bbc--2020-02-23--Iran elections: Record low turnout but hardliners set for win

Iran has seen the lowest turnout in a parliamentary election since the 1979 revolution , with 42.6 % of eligible voters casting their ballots .
Officials had banned thousands of contenders , many of them reformers .
Hardliners are set for big gains in the first vote since US sanctions resumed .
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described Friday 's turnout as stunning , as he said Iran 's enemies had tried to put people off voting by exaggerating the coronavirus outbreak .
`` This negative propaganda about the virus began a couple of months ago and grew larger ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to his official website Khamenei.ir .
`` Their media did not miss the tiniest opportunity for dissuading Iranian voters and resorting to the excuse of disease and the virus . ''
• How sanctions affect Iran - in five objects Meanwhile the outbreak has worsened , with 43 confirmed cases and eight deaths .
Schools , universities and cultural centres across 14 provinces have been closed .
Iraq , Pakistan , and Turkey have closed their borders with Iran , and Afghanistan has suspended air and road travel to and from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said the low turnout was `` completely acceptable '' after Iran experienced a coronavirus outbreak , bad weather and recent protests as well as the shooting down of a Ukrainian passenger plane in January .
He said the turnout in Tehran was just 25.4 % , with conservatives loyal to Ayatollah Khamenei winning all 30 seats in the capital .
Former Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf topped the list , and is expected to become the next parliamentary speaker .
Although vote counting is still going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to be repeated throughout the country .
The conservatives already have enough seats to form a majority in the 290-seat chamber .
Several thousand contenders - including 90 mostly reformist members of the current Majlis - were disqualified from standing by the Guardian Council , a vetting committee loyal to Mr Khamenei .
Critics of Iran 's rulers had called on citizens to boycott the polls as a way of showing their opposition to what they say is widespread repression of human rights and intolerance of dissent .
What is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the first since the US renewed sanctions over Iran 's nuclear programme , battering its economy .
The Islamic republic has been at loggerheads with the US and much of the West since a revolution in 1979 brought a radical Shia Muslim leadership to power .
Mr Khamenei said voting in the parliamentary elections was a `` religious duty '' which would show steadfastness in the face of US efforts to isolate and pressurise the country into changing .
Tensions between Iran and the US have soared since 2018 when President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifted sanctions in exchange for curbs on Iran 's nuclear programme .
Foreign powers had suspected Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons , although Iran insists its nuclear activities are for purely peaceful purposes .
Divisions over the elections have become increasingly crystallised on social media , with Iranians expressing pro- and anti-government positions .
Recent crackdowns on anti-government protesters have also deepened opposition to the ruling classes .

Although vote counting is still going on in some cities, that success is expected to be repeated throughout the country. The conservatives already have enough seats to form a majority in the 290-seat chamber.


bbc--2020-02-23--Kenya judge accused of coaching murder suspect

A Kenyan judge has been arrested and accused of coaching the main suspect in a murder trial - a widow whose husband was found in a septic tank .
Appeal Court Judge Sankale ole Kantai did not comment after his alleged link to murder suspect Sarah Wairimu came under scrutiny .
In September the body of her husband , Dutch businessman Tob Cohen , was found two months after he had gone missing .
Ms Wairimu pleaded not guilty to her husband 's murder and is awaiting trial .
Lord Justice Kantai is accused of helping the suspect with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's death .
He was arrested on Friday , released on bail and is due early next week to appear in court on charges of conspiring to defeat justice and interfering with witnesses .
The Kenyan press has described this as `` one of the most famous murder cases in Kenya in recent times '' .
The murder victim , Mr Cohen , immigrated to Kenya as an employee of Philips East Africa and later started his own company organising golf trips .
He married Ms Wairimu , who was his personal assistant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in July last year and his body was found in September , blindfolded and tied up in a septic tank .

He was arrested on Friday, released on bail and is due early next week to appear in court on charges of conspiring to defeat justice and interfering with witnesses.


bbc--2020-02-23--Earthquake kills at least 9 in Turkey, injures many in Iran

At least nine people including three children are dead in eastern Turkey after an earthquake with its epicentre in neighbouring Iran .
At least 37 people were injured after houses collapsed , Turkey 's interior minister said .
The magnitude-5.7 quake centred on the Iranian border village of Habash-e Olya .
At least 75 were injured and houses damaged in 43 villages in Iran 's West Azerbaijan province .
The quake struck at 09:23 ( 05:53 GMT ) in Iran and had a 6km ( 3.7 miles ) depth .
Turkish media showed video of rescuers digging and families waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Van province .
`` There were children under the debris .
We thought we heard their voices .
`` Then something happened .
We did n't understand what happened exactly and we pulled out three bodies , '' a villager told Reuters news agency .
Governor of Van Mehmet Emin Bilmez said no more people were trapped under rubble .
Last month two avalanches in Van province killed at least 39 people including rescue workers , while in the provinces of Elazig and Malatya at least 31 people died and more than 1,600 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,066 buildings collapsed in Sunday 's quake , Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said .
Earthquakes are common in the region .
In 1999 about 17,000 people died in an earthquake in the western Turkish city of Izmit .
Iran 's deadliest earthquake was in 1990 when 40,000 people died and half a million were left homeless .
You may also be interested in : • The Documentary : Life on the world 's fault lines

Last month two avalanches in Van province killed at least 39 people including rescue workers, while in the provinces of Elazig and Malatya at least 31 people died and more than 1,600 injured in a powerful quake.


bbc--2020-02-23--Tyson Fury: 'Maverick Fury can do no wrong but Anthony Joshua fight will seal immortality'

Tyson Fury outclassed Deontay Wilder , became a world champion again , broke into a rendition of American Pie and had 16,000 people in the MGM Arena in the palm of his hand .
It is feeling increasingly familiar .
The world seems to dance to his tune these days .
Since his return to boxing from a litany of personal issues , each venture , decision and fight he touches turns to gold .
He risked a great deal when first challenging Wilder in 2018 , and ended up on the canvas .
It looked a significant setback until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
An eye-watering financial deal with US broadcaster ESPN followed .
He was badly cut in victory over Otto Wallin in September and needed time out to heal .
Then WWE rang and gave him the chance to earn big money , win new fans and avoid real punches in the process .
His autobiography came out to much fanfare , he did a UK speaking tour , sang a pop song with Robbie Williams and signed for a two-part television documentary on his life .
Saying yes to recovery has served him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to facing Anthony Joshua and demonstrate , beyond doubt , that he is the best heavyweight of his era .
Of course , he says he already is and clearly he would take that bout .
Fury has now dethroned Wladimir Klitschko and Wilder , who had reigned for a combined 14 years until they faced the 'Gypsy King ' .
With such landmark victories , you sense he simply does not care who he shares a ring with .
Money should not be an issue either , given the same Saudi Arabian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Andy Ruiz Jr to the Middle East were ringside for Fury 's destruction of Wilder .
They would throw record figures at the British heavyweights in order to stage the division 's first fight for all four major belts .
`` It has become the biggest fight in the history of the sport , '' said Joshua 's promoter Eddie Hearn .
A fight in Saudi Arabia might not please UK fans , but money talks .
It might just be the only commodity that can paper over the politics that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ networks behind the fighters .
Key figures close to Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis thought the pair would fight in 1996 .
It took six more years , proving how much things can drag on in boxing , however appetising the prospect .
Fury must know this purple patch is his time to strike .
He knows how things can change .
The troubles that became public in 2015 , controversial statements , ugly headlines and struggles with depression and drinking , are only one chapter of Fury 's story .
As early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a dark place and of having an eating disorder .
And in the build-up to the Wilder fight , one of Fury 's team said the Briton still has severe down days .
He has the capacity to charm Americans on glitzy talk shows one day and slip into confusion the next .
Keeping him stimulated , his team have said , is critical in maintaining his mental wellbeing .
It is hard to imagine Fury 's immediate future proving more exciting than the 20 months since his break from the sport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great and good of boxing fell at the feet of the new champion in Vegas , maybe we learned there are greater levels he can reach .
Dave Coldwell described it as `` one of the most amazing nights I 've watched in my time in boxing '' while fellow British trainer Joe Gallagher said Fury was `` the number one heavyweight in the world '' .
Those tributes came less than two months after Fury joined forces with Detroit-based trainer SugarHill Steward .
Steward 's uncle Emanuel , who trained fighters of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Klitschko , predicted more than 10 years ago that Wilder would become a world champion , and that Fury would be dominant once Klitschko retired .
Fury effectively brought the curtain down on Klitschko and has now dominated Wilder .
Steward called it .
But what could Fury achieve under his nephew ?
A lot , if he can build on his latest win .
The decision to take punching space away from Wilder by relentlessly smothering him was genius .
A talented fighter backed by a calculated team can create something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything away from Fury 's former trainer Ben Davison , who rebuilt the champion at a time of crisis .
And Fury 's father John deserves credit for publicly demanding his son find a new team and bulk up after his win over Wallin .
Fury listened and acted .
The result was devastating .
Whether it 's jumping into WWE or singing with pop stars , he takes a chance , attacks the task with gusto and almost invariably comes up trumps .
There is a bravery to his positive choices .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserves immense credit .
A unique achievement is his for the taking if he secures the fight that boxing has longed to see .
If anyone can make it happen , it is probably him .
The world , after all , seems to be dancing to his tune .
• Relive Fury v Wilder II - from the ring walks to the winning moment • 'There 's a fella across the pond who might want a tickle ' - Fury says Joshua bout will 'complete ' career • 'Living legend ' Fury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he lick Wilder 's blood ?
• Podcast : Costello & Bunce on Tyson Fury 's night for the ages

Last updated on .From the section Boxing
'This was written in the stars' - Fury on beating Wilder
Tyson Fury outclassed Deontay Wilder, became a world champion again, broke into a rendition of American Pie and had 16,000 people in the MGM Arena in the palm of his hand.
It is feeling increasingly familiar. The world seems to dance to his tune these days.
Since his return to boxing from a litany of personal issues, each venture, decision and fight he touches turns to gold.
He risked a great deal when first challenging Wilder in 2018, and ended up on the canvas. It looked a significant setback until he rose - just - and drew. An eye-watering financial deal with US broadcaster ESPN followed.
He was badly cut in victory over Otto Wallin in September and needed time out to heal. Then WWE rang and gave him the chance to earn big money, win new fans and avoid real punches in the process.
His autobiography came out to much fanfare, he did a UK speaking tour, sang a pop song with Robbie Williams and signed for a two-part television documentary on his life.
Saying yes to recovery has served him well. Now he must say yes to facing Anthony Joshua and demonstrate, beyond doubt, that he is the best heavyweight of his era.
Of course, he says he already is and clearly he would take that bout.
Fury has now dethroned Wladimir Klitschko and Wilder, who had reigned for a combined 14 years until they faced the 'Gypsy King'.
With such landmark victories, you sense he simply does not care who he shares a ring with.
Money should not be an issue either, given the same Saudi Arabian power brokers who took Joshua's rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr to the Middle East were ringside for Fury's destruction of Wilder. They would throw record figures at the British heavyweights in order to stage the division's first fight for all four major belts.
"It has become the biggest fight in the history of the sport," said Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn.
A fight in Saudi Arabia might not please UK fans, but money talks. It might just be the only commodity that can paper over the politics that would play out between the teams and television networks behind the fighters.
Key figures close to Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis thought the pair would fight in 1996. It took six more years, proving how much things can drag on in boxing, however appetising the prospect.
Fury must know this purple patch is his time to strike. He knows how things can change.
The troubles that became public in 2015, controversial statements, ugly headlines and struggles with depression and drinking, are only one chapter of Fury's story. As early as 2012 he had talked of being in a dark place and of having an eating disorder.
And in the build-up to the Wilder fight, one of Fury's team said the Briton still has severe down days.
He has the capacity to charm Americans on glitzy talk shows one day and slip into confusion the next. Keeping him stimulated, his team have said, is critical in maintaining his mental wellbeing.
It is hard to imagine Fury's immediate future proving more exciting than the 20 months since his break from the sport ended.
And yet, as the great and good of boxing fell at the feet of the new champion in Vegas, maybe we learned there are greater levels he can reach.
'Not bad for an old fat guy who can't punch' - best of Fury's post-fight news conference
Dave Coldwell described it as "one of the most amazing nights I've watched in my time in boxing" while fellow British trainer Joe Gallagher said Fury was "the number one heavyweight in the world".
Those tributes came less than two months after Fury joined forces with Detroit-based trainer SugarHill Steward.
Steward's uncle Emanuel, who trained fighters of the calibre of Thomas Hearns, Lewis and Klitschko, predicted more than 10 years ago that Wilder would become a world champion, and that Fury would be dominant once Klitschko retired.
Fury effectively brought the curtain down on Klitschko and has now dominated Wilder. Steward called it.
But what could Fury achieve under his nephew? A lot, if he can build on his latest win.
The decision to take punching space away from Wilder by relentlessly smothering him was genius. A talented fighter backed by a calculated team can create something special.
That is not to take anything away from Fury's former trainer Ben Davison, who rebuilt the champion at a time of crisis. And Fury's father John deserves credit for publicly demanding his son find a new team and bulk up after his win over Wallin.
Fury listened and acted. The result was devastating.
Whether it's jumping into WWE or singing with pop stars, he takes a chance, attacks the task with gusto and almost invariably comes up trumps.
There is a bravery to his positive choices. He is a maverick, and he deserves immense credit.
A unique achievement is his for the taking if he secures the fight that boxing has longed to see.
If anyone can make it happen, it is probably him.
The world, after all, seems to be dancing to his tune.


bbc--2020-02-23--Six Nations 2020: England end Ireland's Grand Slam hopes and reignite title hopes

England ended Ireland 's Grand Slam hopes in brutal fashion as they rediscovered some of their World Cup form to reignite their own hopes of landing the Six Nations title .
First-half tries from George Ford and Elliot Daly after Irish defensive errors plus two conversions and a penalty from Owen Farrell gave England a commanding 17-0 lead .
Ireland struck back with a try from Robbie Henshaw but with Johnny Sexton uncharacteristically wayward off the tee , they never seriously threatened a comeback .
Luke Cowan-Dickie drove over for England 's third midway through the second half , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sort of consolation for Ireland .
With Wales at home in a fortnight before a trip to Italy , Eddie Jones ' men will believe they can finish the championship in style , although they may need Ireland to do them a favour and beat France in Paris next month .
For the men in green and their head coach Andy Farrell it was a chastening afternoon , all the optimism created by the wins over Scotland and Wales leaching away in a display that was ponderous until the game was gone .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ - Jones • I need to look at myself - Ireland coach Farrell • England blitz Ireland - the match as it happened England began at a real lick , Manu Tuilagi punching holes through the middle and going close down the left before Andrew Conway hauled him down .
And the reward came when Ben Youngs stuck a grubber kick through , Sexton dithered and juggled in his own in-goal area and Ford seized on the loose ball to touch down .
Sexton then mis-kicked horribly with a straightforward penalty from 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again in the Ireland half .
Jonathan Joseph danced through in midfield after a mis-hit clearing kick from Conor Murray as Maro Itoje and CJ Stander scrapped in the 22 , and England 's forwards hammered away at the Ireland line .
With a penalty coming , the men in white shaped to go wide , only for Ford to pop through another kick - and this time it was Jacob Stockdale who dallied , Daly diving onto the ball as Irish hands went to heads .
The scoreboard reflected the gulf between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ball in hand and ferocious in defence , Ireland laboured and error-ridden .
And Sexton 's miserable half was compounded when he was penalised for slowing the ball up , Farrell stroking over his kick to give England their biggest half-time lead over Ireland in 18 years .
Ireland simply had to improve - and belatedly they did .
An England knock-on from the restart gave away possession and the visitors finally chiselled out some territory too .
England managed to stop an Ireland driving maul from a line-out close in but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ penalty in front of the posts , opted for the scrum and eventually found space in the right-hand corner for Henshaw to burrow through two defenders and over the line .
But Sexton shanked the conversion just as he had the first-half penalty and the pressure ebbed away as Jones threw on Cowan-Dickie , Ellis Genge and Charlie Ewels .
England 's scrum , strong throughout , began to dominate and the penalties started to mount .
Farrell kicked to the corner , the forwards set up the maul from the line-out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jonny May driving him on to roll over for England 's third try .
May was nearly clear on his own after seizing a loose ball from a messy Ireland ruck and appeared to be taken out by Henshaw after kicking the ball ahead , only for referee Jaco Peyper to wave play on .
And as the game stumbled towards the line , Porter rumbled over from a metre out for a try that made little difference to Ireland 's afternoon .
What the coaches said England head coach Eddie Jones : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we were always looking at this game and the next as the ones we had to be at our best .
`` We were disappointed with the second half , but when you are playing against a side like Ireland you expect them to get some possession .
We had to defend pretty well .
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell : `` I think the scoreline flattered us a little bit .
We did n't start to play how we wanted to until the game was over .
England were excellent , every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they certainly won that battle .
We did n't fire a shot in that first half .
`` England were fighting to stay in the championship and that 's what we need to be in the next two games - I need to look at myself regarding the performance of the first half . ''
What did the pundits think ?
Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson : `` It 's a fantastic win for England , they were dominant throughout the whole game .
The tactics in the first half were spot on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they did n't continue that after half-time and put the game away .
`` They were happy to let Ireland have the ball and defend .
They were really comfortable . ''
Former England hooker Brian Moore : `` Ireland 's half-backs Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray have been world class for a long time but I do n't think I 've ever seen them play as badly , and certainly kick as badly .
That created a platform for England who were sharp and really could have scored more tries .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they won the majority of the collisions and got on top in the set-piece . ''
Former Ireland number eight Jamie Heaslip : `` If you keep showing the same picture against a side like England , they 'll punish you .
Make basic mistakes in the back-field , you will get punished .
If you want to win a championship , you ca n't make those mistakes . ''
Replacements : Slade for Tuilagi ( 74 ) , Heinz for Youngs ( 58 ) , Genge for Marler ( 58 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Stuart for Sinckler ( 69 ) , Launchbury for Kruis ( 60 ) , Ewels for Lawes ( 58 ) , Earl for Curry ( 66 ) .
Replacements : Earls for Larmour ( 64 ) , R. Byrne for Conway ( 66 ) , Cooney for Murray ( 55 ) , Kilcoyne for Healy ( 26 ) , Kelleher for Herring ( 60 ) , Porter for Furlong ( 58 ) , Dillane for Toner ( 60 ) , Doris for van der Flier ( 60 ) .

Six Nations: England v Ireland England: (17) 24 Tries: Ford, Daly, Cowan-Dickie Pens: Farrell Cons: Farrell 3 Ireland: (0) 12 Tries: Henshaw, Porter Cons: Cooney
England ended Ireland's Grand Slam hopes in brutal fashion as they rediscovered some of their World Cup form to reignite their own hopes of landing the Six Nations title.
First-half tries from George Ford and Elliot Daly after Irish defensive errors plus two conversions and a penalty from Owen Farrell gave England a commanding 17-0 lead.
Ireland struck back with a try from Robbie Henshaw but with Johnny Sexton uncharacteristically wayward off the tee, they never seriously threatened a comeback.
Luke Cowan-Dickie drove over for England's third midway through the second half, with replacement Andrew Porter's late try no sort of consolation for Ireland.
With Wales at home in a fortnight before a trip to Italy, Eddie Jones' men will believe they can finish the championship in style, although they may need Ireland to do them a favour and beat France in Paris next month.
For the men in green and their head coach Andy Farrell it was a chastening afternoon, all the optimism created by the wins over Scotland and Wales leaching away in a display that was ponderous until the game was gone.
England capitalise on Ireland errors
England began at a real lick, Manu Tuilagi punching holes through the middle and going close down the left before Andrew Conway hauled him down.
And the reward came when Ben Youngs stuck a grubber kick through, Sexton dithered and juggled in his own in-goal area and Ford seized on the loose ball to touch down.
Sexton then mis-kicked horribly with a straightforward penalty from 30 metres out and England set up camp again in the Ireland half.
CJ Stander lost his shirt in a first-half tussle with Maro Itoje
Jonathan Joseph danced through in midfield after a mis-hit clearing kick from Conor Murray as Maro Itoje and CJ Stander scrapped in the 22, and England's forwards hammered away at the Ireland line.
With a penalty coming, the men in white shaped to go wide, only for Ford to pop through another kick - and this time it was Jacob Stockdale who dallied, Daly diving onto the ball as Irish hands went to heads.
The scoreboard reflected the gulf between the two sides, England dynamic with ball in hand and ferocious in defence, Ireland laboured and error-ridden.
And Sexton's miserable half was compounded when he was penalised for slowing the ball up, Farrell stroking over his kick to give England their biggest half-time lead over Ireland in 18 years.
Were England more up for it than us? - Farrell ponders what went wrong for Ireland
England's jabs hold Ireland at arm's length
Ireland simply had to improve - and belatedly they did. An England knock-on from the restart gave away possession and the visitors finally chiselled out some territory too.
England managed to stop an Ireland driving maul from a line-out close in but the pressure kept coming.
Ireland won a penalty in front of the posts, opted for the scrum and eventually found space in the right-hand corner for Henshaw to burrow through two defenders and over the line.
But Sexton shanked the conversion just as he had the first-half penalty and the pressure ebbed away as Jones threw on Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge and Charlie Ewels.
England's scrum, strong throughout, began to dominate and the penalties started to mount.
Farrell kicked to the corner, the forwards set up the maul from the line-out and Cowan-Dickie peeled off with Sam Underhill and Jonny May driving him on to roll over for England's third try.
May was nearly clear on his own after seizing a loose ball from a messy Ireland ruck and appeared to be taken out by Henshaw after kicking the ball ahead, only for referee Jaco Peyper to wave play on.
And as the game stumbled towards the line, Porter rumbled over from a metre out for a try that made little difference to Ireland's afternoon.
Man of the match: Courtney Lawes
A bravura performance in the back row from a man more normally seen in the second row. He made 14 tackles and eight carries in the hour he was on the pitch, setting the tone for a dominant England performance. And all on his 31st birthday, while sporting a spectacular shiner of a black eye and winning his 84th England cap - the same as former captain Martin Johnson.
What the coaches said
England head coach Eddie Jones: "We had a good preparation, we were always looking at this game and the next as the ones we had to be at our best.
"We were disappointed with the second half, but when you are playing against a side like Ireland you expect them to get some possession. We had to defend pretty well.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell: "I think the scoreline flattered us a little bit. We didn't start to play how we wanted to until the game was over. England were excellent, every side will look at themselves physically and they certainly won that battle. We didn't fire a shot in that first half.
"England were fighting to stay in the championship and that's what we need to be in the next two games - I need to look at myself regarding the performance of the first half."
What did the pundits think?
Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson: "It's a fantastic win for England, they were dominant throughout the whole game. The tactics in the first half were spot on, but it was a bit strange they didn't continue that after half-time and put the game away.
"They were happy to let Ireland have the ball and defend. They were really comfortable."
Former England hooker Brian Moore: "Ireland's half-backs Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray have been world class for a long time but I don't think I've ever seen them play as badly, and certainly kick as badly. That created a platform for England who were sharp and really could have scored more tries.
"England's line speed was good throughout, they won the majority of the collisions and got on top in the set-piece."
Former Ireland number eight Jamie Heaslip: "If you keep showing the same picture against a side like England, they'll punish you. Make basic mistakes in the back-field, you will get punished. If you want to win a championship, you can't make those mistakes."
Elliot Daly touches down England's second try as the hosts dominated the first half
Line-ups
England: Daly; May, Tuilagi, Farrell (capt), Joseph; Ford, Youngs; Marler, George, Sinckler, Itoje, Kruis, Lawes, Underhill, Curry.
Replacements: Slade for Tuilagi (74), Heinz for Youngs (58), Genge for Marler (58), Cowan-Dickie for George (52), Stuart for Sinckler (69), Launchbury for Kruis (60), Ewels for Lawes (58), Earl for Curry (66).
Ireland: Larmour; Conway, Henshaw, Aki, Stockdale; Sexton, Murray; Healy, Herring, Furlong, Toner, Ryan, O'Mahony, van der Flier, Stander.
Replacements: Earls for Larmour (64), R. Byrne for Conway (66), Cooney for Murray (55), Kilcoyne for Healy (26), Kelleher for Herring (60), Porter for Furlong (58), Dillane for Toner (60), Doris for van der Flier (60).
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Touch judges: Romain Poite & Alexandre Ruiz
TMO: Marius Jonker
Remaining fixtures


bbc--2020-02-23--'He's our most important player' - Arteta hopes to convince Aubameyang to stay at Arsenal

Mikel Arteta hopes he can convince Arsenal 's `` most important player '' Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to stay at the club after he scored twice to help the Gunners to a 3-2 win over Everton .
Aubameyang now has 19 goals this season and 60 in 95 games for the London club .
It has been reported that he wants to play in the Champions League next season and has been linked with a move .
`` Before I took over I had my questions about him but he has shown his commitment , '' said Arteta .
`` I wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do it and do it physically .
`` I 'm so happy with him .
He is scoring important goals and as a captain he is giving a great example to everyone else with the way he is working defensively . ''
Aubameyang 's current contract runs until the summer of 2021 .
He has been linked with a transfer to Barcelona , who reportedly tried to sign him in January .
`` They are completely right to want him because he is a superb player , '' continued Arteta .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hopefully we can convince him this is right place to be .
`` I think it 's been tough for him because he has big expectations .
He wants to play in the biggest competitions and with the best players .
We have to help him do that .
He needs to feel fulfilled .
`` He is our most important player , no doubt the impact he has in this team .
We will have to convince him to stay with us . ''
• Reaction to Arsenal v Everton and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games The 30-year-old Gabon international again demonstrated his supreme finishing in Sunday 's win , giving them the lead with a low finish after Eddie Nketiah had cancelled out Dominic Calvert-Lewin 's 49th-second opener for Everton .
Aubameyang then restored his side 's lead 26 seconds into the second half with a header after Richarlison had poked Everton level in first-half injury time .
The Gunners striker also made a joint game-high three tackles for his side , along with a clearance and an interception .
Arsenal 's win lifts them up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopes of qualifying for Europe next season .
Should Manchester City 's Champions League ban be upheld , fifth place could be good enough for Champions League qualification .
The Gunners are currently four points behind fifth-placed Manchester United .
'The best week since I 've been here' Arteta has made a positive impact at Arsenal since taking over from Unai Emery in December .
Sunday 's win means they remain unbeaten in 2020 and gives them back-to-back league victories for the first time since the opening two matches of the campaign .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ games in the past week , having won at Newcastle before beating Olympiakos in the first leg of their Europa league last-32 tie on Thursday .
But they had to work hard for it on Sunday after gifting Everton their two goals through defensive mistakes .
`` I 'm really pleased with the performance , '' Arteta said .
`` It 's not easy to play three times in seven days , we got back late from Greece , and then to concede an early goal as well .
`` That asks questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well .
This is the reaction I am hoping for when we face disappointment .
It 's the best week since I 've been here . ''
'Calvert-Lewin must do more' Everton could have claimed at least a point , with Calvert-Lewin particularly profligate in front of goal in the second half .
The 22-year-old has been much improved this season , with his goal at the Emirates his 14th in 30 games in all competitions and his ninth in his last 12 league games .
However , his manager Carlo Ancelotti still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He is doing well but he is not enough , '' said the Italian .
`` If he wants to be a top striker , he has to work more hard , focus hard , work more .
`` He is doing well but he has to have the game to be focused all the time . ''
Ancelotti also feels his side can improve defensively , and felt the performance was a step down from their recent displays , which had seen them take 11 league points from the last available 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good performance in front .
We were good coming from the back , we had some good chances , '' the Everton boss added .
`` Defensively , we were terrible .
We have to improve .
There were three goals we could have avoided .
It was too easy for Arsenal to score three goals .
`` We had a lot of opportunities at the end of the game to equalise and we did not get it .
We are working , we believe in what we are doing .
Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to refocus .
We need to re-balance .
We did one part good but we did one part bad . ''

Arsenal 3-2 Everton: Arteta 'really happy' after 'physically demanding' game
Mikel Arteta hopes he can convince Arsenal's "most important player" Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to stay at the club after he scored twice to help the Gunners to a 3-2 win over Everton.
Aubameyang now has 19 goals this season and 60 in 95 games for the London club.
It has been reported that he wants to play in the Champions League next season and has been linked with a move.
"Before I took over I had my questions about him but he has shown his commitment," said Arteta.
"I wanted him to show if he wanted to do it and do it physically.
"I'm so happy with him. He is scoring important goals and as a captain he is giving a great example to everyone else with the way he is working defensively."
Aubameyang's current contract runs until the summer of 2021.
He has been linked with a transfer to Barcelona external-link , who reportedly tried to sign him in January.
"They are completely right to want him because he is a superb player," continued Arteta. "It's right that big teams like him. Hopefully we can convince him this is right place to be.
"I think it's been tough for him because he has big expectations. He wants to play in the biggest competitions and with the best players. We have to help him do that. He needs to feel fulfilled.
"He is our most important player, no doubt the impact he has in this team. We will have to convince him to stay with us."
The 30-year-old Gabon international again demonstrated his supreme finishing in Sunday's win, giving them the lead with a low finish after Eddie Nketiah had cancelled out Dominic Calvert-Lewin's 49th-second opener for Everton.
Aubameyang then restored his side's lead 26 seconds into the second half with a header after Richarlison had poked Everton level in first-half injury time.
The Gunners striker also made a joint game-high three tackles for his side, along with a clearance and an interception.
Arsenal's win lifts them up to ninth in the table and boosts their hopes of qualifying for Europe next season.
Should Manchester City's Champions League ban be upheld, fifth place could be good enough for Champions League qualification. The Gunners are currently four points behind fifth-placed Manchester United.
'The best week since I've been here'
Arteta has made a positive impact at Arsenal since taking over from Unai Emery in December.
Sunday's win means they remain unbeaten in 2020 and gives them back-to-back league victories for the first time since the opening two matches of the campaign.
It also means they have won three games in the past week, having won at Newcastle before beating Olympiakos in the first leg of their Europa league last-32 tie on Thursday.
But they had to work hard for it on Sunday after gifting Everton their two goals through defensive mistakes.
"I'm really pleased with the performance," Arteta said. "It's not easy to play three times in seven days, we got back late from Greece, and then to concede an early goal as well.
"That asks questions of you. The team reacted really well. This is the reaction I am hoping for when we face disappointment. It's the best week since I've been here."
'Calvert-Lewin must do more'
Arsenal 3-2 Everton: Ancelotti says his team were 'defensively not good enough'
Everton could have claimed at least a point, with Calvert-Lewin particularly profligate in front of goal in the second half.
The 22-year-old has been much improved this season, with his goal at the Emirates his 14th in 30 games in all competitions and his ninth in his last 12 league games.
However, his manager Carlo Ancelotti still believes he can provide more.
"He is doing well but he is not enough," said the Italian. "If he wants to be a top striker, he has to work more hard, focus hard, work more.
"He is doing well but he has to have the game to be focused all the time."
Ancelotti also feels his side can improve defensively, and felt the performance was a step down from their recent displays, which had seen them take 11 league points from the last available 15 prior to Sunday.
"There was a good performance in front. We were good coming from the back, we had some good chances," the Everton boss added. "Defensively, we were terrible. We have to improve. There were three goals we could have avoided. It was too easy for Arsenal to score three goals.
"We had a lot of opportunities at the end of the game to equalise and we did not get it. We are working, we believe in what we are doing. Today was a step down.
"We need to refocus. We need to re-balance. We did one part good but we did one part bad."


bbc--2020-02-23--Fernandes gets off the mark as Man Utd beat Watford to go fifth

Bruno Fernandes ' first Manchester United goal set his new club on their way to a comfortable home win against relegation-threatened Watford and into fifth in the Premier League .
Fernandes , a £47m January signing from Sporting Lisbon , converted a 42nd-minute penalty after he had been taken out by Watford keeper Ben Foster .
The goal ended a 236-minute wait for a United home goal in the Premier League after they had failed to score against Burnley and Wolves .
Anthony Martial scored an excellent second on Sunday after Watford 's Troy Deeney had a goal ruled out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mason Greenwood , 18 , lashed home his 11th of the season 15 minutes from time to complete United 's scoring .
Fernandes told the BBC it was a dream to score at Old Trafford .
`` This is the day every player wants to have .
I feel lucky to score , '' the Portuguese midfielder said .
`` Everyone knows we want to get into the Champions League places .
I am here to help the team conquer this place and keep winning games , it 's what I want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to do . ''
After beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday , it was only the third time this season that United had won successive Premier League games .
While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's men have now moved into the top five , Watford remain second from bottom .
Fernandes ' arrival at Old Trafford has provided an injection of enthusiasm on and off the pitch .
The United fans sing `` Bruno , Bruno '' in the way they used to chant Wayne Rooney 's name .
They certainly respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from one such burst that Foster brought him down .
Given the midfielder 's elaborate jump as he ran up to take the kick , he needed to score - and he did , with Foster diving the wrong way .
Martial also seems to have responded to Fernandes ' arrival .
The Frenchman 's latest goal means he has found the net in three consecutive games for the first time since September 2017 .
The manner of it was superb - first nudging Christian Kabasele aside , then brilliantly finding space with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's initial save had returned the ball to him before keeping his composure to chip into an empty net .
Greenwood has taken a back seat in recent weeks after all the attention he was afforded in the early part of the season , but he also made his mark by smashing a shot into the roof of Watford 's net to end any lingering hopes of a comeback .
Watford 's noisy band of supporters can not have travelled north with much optimism .
Their side have still never won at Old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a row since their last draw in 1995 .
They did have chances .
Deeney took too long to try to profit from a ridiculous early mix-up in the home defence , and Luke Shaw snuffed out the chance .
Abdoulaye Doucoure also forced a decent save out of David de Gea when the game was still goalless .
There was also the obligatory chant against VAR - in front of watching referees ' chief Mike Riley - after Deeney 's 'equaliser ' was ruled out , although the handball decision given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the corner that preceded the goal was automatic under the current regulations .
After an encouraging start under Nigel Pearson , who became their third manager of the season on 6 December , Watford have now collected a single point from their past four games .
They still have to play Leicester and Manchester City , who have already beaten them 8-0 this season , in a tricky run-in that begins against Liverpool at Vicarage Road on 29 February .
Prior to the game , there was an impeccably observed minute 's silence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who died on 16 February , aged 87 .
In addition to a the silence , a banner was pulled across the Stretford End , proclaiming Gregg 's name with a picture of the man who will forever be remembered for pulling survivors out of the wreckage following the Munich air crash in 1958 , in which eight of his team-mates were killed .
Sir Bobby Charlton , who watched this game from the directors ' box , is the only player from that day still alive .
'Now we want to kick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gunnar Solskjaer to BBC Match of the Day : `` A very good win , two good wins and two clean sheets , some goals to celebrate , now we want to kick on .
`` I thought first half we started by gifting them some good opportunities and gradually we created more and more chances .
`` Bruno Fernandes is quicker than he looks .
I 'm very excited by having him in .
He has come in , given everyone a boost and wants to conduct a game .
There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The thing that matters in football is scoring goals and that is what Mason Greenwood does . ''
Nigel Pearson to Match of the Day : `` It was a difficult day .
A day in which we started OK. '' We had opportunities we did not make the most of and really think we put them in a position where we frustrated them .
I think we started the second half OK and we went on to be opened up .
`` It 's frustrating because I know when we are at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I thought today we were a little disjointed from time to time . ''
On Watford 's disallowed goal : `` I was unaware until I went to look at the monitor .
I think we are all pretty accustomed to the wait to confirm the decision .
It 's a part of the game now . ''
• United have won all seven of their Premier League games against Watford at Old Trafford , scoring 17 goals and conceding just two .
• Watford have never won an away league match @ @ @ @ @ @ @ L11 ) , losing each of the past nine in a row since avoiding defeat in November 1985 in a 1-1 draw .
• Watford have lost four of their past five games in all competitions ( D1 ) .
They had only tasted defeat once in Nigel Pearson 's first eight matches ( W4 D3 ) .
• United are only the second Premier League team to be awarded 10+ penalties in consecutive seasons , after Crystal Palace ( 2017-18 & 2018-19 ) .
• Mason Greenwood has scored 11 goals in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any other Premier League teenager .
• Anthony Martial has scored in three successive appearances for the first time since September 2017 .
• Bruno Fernandes is the first United player whose maiden Premier League goal for the club was a penalty .
• Fernandes has scored each of the past 13 penalties he has taken in top-flight football ( including 12 with Sporting Lisbon ) since missing a spot-kick for Udinese in April 2016 .
Manchester United 's next game is on Thursday , when they entertain Club Brugge in the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , currently level at 1-1 .
They then visit Everton next Sunday , 1 March , in the Premier League ( 14:00 GMT ) .
Watford 's next game is at home to Premier League leaders Liverpool on Saturday , 29 February ( 17:30 GMT ) .

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Fernandes scored his first goal for United from the penalty spot
Bruno Fernandes' first Manchester United goal set his new club on their way to a comfortable home win against relegation-threatened Watford and into fifth in the Premier League.
Fernandes, a £47m January signing from Sporting Lisbon, converted a 42nd-minute penalty after he had been taken out by Watford keeper Ben Foster.
The goal ended a 236-minute wait for a United home goal in the Premier League after they had failed to score against Burnley and Wolves.
Anthony Martial scored an excellent second on Sunday after Watford's Troy Deeney had a goal ruled out by VAR for handball in the build-up. Mason Greenwood, 18, lashed home his 11th of the season 15 minutes from time to complete United's scoring.
Fernandes told the BBC it was a dream to score at Old Trafford. "This is the day every player wants to have. I feel lucky to score," the Portuguese midfielder said.
"Everyone knows we want to get into the Champions League places. I am here to help the team conquer this place and keep winning games, it's what I want to do, it's what I need to do."
After beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday, it was only the third time this season that United had won successive Premier League games.
While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men have now moved into the top five, Watford remain second from bottom.
'Bruno, Bruno'
Fernandes celebrated with Martial after the French striker doubled United's lead
Fernandes' arrival at Old Trafford has provided an injection of enthusiasm on and off the pitch.
The United fans sing "Bruno, Bruno" in the way they used to chant Wayne Rooney's name. They certainly respond to his directness, and it was from one such burst that Foster brought him down.
Given the midfielder's elaborate jump as he ran up to take the kick, he needed to score - and he did, with Foster diving the wrong way.
Martial also seems to have responded to Fernandes' arrival.
The Frenchman's latest goal means he has found the net in three consecutive games for the first time since September 2017.
The manner of it was superb - first nudging Christian Kabasele aside, then brilliantly finding space with a neat bit of skill after Foster's initial save had returned the ball to him before keeping his composure to chip into an empty net.
Greenwood has taken a back seat in recent weeks after all the attention he was afforded in the early part of the season, but he also made his mark by smashing a shot into the roof of Watford's net to end any lingering hopes of a comeback.
Watford's worry
Watford had an equaliser ruled out by VAR for a handball
Watford's noisy band of supporters cannot have travelled north with much optimism.
Their side have still never won at Old Trafford, and have now lost nine in a row since their last draw in 1995.
They did have chances. Deeney took too long to try to profit from a ridiculous early mix-up in the home defence, and Luke Shaw snuffed out the chance. Abdoulaye Doucoure also forced a decent save out of David de Gea when the game was still goalless.
There was also the obligatory chant against VAR - in front of watching referees' chief Mike Riley - after Deeney's 'equaliser' was ruled out, although the handball decision given against defender Craig Dawson as he met the corner that preceded the goal was automatic under the current regulations.
After an encouraging start under Nigel Pearson, who became their third manager of the season on 6 December, Watford have now collected a single point from their past four games.
They still have to play Leicester and Manchester City, who have already beaten them 8-0 this season, in a tricky run-in that begins against Liverpool at Vicarage Road on 29 February.
Harry Gregg remembered
Prior to the game, there was an impeccably observed minute's silence for former United keeper Harry Gregg, who died on 16 February, aged 87.
In addition to a the silence, a banner was pulled across the Stretford End, proclaiming Gregg's name with a picture of the man who will forever be remembered for pulling survivors out of the wreckage following the Munich air crash in 1958, in which eight of his team-mates were killed.
Sir Bobby Charlton, who watched this game from the directors' box, is the only player from that day still alive.
Man of the match - Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Fernandes is the first Manchester United player whose maiden Premier League goal for the club was a penalty
'Now we want to kick on' - what they said
Manchester United 3-0 Watford: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pleased with 'really good' week
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to BBC Match of the Day: "A very good win, two good wins and two clean sheets, some goals to celebrate, now we want to kick on.
"I thought first half we started by gifting them some good opportunities and gradually we created more and more chances.
"Bruno Fernandes is quicker than he looks. I'm very excited by having him in. He has come in, given everyone a boost and wants to conduct a game. There are big games coming up now.
"The thing that matters in football is scoring goals and that is what Mason Greenwood does."
Manchester United 3-0 Watford: Nigel Pearson disappointed with 'difficult day'
Nigel Pearson to Match of the Day: "It was a difficult day. A day in which we started OK.
"We had opportunities we did not make the most of and really think we put them in a position where we frustrated them. I think we started the second half OK and we went on to be opened up.
"It's frustrating because I know when we are at our best we could have had them. I thought today we were a little disjointed from time to time."
On Watford's disallowed goal: "I was unaware until I went to look at the monitor. I think we are all pretty accustomed to the wait to confirm the decision. It's a part of the game now."
Greenwood's teenage dream - the stats
United have won all seven of their Premier League games against Watford at Old Trafford, scoring 17 goals and conceding just two.
Watford have never won an away league match against United in 13 attempts (D2 L11), losing each of the past nine in a row since avoiding defeat in November 1985 in a 1-1 draw.
Watford have lost four of their past five games in all competitions (D1). They had only tasted defeat once in Nigel Pearson's first eight matches (W4 D3).
United are only the second Premier League team to be awarded 10+ penalties in consecutive seasons, after Crystal Palace (2017-18 & 2018-19).
Mason Greenwood has scored 11 goals in all competitions this season, more than any other Premier League teenager.
Anthony Martial has scored in three successive appearances for the first time since September 2017.
Bruno Fernandes is the first United player whose maiden Premier League goal for the club was a penalty.
Fernandes has scored each of the past 13 penalties he has taken in top-flight football (including 12 with Sporting Lisbon) since missing a spot-kick for Udinese in April 2016.
What's next?
Manchester United's next game is on Thursday, when they entertain Club Brugge in the second leg of their Europa League last-32 tie, currently level at 1-1. They then visit Everton next Sunday, 1 March, in the Premier League (14:00 GMT).
Watford's next game is at home to Premier League leaders Liverpool on Saturday, 29 February (17:30 GMT).


bbc--2020-02-24--Panorama: Fresh questions over Mo Farah's relationship with Alberto Salazar

Fresh questions over Mo Farah 's relationship with his banned former coach Alberto Salazar have been raised in a new BBC Panorama investigation .
Documents show Farah repeatedly denied to US Anti-Doping ( Usada ) investigators he had received injections of the controversial supplement L-carnitine before the 2014 London Marathon .
Farah later changed his account to Usada investigators , saying he had forgotten .
The documents also reveal how a UK Athletics official was dispatched to Switzerland to collect the legal supplement from a contact of Salazar 's .
Emails obtained by Panorama show how UKA officials had initially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe and within the `` spirit of the sport '' .
The Panorama programme 'Mo Farah and the Salazar Scandal ' will be screened on Monday , 24 February .
It also reveals new allegations about Salazar .
Salazar ran the Nike Oregon Project - home to British four-time Olympic champion Farah from 2011 until 2017 .
In 2015 a Panorama investigation , in collaboration with US website ProPublica , first revealed allegations of doping by Salazar , the coach widely credited with helping turn Farah into Britain 's greatest athlete .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Salazar being given a four-year ban from the sport by a panel of US arbitrators in October 2019 .
Salazar rejects the findings and is appealing against the ban .
In a statement he said : `` The panel made clear that I had acted in 'good faith ' and without 'any bad intention to commit the violations ' .
Two of Salazar 's violations relate to using a banned method to administer an infusion of L-carnitine , a legal supplement .
L-carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid , which , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some research suggests could help speed metabolism and boost athletic performance .
Infusions or injections were permitted within World Anti-Doping Agency ( Wada ) rules provided the volume was below 50ml every six hours .
In 2014 , Farah finished eighth in his first London Marathon .
Three years later , when the Sunday Times reported that he had received an infusion of L-carnitine , the Digital , Culture , Media and Sport select committee inquiry 'Combatting Doping in Sport ' called Farah 's team before it to explain .
Dr Robin Chakraverty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said `` an injection '' of L-carnitine had been a joint decision between him and UKA 's head of distance running Barry Fudge , taken after research , considering the risks and possible side-effects .
The committee was assured the volume was 13.5ml , well within the allowable limit , though Dr Charaverty failed to record it .
There is no evidence any rules were broken .
Panorama 's evidence sheds new light on the situation and raises questions about Salazar 's influence .
Emails between UKA officials in the days leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about giving the injection .
On 6 April 2014 , Fudge wrote : `` Whilst this process is completely within the Wada code there is a philosophical argument about whether this is within the 'spirit of the sport… ' . ''
He added : `` Although Alberto and Mo have expectations about doing this , we are not at a point where we… ca n't pull out . ''
He wrote `` … should we really be trialling this process so close to the London Marathon ?
... That 's before we even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Dr Chakraverty seemed concerned about possible `` side-effects . ''
He wrote `` … it would have been better to have trialled it in someone first . ''
`` I understand [ Salazar ] is keen but… we should be asking him to follow this advice . ''
A decision was taken to go ahead .
But there was a problem : the concentrated form of the L-carnitine supplement they wanted could not be sourced in the UK .
That is where Salazar comes in .
Salazar introduced Fudge to a contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to order batch-tested L-carnitine in the form needed .
And so Fudge jumped on a plane to Switzerland , met Salazar 's contact and collected a package of injectable L-carnitine and brought it back to London .
There was not time to trial it on anyone to make sure it had no side-effects .
Just two days before the race , on 11 April , in Farah 's room within The Tower - the official London Marathon hotel - the L-carnitine was injected into the arm of Farah by Dr Chakraverty .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referred to `` an injection '' .
In fact Four injections were given to Farah , spaced over two hours through a butterfly needle , with Salazar , Fudge and Black looking on .
Panorama understands other elite British athletes racing that day were not offered the same treatment .
Toni Minichiello , who coached Olympic heptathlon gold medallist Jessica Ennis Hill and sits on the UKA members ' council , told Panorama : `` That 's pretty damning .
I 'm shocked .
Barry Fudge in that instance has to explain… what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And you 're an employee of UK Athletics , so UK Athletics , why would you allow one of your staff to do that ? ''
Damian Collins MP , then chair of the DCMS select committee , said there has been no mention of this level of concern , or trips to Switzerland , when Dr Chakraverty and Fudge appeared before his committee .
`` I do n't think we did get the full picture because what , I think , comes out of those emails is that this was n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Asked if Salazar had been directing all of this , Travis Tygart of Usada told Panorama : `` [ UKA ] were absolutely in concert [ with Salazar ] , there 's no doubt about that .
`` I think it 's the lengths that people who want to win and are incentivised to win will go , if they have the money and the resources to do it . ''
When athletes are drug-tested , they are required to list all medications and supplements they have taken within the past seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the injection - 17 April 2014 .
Despite listing a number of other products and medicines , he failed to record L-carnitine on his doping control form .
A year later , as part of their probe into Salazar , investigators with Usada flew to London to interview UKA officials - and Farah .
Farah was questioned by Usada officials for nearly five hours - and Panorama has obtained a transcript of that interview .
Asked specifically and multiple times whether he had an L-carnitine injection before the London Marathon , Farah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` If someone said that you were taking L-carnitine injections , are they not telling the truth ? ''
Farah said : `` Definitely not telling the truth , 100 % .
I 've never taken L-carnitine injections at all . ''
He is then asked : `` Are you sure that Alberto Salazar has n't recommended that you take L-carnitine injections ? ''
Farah responds : `` No , I 've never taken L-carnitine injections . ''
He is asked again : `` You 're absolutely sure that you did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into your arm… and inject L-carnitine a few days before the London marathon ? ''
Farah says : `` No .
No chance . ''
We have learned that minutes after the interview , Farah then met Fudge , who had been interviewed by Usada the day before .
Farah then rushed back in as the investigators were packing up .
He changed his account .
Farah tells Usada : `` So I just wanted to come clear , sorry guys , and I did take it at the time and I thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` So you received L-carnitine… before the London marathon ? ''
He adds : `` There was a lot of talk before… and Alberto 's always thinking about 'What 's the best thing ? '
'What 's the best thing ? '
'' The Usada investigator says `` … a few days before the race… with… Alberto present and your doctor and Barry Fudge and you 're telling us all about that now but you did n't remember any of that when I… kept asking you about this ? ''
Farah responds : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but at the time I did n't remember . ''
Mo Farah declined to be interviewed by Panorama .
In a letter , Farah 's lawyers said : `` It is not against [ Wada rules ] rules to take [ L-carnitine ] as a supplement within the right quantities .
`` The fact some people might hold views as to whether this is within the 'spirit ' of the sport is irrelevant .
`` Mr Farah… is one of the most tested athletes in the UK , if not the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in numerous doping forms .
He is a human being and not robot .
`` Interviews are not memory tests .
Mr Farah understood the question one way and as soon as he left the room he asked Mr Fudge and immediately returned… to clarify and it is plain the investigators were comfortable with this explanation . ''
The documents also reveal that Fudge did not initially disclose his trip to Switzerland to obtain the L carnitine .
When asked by Usada investigators how he obtained the L-carnitine , he said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , so we provided it . ''
He was then asked if he got it from Pete Julian , a coach at the Oregon Project .
He answered : `` No , it was a prescription-based product . ''
However , he returned to the interview room the next day , having been asked by Usada to provide relevant emails .
Fudge told them : `` I do n't think I told you guys enough… I do n't think I told you anything that was n't correct , I just feel I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more . ''
Fudge then told Usada that batch-tested L-carnitine had n't been available in the UK , and that he had travelled to Switzerland to collect the product from Salazar 's contact .
'This should be looked at in some seriousness' Collins added : `` This very specific medicine was required , sourced at great difficulty , given against the initial advice of the doctor .
But yet , no-one keeps any records of it and everyone decides to keep quiet about it .
`` I think this is something that should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' In a statement Dr Chakraverty said : `` I have not contravened any [ world anti-doping ] rules , and have always acted in the best interests of those I treat .
`` The evidence I provided to [ MPs ] was an honest account - including an acknowledgement that my usual standard of record keeping slipped due to heavy work commitments and travel .
`` The GMC reviewed this and concluded that the case required no further action . ''
In a statement , UKA said : `` A small number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to our knowledge , all doses and methods of administration have been fully in accordance with Wada protocol .
`` The dosage provided to Mo Farah was well within the 50ml limit permitted .
`` Full and honest accounts of the process were given in all forums .
Any suggestion to the contrary is false and misleading . ''
Salazar said : `` No Oregon Project athlete used a medication against the spirit of the sport .
Any medication taken was done so on the advice and under the supervision of registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK Athletics carried out a review into Panorama 's allegations .
Despite former UKA chairman Ed Warner telling the BBC this week he strongly advised Farah to split from Salazar , the review found `` no reason to be concerned '' about Salazar continuing to coach Farah .
A fresh UKA review is under way to establish whether any mistakes were made in its handling of the Salazar episode .
Collins added : `` I think it leaves UK Athletics in a very difficult position .
And this seems , to me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sort of total control over the preparation and training of some of our most celebrated athletes with not very much oversight from people at UK Athletics as to what they were doing and whether they were acting in the best interests of either the sport or that individual athlete and that 's a failing on their part . ''

Last updated on .From the section Athletics
Salazar (centre) alongside Farah (right) and American training partner Galen Rupp at the London 2012 Olympics
Fresh questions over Mo Farah's relationship with his banned former coach Alberto Salazar have been raised in a new BBC Panorama investigation.
Documents show Farah repeatedly denied to US Anti-Doping (Usada) investigators he had received injections of the controversial supplement L-carnitine before the 2014 London Marathon.
Farah later changed his account to Usada investigators, saying he had forgotten.
The documents also reveal how a UK Athletics official was dispatched to Switzerland to collect the legal supplement from a contact of Salazar's.
Emails obtained by Panorama show how UKA officials had initially expressed concern about whether the injection was safe and within the "spirit of the sport".
The Panorama programme Mo Farah and the Salazar Scandal will be screened on Monday, 24 February. It also reveals new allegations about Salazar.
The background
Salazar ran the Nike Oregon Project - home to British four-time Olympic champion Farah from 2011 until 2017.
In 2015 a Panorama investigation, in collaboration with US website ProPublica, first revealed allegations of doping by Salazar, the coach widely credited with helping turn Farah into Britain's greatest athlete. The programme sparked a Usada investigation, resulting in Salazar being given a four-year ban from the sport by a panel of US arbitrators in October 2019.
Salazar rejects the findings and is appealing against the ban.
In a statement he said: "The panel made clear that I had acted in 'good faith' and without 'any bad intention to commit the violations'."
Two of Salazar's violations relate to using a banned method to administer an infusion of L-carnitine, a legal supplement.
L-carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid, which, if injected straight into the bloodstream, some research suggests could help speed metabolism and boost athletic performance.
Infusions or injections were permitted within World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) rules provided the volume was below 50ml every six hours.
In 2014, Farah finished eighth in his first London Marathon. Three years later, when the Sunday Times reported that he had received an infusion of L-carnitine, the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee inquiry Combatting Doping in Sport called Farah's team before it to explain.
Dr Robin Chakraverty, then UKA's chief medical officer, said "an injection" of L-carnitine had been a joint decision between him and UKA's head of distance running Barry Fudge, taken after research, considering the risks and possible side-effects.
The committee was assured the volume was 13.5ml, well within the allowable limit, though Dr Charaverty failed to record it. There is no evidence any rules were broken.
Farah finished eighth at the London Marathon in 2014
The new evidence
Panorama's evidence sheds new light on the situation and raises questions about Salazar's influence.
Emails between UKA officials in the days leading up to the marathon reveal their concerns about giving the injection.
On 6 April 2014, Fudge wrote: "Whilst this process is completely within the Wada code there is a philosophical argument about whether this is within the 'spirit of the sport…'."
He added: "Although Alberto and Mo have expectations about doing this, we are not at a point where we… can't pull out."
Former UKA performance director Neil Black admits "a degree of discomfort".
He wrote "… should we really be trialling this process so close to the London Marathon? ... That's before we even think about the spirit of sport."
Dr Chakraverty seemed concerned about possible "side-effects."
He wrote "… it would have been better to have trialled it in someone first."
"I understand [Salazar] is keen but… we should be asking him to follow this advice."
A decision was taken to go ahead. But there was a problem: the concentrated form of the L-carnitine supplement they wanted could not be sourced in the UK. That is where Salazar comes in.
Salazar introduced Fudge to a contact of his in Switzerland who was able to order batch-tested L-carnitine in the form needed.
And so Fudge jumped on a plane to Switzerland, met Salazar's contact and collected a package of injectable L-carnitine and brought it back to London.
There was not time to trial it on anyone to make sure it had no side-effects. Just two days before the race, on 11 April, in Farah's room within The Tower - the official London Marathon hotel - the L-carnitine was injected into the arm of Farah by Dr Chakraverty.
At the DCMS select committee, Dr Chakraverty referred to "an injection". In fact four injections were given to Farah, spaced over two hours through a butterfly needle, with Salazar, Fudge and Black looking on.
Panorama understands other elite British athletes racing that day were not offered the same treatment.
Toni Minichiello, who coached Olympic heptathlon gold medallist Jessica Ennis Hill and sits on the UKA members' council, told Panorama: "That's pretty damning. I'm shocked. Barry Fudge in that instance has to explain… what was your logic for doing that?
"And you're an employee of UK Athletics, so UK Athletics, why would you allow one of your staff to do that?"
'Not the full picture'
Damian Collins MP, then chair of the DCMS select committee, said there has been no mention of this level of concern, or trips to Switzerland, when Dr Chakraverty and Fudge appeared before his committee.
"I don't think we did get the full picture because what, I think, comes out of those emails is that this wasn't a routine thing," Collins said.
Asked if Salazar had been directing all of this, Travis Tygart of Usada told Panorama: "[UKA] were absolutely in concert [with Salazar], there's no doubt about that.
"I think it's the lengths that people who want to win and are incentivised to win will go, if they have the money and the resources to do it."
Denials
When athletes are drug-tested, they are required to list all medications and supplements they have taken within the past seven days. Farah was tested six days after the injection - 17 April 2014. Despite listing a number of other products and medicines, he failed to record L-carnitine on his doping control form.
A year later, as part of their probe into Salazar, investigators with Usada flew to London to interview UKA officials - and Farah.
Farah was questioned by Usada officials for nearly five hours - and Panorama has obtained a transcript of that interview.
Asked specifically and multiple times whether he had an L-carnitine injection before the London Marathon, Farah repeatedly denied it.
He was asked: "If someone said that you were taking L-carnitine injections, are they not telling the truth?"
Farah said: "Definitely not telling the truth, 100%. I've never taken L-carnitine injections at all."
He is then asked: "Are you sure that Alberto Salazar hasn't recommended that you take L-carnitine injections?"
Farah responds: "No, I've never taken L-carnitine injections."
He is asked again: "You're absolutely sure that you didn't have a doctor put a butterfly needle… into your arm… and inject L-carnitine a few days before the London marathon?"
Farah says: "No. No chance."
We have learned that minutes after the interview, Farah then met Fudge, who had been interviewed by Usada the day before.
Farah then rushed back in as the investigators were packing up. He changed his account.
Farah tells Usada: "So I just wanted to come clear, sorry guys, and I did take it at the time and I thought I didn't…"
He is asked: "So you received L-carnitine… before the London marathon?"
Farah answers: "Yeah."
He adds: "There was a lot of talk before… and Alberto's always thinking about 'What's the best thing?' 'What's the best thing?'"
The Usada investigator says "… a few days before the race… with… Alberto present and your doctor and Barry Fudge and you're telling us all about that now but you didn't remember any of that when I… kept asking you about this?"
Farah responds: "It all comes back for me, but at the time I didn't remember."
Mo Farah declined to be interviewed by Panorama.
In a letter, Farah's lawyers said: "It is not against [Wada rules] rules to take [L-carnitine] as a supplement within the right quantities.
"The fact some people might hold views as to whether this is within the 'spirit' of the sport is irrelevant.
"Mr Farah… is one of the most tested athletes in the UK, if not the world, and has been required to fill in numerous doping forms. He is a human being and not robot.
"Interviews are not memory tests. Mr Farah understood the question one way and as soon as he left the room he asked Mr Fudge and immediately returned… to clarify and it is plain the investigators were comfortable with this explanation."
The documents also reveal that Fudge did not initially disclose his trip to Switzerland to obtain the L carnitine.
When asked by Usada investigators how he obtained the L-carnitine, he said: "It is a prescription-based product in the UK, so we provided it."
He was then asked if he got it from Pete Julian, a coach at the Oregon Project. He answered: "No, it was a prescription-based product."
However, he returned to the interview room the next day, having been asked by Usada to provide relevant emails. Fudge told them: "I don't think I told you guys enough… I don't think I told you anything that wasn't correct, I just feel I probably should expand on it a bit more."
Fudge then told Usada that batch-tested L-carnitine hadn't been available in the UK, and that he had travelled to Switzerland to collect the product from Salazar's contact.
'This should be looked at in some seriousness'
Collins added: "This very specific medicine was required, sourced at great difficulty, given against the initial advice of the doctor. But yet, no-one keeps any records of it and everyone decides to keep quiet about it.
"I think this is something that should be looked at in some seriousness."
In a statement Dr Chakraverty said: "I have not contravened any [world anti-doping] rules, and have always acted in the best interests of those I treat.
"The evidence I provided to [MPs] was an honest account - including an acknowledgement that my usual standard of record keeping slipped due to heavy work commitments and travel.
"The GMC reviewed this and concluded that the case required no further action."
In a statement, UKA said: "A small number of British athletes have used L-carnitine and, to our knowledge, all doses and methods of administration have been fully in accordance with Wada protocol.
"The dosage provided to Mo Farah was well within the 50ml limit permitted.
"Full and honest accounts of the process were given in all forums. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and misleading."
Salazar said: "No Oregon Project athlete used a medication against the spirit of the sport. Any medication taken was done so on the advice and under the supervision of registered medical professionals."
In 2015, UK Athletics carried out a review into Panorama's allegations. Despite former UKA chairman Ed Warner telling the BBC this week he strongly advised Farah to split from Salazar, the review found "no reason to be concerned" about Salazar continuing to coach Farah.
A fresh UKA review is under way to establish whether any mistakes were made in its handling of the Salazar episode.
Collins added: "I think it leaves UK Athletics in a very difficult position. And this seems, to me, that UK Athletics effectively… gave Alberto Salazar… sort of total control over the preparation and training of some of our most celebrated athletes with not very much oversight from people at UK Athletics as to what they were doing and whether they were acting in the best interests of either the sport or that individual athlete and that's a failing on their part."


bbc--2020-02-12--BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2020: Lucy Bronze profile

BBC Sport profiles Olympique Lyonnais defender Lucy Bronze , one of five nominees for the BBC Women 's Footballer of @ @ @ @ @ Bronze joins the USA and Chicago Red Stars ' Julie Ertz , Australia and Chelsea @ @ @ @ @ Netherlands and Arsenal 's Vivianne Miedema , and the USA and Reign FC 's Megan @ @ @ @ @ shortlist for the award .
You can watch profiles of all five nominees and vote @ @ @ @ @ Monday , 2 March at 09:00 GMT .
The winner will be revealed on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ can read full terms & conditions here .

BBC Sport profiles Olympique Lyonnais defender Lucy Bronze, one of five nominees for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2020 award.
Bronze joins the USA and Chicago Red Stars' Julie Ertz, Australia and Chelsea's Sam Kerr, the Netherlands and Arsenal's Vivianne Miedema, and the USA and Reign FC's Megan Rapinoe on the five player shortlist for the award.
Voting has now closed and the winner will be revealed on Tuesday, 24 March.


bbc--2020-02-23--Real's Hazard out of Champions League game against Man City after breaking ankle

Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard will miss Wednesday 's Champions League last-16 tie against Manchester City after fracturing his ankle @ @ @ @ @ hobbled off in the second half of Real 's La Liga 1-0 loss to Levante @ @ @ @ @ only returned to action last week after missing almost three months with a similar injury @ @ @ @ @ Hazard has been diagnosed with a fracture to his right distal fibula , '' a @ @ @ @ @ His recovery will continue to be assessed . ''
The former Chelsea playmaker 's injury @ @ @ @ @ 15 appearances for Real since arriving from Stamford Bridge last summer .
The injury means @ @ @ @ @ miss Real 's El Clasico match against Barcelona on 1 March .
The player has @ @ @ @ @ right ankle , which he broke while a Chelsea player in 2017 before sustaining what @ @ @ @ @ micro-fracture '' in a game for Real last November .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Eden Hazard has only made 15 appearances for Real since he joined in summer 2019
Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard will miss Wednesday's Champions League last-16 tie against Manchester City after fracturing his ankle.
Hazard, 29, hobbled off in the second half of Real's La Liga 1-0 loss to Levante on Saturday.
The Belgian only returned to action last week after missing almost three months with a similar injury.
"Following tests, Hazard has been diagnosed with a fracture to his right distal fibula," a club statement said. external-link
"His recovery will continue to be assessed."
The former Chelsea playmaker's injury troubles have restricted him to 15 appearances for Real since arriving from Stamford Bridge last summer.
The injury means Hazard is also set to miss Real's El Clasico match against Barcelona on 1 March.
The player has suffered recurring problems with his right ankle, which he broke while a Chelsea player in 2017 before sustaining what was described as a "micro-fracture" in a game for Real last November.


bbc--2020-02-24--Coronavirus: Rapid spread raises fears of global pandemic

Fears are growing that the coronavirus outbreak could reach pandemic scale as more cases emerge around the world .
Most infections are in China but other nations like South Korea , Italy and Iran are battling the virus , which causes respiratory disease Covid-19 .
A pandemic is when an infectious disease spreads easily from person to person in many parts of the world .
About 77,000 people in China , where the virus emerged last year , have been infected and nearly 2,600 have died .
More than 1,200 cases have been confirmed in about 30 other countries and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Italy reported two more deaths on Monday , raising the total there to five .
The proportion of infected patients dying from Covid-19 appears to be between 1 % and 2 % , although the World Health Organization ( WHO ) cautions that the mortality rate is not known yet .
On Monday Iraq , Afghanistan , Kuwait and Bahrain reported their first cases , all involving people who had come from Iran .
• Coronavirus : Could it become a pandemic ?
• Tell us how you 've been affected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had warned that the window of opportunity to contain the virus was `` narrowing '' .
Paul Hunter , professor of health protection at the University of East Anglia in the UK , echoed his fears , saying the spike in cases outside China was `` extremely concerning '' .
`` The tipping point after which our ability to prevent a global pandemic seems a lot closer after the past 24 hours , '' he said on Monday .
WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris told the BBC that the situation was not being seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries were managing to prevent the virus spreading too far .
`` If countries took no measures at all we would have seen way , way , way more cases , '' she said .
`` That 's what we mean by containment . ''
What are the symptoms ?
The main signs of infection are fever ( high temperature ) and a cough as well as shortness of breath and breathing difficulties .
What should I do ?
Frequent handwashing with soap or gel , avoiding close contact with people who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nose and mouth with unwashed hands can help cut the risk of infection .
Catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue , binning it and washing your hands can minimise the risk of spreading disease .
• What is coronavirus and what are the symptoms ?
The combined situation in South Korea , Iran and Italy points to the early stages of pandemic .
In each of these countries we are seeing spread of the virus with no connection to China .
The lockdown efforts in Italy mirror those that have happened in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially worrying , because the health authorities have reportedly said the virus has spread to multiple cities , and it appears the first case in Lebanon is linked to a traveller from Iran .
If we have a pandemic , it will still be important to limit the speed of spread of the virus .
If countries could hold it somewhat at bay until the end of winter , there is a hope that warmer temperatures will reduce the time the virus can survive in the air , as we see with seasonal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain .
What does 'pandemic ' mean ?
• A pandemic is the worldwide spread of a new disease • The H1N1 ( swine flu ) outbreak , which killed hundreds of thousands of people , was declared a pandemic by the WHO in 2009 • The WHO no longer formally labels an outbreak of disease a `` pandemic '' but says the term may be used `` colloquially '' • Its advice to countries - to limit the infections while preparing for wider spread - remains the same What are the worst-affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the largest number of confirmed cases outside China - reported another 231 infections on Monday taking the total there to more than 830 .
Eight people have died .
Around 7,700 troops have been quarantined after 11 military members were infected .
But the biggest virus clusters have been linked to a hospital and a religious group near the south-eastern city of Daegu .
• Watching loved ones die without care in Wuhan Italy has the largest number of cases in Europe , 165 , and announced a series of drastic measures over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
In the regions of Lombardy and Veneto , a lock-down is in place in several small towns .
For the next two weeks , 50,000 residents will not be able to leave without special permission .
Even outside the zone , many businesses and schools have suspended activities , and sporting events have been cancelled .
The two latest deaths announced on Monday were both in Lombardy , Italian media reported .
It is not yet clear how the virus entered the country , officials said .
In China , officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak began , announced on Monday that some non-residents would be allowed to leave if they showed no symptoms .
However , authorities later said that order was made without authorisation and had been revoked .
China reported 409 new infections on Monday , the bulk of which were in Wuhan .
Iran said on Sunday it had 43 confirmed cases of the virus , most of them in the holy city of Qom .
Twelve of those infected have died , the highest number of deaths outside China .
On Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of covering up the extent of the outbreak , saying there were 50 deaths in the city alone .
However , the country 's deputy health minister quickly denied the claim .
Meanwhile , North Korea has quarantined 380 foreigners in a bid to stop the coronavirus from breaking out .

But some scientists - assessing the same picture - think we are already there and others say we're on the cusp. The surge in cases in South Korea and the deaths in Iran and Italy have dialled up concern over the past few days.


bbc--2020-02-24--Taj Mahal: US President Donald Trump visits the 'monument of love' in Agra

US President Donald Trump is visiting the historic Taj Mahal in the northern Indian city of Agra .
This is the second stop in Mr Trump 's 36-hour long trip , which is his first official visit to India .
He arrived in the country earlier in the day , landing in Gujarat state , where he was greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi .
The two leaders will conduct diplomatic talks on Tuesday , which are expected to deepen ties between their countries .
Mr Trump received a colourful welcome in Agra , which included dancers dressed as peacocks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not present , he was greeted by a close ally of his , Yogi Adityanath , the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh , the state where Agra is located .
Earlier in the day , in Gujarat 's Ahmedabad city , Mr Trump addressed a huge crowd at the Motera cricket stadium .
`` Namaste , '' he began to a thunderous round of applause , before going on to refer to several Indian icons , from history to cricket to Bollywood .
`` India will always hold a very special place in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He also had words of praise for Mr Modi : `` Everybody loves him but I will tell you this , he is very tough .
You are not just the pride of Gujarat , you are living proof that with hard work , Indians can accomplish anything they want . ''
However , he struggled to pronounce several Indian words - from Ahmedabad , the city where he was speaking , to Swami Vivekananda , an Indian philosopher , greatly admired by Mr Modi .
He also called the Vedas - ancient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ended his speech by saying , `` God bless India , God bless the United States of America - we love you , we love you very much . ''
He spoke after Mr Modi , and the BBC 's Rajini Vaidyanathan says crowds began leaving mid-way through the US president 's speech .
Mr Trump 's visit comes at an opportune time for Mr Modi , who has been under the spotlight in recent months following controversial decisions by his government .
In December , India passed a contentious new citizenship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain countries .
This prompted massive protests across the country , with critics accusing the government of marginalising India 's more than 200 million Muslims - a charge the government denies .
• What will Trump 's visit do for US-India ties ?
• What Donald Trump gets out of his trip to India • How Trump got his wall - in India But protests are still continuing , including in Delhi , where a policeman has been killed after violence broke out hours ahead of Mr Trump 's visit on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizenship law , and those in favour of it .
Mr Modi 's government is also still struggling to restore normalcy in Indian-administered Kashmir .
In August , the region was put under a communications blockade after its partial autonomy was revoked , sparking protests in the Muslim-majority valley .
Mobile phone connections and the internet have only been partially restored , and state leaders and hundreds of others are still under house arrest .
The two decisions have sharply polarised India , and have been questioned by leaders abroad .
But Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to welcome Mr Trump who arrived in Gujarat earlier on Monday .
He was greeted with a road show as crowds lined his route to the stadium .
It featured performers from across the country , showcasing the arts from different Indian states .
Billboards along the route to the Motera stadium were emblazoned with pictures of the men and carried slogans such as `` two dynamic personalities , one momentous occasion '' .
Mr Trump entered to the music of Elton John , which he is known to love , playing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to the `` Howdy , Modi ! ''
event that Mr Trump and Mr Modi held in Houston last year , which was attended by 50,000 people .
Mr Trump had earlier made a quick stop at the Sabarmati Ashram , where Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi , who was born in Gujarat , lived for 13 years .
He and First Lady Melania Trump tried their hand at the charka or spinning wheel , which is used to spin cloth .
Gandhi popularised the act as a form of protest against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But amid the fanfare , a much-talked about trade deal is unlikely to happen during the trip .
The US is one of India 's most important trade partners , with bilateral trade totalling $ 142.6bn ( £110.3bn ) in 2018 .
The US had a $ 25.2bn goods and services trade deficit with India , its ninth largest trading partner in goods .
Despite growing political and strategic ties , there 's been tension over trade issues .
Mr Trump has said India 's tariffs - taxes on imports - are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India as the `` king '' of tariffs .

He also had words of praise for Mr Modi: "Everybody loves him but I will tell you this, he is very tough. You are not just the pride of Gujarat, you are living proof that with hard work, Indians can accomplish anything they want."


bbc--2020-02-24--Kobe Bryant: How a basketball legend inspired young players

Three young basketball players from different corners of the world tell us how important Kobe Bryant was to them .
@ @ @ @ @ brand new programme for teenagers who want to know about the issues shaping our world @

Three young basketball players from different corners of the world tell us how important Kobe Bryant was to them.
BBC My World is a brand new programme for teenagers who want to know about the issues shaping our world.


bbc--2020-02-24--Syria conflict: Inside the final rebel stronghold

The crisis inside the last rebel area in Syria is deepening , with millions of people who have long opposed @ @ @ @ @ border with Turkey .
The UN says it ’ s the greatest exodus of the @ @ @ @ @ there is now no safe shelter in Idlib .

The crisis inside the last rebel area in Syria is deepening, with millions of people who have long opposed the regime trapped at the border with Turkey.
The UN says it’s the greatest exodus of the war, and warns that there is now no safe shelter in Idlib.
Video journalist Mughira Alsharif


bbc--2020-02-24--'Fake jobs' trial begins for French ex-PM François Fillon

Former French Prime Minister François Fillon is due in court for his role in a `` fake jobs '' scandal .
He is accused of paying his Welsh wife Penelope hundreds of thousands of euros for work she allegedly never did when she was employed as his parliamentary assistant .
Both are scheduled to appear on Monday .
They deny the allegations .
The scandal - dubbed PenelopeGate - began in 2017 , when Mr Fillon seemed favourite to win the presidency .
The centre-right candidate 's ratings plummeted after the allegations .
Centrist Emmanuel Macron eventually won the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Fillon payment inquiry : What you need to know Mr Fillon could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted .
The trial is scheduled to run until 11 March .
Mr Fillon has been in politics for decades .
After serving as an MP , Senator , and in a number of ministerial roles , he became France 's prime minister between 2007 and 2012 under former President Nicolas Sarkozy .
Ahead of the 2017 presidential election , he won the centre-right Republican party 's presidential primary , and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the polls .
But his bid for the top job fell apart later that month .
Le Canard Enchaîné , a satirical magazine , alleged that Penelope Fillon - formally employed as his parliamentary assistant for about six years in the 1990s and 2000s - never actually did her job .
What 's more , she was paid €831,400 ( £697,000 ; $ 900,000 ) in the role .
Mr Fillon denied the allegations .
He said his opponents were trying to sabotage his campaign through his wife , and vowed to press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scandal grew he apologised `` profusely '' for employing family members , saying that though legal the practice had caused `` mistrust '' .
But his poll ratings dropped sharply .
He came third in the first round of voting , missing out on the second-round run off .
Le Canard Enchaîné published numerous allegations against Mr Fillon and his family .
According to the magazine , Mrs Fillon made €100,000 writing just a handful of articles for a literary publication La Revue des Deux Mondes .
The magazine is owned by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ladreit de Lacharrière .
From 2002-2007 , Mrs Fillon worked for her husband 's successor as an MP , Marc Joulaud .
He has also been placed under formal investigation .
And during a brief stint working for her husband between 2012-2013 , Mrs Fillon allegedly did not have a work email or parliamentary pass .
Two of their children have also been caught up in the scandal .
Marie and Charles Fillon were both paid for legal work by their father 's office - yet Le Canard Enchaîné reported that neither were @ @ @ @ @ @

Le Canard Enchaîné, a satirical magazine, alleged that Penelope Fillon - formally employed as his parliamentary assistant for about six years in the 1990s and 2000s - never actually did her job. What's more, she was paid €831,400 (£697,000; $900,000) in the role.


bbc--2020-02-24--Canary Islands sandstorm: Flights disrupted as dust cloud strands tourists

A vast sandstorm from the Sahara has shrouded Spain 's Canary Islands , disrupting travel plans for tourists flying in and out .
Airport operator Aena cancelled , suspended or diverted all flights to and from the islands at the weekend , citing low visibility .
But on Sunday operations resumed at all airports except Tenerife South .
The regional government has issued an alert , advising people to stay indoors and avoid travel .
Spain 's national weather service forecast winds of up to 120km/h ( 75mph ) in the Canaries until Monday .
Strong winds have carried a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desert , some 500km ( 300 miles ) across the Atlantic Ocean .
The sandstorm is visible from space , with satellite images showing it engulfing the islands , off the coast of north-west Africa .
Ferry services and efforts to tackle wildfires on Gran Canaria island have also been hampered by the winds .
The Canary Islands , which include Tenerife , Fuerteventura , Gran Canaria , Lanzarote and La Palma , are popular with European tourists in search of winter sun .
Saharan winds have also caused disruption in other parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Nigeria 's aviation ministry warned that poor visibility could disrupt flights from the commercial capital Lagos until the end of February .
What is the situation with tourists ?
Hundreds of flights have been affected by the weather conditions , leaving tourists stranded at airports across the Canaries .
On Sunday , 822 flights were affected , Aena said in a tweet .
• The link between climate change and wildfires Aena advised passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline .
`` We 're staying in regular contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to getting them on their way tomorrow [ Monday ] , '' a spokeswoman for airline British Airways said .
Greg Horsman , 29 , was expecting to fly home to Manchester from Gran Canaria on Saturday after going on a cruise with his girlfriend .
He told PA news agency his flight was cancelled after a five-hour wait at the airport .
`` It 's frustrating .
We 're just ready to be home , '' he said .
What is happening with the wildfires ?
Firefighters are battling to contain wildfires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temperatures have soared above 30C in recent days .
In south-west Gran Canaria , near the village of Tasarte , blazes have scorched around 300 hectares of land , forcing the evacuation of 500 people .
On Saturday , strong winds prevented water-dropping aircraft from tackling fires near Tasarte .
On the neighbouring island of Tenerife , about 1,000 locals and tourists were evacuated as a precaution because of the risk from blazes .
Pedro Marin , head of Tenerife 's local government , described the scale of the wildfires as `` a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been affected by the sandstorm ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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"I'm really worried about things like there's people who've got medication in their cases - none of us has had our cases since Friday," she said. "There's people who are running out of insulin. It's really difficult there at the moment."