Novak Djokovic made a surprise appearance at the Ballon d’Or awards on 30 October to present one of the trophies – but not everybody was happy with the tennis player’s inclusion. The Serb was selected to present the 2023 Ballon d'Or Feminin award to Aitana Bonmati, the Spain and Barcelona star. Bonmati won the top women’s trophy ahead of England’s Mary Earps and others, while Lionel Messi took his record eighth men’s award at the ceremony in Paris. The midfielder enjoyed a landmark year as an instrumental part of both a Champions League winning side in Barcelona, and her World Cup-winning country of Spain. Djokovic was invited on-stage, where he spoke about his own connections to football, and the fact that his decision to choose tennis instead was “a good choice”. Then, he gave the award to Bonmati. However, fans were furious that she had to receive the award from Djokovic, who has in the past criticised campaigns for equal pay between men and women’s sports. Football journalist Tim Stillman said: “Nothing says ‘celebrate the achievement of female athletes’ like inviting a male athlete who advocated against equal pay to talk about himself and the completely different sport he plays.” Another person said: “Wow they got a male athlete from a completely different sport to present the trophy to the winner? Who’s going to present the men’s trophy? Coco Gauff? Tahlia McGrath? No, didn’t think so.” One other added: “Way to disrespect women’s football btw. Get somebody who’s won it before, a legend of the game, an ally, at the very least a male FOOTBALLER. Who is Djokovic and what’s he done to football in general let alone women’s football.” Elsewhere, people were frustrated at the lack of gender parity between the categories of the various awards. There is no women’s trophy for best goalkeeper, best striker, or best young player as there are for the men’s game. One user wrote: “Ballon d'Or 2023 - No awards for: Women's U21 player, Women's Gerd Muller, Women's Lev Yashin. “The Women's award was presented by Novak Djokovic, a player who made it all about him rather than Aitana Bonmati. “Utter disgrace”. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter How to join the indy100's free WhatsApp channel 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

The former head of Israel’s internal security agency has voiced support for military reservists refusing to serve in protest of the government’s planned judicial overhaul, drawing fierce criticism from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ultranationalist allies days before parliament was set to vote on a key piece of legislation

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First mate Andrew Konchek uses a dockside crane to lower the last giant chest of ice onto the stern of the Alanna Renee. Moments later, the fishing boat eases off the dock and heads out of Portsmouth Harbor in the moonlight.

Boston College will try to bolster its bowl prospects when the Eagles visit Pittsburgh

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In 2023, there are at least three New England Patriots players who will feel unique pressure to take the next step at their positions.Even though the NFL is the world's premier professional gridiron football league, it takes time for its most talented athletes to develop into Hall of Fame l...

Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is closing in a return to action after playing 11 minutes in the Game4Ukraine at Stamford Bridge. The left-back has not featured for the Gunners in their pre-season campaign due to the calf injury he picked up at the end of last season, but he made a cameo appearance in the charity match he helped to organise. The Ukrainian teamed up with compatriot Andriy Shevchenko for the match in order to raise funds for those affected by Russia’s illegal invasion in his home country. He captained one of the star-studded teams and, just 24 hours before Arsenal take on Manchester City in the Community Shield, played in the opening exchanges before being replaced. A minute’s silence and video address from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy preceded kick-off and an entertaining game, which also featured a 15-minute cameo from Chelsea’s Ukraine international Mykahilo Mudryk, ended 2-2. Mark Noble and Darijo Srna scored for Team Zinchenko while Clarence Seedorf and William Gallas bagged for Team Shevchenko.

'Super Mario Bros. Wonder' has proved a huge hit in Europe.

What the papers say The race to sign Brentford’s Spanish goalkeeper David Raya has stepped up with Bayern Munich the latest strong pursuers. The Guardian reports the German club are looking to sign the 27-year-old, who is also wanted by Arsenal, after having a loan offer turned down. England defender Harry Maguire’s future remains in doubt. According to the Daily Mirror, West Ham have ended their interest in taking the 30-year-old from Manchester United due to the price tag and wage demands. Tottenham defender Sergio Reguilon, 26, could be on his way out of the Premier League. The Daily Mail reports the Spanish full-back is a target for Real Sociedad. Across London, Arsenal are looking to add to their summer signings. According to the Daily Express, Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus, 22, from Ajax is on their list of targets. Social media round-up Players to watch Kylian Mbappe: Chelsea are the latest club reportedly interested in taking the France forward, 24, from Paris St-Germain after weekend reports linking him with Liverpool. Alex Scott: Wolves are being linked with a final offer for the midfielder, 19, after Bristol City turned down bids of £18 million and £20 million.