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The Lionesses have landed back in the UK after their World Cup final defeat as fans gathered at the airport in the hopes of welcoming them home. Around 40 people brought England flags and handmade banners to Heathrow Airport on Tuesday morning, with one group having arrived on Monday night, but the team are understood to have left via a private exit after touching down just after 6.30am. Others brought flowers for head coach Sarina Wiegman, while placards featured messages saying, ‘You all made us proud,’ and ‘Can we have two T-shirts please?’ Hopes were raised when former England player and presenter Alex Scott was spotted walking through arrivals, with fans saying she hinted the team would follow, and the crowd burst out into chants of “Sweet Caroline”. The team’s bags with the squad logo were also carried through. Hope turned to disappointment when it was later confirmed by airport staff that the Lionesses had left the airport and the crowd soon dispersed. A small number of fans watched at arrivals for a little longer just to be sure they had not missed out on any action. Joanne Bruce, 51, travelled from Wisbech in Cambridgeshire to the airport at 10.30pm on Monday with her niece and sister in the hope of thanking the team for their tournament performance. She told the PA news agency: “We haven’t slept, we have just laughed and joked. It was just the three of us to start with. My sister was like, ‘I really want to go early’.” When asked if there any other fans were at the airport then she replied: “No, no, no. They didn’t come until about four o’clock this morning. We have now got a car parking ticket of £70-80, maybe more. “I was very, very disappointed [about the final result]. Seeing Millie [Bright, captain] with tears in her eyes, it just brought tears to my eyes. I really felt for them as well. “They have definitely done us proud, to get as far as they have.” Read More Pubs call for rule change after Lionesses fans made to wait until half-time for beer England’s impact will last far longer than pain of World Cup final defeat The bitter aftertaste of that unwanted World Cup kiss on the lips

Lewis Hall has joined Newcastle on a season-long loan from Chelsea with the option for a permanent deal for the defender. The clubs have been in negotiations over a move for the 18-year-old academy graduate since last week, with Eddie Howe’s side having come in with an initial offer of £28million. The PA news agency understands that should Newcastle choose to make the deal permanent in a year’s time, the deal will include an additional £7m in possible add-ons plus a sell-on fee owed to Chelsea should he later depart. Hall agreed a new six-year contract to stay at Stamford Bridge earlier in August but Newcastle’s interest has persuaded the Blues to part company with a player who made 11 first-team appearances last season, including nine in the Premier League. In a difficult season for the club, the teenager’s integration into the senior set-up was one of a few bright spots, with one of his most impressive performances coming against his new side in a 1-1 draw on the last day of the season. His first start had come in a 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park in November, playing 73 minutes before being substituted, and after impressing interim boss Frank Lampard he went on to start in each of Chelsea’s final four games of the season. He first joined the club aged eight and progressed through the academy set-up before making his first-team debut under former manager Thomas Tuchel in a 5-1 win against Chesterfield in the FA Cup third round in January 2022 aged just 17, making him the youngest player to appear for the club in the competition. During Chelsea’s injury crisis that struck immediately following last year’s World Cup he was pressed into action as an emergency midfielder, enduring a difficult game as the team were dumped out of the FA Cup 4-0 by Manchester City in January. He becomes Newcastle’s fifth singing of the season as they prepare to make their first appearance in the Champions League since 2003. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Rangers and PSV meet for a second year in succession with a place in the Champions League group stages on the line. The two-legged play-off encounter will determine which club is in the draw for the tournament proper on Thursday 31 August. It was the Scottish side that progressed from this stage in 2022 with a narrow away victory, but Michael Beale’s side have endured a mixed start to the new season. PSV, meanwhile, looked in good form in dispatching SK Sturm Graz by a 7-2 aggregate scoreline in the third qualifying round. Here’s everything you need to know. When is Rangers vs PSV? The first leg of the Champions League play-off between Rangers and PSV is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 22 August at Ibrox in Glasgow. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage on the channel from 7.30pm BST. Subscribers can stream the action via discovery+, the streaming home of the rebranded TNT Sports. Team news Ianis Hagi and Ridvan Yilmaz have been omitted from the Rangers squad, with the former potentially moving closer to an exit from the club. James Tavernier and Todd Cantwell were among those not involved in the cup win over Greenock Morton, but should return for the first leg. Phillipp Mwene and Patrick van Aanholt have remained in the Netherlands due to injuries, leaving Peter Bosz with a slight problem at left back. New signing Sergino Dest is available after his loan move from Barcelona went through on Monday, but this first leg may come too soon for a full debut. Predicted line-ups Rangers XI: Butland; Tavernier, Goldson, Souttar, Barisic; Cifuentes, Cantwell, Jack, l; Sima, Danilo, Dessers. PSV Eindhoven: Benitez; Teze, Ramalho, Boscagli, Sambo; Veerman, Sangare; Bakayoko, Til, Vertessen; De Jong. Odds Rangers win 2/1 Draw 13/5 PSV win 7/5 Prediction A score draw leaves things in the balance ahead of next week’s second leg. Rangers 2-2 PSV Read More England’s impact will last far longer than pain of World Cup final defeat Everton condemn ‘vile’ racist abuse aimed at midfielder Amadou Onana Mason Greenwood will not play for Manchester United again, club announce

England’s Lionesses arrived back in the UK on Tuesday morning following their World Cup final defeat against Spain but left Heathrow via a private transfer rather than coming through the arrivals hall. A number of fans had turned out early to greet the team off their 6.30am flight but were left disappointed when they were told the World Cup runners-up would not be passing through arrivals. The party departed Sydney on Monday around 24 hours after their 1-0 loss against Spain in Sydney. Hopes were raised when Alex Scott was spotted walking through arrivals, with fans saying she hinted the team would follow and the crowd burst out into chants of ‘Sweet Caroline’. The team’s bags with the squad logo were also carried through. But the disappointed fans were informed just before 7am that the team would not be walking through arrivals. Lionesses fan Joanne Bruce, 51, travelled from Wisbech in Cambridgeshire to the airport at 10.30pm on Monday night with her niece and sister in the hope of thanking the team for their tournament performance. She told the PA news agency: “We haven’t slept, we have just laughed and joked. “It was just the three of us to start with. My sister was like ‘I really want to go early’.” A small number of fans watched at arrivals for a little longer just to be sure they had not missed out on any action. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Gary Neville believes independent panels should investigate serious allegations made against footballers after criticising Manchester United’s “pretty horrible” handling of the Mason Greenwood case. United announced on Monday that Greenwood will leave the club by mutual agreement, with the forward suspended since January 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online. Charges against the 21-year-old England international including attempted rape and assault were discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service in February this year, leading to United conducting an internal probe into the matter. While Neville feels they have belatedly reached the right result, the former United captain is appalled at how his former employers have dealt with the situation and called for instances of this magnitude to be taken out of a club’s hands in future. He said on Sky Sports: “They’ve finally got there. It was clear from day one, for me and anybody who saw the evidence that was initially released, that he wouldn’t play for Manchester United again. “I would say that the process in getting there has been pretty horrible. When you have significant and difficult situations like this, it requires and authoritative leadership, that comes the very top and Manchester United don’t have that. “On an issue like domestic abuse and violence against women, there needs to be independence. It shouldn’t be that Manchester United are the judge and jury on such a significant issue, not just for themselves but also for the game. “People talk about the reputation (hit) to Manchester United but it’s the Premier League here as well. “My view is on issues of this importance and severity (is) they should be dealt with independently by a panel because it’s been clear that Manchester United have not had the skill and the ability to deal with this situation properly. It’s been well above their grade of experience and ability.” It was reported last week that chief executive Richard Arnold told the club’s executive leadership in early August that United were planning to bring Greenwood back. That story and further information led increased pressure on the club, with Arnold publishing a public letter to supporters upon the conclusion of their in-house investigation. Former England midfielder Karen Carney said on Sky Sports: “I empathise with anyone that’s been through or has been triggered by the conversations that we’ve been having. “Personally I feel really uneasy with the situation. I think Manchester United, as an institution and a football club and what it stands for, have handled this really, really poorly.” Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher added: “You almost think of what decision Manchester United may have come to if these stories hadn’t been leaked and then you get the force of public opinion, that would be a worry. Ultimately, they’ve got to the right decision.” Women’s Aid, a charity which works to eliminate domestic abuse against women and children, welcomed the news that Greenwood would no longer play for United. A spokesperson said: “We know that today’s news from Manchester United that Greenwood will be moving on from the club will be a relief for many survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. “Football is loved by so many people worldwide, and players are often idolised by fans, so the way that alleged domestic abuse cases are treated in clubs has a huge impact on public understanding about what is accepted and tolerated in society. “We have heard first-hand the impact this case and the related materials shared on social media have had on survivors of abuse, and while next steps are established following the outcome of Manchester United’s internal investigation, this will happen away from centre stage of Old Trafford. “With many survivors never contacting the police to report abuse in the first place, and the majority of domestic and sexual-abuse cases not resulting in a criminal conviction, it is vital that clubs – like all employers – have an approach that is wider than the criminal justice system, and which deals with the reality of the scale of the issue. “This needs to involve addressing the attitudes that underpin domestic and sexual abuse, and working with players from a young age to make it clear that clubs stand against sexism and misogyny. This is an issue that reaches far wider than football, with misogynistic content widely available on social media, so it is important to recognise how widespread harmful attitudes are and address this.” The Manchester United Supporters Trust criticised the club’s handling of the case but said the right decision had been made. A MUST statement read: “Since the deeply distressing initial allegations surfaced, this episode has been allowed to drag out for far too long as the club has carried out an investigative process. “Moreover, the complete lack of consultation with fans even with respect to process added fuel to the fire. While the speculation and discussion in the last couple of weeks has been profoundly unhelpful and reflected very poorly on the club, it is clear that they have in the end reached the right decision. “We are relieved that this matter can now be put behind us and will be working with the club to ensure lessons have been learned from this very troubling episode.” Read More Football rumours: Manchester City’s bid for Lucas Paqueta set to crumble Mason Greenwood: Man Utd announce striker will leave club Women’s Aid welcomes Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood decision Mason Greenwood latest LIVE - Updates on Man Utd forward Man United keen to sign Jonny Evans despite Harry Maguire’s transfer collapse Mason Greenwood timeline: How the Manchester United star fell from grace

Mason Greenwood will leave Manchester United after both parties concluded it would be inappropriate for the forward to continue his career at Old Trafford. United will instead work to find Greenwood a club elsewhere after chief executive Richard Arnold concluded an internal investigation in which he decided that the 21-year-old did not commit criminal offences and that audio of him sounding as though he was trying to force himself upon a woman did not represent the full picture. Criminal charges of attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in February. But Arnold determined – and Greenwood agreed – that it would be better if he were to move elsewhere and discussions are continuing as to whether his contract will be terminated or if he should be sold or loaned. Greenwood, who has been suspended by United for 18 months, said he had made mistakes, accepted his reputation was damaged and vowed to be a “better person” in the future. He said: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst. I was brought up to know that violence or abuse ... is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges [the charges were actually dropped by the CPS when key witnesses withdrew their involvement and new material came to light]. “However, I fully accept I made mistakes ... and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post. I am learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer, and I’m focused on the big responsibility of being a father. “Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me. The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club. I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United. “I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have shown. I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.” Greenwood, who currently has two years left on his contract, scored 35 goals in 129 games for United and has been capped once by England. Arnold, who said he was shocked when he heard the recording of Greenwood, said it was not a “quick or straightforward process” and noted the alleged victim had dropped her complaint. He stated: “When audio footage and imagery was posted online in January 2022, my feelings were of shock and concern for the alleged victim. Her welfare, wishes and perspective have been central to the club’s approach ever since, as have the club’s standards and values. While we immediately concluded that Mason should be suspended pending investigation, we were also conscious of our duty of care towards him. “While I am satisfied that Mason did not commit the acts he was charged with, Mason’s accepted that he has made mistakes which he takes responsibility for. I am also mindful of the challenge that Mason would face rebuilding his career and raising a baby together with his partner in the harsh spotlight of Manchester United. Further, this case has provoked strong opinions, and it is my responsibility to minimise any distraction to the unity we are seeking within the club.” Read More Mason Greenwood timeline: How the Manchester United star fell from grace

Mason Greenwood has admitted to “making mistakes” after it was revealed he would not continue his career at Manchester United. Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour, following social media posts which appeared to reveal the now 21-year-old forcing himself upon a woman, before those charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February. United carried out their own internal investigation and have now concluded by mutual agreement with the player that his career should continue “away from Old Trafford”. In a statement, Greenwood said: “I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst. I was brought up to know that violence or abuse ... is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges [the charges were actually dropped by the CPS when key witnesses withdrew their involvement and new material came to light]. “However, I fully accept I made mistakes ... and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post. I am learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer, and I’m focused on the big responsibility of being a father.” Greenwood joined Manchester United as a young boy and broke into the club’s first team as a teenager, before earning a single international cap for England. But he will now look to rekindle his football career at a new club. “Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me. The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club. I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United. “I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have shown. I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.” Greenwood has two years left on his contract with the club. Read More Mason Greenwood timeline: How the Manchester United star fell from grace

Watch as Spain's acting prime minister Pedro Sanchez welcomes the national football team home to Madrid on Tuesday (22 August) after winning the Women's World Cup for the very first time. Tuesday's meeting follows La Roja's rapturous victory parade through the streets of the Spanish capital city last night. The national team waved to cheerful fans from a bus as they drove through Madrid to celebrate. Afterwards, the squad took to a stage where captain Olga Carmona, who scored the only goal of the match, was thrown into the air by her teammates. Spain defeated England 1-0 at Stadium Australia on Sunday, 20 August, with 5.6 million people in Spain tuning in to the final of the tournament co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The Lionesses were looking to bring home the game's biggest prize from Sydney, but couldn't fashion an equalizer - although Mary Earps brilliantly saved Jennifer Hermoso’s penalty with 20 minutes remaining. Read More Statistics show Spain were worthy World Cup winners Spain captain Olga Carmona dedicates World Cup triumph to late father World Cup-winning goalscorer is informed of father’s death minutes after final ends

What the papers say Manchester City and West Ham had come to an agreement in principle on a £85million transfer deal for midfielder Lucas Paqueta before the bid crumbled due to potential betting breaches, the Daily Mail reports. Fulham’s pursuit of Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has become tougher as the Evening Standard says Everton and Nottingham Forest have joined the race for the 22-year-old. Chelsea have agreed to a £14million deal for New England Revoultion’s 23-year-old goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, according to the Daily Mail. The same publication says Mason Greenwood is set to look for offers from clubs in Turkey and Italy after he and Manchester United parted ways after an internal investigation. Social media round-up Players to watch Jeremy Doku: Journalist Fabrizio Romano says Manchester City have agreed to personal terms with the Rennes winger, with the French club accepting a deal worth around £51million. Dominic Solanke: Football Insider reports West Ham have entered a bid for the Bournemouth striker worth around £35million. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Josh Harris' Awkward Handshake With Joe Buck

Mikel Arteta may have “loved” Arsenal’s narrow win at Crystal Palace but believes a stopwatch may be needed to iron out inconsistencies in time-wasting after Takehiro Tomiyasu fell foul of the rules. The Gunners won 1-0 in south London as Martin Odegaard’s second-half penalty proved the difference. Japan defender Tomiyasu was sent off at Selhurst Park, picking up a soft yellow card for a foul on Jordan Ayew just seven minutes after being cautioned for perceived time-wasting at a throw-in. The new remit for officiating this season has called, among other changes, for a clamp down on time-wasting but Arteta believes the timing did not add up on Tomiyasu’s booking. Asked about the rule changes, the Spaniard replied: “For me it is not an issue. The referee makes that call. “And we are consistent with that. They explained it. The only thing we are asking for is consistency. If not we need to play with a stopwatch to understand what is it and what is not.” Arteta did not agree when told Tomiyasu had waited 23 seconds to take the throw-in before being cautioned – replying: “It wasn’t. I think it was eight seconds. We might have to play with a stopwatch. “This is the standards.” Despite the red card, Arsenal made it two wins from two following on from the opening-day victory over Nottingham Forest. Odegaard stepped up to tuck away a penalty after Eddie Nketiah – who had hit a post in the first half – was tripped by Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. “I loved it, absolutely loved it,” Arteta said of the win. “It’s a really difficult place to come, we played the way we wanted to play 11 against 11. We dominated the game, we created enough chances, we missed two very, very huge chances. “We scored the penalty and then we have to play half an hour with 10 men. It’s a conflict we didn’t prepare for but we had to adapt and the players were fantastic. “I don’t think we gave anything away. The subs were great, the way they came out, the concentration, the focus, how much they helped the team, the coaching. They changed momentum in many occasions of the game. So really happy.” Eagles boss Roy Hodgson was in a reflective mood and felt his side put in a good showing despite coming out of the contest with no points. “I would be tempted to say we deserved something from the game,” he said. “When they went down to 10 men we gave it our best shot but they are a top-quality team and they were able to defend the efforts we had. “They got a lot of bodies around the goalkeeper so we couldn’t get through the cordon but that is often the case. “There were very few disappointments in the game for me in terms of the Crystal Palace performance. On another day I think we would be feeling even happier and proud of ourselves.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Katarina Johnson-Thompson’s world title ‘just one step on comeback journey’ England stars reflect on World Cup final defeat – Monday’s sporting social Corey Domachowski: World Cup call-up was bittersweet moment before nan’s funeral

Martin Odegaard’s penalty proved enough to give 10-man Arsenal a gritty 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace to maintain their winning start to the Premier League season. Only Manchester City and Brighton had won their opening two games but the Gunners joined them on six points after a narrow success at Selhurst Park. In a close-fought encounter, captain Odegaard stepped up to steer home a second-half spot-kick, with the visitors then hanging on for the final quarter of the game after Takehiro Tomiyasu was sent off. The defender was the only change to Mikel Arteta’s starting XI from their opening-day win against Nottingham Forest as he replaced the injured Jurrien Timber at left-back – but he will now be banned for Saturday’s visit of Fulham after a controversial dismissal here. Palace – unchanged from their own victory at Sheffield United a week ago – were fast out of the blocks, Aaron Ramsdale making a low stop to keep out an Eberechi Eze drive as the hosts built up a head of steam. Cheick Doucoure then flashed a speculative effort wide as Arsenal struggled to get a foothold on proceedings. The visitors gradually started to see more of the ball and Eddie Nketiah was unfortunate to see his shot come back off a post after beating Sam Johnstone in the Palace goal. With the game opening up, both sides had good chances, with Jordan Ayew almost capitalising on a poor William Saliba touch, only for the France defender to makes amends with a fine, last-ditch tackle. Arsenal went down the other end and Nketiah wasted a gilt-edged opportunity as he tried – and failed – to execute a deft lob over Johnstone from close range. Odegaard was next to come close to breaking the deadlock for Arteta’s side, his curled strike from outside the box tipped over by Johnstone. Arsenal would eventually hit the front soon after the restart, Gabriel Martinelli’s quick free-kick playing in Nketiah, who went to ground under pressure from the sliding Johnstone. Referee David Coote pointed to the spot and the decision survived a VAR check for a foul by Thomas Partey in the build-up, with Odegaard making no mistake as he sent Johnstone the wrong way from 12 yards. Coote was to make another couple of controversial calls shortly after, showing a yellow card to Tomiyasu for time-wasting at a throw-in before dismissing the Japan full-back seven minutes later for a soft foul on Ayew. Arteta reacted by introducing Gabriel Magalhaes in place of Martinelli, while Jorginho replaced Nketiah as Arsenal shut up shop in the closing stages. Jakub Kiwior and fit-again Oleksandr Zinchenko added even more steel to the defensive unit as Odegaard and Bukayo Saka made way. It proved just enough to keep Palace at bay, the Arsenal rearguard high-fiving and celebrating every challenge and clearance as they hung on to secure the win. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Katarina Johnson-Thompson’s world title ‘just one step on comeback journey’ England stars reflect on World Cup final defeat – Monday’s sporting social Corey Domachowski: World Cup call-up was bittersweet moment before nan’s funeral