List of All Articles with Tag 'ball'

The final match of the weekend in the Premier League takes place on Monday night with Crystal Palace hosting Arsenal at Selhurst Park. Roy Hodgson is back once more for another campaign with the Eagles and they made a good start to 2023/24 with a 1-0 win at Sheffield United on the opening weekend. Arsenal, meanwhile, battled to a 2-1 home victory over Nottingham Forest, with Mikel Arteta’s side hoping to go one better this term after finishing runners-up to Man City in May. The Gunners have added the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz to their squad over the summer, while Palace lost key winger Wilf Zaha - but have brought in Matheus Franca from Flamengo in their big-money addition so far. Follow all the live action below as Crystal Palace host Arsenal and see the latest odds for the game here. Read More Bryan Mbeumo, Nicolas Jackson and 5 players to buy ahead of FPL Gameweek 3 Declan Rice is type of player everyone is looking for – Palace boss Roy Hodgson Michael Olise signs bumper new deal as Crystal Palace fend off Chelsea interest

With Bijan Robinson now on the Atlanta Falcons, here are the 15 best returning running backs in college football.Keep your eyes on any of these college football stars to be this year's Doak Walker Award winner.Bijan Robinson was last year's recipient as the sensational running back...

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has been slapped with a suspension from his own school in light of the NCAA investigation.Amid an ongoing investigation by the NCAA into Jim Harbaugh's recruitment violations, Michigan has suspended the long-time head coach for three games.Earlier this month,...

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 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

A Damian Lillard trade may be imminent, the Spurs regret not pursuing Austin Reaves, and what the 76ers want for Harden. Check out the latest NBA rumors.NBA rumors: A Damian Lillard deal might be coming, finally...A month after Lillard's trade request, Portland and Miami didn't appear ...

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The charity Women’s Aid has welcomed the news Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood will no longer play for the club. United announced on Monday that an agreement had been reached for the 21-year-old England international to continue his career away from Old Trafford. Greenwood has been suspended by the Premier League club since January 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online. He was facing charges including attempted rape and assault until the Crown Prosecution Service announced in February this year the case had been discontinued, which led to United conducting their own investigation. A spokeswoman for Women’s Aid, which works to end domestic abuse against women and children, 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. Whilst 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 Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Statistics show Spain were worthy World Cup winners Spain captain Olga Carmona dedicates World Cup triumph to late father Who will win the frantic battle for the final two Super League play-off slots?

Spain produced dominant performances throughout the World Cup as they saw off England to lift the trophy for the first time. Beaten Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman said after Sunday’s final that “you have to give credit to Spain, over the tournament they played the best football,” and her words are borne out by the statistics. Here, the PA news agency looks at how the cup was won. Spanish style Spain’s 157 shots at goal were by far the most at the tournament – semi-finalists Australia, with a round 100, were the only other team in three figures. They also ranked top on a ‘per 90 minutes’ basis with 18.9, narrowly ahead of Brazil’s 18.3, and gave up only 5.2 per 90 at the other end – a figured bettered by only the United States (3.5) and New Zealand (5.0). They ranked only ninth for accuracy with 36 per cent of their shots on target, and 11th in conversion rate at 11 per cent, but their dominance of games meant that was enough for victory and their 6.7 shots on target per 90 still led the way. FIFA’s official statistics show them with 169 completed ball progressions, when no other country reached three figures, and 1,008 line-breaks – England were next at a distant 884 while 121.4 per 90 minutes is 15 more than any other team. They completed more passes, 4,002, than any other country even attempted, with England’s 3,963 attempts second to La Roja’s 4,622 as the Spanish system so familiar in the men’s game was executed to perfection by their women as well. Spain’s 44 take-ons completed was almost double the next-best tally of 24 by France and Australia – though they were behind group-stage victims Portugal, Italy and Germany on a per-90 basis. Forward Salma Paralluelo alone managed 10. Show of strength Spain won every game but one and gave playing time to 22 of their 23 squad members, with only third-choice goalkeeper Enith Salon not used as Cata Coll replaced Misa Rodriguez between the posts after the group stage. Defender Irene Paredes was the only player to play every minute as they demonstrated the depth of their options, even in the absence of 12 of the 15 players who last year withdrew from selection amid a dispute with the national federation. Ona Batlle, Mariona Caldentey and player of the tournament Aitana Bonmati were the only members of ‘Las 15’ present in Australia and New Zealand as the likes of young player of the tournament Paralluelo, the previously uncapped Coll and final goalscorer Olga Carmona emerged to play key roles. England performed creditably in the face of their own absences but may have ultimately been undone by the lack of options available to Wiegman. From last year’s European Championship-winning squad, captain Leah Williamson, Golden Boot winner Beth Mead and Fran Kirby were ruled out by injuries and Jill Scott and record scorer Ellen White have retired. Midfield lynchpin Keira Walsh missed a game and a half with a knee injury and emerging star Lauren James served a two-match ban but despite that, Wiegman used only 17 of the 23 players at her disposal and made only 20 substitutions. Goalkeeper Mary Earps, captain Millie Bright and fellow defender Alex Greenwood played every minute as Lotte Wubben-Moy, Esme Morgan, Jordan Nobbs and Katie Robinson went unused along with back-up keepers Hannah Hampton and Ellie Roebuck. Niamh Charles, Laura Coombs and Bethany England also did not start any games.

A lot went into former Georgia football player Bear Alexander transferring over to USC.Despite a breakthrough performance in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game vs. TCU, defensive end Bear Alexander still decided to transfer from Georgia to USC after one year.Alexander ma...

After a narrow win over Nottingham Forest on the opening day, Arsenal will be looking for a second successive victory as they aim to push Manchester City for the title again. Arsenal have won their last two matches against Crystal Palace, but with Roy Hodgson in charge again, Palace fans will be hoping for a repeat of their 3-0 win over the Gunners in April 2022. After shelling out for the likes of now-injured Jurriën Timber and Declan Rice in the summer, Mikel Arteta will be hoping his side can find their footing and although it’s only early in the season, if they want to challenge for the top spot, they cannot afford any slip-ups. It will be the Eagles’ first home game of the campaign after winning at recently-promoted Sheffield United on the opening weekend. Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture; get all the latest football betting sites offers here and get all the latest Palace vs Arsenal odds here. When is Crystal Palace vs Arsenal? Crystal Palace vs Arsenal is due to kick-off at 8pm on Monday 21 August at Selhurst Park in London. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League - from 6.30 pm Team news Arsenal will be without Gabriel Jesus and Jurrien Timber for the match with knee injuries and Mikel Arteta will be hoping Oleksandr Zinchenko will have built up enough fitness to be able to start. Michael Olise is still expected to be injured in another blow to Roy Hodgson, but Palace are likely to be compact and organised against the Gunners. Predicted line-ups Crystal Palace XI: Johnstone; Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Doucoure, Lerma; Ayew, Eze, Schlupp; Edouard Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli Odds Crystal Palace win 9/2 Draw 12/5 Arsenal win 1/2 Prediction It might be cagey at times and Arsenal will have to work hard but they will get the three points in a relatively straightforward affair. Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal Read More Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal could dip back in market after Jurrien Timber injury Mikel Arteta presents David Raya’s grandfather, 91, with gift as goalkeeper signs for Arsenal Eddie Nketiah forced his way into Arsenal team with performances in training, Arteta says Liverpool to appeal Alexis Mac Allister’s red card in win against Bournemouth Everton condemn ‘vile’ racist abuse aimed at midfielder Amadou Onana Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster retires from football for a second time

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The Spanish federation president criticised for his antics at Sunday’s World Cup final has apologised for kissing one of the team’s players, saying his behaviour “seems like it has caused a commotion”. Luis Rubiales, who is also a member of UEFA’s ruling executive committee and a vice-president of European football’s governing body, issued a video statement on Monday after he was pictured kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips during Sunday’s medal ceremony in Sydney, after Spain had beaten England 1-0 in the final. Footage has also emerged of Rubiales kissing goalscorer Olga Carmona, and of him celebrating Spain’s win in the stadium’s VIP area by grabbing his crotch. Rubiales’ behaviour in Australia was described as “unacceptable” by Spain’s acting culture and sports minister Miquel Iceta. The minister called on Rubiales to explain his actions and apologise. Rubiales’ statement focused on the Hermoso kiss and did not reference his behaviour in the VIP box, where he was stood alongside Spain’s Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter Sofia. “There is something I regret, and it was what happened between me and a player, with whom I have a fantastic relationship, just like with the others, where I have certainly made a mistake. I have to admit it,” Rubiales said in his video address. “In that moment of absolute exultation, without any bad intentions or bad faith, well… that happened. I believe it happened in a very spontaneous way, which I repeat had no bad intentions from either side. “From that point on, it wasn’t interpreted that way as we carried on as normal, naturally, and again with no ill will between us. “But outside of that it seems like it has caused a commotion as it seemed to do damage, so I want to apologise for it, I don’t ask for anything else.” Rubiales’ actions come less than a year after a mutiny by 15 Spain players, who withdrew their services reportedly due to discontent with a number of aspects of the national team set-up, including the strictness of coach Jorge Vilda. The federation refused to budge in response to the players’ complaints, with a statement saying those involved would only be able to return to the national team “if they accept their mistake and ask for forgiveness”. Neither Hermoso nor Carmona were among the 15. Hermoso can be heard in a social media post that she “didn’t like” the kiss from Rubiales, but then later released a statement via the federation saying it was a mutual gesture which was “spontaneous”. World players’ union FIFPRO said: “It is deeply lamentable that such a special moment for the players of the Spain national team that was taking place before a global television audience should be stained by the inappropriate conduct of an individual in a role carrying so much responsibility. “Uninitiated and uninvited physical gestures towards players are not appropriate or acceptable in any context. This is especially true when players are put in a position of vulnerability because a physical approach or gesture is initiated by a person who holds power over them.” UEFA has declined to comment. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Warren Gatland breaks new ground by naming Wales co-captains for Rugby World Cup Spain captain Olga Carmona dedicates World Cup triumph to late father Who will win the frantic battle for the final two Super League play-off slots?