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Full list of schools CLOSED today as 114mph Storm Eowyn hits with nation on red alert – find out which are shut near you

A FULL list of schools CLOSED today has been been revealed as Storm Eowyn batters the UK with 114mph winds.

All schools in Northern Ireland have been forced to keep pupils at home today as a third rare red weather warning was issued.

Commuters in London walking in heavy rain and wind.
LNP
Commuters braving the torrential rain on London Bridge this morning[/caption]
Airplane taking off in stormy conditions.
Alamy
An aircraft struggles to take off at Birmingham Airport today[/caption]
Waves crashing over seawall near Brighton Palace Pier during a storm.
Alamy
Huge waves crash in by Brighton Palace Pier as Storm Eowyn batters Britain[/caption]

Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man have been placed under the alerts – where rail services and hundreds of flights are scrapped.

Elsewhere, a tornado warning came into force between Bristol and London, according to the European Storm Forecast Experiment.

It comes after residents in Cornwall already experienced a small twister which left house roofs torn off and walls collapsed this morning.

Meanwhile a gust of 93mph has now been recorded at Aberdaron in Gwynedd, north Wales – the strongest gust so far today in the UK, the Met Office said.

Northern Ireland

All schools in Northern Ireland have been told to close today.

These include schools in all of the country’s council areas:

  • Antrim and Newtownabbey
  • Ards and North Down
  • Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon
  • Belfast City
  • Causeway Coast and Glens
  • Derry City and Strabane
  • District Council – Enniskillen Office
  • Lisburn and Castlereagh
  • Mid and East Antrim
  • Mid Ulster
  • Newry, Mourne and Down

First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill, warned the red weather alerts mean “there is a genuine threat to life”.

She urged people to stay at home and “stay safe”.

“Schools are closing, further and higher education colleges are closing, airports are keeping the situation under review,” added the First Minister.

“We’re encouraging only essential travel, only where it is absolutely necessary.”

Wales

In Anglesey the school closures are as follows

  • Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones
  • Ysgol Amlwch
  • Ysgol Cemaes
  • Ysgol Goronwy Owen
  • Ysgol Llanfechell
  • Ysgol Moelfre
  • Ysgol Penysarn
  • Ysgol Rhosybol
  • Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern
  • Ysgol Bryngwran
  • Ysgol Y Ffridd
  • Ysgol Llannerch-y-medd
  • Ysgol Y Morswyn
  • Ysgol Pencarnisiog
  • Ysgol Rhyd Y Llan
  • Ysgol Gyrnadd Bodedern
  • Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi
  • Ysgol Cybi
  • Ysgol Fali
  • Ysgol Kingsland
  • Ysgol Llanfawr
  • Ysgol Rhoscolyn
  • Ysgol Rhosneigr
  • Ysgol Santes Fair
  • Ysgol Tywyn
  • Ysgol Caergeiliog
  • Ysgol Bodffordd
  • Ysgol Corn Hir
  • Ysgol Esceifiog
  • Ysgol Henblas
  • Ysgol Llanbedrgoch
  • Ysgol Santes Dwynwen
  • Ysgol Y Graig
  • Ysgol Brynrefail
  • Ysgol Pendalar
  • Ysgol Tryfan

Scotland

In Scotland, the only council areas which have NOT issued school closures are:

  • Fife
  • Falkirk
  • Stirling
  • City of Edinburgh
  • East Dunbartonshireer’s

ALL other councils have announced full school closures.

In Aberdeenshire Council, the following schools will be closed:

  • Aberchirder Primary School
  • Aboyne Academy
  • Aboyne Primary School
  • Alehousewells School
  • Alford Academy
  • Alford Primary School
  • Anna Ritchie School
  • Arduthie School
  • Arnage School
  • Auchenblae School
  • Auchnagatt School
  • Auchterellon School
  • Auchterless School
  • Ballater School
  • Ballogie Nursery
  • Balmedie School
  • Banchory Academy
  • Banchory Primary School
  • Banchory-Devenick School
  • Banff Academy
  • Banff Primary School
  • Barthol Chapel School
  • Bervie School
  • Boddam School
  • Bracoden School
  • Braemar School
  • Buchanhaven Primary School
  • Burnhaven School
  • Carronhill School
  • Catterline School
  • Chapel of Garioch School
  • Clerkhill School
  • Cluny School
  • Craigievar School
  • Crathes School
  • Crathie School
  • Crimond School
  • Crombie School
  • Crossroads Nursery, Durris
  • Crudie School
  • Cultercullen School
  • Dales Park School
  • Daviot School
  • Drumblade School
  • Drumoak School
  • Dunnottar School (Nursery Currently Mothballed)
  • Durris School
  • Echt School
  • Ellon Academy
  • Ellon Primary School
  • Elrick School
  • Fetterangus School
  • Fettercairn School
  • Fintry School, Turriff
  • Finzean School
  • Fordyce School
  • Forgue School
  • Foveran School
  • Fraserburgh Academy
  • Fraserburgh North School
  • Fraserburgh South Park School
  • Fyvie School
  • Glenbervie School
  • Gordon Primary School
  • Gordon Schools (The)
  • Gourdon School
  • Greenacres Nursery
  • Hatton Fintray School
  • Hatton School, Cruden
  • Hill of Banchory School
  • Hillside School
  • Insch School
  • Inverallochy School
  • Inverurie Academy
  • Johnshaven School
  • Keithhall School
  • Kellands School
  • Kemnay Academy
  • Kemnay Primary School
  • Kennethmont School
  • Kincardine O’Neil School
  • Kinellar School
  • King Edward School
  • Kininmonth School
  • Kintore School
  • Lairhillock School
  • Largue School
  • Laurencekirk School
  • Lochpots School
  • Logie Coldstone School
  • Logie Durno School
  • Longside School
  • Lumphanan School
  • Lumsden School
  • Luthermuir School
  • Macduff Primary School
  • Mackie Academy
  • Marykirk School
  • Maud School
  • Mearns Academy – Closed to pupils only
  • Meethill School
  • Meiklemill School
  • Meldrum Academy
  • Meldrum School
  • Methlick School
  • Midmar School
  • Midmill School
  • Mill O’ Forest School
  • Mintlaw Academy
  • Mintlaw School
  • Monquhitter School
  • Monymusk School
  • New Deer School
  • New Machar School
  • New Pitsligo and St John’s School
  • Newburgh Mathers School
  • Newtonhill School
  • Old Rayne School
  • Ordiquhill School
  • Oyne School
  • Peterhead Academy
  • Peterhead Central School
  • Pitfour School
  • Pitmedden School
  • Port Elphinstone School
  • Portlethen Academy
  • Portlethen School
  • Portsoy School
  • Premnay School
  • Rathen School
  • Rayne North School
  • Redmyre School
  • Rhynie School
  • Rosehearty School
  • Rothienorman School
  • Sandhaven School
  • Skene School
  • Slains School
  • St Andrew’s School, Inverurie
  • St Andrews School, Fraserburgh
  • St Combs School
  • St Cyrus School
  • St Fergus School
  • Strathburn School
  • Strathdon School
  • Strichen School
  • Stuartfield School
  • Tarland School
  • Tarves School
  • Tipperty School
  • Torphins School
  • Tough School Transport not operating
  • Towie School
  • Turriff Academy
  • Turriff Primary School
  • Tyrie School
  • Udny Green School
  • Uryside School
  • Westfield School
  • Westhill Academy – Changes to transport routes
  • Westhill Primary School
  • Whitehills School

First Minister of Scotland John Sweeney warned: “The Met Office advice is clear, the potential impacts include danger to life, structural damage to property and transport and power disruptions.

“We have to be clear, people should not travel.

“Red weather warnings like this are very rare. Our message is simple, please follow the advice from the Met Office and the police, take this seriously and stay safe.”

It comes as the Met Office said Storm Eowyn is likely to damage buildings, uproot trees and cause power cuts.

Ronaldsway Airport, in the Isle of Man, announced it will remain closed.

Analysis of flight tracking website FlightRadar24 shows at least 334 flights have been cancelled.

Calmac Ferries on Scotland’s west coast and Steam Packet Ferries between Heysham and the Isle of Man both also confirmed planned sailings had been cancelled today.

Train operator ScotRail suspended all services across Scotland today, saying it “would not be safe to operate passenger services due to forecast weather conditions”.

A number of train companies including Avanti West Coast, Lumo, CrossCountry and Grand Central have also told customers not to travel on routes across parts of north Wales, Scotland and northern England with no services running.

Passengers and motorists in areas covered by red and amber weather warnings have been told to avoid travel “unless absolutely essential”.

National Highways said the A66 between the A1M in North Yorkshire and M6 in Cumbria, as well as the A628 Woodhead Pass in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, were both closed overnight due to strong winds.

Further south, the M48 Severn Bridge was closed due to strong winds, while the Tamar Bridge on the A38 between Devon and Cornwall was closed to high-sided vehicles until 5am.

Avon and Somerset reported a number of local roads had been blocked due to fallen trees, advising motorists to “take care when travelling”.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland described the storm as an “exceptional weather event” and said it was expected to bring the strongest winds seen in the country since 1998.

Storm damage to houses in Quinterell Downs, Cornwall, UK.
Alamy
Roofs were torn off and walls collapsed into the street in Cornwall after a tornado hit[/caption]
A woman sits in an airport terminal looking at her phone, seemingly frustrated by flight delays due to Storm Eowyn.
Bav Media
Frustrated passengers delayed this morning at Heathrow Airport[/caption]
Storm waves crashing against a seawall near Blackpool Tower.
Dave Nelson
Storm Eowyn Batters the North Shore at Blackpool[/caption]

Red warnings for wind have been issued by the Met Office in Northern Ireland from 7am until 2pm on Friday, and for western and central areas of Scotland between 10am and 5pm.

Gusts of 80 to 90mph are expected widely inland in the warning areas, with speeds of up to 100mph likely along coasts, the forecaster said.

Amber wind warnings are also in place for Northern Ireland, the southern half of Scotland, northern England and north Wales between 6am and 9pm on Friday, and the northern half of Scotland from 1pm on Friday to 6am on Saturday.

Winds reaching 60 to 70mph will be widespread in these warning areas.

There is a yellow wind warning covering most of the UK for the entirety of Friday.

And smaller yellow warnings for snow in Scotland from 6am to midnight, and rain in south-west England and Wales until 9am.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “We reserve the issuing of Red Warnings for the most severe weather which represents a likely danger to life and severe disruption, and that is the case with Storm Éowyn.

“While it will be widely very windy on Friday, with additional hazards from rain and snow, the strongest winds and most significant impacts are likely in Northern Ireland and central and southwestern parts of Scotland within the Red Warning areas, where winds could gust 80-90 mph quite widely for a time, and potentially up to 100 mph for exposed coasts in particular.”

Map of UK weather warnings: red wind and ice, red wind, amber wind, and yellow wind.
The Met Office has issues rare red weather warning
Map of Ireland showing storm-force southerly winds.
Met Eireann
Storm Éowyn has been predicted to sweep in gales of up to 114mph[/caption]

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Stats and facts for Score Predictor Matchweek 20 – play for free and compete for £250 weekly prize

DREAM TEAM are once again putting up £250 in cash for Score Predictor Matchweek 20.

As usual, it’s completely free to play and, if you opt for sheer gut instinct, it takes mere seconds to submit your entry.

a man in a blue shirt with the number 22 on it
Dream Team
Play now![/caption]

Simply enter your predictions for the five selected Premier League games and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.

If you amass the most points then you’ll claim the weekly cash prize!

Allow us to present some key stats and facts for each relevant fixture to help inform your decisions.

Liverpool v Ipswich

The Tractor Boys were battered 6-0 by Manchester City last weekend and won’t be relishing a trip to the lair of the league leaders this Saturday.

Kieran McKenna’s side have looked better than fellow promoted teams Southampton and Leicester but the brutal truth is that they’ve mustered just 16 points upon their return to the top flight.

Only Saints and Everton have scored fewer goals than Ipswich at this stage.

In contrast, Arne Slot’s troops are the league’s top scorers having reached a half century of goals away to Brentford last weekend.

It might be a long afternoon for Ipswich…

Our Prediction: 4-0 to Liverpool

Liverpool players celebrating a goal.
Getty
Salah and company could run riot against Ipswich[/caption]

Manchester City v Chelsea

Pep Guardiola’s side are unbeaten in ten against the Blues, having won eight of those contests.

However, they have suffered late capitulations against Brentford and PSG this month and still don’t look back to their best.

City have recruited reinforcements during the transfer window and it will be interesting to see if new forward Omar Marmoush, one of Europe’s most in-form players, is thrown straight into the action on Saturday.

As for Chelsea, they are in the midst of a downturn in form, even accounting for their win over Wolves on Monday night.

Enzo Maresca’s side sit 13th in the form table, just below West Ham, but remain fourth in the table that matters most.

Cole Palmer will be hopeful of haunting his old team given City’s problems in deep midfield and defence of late but whether the visitors have enough resolve to resist Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland is another conversation entirely.

Our Prediction: 2-2 draw

Omar Marmoush of Eintracht Frankfurt during a Bundesliga match.
Getty
City’s new weapon in attack[/caption]

Crystal Palace v Brentford

Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa gave the Bees victory over the Eagles in the reverse fixture but the recent history of this match-up has been littered with draws, five in the last seven meetings to be precise.

Palace have enjoyed an upturn of late and only five teams have earned more points from their last ten league outings.

Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta have reestablished their profitable connection in recent weeks as Oliver Glasner’s side have moved away from the relegation scrap and into the safety of mid-table.

Just one point separates these two teams but the hosts will feel this is an excellent opportunity to leapfrog their London rivals – Brentford’s only win in their last nine games came against Southampton.

Thomas Frank’s injury-blighted side have scraped just five points on the road this season.

Our Prediction: 2-1 to Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace players celebrating a goal.
PA
Palace have looked much better in recent weeks[/caption]

Aston Villa v West Ham

Graham Potter is still in the embryonic stage of his tenure as Hammers boss and will be fully aware of the size of the task after defeat to Palace last time out.

The East Londoners failed to register a single shot on target against the Eagles last weekend.

The Villains lost to Monaco in midweek and have struggled in the league after Champions League excursions this season but a recent win over West Ham in the FA Cup will give them hope of a positive result this time around.

Unai Emery’s side boast the fourth best home record in the top flight and will start as favourites on Sunday, especially as the visitors have several injuries to key attackers.

Our Prediction: 2-0 to Aston Villa

Graham Potter, West Ham United head coach.
AFP
Potter has a big job on his hands[/caption]

Fulham v Manchester United

The Cottagers are seven points ahead of the Red Devils in the table and head into Sunday’s game having had a full week to prepare, whereas Ruben Amorim’s men faced Rangers on Thursday night.

Man United have mustered just ten points from ten away days in the league this term having scored ten goals on the road – only Everton and Southampton have scored fewer goals away from home.

A Joshua Zirkzee winner ensured his side took three points off Fulham at Old Trafford back in August but 40% of Score Predictor users have opted for a 2-1 win for the hosts at Craven Cottage as it stands.

Our Prediction: 1-0 to Fulham

Show us how it’s really done by entering your predictions for Matchweek 20 now!


Score Predictor

Play Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!

  • FREE to play
  • £250 weekly prize
  • Predict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracy
  • Most points wins weekly cash prize
  • PLAY NOW

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MOTD legend urges Gary Neville to become Man Utd manager as he’s ‘best man for the job’ leaving Carragher in hysterics

LEGENDARY Match of the Day host Des Lynam still believes Gary Neville is the best man to turn things around at Manchester United.

But the thought of Neville guiding United from the Old Trafford dugout has left Jamie Carragher in absolute hysterics.

Gary Neville at Goodison Park.
PA
Des Lynam believes Gary Neville is the best man to turn things around at United[/caption]
Des Lynam at Cliff Morgan's funeral.
Lynam first mooted Neville to take the reins in 2020
Rex
Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool captain, at a football match.
Getty
But the idea left Jamie Carragher in hysterics[/caption]

Lynam’s comments calling for Neville to “save United” are now trending on X and Carragher was the first to jump in.

Writing for the Telegraph, Lynam, 82, has doubled down on his previous stance that Neville should be considered for the United manager job.

The first-ever MOTD host wrote: “Neville has Manchester United blood running through his veins and is deeply hurt by the club’s present predicament.

“He has a powerful personality and would be a strong presence in the dressing room. Neville has remained the best candidate, in my mind.”

As expected, Carragher couldn’t wait to ridicule the suggestion.

The Liverpool legend, who works as a pundit alongside Neville, replied with a series of laughing emojis: “😂😂😂😂😂”.

And fans have also poked fun at the idea on social media.

One said: “This might be one of the worst takes I’ve ever heard.”

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While another joked: “After all these years, Des Lynam has finally come out as a Man City fan.”

A third asked: “Des is surely trolling us 🤣🤣🤣.”

Lynam first floated the idea in 2020 when the Red Devils were managed by club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

But the former commentator appears to be unfazed by Neville’s disastrous spell at Valencia – his only senior management role to date.

Neville accepted an offer to coach the LaLiga outfit from owner and close business pal Peter Lim.

But the former Old Trafford right-back won just three of his 16 league games before he was brutally sacked after four months.

Meanwhile Neville is unlikely to take the reins away from Ruben Amorim at his former club.

He has influenced things in other ways by regularly criticising United’s misfortunes, Amorim’s side sit 13th in the Prem.

Photo of Alan Hansen, Des Lynam, and Trevor Brooking, the regular presenters of BBC 1's Match of the Day.
BBC
Lynam (centre) presented MOTD in the 80s, with Alan Hansen and Trevor Brooking[/caption]

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‘Loner’ pie heir who knifed only pal to death in frenzied Xmas Eve attack as screams of horror heard is jailed for life

A “LONER” pie heir who murdered his only friend in a frenzied Christmas Eve horror attack has been jailed for life.

Screams of horror were heard as Dylan Thomas stabbed William Bush 39 times with a flick knife at the home they shared in Llandaff.

Two young men on a boat.
WNS
William Bush, left, was knifed to death by Dylan Thomas[/caption]
Dylan Thomas, convicted of murder, sits on a bench.
WNS
The pie heir has been jailed for life[/caption]

The pair had lived together for “some years” after meeting at £13,000-a-term Christ College.

But William, 23, had been planning to move in with his girlfriend Ella Jeffries – causing Thomas to hatch the gruesome plot.

The 24-year-old, who is heir to a £230million fortune, has now been jailed for life with a minimum of 19 years after being found guilty of murder.

In a victim impact statement, Catrin Bush said she did not have the words to describe her feelings towards Thomas for murdering her brother.

She said: “You have shown no remorse or respect during this entire process.

“I don’t know how someone could be so cruel, manipulative, heartless and evil. You inflicted so much suffering on our innocent little brother, Will, and you have taken Will’s bright future away from him.

“I hope you’ll never be released back into the community and you live out the rest of your years in prison.”

While William’s dad John told the court his family’s life changed overnight.

He added: “This has had and will continue to have effects for as long as each of us shall live. Christmas will not be a time of celebration for our family.

“It’s impossible to find release from the trauma of losing a child in such brutal and callous circumstances.

“The instinct of all parents is to love and to protect our children and to keep them safe. But we were not able to do this and this haunts us every day.”

Cardiff Crown Court heard Thomas lured his “only friend” William into meeting him as the rugby player prepared to travel home for Christmas.

The killer carried out chilling online searches as he plotted the attack – including looking for “anatomy of the neck”.

In a cruel twist, Thomas had actually been arrested just one month before the murder over a “serious” attempt to climb into Buckingham Palace.

But the monster was released on bail for scaling the 14ft fence – meaning he was free to kill his housemate.

On the day of the bloodbath, Thomas was given a lift back to the shared home by his gran Sharon Burton after claiming he needed to walk his dog Bruce.

He instead entered the house and attacked William in his bedroom from behind.

After being stabbed in the back of the neck, William fled “for his life” but was knifed 39 times.

Injuries to Thomas’ hands showed the victim had been “literally fighting for his life against an armed attacker”.

Gran Sharon had been waiting in the car for her grandson, who emerged five minutes later banging on the door.

She told police: “I jumped out and Dylan was just covered in blood and practically falling down on the floor.

“I ran into the house. I could see Will on the floor and straightaway I started to do CPR on him and didn’t stop until ambulance people came.

“I thought I felt a pulse but I don’t know because my adrenaline was so crazy.

“I cut off my daughter and handed the phone. I tried to dial 999. I called Dylan and told him to ring police and ambulance and that’s what he did.

“I stayed there until police arrived and told them to come quickly. They seemed to be taking ages

“There was nothing there with Will. His eyes were open. I thought I felt him moving but there was nothing there.”

The gran police that she was “in a nightmare” and thought “What the hell has happened?”

She added: “I wish I’d never taken him. I would never have envisaged anything like that from Dylan, not in a million years.”

Bodycam showed Thomas being arrested while covered in blood with his cut hands held out in front of him.

police officer asked him: “Where’s the person who did this?”

Thomas replied: “I think he is dead, I f****** disarmed him”.

He later told police he stabbed William in self-defence, insisting his friend had been “having an episode”.

The court heard Thomas had been experiencing psychosis “up to six months before the event”.

When he was arrested for the Buckingham Palace incident, he told police he could harness gravity and was trying to explore energy fields between Buckingham Palace and Cleopatra’s Needle”.

Thomas admitted manslaughter but denied murder – claiming diminished responsibility at the time of the killing.

Man in a cable car overlooking a city by the water.
William had been planning to move in with his girlfriend
PA

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Arsenal face nightmare Champions League last 16 draw as supercomputer projects four most likely Gunners opponents

ARSENAL could face a nightmare draw in the next round of the Champions League despite being on track to finish in the top four of the new-look league phase.

The Gunners have looked strong in the Champions League this season and all-but guaranteed their spot in the top eight with a 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.

Mikel Arteta looking dejected.
Reuters
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side could be handed a nightmare draw in the Champions League last 16[/caption]
Arsenal players celebrating a goal.
Getty
Arsenal all-but secured a top eight finish with a 3-0 win over Dynamo Zagreb on Wednesday[/caption]

The new league phase means that the teams that finish in the top eight avoid playing in the preliminary round of 16 game that teams placed between ninth and 24th must compete in.

Arsenal should finish in the top eight barring a disaster, and are projected to finish either third of fourth by beating Spanish outfit Girona in their final game of the league phase next week.

However, they may not be rewarded as much as they’d like for their efforts.

A supercomputer has predicted where every team will finish in the league phase and it makes grim reading for the Gunners’ when it comes to their seeded opponent in the next round.

Despite being on course for a nice break from European football by avoiding the preliminary round of 16, Arsenal are in line to take on one of four European giants in the last 16 proper.

A third or fourth placed finish would see them face one of the teams that finishes 13th, 14th, 19th or 20th in the league phase when they play their last 16 clash.

According to the Football Rankings supercomputer, those four teams are most likely to be Sporting Lisbon, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.

Two of the four European heavyweights will have to do battle themselves in the first round of 16 to book their spot against the Gunners.

https://twitter.com/FootRankings/status/1882434864848470113
Real Madrid players celebrating a goal.
Alamy
Arsenal could face Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League[/caption]
Juventus FC players celebrating a goal.
Splash
The Gunners could take on Juventus too[/caption]

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But should the league phase end as predicted then it would leave Arsenal with a really tricky tie.

That said, Arsenal will take confidence from the fact that they have already got the better of both PSG (2-0) and Sporting (5-1) in the league phase already this season.

Juventus and Real Madrid would be a different story for Mikel Arteta‘s side with the Gunners’ not facing either club since their 2006 Champions League campaign.

Of course, it’s all hypothetical and depends on what results actually come to fruition when all 36 Champions League teams face off at the same time next Wednesday.

But Arteta will be confident that his team are in a good position to give any opposition a game, having won five of their seven games in the Champions League this term and not conceded a single goal from open play in the competition.

Arsenal's Declan Rice in action against Paris Saint-Germain.
Getty
Arsenal have already got the better of PSG this season[/caption]
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal dribbling the ball during a soccer match.
Getty
They beat Sporting Lisbon 5-1 too[/caption]

Arsenal ratings vs Dinamo: Martinelli makes himself undroppable as Sterling blows big chance

By Katherine Walsh

David Raya – 6

A really poor clearance invited pressure from Dinamo’s front three in the first half. A heart in mouth moment for sure.

But rarely touched the ball from then on, with the Croatian side not registering a single shot at the Spaniard in 90 minutes.

Jurrien Timber – 5

Involved in early attacks and got back to block a dangerous Dinamo counter as things settled in the 12th minute.

But was caught sleeping after Luca Stojkovic won the ball off him on the edge of his box, before Jakub Kiwior’s handy interception.

Gabriel – 6

Missed a sitter to make it 2-0 after Odegaard put it on a sixpence from a corner.

Held off Stojkovic whenever he was called upon, although Dinamo offered little going forward.

Jakub Kiwior – 7

For all the scrutiny he’s faced, the Pole saved regular starter Timber from embarrassment and a sure Dinamo chance inside 33 minutes.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7

With teen Myles Lewis Skelly carrying a knock, the Ukrainian was forward thinking and whipped crosses into Havertz all evening.

Declan Rice – 8

Fired Arsenal ahead with a thunderous volley inside 105 seconds – his first-ever goal in the competition.

But his usual corner deliveries were affected by the deafening away end pelting plastic cups and lighters at his back.

Ran his heart out but fluffed a poor header, reminiscent of the same chance missed against Man Utd in the FA Cup defeat, to make it 3-0.

Jorginho – 6

Horror backpass almost cost his side the lead when he put Raya in trouble inside 30 minutes.

But worked hard to win the ball back and put Martinelli through for a blistering run.

Martin Odegaard – 7

Engine of the team. Dropped back into midfield to provide an outlet for Kiwior whenever he could.

A tap-in at the death saw him score his first goal since the 5-2 win over West Ham in November to make it 3-0.

Raheem Sterling – 4

A non-event. The former England winger was weak in front of goal yet again.

But some lovely Sterling-esque runs of old were a nice watch at times, if that’s all he had to offer.

Lucky to avoid a straight red after a nasty challenge on Maxime Bernauer’s ankle with his studs just seconds into the second half.

Gabriel Martinelli – 8

A last-ditch tackle denied him what would have been a sensational solo goal from a 60-yard run that woke Arsenal from their slumber.

Was the main attacking threat and had a hand in both goals, first crossing into Havertz, who laid it on for Rice, before a glorious curling ball into the German for 2-0.

Has the Brazilian made himself undroppable moving forward?

Kai Havertz – 7

Brushed off recent criticism with a perfect lay-off for Rice to smash home and doubled Arsenal’s lead with a laid-on header in the 66th minute.

Was happy to score but was wasteful before finding the back of the net and often absent in box during first-half attacks.

Subs

Ethan Nwaneri (for Sterling, 57 mins) – 6

A loud applause welcomed the teen back from injury, but he didn’t have to do much against such weak opposition.

Thomas Partey (for Timber, 57 mins) – 6

Assured cameo in midfield.

Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko, 73 mins) – 5

Calm on the ball after coming on.

Leandro Trossard (for Havertz) – 5

Made his 100th appearance for the club.

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Win a copy of Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney in this week’s Fabulous book competition terms and conditions

T&CS

  1. Open to United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland residents aged 18 or over only, except employees of the Promoter, News Corp UK & Ireland Limited, and their associated, affiliated or subsidiary companies, their families, agents or any other person(s) connected with the competition, including third party promotional partners.
  2. Competition closes at 11.59pm on February 8, 2025 (the “Closing Date”). Entries received after the Closing Date will not be counted.
  3. One entry per person. Bulk, automatically generated or third party entries are void.
  4. To enter you must click the ‘click to enter’ link on Beautiful Ugly page before the Closing Date.
  5. There will be 10 winners.
  6. The winners will be selected at random from all valid entries for this competition received before the Closing Date.
  7. Winners will be notified by email or phone or using the other contact details provided by the winner within fourteen days after the Closing Date. All reasonable endeavours will be made to contact the winner during the specified time. If a winner cannot be contacted or is not available, the Promoter reserves the right to re-draw another winner from the valid/correct entries that were received before the Closing Date.
  8. The prize is a copy of Beautiful Ugly in hardcover, paperback or e-book format, at the discretion of the Promoter.
  9. The prize is non-transferable and there are no cash alternatives to the prize in whole or in part.
  10. The promoter of this competition is News Group Newspapers Ltd (publishers of The Sun) (the “Promoter”).
  11. General terms and conditions for competitions apply*.

*GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR COMPETITIONS

  1. These terms and conditions apply to all competitions (unless and to the extent that) the competition states otherwise.
  2. The winner is responsible for ensuring they are able to accept the prize as set out and in accordance with these terms and conditions, in the event they are unable to do so then the Promoter reserves the right to redraw the prize.
  3. Entry is free but entrants should be aware that they may be subject to data charges depending on their own individual arrangements for Internet access if entry is online or by email.
  4. An eligible entrant must be an individual, must enter on their own behalf, and must submit an entry in the form requested by the Promoter under this promotion including their name, address and e-mail address.
  5. By entering, all eligible entrants agree to abide by each and all these terms and conditions. Misrepresentative or fraudulent entries will invalidate an entry. Where a competition involves a voting process: offering or receiving any incentive for voting is not permitted and will invalidate the vote, and may disqualify the recipient of the vote. The Promoter reserves the right, with or without cause, to exclude entrants and withhold prizes for violating any of these terms and conditions. The Promoter reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions. Any amendments will be published on the Promoter’s website (the “Website”).
  6. The Promoter reserves the right to publish entries (including parts of entries) other than the winning entry and publication does not necessarily mean the entrant has won a prize.
  7. Entrants will retain copyright in their submitted entries, however, by entering, all entrants licence the Promoter a worldwide royalty-free perpetual licence to edit, publish and use each entry in any and all media (including print and online) for publicity and news purposes. The Promoter reserves the right to publish entries (including parts of entries) although publication does not necessarily mean the entrant has won a prize.
  8. There is no cash or other alternative to the prize stated and the prize is not transferable and no part or parts of the prize may be substituted for other benefits, items or additions.
  9. Winners may be required to submit valid identification before receiving their prize.
  10. The Promoter’s decision is final and binding on the entrants. No correspondence will be entered into.
  11. The Promoter will not be liable for technical, hardware, or software failures of any kind or lost or unavailable network connections that may limit or prohibit an eligible entrant’s ability to participate in the competition. Other than death or personal injury arising from the acts or omissions of the Promoter or its employees, the Promoter will not be liable for any loss or damage arising out of the winner’s (or their guest’s) enjoyment of the prize.
  12. By entering, any subsequent prize winners agree to allow the free use of their names, photographs and general locations for publicity and news purposes during this and future promotions by the Promoter or any associated or subsidiary company of News Corp UK & Ireland Limited.
  13. Uses of personal data received by the Promoter in the course of the promotion are subject to the privacy policy found on the Website. Winners’ names may be published on the Website.
  14. Completion and submission of a registration slip or e-mail will be deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions.
  15. The Promoter reserves the right at any time to cancel, modify or supersede the competition (including altering prizes) if, in our sole discretion, a competition is not capable of being conducted as specified. The Promoter reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal value in the event that circumstances beyond their control make this unavoidable.
  16. For a list of winners please send a stamped envelope to News UK, Competitions Department, 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF stating for which competition you would like winners’ details.
  17. Competition rules published in publications of the Promoter (including social media if applicable) or on the Website form part of these rules.

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All Stars viewers ‘complaining to Ofcom’ after ‘gross’ moment in Love Island snogging task – did you spot it?

LOVE Island viewers threatened to report All Stars to Ofcom last night after watching the latest snogging challenge.

The drama kicked off when Casey O’Gorman, known for his cheeky charm, gave viewers an eyeful during the steamy task.

Four shirtless men wearing headphones and sunglasses stand in a row outdoors.
The snogging challenge returned to the Love Island villa last night
Five women in bikinis participating in a lip-sync challenge.
The steamy challeng saw the All Stars boys blindfolded while the girls snogged them
Eroteme
Shirtless man wearing heart-shaped eye mask and headphones.
Casey gave fans an eyeful
Eroteme
Four shirtless men wearing heart-shaped eye masks and headphones participate in a game.
The confident star sported Speedos during the task
Eroteme

He strutted around the South Africa villa wearing nothing but a pair of tight speedos.

The bizarre choice of swimwear triggered some fans who weren’t impressed, branding it “a violation.”

Taking to social media, one viewer wrote: “Sending an ofcom complaint about Casey speedos.”

Another added: “I’m sorry I just started paying attention. IS CASEY WEARING A F*****G SPEEDO? It’s a violation.”

A third said: “I’m traumatised by seeing Casey in speedos”

Despite the backlash, others defended Casey, saying it’s all part of the fun.

One penned: “Btw I love that some of the boys are wearing speedos this season especially Casey cuz even tho I don’t like him I appreciate the package so to speak…”

Another famous fan of the show has been watching from home and slammed the cast over their vocabulary last night.

Eagle-eyed Olivia Attwood, who appeared on series three back in 2017, said she was sick of the Islanders repeatedly saying they were a “slow burner”.

Olivia said: “There are two things I’d like to ban from the Love Island vocabulary, I actually think there should be a contingency contract.

“I don’t want to hear about you being a slow burner, go home and burn slowly.

“Also slow burning, is just code for ‘you’re not attracted to the person you’re coupled up with’, because in my experience, there is no such thing as a slow burning man.

“I also don’t want to hear about people ‘coming in or out of their shells’ on national TV.

“Like you’re not a mysterious librarian from an indie rom-com, you are on Love Island for the second time, you’re out… the shell is not in the room with us.”

Over the course of the last two weeks, Nas Majeed has repeatedly told Catherine Agbaje that he is a “slow burner”.

While Scott Thomas admitted he had gone back in to his “shell” after India Reynolds picked him as the “most calculated” during a game.

Scott and Tina from Love Island discussing love languages and families.
TV favourite Olivia wants the phrase ‘slow burner’ to be banned
Rex
Scott Thomas from Love Island All Stars.
Scott admitted he had gone ‘back into his shell’
Eroteme

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Win a copy of Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister in this week’s Fabulous book competition terms and conditions

T&CS

  1. Open to United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland residents aged 18 or over only, except employees of the Promoter, News Corp UK & Ireland Limited, and their associated, affiliated or subsidiary companies, their families, agents or any other person(s) connected with the competition, including third party promotional partners.
  2. Competition closes at 11.59pm on February 8, 2025 (the “Closing Date”). Entries received after the Closing Date will not be counted.
  3. One entry per person. Bulk, automatically generated or third party entries are void.
  4. To enter you must click the ‘click to enter’ link on Famous Last Words page before the Closing Date.
  5. There will be 10 winners.
  6. The winners will be selected at random from all valid entries for this competition received before the Closing Date.
  7. Winners will be notified by email or phone or using the other contact details provided by the winner within fourteen days after the Closing Date. All reasonable endeavours will be made to contact the winner during the specified time. If a winner cannot be contacted or is not available, the Promoter reserves the right to re-draw another winner from the valid/correct entries that were received before the Closing Date.
  8. The prize is a copy of Famous Last Words in hardcover, paperback or e-book format, at the discretion of the Promoter.
  9. The prize is non-transferable and there are no cash alternatives to the prize in whole or in part.
  10. The promoter of this competition is News Group Newspapers Ltd (publishers of The Sun) (the “Promoter”).
  11. General terms and conditions for competitions apply*.

*GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR COMPETITIONS

  1. These terms and conditions apply to all competitions (unless and to the extent that) the competition states otherwise.
  2. The winner is responsible for ensuring they are able to accept the prize as set out and in accordance with these terms and conditions, in the event they are unable to do so then the Promoter reserves the right to redraw the prize.
  3. Entry is free but entrants should be aware that they may be subject to data charges depending on their own individual arrangements for Internet access if entry is online or by email.
  4. An eligible entrant must be an individual, must enter on their own behalf, and must submit an entry in the form requested by the Promoter under this promotion including their name, address and e-mail address.
  5. By entering, all eligible entrants agree to abide by each and all these terms and conditions. Misrepresentative or fraudulent entries will invalidate an entry. Where a competition involves a voting process: offering or receiving any incentive for voting is not permitted and will invalidate the vote, and may disqualify the recipient of the vote. The Promoter reserves the right, with or without cause, to exclude entrants and withhold prizes for violating any of these terms and conditions. The Promoter reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions. Any amendments will be published on the Promoter’s website (the “Website”).
  6. The Promoter reserves the right to publish entries (including parts of entries) other than the winning entry and publication does not necessarily mean the entrant has won a prize.
  7. Entrants will retain copyright in their submitted entries, however, by entering, all entrants licence the Promoter a worldwide royalty-free perpetual licence to edit, publish and use each entry in any and all media (including print and online) for publicity and news purposes. The Promoter reserves the right to publish entries (including parts of entries) although publication does not necessarily mean the entrant has won a prize.
  8. There is no cash or other alternative to the prize stated and the prize is not transferable and no part or parts of the prize may be substituted for other benefits, items or additions.
  9. Winners may be required to submit valid identification before receiving their prize.
  10. The Promoter’s decision is final and binding on the entrants. No correspondence will be entered into.
  11. The Promoter will not be liable for technical, hardware, or software failures of any kind or lost or unavailable network connections that may limit or prohibit an eligible entrant’s ability to participate in the competition. Other than death or personal injury arising from the acts or omissions of the Promoter or its employees, the Promoter will not be liable for any loss or damage arising out of the winner’s (or their guest’s) enjoyment of the prize.
  12. By entering, any subsequent prize winners agree to allow the free use of their names, photographs and general locations for publicity and news purposes during this and future promotions by the Promoter or any associated or subsidiary company of News Corp UK & Ireland Limited.
  13. Uses of personal data received by the Promoter in the course of the promotion are subject to the privacy policy found on the Website. Winners’ names may be published on the Website.
  14. Completion and submission of a registration slip or e-mail will be deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions.
  15. The Promoter reserves the right at any time to cancel, modify or supersede the competition (including altering prizes) if, in our sole discretion, a competition is not capable of being conducted as specified. The Promoter reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal value in the event that circumstances beyond their control make this unavoidable.
  16. For a list of winners please send a stamped envelope to News UK, Competitions Department, 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF stating for which competition you would like winners’ details.
  17. Competition rules published in publications of the Promoter (including social media if applicable) or on the Website form part of these rules.

Read More »

New poker tour to launch across UK from spring, including legs in London and Glasgow

A brand new poker tour is coming to the UK this year with some of the country’s biggest cities hosting events across 2025.

PartyPoker last held a live event in 2023 with The Irish Poker Festival MILLIONS in Dublin.

Partypoker Tour announcement.
PartyPoker are hitting the road for a new UK live tour
Aspers Casino sign.
It all kicks off with the Aspers Casino in London in April

But they’re coming back to the live scene from April this year with FIVE scheduled dates across the UK for the all-new PartyPoker Tour.

It all gets underway in London with the Aspers Casino Westfield Stratford City for eight days of action between April 19-27.

It then moves up the country to the ultra-stylish Manchester235 Casino from June 17-22.

Further north still, the Alea Casino in Springfield Quay, Glasgow will host from August 12-17.

As of yet, the final two destinations and dates have yet to be announced with PartyPoker keeping their cards close to their chest.

The schedule at each of these events is yet to be announced but PokerNews report there will be a £150 buy-in mini Main Event and a £500 buy-in Main Event.

While a £1,000 High Roller will also be staged alongside many more side games that you’d expect.

During this Tour, players can collect points along the way which will see them compete in a leaderboard amongst other players for a selection of top prizes.

Read more poker news

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Ex-World Series of Poker champion in talks to invest in Championship club

WINTER WONDER

Women's Winter Festival in London breaks poker tournament record

These points can be earned through tournament buy-ins, number of entrants, number of payouts, and finishing positions.

Top of the leaderboard will earn a £5,000 PartyPoker Tour package with several other amazing prizes for the rest of the top 15, including £150 mini Main Event tickets for 2026.

PartyPoker are also sending 1,000 players from their online base to these events across the country, including some through Freerolls.

Some of those can win their spot and play for big money from as little as 20p, through Satellites to win a £1,000 PartyPoker package, which covers the £500 PartyPoker Tour Main Event ticket and an extra £500 cash towards travel and accommodation expenses.

As well as the above, there’ll be plenty of off-felt activities and a player’s party in what is bound to be a huge success on its return.


Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chase their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk

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A$AP Rocky gun trial begins TODAY after Rihanna’s rapper partner ‘shot pal in standoff’…but he claims weapon was a PROP

A$AP Rocky, who has been charged with shooting a friend several times in a standoff, will start his trial today and is facing up to 24 years behind bars.

The rapper, who has two children with pop superstar Rihanna, has pleaded not guilty and claimed he was spotted with a prop weapon.

A$AP Rocky at the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Getty
A$AP Rocky seen at the Superior Court of Los Angeles on Wednesday[/caption]
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky at the Met Gala.
Getty
A$AP Rocky has two young children with the pop star Rihanna[/caption]
A$AP Rocky arrives at court with his mother.
The U.S. Sun
Rocky arriving into the courthouse with his mom Renee Black on Wednesday[/caption]

Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayer, has been charged with two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm for a 2021 incident in Hollywood.

Rocky, 36, allegedly shot his former school friend A$AP Relli in a car park near the W hotel in Hollywood in November 2021.

Relli, whose real name is Terell Ephron, once belonged to the same rap collective as Rocky, called A$AP Mob.

It is claimed the pair’s relationship had started to break down and they met that night to iron out their differences.

Relli claimed this meeting went sour when Rocky allegedly pulled a gun from his waistband and shot at his former friend three or four times, grazing his knuckles.

The alleged victim went to the cops two days later with shell casings.

Parts of the alleged standoff were caught on CCTV but no fingerprints were found on the casings.

Also, the gun was never retrieved by police.

Despite this, Rocky’s lawyer has claimed the weapon was a prop gun which could not fire real ammunition.

On Tuesday, Rocky turned down a plea offer of a six-month jail term, with a seven-year suspended sentence, and three years of probation.

He now faces up to 24 years in prison if found guilty.

The trial is expected to start in a Los Angeles courtroom around 8.30am local time (4.30pm GMT).

Rocky’s lawyers are expected to paint Relli as a money seeker and point out that he has sued Rihanna’s boyfriend in civil court.

“He’s the witness that this case will rise and fall on, for sure,” Rocky’s lead attorney Joe Tacopina said.

“Whether he’s a star is something that remains to be seen.”

“There’s jealousy obviously, and he’s made that clear. He became a hater,” Tacopina added. 

“This is in large part about money, money, money.”

RI-RI’S SHOW

Rocky’s superstar girlfriend Rihanna is not expected to appear at his trial.

Tacopina previously told Rolling Stone at an earlier hearing, “Rocky is very protective of Rihanna and prefers to keep her away from this matter.”

Despite this, the rapper showed up to court this week with a huge entourage, including his mom Renee Black, sister Erika, security guards, and at least one personal assistant.

An eyewitness told The U.S. Sun on Wednesday: “He turned up with his entourage in two blacked-out SUVs, which were often in a no parking zone with the engine running.

“It was like the president was in court, even the Kardashians were more laid back. Rocky meant business.”

A$AP Rocky arriving at the Superior Court of Los Angeles.
Rocky could face up to 24 years behind bars if he is found guilty
Getty
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky holding hands on a night out.
Splash
Rihanna is not expected to show up to court[/caption]
A pregnant Rihanna and A$AP Rocky backstage at the 95th Academy Awards.
Getty
Rocky’s lawyer said the rapper is ‘very protective of Rihanna’.[/caption]

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