Newcastle fan stabbed in Milan ahead of Champions League match
A Newcastle United supporter is in hospital in Milan after being stabbed on Monday night. Newcastle fans have flocked to Italy to watch their club play against AC Milan in the San Siro on Tuesday, in what will be their first Champions League match for 20 years. Eddie McKay, 58, was with his son and a friend when they were attacked by a group of men wearing hoodies at around midnight near the centre of the city, before police intervened. He was stabbed in the back and arms after he fell while trying to run away. Photos showed a shirtless man with a Newcastle United tattoo lying on the street in a pool of blood, being treated by medics before being taken away in an ambulance. Police have confirmed that Mr McKay was taken to a city hospital. His condition has been described as “stable” with non-life-threatening injuries. His daughter, Rachel McKay, told Sky Sports News: “My dad is stable and in a bit of shock. He’s gutted he’s missing the match but just wants every other Newcastle fan out here to be aware and be safe. “He has just had two knee replacements so he fell when he was being chased and that is when he was attacked. My brother is OK but is in shock after seeing that happen to our dad. I’m flying out there later. We haven’t slept all night.” A Newcastle statement said: “We are deeply concerned by reports that a supporter was seriously assaulted in Milan on Monday evening and we are liaising with local authorities to understand the circumstances. Our thoughts are with the supporter and their family and we hope for a full and speedy recovery.” Newcastle have a 4,000-seat allocation for the game at the iconic 76,000-capacity San Siro, although it is thought many more fans have travelled to Italy without tickets. The incident took place in the Navigli area of the city, where fans gathered throughout the evening. The Newcastle squad’s flight was meanwhile delayed by adverse weather on Monday, with manager Eddie Howe insisting the situation had not affected his team’s preparations for the match. Read More UEFA Champions League 2023/24 schedule - every game in the group stage The defiant message behind Newcastle’s complicated Champions League return Is Milan vs Newcastle on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch
1970-01-01 08:00
China declines to address WSJ report foreign minister was removed over extramarital affair
China's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday declined to address a report its former foreign minister Qin Gang was ousted from his position over an alleged extramarital affair.
1970-01-01 08:00
Libya flood: Derna mayor's house burnt down in protests
Derna's mayor is targeted a week after devastating floods many residents blame on incompetence.
1970-01-01 08:00
Wounded Manchester United faces daunting trip to Bayern Munich for Champions League opener
Manchester United might have to summon the spirit of 1999 when it opens its Champions League campaign at old rival Bayern Munich
1970-01-01 08:00
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland begin new Champions League rivarly after Messi-Ronaldo era
As Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup in Doha, Kylian Mbappe was “livid”. It of course wasn’t because of his former team-mate’s success. It was that Mbappe had missed his only chance to emulate Pele and win two World Cup finals by the age of 23. The Paris Saint-Germain star is said to be more aware of his legacy than perhaps any previous major player in history – certainly much more than Erling Haaland. It is why he is now so singularly focused on the Champions League. That’s why he ultimately wants to go to Real Madrid. Watching Haaland lift it in June will have only added to that, all the more so because the Manchester City forward clearly doesn’t care quite as much. That isn’t to say he didn’t greatly want it, of course, but it’s one growing difference with Mbappe. The Norwegian said only last week he didn’t care for that projected rivalry, either, and that might well be true. Those differences between Haaland and Mbappe will still define the next decade of football in the same way those between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo did the last decade. That all might seem rather neat since this is the first Champions League season without either of its greatest players, but then the fact the Haaland-Mbappe doesn’t fit so neatly only makes it more alluring. While the French star is perhaps considered closer to Messi as an all-round playmaker, it is Haaland who is closer to the Argentine in terms of mindset. Those who know both say their approach to it all is more rudimentary. Both Messi and Haaland basically think that they are gifted so they will win. Everything becomes just an expression of their talent, meaning it’s not like they think about the game all the time. Haaland drew laughter at the recent PFA awards when he spoke about the series he watches, only revealing the Tyson Fury documentary At Home With the Furys. He is said to be more invested in Fortnite, in the way Messi was with football games. Mbappe is by contrast more like Ronaldo in how “obsessive” he is. He doesn’t allow it to flow as easily, because he thinks about it so much more. Mbappe turns inward when things don’t go his way. The outward expressions then become much more emotional, and angry. This has been evident in the last few years at PSG. Mbappe hasn’t come close to the Champions League so he has made it clear what he wants the team to look like. That has often been difficult for those around him, just as it often was with Ronaldo. Now at the peak of his physical powers, Mbappe wants a much faster and intense style of play. There may well be another twist in that Mbappe finally gets the team he wants in Luis Enrique’s youth-driven game, in what is set to be his last season at PSG.It removes some of glamour and soap opera from the Qatari project, but that might well make them a more serious proposition. That is perhaps essential to give City something resembling proper opposition this season, and to give this campaign some competitive life. In part because of the way Pep Guardiola has adapted around Haaland, the Abu Dhabi project have become such a supremely functioning machine. The Norwegian is allowed to do all he really cares about in football, which is just scoring and scoring. Even Guardiola reshaped his ideals around him, such is that finishing talent. This is what Mbappe has so far lacked in his career outside the French national team. It might be what he gets with Luis Enrique. On that, there was simply never any prospect of the French star going to the Saudi Pro League, or PSG benching him. He has too much power, he is too concerned with his legacy. It mercifully means Mbappe is still in the Champions League this season, just as Messi and Ronaldo step out. Haaland won’t have the stage to himself. Really, though, this season is only a sub-plot in a greater play. Read More Manchester United are a mess — and it could be about to get even worse From ‘unpromotable’ to the Champions League: Union Berlin fairytale is perfect antidote to modern football Ramsdale or Raya? Mikel Arteta’s unorthodox solution to Arsenal’s problem Rumours: Clubs look to sign Ramsdale after Arsenal drop him as Man Utd track Gnabry Germany beat France as Italy reignite Euro 2024 hopes Big-spending Saudis contribute £700million to record £6billion transfer total
1970-01-01 08:00
Hermoso criticizes Spanish soccer federation and accuses it of threatening World Cup-winning players
The player in the middle of the controversy that engulfed Spanish soccer after she was kissed on the lips by an official has accused the country’s soccer federation of trying to intimidate the World Cup-winning players by picking them for the national team even though they asked not to be called up
1970-01-01 08:00
Joyce vs Zhang 2 time: When does fight start in UK and US this weekend?
Joe Joyce tasted defeat for the first time as a professional in April, when he suffered a TKO loss to Zhilei Zhang, and the Briton gets his shot at redemption this weekend. Zhang, 40, surprised the London crowd by outboxing Joyce and injuring the 37-year-old’s eye to the point that the referee stepped in during Round 6. In doing so, the Chinese heavyweight took the WBO interim title from Joyce, who will look to regain the belt on Saturday and potentially set up a clash with Oleksandr Usyk. Will it be a repeat or revenge for the “Juggernaut” as he takes on “Big Bang” again? Here’s all you need to know. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. When is the fight? Joyce vs Zhang 2 is set to take place on Saturday 23 September, at Wembley Arena in London. The main card is expected to begin at 7.30pm BST (11.30am PT, 1.30pm CT, 2.30pm ET), with ring walks for the main event due at around 10.30pm BST (2.30pm PT, 4.30pm CT, 5.30pm ET). How can I watch it? In the UK, the event will air live on TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport). In the US, ESPN+ will stream the action live. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on 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. Odds Joyce – 21/20 Zhang – 17/20 Draw – 18/1 Full odds via Betway. • Get all the latest boxing betting sites’ offers Full card (subject to change) Zhilei Zhang (C) vs Joe Joyce 2 (WBO interim heavyweight title) Pierce O’Leary (C) vs Kane Gardner (WBC international super-lightweight) Anthony Yarde vs TBA (light-heavyweight) Sam Noakes vs Carlos Perez (lightweight) Zach Parker vs Khalid Graidia (super-middleweight) Ezra Taylor vs Joel McIntyre (light-heavyweight) Royston Barney-Smith vs TBA (super-featherweight) Moses Itauma vs Amine Boucetta (heavyweight) Tommy Fletcher vs Alberto Tapia (heavyweight) Aloys Youmbi vs Erik Nazaryan (cruiserweight) Sean Noakes vs Lukasz Barabasz (welterweight) Read More Joe Joyce on heavyweight knockouts, oil painting, and teaching 60-year-olds to swim Heavyweight boxing is decaying before our eyes – no other sport would survive this idiocy Eddie Hearn: ‘Ask someone to name three people in boxing, they’ll say: Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, me’ Who is fighting on the Joyce vs Zhang 2 undercard this weekend? How to watch Joyce vs Zhang 2 online and on TV this weekend Joe Joyce on knockouts, oil painting, and teaching 60-year-olds to swim
1970-01-01 08:00
Joyce vs Zhang 2 live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV this weekend
Joe Joyce will bid for revenge against Zhilei Zhang this weekend, as the heavyweights meet in a rematch in London. When the pair clashed in the English capital in April, Zhang secured a stoppage in Round 6 after battering Joyce’s eye to the point of closure. The Chinese heavyweight, 40, will look to repeat the trick at Wembley Arena on Saturday, while his British opponent, 37, is aiming to get back to winning ways. A bout with Oleksandr Usyk could be on the cards for the winner, who will leave London as the WBO heavyweight champion – a status that Zhang took from Joyce in April. Here’s all you need to know. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. When is the fight? Joyce vs Zhang 2 is set to take place on Saturday 23 September, at Wembley Arena in London. The main card is expected to begin at 7.30pm BST (11.30am PT, 1.30pm CT, 2.30pm ET), with ring walks for the main event due at around 10.30pm BST (2.30pm PT, 4.30pm CT, 5.30pm ET). How can I watch it? In the UK, the event will air live on TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport). In the US, ESPN+ will stream the action live. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on 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. Odds Joyce – 21/20 Zhang – 17/20 Draw – 18/1 Full odds via Betway. • Get all the latest boxing betting sites’ offers Full card (subject to change) Zhilei Zhang (C) vs Joe Joyce 2 (WBO interim heavyweight title) Pierce O’Leary (C) vs Kane Gardner (WBC international super-lightweight) Anthony Yarde vs TBA (light-heavyweight) Sam Noakes vs Carlos Perez (lightweight) Zach Parker vs Khalid Graidia (super-middleweight) Ezra Taylor vs Joel McIntyre (light-heavyweight) Royston Barney-Smith vs TBA (super-featherweight) Moses Itauma vs Amine Boucetta (heavyweight) Tommy Fletcher vs Alberto Tapia (heavyweight) Aloys Youmbi vs Erik Nazaryan (cruiserweight) Sean Noakes vs Lukasz Barabasz (welterweight) Read More Joe Joyce on heavyweight knockouts, oil painting, and teaching 60-year-olds to swim Heavyweight boxing is decaying before our eyes – no other sport would survive this idiocy Eddie Hearn: ‘Ask someone to name three people in boxing, they’ll say: Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, me’ Who is fighting on the Joyce vs Zhang 2 undercard this weekend? What time does Joyce vs Zhang 2 start this weekend? Joe Joyce on knockouts, oil painting, and teaching 60-year-olds to swim
1970-01-01 08:00
Jenni Hermoso accuses Spanish FA of ‘intimidation’ and ‘threats’ after call-ups
Jenni Hermoso has accused the Spanish football federation of ‘intimidation’ and making ‘threats’ after the governing body called up a host of players who asked not to join up with the women’s national team. Hermoso was not selected in Spain’s first squad since lifting the Women’s World Cup, but 15 of her title-winning team-mates were included in the 23-player group named on Monday despite announcing a boycott last month. That followed the storm created by RFEF president Luis Rubiales kissing midfielder Hermoso on the lips as Spain’s players celebrated their World Cup final win against England on August 20. Hermoso insists she did not consent to the kiss. New Spain head coach Montse Tome said Hermoso had been left out of the latest squad for her own protection during a press conference, while there was a fresh twist on Monday evening when players released a statement refusing their call-ups. Hermoso then released a separate statement on social media, saying the RFEF has demonstrated that nothing has changed since Rubiales resigned from his post last week. The 33-year-old posted in the early hours of Tuesday: “We have spent weeks, months, searching for protection from inside the RFEF that never came. “The same people who ask us to trust them are those who today announced a squad with players who asked NOT to be called up. Protect me from what? And from whom? Jenni Hermoso “The players are certain that this is yet another strategy of division and manipulation to intimidate and threaten us with legal repercussions and economic sanctions. “It is more irrefutable proof that shows even today, that nothing has changed.” She added: “I would like to make something very clear: A claim was made today stating the environment within the federation would be safe for my team-mates to rejoin, yet at the same press conference it was announced that they were not calling me as a means to protect me. “Protect me from what? And from whom? “I want to once again show my full support to my colleagues who have been caught by surprise and forced to react to another unfortunate situation caused by the people who continue to make decisions within the RFEF. “This is why we are fighting and why we are doing it this way.” A group of 81 players, including all 23 members of the World Cup squad, indicated three weeks ago that they would not play for Spain again while Rubiales remained RFEF president as a result of his behaviour at the final. Amid increasing pressure, Rubiales finally resigned from his post last week but 39 players, including 21 of Spain’s World Cup winners, released a statement on Friday saying that was not enough to trigger their return to national-team duty. The players said they were not yet “in a safe place” to return and that the problems at the RFEF ran far deeper than Rubiales. Rubiales has been banned from going within 200 metres of Hermoso as the national court in Madrid considered a complaint of sexual assault – something the 46-year-old denies. Tome had been due to name her squad on Friday, but the announcement had to be delayed. Barcelona’s Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro, who were not included in Spain’s World Cup party after signing a letter protesting against former manager Jorge Vilda, who was sacked during the fallout of Rubiales’ actions, were listed in Monday’s squad. Tome said Spain were still “counting on” Hermoso, despite her omission. “We stand with Jenni,” she told a press conference. “We believe that the best way to protect her is like this, but we are counting on Jenni. “It’s the start of a new phase, the clock is ticking. There is nothing behind us and we really want to connect with these players.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live It’s like a hurricane – Phil Mickelson opens up on gambling addiction On this day in 2015: Japan stun South Africa at Rugby World Cup Forest boss Steve Cooper hails Callum Hudson-Odoi’s ‘moment of brilliance’
1970-01-01 08:00
AP PHOTOS: Big teams flex their muscles in the 2nd round of games at the Rugby World Cup
PARIS (AP) — New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa all flexed their muscles at the Rugby World Cup to rack up the points against underdog opponents in the second round of games in France.
1970-01-01 08:00
Saudi Football League Draws Fewer Fans Than Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham
Saudi Arabia’s football spending spree may have transformed it into one of the world’s biggest transfer markets, but
1970-01-01 08:00
Is Man City vs Red Star Belgrade on TV today? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Champions League clash
Manchester City start their Champions League title defence at home to Red Star Belgrade. Pep Guardiola’s side could not have got their domestic season off to a better start, they have won all of their first five matches and are already top of the league with a two-point gap to Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal. Last season, the trophy they most coveted - the Champions League - which had evaded them was finally in their grasp as they held it aloft for the first time following a 1-0 win over Inter Milan. They became only the second English club to win the treble last season, and it remains to be seen if anyone can stop them repeating the feat this campaign, and they could even surpass it with the addition of the Fifa Club World Cup. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash. Plus you can get all the latest football betting sites offers here. When is Man City v Red Star Belgrade? The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 19 September at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. Where can I watch it? Man City v Red Star Belgrade will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2 and TNT Sports Ultimate. it will be streamed live on the Discovery+ app and desktop website for subscribers. What is the team news? Guardiola said after his side’s win at West Ham at the weekend that he would be forced to make changes to his line-up in the upcoming weeks to protect players, something which could come as soon as Tuesday. City are due to play four matches in just 11 days, a tough ask for any team, especially considering that comes off the back of an international break that saw many members of the team travel as far as South America. They will continue to be without the injured Kevin De Bruyne, while the match could also come too soon for John Stones, Jack Grealish and Mateo Kovacic. Predicted lineup Man City XI: Ederson, Walker, Akanji, Ake, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Foden, Alvarez, Doku, Haaland Odds Man City 1/25 Draw 12/1 Red Star Belgrade 35/1 Prediction Red Star can be difficult opponents in the Champions League, but usually only at their home ground and they are likely to struggle to impose themselves against City. They will try to utilise a vocal travelling support, but will be unable to stop the home side. Man City 3-0 Red Star Belgrade Read More Pep Guardiola promises major changes for Man City team amid gruelling schedule Pep Guardiola hails impact of Jeremy Doku in Man City’s win at West Ham Sergio Ramos in tears as he is unveiled to fans on return to boyhood club Sevilla Rumours: Clubs look to sign Ramsdale after Arsenal drop him as Man Utd track Gnabry What will the new Champions League group stage look like next season?
1970-01-01 08:00
