Category Archives: uk sport

Alex Scott Praised By Football Fans For Wearing One Love Armband During BBC’s World Cup Coverage

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Alex Scott has been praised by football fans after she wore a “One Love” armband during the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup just hours after Fifa threatened sporting sanctions against players who did so.

On Monday morning, England, Wales and other European countries who had been set to wear the anti-discrimination armbands at the tournament in Qatar u-turned on their decision after Fifa said that they would introduce yellow cards to players who opted to wear them during matches.

The armbands were intended “to promote inclusion and send a message against discrimination of any kind”. In Qatar, same-sex relationships are illegal.

Former Lioness and England captain Alex was seen sporting the armband during a pitch-side discussion with Kelly Somers ahead of England’s opening World Cup match against Iran.

Alex made no mention of her armband but her powerful statement did not go unnoticed by fans watching.

A joint statement from seven national Football Associations, including the English and Welsh FAs, about the armbands said they could not put their players “in a position where they could face sporting sanctions”.

The statement read: “We are very frustrated by the Fifa decision which we believe is unprecedented.

“Fifa has been very clear that it will impose sporting sanctions if our captains wear the armbands on the field of play.

“We were prepared to pay fines that would normally apply to breaches of kit regulations and had a strong commitment to wearing the armband.

“However, we cannot put our players in the situation where they might be booked or even forced to leave the field of play.

“Our players and coaches are disappointed – they are strong supporters of inclusion and will show support in other ways.”

Captains of teams are allowed to wear “No Discrimination” armbands for the duration of the World Cup.

On Sunday, Alex spoke about LGBT rights in Qatar during the opening of the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup.

She said: “A whole heap of fans from around the world from the LGBTQ+ community not wanting to travel here…

“We reference (FIFA president) Gianni Infantino from what he said… you are not gay, you will never understand travelling to a country where you are fearing for your life just because of who you choose to love.

“To keep saying football is for everyone, we sit here and it’s not, because people have not been able to travel to watch their teams, to support their teams, out of fear.”

Infantino delivered an hour-long speech in a pre-tournament press conference in Doha in which he declared “today I feel gay” and “I feel (like) a migrant worker” before taking aim at European critics of Qatar.

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Ed Sheeran Pays Tribute To ‘Amazing Friend’ Shane Warne Following His Death

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The record-breaking Australian sportsman could not be revived after being found unresponsive in his Thailand villa, after suffering a suspected heart attack.

The Shape Of You singer said he had spoken to Shane on the phone this week to mark the first anniversary of the death of music mogul Michael Gudinski, with both of them raising a glass in his honour.

Ed shared a photo of Shane and Michael together on Instagram and wrote: “The world keeps taking incredible people away.

“I spoke to Shane on the anniversary of Michael’s passing this week saying we were both raising a glass of 707 in his honour, and now this news comes out.

“Shane was the kindest heart, and always went above and beyond to make people feel welcome and special. Such a gentleman.

“He gave so many hours and years of his life to bring joy to others, and was such an amazing friend to me. Il bloody miss you mate. Absolutely gutted.”

Many celebrity friends of the cricketer have also paid tribute, recalling fond memories and remembering him as a “true cricket legend”.

Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger shared a black and white photo of Warne to Twitter while recalling his cricketing talent.

He wrote: “I’m so saddened by the sudden death of Shane Warne. He brought such joy to the game and was the greatest spin bowler ever.”

Kylie Minogue also paid her respects, writing: “Vale Warney. Condolences to his family, friends and fans. The one and only King of Spin, #ShaneWarne”.

BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker recalled an appearance by Shane on the programme in January this year.

He tweeted: “Genuinely can’t believe the sad news about the death of Shane Warne.

“He came on Breakfast just a couple of weeks ago & was as effervescent as ever. What a talent he was. He had a huge impact on cricket and will be sorely missed by so many.”

Sports pundit Gabby Logan also paid tribute calling him a “rock n roll” sports legend.

The 48-year-old TV presenter appeared with Shane in 2012 on Sky One’s sports panel show A League Of Their Own.

She tweeted: “There really are very few genuine sporting legends, rock n roll sports stars who transcend their genre, Shane was absolutely one of those. Rest in peace.”

As the England Cricket team prepare for a three-Test series against the West Indies in the Caribbean, the players and umpires stood for a minute’s silence.

The Victoria-born spinner was engaged to Elizabeth Hurley from September 2011 until they split in December 2013.

In 2016, he took part in the Australian version of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!

Shane was the joint-leading wicket-taker as Australia won the 1999 World Cup. He ended his illustrious 15-year international career in 2007.

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Emma Raducanu Congratulated By Royalty, World Leaders And Entertainment World Following Stunning US Open Victory

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The Queen has led a wave of tributes to Emma Raducanu following her “remarkable achievement” in winning the US Open.

The British teenager, who arrived in New York last month with a ranking of 150th and just one Grand Slam appearance to her name, beat Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez in straight sets in Saturday’s final.

In a statement, the Queen wrote: “I send my congratulations to you on your success in winning the United States Open Tennis Championships. 

“It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication.  I have no doubt your outstanding performance, and that of your opponent Leylah Fernandez, will inspire the next generation of tennis players. I send my warmest good wishes to you and your many supporters.”

TIMOTHY A. CLARY via Getty Images

Britain’s Emma Raducanu celebrates with the trophy after winning the 2021 US Open Tennis tournament women’s final match against Canada’s Leylah Fernandez.

Following her win, Emma said: “You say, ‘I want to win a Grand Slam.’ But to have the belief I did, and actually executing, winning a Grand Slam,” Emma said, “I can’t believe it.”

Until three months ago, Emma had never played in a professional tour-level event, in part because of the pandemic and her parents’ insistence that she complete her high school degree.

“My dad is definitely very tough to please,” the 18-year-old said with a smile following her victory. “But I managed to today.”

Emma also put a smile on the faces of many famous Brits, who rushed to congratulate her on social media…

Emma is the first female qualifier to reach a Grand Slam final, let alone win one, and is the first woman to win the U.S. Open title without dropping a set since Serena Williams in 2014.

Emma, who was born in Toronto and moved to England with her family at age 2, is also the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles trophy since Virginia Wade at Wimbledon in 1977.

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