Just what the doctor ordered? Maybe not, given that Callum Robinson drew scorn before this match by revealing he has turned down the Covid-19 vaccination, but in strictly football terms the West Brom forward gave the Republic of Ireland the tonic they …
Scott McTominay’s late strike caps Scotland’s thrilling win over Israel
So much for tight, grim affairs between Scotland and Israel. A seventh meeting in three years broke the mould of anything that had come before. This was a breathless encounter, as fitting for the return of a capacity crowd to Hampden Park.The final act…
Jailed Saudi aid worker’s sister hits out at Newcastle takeover
Sentence of 20 years for alleged critic of regime was upheld a day after controversial football deal was sealedThe sister of a Saudi aid worker jailed for tweeting criticism of the regime has spoken of her shock and anger after the Saudi-led takeover o…
World Cup clockwatch: Scotland v Israel, Azerbaijan v Republic of Ireland, and more – live!
Goal updates and the latest from Saturday’s Uefa qualifiersSouthgate: unvaccinated players swayed by ‘conspiracy theories’Any comments? You can email Rob.Smyth@theguardian.comScotland (3-4-1-2) Gordon; McTominay, Hendry, Tierney; Patterson, Gilmour, Mc…
Ellen White halts Manchester City’s WSL slump with derby equaliser at United
This was a riveting, high-octane derby that ended with Manchester United and Manchester City deservedly sharing the spoils. The visitors took the lead in the first half thanks to a Khadija Shaw goal just moments after Georgia Stanway was sent off for a…
Newcastle fans speak of suffering but what about actual suffering in Saudi Arabia? | Jonathan Wilson
Supporters sang about getting their club back but it is hard to imagine a way it could be more profoundly taken awayThere used to be a sport over there.Football has never been pure. There have always been the rich looking to improve their reputations b…
Forest Green Rovers flash up climate emergency warnings during match
‘Pitchside intervention’ on hoardings at Swindon gameSky Sports broadcasting League Two game to 120 countriesForest Green Rovers have brought the climate and ecological crisis into sharp focus by taking the unprecedented step of using their pitchside a…
James spares Ward’s blushes and earns Wales point in Czech Republic
In an ideal world, the lasting image of the night would belong to the Wales supporters, arms wide, backs arched, serenading Aaron Ramsey after a classy and, at times, irresistible display. Perhaps the pandemonium in the stands – and on the touchline – …
Amanda Staveley: ‘Newcastle is a fantastic gem that needs buffing up’
The director who will run the club said she understands the questions on human rights and takes them seriouslyAmanda Staveley has spent sufficient time in Middle Eastern souks to be able to spot a precious stone hiding, unpolished, amid a sea of replic…
Simon Kjær on Ballon d’Or shortlist as men’s and women’s nominees revealed
Kjær played key role after Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrestEngland’s Ellen White and Fran Kirby on women’s shortlistThe magazine France Football has announced the shortlists for the Ballon d’Or awards, with the Denmark and Milan defender Simon Kjær a…