Sports 2 and will also be available to watch on the ViaPlay website for ViaPlay subscribers. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. How can I follow the match? The Independent will be running a live blog of El Classico with the latest score and goal updates. What is the team news? Robert Lewandowski is a major doubt for Barcelona but Xavi is hopeful the striker will be able to face Real Madrid. Barcelona have been hit by several injuries to key players in recent weeks and although Jules Kounde, Pedri and Sergi Roberto have been ruled out, Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, and Raphinha could return in time. Real Madrid have been without Thibaut Courtois all season and the goalkeeper remains a long-term absentee due to an ACL injury. Eder Militao also remains out but Real Madrid have fewer injury issues than their rivals. Predicted line-ups Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Martinez, Balde; Gavi, Romeu, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix Real Madrid: Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Valverde, Tchouameni, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Read More Fran Kirby felt like she’d never been away on return to England side Son Heung-min hails Guglielmo Vicario for ‘unbelievable saves’ in win at Palace Erik ten Hag admits Man Utd ‘have a way to go’ as they prepare for derby day Fran Kirby felt like she’d never been away on return to England side Son Heung-min hails Guglielmo Vicario for ‘unbelievable saves’ in win at Palace Erik ten Hag admits Man Utd ‘have a way to go’ as they prepare for derby day

Chelsea take on Brentford in the Premier League’s early-kick off on Saturday at Stamford Bridge. Brentford go into the game unbeaten in their last three matches, having scored six goals while conceding just once. Chelsea might have let a two-goal lead slip against Arsenal last weekend but will want to bounce back against a side that has beaten them in the last two meetings between the clubs at Stamford Bridge. FOLLOW LIVE: Chelsea vs Brentford line-ups, team news and build-up However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have not won at home since their 3-0 win over Luton in August. Here’s everything you need to know about the match and get the latest football betting odds and tips here. When is it? The Premier League match is on Saturday 28 October at 12.30pm BST at Stamford Bridge. How can I watch it? Chelsea vs Brentford will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 which can be streamed via the Discovery+ app with coverage starting at 11am BST. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Team news Nicolas Jackson could return to the Chelsea starting line-up, while Reece James is expected to remain on the bench. Chelsea have an extensive injury list with Armando Broja, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Christopher Nkunku, Trevoh Chalobah, Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana all sidelined. Brentford will be without Rico Henry, Keane Lewis-Potter, Shandon Baptiste, Ivan Toney, Mikkel Damsgaard, Kevin Schade and Joshua Dasilva. Odds Chelsea 4/7 Draw 23/10 Brentford 4/1 Prediction Chelsea will build on their draw against Arsenal and should be able to win the game for a timely boost against Thomas Frank’s solid outfit. Chelsea 2-1 Brentford. Read More Mauricio Pochettino secures greater Chelsea transfer influence and identifies key January target Mauricio Pochettino hails Reece James’ leadership and defends captain after ban Mikel Arteta pinpoints moment Arsenal made ‘phenomenal’ response at Chelsea I know my worth – Rasmus Hojlund ready to build on promising start at Man Utd Diogo Dalot ensures Manchester United honour Sir Bobby Charlton with victory Thomas Frank: Five-year anniversary meal will taste better after Brentford win

Tottenham have the chance to go five points clear at the top of the Premier League table as they travel to Crystal Palace in a Friday night London derby. Spurs continued their best start to a league campaign since 1960-61 with Monday night’s 2-0 victory over Fulham, as goals from Son Heung-min and James Maddison saw Ange Postecoglou’s side return to the top of the standings. The victory means Postecoglou has taken a Premier League record 23 points from his first nine games in charge, but the Australian revealed afterwards that he was “really disappointed” with Tottenham’s second-half display. Tottenham will therefore be looking to maintain their high standards as they face the trip to Selhurst Park and take on a Crystal Palace side who were thrashed 4-0 by Newcastle last weekend. Follow the latest action from the Premier League below. Read More Ange Postecoglou’s four new signings breathe fresh life into different Tottenham There’s a long way to go – Ange Postecoglou staying grounded despite Spurs form ‘Really disappointed’: Ange Postecoglou’s surprise response as Tottenham go top

England will look to get back to winning ways as the Lionesses host Belgium in the Women’s Nations League tonight in Leicester. The European champions and World Cup runners-up defeated Scotland in Sunderland to open their Nations League campaign but then suffered just their third defeat under Sarina Wiegman in a 2-1 loss at the Netherlands. The result puts England in third place in Group A1 ahead of the double-header against Belgium, who lead the standings on four points following their win against Scotland and draw against the Netherlands. The Lionesses must win their group to advance to the Nations League Finals, and must then get through the semi-finals to book Team GB’s qualification spot for next summer’s Olympic Games in Paris. Follow for all the latest updates from the King Power Stadium: Read More Mary Earps reveals difficulties with fan relationship following rise of women’s football Lauren James to miss England’s games against Belgium with concussion Fran Kirby returns to Lionesses squad as Sarina Wiegman reveals Beth Mead decision

Mary Earps was forced to admit it has become “really difficult” to keep all fans happy with the increased attendances and popularity of the sport. The England goalkeeper was criticised for not signing an autograph following Manchester United’s win at Everton on Sunday. The Lionesses throughout the years have frequently stayed behind after games to meet with the supporters in the crowd, but the increased attendances have meant the fans they do meet become a smaller proportion of the total. When asked about the incident, which played out on social media, Earps said: “We love to interact with the fans but it’s at times becoming really difficult to keep everybody happy and to interact with as many people as possible.” "We’re obviously so grateful that thousands and thousands of people want to meet us and come and talk to us, but the reality of it is, if that’s the expectation, we’re always going to fall short. "I think the emphasis on it needs to switch now. We love that we can be so connected, but equally we are subject to a lot of comments and unnecessary [criticism]. At times it’s just an addition to the game that we don’t need." When England played Scotland at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light in September, some fans reportedly chanted for the Lionesses to “get off the bus” and meet them. Earps made headlines throughout the Women’s World Cup in the summer when she commented that her national team goalkeeping shirts were not available to buy for fans. Nike has since released a limited number of replica shirts, which have sold out. Speaking about the shirts she said: "It’s just brilliant for [the young goalkeepers] to have that access and have their own personal shirt," added Earps. "I know there’s going to be more shirts coming at the end of this year so I’m really excited about that as well." Read More Is England vs Belgium on TV? Channel, time and how to watch Lionesses tonight Lauren James to miss England’s games against Belgium with concussion Fran Kirby returns to Lionesses squad as Sarina Wiegman reveals Beth Mead decision

Celtic fans held Palestine flags aloft ahead of their Uefa Champions League match against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night. The build-up to the game, which ended in a 2-2 draw despite the hosts taking the lead twice, had been dominated by internal and external strife. Thousands of Celtic fans defied the club’s guidance before kick-off by displaying Palestine flags, an act which is likely to lead to sanctions from Uefa, who has previously applied disciplinary action against the Scottish giants, including a £8,600 fine in 2016 for displaying Palestine flags in a game against Israeli side Hapoel Be’er Sheva. Uefa’s Rule 16.2 states that club's are responsible for fan behaviour and disciplinary procedures may occur if a political message is displayed, with Barcelona and Celtic previously fined for showing national flags that Uefa deemed to have sent a political message. Atletico’s decision to dispense with their striped shirts and wear an all-red top based on the one worn by the team that beat Celtic in the 1974 European Cup semi-finals also opened old wounds. The Green Brigade, an ultra supporter group at Celtic Park, had previously said they would hand out flags ahead of the match, and the group has already been banned from away games after displaying the same flags at other recent matches, the BBC has reported. The flags were also waved in other areas of the stadium not occupied by the Green Brigade. Ahead of the fixture, the club announced the players and staff would wear black armbands as a show of respect for all those affected by the conflict and would make a contribution to the red cross. But the club also asked that “banners, flags and symbols relating to the conflict and those countries involved in it are not displayed at Celtic Park at this time.” The Green Brigade believes football fans have the right to express political beliefs. Celtic fans have previously shown their support for Palestine, and in 2014 the club was fined after fans waved flags during a match against Iceland’s KR Reykjavik, and again during a 2016 qualifier against an Israeli team. The Scottish club could also face being fined by Uefa for their actions on Wednesday night. Celtic have an Israel winger, Liel Abada, who is currently out of the matchday squads with injury, but it adds another dimension to the actions of the fans. The Independent has contacted Uefa for comment Additional reporting from PA

England will look to get back to winning ways as the Lionesses host Belgium in the Women’s Nations League tonight in Leicester. The European champions and World Cup runners-up defeated Scotland in Sunderland to open their Nations League campaign but then suffered just their third defeat under Sarina Wiegman in a 2-1 loss at the Netherlands. The result puts England in third place in Group A1 ahead of the double-header against Belgium, who lead the standings on four points following their win against Scotland and draw against the Netherlands. The Lionesses must win their group to advance to the Nations League Finals, and must then get through the semi-finals to book Team GB’s qualification spot for next summer’s Olympic Games in Paris. Here’s everything you need to know. When is England vs Belgium? The match will kick off at 7:45pm BST on Friday 27 October at the King Power Stadium in Leicester. How can I watch it? It will be shown live on ITV 4 and online on ITV X, with coverage starting from 7pm. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on thebest VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. What is the England team news? Fran Kirby could make her first England appearance since last October after returning to Sarina Wiegman’s squad. Kirby missed the World Cup after undergoing knee surgery but is in line to return to England’s midfield, while Keira Walsh has also returned to the squad after missing last month’s fixtures. The Lionesses will be without Lauren James, however, with the forward ruled out of both matches against Belgium due to a concussion injury. Predicted line-up England: Earps; Bronze, Bright, Greenwood, Daly; Walsh, Stanway, Kirby; Kelly, Russo, Hemp Prediction England 3-0 Belgium Read More Beth Mead ‘not close’ to England recall, Sarina Wiegman admits Fran Kirby returns to Lionesses squad as Sarina Wiegman reveals Beth Mead decision Darwin displays full range of brilliance and buffoonery as Liverpool thrash Toulouse Darwin displays full range of brilliance and buffoonery as Liverpool thrash Toulouse Jurgen Klopp excited by Liverpool squad after big European win over Toulouse Roberto De Zerbi stressed the need for a winning mentality at Brighton

Tottenham have the chance to go five points clear at the top of the Premier League table as they travel to Crystal Palace in a Friday night London derby. Spurs continued their best start to a league campaign since 1960-61 with Monday night’s 2-0 victory over Fulham, as goals from Son Heung-min and James Maddison saw Ange Postecoglou’s side return to the top of the standings. The victory means Postecoglou has taken a Premier League record 23 points from his first nine games in charge, but the Australian revealed afterwards that he was “really disappointed” with Tottenham’s second-half display. Tottenham will therefore be looking to maintain their high standards as they face the trip to Selhurst Park and take on a Crystal Palace side who were thrashed 4-0 by Newcastle last weekend. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Premier League clash. When is Crystal Palace vs Tottenham? The match will kick off at 8pm GMT on Friday 27 October at Selhurst Park, London. How can I watch it? It will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting from 7pm. Sky subscribers can also stream the match live on Sky Go or Now TV. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. What is the team news? Spurs midfielder Yves Bissouama is available for selection after serving his one-match ban. The impressive Pape Matar Sarr and Destiny Udogie came off early in the win against Fulham and are doubts. Crystal Palace remain without Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise. Predicted line-ups Crystal Palace: Johnson; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Lerma, Doucoure, Hughes; Ayew, Mateta, Edouard Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Maddison, Richarlison; Son Odds Palace 18/5 Draw 17/6 Spurs 10/13 Get latest match odds and tips here. Prediction Crystal Palace 1-2 Tottenham Read More Former Tottenham performance director joins top sports agency Fulham ‘punished’ by mistakes in 2-0 loss to Tottenham, says Marco Silva ‘Really disappointed’: Ange Postecoglou’s surprise response as Tottenham go top Tottenham Hotspur vs Fulham LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Ange Postecoglou’s four new signings breathe fresh life into different Tottenham Ange Postecoglou hopes Tottenham can offer fans ‘escape’ from Israel-Hamas conflict

Everton’s takeover by the American investment firm 777 Partners remains on course, despite the possibility of a points deduction that could put the Merseyside club at greater threat of relegation. The Premier League are reportedly pushing for Everton to be deducted 12 points during an investigation into possible breaches of financial regulations but 777 are adamant they still want to proceed with plans to complete a buyout. Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri has signed a deal with 777 Partners, who have invested in a range of clubs including Genoa, Sevilla and Hertha Berlin. Everton were accused of breaking Financial Fair Play rules, which are supposed to limit clubs to a total loss of £105m over a three-year period. But Everton announced losses £44.7m in 2022, £121.3m in 2021, £139.9m in 2020, £111.8m in 2019 and £13.1m in 2018. The Premier League charged them in March though Everton have insisted they have complied with the regulations and their additional losses stem involve allowances clubs were permitted when Covid meant grounds were empty. Everton disclosed all scenarios with 777 during talks and financial due diligence and the potential outcome was priced in to the structure of the deal. A 12-point deduction would leave Everton, who only just avoided relegation in the last two seasons, on minus five. Other potential punishments, if Everton are found guilty, could include a transfer ban or a fine, which West Ham were given for the third-party ownership of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano in 2007. Read More Everton face ‘12-point deduction’ over alleged financial breaches Everton boss Sean Dyche pays tribute to ‘amazing servant’ Bill Kenwright Bill Kenwright: Theatre producer who went from terraces to boardroom at Everton

Celtic fans defied a club appeal and waved Palestinian flags before Wednesday’s Champions League fixture. The Green Brigade, a supporter group which occupies the north curve of Celtic Park, traditionally organise a tifo - a choreographed display involving a large banner - for major games. But as the teams emerged from the tunnel for their Group E match against Atletico Madrid, they instead held up Palestinian flags. Celtic have already banned the group from away games after they displayed the flags at recent matches in the wake of the attacks in Israel and Gaza. It is expected the Scottish club will now receive a fine from Uefa. Read More Moment Gerard Pique falls into huge hole as he’s distracted by phone Bobby Charlton’s football was ‘poetry in motion’, says former teammate Ten Hag lays flowers in centre circle as Man United pay tribute to Bobby Charlton