SPORTS DIGEST: Stars like Murray speaking out can spark much-needed change in tackling social media abuse

Daily Mail​

a day ago

For better or worse, social media is now a part of everyday life. Unfortunately, where athletes are concerned, it seems there's far more bad than good these days.
Tennis is the latest sport to spotlight the issue, with several stars revealing horrific online abuse.
Katie Boulter spoke out last week about receiving vile messages, including death threats, after losing matches. 'It becomes more apparent every single time you go on your phone,' the British No2 said of the online hate.
'I think it increases in number and it also increases in the level of things that people say. I don't think there's anything off the cards now.'
Other stars have now joined her in calling for more to be done to tackle the scourge of online abuse. Fellow Brits Harriet Dart and Sonay Kartal are among those urging more action, such as the introduction of identification measures for those creating social media accounts.
Andy Murray then became the latest big name to speak on the topic, telling the BBC: 'I think it's positive any time anyone can speak out about it. It's great that (Katie) talked about it.
'Athletes across all sports have been discussing this for a long time, but it hasn't really changed. Hopefully something can get done soon.'
The Scot also revealed he and his wife Kim will be keeping their children – aged between four and nine - away from social media as long as possible due to the dangers.
Asked what can be done to deter online abusers, he said: 'If I'm being honest I don't know.
'Me and my wife are trying to keep our children off social media until they are much older, because I think it can be pretty damaging.
'I don't know whose responsibility it is, I don't know if the government needs to do more to tackle it, or (X owner) Elon Musk and people like that can do more to stop these messages getting through to individuals.
'I don't mean just athletes, but then you get into the whole debate around free speech and it's a difficult one.'
It's certainly a thorny issue but it's clear more must be done to protect athletes whose jobs are pressurised enough without vile abuse affecting them. We may never have a perfect solution, but when big names such as Murray join the conversation, seeing some real action surely becomes a more tangible possibility.
Fixtures announced as SWPL enters new era
It's a new era in the Scottish Women's Premier League and the hype has increased this week after the fixtures for the new season were released.
The reconstructed league will officially kick off on August 17, with a new 10-team top flight, reduced by two teams from the previous campaign. The second tier has increased by two teams, meaning both divisions now have 10 clubs.
The new look is just one of the reasons the 2025/26 campaign is so hotly anticipated. SWPL 1 is one of the most competitive leagues around, and last season saw a dramatic three-way fight for the crown. Hibs completed a remarkable run to the title on the final day, beating out Glasgow City and Rangers to become champions for the first time in 18 years.
Grant Scott's side will begin the new season at home to Aberdeen, while Glasgow City will face Motherwell. Rangers – still on the hunt for a new manager after Jo Potter left for Crystal Palace – are away to Montrose on the opening day.
After failing to defend their title in a disappointing campaign, Celtic have been handed a tough first assignment away to Hearts, as last season's fourth and fifth-placed teams look to get off to a good start. Newly promoted Hamilton will take on Partick Thistle, now managed by David Elliot after Brian Graham left to play for Falkirk.
In the second tier, there's plenty of change too. No fewer than five teams are new in the league from last season; East Fife and University of Striring have been promoted from the Women's Championship, while Spartans, Dundee United and Queen's Park were all relegated from the top flight.
'We believe these changes will help deliver two extremely competitive and entertaining divisions,' said SWPL managing director Fiona McIntyre.
'With six different league winners in the last three years across both divisions, the SWPL has become one of the most entertaining and competitive leagues in Europe, already gaining a reputation for final-day drama. We anticipate another compelling season as clubs battle to finish in the top six and fight to avoid relegation in both leagues.
'We can't wait to get the new campaign under way and I would encourage as many fans as possible to play their part by getting along to a SWPL match on the opening day to see elite football delivered locally in what we anticipate may be the best season of SWPL action yet.'
Lapointe seals deal to save Sons
There was great news for Dumbarton fans earlier this week as Canadian businessman Mario Lapointe completed his takeover of the club.
It's been a difficult period for the embattled Sons, who were plunged into administration in November and were hit with a 15-point deduction. The club were then relegated to League Two, where they will begin the new season with a further five-point deficit.
Fans have rallied, raising over £100,000 to try and save the team. But fears were raised again last month when a prospective deal with Gareth Phillips to save the club from administration collapsed after the businessman withdrew his offer due to health reasons.
However, Lapointe stepped in and struck a deal to take over the club, now operating under the name The Dumbarton Football Club Ltd after the previous company was dissolved.
'So many people have helped to get to this conclusion but most importantly has been the support of the fans,' said a statement from administrators Craig Morrison and Ian Wright.
'We wish Mario and everyone involved with the Club every success for the season ahead and for the longer term future of the Sons.'
The entrepreneur, owner of electronics manufacturing company SMT-ASSY, met with supporters on Wednesday and is set to attend this weekend's friendly against St Mirren.
With the 152-year-old club now saved, there is renewed optimism for Sons fans after a long period of financial hardship. Nothing is ever guaranteed for a club of their size, but one of Scotland's oldest footballing institutions can at least now have hope for the future.
McGregor ruled out...of his own testimonial!
Testimonial matches are one of football's great traditions. A long-serving player gets their moment in the sun, fans get to celebrate one of their own and it's one of those rare occasions in the sport where everything around a club feels harmonious.
Spare a thought for poor old Darren McGregor then. The former defender is set to be honoured by Hibs next month in a testimonial against Bolton to mark a decade since he joined the Easter Road club.
However, the 39-year-old will not be able to play in the match on July 19 after being involved in a car accident.
McGregor was part of the club's historic 2016 Scottish Cup win and after making almost 200 appearances for the Leith side, retired in 2023. He has since been coach of the club's Under-18 side.
'It's with sadness we can confirm that Darren McGregor won't be able to play in his testimonial match against Bolton Wanderers next month,' said Hibs in a statement.
'McGregor was involved in a vehicle collision on Friday evening (20 June, 2025) and is now recovering after undergoing surgery at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Everyone associated with the football club and Darren McGregor's testimonial wishes him a speedy recovery.
'Whilst 'Daz' can't feature in the match, he will still be able to attend, with the game commemorating his fantastic career.'
Thankfully, McGregor is on the mend but he still would have imagined his well deserved lap of honour coming in slightly different style.