Hundreds of grassroots referees have told the BBC they fear for their safety when refereeing and are dissatisfied with current measures to tackle abuse. More than 900 referees in England responded to a Radio 5 Live questionnaire, with 293 saying they had been physically abused by spectators, players, coaches or managers. Some described being punched, headbutted and spat at. Almost all the respondents had experienced some form of verbal abuse.…
It is a Merseyside derby that will see two clubs in crisis situations come up against each other. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side go into Monday’s Premier League meeting at Anfield in freefall. They are without a victory in their past four league games and suffered a humbling defeat at Wolves in their last game. Sean Dyche, meanwhile, enjoyed a dream start as Everton manager last weekend with victory over leaders…
Rangers are being linked with a summer move for FCSB midfielder Darius Olaru, 24, according to reports in the Romania international’s homeland. (Scotsman – subscription required)external-link Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on 28-year-old Celtic and Japan forward Kyogo Furuhashi, 28. (Football Insider)external-link Oh Hyeon-gyu is ready to lead the line for Celtic against Rangers in the Viaplay Cup final on 26 February if Kyogo is unfit to play following a…
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou insists he will not be distracted by the “noise” of speculation linking him with Leeds United. The Elland Road club are seeking a replacement for Jesse Marsch. When asked what he would say to any fans who may be concerned by media links, the Australian replied: “I don’t think I need to say anything to them. “I think what supporters want is to make sure I’m…
Celtic are sweating over Kyogo Furuhashi’s fitness for the Viaplay Cup final against Rangers on 26 February after the forward injured his arm in Saturday’s 5-1 Scottish Cup defeat of St Mirren. (Express)external-link Ange Postecoglou says he makes decisions “as if I’m going to be here forever – but I won’t be” as the Celtic manager continues to be linked with Leeds United. (Sun)external-link Postecoglou insists he’s never considered leaving…
Canada’s women’s team say they will not go on strike because of threats of legal action by Canada Soccer. Captain Christine Sinclair said on Friday the team would strike because of concerns over funding cuts and a lack of pay equity. The team said they would call off the strike as they “cannot afford the risks” any action will entail. Sinclair said the team were playing the upcoming SheBelieves Cup…
Southampton have sacked manager Nathan Jones after just 95 days in charge of the Premier League club. Former Luton Town boss Jones, 49, leaves with Saints bottom of the table after Saturday’s loss to 10-men Wolves. The Welshman, who is Southampton’s shortest-serving boss in the Premier League era, lost nine of 14 matches after taking the job on 10 November. That record included eight defeats in nine Premier League games…
The Scottish Cup reaches the last 16 stage after the previous round delivered one of the tournament’s biggest ever shocks. Here, BBC Scotland picks out what to look out for in the fifth round, including another potential upset, whether Darvel can repeat their heroics, and some all top-flight ties. Let’s start with the classic football oxymoron; the likely upset… Caley Thistle were beaten 2-0 at home by Queen’s Park, only…
After spending 15 years of her career at Everton, Dan Turner admits she had become “part of the furniture” at the club. Taking the decision to leave last summer for a role at Aston Villa was far from an easy choice, yet so far the move is paying off. The former Blues captain has not only established herself as one of Villa’s standout performers this season, she has done so…
A key member of Manchester City’s official supporters’ club says he will be a fan whatever happens regarding alleged financial rule breaches – but admits their achievements would be “tainted” if found guilty. The Premier League has charged City with more than 100 breaches of its financial rules. Kevin Parker, general secretary of the supporters’ club, said he would be “disappointed” if charges were proven, but would be a fan…