Stream

Rapper RBX has sued Spotify, alleging that the Swedish audio company has failed to stop the artificial inflation of music streams for artists like Drake and is hurting the revenue other rights holders receive through the platform.

RBX, whose real name is Eric Dwayne Collins, is seeking a class-action status and damages and restitution from Spotify. RBX, along with other rights holders, receive payment based on how often their music is streamed on Spotify, according to the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in L.A. on Sunday.

Spotify pays rights holders a percentage of revenue based on the total streams attributed to them compared with total volume of streams for all songs, the lawsuit said.

The Long Beach-based rapper said that rights holders are losing money on Spotify because streams of some artists are being artificially inflated through bots powered by automated software, even though the use of such bots is prohibited on the platform, according to the lawsuit.

For example, the lawsuit notes that over a four-day period in 2024 there were at least 250,000 streams of Drake’s “No Face” song that appeared to originate in Turkey, but “were falsely geomapped through the coordinated use of VPNs to the United Kingdom in attempt to obscure their origins.”

Spotify knew or should have known “with reasonable diligence, that fraudulent activities were occurring on its platform,” states the lawsuit, describing the streamer’s policies to root out fraud as “window dressing.”

Spotify declined to comment on the pending litigation but said it “in no way benefits from the industry-wide challenge of artificial streaming.”

“We heavily invest in always-improving, best-in-class systems to combat it and safeguard artist payouts with strong protections like removing fake streams, withholding royalties, and charging penalties,” Spotify said in a statement.

Last year, a U.S. producer was accused of stealing $10 million from streaming services and Spotify said it was able to limit the theft on its platform to $60,000, touting it as evidence that its systems are working.

The platform is also making efforts to push back against AI-generated music that is made without artists’ permission. In September, Spotify announced it had removed more than 75 million AI-generated “spammy” music tracks from its platform over the last 12 months.

A representative for Drake did not immediately return a request for comment.

RBX is known for his work on Dr. Dre’s 1992 album “The Chronic” and Snoop Dogg’s 1993 album “Doggystyle.” He has multiple solo albums and has collaborated with artists including on Eminem’s “The Marshall Mathers LP” and Kris Kross’ “Da Bomb.” RBX is Snoop Dogg’s cousin.

Artificial intelligence continues to change the way that the entertainment industry operates, affecting everything from film and TV production to music. In the music industry, companies have sued AI startups, accusing the businesses of taking copyrighted music to train AI models.

At the same time, some music artists have embraced AI, using the technology to test bold ideas in music videos and in their songs.

An underrated period drama based on one of the most influential books of all time is available to watch for free

Viewers shouldn’t miss out on this incredible four-part drama based on a classic novel, as it’s available to watch without spending a penny.

This breathtaking adaptation was originally aired in 2023 on ITV and PBS Masterpiece in the US and has developed a passionate cult following despite not receiving critical fanfare at the time.

Based on the novel by Henry Fielding, Tom Jones brings the seminal 1749 novel to life like never before with an ensemble cast of British legends.

William Tell’s Solly McLeod portrays the titular downtrodden hero, a young man with mysterious parentage who falls in love with his spirited neighbour Sophia Western (played by Sophie Wilde).

Sophie decides to flee her arranged marriage to be with Tom, but the pair are kept apart by a series of increasingly fraught misadventures.

They’re accompanied by some of the most recognisable names from the British screen, including Coronation Street’s Lucy Fallon, Harry Potter’s Shirley Henderson, New Tricks’ Alun Armstrong and Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham.

Many viewers consider the drama an essential watch and it’s still currently available to stream for free on ITVX.

One 10/10 review from an IMDb user declared it “Gorgeous viewing with a top notch cast”.

They continued: “The cast list is like a who’s who of the cream of British talent, topped by two lovely and good looking leads.

“The episodes fair gallops on its way, cutting through the boring exposition and getting quickly to the important stuff, the love story between Tom and Sophia.”

The review continued to particularly praise Waddingham’s performance as Lady Bellaston, declaring “Seriously, put this woman in EVERYTHING”.

“If you get a chance, watch it in one go, it’s perfect lazy weekend viewing,” the reviewer concluded.

Another warned that fans of the book should expect some changes to the narrative, but admitted: “Even though the story is not like really really the one from the book is one pretty entertaining and very fun to watch. The choice of actors was really good and they did a great job.

“I really recommend for you to watch it if you want some light series combined with romance, a bit of jealousy and of course some British scenery.”

And a 9/10 review said: “This is what you want from English costume drama – and more. I really liked it.

“Fans of historical dramas and literary adaptations will find Tom Jones a must-watch, as it stays true to the spirit of the novel while making it accessible and enjoyable for modern audiences.”

In the mood for a cosy period romance with plenty of laughs and scenery-chewing performances from British greats? Look no further.

Tom Jones is available to stream on ITVX.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said handing over the Ukrainian diver is not in the country’s best interests.

A Polish court has blocked the extradition of a Ukrainian diver wanted by Germany in connection with the 2022 Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions, a handover that Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said earlier this month was not in his country’s best interests.

The Warsaw District Court rejected the extradition of the man, only identified as Volodymyr Z, on Friday and ordered his immediate release.

The government had previously said that the decision about whether Volodymyr Z should be transferred to Germany was one for the courts alone.

Tusk has said the problem was not that the undersea pipelines, which run from Russia to Germany, were blown up in September 2022, but that they were built at all.

The explosions ruptured the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, which was inaugurated in 2011 and carried Russian natural gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea until Russia cut off supplies in August 2022.

They also damaged the parallel Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which never entered service because Germany suspended its certification process shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

The explosions largely severed Russian gas supplies to Europe, marking a major escalation in the Ukraine conflict and squeezing energy supplies.

Germany’s top prosecutors’ office says Volodymyr Z was one of a group suspected of renting a sailing yacht and planting explosives on the pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm.

He faces allegations of conspiring to commit an explosives attack and of “anti-constitutional sabotage”.

His Polish lawyer rejects the accusations and says Volodymyr Z has done nothing wrong. He has also questioned whether a case concerning the destruction of Russian property by a Ukrainian at a time when the countries are at war is a criminal matter.

Volodymyr Z’s wife has told Polish media her husband is innocent and that they were together in Poland at the time the pipelines were blown up.

He is one of two Ukrainians whose extradition German judicial authorities have been trying to secure in the case.

A man suspected of being one of the attack’s coordinators was arrested in Italy in August. This week, Italy’s top court annulled a lower court’s decision to order his extradition and called for another panel of judges to reassess the case, his lawyer said.

Upper Slaughter is a peaceful spot in the Cotswolds, cherished by its few residents, and is bursting with golden-stone buildings, a flowing river and luscious green spaces – a village straight out of a fairytale

Upper Slaughter, a tranquil Cotswold village, is a picturesque haven with its golden-stone buildings, meandering river and verdant green spaces – it’s like stepping into a storybook.

Adding to its allure, the area offers plenty for visitors seeking a quintessentially British adventure amidst stunning countryside. Despite its secluded location, the village is easily accessible by car and provides two main parking areas for day-trippers.

Just 80 miles from London, it’s an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. In less than two hours, you can find yourself in this charming village, taking in the fresh country air.

Locals suggest parking around the Square (GL54 2JE) or looking for additional spaces down the hill in Lower Slaughter.

What makes Upper Slaughter even more fascinating is its history. Home to approximately 181 residents, it was one of the few English villages that didn’t lose any men during both World Wars, reports Gloucestershire Live.

The village hall proudly displays rolls of honour, listing 25 individuals who served in the First World War and returned safely.

Things to do

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the village

There’s nothing quite like a peaceful stroll around the idyllic village of Upper Slaughter. Although it shares similarities with its Cotswold neighbours, this charming spot is renowned for its beautiful Lutyens cottages.

Echoes of medieval times can still be found scattered throughout the village, where once a grand castle stood, now only a mound remains as a testament to its existence.

There are plenty of walks to enjoy in the area, including a short 2-mile trail that takes you from Upper Slaughter down to Lower Slaughter. However, according to TripAdvisor, the top-rated activity in the area is to embark on the Warden’s Way trail.

One TripAdvisor review reads: “Wardens’ Way is one of the many beautiful walking trails in the Cotswolds area. It features easy paths that lead through very scenic countryside.

“We walked alongside small rivers and waterways, across meadows and farmland, and passed through charming villages with honey-stone cottages. The trail runs between Bourton-on-the-Water and Winchcombe, and if you were to do the whole thing, it is a 22 km walk.”

Upper Slaughter Manor is another must-see. This stunning manor house, steeped in history, draws visitors with its Elizabethan-style architecture and gorgeous gardens.

While the current manor, featuring Tudor and Jacobean influences, was developed from the 15th century, its roots go back much further. In fact, its existence was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, linking it back to the Saxon era.

Visitors can book a stay at the manor, which now operates as part of a hotel and restaurant complex.

One TripAdvisor reviewer shared their experience, writing: “How lovely to visit a private house where it is evident that the owners have such a pride in their home and gardens.

“A delight to visit, lovely peaceful gardens with a wildlife walk. Enjoyed refreshments in the well-kept garden. The house tour is interesting, and how fabulous to have such great philanthropists in this country.”

St Peter’s Church

This ancient church stands at the village’s centre and welcomes visitors every single day, whether they’re attending services or simply curious to look around.

Historical records suggest a church has occupied this exact location since the 12th century or possibly even before, with documented evidence dating back to 1251.

A TripAdvisor user said: “The church is perhaps the most significant building in the tiny village of Upper Slaughter. It is a characteristic medieval church with two naves and a crenellated bell tower, with some forms of Saxon and Norman origin.

“Around you have the classic cemetery park. The place is well-kept and less frequented by mass tourism; we reached it on foot from the nearby village of Lower Slaughter through the path that crosses the countryside.”

TWO BIG Brother stars seemingly broke the rules in an unaired live stream moment.

A television news and fan account on X has revealed that two of the housemates broke Big Brother‘s rules by using code names to talk about who they wanted booted out next.

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One of the biggest rules in the Big Brother house is talking about nominations.

In a livestream which aired this weekend, Sam and Nancy were the two housemates to break the rules.

Using code names, the pair said that one of their fellow co-stars was “fake” while using a code name to describe her.

The TV news and fan account said on X: “So I’m just catching up on what’s gone down on the first hour of live streaming…

“Sam and Nancy broke the rules using code names, and they said they want Jenny evicted next, and that she’s fake – all of which Big Brother read back to the house.

“Jenny has then been left ‘so angry’ that she cried, and that she knew she’d get nominated if the house is split in two or something.

“Also Tate was involved in a convo with Nancy slagging off Jenny and Nancy got caught lying about it literally on the live stream????

“And to top it off, Elsa is jealous that Jenny confided in Marcus about it all.”

Fans reacted to the revelation, with one saying: “First and only time I want Jenny to face eviction. She would be iconic in the secret room.”

Another added: “Jenny is a threat, that’s my only explanation for the Jenny slander.”

While a third said: “I don’t understand why contestants break the rules. The rules were explained to them. If they’ve seen past seasons they know housemates get in trouble for rule breaking.”

And a fourth penned: “Ew nancy is so bitter, why is she being like this ??”

This comes after three housemates – Richard, Elsa and Cameron B – faced possible elimination in Friday’s episode.

Cameron B ultimately became the third housemate to be evicted this series.

The 25-year-old from Bolton entered the House on Day Two, alongside three other newcomers.

Axed star George Gilbert, 23, had also been on the chopping block before his shock exit.

The Sun revealed how the parish councillor was removed after ‘unacceptable language and behaviour’.

Sources told The Sun that George left his co-stars horrified after making offensive comments which could be interpreted as antisemitic and was immediately called to the Diary Room and ejected from the house. 

“Everyone was absolutely disgusted,” an insider said.

“Nobody could believe what he said – he was clearly out to shock people.”

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“Maigret,” premiering Sunday on PBS, is the fourth British series (plus one failed pilot) to be titled “Maigret,” after its main character, Georges Simenon’s Paris-based police detective. As I’ve written here before, he’s my favorite fictional detective, both because the stories serve my Francophilia — they provide a virtual map of the city and beyond — and for his ordinariness as a middle-aged, middle-class, happily married man, who is thoughtful, kind, uncomfortable around the rich and sympathetic to the poor, including many who might be counted among the criminal class. You wouldn’t call him melancholy, exactly, but he feels the weight of the job, of his difficult superiors, of the wicked world. He’s an honest policeman who describes himself as a “functionnaire,” a civil servant, and whose belief in justice might sometimes lead him to letting a malefactor escape. And he likes his food, and he likes his drink.

That the new series, starring Benjamin Wainwright (“Belgravia: The Next Chapter”), is set in the present day is not unusual. With 75 novels and 28 stories published between 1931 and 1972, it’s impossible to locate the character in any specific time anyway; most adaptions are set in the time in which they’re filmed, but even the period adaptations don’t necessarily reflect the year of publication.

Nor does the fact that “Maigret” 2025 swerves from the original texts distinguish it from films and series that have preceded it — most of them, obviously, made in France, where Maigret has many times appeared on the big screen, notably portrayed by French film icon Jean Gabin and recently by Gérard Depardieu in a well-regarded 2022 film, also called “Maigret,” as well as two long-running television series. The latter, another “Maigret,” which ran from 1991 to 2005, starred Bruno Cremer, widely regarded as the best — or among the best, to not start any arguments — of the screen Maigrets. Maigret series have also appeared in Russia, Italy and Japan; America, to the extent we’ve been interested, has imported English-language adaptations from the U.K., which is once again the case.

What’s different this time is that Maigret himself has been given a makeover, made younger, buffer, sexier, slightly more of an action hero, with the beard often assigned to the modern police detective. If you come to the series with a love for Simenon’s character — envisioned by the author as “a large powerfully built gentleman [with] a pipe, a bowler hat, a thick overcoat” and more or less faithfully represented in previous films and series — you’ll have to overlook this transformation, or else look away. The question of whether Wainwright’s Maigret is, you know, really Maigret, is one surely to be debated among the fans.

Meanwhile, there are other Maigrets waiting for you by way of comparison, officially or unofficially streaming. What follows is a short guide (mostly) to the English-language “Maigrets”; each has it charms and most are recommended.

A new “Maigret” has arrived on PBS, starring Andrea Lucas (Kerrie Hayes), from left, Karim Lapointe (Reda Elazouar), Jules Maigret (Benjamin Wainwright), Joseph Torrence (Blake Harrison) and Berthe Janvier (Shaniqua Okwok).

(Csaba Aknay / Playground Entertainment; Masterpiece)

Pierre Renoir, ‘Night at the Crossroads’ (1932)

The first screen Maigret, included here for historical interest and because a subtitled version is available on YouTube. Directed by Jean Renoir the year after the novel was published — Simenon, fast out of the gate, published 10 Maigret novels that year — and starring his brother Pierre as Maigret, the film is moody, foggy, dark and slow and has the advantage of actually representing its period. Pierre Renoir’s Maigret is stoical and efficient, and will not be vamped by Winna Winifried’s peculiar femme fatale, as hard as she tries.

Charles Laughton, ‘The Man on the Eiffel Tower’ (1950)

From the novel “La Tête d’un homme (A Man’s Head),” also from 1931, the first English-language adaptation lists “the city of Paris,” on whose streets it was filmed, among the cast in the opening credits. (It’s a trip in time and space.) Laughton plays Maigret with dry humor, though he’s capable of being roused when exasperated or angry, as he often will be here. Co-producer and co-star Franchot Tone chews the beautiful scenery (in color) in a battle of wits Maigret and you both know he’s bound to lose. Directed by Burgess Meredith, who also plays a murder suspect, it adds a thrilling chase up the actual Eiffel Tower, no special effects required. (Laughton isn’t doing the chasing.) Dark film noir compositions alternate with bright sunny street scenes. Stream on Tubi.

Rupert Davies, ‘Maigret’ (1960)

Fifty-two episodes across four seasons were made of this BBC series, shot on video, as many British series were then, and so acted largely on soundstages, which suits a character whose job consists largely of asking questions and listening to other people talk; long interrogations, often lasting overnight, with beer and sandwiches brought up from a neighboring restaurant, are a specialty of the house. (What location filming there is, is actually Paris, in the heart of the nouvelle vague era.) Davies’ Maigret is active and energetic without breaking a sweat, very much a man who makes things happen. Davies also played the detective in a 1965 theatrical production, “Maigret and the Lady,” by Philip Mackie. Stream on Prime Video and Apple TV+.

Richard Harris, ‘Maigret’ (1988)

This version is a curiosity, which gives us Maigret without the Simenon. Harris is a rangy, bespectacled, Irish-y Maigret in this oddity, feature-length failed pilot, with an original story by Arthur Weingarten, whose other credits include “The Mod Squad,” “Ironside” and “T.J. Hooker,” much of which is set on a cruise ship. (Real Paris locations are also featured.) Located firmly in its era, with a synthesized score, it features a Maigret in need of a haircut, wearing his sweater misbuttoned as he explains the case to the gathered suspects — some sort of acting choice, I guess — but also in a tuxedo drinking a cocktail with an umbrella stuck in. (Not very much in character in either case.) The signature pipe is very much a smoking presence, making Harris, on record as a huge fan of the books, look a little like Popeye. Stream on YouTube.

Michael Gambon, ‘Maigret’ (1992)

A period piece set in post-World War II Paris, this series logged two seasons of six episodes each. This is where I discovered the character, when it aired on PBS, before I moved over to the books, and it remains my favorite interpretation. Gambon, who in an odd coincidence followed Harris in the role of Albus Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” films is (not unlike Dumbledore, after all) soft-spoken but stern when necessary. With his thinning hair and a mustache you can forget is there, he melts into his surroundings — this is the first of these series to substitute Budapest for Paris — becoming one sympathetically with his city and its citizens. A scrappy Geoffrey Hutchings shines as Sgt. Inspector Lucas, Maigret’s right hand. Stream on BritBox.

Rowan Atkinson, ‘Maigret’ (2016)

The man who was — is? — Mr. Bean plays it absolutely straight in the role — indeed, he is the most serious, saddest and possibly gentlest Maigret to date; it’s as if he feels all that prevents the world from breaking to pieces. Set in the mid-1950s, slightly after the Gambon “Maigret,” it comprises four feature-length episodes, in the current manner of British mystery adaptations, including a “Night at the Crossroads” that differs greatly from the book and previous film. An often compelling production, this series, too, was shot, handsomely … in Budapest. Stream on BritBox.

Benjamin Wainwright, ‘Maigret’ (2025)

And so, back once again in Hungary, we come to this year’s model. Police headquarters have moved from the dusty old warrens at the Quai des Orfèvres, as in the real world, a hop and a skip from Notre-Dame, to a gleaming new digs with plenty of light and all modern conveniences out in Clichy. There are changes that make good sense for a series set in 2025, including some gender and ethnic diversity injected into the “Faithful Four,” Maigret’s team of close collaborators, and among the characters they encounter. Madame Maigret (Stefanie Martini), always an intelligent and helpful partner, gets a job as a medical professional; Maigret, whom in olden days was brought coffee and served dinner, brings home takeout, cooks a little, helps with the dishes. And they’re trying for a baby.

The action is naturally adjusted for modern technology — of course, one of the attractions of the earlier and period series is that there is none. Wainwright’s Maigret doesn’t smoke a pipe, but he carries one, inherited from his late father, who managed the estate where Maigret grew up, which is knitted into the series as a long arc (three two-part episodes, incorporating multiple cases). Wainwright, appropriately low-key, is fine — the least interesting of these actors to my mind — but if you’re looking for a new detective series set in Budapest-as-Paris, this is nicely made and sufficiently involving, with an excellent supporting cast. I would like to think that a weather report on the radio is a nod to Simenon’s habit of opening a story with a description of the season and the climate, but perhaps that is overthought. Watch on PBS and stream on PBS.org, the PBS app and the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video channel.

THE world’s best will step up to the oche once again for this year’s Swiss Darts Trophy – and the action is underway!

Martin Schindler pulled off an incredible comeback against Ryan Searle to win the 2024 crown.

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However, the German returns to Basel as a 16th seed, meaning he could face a potential banana skin in his opening encounter.

World No1 Luke Humphries is also competing in Basel and will be determined to bounce back from his shock quarter-final defeat in last weekend’s Hungarian Darts Trophy.

But teen sensation Luke Littler will not be participating in the 13th stop on the PDC European Tour.

When is the Swiss Darts Trophy 2025?

• The Swiss Darts Trophy 2025 got underway on Friday, September 26.
• It then concludes two days later – Sunday, September 28.
• Afternoon sessions take place from 12pm BST while the evening sessions start at 6pm BST.
• St.Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland is the chosen venue for the penultimate PDC European Tour event.

What TV channel is the Swiss Darts Trophy 2025 on and can I live stream it?

Swiss Darts Trophy 2025 schedule and results

Friday, September 26
First round
Afternoon sessions from 12pm

• Connor Scutt 1-6 Callan Rydz
• Niels Zonneveld 6-3 Dalibor Smolik
• Krzysztof Ratajski 6-0 Owen Bates
• Andrew Gilding 3-6 Cor Dekker
• Ryan Joyce 6-0 Rocco Fulciniti
• Luke Woodhouse 6-5 Lukas Wenig
• Ricardo Pietreczko 6-3 Oskar Lukasiak
• Mensur Suljovic 6-2 Martin Lukeman

Evening sessions from 6pm

• Chris Landman 6-3 Denis Schnetzer
• Wessel Nijman 5-6 Ritchie Edhouse
• Raymond van Barneveld 6-3 Ansh Sood
• Richard Veenstra 6-5 Niko Springer
• Jermaine Wattimena 6-1 Stefan Bellmont
• Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-2 Jitse van der Wal
• Daryl Gurney 1-6 William O’Connor
• Nathan Aspinall 6-0 Andreas Toft Jorgensen

Saturday, September 27
Second round
Afternoon sessions from 12pm

• Ryan Searle 6-3 Niels Zonneveld
• Luke Woodhouse 6-2 Dave Chisnall
• Cor Dekker 6-3 Peter Wright
• Krzysztof Ratajski 6-5 Mike De Decker
• Rob Cross 6-2 Richard Veenstra
• Gian van Veen 6-0 Dirk van Duijvenbode
• Danny Noppert 6-5 William O’Connor
• Ritchie Edhouse Bye (Ross Smith withdrawn)

Evening sessions from 6pm

• Ryan Joyce 6-5 James Wade
• Martin Schindler 6-2 Ricardo Pietreczko
• Jermaine Wattimena 6-1 Josh Rock
• Luke Humphries 6-2 Callan Rydz
• Jonny Clayton 6-4 Nathan Aspinall
• Raymond van Barneveld 6-5 Damon Heta
• Stephen Bunting 6-3 Chris Landman
• Chris Dobey 6-4 Mensur Suljovic

Sunday, September 28
Third round from 12pm

• Luke Humphries v Ryan Searle
• Jermaine Wattimena v Luke Woodhouse
• Jonny Clayton v Martin Schindler
• Chris Dobey v Cor Dekker
• Stephen Bunting v Krzysztof Ratajski
• Raymond van Barneveld v Ritchie Edhouse
• Ryan Joyce v Gian van Veen
• Rob Cross v Danny Noppert

Quarter-finals, semi-finals and final from 6pm

Who: India vs Pakistan
What: T20 Asia Cup 2025 final
When: Sunday, September 28 at 14:30 GMT
Where: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

India and Pakistan will face off in a high-stakes Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday, with political and on-field friction overshadowing their first title clash in the regional tournament.

Pakistan secured their place in the decider after edging past Bangladesh by 11 runs on Thursday, setting the stage for a blockbuster meeting with their neighbours and archrivals India.

Defending champions India were the first team to book a place in the final following their win over Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Suryakumar Yadav’s team finished their Super Fours campaign in a thrilling Super Over win over Sri Lanka on Friday.

Here’s what you need to know about the Asia Cup 2025 final:

What has caused the recent tension between India and Pakistan?

The showdown comes months after an intense four-day conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours, who have not played a bilateral series in more than a decade.

What happened in the last India vs Pakistan match?

Their most recent meetings in the group stage and Super Four round of this Asia Cup saw India win both matches, but their skipper Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with counterpart Salman Agha.

Players from both sides also skipped post-match handshakes after both fixtures.

What is India’s form at the Asia Cup?

They have won all six of their matches in this 17th edition of the Asia Cup, played in the T20 format, and are chasing a record-extending ninth title.

Opener Abhishek Sharma has been in scintillating form with successive half-centuries, while left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav leads the bowling charts with 12 wickets.

But their fielding has been suspect, with 12 dropped catches in the tournament so far.

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy blamed the “ring of fire” created by the stadium’s 350 floodlights for the butter-fingered display.

“We have to pick up our fielding, and definitely, the fielding coach has a lot to say,” Chakravarthy said.

What are Pakistan’s chances of beating India in the final?

Pakistan, two-time Asia Cup champions, will rely on their pace duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Rauf to provide early breakthroughs, while spinners Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz will aim to contain India’s powerful batting lineup.

Their batting, however, remains a concern after collapsing to 49-5 against Bangladesh before recovering to post 135-8, which proved to be a winning total.

Suryakumar downplayed the on-field rivalry after hammering Pakistan for the second time in the tournament, but coach Mike Hesson believes his team can throw up a challenge to the number one-ranked T20 side.

How many times have India and Pakistan won the Asia Cup?

Pakistan have lifted the trophy on two occasions – in 2000 and 2012 – and qualified for the final five times.

India are seven-time Asia Cup champions, with 11 appearances in the final.

When was the last time Pakistan beat India?

Pakistan’s last Asia Cup win over India came in the 2022 edition of the Asia Cup in the UAE. Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 71 runs in the Super Four clash, but it was Mohammad Nawaz’s 20-ball 41 that saw Pakistan home.

India vs Pakistan: Head-to-head in T20Is

Since the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, the countries have met in 15 T20Is. India have won 12 times, including the first match in 2007, which was tied and then decided in a Super Over.

Two of Pakistan’s three wins came in Dubai.

Players to watch: India

Abhishek Sharma: The fact that the young top-order batter has managed to carve a spot in a highly competitive T20 Indian batting lineup marks Sharma as one to watch in the Asia Cup. The 24-year-old boasts the highest career strike rate of 198 among all batters in T20s, and backs it up with two centuries and five half-centuries in the format – three of those coming in his last three innings, including the Super Fours win against Pakistan.

Players to watch: Pakistan

Shaheen Shah Afridi: The former Pakistan captain has returned to form for his country and was the star turn in the crucial victory against Bangladesh. Although going wicketless in the two games against India at the tournament, the 25-year-old left-arm quick has taken eight wickets in the other three games, including his Player of the Match performance against the Tigers following figures of 3-17.

Form guide: India

India are unbeaten in the Asia Cup and have not lost a T20 series since winning the World Cup in June 2024.

Last five results (most recent first): W-W-W-W-W

Form guide: Pakistan

Pakistan’s form in T20s has been mixed for some time but at this edition of the Asia Cup, their only defeats have come against India, with four wins recorded overall at the tournament.

Last five results (most recent first): W-W-L-W-L

Team news: India

The holders are expected to go back to the same team that beat Pakistan in both the group and Super Fours stages.

Predicted India line-up:

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav.

Team news: Pakistan

Pakistan are expected to field the same XI that beat Sri Lanka.

Pakistan predicted line-up:

Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (captain), Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

How can I follow and stream the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final?

Al Jazeera Sport will have live build-up ahead of our comprehensive photo and text commentary stream of the final from 09:30 GMT.

The match will be shown live on terrestrial and satellite channels, as well as live-streaming platforms across the world.

How can I buy tickets for the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final?

While tickets for the general stands are sold out, some are still available in the hospitality sections of the stadium, starting at $991 and can be purchased at the tournament’s official ticketing website.

THE British Open returns to Cheltenham THIS WEEK with some of snooker’s top stars in action.

Last year, Mark Selby claimed the Clive Everton Trophy for the first time after beating fellow four-time world champion John Higgins in the final.

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FOLLOW THE BRITISH OPEN 2025 LIVE

The Jester from Leicester secured a 10-5 victory over the Scotsman as he went one better than the 2023 British Open, where he lost in the final to Mark Williams.

In 2024, World No1 Judd Trump became only the third player in history to reach 1,000 century breaks.

But in the very same match, he was eliminated by Mark Allen following a 5-3 defeat in the quarter-finals.

Trump has never won the British Open and will be looking to add the Clive Everton Trophy to his ever-expanding collection of titles.

Kyren Wilson also features in Cheltenham as he looks to put his poor display at the English Open last week behind him.

There will be no Ronnie O’Sullivan this week after the Rocket withdrew from the competition on medical grounds last Tuesday.

When is the British Open 2025?

• The British Open 2025 will begin on Monday, September 22.
• The tournament will run up until Sunday, September 28.
• The Centaur in Cheltenham will host.

What TV channel is the British Open 2025 on and can it be live streamed?

• The British Open 2025 will be broadcast live on ITV4.
• You can live stream all the action for FREE via the ITVX app/website.
• Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

British Open 2025 schedule

Monday, September 22
Round 1

1pm BST

• Pang Junxu 0-4 Wu Yize
• John Higgins 4-3 Mark Davis
• David Grace 1-4 Mark Selby
• Barry Hawkins 4-0 Daniel Wells

followed by:

• Alfie Davies v Neil Robertson
• Patrick Whelan 2-4 Ali Carter
• Zhang Anda 4-3 Duane Jones
• Ashley Hugill v Zhao Xintong

7pm BST

• Jiang Jun v Mark Allen
• Mark Williams v Si Jiahui
• Sanderson Lam v Daniel Womersley
• Ross Muir v Shaun Murphy

followed by:

• Judd Trump v Aaron Hill
• Gary Wilson v Hossein Vafaei
• Xiao Guodong v Haydon Pinhey
• Kyren Wilson v Chris Wakelin

Tuesday, September 23 – Round 2

Wednesday, September 24 – Round 2 (10am-7pm), Round 3 (from 7pm)

Thursday, September 25 – Round 3 (1pm-7pm), Round 4 (from 7pm)

Friday, September 26 – Quarter-finals

Saturday, September 27 – Semi-finals

Sunday, September 28 – Final

JAMES DeGALE will make his bare-knuckle fighting debut on Saturday night.

The former boxing world champion and Olympic gold medalist returns to combat sports against Australian Matt Floyd in Manchester.

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DeGale has been out of action since he retired from boxing in 2019 following defeat to Chris Eubank Jr.

The Londoner, who became the first British boxer to win both an Olympic gold medal and a professional world title, will be looking to get back to fighting for silverware.

DeGale tops a huge Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship card with the highly anticipated bout between reality TV stars Aaron Chalmers and Jack Fincham also on the bill.

SunSport brings you all the details you need ahead of Saturday’s huge BKFC 81 event.

When is James DeGale vs Matt Floyd?

• DeGale vs Floyd will take place on Saturday, September 27.
• The show will begin at 6pm BST.
• The main event will likely begin at approximately 10.30pm BST.
• Manchester’s AO Arena will host.

What TV channel is James DeGale vs Matt Floyd on and can it be live streamed?

• DeGale vs Floyd will be broadcast live on DAZN, which is available in over 200 countries with a subscription.
• If you are not currently a DAZN member, monthly and annual subscriptions are available.
• An Annual Super Saver subscription is a one-off payment of £119.99 for 12 months access (£14.99 per month if paying in monthly instalments). 
• And a Monthly Flexible pass, which can be cancelled at any time, is £24.99 per month.
• Alternatively, you can follow the action as it happens via SunSport‘s LIVE blog.

Who else is on the BKFC 81 card?

• James DeGale vs Matt Floyd; Light heavyweight
• Aaron Chalmers vs Jack Fincham; Light heavyweight
• Jonny Graham vs Navid Mansouri; Lightweight
• Jack Cullen vs Stanislav Grosu; Middleweight
• Jonno Chipchase vs Lewis Garside; Featherweight
• Dec Spelman vs Dawid Chylinski; Light heavyweight
• David Oskar vs Travis Dickinson; Cruiserweight
• Bartlomiej Krol vs Jon Telfer; Lightweight
• Joe Lister vs Sean Weir; Light heavyweight
• Keiron Sewell vs Patryk Pietrasik; Bantamweight
• Andy Thornton vs Matty Hil; Heavyweight
• Gaz Corran vs Danny Moir; Middleweight
• Benjamin Lowe vs Mikey Henderson; Middleweight

THE world’s best snooker players are in Essex for the English Open.

It is the fourth ranking event of the season and defending champion Neil Robertson is OUT after a shock defeat to Jackson Page in round four.

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The Aussie potter beat Wu Yize 9-7 to take home the Steve Davis Trophy in last year’s Home Nations showpiece.

Robertson was seeded No1 for this event after his stunning win over Ronnie O’Sullivan in the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters final last month.

The Rocket decided to sit out of this tournament and will also miss the upcoming British Open.

That is despite a £100,000 cheque being handed to the winner and all the action being played just a few miles up the road from where he grew up.

When is the English Open Snooker 2025?

• The English Open got underway on Thursday, September 11, with the seeds entering on Monday, September 15.
• It concludes with the final on Sunday, September 21.
• The Brentwood Centre in Essex is the venue for this competition.

What TV channel is the English Open Snooker 2025 on and can it be live streamed?

• The English Open Snooker 2025 is being broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports in the UK.
• Fans can also live stream the action on Discovery+.
• Alternatively, you won’t miss a frame or any match reaction by following SunSport’s LIVE blog.

English Open Snooker 2025 schedule & results

Thursday, September 11
Round One

• Cheung Ka Wai 3-4 Jimmy White
• Sunny Akani 4-2 Oliver Brown
• Zhao Hanyang 4-2 Connor Benzey
• Huang Jiahao 4-0 Oliver Sykes
• Liam Highfield 4-2 Onyee Ng
• Wang Yuchen 4-3 Florian Nuessle
• Marco Fu 4-0 Gao Yang
• Antoni Kowalski 1-4 Liam Graham
• Amir Sarkhosh 4-2 Sahil Nayyar
• Louis Heathcote 4-1 Mahmoud El Hareedy
• Duane Jones 4-1 Patrick Whelan
• David Grace 4-0 Jonas Luz
• Harris Tahir 4-0 Michal Szubarczyk
• Sam Craigie 4-0 Chatchapong Nasa
• Julien Leclercq 4-0 Aidan Murphy
• Reanne Evans 2-4 Jiang Jun

Friday, September 12
Round One

• Artemijs Zizins 3-4 Yao Pengcheng
• Chang Bingyu 4-0 Leone Crowley
• Lan Yuhao 1-4 Liam Pullen
• Bai Yulu 4-3 Liu Wenwei
• Iulian Boiko 4-0 Xu Yichen
• Robbie McGuigan 2-4 Mink Nutcharut
• Chris Totten 1-4 Ross Muir
• Farakh Ajaib 4-1 Kreishh Gurbaxani
• Haydon Pinhey 4-1 Ryan Davies
• Bulcsu Revesz 3-4 Alexander Ursenbacher
• Steven Hallworth vs Mateusz Baranowski
• Mitchell Mann vs Ian Burns
• Dylan Emery vs Fergal Quinn
• Ben Mertens vs Ashley Hugill
• Liam Davies vs Hatem Yassem
• Allan Taylor vs Umut Dikme

Saturday, September 13
Round Two

• Fan Zhengyi 4-2 Julien Leclercq
• Long Zehuang 2-4 Amir Sarkhosh
• Luca Brecel 4-1 Jimmy White
• Xu Si 4-2 David Grace
• Noppon Saengkham 2-4 Zhao Hanyang
• Liu Hongyu 4-0 Sam Craigie
• Mark Davis 0-4 Marco Fu
• Jimmy Robertson 4-3 Wang Yuchen
• David Lilley 3-4 Sunny Akani
• Zak Surety 4-3 Haris Tahir
• Oliver Lines 3-4 Liam Highfield
• Ryan Day 4-0 Liam Graham
• Jordan Brown 3-4 Louis Heathcote
• Martin O’Donnell 4-0 Duane Jones
• Robbie Williams 4-1 Huang Jiahao
• Daniel Wells 4-2 Jiang Jun

Sunday, September 14
Round Two

• Lyu Haotian 2-4 Liam Davies
• Gong Chenzhi 4-2 Chang Bingyu
• He Guoqiang 4-3 Farakh Ajaib
• Thepchaiya Un-Nooh 4-1 Haydon Pinhey
• Matthew Stevens 3-4 Dylan Emery
• Stan Moody 1-4 Liam Pullen
• Sanderson Lam 4-3 Mitchell Mann
• Robert Milkins 1-4 Ross Muir
• Ricky Walden 4-1 Bai Yulu
• Michael Holt 4-0 Mink Nutcharut
• Ben Woollaston 4-2 Alexander Ursenbacher
• Anthony McGill 4-1 Mateusz Baranowski
• Ishpreet Singh Chadha 4-1 Ben Mertens
• Jamie Jones 4-3 Iulian Boiko
• Aaron Hill 4-2 Yao Pengcheng
• Scott Donaldson 4-3 Allan Taylor

Monday, September 15
Round Three

• Ding Junhui 4-1 Liam Pullen
• Si Jiahui 4-2 Liu Hongyu
• Kyren Wilson 2-4 Robbie Williams
• David Gilbert 2-4 Fan Zhengyi
• Barry Hawkins 4-2 Louis Heathcote
• Matthew Selt 4-2 Liam Davies
• Mark Selby 4-1 Liam Highfield
• Lei Peifan 4-1 Ryan Day
• Wu Yize 4-1 He Guoqiang
• Junxu Pang 4-3 Daniel Wells
• Mark Williams 4-0 Amir Sarkhosh
• Tom Ford 4-3 Martin O’Donnell
• Hossein Vafaei 3-4 Luca Brecel
• Zhou Yuelong 4-1 Xu Si
• Chris Wakelin 4-1 Ross Muir
• Shaun Murphy 4-0 Zak Surety

Tuesday, September 16
Round Three

• Zhang Anda 4-0 Anthony McGill
• Xiao Guodong 4-1 Gong Chenzhi
• Joe O’Connor 1-4 Ricky Walden
• Judd Trump 4-0 Michael Holt
• Gary Wilson 4-2 Sanderson Lam
• Yuan Sijun 4-3 Ben Woollaston
• Mark Allen 4-1 Scott Donaldson
• Elliot Slessor 4-2 Jimmy Robertson
• Jak Jones 4-3 Jamie Jones
• Stuart Bingham 4-0 Dylan Emery
• Neil Robertson 4-1 Sunny Akani
• Jack Lisowski 4-2 Thepchaiya Un-Nooh
• Ali Carter 4-2 Marco Fu
• Jackson Page 4-1 Zhao Hanyang
• Stephen Maguire 2-4 Aaron Hill
• Zhao Xintong 4-0 Ishpreet Singh Chadha

Wednesday, September 17
Round Four

• Matthew Selt 1-4 Ding Junhui
• Wu Yize 4-2 Chris Wakelin
• Junxu Pang 0-4 Robbie Williams
• Lei Peifan 1-4 Mark Selby
• Judd Trump 4-1 Yuan Sijun
• Gary Wilson 0-4 Elliot Slessor
• Mark Williams 1-4 Zhou Yuelong
• Xiao Guodong 3-4 Ricky Walden
• Zhang Anda 1-4 Jamie Jones
• Barry Hawkins 4-0 Tom Ford
• Luca Brecel 4-2 Si Jiahui
• Aaron Hill 4-3 Ali Carter
• Shaun Murphy 4-1 Fan Zhengyi
• Neil Robertson 1-4 Jackson Page
• Stuart Bingham 3-4 Mark Allen
• Jack Lisowski 4-1 Zhao Xintong

Thursday, September 18
Round Five

• Zhou Yuelong 4-2 Barry Hawkins
• Judd Trump 3-4 Elliot Slessor
• Luca Brecel 4-3 Robbie Williams
• Jackson Page 4-3 Shaun Murphy
• Mark Allen 4-3 Ding Junhui
• Wu Yize 2-4 Mark Selby
• Ricky Walden 3-4 Jak Jones
• Aaron Hill 4-1 Jack Lisowski

Friday, September 19
Quarter-finals

• Zhou Yuelong 5-4 Luca Brecel
• Jackson Page 4-5 Mark Selby
• Elliot Slessor vs Mark Allen
• Jak Jones vs Aaron Hill

Saturday, September 20
Semi-finals

1pm:

• Mark Selby vs Zhou Yuelong

7pm:

Sunday, September 21: Final 

CHELSEA travel up the road where they will face rivals Brentford in what is already their fourth London derby of the season – and SunSport can point fans in the right direction of where to tune in.

Joao Pedro’s header and Enzo Fernandez’s penalty helped the Blues overcome a furious Fulham side before the international break.

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But it was a victory that was surrounded by controversy as the PGMOL were forced to apologise for incorrectly ruling out Fulham forward, Josh King’s goal.

And Pedro’s opening strike was a major talking point with it coming in the NINTH minute of stoppage time despite only eight minutes being added.

Elsewhere, Brentford had drama of their own as they most recently lost to newly-promoted Sunderland courtesy of a 90+6 stoppage time Wilson Isidor penalty after leading the game up until the 77th minute.

So they’ll be itching to get back on track with a win and hand one of the only remaining undefeated sides a loss at the Gtech.

How can I watch Brentford vs Chelsea?

• Brentford vs Chelsea will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
• Fans can also stream the entire action via a compatible tablet or mobile device on NOW TV.
• Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute action through our live blog.
• This London derby takes place on Saturday, September 13 and kicks off at 8pm BST.
• The Gtech Community Stadium is the chosen venue for this thrilling clash and it can host approximately 17,250 supporters.
• There was nothing to separate the sides when they last met in April with the score ending 0-0.

What is the latest injury news?

Chelsea have been dealt an injury blow with Liam Delap‘s injury worse than first feared.

Delap, 22, hobbled off early on in the controversial win over Fulham on August 30.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca initially thought his £30million transfer from Ipswich would miss six to eight weeks.

But it is now clear he will miss significantly more than that.

The Athletic report Delap will not return to training until November.

Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile are all set to the miss the London derby.

As for Blues talisman Cole Palmer, it is still unclear whether he’ll return after missing both the clash against West Ham and Fulham as well as pulling out of the England side.

PADDY DONOVAN will be hoping to right some wrongs when he takes on Lewis Crocker once again for the IBF welterweight title.

Donovan, 26 thought his title dreams had come true when he delivered a big right hand to knock Crocker down during their first encounter.

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But to the dismay of the Irishman, he would quickly learn he had been disqualified by referee Marcus McDonnell, who deemed his punch to be AFTER the bell in the eighth round.

Speaking after the fight, Donovan said: “It’s not easy to get the fight out of your head. It’s not really the fight, it’s the aftermath … Coming out of the ring, the emotions setting in and seeing different reactions from the crowd.

“This part of my journey doesn’t really happen to many fighters. You either win fair or you lose fair.

You either win, get knocked out or knock out somebody and you just move on. It was like I won the fight but didn’t get the result. That’s the way I felt deep down.”

Six months later, Paddy will get a second shot at Crcocker and SunSport can let fans know exactly how to watch it.

How can I watch Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan 2?

• Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan will be exclusively broadcast LIVE on DAZN.
• The whole fight card will stream live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe via a DAZN subscription.
• If you are not currently a DAZN member, then monthly and annual subscription options are available to watch over 185 fights a year across boxing, bare knuckle boxing, MMA and kickboxing.
• An Annual Super Saver subscription is a one-off payment of £119.99 / $224.99 for 12-months access (£14.99 / $19.99 per month if paying in monthly instalments).
• A Monthly Flexible pass, which can be cancelled at any time, is £24.99 / $29.99 per month.
• If you are not a DAZN subscriber, you can also redeem a 7-day free trial and just pay for the PPV as a one-off, and once the trial is over, you will move onto a Monthly Flex subscription, should you not cancel.
• Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will bring you round-by-round updates from the huge card.
• Crocker vs Donovan 2 will take place on Saturday, September 13.

Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan 2 – All the info

WINDSOR PARK will host one of the biggest boxing nights in Irish history as rivals Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan meet again THIS WEEKEND.

Almost 20,000 people are set to pack into the stadium to watch the highly-anticipated rematch between Belfast’s own Crocker and Limerick’s Donovan.

Their first fight ended in massive drama as Donovan was disqualified for punching Crocker after the bell after round eight.

He had already been docked points in rounds six and eight for illegal use of his elbow and head.

With tensions boiling over – and a world title also now on the line – we could be in line for one of the best fights of the year.

Here’s everything you need to know…

Watch Crocker vs Donovan 2 live on DAZN

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Who else is on the card?

There will be another huge title fight on the card to accompany the main event.

• Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan 2 (IBF welterweight world title)
• Ishmael Davis vs Caoimhin Agyarko (Super-welterweight bout)
• Tyrone McKenna vs Dylan Moran (Welterweight bout)
• Molly McCann vs Kate Radomska (Bantamweight bout)
• Pat Brown vs Austine Bbandi (Cruiserweight bout)
• Matthew Boreland vs Ruadhan Farrell (Irish super-bantamweight title)

What has been said?

Crocker feels as if he has been written off despite winning the first fight.

The heavy-hitter told DAZN news: “It does change. The last fight was seen as a 50-50 fight. I feel like everyone has written me off for this fight.

“I’ve got to be better from the last time around. I’m feeling very confident going into this fight. Fight week is always busy, and I’ve always got stuff to do. I’m used to it now.

“But the main part is on September 13th. It will be exceptional on the pitch, with the crowd. It is going to be such a huge occasion for everyone and for the city of Belfast.”

A P Louise employee has set the record straight after their “manifesting” on a recent live stream saw them “torn apart” by cruel trolls.

Declan was one of those leading the make-up company’s stream over the weekend, when he caused controversy among the thousands watching.

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Some even went as far as to allege that he looked as though he may have been under the influence of a dangerous substance.

“Glad it wasn’t just me thinking it,” one person commented.

“There was a lot of going off screen, coming back and nose wiping.”

“I was in the live last night, there was definitely something off,” another said.

“Declan couldn’t even get his words out.”

“I cannot believe what I just watched,” a third wrote.

“I was in this live, they didn’t have a clue,” someone else added.

While another claimed Declan was “off his face”.

Others defended him, with Declan then releasing his own video on his TikTok page to set the record straight on what had actually happened.

“In the last 24 hours I’ve been going through a lot of hate and kind of abuse on the internet, on TikTok especially, and it’s been a lot,” he said.

“I just kind of want to talk about things and kind of just where my head’s at.”

He explained that he’d worked at P Louise all day, then gone onto the livestream and worked from 4pm to midnight.

“And from this live, people have been making, you know, I’ve taken videos and taken like screenshots and all this stuff of me manifesting,” he said, referring to a moment where he had closed his eyes and held his hands in a meditative pose.

“And been saying that I’ve been abusing drugs, taking drugs on a livestream, doing all this stuff.

“And it’s like, I just don’t get it. Like this, this has affected me…

“The live just, it turned dark very quickly at one point.”

He also claimed it’s the same “collective of people” that have been “tearing me apart on the Internet” over the past few months that continue to spread the nasty comments and false rumours.

“This isn’t fun. This isn’t easy,” he sighed.

“This is my life… think about what you guys actually put on the Internet.

“Think about what you guys are doing to someone because you don’t actually know what people are going through.

“People don’t know my actual struggles. I don’t owe it to a lot of people what I actually have been through.

“And I’ve been through a lot, okay?”

Declan, who has ADHD, autism and depression, also thanked those who have come out in support of him – including company founder Paige Louise.

And he concluded by saying: “If you guys don’t like me, that’s okay – I know who I am as a person.

“Just think about what you guys are doing.”

“Explaining a few things that’s happened,” Declan captioned the video.

“Must say thank you to everyone that has reached out and supported me.

“And thank you @Paige Louise, love you guys.”

“You’re also absolutely beautiful,” Paige added in response.

“I’ve watched clips and still don’t understand what the hate is about??” someone else wrote in the comments section.

“Please don’t ever let people get you down. You are so much better than them.

“Hold your head high, straighten that crown and show everyone how strong and powerful you are.”

“What a sad world we live in,” a third told Declan.

“My darling you are a beautiful person , with a beautiful soul, with so much to give.

“I am so so proud to have watched you grow into the person you are . This is not okay.

“But you speaking up shows a lot of strength, and also remember how many people you inspire and have inspired.

“Sending love my darling.”

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Two major digital platforms — YouTube and Hulu + Live TV — have agreed to carry C-SPAN two months after the nonprofit organization made a public plea for wider distribution.

Changing industry economics have taken a toll on C-SPAN, prompting the U.S. Senate to urge streaming companies to begin offering customers the privately funded television service, which has provided nonpartisan gavel-to-gavel television coverage of congressional hearings and roll call votes for decades.

“All television providers, including streaming services, should make delivery of C-SPAN a priority so Americans can watch Congress in action, in real time,” senators said in their June resolution.

On Wednesday, C-SPAN announced separate distribution agreements with YouTube and Hulu + Live TV.

The agreements expand “access to C-SPAN’s unfiltered coverage of U.S. government for millions of subscribers nationwide, further strengthening the network’s role as an indispensable source of public affairs programming,” C-SPAN said in a statement.

C-SPAN stands for Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network. It relies heavily on revenue generated from license fees paid by cable, satellite and other multi-TV channel operators. But as the number of traditional pay-TV homes continues to shrink, C-SPAN found itself running a troubling financial deficit.

Last year, C-SPAN collected $46.3 million in revenue, a 37% decline from $73 million in 2015. That’s largely because C-SPAN and other basic cable channels were available in more than 100 million homes 10 years ago.

Since then, the number of homes has been cut nearly in half.

The three C-SPAN channels — C-SPAN, C-SPAN2 and C-SPAN3 — will be added to YouTube TV’s base package of channels this fall, the companies said. The channels will also run on the main YouTube video platform.

In addition, Google-owned YouTube will sponsor the network’s coverage of “America 250” — the celebrations to mark the nation’s founding two and a half centuries ago.

“For nearly half a century, C-SPAN has partnered with cable and satellite providers who recognize the value of our important public service,” C-SPAN Chief Executive Sam Feist said in a statement. “We now look forward to working closely with YouTube to bring C-SPAN’s unfiltered coverage of the democratic process to millions more Americans.”

C-SPAN uses its own cameras in the Capitol, enabling the service to catch the action when government-operated audio and visual equipment is cut off.

Earlier this summer, Feist told The Times that C-SPAN should be able to close its budget gap if YouTube TV and Walt Disney Co.’s Hulu + Live TV would carry its feeds.

Around 20 million households subscribe to such online subscription platforms, known as virtual multichannel video program distributors, which stream broadcast and cable channels.

Times staff writer Stephen Battaglio contributed to this report.

JOEY ESSEX returns to the big screens once again TONIGHT… but not for a reality TV show!

The TOWIE legend will be making his highly anticipated boxing debut on the Misfits 22 card against Portuguese influencer Numeiro.

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Joey, 35, was in line to feature on Misfits Boxing’s ‘super card’ in Qatar last November against KSI’s brother Deji.

But it fell through with Joey featuring on season 11 of Love Island instead.

Fast forward a year later, Essex is set to face Numeiro who has a little bit of experience in the ring.

However, the Portuguese star lost his only career fight – a 2023 sixth round stoppage by Kalin Simeonov.

And despite it being Joey’s first-ever boxing bout, he’ll feel confident with his uncle and legendary coach Tony Simms in his corner who is known for his incredible work with British icon Conor Benn.

SunSport can provide fans with all the details ahead of this intriguing clash.

When is Joey Essex vs Numeiro?

• Joey Essex vs Numeiro will take place TONIGHT – Saturday, August 30.
• Ring-walk times for this huge fight are yet to be confirmed but reports suggest that the fight could start around 9pm BST.
• The main card will get underway at 7pm BST, while the main event between Darren Till and Luke Rockhold is expected at 11pm BST.
• Manchester’s AO Arena is the chosen venue and it can host approximately 21,000 fans.

Misfits 22 – All the info

MISFITS boxing is back for an absolutely massive card this weekend.

The a huge event comes from the AO Arena in Manchester, with the night starring a mix of UFC legends, Misfits icons – and two TOWIE stars!

Ring of Thrones, as the night has been dubbed, is headlined by a meeting of two former UFC stars in Darren Till and Luke Rockhold.

Former UFC champ Tony Ferguson is also making his debut for the promotion and puts his legacy on the line against Salt Papi, who has impressed in the ring and won his last three fights by TKO.

A packed night sees reality TV star cousins Joey Essex and Demi Sims make their boxing debuts.

Demi’s dad Tony has trained the likes of Anthony Joshua and Conor Benn and is Matchroom Sport’s head coach.

MMA upstart Dillon Danis is also back on the card, as well as Misfits regulars such as Ty Mitchell, Chase DeMoor and Amir Anderson.

Here’s everything you need to know about the night…

FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION FROM MISFITS 22 LIVE ON DAZN

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Latest news

What TV channel is Joey Essex vs Numeiro on and can it be live streamed?

Joey Essex vs Numeiro will be available to watch exclusively on DAZN.

There are three options for a DAZN subscription, Annual – either paying a one-off fee or monthly – and a monthly option. 

An annual pass can be purchased for £119.99 in the United Kingdom. That’s just £2.30 per week or 65p per fight (based on 185 fight nights per year).

A monthly flexible pass is priced at £24.99 per month, which can be cancelled at any time.

A subscription allows you to watch every live event and all on-demand programming on DAZN

A DAZN subscription costs:

• Annual Super Saver: £119.99 annually
• Monthly Saver (12-month deal): £14.99 per month
• Monthly Flexible pass (cancel any time): £24.99 per month

Alternatively, SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens.

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Who else is on the card?

Darren Till and Luke Rockhold headline Misfits 22 for a huge MFB bridgerweight title fight.

And fans will get to see Salt Papi in action once again when he takes on Tony Ferguson.

What has been said?

Numeiro has not been impressed with Joey Essex’s sparring videos.

The Portuguese influencer said: “I saw a couple of videos of him boxing and sparring and I do not know if he was trying to look bad on purpose to like not scare me away.

“That was genuinely a question in my head because I do not know the guy. I do not know if he fought as a kid. I saw a couple of videos and they looked really bad.

“Hopefully, he was not playing me. If that was the real him, I am confident I will beat him up.”

THE best teams in Europe are set to go head-to-head once again as the Champions League returns for another thrilling season.

PSG are the current kings of the continent after thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in the Munich final last term.

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The French giants are among the favourites for the trophy once again, as are Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Six Premier League teams have earned the right to mix it with the big boys in the Champions League this season.

Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle, Chelsea and Europa League winners Tottenham will all be in the draw for the league phase.

The Gunners went the furthest of the English sides competing in Europe’s elite club competition last term.

Mikel Arteta‘s men reached the semi-finals, losing 3-1 on aggregate to eventual winners PSG.

English sides will be looking to stop the rot after failing to make an appearance in the Champions League final in back-to-back seasons.

First up is the league phase, and SunSport brings you the all-important details ahead of the draw.

When is the Champions League draw?

• The draw for the league phase of the 2025/26 Champions League will take place on Thursday, August 28.
• The show will begin at 5pm BST.
• Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum will stage the draw.

How to watch the Champions League draw FREE

• The Champions League draw will be broadcast live on Uefa.com.
• TNT Sports 1 will also air the draw on regular TV.
• The broadcaster will also provide a FREE live stream via the TNT Sports YouTube channel.
• Alternatively, you can discover all the confirmed ties by following SunSport’s live blog of the draw.

How does the Champions League league phase draw work?

Like last year, the league phase has 36 teams from across Europe competing, with each side handed eight games.

The 36 clubs are split into four pots based on their Uefa coefficient, with the opponents generated by automated software.

Starting with Pot 1, one physical ball will be drawn before the automated software randomly draws two opponents from each pot, one home and one away.

Teams cannot face more than two opponents from the same country and are not permitted to face other sides from the same association as theirs.

The top eight teams in the final table will automatically go through to the last 16.

They will then be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides who were placed ninth to 24th in the table.

Champions League draw pots

Pot 1: PSG, Real Madrid, Man City, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona

Pot 2: Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Atalanta, Villarreal, Juventus, Eintracht Frankfurt, Club Brugge

DARREN TILL goes head-to-head with ex-UFC champion Luke Rockhold in a colossal fight for the MFB Bridgerweight title THIS WEEKEND.

Manchester’s AO Arena hosts the high-stakes bout with professional MMA fighter Till taking on former UFC Middleweight champion Rockhold.

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Till boasted a UFC record of 18-5-1 and has since transferred his skill to the Misfits ring.

The Liverpool born fighter, 32, has won his first two fights since making his Misfits boxing debut, convincingly defeating Anthony Taylor by TKO and Darren Stewart by unaminous decision.

“The Gorilla” will be eager to continue his form with a win over Rockhold and is favourite for the bout.

American retired MMA star Rockhold makes his much anticipated boxing debut on August 30.

The 40-year-old star is most remembered for becoming the seventh UFC Middleweight champion in UFC history just over a decade ago.

It will be a tough challenge for Rockhold as he makes the transition into boxing, but he will be hoping for a strong underdog victory against the in-form Till.

When is Till vs Rockhold?

• Till vs Rockhold will take place on Saturday, August 30.
• Streaming for the event begins at 7pm BST.
• The ring-walks for the main event will be approximately at 10pm BST.
• The bout will take place in Manchester at the AO Arena.

What TV channel is Till vs Rockhold on and can it be live streamed?

• Till vs Rockhold will be broadcast live on DAZN.
• The whole fight card will stream live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe via a DAZN subscription.
• If you are not currently a DAZN member, then monthly and annual subscription options are available to watch over 185 fights a year across boxing, bare knuckle boxing, MMA and kickboxing.
• An Annual Super Saver subscription is a one-off payment of £119.99 / $224.99 for 12-months access (£14.99 / $19.99 per month if paying in monthly instalments).
• A Monthly Flexible pass, which can be cancelled at any time, is £24.99 / $29.99 per month.
• Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will bring you round-by-round updates from the huge card.

Who else is on the card?

Here are all the bouts taking place in Manchester:

Subject to change

• Darren Till vs Luke Rockhold; Bridgerweight
• Tony Ferguson vs Salt Papi; Middleweight
• Dillon Danis vs Warren Spencer; Light heavyweight
• Joey Essex vs Numeiro; Middleweight
• Ty Mitchell vs Sean Hemphill; Super middleweight

MOSES ITAUMA and Dillian Whyte will go head-to-head in a mammoth heavyweight clash THIS SATURDAY!

Itauma will be aiming to take another huge step towards a world heavyweight title shot with victory over his fellow Brit.

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MOSES ITAUMA VS DILLIAN WHYTE: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT

WATCH ITAUMA VS WHYTE LIVE ON DAZN

The exciting youngster is ranked No1 by the WBO after he knocked out Mike Balogun in May to take his flawless record to 12-0.

Itauma is the big favourite to beat veteran Whyte, who is almost double his age.

The Bodysnatcher is looking to pull off a huge upset as he looks to revive his career after underwhelming wins against Christian Hammer and Ebenezer Tetteh in 2024.

A win for Whyte could potentially set up a blockbuster rematch with Anthony Joshua or a trilogy bout against Derek Chisora.

But defeat may see the 37-year-old’s time as a top heavyweight come to an end.

SunSport brings you all the details you need ahead of Itamua vs Whyte.

Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte – all the info

One of the biggest fights of the year has arrived

The highly-touted Moses Itauma faces the biggest test of his fledgling career as he steps into the ring with Dillian Whyte on Saturday night.

Itauma, 20, has great expectations on his shoulders – he has been compared to Mike Tyson and is expected by many to dominate boxing’s heavyweight division over the next decade.

But the Slovakian-born star – who sits at 12-0 (10KOs) is yet to face a test anywhere close to what Whyte can offer.

The Body Snatcher is now 37 and has not looked great in his last couple of fights, but the former world title challenger knows an upset win would catapult him right back to the top table.

Watch Itauma vs Whyte LIVE on DAZN

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the fight…

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LATEST NEWS

When is Itauma vs Whyte?

• Itauma vs Whyte will take place on Saturday, August 16.
• The main card will get underway at 5.45pm BST.
• The ring-walks for the main event are scheduled for around 10.20pm BST.
• The ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will host.

What TV channel is Itauma vs Whyte on and can it be live streamed?

• Itauma vs Whyte will be broadcast live on DAZN.
• The whole fight card will stream live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe via a DAZN subscription.
• If you are not currently a DAZN member, then monthly and annual subscription options are available to watch over 185 fights a year across boxing, bare knuckle boxing, MMA and kickboxing.
• An Annual Super Saver subscription is a one-off payment of £119.99 / $224.99 for 12-months access (£14.99 / $19.99 per month if paying in monthly instalments).
• A Monthly Flexible pass, which can be cancelled at any time, is £24.99 / $29.99 per month.
• Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will bring you round-by-round updates from the huge card.

Who else is on the card?

Here are all the bouts taking place in Saudi Arabia:

Subject to change

• Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte; Heavyweight
• Nick Ball vs Sam Goodman; Featherweight, for the WBA title
• Ray Ford vs Abraham Nova; Super featherweight
• Filip Hrgovic vs David Adeleye; Heavyweight
• Hayato Tsutsumi vs Qais Ashfaq; Super featherweight