Home Blog Page 399

Kylian Mbappé to be named on bench for Champions League clash

The Frenchman is nursing a calf injury which kept him out of action at the weekend.

Paris Saint-Germain have been dealt a massive blow going into tonight’s Champions League clash against Manchester City as star man Kylian Mbappé will reportedly be named on the bench due to fitness concerns.

Mbappé has been nursing a calf injury which kept him out of action against Lens at the weekend.

PSG are already against it having lost 2-1 in the first leg of the semi-final. Their task in reaching the final has now become increasingly more difficult with the potential of one of their star players.

Of course, their squad is still littered with talent including Neymar, Angel Di Maria, Marco Verratti and Marquinhos, but the pace and threat in the final third of Mbappé will be hard to replace.

Speaking about the injury yesterday, PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino said: “We need to assess Kylian. Today he is going to start an individual training session and see if he can be with the team.

“There is still one day and we will see and decide if he is going to be available. We will take the decision tomorrow.”

As mentioned previously, PSG have a massive task on their hands if they want to qualify for the final. They need at least 2 goals to have any chance of winning the tie.

Manchester City don’t concede a succession of goals, and when they do, they often outscore their opponents.

Saying that, PSG’s attacking threat in the first leg was evident and there were a number of times when the Manchester City backline was compromised. They were particularly impressive in the first half as they opened the scoring, created further chances and went in ahead at half-time. City’s quality eventually showed and they looked a different team in the second half, but PSG’s first half performance should give them confidence going into the game.

The fixture kicks-off at 8pm tonight and will be played at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Premier League Darts second phase 2021 League Table, Video Highlights and Results

Premier League Darts 2021 second phase – Dates, League Table, Video Highlights, and Results for the 2021 Premier League darts tour.

Table-topper Nathan Aspinall will face Peter Wright in a meeting of former runners-up on Night 10 of the Unibet Premier League, with fixtures confirmed for the second phase of the competition.

The opening nine league phase nights in Milton Keynes saw ten of the world’s top stars play each other once across two blocks of league phase nights.

Following the elimination of Rob Cross and Glen Durrant, the remaining eight players will return to the Marshall Arena to play each other once again in the league phase.

The battle for one of the sport’s most coveted titles and £250,000 top prize continues in the second half of the season with Nights 10-12 staged across Wednesday May 5-Friday May 7, with Nights 13-16 held from Monday May 24-Thursday May 27.

The Play-Offs, where the top four players from the league table contest the semi-finals and final, will then take place on Friday May 28.

The 2021 season will resume on Wednesday May 5 with a meeting between last year’s finalist Aspinall and 2017 runner-up Wright, who is among the chasing pack for the top four positions.

The Premier League’s returning night will also see five-time champion Michael van Gerwen in action against high-flying debutant Dimitri Van den Bergh, who is level with Aspinall at the top of the table.

Fellow-debutants Jose de Sousa and Jonny Clayton will face former champions Gary Anderson and James Wade respectively on Night 10.

Current top two Aspinall and Van den Bergh will face off on Night 11 on Thursday May 6, which also features a repeat of the 2020 Grand Slam of Darts final between De Sousa and Wade, while the competition’s two most decorated players – Van Gerwen and Anderson – will meet on Night 14 on Tuesday May 25.

The Play-Off race will reach its climax on Thursday May 27 with Night 16 as Van Gerwen and Wright meet in a repeat of the 2017 final.

Play on each night will commence at 1900 BST. Matches from Nights 10-16 are the best of 14 legs.

The Unibet Premier League is broadcast through Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, RTL7 in the Netherlands, DAZN in various worldwide territories including Germany & America, as well as through the PDC’s global broadcast partners and on PDCTV for Rest of the World Subscribers outside of the UK, Ireland & Netherlands.

2021 Unibet Premier League
Nights 10-16 Fixtures
Night 10 – Wednesday May 5
Jonny Clayton v James Wade
Jose de Sousa v Gary Anderson
Dimitri Van den Bergh v Michael van Gerwen
Peter Wright v Nathan Aspinall

Night 11 – Thursday May 6
Nathan Aspinall v Dimitri Van den Bergh
James Wade v Jose de Sousa
Gary Anderson v Peter Wright
Michael van Gerwen v Jonny Clayton

Night 12 – Friday May 7
Peter Wright v Jose de Sousa
Michael van Gerwen v James Wade
Jonny Clayton v Nathan Aspinall
Dimitri Van den Bergh v Gary Anderson

Night 13 – Monday May 24
Jonny Clayton v Gary Anderson
Jose de Sousa v Dimitri Van den Bergh
Nathan Aspinall v Michael van Gerwen
James Wade v Peter Wright

Night 14 – Tuesday May 25
James Wade v Nathan Aspinall
Jonny Clayton v Jose de Sousa
Gary Anderson v Michael van Gerwen
Peter Wright v Dimitri Van den Bergh

Night 15 – Wednesday May 26
Jonny Clayton v Peter Wright
James Wade v Dimitri Van den Bergh
Gary Anderson v Nathan Aspinall
Jose de Sousa v Michael van Gerwen

Night 16 – Thursday May 27
Gary Anderson v James Wade
Nathan Aspinall v Jose de Sousa
Peter Wright v Michael van Gerwen
Dimitri Van den Bergh v Jonny Clayton

Play-Offs – Friday May 28
Semi-Finals
Final

Roy Keane gives opinion on Manchester United fan protests

Their game against Liverpool was postponed today after supporters made their way onto the pitch in protest against the Glazers.

Manchester United fans have been quietly protesting against the Glazer’s ownership of the club since plans to join the now defunct European Super League were first announced, but today the protests reached a new level. Over 100 Manchester United fans managed to break their way into Old Trafford and stormed onto the pitch in a demonstration against the owners of the club.

Manchester United were scheduled to play Liverpool today in one of the biggest games in world football, but that was called off due to the protests as fans spent hours on the pitch in demonstration.

“It has reached a tipping point for the Manchester United fans. They have had enough. United have got some of the best fans in the world. We have seen today that they are thinking enough is enough with the ownership of the club,” said Roy Keane while on punditry for Sky Sports.

“Today is a huge game, there’s huge interest from all over the world and there was an opportunity for United fans to make a huge statement and that’s why they did it today because it was Liverpool, the last few weeks have just pushed United fans over the edge.

“This is just the beginning. There’s more to come, I guarantee you.”

Given the backlash over the formation of the European Super League, the pending resignation of Ed Woodward and now the protests that took place today, it’s hard to think that the Glazers will remain at Manchester United for much longer.

There were rumours about the Glazer’s contemplating the sale of the club after Ed Woodward’s resignation was announced a couple of weeks ago. Perhaps we could see that come to fruition sooner rather than later.

Irish midfielder Mark Sykes signs new deal with Oxford United

The Belfast man signed with the club in 2019. 

Irish midfielder Mark Sykes has signed a new deal with Oxford United keeping him at the club until 2022. The Belfast man had an option in his contract to extend his contract for a further year which manager Karl Robinson duly activated. Spanish midfielder Alex Gorrin also had his contract extended.

“It didn’t take too long to make that decision because they are good players, they both love playing for the club and we think there is more to come from both of them,” said manager Karl Robinson on the deals.

“We are building for the future here and both of them fit the bill really well; good players with great attitudes and lot of potential, so we are really happy to have them here for at least one more year and hopefully longer.”

“I’m settled here, love living in the area and the club has given me the opportunity to really show what I can do,” stated Mark Sykes.

“I’ll always be grateful that they took a chance on bringing me over here and hopefully I can repay that faith by playing a part in the last couple of games and getting us where we all want to be.”

Sykes signed for Oxford United back in 2019 from NIFL Premiership side Glenavon. He came through the club’s youth system and made 117 league appearances over the span of 6 years before departing.

Since joining Oxford, Sykes has become a first-team regular, making 30 League One appearances this season.

He also played for Northern Ireland from u18 to u21 level and was included in a couple of senior squads, however he never played in a game for the country.

Because of this, he was still eligible for the Republic of Ireland and in a controversial move in August last year, he switched allegiance to the Republic.

“The Republic of Ireland are the team I have always dreamed of playing for and I have to try my best to achieve that,” explained Sykes regarding his decision.

The 23-year-old has yet to appear in a Republic of Ireland squad, but that could change very soon if he keeps progressing as he is.

National Showjumping Grand Prix

The National Showjumping Grand Prix moves west this weekend as Gain Alltech, with the support of SJI, sponsoring the series.

Taking place in Galway Equestrian, it promises to be an exciting weekend of jumping with a full schedule of classes.

On Sunday, the Gain Alltech Grand Prix, which is sponsored by Galway EC, will take centre stage with a prize fund of €4,000.

On Saturday, the second round of the ISH Studbook Series qualifiers should prove very competitive. The action in this series will continue early on Sunday morning with the finals.

Winner of the last week’s round in the Meadows EC, Kildare’s Mikey Pender will be chasing points. Pender has declared three to jump in this round. The current leaders on the board, John Floody and Mikey Pender, will be watching this week’s proceedings closely.

There is a good mixture of riders on the start list with local riders looking to claim this win. Among the western region riders participating are Olive Clarke, Sven Hadley, Daren Hopkins, James Joyce and Gabriel Slattery.

Current National Grand Prix Champion Derek McConnell will with Dothraki Warlord and Izzy. Runner-up in the TRM Showjumpers Club Spring Tour, Robyn Moran, will be competing with Coolminga Inspector Royal.

Speaking ahead of the weekend Tomás O’Brien of Galway Equestrian said:

“It’s wonderful to be back jumping again, albeit it without spectators. We have a great line-up in the classes. Tom Holden will design fitting tracks for the high standard of riders. We would ask all competitors to stick to the Covid Guidelines that we have in place. The schedule over the course of the show ensures that all guidelines can be followed in a safe manner and in a timely fashion.”

Leading jockey and trainer at the Punchestown Festival 2021

We have the latest updated standings for the leading jockey and trainer at the Punchestown festival, will it be Rachael Blackmore or Paul Townsend?

Leading Jockey

4wins

Paul Townsend

3 wins

Patrick Mullins

2wins

Simon Torrens

1 win

Jody McGarvey

Cathal Landers

Jonathan Moore

Derek O’Connor

Sam Twiston Davies

Robbie Power

Daragh O’Keeffe

Miss J Townsend

P Byrnes

BJ Walsh

Danny Mullins

Conor McNamara

PJ O’Hanlon

Leading Trainer

12 wins

Willie Mullins

2 win

Philip Rothwell

Jessica Harrington

1 win

Mouse Morris

Paul Nicholls

Peter Fahey

Danny Mullins

0 wins

Denis Forster

Henry De Bromhead

European Badminton Championships – Nhat Nguyen and Sam/Chloe into last 16

Olympic hopeful Nhat Nguyen and former European medallists Sam and Chloe Magee continue their good form.

Day Two

Mixed Doubles

Sam and Chloe Magee progress to the last 16 with a hard-fought win over Tiers Van Der Lecq and Debora Jille of the Netherlands 21-14 19021 21-14

Paul Reynolds and Rachael Darragh lost out to their higher-ranked opponents Eloi Adam and Margot Lambert of France 17-21 16-21

Men’s singles

Nhat Nguyen progresses to the last 16 of the Men’s singles with a win over Zvonimir Durkinjak of Croatia 23-21 21-14

Women’s Singles 

Rachael Darragh played another good singles match but was unable to get the win against Ksenia Polikarpova of Israel losing 14-21 18-21

“The team did a great job on day two of the championships. Sam and Chloe used their experience to get through a tough last 32 match. Nhat Nguyen also stepped up to the mark against a very tricky opponent in Zvonimir Durkinjak. Rachael Darragh performed well in both her mixed and singles and despite not getting a win today she will have learned a lot from the matches she had. Two last 16 places put Ireland in a good position on Day three of the championships. We hope we can go at least one step further after the matches tomorrow”

Badminton Ireland HP Director Daniel Magee

Results

Mixed Doubles

RD 32Sam Magee and Chloe Magee (IRL) Bt Tiers Van Der Lecq and Debora Jille (NED) 21-14 19-21 21-14

RD 32 Paul Reynolds and Rachael Darragh (IRL) Lost to Eloi Adam and Margot Lambert (FRA) 17-21 16-21

Men’s singles

RD 32 Nhat Nguyen (IRL) bt  Zvonimir Durkinjak (HR) 23-21 21-14

Women’s Singles

RD 32 Rachael Darragh lost to Ksenia Polikarpova (IL) 14-21 18-21

rm reaching the last 16 off the event

Video Highlights – Galopin Des Champs wins Punchestown Novice Hurdle

Video Highlights – Galopin Des Champs has won the Grade One Irish Daily Mirror Punchestown Novice Hurdle.

Willie Mullins extended his dominance at the 2021 Punchestown Festival as Galopin Des Champs completed a Cheltenham/Punchestown double when landing the Grade 1 Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle.

Ireland’s champion trainer maintained his clean sweep of the Grade 1 races thus far this week as the five-year-old, who carries the colours of Audrey Turley, cruised through the field under Paul Townend to return home in isolation, recording a 12-length success over Gentlemansgame.

Townend himself was extending his advantage over Rachael Blackmore to six winners in the race to be crowned champion jockey.

Of his latest Grade 1 winner, Mullins said afterwards: “He looked very smart today stepping up to three miles. He looked fantastic. Paul just gave him a squeeze turning in and he took off and it was race over barring a fall.

Options will remain open for Galopin Des Champs in terms of next season but connections will be entitled to dream big after this display.

“He’s very slick over his hurdles. I said to Paul, ‘What did you think?’ and he said he could be a Stayers’ Hurdle candidate. I like to go chasing with them quickly. We’ll see,” Mullins added.

Townend commented: “That was straightforward. He settled well. I was in front a lot earlier than I anticipated. I won’t say too soon, because we won but it was a lot earlier than I anticipated. One good jump got me there, without setting sail. I was there and able to hang onto a little bit.

“He jumped super. He’d jump a fence if they want him to as well. There’s loads of options for him.”

Manchester United and Chelsea monitoring Irish forward Andrew Moran

The 17-year-old joined Brighton & Hove Albion from Bray Wanderers last summer.

Brighton & Hove Albion will have a task on their hands if they want to keep hold of in-form Irish forward Andrew Moran amid reported interest Manchester United and Chelsea, according to TeamTalk.

Moran only joined Brighton last summer but has already made quite an impact at the seaside club. The 17-year-old has registered a highly impressive 22 goal contributions in 22 u18 Premier League games this season. He’s also made appearances in the Premier League 2 and FA Youth Cup.

Before joining Brighton, Moran came through the Bray Wanderers youth system and managed to appear in 2 First Division games for the club, scoring 1 goal in the process.

Leigh Kavanagh – who played with Moran at Bray Wanderers – also joined the Brighton underage setup at the same time as his compatriot.

In other Irish transfer news, current St Mirren midfielder Jamie McGrath has attracted interest from Aberdeen and a number of EFL clubs (including Peterborough United) following his impressive performances this season.

Celtic midfielder Scott Brown – who is set to join Aberdeen in the summer – reportedly recommended McGrath to manager Stephen Glass, according to the Daily Record.

Like Moran, McGrath has been highly effective in the final third this season, contributing to 20 goals in 42 games in all competitions from midfield.

Tom Flynn may not be joining list of Galway footballers not available this season

Tom Flynn may not be joining the growing list of Galway footballers who are making themselves unavailable this season.

His club Athenry have came out to refute a post on the Galway supporters page suggesting he was not making himself available.

With the possibility of only three league games that include matches against Dublin, Kerry, and Roscommon and maybe only a couple of championship matches it’s not a surprise that players are finding it hard to commit. But it seems Flynn will be involved.

Michael Daly, Ian Burke, Fiontán Ó Curraoin have already announced they would no longer be involved and Gareth Bradshaw has retired.

There has been some good news for Galway fans with Moycullen’s Peter Cooke returning home and becoming part of the panel.

The post below on social media appears to be untrue.

Galway Footballers Homepage
We understand Tom Flynn has informed the Galway management that he is unable to commit to the squad for the coming season.
2020 was Tom Flynn’s 10th season with the Galway Senior Football squad.
Between league & championship, Flynn has made 89 appearances for Galway, since making his Senior debut back in 2011.
Flynn has made 50 appearances in the league (37 starts & 13 sub apps), scoring 2-09.
In the championship, Flynn has made 39 appearances (33 starts & 6 sub apps) for the Galway seniors, scoring 3-05.
The St. Mary’s GAA Club Athenry clubman made his 50th NFL appearance for Galway last October in the final round against All-Ireland champions Dublin.

1...398399400...607Page 399 of 607

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

SportsNewsIreland is an Irish website launched in 2009 to offer sports fans in Ireland an alternative and independent source to keep them up to date with all the news from around the country. Every week we bring you live score updates from all levels of GAA, rugby, soccer, racing and athletics. Contact

Contact us: Email: info@sportsnewsireland.com

FOLLOW US

Design by SportsMediaIreland.ie