The Guardian

‘The competition belongs to no one,’ says Javier Tebas President hits out after Mourinho’s reaction to derby loss La Liga’s president, Javier Tebas, hit out on Tuesday at what he deemed accusations of a refereeing “conspiracy” by Real Madrid after their derby defeat against Atlético Madrid. Real Madrid’s coach, José Mourinho, brought two printed screenshots of what he thought were red-card tackle…

Dual Brownlow medallist guilty of intentional striking Plea of ‘exceptional circumstances’ rejected The prospect of Brisbane Lions’ midfielder Lachie Neale playing in Saturday’s AFL grand final has plummeted after his suspension for striking Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan in last week’s preliminary final was upheld by the AFL tribunal. The two-time Brownlow medallist had never been suspended across 320…

The Swiss international explains why she became involved in the club’s Beyond the Goalposts initiative “When I was young I never had a role model. I only watched men’s football, but when women’s football got bigger there were no really good black players. I also want to be a role model for the next generation,” says the Liverpool forward Aurélie Csillag about why she is involved in an initiative …

Defender has battled hamstring and groin problems Centre-half credits Munich clinic for turning point Jarrad Branthwaite has credited a “complex” rehabilitation programme in Germany, which analysed links between his injuries and his brain and movement, with his return to the England squad. The Everton defender’s fine start to the season has been rewarded with a place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for …

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, George Elek and Sanny Rudravajhala for an update across the EFL and the latest from the England camp. Continue reading...

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, George Elek and Sanny Rudravajhala for an update across the EFL and the latest from the England camp Rate, review, share on Apple Podcasts and join the conversation on email . On the podcast today: Millwall and West Ham share the points in the Dockers Derby. A late Konstantinos Mavropanos equaliser keeps West Ham in the top two. Swansea are the only sid…

After retiring from international football, the former Chelsea keeper reflects on a Senegal career that – according to him – included two African titles “I had to stay patient and try to have a cool head because everywhere else there was fire,” Édouard Mendy remembers. In the cauldron of the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, the Senegal goalkeeper was about to face a penalty against the host…

Doncaster Knights’ new director of rugby is passionate about the Champ, who Steve Borthwick should pick from overseas and getting players to have a bit of fun Turn up at Castle Park in Doncaster this week and, bang on cue, a pony and trap is being driven in stately fashion down the nearby main road. There is, some might argue, a similarly retro feel about the Knights’ latest choice of director of…

Over-by-over updates, first ODI from 12.30pm BST Sign up to get The Spin newsletter | And mail Taha Hello, hello, hello and welcome to the last series of the English summer, stretching its way right until the close of September. It’s back to 50-over cricket, the forgotten child, with Sri Lanka hoping that the longer form gives them more of a chance; the T20 series was a miserable affair for the v…

English club rugby enters its fourth decade determined to meet its challenges with more high-profile investment deals and expansion It has taken a while but the penny finally seems to be dropping with those in charge of English club rugby. Perhaps it is simply maturity striking as the professional club top tier reaches its 30th season. Remember how things felt when you began to settle down, look …

Faye Carruthers is joined by Suzanne Wrack , Emma Sanders and Freddie Cardy to discuss the weekend’s WSL action Faye Carruthers is joined by Suzanne Wrack , Emma Sanders and Freddie Cardy to discuss the weekend’s WSL action. On the podcast today: Arsenal score late to salvage a draw at home to Manchester United. Crystal Palace ship seven against an Olivia Holdt-inspired Tottenham, Manchester City…

Our cartoonist on Manchester United’s billionaire joint-owner showing a startling lack of self-awareness Buy a cartoon | Some of David’s favourite works And his latest book, Chaos in the Box: get it now Continue reading...

Liverpool look stronger at the back, youngsters shine for Brighton and Brentford, and James Trafford makes his England case with Leeds Premier League table | Top scorers In the week that 16-year-old Max Dowman has been thrust into the spotlight , it was another teenager who gave us a glimpse of the future in Brighton’s impressive win over Arsenal. Charalampos Kostoulas – nicknamed ‘Babis’ in his …

‘I’m happy. It’s an exciting place to be right now’ Prem champions have moved to tie down huge asset England back row Henry Pollock has signed a bumper new contract with Northampton. The 21-year-old has agreed a “multi-year” deal, the Prem champions announced on Tuesday morning. “I’m massively happy to re-sign with Saints, my boyhood club,” Pollock said. “It’s an exciting place to be right now. W…

With added coverage comes added scrutiny and there is a feeling that the league was too lenient when punishing chants about the late Portugal forward The good thing about Cristiano Ronaldo playing in your league is that he is one of the most famous footballers ever and when he scores a great goal or reaches 1,000 (just 21 to go), many people watch. The bad thing about Cristiano Ronaldo playing in…