Tavernier wants Rangers to 'set the tone'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sky News
32 minutes ago
- Sky News
Watchdog must fine social media companies that are slow to remove racism after Jess Carter abuse, says culture secretary
The online safety regulator should use powers to fine social media companies that are not quickly removing racism, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told Sky News, after concerns were raised by England defender Jess Carter. Carter has declared herself ready to play in the Women's European Championship semi-final against Italy on Tuesday after speaking out on the hate she has faced online during the tournament. Players have expressed frustration they are having to use their platform to pressure the tech firms, given how often footballers have had to deal with racist abuse. There is now the Online Safety Act which should be compelling the companies to take action. "We've introduced new laws so that platforms are under a legal obligation to take down that sort of disgusting content immediately," Ms Nandy told Sky News. "And they can be pursued through fines, through Ofcom, if they don't do it. "It's now up to those platforms and up to Ofcom to fulfil those roles that we've given them and make sure that this is stamped out online, that it's dealt with very quickly." But Kick It Out chairman Sanjay Bhandari told Sky News on Sunday that "it's got worse on social media, not better" - singling out Elon Musk's X and Mark Zuckerberg's Instagram. Neither of the companies has responded to requests for comment, including via a public X post. England defender Lucy Bronze said "online abuse is getting worse and worse" in women's football. Ms Nandy said: "The racial abuse that's been directed at Jess Carter is utterly disgusting and unfortunately is too common for women at the top of their game, not just in football but across sport as a whole. "We're considering as a government what more we can do to protect women players who reach those levels of exposure." The government has made dealing with sports issues a priority, with legislation passed today to introduce an independent regulator for men's football. The watchdog aims to ensure clubs are run sustainably and are accountable to their fans. Ms Nandy said: "There are now protections in law for fans and for clubs to make sure that we have really fit and proper owners; that there is somebody who can tackle rogue owners when problems arise, that we get a proper financial flow to ensure the sustainability of clubs throughout the football pyramid and to make that fans are put back at the heart of the game where they belong." The Premier League remains concerned the regulator could harm the success of its competition through unintended consequences.
Daily Mail
37 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Lionesses' main character bringing calm to the chaos: Why Chloe Kelly, fresh from her holiday and with her wedding photos on her shinpads, is ready to inspire England in Italy semi
An eerie calm descends on the Letzigrund Stadium as Chloe Kelly walks into the penalty area to take England 's fifth spot-kick against Sweden. The chaos of the previous 120 minutes has left nerves frayed to their final sinew, and now, with one miskick of a boot, the reigning champions could be sent packing. But with a huff and a puff and one giant stride, the 27-year-old from west London keeps England's Euros dreams alive. Kelly has taken just nine penalties in her club and international career, scoring seven. All three of her England penalties have come in shootouts, and she's never missed the target. Now, with the prospect of another shootout looming, Mail Sport spoke to penalty expert Geir Jordet – Professor at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences and author of Pressure: Lessons from the Psychology of the Penalty Shootout – to understand what gives Kelly the edge. It goes beyond power although her 69mph rocket at the 2023 World Cup – faster than any Premier League penalty that season – still lingers in the memory. Jordet observed how Wiegman's side followed routines like those used by Gareth Southgate's team employed to great success last summer. From the organisation of the pre-shootout huddle to Wiegman's brief instructions, the Lionesses were clearly well-drilled. 'There were a lot of things they did that were indicative of them having a plan,' says Jordet. 'So I was surprised to see those four players who missed (Lauren James, Beth Mead, Alex Greenwood, Grace Clinton), their body language indicated that they'd rather do it quickly and get it over with rather than having a very robust focus on the step-by-step behaviours leading up to the shot.' One player who did follow the process was Kelly – who stepped up for one of the most high-pressure kicks of the lot. 'I love how she approaches the spot,' Jordet says. 'The goalkeeper was interacting with the referee, and Chloe just waited outside. When Falk stepped onto the line, that's when Chloe moved in and took 10 seconds to engage with the spot. 'First she examined it with her feet, then brushed the ball on the grass. I don't know the purpose of that, but she took her time. That shows a player in control. 'Then she places the ball carefully, steps up and stands over it to think, 'Okay, should I step back? Is the goalkeeper ready' 'The referee's whistle goes as she steps back. She doesn't let it distract her. 'When she walked back, you could see her smile. Usually when I see a penalty-taker smile, I think, 'This isn't a good sign.' Players often pretend they're fine, which means they're focused on appearing calm instead of on the shot itself. 'But that wasn't the case with Kelly's smile. It was a genuine reaction to Falk. She seemed truly relaxed in that moment. 'She finishes her walk back and stands for almost five seconds. The last thing she does before starting her trademark run-up is take a deep breath. 'Then comes the initiation (run-up). I'm not a biomechanic, but I admire the psychological aspect – it's so different and so unique. I don't think I've seen anyone, male or female, do anything like it. The courage to do that under pressure is admirable. 'Finally, the kick. She has a powerful shot to her left, with pace and precision. But this time she angled her foot and turned it to the right. The Swedish goalkeeper went the wrong way. 'No one else in the shootout did that. It looks like she tricked the keeper at the last moment. If that's the case – and it's hard to say for sure – then her technique is exceptional.' It turns out that her laugh was, indeed, a genuine reaction to the goalkeeper. And that ability to stay calm, even find humour, in the most intense moments is what sets Kelly apart. She recently admitted she still rewatches her 110th-minute winner against Germany in the 2022 final – 'If I ever need a little smile'. Tucked under her socks, Kelly wears shinpads printed with a photo of herself and her husband Scott Moore – a former Everton groundsman she met while playing there – on their wedding day alongside their dogs. A small personal reminder of home, even in the tensest of moments. Relaxed off the pitch – so relaxed she's known to take a two-hour nap on matchday – she becomes like a cocked gun, ready to fire the moment her number flashes green. It's been a turbulent season for Kelly, whose place in the Euros squad looked in serious jeopardy as late as February. A breakdown in relationship with Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor and an impasse over contract talks left her starting the season on the bench. Her falling-out with City turned into a very public row, where she accused the club of attempting to 'assassinate my character' and contributed to a deterioration in her mental health. Taylor, who was sacked by the club in March, maintained that Kelly was simply left out for selection reasons. Then, in January, a loan move to Arsenal offered a lifeline. After being dropped by Wiegman, Kelly forced the Dutch coach's hand after playing a pivotal role in the Gunners' run to the Champions League final. Her resurgence culminated in a starting spot in the final against Barcelona – and a gold medal around her neck. Three weeks ago, she made the move to Arsenal permanent. As for this tournament, Kelly has started every game from the bench as one of Wiegman's 'finishers', and there's even an argument that this is where she's most effective. Her team-mate Esme Morgan hinted at this in the aftermath of the victory against Sweden, saying: 'She seems to thrive on those moments when the team needs her to pull a performance out of the bag.'
Daily Mail
37 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Chelsea target £60m Bundesliga star to add to Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens signings - but Enzo Maresca's side may push for exits
Chelsea are targeting a move for RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons with the Blues expecting to offload more attacking talent this summer. Simons is expected to leave the Bundesliga club after their failure to secure Champions League football for the upcoming season. The Dutch international had joined RB Leipzig last summer on a permanent basis, with the deal worth an initial £43m, with a further £26m in possible add ons. Simons had spent two seasons on loan at the club from French giants PSG, while the former Barcelona academy prospect had also spent a year at PSV. The 22-year-old is believed to be open to a move to Chelsea this summer, with the Blues having held initial talks with his representatives. Chelsea have already strengthened heavily in attacking areas during the transfer window, with strikers Joao Pedro and Liam Delap joining for £60m and £30m respectively. Winger Jamie Gittens also joined from Borussia Dortmund for £55m, while highly rated Brazilian teenager Estevao will arrive from Palmeiras for £29m. A move for Simons would likely depend on outgoings from Stamford Bridge this summer. The Blues have already sold Noni Madueke to Arsenal in a £52m deal earlier this week. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca admitted last month that Christopher Nkunku may leave the club this summer. The Blues appear open to his departure despite signing the 27-year-old on a six-year deal for a hefty £52.7million just two years ago. Nicolas Jackson has also been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge having dropped down the pecking order. Chelsea insist they are in no rush to sell and value Jackson, who they signed two years ago for £32m, at £100m despite the search to find an upgrade. Raheem Sterling returned to the club this summer following his season-long loan at Arsenal, with Joao Felix back from a spell at AC Milan. Winger Mykhailo Mudryk was last month charged by the Football Association for breaking anti-doping rules following a failed drugs test, with the Ukrainian facing the threat of a four-year ban.
