bbc--2020-11-10--Covid: Bolsonaro hails suspension of Chinese vaccine trial

`` We learned the head of Butantan Institute believed that this serious adverse event [ SAE ] is not related @ @ @ @ @ it said in a statement .
`` The clinical study in Brazil is strictly carried @ @ @ @ @ [ Good Clinical Practice ] requirements and we are confident in the safety of the @ @ @

Covid: Bolsonaro hails suspension of Chinese vaccine trial Published 10 November 2020
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, China's Sinovac vaccine has been administered in late-stage trials in Brazil, Indonesia and Turkey
President Jair Bolsonaro has declared the suspension of a Brazilian trial for a Chinese covid vaccine as a "victory".
The trial was halted after a "severe adverse incident" - reported to be the death of a volunteer.
Brazilian health regulator Anvisa said the incident had taken place on 29 October but gave no further details.
However the head of the institute conducting the trials has told local media the person's death was not linked to the medical trial itself.
'Another victory'
President Bolsonaro has long criticised the vaccine because of its Chinese links and said it would not be purchased by his country. He has also engaged in a political fight with the governor of São Paulo, Joao Doria, who has publicly backed the trial.
Writing on Facebook, the president said the halt of the CoronaVac trial was "another victory for Jair Bolsonaro".
The vaccine, developed by Chinese firm Sinovac Biotech, is one of several in final-stage testing globally. Sinovac says it is "confident in the safety of the vaccine".
The firm has already been using it to immunise thousands of people at home in an emergency use programme.
Brazil has been one of the countries worst affected by coronavirus, recording more than 5.6m confirmed cases - the third highest tally in the world after the US and India - and nearly 163,000 deaths, according to data collated by Johns Hopkins University.
Why was the trial halted?
On Monday Anvisa said it had "ruled to interrupt the clinical trial of the CoronaVac vaccine after a serious adverse incident".
It did not reveal what had happened, nor where it had taken place. Late-stage trials for the Sinovac vaccine are also being conducted in Indonesia and Turkey, but neither of these countries have announced a suspension.
Indonesia's state-owned Bio Farma said on Tuesday that its own Sinovac vaccine trials were "going smoothly", according to Reuters news agency.
Dimas Covas, head of the Butantan institute conducting the trials, told local media that the trial's suspension was related to a death, but insisted that the death was not linked to the vaccine.
This was backed up by Jean Gorinchteyn, Health Secretary for the state of São Paulo, who told a news conference that the death was an "external event" that was not related to the vaccine.
Mr Covas said that there had been no adverse reactions to the vaccine.
"We found this Anvisa decision strange, because it is unrelated to the vaccine. There are more than 10,000 volunteers at this moment," Mr Covas told TV Cultura.
He said the suspension had caused "indignation" and that the organisers of the trials had not been consulted. In a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Covas said he hoped trials would resume soon.
Sinovac said on Tuesday that it was communicating with Brazil about the reported incident.
"We learned the head of Butantan Institute believed that this serious adverse event [SAE] is not related to the vaccine," it said in a statement. "The clinical study in Brazil is strictly carried out in accordance with GCP [Good Clinical Practice] requirements and we are confident in the safety of the vaccine."
A pause in a clinical trial is not unusual. In September, the UK paused trials for another Covid-19 vaccine after a participant had a suspected adverse reaction.
The trials for the vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University were resumed a few days later after regulators said it was safe to continue.
Brazil's president has been open about his preference for the vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca, saying his government would not buy a Chinese-made Covid-19 vaccine.
Covid is deeply political in Brazil
Is the decision by Anvisa based on science or politics? That's the question many people are asking here because the issue of the vaccine - indeed, Covid-19 itself - is deeply political in Brazil.
From the very start, Jair Bolsonaro played down the virus, insisting the country remain open, that coronavirus was just the sniffles. But that approach was at odds with many of the country's regional leaders - even people he used to count as friends.
João Doria is the governor of Brazil's most populous (and wealthy) state. In 2018, he backed Mr Bolsonaro to become president. But the two men have since fallen out - badly.
When Covid-19 hit, Mr Doria led the way among state governors in introducing quarantine, advising people to stay at home. And that irritated Mr Bolsonaro. The governor's backing of the Sinovac vaccine has also grated.
But it's a rivalry that won't be going away any time soon. Mr Doria is expected to throw his hat in the ring for the 2022 elections too - which is why, perhaps, Mr Bolsonaro is feeling a little bit competitive.
Where are we in the search for a vaccine?
CoronaVac is one of around a dozen vaccines in the final stage of testing - known as a phase 3 trial - around the world.
This is a crucial point in vaccine development, where some experimental vaccines will fail.
The news of its suspension in Brazil came shortly after a rival vaccine developer, the US pharmaceutical company Pfizer, said its own vaccine candidate had shown 90% effectiveness.
Last month the Oxford vaccine trial reviewed the death of a volunteer in Brazil, saying an assessment had revealed no safety concerns.
How has China used experimental vaccines?
Separate to the phase 3 trials being held overseas, China is also administering experimental Covid-19 vaccines at home.
CoronaVac is among three experimental coronavirus vaccines China has been using to inoculate hundreds of thousands of people under an emergency use programme.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, The BBC filmed hundreds of people queuing in Yiwu, China to get the experimental Sinovac vaccine last month
Sinovac has previously said almost all of its employees and their families have received the vaccine.


bbc--2020-11-10--Australian PM under fire for interrupting female minister

After being asked again by the journalist , Ms Ruston was able to respond .
She said she had felt @ @ @ @ @ her time in parliament .

He praised Mr Turnbull's ban and said his ministers were in "no doubt about what my expectations are of them", but added: "I think Australians understand human frailty, and I think they understand the people who work in this place are just as human as anyone else."


bbc--2020-11-10--Mexico women's protest: Outrage after police fired shots

The governor of Quintana Roo state , Carlos Joaquín González , condemned what he called `` violent acts '' by @ @ @ @ @ intimidation and repression '' the protesters suffered .
He said he had personally given clear @ @ @ @ @ `` no aggression and no weapons '' .

The governor of Quintana Roo state, Carlos Joaquín González, condemned what he called "violent acts" by the police and the "intimidation and repression" the protesters suffered. He said he had personally given clear orders that there should be "no aggression and no weapons".


bbc--2020-11-11--Spain lockdown: How domestic workers became prisoners

Some live-in maids in Spain have been forbidden from leaving their employers houses during the coronavirus pandemic .
The union @ @ @ @ @ from around 100 women who say they have been kept locked inside for months .
@ @ @ @ @ were already often being treated like “ modern-day slaves ” in the country and that @ @ @ @ @ .
Domestic workers are more at risk of being exploited and abused , as they @ @ @ @ @ same legal rights as other workers .
At least 22,000 have been fired since the @ @ @ @ @ according to the Spanish government .
Europe correspondent Jean Mackenzie has spoken to live-in maids @ @ @ @ @ of them , who we call Isabella and Maria , have had their names changed @ @ @ @ @ This report was filmed during a local easing of Covid-19 rules .
Produced by Sara @ @ @ @ @ by Andy Smythe .

Some live-in maids in Spain have been forbidden from leaving their employers' houses during the coronavirus pandemic.
The union that represents them has heard from around 100 women who say they have been kept locked inside for months. It says that live-in maids were already often being treated like “modern-day slaves” in the country and that lockdown has made things worse.
Domestic workers are more at risk of being exploited and abused, as they don’t have the same legal rights as other workers.
At least 22,000 have been fired since the start of the pandemic, according to the Spanish government.
Europe correspondent Jean Mackenzie has spoken to live-in maids about their experiences. Two of them, who we call Isabella and Maria, have had their names changed to protect their identity.
This report was filmed during a local easing of Covid-19 rules.
Produced by Sara Monetta, filmed and edited by Andy Smythe.


bbc--2020-11-10--Owners' joy as rare £2.5m books stolen in London heist returned

`` Every time we were about to view a book we had many expectations regarding the conditions and when we @ @ @ @ @ condition it was a great happiness for us , just as it was a deep @ @ @ @ @ books . ''

"Every time we were about to view a book we had many expectations regarding the conditions and when we found our works in good condition it was a great happiness for us, just as it was a deep pain to see some damaged books."


bbc--2020-11-10--Mary Wollstonecraft statue: 'Mother of feminism' sculpture provokes backlash

The Suffolk-based artist said her critics `` are not reading the word , the important word , which is on @ @ @ @ @ 'for ' Mary Wollstonecraft , it 's not 'of ' Mary Wollstonecraft .

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bbc--2020-11-10--Coronavirus: Turkish Germans raise new Covid vaccine hopes

When news of the virulence of coronavirus was reported in January , based on data from the outbreak in Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ already in a good position , as it had teamed up with Pfizer in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ .

When news of the virulence of coronavirus was reported in January, based on data from the outbreak in Wuhan, China, BioNTech was already in a good position, as it had teamed up with Pfizer in 2018 to develop mRNA-based flu vaccines.


bbc--2020-11-11--The families left behind after the massacre in the desert

Mexico 's President , Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador , has been at pains to reassure the community that his government @ @ @ @ @ He has met with family members several times .
During their most recent meeting in @ @ @ @ @ National Guard base near the La Mora ranch , as well as announcing a new @ @ @ @ @ the journey time to the US border by several hours , and a monument to @ @ @ @ @ died .

Mexico's President, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has been at pains to reassure the community that his government can handle the situation. He has met with family members several times. During their most recent meeting in October he inaugurated a new National Guard base near the La Mora ranch, as well as announcing a new long-requested highway which will cut the journey time to the US border by several hours, and a monument to the women and children who died.


bbc--2020-11-11--Coronavirus: Denmark shaken by cull of millions of mink

Several different mutations have been discovered in the virus in mink that do not arise in humans .
But one @ @ @ @ @ is of particular concern and 12 people are known to have caught it in Denmark @ @ @ @ @ people have contracted other mink-related strains of the virus .

Several different mutations have been discovered in the virus in mink that do not arise in humans. But one called "Cluster 5" is of particular concern and 12 people are known to have caught it in Denmark. More than 200 other people have contracted other mink-related strains of the virus.


bbc--2020-11-11--Hong Kong's dying news stands tell a story of change

`` Apple Daily was run in an unorthodox way , '' Mr Lam says .
`` Its layout also was @ @ @ @ @ then as it was modelled on tabloids in other countries .
The language used in @ @ @ @ @ .
That 's why readers found it refreshing . ''

"Apple Daily was run in an unorthodox way," Mr Lam says. "Its layout also was different from traditional newspapers back then as it was modelled on tabloids in other countries. The language used in their reports was also colourful. That's why readers found it refreshing."


bbc--2020-11-11--Ethiopia's Tigray conflict sparks spread of misinformation

Some have been sharing photos they say show an S-400 Russian missile defence system , claiming it is in use @ @ @ @ @ ward off Ethiopian air attacks .

Some have been sharing photos they say show an S-400 Russian missile defence system, claiming it is in use in the Tigray region to ward off Ethiopian air attacks.


bbc--2020-11-10--Armenia-Azerbaijan: Why did Nagorno-Karabakh spark a conflict?

The conflict is further complicated by geopolitics .
Nato member-state Turkey was the first nation to recognise Azerbaijan 's independence @ @ @ @ @ President Heydar Aliyev once described the two as `` one nation with two states '' @ @ @ @ @ culture and populations .

The conflict is further complicated by geopolitics. Nato member-state Turkey was the first nation to recognise Azerbaijan's independence in 1991. Former Azeri President Heydar Aliyev once described the two as "one nation with two states". Both share a Turkic culture and populations.


bbc--2020-11-10--Mumbai beat Delhi to win fifth IPL title

Last updated on .From the section Cricket Mumbai Indians secured a fifth Indian Premier League title with a five-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in the final .
Trent Boult took 3-30 for Mumbai , including Marcus Stoinis with the first ball of the match in Dubai .
Delhi were 22-3 before captain Shreyas Iyer made 65 not out - he added 96 with Rishabh Pant - but Mumbai ensured their total was never enough .
The defending champions were always in control of their chase after Rohit and Quinton de Kock plundered 45 from the first four overs .
Rohit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed from 23 balls and , although Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya soon followed , Ishan Kishan 's unbeaten 33 off 19 balls took Mumbai to victory .
It follows their IPL wins in 2013 , 2015 , 2017 and 2019 and means they have won the world 's premier domestic Twenty20 competition at least twice more than any other team .
This year 's tournament was held in the United Arab Emirates without fans and delayed from the spring because of the coronavirus pandemic .
England pace bowler Jofra Archer was named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took 20 wickets and scored 113 runs , including 10 sixes , for Rajasthan Royals .
• None TMS does the IPL : Download latest podcast on Mumbai 's win A comprehensive win for Mumbai was a fitting end to a tournament in which they have been the outstanding team .
New Zealand seamer Boult , who starred throughout with 25 wickets , bowled a brilliant new-ball spell to put the game in their favour .
Delhi rallied through Iyer and Pant , who made 56 off 38 balls , but Mumbai finished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs off the last three overs .
Rohit batted majestically , hitting five fours and four sixes in his trademark , classical style .
His first six , over long-on off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin , came from the third ball of the chase .
Rohit fell with the end in sight but so comfortable was the win that Mumbai 's bench were able to shake hands in celebration before the winning runs were hit .
Delhi were appearing in their first IPL final and had lost all three previous meetings with Mumbai this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showpiece began and suffered as their key players failed .
Australia all-rounder Stoinis edged Boult behind to fall for a first-ball duck and fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan , Delhi 's highest run-scorer in the tournament , made only 15 .
He was bowled playing an ill-advised sweep to off-spinner Jayant Yadav in the fourth over .
Defending a low total , South Africa pace bowler Kagiso Rabada - the tournament 's leading wicket-taker - could not prevent the Mumbai openers ' onslaught and conceded 18 from his first over .
He returned again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Suryakumar Yadav was run out for 19 after a mix-up with Rohit - and was hit for 11 as Rohit ensured Delhi were unable to come back into the game .
'Mumbai were the best team ' - what they said Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting : `` You 've got to give credit where credit 's due .
Mumbai have been the best team throughout the IPL .
`` I am proud of this team .
It is a great group of players and a great franchise .
Mumbai Indians thoroughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captain Rohit Sharma : `` I 'm pretty happy with how things went .
`` We said at the beginning we want to make winning a habit for us and guys were excellent throughout the tournament .
We could n't have asked much more .
We never looked back . ''
• None Can the boys track down the boxing promoter ?
• None The biggest tracks that were never topped

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
Mumbai Indians have won the IPL five times in eight years
Indian Premier League final, Dubai Delhi Capitals 156-7 (20 overs): Iyer 65* (50), Pant 56 (38), Boult 3-30 Mumbai Indians 157-5 (18.4 overs): Rohit 68 (51), Kishan 33* (19) Mumbai Indians won by five wickets Scorecard
Mumbai Indians secured a fifth Indian Premier League title with a five-wicket win over Delhi Capitals in the final.
Mumbai, the most successful team in IPL history, chased 157 with eight balls to spare as captain Rohit Sharma hit 68.
Trent Boult took 3-30 for Mumbai, including Marcus Stoinis with the first ball of the match in Dubai.
Delhi were 22-3 before captain Shreyas Iyer made 65 not out - he added 96 with Rishabh Pant - but Mumbai ensured their total was never enough.
The defending champions were always in control of their chase after Rohit and Quinton de Kock plundered 45 from the first four overs.
Rohit was caught at deep mid-wicket with 20 needed from 23 balls and, although Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya soon followed, Ishan Kishan's unbeaten 33 off 19 balls took Mumbai to victory.
It follows their IPL wins in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019 and means they have won the world's premier domestic Twenty20 competition at least twice more than any other team.
This year's tournament was held in the United Arab Emirates without fans and delayed from the spring because of the coronavirus pandemic.
England pace bowler Jofra Archer was named as the most valuable player. He took 20 wickets and scored 113 runs, including 10 sixes, for Rajasthan Royals.
Mumbai too good again
Krunal Pandya hit the winning run for Mumbai
A comprehensive win for Mumbai was a fitting end to a tournament in which they have been the outstanding team.
New Zealand seamer Boult, who starred throughout with 25 wickets, bowled a brilliant new-ball spell to put the game in their favour.
Delhi rallied through Iyer and Pant, who made 56 off 38 balls, but Mumbai finished the innings impressively, conceding only 20 runs off the last three overs.
Rohit batted majestically, hitting five fours and four sixes in his trademark, classical style. His first six, over long-on off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, came from the third ball of the chase.
Rohit fell with the end in sight but so comfortable was the win that Mumbai's bench were able to shake hands in celebration before the winning runs were hit.
Delhi fall short as big names fail
Delhi were appearing in their first IPL final and had lost all three previous meetings with Mumbai this season. They were underdogs before the showpiece began and suffered as their key players failed.
Australia all-rounder Stoinis edged Boult behind to fall for a first-ball duck and fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan, Delhi's highest run-scorer in the tournament, made only 15. He was bowled playing an ill-advised sweep to off-spinner Jayant Yadav in the fourth over.
Defending a low total, South Africa pace bowler Kagiso Rabada - the tournament's leading wicket-taker - could not prevent the Mumbai openers' onslaught and conceded 18 from his first over.
He returned again when Mumbai lost their second wicket - Suryakumar Yadav was run out for 19 after a mix-up with Rohit - and was hit for 11 as Rohit ensured Delhi were unable to come back into the game.
'Mumbai were the best team' - what they said
Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting: "You've got to give credit where credit's due. Mumbai have been the best team throughout the IPL.
"I am proud of this team. It is a great group of players and a great franchise. Mumbai Indians thoroughly deserved their win."
Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma: "I'm pretty happy with how things went.
"We said at the beginning we want to make winning a habit for us and guys were excellent throughout the tournament. We couldn't have asked much more. We never looked back."


bbc--2020-11-10--Clarke resigns as FA chairman after remark about black players

Last updated on .From the section Football Clarke said he was `` deeply saddened '' for the offence he had caused by using the term `` coloured footballers '' .
The comments came as he was talking about the racist abuse of players by trolls on social media to the Department for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport ( DCMS ) select committee via video link .
Clarke said his words were a `` disservice to our game '' .
He prompted further criticism when referring to gay players making a `` life choice '' and a coach telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having the ball hit hard at them .
He also said there were `` a lot more South Asians than there are Afro-Caribbeans '' in the FA 's IT department because `` they have different career interests '' .
• None Black FA chairman would be 'huge step ' in fight for equality , says England 's Mings '' We can confirm that Greg Clarke has stepped down from his role as our chairman , '' said an FA statement .
`` Peter McCormick will step into the role as interim FA chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will begin the process of identifying and appointing a new chair in due course . ''
Following his resignation , Clarke said : `` My unacceptable words in front of Parliament were a disservice to our game and to those who watch , play , referee and administer it .
This has crystallised my resolve to move on .
`` I am deeply saddened that I have offended those diverse communities in football that I and others worked so hard to include . ''
During the parliamentary hearing , Clarke apologised after being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brennan .
Brennan said Clarke 's language in reference to black players was the kind that did not encourage inclusion , while fellow committee member Alex Davies-Jones called it `` abhorrent '' .
Clarke had earlier spoken of the need to attract people into the sport from a diverse range of communities .
The equality charity Kick It Out said his remark about black players should be `` consigned to the dustbin of history '' and criticised his comments concerning people from South Asia , gay players and female footballers .
Clarke had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DCMS committee about the Premier League 's potential bailout of English Football League clubs and the structural reforms proposed as part of Project Big Picture .
`` As a person who loves football and has given decades of service to our game , it is right that I put the interests of football first , '' added Clarke in the statement confirming his departure .
`` 2020 has been a challenging year and I have been actively considering standing down for some time to make way for a new chair now our CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under Mark Bullingham is established . ''
'Right to stand down ' - reaction A statement from anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card said Clarke 's comments `` only serve to demonstrate the power of language and the damage of stereotyping groups of people '' .
Speaking before the resignation was announced , Sanjay Bhandari , executive chair at Kick It Out , said Clarke 's comments to the DCMS were outdated .
`` I was particularly concerned by the use of lazy racist stereotypes about South Asians and their supposed career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have heard have been spouted at club academy level , '' he said .
`` Being gay is not a 'life choice ' as he claimed too .
The casual sexism of saying girls do not like balls hit at them hard is staggering from anyone , let alone the leader of our national game .
It is completely unacceptable . ''
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said : `` Greg Clarke 's comments have caused deep offence and were completely unacceptable .
I acknowledge his decades of service to football and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand down as chairman of the FA . ''
David Bernstein , former FA chairman , told BBC Sport : `` I am just surprised that the chair of any organisation who 's got a feel of what 's going on in the year 2020 could use those types of words , that sort of language .
It 's just inappropriate . ''
Darren Bent , former England striker : `` Slip of the tongue was it ?
Awful , just awful . ''
Anton Ferdinand , former West Ham , Sunderland and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed at all levels . ''
Julian Knight , DCMS select committee chairman : `` It 's right that Greg Clarke apologised before the committee .
However , this is n't the first time that the FA has come to grief over these issues .
It makes us question their commitment to diversity . ''
Alex Davies-Jones , DCMS committee member : `` The language used by Greg Clarke in our meeting this morning was absolutely abhorrent .
It speaks volumes about the urgent progress that needs to made in terms of leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't believe we 're still here in 2020 . ''
Three years ago - in front of the same parliamentary committee , Greg Clarke was criticised for referring to institutional racism as `` fluff '' .
He apologised after being chastised by MPs and reminded that language matters .
It appears the message did not get through .
Two weeks after the FA launched a new diversity code with the aim of finally tackling racial inequality in the game , the governing body 's commitment to diversity has once again been called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managers and board members , many critics will see Clarke 's comments as evidence of the attitudes and language that has prevented the organisation from overseeing the progress hoped for in recent years , and it is no surprise that he has decided to step down .
Despite having barely been seen since the start of the year , Clarke was already under pressure over his role initiating secret talks over the Project Big Picture plans for a radical overhaul of the English game .
Indeed earlier in the committee hearing , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot '' , something he strongly denied .
But then came his comments on diversity .
Amid an unprecedented financial crisis for the sport and damaging divisions with fans , leagues and government , the FA chairman has now had to go over yet another controversy .
This is another grim day for the game , at the worst possible moment .
• None Can the boys track down the boxing promoter ?
• None The biggest tracks that were never topped

Clarke became Football Association chairman in August 2016
Warning: This report contains offensive language.
Football Association chairman Greg Clarke has resigned over the "unacceptable" language he used when referring to black players.
Clarke said he was "deeply saddened" for the offence he had caused by using the term "coloured footballers".
The comments came as he was talking about the racist abuse of players by trolls on social media to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee via video link.
Clarke said external-link his words were a "disservice to our game".
He prompted further criticism when referring to gay players making a "life choice" and a coach telling him young female players did not like having the ball hit hard at them.
He also said there were "a lot more South Asians than there are Afro-Caribbeans" in the FA's IT department because "they have different career interests".
"We can confirm that Greg Clarke has stepped down from his role as our chairman," said an FA statement. external-link
"Peter McCormick will step into the role as interim FA chairman with immediate effect and the FA Board will begin the process of identifying and appointing a new chair in due course."
Following his resignation, Clarke said: "My unacceptable words in front of Parliament were a disservice to our game and to those who watch, play, referee and administer it. This has crystallised my resolve to move on.
"I am deeply saddened that I have offended those diverse communities in football that I and others worked so hard to include."
During the parliamentary hearing, Clarke apologised after being prompted to say sorry by MP Kevin Brennan.
Brennan said Clarke's language in reference to black players was the kind that did not encourage inclusion, while fellow committee member Alex Davies-Jones called it "abhorrent".
Clarke had earlier spoken of the need to attract people into the sport from a diverse range of communities.
The equality charity Kick It Out said his remark about black players should be "consigned to the dustbin of history" and criticised his comments concerning people from South Asia, gay players and female footballers.
Clarke had been called to give evidence to the DCMS committee about the Premier League's potential bailout of English Football League clubs and the structural reforms proposed as part of Project Big Picture.
"As a person who loves football and has given decades of service to our game, it is right that I put the interests of football first," added Clarke in the statement confirming his departure.
"2020 has been a challenging year and I have been actively considering standing down for some time to make way for a new chair now our CEO transition is complete and excellent executive leadership under Mark Bullingham is established."
'Right to stand down' - reaction
A statement from anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card external-link said Clarke's comments "only serve to demonstrate the power of language and the damage of stereotyping groups of people".
Speaking before the resignation was announced, Sanjay Bhandari, executive chair at Kick It Out, said Clarke's comments to the DCMS were outdated.
"I was particularly concerned by the use of lazy racist stereotypes about South Asians and their supposed career preferences. It reflects similar lazy stereotypes I have heard have been spouted at club academy level," he said.
"Being gay is not a 'life choice' as he claimed too. The casual sexism of saying girls do not like balls hit at them hard is staggering from anyone, let alone the leader of our national game. It is completely unacceptable."
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: "Greg Clarke's comments have caused deep offence and were completely unacceptable. I acknowledge his decades of service to football and his apology, but he was right to stand down as chairman of the FA."
David Bernstein, former FA chairman, told BBC Sport: "I am just surprised that the chair of any organisation who's got a feel of what's going on in the year 2020 could use those types of words, that sort of language. It's just inappropriate."
Darren Bent, former England striker: "Slip of the tongue was it? Awful, just awful."
Anton Ferdinand, former West Ham, Sunderland and QPR defender: "Clearly education is needed at all levels."
Julian Knight, DCMS select committee chairman: "It's right that Greg Clarke apologised before the committee. However, this isn't the first time that the FA has come to grief over these issues. It makes us question their commitment to diversity."
Alex Davies-Jones, DCMS committee member: "The language used by Greg Clarke in our meeting this morning was absolutely abhorrent. It speaks volumes about the urgent progress that needs to made in terms of leadership on equalities issues in sport. I can't believe we're still here in 2020."
Analysis
BBC sports editor Dan Roan
Three years ago - in front of the same parliamentary committee, Greg Clarke was criticised for referring to institutional racism as "fluff". He apologised after being chastised by MPs and reminded that language matters.
It appears the message did not get through.
Two weeks after the FA launched a new diversity code with the aim of finally tackling racial inequality in the game, such efforts have once again been called into question, despite Clarke always insisting it was one of his priorities.
Amid under-representation of BAME managers and board members, many critics will see Clarke's comments as evidence of the attitudes and language that has prevented the organisation from overseeing the progress hoped for in recent years, and it is no surprise that he has decided to step down.
There have been other awkward moments. In 2018, LGBT supporters group Pride in Football said it was "shocked" after Clarke signed a memorandum of understanding with the FA of Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal.
In July, he had to backtrack after claiming representatives of the Premier League and EFL had blocked plans to increase racial diversity on the FA Board.
Despite having barely been seen since the start of the year, Clarke was already under pressure over his role initiating secret talks over the Project Big Picture plans for a radical overhaul of the English game. Indeed earlier in the committee hearing, he was asked if his authority was "shot", something he strongly denied.
But then came his comments on diversity. Amid an unprecedented financial crisis for the sport and damaging divisions with fans, leagues and government, the FA chairman has now had to go over yet another controversy.
This is another grim day for the game, at the worst possible moment.


bbc--2020-11-10--Woods and Lowry to play together at Masters - full tee times

Last updated on .From the section Golf Defending champion Tiger Woods will play with 2019 Open winner Shane Lowry in the opening two rounds of the 84th Masters , which starts on Thursday .
Pre-tournament favourite Bryson DeChambeau , the US Open champion , is out at 12:33 alongside Spain 's Jon Rahm and South Africa 's Louis Oosthuizen .
Northern Ireland 's Rory McIlroy is out with world number one Dustin Johnson and they tee off at 17:00 in round one .
It will be McIlroy 's sixth attempt to complete the career Grand Slam , having won the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lyle , who won the Masters in 1988 , is in the first group out from the 10th tee at 12:00 .
The tournament , which is usually held in April but has been delayed to November because of the coronavirus pandemic , features a field of 93 players .
They will start off the first and 10th tees on Thursday and Friday to ensure everyone can complete their rounds before darkness .
The criteria for making the cut has changed , with only the lowest 50 and ties playing the final two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shots of the lead also made the cut .
12:22 Kevin Kisner ( US ) , Adam Hadwin ( Can ) , Scottie Scheffler ( US ) 16:27 Kevin Kisner ( US ) , Adam Hadwin ( Can ) , Scottie Scheffler ( US ) • None Can the boys track down the boxing promoter ?
• None The biggest tracks that were never topped

Last updated on .From the section Golf
Autumnal colours dominate the scene at Augusta National for the delayed Masters
The Masters Date: 12-15 November Venue: Augusta National Coverage: Radio and text commentary online with in-play clips. Daily highlights on BBC Two - full details here
Play will get under way from 12:30 GMT on Friday, with 45 players still to complete a weather-affected first round at The Masters.
An electrical storm saw play suspended for three hours on Thursday, with play finishing for the day at 22:30 GMT due to darkness.
As a result Friday's second-round tee times have been pushed back by more than two hours, to allow those still to finish their first rounds to do so.
Round two - Friday, 13 November (all times GMT)
* denotes amateur
First tee
14:35 Justin Harding (SA), Shugo Imahira (Jpn), Nick Taylor (Can)
14:46 Chez Reavie (US), Sebastian Munoz (Col), Byeong Hun An (Kor)
14:57 Bubba Watson (US), Matthew Wolff (US), Tommy Fleetwood (Eng)
15:08 Francesco Molinari (Ita), Billy Horschel (US), Cameron Smith (Aus)
15:19 Bernhard Langer (Ger), J.T. Poston (US), Christiaan Bezuidenhout (SA)
15:30 Fred Couples (US), Max Homa (US), Dylan Frittelli (SA)
15:41 Jose Maria Olazabal (Spa), Andrew Putnam (US), *James Sugrue (Ire)
18:40 Sandy Lyle (Sco), Jimmy Walker (US), *Yuxin Lin (Chi)
18:51 Webb Simpson (US), Marc Leishman (Aus), Hideki Matsuya.m.a (Jpn)
19:02 Kevin Kisner (US), Adam Hadwin (Can), Scottie Scheffler (US)
19:13 Jon Rahm (Spa), Bryson DeChambeau (US), Louis Oosthuizen (SA)
19:24 Patrick Reed (US), Paul Casey (Eng), Tony Finau (US)
19:35 Tiger Woods (US), Shane Lowry (Ire), *Andy Ogletree (US)
19:46 Jordan Spieth (US), Gary Woodland (US), Ian Poulter (Eng)
19:57 Graeme McDowell (NI), Si Woo Kim (Kor), Nate Lashley (US)
10th tee
14:35 Sung Kang (Kor), Erik van Rooyen (SA)
14:46 Danny Willett (Eng), Rickie Fowler (US), *John Augenstein (US)
14:57 Phil Mickelson (US), Abraham Ancer (Mex), Bernd Wiesberger (Aut)
15:08 Adam Scott (Aus), Collin Morikawa (US), Tyrrell Hatton (Eng)
15:19 Justin Thomas (US), Matthew Fitzpatrick (Eng), Brooks Koepka (US)
15:30 Dustin Johnson (US), Patrick Cantlay (US), Rory McIlroy (NI)
15:41 Zach Johnson (US), Justin Rose (Eng), Cameron Champ (US)
15:52 Victor Perez (Fra), Sungjae Im (Kor), Brendon Todd (US)
18:40 Lucas Glover (US), Corey Conners (Can), C.T. Pan (Tai)
18:51 Brandt Snedeker (US), Charles Howell III(US) , Jazz Janewattananond (Tha)
19:02 Larry Mize (US), Andrew Landry (US), *Lukas Michel (Aus)
19:13 Matt Kuchar (US), Lee Westwood (Eng), Kevin Na (US)
19:24 Xander Schauffele (US), Jason Kokrak (US), Henrik Stenson (Swe)
18:35 Charl Schwartzel (SA), Jason Day (Aus), *Abel Gallegos (Arg)
19:46 Vijay Singh (Fij), Lanto Griffin (US), Tyler Duncan (US)
19:57 Mike Weir (Can), Rafael Cabrera Bello (Spa), Matt Wallace (Eng)


bbc--2020-11-10--PSG could make Ronaldo move - Wednesday's gossip

Last updated on .From the section Gossip Paris St-Germain will consider a bid for Portugal and Juventus winger Cristiano Ronaldo if the Italian club decide to sell the 35-year-old .
( Mail ) Arsenal are among a number of European clubs interested in Sao Paulo 's Brazil forward Brenner , 20 .
( Calciomercato - in Italian ) Manchester United could make a move for Aston Villa and England midfielder Jack Grealish , 25 , if Pogba leaves the Old Trafford club .
( Manchester Evening News ) Arsenal came close to signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham , 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Sky Sports , via Independent ) The Gunners have also opened talks with Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai , 20 .
Arsenal are considering a £22m bid for the Hungarian .
( Football London ) Leicester City have opened talks about a new contract with defender Jonny Evans .
The Northern Irishman , 32 , is entering the final year of his three-year deal .
( Athletic - subscription required ) Netherlands midfielder Donny van de Beek , 23 , wants to play more for Manchester United but could struggle to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , says his international manager Frank de Boer .
( Sun ) Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater has commissioned his own highlights video in an effort to move away from the club .
The 30-year-old has been training separately after falling down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge .
( Mail ) Ivory Coast winger Nicolas Pepe , 25 , has voiced his frustration at the lack of playing time he is getting at Arsenal .
( Canal Plus , via Mirror ) England women manager Phil Neville and former Macclesfield manager Sol Campbell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's job at Sheffield Wednesday .
( Sky Sports ) Liverpool and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher , 21 , wants to go out on loan in January to increase his game time .
( Liverpool Echo ) Free agent and former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere , 28 , says he would never be able to join Tottenham because of his ties to the Gunners .
( Goal ) Manchester United and England midfielder Jesse Lingard , 27 , has stopped working with agent Mino Raiola .
( ESPN ) • None @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up

Last updated on .From the section Gossip
Paris St-Germain will consider a bid for Portugal and Juventus winger Cristiano Ronaldo if the Italian club decide to sell the 35-year-old. (Mail) external-link
PSG are also in advanced contract talks with Brazil forward Neymar, with the 28-year-old happy to sign for another five years. (ESPN) external-link
Arsenal are among a number of European clubs interested in Sao Paulo's Brazil forward Brenner, 20. (Calciomercato - in Italian) external-link
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Manchester United should sell France midfielder Paul Pogba, 27. (Talksport) external-link
Manchester United could make a move for Aston Villa and England midfielder Jack Grealish, 25, if Pogba leaves the Old Trafford club. (Manchester Evening News) external-link
Barcelona must sell players in the January transfer window in order to make a renewed bid to sign Netherlands forward Memphis Depay, 26, from Lyon. (Marca - in Spanish) external-link
'Players don't need empowerment, they just need the mic' Bex Smith is bringing a new, candid take on women footballers with The Players podcast.
Arsenal came close to signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, 17, from Birmingham City in 2019. (Sky Sports, via Independent) external-link
The Gunners have also opened talks with Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, 20. Arsenal are considering a £22m bid for the Hungarian. (Football London) external-link
Leicester City have opened talks about a new contract with defender Jonny Evans. The Northern Irishman, 32, is entering the final year of his three-year deal. (Athletic - subscription required) external-link
Netherlands midfielder Donny van de Beek, 23, wants to play more for Manchester United but could struggle to break into their "fantastic" midfield, says his international manager Frank de Boer. (Sun external-link )
Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater has commissioned his own highlights video in an effort to move away from the club. The 30-year-old has been training separately after falling down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge. (Mail) external-link
Ivory Coast winger Nicolas Pepe, 25, has voiced his frustration at the lack of playing time he is getting at Arsenal. (Canal Plus, via Mirror) external-link
Former Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic, 34, who is a free agent after leaving Qatari side Al-Duhail, is close to returning to Spain with Celta Vigo. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish) external-link
Athletic Bilbao are considering replacing coach Gaizka Garitano with ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, despite the Argentine, 48, being repeatedly linked with Manchester United. (Marca - in Spanish) external-link
England women manager Phil Neville and former Macclesfield manager Sol Campbell are under consideration for the vacant manager's job at Sheffield Wednesday. (Sky Sports) external-link
Liverpool and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, 21, wants to go out on loan in January to increase his game time. (Liverpool Echo) external-link
Free agent and former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, 28, says he would never be able to join Tottenham because of his ties to the Gunners. (Goal) external-link
Manchester United and England midfielder Jesse Lingard, 27, has stopped working with agent Mino Raiola. (ESPN) external-link


bbc--2020-11-10--Black FA chairman would be 'huge step' in fight for equality, says England's Mings

Last updated on .From the section England Appointing a black man or woman as the next Football Association chairman would be a huge step forward , says England defender Tyrone Mings .
`` We 're not necessarily asking for the next chairman or chief to be black , '' Aston Villa 's Mings said .
`` What we 're asking for is equal opportunities for both black and white people , or ethnic minorities . ''
Clarke said his comments , made in front of a government select committee , were a `` disservice to our game '' .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referring to gay players making a `` life choice '' and a coach telling him young female players did not like having the ball hit hard at them .
Mings was involved in the creation of the FA 's Football Leadership Diversity Code , which was launched in October .
Asked what it would mean to have a black man or woman as chairman , Mings said : `` Of course it would be a huge step .
It would be everything that a lot of people have worked for .
`` So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a sign of , 'we 've made it now ' or , 'this is what we 're fighting for ' .
`` What we 're asking for really is equal opportunities and for everybody to have a fair crack of the whip . ''
Mings added that Clarke 's comments showed there is still `` a long way to go '' in dealing with equality and diversity .
`` Absolutely , the goal is to have more representation at managerial and coaching levels , '' Mings said .
`` I think that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the code and I think that 's what will give us real lasting change .
`` There 's no point placing someone there , them failing and then saying , 'Oh , we tried ' .
It 's about how can we improve the process . ''
England play the Republic of Ireland , Belgium and Iceland between 12 and 18 November .
• None Can the boys track down the boxing promoter ?
• None The biggest tracks that were never topped

Last updated on .From the section England
Clarke's remarks show we still have a long way to go – Mings
Appointing a black man or woman as the next Football Association chairman would be a huge step forward, says England defender Tyrone Mings.
Greg Clarke resigned on Tuesday after using "unacceptable" language when referring to black players.
Asked what it would mean to have a black man or woman as chairman, Mings said: "Of course it would be a huge step. It would be everything that a lot of people have worked for.
"We're not necessarily asking for the next chairman or chief to be black," Aston Villa's Mings added: "What we're asking for is equal opportunities for both black and white people, or ethnic minorities."
Clarke said his comments, made in front of a government select committee, were a "disservice to our game".
He was also criticised for comments he made referring to gay players making a "life choice" and a coach telling him young female players did not like having the ball hit hard at them.
Mings was involved in the creation of the FA's Football Leadership Diversity Code, which was launched in October.
He said Clarke's comments showed there is still "a long way to go" in dealing with equality and diversity.
"Absolutely, the goal is to have more representation at managerial and coaching levels," Mings said.
"I think that's what we're trying to create with the code and I think that's what will give us real lasting change.
"There's no point placing someone there, them failing and then saying, 'Oh, we tried'. It's about how can we improve the process."
England play the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Iceland between 12 and 18 November.


bbc--2020-11-10--Woods 'amazed' by 'incredible' progression as DeChambeau's distance quest continues

Defending Masters champion Tiger Woods says the dramatic changes Bryson DeChambeau has made in pursuit of more distance have `` never been done before '' .
Adding 40lbs in weight in 12 months , he is now the longest driver on the PGA Tour and is toying with the idea of using a 48-inch driver this week .
`` What Bryson has done has been absolutely incredible , '' said Woods .
`` We have all been amazed at what he 's been able to do in such a short span of time . ''
Woods won the first of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1997 and was renowned for his distance , though he says that came in a different era for club technology .
`` Bryson has put in the time , he 's put in the work , '' added the American , who is now 44 .
`` What he 's done in the gym has been incredible and what he 's done on the range .
`` What he 's done with his entire team , to be able to optimise that one club and transform his game and hit the ball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's never been done before .
`` In '97 , I hit it far .
As I got bigger and filled out and tried to get stronger , it was not to hit the ball further , it was to be more consistent and to be able to practice longer .
`` Actually I got a little bit bit shorter as I got into my mid and late 20s . ''
DeChambeau is averaging drives of 344 yards on the PGA Tour this year , but hit a shot 403 yards in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 48-inch driver , which has the longest shaft permitted , on Monday and said results were `` really promising '' .
`` I am not 100 % sure if I will put it in play yet because of the unknown , it is so close to the Masters , '' said the 27-year-old , who is renowned for his scientific approach to the game .
`` But if it is an improvement on every facet of launch conditions , then I do n't see why not ? ''
A longer shaft helps generate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ translates to hitting the ball further .
And the closer he can get to greens off the tee , the more control he can have with his approach shots .
The world number six added : `` I tested it on Monday for the first time .
We have gone through at least three or four iterations of the shaft and this is the most promising one yet .
`` I had about four or five miles an hour ball speed increase , I got my swing speed up to 143/144mph on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same , the spin rate was even down .
`` So it looks really promising right now .
I did not expect it to work yesterday , I was like 'this is going to take even more time ' , but it did work . ''
However , the 27-year-old says whether he can win a first Green Jacket this week will not be solely down to how far he can hit the ball .
`` I can hit it as far as I want to , but it comes down to putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` That is one of the things I think sometimes people struggle to see .
If I do n't putt it well at the US Open , do n't wedge it well , do n't hit my irons close , I do n't win that tournament . ''
Nineteen months have passed since Woods , who has had numerous back operations in recent years , won his 15th major title , and first for 11 years , by claiming a fifth Green Jacket .
`` I 'm still getting chills just thinking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( The ) feelings , coming up 18 and knowing that all I have to do is just two putt that little 15-footer and to see my family there and my mom and my kids and all of the people that helped support me or were there for me in the tough times . ''
Referring to the coronavirus pandemic that has delayed this year 's Masters to November , he added : `` It 's not how I wanted to retain the jacket for this long .
Obviously this has been an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are all very fortunate to be able to compete and this whole day is awfully special .
`` # World number one Dustin Johnson returned after missing two events following a positive Covid test to finish tied second at the Houston Open last week .
Johnson , who tied for second at Augusta last year , says he is feeling confident as he looks to add to his sole major win at the 2016 US Open .
`` I feel like I am playing really well , it 's probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career , '' he said .
`` It 's more consistent .
`` I have put a lot of work in on controlling my distance with wedges .
I 'm very pleased with where my game is at . ''
Four-times major champion Brooks Koepka missed September 's US Open during a two-month injury layoff , during which he had stem cell therapy injections in his left knee to help repair a partially torn patella tendon and also had a cortisone injection in his ailing hip .
`` Everything 's fine .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hip , I have n't had an issue with , '' he said .
`` Nice to have those two months rehabbing in San Diego and getting everything straightened away . ''
Chasing a first Masters win , the 30-year-old added : `` The one thing I 've learned over the years is just where to miss your golf shots .
`` You watch guys , you talk to guys that have played here , and you really see those little nuances , those little differences in just hitting it to the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player has won the Masters at the first attempt since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979 .
Collin Morikawa , who won the US PGA Championship on just his second major appearance in August , and fellow American Matthew Wolff , runner-up in the US Open , are looking to change that .
`` I 'm not afraid of any course , '' said 23-year-old Morikawa , the world number four .
`` I believe I can dissect a course and figure out what is my best opportunity to shoot a good score .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had played here 15 , 20 times , I wish I had that knowledge .
That 's going to grow over the years I keep coming back and I keep playing , but for now I have to feel like I can still compete with these guys . ''
Wolff , 21 , has climbed to 14th in the rankings after placing in the top five in the past two majors .
`` If there was a time , it would be now , '' said Wolff of someone emulating Zoeller .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here right now is at an all-time high .
`` Because of Covid , it 's unfortunate , but since there are no fans here , I think that can definitely change the dynamic of everything .
`` Coming down the stretch with a one-shot lead , it 's definitely a little more relaxing without thousands and thousands of fans sitting behind the green watching your every shot . ''
England 's Tyrrell Hatton arrives on the back of a successful season , claiming his first PGA Tour title at the Arnold Palmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Championship at Wentworth .
But the 29-year-old is yet to replicate that performance in the majors , missing the cut at the PGA Championship and US Open , with his best finish in three Masters appearances a tie for 44th in 2018 .
`` For me , 2020 on the golf course has been a very special year , '' said Hatton , who suggested he may wear his trademark hoodie if the weather dictates at Augusta .
`` I think coming into a major , this is the best form that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the boys track down the boxing promoter ?
• None The biggest tracks that were never topped

Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau played a practice round together on Monday
The Masters Venue: Augusta National Date: 12-15 November Coverage: Radio and text commentary online with in-play clips. Daily highlights on BBC Two - full details here
Defending Masters champion Tiger Woods says the dramatic changes Bryson DeChambeau has made in pursuit of more distance have "never been done before".
DeChambeau arrives at Augusta as the favourite after overpowering Winged Foot to win the US Open in September.
Adding 40lbs in weight in 12 months, he is now the longest driver on the PGA Tour and is toying with the idea of using a 48-inch driver this week.
"What Bryson has done has been absolutely incredible," said Woods.
"We have all been amazed at what he's been able to do in such a short span of time."
Woods won the first of his five Masters titles as a 21-year-old in 1997 and was renowned for his distance, though he says that came in a different era for club technology.
"Bryson has put in the time, he's put in the work," added the American, who is now 44.
"What he's done in the gym has been incredible and what he's done on the range.
"What he's done with his entire team, to be able to optimise that one club and transform his game and hit the ball as far as he has, it's never been done before.
"In '97, I hit it far. As I got bigger and filled out and tried to get stronger, it was not to hit the ball further, it was to be more consistent and to be able to practice longer.
"Actually I got a little bit bit shorter as I got into my mid and late 20s."
DeChambeau is averaging drives of 344 yards on the PGA Tour this year, but hit a shot 403 yards in the air in practice. He tested the 48-inch driver, which has the longest shaft permitted, on Monday and said results were "really promising".
"I am not 100% sure if I will put it in play yet because of the unknown, it is so close to the Masters," said the 27-year-old, who is renowned for his scientific approach to the game.
"But if it is an improvement on every facet of launch conditions, then I don't see why not?"
A longer shaft helps generate more clubhead speed at impact and that translates to hitting the ball further. And the closer he can get to greens off the tee, the more control he can have with his approach shots.
The world number six added: "I tested it on Monday for the first time. We have gone through at least three or four iterations of the shaft and this is the most promising one yet.
"I had about four or five miles an hour ball speed increase, I got my swing speed up to 143/144mph on the range, and the dispersion is the same, the spin rate was even down.
"So it looks really promising right now. I did not expect it to work yesterday, I was like 'this is going to take even more time', but it did work."
Open champion Shane Lowry optimistic about Masters chances
However, the 27-year-old says whether he can win a first Green Jacket this week will not be solely down to how far he can hit the ball.
"I can hit it as far as I want to, but it comes down to putting and chipping," said DeChambeau.
"That is one of the things I think sometimes people struggle to see. If I don't putt it well at the US Open, don't wedge it well, don't hit my irons close, I don't win that tournament."
Nineteen months have passed since Woods, who has had numerous back operations in recent years, won his 15th major title, and first for 11 years, by claiming a fifth Green Jacket.
"I'm still getting chills just thinking about it," he said. "(The) feelings, coming up 18 and knowing that all I have to do is just two putt that little 15-footer and to see my family there and my mom and my kids and all of the people that helped support me or were there for me in the tough times."
Referring to the coronavirus pandemic that has delayed this year's Masters to November, he added: "It's not how I wanted to retain the jacket for this long. Obviously this has been an unprecedented circumstance we're all dealing with.
"We are all very fortunate to be able to compete and this whole day is awfully special."
World number one Dustin Johnson returned after missing two events following a positive Covid test to finish tied second at the Houston Open last week.
Johnson, who tied for second at Augusta last year, says he is feeling confident as he looks to add to his sole major win at the 2016 US Open.
"I feel like I am playing really well, it's probably the best I have played in my career," he said. "It's more consistent.
"I have put a lot of work in on controlling my distance with wedges. I'm very pleased with where my game is at."
Four-time major champion Brooks Koepka missed September's US Open during a two-month injury layoff, during which he had stem cell therapy injections in his left knee to help repair a partially torn patella tendon and also had a cortisone injection in his ailing hip.
"Everything's fine. I feel normal. Knee feels good. Hip, I haven't had an issue with," he said. "Nice to have those two months rehabbing in San Diego and getting everything straightened away."
Chasing a first Masters win, the 30-year-old added: "The one thing I've learned over the years is just where to miss your golf shots.
"You watch guys, you talk to guys that have played here, and you really see those little nuances, those little differences in just hitting it to the same exact spot every time."
Can debutants make Masters history?
No player has won the Masters at the first attempt since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979.
Collin Morikawa, who won the US PGA Championship on just his second major appearance in August, and fellow American Matthew Wolff, runner-up in the US Open, are looking to change that.
"I'm not afraid of any course," said 23-year-old Morikawa, the world number four. "I believe I can dissect a course and figure out what is my best opportunity to shoot a good score.
"Experience never hurts. I wish I had played here 15, 20 times, I wish I had that knowledge. That's going to grow over the years I keep coming back and I keep playing, but for now I have to feel like I can still compete with these guys."
Wolff, 21, has climbed to 14th in the rankings after placing in the top five in the past two majors.
"If there was a time, it would be now," said Wolff of someone emulating Zoeller. "I think the level of golf out here right now is at an all-time high.
"Because of Covid, it's unfortunate, but since there are no fans here, I think that can definitely change the dynamic of everything.
"Coming down the stretch with a one-shot lead, it's definitely a little more relaxing without thousands and thousands of fans sitting behind the green watching your every shot."
Will hooded Hatton change major luck?
England's Tyrrell Hatton arrives on the back of a successful season, claiming his first PGA Tour title at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and also winning the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
But the 29-year-old is yet to replicate that performance in the majors, missing the cut at the PGA Championship and US Open, with his best finish in three Masters appearances a tie for 44th in 2018.
"For me, 2020 on the golf course has been a very special year," said Hatton, who suggested he may wear his trademark hoodie if the weather dictates at Augusta. "I think coming into a major, this is the best form that I've had."


bbc--2020-11-10--Football before lockdown: Your last football match before lockdown

`` I miss the anticipation , the joy , the despair and the sense of belonging .
I miss the memories of all the games past and the hope for all those games yet to come . ''
As England continues through another national lockdown , the return of fans to football grounds seems as far away as ever .
With that in mind , we asked you to get in touch and reminisce about the last live game you watched .
These are your stories .
'Out of nowhere my son was next to me with the match ball' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Claypole , Lincolnshire , took his son Ulus , 12 , to watch Manchester United beat Manchester City at Old Trafford on 8 March .
Scott McTominay sealed a 2-0 win with a long-range strike past City goalkeeper Ederson in injury time .
`` As the ball hit the net , we all went crazy then out of nowhere my son was standing next to me with the match ball in his hands , '' says Hasan .
`` We both wondered how it ended up with us , and you can see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait a good few minutes to restart as no-one had an idea where the ball was .
`` What we later saw on Match of the Day was Ederson , in disgust , booted it into the fans .
Little did we know this would be the match ball for the last game we could watch at Old Trafford for almost a year .
`` My son still has n't kicked the ball outside and it has a place on his mantelpiece in his bedroom . ''
'Embodiment of why we love football' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both 30 , from London , travelled to Argentina for their honeymoon and watched San Lorenzo de Almagro beat Lanus 4-3 in Buenos Aires on 8 March .
Former Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini played for the home side .
`` The crowd were awesome - passionate , vocal and partisan to the end , '' says Will .
`` People noticed we were n't singing along and were delighted to find out we were British - we were welcomed heartily into the fold , with rumours going around that we were members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans .
`` It was an amazing experience , the embodiment of why we love football so dearly .
I can not wait to get back into Dean Court to watch the mighty Cherries again and feel that same rush and euphoria . ''
'The atmosphere was just one of an extended football family' Norwich fan Sarah Greaves , from South London , took her 12-year-old daughter Naomi to watch the Canaries beat Leicester 1-0 at Carrow Road on 28 February with her sister and father-in-law .
Just a month earlier , Sarah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Norwich fan , had gone viral after he left £100 in his will for the players to have a drink on him .
`` What a game , what a night , '' says Sarah .
`` In the club shop after the game there were fans from New York and Teemu Pukki fans from Finland - the atmosphere was just intense and joyous .
`` Looking back , the atmosphere was just one of family - a big , extended football family .
From people who sit near us talking about my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who 'd changed his flight home to make the game .
`` And now we watch the games but it 's not the same ; we send them messages but it 's not the same ; we wear our Norwich kit in South London on matchdays but it 's not the same and we see our seats in videos from the club or during matches and we ca n't wait to be back .
`` To be back with my football family and back in my football home - the noise at that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pretty emotional experience . ''
'Memorable for all the wrong reasons' David Clift , 89 , from St Albans , has been a Southampton supporter for 75 years , watching his first match at Fulham in 1945 .
The last match he was at was the 9-0 loss to Leicester on 25 October 2019 .
`` This was memorable for me for all the wrong reasons and I sincerely hope I shall be able to erase it from my memory and see them win again , '' says David .
`` Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am 89 it may be very difficult for me to make the journey from my home .
My son has promised to take me but who knows when we will be able to do it .
I live in hope .
`` My father was a Saints supporter starting in 1906 , and my grandparents before that back to about 1890 so about 130 years in total and my son is carrying on the tradition . ''
Dave Freeman , 58 , from Chipping Norton , travelled to Germany to watch Tottenham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last 16 on 10 March .
Spurs lost the game 3-0 , and the tie 4-0 on aggregate , but Dave , his son Joe and friend 'Quinny ' ended up bumping into Spurs boss Jose Mourinho .
`` While we were out socialising we saw a group coming towards us in full Spurs livery and it was Jose and his team - it would have been rude not ask for a photo , '' says Dan .
`` I 'm sure Jose fondly remembers our meeting !
`` The game the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every game , the travel , and particularly the European away games . ''
'My daughter thinks a 3-2 away victory is a normal football experience' Dan Gardiner , 46 , from Suffolk , took his nine-year-old daughter to watch Grimsby win 3-2 at Colchester on 11 February .
It was her first night match and she saw Charles Vernam score a hat-trick , including the League Two goal of the season .
`` The game was special for a few reasons and looking back it makes it even more special as this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the minute , '' says Dan .
`` The slight downside is my daughter thinks a 3-2 away victory is a normal football experience and keeps asking when we can go again . ''
'My last normal photo before lockdown' Jonathan Sealby , 45 , living in Somerset but originally from Lymm , went to watch Manchester City in the Carabao Cup at Wembley on 1 March .
He watched with his son , who was celebrating his 11th birthday , and dad , as City beat Aston Villa 2-1 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great day out , Villa put up a good fight but we held on to win the game , '' says Jonathan . ''
Covid-19 was 'in the news ' and we were wary of getting the Tube , say , but really the crowds were so different to what was soon to be the norm with the first lockdown .
`` I 'm so glad we got to that game , as I do n't know when we 'll be able to go again .
`` I remember posting this photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal photo before lockdown ' because it starkly shows how different things were . ''
'El Clasico was a pretty spectacular way to go out' Aston Villa fans Mark Attwood , Ian Tetsill and John Preece , all 51 , from Kingswinford , West Midlands , managed to get tickets to watch Real Madrid play Barcelona in El Clasico on 1 March .
The trip , planned the previous year , ended up coinciding with the Carabao Cup final .
`` Reluctantly , with flights , hotel and tickets booked in Madrid , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our daughters and ended up watching the Villa game in an Irish bar , just down the road from the Bernabeu , '' says Mark .
`` We managed to see the whole game just before setting off to take our seats for El Clasico .
`` If you had known that you were going into an enforced period of not being able to go to matches then this was a pretty spectacular way to go out .
The atmosphere was electric - easy to see why this is one of the biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played in torrential rain and both teams were closing in on the league title - Madrid won 2-0 . ''
Connor O'Reilly , 21 , from Bishops Stortford , watched his Cambridge United side lose 2-1 at Leyton Orient on 7 March .
A chance meeting with Orient 's Chilean keeper Lawrence Vigouroux was the highlight for Connor , who is half-Chilean .
`` I travel up and down the country with my Chilean flag with the Cambridge logo in the middle , and as the Orient team were training in front of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flag and came over . ''
says Conor .
`` We had a chat and shared a photo and for me it felt special to see him doing well for a decent Orient side .
`` The game itself started and 1,256 fans packed into the away end chanting for the whole game .
We played poorly , and went into the half 2-0 down but it did n't stop the fans singing all game long .
`` We got a deserved goal back from Paul Mullin but could n't grab a winner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ save . ''
Simon Bailey , 42 , from Newcastle-under-Lyme , took his wife Claire and their then four-year-old daughter Abigail to watch Stoke beat Hull 5-1 on 7 March at the bet365 Stadium .
`` What made this really special , even more than it being the last game that Stoke fans could attend , was that it was the first match that my wife Claire went to watch and the third match for Abigail , who saw her favourite player Sam Clucas score two goals , '' says Simon .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ football and is looking forward to going to a Stoke match again when it is safe . ''
Matthew Crouch , 26 , from Portsmouth , travelled to Barcelona to watch Lionel Messi score as they beat Real Sociedad 1-0 on 7 March .
`` My friends and I had discussed going to Barcelona to watch Messi in his prime for close to a decade , '' says Matthew .
`` It was on all of our bucket lists and even with the threat of getting stuck in Barcelona for upwards of two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Every time he had the ball at his feet , the entire stadium would fall quiet .
You felt the anticipation and expectation he would do something special every time .
It 's something that you will stay with me forever .
`` Looking back it was not the best game of football I had ever watched live , but it felt a privilege to be there .
Thinking back to the atmosphere still gives me tingles . ''
'Felt like I was passing on the baton' Martin Crow took his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunderland match at the Stadium of Light as they drew 2-2 with Gillingham on 7 March 2020 .
`` It was a really special occasion for me given that I went to my first game at the same age and had a season ticket since the age of eight , '' says Martin .
`` Taking Scarlet for the first time felt like I was passing on the baton to the next generation and it was particularly special given we sat with my parents , who are both incredibly passionate about Sunderland and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken at the end of the game .
I do n't think she wanted to leave !
Sharing something that 's so special to you with your children just ca n't be expressed in words . ''
'Fortunate to do something we no longer take for granted' For his 50th birthday , Matthew Spillum , from Saint Paul , Minnesota , and his wife Reene travelled to Liverpool to watch the Reds beat Bournemouth 2-1 on 7 March .
`` It was a wonderful birthday gift from Renee , made even more extraordinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' says Matthew .
`` Looking back , I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity , not only to have had the thrill of watching a game at Anfield during the title season , but to have been able to do all those things that we can no longer take for granted - a packed stadium , a crowded but cosy pub , live music , museums , travel - right on the cusp of everything changing so dramatically .
`` In so many ways , it feels like it was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways , I almost feel fortunate that the world changed so swiftly afterwards , as I feel like I appreciate the trip so much more .
`` We live six blocks from Minnesota United 's Allianz Field , where we are season ticket holders .
Though the MLS is playing on , it might as well be in Liverpool , as it is hard to maintain that day-to-day connection when the game is merely an online abstraction and not a matchday experience . ''
Wolves fan Tom Sperrink 34 , took his dad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last-32 second-leg tie against Espanyol on 27 February - fulfilling a dream to watch his side play in Europe .
Wolves lost 3-2 on the night , but won 6-3 on aggregate .
Tom says : `` The stadium was a quarter full , the tie was pretty much done and dusted ( in our favour ) but in truth it did n't matter because I 'd been to Barcelona to watch Wolves win a competitive European knockout game with my dad , and having been at Brighton when we got relegated to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been unfathomable .
`` And that was that , Wolves won at Spurs the next week but I was n't there and I saw our behind-closed-doors away tie to Olympiakos on TV ( not realising this would soon be the norm ) . ''
'From the moment we got home he asked when he could go again' Dom Moret , 39 , from Carshalton , Surrey , watched Crystal Palace beat Watford 1-0 on 7 March at Selhurst Park with his sons Dexter ( four ) and Coby ( now seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The game was special as it was Dexter 's first ever match , '' says Dom .
`` He is the youngest of three brothers and has seen his brothers going to games since he was born so had been desperate to go to Selhurst himself .
`` The game was n't great , but he was instantly hooked by Selhurst 's famous atmosphere and joined in singing Glad All Over as the team 's came out .
From our seats in the Holmesdale Road stand we were right behind Jordan Ayew 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit the back of the net .
`` From the moment we got home he was asking when he could go to his next game , and only a few days later we had to break it to him that it was unlikely to be any time soon .
`` I 'm so glad he got to go to a game before lockdown and Dexter 's really pleased he now knows what his brothers have been talking about .
`` My main ambition , once we 're able to go back to live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'Gramps ' to take all three of the boys to a match together as a five for the first time .
Fingers crossed for 2021 . ''
Plymouth Argyle fan Sarah Decent , 62 , saw a 3-0 home win against Macclesfield Town on 7 March .
Macclesfield Town were wound up in the High Court in September .
It was a special game at the time as there was such a positive vibe around the club .
Unbeknown to all , this was the last Saturday of fixtures before lockdown and Argyle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Silkmen fans , as it would be their last game ever .
Looking back I feel sad of course that our season could n't continue .
I really think we would have ended as champions - but we 'll never know .
We got our promotion to League One later and now I have to be satisfied with following their progress on a streaming service like all fans .
I would dedicate this to the fans , management and players of Macclesfield Town , I hope to see you back someday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ memory' Leeds United fan Matt Thompson , 47 , attended a 0-0 draw between Annan Athletic and Cowdenbeath at Galabankon 7 March 2020 in memory of his late dad .
`` I discovered my dad had developed a bit of a 'thing ' for Annan Athletic , '' says Matt .
`` Over the years , every time we drove past Annan we discussed going to watch a game .
`` In 2018 dad was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinsonism and we soon realised that it would n't be practical for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition was deteriorating .
In 2019 he died of complications due to his illness .
He was only 67 .
`` I decided to do what we had talked about and put off for so long and actually go and watch Annan Athletic play .
`` I picked a game and emailed Philip Jones , the Annan chairman , who kindly put a short dedication in the match programme and spoke with me before the game to welcome me to the Galabank Stadium .
`` Although the game was only a 0-0 draw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was worth the five-hour round trip my pal John and I made .
I will be going back as soon as possible with my son . ''

"I miss the anticipation, the joy, the despair and the sense of belonging. I miss the memories of all the games past and the hope for all those games yet to come."
Norwich supporter Sarah Greaves sums up how 2020 has felt for a huge amount of football fans.
As England continues through another national lockdown, the return of fans to football grounds seems as far away as ever.
With that in mind, we asked you to get in touch and reminisce about the last live game you watched. These are your stories.
'Out of nowhere my son was next to me with the match ball'
Ulus Hussein took home the match ball after Manchester City beat Manchester United in March
Hasan Hussein, 40, from, Claypole, Lincolnshire, took his son Ulus, 12, to watch Manchester United beat Manchester City at Old Trafford on 8 March. Scott McTominay sealed a 2-0 win with a long-range strike past City goalkeeper Ederson in injury time.
"As the ball hit the net, we all went crazy then out of nowhere my son was standing next to me with the match ball in his hands," says Hasan."We both wondered how it ended up with us, and you can see on the TV the players had to wait a good few minutes to restart as no-one had an idea where the ball was.
"What we later saw on Match of the Day was Ederson, in disgust, booted it into the fans. Little did we know this would be the match ball for the last game we could watch at Old Trafford for almost a year.
"My son still hasn't kicked the ball outside and it has a place on his mantelpiece in his bedroom."
'Embodiment of why we love football'
Will and Jessica Slinger watching Argentine side San Lorenzo de Almagro
Bournemouth fans Will and Jessica Slinger, both 30, from London, travelled to Argentina for their honeymoon and watched San Lorenzo de Almagro beat Lanus 4-3 in Buenos Aires on 8 March. Former Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini played for the home side.
"The crowd were awesome - passionate, vocal and partisan to the end," says Will. "People noticed we weren't singing along and were delighted to find out we were British - we were welcomed heartily into the fold, with rumours going around that we were members of the UK's chapter of San Lorenzo fans.
"It was an amazing experience, the embodiment of why we love football so dearly. I cannot wait to get back into Dean Court to watch the mighty Cherries again and feel that same rush and euphoria."
'The atmosphere was just one of an extended football family'
Norwich fan Sarah Greaves, from South London, took her 12-year-old daughter Naomi to watch the Canaries beat Leicester 1-0 at Carrow Road on 28 February with her sister and father-in-law. Just a month earlier, Sarah's late father Barry, a lifelong Norwich fan, had gone viral after he left £100 in his will for the players to have a drink on him.
Sarah Greaves with daughter Naomi
"What a game, what a night," says Sarah. "In the club shop after the game there were fans from New York and Teemu Pukki fans from Finland - the atmosphere was just intense and joyous.
"Looking back, the atmosphere was just one of family - a big, extended football family. From people who sit near us talking about my dad to the guy from New York who'd changed his flight home to make the game.
"And now we watch the games but it's not the same; we send them messages but it's not the same; we wear our Norwich kit in South London on matchdays but it's not the same and we see our seats in videos from the club or during matches and we can't wait to be back.
"To be back with my football family and back in my football home - the noise at that first game back is going to be a pretty emotional experience."
'Memorable for all the wrong reasons'
David Clift, 89, from St Albans, has been a Southampton supporter for 75 years, watching his first match at Fulham in 1945. The last match he was at was the 9-0 loss to Leicester on 25 October 2019.
"This was memorable for me for all the wrong reasons and I sincerely hope I shall be able to erase it from my memory and see them win again," says David.
"Covid-19 has seriously interfered with that and as I am 89 it may be very difficult for me to make the journey from my home. My son has promised to take me but who knows when we will be able to do it. I live in hope.
"My father was a Saints supporter starting in 1906, and my grandparents before that back to about 1890 so about 130 years in total and my son is carrying on the tradition."
'We met Jose'
Dave Freeman, 58, from Chipping Norton, travelled to Germany to watch Tottenham play RB Leipzig in the Champions League last 16 on 10 March. Spurs lost the game 3-0, and the tie 4-0 on aggregate, but Dave, his son Joe and friend 'Quinny' ended up bumping into Spurs boss Jose Mourinho.
Jose Mourinho with Dave, Joe and Quinny
"While we were out socialising we saw a group coming towards us in full Spurs livery and it was Jose and his team - it would have been rude not ask for a photo," says Dan. "I'm sure Jose fondly remembers our meeting!
"The game the next day was best forgotten. I miss every game, the travel, and particularly the European away games."
'My daughter thinks a 3-2 away victory is a normal football experience'
Dan Gardiner with his daughter at Grimsby away
Dan Gardiner, 46, from Suffolk, took his nine-year-old daughter to watch Grimsby win 3-2 at Colchester on 11 February. It was her first night match and she saw Charles Vernam score a hat-trick, including the League Two goal of the season.
"The game was special for a few reasons and looking back it makes it even more special as this is something we just can't experience at the minute," says Dan.
"The slight downside is my daughter thinks a 3-2 away victory is a normal football experience and keeps asking when we can go again."
'My last normal photo before lockdown'
Jonathan Sealby, 45, living in Somerset but originally from Lymm, went to watch Manchester City in the Carabao Cup at Wembley on 1 March. He watched with his son, who was celebrating his 11th birthday, and dad, as City beat Aston Villa 2-1.
"What was special is that we had a great day out, Villa put up a good fight but we held on to win the game," says Jonathan." Covid-19 was 'in the news' and we were wary of getting the Tube, say, but really the crowds were so different to what was soon to be the norm with the first lockdown.
"I'm so glad we got to that game, as I don't know when we'll be able to go again.
"I remember posting this photo on Facebook as part of 'my last normal photo before lockdown' because it starkly shows how different things were."
Jonathan Sealby with his son at Wembley
'El Clasico was a pretty spectacular way to go out'
Aston Villa fans Mark Attwood, Ian Tetsill and John Preece, all 51, from Kingswinford, West Midlands, managed to get tickets to watch Real Madrid play Barcelona in El Clasico on 1 March. The trip, planned the previous year, ended up coinciding with the Carabao Cup final.
"Reluctantly, with flights, hotel and tickets booked in Madrid, we gave our cup final tickets to our daughters and ended up watching the Villa game in an Irish bar, just down the road from the Bernabeu," says Mark. "We managed to see the whole game just before setting off to take our seats for El Clasico.
"If you had known that you were going into an enforced period of not being able to go to matches then this was a pretty spectacular way to go out. The atmosphere was electric - easy to see why this is one of the biggest games in the world. It was played in torrential rain and both teams were closing in on the league title - Madrid won 2-0."
Mark Attwood, Ian Tetsill and John Preece at the Real Madrid's stadium
'Meeting my Chilean hero'
Connor O'Reilly, 21, from Bishops Stortford, watched his Cambridge United side lose 2-1 at Leyton Orient on 7 March. A chance meeting with Orient's Chilean keeper Lawrence Vigouroux was the highlight for Connor, who is half-Chilean.
Connor O'Reilly and Lawrence Vigouroux
"I travel up and down the country with my Chilean flag with the Cambridge logo in the middle, and as the Orient team were training in front of the away end, he saw the flag and came over." says Conor. "We had a chat and shared a photo and for me it felt special to see him doing well for a decent Orient side.
"The game itself started and 1,256 fans packed into the away end chanting for the whole game. We played poorly, and went into the half 2-0 down but it didn't stop the fans singing all game long.
"We got a deserved goal back from Paul Mullin but couldn't grab a winner, with Vigouroux making an incredible last-minute save."
'My four-year-old daughter met Clucas'
Simon Bailey, 42, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, took his wife Claire and their then four-year-old daughter Abigail to watch Stoke beat Hull 5-1 on 7 March at the bet365 Stadium.
Abigail at Stoke City
"What made this really special, even more than it being the last game that Stoke fans could attend, was that it was the first match that my wife Claire went to watch and the third match for Abigail, who saw her favourite player Sam Clucas score two goals," says Simon.
"Now five years old, Abigail loves football and is looking forward to going to a Stoke match again when it is safe."
'Bucket-list game'
Matthew Crouch, 26, from Portsmouth, travelled to Barcelona to watch Lionel Messi score as they beat Real Sociedad 1-0 on 7 March.
"My friends and I had discussed going to Barcelona to watch Messi in his prime for close to a decade," says Matthew. "It was on all of our bucket lists and even with the threat of getting stuck in Barcelona for upwards of two weeks we were not cancelling the trip.
"Every time he had the ball at his feet, the entire stadium would fall quiet. You felt the anticipation and expectation he would do something special every time. It's something that you will stay with me forever.
"Looking back it was not the best game of football I had ever watched live, but it felt a privilege to be there. Thinking back to the atmosphere still gives me tingles."
Matthew Crouch at the Nou Camp
'Felt like I was passing on the baton'
Martin Crow took his four-year-old daughter Scarlet to watch her first Sunderland match at the Stadium of Light as they drew 2-2 with Gillingham on 7 March 2020.
Martin Crow and Scarlet at the Stadium of Light
"It was a really special occasion for me given that I went to my first game at the same age and had a season ticket since the age of eight," says Martin.
"Taking Scarlet for the first time felt like I was passing on the baton to the next generation and it was particularly special given we sat with my parents, who are both incredibly passionate about Sunderland and their granddaughter.
"This image was taken at the end of the game. I don't think she wanted to leave! Sharing something that's so special to you with your children just can't be expressed in words."
'Fortunate to do something we no longer take for granted'
For his 50th birthday, Matthew Spillum, from Saint Paul, Minnesota, and his wife Reene travelled to Liverpool to watch the Reds beat Bournemouth 2-1 on 7 March.
"It was a wonderful birthday gift from Renee, made even more extraordinary by the events that rapidly transpired," says Matthew.
"Looking back, I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity, not only to have had the thrill of watching a game at Anfield during the title season, but to have been able to do all those things that we can no longer take for granted - a packed stadium, a crowded but cosy pub, live music, museums, travel - right on the cusp of everything changing so dramatically.
"In so many ways, it feels like it was the last possible international vacation. In many ways, I almost feel fortunate that the world changed so swiftly afterwards, as I feel like I appreciate the trip so much more.
"We live six blocks from Minnesota United's Allianz Field, where we are season ticket holders. Though the MLS is playing on, it might as well be in Liverpool, as it is hard to maintain that day-to-day connection when the game is merely an online abstraction and not a matchday experience."
Matthew Spillum and wife Reene at Anfield
'Special trip with dad'
Wolves fan Tom Sperrink 34, took his dad to Spain to watch the Europa League last-32 second-leg tie against Espanyol on 27 February - fulfilling a dream to watch his side play in Europe. Wolves lost 3-2 on the night, but won 6-3 on aggregate.
Tom says: "The stadium was a quarter full, the tie was pretty much done and dusted (in our favour) but in truth it didn't matter because I'd been to Barcelona to watch Wolves win a competitive European knockout game with my dad, and having been at Brighton when we got relegated to League One a few years prior this would have been unfathomable.
"And that was that, Wolves won at Spurs the next week but I wasn't there and I saw our behind-closed-doors away tie to Olympiakos on TV (not realising this would soon be the norm)."
Tom Sperrink with his dad in Barcelona
'From the moment we got home he asked when he could go again'
Dexter and Coby at Selhurst Park
Dom Moret, 39, from Carshalton, Surrey, watched Crystal Palace beat Watford 1-0 on 7 March at Selhurst Park with his sons Dexter (four) and Coby (now seven) and their grandad John.
"The game was special as it was Dexter's first ever match," says Dom. "He is the youngest of three brothers and has seen his brothers going to games since he was born so had been desperate to go to Selhurst himself.
"The game wasn't great, but he was instantly hooked by Selhurst's famous atmosphere and joined in singing Glad All Over as the team's came out. From our seats in the Holmesdale Road stand we were right behind Jordan Ayew's goal and Dexter went crazy when it hit the back of the net.
"From the moment we got home he was asking when he could go to his next game, and only a few days later we had to break it to him that it was unlikely to be any time soon.
"I'm so glad he got to go to a game before lockdown and Dexter's really pleased he now knows what his brothers have been talking about.
"My main ambition, once we're able to go back to live games again, is for me and 'Gramps' to take all three of the boys to a match together as a five for the first time. Fingers crossed for 2021."
'Hope to see Macclesfield back someday'
Plymouth Argyle fan Sarah Decent, 62, saw a 3-0 home win against Macclesfield Town on 7 March. Macclesfield Town were wound up in the High Court in September.
It was a special game at the time as there was such a positive vibe around the club. Unbeknown to all, this was the last Saturday of fixtures before lockdown and Argyle's last game too, sadder still for Silkmen fans, as it would be their last game ever.
Looking back I feel sad of course that our season couldn't continue. I really think we would have ended as champions - but we'll never know. We got our promotion to League One later and now I have to be satisfied with following their progress on a streaming service like all fans. I would dedicate this to the fans, management and players of Macclesfield Town, I hope to see you back someday.
'An opportunity to celebrate my dad's memory'
Leeds United fan Matt Thompson, 47, attended a 0-0 draw between Annan Athletic and Cowdenbeath at Galabankon 7 March 2020 in memory of his late dad.
Matt Thompson with friend Jonathan Coleman at Annan Athletic
"I discovered my dad had developed a bit of a 'thing' for Annan Athletic," says Matt. "Over the years, every time we drove past Annan we discussed going to watch a game.
"In 2018 dad was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinsonism and we soon realised that it wouldn't be practical for us to visit Galabank as his physical condition was deteriorating. In 2019 he died of complications due to his illness. He was only 67.
"I decided to do what we had talked about and put off for so long and actually go and watch Annan Athletic play.
"I picked a game and emailed Philip Jones, the Annan chairman, who kindly put a short dedication in the match programme and spoke with me before the game to welcome me to the Galabank Stadium.
"Although the game was only a 0-0 draw, I enjoyed every minute of it and was worth the five-hour round trip my pal John and I made. I will be going back as soon as possible with my son."


bbc--2020-11-10--The Trump campaign 'Four Seasons' saga explained

The BBC 's Ros Atkins explains why the Trump campaign news conference at Four Seasons Total Landscaping is being talked @ @ @ @ @

The BBC's Ros Atkins explains why the Trump campaign news conference at Four Seasons Total Landscaping is being talked about quite so much.
Produced by Courtney Bembridge


bbc--2020-11-10--US election: Technical error blamed for PM's Biden tweet glitch

Mr Biden is preparing to assume office in January , although incumbent President Donald Trump is refusing to accept the @ @ @ @ @ is mounting a series of legal challenges in certain states .


bbc--2020-11-10--US election 2020: What legal challenges is Trump planning?

But Mr Weil added : `` My guess is that it 's not going to be a huge number of @ @ @ @ @ out , '' so the election would have to be `` very , very close @ @ @ @ @ .

When they initially lost the case, his lawyers took it to a federal appeals court. It was rejected there too, with the judge saying: "Charges of unfairness are serious. But calling an election unfair does not make it so. Charges require specific allegations and then proof. We have neither here."