Home Blog Page 43

Vinicius Junior: Benfica claim ‘defamation campaign’ against Gianluca Prestiani after racism accusation

1

José Mourinho, the manager of Benfica, stated in his post-match interview that he received conflicting information about the incident from both Vincius and Prestiani.

Mourinho, who managed Real for 178 games between 2010 and 2013, said Vinicius had behaved disrespectfully in his goal celebration and pointed to his legendary striker Eusebio as proof that Benfica is not a racist club.

Benfica said, “The club clearly and unequivocally reaffirms its historic and steadfast determination to defend the values ​​of equality, respect and inclusion, which are in line with the core values ​​of its foundation and of which Eusébio is their greatest symbol.”

The comments by Mourinho and Benfica have been criticised by many.

This includes the anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out.

Kick It Out chairman Sanjay Bhandari said both the club and the manager had “failed.”.

“It’s a instinct to trust your player, but the reality is they didn’t listen to it,” Bhandari told BBC Sport.

“There were only two people in that conversation and two people could hear what was said.

“I think the best response from a club of the outstanding stature of Benfica would be for us to cooperate with the investigation.

“It’s quite common after these types of discriminatory incidents. Discrimination is one thing; gaslighting is another.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he was “shocked and saddened” by the incident and praised Letexier for activating anti-racism protocols.

“There is absolutely no room for racism in our sport and society – we need all relevant stakeholders to take action and hold those responsible accountable,” he said.

“I will always repeat: no to racism, no to discrimination of any kind!”

Source link

Mikaela Shiffrin wins Winter Olympic slalom gold in emphatic style

1

After claiming an emotional Olympic gold, Mikaela Shiffrin’s thoughts turned to one man who wasn’t there — her father, Jeff.

The American crossed the line as Olympic slalom champion, as she did 12 years earlier in Sochi at the age of 18.

Only this time, as he hugged his mother and coaches, he missed his father, who had passed away six years ago.

She said, “For my father, who didn’t get a chance to see this. This was the moment I dreamed about. I’m also very scared of this moment.”

“Everything you do in life after losing a loved one is like a new experience.

“It’s like being born again and I still have moments where I resist it. I don’t want to live without my father and today was probably the first time I could really accept this reality.

“Instead of thinking that I would rather be in this moment without her, take that moment to be quiet with her.”

Shiffrin spent almost a year away from the sport following the loss.

which she called an “invisible injury”—while she has spoken openly about her mental health struggles.

His victory in Italy, winning the gold medal in emphatic fashion by an extraordinary margin of 1.50 seconds, cemented his name among the greats of alpine skiing.

Following his success in Sochi and then Pyeongchang in 2018, the 30-year-old clocked a total of 1:39:10 to become a three-time Olympic champion.

The intervening eight years without an Olympic medal have brought many challenges for Shiffrin, both inside and outside the sport.

But she said the most important thing Wednesday was to “show up” to the race.

“Just to be there for two runs and do something that’s within me and I know how to do, that’s a huge task,” she said.

“It’s not always easy. Sometimes it feels impossible. In the end, today, it was about cutting out the noise and being simple with it.”

Make sure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google searches by making us a favourite source. Click here to activate. Or add us as your preferred source to your Google search settings.

Source link

A boyfriend was severely beaten by a man, forcing her to eat with a straw and have a metal plate put in her skull.

1

Jonathan Kingsbury, 41, violently attacked his partner in Cork in 2023, leaving her with a broken jaw, an eye, a broken nose, and two missing teeth.

Cork Circuit Criminal Court

Cork Circuit Criminal Court (Image: CorkBio/Thomas Lawrence)

A man who attacked his partner so violently that she had to eat and drink using a straw for months has been jailed.

Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that Jonathan Kingsbury, 41, slammed his partner’s head against a counter and a wall in their home after returning from a night out on March 11, 2023. He has been sentenced to three years in jail.

Garda Aisling Brosnan said Kingsbury, who had been drinking in a pub in Cork, punched the woman in the face, “put his hands around her neck and threw heavy kitchen utensils at her.”. During the attack he also broke the victim’s phone.

The woman was hospitalised for three days and required surgery to have metal plates inserted into both sides of her broken jaw. Cork b Report. His eye bone was also broken, his nose was broken and two teeth were broken.

Make sure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google searches by making us a favourite source. Click here to activate. Or add us as your preferred source to your Google search settings.

Ms. Brosnan said the woman “ran out of the house and called neighbours, who contacted the gardaí.” Kingsbury, formerly of Connolly Road in Ballyfehen and most recently of Shull, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and criminal damage.

In a victim impact statement, the woman described suffering from anxiety and being reluctant to leave her home. She said, “Before going anywhere, I’ll have anxiety attacks. It’s terrible. I want to cry. I want to be sick; I start shaking. I start thinking too much about things.”

“When I go out, it’s just a rush to get the work done and get back home. I’m always afraid I might bump into him. When I sleep, sometimes I have a dream and maybe he’s in the dream, so I wake up and that’s it – I’m awake and lying in bed or walking up and down the kitchen with anxiety.

“Sometimes if I hear noises at night, I’m scared he’s at my door. I even got my locks changed because I didn’t know if he had keys. I was always flirtatious, but now I don’t go out.”

The victim said her jaw is still stiff and the metal plates make her anxious about travelling. “I’m going abroad in June and I’m scared of the machines and metal detectors at the airport; I’m scared that my jaw will destroy them,” she said.

“This is my first time going abroad after the attack. For several months after that, I was eating and drinking through a straw. I even lost two teeth because of the punches he gave me.”

Defence barrister Nikki O’Sullivan BL said her client wanted to apologise again and reassure the victim he would never come near her again. He said he was disgusted with himself for his actions and had been sober for the past 18 months.

Judge Helen Boyle said the attack had a serious psychological and physical impact on the victim.

The judge said, “After this she spent several months eating and drinking from straws. Her jaw still clenches very easily. She was afraid of meeting you, and her daughter was also very afraid of bumping into you.”

The fact that your partner suffered an attack in his own home is a grave concern. There was some element of not accepting that it was entirely your fault. It is very clear to everyone here that the blame for the brutal attack on you lies with you.”

Judge Boyle acknowledged that Kingsbury was “genuinely remorseful” for his actions and had spared the victim the trauma of having to give evidence at trial.

He also said Kingsbury is no longer using drugs or alcohol and is unlikely to pose a risk to the victim in the future. However, she warned that if he did it again, he could pose a threat to his intimate partner in the future.

The judge jailed Kingsbury for three years and nine months, suspending the final nine months for a two-year period. The one-year sentence for criminal damage will run concurrently. Upon release, Kingsbury must maintain good behaviour and engage with the probation and welfare service.

Source link

Preview of the Recopa Sudamericana: Lanús vs. Flamengo in the Continental Champions’ Battle

1

The 2026 Recopa Sudamericana final will take place on Thursday evening as Argentine side Lanus host Brazilian side Flamengo in the first leg of the final.

This competition is unique as it replicates the old, historical Copa Libertadores format, which featured a two-leg final.

The Recopa Sudamericana is the only competition still standing in the traditional two-legged finals format, preserving a piece of South American football history in an era that has moved towards one-off showpiece events.

The last meeting between these teams was back in 2012 in the Copa Libertadores. The first match in the group stage saw Lanus draw 1-1 against Flamengo, before the Rio de Janeiro side ran out 3-0 winners at home in the second leg.

However, despite that emphatic win, Flamengo were eliminated at the group stage and failed to make any further progress in the competition.

Lanus, meanwhile, progressed to the knockout rounds but was eventually eliminated in the next round, losing on penalties to Flamengo’s bitter rival Vasco da Gama.

Lanus

Lanús won the Copa Sudamericana and advanced to the finals of the Recopa Sudamericana. They progressed through the group stage, topping their group, before eliminating Central Córdoba, Fluminense and Universidad de Chile en route to the final.

In the final, they faced Atlético Mineiro, and after a tense and cagey contest ended 0–0, Lanus won 5-4 on penalties. It was a match that lacked quality in front of goal but was brought to life by the exciting atmosphere in Asuncion created by the Argentine and Brazilian supporters.

In 2026, Lanus played six matches, winning three, drawing two and losing one. However, their recent form has not been as strong as they had hoped, with two draws and a defeat in their last three matches.

Heading into this match, they faced Independiente and lost 2–0, with both goals coming in the second half in a disappointing performance.

Lanus have participated in the competition once before, following their Copa Sudamericana victory in 2013. On that occasion, they faced Atlético Mineiro in the Recopa Sudamericana but lost 5–3 on aggregate after extra time.

It was a hard-fought tie, but eventually the quality of the Brazilian team proved decisive, denying Lanus the chance to add another continental title to their history.

Nevertheless, Lanus will feel confident going into this final after already beating Vasco da Gama to secure top spot in their group and defeating Fluminense in the Copa Sudamericana last season. They will now hope to add Flamengo to that list and further strengthen an already historic run for the club.

LANUS TEAM NEWS

Lanus rested several key players in their recent matches, with Marcelino Moreno and Rodrigo Castillo both resting against Independiente as the club prioritised its push for silverware.

Both players are expected to return to the starting lineup, and head coach Mauricio Pellegrino has nearly a full squad.

The only absentee is Raul Loiza, who is sidelined as he recovers from a knee injury.

Flamengo

Flamengo are the current holders of the Copa Libertadores, having secured their place in the competition. They also participated in the 2025 Intercontinental Cup, but Paris Saint-Germain defeated them in a penalty shootout.

Their launch in 2026, however, did not go entirely to plan. They lost 2–0 to Corinthians in Brasilia in the Supercopa do Brasil. Their league campaign also started below expectations, with a 2–1 defeat to São Paulo in their opening match, followed by a disappointing 1–1 draw against Internazionale.

They had some redemption in their third league match, as they showed signs of improvement, winning 2-1 at Vitoria.

Most recently, Flamengo beat bitter rivals Botafogo 2-1 to book their place in the semi-finals of the Campeonato Carioca. Goals from Lucas Paqueta, the most expensive signing in Brazilian football history, and Erik Pulgar sealed an important victory and provided a timely boost of confidence ahead of the Recopa Sudamericana final.

In 2025, Rubro Negro progressed through their Copa Libertadores group stage, finishing second in Group C ahead of Argentine side Central Córdoba on goal difference.

They then reached the finals after defeating Internacional, Estudiantes, and Racing in the knockout rounds.

In the final, they faced Palmeiras and secured a 1–0 win over Lima, with a decisive header from Danilo proving the difference and seal. Flamengo once again claimed the title of South American champions.

Flamengo has a solid record against Argentinian opposition. Across 76 matches against Argentine sides, they have won 33, drawn 23 and lost 20.

Flamengo previously won the competition at the 2020 Recopa Sudamericana, defeating Independiente del Valle 5–2 on aggregate to lift the trophy.

However, Independiente del Valle exacted their revenge in the 2023 edition. After the tie ended 1-1, the Ecuador team won the penalty shootout.

Flamengo Team News

Flamengo received some positive injury news before the match. Pedro, who complained of discomfort after their recent Carioca game, has been ruled out of any serious injury and is available for selection by Felipe Luis.

Uruguayan full-back Guillermo Varela also returns after recovering from an ankle problem, giving the squad another boost.

Jorginho and Saul are the only unavailable players for the Rubro-Negro, as they continue their recovery.

Source link

Paris prosecutors launch two investigations into Epstein and call on victims to come forward

0

Paris prosecutors launched two new investigations.

Paris—Paris prosecutors launched two new investigations into possible sex abuse crimes and related financial wrongdoing on Wednesday. Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of millions of files on the millionaire financier and convicted sex offender, urged additional potential victims to come forward.

Paris prosecutor Laurence Becuau said efforts were being made to use it in the investigation. The US administration’s released files, media reports, and newly filed complaints all contribute to the investigation.

“All that data … some will highlight others to be able to get a well-informed, very comprehensive, panoramic view,” Becu said on France Info news broadcaster.

One investigation will focus on sexual exploitation crimes, the other on financial irregularities, each involving a special magistrate, he said.

The move comes after the US Justice Department released more than 3 million pages of documents as well as thousands of videos and photos related to Epstein, who died behind bars in 2019.

“These publications will inevitably reactivate the trauma of some victims,” ​​he said. “We are confident that some (victims) may not necessarily be known to us, and perhaps these publications will encourage them to come forward.”

He called on victims who may have never spoken out before to file formal complaints or create witness accounts to spur French and foreign investigations.

Bekuu also said that some of the material from the old investigation should be revisited in light of new revelations.

She made reference to the ongoing investigation. As a French modelling agent, Jean-Luc Brunel was accused of rape and sex trafficking minors.

The investigation was closed in 2022 after he was found dead in a prison cell in Paris. Brunel, a frequent partner of Epstein, was considered the centrepiece of a French investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of women and girls by Epstein and his group.

Epstein travelled frequently to France and had apartments in Paris.

In France, the highest-profile individual to be affected by the recent release of the Epstein files is Jacques Lang, the 86-year-old former culture minister. Stepped down earlier this month as head of the Arab World Institute in Paris on suspicion of tax fraud.

The financial prosecutors’ office began investigating Lange and her daughter Caroline Lange’s alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein through an offshore company based in the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea.

Source link

No. 6 Florida State softball hosts Louisiana: preview, how to watch, game thread

0

Florida State softball returns to Tallahassee.

After going 2-2 in Clearwater, Florida State softball returns to Tallahassee, where they will host the Ragin’ Cajuns. Currently 6-3, they have both lost to Jacksonville State and Ole Miss.

New Ragin’ Cajuns

  • Kennedy Marceau (@Alabama): .310 BA / 9 R / 13 H / 2 HR / 9 RBI

  • Madison Manning (@LSU): .289 BA / 3 R / 11 H / 5 RBI

  • Juliana Tipton (@ Arizona State): 50 IP / 5-2 W/L / 33 SO

advertisement

Return of the Cajuns

  • Sage Hoover: 4.96 ERA / 18.1 IP / 22 H / 16 R / 10 BB / 12 SO / .301 B/AVG

  • Lexie Delbrey: 2.74 ERA / 15.1 IP / 14 H / 6 R / 9 BB / 17 SO / .255 B/AVG

main exit

  • Kayla Falterman: .388 BA/24 R/47 H/17 RBI

  • Maddie Haden: .376 BA/46 R/67 H/18 RBI

  • Mallory Wheeler: 3.48 ERA / 136.2 IP 136 H / 78 R / 63 BB / 81 SO / 6 HR / .262 B/AVG

Statistical comparison

Era: FSU (2.58), ULL (3.88

Batting Average: FSU (.355), ULL (.300)

Scoring: FSU (7.33), ULL (6.

Fielding Percentage: FSU (.983), ULL (.969)

how to watch

FSU vs. ULL will see first pitch on Tuesday, February 17th at 6pm on the ACCNX

Source link

Sheriff says Guthrie family not suspects in the kidnapping.

1

The sheriff has confirmed that Nancy Guthrie’s family is not a suspect in her kidnapping.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said her family, including “all the siblings and spouses”, have been cooperative and compassionate as authorities investigate the kidnapping.

Mr Nanos said, “To suggest otherwise is not only wrong but cruel. The Guthrie family is enduring immense suffering.

This news comes as the case involving the mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie enters its third week.

On Sunday, investigators said they had obtained a DNA sample from a glove found near Arizona 84-year-old Nancy’s home, which appears to match a pair worn by a masked stalker seen in doorbell camera footage before her abduction.

Nancy’s family last saw her on January 31, when they dropped her off at her home near Tucson after dinner.

Officials said relatives reported him missing the next day.

Mr Nanos said Nancy, who has a pacemaker, had extremely limited physical mobility and could not leave her home without assistance, leading investigators to believe she was taken against her will.

The FBI releases new details of a masked stalker painted outside Nancy's home Image: FBI
image:
The FBI releases new details of a masked stalker painted outside Nancy’s home. Image: FBI

Since his disappearance, at least two alleged ransom notes have surfaced.

Both were initially handed over to media outlets, but there was no direct contact between Ms Guthrie’s alleged captors and her family or authorities.

Read more:
FBI releases details about the suspect. Nancy Guthrie
America remains silent as the search for Nancy Guthrie enters its third week.

Blood stains on her front porch were later confirmed by DNA tests on Ms Guthrie, authorities said last week.

Law enforcement and family members have described him as in poor health, requiring daily medication to survive.

TV host Savannah Guthrie and her mother Nancy. Image: NBC/TODAY/Reuters
image:
TV host Savannah Guthrie and her mother, Nancy. Image: NBC/TODAY/ Reuters

Savannah, 54, co-anchors the popular NBC show and has shared several video messages with her brother, Cameron Guthrie, and sister, Annie Guthrie.

Together, both are pleading for the return of their mother and appealing to the public to provide information.

Mr Nanos said there had been no evidence of survival since the abduction but added that “there is also no evidence of death”.

He said his working assumption is that he is alive.

Source link

Unemployment reached the highest rate in almost five years.

1

Britain’s unemployment rate has risen again – to the highest level in almost five years, according to new official figures.

The unemployment rate rose to 5.2% in December, the highest in the three months to January 2021, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed.

When Labour took power in 2024, promising economic growth, the figure was 4.1%.

chart visualization

The ONS said more people out of work are now actively looking for a job, while the number of unemployed people per job vacancy is at a new high since the pandemic. However, there has been a slight change in the number of jobs in the last few months.

Redundancies are also increasing, according to ONS data.

Money Blog: ‘I booked an emergency plumber and canceled after a few minutes but was still charged.’

Not everyone has the same unemployment rate; unemployment among those aged 18 to 24 increased from 13.7% to 14%.

However, the ONS continues to advise caution when interpreting changes in the monthly unemployment rate and the number of job vacancies over concerns about the reliability of the data.

Why is unemployment increasing?

The new figures come as more than a third of employers say they are cutting hiring because of new workers’ rights, according to a survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

The Employment Rights Act, which became law in December, guarantees workers’ rights, including parental leave and sick pay, from the first day on the job.

Employing staff has become even more expensive due to an increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions in April.

Millions of minimum wage earners got pay hike

Catherine Mann, a senior economist and interest rate setter at the Bank of England, said over the weekend that the higher minimum wage for young workers contributed to the rise in unemployment among that group.

Gulf in salary hike in private and public sector

The rate of wage growth has also declined and the gap between private and public sector wage growth remains.

Average annual income grew by 7.2% for the public sector and 3.4% for the private sector. This higher public sector figure is due to some salary increases being issued earlier in 2025 than in 2024.

Overall, wages rose 4.2% in the three months to December, down from 4.4% seen a month earlier.

What does this mean for interest rates

Slower wage growth could be welcome news for interest rate setters at the Bank of England, as higher wage growth could push up overall prices and make it harder to reduce inflation.

Interest rates have been kept relatively high at 3.75%, as the bank attempts to reduce inflation to 2%.

Traders now think there is an 81% chance of a rate cut in March.

Now another cut is likely to be seen in September, which will bring the cost of borrowing down to 3.25%.

Source link

Non-league Macclesfield almost had FA Cup chances denied again

1

“I really couldn’t be more proud of the team. I’m incredibly proud that we went head-to-head with two Premier League teams and only lost by an own goal.

“All the players are gutted and obviously Sam is the same; he scored an own goal. Every player knows what they have done for this club, so we should all be proud.

We are now returning to our primary focus in the league. We train twice a week and we had that performance against a Premier League team. You should be proud of that achievement.

“I started my football career at this club and I also started my managerial career there. We want to progress and get promoted. We want to try and go to the playoffs.”

Macclesfield fans arrived with a storm of optimism; after a storm two hours before kick-off, a rainbow appeared over this compact, atmospheric stadium, offering an omen that they could claim another pot of gold.

And how he enjoyed another visit to the Premier League team, chanting “West Ham away” after hearing of the fifth-round draw, then “Are you Palace in disguise?” as he tore into Brentford – physically and with his football – in the opening exchanges.

Paul Dawson, the captain of Macclesfield and the hero of the 2-1 victory against Palace, narrowly missed a rematch with a 20-yard shot.

the non-league team shook up the elite opposition.

The mix included every classic FA Cup element. With the added factor of Moss Rose’s 4G artificial surface, the non-league side shook up the elite opposition, with a group of PE teachers, podcasters, and property developers in their squad.

There was nothing artificial about the atmosphere and every Macclesfield fan felt another whiff of the cool night air.

Few other competitions could deliver such a spectacular performance and the FA Cup was reorganised.

In some cases, the half-time whistle came at a bad time for Macclesfield, as it disrupted their momentum and allowed Brentford to breathe and regroup.

Brentford head coach Andrews made seven changes, leaving out his big attacking weapon Igor Thiago altogether. It was a high-risk strategy and there were moments in the first 45 minutes that looked like it might backfire.

And even after Heathcote suffered the devastating blow of an own goal, Macclesfield refused to allow Brentford to close out the game, forcing several tough clearances in the area before referee Darren England blew the final whistle on this FA Cup odyssey.

Macclesfield will now return to their real-world existence against King’s Lynn Town on Saturday – but they have made FA Cup memories that will live forever with the players and fans of one club.

Source link

Britain faces a risk of more flooding in the coming months after record-breaking January weather, according to UK news.

1
Britain faces a risk of more flooding in the coming months after record-breaking January weather, according to UK news.

Parts of the UK could be at risk of further flooding in the coming months

because of so much rainfall so far this year, according to new analysis.

The latest official data from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) shows that rivers in the south and south-west of England reached exceptionally high levels in January, with some breaking records.

And in areas prone to flooding, the soil has become so saturated that water is rising from the ground – an invisible threat that can suddenly occur. flood Home.

Flooding in Salisbury, Wiltshire
image:
Flooding in Salisbury, Wiltshire

The Environment Agency (EA) has also warned of a significant risk of so-called groundwater flooding, which could last for months.

Mark Garrett, flood charge manager at the agency, said, “Significant groundwater flood impacts are possible in parts of Dorset and Wiltshire, with minor groundwater impacts possible in Hampshire and West Sussex.

“Due to continued rising levels, minor impacts of groundwater flooding are possible in Kent and East Sussex.”

Check the weather forecast in your area

UKCEH monthly figures confirm that Northern Ireland and the southwest of England had the wettest January on record, with 170% of their normal rainfall.

Northern Ireland and parts of England have their wettest January on record
image:
Northern Ireland and parts of England have their wettest January on record

It was one of the five wettest Januarys since 1890 for the southern counties of England.

River levels rose in affected areas as a result, with three reaching their highest flows of January and two setting records.

Why is Britain flooding?

Borehole monitoring in Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Sussex and Kent also revealed that groundwater levels were above normal at 29 locations.

The level was so high at 28 sites that there was a risk of flooding due to water rising from under people’s homes.

And levels at 10 sites had reached their highest level on record.

Groundwater flooding ‘may surprise people’

Professor Hannah Cloke, a world-leading hydrologist at the University of Reading, told Sky News, “Groundwater flooding is invisible. It comes up through the floorboards. It leaks in the middle of the night, and people don’t expect it.

“You can’t expect flooding just because you live close to a river. So it could be very serious. It could surprise people.

“And it’s very persistent. It can persist for a long time. So in some of these places it can persist for months.”

Read more from Sky News:
Prime Minister abandons plan to delay council elections
Police are using drones to catch phone thieves

According to the Met Office, the jet stream is further south than usual for the time of year.

Cold weather in North America has also caused high-altitude winds to become highly active, causing persistent rain in parts of the UK.

Further rainfall is forecast and the EA has urged people to remain vigilant to flood warnings.

Source link