Sport

Transfer news live updates: Latest from Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, plus England squad announcement

Gareth Southgate has this afternoon named his England squad for next month’s Nations League matches.

Elsewhere, new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag officially began his role at the club yesterday, while Liverpool‘s Thiago is in a race to be fit for his side’s Champions League final against Real Madrid on Saturday.

In European football, Kylian Mbappe revealed he called Real Madrid president Florentino Perez personally after rejecting the La Liga champion’s pursuits. Also, Hertha Berlin held off Hamburg to retain their place in next season’s German Bundesliga.

Stay here for all the analysis and reaction.
Wednesday: Roma vs Feyenoord, Europa Conference League final (20.00)
Saturday: Liverpool vs Real Madrid, Champions League final (20.00)
Sunday: Huddersfield Town vs Nottingham Forest, Championship play-off final (16.30)

For almost two decades, the experience of losing his eldest son Kurtis was something he kept locked deep inside, not ready to expose the wound he felt would never heal.

It’s that search for healing that eventually encouraged Townsend to talk. It will always be difficult. It will always take him back to the darkest day imaginable.

But he has come to realise that by opening up, he might be able to help others who have been through similar experiences. “It won’t ease the pain,” he says.

“The pain is rigid. It’s there. It aches. But it may help. And anyone that knows me knows that I’m the kind of person that if I can help someone, I will.”

The takeover has not been completed, however, as the purchase remains subject to the Government issuing the required sale licence.
May 24, 2022 at 12:41 PM EDT
Southgate feels the altercations during recent pitch invasions are systemic of growing societal issues but has called on football to address the problem before it dictates changes to the match-going experience.

«It is a concern,» he said after naming his squad for the quartet of Nations League games.

«There’s clearly a responsibility within football because when it is in our environment, we have got to do all we can to try and make sure it doesn’t happen.

«I think we all recognise that. But it’s a wider problem. It is behaviour and a reflection on where we are as a country at the moment. It is a difficult time for people, we are going to have more difficult times because of the economy and the realities of the situation we are in.»
May 24, 2022 at 11:13 AM EDT
The Ballon d’Or award for the best football player in the world will be awarded on October 17, organisers France Football magazine said on Tuesday.

The prestigious trophy will now be awarded on the basis of a regular season from August to July rather than a calendar year.

France Football said the nominees will be revealed on August 12. The ceremony in October will be held at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to the 2021 Copa America title, won the Ballon d’Or for a record-extending seventh time last year, beating Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho.
May 24, 2022 at 11:11 AM EDT
Jose Mourinho admits he does not know when he will call time on his illustrious managerial career as he targets another taste of European glory.

The 59-year-old will send his Roma side into Europa Conference League battle with Feyenoord at the Arena Kombetare in Tirana on Wednesday evening with the words of former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson ringing in his ears.

Mourinho was invited into Ferguson’s — and later his — office at Old Trafford ahead of a Champions League clash in March 2013 during his time as Real Madrid boss and was served with a warning of what lay ahead for him.

The Portuguese told UEFA’s official website: «I asked him,’What is it like, boss? Does it change? Does it change over the years?’. He said, ‘Forget about it. Nothing changes. It’s the same up until the very last day’.

«That is why I keep saying I cannot believe I am 59 years old. I cannot believe I have a 21 or 22-year career as a head coach.

«I cannot tell you when I am going to stop because I cannot visualise it. The passion doesn’t change.»
May 24, 2022 at 10:51 AM EDT
Tottenham’s majority shareholder — ENIC Sports — has invested £150 million into the club ahead of the summer transfer window.

The extra funds will be used to invest in the north London club both on and off the field.

For the full story, click here.
May 24, 2022 at 9:59 AM EDT
Dier has also enjoyed a good end to the season, helping Spur to a fourth-place finish, but again is not included in this England squad for the Nations League.

“Again, I agree Eric has played very well with Spurs,” Southgate said on the centre-back.

“We know Eric. We don’t know some of these younger ones as well. So we felt these were good matches to find out more about those. Eric’s obviously playing in the middle of a three, it’s a very specific position he’s playing, and the team have been excellent at the end of the season.

“So, we may well play with a three, we may well play with a four, we’ve got cover to do either of those things in the next few weeks.

“But he’s definitely in our thinking. But at this moment, we can’t give everybody time on the pitch that we’d like to. And we felt that investment of time in Fikayo, Marc, Ben White in particular, those younger ones, ahead of Eric for this camp, would be more valuable to us.”
May 24, 2022 at 9:48 AM EDT
The Leicester City midfielder has had a strong campaign, but still has not been included in a senior England squad.

Southgate said: “He’s finished the season very well. He’s obviously scoring goals. We just feel that we’re very happy with the players that have been with us in that area of the pitch.

“He’s competing with Mount, Foden, those types, in the role where he’s at his best.

“There are a couple of positions where there’s a lot of strength in depth, and there will always be a player you don’t pick, but to do that you’d have to leave somebody out, and they will probably be equally or more deserving.”
GO FURTHER
Why James Maddison’s numbers for Leicester are more than just ‘good’
May 24, 2022 at 9:32 AM EDT
The Athletic Football podcast takes a look at how Mbappe’s decision to stay in Paris will affect this summer’s transfers.
«This is Real Madrid; who get the best players in the world at the best moments.»@markchapman, @AdamCrafton_ and @dermotmcorrigan discuss the ramifications of Mbappe’s PSG decision…

🎙️ 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗧𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗣𝗢𝗗𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧
May 24, 2022 at 9:01 AM EDT
The West Ham man has finally been rewarded for his good form, with Leicester’s James Justin also handed a maiden call-up.

Click here for the full squad.

(Photo: Getty Images)
May 24, 2022 at 8:12 AM EDT
Kamara signed on a free transfer from Marseille yesterday, and has signed a five-year contract with Villa.

Gregg Evans has the details on how Villa secured the midfielder’s signature.
GO FURTHER
Villa saw off Atletico Madrid to sign Kamara – Gerrard factor will help secure more new faces
May 24, 2022 at 7:02 AM EDT
Goalkeeper and England international Sam Johnstone, as well as striker Andy Carroll and Romaine Sawyers, are among those to be released.

(Photo: Getty Images)

GO FURTHER
West Brom will have to move on from Sam Johnstone – so they should start now
May 24, 2022 at 6:37 AM EDT
Noussair Mazraoui has joined Bayern on a free transfer from Ajax.

The Moroccan right-back has signed a four-year deal with Bayern.

On his move, the 24-year-old said: «Straight from the first discussions with FC Bayern, I had a good feeling and I’m excited about joining one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

«FC Bayern have just become German champions for the 10th year in a row and will be among the contenders to win the Champions League again next season. I’ve chosen this club because I can win the biggest titles here.»
Welcome to #FCBayern, Noussair Mazraoui! 👋🔴⚪#MiaSanMia #ServusMazraoui
May 24, 2022 at 5:45 AM EDT
James McNicholas and David Ornstein have all the details ahead of what will be a crucial transfer window in north London.
🚨 CF & No 8 top priorities
🚨 Club prepared to pay premium for striker
🚨 2nd FWD may be dependent on Nketiah decision
🚨 LCB on agenda
🚨 Saliba still awaiting Arsenal plan
🚨 Hickey admired but no bid
🚨 RB not priority at this stage@TheAthleticUK https://t.co/FDqAnYaZyQ
May 24, 2022 at 5:00 AM EDT
The latest out of Tottenham Hotspur from yesterday is that the club hierarchy will tell Antonio Conte in the coming days that they intend to fully back him this summer if he stays at the club, The Athletic understands.

Chairman Daniel Levy is expected to offer Conte a clutch of new signings, including established, experienced players.

Charlie Eccleshare has more.
May 24, 2022 at 4:10 AM EDT
The Arsenal loanee has spent the campaign with Real Betis, making 32 appearances in all competitions and helping his side to a fifth-place finish in La Liga.

Bellerin, 27, seems to confirm he will leave Betis at the end of his spell.
💚🤍 pic.twitter.com/riRZ99fpYx
May 24, 2022 at 3:37 AM EDT
What might have been for Liverpool…

«We talked a little bit, but not too much. We talked a little bit,» Mbappe told the Telegraph.

«I talked to Liverpool because it’s the favourite club of my mum, my mum loves Liverpool. I don’t know why, you will have to ask her!

«It’s a good club and we met them five years ago. When I was in Monaco I met them. It’s a big club.»

(Photo: Getty Images)
May 24, 2022 at 3:01 AM EDT
Pep has left his mark throughout the English football pyramid.
Pep Guardiola’s influence goes beyond winning titles with Man City.

Other coaches are fascinated by him — more and more teams are following his methods.

Our report: how the Guardiola effect has influenced other clubs, academies, even the England team.
https://t.co/v4C5ApmggE
May 24, 2022 at 2:32 AM EDT
Stick with us today for all the latest from around the football world.

source

Sport

Matchday Guide: Boro vs Mariners

Take a read our matchday guide ahead of tomorrow’s game vs Grimsby Town at The Lamex Stadium in Sky Bet League Two…

Kicking off at 3pm in Sky Bet League Two, Steve Evans’ men know three points will be enough to secure promotion to League One when Paul Hurst’s Mariners visit SG2.

In front of a sold-out Lamex Stadium, the atmosphere is set to be electric as Boro aim for one more win to complete their season objective.

Saturday’s fixture is completely SOLD-OUT. No tickets will be sold on the day, so if you do not have a ticket, please do not travel.

For those with seat tickets, we recommend arrival at the stadium earlier than usual to ensure you are seated in your allocated seat.

Our North Stand and East Terrace are operating at 90% capacity due to restrictions placed by the Safety Advisory Group.

A Message to Supporters
At this crucial stage of the year, we must remind you in the interests of safety for everyone inside our stadium, that the pitch is for managers, players and match officials, while the stands are there for you to support the team.

Pitch incursions are dangerous and anyone who does encroach onto the playing surface will face strong sanctions that could include a ban from attending matches here at The Lamex Stadium, across the country and police action.

Furthermore, the use of pyrotechnics or smoke bombs at football grounds also carries an automatic ban and is something we take very seriously.

We appreciate your relentless support for our Club, but please do not put others at risk in doing so.

supporters are encouraged to stick around after Saturday’s final home league game of the season against Grimsby Town, in anticipation of the 2022/23 Supporters’ Association End of Season Awards.

As a reminder to supporters, these awards can only take place if the pitch is clear and safe for the players.

Club Shop & Ticket Office…
The Stevenage FC Club Shop is open at the earlier time of 11:30am on Saturday, closing at kick-off. The shop will also be open briefly at full-time.

Visit us in-store to collect Barrow AFC (A) tickets or purchase and browse our new leisurewear selection.

The North Stand Ticket Office, located on Broadhall Way, opens at midday and closes fifteen minutes after kick-off (3.15pm) for match ticket collections or queries. No tickets will be sold on the day.

Food & Drink…
The 76 Lounge

Open to home & away supporters from midday, at half-time for North Stand ticket holders and again for all from full-time to 8pm.

Supporters can also purchase hot food and drinks inside The 76 Lounge from 3.15pm which can be accessed via both side door of the North Stand.

Fans can move between The 76 Lounge and the tea bar area inside the North Stand to purchase food & drinks.

The Broadhall Suite

The Broadhall Suite is open to both sets of supporters from midday until kick-off, with a variety of drinks to choose from as well as a hot food matchday menu. This venue opens once again at full-time until 8pm.

Tea Bars

Tea bars around The Lamex Stadium are card only when purchasing food and drink around the ground.

How to Follow…
UK-based supporters can listen to Stevenage vs Grimsby Town with an iFollow Audio Match Pass, available to purchase for £2.50.

Overseas supporters can watch the action live with an iFollow Audio Match Pass, available for just £10.

Sport

Match Preview: Stevenage vs Grimsby Town

Stevenage can secure promotion to Sky Bet League One tomorrow as they welcome Grimsby Town to a sold-out Lamex Stadium…

After Tuesday’s triumph in Swindon, Stevenage sit third in League Two and four points clear of Stockport County in fourth with just two games left to play.

Grimsby Town occupy eleventh place in the league table and, whilst they are unable to reach the play-off places, they will undoubtedly be looking to spoil Stevenage’s fun. The Mariners’ away form has been satisfactory this campaign, winning nine away league fixtures from twenty-two. Grimsby also had a successful FA Cup run, reaching the Quarter finals before being knocked out by Brighton and Hove Albion.

They have had a mixed bag of results recently, so will be unpredictable going into tomorrow’s match. On Tuesday, they picked up a 2-0 victory at home to Crewe Alexandra through goals by Gavan Holohan and Danilo Orsi. But three days prior, Grimsby suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Tranmere.

Paul Hurst is currently enjoying his second spell as Grimsby boss after spending 2011-2016 in charge of The Mariners. Last season, he led his side to National League Play-off Final glory, after beating Solihull Moors at The London Stadium. Hurst previously had managerial spells at Ipswich, Scunthorpe, Shrewsbury and Boston United.

Will Finnie has been appointed Match Referee for tomorrow’s match, with Scott Williams and Damith Bandara as Assistants, and Stephen Finch as Fourth Official.

Finnie has handed out ninety-five yellow cards and just one red in thirty matches this campaign.

Sport

The Link Between Religicide and Violence Against Women

Violence against women has emerged as one of the hallmarks of religicide. Religious, civil society and business leaders must stop it in its tracks.

Involuntary sterilization and birth control in China. Honor killing in Iraq. State-sponsored rape in Myanmar. Forced marriage in Syria. Female genital mutilation in sub-Saharan Africa.

These are among the weapons used to control women today and throughout history – and likely among the many practices that will be denounced and discussed today on International Women’s Day. Yet an unrecognized form of human rights violation must be added to this litany of abuses in which women’s bodies are the battleground: religicide.

Religicide is the systematic, highly targeted effort to eradicate an entire religion, including its practices, adherents, sacred spaces, habitats and cultural heritage. Religicide plays out largely by controlling the reproductive choices of women, who they marry and who has access to their bodies.

Violence against women has emerged as one of the hallmarks of religicide. It has been practiced in China against Uyghur Muslims, in Iraq against Yazidis and in Myanmar against Rohingya Muslims. This abuse of women is a form of genocide-in-slow-motion.

Intimate partner violence is the most common form of violence against women, affecting around 641 million women and girls globally, according to the World Health Organization. Religicide fosters a form of such violence – rape, which is used as a weapon to wipe out religious identity. In religicide, women forcibly “married” to men of other faiths – or no faith – often must submit to those men or risk losing their lives along with their religious identities. Children from these marriages are under their father’s control. Women escaping religious enslavement would have to abandon their own children.

In China, the Communist Party is taking control of Uyghur women’s bodies through forced birth control in the form of implants, involuntary sterilizations and pills, according to The New York Times and other outlets. Some women say they’ve been forced into giving up their faith and marrying Han Chinese men. They’re free to get pregnant in these marriages – with babies through whom their Muslim faith will not likely be passed on.

According to a report by Human Rights Watch, women say they have been raped repeatedly in prison and subject to genital torture with electric prods. Outside of prison, according to the rights group, Uyghur women’s reproduction is monitored by the local government. There are harsh punishments for unauthorized pregnancies, with violators being sent to reeducation camps. Unless removed by a state-approved medical practitioner, those who take out intrauterine devices – even for medical reasons – are subject to fines and imprisonment.