Mary Earps reveals difficulties with fan relationship following rise of women’s football
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
2023-10-27 22:48
Steelers legend is big mad about Trevor Lawrence disrespecting Pittsburgh fan tradition
Bill Cowher cannot believe that Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence didn't see the importance in the Pittsburgh Steelers' Terrible Towel. Here is what they had to say about all that.
2023-10-27 22:48
Pep Guardiola condemns Manchester City fans who chanted about Sir Bobby Charlton
Pep Guardiola distanced Manchester City from the two banned supporters who chanted offensively following the death of Sir Bobby Charlton, insisting the pair “don’t represent us”. Footage emerged on social media of two people, both minors, chanting about Charlton during City’s match against Brighton last weekend, soon after the Manchester United great’s death was announced publicly. City have acted swiftly, denouncing the chanting as “vile”, ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford, where United will hold a minute’s applause before kick-off in memory of Charlton. Guardiola is hopeful the travelling fans will conduct themselves respectfully, as he condemned the behaviour of the two fans who have been suspended from attending City matches home and away. “They don’t represent us,” Guardiola said. “Alcohol makes bad things in people. (City ambassador) Mike Summerbee went to Old Trafford to sign the book (of condolence for Charlton), he represents us. “We have huge respect for Manchester United, especially for the icon of Sir Bobby Charlton. We will be part of the condolences, to Man United and English football.” This weekend will be the first meeting between the rivals since last season’s FA Cup final, when Ilkay Gundogan’s double sealed a 2-1 win for City as they collected a second trophy en route to the treble. With only nine matches gone in the Premier League so far, this derby does not have the same emphasis but it is a fixture that former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola has always enjoyed. “When I was at Barcelona and Bayern Munich and I travelled to England to play against United at Old Trafford, it was always special,” he said. “It is a special place and here it is special for our fans. “The clubs have a good rivalry. The clubs respect each other, no big issues have happened in my eight seasons here. Of course the FA Cup final was special because we wanted to win and win the treble. “But it’s not like an FA Cup final or the last fixtures of the season where winning or losing can define winning the Premier League or not. “There have only been nine fixtures so there are 87 points to play for. It’s another game, we have to be focused to beat them.” City, who will be without suspended defender Manuel Akanji, beat Brighton last weekend to rebound from successive top-flight defeats at Wolves and Arsenal before the international break. They currently sit second, behind Tottenham, but United, who finished third last season, have had a turbulent start to their campaign, losing four times in their first nine fixtures. While City are six points and as many places ahead of United, Guardiola is on his guard after Erik Ten Hag’s side snatched victory in last season’s corresponding showdown. “United have always had that feeling – it doesn’t matter who the manager is – they are a tough, tough opponent,” Guardiola said. “The qualities of the individuals they have, the stadium, the character they have, the momentum. They can score goals, we know the quality they have. Always that has been and always it will be.” Read More Mikel Arteta calls for increased squad sizes as Arsenal suffer fresh injury blow ‘High chance’ Sandro Tonali plays for Newcastle this weekend despite 10-month ban Mike McMeeken’s move ‘out of comfort zone’ to Catalans earned England recall Ange Postecoglou: Tottenham not a better team without Harry Kane, just different England’s woes at World Cup down to lack of preparation – Sir Geoffrey Boycott How ‘the best ever Scotland team to take the field’ fared at the Rugby World Cup
2023-10-27 22:47
Maine shootings: Democrat reverses course on assault weapons ban
After a shooting in his hometown, Jared Golden seeks "forgiveness" for his past opposition to gun control.
2023-10-27 22:29
Separatist lined up to be Putin’s puppet leader in Ukraine ‘is shot in Crimea home’
A pro-Russian former politician in Ukraine is fighting for his life after being shot in his Crimea home, an official has said. Oleg Tsaryov, who was reportedly being lined to lead a puppet administration in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv after Russia’s invasion, is in intensive care in hospital, Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-installed official in southern Ukraine, said. He was reportedly shot twice at around midnight at his home in Crimea. “Oleg’s condition is very serious. He is currently in intensive care," Mr Rogov wrote on the Telegram messaging app. Sources told Reuters last year that Russia had been lining up Mr Tsaryov to head a puppet government in Kyiv after Moscow’s forces invaded on 24 February. Mr Tsaryov himself dismissed that possibility when The Financial Times reported it, citing US intelligence, ahead of the invasion. He told the paper at the time that the idea was "pretty funny" because he was just running a wellness business in Crimea and was "not important enough". Previously, Mr Tsaryov had been a member of the Ukrainian parliament and then speaker of the parliament of "Novorossiya", an entity formed after Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine broke away in 2014 and began fighting Ukrainian forces. News of the shooting comes amid continued fighting on the frontline where Russian troops have been executed for retreating from key battles. US intelligence said Russian soldiers had been fleeing the frontline in the Kremlin’s offensive in the eastern city of Avdiivka, Donetsk. “We have information that the Russian military has been actually executing soldiers who refuse to follow orders,” White House spokesperson John Kirby told a media briefing on Thursday. Ukrainian forces have been repelling the Russian onslaught on the frontline in Donetsk for several weeks since mid-October. Meanwhile, the alternative Black Sea export corridor will continue to function despite all threats, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday morning. The presidential office reported that Mr Zelensky discussed the operation of the route as well as vessel insurance during a phone call with British prime minister Rishi Sunak. On Thursday, the Kyiv-based Barva Invest consultancy, British security firm Ambrey and a specialised outlet, Ukrainian Ports, reported that Ukraine had suspended use of the corridor due to a possible threat from Russian warplanes and sea mines. Additional reporting by agencies Read More War-weary mothers, wives and children of Ukrainian soldiers demand a cap on military service time Russia-Ukraine war: Putin’s troops ‘executed for retreating’ Abortion restrictions in Russia spark outrage as the country takes a conservative turn As the Turkish Republic turns 100, here's a look at its achievements and challenges ahead Russia is executing its own retreating soldiers as Ukraine offensive fails, says US White House says Russia is executing its own soldiers for not following orders
2023-10-27 22:26
Russia hikes interest rates to 15% as inflation soars
The Bank of Russia raises rates more than expected to try to lower inflation and boost the rouble.
2023-10-27 22:21
Shiffrin named 'skier of the year' for the 3rd time. She receives the trophy from Bode Miller
Mikaela Shiffrin has been named “skier of the year” by the federation of ski journalists
2023-10-27 22:19
Xavi coy on whether Lewandowski and other Barcelona players are fit enough to face Real Madrid
Barcelona has been playing without leading scorer Robert Lewandowksi and regular starters Frenkie de Jong, Pedri González and Jules Koundé for the past month because of injuries
2023-10-27 22:16
US investors extend equity fund sell-off amid rising bond yields
U.S. investors remained net sellers of equity funds in the week to Oct. 25 driven by higher bond
2023-10-27 21:58
Sharone Lifschitz's mother was freed but her father is still held by Hamas
Sharone Lifschitz is calling on the Israeli government to prioritise the release of hostages held by Hamas.
2023-10-27 21:51
Fed seen keeping rates on hold well into next year
Cooling inflation will likely keep the Federal Reserve on pause in coming months, traders bet on Friday, even as persistent
2023-10-27 21:51
NHL Calder Trophy race: Ducks' Leo Carlsson bursts onto the scene
With another week of NHL action in the books, the Calder Trophy race is heating up. Leo Carlsson is challenging Connor Bedard, Logan Cooley, and Adam Fantilli, while blueliners like Luke Hughes and Brock Faber make their cases. Joseph Woll is pushing too.
2023-10-27 21:47
