Sir Bobby Charlton death: Legendary 1966 World Cup winner and Man Utd hero dies aged 86
Sir Bobby Charlton, the World Cup winner and European Cup winner who is one of England and Manchester United’s greatest-ever players, has died at the age of 86. Charlton, who won the 1966 Ballon d’Or, became the record goalscorer for both United and England in a career where he became known for his sportsmanship and dignity as well as his flair on the ball and his ferocious shot. A survivor of the 1958 Munich air disaster, Charlton went on to lift the European Cup a decade later, captaining Sir Matt Busby’s team and scoring twice in the 4-1 win over Benfica in the final. Two years earlier, he had been a fundamental part of the only England team to win the World Cup, scoring both goals in the semi-final win over Portugal and playing in a team alongside his brother, Jack. They remain one of just two sets of siblings to win the World Cup. The son of a miner in his native North East and a teenage prodigy, Charlton joined United at 15 and scored twice on his debut as a 19-year-old. He was one of the “Busby Babes”, the team of youthful talents who played attacking football, but eight of his teammates were killed in the plane crash in Munich. Charlton, who was on the flight, survived and went to form a famous attacking trio with George Best and Denis Law. He played 758 games for United – then a record, and a total since only topped by Ryan Giggs – and scored 249 goals, which only Wayne Rooney has beaten. He won three league titles and the FA Cup in his United career. He made 106 appearances for England, also a national record at the time, and was in the squad in four World Cups, playing in three. His total of 49 goals was the most by any England player until first Rooney and then Harry Kane overtook him. Charlton subsequently managed Preston and, for almost four decades, was a United director, playing a part in appointing Sir Alex Ferguson in 1986. He was diagnosed with dementia, which his family announced in 2020. The team will wear black armbands tonight in their Premier League fixture at Sheffield United and the pre-planned minute’s silence will be expanded to pay respects to Sir Bobby. A book of condolence will be open to fans and the public tomorrow (Sunday, 22 October) from 10am in the International Suite at Old Trafford. United said in a statement: “Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club. “Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world. “He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game. “A graduate of our youth Academy, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals during 17 years as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup. For England, he won 106 caps and scored 49 goals for England, and won the 1966 World Cup. “Following his retirement, he went on to serve the club with distinction as a director for 39 years. His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever etched in the history of Manchester United and English football; and his legacy will live on through the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation. “The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him.” Sir Geoff Hurst, who played a key role in the World Cup-winning team alongside Sir Bobby, paid his tribute on X, formerly Twitter: “Very sad news today. One of the true greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. We will never forget him & nor will all of football. A great colleague & friend, he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone. Condolences to his family & friends from Geoff and Judith.” Former England captain Gary Lineker said: “For me England’s greatest ever player. “You can only judge players that you have seen in your lifetime and I was lucky enough to see Bobby Charlton play when I was a young boy. It’s a very sad day, he was one of my heroes, one of many people’s heroes. “It’s difficult to judge the ‘best ever’, but he was synonymous with English football all over the world for such a long time. “You could go somewhere that no one spoke English but people would know Bobby Charlton. That was a true testament to the fame he had and a testament to his ability.” David Beckham, who followed Sir Bobby in captaining club and country, took to Instagram to pay his tribute. “It all began with Sir Bobby. Sir Bobby was the reason I had the opportunity to play for Manchester United,” wrote Beckham . “I will be forever grateful to a man I was named after, someone I looked up to and was a hero to many around the world not just in Manchester and our country where he won the World Cup in 1966. “A true gentleman, family man and truly a national hero… Today isn’t just a sad day for Manchester United & England it’s a sad day for football and everything that Sir Bobby represented.. Our thoughts go out to Lady Norma , there daughters and grandchildren x Rest in Peace Sir Bobby. @manchesterunited@england today our hearts are heavy.” Read More Bobby Charlton: England World Cup winner and Manchester United legend A true gentleman – David Beckham pays tribute to ‘national hero’ Bobby Charlton How one impassioned Bobby Charlton video explains why we’re football fans Sir Bobby Charlton: Gary Lineker leads tributes to ‘England’s greatest ever’ Gary Lineker leads tributes to ‘England’s greatest ever’ Sir Bobby Charlton Bobby Charlton’s best games for Manchester United: Cup final hero and record-breaker
1970-01-01 08:00
Mikel Arteta pinpoints moment Arsenal made ‘phenomenal’ response at Chelsea
Mikel Arteta praised a “phenomenal” response from Arsenal after they fought back from two goals down in the final 13 minutes to earn a 2-2 draw at Chelsea and move level on points at the top of the Premier League. Chelsea looked to be sending Arsenal to a first league defeat of the season when Mykhailo Mudryk’s cross-shot put them into a 2-0 lead minutes after half-time, the Ukrainian’s effort drifting over goalkeeper David Raya who was unable to recover from a poor starting position as the ball dropped into the goal. That added to the lead given to them by a first-half penalty from Cole Palmer, increasingly influential in Pochettino’s revitalised attack following his move from Manchester City, who slotted home after William Saliba was adjudged to have handled from Mudryk’s header. It was a commanding and deserved advantage for the hosts, who were seeking a third straight league win, but as so often during Chelsea’s turbulent last 18 months it was an individual error that turned the game and cost them points. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez rolled the ball straight to the feet of Declan Rice who cut the arrears from 30 yards, before Leandro Trossard got a lunging right leg to Bukayo Saka’s cross six minutes from time to salvage an unlikely draw. And afterwards Arteta praised his team’s powers of recovery as they extended their unbeaten start to the league season to nine matches to go level at the top with Manchester City. “I think what went wrong was the start of the game,” said the manager. “We didn’t play with enough purpose and clarity. We were just moving the ball without the intention to threaten them. That’s a really dangerous thing to do against teams like Chelsea. “Then we didn’t win enough duels, and in tight areas when we had them, they escaped from that and they attacked open spaces, and they are really dangerous things to do. “When we changed that and we changed the level after 20, 25 minutes, especially in the second half then it’s a different game. We became a much better team, even though we conceded the second goal and it’s a disappointment. “The way the team reacted to the second goal is phenomenal from the players on the pitch and the players on the bench thinking ‘how the hell am I going to change this game?’ I loved that. “I really liked as well going into the dressing room and it’s really quiet, after drawing 2-2 with Chelsea and coming back from 2-0 down, because I know that they wanted more. That’s the positive.” Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino reflected on perhaps Chelsea’s best performance since he took over in the summer, and refused to lay the blame at the feet of Sanchez for allowing Arsenal back into the match. “Too many games that we’re watching every week, always mistakes,” he said. “Football is about mistakes. If you want to score, you want the opponent to make a mistake. Ninety per cent of goals are because the opponent made a mistake. Football is about mistakes. “The only thing we can criticise a little bit is to read better the situation, the tempo and the timing. After 77 minutes, we’re trying to take some risks. OK, we can because it’s our philosophy. But maybe (we need) better decisions. So we can criticise a bit, but also this is football. “It’s not to blame someone. It’s only that in this type of situation you need to read better, but that will arrive with time. Teams need to manage and drive games. You need to read the game, when to be calm, when to play, when to take risks.” Read More Gary O’Neil insists Wolves win at Bournemouth not about revenge over former club Pep Guardiola hails ‘exceptional’ Brighton after Man City return to winning ways Thomas Frank: Five-year anniversary meal will taste better after Brentford win Rob Edwards salutes Luton super-sub Elijah Adebayo after equaliser at Forest England skipper Jos Buttler questions his decision to field first in latest loss A true gentleman – David Beckham pays tribute to ‘national hero’ Bobby Charlton
1970-01-01 08:00
Sean Dyche hits out at referee over ‘bizarre’ decision in loss to Liverpool
Sean Dyche branded Craig Dawson’s decision not to send Ibrahima Konate off in Everton’s Merseyside derby defeat bizarre and incredible as he criticised the referee and called for VAR to be used to determine bookable offences. The Liverpool defender, who was on a booking, was spared a second yellow card for a foul on Everton substitute Beto – a decision which Dyche accused Pawson of rushing to and which he felt was stunning and almost impossible. Dyche claimed he had no idea why he was booked in Everton’s 2-0 loss, which was sealed by a late brace from Mohamed Salah. He did not complain about the award of the penalty for the Egyptian’s opener, for handball against Michael Keane, but questioned the first caution Ashley Young received for his first-half red card, though he admitted the second was correct. But Konate’s reprieve, when the game was still goalless, bemused him. “I have no clue,” Dyche said. “I have asked the referee and he said he didn’t feel it was a bookable offence. I think people who were here today would be stunned it was not a second yellow.” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp promptly replaced Konate and said afterwards that the Frenchman could have been sent off and that he understood Dyche’s frustration. “Jurgen couldn’t wait to get him off because he knows,” the Everton manager said. “Fair play. I think that is an honest view. I don’t want to bleat too much because we lost. I can’t remember the last time I spoke this openly about referees but that one is incredible to me. And I got a yellow card, I don’t know what for.” Dyche was annoyed by Pawson’s swift decision-making, explained: “I have seen the footage back and within a second he is saying, ‘No chance no chance.” You aren’t giving yourself thinking time. If you give yourself 10 seconds, you think, ‘That has to be a yellow’. That is just bizarre to me. How that is not a second yellow is nearly impossible in the modern game.” Whereas Pawson was sent to the monitor to review the handball that led to the penalty, there is no scope for VAR to intervene for bookings but Dyche said: “I think there is where VAR should step in. In a game of this magnitude, I think VAR should be there to correct it.” Read More How Sean Dyche turned Everton into a better attacking team than Liverpool Northern Ireland rising star Isaac Price grateful to former boss Frank Lampard Mikel Arteta pinpoints moment Arsenal made ‘phenomenal’ response at Chelsea
1970-01-01 08:00
Harrison has a touchdown catch, No. 3 Buckeyes defense steps up big in 20-12 win over No. 7 Penn St
All-American receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. made 11 catches for 162 yards and a late touchdown as No. 3 Ohio State outlasted No. 7 Penn State 20-12
1970-01-01 08:00
Islam Makhachev demands two words from Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 press conference
Islam Makhachev has demanded a ‘thank you’ from Alexander Volkanovski ahead of their rematch at UFC 294, where the latter is challenging the Russian on 11 days’ notice. Volkanovsi is replacing Charles Oliveira in Saturday’s main event in Abu Dhabi, bidding for revenge against Makhachev after losing a narrow decision to the lightweight champion in February. Volkanovski, who holds the featherweight title, was fighting on home turf in Perth, Australia, on that occasion, whereas Makhachev will have the majority of the support at the Etihad Arena. “I feel great. All the people, they’re all on my side now,” said a grinning Makhachev, 31, at the UFC 294 press conference on Thursday (19 October). “Last time in Australia... everything has changed, brother, everything has changed,” he added, looking at Volkanovski, 35. Volkanovski replied: “Islam needs all the advantages he can get, that’s all he thinks about. I don’t need none of that; I’ve got these [my hands], that’s all I worry about. I rely on my skills – not crowds, not nothing.” “Everybody knows what you need: just money, that’s it,” Makhachev fired back. “He’s just come to make money. I put my win streak, I put my belt [on the line].” Volkanovski took issue with the Dagestani’s claim, saying: “I don’t know what mentality or mindset he has; I want to avenge my losses. It burns me. I didn’t get my hand raised, that hurts me. Now I have to do it on [11] days’ notice, and I’m okay with that. I accept that, and I’m ready to put on a show.” Mateusz Gamrot was the planned back-up fighter for UFC 294’s original main event, but the lightweight contender was overlooked in favour of Volkanovski, whom some fans believe should have been declared the winner against Makhachev in February. “You have to say thanks to me,” Makhachev told the Australian on Thursday. “I can choose any other opponent. We have Gamrot, we have [Dustin] Poirier, everybody is ready to fight for the belt. But I give you for the second time a chance. Just say ‘thank you’, that’s it.” The champions also paid respect to each other, however. “Of course he is good,” Makhachev said. “If you want to beat him... he never gives up, he’s gonna fight five rounds, it doesn’t matter how many days’ notice. We will show the best fight again for all the people [who were] waiting for it. “I tried [to finish him], brother, but this guy’s so tough. I landed many good punches, but this time... maybe some choke or something,” the Russian laughed. Makhachev’s victory over Volkanovski extended his win streak to 12 in a row, dating back to 2016. Meanwhile, that result marked Volkanovski’s first defeat since 2013. The Australian bounced back with a TKO win against Yair Rodriguez in July, beating the Mexican to retain the featherweight title. Volkanovski has reigned as featherweight champion since 2018, defending and retaining the title five times. Meanwhile, Makhachev won the vacant lightweight belt by submitting Oliveira at the Etihad Arena last October. The Russian’s rematch with the former champion was due to take place 364 days after their first bout. In the co-main event of UFC 294, former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman replaces Paulo Costa on 10 days’ notice, making his middleweight debut against rising contender Khamzat Chimaev. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More UFC 294 LIVE: Volkanovski vs Makhachev fight updates and results tonight Volkanovski vs Makhachev gamble shows the best and worst of the UFC Alexander Volkanovski admits it’s ‘crazy’ to fight Islam Makhachev on short notice Major UFC title fight undergoes dramatic late change Back-up fighter revealed for tantalising UFC title fight Alexander Volkanovski reacts to scorecards after loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 284
1970-01-01 08:00
Wimsat runs for 3 TDs, Rutgers bowl eligible after 31-14 win over Indiana
Gavin Wimsatt ran for three touchdowns and 143 yards as Rutgers became bowl eligible with a 31-14 road victory over Indiana
1970-01-01 08:00
Sevilla expels fan from stadium for racist behavior during game against Real Madrid
Sevilla has expelled a fan from its stadium and filed a complaint with police after the spectator allegedly displayed “xenophobic and racist behavior” in Saturday’s home game against Real Madrid in the Spanish league
1970-01-01 08:00
Blaney is back on track after disqualification, then reversal. NASCAR playoffs resume at Homestead
Ryan Blaney was disqualified after the opening race of the round of eight in NASCAR’s playoffs because of an alleged illegal front shock on his Ford
1970-01-01 08:00
Packers activate CB Eric Stokes for possibly his first game in nearly a year
Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes has been activated from the physically unable to perform list
1970-01-01 08:00
Zac Larrier throws a 94-yard touchdown and No. 22 Air Force shuts down Navy 17-6
Zac Larrier threw a 94-yard touchdown to Dane Kinamon — the longest pass in Air Force history — and the 22nd-ranked Falcons shut down Navy 17-6
1970-01-01 08:00
Phil Foden shows why he’s more Lionel Messi than David Silva in Man City win
As Manchester City became only the second English team in history to complete the treble last season, the remarkable feat somewhat passed Phil Foden by. Arguably the most gifted player to ever come through the City academy, the very definition of a generational talent, had little impact as his boyhood club blew everyone who dared step in their path away last term. Remarkably, given all he has achieved on our shores, there are some who have remained critical of how Pep Guardiola has underused Foden, insisting a young, English magician needs to be centre stage. This season, with several big personalities in the City dressing room having departed in the summer, Foden’s role in Guardiola’s squad has been catapulted from peripheral figure to integral leader, with only two players featuring in more games since the new campaign got under way. Like the rest of his City side, Foden faded badly in the second half of the champion’s edgy 2-1 win over Brighton, but the damage had been done in the first half at the Etihad. Furthermore, in such a dazzling first-half showing, as the world waits for Foden to morph into a David Silva incarnate, the 23-year-old instead showed, in glimpses, that the wide role Guardiola continues to deploy him evokes more Lionel Messi feels than Silva. When you are born with possessing your own gravitational pull over a football, just as the Argentine has, where Foden plays on the pitch is almost irrelevant. Like Messi, Foden had quite the stellar support act elsewhere on the pitch on Saturday to give him the freedom to leave supporters aghast with some of the mazy runs he went on against a Brighton side set up to go toe-to-toe with the champions. Another surprisingly regular starter this season, Julian Alvarez, got the ball rolling with a fortunate finish early on as City went in front, looking to avoid slipping to three successive league defeats for the first time since 2016. The impressive Jeremy Doku had a huge hand in the opener and kept Brighton pegged back right from the off. Much had been made of the heir apparent to the Guardiola throne, Roberto De Zerbi, planning to upset the apple cart further at the Etihad, but his team were not allowed any time on the ball to do their thing, such was the hunger among the City ranks to get back to normality – winning games at a canter. One such player desperate for his own turnaround in fortunes was Erling Haaland, without a goal in his previous two games – very much drought territory for the Norwegian goal machine. His booming finish that proved decisive in the end was as emphatic an answer to his deluded critics as he could have possibly mustered, sweeping home an arrowing finish to make it two 19 minutes in. While the game was being settled around him, Foden was busy picking out passes with the outside of his boot, sashaying past defenders as if they weren’t there, while bursting in the box at every given opportunity. Most importantly, a trait that often goes unheralded at City, Foden possessed that breathless desire in the first half that has enabled City to dominate the Premier League in recent years. No player in blue completed more sprints in the match than Foden, while only Doku had more touches in the Brighton box than Foden. So many recent losses are proving hard to shift psychologically for City, even with Rodri back at their heart of the midfield, with Kaoru Mitoma twice denied by Stefan Ortega in the City goal after the break, before Ansu Fati made one count and got the visitors into the match with 17 minutes left. There were some nervy moments late on for City, especially after Manuel Akanji’s late red card, but the champions stood firm to see out the victory to, temporarily at least, go back top of the pile. If they are to stay there this season, on the evidence of the early part of the campaign, Foden is going to have a much more prominent role in further glory. Consistency remains an issue, as his second half decline suggested. But what he did in the first half? Few, other than Messi, are capable of. Read More Pep Guardiola hails ‘exceptional’ Brighton after Man City return to winning ways Pep Guardiola believes both Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi deserve Ballon d’Or These are great times for England, says Phil Foden Gary O’Neil insists Wolves win at Bournemouth not about revenge over former club A true gentleman – David Beckham pays tribute to ‘national hero’ Bobby Charlton Erling Haaland back among the goals as Manchester City return to winning ways
1970-01-01 08:00
Mississippi State stifles Arkansas 7-3 in defensive battle
Mississippi State's defense limited Arkansas to 200 yards a lone field goal, which came on the Razorbacks' first drive, as the Bulldogs picked up their first SEC win on the season, 7-3
1970-01-01 08:00
