All posts by h716a5.icu

Many Glasgow Rangers fans are livid with comments from politician James Dornan as the fall-out following their Premiership title celebrations continues.

This campaign has been one many Gers fans will never forget. They picked up their first top-flight title in 10 years, and they even went the entire campaign in the Premiership unbeaten (BBC). In fact, they only suffered three defeats across the whole season, one of which was on penalties (Transfermarkt).

Following the 4-0 defeat of Aberdeen on the final day of the season, throngs of Rangers supporters took to the streets of Glasgow to celebrate the team being given the trophy. There was some trouble in George Square – 20 arrests were made (firstpost.com) – but the celebrations were generally peaceful.

There have been plenty of discussion regarding sectarian chanting, with Rangers players and fans accused of singing anti-Catholic songs – there has been no proof of either charge as of yet.. However, football commentator Derek Clark @derekclarksport has put together two tweets from SNP politician Dornan, who appears to have indirectly shown double standards.

Dornan’s tweets were shared by Clark on Twitter and they attracted plenty of attention from Gers supporters. These took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the matter.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Dornan below

“See for all this talk about the constant singing of anti-Catholic and anti-Irish songs from a week past Saturday I’ve still not seen any videos of it. Surely with the amount of people there a video of it would have surfaced somewhere?”

Credit: @RyanKerr_1

“What a shocker @glasgowcathcart still pontificating while remaining silent on the apology front he said he would do himself.”

Credit: @GBryson86

“The double Standards”

Credit: @ayeready1872

@glasgowcathcart thinks it’s OK to have a hatred towards people from the UK, but not OK if that hatred is directed towards Irish. Normal people call out hatred wherever it’s directed.

Credit: @NoColoursLaddie

“This however, is exactly why people like @glasgowcathcart have zero credibility. They believe they and only they, get to decide what is and isn’t acceptable. Condemn others, but when they vent their anti-UK bigotry and hate, they should be allowed to do so with complete impunity.”

Credit: @wavydot

“He’s lost it”

Credit: @declanlally

In other news, these European giants are interested in signing Joe Aribo.

The England and Wales Cricket Board are to look into the adoption of a ‘Cyclops’ device to help eliminate no-ball errors

CricInfo11-Jun-2001The England and Wales Cricket Board are to look into the adoption of a ‘Cyclops’ device to help eliminate no-ball errors.According to cricket operations manager for the ECB, Alan Fordham, the technology would work in a similar way to that used at the Wimbledon tennis championships. The ECB have contacted the manufacturers of Cyclops to enquire about the possibility of it being adapted for use in cricket.”We’ll look at the idea from a practical and budgetary point of view, and see where we stand,” Fordham told the Daily Express. “We’re at stage one at the moment and there are several more steps to clear before anything becomes reality.”Barrie Leadbeater, chairman of the Umpires’ Association, lent his support to the idea in principle.”We’re not against the introduction of new technology. It might help with bowlers whose follow-through obscures the umpires’ view,” he said.

Mal Loye underlined his liking for Lancashire’s bowlers with a brilliant 177 as Northamptonshire made the most of winning an important toss in their Division One contest at Wantage Road

Robin Reid30-May-2001Mal Loye underlined his liking for Lancashire’s bowlers with a brilliant 177 as Northamptonshire made the most of winning an important toss in their Division One contest at Wantage Road.It was Loye’s third century in four seasons off the Lancashire attack, and boosted the home side to 365-6 from 116 overs at the close after John Crawley called incorrectly to give the home side first use of ideal batting conditions.Loye cracked two sixes – both off Muthiah Muralitharan before lunch – and 22 fours in his six-hour stay, and provided the perfect platform in partnership with Australian Mike Hussey (70). The pair posted 159 for the first wicket in 38 overs until Hussey edged Murali behind with lunch beckoning.Lancashire’s seamers were disappointing in the first session but Peter Martin turned in an outstanding post-lunch spell of 2-24 from 13 overs to bring the visitors back into contention.He dismissed Jeff Cook (23) and Russell Warren (0), while Murali accounted for Alec Swann cheaply as 248-1 became 257-4 in the space of nine overs.But Loye and vice-captain Tony Penberthy (31) steadied the innings by adding 57 either side of tea, and Loye’s 318-ball knock lasted until half-an-hour before the close when a tired-looking stroke saw him play on to the persevering Martin.Graeme Swann and skipper Ripley batted out the day, and Northants’ first target will be scoring another 35 in 14 overs to secure the maximum five batting points.

Shakeel’s Urdu Report – Lord’s Test Day 4

Abdul Shakeel20-May-2001

This summer is set to witness an almighty changing of the guard at Celtic.

No longer will Peter Lawwell be at Parkhead after his retirement, while a new manager will grace the Hoops dugout too.

They will also need a new captain with Scott Brown heading for Aberdeen in a player-coach capacity.

On the chalkboard

Callum McGregor has been widely tipped to become the new Celtic skipper but if the Bhoys are looking for someone to replace Brown in a positional sense, Ismaila Soro would be the first pick.

The Ivorian signed in January 2020 but hasn’t actually enjoyed much football since penning terms.

He’s started just 11 times in the Premiership this term but has had a very productive campaign in the middle of the park.

Soro has won an eye-catching 1.9 tackles per game which proves he could fill the hole that’s set to be left behind by Brown.

The Scot has always been a tough-tackling anchor in front of the defence but Soro has similar qualities.

His performances in the Europa League were particularly strong. As Celtic surprisingly beat Lille, the midfielder won ten tackles and two interceptions. On that evidence, it’s no surprise to see him linked with England and Tottenham Hotspur.

The ideal partner

If Soro does stay at Parkhead, discovering who his partner in midfield will be is something the manager will have to think long and hard about.

Celtic will welcome Liam Shaw to the club in a few month’s time while Luca Connell has enjoyed a productive spell on loan at Queen’s Park.

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That said, an external option could well be on the cards.

The Bhoys sent scouts to watch Ali McCann earlier this season and according to reports, they did so again when his St Johnstone side met St Mirren in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup on Sunday.

When Celtic’s talent spotters have been to watch him, it’s likely they will have come back impressed.

He has contributed to four goals in all competitions, while he is dynamic and full of energy.

McCann knows his way to goal but he’s extremely strong in the tackle. With that in mind, he and Soro could form a devastating partnership in the middle of the park.

So far this term, the 21-year-old has won 91 tackles at a rate of 2.7 per match in the Premiership.

For context, no player in the entire division has made more successful challenges in the Scottish top-flight this term. The next best is Hibernian’s Paul McGinn but he is some way behind on 73.

Described as “undroppable” by former teammate Jason Holt, McCann has clearly made a big splash and it feels like it’s only a matter of time before one of the bigger clubs come calling.

Celtic need to make sure they’re at the front of the queue.

AND in other news, Celtic interview “outstanding” 63 y/o for manager role, Hoops fans should be buzzing…

Numerous Manchester City fans were absolutely livid after it was confirmed that Manchester United’s clash with Liverpool was to be postponed.

On Sunday, there was a possibility the Citizens could have been crowned champions – had Liverpool won, City would have been popping open the champagne. However, the match was delayed as thousands of Manchester United fans protested outside Old Trafford beforehand, with some even managing to make their way onto the pitch (BBC). Eventually, the game was postponed as safety could not be guaranteed.

The United fans in question were protesting against the Glazer family, who own the club, but a lot of City fans were far from happy about being denied the chance to clinch the title.

When the news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these Man City fans had to say

“What a joke. PL should take actions.”

Credit: @mancitymj14

“I hate that fanbase so much”

Credit: @youngflack0

“United should forfeit”

Credit: @hellenkeller4269

“Omg I hate United fans”

Credit: @Naimaajay

“Shocking on every level.”

Credit: @GiSKW

“This is disgraceful”

Credit: @ZimonMCFC

In other news, lots of Man City fans loved comments from this player’s agent.

Glasgow Rangers are interested in Coventry City midfielder Gustavo Hamer according to Football League World.

The Lowdown: Gers plan for the future

With the Premiership title already wrapped up, the Gers can plan ahead for the future. As they prepare for a Champions League campaign next season, there are likely to be upgrades made to the playing squad.

In midfield, the likes of Glen Kamara are being linked with a move away (via The Daily Mail), while Ryan Jack is recovering from surgery (via Sky Sports). As such, a new midfielder could be on the radar.

The Latest: Gerrard eyes Hamer

It has therefore been reported that the 55-time Scottish champions are interested in signing Coventry’s Hamer.

They are one of a number of clubs said to be in pursuit, with Norwich, Brentford and even Premier League side Brighton also mentioned.

The Verdict: Plenty of talent

Hamer has enjoyed a good season with the Sky Blues this campaign, managing five goals and three assists in 43 games in all competitions (Transfermarkt). With 1.5 key passes and 1.4 tackles per game (WhoScored), he has proven to be a versatile midfielder and has even been compared to Steven Gerrard’s assistant manager Gary McAllister thanks to the quality of his deliveries (via The League Paper).

Currently valued at £1.8m (Transfermarkt) and with two years left on his contract, it could take a substantial bid for the Gers to prise him away from the Ricoh Arena. If they were able to capture him, though, they will be getting a player with plenty of ability – Ali Maxwell said on the EFL on Quest highlights show that Hamer is a ‘class act’ (via The Coventry Telegraph) – and who has plenty of years ahead of him at just 23 years of age.

In other news, this pundit believes Steven Gerrard will be delighted at transfer interest in one Rangers man.

Former Leeds United star Jon Newsome has urged the Premier League club to avoid a swoop for striker target Ivan Toney this summer, telling Football FanCast exclusively that he wouldn’t sanction such a move to Elland Road.

Toney has been in red-hot form for the Championship club this season.

He has scored 29 goals and laid on 10 assists with the Bees chasing promotion to the Premier League.

However, reports have indicated that Toney would cost a sizeable fee.

Football League World has reported that the club will demand a £35m fee if they are to let him move in the coming transfer window and Newsome, who won the First Division with Leeds in the 1991/92 season, believes that such a deal would simply be too expensive for the club.

Indeed, he pointed to the club’s summer signings, in which they splashed out on a number of senior players, but never paid over £26m, with that fee marking a club-record when they signed Rodrigo from Valencia.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, Newsome was asked whether he would sanction such a deal for Toney if he had the choice and he was definitive in his response.

He said: “In a word, no. No, I don’t think I would. I mean, if you’re looking at the players that they brought into the football club in the summer, all four of them are international football players and not one of them has got anywhere near the 35 million pound price tag.

“So I’m not diminishing Toney’s ability and the impact that he’s had at Brentford this season, because I think he’s doing incredibly well, he’s doing really well.”

The last few months has felt like a complete mess for Celtic and everybody associated with the Bhoys.

How and when they will replace Neil Lennon is currently the million-dollar question at Parkhead.

What’s the word?

Another question for which Hoops supporters have been seeking an answer is who will replace Nick Hammond in the boardroon. Celtic are currently in the midst of restructuring their board structures and they are hoping to open up a landmark director of football position.

A deal to give Fergal Harkin that role was reportedly 90% done a few weeks ago until Eddie Howe intervened. The 43-year-old entered advanced talks over the manager’s position but wanted to bring Richard Hughes with him instead to fill the vacancy.

However, in a surprising twist to the tale, Football Insider revealed this week that Celtic are set to defy Howe’s wishes and appoint Harkin anyway. The report stated that Celtic are dead set on the Irishman and that the hierarchy are “committed” to appointing him as soon as possible.

Exciting news

Hughes may well be a trusted figure to Howe but the fact of the matter is that Harkin looks like a better appointment for what Celtic require right now.

He has been working at Manchester City and has become known as a ‘transfer guru’ during his time in the northwest of England. Harkin has worked closely with a number of players away from the club on loan and has had a big say in the careers of players like Patrick Roberts and Olivier Ntcham.

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On top of that, Harkin was also a big help to Manchester City first teamer Oleksandr Zinchenko. With that in mind, he could be game-changing at bringing through some of the stars of tomorrow at Celtic, a facet of the club which has been rather neglected in recent years.

Cameron Harper has left because of a lack of first team opportunities, while Karamoko Dembele is out of contract in a few months’ time.

Hughes, on the other hand, doesn’t have the most amazing of CVs from his time with Bournemouth. He did help Howe build a team which got them promoted from the Championship to the Premier League but, once they were in the top flight, they often spent poorly.

The Cherries splashed out £15m on Jordon Ibe, a player who eventually left on a free transfer after scoring only five goals in 92 appearances. Hughes also spent £19m on Dominic Solanke from Liverpool, who like Ibe hasn’t really lived up to expectations at the Vitality Stadium, bagging 18 goals in 85 outings.

Hughes definitely feels like the right choice here, and Dermot Desmond and co are right to defy Howe’s wishes.

AND in other news, £42k-p/w Celtic flop has been through hell since leaving, he’s not played for 608 days…

Carlo Ancelotti must unleash Gylfi Sigurdsson against Manchester City in the FA Cup this Saturday after the Everton midfielder returned to training following an injury.

That’s according to The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland, who has noted that the Iceland international rejoined the Toffees’ first team as they prepared at Finch Farm this week.

Sigurdsson was forced to miss his side’s 2-1 defeat at home to Burnley last weekend due to an ankle knock he had sustained against Chelsea during the previous Monday’s 2-0 loss.

Burnley marked the first team against which the 31-year-old had failed to feature at any stage since November 28, with minutes awarded in 21 straight matches across all competitions.

Ancelotti sought to address the absence of the former Swansea City playmaker with Alex Iwobi deployed in a central attacking midfield role, having urged the Nigerian to name his preferred position after he seemingly hit out on social media earlier this month.

“I read the post. I want to speak to him, of course,” Ancelotti said, via quotes shared by The Guardian. “I want to know his preferred position because usually I want to put a player on the pitch where they are comfortable to play, not where they are uncomfortable to play.

“If he has an idea of where he prefers to play, I have to know, I want to know. I would be delighted to know his preferred position and I’ll put him in his preferred position for sure, no doubt.”

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However, Iwobi’s return to a central position against Burnley only lasted half an hour before the 24-year-old was moved back out onto the wing, having struggled to deliver any real impact.

Iwobi ended the first half against Burnley with one key pass to his name while Tom Davies and Andre Gomes created two goalscoring opportunities each from the wider central midfield positions in Ancelotti’s plans, per WhoScored.

A move to the wing saw Iwobi create one additional chance after the break, the same output as Richarlison, Gomes, Michael Keane, Seamus Coleman and three times less than that of left-back Lucas Digne.

News that Sigurdsson is back in training must now see that Ancelotti recalls the £100,000-per-week talent at the first available opportunity, as he will need his most creative options on the pitch if Everton are to secure a result against Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s runaway Premier League leaders are taking more shots per top-flight game this term than any other side, with 15.5 on average, but are also allowing the fewest among all 20 clubs with just seven – almost half of the tally allowed by Everton (13.1), per WhoScored.

The Toffees also rank 16th in the league for shots taken per game with just 9.8 – only Burnley (9.3), Crystal Palace (8.6), Sheffield United (8.4) and West Bromwich Albion (8.2) are testing opposing goalkeepers less frequently.

Part of the problem for Everton this season has been a lack of creativity, with James Rodriguez (1.7), Digne (1.5) and Sigurdsson (1.1) the only players to have averaged more than a single key pass per game.

With Rodriguez still sidelined with a calf injury, Ancelotti will surely have to unleash Sigurdsson from the off and trust in the maestro who Danny Murphy described as being “technically gifted” and what Everton needed for their link-up play earlier in the season.

AND in other news, Everton are monitoring a £17m ace dubbed the next Erling Haaland…