birminghammail--2020-07-12--Aston Villa player ratings as Trezeguet keeps survival fight alive

Aston Villa are n't done just yet as Trezeguet 's match-winning double keeps Dean Smith 's side alive and kicking in the fight for survival .
The much-needed 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace is Villa 's first win in 11 attempts dating back to Watford almost six months ago .
Once again in B6 , VAR was heavily involved but , on this occasion , it went in Villa 's favour .
Disaster almost struck just seven minutes in when Mamadou Sakho bundled the ball into Pepe Reina 's net .
Referee Martin Atkinson was overruled by VAR Jonathan Moss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palace defender to use his upper part of his arm to deflect the ball home .
Villa breathed a sigh a relief and it was game on once again .
Villa rallied soon after and Ahmed Elmohamady - in for the injured Kortney Hause prior to kick-off - whipped in telling deliveries .
The Egyptian found Mbwana Samatta and Jack Grealish early on but the duo lacked finishes .
The deadlock was broken in first-half injury time .
Captain Grealish was fouled by Cheikhou Kouyate before Conor Hourihane 's deep free-kick deflected off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The winger finished with aplomb first time with his side foot to give Villa a leg up before the break .
VAR was again in use to chalk off a penalty call just after half-time .
Grealish , enjoying much of the ball , was tripped by a clumsy Patrick van Aanholt - only for Moss to intervene and rule that Villa 's No.10 had in fact trod on van Aanholt 's foot .
Just 10 minutes later , the screams from Smith and his coaching staff reverberated all around the empty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second .
It was instigated by the brilliant Hourihane who won a crucial header which forced Sakho into a mistake .
The French defender allowed the ball to slip underneath him and Trezeguet 's eyes lit up to slide the ball underneath Guaita before celebrating by sliding on his knees .
Palace applied a little pressure late on .
Reina did well to save with his feet once more to deny van Aanholt .
Ex-Villan Christian Benteke turned villain after being sent off on the final whistle for kicking out at Ezri Konsa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the all-important win to cut the gap at the bottom to four points once again with just four to play .
Up next , Villa go to struggling Everton on Thursday as rivals West Ham and Watford face off against each other 24 hours later .
Tested in quick succession in the first half , saving well from Benteke and Zaha .
Was needed again to deny van Aanholt with a little over 15 to go .
Again , though , the Spaniard saved well with his feet after the Palace full-back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ display from Reina and it needed to be .
8 Arguably the star of the first-half .
Constantly Villa 's out-ball given the Egyptian 's exquisite delivery from deep .
He crossed well for Samatta who should have done better on half-hour .
Elmo was at it again soon after , crossing for Grealish who volleyed goalwards .
Always a threat with his inward curling crosses .
8 Shifted inside to centre-back following Hause 's injury .
Looked OK. Did well to marshal Zaha out of play in first 45 - only for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over .
Somehow missed a gilt-edged chance on the line in the second half .
Involved in a ding-dong with Benteke at the final whistle .
Kept his man quiet .
7.5 Got done with a Palace through-ball in opening half , allowing Benteke to race beyond him .
Thankfully , Neil Taylor came to Mings ' aid to eventually stop Benteke from having a shot on Reina 's goal .
Helped Konsa out after seeing Zaha cobble his teammate .
Booked for the altercation .
Nice to see some passion , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a misfiring Benteke .
7 Replaced after just 35 minutes after going down with an injury .
Grabbed an ice pack after going off for what appeared to be his left hamstring .
Started well enough at left-back , though , and put in a few nicely-weighted balls down the line for Grealish .
Wilfried Zaha started to get joy from the gaps being left by Taylor due to the Welshman carrying a knock .
Taylor did well to get Mings out of jail early on , too .
6 Lost his man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chalked off after a VAR check for handball .
Sat deep in Villa 's midfield once again .
Becoming a key figure in this team most notably when he looked to calm Grealish down .
`` Come on , Jack , come on , now , '' he said to help keep his captain 's head following an off-the-ball altercation with Ward .
A classy operator .
8.5 Looked off the pace once again in midfield .
Rarely got involved at all .
Made sure Milivojevic was n't able to dictate too much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palace skipper throughout .
Did more off the ball than anything on it .
Did play in Grealish quickly as captain raced away before Villa 's second-half penalty call .
Kept on by Smith for some more minutes .
6 Pressed and probed from midfield .
Put in a few excellent deliveries with the best of the lot finding Trezeguet for the crucial opening goal .
Rallied the troops throughout , always a voice in midfield and played like his livelihood depended on it .
Almost bent in a near-post free-kick in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which allowed Trezeguet to score his second .
Went close on the hour mark with a pile driver , too .
An all-action combative display from the man from Cork .
9* Got a ticking off from striker coach Richard O'Kelly in the first half who lamented Trezeguet 's lack of intent during late runs off free-kicks .
However , O'Kelly 's words of wisdom appeared to do just the trick .
The Egyptian finished well first-time at the back post for the opener , volleying home Hourihane 's delivery of similar to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trezeguet was at it again on the hour mark , capitalising on Sakho 's error to touch and poke the ball under Guaita to put the game out of Palace 's reach .
His brace sees him up to five Premier League goals this season .
Had n't scored a league goal since away at Chelsea in December prior to today .
The match-winner .
9 Headed a glorious chance over after 30 minutes after being brilliantly picked out by Elmohamady .
Chased and harried Palace 's two centre-backs and worked hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more fired up today .
Showed pace to rinse Joel Ward on a few occasions and drove at Palace 's back four throughout .
Was fouled in trademark fashion by the all too slow Kouyate which lead to Trezeguet 's opener .
Almost won a penalty , too , after being bundled over in the box by van Aanholt .
VAR Jon Moss , though , ruled Grealish had trodden on Palace 's full-back .
Looked back to his best - or close to it , anyway .
8 Slotted back in at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did a Palace winger get beyond him .
Defensively aware and passed and moved well during Villa attacks .
Put in a teasing cross for Trezeguet late on .
Did well .
Went up front and was tasked with holding onto the ball .
Won a fair few duels after replacing Samatta with 10 to go .
Went in to anchor Villa 's midfield as Smith opted to leave McGinn on to give the Scot more minutes .
Cleared well late on .

Aston Villa aren't done just yet as Trezeguet's match-winning double keeps Dean Smith's side alive and kicking in the fight for survival.
The much-needed 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace is Villa's first win in 11 attempts dating back to Watford almost six months ago.
Once again in B6, VAR was heavily involved but, on this occasion, it went in Villa's favour. Disaster almost struck just seven minutes in when Mamadou Sakho bundled the ball into Pepe Reina's net. Referee Martin Atkinson was overruled by VAR Jonathan Moss, though, after he adjudged the Palace defender to use his upper part of his arm to deflect the ball home. Villa breathed a sigh a relief and it was game on once again.
(Image: Tim Keeton/Pool via Getty Images)
Villa rallied soon after and Ahmed Elmohamady - in for the injured Kortney Hause prior to kick-off - whipped in telling deliveries. The Egyptian found Mbwana Samatta and Jack Grealish early on but the duo lacked finishes.
The deadlock was broken in first-half injury time. Captain Grealish was fouled by Cheikhou Kouyate before Conor Hourihane's deep free-kick deflected off Joel Ward's head to find Trezeguet. The winger finished with aplomb first time with his side foot to give Villa a leg up before the break.
VAR was again in use to chalk off a penalty call just after half-time. Grealish, enjoying much of the ball, was tripped by a clumsy Patrick van Aanholt - only for Moss to intervene and rule that Villa's No.10 had in fact trod on van Aanholt's foot.
Just 10 minutes later, the screams from Smith and his coaching staff reverberated all around the empty Villa Park after Trezeguet poked home his second. It was instigated by the brilliant Hourihane who won a crucial header which forced Sakho into a mistake. The French defender allowed the ball to slip underneath him and Trezeguet's eyes lit up to slide the ball underneath Guaita before celebrating by sliding on his knees.
(Image: Marc Aspland NMCPool)
Palace applied a little pressure late on. Reina did well to save with his feet once more to deny van Aanholt. Ex-Villan Christian Benteke turned villain after being sent off on the final whistle for kicking out at Ezri Konsa.
Villa, though, held out for the all-important win to cut the gap at the bottom to four points once again with just four to play. Up next, Villa go to struggling Everton on Thursday as rivals West Ham and Watford face off against each other 24 hours later.
Pepe Reina
Tested in quick succession in the first half, saving well from Benteke and Zaha. Was needed again to deny van Aanholt with a little over 15 to go. Again, though, the Spaniard saved well with his feet after the Palace full-back beat the offside trap. An assured display from Reina and it needed to be. 8
Ahmed Elmohamady
Arguably the star of the first-half. Constantly Villa's out-ball given the Egyptian's exquisite delivery from deep. He crossed well for Samatta who should have done better on half-hour. Elmo was at it again soon after, crossing for Grealish who volleyed goalwards. Always a threat with his inward curling crosses. 8
Ezri Konsa
Shifted inside to centre-back following Hause's injury. Looked OK. Did well to marshal Zaha out of play in first 45 - only for the Palace man to purposely trip him over. Somehow missed a gilt-edged chance on the line in the second half. Involved in a ding-dong with Benteke at the final whistle. Kept his man quiet. 7.5
Tyrone Mings
Got done with a Palace through-ball in opening half, allowing Benteke to race beyond him. Thankfully, Neil Taylor came to Mings' aid to eventually stop Benteke from having a shot on Reina's goal. Helped Konsa out after seeing Zaha cobble his teammate. Booked for the altercation. Nice to see some passion, though. Powered on to the end against a misfiring Benteke. 7
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Neil Taylor
Replaced after just 35 minutes after going down with an injury. Grabbed an ice pack after going off for what appeared to be his left hamstring. Started well enough at left-back, though, and put in a few nicely-weighted balls down the line for Grealish. Wilfried Zaha started to get joy from the gaps being left by Taylor due to the Welshman carrying a knock. Taylor did well to get Mings out of jail early on, too. 6
Douglas Luiz
Lost his man Sakho for Palace's goal that was chalked off after a VAR check for handball. Sat deep in Villa's midfield once again. Becoming a key figure in this team most notably when he looked to calm Grealish down. "Come on, Jack, come on, now," he said to help keep his captain's head following an off-the-ball altercation with Ward. A classy operator. 8.5
John McGinn
Looked off the pace once again in midfield. Rarely got involved at all. Made sure Milivojevic wasn't able to dictate too much from deep, hence McGinn pressing the Palace skipper throughout. Did more off the ball than anything on it. Did play in Grealish quickly as captain raced away before Villa's second-half penalty call. Kept on by Smith for some more minutes. 6
Conor Hourihane
(Image: Getty Images)
Pressed and probed from midfield. Put in a few excellent deliveries with the best of the lot finding Trezeguet for the crucial opening goal. Rallied the troops throughout, always a voice in midfield and played like his livelihood depended on it. Almost bent in a near-post free-kick in the second 45. Won a crucial header which allowed Trezeguet to score his second. Went close on the hour mark with a pile driver, too. An all-action combative display from the man from Cork. 9*
Trezeguet
Got a ticking off from striker coach Richard O'Kelly in the first half who lamented Trezeguet's lack of intent during late runs off free-kicks. However, O'Kelly's words of wisdom appeared to do just the trick. The Egyptian finished well first-time at the back post for the opener, volleying home Hourihane's delivery of similar to his strike against Liverpool back in November. Trezeguet was at it again on the hour mark, capitalising on Sakho's error to touch and poke the ball under Guaita to put the game out of Palace's reach. His brace sees him up to five Premier League goals this season. Hadn't scored a league goal since away at Chelsea in December prior to today. The match-winner. 9
Mbwana Samatta
Headed a glorious chance over after 30 minutes after being brilliantly picked out by Elmohamady. Chased and harried Palace's two centre-backs and worked hard for the cause. 7
Jack Grealish
(Image: Getty Images)
Looked much more fired up today. Showed pace to rinse Joel Ward on a few occasions and drove at Palace's back four throughout. Was fouled in trademark fashion by the all too slow Kouyate which lead to Trezeguet's opener. Almost won a penalty, too, after being bundled over in the box by van Aanholt. VAR Jon Moss, though, ruled Grealish had trodden on Palace's full-back. Looked back to his best - or close to it, anyway. 8
Substitutes
Matt Targett (on for Taylor, 37) 7.5
Slotted back in at left-back following Taylor's injury. Rarely did a Palace winger get beyond him. Defensively aware and passed and moved well during Villa attacks. Put in a teasing cross for Trezeguet late on. Did well.
Keinan Davis (on for Samatta, 80) 5.5
Went up front and was tasked with holding onto the ball. Won a fair few duels after replacing Samatta with 10 to go.
Marvelous Nakamba (on for Hourihane, 80), 5.5
Went in to anchor Villa's midfield as Smith opted to leave McGinn on to give the Scot more minutes. Cleared well late on.
Anwar El Ghazi (for Trezeguet, 88) N/A


birminghammail--2020-07-13--Staffordshire man live-streams own death on Facebook as tributes pour in

Facebook has spoken out after a Staffordshire man live-streamed his own death on the social media platform .
The social networking giant , which has users across the West Midlands , has issued a statement after Jonathan Bailey died .
Mr Bailey , from North Staffordshire , was a community champion , who was known affectionately as Baz or Bazza .
He told his Facebook friends that he intended to take his own life on Saturday afternoon .
A live-stream was then broadcast , before later being deleted , according to StokeonTrentLive , which is our sister title .
Baz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reports of a 'medical emergency ' at an address on Larkspur Grove , in Newcastle-under-Lyme .
The result of any post-mortem examination has not been disclosed .
Where to get help if you 're feeling suicidal Samaritans ( 116 123 ) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year .
If you prefer to write down how you ’ re feeling , or if you ’ re worried about being overheard on the phone , you can email Samaritans at jo @ samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch .
CALM ( 0800 58 58 58 ) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason , who need to talk or find information and support .
They 're open 5pm to midnight , 365 days a year .
Childline ( 0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK .
Calls are free and the number won ’ t show up on your phone bill .
PAPYRUS ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal .
Depression Alliance is a charity for people with depression .
It doesn ’ t have a helpline , but offers a wide range of useful resources and links to other relevant information depressionalliance.org Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed , have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts .
Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org The Sanctuary ( 0300 003 7029 ) helps people who are struggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , panic attacks or in crisis .
You can call them between 8pm and 6am every night.There are other depression charities .
A Facebook company spokesman said : “ Our thoughts go out to Mr Bailey ’ s family at this difficult time .
`` We can confirm that the live-stream was deleted very soon after being posted and a further post has also now been removed at the family ’ s request .
`` We take the responsibility of keeping people safe on our platforms seriously , and we will continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure our policies continue to support those in need.
” Mr Bailey had set up a Facebook group to try to tackle the scourge of monkey dust plaguing North Staffordshire .
He also established a gym in the region .
His tragic death has sparked a flurry of tributes from grieving loved ones , with friends and family members flocking to pay tribute to the popular Staffordshire man .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Rob Andrews, James Rodger)

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Facebook has spoken out after a Staffordshire man live-streamed his own death on the social media platform.
The social networking giant, which has users across the West Midlands, has issued a statement after Jonathan Bailey died.
Mr Bailey, from North Staffordshire, was a community champion, who was known affectionately as Baz or Bazza.
He told his Facebook friends that he intended to take his own life on Saturday afternoon.
A live-stream was then broadcast, before later being deleted, according to StokeonTrentLive, which is our sister title.
Baz was pronounced dead after paramedics were called to reports of a 'medical emergency' at an address on Larkspur Grove, in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
The result of any post-mortem examination has not been disclosed.
Where to get help if you're feeling suicidal Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch. CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They're open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year. Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal. Other depression charities
Depression Alliance is a charity for people with depression. It doesn’t have a helpline, but offers a wide range of useful resources and links to other relevant information depressionalliance.org
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org
The Sanctuary (0300 003 7029 ) helps people who are struggling to cope - experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks or in crisis. You can call them between 8pm and 6am every night.There are other depression charities.
A Facebook company spokesman said: “Our thoughts go out to Mr Bailey’s family at this difficult time.
"We can confirm that the live-stream was deleted very soon after being posted and a further post has also now been removed at the family’s request.
"We take the responsibility of keeping people safe on our platforms seriously, and we will continue to work closely with experts like The Samaritans to ensure our policies continue to support those in need.”
Mr Bailey had set up a Facebook group to try to tackle the scourge of monkey dust plaguing North Staffordshire.
He also established a gym in the region.
His tragic death has sparked a flurry of tributes from grieving loved ones, with friends and family members flocking to pay tribute to the popular Staffordshire man.


birminghammail--2020-07-13--Kidderminster crime hotspots revealed as street rocked by violence

Cul-de-sacs blighted by anti-social behaviour , town centre shops repeatedly targeted by shoplifters and a tiny street rocked by one violent crime a week .
These are the worst areas for crime in Kidderminster as revealed in the latest police stats from West Mercia Police .
In an average month , the heart of the town can see anything up to around 200 crimes reported to the local police force .
But with crime on the decline since the coronavirus lockdown , May 's figures were down to 135 across the shopping area and beyond .
Though offences mainly centralise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain stores picked on by shoplifters - there are also hotspots for violence and anti-social behaviour in select residential streets .
Neighbours in one street were reporting anti-social behaviour three times a week on average in the most-recent figures from May this year .
And in another tiny road , four violent and sexual offences were reported over the course of that single month .
Latest figures show anti-social behaviour , violence and sexual offences and shoplifting were the most common crimes across Kidderminster .
WorcestershireLive has used the police.uk crime map to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the town centre and wider area , according to May 2020 figures .

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Cul-de-sacs blighted by anti-social behaviour, town centre shops repeatedly targeted by shoplifters and a tiny street rocked by one violent crime a week.
These are the worst areas for crime in Kidderminster as revealed in the latest police stats from West Mercia Police.
In an average month, the heart of the town can see anything up to around 200 crimes reported to the local police force.
But with crime on the decline since the coronavirus lockdown, May's figures were down to 135 across the shopping area and beyond.
Though offences mainly centralise around the town centre - with certain stores picked on by shoplifters - there are also hotspots for violence and anti-social behaviour in select residential streets.
Neighbours in one street were reporting anti-social behaviour three times a week on average in the most-recent figures from May this year.
And in another tiny road, four violent and sexual offences were reported over the course of that single month.
Latest figures show anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual offences and shoplifting were the most common crimes across Kidderminster.
WorcestershireLive has used the police.uk crime map to outline the worst streets for reported offences in the town centre and wider area, according to May 2020 figures .
(Image: Google images)
Borrington Road junction of Dunclent Crescent - 12
Anti-social behaviour - 12
Biset Avenue, Claines Crescent - 11
Violence and Sexual offences 3
Criminal damage and arson 2
Anti-social behaviour 5
Public order 1
The Firs Close - 10
Anti-social behaviour - 5
Vehicle crime - 3
Burglary - 1
Other crime - 1
Station approach with junction of A448 - 10
Burglary - 3
Anti-social behaviour - 6
Drugs - 1
Church Street - 10
Shoplifting - 6
Public order - 3
Criminal damage and arson - 1
Exchange Street - 8
Burglary - 2
Shoplifting - 6
Gray Close - 8
Anti-social behaviour 4
Violence and sexual offences 2
Drugs 1
Public order 1
Castle Road near Tesco - 8
Shoplifting - 3
Anti-social behaviour - 2
Burglary - 1
Other crime - 2
Hawfinch Rise - 6
Violence and sexual offences - 3
Anti-social behaviour - 1
Criminal damage and arson - 1
Other crime - 1
Quantock Drive - 5
Violence and sexual offences - 4
Vehicle crime -1


birminghammail--2020-07-13--Police update as 12-year-old Villa fan investigated for Zaha abuse

West Midlands Police have provided an update following the arrest of a 12-year-old boy in connection with racist messages sent to Crystal Palace ’ s Wilfried Zaha .
Ahead of the Premier League match at Villa Park , which Aston Villa won 2-0 , Zaha posted a number of screenshots revealing several racist messages from one user claiming to be a Villa fan .
Zaha tweeted the abuse and added the caption : “ Woke up to this today.
” Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and WMP revealed the latest development via their official Twitter account : “ The 12-year-old boy arrested in connection with racist social media messages sent to a footballer has been released under investigation while our enquiries continue .
“ Racism has no place in society and we ’ re attempting to contact the footballer to obtain a statement.
” Zaha has himself called for action , education and change in his own statement posted on Twitter .
He said : “ Very disappointed we didn ’ t get a better result yesterday but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thank you for all your messages of support .
“ I would also like to thank West Midlands Police for their swift action in making an arrest .
“ People need to understand that whatever your age , that your behaviour and your words come with consequences and you can not hide behind social media .
“ It is important social media platforms do as they did yesterday and seek out these individuals and remove them .
“ This is not the first time I have received messages like this , nor am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like this - it happens every day .
“ I want to thank everyone for the love and support but enough is enough !
“ It is not enough to be disgusted by these messages I received and move on .
It isn ’ t enough to just say # notoracism .
We need action , we need education , things need to change .
”

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West Midlands Police have provided an update following the arrest of a 12-year-old boy in connection with racist messages sent to Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha.
Ahead of the Premier League match at Villa Park, which Aston Villa won 2-0, Zaha posted a number of screenshots revealing several racist messages from one user claiming to be a Villa fan.
Zaha tweeted the abuse and added the caption: “Woke up to this today.”
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A 12-year-old from Solihull was arrested and WMP revealed the latest development via their official Twitter account: “The 12-year-old boy arrested in connection with racist social media messages sent to a footballer has been released under investigation while our enquiries continue.
“Racism has no place in society and we’re attempting to contact the footballer to obtain a statement.”
Zaha has himself called for action, education and change in his own statement posted on Twitter.
He said: “Very disappointed we didn’t get a better result yesterday but I wanted to come on here to thank you for all your messages of support.
“I would also like to thank West Midlands Police for their swift action in making an arrest.
“People need to understand that whatever your age, that your behaviour and your words come with consequences and you cannot hide behind social media.
“It is important social media platforms do as they did yesterday and seek out these individuals and remove them.
“This is not the first time I have received messages like this, nor am I the only player to receive messages like this - it happens every day.
“I want to thank everyone for the love and support but enough is enough!
“It is not enough to be disgusted by these messages I received and move on. It isn’t enough to just say #notoracism. We need action, we need education, things need to change.”


birminghammail--2020-07-13--Phillips fires 'top six' warning as Villa lose ground Benrahma hunt

Kevin Phillips believes Said Benrahma should be looking at a top six club following speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea .
The Brentford star was in superlative form on Saturday with two goals , one an outstanding curler from distance , in the 3-1 win over fellow promotion hopefuls Derby .
That takes his tally for the season to 17 – and 27 in total since he joined the Bees from Nice two years ago .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Villa – who declined to meet Brentford ’ s asking price – and he has once again been linked in the forthcoming window .
However , Villa might have missed their chance with the 24-year-old now linked with clubs further up the Premier League .
And speaking on the EFL on Quest show , Phillips , himself an ex-Villan , said he could make the step up .
“ He ’ s a good player , and a very very consistent player , he ’ s scored an awful lot of goals this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very good player “ You could see him drop into one of those top six teams , but it ’ s a big jump “ He can win a game on his own.
” Chelsea seems the most likely destination and countryman and fellow professional Fahd Moufi commented on Benrahma ’ s Instagram live feed most recently appearing to congratulate the midfielder on his Stamford Bridge switch .
Whether the 24-year-old completes a Chelsea move in the coming weeks remains to be seen , although it is likely to be decided once the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Brentford still in the hunt for automatic promotion .

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Kevin Phillips believes Said Benrahma should be looking at a top six club following speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea.
The Brentford star was in superlative form on Saturday with two goals, one an outstanding curler from distance, in the 3-1 win over fellow promotion hopefuls Derby.
That takes his tally for the season to 17 – and 27 in total since he joined the Bees from Nice two years ago.
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Last summer he was a target for Aston Villa – who declined to meet Brentford’s asking price – and he has once again been linked in the forthcoming window.
However, Villa might have missed their chance with the 24-year-old now linked with clubs further up the Premier League.
And speaking on the EFL on Quest show, Phillips, himself an ex-Villan, said he could make the step up.
“He’s a good player, and a very very consistent player, he’s scored an awful lot of goals this season, he’s technically a very good player
“You could see him drop into one of those top six teams, but it’s a big jump
“He can win a game on his own.”
Chelsea seems the most likely destination and countryman and fellow professional Fahd Moufi commented on Benrahma’s Instagram live feed most recently appearing to congratulate the midfielder on his Stamford Bridge switch.
Whether the 24-year-old completes a Chelsea move in the coming weeks remains to be seen, although it is likely to be decided once the Championship campaign comes to a close, with Brentford still in the hunt for automatic promotion.


birminghammail--2020-07-13--Tamworth Travelodge re opening with multi-million pound safety programme

A Tamworth Travelodge will be one of a further 100 hotels to re open this week following the coronavirus pandemic .
The hotel chain which operates 573 hotels across the UK says it has invested in a multi-million pound Covid-19 safety and social distance programme called Travelodge Protect + which will feature at the M42 venue when it re opens on Wednesday .
Shakila Ahmed , Travelodge spokeswoman , said : “ We are delighted to be welcoming customers back to our Travelodge hotels and excited to be reopening Tamworth ’ s M42 Travelodge .
“ With safety at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked closely with our hotel teams that stayed open during the lockdown , government and industry bodies to develop our new Covid-19 safety programme called Travelodge Protect+ .
“ This safety programme is designed to keep our customers and teams safe and has been implemented into all Travelodge hotels.
” Travelodge Protect+ will become the way Travelodge operates going forward .
• “ Comprehensive cleaning ” throughout its hotels using an antiviral disinfectant • Increased cleaning frequency in high touch points in public areas and rooms • Comprehensive training of every hotel team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing • Installation of customer hand sanitiser stations in key locations in the hotel • Signage to mark social distance points throughout the hotel including check-in markings • Monitoring the number of customers in a designated area such as the reception area and lifts • To minimise contact , housekeeping team members will not enter customer ’ s rooms during their stay As hotels are not allowed to currently operate their restaurants or serve a hot breakfast buffet , Travelodge has launched a new version of its breakfast box including cornflakes with semi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pain au chocolat and orange juice .
During the lockdown , Travelodge kept 62 hotels open across the UK from Plymouth to Aberdeen to support key / critical workers , less vulnerable groups and local authorities .

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A Tamworth Travelodge will be one of a further 100 hotels to re open this week following the coronavirus pandemic.
The hotel chain which operates 573 hotels across the UK says it has invested in a multi-million pound Covid-19 safety and social distance programme called Travelodge Protect + which will feature at the M42 venue when it re opens on Wednesday.
Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge spokeswoman, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming customers back to our Travelodge hotels and excited to be reopening Tamworth’s M42 Travelodge.
“With safety at the forefront of our business, we have worked closely with our hotel teams that stayed open during the lockdown, government and industry bodies to develop our new Covid-19 safety programme called Travelodge Protect+.
“This safety programme is designed to keep our customers and teams safe and has been implemented into all Travelodge hotels.”
Travelodge Protect+ will become the way Travelodge operates going forward.
The programme includes:
“Comprehensive cleaning” throughout its hotels using an antiviral disinfectant
Additional post clean room checks with digital tracking in place
Increased cleaning frequency in high touch points in public areas and rooms
All linen and towels thermally disinfected
Comprehensive training of every hotel team member on cleaning, hygiene and social distancing
Installation of customer hand sanitiser stations in key locations in the hotel
Protective reception screens
Signage to mark social distance points throughout the hotel including check-in markings
Monitoring the number of customers in a designated area such as the reception area and lifts
PPE provided for all hotel team members
To minimise contact, housekeeping team members will not enter customer’s rooms during their stay
Contactless payment
Contactless check-out
As hotels are not allowed to currently operate their restaurants or serve a hot breakfast buffet, Travelodge has launched a new version of its breakfast box including cornflakes with semi skimmed milk, a flapjack bar, a pain au chocolat and orange juice.
During the lockdown, Travelodge kept 62 hotels open across the UK from Plymouth to Aberdeen to support key / critical workers, less vulnerable groups and local authorities.


birminghammail--2020-07-13--Pledge to make West Midlands Police ‘most diverse’ in UK

Police chiefs in the West Midlands have promised to make the region ’ s force the most diverse and fairest in the UK .
Building on a pledge to recruit 1,000 BAME ( black , Asian and minority ethnic ) officers in the next three years , West Midlands Police Chief Constable , Dave Thompson , and the region ’ s police and crime commissioner , David Jamieson , have vowed make the organisation a ‘ fairer force ’ .
The two police leaders have launched Making West Midlands Police a Fairer Force ’ - a programme of work to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inclusive , diverse and as fair an organisation as possible .
With the BAME officer recruitments they aim to ‘ accelerate plans ’ to make the force look more like the communities it serves .
“ The people we hire will be the change we make , “ the police chiefs said .
In the next three years , West Midlands Police will recruit about 2,750 officers to increase its numbers by 1,200 .
That will leave a third of the force with less than three years ’ experience .
In a joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inequalities we see in society are not the product of policing , and neither can better policing alone fix them .
“ Issues such as mental health , county lines , youth violence , homelessness , street begging and violent extremism can only be solved by a truly partnership approach .
“ Drugs misuse is a huge public health challenge , and yet the inadequate national response leaves response officers – response officers , in Birmingham – administering Naloxone to overdosing heroin addicts .
“ Low wages , the gig economy , zero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driving the hard pressed into crime .
All of these challenges require a system-wide response , rather than just police reform .
“ Policing is a product of the society we create .
You don ’ t fix society by fixing policing : it works the other way around .
“ However , we will do what we can .
We will build on the progress we ’ ve already made to make West Midlands Police the most diverse and fair force in the country .
“ We have done at least as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inclusion but there is much more to be done and we will seek to be at the front of this debate in policing and in society.
” The police bosses have set out a plan of work to increase the confidence of all the communities of the West Midlands .
Through this work they will examine how they can improve the fairness of recruitment , retention and promotion , as well as ensuring that police powers are used fairly towards everyone in the West Midlands , as part of a wider review of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The worldwide movement we ’ ve seen here and abroad since George Floyd ’ s killing in May reminds us that racism , discrimination and racial inequality are real , both in the UK and abroad .
“ Structural inequality blights the lives of many Black and Asian people .
Our country ’ s history is controversial and complex .
“ At the same time as we remember our nation ’ s contribution to freeing Europe from fascism , we should also reflect on the legacy of slavery , injustice and inequality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have become .
“ Recent events have reminded many of personal experiences of unfairness and maltreatment , and made fresh these difficult and traumatic memories .
We can not write these off as historic anomalies : the Windrush scandal is from our own time , our generation , our responsibility .
“ We stand with those who want to see policing that has the confidence of everyone , as challenging and difficult as this ambition can seem .
“ We stand with those who want to see an end to the inequality , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poor social mobility that blight our country .
“ We want our streets to be free of the organised crime and violence that cut short and stunt too many young lives .
These are not issues that divide us by ethnicity or gender , and they should not be allowed to do so .
“ Only by listening to the truth can we agree what steps we should take next .
The urge from some will be to destroy , to tear down , to let anger and revenge guide us .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to see us come together to create , to build , to renew.
” And the police chiefs have vowed to learn from mistakes in the past and to heed the advice of previous inquiries .
The crime commissioner and chief constable added : “ We must learn from what has gone before : have we done what Scarman , MacPherson and Lammy told us needed doing ?
“ Are we doing enough to address the issues that undermine public confidence in the police and the criminal justice system ?
“ Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough to build networks of allies across all communities ?
Do our officers have the cultural competence to police diverse populations and challenge racism ?
“ Does our training give officers these skills , informed by the lived experience of those who have seen policing at its best and worst ?
“ Do we involve the community enough in our senior appointments processes , both in policing and in partner agencies ?
“ Are our complaints and misconduct processes working well , and do we do enough to understand what drives and leads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal justice system ?
“ We ’ re doing everything we can to make policing an attractive a career for everyone .
`` The call to action is for all our community leaders – MPs , councillors , activists campaigners , educators , trainers , faith leaders – to seize this opportunity and encourage our young people to join policing , help build the society they want to live in , and make policing the institution they want it to be : an institution they , their families and their communities are proud @ @ @

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Police chiefs in the West Midlands have promised to make the region’s force the most diverse and fairest in the UK.
Building on a pledge to recruit 1,000 BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) officers in the next three years, West Midlands Police Chief Constable, Dave Thompson, and the region’s police and crime commissioner, David Jamieson, have vowed make the organisation a ‘fairer force’.
The two police leaders have launched Making West Midlands Police a Fairer Force’ - a programme of work to ensure that West Midlands Police is as inclusive, diverse and as fair an organisation as possible.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
With the BAME officer recruitments they aim to ‘accelerate plans’ to make the force look more like the communities it serves. “The people we hire will be the change we make,“ the police chiefs said.
In the next three years, West Midlands Police will recruit about 2,750 officers to increase its numbers by 1,200. That will leave a third of the force with less than three years’ experience.
In a joint statement they said: “The structural inequalities we see in society are not the product of policing, and neither can better policing alone fix them.
“Issues such as mental health, county lines, youth violence, homelessness, street begging and violent extremism can only be solved by a truly partnership approach.
“Drugs misuse is a huge public health challenge, and yet the inadequate national response leaves response officers – response officers, in Birmingham – administering Naloxone to overdosing heroin addicts.
“Low wages, the gig economy, zero hours contracts and ballooning personal debt are driving the hard pressed into crime. All of these challenges require a system-wide response, rather than just police reform.
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“Policing is a product of the society we create. You don’t fix society by fixing policing: it works the other way around.
“However, we will do what we can. We will build on the progress we’ve already made to make West Midlands Police the most diverse and fair force in the country.
“We have done at least as much as any force on diversity and inclusion but there is much more to be done and we will seek to be at the front of this debate in policing and in society.”
The police bosses have set out a plan of work to increase the confidence of all the communities of the West Midlands.
Through this work they will examine how they can improve the fairness of recruitment, retention and promotion, as well as ensuring that police powers are used fairly towards everyone in the West Midlands, as part of a wider review of practices.
Their joint statement continued: “The worldwide movement we’ve seen here and abroad since George Floyd’s killing in May reminds us that racism, discrimination and racial inequality are real, both in the UK and abroad.
“Structural inequality blights the lives of many Black and Asian people. Our country’s history is controversial and complex.
“At the same time as we remember our nation’s contribution to freeing Europe from fascism, we should also reflect on the legacy of slavery, injustice and inequality that is woven into the country we have become.
“Recent events have reminded many of personal experiences of unfairness and maltreatment, and made fresh these difficult and traumatic memories. We cannot write these off as historic anomalies: the Windrush scandal is from our own time, our generation, our responsibility.
“We stand with those who want to see policing that has the confidence of everyone, as challenging and difficult as this ambition can seem.
“We stand with those who want to see an end to the inequality, lack of opportunity, structural prejudice and poor social mobility that blight our country.
“We want our streets to be free of the organised crime and violence that cut short and stunt too many young lives. These are not issues that divide us by ethnicity or gender, and they should not be allowed to do so.
“Only by listening to the truth can we agree what steps we should take next. The urge from some will be to destroy, to tear down, to let anger and revenge guide us. We will not go that way. We want to see us come together to create, to build, to renew.”
And the police chiefs have vowed to learn from mistakes in the past and to heed the advice of previous inquiries.
The crime commissioner and chief constable added: “We must learn from what has gone before: have we done what Scarman, MacPherson and Lammy told us needed doing?
“Are we doing enough to address the issues that undermine public confidence in the police and the criminal justice system?
“Do the police, and partners, do enough to build networks of allies across all communities? Do our officers have the cultural competence to police diverse populations and challenge racism?
“Does our training give officers these skills, informed by the lived experience of those who have seen policing at its best and worst?
“Do we involve the community enough in our senior appointments processes, both in policing and in partner agencies?
“Are our complaints and misconduct processes working well, and do we do enough to understand what drives and leads to officer misconduct and failure in the criminal justice system?
“We’re doing everything we can to make policing an attractive a career for everyone.
"The call to action is for all our community leaders – MPs, councillors, activists campaigners, educators, trainers, faith leaders – to seize this opportunity and encourage our young people to join policing, help build the society they want to live in, and make policing the institution they want it to be: an institution they, their families and their communities are proud of.”


birminghammail--2020-07-13--Birmingham 2022 leaders under pressure to axe former PM advisor

Pressure is mounting on Birmingham 2022 to axe controversial former aide to PM Theresa May , Nick Timothy , in the midst of a row around diversity and discrimination .
Activists and equality advocates are calling for Timothy to go because of his links to the Windrush scandal and hostile environment policies .
They say his continued presence at the heart of the Games leadership will taint any attempts to build trust with ethnic communities in the city .
Rev Dr Desmond Jaddoo , who advocates for families affected by Windrush , said he needs to go .
`` His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scandal mean he is not suitable to be part of the Games .
What message is it sending to African and Caribbean communities in the city that he is there , when he was involved in such a deeply damaging policy as the 'hostile environment ' ? ''
The focus on Timothy comes amid our recent revelations that 19 out of 20 of the Games ' top roles are taken by white people - including the whole of the seven strong executive team , and 12 of 13 Board members .
One equality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a `` slap in the face '' that only one person of Black or Asian origin was involved in masterminding the Games , in a city where half a million people are of minority ethnic backgrounds .
We understand our exclusive story has since prompted searching conversations at the highest level across the city 's public sector organisations , coming on the heels of the Black Lives Matter movement .
On Friday Birmingham 2022 issued an open letter responding to our story , setting out its plan of action .
You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ born Timothy was hand picked by the Department for Culture , Media and Sport to join the Games board as a non executive director .
His appointment in early 2019 was mired in controversy , amid accusations of cronyism .
He had been the Prime Minister 's joint chief of staff , until he resigned after overseeing the Tory campaign in the 2017 general election , which turned out to be a disaster for the Conservatives .
One source said his appointment had not been universally well received among fellow board members back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executives was led by Government .
Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood said at the time : `` There are a range of issues that local residents are very upset about .
What the Government needs to do is to sort out those issues and build support for the Games within the community .
`` Appointing Nick Timothy is n't going to help with that at all . ''
Dr Jaddoo 's comments today echo complaints made by academic and city historian Dr Nathaniel Adam Tobias C , a Birmingham-based historian of philosophy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Commonwealth Studies .
He said Timothy was inextricably tied up with the hostile environment policies that had blighted lives across the Commonwealth and the city of Birmingham .
`` This is the same Nick Timothy who masterminded the Hostile Environment , Go Home Vans , & the Windrush Scandal , '' he said .
His presence suggests `` no Windrush lessons have been learned '' , he said .
We put the question of Timothy 's presence on the organising committee to David Grevemberg , the chief executive of the Commonwealth Games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the board .
His response hinted heavily that the organising committee is now considering Timothy 's position .
`` This ( Birmingham 2022 ) is an arms-length body of the government , so the DCMS has a big influence on the non executive appointments .
`` As a fellow board member I need to be careful not to be disparaging towards another board member but it is important if there are concerns about the appointments made by certain groups that these need to be addressed to the Organising Committee and the board , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and those people need to consider their response .
`` People need to feel they can express their concerns and have confidence those concerns will be addressed . ''
Get all the latest politics updates in our daily BirminghamLive newsletter Politics plays a huge part in all our lives , much more than we immediately realise .
News and updates on the world of politics seemed to become much more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic as we waited for news of the Government 's responses to the crisis and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can get all the latest politics updates in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter .
Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article .
There are all the Government briefings and announcements as well as new laws , decisions on the economy that affect businesses and our personal finances , policies on benefits such as Universal Credit and of course local and national elections that decide who represents us .
There 's also all the news from Birmingham City Council and other Midlands authorities on housing , education , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health and so much more .
And how much council tax they 'll charge us for delivering those services .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Find it on Google Play Store and App Store A DCMS spokesperson said : `` All of the non-executive director appointments made by the Secretary of State were made in compliance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments .
`` In line with that code , the process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transparent , and each applicant was assessed by an advisory assessment panel .
Each candidate was subject to the same selection process and was assessed against the criteria published in the role specification . ''
BirminghamLive has contacted Nick Timothy to offer him the chance to comment on this story .
Nick Timothy was born in Tile Cross , Birmingham , and educated at King Edwards VI Aston , the son of a steel worker and school secretary .
As Prime Minister Theresa May 's joint chief of staff from 2015 to 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Home Office before then ) , the Villa fan argued the Tories should aim to appeal to working people .
This philosophy became known as Erdington Conservatism .
He was described by some newspapers as `` The Brummie Rasputin '' because of his influence over Mrs May , in reference to the monk who advised the Tsar of Russia .
However , many held him and his fellow joint chief of staff Fiona Hill responsible for the poor Conservative result in the 2017 general election , when the party proposed a `` dementia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , later rescinded , which would have led to some older people being forced to sell their homes .
He was deemed to have strongly influenced May 's policies while Home Secretary and later PM that were linked to the `` hostile environment '' approach , deemed so damaging and behind the Windrush scandal that later played out .
He made a failed bid to be the Conservative candidate for Meriden in 2019 .
He is a Telegraph columnist and is also a former Director of the New Schools Network , a charity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools .

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Birmingham 2022 leaders have been urged to axe controversial former aide to PM Theresa May, Nick Timothy, in the midst of a row around diversity and discrimination.
Activists and equality advocates are calling for Timothy to go because of his links to the Windrush scandal and hostile environment policies.
They say his continued presence at the heart of the Games leadership will taint any attempts to build trust with ethnic communities in the city.
Rev Dr Desmond Jaddoo, who advocates for families affected by Windrush, said he needs to go.
"His perceived contribution and links to the Windrush scandal mean he is not suitable to be part of the Games. What message is it sending to African and Caribbean communities in the city that he is there, when he was involved in such a deeply damaging policy as the 'hostile environment'?"
But this afternoon, after being alerted to our story, two of the country's most prominent black equalities campaigners came to his defence.
Lord Simon Woolley, founder of Operation Black Vote, and chair of the Government's race disparity unit, said: "I think the Commonwealth Games organising committee needs greater black representation, but to think Nick Timothy does not deeply care about race equality couldn’t be further from the truth.”
While Matilda Macattram, founder of Black Mental Health UK and Fellow of the UN Working Group of Experts on people of African Descent, said his support in bringing about positive changes in policing, mental health and Black Britain had been life saving, adding: "Racism and discrimination facing black people of African Descent has been a concern that Mr Timothy has consistently supported in the most discrete and un-selfserving way.”
The focus on Timothy comes amid our recent revelations that 19 out of 20 of the Games' top roles are taken by white people - including the whole of the seven strong executive team, and 12 of 13 Board members.
One equality advocate, Anita Bhalla, said it was a "slap in the face" that only one person of Black or Asian origin was involved in masterminding the Games, in a city where half a million people are of minority ethnic backgrounds.
We understand our exclusive story has since prompted searching conversations at the highest level across the city's public sector organisations, coming on the heels of the Black Lives Matter movement.
(Image: Lipinski/PA Wire)
On Friday Birmingham 2022 issued an open letter responding to our story, setting out its plan of action. You can read it in full here.
Birmingham born Timothy was hand picked by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to join the Games board as a non executive director.
His appointment in early 2019 was mired in controversy, amid accusations of cronyism.
He had been the Prime Minister's joint chief of staff, until he resigned after overseeing the Tory campaign in the 2017 general election, which turned out to be a disaster for the Conservatives.
One source said his appointment had not been universally well received among fellow board members back then, but the selection of non executives was led by Government.
Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood said at the time: "There are a range of issues that local residents are very upset about. What the Government needs to do is to sort out those issues and build support for the Games within the community.
"Appointing Nick Timothy isn't going to help with that at all."
Dr Jaddoo's comments today echo complaints made by academic and city historian Dr Nathaniel Adam Tobias C, a Birmingham-based historian of philosophy, and former research fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies.
He said Timothy was inextricably tied up with the hostile environment policies that had blighted lives across the Commonwealth and the city of Birmingham.
"This is the same Nick Timothy who masterminded the Hostile Environment, Go Home Vans, & the Windrush Scandal," he said.
His presence suggests "no Windrush lessons have been learned", he said.
We put the question of Timothy's presence on the organising committee to David Grevemberg, the chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation, who sits alongside him on the board.
He was aware of criticisms related to Timothy's role and selection.
"This (Birmingham 2022) is an arms-length body of the government, so the DCMS has a big influence on the non executive appointments.
"As a fellow board member I need to be careful not to be disparaging towards another board member but it is important if there are concerns about the appointments made by certain groups that these need to be addressed to the Organising Committee and the board, and to have those concerns formally raised, and those people need to consider their response.
"People need to feel they can express their concerns and have confidence those concerns will be addressed."
A DCMS spokesperson said Timothy's appointment complied with the Governance Code for Public Appointments and had gone through an "open and transparent" process.
In his defence
Lord Simon Woolley, a crossparty peer since 2019, said: “I have known and collaborated with Nick Timothy for over a decade. We first worked together to reform stop and search, and then to address deaths in police custody and black mental health.
"Our last project still very much stands today: the Government’s Race Disparity Unit, which is seen as a global first in monitoring racial disparities along with work to reduce them.
“On the Commonwealth Games, Nick beat a path to my door asking me to inform our communities about board membership because not many from our communities applied.
"I did but I’m not sure what the response was. I think the Commonwealth Games organising committee needs greater black representation, but to think Nick Timothy does not deeply care about race equality couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Matilda Macattram, an Operation Black Vote campaigner and founder of Black Mental Health UK and a Fellow of the UN Working Group of Experts on people of African Descent, said of him: " I was introduced to Nick Timothy in 2014, and his support in assisting BMH UK ensured positive changes in policing, mental health and Black Britain.
"These changes and the prevention of loss of life among black people from the UK's African Caribbean communities would not have occurred without Mr Timothy and his support and advocacy.
"Racism and discrimination facing black people of African Descent has been a concern that Mr Timothy has consistently supported in the most discrete and un-selfserving way.”
BirminghamLive has contacted Nick Timothy to offer him the chance to comment direct.
Who is Nick Timothy?
Nick Timothy was born in Tile Cross, Birmingham, and educated at King Edwards VI Aston, the son of a steel worker and school secretary.
As Prime Minister Theresa May's joint chief of staff from 2015 to 2017 (and in her team at the Home Office before then), the Villa fan argued the Tories should aim to appeal to working people. This philosophy became known as Erdington Conservatism.
He was described by some newspapers as "The Brummie Rasputin" because of his influence over Mrs May, in reference to the monk who advised the Tsar of Russia.
However, many held him and his fellow joint chief of staff Fiona Hill responsible for the poor Conservative result in the 2017 general election, when the party proposed a "dementia tax" and other social care initiatives, later rescinded, which would have led to some older people being forced to sell their homes.
He was deemed to have strongly influenced May's policies while Home Secretary and later PM that were linked to the "hostile environment" approach, deemed so damaging and behind the Windrush scandal that later played out.
But, as the support of people like Lord Woolley indicate, Timothy has also been an advocate who has vowed to end race inequality. He helped set up the Race Disparity Unit in Government that Lord Woolley now chairs, among other work on the issue.
He made a failed bid to be the Conservative candidate for Meriden in 2019.
He is a Telegraph columnist and is also a former Director of the New Schools Network, a charity that helps people to set up free schools.
This story was updated to reflect comments from Lord Woolley and Matilda Macattram


birminghammail--2020-07-13--Boris urges everyone to wear masks in shops

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged everyone to wear facemasks in shops and hinted the Government could make it compulsory .
He said : `` I do think that in shops it is very important to wear a face covering . ''
And Mr Johnson said the Government would make an announcement `` in the next few days '' about the `` tools of enforcement '' that could be introduced .
He spoke as the Government came in for criticism over its policy on face masks , with opposition MPs accusing it of failing to send a clear message to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear a face covering on public transport , but not currently in shops .
Speaking to Sky News , Mr Johnson said : `` What we 've said for a while now is that we do think that masks have a great deal of value .
Obviously they are mandatory on public transport , on the Tube , but they have a great deal of value in confined spaces where you are coming into contact with people you do n't normaly meet .
`` What 's been interesting on the face coverings issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scientific evaluation of face coverings , and their importance in stopping aerosal droplets , that 's been growing .
`` And so I do think that in shops it is very important to wear a face covering , if you are going to be in a confined space and you want to protect other people and to receive protection in turn , yes , facevoerings I think people should bbe wearing in shop.s And in terms of how we do that , whether we make it mandatory or not , we 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be saying a little bit more in the next few days . ''
Wearing a mask was a way of protecting yourself and the people around you , he said .
`` We will be looking in the next few days about exactly how , with what tools of enforcement , we think we want to make progress . ''
He said : `` As the virus comes down in incdience , and we have more and more success , face coverings are a kind of extra insurance that we can all use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it getting out of control again . ''
Mr Johnson added : `` We will be saying a little bit more in the next few days .
But to be absolutely clear , I do think that face coverings have a real value in confined spaces and I think the public do unserstand that . ''
It follows claims that the Government 's policy is confused .
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said on Sunday it was “ best to trust people ’ s common sense ” rather than force them to adopt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clarity ” on the Government ’ s position and has requested that Health Secretary Matt Hancock come to the Commons on Monday to provide Parliament with a “ clear message ” .
Shadow health minister Justin Madders told BBC Radio 4 ’ s Westminster Hour : “ We need Matt Hancock to come to the House and say this is what the science says , this is what we believe you should be doing and then let ’ s move on .
“ Have a clear message and we all know where we @ @ @

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged everyone to wear facemasks in shops and hinted the Government could make it compulsory.
He said: "I do think that in shops it is very important to wear a face covering."
And Mr Johnson said the Government would make an announcement "in the next few days" about the "tools of enforcement" that could be introduced.
He spoke as the Government came in for criticism over its policy on face masks, with opposition MPs accusing it of failing to send a clear message to the public.
It's compulsory to wear a face covering on public transport, but not currently in shops.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Johnson said: "What we've said for a while now is that we do think that masks have a great deal of value. Obviously they are mandatory on public transport, on the Tube, but they have a great deal of value in confined spaces where you are coming into contact with people you don't normaly meet.
"What's been interesting on the face coverings issue in the last few months is that the scientific evaluation of face coverings, and their importance in stopping aerosal droplets, that's been growing.
"And so I do think that in shops it is very important to wear a face covering, if you are going to be in a confined space and you want to protect other people and to receive protection in turn, yes, facevoerings I think people should bbe wearing in shop.s
And in terms of how we do that, whether we make it mandatory or not, we'll be looking the guidance, we'll be saying a little bit more in the next few days."
Wearing a mask was a way of protecting yourself and the people around you, he said.
"We will be looking in the next few days about exactly how, with what tools of enforcement, we think we want to make progress."
He said: "As the virus comes down in incdience, and we have more and more success, face coverings are a kind of extra insurance that we can all use to stop it coming back and stop it getting out of control again."
Mr Johnson added: "We will be saying a little bit more in the next few days. But to be absolutely clear, I do think that face coverings have a real value in confined spaces and I think the public do unserstand that."
It follows claims that the Government's policy is confused.
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said on Sunday it was “best to trust people’s common sense” rather than force them to adopt face coverings.
Labour has demanded “clarity” on the Government’s position and has requested that Health Secretary Matt Hancock come to the Commons on Monday to provide Parliament with a “clear message”.
Shadow health minister Justin Madders told BBC Radio 4’s Westminster Hour: “We need Matt Hancock to come to the House and say this is what the science says, this is what we believe you should be doing and then let’s move on.
“Have a clear message and we all know where we stand.”


birminghammail--2020-07-13--Driver destroys £100,000 Porsche sports car after crashing into Mercedes

A driver faces court face after he destroyed his £100k Porsche sports car when it crashed into a Mercedes .
@ @ @ @ @ scene after the red Porsche 911 GT3 crashed with a Mercedes car over the weekend @ @ @ @ @ Porsche to flip into shrubbery next to the road in Ackworth near Pontefract , West @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday ( July 11 ) .
The 500 horsepower car can hit top speeds @ @ @ @ @ 'Robbo ' Robson , of the Roads Policing Unit , said the two occupants of @ @ @ @ @ injuries .
He said : `` This lovely Porsche had a little accident today .
@ @ @ @ @ had minor injuries .
`` The driver is getting prosecuted for driving without due care @ @ @

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A driver faces court face after he destroyed his £100k Porsche sports car when it crashed into a Mercedes.
Officers were called to the scene after the red Porsche 911 GT3 crashed with a Mercedes car over the weekend.
The collision caused the Porsche to flip into shrubbery next to the road in Ackworth near Pontefract, West Yorks., at around 3.20pm on Saturday (July 11).
The 500 horsepower car can hit top speeds of about 200mph.
PC 'Robbo' Robson, of the Roads Policing Unit, said the two occupants of the Porsche escaped with minor injuries.
He said: "This lovely Porsche had a little accident today. Luckily the two occupants only had minor injuries.
(Image: PC 'Robbo' Robson / SWNS)
"The driver is getting prosecuted for driving without due care or attention.


birminghammail--2020-07-13--Terrified parents claim baby daughter was tormented by a ghost

This is the moment a couple claim their baby daughter sleeping in her crib was tormented - by a GHOST .
Parents Shannon Hayward , 18 , and Robbie Beavis , 22 , put six-month old Savannah to bed for her first night sleeping in a bedroom alone .
But they noticed the baby monitor kept cutting out - and when they went up to check on her the room was icy cold , despite the heating being on .
When they looked at the camera they saw a white mass moving around the room , coming close to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Savannah to stir .
And when Robbie went up to check again he claims the door slammed behind him .
The family from Norwich said their dog now refuses to go into the room , but they believe the spirit will not harm them .
Shannon said : `` Before this , I didn ’ t personally believe in ghosts , but now it ’ s happened to me , I believe it .
`` We were scared at first , but now we don ’ t think it intends to harm us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already .
`` My mum thinks it was a spirit sent to look over Savannah . ''
The couple moved into the top-floor flat in October , and recording was made on July 4 after they put her to bed at 8pm .
Two hours later , they noticed that the IPC 360 app they use to monitor their daughter had suddenly become unresponsive .
They were unable to access the live video again until midnight , but the couple can be seen frequently physically checking on Savannah .
Shannon headed to bed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s live video finally flickered back to life an hour later , ex-kitchen assistant Robbie was disturbed by what he saw .
As Savannah sleeps in her cot in the background , a flickering white presence close to the camera lens can be seen moving across the screen .
Immediately going to check on his daughter , Robbie found nothing to explain this activity .
However , he said typically deep-sleeper Savannah seemed “ quite disturbed ” .
Shannon said : “ Savannah hardly ever wakes up in the night .
She normally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waking up for a bottle .
“ Robbie immediately woke me up saying he was really scared and didn ’ t know what to do.
” The couple removed Savannah from the room , but have put her back in there now .
“ Random parts of the flat are often really cold , '' Shannon said .
`` Initially we thought nothing of it , but now we are suspicious . ''
The following day , Shannon ’ s mum Sarah Roberts , 37 , visited the flat and took flash-photographs of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a silvery orb is seen in the first photo , but disappears from the second photograph .

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This is the moment a couple claim their baby daughter sleeping in her crib was tormented - by a GHOST.
Parents Shannon Hayward, 18, and Robbie Beavis, 22, put six-month old Savannah to bed for her first night sleeping in a bedroom alone.
But they noticed the baby monitor kept cutting out - and when they went up to check on her the room was icy cold, despite the heating being on.
When they looked at the camera they saw a white mass moving around the room, coming close to the edge of the crib - apparently causing Savannah to stir.
And when Robbie went up to check again he claims the door slammed behind him.
The family from Norwich said their dog now refuses to go into the room, but they believe the spirit will not harm them.
(Image: Shannon Hayward / SWNS.COM)
Shannon said: "Before this, I didn’t personally believe in ghosts, but now it’s happened to me, I believe it.
"We were scared at first, but now we don’t think it intends to harm us, otherwise it would have done so already.
"My mum thinks it was a spirit sent to look over Savannah."
The couple moved into the top-floor flat in October, and recording was made on July 4 after they put her to bed at 8pm.
(Image: Shannon Hayward / SWNS.COM)
Two hours later, they noticed that the IPC 360 app they use to monitor their daughter had suddenly become unresponsive.
They were unable to access the live video again until midnight, but the couple can be seen frequently physically checking on Savannah.
Shannon headed to bed at 11pm but when the app’s live video finally flickered back to life an hour later, ex-kitchen assistant Robbie was disturbed by what he saw.
As Savannah sleeps in her cot in the background, a flickering white presence close to the camera lens can be seen moving across the screen.
Immediately going to check on his daughter, Robbie found nothing to explain this activity.
However, he said typically deep-sleeper Savannah seemed “quite disturbed”.
(Image: Sarah Roberts / SWNS.COM)
Shannon said: “Savannah hardly ever wakes up in the night. She normally sleeps from 8pm to 6am, only waking up for a bottle.
“Robbie immediately woke me up saying he was really scared and didn’t know what to do.”
The couple removed Savannah from the room, but have put her back in there now.
“Random parts of the flat are often really cold," Shannon said.
"Initially we thought nothing of it, but now we are suspicious."
(Image: Shannon Hayward / SWNS.COM)
The following day, Shannon’s mum Sarah Roberts, 37, visited the flat and took flash-photographs of the bedroom.
What appears to be a silvery orb is seen in the first photo, but disappears from the second photograph.


birminghammail--2020-07-13--Birmingham City need to turn around their imploding season

Birmingham City slumped to their fourth successive defeat against Stoke City on Sunday - a 2-0 reverse that only heightens anxiety levels going into the final week of the season .
The game was notable for an ill-judged change of formation , a wobbly start , sloppy defending and a post-match blast from their captain Harlee Dean .
Here ’ s what stood out at the Bet 365 Stadium .
Sign up to our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or by clicking here Too much too soon Blues finished the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mish-mash of a team that had little prospect of getting anything from the match .
If there wasn ’ t an agenda to get as many on to the field it certainly felt like it , particularly with Maikel Kieftenbeld and Dan Crowley , who was given just 12 minutes , surely better placed to bring some purpose to a lame display .
Even a point from this fixture would have given Blues a three game platform to give Nico Gordon a more manageable first team opportunity .
It would also have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jayden Reid a more stable stage to express themselves in the final week of the season rather than throwing them into the white heat of a relegation battle .
It might be that Blues stay up and will then point to the valuable minutes given to these youngsters , opportunities they might not have got had Jacques Maghoma and Kerim Mrabti been retained .
But at the moment they are playing a dangerous game .
And to what purpose ?
One of the many questions those who run the club should be answering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the game , citing some ‘ lackadaisical ’ and even ‘ amateur ’ failings .
He said : “ It ’ s probably the first time in there I have questioned people ’ s desire because I don ’ t think people realise how severe the situation is – and if they do then they are not acting like they are .
“ We just don ’ t look aggressive , we are not pressing people , we are not backing our mates up , it ’ s all very singular all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say how many times it ’ s just not good enough.
” It was all very reminiscent of his Barnsley blast in November 2017 when with Steve Cotterill at the helm Blues were booed off at Oakwell prompting an emotional Dean to say : “ We just have to stick together and get through it .
It ’ s about reaching our potential .
We will put it right.
” They did too – but only when Garry Monk came to the club months later .
Blues don ’ t even have four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy levels against Charlton on Wednesday night .
All of which suggests Maikel Kieftenbeld could be welcome returnee in midweek .
Gary Gardner ’ s industry has been admirable but as Dean said , it ’ s all very singular , and there ’ s little point to a one-man press .
Kieftenbeld might not have the technical ability of Ivan Sunjic , not that the Croatian has been demonstrating that particularly – but after being given the hook against Hull at half time , he ’ ll be desperate to make an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the current circumstances , so is experience and the battle-hardened 30-year-old has plenty of both .
It ’ s been obvious that Blues have been affected by the absence of their supporters more than most .
Whether it ’ s a stirring Keep Right On when they ’ ve gone behind or a guttural ‘ Get into them ... .
’ when the tempo has slipped , the current squad is built around that link between the side and their fans .
Both home and away Birmingham City supporters are their team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it has looked bereft without them .
St Andrew ’ s might not be the intimidating place of bygone days – but every opponent still comments about it being one the harder venues in the Championship .
Dean , Kieftenbeld , Gardner and the rest have to summon that themselves .

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Birmingham City slumped to their fourth successive defeat against Stoke City on Sunday - a 2-0 reverse that only heightens anxiety levels going into the final week of the season.
The game was notable for an ill-judged change of formation, a wobbly start, sloppy defending and a post-match blast from their captain Harlee Dean.
Here’s what stood out at the Bet 365 Stadium.
Sign up to our Blues newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or by clicking here
Too much too soon
Blues finished the game with four youngsters on the pitch and a mish-mash of a team that had little prospect of getting anything from the match.
If there wasn’t an agenda to get as many on to the field it certainly felt like it, particularly with Maikel Kieftenbeld and Dan Crowley, who was given just 12 minutes, surely better placed to bring some purpose to a lame display.
Even a point from this fixture would have given Blues a three game platform to give Nico Gordon a more manageable first team opportunity.
It would also have given the likes of Ryan Burke and Jayden Reid a more stable stage to express themselves in the final week of the season rather than throwing them into the white heat of a relegation battle.
It might be that Blues stay up and will then point to the valuable minutes given to these youngsters, opportunities they might not have got had Jacques Maghoma and Kerim Mrabti been retained.
But at the moment they are playing a dangerous game. And to what purpose? One of the many questions those who run the club should be answering.
Captain calling
Harlee Dean launched into his team-mates after the game, citing some ‘lackadaisical’ and even ‘amateur’ failings.
He said: “It’s probably the first time in there I have questioned people’s desire because I don’t think people realise how severe the situation is – and if they do then they are not acting like they are.
“We just don’t look aggressive, we are not pressing people, we are not backing our mates up, it’s all very singular all over the pitch. I can only say how many times it’s just not good enough.”
It was all very reminiscent of his Barnsley blast in November 2017 when with Steve Cotterill at the helm Blues were booed off at Oakwell prompting an emotional Dean to say: “We just have to stick together and get through it. It’s about reaching our potential. We will put it right.”
They did too – but only when Garry Monk came to the club months later.
Blues don’t even have four games, they have to up their energy levels against Charlton on Wednesday night.
Maik drop
All of which suggests Maikel Kieftenbeld could be welcome returnee in midweek.
Gary Gardner’s industry has been admirable but as Dean said, it’s all very singular, and there’s little point to a one-man press.
Kieftenbeld might not have the technical ability of Ivan Sunjic, not that the Croatian has been demonstrating that particularly – but after being given the hook against Hull at half time, he’ll be desperate to make an impression.
Desperation is a good quality in the current circumstances, so is experience and the battle-hardened 30-year-old has plenty of both.
Missing crowd
It’s been obvious that Blues have been affected by the absence of their supporters more than most.
Whether it’s a stirring Keep Right On when they’ve gone behind or a guttural ‘Get into them....’ when the tempo has slipped, the current squad is built around that link between the side and their fans.
Both home and away Birmingham City supporters are their team’s conscience, heartbeat even – and it has looked bereft without them.
St Andrew’s might not be the intimidating place of bygone days – but every opponent still comments about it being one the harder venues in the Championship.
Dean, Kieftenbeld, Gardner and the rest have to summon that themselves.


birminghammail--2020-07-13--Weston-super-Mare tourists stuck in mud as fire crew launch hovercraft

An unfortunate beachgoer had to be rescued - after getting stuck in MUD at a notorious seaside spot .
The man was pictured wallowing in the sludge at Weston-super-Mare , Somerset yesterday ( Sun ) .
He could be seen scrambling and even rolling in the sludge in just a vest and shorts at the resort - nicknamed Weston-super-Mud .
The anonymous man was said to be one of several people who decided to wade out over the mud towards the River Severn .
As many as 20 people were checked over by emergency services after making their way back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rescue Service said it had launched its hovercraft to help deal with the situation and that the public were being warned to return to safety .
Last month , there were similar scenes as the UK experienced its hottest day of the year , with the mercury skyrocketing across the country .
In Somerset , the temperature rose to 30C , with the mud causing chaos for beach-goers .
Coastguards were called to the beach to help some of those who had got into trouble as temperatures soared well in excess of 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year so far .
A witness said : `` There were over 100 people seen making their way across the mud to reach the sea .
`` Some were carrying children and were observed struggling to get back to the shore . ''

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An unfortunate beachgoer had to be rescued - after getting stuck in MUD at a notorious seaside spot.
The man was pictured wallowing in the sludge at Weston-super-Mare, Somerset yesterday (Sun).
He could be seen scrambling and even rolling in the sludge in just a vest and shorts at the resort - nicknamed Weston-super-Mud.
The anonymous man was said to be one of several people who decided to wade out over the mud towards the River Severn.
As many as 20 people were checked over by emergency services after making their way back to dry land.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service said it had launched its hovercraft to help deal with the situation and that the public were being warned to return to safety.
Last month, there were similar scenes as the UK experienced its hottest day of the year, with the mercury skyrocketing across the country.
In Somerset, the temperature rose to 30C, with the mud causing chaos for beach-goers.
(Image: Nick Hayman / SWNS)
Coastguards were called to the beach to help some of those who had got into trouble as temperatures soared well in excess of 30 degrees on the hottest day of the year so far.
A witness said: "There were over 100 people seen making their way across the mud to reach the sea.
"Some were carrying children and were observed struggling to get back to the shore."


birminghammail--2020-07-13--Zaha releases statement after Villa fan arrested over racist abuse

Wilfried Zaha has called for action , education and change after an Aston Villa fan was arrested for sending the Crystal Palace forward sick racist messages on Instagram .
Zaha shared the messages before Palace 's 2-0 defeat at Villa Park on Sunday and West Midlands Police have since arrested a 12-year-old boy .
Ivory Coast international Zaha played in the game and received support from both clubs , with Villa vowing to ban the perpetrator for life before the arrest was made .
And the 27-year-old former Manchester United man has now called for action in the fight against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted on Twitter : `` Very disappointed we did n't get a better result yesterday but I wanted to come on here to thank you for all your messages of support .
`` I would also like to thank West Midlands Police for their swift action in making an arrest .
`` People need to understand that whatever your age , that your behaviour and your words come with consequences and you can not hide behind social media .
`` It is important social media platforms do as they did yesterday and seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is not the first time I have received messages like this , nor am I the only player to receive messages like this - it happens every day .
`` I want to thank everyone for the love and support but enough is enough !
`` It is not enough to be disgusted by these messages I received and move on .
It is n't enough to just say # notoracism .
We need action , we need education , things need to change . ''

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Wilfried Zaha has called for action, education and change after an Aston Villa fan was arrested for sending the Crystal Palace forward sick racist messages on Instagram.
Zaha shared the messages before Palace's 2-0 defeat at Villa Park on Sunday and West Midlands Police have since arrested a 12-year-old boy.
Ivory Coast international Zaha played in the game and received support from both clubs, with Villa vowing to ban the perpetrator for life before the arrest was made.
And the 27-year-old former Manchester United man has now called for action in the fight against racism.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
He wrote in a statement posted on Twitter: "Very disappointed we didn't get a better result yesterday but I wanted to come on here to thank you for all your messages of support.
"I would also like to thank West Midlands Police for their swift action in making an arrest.
"People need to understand that whatever your age, that your behaviour and your words come with consequences and you cannot hide behind social media.
"It is important social media platforms do as they did yesterday and seek out these individuals and remove them.
"This is not the first time I have received messages like this, nor am I the only player to receive messages like this - it happens every day.
"I want to thank everyone for the love and support but enough is enough!
"It is not enough to be disgusted by these messages I received and move on. It isn't enough to just say #notoracism. We need action, we need education, things need to change."


birminghammail--2020-07-13--Firefighters tackle blaze at factory with smoke visible for miles

A huge fire has ripped through a factory in Dudley .
Firefighters were called to the Dudley Central Trading Estate @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday , July 12 .
There were seven crews tackling the blaze , which @ @ @ @ @ billow into the sky .
The cause is currently unknown .
Paramedics were also sent @ @ @ @ @ there were no casualties .
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said : `` @ @ @ @ @ incident we had around 40 firefighters at the scene .
`` The first crew arrived @ @ @ @ @ and most had returned to station by 5.15am .
`` Our investigators are working to @ @ @ @ @ The fire comes just days after a blaze broke out at a factory at the @ @ @ @ @ Way , Brierley Hill , on Thursday , July 9 .
Part of the former @ @ @ @ @ Blowers Green Road , Dudley , also collapsed as a result of a suspected arson @ @ @ @ @ of Sunday , July 5 .

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A huge fire has ripped through a factory in Dudley.
Firefighters were called to the Dudley Central Trading Estate in Shaw Road at 11.57pm on Sunday, July 12.
There were seven crews tackling the blaze, which saw plumes of thick smoke billow into the sky.
The cause is currently unknown.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Paramedics were also sent to the scene but thankfully there were no casualties.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "At the height of this incident we had around 40 firefighters at the scene.
"The first crew arrived in under five minutes, and most had returned to station by 5.15am.
"Our investigators are working to establish the cause."
The fire comes just days after a blaze broke out at a factory at the Canalside Industrial Estate in Wedgbury Way, Brierley Hill, on Thursday, July 9.
Part of the former Sir Gilbert Claughton School in Blowers Green Road, Dudley, also collapsed as a result of a suspected arson attack in the early hours of Sunday, July 5.


birminghammail--2020-07-13--Updates as Keeley Bunker murder trial begins - man denies killing

A man has gone on trial accused of the rape and murder of Tamworth woman Keeley Bunker .
Wesley Streete @ @ @ @ @ Tamworth , is appearing at Stafford Crown Court in a trial that is expected to @ @ @ @ @ is accused of the murder and rape of Keeley , 20 , whose body was @ @ @ @ @ on September 19 last year .
He denies both charges and has also pleaded not @ @ @ @ @ a woman aged over 16 , the rape of a child under 16 , sexual @ @ @ @ @ three counts of sexual assault .
Hundreds of people had turned out for the funeral @ @ @ @ @ home town of Tamworth last October .
Pink ribbons lined every lamppost and signs on @ @ @ @ @ to every car in the procession .
We will be bringing live updates from the @ @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Tony Larner, Carl Jackson)

Wesley Streete has been jailed for life after he was found guilty of raping and murdering Keeley Bunker.
A jury found the 20-year-old guilty of raping and murdering Keeley in Wigginton Park, Tamworth, in the early hours of Thursday, September 19.
He was also found guilty of rape and two counts of sexual assault in 2015, a sexual assault in 2017 and a rape in 2019. A further count of sexual activity with a child in 2017 was discounted.
Streete was convicted following a three-week trial and around two full days worth of deliberation.
Streete previously told a jury that he killed his former school friend "accidentally" as they had sex.
He said: "I had my arms around her neck and accidentally killed her."
Keeley vanished following a night out with Streete and a female friend in Birmingham city centre last September.
Jurors heard that Streete said he walked her partway home from her friend's home after they returned to Tamworth by taxi.
He said she was safe and well when he left her near a telephone box.
The court heard he then gave "no comment" answers to several questions asked by police officers after GPS evidence contradicted his account.
Streete had pleaded not guilty to all charges including the rape of a woman aged over 16, the rape of a child under 16, sexual activity with a girl and three counts of sexual assault.
Follow our live updates on his sentencing in our new blog here.