Premier League clubs are divided over whether to introduce a controversial new ‘salary cap’ prior to next month’s vote on financial regulations, BBC Sport has been told.
The ‘top-to-bottom anchoring’ model – or TBA – would restrict the amount any club can spend on player wages, agents and transfer fees to five times the income earned from broadcasting and prize money by the bottom club in the English top flight.
The approach means that a cap would be imposed on clubs’ spending, regardless of their own income.
TBA is currently being trialled by the Premier League, alongside a ‘squad cost ratio’ (SCR) system of financial control that allows clubs to spend up to a percentage of their total revenues on squad-related costs.
On 21 November the Premier League will meet and vote on whether to adopt either, or both, models, and replace the current Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) that allow losses of £105m over a three-year reporting cycle.
Nine of the Premier League’s 20 clubs already have to comply with Uefa’s SCR rules as a result of qualifying for Europe, and some believe it makes sense to align the regulations.
In order to encourage sustainability, Uefa permits participants in its competitions to spend up to 70% of their revenues on their squads, while the Premier League has said it would allow a more generous 85%.
However, BBC Sport has been told that a number of Premier League clubs would only vote for SCR to be implemented if it was accompanied by ‘anchoring’, so that those with the largest revenues did not get too far ahead of the rest, and competitive balance was protected.
This stance has been hardened by the additional money being generated by expanded European club competitions and the Club World Cup.
Last year 16 clubs voted to conduct detailed analysis of TBA, with only Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa voting against.
All three were known to be concerned that being pinned to the revenue of the league’s bottom-placed club would risk putting them at a disadvantage compared to some of their European rivals, who only have to adhere to SCR rules.
At the time, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said anchoring would “inhibit the top clubs in the Premier League, and the last thing you want is for the top clubs in the Premier League not to be able to compete with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain – that’s absurd”.
In the 2023-24 season, 20th-placed Sheffield United earned around £110m. So last season no top-flight club would have been able to spend more than a total of £550m on player wages, amortised transfer fees and agents if TBA had been in force.
Meanwhile, a European club generating revenues of £1bn, for example, would be able to spend £700m while still adhering to Uefa’s SCR rules.
Manchester City spent £413m on wages last year, with total revenue of £715m.
Ahead of its meeting next month the Premier League has now sent proposals to its clubs, which reportedly include a suggestion that those in breach of anchoring rules could be punished with a points deduction.
Everton and Nottingham Forest were handed points deductions in 2023 and 2024 as a result of breaching PSR.
Back in February the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) issued what the Premier League described as “legal demands” over concerns it had about the impact that anchoring could have on player contracts if introduced.
The league said that the players’ union had been given “multiple opportunities to provide feedback”. The PFA remains opposed to TBA, and has hired barrister Nick de Marco in case it decides to launch legal action.
1 of 2 | Sen. John Barrasso, R-WY, looks on as Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-SD, speaks during a press conference after weekly Senate caucus luncheons during the seventh day of the government shutdown at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 8 (UPI) — The Senate on Tuesday confirmed a bloc of 107 people nominated to serve in the Trump administration after majority Republicans secured a rules change making it easier to overcome Democratic delay tactics.
The 51-47 party line vote approved nominations that included ambassadorships, assistant or undersecretary positions, U.S. attorneys, seats on regulatory commissions and other roles in the federal government that required Senate approval.
Republicans began publicly looking into a rules change in September to speed up the confirmation process, which members of both parties at various times have used for political gain. The move is the latest in a series of rules changes that have weakened the leverage held by the chamber’s minority party.
Those confirmed Tuesday include Sergio Gor, a businessman and political operative, as ambassador to India, as well as former Georgia Senate candidate and football star Herschel Walker as ambassador to the Bahamas.
Senate majority leader John Thune issued a statement hailing the vote for “overcoming historic Democrat obstruction” and “getting more” of President Trump’s team in place. The vote is the second mass approval of Trump nominees after the Senate confirmed 58 positions last month.
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer had earlier criticized the rules change, stating it would mean Republicans were caving to Trump and weakening the chamber’s “traditional and powerful sense of deliberation.”
“Well, the kind of people who have been confirmed by this chamber so far this year have been unprecedentedly bad,” Schumer said in a floor speech in September. “Beyond the pale. Scandal after scandal, expose after expose”
Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left unimpressed as one pro dancer came under fire for making a pointed remark about fellow contestants
Strictly Come Dancing viewers divided as La Voix makes savage dig towards at co-stars(Image: BBC)
A Strictly Come Dancing celebrity has caused a stir after appearing to take a swipe at her fellow contestants over their previous dance training.
The beloved BBC dance competition returned this evening (October 4) with the second live show of the series, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
New celebrities took to the floor to display their moves before judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood, ahead of Sunday’s first elimination.
Opening tonight’s programme was La Voix with professional partner Aljaž Skorjanec, delivering a jive routine. But La Voix soon found herself under fire for her comments about rival contestants from the opening week.
Speaking about her co-stars from last week, she praised their performance as “incredible,” before adding: “One’s an athlete, one was doing tap in Billy Elliot, all I’ve done is JD Sports once a week, and the only tap I know is in Screwfix, it’s terrible, Claudia.”
But her comments failed to impress viewers at home. Writing on X, one fan remarked: “Not sure I like the little dig at other contestants there, especially as a performer on stage – hmm.”
A second added: “La Voix throwing clear shade at Amber and Lewis, referencing their previous dance experience. That’s not going to go down well.”
Another viewer commented: “La Voix saying that she did a great jive last week because she’s an athlete. No La Voix. She did it well because she’s got Lioness grit and determination!”.
And another chimed in: “Yes, La Voix calling out the hypocrisy of having trained dancers on the show!” La Voix is known for her witty remarks on the programme, with fans eagerly awaiting her next one-liner. She even had a go at Tess’s outfit tonight as the host wore a bold red suit.
After their performance, Tess said, “One thing’s for sure, you still know how to put on a show.” La Voix retorted: “Thank you, and you clearly used to work at Butlins.”
She added: “It catches on the red, it catches on.” One fan gushed online: “La Voix coming for Tess each week is so funny. She needs to make the final for this alone.” Another exclaimed: “La Voix might actually be the funniest thing to happen to this show, OMG.”
Tess wore a red power suit and let her blonde hair flow free. Claudia looked stylish in a glittering blazer whilst rocking her trademark fringe.
Immediately, viewers took to X to complain that they don’t get their own introduction. One wrote: “Okay…. no intros for Tess and Claudia” and another said: “So Tess and Claudia don’t get introduced anymore”
In agreement, a third viewer said: “I hate the way Tess and Claudia don’t get an intro now but the judges do!”
IRN Bru has launched a new winter flavour that has left shoppers divided.
Many have called for the popular soda to be “left alone” as others marvelled at the interesting mix.
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Irn Winter Bru is a mix of spiced ginger and cinnamonCredit: Irn Bru
Irn Bru’s latest venture is made with a blend of spiced ginger and cinnamon.
The quirky drink comes packaged in a red can with the firm’s trademark logo on the front.
Unlike the OG drink, however, this special edition also features a giant snowflake as a nod to the festive season.
The new flavour has inspired awe and ire as dozens hopped online to share their views.
Some shoppers called for the drink to be “left alone”, while another simply said “ew”.
One user said: “As a Scottish person. Some things are just best left alone. Can’t beat the OG drink. Some things just need leaving alone.”
Others, however, enthused it’s the perfect teetotal tipple for Christmas.
One shopper said: “I got some yesterday, quite like it! It’ll never replace the 1901 stuff but it’s a pleasant drink for Christmas
Another added: “That sounds tempting!”
Winter Bru will roll out across shops from November 1 for a period of eight weeks.
Still Game legend stars in cheeky throwback Irn-Bru advert that brings back iconic catchphrase
It will be available in a 330ml can for £1.09.
Last year, the firm announced two new limited edition flavours that were said to taste like childhood sweets.
The Raspberry Ripple flavour and Wild Berry Slush were a huge success as fans rushed to stores to buy them.
One thrilled shopper took to social media and said: “The raspberry ripple one is lush.”
As a second chimed in with: “It tastes like Drumstick lollies.”
As a third agreed, saying: “I liked it tasted like a drumstick lolly to me.”
“Yesssirr that drinks my favourite flavour Irn Bru bought four cans of the raspberry ripple it was that good,” said another.
Before a final shopper commented: “Irn Bru is my all time favourite drink so wasn’t sure about these flavoured ones, but this tastes and smells exactly like a drumstick lolly. Soooooo good!!”
As others compared the interesting new flavour to an ice cream arctic roll, a classic screwball dessert or even raspberry sauce you find in an ice cream truck.
With one describing it as having “heavy nostalgic vibes of going to an ice cream van and asking for a screwball ice cream and they put that raspberry sauce on it. Taste vibes”.
Viewers have been left divided after watching The Guest, with some praising the new BBC drama highly whilst others issuing similar complaints about the whole thing
The new thriller which stars Gabrielle Creevy as a cleaner who develops a toxic relationship with her strange employer, played by Eve Myles(Image: BBC/Quay Street Productions/Simon Ridgeway)
Viewers have been left divided after watching The Guest. The new BBC drama aired on Monday and is the latest offering of writer Matthew Barry and director Ashley Way, both of whom were behind the 2023 hit Men Up, which boasted Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page amongst its cast.
The new thriller stars Gabrielle Creevy as a cleaner who develops a toxic relationship with her strange employer, played by Eve Myles. It comprises four episodes in total and has come througn Quay Street Productions, the same production company behind Michelle Keegan’sNetflix hit Fool Me Once and The Blame, which will also feature the former Coronation Street star in the leading role.
But as the drama hit screens at the start of the new week, fans weren’t entirely sure what to make of it all, but one fan was full of praise after sitting down to tune in. TV critic Scott Bryan said: “The Guest on BBC One is the most unhinged show this side of Christmas. Completely loved it. Great characters and funny one-liners.”
Viewers weren’t entirely sure what to make of the new four-part series(Image: BBC/Quay Street Productions/Simon Ridgeway)
Another wrote: “Oh. My. GOD! #TheGuest is fun, twisty, flirty, thrilling! Eve Myles & Gabrielle Creevy are perfect in this. So well written and beautifully directed. And filmed in Wales! Loved, loved it, loved it,” and another said: “Just watched ” The Guest ” on BBC I player starring Eve Myles . A good thriller. Worth watching.”
One fan was left ‘terrified’ by the whole thing as they admitted: “Omg there is a drama on bbc1 this eve at 9 called #TheGuest it’s rather gripping but terrifying all at the same time and I wan to continue watching it but it’s a bit too dramatic, oh and halfway through there was a spider crawling up my wall.” Another concurred as they said: “So many jump scares on #TheGuest – I’m a nervous wreck”
Another viewer was completely shocked by the way the first episode had wrapped up as they took to social media to exclaim: “Bloody hell, that ending to the first episode of The Guest was NOT how I expected it to go!”
Some viewers were less than enthusiastic with their reviews, as one said: “What utter tosh passes for drama on the bbc! Wasted an hour on The Guest -am dram at best,” and another said: “what a mess of a storyline. Utter garbage ending. Can’t believe I wasted 4 hours of my life watching that!”
One viewer even admitted they were ‘terrified’ by it all (Image: BBC/Quay Street Productions/Simon Ridgeway)
Prior to the series launch, Reach Plc chatted to Eve and Gabrielle about their roles in the programme and why they think audiences are drawn to intense female bonds.
Eve, 47, remarked: “Because it’s complex, it’s not easy, it’s not actually an easy thing to talk about or to try and describe or explain, it’s about something very, very intoxicating. It’s about two women sharing something very important.
“Like myself and Gabby, Fran and Ria are also incredibly vulnerable, never mind the strengths you see from both of them, they both have great strengths, but they both have great weaknesses.”
Eve detailed the unlikely bond between Fran and Ria, explaining that their contrasting backgrounds add a layer of intrigue and mystery for some.
She further elaborated: “It’s not about a boss and a cleaner it’s about two women who share this part of their lives together, they share secrets together, they go through something very traumatic together then they’ve got to fix that, or not and what that does to them.”
Matthew Barry, the writer of The Guest, expressed his excitement about the project: “I’m beyond excited to be re-teaming with Nicola, Davina and the whole team at Quay Street Productions and the BBC to bring The Guest to life.
“As well as being an exciting thriller, at its core this is an examination of class, social mobility and the growing disparity between those at the top and bottom of our society.”
The retailer teased fans with the post: “This is not a drill – Haribo share bag only 29p.”
Shoppers were quick to react.
One said: “That’s cheap.”
We’ve outdone ourselves with this one’ say Cadbury Ireland as they reveal new limited edition bar ‘coming soon
Another wrote: “Time to stock up for work.”
Pictures of trolleys stacked high with Haribo have since appeared online.
Fans bragged about filling cupboards for the kids, the office, and late-night snacks.
And the sweet deals don’t stop there.
Rowntree’s has also launched a brand new version of its famous fruit pastilles, called Squidgers, on shelves at Home Bargains.
The 99p sharing bags come with five fruity flavours: strawberry, lime, blackcurrant, orange and lemon.
They’ve been described as “irresistibly squidgy” and “bursting with flavour.”
One review read: “They taste exactly the same as fruit pastilles but in a sugary and spongy sweet texture.”
Another fan said: “They sound so nice, I need to try these.”
How to bag a bargain
SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…
Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.
Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.
Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.
Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.
Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.
Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.
Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.
And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
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Earlier this month, shoppers went wild when Haribo share bags were spotted scanning at tills for only 29pCredit: Getty
Lisa Berns, the niece of retired Gen. Colin L. Powell, passed by a newsstand in Los Angeles over the weekend and found herself reacting with dread and alarm to the news that Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin had just been assassinated.
The Orange County woman’s reaction surfaced again Wednesday, when her uncle announced he would not be running for President, a decision that, in Berns’ words, “hasn’t ruined my day. . . . It takes a lot of the pressure off of us. It takes the worry away.”
“People in public office just put themselves at risk every day, so I’m not unhappy that he decided not to run,” she said.
Lisa Berns’ mother, Marilyn Berns, whose only sibling is Powell, said she had never discussed the dangers of running for office with her brother, “But I know that it concerned us–my husband and our family. I think Colin’s decision was made prior” to Saturday’s tragedy in Israel.
“I wasn’t surprised [by Wednesday’s announcement] because Colin called me [Tuesday] night and told me what his decision was,” said Marilyn Berns, 64, a teacher at Martin Elementary School in Santa Ana until her retirement in June. “I’m pleased about the decision. It’s important to us that he do the thing he feels most comfortable with. . . . We were all getting very edgy about it.”
Berns said that her brother’s consideration of seeking the presidency had left his family subject to prolonged stress.
“There was this monumental decision that had to be made,” Marilyn Berns said. “Both of them [Powell and his wife, Alma], along with their kids, were just meeting and meeting and thinking it over. I didn’t realize until I spoke to him the gravity of what my brother was dealing with. That was very disturbing to me. I got a little teary over that.”
Elsewhere in Orange County, the response was less personal and more political as Democratic and Republican leaders found a common ground: Albeit for their own reasons, both parties agreed that Powell had done the right thing–the only thing he could do, really–in not seeking the White House.
But private citizens throughout the county reacted glumly, saying that Powell’s decision deprived American voters of a candidate whom many felt was potentially the best President of anyone in public life.
Others expressed relief, however, saying the timing just didn’t feel right.
Numerous political pundits said Wednesday that Powell’s wife had been “adamant” about having him decline, language with which both Berns women took issue.
Marilyn Berns said that her sister-in-law “has a lot of input” into her husband’s choices and that “they do things together as a team”–to a point.
Even if Alma Powell had strongly resisted her husband’s running, “she’s not the type of woman who is so forceful that she would ram her views down someone’s throat. That’s not Alma Powell’s style. She gives her input, and that’s it. She doesn’t beat a dead horse.”
“I haven’t talked to my aunt [Alma, Powell’s wife]. I don’t know that she’s adamant about him not running,” said Lisa Berns, a computer saleswoman in Orange County, “but I don’t think she’s got a burning desire for him to run.
“I don’t know what she feels precisely about Rabin’s assassination. I don’t know that it played a big part in their decision, but I will tell you this: I was in L.A. over the weekend visiting friends. I hadn’t been watching the news, or reading the newspaper.
“But at 5 o’clock when I walked by a newsstand and saw that Rabin had been assassinated, my heart sank. I don’t know if anybody else in the family had it cross their minds, but it certainly crossed mine.”
The Berns family is so concerned about its own privacy that both mother and daughter asked not to have published the name of the Orange County community where the family lives.
Despite her uncle’s decision, “I think he would have been great” as President, Lisa Berns said. “I think he would be good at anything he sets out to do. He’s obviously very bright, very well spoken, level-headed, cool. . . . He knows how to work under tremendous pressure in various capacities. He’s a fair person, an eminently decent person.”
On other fronts, Democrats and Republicans across the county were not about to try to persuade Powell to change his mind.
“If he had run, it would have made the Republican [presidential] race even uglier than it is already,” by pitting the moderate Powell against GOP conservatives, said Irvine attorney Jim Toledano, chairman of the Democratic Party in Orange County.
“The announcement comes as no surprise to me,” countered Thomas A. Fuentes, chairman of the Republican Party in Orange County. “I never met a party activist who was favorable to [Powell’s] nomination during all the time the press was touting it.”
It was always the media and never the GOP constituency who wanted Powell to run, Fuentes said, claiming the negative feeling was far more prevalent in the ultraconservative, Republican stronghold of Orange County.
“If there were ever a media-contrived candidacy, this was the best example,” Fuentes said. “To carry our banner requires some time of service to the party and also the full embrace of the values and ideals of the party–and that was lacking.”
Fuentes suggested that party regulars felt the would-be candidate had not yet paid his dues, noting that Powell’s most trusted advisers “obviously shared with him the reality that there was no Powell ground network. There has to be some structure, some network, some reality to a campaign. That not being in place, I think he just came to grips with reality.”
But some people reacted to Wednesday’s news with disappointment.
At the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace in Yorba Linda, about 150 people watched Powell’s announcement on a big-screen television. Many were both surprised and crestfallen at his decision. “I really thought he had the impetus and the appeal to win,” said 54-year-old Beverly Nocas of Pasadena. “He’s very articulate and I think he could have done a lot for us.”
Norma Canova, a 50-year-old resident of Yorba Linda, said, “I think he could have had a great role in healing racial problems in this country.”
But several onlookers, who had gathered to watch a fashion show called “Dressing the First Lady,” expressed relief.
“I couldn’t vote for him because I don’t know what he stands for,” said 81-year-old Henry Boney of San Diego. “I know that he’s a good salesman though. He created a lot of publicity for his book.”
Newport Beach resident Elaine Parks said she was “very impressed” with Powell, but was heartened by his decision to stay out of the race.
“It would have been divisive to the party, and we need complete unity to beat the current President, which I sincerely hope happens,” Parks said.
A new spin-off of the Channel 5 show 22 Kids and Counting is set to air this weekend, taking on a new life as Noel Radford begins a journey to find his birth mother
Sue Radford feels differently about her husband’s new journey (Image: Channel 5)
22 Kids and Counting star Sue Radford has opened up about her feelings towards her husband Noel, who is choosing to find his birth mother in a new special TV spin-off.
Both Noel and Sue Radford were adopted as babies and met later when they were children, having their first child together when Sue was just 14 years old and Noel was 18. As of 2021, the pair have had 22 children together and have starred in numerous TV programmes focussing on their huge family and their own difficult upbringings.
Throughout the years, Noel has been candid when speaking about his childhood experiences, having been adopted in 1971 at just 10 days old. Over the years, Noel has candidly spoken about being adopted and hopes to find his biological parents.
The couple share 22 children together (Image: Channel 5)
However, despite being adopted herself, Sue has no interest in finding her own biological parents, which has caused some divided opinion between the couple. In this next series, viewers who already feel very much a part of their family’s life can follow Noel along as he embarks on an emotional journey to track down the woman who gave birth to him all those years ago.
A teaser clip of the upcoming episodes unveils more about Noel’s feelings. He shared: “It really is a massive thing going looking for your birth mum after all this time. I think I’d like to meet her; yeah, I think I would.”
The now 54-year-old confessed that he felt it was his ‘duty’ to try and find his mother, adding that “They might be desperate to see us.” Although his wife doesn’t seem to share the same sentiment, as a woman who has given birth herself, she seems to hold less empathy for the parents that decided to give them away as babies.
Sue added: “My birth mum was in the same situation as I was in. But I chose to keep my baby, and my mum put me up for adoption. My birth mum didn’t want me, and that does affect you. It has caused a few disagreements between me and Noel. My mum and dad are my mum and dad, and that’s it.”
The brand new series airs on Channel 5 this Sunday night, July 20, with the first episode following the couple as they arrange to meet with an adoption specialist.
Noel Radford was put up for adoption at just 10 days old (Image: The Radford Family YouTube)
A synopsis of the episode states: “For more than three years, Noel Radford has been attempting to make contact with his birth mother but has always drawn a blank. This leads his wife, Sue, to hire an adoption specialist in one final attempt to help her husband fulfil his dream, but it comes with unexpected consequences.”
Since 2021, the Radford’s story has captured the hearts of the nation, and viewers are keen to continue to watch their large family embark on new endeavours. After making the announcement that the couple will be returning to our screens, fans were eager to see what the family of 24 have in store.
A fan commented on the announcement: “Great, can’t wait. I love your family, and it was very moving watching Noel tracing his birth mother. Me and my twin brother and I were adopted, and I can understand how he feels wanting to know.”
The new series 22 Kids and Counting Finding Mum: 50 Years Apart will be available to watch on Channel 5 on July 20 at 8pm.
“The three promises Buhari made coming into power are still the issues bedevilling Nigeria today.”
Bulama Bukarti, a conflict and development analyst, looks at the legacy of former Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari, who died on July 13, at the age of 82.
SEOUL — It’s a worldwide shift that has taken political scientists and sociologists by surprise: the growing ideological divide between young men and women.
In the recent U.S. presidential election, President Trump won 56% of the vote among men ages 18 to 29, according to an analysis from Tufts University’s Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement.
In Germany, young men are twice as likely as young women to support the far-right Alternative for Germany party, or AfD, according to the Pew Research Center. Last year’s European Parliament elections showed a similar trend. According to the European Policy Center, in Portugal, Denmark and Croatia, more than four young men voted for far-right candidates for every young woman who did the same.
But few countries exemplify the trend more than South Korea, where a recent presidential election showed just how polarized its youth has become.
In South Korea, 74.1% of men in their 20s and 60.3% of men in their 30s voted for one of the two conservative candidates compared with 35.6% and 40.5% of their female counterparts, respectively.
Experts say the so-called 2030 male (men in their 20s and 30s) phenomenon, which emerged alongside the mainstreaming of gender equality discourse in South Korea over the last decade, has defied traditional left-right taxonomies.
The “2030 men are difficult to define under standard electoral theory frameworks,” said Kim Yeun-sook, a political scientist at Seoul National University’s Institute of Korean Political Studies.
Having come of age in a world with radically different social contracts than those of their parents, right-leaning 2030 male voters are less likely to focus on North Korea — a defining preoccupation for older conservatives — than on feminism, which for them has become a dirty word that conjures “freeloading” women trying to take more than they are owed.
The men have taken umbrage with visual symbols or hand gestures — such as a pinched forefinger and thumb — that they argue are anti-male dog whistles used by feminists, in some cases succeeding in getting companies to discontinue marketing campaigns featuring such offending content.
South Korean women supporting the #MeToo movement stage a rally to mark the upcoming International Women’s Day in Seoul on March 4, 2018.
(Ahn Young-joon / Associated Press)
In the 2022 presidential election, it was men in their 20s and 30s who helped Yoon Suk Yeol — the conservative candidate who claimed that structural sexism no longer existed — clinch a razor-thin victory over his liberal opponent, Lee Jae-myung, who was elected president in June.
This perception that men — not women — are the true victims of gender discrimination in contemporary society is a defining belief for many young South Korean men, says Chun Gwan-yul, a data journalist and the author of “20-something Male,” a book about the phenomenon that draws on extensive original polling of young South Koreans.
Although male backlash to contemporary feminism is the most visible aspect of the phenomenon, Kim Chang-hwan, a sociologist at the University of Kansas, says that its roots go back to socioeconomic changes that began much earlier.
Among them was a series of government policies three decades earlier that led to a surge in both male and female college enrollment, which soared from around 30% of the general population in 1990 to 75% in 2024. Add to that the increasingly long-term participation of women in the workforce, Kim said, and “the supply of educated labor has ended up outpacing economic growth.”
“The young men of today are now feeling like they are having to compete five times harder than the previous generation,” he said.
(Despite the fact that gender inequality in South Korea’s job market is among the worst in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, with women making on average around 65% of their male counterparts and far more likely to be precariously employed, such wage gaps tend to be less prominent for earners in their 20s.)
And although most research has shown that the negative effect of South Korea’s male-only compulsory military service — which lasts up to 21 months — on wages and employment is minimal, anxieties about getting a later start than women in a hypercompetitive job market have also contributed to young South Korean men feeling that they are getting a raw deal.
Chun, the data journalist, points out that the mass entry of women into higher education also led to another tectonic shift being felt by the current crop of young men: the rapid collapse of traditional marriage dynamics.
“Women have been doing the math and are increasingly concluding marriage is a net loss for them,” he said. “South Korea transformed from a society where marriage was universal into a marriage-is-optional one in an incredibly short time frame, especially compared to many Western countries where those changes played out over 60 or 70 years.”
In 2000, just 19% of South Koreans between the ages of 30 and 34 were unmarried, but today that number is 56%, according to government data. Over a third of women between 25 and 49 years old now say they don’t ever want to get married, compared with 13% of men, according to a government survey last year. One in 4 men will now remain unmarried in their 40s.
South Korean women take part in a rally to mark International Women’s Day in downtown Seoul on March 8, 2024.
(Jung Yeon-je/ AFP/Getty Images)
Chun notes that the mismatch in the marriage landscape has bred in many the misogynistic resentment associated with incels, a term for men who identify as involuntarily celibate. A common refrain among young conservative men is the swearing-off of South Korean women, who are often cast as “kimchi women” — gold diggers who are unwilling to pull their weight while demanding too much of men.
“Do you need to only date Korean women just because you’re Korean? No,” said Chul Gu, an online personality popular among young men in a recent stream. “There are Thai women, Russian women, women of all nationalities. There is no need to suffer the stress of dating a Korean kimchi woman.”
Resentment toward South Korean women, Chun says, is inseparable from the generational animus that feeds it.
“In the worldview of young South Korean men, they aren’t just fighting women, they are fighting the older generation that is siding with those women,” he said. “It’s essentially an anti-establishment ethos.”
The “586 generation,” as they are commonly called, are South Koreans in their 50s or 60s who came of age during the high-growth, authoritarian period of the 1980s. Associated with the pro-democracy movements of the time, the 586 generation is one of the most liberal and pro-gender equality demographics in South Korea — and one whose members built much of their wealth through cheap real estate, an avenue no longer available for the majority of young South Koreans accustomed to seeing housing prices in Seoul double in as little as four years.
“Young South Koreans are seeing those homes become worth millions,” Chun said. “Meanwhile, South Korea’s birth rate is falling and life expectancy is rising to 80 or 90, so many young voters are thinking, ‘We’re going to have to be responsible for them for the next 40 to 50 years.’”
Among the candidates in last month’s presidential election, it was Lee Jun-seok, a 40-year-old third-party conservative candidate, who most aggressively targeted these tensions.
During his campaign, Lee promised to segregate South Korea’s fast-depleting national pension by age, a move he said would relieve younger South Koreans of the burden of subsidizing the older generation’s retirement.
Although he finished with just 8% of the total vote, he won the largest share — 37.2% — of the 20-something male vote, and 25.8% from men in their 30s.
“South Korea is very much locked into a two-party system where it is generally rare to see a third party candidate make much of a difference,” Kim, the political scientist, said. “I think there’s a lot of negative polarization at play — an expression of defeatism or disenfranchisement at the fact that status quo politicians aren’t addressing young men’s problems.”
Data show that disillusionment with democracy too runs deep.
According to a recent survey of 1,514 South Koreans by the East Asia Institute, a Seoul-based think tank, just 62.6% of South Korean men between the ages of 18 and 29 believe that democracy is the best political system — the lowest percentage in any age and gender group — with nearly a quarter believing that a dictatorship can sometimes be more preferable.
Whether the rightward drift of young South Korean men is a temporary deviation or a more serious forecast for South Korea’s democracy is still an open question, according to Kim.
“But now is the time to act,” she said. “There absolutely needs to be a political response to the younger generations’ frustrations.”
The 1975 took to the Pyramid Stage at Worthy Farm as the first headline act at Glastonbury 2025 earlier tonight, with Matty Healy and his bandmates back at the festival
23:57, 27 Jun 2025Updated 00:43, 28 Jun 2025
The 1975, fronted by Matty Healy, headlined Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage on Friday night(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The crowd for the 1975‘s headline set at Glastonbury has been described as “surprisingly sparse” by one festivalgoer this evening. The rock band, which is fronted by singer Matty Healy, were on the main stage at the music festival.
The 1975, consisting of Matty, Adam Hann, Ross MacDonald and George Daniel, took to the Pyramid Stage for their set. The band are the first headline act of the weekend, with Neil Young and Olivia Rodrigo headlining at Worthy Farm in Somerset on Saturday and Sunday night respectively.
A source at the festival told the Mirror that the crowd was “surprisingly sparse” for the 1975’s headline set though. They said that the audiences were bigger for Lewis Capaldi and CMAT, who performed on the stage earlier in the day. Some people were heard saying the band wasn’t their vibe before moving away from the stage.
Matty, 36, and his bandmates opened their set tonight with their song Happiness. The the Brit Award winning band’s setlist for Glastonbury later included singles like Chocolate, as well as other tracks such as Love Me and Paris.
The 1975, fronted by Matty Healy, headlined the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury tonight(Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage)
The staging for the set included occasional strobe lighting and various graphics on screen behind the band. A car was also visible on stage at one point, with lead singer Matty opening the song Somebody Else whilst sat inside it.
Viewers on BBC iPlayer had faced issues at times when the 1975 performed at Worthy Farm tonight. Despite the suggestion that the crowd was “sparse,” many fans were seen in the audience and cheers were heard during the set.
Fans shared their thoughts on the band during their set. One person wrote on X: “The 1975 are brilliant. I’m a fan.” Sharing their support, another viewer commented: “Matty Healy and the 1975, definitely do it for me, never disappoints.”
One fan wrote: “The 1975 at #Glastonbury has to go down as one of the greatest sets of all time. No debate.” Another said: “The 1975 set list tonight has been INSANE, if you are at #Glastonbury tonight i hope you’re appreciating this.”
Someone wrote: “The 1975 your smashing it as always. Great band live. Wish I was at Glastonbury.” Whilst another fan reacted after the performance: “The 1975 were incredible, amazing set, loved it alot!”
Not everyone was impressed with the set though. One person instead reacted: “The 1975 must be one of the most boring bands to headline Glasto in a long time.” Someone else said: “Seriously what’s all this hype about the 1975?”
Sharing their thoughts on the platform, another viewer commented during the headline set: “Absolute garbage from the 1975.” Whilst one person said: “I just don’t get The 1975.”
Another wrote: “That lead fella from the 1975 is insufferable isn’t he? Some bangers mind.” One person wrote: “I haven’t tweeted in over a year. However, I had to get this off my chest. The 1975 are shite and Matty Healy is insufferable. He’s trying his hardest to look like he’s a genuine rock star. They were never Glastonbury headliners and they’ve just proved us all right.”
The band, which also includes Adam Hann, George Daniel and Ross MacDonald, performed a number of songs including Chocolate for the crowd(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Prior to the 1975’s performance this evening, a source told the Mirror that the band “pulled out all the stops” for their set. The source said: “Everyone was so blown away that Matty, Ross, George and Adam were headlining, but it’s no surprise given how loved they are universally.”
The source added: “They’ve played Glastonbury before, but this is the boys at their very best and then some. They’re one of the biggest bands in the world, and their tours sell out almost instantly, but to see them on the Pyramid Stage in the headline slot, nobody could have expected this.”
It was teased that fans could “expect a few surprises” during their set at Glastonbury this year. The source had told us: “Everyone behind the scenes has worked so hard to pull out all the stops – fans should expect a few surprises.”
Megan Forte Clarke and Remell Mullins were asked to leave the Island tonight after viewers voted for their favourite stars and they came in at the bottom of the list
22:15, 27 Jun 2025Updated 22:15, 27 Jun 2025
Love Island viewers have been left divided after a dramatic elimination saw two islanders dumped from the villa tonight (June 27), including one half of a couple previously tipped to win the entire series.
The public have been voting for their favourite Islanders, and after the results came in, Megan Forte Clarke and Remell Mullins were revealed to be the public’s least liked girl and boy in the villa. This meant they were asked to leave the island in the most recent instalment of the ITV reality show.
Remell has been tipped to leave Love Island early ever since he stepped out on viewer favourite Alima, but Megan’s exit comes as a surprise as only days ago viewers were predicting that she and her partner Tommy Bradley were frontrunners to win the entire series.
The reality star became unpopular when she was unfaithful to her partner Tommy with Conor(Image: ITV)
Bookies indicated they were in the lead, with Betfred offering Megan at 15/8 and Unibet putting Tommy at 7/4 to take the Love Island prize home just last Wednesday (June 18). Fans also thought Megan was destined to be at the Love Island finale with Tommy by her side, as one previously tweeted: “I know Tommy and Megan are on the clear road to win Love Island UK but we actually can’t let that happen.”
Fans have reacted to her exit, with one poking fun at her sudden fall from grace, saying: “Megan really quickly went from Hero to Zero.” Another agreed: “Megan deffo had a chance at winning the show if she just stuck with Tommy.”
Someone else was delighted to see her booted out as a consequence for her actions, and shared: “Megan has been dumped? Thank God. What she did to Tommy was awful.”
Before she was voted out, Megan’s love story took a dramatic turn this week. After being coupled up with Tommy since day one, the 24-year-old Irish beauty sparked outrage among viewers when she shared a secret kiss with fellow Irish islander Conor Phillips while Conor’s partner Emily was away from the villa.
Before that Megan was considered to be in one of the strongest couples(Image: ITV)
After Emily returned, she confronted Conor about his betrayal in the Snug. She seemed particularly surprised that Megan had agreed to lock lips with him, saying: “That’s quite intense… I thought Megan was more into Tommy to the point where she wouldn’t have done that.”
Later that evening, Conor dropped another bombshell by telling Emily that he would be spending the night with Megan in the Hideaway. In the private bedroom the pair had another smooch, and Conor even gifted Megan his bracelet.
Fans were left furious after both Conor and Megan hurt the feelings of the people they were coupled up with. One took to social media to say: “Conor didn’t care one bit about dumping Emily. She basically did it without him asking.”
Another viewer fumed: “OMG not Megan and Conor going to the hideaway MINUTES after dumping Emily and Tommy.” Poor Tommy was heartbroken to have lost Megan after going steady with her since the start of the show, and opened up to his friends Harry and Ben, admitting he just wanted to “sit in a quiet corner”.
Before going into the Hideaway with Conor Megan pulled Tommy for a chat, coldly telling him: “It’s nothing against you, but I’m here to explore connections. I didn’t have to come and tell you this but I do like you, so I am telling you.”
June 22 (UPI) — Iran and Israel exchanged targeted airstrikes Sunday after President Donald Trump ordered the bombing of nuclear sites in Iran, leaving his administration and lawmakers divided over U.S. involvement.
“We’re not at war with Iran. We’re at war with Iran’s nuclear program,” Vice President JD Vance said in an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday. It marked the first major official rhetoric that the United States is indeed “at war.”
Vance declined to confirm that Iran’s nuclear sites were completely destroyed, saying that the U.S. has “substantially delayed” Iran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon. His comments come after Russia said Sunday that other countries could provide Iran with nuclear weapons.
The strike by the Trump administration has divided his supporters. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, for example, criticized what she called “neocon warmongers” in a post on social media Sunday afternoon.
“America is $37 TRILLION in debt and all of these foreign wars have cost Americans TRILLIONS AND TRILLIONS of dollars that never benefited any American,” the lawmaker wrote in her post.
“American troops have been killed and forever torn apart physically and mentally for regime change, foreign wars, and for military-industrial base profits. I’m sick of it. I can easily say I support nuclear-armed Israel’s right to defend themselves and also say at the same time I don’t want to fight or fund nuclear armed Israel’s wars.”
Rep. Thomas Massie, another Republican, went as far to call the strike on Iran “not Constitutional” in his own post. He later criticized fellow Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson for stating that Trump “made the right call” with the airstrike.
“Why didn’t you call us back from vacation to vote on military action if there was a serious threat to our country?” Massie said in his remarks to Johnson. He reiterated that point Sunday in an interview with CBS News’ “Face the Nation.”
Massie was joined on “Face the Nation” by fellow lawmaker Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat, with whom he worked last week to introduce a war powers resolution to prohibit U.S. forces from striking Iran without authorization from Congress.
Khanna said in the interview that Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed a desire for Iran to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes but the lawmaker noted that Iran had already been under a nuclear deal that the United States withdrew from.
According to Khanna, under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, which was negotiated by Iran, the United States and the European Union in 2015, the International Atomic Energy Agency did not find a single violation.
“In the first Iraq war, the second Iraq war and the war in Afghanistan, Congress first got the briefings. Congress met and debated. It should have been declarations of war, but at least they did an authorization of use of military force,” Massie added. “We haven’t had that.”
The Israeli Defense Forces said in a statement Sunday that the Israeli Air Force used 30 fighter jets to attack dozens of military targets across Iran.
“As part of the wave of attacks, fighter jets first attacked the ‘Imam Hussein‘ strategic missile headquarters in the Yazd region, where long-range Khoramshahr missiles were stored,” the IDF said. “From this headquarters, approximately 60 missiles were launched towards the State of Israel.”
The IDF added that it also hit missile launchers and military sites for the production of air defense batteries, and a drone warehouse in Isfahan, Bushehr and Ahvaz.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported Sunday that the Houthis — formally known as Ansarullah — expressed support for Iran after the U.S. strikes and would “stand by any Arab or Islamic country against U.S. aggression.”
Jess Harding, who won ITV’s Love Island back in 2023, has shared her thoughts on current contestant Antonia ‘Toni’ Laites – who has been causing drama in the villa
17:20, 22 Jun 2025Updated 17:20, 22 Jun 2025
Love Island winner Jess Harding has hit out at one of the 2025 contestants(Image: Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Former Love Island winner Jess Harding has lashed out at one of the current contestants in a scathing social media post. The 2025 season of ITV’s long-running reality dating show began earlier this month and 16 contestants are currently housed in the villa.
But tensions have been bubbling between some of the contestants and 24-year-olds Antonia ‘Toni’ Laites and Emily Moran have clashed while taking part in the show. Viewers were startled to see Toni accuse Emily of sticking her nose in her business during a fiery exchange that aired on Friday night.
Jess, 24 – who won Love Island in 2023 alongside then-boyfriend Sammy Root, 24 – was among those watching at home to take to social media to dissect the unsettling scenes. The reality star shared her shock at Toni’s outburst against Emily.
Siding with the British star, Jess accused American bombshell Toni of being “b**chy”. In a message shared via Instagram stories, the star wrote: “Ok what the hell, just because someone isn’t your cup of tea doesn’t mean you can cause a big drama over it?!”
Jess continued: “Toni girl I loved you but I don’t like b****y behaviour & pulling crying behaviour.” And she added: “Why can’t the girls be 1 big group cos these men be acting CRAZY.”
Antonia ‘Toni’ Laites has been causing drama in the 2025 villa(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
On Friday night, fans saw tension escalate between Toni and Emily as the 2025 season endured one of its most dramatic arguments so far. Friction came to a head after the two ladies took a near instant dislike to each other after Emily entered the villa as a bombshell on day five.
Toni’s feather’s were ruffled when she overheard a conversation between Emily and Irish contestant Conor Phillips, 25. The American bombshell then found a confidant in Shakira Khan, 22, who she shared her frustrations with.
But Emily later accused Toni of talking behind her back, while fellow Islander Megan ‘Meg’ Moore, 25, warned Emily that Toni had branded her “nosey” and “Little Miss Sunshine.”
An almighty row erupted, with Emily despairing that Toni was “just trying to cause a problem,” and “she’s f****g nuts.” All the drama could be helping generate interest in the long-running show, however.
Jess thinks Toni is a ‘mean girl’(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
While the 2025 season got off to a low viewership start when it launched on 9 June, the audience then reportedly grew by 1.7 million streams on ITVX after the first episode aired.
Some past contestants have started campaigning for the series to be axed, however, and the show has a long history of being tied to the tragic mental health declines of past contestants. This weekend, Malin Andersson, who starred on the show in 2016, voiced her concerns about the way the series is made.
She told The Mirror: “It should be axed. When I was on it, we were naive, it felt more organic – still scripted but more authentic. Even then, it wasn’t pure, it was full of toxicity. Now millions watch it, especially young people, and their idea of love gets completely skewed.”
She added: “I felt disposable, like a piece of rubbish tossed aside. In there, you’re fighting to be seen, to be a main character, seeking validation. It’s not healthy – it creates unrealistic drama and messes up how viewers see love.”
Love Island has come under fire in the past for failing to support contestant that take part in the series – however, strict after care rules were introduced in 2019 after the deaths of former contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis.
The three largest European nations by population, Germany, France and the UK, held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday, in an effort to avert a protracted war in the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump, who has said he will decide within two weeks whether to join the assault on Tehran, denounced the talks with European leaders as a failure.
“Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us. Europe is not going to be able to help in this one,” he told reporters.
Araghchi had said Iran was not attending the talks in Geneva to negotiate anyway, only to listen.
However, he added, “There is no room for negotiations with the US [either] until the Israeli aggression stops,” as Iran and Israel traded salvoes of missiles and drones.
The US has been Israel’s chief ally and supporter in all its wars, and is the only country with major military assets deployed in the region, which might be able to alter the course of the war.
French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, meet at an outdoor terrace table at the offices of the honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Geneva, Switzerland June 20, 2025, during a meeting of European foreign ministers [Fabrice Coffrini/Pool via Reuters]
Why are the Europeans getting involved?
Germany, France and the UK – referred to as the E3 in the context of Iran talks – helped negotiate a 2015 treaty with Iran.
The 2015 treaty, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), saw Iran agree to develop only peaceful nuclear programmes and to submit to independent monitoring. Russia, China and the United States also helped negotiate it, as did the UN.
But Trump withdrew the US from the JCPOA in May 2018, during his first term as president. The E3 tried to keep the treaty alive but failed. Iran abandoned it a year after the US did.
On Saturday, the EU high commissioner for external action, Kaja Kallas, who also attended the talks on Friday, issued a statement reaffirming “commitment to Israel’s security” and “longstanding concerns about Iran’s expansion of its nuclear programme, which has no credible civilian purpose, in violation of almost all the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) provisions”.
But Israel’s war in Gaza has divided the E3 over their approach to Israel, weakening European foreign policy unity further, although all want to avoid another war on Europe’s doorstep.
How are the E3 divided in their approach towards Israel?
The E3 positions on Israel have diverged since Israel’s war in Gaza began in October 2023.
Germany has remained the most ardently pro-Israel, refusing to criticise Israel for indiscriminate bombing of civilians in Gaza and halting its funding to UNWRA, the UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees, which Israel accuses of aiding Hamas.
Originally pro-Israel, the UK somewhat changed its stance after Labour’s election victory last year. Earlier this month, the UK joined four other countries in formally sanctioning Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, for “incitement of violence” against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. Israel called the decision “outrageous” and “unacceptable”.
France is even more sceptical towards Israel. It was one of four EU members that started calling for a Gaza ceasefire in April last year. A year later, on April 9, French President Emmanuel Macron said he would formally recognise the state of Palestine within months, partly because “at some point, it will be right”, and partly to encourage Arab states to recognise Israel. France was reported to be lobbying other European nations to follow suit. Spain, Norway and Ireland all formally recognised Palestine the following month.
What leverage do the E3 have with Iran or Israel?
They are the three biggest economies in Europe, with a collective gross domestic product (GDP) of about $11 trillion.
Two of them, France and the UK, possess aircraft carriers and expeditionary forces that have deployed to the Middle East and North Africa regions. They are also nuclear powers.
Ultimately, though, none of these things is enough to sway either Iran or Israel on matters of national security. The true value of the E3 lies in their “acceptability” to both Iran and Israel as good-faith mediators and their ability to work towards common goals with the US.
“Germany, France and the UK have attempted to mediate for more than 20 years, and their approach has been milder than that of the US,” George Tzogopoulos, a lecturer in international relations at the European Institute in Nice, told Al Jazeera. “The same is happening now. We have a war crisis, and these three prioritise diplomacy for the conflict to stop if possible and for negotiations to restart.”
Could the E3 broker a deal between Iran and Israel?
It would be difficult, given their failure to resuscitate the JCPOA without the US.
“The main reason [the E3 failed with the JCPOA] is the conclusion, made by both the Trump administration, President Trump himself, and the Israeli government that diplomacy cannot work in the case of Iran and, therefore, the role of the three was sidelined,” said Tzogopoulos.
But it is also difficult for them to coordinate with the US. Trump has now sidelined his own intelligence community to adopt the Israeli view that Iran is developing a bomb. On Friday, Trump told reporters that his director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, was “wrong” when she testified that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon and that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had not re-authorised the country’s suspended nuclear weapons programme.
“If Israel has evidence that Iran was dashing for a bomb, I think it needs to come out more publicly and share that, because nobody else is confirming that assessment,” said Kelsey Davenport, director for nonproliferation policy at the Arms Control Association, a nongovernmental organisation based in the US.
“If there is some coordination between the US and the E3, we might be more optimistic, but for Europe, for the E3 to act autonomously, I wouldn’t bet my money on their potential success,” he said.
“The Europeans have very low chances,” agreed Angelos Syrigos, a professor of international law at Panteion University in Athens. “The only people who can intervene seriously are the Americans. But I don’t know if the Iranians are open to that. To have final peace, you usually need a decisive defeat,” he said, referring to the Yom Kippur War between Israel and Egypt of 1973, which led to the Camp David agreement six years later, and US intervention in the Yugoslav War, which led to the Dayton Accord in 1995. “One party has to understand there is no military solution.”
Could the United Nations Security Council find a diplomatic solution?
No, say experts, because China, Russia and the US disagree on Israel and Iran.
“The Security Council won’t find a solution to this,” said Syrigos. “Either the US or Russia or China will veto it. The difference is mainly between the US and China. The Chinese have invested a lot in Iran in recent years. That’s where they buy most of their oil; they send [Iran] materials for nuclear weapons. It’s China that is mostly connected to Iran.”
Russia has called on the US not to attack Iran, because of the risk of destabilising the region. But Russia also does not have the power to come to Iran’s aid, said Syrigos.
“Right now, Russia is going along with the US. It doesn’t want to get involved. It hasn’t the power. So, it’s turning a necessity into a voluntary act,” he said.
“The logic of war will guide diplomatic efforts at this point, and we cannot know how the war will go, or the extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear programme,” said Tzogopoulos.
Soccer Aid, which has been running for more than two decades and has raised more than £100 million overall, had Sam Matterface as the commentator, with Iain Stirling joining him
20:31, 15 Jun 2025Updated 20:31, 15 Jun 2025
Soccer Aid viewers ‘annoyed’ as they point out Louis Tomlinson ‘issue’(Image: PA)
Soccer Aid 2025 fans were divided as they pointed out what happens every time One Direction star Louis Tomlinson has the ball. The singer joined a slew of famous faces on the pitch but the audience seemed to have their focus on the star as they screamed and cheered every single time he was passed the ball.
Fans noticed how much louder the stadium got when he had the ball and took to social media to share their divided opinions on the cheering. One fan said on X: “Take that 1D kid off people screaming for him is becoming annoying and making this match unwatchable,” while another person more kindly said: “I love the applause that so louder when Louis has the ball.”
Fans cheered extra loud for Louis Tomlinson(Image: ITV)
“That constant screaming for Louis Tomlinson is already annoying af. I think a wave go around and that’s saying something,” one viewer commented.
Another posted: “You can tell when Louis has the ball as the crowd go absolutely wild,” with a laughing emoji. “The audible squeal with Louis Tomlinson gets the ball is hilarious! These girls have never watched a full 90 minutes!”
However, one disgruntled football fan said: “do these one direction fans have to scream every time louis touches the ball ffs.”
Viewers at home were divided by the screaming(Image: ITV)
The event, which has been running for more than two decades and has raised more than £100million overall, had Sam Matterface as the commentator with Iain Stirling joining him.
England’s coaching team include the likes of Tyson Fury (Boxer), Harry Redknapp (Former football manager), Vicky McClure (Actor), David James (Former footballer) and Sam Thompson.
Former Made In Chelsea star Sam was meant to be on the pitch with the rest of the team but had to step aside after sustaining an calf injury during his gruelling 280-mile charity mission from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford.
There are plenty of well-known faces in the match
Meanwhile, the players include the likes of Steve Bartlett, Alex Brooker, Jermain Defoe, Toni Duggan, Sir Mo Farah, Angry Ginge, Tom Grennan, Joe Hart, Steph Houghton, Aaron Lennon, Dame Denise Lewis, Paddy McGuinness, Gary Neville, Sam Quek, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scoles, Jill Scott and Louis Tomlinson.
The World XI team, which is coached by Peter Schmeichel, has a few big names with the likes of Noah Beck, Tony Bellew, Leonardo Bonucci, Tobi Brown, Martin Compston, Richard Gadd and more.
Bryan Habana, Dermot Kennedy, Harry Kewell, Kaylyn Kyle, Gorka Marquez, Nadia Nadim, Livi Sheldon, Carlos Tevez, Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic, Billy Wingrove and Big Zuu are also part of the World XI team.
This year’s game is held at Old Trafford after previously being held at Stamford Bridge. Soccer Aid was also held at Old Trafford between 2010-2018 as well as most recently in 2023.
However, other venues have also been used in the past such as Wembley, Stamford Bridge, City of Manchester Stadium and London Stadium.
Soccer Aid was first launched in 2006 by former Take That star Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes. It initially took place every two years but is now an annual event.
Females were first allowed to play in the game in 2019 and it is the only mixed-sex match officially sanctioned by The Football Association. 2020 saw the event held behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic.
You can watch Soccer Aid 2025 live on ITV1 and ITVX will have you covered for a live stream on mobile devices*
The Paralimni-Deryneia municipality in eastern Cyprus has had enough of tourists ‘reserving’ sun loungers by leaving towels or personal belongings on them early in the morning
Millions of Brits flock to Cyprus every year(Image: Getty Images)
A popular seaside spot in Europe has outlawed a contentious sunbed-reserving habit, sparking a range of reactions from holidaymakers. The Paralimni-Deryneia municipality, nestled in the sun-drenched Province of Famagusta in eastern Cyprus, has issued a stern warning to beachgoers who attempt to “claim” loungers by leaving towels or personal items on them early in the morning or even the previous night.
In an official statement, authorities highlighted that the increasing trend of “staking a claim” on beach loungers without prior rental is unjust and disruptive to other visitors. Effective immediately, any unattended personal belongings left on unrented beach beds will be collected by municipal staff.
“Beachgoers are required to rent their sun loungers and umbrellas upon arrival,” the municipality announced, adding that people should keep their receipt as evidence of payment.
This new regulation has sparked debate among tourists, with some applauding the clampdown as a victory for fairness, while others, particularly early birds, argue they’re merely trying to secure a prime spot before the beach becomes crowded.
“I rise at 6am on holiday for tranquillity and a top-notch view, this feels like a penalty,” one British holidaymaker remarked online.
People love to reserve their sunbeds early(Image: Getty Images)
However, others welcomed the change. “I’ve witnessed entire rows of loungers ‘reserved’ with a single towel and no one appears until midday. It’s absurd,” commented another visitor, reports the Express.
Authorities have also urged holidaymakers to utilise contactless or mobile payments for their sunbed rentals, highlighting the convenience it offers both visitors and staff.
Signs along the beach will emphasise the revised regulations, with beach attendants present to ensure compliance.
This prohibition emerges as an increasing number of European destinations grapple with the escalating issue of ‘sunbed hogging,’ especially at bustling seaside resorts during the summer period.
SAINSBURY’S is the latest supermarket to test a major change to shelf labels in stores – but it will leave shoppers divided.
One of the UK’s biggest supermarkets is trialling electronic shelf labels in a small number of branches.
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Sainsbury’s is trialling electronic shelf labels in a “small number” of storesCredit: Getty
The retailer installed the tech at three of its larger shops late last year and has been trying it out across different sections including alcohol, health and general merchandise.
Sainsbury’s has partnered with Harrison Retail to build the shelf fixings featuring the labels.
A branch in Witney, Oxfordshire, is understood to be one of the three locations where the tech is being trialled.
A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s said: “We are trialling electronic shelf-edge labels in a small number of our stores.”
Sainsbury’s shoppers are bound to be left divided over the new electronic tags though.
Fears have been raised digital labels could lead to “surge pricing”, which sees prices hiked when products are more in demand.
The labels can make it harder for shoppers to spot cut-price items too, as they’re not as visible as the paper yellow, orange or red stickers.
Sainsbury’s joins a host of other supermarkets trialling electronic shelf labels in stores.
Co-op is replacing paper product tags with electronic labels throughout its whole estate over the coming months.
The retailer said last month it had already made the change in 340 branches but would roll out the tags more widely.
It said 1,500 stores will have the labels by the end of this year and rolled out across all its nearly 2,400 shops by the end of 2026.
Electronic pricing labels are not easy to spot and look almost identical to the traditional paper labels which have existed in stores for centuries.
They feature everything a shopper would expect to see on a label such as cost, weight and unit price.
The only difference is that the information is displayed on screens instead of a paper label.
Usually, they are connected to a wireless network that allows for prices to be updated in real-time – instead of it being done manually by a store clerk.
Supermarkets say the technology will help cut down on waste and help with efficiency in stores.
MCVITIES has rolled out a new flavour of Jaffa Cakes and shoppers are divided.
The brand has launched plenty of alternatives to the classic orange over the years, but this one has been accused of taking the biscuit.
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Jaffa Cakes come in a variety of flavours, including raspberry and cherry
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Jaffa Cakes have a brand new flavour and it’s caused a stir
Jaffa Cakes have jumped on the Hot Honey trend and have unveiled the first-ever ‘swicy’ flavour.
In case you are not yet familiar with the term, ‘swicy’ is used to describe foods that are both sweet and spicy.
The new flavour combines the sweetness of honey with a chilli kick, which is sandwiched between the signature crackly dark chocolate and the famous sponge cake.
The controversial hot cakes are exclusively on sale at Asda stores nationwide for £1.50 for a box of 10.
They will be rolled out to other retailers from the end of July.
Over on Facebook, the Hot Honey snacks have caused a stir, and some fans have bees in their bonnets.
“I love Hot Honey and I love Jaffa Cakes but I think this will be a miss,” one wrote.
“Not a chance mate,” added another.
One person suggested: “They will do everything but not a white chocolate Jaffa Cake.”
But not everyone was against the latest addition.
SWEET TOOTH ‘A tangy twist’, cry fans over 85p packs of Jaffa Cakes in a unique flavour
“I am definitely intrigued,” a Facebook user wrote.
“Oh might have to try these,” agreed a second, while another echoed: “That sounds like an acquired taste.”
On Dansway Gifts and Bargain UK’s Facebook post, followers tagged friends to share the news.
Some added heart-eye emojis to the comment section.
Jessica Woolfrey, Marketing Manager for Jaffa Cakes, says: “At Jaffa Cakes, we’re known for doing things a little differently.
“As the only cake in the biscuit aisle, it makes sense that our newest flavour brings an unexpected twist.
“We’re super excited to introduce Hot Honey Flavour to the Jaffa Cakes family – tapping into the viral ‘swicy’ trend with a perfectly balanced sweet-meets-heat flavour.”
Last year, the brand unveiled another unusual flavour based on retro childhood sweets.
The Cola Bottle flavour was the first ever non-fruit flavour since the first Jaffa Cake was made in 1927.
It had a similar response from snackers, who either loved or hated them.
McVities has also rolled out raspberry and cherry flavours – which have both gone down well with customers.
Shoppers have been left totally divided after spotting an iconic noughties trend back on the high-streetCredit: tiktok/@christievian/
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But while many were desperate to live out their “early 2000 dreams”, others slammed the trend as “tacky”Credit: tiktok/@christievian/
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House of CB took to Instagram to announce the newsCredit: Instagram/houseofcb
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The new Sculpt Midi Bandage Dresses will set shoppers back £169Credit: Instagram/houseofcb
The bandage dress first hit the catwalk back in 1989 as the grand finale of Hervé Léger’s runway show, but it wasn’t until the likes of Victoria Beckham and other celebrities went crazy for the dresses in the 00s that they became mainstream.
Women were scrambling to get their hands on the high-street versions of the designer gowns, made with thick strips of fabric which work to “bandage” your shape and flatten out problem areas.
And now, shoppers will again be able to get their hands on the iconic bandage dresses, as they are now back in House of CB.
The much-loved chain took to Instagram to share the exciting news, leaving many totally stunned.
Read more fashion stories
Alongside the social media post showing off the new frocks, the chain penned: “She’s baaaaaack. Shop the birthday bandage collection now and be ready to serve some cake.”
According to those at House of CB, one of the “most iconic party dresses is back for another dance”.
The heavyweight stretch fabric of these £169 Sculpt Midi Bandage Dresses, which are available in a number of different colours and styles, features unique tension properties that contour your body and create curves to envy.
The dresses are now elevated with even more definition around the bust and waistline, as well as flattering halter neck straps and a low scooped back that shows just the right amount of skin.
A fashionista from London named Christie, was gobsmacked to see the figure hugging frocks back in stores and took to social media to share the news with others.
Posting online, the content creator gave her followers a close-up look at the House of CB dresses and gasped: “Bandage dresses are BACK??!!”
M&S’ must-have summer holiday dresses
She then questioned: “I fear I want one?”
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @christievian, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 227,900 views, 23,000 likes and 215 comments.
I can’t shake the tacky vibes I get from them
TikTok user
But social media users were left divided by the return of bandage dresses – while some were overjoyed at the news, others slammed the frocks as “cheap.”
One person said: “Love it! I remember I bought my first bandage dress at 20 back in 2007.”
Fashion editor reveals the 90s trends that should stay in the past
NINETIES and noughties trends especially have become a hit with Gen Z – most likely because they didn’t wear them the first time round. Here, Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale gives the rundown of some of the trends that have made a comeback that we wish did not.
Disc belts
“A hit with celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Blake Lively, the belt itself did nothing that a belt should actually do – it was a mere fashion statement, not a piece to actually hold anything up.
“And it seems it’s not just me who is enraged by its return, with many taking to TikTok to give their views, saying: ‘Oh no not the disc belt! I don’t think I have the energy for it a 2nd time around’ – I feel you.”
Jelly shoes
“After not being seen on shelves for decades, they’ve made a reappearance and this time they’re not just for kids.
“Coming in a range of colourful patterns, you can get them all over the high street in either flat or heeled versions.
“Not only will you look very childish wearing such shoes, but people will also need to learn that they aren’t the comfiest – blister plasters will come in handy.”
Pedal pushers
“The cropped knee-grazing trouser were all the rage in the 1990s and 2000s, but this time the model fash pack are all over them – with both Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski wearing them out recently.
“The original IT girls, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot helped make the trousers – also called Capri pants – look effortlessly cool and glam.
“Somehow this time round they don’t seem to be having that same effect.”
Another added: “I can live my early 2000 dreams.”
A third commented: “YEEEEESSSS SORRY BUT I LOVE IT.”
However, at the same time, someone else sighed: “I can’t get behind it, I’m sorry.”
Love it! I remember I bought my first bandage dress at 20 back in 2007
TikTok user
A second disappointed shopper slammed: “They’re trying to make 2016 happen but it’s too early. Give it 10 years at least!! This isn’t how vintage and nostalgia works…”
Not only this, but another expressed: “They went away for a reason!”
Meanwhile, one woman penned: “I can’t shake the tacky vibes I get from them.”
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