Iraq fire: Eyewitnesses tell of wedding hall blaze horror
Survivors of the inferno which killed more than 100 people describe what happened as the fire took hold.
2023-09-28 00:20
Jude Bellingham injures Atletico Madrid player during derby defeat
Jude Bellingham is suspected to have caused Angel Correa's knee ligament injury with a strong tackle during the Madrid derby.
2023-09-27 22:16
Man Utd star Antony arrives back in UK to ‘face police over abuse allegations’
Manchester United winger Antony has flown back to the UK to face the police over allegations of abuse and violence against women made against him. Antony has agreed to hand over his phone to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to aid their investigation into the complaints made by the footballer’s ex-partner Gabriela Cavallin. Cavallin was in a relationship with Antony for two years and submitted allegations of “physical and psychological violence” by the Brazilian star to both GMP and São Paulo police earlier this month. Further assault allegations followed from Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana, with Lana’s complaints relating to a meeting between the pair in Manchester. Antony has denied all the allegations in an interview on Brazilian TV. The 23-year-old flew back to England on Tuesday from Brazil, where he was voluntarily interviewed by police in June and they have confirmed they don’t need any more information from him. He has now agreed to voluntarily meet with GMP. Earlier this month, Antony agreed to take a “period of absence” from Manchester United on full pay to address the allegations, meaning he would not play or train with the club until further notice. Despite returning to the UK, he will still not be considered for selection At the time, a club statement read: “Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony. It has been agreed with Antony that he will delay his return until further notice in order to address the allegations. As a club we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.” This was accompanied by a statement from Antony himself, stating: “I have agreed with Manchester United to take a period of absence while I address the allegations made against me. “This was a mutual decision to avoid distraction to my teammates and unnecessary controversy for the club. I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will fully cooperate with the police to help them reach the truth. I look forward to returning to play as soon as possible.” Read More Erik ten Hag consulted as Antony put on ‘period of absence’ from Man Utd amid abuse allegations Man Utd winger Antony appears on Brazilian TV to deny assault allegations Clubs send out wrong message playing footballers accused of abuse – Women’s Aid
2023-09-27 20:59
Nagorno-Karabakh: Azerbaijan arrests former Karabakh leader at border
Ruben Vardanyan is detained while attempting to enter Armenia after Baku's offensive last week.
2023-09-27 20:46
Iraq wedding fire: What do we know?
More than 100 people have been killed by a blaze that swept through a wedding party in Qaraqosh.
2023-09-27 20:29
South Africa floods: At least 11 people die after Western Cape deluge
The authorities say at least 11 people have died as floodwaters submerge parts of the province.
2023-09-27 19:48
Roundup: Shakira Charged With Tax Fraud; Phillies Clinch Top NL Wild Card Spot; Lou Holtz Fires Back at Ryan Day
Shakira charged with tax fraud in Spain, the Phillies clinched the top NL wild card spot, Lou Holtz fired back at Ryan Day and more in the Roundup.
2023-09-27 19:21
What time is the Carabao Cup fourth round draw? Date, time and how to watch
Defending champions Manchester United beat Crystal Palace in their third round clash and a further seven Premier League teams begin their Carabao Cup campaign across this midweek. Manchester City, West Ham, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Newcastle, Brighton, and Liverpool are become involved at this stage after a bye to allow for European competition. In the last round, League One side Lincoln City provided a shock when they beat Premier League opponents Sheffield United 3-2 on penalties. Here’s everything you need to know about the fourth-round draw. When is the fourth round draw? The fourth round draw takes place on the 27 September after the match between Newcastle and Manchester City which will be televised from St James’ Park. The match is due to kick off at 8pm, and the draw will follow after full time, starting between 10-10:10pm. How to watch on TV and online Sky Sports will broadcast both the match before and the draw. The draw will also be live streamed for free on the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel. Emma Saunders will host the draw alongside former Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge and recently retired England international Izzy Christiansen. When will the fourth round fixtures be played? The fourth round of the Carabao Cup will be played in the week commencing Monday 30 October. When is the Carabao Cup final? The Carabao Cup final is scheduled for 25 February 2024 at Wembley Stadium. Which teams are in the draw and what are their ball numbers? 1. Burnley 2. Exeter City 3. Ipswich Town 4. Manchester United 5. Mansfield Town 6. Middlesbrough 7. Port Vale 8. AFC Bournemouth or Stoke City 9. Aston Villa or Everton 10. Blackburn Rovers or Cardiff City 11. Brentford or Arsenal 12. Chelsea or Brighton & Hove Albion 13. Fulham or Norwich City 14. Lincoln City or West Ham United 15. Liverpool or Leicester City 16. Newcastle United or Manchester City Read More Erik ten Hag’s got a good thing going at Manchester United – Jonny Evans Premier League clubs push government over key question surrounding state ownership in English football Ange Postecoglou has already transformed Tottenham with Arsenal comeback Vincent Kompany excited about Wilson Odobert’s potential after impressive debut Rob Edwards rues Luton’s lack of attacking quality after Carabao Cup exit Casemiro stars as Manchester United ease past Crystal Palace
2023-09-27 19:16
China Property Stocks Slide to Lowest Since 2011 as Rout Extends
Chinese property stocks tumbled to their lowest levels since October 2011 as worries about liquidity and weak housing
2023-09-27 17:53
Demi Stokes insists Manchester City well placed to challenge for WSL title
Demi Stokes believes Manchester City can rise to the challenge as the competition in the Women’s Super League gets ever tougher. City were forced to settle for a disappointing fourth place last season, finishing outside the Champions League berths for the first time since 2014. After winning the title in 2016 and then finishing runners-up in four successive seasons, City have been muscled out of the top positions in recent years. Chelsea have been the dominant force, having won the past four WSL crowns, but first Arsenal and now Manchester United have got their noses in front of City. Yet far from being frustrated, City defender Stokes has welcomed the increased competition as a sign of the growing strength of the women’s game and is convinced her side can match them. “I think if you look at last year, we had some very good performances,” the 31-year-old left-back told the PA news agency. “We were obviously disappointed with how we finished but I think if you look at the team and the depth that we’ve got, we’ve got everything that we need to win and it’s just about being consistent. “Obviously the league is getting harder and harder but that’s what we want. Other teams are improving, but we’re improving. It is going to be tight. “You know that you have to be consistent every week and every game is hard. It’s not just a handful that are going to be hard – each game is hard. “Everyone can take points off everyone. If you don’t turn up on the day, you’ll get punished for it. “But we know what we need to do. We’ve had our conversations and we’re just looking forward to the season starting.” Stokes, a member of England’s successful Euro 2022 squad, was overlooked for this summer’s World Cup campaign. She enjoyed watching the Lionesses run to the final as a fan but has not given up hope of forcing her way back into the international picture. “I had a good summer and I enjoyed watching it,” said Stokes, who signed a new one-year contract at City in June. “The girls did really well and they should be proud. “For me, I got my holidays in and it’s almost been like having a reset button and going again. “I’ve just got to concentrate on City now and then see where that goes. Play minutes – injury free – and we’ll go from there.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Vincent Kompany excited about Wilson Odobert’s potential after impressive debut Changes on and off the pitch as a new era approaches for Women’s Super League Pain of missing Ryder Cup will hit home now with LIV rebels – Rory McIlroy
2023-09-27 17:28
Vincent Kompany excited about Wilson Odobert’s potential after impressive debut
Vincent Kompany is excited about Wilson Odobert’s potential after watching the teenager score on his full debut for Burnley in a 4-0 Carabao Cup win over League Two Salford. The 18-year-old had already tested home goalkeeper Alex Cairns on a couple of occasions before crowning a comfortable win for Burnley with his 81st-minute strike, collecting a cross from the impressive Anass Zaroury and cutting back inside before firing home. It was only Odobert’s second appearance in a Burnley shirt following his summer move from Troyes and while Kompany will not rush the young Frenchman, the manager wants him to be making a regular contribution soon as the Clarets look to turn around their Premier League form. “We talk about the team settling and stuff and as I’ve told you, some of the guys who will be the heroes for us this season, you don’t see them but I see them in training and we have to be prepared for them to come into the team,” Kompany said. “Guys like Wilson are these type of guys. You can see the talent. It’s a matter of time. Is it tomorrow? Is it in a week or a month’s time? We don’t know. We’ll go with them. “Just like Luca Koleosho, we’ve some exciting players and hopefully they’ll be able to show it very soon for us. We’ll need it.” Kompany made 11 changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Manchester United on Saturday as he continues to marshal a 34-strong squad and figure out his best combinations. But even with so many changes, it still felt like a strong selection. Vitinho returned from injury, Odobert made his first start and Jack Cork got only his second run out of the campaign, starting in defence, but most of those involved have already featured regularly this term. After bringing in 13 new faces this summer, Burnley still need time to gel, as has been reflected by their winless start to the Premier League season. A cup win over a side struggling near the bottom of League Two is only a small step forward, but progress all the same. “We’ve got a lot of players still gelling together and I don’t think players would have played together as a team,” Kompany said. “Seeing a collective performance is more important than just seeing the individuals for me.” He added of that gelling process: “It’s not something that’s abnormal. We knew it was part of something that was going to happen and we had it last year. In that sense, it’s not different. “The level of opposition of course is different but you work hard on the training ground and after every game to make sure the team gets to the level it needs to be at as quickly as possible. You also enjoy that side of it. That’s why we’re coaches… “It’s still early days for a lot of these guys but in the end, if the collective is robust then you can make adaptations. We prioritised game time – Corky played at centre back as if he had played there for the last 10 years. “But when you look after the ball and when you have strikers and wingers who can be dangerous, it always gives you a chance to spread the load across the team.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Demi Stokes insists Manchester City well placed to challenge for WSL title Changes on and off the pitch as a new era approaches for Women’s Super League Pain of missing Ryder Cup will hit home now with LIV rebels – Rory McIlroy
2023-09-27 17:22
Changes on and off the pitch as a new era approaches for Women’s Super League
After a summer in which the England team took another historic step forward, the Women’s Super League returns this week with the next major phase in its development on the horizon. New ground was broken by the Lionesses once again as, a year on from claiming their first major trophy with Euros glory on home soil, they reached a maiden World Cup final. While they ended up being edged 1-0 by Spain on August 20, the exploits of Sarina Wiegman’s side at the tournament in Australia and New Zealand only further strengthened the sense of momentum surrounding the English women’s game. The WSL has been a key contributor to that as well and, as the start of the 2023-24 season draws near, there has been much talk about the division – which has been fully professional since 2018 – entering a new era. An independent company currently being referred to as ‘NewCo’ is set to take over the running of the league and the second-tier Championship from the Football Association from the start of 2024-25 onwards, and WSL chair Dawn Airey has spoken about the ambition to create the first billion-pound league structure in women’s football. Indicators of the growth the WSL has enjoyed to this point include its broadcast deal with Sky and the BBC that started in 2021 and runs to the end of this coming season, and attendance figures, with the FA reporting the average rose by 170 per cent in 2022-23 compared to 2021-22, and a record 47,367 watching Arsenal v Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium last September. That high mark may well be surpassed on the first day of the 2023-24 campaign this Sunday, when Arsenal are back at the stadium to kick-off with a clash against Liverpool – ticket sales hit 48,000 with a few days still to go in the build-up to the match. The season will see a number of matches taking place at Premier League grounds, with three of those coming in the opening round. Arsenal have committed to Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners, who came third last term as well as winning the League Cup, playing five WSL games at the Emirates across the season. And the number is four for champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, starting with Sunday’s meeting with Tottenham as Emma Hayes’ side – also FA Cup winners last term – open their bid for a fifth league title on the bounce. The runners-up to the Blues in both the league and FA Cup last season, their best finish in either competition, were Manchester United, who begin on Sunday by facing Aston Villa at Villa Park – minus Alessia Russo, after the England striker left in the summer and joined Arsenal. It has also been confirmed that Marc Skinner’s United will play their WSL derbies against Manchester City this term at Old Trafford (November) and the Etihad Stadium (March). Elsewhere on the opening day, Gareth Taylor’s City, seeking to bounce back after finishing outside the Champions League berths in fourth last season, are away against West Ham, who have a new boss in Rehanne Skinner. Skinner, successor to Paul Konchesky, was previously at Tottenham, where Robert Vilahamn has replaced interim Vicky Jepson in the division’s other summer managerial change. Everton host Brighton at Walton Hall Park, while newly-promoted Bristol City start their top-flight return by taking on Leicester at Ashton Gate, the ground set to be the venue for all the Robins’ WSL home games this term. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Vincent Kompany excited about Wilson Odobert’s potential after impressive debut Demi Stokes insists Manchester City well placed to challenge for WSL title Pain of missing Ryder Cup will hit home now with LIV rebels – Rory McIlroy
2023-09-27 17:19
