A Wayne Madsen century, the 31st of the South African’s first-class career and his fifth against Leicestershire, helped Derbyshire establish an intimidating first-innings lead of 209 on the second day of the Bob Willis Trophy match at the Fischer County Ground, Grace Road.Madsen’s hundred came off 172 deliveries and included 17 fours, the last of which a sweetly timed on-drive which saw him bring up three figures off the bowling of Will Davis. The Leicestershire seamer extracted a measure of revenge moments afterwards however, bringing one back in through the gate to hit middle and off.Madsen’s was the second of three wickets picked up by Leicestershire in an afternoon session during which the Foxes’ bowlers finally managed to exert a measure of control, dragging the scoring rate – five an over for much of the Derbyshire innings – back under four.The first wicket to fall after lunch was that of Leus du Plooy, who was on 55 when he tried to deflect a high leg side bouncer from left-armer Dieter Klein down to fine leg, but succeeded only in edging the ball to wicket-keeper Harry Swindells, the 21-year-old making up for failing to hold a far more straightforward chance off Davis when du Plooy was on 27.Foxes’ skipper Colin Ackermann’s decision to bring himself on shortly before tea was vindicated when Matt Critchley poked suspiciously at his second delivery and edged to Swindells.The loss of experienced seamer Chris Wright to injury reduced Ackermann’s options, but he made another breakthrough shortly after the break, Alex Hughes lobbing a simple catch to midwicket off a leading edge. Anuj Dal (25) gave Harvey Hosein, who finished on 66 not out, good support in a lively stand of 39 for the seventh wicket, and Sam Conners clubbed a quick 21 to ensure Derbyshire achieved the maximum five batting bonus points with four overs to spare.The day had begun with Derbyshire on 101 for 1, and Madsen and Luis Reece, who had come together following the dismissal of captain Billy Godleman with the score on just 9 the previous day, quickly brought up a century partnership for the second wicket, off just 132 balls.Neither looked in any trouble on a good wicket, and Reece, on 56, had only himself to blame when he turned a Wright delivery down the leg side and decided to try for a second run, only to be beaten by Dieter Klein’s throw from fine leg.That brought in du Plooy, who having made an outstanding century in Derbyshire’s fine win against Notts in their first game, understandably looked in form from the start, especially when he clipped Davis for three consecutive leg-side boundaries. He went to his 50 (off 70 balls) in some style, lofting left-arm spinner Callum Parkinson high over mid-on.
Cristiano Ronaldo added a new section to his famous goal celebration after netting again for Al-Nassr, with three fingers being held up to the crowd.
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Portuguese superstar on target once againSon was in attendance to see penalty strikeHe had netted twice himself earlier in the dayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Portuguese superstar was on target once again when lining up against Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League. He put Al-Nassr on their way to a 3-0 win, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner converting from the penalty spot.
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Ronaldo went through his usual ‘Siuuu’ routine after crashing the ball into the back of the net, but the celebrations did not stop there. The evergreen 39-year-old went on to direct a hand signal in the direction of son Cristiano Jr, who was sat in the stands.
THE EXPLANATION
According to , Ronaldo was referencing the fact that the Ronaldo boys had scored three goals between them on the day – with Cristiano Jr having earlier bagged a brace for Al-Nassr’s U15 side in a 4-0 victory over Al Qadsiah.
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WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?
Cristiano Jr, who is 14 years of age, is hoping to follow in the illustrious footsteps of his famous father by one day becoming a professional superstar himself. He has the best possible mentor in that quest, with the art of goalscoring seemingly coming naturally to the Ronaldo family.
Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy has said he has spoken to Ishant Sharma, one of his former team-mates at Sunrisers Hyderabad, and cleared the air with him over Sharma’s use of a derogatory nickname.Sammy played for Sunrisers during the 2013 and 2014 IPL seasons. In a video in June, Sammy asked his team-mates from that time what they meant when they referred to him as “”, a Hindi word with a racist connotation that he only later came to know about. He called on them to explain if they had meant it in “any way, shape or form” that was degrading, and if so to apologise.Social-media posts from some of the Sunrisers players of the time have indicated that they did refer to Sammy by that nickname. One of these was an Instagram post from Ishant Sharma in May 2014.ALSO READ: Sammy to Sunrisers Hyderabad team-mates: You called me ‘kalu’, what did you mean?Speaking to from Trinidad, where he is set to captain St Lucia Zouks in CPL 2020, Sammy revealed that he has spoken to Ishant about this issue.”I don’t hold grudges. I have spoken to Ishant Sharma,” Sammy said. “I consider him a brother like I did back in 2014 and ’15 when playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad.”ALSO READ – Sambit Bal: It’s time we South Asians understood that colourism is racismSammy however said he would speak out once again if racist slurs are directed at him in the future. Several other cricketers, including Sammy’s 2016 T20 World Cup-winning team-mate Carlos Brathwaite have taken a strong stance against racism in the wake of the custodial killing of George Floyd, a black man, by a white policeman in Minneapolis. Floyd died on May 25 after the police officer held him down with his knee on his neck for over eight minutes while he was handcuffed. The incident has sparked widespread global outrage and support for the Black Lives Matter movement.”But again if I find out that a possible racial slur is being used to describe me, no matter what time I find out, I will ask questions about it and that’s what I did,” Sammy said. “I have spoken and voiced my opinion and I am moving on. All these issues started a conversation in the cricket fraternity. I have no regrets talking about that.”George Floyd was the straw that broke the camel’s back. People had to raise their voice against the systemic injustice, police brutality against people of colour.”
Sangwan has played for four IPL franchises in the past, while Suyal has been a part of two teams
Press Trust of India21-Aug-2020
Pradeep Sangwan turned out for Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL•Gallo Images/Getty Images
Over 12 years years after he impressed with his incisive swing bowling in the Under-19 World Cup, which India won under Virat Kohli, 29-year-old left-arm seamer Pradeep Sangwan will travel to the UAE with Delhi Capitals as a net bowler along with five others.Apart from Sangwan, Pawan Suyal, another left-arm seamer who has played for Mumbai, is also in the list of net bowlers for Capitals. Delhi allrounder Pranshu Vijayaran, Railways left-arm spinner Harsh Tyagi, and two relatively unknown youngsters – left-arm wristspinner Rajat Goel and pacer Bobby Yadav – complete the list.”Yes, Sangwan and Suyal are travelling as net bowlers. Pranshu is the third guy and even Harsh who now plays Ranji Trophy is our boy as he represented Delhi during his India Under-19 days. Rajat is a local club cricketer while Bobby is from UP,” a senior DDCA official told PTI on condition of anonymity.For Sangwan, who has played for Delhi Daredevils (Capitals’ earlier avatar), Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders in the past, it’s like life coming a full circle after he played alongside Mohammed Asif and Glenn McGrath for the Daredevils before being the first Indian cricketer to be banned by BCCI for failing a dope test in 2013.”Sangi has suffered a lot due to injuries in past few years. So has Suyal, who has now cut down his run-up consistently after stress fractures and back injuries. Hope bowling in IPL nets helps them,” the official, who has tracked both since their younger days, said.The logic behind having two left-arm quicks in the pack of six is because all the primary squad speedsters are right-arm bowlers – Ishant Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Harshal Patel and Avesh Khan. “You need variation at training and hence Sangi and Suyal are on board. They are experienced first-class players, who will provide quality practice,” a source told PTI.Goel is one of the players, who has been a regular at the Capitals nets over the years and has done well in the office-cricket circuit, and is expected to simulate the bowling of Knight Riders’ Kuldeep Yadav. Bobby is a right-arm fast-medium bowler who is expected to make his first-class debut for Uttar Pradesh in the coming season.With Axar Patel being the main left-arm spinner in the Capitals line-up, Tyagi could be an important bowler during net sessions. “DC has two wristspinners in Amit Mishra and Sandeep Lamichhane and two fingerspinners in R Ashwin and Axar. Harsh is typical shorter-format bowler, who bowls the restrictive line. It would be good exposure for him,” the source said.Allrounder Vijayaran, who was first spotted by Gautam Gambhir, bowls wicket-to-wicket and is known to have variations in his slower deliveries.
The summer transfer window officially opens for business later this month and Celtic could look to bolster their squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Brendan Rodgers returned to Glasgow last summer to replace Ange Postecoglou, who joined Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, for a second spell in the dugout.
The Northern Irish manager ended his first year back at Parkhead with a domestic double under his belt, securing the Scottish Premiership title and the SFA Cup.
However, his side were knocked out of the League Cup by Kilmarnock in August and finished bottom of their Champions League group, which ended their European adventure before the turn of the year.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers applauds the fans.
Rodgers could now dip into the market to make further additions to his squad ahead of next season in order to make a better fist of their European efforts, as well as aiming to win a domestic treble by adding the League Cup alongside the title and the SFA Cup.
The middle of the park is an area in which the Hoops boss looks set to bolster as the club have been linked with a swoop for a talented young central midfielder, which could be bad news for Tomoki Iwata.
Celtic's interest in £4m-rated midfielder
According to Daily Express journalist Charlie Gordon, Celtic are one of the teams interested in a swoop to sign Lausanne maestro Alvyn Sanches this summer.
The reporter claims that the Scottish giants are keen on the "highly-rated" starlet after doing extensive scouting work throughout the season to analyse his performances in Switzerland.
He states that English Championship sides Coventry City and Stoke City are also eyeing the youngster up ahead of a possible transfer over the coming weeks and months, which suggests that the Bhoys could face competition for his signature.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.
Gordon adds that Lausanne are looking for a fee within the region of £4m to allow their midfielder to move on this summer, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Hoops are prepared to meet that figure.
It is also unclear as to whether or not the Scottish side are willing to place a bid for his services yet or if they are waiting to see if there is movement with other targets before possibly moving on him as an alternative.
With almost three months left to go before the transfer deadline, there is no need for Celtic to rush or panic about signings and they can remain calculated and calm for now.
Irrespective of whether or not Sanches ultimately ends up being the man, the news of the club's interest in him should ring alarm bells for Iwata, whose place in the side could come under threat.
Tomoki Iwata's Celtic season in numbers
The Japan international had only played 13 times and started six games in the 2022/23 Premiership campaign under Ange Postecoglou heading into this term.
He may, therefore, have entered into the Rodgers era worrying that he may not have much of a chance of working his way into the first-team on a regular basis.
However, the 27-year-old central midfielder bettered his tally of both appearances and starts in the Scottish top-flight with 19 outings and nine starts by the end of this season.
23/24 Premiership
Tomoki Iwata
Appearances
19
Pass accuracy
90%
Key passes per game
0.4
Tackles + interceptions per game
1.2
Ground duel success rate
51%
Aerial duel success rate
47%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Iwata proved himself to be a reliable passer in possession with a pass success rate of 90%, which shows that he rarely gave the ball away.
However, the Japanese ace created less than one chance every other game and did not manage at least two tackles and interceptions combined per match, which suggests that he offered little in the way of offensive or defensive quality.
Tomoki Iwata
His duel success rates, on the ground and in the air, also suggest that the experienced midfielder was not dominant from a physical perspective, particularly in the air as he lost more than he won.
These statistics suggest that there is plenty of room for improvement and Sanches is a player who could come in to offer more to the team in and out of possession, if he can translate his performances over to Scottish football.
Why Alyvn Sanches would be an upgrade on Tomoki Iwata
The Lausanne star would be a better option than Iwata due to the quality of his work on and off the ball, which is why Celtic's interest in him is bad news for the Japanese midfielder.
His arrival would place another player between him and the starting XI and the current Hoops gem already has the likes of Matt O'Riley, Reo Hatate, and Callum McGregor ahead of him.
Sanches, and possibly Paulo Bernardo, could push him further down the pecking order and leave the 27-year-old battler considering his future, as he may not want to spend a third season barely starting matches or making many appearances.
23/24 season
Alvyn Sanches (Super League)
Tomoki Iwata (Premiership)
Appearances
25
19
Goals
5
1
Key passes per game
1.1
0.4
Tackles + interceptions per game
1.8
1.2
Ball recoveries per game
3.8
3.7
Aerial duel success rate
55%
47%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Swiss whiz enjoyed a far greater season with four more goals and 0.7 more key passes per game on average.
He also made more tackles, interceptions, and ball recoveries per game, which shows that the left-footed enforcer has the potential to win the ball back far more frequently for the Hoops.
Overall, Sanches' ability to create things in possession coupled with his aerial prowess and defensive instincts make him appear to be an immediate upgrade on Iwata, who offered little in that regard this term.
At the age of 21, he is also six years younger than the Celtic man and could be a fantastic long-term signing for Rodgers, as a player who could develop and grow over the years to come.
Report: Celtic want to sign £24,000-a-week player who Manuel Neuer loves
He would replace a departed Hoops hero this summer.
ByHenry Jackson Jun 4, 2024
Therefore, the signing of Sanches, should the Hoops get a deal over the line this summer, could spell trouble for Iwata as it could further restrict his game time and bring up questions about his long-term future at Parkhead.
Chelsea have been linked with a move for another midfielder this summer, it has emerged, as Mauricio Pochettino looks to continue his squad rebuild.
Pochettino safe, but others less so
A strong run of form to end the season has seen Chelsea in with a chance of finishing in the Europa League spots ahead of their final two Premier League games, and they could even catch Tottenham should they win both of their final games and their London rivals lose both of theirs (against Manchester City and relegated Sheffield United).
Since a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal, the Blues have won three and drawn one of their four Premier League games and have leapfrogged Manchester United in the table.
Chelsea hit gold on "fantastic" star who's now worth more than Madueke
He produced a brilliant display against Forest on Saturday.
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Ethan Lamb
May 13, 2024
It has probably kept Pochettino in a job for the summer, with the speculation surrounding his future appearing to have largely died down in recent weeks following the announcement that Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim would be staying in Portugal this summer.
But there is likely to be significant change on the pitch ahead of the new season. Thiago Silva is leaving the club as a free agent, while Armando Broja is thought to be up for sale and the future of Conor Gallagher remains unclear, with the midfielder one of Pochettino's most relied-upon players but out of contract in 2025 and strongly linked with a move to Tottenham. Now, they may have identified a replacement.
Blues keen on goalscoring midfielder
That is according to Italian media outlets, who claim that Chelsea have made contact with Atalanta over a potential move for impressive Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners this summer.
They are not alone in their admiration of the Dutchman, with Liverpool and Juventus also in the race for his signature following an excellent Serie A campaign, while journalist Dean Jones claimed that the midfielder would be an "unbelievable addition to the Premier League".
Netherlands midfielder Teun Koopmeiners
Initially viewed as a deep-lying midfielder, he has played a more advanced role for Gasperini's side this season and has managed to find the net on 12 occasions, along with grabbing five assists and helping his side to two finals (the Coppa Italia and the Europa League).
His performances have even drawn parallels with Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes via data site fbref, given his status as a do-it-all playmaker with goalscoring pedigree.
Fernandes vs Koopmeiners 23/24
Koopmeiners
Fernandes
Games started
27
33
Goals
12
10
Assists
5
7
Shots on target per 90
0.59
1
Key passes per 90
2.1
3.27
Shot creating actions per 90
4.12
6.06
Despite this success, he seems keen for pastures new, admitting that the Premier League was an attractive prospect when quizzed earlier in the season.
"Last year there was concrete interest from Napoli. However, in the end the two clubs did not find an agreement. I told Atalanta that in the coming summer I want to leave", the maestro told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf.
"My fiancée and I are having a great time in Italy, but for some clubs in England I could even bear the rainy days there… I hope options present themselves so I can think about it", he continued.
Now, he could get that move, with TuttoJuve explaining that Liverpool and Chelsea are both in the race along with Juventus for his signature, which is likely to set them back in excess of 40m euros. With Gallagher potentially leaving, could Koopmeiners be his replacement at Stamford Bridge?
A meio campista Luana Rodrigues, nessa semana, se tornou o mais novo reforço da equipe feminina do Bahia para a temporada. Apesar de ter apenas 22 anos de idade, Luana tem relativa rodagem no futebol nacional onde já passou por Napoli-SC, Avaí/Kindermann, Iranduba, Leoas da Serra e Coritiba.
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>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS
Tendo como o Napoli o clube de maior expressão até então em sua carreira no cenário feminino, a jogadora conquistou pelo time catarinense o acesso a elite nacional e, também, o título da Série A2 além de disputar a elite nacional com as cores da equipe radicada no município de Caçador:
– Defender o Napoli foi uma oportunidade ímpar na minha vida, lá eu pude conquistar o acesso e um dos títulos mais importantes do clube e, também, da minha carreira. Mas agora o foco é fazer o melhor e elevar ainda mais o nome do Bahia.
Na análise feita por Luana, a mudança de ares é vista com bons olhos, entendendo que a estrutura aperfeiçoada pelo Esquadrão nos últimos anos poderá lhe ajudar bastante no seu desenvolvimento:
– Acredito que estava na hora de me testar em outro ambiente e vejo no Bahia uma boa oportunidade. No tricolor, poderei trabalhar para me desenvolver e, quem sabe, levar o clube novamente a elite nacional. O Bahia é uma equipe grande e eu estou muito feliz em poder defender essa camisa. Teremos pela frente o estadual e a Copa do Nordeste que são bons testes para entrarmos com tudo na próxima temporada.
Today is a new beginning. Today is the day that Arne Slot gets to work as Liverpool's new head coach.
The saddening departure of Jurgen Klopp not two weeks ago, when he led his side to one final dance against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, is still fresh in supporters' minds but hard graft must be plied over the coming months to set Anfield up for a successful start to a new era.
With Michael Edwards pulling the strings from above, Slot can focus on energising his squad and preparing for the 2024/25 campaign, but there is plenty to do on the transfer front, not least ensuring that core trio Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah – all out of contract in one year – do not leave.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
However, there are further potential exits on the cards, with Barcelona's lingering interest in Luis Diaz something that could be granted on Merseyside if an apt replacement was identified.
While he might not be a left-sided wide forward by default, Liverpool are looking to sign a talented Premier League star and could make their move if certain cards come into play in the coming weeks and months.
Liverpool lining up Premier League star
According to L'Equipe, Liverpool are indeed on the prowl for a new wide forward and have focussed their efforts on Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, aged 24, with the French-born ace ready to take the next step in his career.
Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo
The Bees would demand a fee in excess of £50m for Mbeumo, who has played a starring role in keeping the club in the English top flight for three successive seasons, though a deal is complicated by interest in his strike partner Ivan Toney.
Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested, though Slot will hope that his team's exciting project and allure of Champions League football will put Liverpool in the driving seat.
Bryan Mbeumo's season in numbers
Unfortunately, Mbeumo's incredible start to the season was stifled by injury in December, with the 5 foot 7 whiz missing three months through the middle period of the campaign after injuring his ankle and requiring surgery.
The 11-cap Cameroon international, who opted to play for the African nation due to familial ties, had fired his way into form during the opening months of the 2023/24 season, scoring seven goals and supplying three assists across 15 games before his mishap.
The Athletic's Jay Harris had even remarked that he “cannot be stopped” during this Midas-touching period. Let's not forget, supreme goalscorer Toney was suspended until January but this did not stop Mbeumo from succeeding, perhaps even allowing him to showcase his talismanic ability to a greater level.
As per Sofascore, Mbeumo scored nine goals and provided six assists from only 22 starting roles in the Premier League, creating six big chances and averaging 1.3 key passes, one dribble, 4.2 successful duels and 3.7 ball recoveries per game.
Games
22
16
Wins
8
2
Points (pm)
1.36
0.56
Goals scored (pm)
1.63
1.18
Goals conceded (pm)
1.4
2.1
Not just a goalscorer, Mbeumo possesses creative, ball-progressing and defensive skills that make him a fearsome weapon in the Premier League, ranking among the top 10% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists and shot-creating actions, the top 5% for passes attempted, the top 7% for progressive passes and progressive carries and the top 5% for blocks per 90, as per FBref.
Mbeumo's FBref metrics underscore a roundedness and dynamism in his approach play that enhances his team and puts him above that of just 'goalscorer'. Instead, this is a player with far-reaching skills that would make him a tailor-made addition to Liverpool.
Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo, and Rico Henry
Moreover, this is illustrated through the £45k-per-week star's influence when performing, making Brentford a far better, more fluid and more effective unit. It's no wonder that Thomas Frank has hailed him as "very sharp".
Why Bryan Mbeumo would star at Liverpool
Slot's system, while not yet implemented on the Anfield pitch, is likely to demonstrate a fast-flowing, possession-based blend, with Dutch reporter Marcel van der Kraan recently praising the "crazy, sexy style".
A semblance of high-octane football can be found in Slot's system, but he is not a carbon copy of his Liverpool predecessor and his focus on control is something that makes Mbeumo such an interesting prospective arrival, with the Brentford man's aforementioned ball skills perfectly placed for success on the right flank, or upfront.
His technical prowess and the fact that he could be signed, aged 24, from a Premier League rival performing lower down the table – Brentford finished 16th this season – could make him Slot's own version of Sadio Mane, with the Senegalese forward instrumental in kickstarting Klopp's reign.
Left winger
194
80
31
Right winger
44
21
8
Centre-forward
29
19
3
Firstly, Mane's positional versatility made him an invaluable striker for Liverpool, and so too is Mbeumo free of the shackles of tactical inflexibility, scoring four goals and adding one assist from nine matches from centre-forward this season but clinching five goals and five assists apiece from 14 matches on the right.
Furthermore, Mane's goalscoring ability made him the perfect fit after signing from Southampton in a £34m deal in 2016, posting 120 strikes from 269 appearances for the Reds.
Fleet of foot, positively electric and invariably sharp, Mane might not have maintained the same prolific levels of his alternate wide-man Salah, but he was so impressive in an iconic Premier League frontline, embodying Liverpool's approach of shaping talented players into world-beaters, instead of launching ludicrous sums for those already performing at the top of their game.
Mbeumo is itching for a chance to prove himself for a team at the top of the European game, and while he's got plenty to prove, Slot might just hit the jackpot in signing him, replicating Klopp's Mane masterclass and starting his tenure with a bang.
£85,000-a-week Liverpool "lifesaver" could repeat Henderson blow for Slot
SToK Cae Ras has has quickly become a fortress for Wrexham but the club have warned fans their behaviour at the stadium could result in consequences.
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Wrexham issue statement to fans
Warned about 'persistent standing'
Could face further action from authorities
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Wrexham have advanced to League One over the past two seasons, gaining back-to-back promotions, and as such, attendance at the STok Cae Ras is at an all-time high. The Red Dragons are having a terrific time on the field but the team have expressed some concern in a statement released on Thursday. The Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds-owned club have warned fans that if 'persistent standing' continues at its home ground, the side may have to contend with reduced capacity.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Sports Ground Safety Authority is in charge of overseeing Wrexham AFC, who have been given a safety certificate by Wrexham County Borough Council (SGSA). They need this certificate in order to be able to host matches at the SToK Cae Ras to full capacity. The Red Dragons have claimed that they have been contacted regarding standing during games, and released a blunt statement to fans.
WHAT WREXHAM'S STATEMENT SAID
Wrexham published a statement on Thursday that read: "If persistent standing is not stopped, we could face further action – including reduced capacity.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the STōK Cae Ras is a fully-seated stadium. There are no safe standing areas currently in place.
"Persistent standing inside the ground is not permitted anywhere in the stadium – this includes stairwells, exits, gangways and in the seating areas.
"The club faces further punishments if persistent standing continues, including the closure of blocks of seats or even entire stands.
"Persistent standing refers to where individuals stand in seated areas for prolonged periods of time, other than for short durations in play where it could be deemed unnatural to remain seated.
"As a football club, we must do all we can avoid the repercussions and wider impact persistent standing could have at the STōK Cae Ras and we know no supporters want to risk these enforcements.
"We ask all supporters to help us to ensure persistent standing does not continue, and as a Club we will act as necessary where supporters are continuing to stand persistently through the match.
"All at Wrexham AFC is grateful for the loyal, proud and noisy support you provide to us at the STōK Cae Ras and do not wish for anybody to miss out on following this incredible journey we are on.
"We are dedicated to ensuring the STōK Cae Ras is a safe and enjoyable environment for all supporters, and we thank you for your understanding and support on this matter."
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WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?
After Phil Parkinson's men suffered their first League One defeat of the season against Birmingham City, they will now be looking to bounce back to winning ways, to try and keep their first place in the league's standing. They take on Crawley Town on Saturday, September 21 at SToK Cae Ras and they will be hopeful of seeing their directions followed by fans.
According to a statement from the board, he was dismissed for “acts of serious misconduct.”
Firdose Moonda27-Aug-2020Cricket South Africa have fired former CEO Thabang Moroe with immediate effect, almost nine months after he was suspended in December 2019. Moroe was sacked after an independent forensic investigation revealed he had “committed acts of serious misconduct.” He is expected to challenge this outcome in court.This brings to three the total number of former CSA staff who are contesting their dismissals. Former chief operating officer Naasei Appiah, who was fired earlier this month and former head of sales and sponsorship Clive Eksteen, who was fired in June, have taken their cases to the labour court and the commission for conciliation, mediation, and arbitration respectively.Kugandrie Govender, who was named acting CEO last Wednesday, will continue in the position while CSA search for a more permanent solution. Govender replaced Jacques Faul, who stood down last Monday, after being in the position since Moroe was suspended. Faul has returned to his role as CEO of the Titans franchise.The conclusion of Moroe’s matter brings to an end only part of the administrative crisis at CSA. The organisation is also without an elected president after Chris Nenzani resigned three weeks before his term was due to end and have lost one of their five independent directors after Steve Cornelius stood down last week. Those positions will be filled at CSA’s AGM which is due to take place on September 5.What is unclear is whether the full forensic audit which resulted in Moroe’s being sacked will be made available to CSA’s members’ council (the body made up of the 14 provincial presidents with the highest decision-making powers) or to the public. In July, Nenzani said that “key parts,” of the report would be made public but CSA have not indicated if that remains the case.That means, for now, the exact reasons for Moroe being sacked have not been listed by CSA, who only confirmed that Moroe’s offences were serious enough to warrant immediate dismissal, without the need for a disciplinary hearing.It is believed financial misdemeanors form part of the concerns against Moroe. Along with the revocation of the accreditation of five journalists, misuse of CSA’s step-in rights over provincial unions which led to the Western Province Board being disbanded and CSA’s increasingly poor relationship with the South African Cricketers Association (SACA), Moroe’s position was deemed untenable and he was dismissed without CSA holding a disciplinary hearing. CSA made the decision to sack Moroe after two meetings in which Moroe was afforded a chance to offer explanations over the findings of the investigation.”Mr Thabang Moroe was offered sufficient opportunity to provide representations to the independent forensic auditors and to the Board regarding the allegations of misconduct, which opportunity he failed and/or refused to utilise,” CSA’s statement on Thursday read.Having now sacked Moroe, CSA will be able to stop paying his salary, which amounted to R356,000 per month (US$20,877) and which Moroe has been receiving throughout his suspension.Moroe was confirmed CSA CEO in July 2018, on a three-year contract which would have run until 2021. Prior to that, Moroe acted in the role for 10 months following CSA’s parting of ways with Haroon Lorgat, who replaced Faul, who was, at the time, acting CEO after Gerald Majola was sacked. That means that all three of CSA’s last permanent CEOs have left the organisation in acrimonious circumstances which speak to the governance challenges that have plagued CSA over much of the past eight years.In that time, South African cricket has been through four Test captains and four national men’s coaches and has tried to get a franchise T20 competition off the ground, initially without success and then, in 2018, without a television rights or sponsorship deal. The Mzansi Super League (MSL), which has been played for the last two years and broadcast on state television, was due to attract a deal with pay-television provider this summer but that appears unlikely now and the tournament could be postponed altogether. With South Africa’s national teams (men’s and women’s) awaiting the season’s fixtures and the FTP up in the air, difficult days lie ahead for cricket in this country, with no obvious solutions in sight.CSA were due in parliament last Friday to answer questions relating to the forensic investigations, transformation and governance but their appearance was postponed because the forensic audit was not ready to be presented. Now that Moroe has been fired on the basis of the independent audit, CSA may be forced to begin the process of engagement, first with the sports ministry and then with other stakeholders.