Day: 5 October 2021

Republic of Ireland international Callum Robinson has admitted he has chosen not to be vaccinated against Covid-19 despite being twice laid low by the virus. The 26-year-old West Brom striker, who had already missed games for his country as a close contact, first tested positive in November last year and then again in August, meaning he had to sit out last month’s World Cup Qualifiers against Portugal, Azerbaijan and Serbia. Robinson is back in the fold for Saturday’s qualifier in Baku, but just days after Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp expressed…

European champions Barcelona produced a dominant display by beating Arsenal 4-1 in their Women’s Champions League opener on Tuesday night. Barcelona were utterly in control in the first half, taking the lead through Mariona Caldentey’s rebounded finish (32), before Alexia Putellas turned home Asisat Oshoala’s cut-back (43). Against her old club, Oshoala slipped Barca 3-0 ahead early in the second half (47) before Arsenal found some rhythm and grabbed a goal back through Frida Leonhardsen Maanum, bundling home at the back post (74). Sub Lieke Martens made it 4-1 with…

“I don’t really want to change anything,” said Emma Raducanu. “What got me to this point is not thinking anything differently, so if I put additional thoughts in my head then that will just create a problem I think. I’m just going to keep going about my business and staying the same.” By PA Media Last Updated: 05/10/21 9:21pm Emma Raducanu may be the name on everyone’s lips at Indian Wells but the US Open champion vowed not to put pressure on herself as she prepares to return to action. The…

Emma Hayes says Chelsea are heading into the Women’s Champions League this term feeling “seasoned, really calm and confident” and not preoccupied with their defeat in the final earlier this year. The Blues, who have competed in five of the last six editions of the competition, were beaten 4-0 by Barcelona in Gothenburg in May as they made the first appearance by an English club in the final since 2007. Hayes’ side start their 2021-22 campaign, in the new group stage, with a home clash on Wednesday against Wolfsburg – the team…

UEFA has opened an investigation into events surrounding Rangers’ Europa League defeat against Sparta Prague last week. European football’s governing body said that it was probing “potential discriminatory incidents” during last Thursday’s group-stage match. Sparta fans were banned from the Letna Stadium following racist abuse of Monaco’s Aurelius Tchouameni in August, but around 10,000 schoolchildren were permitted to attend the 1-0 win over Rangers along with some accompanying adults. The match was marred by the booing of Rangers’ black players, with Glen Kamara – who was on the receiving end…

The Chevron Championship will kick off the 2022 women’s major golf season, having previously been named the ANA Inspiration; Tournament prize purse to increase from $3.1million to $5million from next year By Sky Sports Golf Last Updated: 05/10/21 6:50pm Patty Tavatanakit won the ANA Inspiration in 2021 The opening women’s major of the year will have a new sponsor and see its prize purse increase by over 60 per cent from next season. The event, previously known as the ANA Inspiration and the first of five women’s majors in the…

Stephen Kenny remains convinced the Republic of Ireland are heading in the right direction but must turn their “excellent spirit” into wins. Ireland have won only once in 16 attempts under Kenny – a friendly against minnows Andorra – and have not tasted victory in any of the 12 competitive fixtures they have played under his charge. While there appears to be popular support for his retention – and crucially also from his employers – there are those who believe defeat in Saturday night’s World Cup Qualifier in Azerbaijan should…

If Saffron Beach runs again this season it is likely to be in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Qipco British Champions Day. Jane Chapple-Hyam is to meet with the owners of the impressive Sun Chariot winner this week to decide whether or not to “roll the dice”. Whether she does or not, Chapple-Hyam is safe in the knowledge that the talented filly will return to training next season. “She came out of the race fantastic, she’s eaten up, she lost six kilos and she’s in good order – I’m…

Sam Bird is thrilled with the squad she has signed for the 2022 Vitality Netball Superleague season (Image credit – Ben Lumley) Jasmin Odeogberin, Berri Neil and Alicia Scholes have all made the move to London Pulse, as Sam Bird announces a talented roster for the 2022 Vitality Netball Superleague season. The trio of Vitality Netball Superleague athletes are three of the five new faces within London Pulse’s squad for the forthcoming season. Tayla Honey and Sacha McDonald also arrive, swapping Suncorp Super Netball and the Melbourne Vixens training environment…

A tilt at Breeders’ Cup glory is next on the agenda for A Case Of You following his popular success in the Prix de l’Abbaye on Sunday. Having narrowly missed out on being a first Group One winner for trainer Ado McGuinness in the Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh last month, the son of Hot Streak went one place better on Arc day – sparking jubilant scenes in the ParisLongchamp winner’s enclosure. A Case Of You arrived back to his home on the outskirts of Dublin on Tuesday morning…