A school in Dundee bought 45 tickets for a Champions League game between Newcastle United and Barcelona. The high demand for tickets caused frustration among local Newcastle fans who find it hard to get tickets themselves, even with club memberships.
Key Facts
A school in Dundee bought 45 tickets for a Newcastle United vs. Barcelona game.
Over 110,000 people tried to buy tickets online for this game.
The tickets were bought through an "approved provider" as part of a group package.
Local Newcastle fans are frustrated because they struggle to get tickets.
The Newcastle Supporters' Trust expressed concern over ticket availability.
Buying tickets through group packages is common in sports.
Newcastle United season ticket holders can guarantee their tickets by joining a cup scheme.
The club is considering expanding their stadium due to high ticket demand.
India won their opening match of the Asia Cup, beating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by nine wickets. Kuldeep Yadav took four wickets, helping India bowl out UAE for 57 runs. India chased the target in just 4.3 overs with Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill leading the batting.
Key Facts
Kuldeep Yadav took 4 wickets for just 7 runs in the match.
UAE scored only 57 runs in 13.1 overs after India elected to bowl first.
Abhishek Sharma scored 30 runs off 16 balls for India.
Shubman Gill remained not out with 20 runs to finish the match.
India defeated UAE by nine wickets in the Asia Cup opener.
Shivam Dube also took 3 wickets for India.
The match was a T20 game played in Dubai.
This tournament is preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup.
Tyrrell Hatton, an English golfer, talked about his wild celebration after making Europe's Ryder Cup team, which included a night of heavy drinking. Despite thinking he might not qualify, Hatton secured his spot on the team playing against the United States. The Ryder Cup will take place from September 26-28 in New York.
Key Facts
Tyrrell Hatton celebrated qualifying for Europe's Ryder Cup team with a night of heavy drinking.
Hatton is 33 years old and will appear in the Ryder Cup for the fourth time.
The Ryder Cup is a golf competition between Europe and the United States.
The event will happen from September 26-28 at Bethpage Black in New York.
Hatton initially thought he might not qualify after playing poorly at The Open.
He automatically made Europe's team when no one else earned more points.
The Ryder Cup in 2012 was notable for Europe’s comeback win, known as the 'Miracle of Medinah.’
England's national football team, led by manager Thomas Tuchel, has won all five of their World Cup qualification matches without conceding a goal. Despite a loss in a friendly against Senegal, Tuchel has implemented various tactical formations that appear to strengthen the team's performance. His approach uses flexible positioning and key player roles to adapt to different challenges on the field.
Key Facts
England has won all five of their World Cup qualifiers and hasn't conceded any goals in these matches.
Thomas Tuchel lost one friendly match against Senegal with England.
Tuchel uses different formations, including 4-4-1-1, 2-3-5, 3-2-5, and 2-1-7.
Full-backs are crucial in Tuchel's formations, often joining the attack or defense depending on the game.
The team's build-up play involves shifting player positions to handle opposing teams' strategies.
Harry Kane, the main striker, drops back to collect the ball, creating space for other players to advance.
Against Serbia, England employed a tactic called 'double width,' which involves using two players on each side to stretch the opposing defense.
Italy's Giulio Pellizzari won the 17th stage of the Vuelta a Espana, with Britain's Tom Pidcock coming in second. Race organizers made changes to upcoming stages due to safety concerns, while rider protests have occurred due to disruptions caused by pro-Palestine demonstrations. Jonas Vingegaard maintained his lead in the overall race standings.
Key Facts
Giulio Pellizzari won stage 17 of the Vuelta a Espana bicycle race.
Tom Pidcock from Britain finished second in this stage.
Jonas Vingegaard remains the leader in the overall competition.
Recent race stages have been disrupted by pro-Palestine protests.
In response, organizers shortened the individual time trial in stage 18.
Riders agreed to stop the race if more disruptions occur.
On stage 15, a protestor caused a crash by holding a Palestine flag.
A report highlights the lack of black, Asian, and minority ethnic managers in English football clubs. Nuno Espirito Santo's recent departure from Nottingham Forest means there are currently no black managers in the Premier League. Efforts like the Football Leadership Diversity Code aim to improve diversity in coaching and leadership roles.
Key Facts
Nuno Espirito Santo was the last black Premier League manager before his recent exit.
Previously, the Premier League had no black managers between March and August 2023.
Kick It Out is concerned about losing diverse coaching talent and urges transparent recruitment practices.
A 2022 report found 43% of Premier League players were black, but only 4.4% of former players in managerial positions were black.
The FA's Football Leadership Diversity Code encourages clubs to increase diversity in leadership roles.
FA Rule N requires clubs to publish diversity data covering various demographics.
The Premier League's No Room For Racism Action Plan provides programs to help minority coaches into coaching roles.
Over 80 coaches have used diversity and inclusion programs, with 75 securing full-time jobs.
Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Terence "Bud" Crawford will fight in a highly anticipated boxing match in Las Vegas, Nevada. Alvarez will defend his super middleweight titles against Crawford, who is moving up two weight classes for this match. The fight will take place at Allegiant Stadium and will be available to stream globally on Netflix.
Key Facts
The fight is scheduled to start with the main event ring walk at 8pm in Las Vegas on Saturday.
It will be held at Allegiant Stadium, which seats 65,000 people.
The fight will be available for streaming on Netflix with a subscription.
Alvarez will defend several titles: WBO, WBA, IBF, WBC super middleweight titles, and the Ring Magazine title.
Crawford is moving up about 6kg (14lb) to fight at the super middleweight limit of 76kg (168lb).
Crawford has a reported height and reach advantage over Alvarez.
Rumors of a shoulder injury for Crawford have been denied by the boxer.
Alvarez has a boxing record of 61 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, and has won 11 world titles.
Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre is preparing for the Rugby Cup in New York and expects challenging interactions from U.S. fans. MacIntyre aims to stay focused and confident, building on a successful year with six top-10 finishes in the PGA Tour. He feels more comfortable with his team and is eager to perform well in the tournament.
Key Facts
Robert MacIntyre is preparing to play in the Ryder Cup in New York.
He is not worried about possible negative comments from U.S. fans.
MacIntyre is playing in the Ryder Cup for the second time.
He feels more comfortable with his team this year compared to last time.
MacIntyre had a successful year with six top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour.
He rose from 14th to ninth in world golf rankings this year.
MacIntyre is the first Scottish golfer since 2005 to rank this high.
He aims to perform well in major golf tournaments.
Spain's Vuelta cycling race is facing increased security due to pro-Palestinian protests. The protests have disrupted race stages and targeted the Israel-Premier Tech team. Spanish authorities are deploying additional police and Civil Guards to ensure the race continues safely.
Key Facts
Protests against the Israel-Premier Tech team occurred during the Vuelta cycling race.
Security is increased for the final stages of the race in Madrid, with extra police and Civil Guards deployed.
The protests relate to tensions over the war in Gaza.
Demonstrations caused disruptions, including a race stage being shortened.
Police aim to balance race safety and the right to protest.
Race organizers denied plans to cancel the final stages.
Spain's poor diplomatic relations with Israel were part of the protests' backdrop.
Many Premier League club players participated in international matches during the break. Players scored goals, assisted teammates, and some got injured while representing their national teams. Clubs had varying numbers of international players, ranging from eight to eighteen per team.
Key Facts
All 20 Premier League clubs had at least five players on international duty.
Mikel Merino scored for Spain and achieved a hat-trick against Turkey.
Noni Madueke scored his first international goal for England.
Matty Cash of Aston Villa scored for Poland and later got injured.
Dango Ouattara of Brentford scored twice for Burkina Faso.
Hannibal from Burnley helped Tunisia qualify for the World Cup.
Marc Cucurella scored for Spain in a match against Bulgaria.
The R360 rugby league is planning to create a new global franchise but is facing questions from World Rugby. The league has not yet been officially approved, leading to uncertainties about its future launch in 2026.
Key Facts
R360 is a new rugby league trying to attract top players globally.
World Rugby has asked many questions about R360's plans, including stadiums and medical teams.
R360 submitted a 120-page proposal but lacks some necessary details for approval.
The league aims to start in October 2026 but isn't approved to join the official rugby calendar yet.
Over 160 male players, including some from England, have agreed to join if the league launches.
World Rugby's approval would provide R360 with access to official referees, anti-doping systems, and insurance.
Players joining R360 might be ineligible for national teams that prefer local players.
The NCAA permanently banned three college basketball players for betting on games, including their own, and sharing winnings. The investigation uncovered that the players manipulated performances and placed various bets, affecting game outcomes. The NCAA has noticed an increase in sports betting violations and is considering changes to its rules regarding gambling.
Key Facts
Three players, Mykell Robinson, Steven Vasquez, and Jalen Weaver, lost their college eligibility for betting on their own games.
The NCAA discovered that these players bet on each other's games and shared information for betting purposes.
Robinson and Vasquez discussed via text about plans to underperform in a game to win bets.
The investigation began after a sportsbook flagged suspicious bets, leading to the NCAA's involvement.
Robinson placed several bets on himself and others, resulting in substantial payouts shared among those involved.
Despite the infractions, Fresno State and San Jose State schools did not face penalties.
This incident is part of a rising trend of sports betting issues in college sports.
The NCAA is considering allowing bets on professional sports but focusing enforcement on college sports gambling.
Welsh rugby player George North discussed the impact of his multiple concussions on both his personal life and broader awareness of brain injuries in sports. His experiences have contributed to improved safety protocols in rugby. North also commented on the current state of Welsh rugby and other changes in the sport.
Key Facts
George North is a former Wales rugby player who suffered multiple serious head injuries.
These injuries made him a central figure in discussions about concussions in sports.
North had to take a long break from rugby due to these concussions but eventually returned to play.
His situation highlighted the need for better concussion protocols, which have been improved since.
North has confidence in the medical care he received and continues exercises to maintain his brain health.
He has written an autobiography discussing his experiences with concussions.
North spoke on the challenges the Welsh rugby team faces and the potential for changes in club rugby.
He reflected on a proposed new league, stating it seems positive for the sport.
The qualification rounds for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are ongoing. Morocco and Tunisia are the first African teams to secure their spots. Various regions have confirmed teams while others continue their competitions to fill remaining slots.
Key Facts
Morocco and Tunisia have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 from Africa.
South Africa is close to qualifying after a draw with Nigeria.
Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan are confirmed from Asia.
Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Colombia have secured spots from South America.
Host nations Canada, Mexico, and the USA are automatically qualified from North America.
New Zealand has qualified from Oceania.
Peru, Chile, and Venezuela are among notable teams eliminated from South America.
Final team confirmations will occur by March 31, 2026.
British Olympic swimmer Ben Proud has joined the Enhanced Games, a controversial event where athletes can use some banned drugs under medical supervision. Proud stresses that this event is separate from traditional clean sport. The Enhanced Games have received criticism for potentially harming athletes and compromising fair play.
Key Facts
Ben Proud is a British Olympic swimmer who won silver at the 2024 Olympics.
Proud joined the Enhanced Games, allowing some performance-enhancing drugs.
The Enhanced Games started in 2023, permitting FDA-approved substances.
The event is controversial and criticized for health risks and fairness issues.
Proud believes the Enhanced Games do not undermine clean sport's values.
Critics include the World Anti-Doping Agency and the US Anti-Doping Agency.
Former Premier League referee David Coote has been charged with creating an indecent image of a child. Police in Nottinghamshire conducted an investigation that led to the charge, and Mr. Coote is set to appear in court.
Key Facts
David Coote is a former Premier League referee.
He has been charged with making an indecent image of a child.
Nottinghamshire Police led the investigation that resulted in the charge.
The charge involves a video file found by police in February.
He is scheduled to appear in Nottingham Magistrates' Court.
Coote was dismissed by the referees' body PGMOL in December 2024.
His dismissal followed a probe into comments he allegedly made about Liverpool and its former manager.
Gabriel Martinelli, an Arsenal football player, has been struggling with his performance recently, especially noted in a match against Liverpool. Changes in Arsenal's playing style might affect Martinelli's form, as he excels in more open, fast-paced situations. A new strategy could help him return to form by utilizing his speed.
Key Facts
Gabriel Martinelli is a winger for Arsenal who has recently faced criticism for his performance.
Arsenal lost to Liverpool in their last Premier League game, where Martinelli's play was scrutinized.
Some think Martinelli's drop in form is due to a change in Arsenal’s playing style, which now focuses more on controlled play.
Last season, Martinelli scored 10 goals and made six assists in 51 games.
Arsenal finished second in the Premier League during Martinelli's best season, where he scored 15 goals.
Arsenal's strategy has changed to more direct play, which may benefit Martinelli and make better use of his speed.
Martinelli joined Arsenal in 2019 and has been a consistent part of the team since then.
Criticism from fans and social media might affect his confidence and performance.
More than seven million people watched the group stages of the 2025 Women's World Cup on BBC television. The event, hosted in England, has gained significant attention both on TV and social media, with highlights featuring players like Ilona Maher. The tournament continues to draw large audiences digitally and through live broadcasts.
Key Facts
Over 7 million viewers watched the Women's World Cup group stages on BBC TV.
The tournament is hosted in England.
A clip of Ilona Maher discussing body positivity had over 2.2 million views across social media.
Another popular clip showed Ellie Kildunne's assist, gathering 1.41 million views.
The England vs USA live page on BBC's website received 757,000 views.
BBC's iPlayer and Sport apps have streamed the games 5.8 million times.
200,000 people watched France vs South Africa in Group D.
The quarter-finals, including England vs Scotland, will air on BBC Two and iPlayer.
Several musicians, including Pulp, CMAT, and Wolf Alice, have been nominated for the 2025 Mercury Prize. Wolf Alice made history with nominations for their first four albums. The prize recognizes the best British or Irish album and will be awarded in Newcastle for the first time on October 16.
Key Facts
Wolf Alice is the first band to receive Mercury Prize nominations for their first four albums.
Pulp received a nomination for "More," their first album in 24 years.
Martin Carthy, at 84, is the oldest nominee in the prize's history.
PinkPantheress’s mixtape is the shortest album ever nominated at 20 minutes and 33 seconds.
This year's Mercury Prize ceremony will take place in Newcastle for the first time.
Last year, English Teacher was the first non-London winner in 10 years.
The 2025 shortlist includes only one London band, Wolf Alice.
CMAT received her second consecutive nomination for the album "Euro-Country."
