Gareth Southgate wants role models to offer a different path from toxic influencers. Do those in sport have the will to do so? Amid all the pressing problems of the day, one crisis has cut through: the acute need for greater support, care and steady role models for young men,...
Gymnastics’ embrace of Russians highlights neutrality’s blurred lines
FIG’s endorsement of Angelina Melnikova raises eyebrows, as does its president’s hug for propagandist Nikita Nagornyy Upon his arrival in Moscow this month, Morinari Watanabe, the president of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), made a curious decision. As he emerged for meetings, Watanabe was greeted by the gymnast Nikita Nagornyy....
‘Great feeling’: Rashford delight after double sends Aston Villa to Wembley
‘I am injury free and just enjoying my football for now’ Villa to play Palace in FA Cup semi-final after Preston win Marcus Rashford said he was “just enjoying my football” after scoring twice in a 3-0 win against Preston to secure for Aston Villa an FA Cup semi‑final against...
Theo Dan delivers for Saracens in late win at Leicester to boost playoff push
Leicester 22-29 Saracens Victory lifts Saracens within two points of top four When the stakes are at their highest as the Premiership season approaches its final furlongs, every moment, every mistake, could be crucial. There could have been as many as 11 points between Leicester and Saracens here come full...
Novak Djokovic falls short of 100th title as Jakub Mensik, 19, wins Miami Open final
Milestone remains out of Serb’s reach after upset 54th-ranked Czech subdues veteran 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4) Nineteen-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik beat his childhood idol Novak Djokovic 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4) in an upset for the ages, claiming his first ATP title at the Miami Open as he denied the former...
FA Cup quarter-finals and more: talking points from the weekend’s action
Manchester City’s fire still burns bright, Marcus Rashford reminds critics of his ability and Eberechi Eze’s great week A seventh semi-final in succession showed that Manchester City, at least, see magic in the FA Cup. The quarter-finals saw them cast as unwelcome outsiders, lacking the romance of their fellow hopefuls....
Newcastle revels in silverware success as history boys parade Carabao Cup
Historic celebrations are held in the city centre and Town Moor as Ant and Dec among famous fans to join the party An explosion of sheer joy following a lifetime’s worth of disappointment? A not so subtle expression of soft Saudi Arabian power? A wonderful example of the synergy between...
‘It’s a battle for football’: Manchester United and FC United fans unite against Glazers
Protest staged at FC home game against Stockton Sit-in demonstration to be held at Manchester derby FC United of Manchester and The 1958, a Manchester United fan group, held a joint action against United’s 20-year Glazer ownership, with The 1958 announcing it will stage a sit-in at next Sunday’s derby...
Ellie Kildunne scores quickfire hat-trick in England’s 11-try rout of Wales
Women’s Six Nations: Wales 12-67 England Feaunati, Dow and Burton all score twice Ellie Kildunne scored a whirlwind hat-trick in the space of nine minutes on her 50th cap as England thumped Wales in front of a record crowd in Cardiff. The full-back, who won her first cap in 2017,...
Fear and Gibson claim emotional bronze to end Britain’s 31-year medal drought
Delight at World Figure Skating Championships for duo Pair are first British medallists since Torvill and Dean The door to history cracked open for Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson on Saturday afternoon. For a heartstopping moment in the kiss-and-cry area, it looked like they might not step through. After Italy’s...