England duo Owen Farrell and Joe Marler avoid lengthy bans and free to play in European finals and Australia tour April 27, 2016 Grand Slam-winning duo Owen Farrell and Joe Marler will be available for their respective clubs’ European finals and England’s summer tour of Australia after escaping lengthy bans for foul play. Saracens fly-half Farrell and Harlequins prop Marler were handed two-week bans after being cited during European semi-finals at the weekend, which means both will be free [...]
Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli set to miss rest of season after accepting violent conduct charge April 27, 2016 Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli is set to miss the remainder of the domestic season after accepting a Football Association charge of violent conduct. The charge, which usually carries a three-game suspension, relates to an incident during Monday night’s 1-1 draw with West Brom at White Hart Lane where the 20-year-old appeared to punch Claudio Yacob in [...]
England selectors have decisions to make: Runners and riders in the race for England Test selection this summer April 27, 2016 Three weeks tomorrow England play their opening Test match of the summer against Sri Lanka at Headingley and selectors will be considering their options. So what are England’s problem positions and what might the solutions be? Head coach Trevor Bayliss likes an aggressive opener but, as I have written previously, I am not sure Alex Hales [...]
British Cycling chief Shane Sutton resigns following sexism and discrimination claims but vows to clear his name April 27, 2016 British Cycling technical director Shane Sutton has resigned following a sexism and discrimination row but protested his innocence and vowed to fight the allegations. The Australian’s decision – with 100 days to go until the Olympics – came hours after he was suspended by British Cycling, pending an independent probe into the claims amid pressure [...]
Rock it in Rio: New Team GB Adidas kit unveiled ahead of 2016 Olympics April 27, 2016 This summer's superheroes have unveiled their new suits. No, we're not talking about Marvel's The Avengers but Team GB's squad of Olympians travelling to Rio de Janeiro for sport's blockbuster event. Adidas has unveiled the new kits designed by Stella McCartney to be worn by returning heroes such as Jess Ennis-Hill, Lizzie Armistead, Tom Daley [...]
Leicester City: Rise of Ranieri’s men has helped Premier League negotiate sponsorships such as new Tag Heuer deal April 27, 2016 Leicester City's against-the-odds title tilt has strengthened the pull of the Premier League brand for potential sponsors, according to the competition's managing director Richard Masters. From next season, the Premier League is swapping a title sponsor – currently Barclays – for up to seven different commercial partnerships. Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer was announced as one of those today, [...]
Manchester City 0, Real Madrid 0: Goalless draw is advantage City, insists skipper Vincent Kompany April 26, 2016 Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany is convinced his side will realise the true value of Tuesday's goalless draw against Real Madrid when their Champions League semi-final tie is determined next week. In a game of few opportunities, City were indebted to goalkeeper Joe Hart for pulling off two crucial late saves to keep the scores level [...]
Liverpool great Alan Hansen’s joy as Hillsborough families savour victory at last in 27-year campaign April 26, 2016 Liverpool great Alan Hansen has revealed his “elation” after the families of the 96 victims of the Hillsborough disaster won their 27-year fight to have the deaths deemed unlawful. The longest jury proceedings in British legal history concluded with a majority verdict of 7-2 that match commander Chief Superintendent David Duckenfield had committed “gross negligence”. [...]
Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli in danger of missing rest of season after being slapped with FA violent conduct charge April 26, 2016 Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli faces the prospect of missing the remainder of the domestic season after being hit with a violent conduct charge by the Football Association. The charges relates to an incident during the first half of Tottenham’s draw West Brom at White Hart Lane on Monday night when Alli appeared to punch Baggies’ midfielder [...]
Wimbledon prize money 2016: Winner will take home record £2m reward April 26, 2016 The winners of this year's Wimbledon will take home a record £2m in prize money, the biggest reward ever paid out by the competition. Wimbledon has increased its overall prize pot by five per cent to £28.1m meaning even first-round losers in the singles competitions will receive £30,000. Last year's winners Novak Djokovic and Serena [...]