Manchester United were left furious about “astonishing” and “baffling” refereeing decisions as two penalties were awarded and one was not in their thrilling 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.
Harry Maguire’s special day – following his England recall – was spoiled by his sending off at Vitality Stadium, but it was the performance of the officials that had United fuming.
Maguire, who will return to the England squad for the first time in almost two years for upcoming friendlies with Uruguay and Japan, was sent off for pulling back Evanilson inside the box as Manchester United led 2-1 with 10 minutes to go.
Junior Kroupi subsequently scored the penalty but the decision not to award Manchester United an earlier spot-kick left interim manager Michael Carrick furious – especially after his side had been awarded a penalty for what he deemed to be a similar challenge earlier in the match.
The penalty the visitors were not given came when Amad Diallo appeared to be pulled back inside the box by Adrien Truffert, with Manchester United leading 1-0 after Bruno Fernandes’ penalty.
Carrick, who described the decisions made as “baffling”, said: “My first [thought] is he definitely got one of them wrong, because he’s given one penalty for the same thing that he’s not given one as a two-armed grab.
“So the Matheus Cunha one, he gives, the second one on Amad he doesn’t, which is, I think, almost identical, really, two hands on someone in the box, and they go over and they’re in control of the ball.
“Massive moment and I don’t understand how you can give one and not the other – it’s crazy. It’s as obvious as you can get.
“It’s clear, if that’s what he believes is a penalty to start with then the second one has to be. I don’t understand how you can’t give that. And then the goal and after that it was chaos. It’s astonishing.”
Manchester United captain Fernandes, meanwhile, felt that if Bournemouth‘s penalty was given for a foul by Maguire, then so should one for the Diallo incident.
“I think we could have gone 2-0 up, and then we ended up conceding a goal, not getting a penalty and then we get a penalty against, where more or less it’s the same situation as Amad,” he said.
“One is awarded as a penalty, the other one not. I know it’s difficult for the referee to give two penalties in the same game for the same team but what I don’t understand is why VAR doesn’t get involved in that situation.”
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick praises the “great” connection between Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, after the duo combined for the opening goal in their 3-1 victory over Aston Villa.
Bruno Fernandes reaches 100 assists in all competitions after setting up two goals in crucial 3-1 win over Villa.
Manchester United bolstered their bid to qualify for the Champions League with a vital 3-1 win against top-four rivals Aston Villa.
Michael Carrick’s side took the lead through Casemiro’s second-half opener at Old Trafford on Sunday before Ross Barkley hauled Villa level.
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United finished strongly with Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko scoring in the closing stages to seal Carrick’s seventh win in nine games since taking over as interim boss.
Sitting third in the Premier League, United are three points clear of fourth-placed Villa in the race to reach the Champions League via a top-four finish.
United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe this week praised Carrick’s “excellent” work but stopped short of committing to the former Old Trafford star on a long-term basis.
However, Carrick is making a strong case to earn the job on a permanent basis after stabilising United after Ruben Amorim’s sacking.
United’s latest victory came after an 11-day break since the first defeat of his reign at Newcastle, and Carrick celebrated with a jig of delight on the touchline after Sesko wrapped up the points.
Spluttering Villa have lost their last three league games and have just one win in seven top-flight matches, leaving them three points above fifth-placed Chelsea with eight games left in the battle for European places.
After a lethargic first half, United finally prised open the Villa defence in the 53rd minute.
Bryan Mbeumo’s stinging strike was palmed away by Emiliano Martinez, earning a corner that brought the opener.
Bruno Fernandes curled a corner to the near post, and Casemiro made a perfectly timed run to glance a header past Martinez.
With Casemiro likely to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season, United fans serenaded the Brazilian midfielder with chants of “one more year”.
United lost focus and surrendered the lead in the 64th minute.
In his first Premier League start for 14 months, Barkley slammed a superb strike past Senne Lammens from 11 metres (12 yards) after United failed to clear the danger.
But Cunha netted in the 71st minute to ensure Carrick’s men did not pay for their stumble.
Bursting onto Fernandes’s sublime pass into the Villa area, the Brazilian forward slotted a fine finish into the far corner.
It was Fernandes’s 16th Premier League assist this term, moving the United captain past David Beckham’s previous club record of 15 in 1999-2000.
He has 100 assists for United in all competitions since signing from Sporting Lisbon in 2020.
Sesko came off the bench to prove a point to Carrick after being dropped, and the Slovenian striker fired home with a deflected effort in the 81st minute.
Fernandes said he was delighted to provide two assists for his teammates to move past Beckham’s record.
“I’m more proud and pleased because I did it serving my teammates. Giving joy to others is also very good,” he said.
“When you play in the position I play, I’m very happy I can help them to score and be happy in that moment. It’s a huge achievement for me, but the main achievement would be in the top spot at the end of the season.”
Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest climbed out of the relegation zone after a 0-0 draw against Fulham at the City Ground.
Still waiting for their first win under Vitor Pereira, fourth-bottom Forest, who have had four managers this term, are above third-bottom West Ham on goal difference.
Ten-man Leeds held on for a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace despite Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s missed penalty and a red card for Gabriel Gudmundsson.
Later on Sunday, troubled Tottenham head to Liverpool with only goal difference keeping them outside the relegation zone.
Former England striker Ellen White sits down with Manchester United forward Celin Bizet Donnum to talk through the Norwegian’s ongoing pregnancy journey – from the decision-making process to the support policies in place. They consider whether more female footballers are likely to start families during their playing careers.
“We changed to make the players more dynamic, with Rayan, Jeremy [Doku] and Phil [Foden],” Guardiola told his post-match news conference. “But we could not win the game.
“We could be more aggressive in the first half maybe, but with the creativity, the crosses and dribbles this season, we are struggling. The team, they did everything, but they need to be better in the final third, and it has happened in many games this season.”
Asked about picking Semenyo over Cherki as number 10, he said: “Absolutely, for that role there is no-one better than [Cherki]. That is bad selection, you can criticise me, I deserve it.
“Sometimes for the balance, we are learning. We played Cherki and Haaland – incredible, but we do not have the stability teams in the Premier League must have. I try to handle that, and the team is still growing.
“Rayan’s impact off the bench is unbelievable, but sometimes he does not have the pace so we play Semenyo. I am still finding the best way to have stability and to balance the team.”
Haaland’s form is thrown into sharp focus by the fact he struggled against West Ham, a team against who he has scored 11 Premier League goals – more than any other side.
“It’s not about the lack of goals,” Guardiola said of the Norway striker. “We need to create more. He will be back.”
City cannot win well, and they struggle to win ugly too.
They have only lost once in their past 18 league matches, but during that period they have given up 10 points from winning positions – enough to cost them first place in the current standings.
Given the latter came a couple of hours after Arsenal, starring Max Dowman, spectacularly dug out victory over Everton, this one will sting.
Guardiola laughed it off afterwards, saying he had been having a beer pre-match rather than following the Arsenal match with his team, as he served a touchline ban.
He also joked he would look to get more yellow cards as he preferred the view from the stands – and light-heartedly batted away a question on whether Haaland was limping.
It felt like if Guardiola didn’t laugh, he would cry.
Who: Manchester United vs Aston Villa What: English football’s Premier League Where: Old Trafford, Manchester, United Kingdom When: Sunday March 15, at 2pm (14:00 GMT) How to follow: Al Jazeera’s live coverage begins at 11:00 GMT
Manchester United and Aston Villa face a crunch clash on Sunday in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification.
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The pair hold third and fourth spots respectively in the Premier League, with United edging Villa on goal difference, while Chelsea and Liverpool sit three points behind the pair in fifth and sixth.
With only the top four being guaranteed a place at the top table of European football, the encounter at Old Trafford holds huge value to both with nine games to go of the season.
Al Jazeera Sport takes a closer look at the match.
Man Utd look to bounce back from first defeat under Carrick
Manchester United’s interim manager Michael Carrick on Friday said his players were “itching to get going” again, after suffering their first defeat under his leadership.
Last week, 10-man Newcastle United ended Carrick’s unbeaten run since he replaced Ruben Amorim in January.
“I understand the first defeat feels different but it was going to come at some point. Most teams have suffered that at some point,” Carrick told reporters.
“It has been a really good week in some ways, we have put ourselves in a position where there is a lot to play for.”
Carrick brushes off Scholes dig at Man Utd
United’s defeat by Newcastle prompted a dig from former player Paul Scholes, who wrote on Instagram: “Michael has definitely got something special about him … cos Utd have been crap last four games.”
Asked about his former teammate’s comment, Carrick said: “It was nothing really, nothing to say about it really.
“I think that is just where we are in terms of social media and things, and captions and quotes. It can be taken in different ways, so just be calm about it and understand the real meaning of things.
“Listen, there are different opinions out there and it’s fine. People can have different opinions.
“It’s just things get taken from one extreme to another. It is what it is. I am not worried about it and don’t make a big deal of it either.
“There’s nothing to say about it, really,” he said.
How have Aston Villa fared in the Premier League this season?
Villa had a turbulent start to the campaign, as they failed to register a win in their first five league matches – losing two. A run of 12 league wins in 13, however, propelled them into a title challenge by the turn of the year.
A 4-1 defeat at Arsenal on New Year’s Eve marked the start of another downturn, though, with only three wins recorded in 11 games starting with the defeat in London.
The midlands club have lost three of their last five on the road in the league, recording only one win in that time.
Last up for Man Utd
United suffered their first defeat under Carrick in their match at Newcastle United on March 4.
The home side were reduced to 10 men when Jacob Ramsey was sent off on the stroke of half-time.
It came in a frantic end to the first half that saw Anthony Gorden give Newcastle an injury-time lead from the penalty spot, only for Casemiro to head home an equaliser to send the sides in level.
William Osula netted the winner in the 90th minute to give Eddie Howe’s side all three points despite their numerical disadvantage.
“It was disappointing the way the game ended (against Newcastle) but we have digested that, looked at it and learned from it,” Carrick said ahead of the Villa match.
“We have trained really well this week and the boys are itching to get going.”
Last up for Aston Villa
Villa were 1-0 winners at Lille in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, ending a four-game winless streak that included three defeats.
Ollie Watkins scored the only goal of the game in the 61st minute.
The return leg will be played at Villa Park on Thursday.
What happened the last time Man Utd played Aston Villa?
Villa recorded a 2-1 win in the reverse Premier League fixture at Villa Park in November, despite an encouraging display for Ruben Amorim’s United.
Morgan Rogers scored both goals for Villa – his first was scored in the 45th minute but United were level in first-half stoppage time through Matheus Cunha.
What happened in the corresponding fixture between Man Utd and Villa last season?
United were 2-1 winners in the Premier League match at Old Trafford last season.
The Red Devils were greatly aided by the sending off of Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez just before the break.
Amad Diallo and an 87th minute Christian Eriksen penalty sealed the win for the home side.
Head-to-head
This will be the 202nd meeting between the clubs with Manchester United winning 107 of the matches. Aston Villa have won 52 of the encounters, which date back to November 1892 and a 2-0 home win for United in the old Division One.
Manchester United team news
Carrick said Mason Mount had taken a “big step” and could return from a two-month absence against Villa this weekend.
The midfielder missed their last six league games due to injury.
“He is an important player for us,” he said.
“He is not 100 percent and he has only trained for a small period of time. But he is back and that’s good for us. We will see if he is involved on Sunday. That is it in terms of the players coming back.”
Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu and Mason Mount all remain absent though, and Lisandro Martinez has been added to that list with a calf injury, while there remains an injury doubt over Luke Shaw.
The defender was forced off with injury in the defeat by Newcastle, but Noussair Mazraoui, who also came off injured in that game, is set to be available.
Aston Villa team news
Midfielder John McGinn returned to action at Lille on Thursday night and could be in line for a start at Old Trafford.
Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara remain absent through injury, leaving a gaping hole in the middle of the Villa lineup.
Right-back Matty Cash is also a doubt having missed the Lille match after picking up a knock in Villa’s last Premier League outting.
Whether you’re Irish by blood or Irish just for the day — you want to head to the best spots in the UK to ring in the festivities — and that’s where we come in.
Let the Guinness and the good times roll.(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
St Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and it’s the one day of the year people really like to let loose and celebrate.
Every year on March 17, people all over the world outside of Ireland — but especially the UK — come out in hordes to celebrate St Paddy’s Day. We’re talking lively parades, a sea of endless green, and booze. Lots and lots of booze.
Whether you’re Irish by blood or Irish just for the day — you want to head to the best spots in the UK to ring in the festivities. And that’s where we come in.
It goes without saying that the capital cities of Belfast in Northern Ireland and Dublin in the Republic of Ireland are must-visits if you’re looking for the ultimate St Paddy’s celebrations, but for those of you who can’t make it all the way to Ireland — don’t worry, we got you.
We’ve compiled a list of the best cities in Britain where you can celebrate St Patrick’s Day this year, so whether you’re planning to head out with a group of mates or go on a solo adventure, make sure to give these spots a whirl.
Let the Guinness and the good times roll.
London
It’s no surprise London is on this list. The UK’s capital city hosts a massive St Paddy’s Parade every year, and this year it’s going to be bigger and better than ever.
March 15 will see the official parade weave its way from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square, with Irish music, pageantry, dance troupes, floats, and marching bands on display, along with a free-for-all party in Trafalgar Square for the public to enjoy featuring live music, comedy, food and drink.
It’s not just the parade that’s a draw — the weekend closest to March 17 always sees a flurry of activity as London’s thriving Irish community comes out in full force — along with just about every other person looking for a fun time. The Guinness Open Gate Brewery has also recently arrived in the city, hosting a line-up of craic, comedy, and electric music.
Look no further than London for a truly epic time.
Birmingham
The UK’s second largest city is undoubtedly one of the best to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in. In fact, it was one of the first cities in the country to begin hosting St Patrick’s Day celebrations, with a dedicated parade for the day since 1952.
With endless welcoming pubs, restaurants and clubs, there’s no dearth of exciting ways to celebrate the Irish holiday in Birmingham.
While the city’s annual St Patrick’s Day Parade has unfortunately been cancelled once again this year, there’s still more than enough to do in Brummy to get the celebrations going.
Revellers can instead head to St Patrick’s Family Fun Day at the Irish Centre on March 15 which will see a host of activities and entertainment including live bands, music and plenty of food and drink.
Or you can just head down to one of the local pubs — because parade or no parade, St Paddy’s Day is always a rip-roaringly fun time in Birmingham.
Manchester
There’s no way Manchester wasn’t going to be on this list. The city is all set to host its Irish parade for Paddy’s Day on March 15 and revellers can enjoy foot-tapping live Irish music, mouthwatering food, drinks and much more.
Expect to see “plenty of bright costumes, lively parades, and fun events happening across the city”.
In fact, the 10-day Manchester Irish Festival has been running since March 7 and will go on till March 17, with the parade on Sunday being the event’s highlight.
Liverpool
Liverpool is another UK city that’s always a good time on St Patrick’s Day. Irish pubs, karaoke bars and top-class entertainment means if you’re in Liverpool, it’s going to be a hell of a time.
Those hoping for a more peaceful and religious St Paddy’s Day can make their way to Liverpool Cathedral which is Britain’s biggest.
The 10th Annual Liverpool St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place at the Old Irish Centre on March 17, Tuesday. The anniversary parade promises to be “the biggest and best yet — with music, dance, colour, and Irish pride filling the streets. Bands, floats, and community groups are all welcome, and the whole city is invited to join in the festivities”, as per the official website.
Chelsea’s dominant record over United extends to the WSL, where they have never lost in 12 meetings, winning 10 of them.
But the gap has been closing.
This season, Chelsea needed an extra-time winner to knock United out of the FA Cup in their fifth-round tie and were held to a 1-1 draw in their WSL meeting in October.
It has been a turbulent time for the Londoners as they have fallen nine points behind WSL leaders Manchester City. Manager Sonia Bompastor has come under pressure and off-field issues – including the departure of much-loved head of women’s football Paul Green – have sparked debate and concern.
Suddenly, the ‘mentality monsters’ appear vulnerable – but can United take advantage?
“I don’t want to use this moment of vulnerability to do anything other than pretend we’re playing them at their best. Prepare for their best, and you can beat Chelsea,” Skinner said.
“We all know they’re an incredible team. Nobody’s denying that. But if we can get to our best levels in any game, I genuinely believe we can beat any team.
“Whatever form Chelsea are in, I’m going to challenge my team to be ready and focused on winning that game of football.
“Chelsea will do that. They’re not bothered about Manchester United, so we won’t be worried about them.”
Despite United’s strong campaign so far, some fans remain unconvinced.
This is the fourth successive season in which they have reached a domestic cup final, but they are yet to mount a genuine WSL title challenge and have lifted just one major trophy, the 2024 FA Cup, in their eight-year professional existence.
So can the club achieve more? Is Skinner getting the best out of his squad? Should United’s ambitions be more than just reaching finals?
“When you reach a certain level of experience in finals, you don’t want to not be experiencing them year-in, year-out. We also know that [in] the league, the teams behind the top four are investing more than enough to make it an open league,” said Skinner.
“The top-tier teams still spend the most and London City Lionesses are not far behind. We have to set our own markers at Manchester United. Whether you love it, or hate it – we’ve just got to compete. Sometimes we have to find different ways to do it.
“I’m not going to say my job isn’t to get us into cup finals and try to win them every year. All I’d ask is that if there’s a season where that doesn’t happen, you look at the context.
“If you’re not doing a good job [as a manager], then we all know what happens. You don’t have it any more and we move on.”
With a population of just 900,000, Reunion is better known for its volcanoes, wildlife and tropical climate rather than professional footballers.
On the men’s side, former West Ham star Dimitri Payet and Newcastle winger Laurent Robert are two that fans may remember – but those that make it all the way form a short list.
Growing up, Malard tried her hand at boxing, karate, judo and handball before discovering football.
“When I tried football, I said ‘that is my sport’ because I could put in a lot of energy and could play free,” she says.
She began playing in the island’s capital for Saint-Denis FC before the chance meeting with Bompastor, who was managing the Lyon academy at the time.
“She tells me, ‘Mel, I like you, come to Lyon’. I had two months to think but I said yes right away because it was a big opportunity in my life,” Malard says.
The transition from sunny Reunion to the bitter winters of Lyon all alone at the age of 14 was a shock to her system.
“It was so difficult but I knew what I wanted and I knew it was football,” she says. “Every morning and every night, I would put my boots on, go to the pitch and I would be happy.”
Seizing those early opportunities has paid off handsomely for Malard – three league titles, four Champions League medals and the experience of playing alongside some of the best in the world at Lyon and the France national team.
Now, in Manchester, she is continuing to love her experiences – despite that gloomy weather.
“Every time I pass Old Trafford, it’s a dream for me,” Malard says. “The people are so nice when I play football, singing my name at the stadium. The club is very big, has a lot of history and I enjoy it a lot here.”
And it will be a full-circle moment for Malard against Chelsea, managed by Bompastor, in the cup final.
“I’m excited, it’s good for us and this club deserve that,” says Malard, who featured in the 4-0 win against Tottenham in the 2023-24 FA Cup final as United lifted their first major women’s trophy.
“I’m also excited to play against my [former] coach. If we win, we put the name again in history and that is what we want.
“I’m confident because I believe in this team – I believe in this club. We are here to win everything we can.”
Harry Styles fought back tears during his One Night Only in Manchester gig – as he broke off to make an emotional statement about our troubled worldCredit: NetflixHarry shared his feelings with fans, from the stage, in between belting out songs from his brand-new album — Kiss All The Time. Disco, OccasionallyCredit: NetflixHarry said: ‘It’s a privilege to be able to perform and connect through music’Credit: Netflix
As war in Iran rages, to add to other troubles, Harry said: “In a world like we have today that feels so chaotic it’s easy to feel so hopeless.
“But seeing this room, where there is so much hope, I encourage you to keep being the change in the world that you want to see.
“There are so many dangerous things that feel so powerful but love and kindness are powerful — go out and spread it.
“The world could use a little extra peace right now.”
I was among the 20,000 fans who were lucky enough to get £20 ballot tickets to Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena for Harry’s first concert in three years.
The former One Direction star said: “It’s a privilege to be able to perform and connect through music.
“The only reason I get to put an album out is because of all of you. I hope that one day my album might mean something to you and get you through something hard, too.”
The stripped-back set for Harry’s show, on a circular stage amid the sea of revellers, gave a nightclub vibe.
The relaxed feel was then added to by Harry’s dressed-down style on the night, in contrast to his usual flamboyant outfits including the pinstripe suit he wore for his Brits show last weekend.
His rider for the night was also anything but fancy as fitness enthusiast and marathon runner Harry requested, er, yoghurt, nuts, coffee and water.
The gig then began with Harry on keyboard before he was joined by his live band and later the House Gospel Choir — who performed with him at the Brits.
Harry revealed that among the audience were his family — and friends including James Coden and Apple Music’s Zane LoweCredit: Netflix
There were nods to LCD Soundsystem, Genesis and Seventies disco in the music, as standout tracks included American Girls and Ready, Steady, Go!
Harry revealed that among the audience were his family — and friends including James Coden and Apple Music’s Zane Lowe.
The gig, streaming on Netflix from tonight at 7pm, is a warm-up for his Together, Together tour later this year — when fans will be in for a treat.
HIS SET LIST
. Aperture
American Girls
Ready, Steady, Go!
Are You Listening Yet?
Taste Back
The Waiting Game
Season 2 Weight Loss
Coming Up Roses
Pop
Dance No More
Paint By Numbers
Carla’s Song Encore
From The Dining Table
Golden
Watermelon Sugar
As It Was
Sign Of The Times
Aperture
Meanwhile, in Paris…
HARRY teased fans by revealing the “very special person” behind his track Clara’s Song was in the audience.
Fans have speculated that person is really his girlfriend Zoe Kravitz.
Harry teased fans by revealing the ‘very special person’ behind his track Clara’s Song was Zoe KravitzCredit: Getty
But, er, she has been busy in Paris.
Oh, we do love a riddle.
FOOTIE WILL GET ANGRY
ANGRY GINGE has revealed he is on the football pitch every weekend – as he practises for Soccer Aid.
The I’m A Celebrity winner – real name Morgan Burtwistle – will play in the charity football match at the London Stadium in May alongside England legend Wayne Rooney.
Angry Ginge has revealed he is on the football pitch every weekend – as he practises for Soccer AidCredit: instagram/angryginge13
YouTuber Ginge told me at the Brit Awards last weekend: “When I have not got anything on in terms of work, I always play on Saturdays.”
The guards will be camped out in the garden of the couple’s £4million property in leafy Alderley Edge, Cheshire, round the clock so they can keep watch on all comings and goings at whatever time of day or night.
Maya Jama and boyfriend Ruben Dias have beefed up security at their home, after it was burgled, by paying for live-in securityCredit: Eroteme
They will even get their own mobile toilet, so they are never off duty.
Maya, and Portuguese Ruben, were left devastated in January when raiders targeted their house just weeks after they moved into it.
The raid took place while Maya was in South Africa filming Love Island and Ruben was in Turkey watching his teammates defeat Galatasaray in the Champions League, while he nursed an injury.
Cops investigating the break-in at the couple’s superpad confirmed a number of high-value items had been taken, but they are yet to make any arrests.
Now there will be no expense spared by Maya and Ruben after they called in the 24/7 watchmen.
A source said: “They were both really shocked when the burglary took place because the house already had state-of-the-art security systems.
“But they are not the first celebrities to be targeted by so-called ‘away-day’ robbers, while not at home, and they are unlikely to be the last.
“The couple asked a security firm to come in and assess the property and the suggestion was that having live-in, round- the-clock guards would act as a great deterrent. Lots of footballers have private fitness coaches, chefs and drivers – and now are adding security guards to the list.”
But following the burglary we revealed how Premier League players fear their security arrangements are being leaked by insiders who are trusted members of their inner circle.
The source added: “It’s driving some of the players mad.
“Some think they are just being targeted by criminals but others believe they are being betrayed by someone they have let into their circle of trust.”
As Cheshire Police continue to investigate the hit on Maya and Ruben’s house on January 28, a spokesperson urged anyone with information to contact them.
The Sun has previously told how valuables burgled from footballer homes often make their way to the Dublin-based Gucci gang, which has links to the infamous Kinahan drugs cartel.
Footballers whose properties have been targeted in recent times include Everton playmaker Jack Grealish and former Arsenal ace Raheem Sterling, now at Dutch side Feyenoord.
THE Brits has been slammed for using AI for a sketch at the ceremony last weekend.
Organisers recreated a TikTok dancefloor meme for a fun part of the event in Manchester – but they used AI performers instead of real talent.
Jack Whitehall was seen dancing at a Harry Styles tribute nightJack was surrounded by computer-generated partygoers in a copy of a viral scene from Jon Hamm’s hit Apple+ show Your Friends & NeighborsCredit: Supplied
In the sketch, Jack Whitehall was seen dancing at a Harry Styles tribute night, surrounded by computer-generated partygoers in a copy of a viral scene from Jon Hamm’s hit Apple+ show Your Friends & Neighbors.
But many fans were quick to ask why Brit awards bosses did not hire actual dancers. One said: “Seriously Brits. Why are we using AI for such a simple task for an event with your budget?!”
Another added: “The Brit School is literally in Croydon and more than capable of filming this there using students as extras.”
A source added: “The scene was based on the Jon Hamm viral meme. It is a shame the organisers didn’t use real people for this scene. The rest of the sketch featured real actors.”
This comes after last year’s ceremony saw artists including Lola Young and Myles Smith back the Make It Fair campaign to protect musicians from having their work exploited by AI.
RITA’S A BELTER
RITA ORA looked buckled up for the action at the Australian Grand Prix in this ridiculously big belt.
It almost distracted from her very low-cut black dress as she stepped out at the Formula 1 showcase in Melbourne alongside her filmmaker husband Taila Waititi.
Rita Ora looked buckled up for the action at the Australian Grand Prix in this ridiculously big beltCredit: Getty
Guardiola was shown a yellow card after confronting fourth official Lewis Smith on the touchline at St James’ Park after Kieran Trippier had fouled City’s Jeremy Doku.
New regulations introduced this season mean Premier League managers are suspended for one game once they have received three yellow cards, while six cautions will result in a two-match ban.
The ban applies to league and FA Cup games but not European games or domestic cup finals, meaning Guardiola will be on the touchline for the Carabao Cup final with Arsenal on 22 March.
However, the Spaniard will have to sit out next Saturday’s Premier League fixture with West Ham and City’s FA Cup quarter-final clash on the weekend of 4-5 April, with the draw yet to be made for that round.
After the win at Newcastle, Guardiola said of his angry reaction that led to his booking: “I will tell you something – we have all the records in this country, all of them, despite everything.
“We have the record of the manager with the most yellow cards. I want all records and now I have it, two-game ban now and I will go on holidays the next two games.
“There are things after 10 years I cannot understand. Review the action. Of course I’m going to defend Doku and all my teams.”
Co-owners Borja and Alex(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
They might appear to be a relic of bygone days, but there’s still a demand for the modest cassette. CDs and digital streaming appeared to spell the end for the mixtape, yet in a corner of Manchester’s Northern Quarter they’re flying off the shelves.
That’s down to Mars Tapes, widely regarded as the last cassette shop in the UK. Operated by Alex Tadros and situated inside Manchester’s independent shopping haven, Afflecks Palace, it’s been hugely successful and is now gearing up for its next phase.
“After seven years of growth, we are entering into our third expansion. This time moving down to a much larger unit on the 1st floor of Afflecks Palace — one of the biggest units in the building,” Alex says.
Mars tapes stocks a selection of classics, a ‘Rewind’ series — official tapes missing their paper inserts — mixtapes and consignments of new music from major labels.
The new premises will showcase an enlarged library of cassette tapes, a broader selection of refurbished vintage audio equipment, and the launch of the Mars Tapes Listening Cafe — a designated area where patrons can savour a coffee whilst listening to tapes from the shop’s collection, reports the Manchester Evening News.
To mark the expansion, they’re throwing a weekend party on March 7 and 8.
The venue will feature a Dave Haslam DJ set on the Sunday and a live gig from emerging Glasgow outfit Cowboy Hunters on the Saturday — the latter will be dropping a new EP on cassette through Sour Grapes Records.
The weekend will also welcome Horace Panter (The Specials), who will be showcasing his cassette artwork throughout both days. There will be a range of in-store discounts for various cassette products, with food and drinks specials available as well.
“Our cassette shop launched back in 2019 in perhaps the smallest unit in Afflecks Palace, and we never expected to grow in the way we have,” adds Alex.
“Now in the midst of our third expansion, into one of the biggest spaces in the building we wanted to celebrate with all of the cassette aficionados that made it possible! We’re offering food, drinks and in-store deals, alongside some fantastic live music from Cowboy Hunters, and DJ sets from Dave Haslam and Glue Tape Jockeys (a cassette DJ set).
“We’re also excited to be bringing down Horace Panter of The Specials who will be exhibiting some of his fantastic cassette based artwork. It’s gonna be a tape heads dream weekend and we can’t wait to welcome everyone down to the new store.”
The launch celebration will run on March 7 and 8 at Afflecks Palace, 52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW. Complimentary tickets can be secured via Skiddle.
Hundreds of far-right anti-Islam marched through Manchester on Saturday, demanding mass deportations of migrants and Muslims from the UK. Al Jazeera’s Nils Adler spoke to protesters and counter-protesters at the rally.
Hundreds of Britain First protesters faced larger antifascist crowds in a tense Manchester city centre standoff.
Manchester, United Kingdom – Chants of “send them back” echoed through a damp underpass as hundreds of far-right anti-Islam protesters prepared to march through the streets.
Union Jacks fluttered in the wind as protesters – some visibly under the influence of alcohol – chanted a series of anti-immigration slogans and derisive comments about British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
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In response to the demonstration organised by Britain First, a far-right political party that calls for mass deportation and the removal of migrants and Muslims from the UK, a counterprotest was also planned for midday on Saturday.
It formed a much larger crowd made up of antifascist protesters who gathered a few streets away, carrying antiracist banners and waving an array of flags, including the Palestinian flag.
Ruby, 20, a student from South London, took a five-hour coach ride to show her support for the counterprotest and told Al Jazeera that attending was a “no-brainer”. She asked that her surname not be published, fearing repercussions.
Three counter-protesters face the oncoming Britain First demonstrators [Nils Adler/Al Jazeera]
‘A master race’
Ruby said her grandparents, originally from Montserrat, were part of the Windrush generation – immigrants invited to the UK between 1948 and 1971 from Caribbean countries – and, despite having given so much to their adopted country, are now feeling increasingly unwelcome.
She said her grandparents had told her they were witnessing a return to the levels of racism they experienced when they came to the country in the 1950s.
It was a sentiment echoed by Llowelyn, 16, a counter-protester from Wales who said her father, who is British Guyanese, has received more verbal abuse based on his race in the past few years than at any other point.
The tension was palpable before the two marches were due to begin, with far-right agitators livestreaming to their followers as they entered the area assigned to the counterprotest.
John – a stocky, tenacious counter-protester from Wales – confronted them with arms outstretched as police officers looked on.
“They come here to cause a ruckus and make money of it online, but I come here to protect the left. These guys [far-right agitators] try and intimidate … minorities because they think they are a master race”, he told Al Jazeera.
As the Britain First march began, flanked by police and led by Paul Golding, a portly, combative far-right activist who has previously been imprisoned for religiously aggravated harassment, the celebratory mood quickly turned aggressive as they came across counter-protesters in the city centre.
“Leftie scum,” screamed one member of the Britain First crowd as they harassed three young people who staged a sit-down, forcing riot police to encircle and pull them to safety.
Far-right agitators turn up at a counterprotest [Nils Adler/Al Jazeera]
‘Divisive, racist positions’
The two marches finally met in an expletive-ridden crushendo as police struggled to hold ranks.
Britain First protesters prodded counter-protesters with flag poles, and some slipped through the porous police lines as they shouted anti immigration and anti-Palestine slogans.
A number of counterprotesters and bystanders expressed frustration that the police allowed the march to go ahead.
“We, as Jews and internationalists, are having to confront Britain First, the fascists who are organising on the streets, who have been permitted to market their divisive, racist, dictatorial positions on our streets,” Pia Feig, of Jewish Action for Palestine, told Al Jazeera.
Audrey, a teacher and counterprotester who was pushed away by police after being shoved by a Britain First protester, said the police always “protected” the far-right groups.
A police officer told Al Jazeera that the day required extensive planning and was a particularly difficult operation, as the two groups kept changing their planned route.
He said on condition of anonymity that handling the two conflicting protests, a rally in support of Ukraine, and managing crowds at large football fixtures held this weekend had stretched the local police force thin.
BARCELONA is a fun city to visit, but have you heard about its cool neighbour?
El Poblenou sits just outside Barcelona in Spain but has far fewer crowds.
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The neighbourhood has its own Rambla, a pedestrian-friendly street modelled on the famous one in the Old CityCredit: AlamyPoblenoui is nicknamed the Catalan ManchesterCredit: AlamyThe former factories resemble those in the UK city (pictured)Credit: Alamy
And according to Meet Barcelona, the area is known as ‘Catalan Manchester‘ what with the industrial factories that remain.
The name emerged at the start of the 20th century, when textile factories and engineering plants filled the area and played a vital part in Barcelona‘s industrialisation.
During the 60s and 70s, the local government decided that having an industrial area so close to the city wasn’t the best and moved it further away.
Many of the factories became empty until a revamp plan called ’22@’ revitalised the area to what it is today.
When it comes to visiting today, the trendy neighbourhood has fewer of the factories it once used to – though chimneys still litter the skyline – and instead lots of cosy cafes and vibrant tapas bars.
The neighbourhood even has its own Rambla, a pedestrian-friendly street modelled on the famous one in the Old City.
Much quieter than the one in central Barcelona, it stretches from Diagonal Mar shopping centre to Avinguda Diagonal to the seaside.
This is where you will then find Platja de la Nova Mar Bella – a popular Mediterranean beach.
The beach stretches for 420 metres and boasts golden sand.
In fact, it was revitalised for the 1992 Olympic Games and is today known for its calm, shallow waters.
If you happen to be in the neighbourhood during the first weekend of the month, then head to Palo Alto Market where you will find an array of street food as well as fashion and homeware stalls.
Spread across three galleries, the market also has outdoor stages with live music throughout the day.
There’s also Can Framis Museum, which is home to an array of Catalan artworks from the 1960s to present day.
Though it might seem morbid, you can also explore Cementiri de Poblenou, which is a sprawling cemetery with artistic tombs including a winged skeleton that is known as the ‘Kiss of Death’.
Many people head to Cementiri de Poblenou, which is a sprawling cemetery with artistic tombs including a winged skeleton that is known as the ‘Kiss of Death’Credit: AlamyThe cemetery is known for having lots of sculptures and statuesCredit: AlamyIt still has an amazing beach you can go toCredit: Alamy
If you happen to be in the area during the first part of July, you will be able to visit La Fira del Poblenou – also known as Poblenou Craft Beer Festival – which is a three-day festival with 45 to 50 brewers, street food stalls and live music.
Ciutadella Park then sits just outside the neighbourhood, which is a park that opened back in the late 1800s and features a zoo, boating lake, museums and walking trails inside.
Flights to Barcelona cost as little as £13 each way in April.
To get from the airport to the neighbourhood, it’s a 20 minute drive or 50 minutes on public transport.
Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney hopes Pep Guardiola will stay at Manchester City beyond this season because he has set “a benchmark” for all other managers.
The 55-year-old has been in charge of City since 2016 and led them to six Premier League titles, while they are in with a chance of a seventh this season.
However, there is uncertainty over whether Guardiola will still be manager next season, with the expectation that a decision on his future will be made towards – or after – the end of this campaign.
“Some players will want him to leave, some will want him to stay, it depends whether you are in the team or not and that is the same for any manager,” said Rooney on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show.
“I hope he stays because he is brilliant for the Premier League and you want the best managers in the Premier League.
“He has set a benchmark over the past 10 years for everyone else.”
In December, former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was heavily linked with a return to City, where he previously worked as a coach under Guardiola.
