List of All Articles with Tag 'sport'

Lionel Messi is in the starting lineup for Inter Miami in its MLS season finale against FC Charlotte

Erik ten Hag admitted Manchester United’s first-half performance in their 2-1 win at Sheffield United was not a fitting way to remember Sir Bobby Charlton. United are mourning one of their greatest ever players following Charlton’s death aged 86 on Saturday morning and goals from Scott McTominay and Diogo Dalot ensured they remembered him with victory. But Ten Hag’s side could not be much further away from the one that Charlton famously led to European Cup glory in 1968 as they were lacklustre against a team who have picked up just one point this season. Defender Dalot was the unlikely hero as he saved their blushes with a 20-yard curler 13 minutes from time after Oli McBurnie’s first-half penalty had cancelled out McTominay’s opener. Ten Hag said: “We are happy we did that, we have to pay attention and do it in a good way and first half I think it wasn’t the standard for Sir Bobby Charlton and the second half was a bit better. “But of course the news arrived and we are very sad and our thoughts are with his family and especially his wife Lady Norma, his children and his grandchildren. “I heard some players got some inspiration from it and they wanted a win to mark it. It was an extra motivation, absolutely. “But the first half was not a good game. We can talk long or we can talk short, it was a poor game from our side and you see it often after internationals, especially us with so many changes, the routines are not there. In the first half we allowed them to make it their game. “We were too direct, no good organisation, second half we made some changes and you saw we got better, we were more composed and kept the ball. “We controlled the game and created the chances and then finally we deserved the win and it was a beautiful goal.” Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom began his playing career at Old Trafford as a teenager and remembers Charlton fondly. “He was there the day I signed as a 14-year-old,” he said. “He is a man that represented everything that United wanted to be, certainly in terms of developing youth players and getting youth players into the first team. “It is not only Manchester United that will miss him, English football and I think he was a football icon across the world as well, so there will be a lot of people remembering him, stories they have heard, games they have seen.” The Blades may feel they deserved something out of the game, especially on the back of a lively first-half performance, but they slipped to an eighth defeat from nine games and a long winter looks on the cards. But Heckingbottom took the positives. “In most games we have shown more than enough that we can compete,” he added. “Lots of things that please me in that. “We have suffered horrendously with injuries in the last 10 days, captain, vice-captain and a couple of other players. We are not going to sulk about it, it is an opportunity for others. “We looked more of a threat tonight. There are lots of things tonight that we have to build on. It was close. What we had today was more of an all-round threat.”

Nothing will quite beat Stephen Donald coming straight from fishing whitebait on the Waikato River to boot the title-winning penalty for New Zealand as its fourth-choice flyhalf in 2011

Nice remains the only unbeaten team in the French league

South Africa has pulled off a great escape to beat England 16-15 at the death and keep its title defense at the Rugby World Cup alive

Diogo Dalot has made sure Manchester United could pay tribute to Bobby Charlton with a win

Playing ugly almost worked for England as it came close to reaching the Rugby World Cup final on the back of a hard-nosed approach and clinical kicking

Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu was suspended for two games and fined by Major League Baseball, which said he intentionally threw at Adolis García of the Texas Rangers during Game 5 of the AL Championship Series

Islam Makhachev stunned Alexander Volkanovski with a first-round knockout on Saturday, retaining the lightweight title in their rematch at UFC 294. In February, Makhachev outpointed Volkanovski – who holds the featherweight belt – in the latter’s native Australia, in a competitive clash that left many fans desiring a rematch. Few expected it to come at UFC 294, but 11 days before the event, Makhachev’s original challenger Charles Oliveira suffered a severe cut over his eye. And with that, the door opened for Volkanovski. The 35-year-old relished the chance to avenge his narrow loss to Makhachev, but there was to be no revenge for him – only a repeat as the Russian triumphed again, and in finer fashion this time. Midway through the first round of the main event, southpaw Makhachev skimmed his left shin off Volkanovski’s head, wobbling and dropping the featherweight king. Makhachev, 31, followed up with a fierce flurry of hammer fists to the grounded Aussie, whose brow split open amid the onslaught. Referee Marc Goddard stepped in, confirming an emphatic victory and title defence for Makhachev, the mentee and childhood friend of UFC lightweight great Khabib Nurmagomedov. The result extended Makhachev’s win streak to 13 fights, dating back to 2015, when he suffered the sole loss of his professional career. Meanwhile, Volkanovski was beaten for the third time as a pro, though he remains undefeated at his preferred weight of 145lbs. “Alexander The Great” rebounded from his first loss to Makhachev by stopping Yair Rodriguez in July, retaining the featherweight title against the then-interim champion. He will look to respond to his latest defeat when he takes on his next title challenger – likely Ilia Topuria in January. Meanwhile, Makhachev could be set for a rematch with Oliveira, whom he was originally due to face at UFC 294 and whom he submitted in October 2022 to win the lightweight belt. The 155lbs title was vacant at the time of that bout, which took place in Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena like UFC 294, after Oliveira was stripped of the belt for missing weight in May 2022. Meanwhile, Volkanovski’s featherweight title reign dates back to 2019, when he took the belt from Max Holloway. The Australian has since outpointed Holloway a further two times, while also winning his other three title defences – against Brian Ortega on points, and against Chan Sung Jung and Rodriguez via TKO. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More UFC schedule 2023: Every major fight happening this year UFC rankings: The Independent’s pound-for-pound fighters list When will Conor McGregor return to the UFC? UFC 294 LIVE: Volkanovski vs Makhachev fight updates and results tonight Islam Makhachev demands two words from Alexander Volkanovski ahead of UFC 294 Volkanovski vs Makhachev gamble shows the best and worst of the UFC

Islam Makhachev stunned Alexander Volkanovski with a first-round knockout on Saturday, retaining the lightweight title in their rematch at UFC 294. In February, Makhachev outpointed Volkanovski – who holds the featherweight belt – in the latter’s native Australia, in a competitive clash that left many fans desiring a rematch. Few expected it to come at UFC 294, but 11 days before the event, Makhachev’s original challenger Charles Oliveira suffered a severe cut over his eye. And with that, the door opened for Volkanovski. The 35-year-old relished the chance to avenge his narrow loss to Makhachev, but there was to be no revenge for him – only a repeat as the Russian triumphed again, and in finer fashion this time. Midway through the first round of the main event, southpaw Makhachev skimmed his left shin off Volkanovski’s head, wobbling and dropping the featherweight king. Makhachev, 31, followed up with a fierce flurry of hammer fists to the grounded Aussie, whose brow split open amid the onslaught. Referee Marc Goddard stepped in, confirming an emphatic victory and title defence for Makhachev. Re-live updates and results from the UFC 294 main card and prelims, below. Read More Islam Makhachev stuns Alexander Volkanovski with head-kick KO in first round at UFC 294 UFC rankings: The Independent’s pound-for-pound fighters list Alexander Volkanovski’s gamble shows the best and worst of the UFC

Sean Dyche branded Craig Dawson’s decision not to send Ibrahima Konate off in Everton’s Merseyside derby defeat bizarre and incredible as he criticised the referee and called for VAR to be used to determine bookable offences. The Liverpool defender, who was on a booking, was spared a second yellow card for a foul on Everton substitute Beto – a decision which Dyche accused Pawson of rushing to and which he felt was stunning and almost impossible. Dyche claimed he had no idea why he was booked in Everton’s 2-0 loss, which was sealed by a late brace from Mohamed Salah. He did not complain about the award of the penalty for the Egyptian’s opener, for handball against Michael Keane, but questioned the first caution Ashley Young received for his first-half red card, though he admitted the second was correct. But Konate’s reprieve, when the game was still goalless, bemused him. “I have no clue,” Dyche said. “I have asked the referee and he said he didn’t feel it was a bookable offence. I think people who were here today would be stunned it was not a second yellow.” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp promptly replaced Konate and said afterwards that the Frenchman could have been sent off and that he understood Dyche’s frustration. “Jurgen couldn’t wait to get him off because he knows,” the Everton manager said. “Fair play. I think that is an honest view. I don’t want to bleat too much because we lost. I can’t remember the last time I spoke this openly about referees but that one is incredible to me. And I got a yellow card, I don’t know what for.” Dyche was annoyed by Pawson’s swift decision-making, explained: “I have seen the footage back and within a second he is saying, ‘No chance no chance.” You aren’t giving yourself thinking time. If you give yourself 10 seconds, you think, ‘That has to be a yellow’. That is just bizarre to me. How that is not a second yellow is nearly impossible in the modern game.” Whereas Pawson was sent to the monitor to review the handball that led to the penalty, there is no scope for VAR to intervene for bookings but Dyche said: “I think there is where VAR should step in. In a game of this magnitude, I think VAR should be there to correct it.” Read More How Sean Dyche turned Everton into a better attacking team than Liverpool Northern Ireland rising star Isaac Price grateful to former boss Frank Lampard Mikel Arteta pinpoints moment Arsenal made ‘phenomenal’ response at Chelsea

Sir Bobby Charlton, the World Cup winner and European Cup winner who is one of England and Manchester United’s greatest-ever players, has died at the age of 86. Charlton, who won the 1966 Ballon d’Or, became the record goalscorer for both United and England in a career where he became known for his sportsmanship and dignity as well as his flair on the ball and his ferocious shot. A survivor of the 1958 Munich air disaster, Charlton went on to lift the European Cup a decade later, captaining Sir Matt Busby’s team and scoring twice in the 4-1 win over Benfica in the final. Two years earlier, he had been a fundamental part of the only England team to win the World Cup, scoring both goals in the semi-final win over Portugal and playing in a team alongside his brother, Jack. They remain one of just two sets of siblings to win the World Cup. The son of a miner in his native North East and a teenage prodigy, Charlton joined United at 15 and scored twice on his debut as a 19-year-old. He was one of the “Busby Babes”, the team of youthful talents who played attacking football, but eight of his teammates were killed in the plane crash in Munich. Charlton, who was on the flight, survived and went to form a famous attacking trio with George Best and Denis Law. He played 758 games for United – then a record, and a total since only topped by Ryan Giggs – and scored 249 goals, which only Wayne Rooney has beaten. He won three league titles and the FA Cup in his United career. He made 106 appearances for England, also a national record at the time, and was in the squad in four World Cups, playing in three. His total of 49 goals was the most by any England player until first Rooney and then Harry Kane overtook him. Charlton subsequently managed Preston and, for almost four decades, was a United director, playing a part in appointing Sir Alex Ferguson in 1986. He was diagnosed with dementia, which his family announced in 2020. The team will wear black armbands tonight in their Premier League fixture at Sheffield United and the pre-planned minute’s silence will be expanded to pay respects to Sir Bobby. A book of condolence will be open to fans and the public tomorrow (Sunday, 22 October) from 10am in the International Suite at Old Trafford. United said in a statement: “Manchester United are in mourning following the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club. “Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world. “He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game. “A graduate of our youth Academy, Sir Bobby played 758 games and scored 249 goals during 17 years as a Manchester United player, winning the European Cup, three league titles and the FA Cup. For England, he won 106 caps and scored 49 goals for England, and won the 1966 World Cup. “Following his retirement, he went on to serve the club with distinction as a director for 39 years. His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever etched in the history of Manchester United and English football; and his legacy will live on through the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation. “The club’s heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who loved him.” Sir Geoff Hurst, who played a key role in the World Cup-winning team alongside Sir Bobby, paid his tribute on X, formerly Twitter: “Very sad news today. One of the true greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. We will never forget him & nor will all of football. A great colleague & friend, he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone. Condolences to his family & friends from Geoff and Judith.” Former England captain Gary Lineker said: “For me England’s greatest ever player. “You can only judge players that you have seen in your lifetime and I was lucky enough to see Bobby Charlton play when I was a young boy. It’s a very sad day, he was one of my heroes, one of many people’s heroes. “It’s difficult to judge the ‘best ever’, but he was synonymous with English football all over the world for such a long time. “You could go somewhere that no one spoke English but people would know Bobby Charlton. That was a true testament to the fame he had and a testament to his ability.” David Beckham, who followed Sir Bobby in captaining club and country, took to Instagram to pay his tribute. “It all began with Sir Bobby. Sir Bobby was the reason I had the opportunity to play for Manchester United,” wrote Beckham . “I will be forever grateful to a man I was named after, someone I looked up to and was a hero to many around the world not just in Manchester and our country where he won the World Cup in 1966. “A true gentleman, family man and truly a national hero… Today isn’t just a sad day for Manchester United & England it’s a sad day for football and everything that Sir Bobby represented.. Our thoughts go out to Lady Norma , there daughters and grandchildren x Rest in Peace Sir Bobby. @manchesterunited@england today our hearts are heavy.” Read More Bobby Charlton: England World Cup winner and Manchester United legend A true gentleman – David Beckham pays tribute to ‘national hero’ Bobby Charlton How one impassioned Bobby Charlton video explains why we’re football fans Sir Bobby Charlton: Gary Lineker leads tributes to ‘England’s greatest ever’ Gary Lineker leads tributes to ‘England’s greatest ever’ Sir Bobby Charlton Bobby Charlton’s best games for Manchester United: Cup final hero and record-breaker