bbc--2020-12-20--Sports Personality of the Year 2020: Lewis Hamilton crowned winner

Last updated on .From the section Sports Personality Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has been voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2020 .
The 35-year-old , from Stevenage , also surpassed Schumacher 's total of 91 grand prix wins .
In a public vote , Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson finished second while jockey Hollie Doyle was third .
Boxer Tyson Fury , England cricketer Stuart Broad and snooker great Ronnie O'Sullivan were also shortlisted for the main award .
`` I want to say congratulations to all the incredible nominees , '' said Hamilton .
`` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I want to say thank you to everyone that has voted for me .
`` I was n't expecting this knowing there 's so many great contenders .
`` I want to say Merry Christmas to everyone - it 's been such an unusual year and I want to mention all the front line workers and all the children round the world , I want you to try and stay positive through this difficult time , I 'm sending you all positivity .
Thank you from the bottom of my heart .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our live text • None Moments of triumph : Your personal stories and videos from 2020 It is the second time Hamilton has been crowned Sports Personality of the Year , having first won the award in 2014 .
He is also a four-time runner-up , most recently in 2019 .
Hamilton , who holds the record for most pole positions , won 11 of the 17 grands prix during the 2020 season , which started four months late because of the coronavirus pandemic .
He achieved three further podium finishes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Hamilton also paid tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore , who was honoured with the Helen Rollason Award for his incredible fundraising efforts during lockdown , Young Unsung Hero winner Tobias Weller , and Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford , who won a special award .
`` There 's so many great stories out there , '' said Hamilton .
`` And so I truly was n't expecting it .
`` Your heart 's always pumping in those last few seconds when they 're announcing because you have absolutely no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am so , so , so grateful to the British public .
`` This definitely goes a long way to giving me the best Christmas that I can have given the circumstances . ''
The Sports Personality of the Year 2020 was broadcast live from MediaCityUK , Salford , in front of a 1,000-strong virtual audience and millions of BBC One viewers .
Football pundit Alex Scott joined the presenting line-up alongside Gary Lineker , Clare Balding and Gabby Logan to look back on a truly unusual year of sport .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Saturday 's Premier League action now

Last updated on .From the section Sports Personality
Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has been voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2020.
One of F1's all-time great drivers, he equalled Michael Schumacher's record of seven world titles with his fourth consecutive championship in 2020.
The 35-year-old, from Stevenage, also surpassed Schumacher's total of 91 grand prix wins.
In a public vote, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson finished second while jockey Hollie Doyle was third.
Boxer Tyson Fury, England cricketer Stuart Broad and snooker great Ronnie O'Sullivan were also shortlisted for the main award.
"I want to say congratulations to all the incredible nominees," said Hamilton. "I'm so proud of what they have achieved and I want to say thank you to everyone that has voted for me.
"I wasn't expecting this knowing there's so many great contenders.
"I want to say Merry Christmas to everyone - it's been such an unusual year and I want to mention all the front line workers and all the children round the world, I want you to try and stay positive through this difficult time, I'm sending you all positivity. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
It is the second time Hamilton has been crowned Sports Personality of the Year, having first won the award in 2014.
He is also a four-time runner-up, most recently in 2019.
Hamilton, who holds the record for most pole positions, won 11 of the 17 grands prix during the 2020 season, which started four months late because of the coronavirus pandemic. He achieved three further podium finishes.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast's Sally Nugent, Hamilton also paid tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore, who was honoured with the Helen Rollason Award for his incredible fundraising efforts during lockdown, Young Unsung Hero winner Tobias Weller, and Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford, who won a special award.
"There's so many great stories out there," said Hamilton. "And so I truly wasn't expecting it.
"Your heart's always pumping in those last few seconds when they're announcing because you have absolutely no idea who was called in. But I am so, so, so grateful to the British public.
"This definitely goes a long way to giving me the best Christmas that I can have given the circumstances."
Henderson's runner-up spot came after his Liverpool side were named top team while manager Jurgen Klopp won coach of the year.
After picking up the trophy for finishing third, Doyle said: "It felt unbelievable but felt like it wasn't for myself but for our industry as a whole, which I'm proud to be part of."
The Sports Personality of the Year 2020 was broadcast live from MediaCityUK, Salford, in front of a 1,000-strong virtual audience and millions of BBC One viewers.
Football pundit Alex Scott joined the presenting line-up alongside Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan to look back on a truly unusual year of sport.
Other award winners at Sports Personality 2020
Helen Rollason Award: Captain Sir Tom Moore
Expert Special Panel Award: Marcus Rashford
Coach of the Year: Jurgen Klopp
Team of the Year: Liverpool FC
Unsung Hero: Sgt Matt Ratana
Captain Tom Young Unsung Hero: Tobias Weller
Young Sports Personality of the Year: Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix


bbc--2020-12-20--Confidence, momentum, quality - Micah Richards on why Man Utd are title contenders again

I 've heard people say all season that Manchester United are miles away from being a title-winning side but the league table tells a different story at the moment .
They are in the race , for sure , even if some of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's critics wo n't want to admit it .
He deserves a lot of credit for the run they are on , but he probably wo n't get it .
I do kind of understand why - as pundits , we go week to week sometimes just looking in detail at one particular game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or bad , and you can miss the bigger picture , or the direction they are heading in .
You forget that , when you get a bit of momentum as a club , the outside noise does n't matter .
United have n't come from nowhere .
A couple of poor results in the Champions League meant they are out of that competition and that led to more criticism of Solskjaer , but in the Premier League they have been building momentum for a while now and they have climbed to third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a draw in their past seven games .
They have been playing well too , and scoring lots of goals , but no-one really seems to consider Ole 's part in that , or those good results .
It 's put down to his players rescuing games for him , and it 's only Solskjaer 's fault when things go wrong and he gets the blame for being `` poor '' tactically .
I do n't think that 's fair , or reflects what has actually been happening .
Solskjaer has got things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games in his time as United boss , including on Sunday against a Leeds team that have frightened a lot of opponents so far this season .
I 'm sure Solskjaer 's selection raised a few eyebrows , with Paul Pogba on the bench , Fred and Scott McTominay in midfield and Daniel James part of the attack .
But McTominay was superb , giving them the energy and dynamism they needed in midfield , and I thought James was brilliant too .
He helped provide that extra bit of pace to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apart .
Leeds are a high-energy team , who work hard and play expansive football high up the pitch .
A lot of teams see those qualities and think they will just sit back and wait to hit them on the counter .
Manchester United , though , were different .
They left three players up the pitch , which meant every time they got the ball they caused them lots of problems .
Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips is one of my favourite players but he was left completely exposed and totally over-run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The final score was 6-2 but , really , the home side could have reached double figures with the chances they had .
It was a brilliant attacking performance to run away with what was a thrilling game .
They will believe anything is possible Solskjaer has been taking a lot of stick recently , and every time he loses a game it seems like it is the worst thing ever , and it is time for him to go .
But now is the time to give him some credit .
Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the top of the table at Christmas since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013 , but they are this year .
That 's one sign of their progress , and proof of how they are heading in the right direction after two years with Solskjaer as manager .
Another is the table which shows only Liverpool and City have picked up more points since he took charge .
I still do n't believe they will win the title , but they wo n't care what anyone else thinks .
They have got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like anything is possible .
We saw in the second half of last season that they are capable of going on a long run of good results , so they will believe in themselves .
What next ?
Find some consistency There is still work to do of course , at both ends of the pitch .
I still feel defensively there is room for improvement because they keep giving away stupid goals , and there are times they need to think more like they did against Manchester City earlier this month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pouring forward looking for a win and ending up empty-handed .
That City game was widely viewed as a negative performance because they only picked up a point , but you have to remember the pressure that was on Solskjaer going into that game .
They had just been knocked out of the Champions League and if he had lost to City too , there would have been more calls for him to be fired .
Another step has to be to find a way through teams who come to Old Trafford and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they have n't managed it so far this season .
No other away team will play like Leeds did and , too many times before , they have been on a good run like this one then slipped up at home against opposition they should really put away .
They have the quality to do that , and to stay in the title race too , but their problem in the past is that they have not been consistent enough .
That also needs to change .
Leicester will be a true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side , Manchester United are certainly exciting to watch and they are also a young team that might just be maturing and coming into their prime .
We might get a better idea of where they are at when they face Leicester on 26 December .
That is a far bigger test of their title credentials than Leeds were .
Leicester are seen as a counter-attacking side , which is how they beat Manchester City at the start of the season , but in their win over Tottenham they were excellent in possession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can hurt you in lots of ways but they are most dangerous when Jamie Vardy gets behind your defence .
He is bound to cause problems and United will have to deal with his pace and quality in front of goal before they get too carried away with the thought of mounting a title challenge , even if it is long overdue .
• None Stream all the goals and highlights from a huge day of Premier League games now

I've heard people say all season that Manchester United are miles away from being a title-winning side but the league table tells a different story at the moment.
If United win their game in hand, they are in second place and only two points behind what is a brilliant Liverpool team.
They are in the race, for sure, even if some of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's critics won't want to admit it. He deserves a lot of credit for the run they are on, but he probably won't get it.
I do kind of understand why - as pundits, we go week to week sometimes just looking in detail at one particular game or performance by a team, good or bad, and you can miss the bigger picture, or the direction they are heading in.
You forget that, when you get a bit of momentum as a club, the outside noise doesn't matter.
United are second-highest scorers behind Liverpool, with 28 goals
United haven't come from nowhere. A couple of poor results in the Champions League meant they are out of that competition and that led to more criticism of Solskjaer, but in the Premier League they have been building momentum for a while now and they have climbed to third on the back of six wins and a draw in their past seven games.
They have been playing well too, and scoring lots of goals, but no-one really seems to consider Ole's part in that, or those good results.
It's put down to his players rescuing games for him, and it's only Solskjaer's fault when things go wrong and he gets the blame for being "poor" tactically.
I don't think that's fair, or reflects what has actually been happening. Solskjaer has got things absolutely spot on in plenty of big games in his time as United boss, including on Sunday against a Leeds team that have frightened a lot of opponents so far this season.
How Red Devils tore Leeds apart
I'm sure Solskjaer's selection raised a few eyebrows, with Paul Pogba on the bench, Fred and Scott McTominay in midfield and Daniel James part of the attack.
But McTominay was superb, giving them the energy and dynamism they needed in midfield, and I thought James was brilliant too. He helped provide that extra bit of pace to their attack that let them really tear Leeds apart.
Leeds are a high-energy team, who work hard and play expansive football high up the pitch. A lot of teams see those qualities and think they will just sit back and wait to hit them on the counter.
Manchester United, though, were different. They left three players up the pitch, which meant every time they got the ball they caused them lots of problems.
Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips is one of my favourite players but he was left completely exposed and totally over-run in the middle of the pitch.
The final score was 6-2 but, really, the home side could have reached double figures with the chances they had. It was a brilliant attacking performance to run away with what was a thrilling game.
They will believe anything is possible
Man Utd at Christmas since 2013-14, and their final position Season Position Pts off top Final position Final pts off top 2020-21 3rd 5* ? ? 2019-20 8th 24 3rd 33 2018-19 6th 19 6th 32 2017-18 2nd 13 2nd 19 2016-17 6th 13 6th 24 2015-16 5th 9 5th 15 2014-15 3rd 10 4th 17 2013-14 8th 8 7th 22 * with a game in hand
Solskjaer has been taking a lot of stick recently, and every time he loses a game it seems like it is the worst thing ever, and it is time for him to go.
But now is the time to give him some credit. Manchester United have not truly been in touch at the top of the table at Christmas since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013, but they are this year.
That's one sign of their progress, and proof of how they are heading in the right direction after two years with Solskjaer as manager. Another is the table which shows only Liverpool and City have picked up more points since he took charge.
Manchester United have picked up 132 points from 72 games since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge in December 2018. Only Liverpool (182 points from 73 games) and Manchester City (158 from 72) have picked up more in the same period
I still don't believe they will win the title, but they won't care what anyone else thinks. They have got momentum and confidence and they will feel like anything is possible. We saw in the second half of last season that they are capable of going on a long run of good results, so they will believe in themselves.
What next? Find some consistency
'What a game of football!' - Solskjaer praises 'fantastic' Man Utd
There is still work to do of course, at both ends of the pitch.
I still feel defensively there is room for improvement because they keep giving away stupid goals, and there are times they need to think more like they did against Manchester City earlier this month, and settle for a draw rather than pouring forward looking for a win and ending up empty-handed.
That City game was widely viewed as a negative performance because they only picked up a point, but you have to remember the pressure that was on Solskjaer going into that game. They had just been knocked out of the Champions League and if he had lost to City too, there would have been more calls for him to be fired.
Another step has to be to find a way through teams who come to Old Trafford and put 11 men behind the ball, because they haven't managed it so far this season.
No other away team will play like Leeds did and, too many times before, they have been on a good run like this one then slipped up at home against opposition they should really put away.
They have the quality to do that, and to stay in the title race too, but their problem in the past is that they have not been consistent enough. That also needs to change.
Leicester will be a true test of title credentials
On the plus side, Manchester United are certainly exciting to watch and they are also a young team that might just be maturing and coming into their prime.
We might get a better idea of where they are at when they face Leicester on 26 December. That is a far bigger test of their title credentials than Leeds were.
Brendan Rodgers says his side thoroughly deserved win
Leicester are seen as a counter-attacking side, which is how they beat Manchester City at the start of the season, but in their win over Tottenham they were excellent in possession and dominated the game.
The Foxes can hurt you in lots of ways but they are most dangerous when Jamie Vardy gets behind your defence.
He is bound to cause problems and United will have to deal with his pace and quality in front of goal before they get too carried away with the thought of mounting a title challenge, even if it is long overdue.
Micah Richards was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.


bbc--2020-12-20--Eibar 1-3 Real Madrid: Champions go level with La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid

Last updated on .From the section European Football Real Madrid beat Eibar to record a fourth straight La Liga win and keep pace with leaders Atletico Madrid .
Captain Kike Garcia responded for Eibar with a spectacular curled finish from the edge of the box before half-time .
Both sides had chances in a hard-fought second half , but Lucas Vazquez sealed the points for Real in injury time .
Zinedine Zidane 's side moved above second-placed Real Sociedad but have played two games more than leaders Atletico , with the city rivals level on points .
Atletico are away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the top on Tuesday , with Los Blancos facing Granada a day later .
It is now five wins in a row for Real in all competitions , but they were made to work hard against Eibar despite their early dominance .
The hosts stuck to their task despite Benzema 's well-taken finish from Rodrygo 's cross and Modric 's second into the roof of the net from the Frenchman 's cut-back , and were rewarded by Kike 's wonderful goal after 28 minutes .
But Sergio Ramos produced an excellent tackle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before Benzema played in Vazquez in the closing stages .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Real Madrid led Eibar 2-0 after 13 minutes with Karim Benzema scoring the first
Real Madrid beat Eibar to record a fourth straight La Liga win and keep pace with leaders Atletico Madrid.
Karim Benzema opened the scoring with his seventh league goal of the season and then set up Luka Modric as Real scored twice in the opening 13 minutes.
Captain Kike Garcia responded for Eibar with a spectacular curled finish from the edge of the box before half-time.
Both sides had chances in a hard-fought second half, but Lucas Vazquez sealed the points for Real in injury time.
Zinedine Zidane's side moved above second-placed Real Sociedad but have played two games more than leaders Atletico, with the city rivals level on points.
Atletico are away to Real Sociedad in a key game at the top on Tuesday, with Los Blancos facing Granada a day later.
It is now five wins in a row for Real in all competitions, but they were made to work hard against Eibar despite their early dominance.
The hosts stuck to their task despite Benzema's well-taken finish from Rodrygo's cross and Modric's second into the roof of the net from the Frenchman's cut-back, and were rewarded by Kike's wonderful goal after 28 minutes.
But Sergio Ramos produced an excellent tackle to prevent Eibar at one end, before Benzema played in Vazquez in the closing stages.


bbc--2020-12-20--Klopp & Liverpool win Coach and Team of the Year

Last updated on .From the section Sports Personality Jurgen Klopp has been named Coach of the Year and Liverpool Team of the Year at the BBC 's Sports Personality of the Year show .
It was Liverpool 's 19th top division title and their first since 1989-90 .
Klopp 's Reds produced one of the most memorable campaigns in Premier League history , winning by 18 points .
Such was their dominance , at one stage they led the table by 25 points - a record gap between a side in first and second in the English top flight .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ winners in one page • None Moments of triumph : Your personal stories and videos from 2020 That was not the only English top-flight record they set - they also recorded the earliest title win , with seven games still to play when Manchester City 's defeat by Chelsea sealed their success , and the most consecutive home wins ( 24 , with seven carried over from the 2018-19 season ) .
Despite Liverpool 's dominance throughout the season , Reds fans endured a nervous wait to see how it would end after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Premier League suspended for three months .
But its return in June - albeit without fans - enabled them to cap their success , and they ended the season on 99 points with just three defeats to their name - two of which came after they had sealed the title .
`` My team deserve this , because they did an incredible job , '' said Klopp .
`` It 's a mix of talent , character , desire and the power of the club , which is a big one .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great moment when we became champions .
`` We want to organise a big party when it 's allowed again , could take a little while but until then maybe we can win something else , we will see .
We ca n't wait to see the fans again and winning this prize in Manchester is even sweeter . ''
German Klopp , 53 , arrived at Anfield in 2015 with Liverpool 10th in the Premier League , but in the five years since has guided the club to four trophies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After their Premier League success , he was also named 2019-20 Premier League manager of the season and League Managers ' Association manager of the year .
On Thursday , Klopp won the Best Fifa Men 's Coach Award for the second year running - becoming the first man to win it in successive years .
Liverpool previously won the BBC Sports Personality Team of the Year award in 2001 after their treble-winning season under Gerard Houllier , who died earlier in December .
Klopp joins a long list of football managers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Year award , including Gareth Southgate ( 2018 ) , Claudio Ranieri ( 2016 ) , Arsene Wenger ( 2002 and 2004 ) , and Sir Alex Ferguson ( 1999 ) .
• None Stream all the goals and highlights from Saturday 's Premier League action now

Last updated on .From the section Sports Personality
Jurgen Klopp has been named Coach of the Year and Liverpool Team of the Year at the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year show.
Manager Klopp and his side were crowned 2019-20 Premier League champions - ending the club's 30-year wait for a top-flight title.
It was Liverpool's 19th top division title and their first since 1989-90.
Klopp's Reds produced one of the most memorable campaigns in Premier League history, winning by 18 points.
Such was their dominance, at one stage they led the table by 25 points - a record gap between a side in first and second in the English top flight.
That was not the only English top-flight record they set - they also recorded the earliest title win, with seven games still to play when Manchester City's defeat by Chelsea sealed their success, and the most consecutive home wins (24, with seven carried over from the 2018-19 season).
Despite Liverpool's dominance throughout the season, Reds fans endured a nervous wait to see how it would end after the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic saw the Premier League suspended for three months.
But its return in June - albeit without fans - enabled them to cap their success, and they ended the season on 99 points with just three defeats to their name - two of which came after they had sealed the title.
"My team deserve this, because they did an incredible job," said Klopp. "It's a mix of talent, character, desire and the power of the club, which is a big one. That all comes together and it was a great moment when we became champions.
"We want to organise a big party when it's allowed again, could take a little while but until then maybe we can win something else, we will see. We can't wait to see the fans again and winning this prize in Manchester is even sweeter."
German Klopp, 53, arrived at Anfield in 2015 with Liverpool 10th in the Premier League, but in the five years since has guided the club to four trophies, including the Champions League title in 2018-19.
After their Premier League success, he was also named 2019-20 Premier League manager of the season and League Managers' Association manager of the year.
On Thursday, Klopp won the Best Fifa Men's Coach Award for the second year running - becoming the first man to win it in successive years.
Liverpool previously won the BBC Sports Personality Team of the Year award in 2001 after their treble-winning season under Gerard Houllier, who died earlier in December.
Klopp joins a long list of football managers to have won the Coach of the Year award, including Gareth Southgate (2018), Claudio Ranieri (2016), Arsene Wenger (2002 and 2004), and Sir Alex Ferguson (1999).


bbc--2020-12-20--Leicester 'won't get carried away' after overtaking Spurs to go second

Last updated on .From the section Premier League Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers insists his side `` wo n't get carried away '' after they overcame top-four rivals Tottenham to climb to second in the Premier League .
While Leicester sit four points behind the league leaders , former pacesetters Tottenham - removed from top spot in defeat by Liverpool on Wednesday - find themselves fifth after Sunday 's matches , six points adrift of the lead .
`` The players have done great .
A European campaign , lots of injuries , but they have kept the enthusiasm , spirit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very pleasing opening third of the season , '' said Rodgers .
On his side 's position , he added : `` The ambition is to continue improving .
We wo n't get carried away , there is a lot of development to take place in our young players .
`` We will see .
It has been a really good start , I am satisfied with where we are at , knowing there are improvements to make . ''
• None Reaction to Tottenham v Leicester , plus live coverage of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vardy confidently dispatched his spot-kick in the fourth minute of first-half injury time , after referee Craig Pawson was advised to review Serge Aurier 's needless shove on Wesley Fofana via the pitchside monitor .
A VAR review for offside disallowed James Maddison 's well-taken finish three minutes after the restart , but Vardy 's header from Marc Albrighton 's excellent cross deflected in off Alderweireld to double Leicester 's advantage after 59 minutes .
Vardy 's opener arrived at the end of a closely contested opening 45 minutes , during which Spurs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 34th minute and Foxes midfielder Maddison 's deflected shot from distance were the only other attempts on target .
Son Heung-min was denied at close range by Kasper Schmeichel as Jose Mourinho 's disappointing hosts were left frustrated in search of a response , while Leicester went close to a late third through Youri Tielemans .
Another Christmas in second for Leicester The true importance of this result to Leicester 's season may only be revealed when the season concludes , but it is one which should serve to convince Rodgers ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League 's current elite .
Securing a top-four spot after agonisingly falling short last season is the challenge for Rodgers , and this was the perfect response to Wednesday 's below-par defeat by Everton which prevented the Foxes widening the gap to the chasing pack .
As demonstrated in the past week , the need to deliver consistency is paramount going forward for Leicester , whose midweek defeat arrived between a devastating attacking display against Brighton and this impressive victory over a side threatening a title challenge .
Despite troubles with their home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the road , this their sixth win in seven league away games despite facing a Tottenham defence with the joint-best record in the competition .
Vardy had a shot blocked at close range and Maddison fired over as Leicester were invited to ask the early questions of the Spurs backline , and they eventually got the breakthrough their positive play deserved as Vardy sent his penalty down the middle for his 11th goal of the campaign .
The returning Jonny Evans delivered an assured performance alongside Fofana in defence as the Foxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead after Alderweireld 's own goal , earning Rodgers a first Premier League win over Mourinho in eight attempts .
It is the first time in the club 's history that Leicester have sat in the top two of the top flight at Christmas in consecutive seasons , and their Champions League credentials will be tested once more against Manchester United next .
Roberto Firmino 's last-minute winner for Liverpool was a painful way for Spurs to concede top spot in midweek , as Mourinho 's side spurned several good second-half chances to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the champions .
Liverpool 's subsequent 7-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace on Saturday added even greater significance to Tottenham 's response to a first league defeat since the opening day , with anything other than victory set to hand the Reds an ominous first glimpse of daylight in the title race .
Mourinho 's tactics almost paid off at Anfield - despite just 24 % of possession - but his subdued side were second best on Sunday .
In a rare off day for the Spurs forwards , Son unsuccessfully chose to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their first opening , while Kane went close with a header from a corner as the hosts increased their urgency before their costly setback before the interval .
Mourinho will have been left scratching his head at defender Aurier 's careless barge on Fofana to concede the penalty and responded with the introduction of Gareth Bale at half-time .
He was soon forced to replace the injured Giovani lo Celso with Lucas Moura , yet despite an array of offensive players Spurs failed to get going in attack to leave any title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now one win in five Premier League games for Spurs after a tough run of fixtures including Manchester City , Chelsea , Arsenal , Liverpool and Leicester in their past six .
For now , the immediate focus on ending a long wait for silverware rests on reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals , when they face Championship side Stoke City on Wednesday .
`` It 's frustrating but I think it 's a strange game to describe .
It 's a game that we lose with the penalty and the own goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goalkeeper does n't make a single save , but it 's a game that we did n't play very well , '' said Mourinho .
`` I did n't think either team played very , very well .
We deserved to win the game at Liverpool and that would have made it an amazing week because nobody has done that for a long time .
The team was phenomenal at Liverpool .
Now , if you look at the table , everybody is there . ''
Foxes ' first victory at Spurs since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won their first Premier League away game against Spurs since a 1-0 victory in 2015-16 , the season they won the title .
• None The Foxes have won 18 points in their past seven games on the road , the most in their first seven away games of a season in their history .
• None Jamie Vardy has been directly involved in seven goals in seven Premier League away games against Spurs , more than against any other opponent .
• None Vardy has scored 19 goals in his past 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became the first player to score an away goal against an opponent at three different venues in the competition - White Hart Lane , Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium .
• None Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers defeated a side managed by Jose Mourinho for the first time , at his eighth attempt .
• None Tottenham have lost two of their past three Premier League games against Leicester - as many defeats as in their previous 12 against the Foxes .
• None No player has scored more own goals for Spurs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His tally of three is level with Harry Kane .
• None Since joining Spurs in August 2017 , Serge Aurier has given away four penalties in the Premier League - second only to Arsenal 's David Luiz ( five ) .
Tottenham face Stoke City in the League Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday ( 17:30 GMT ) , before travelling to face Wolves in the Premier League on Sunday ( 19:15 ) .
• None Stream all the goals and highlights from a huge day of Premier League games now

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Leicester City have scored eight Premier League penalties this season, three more than any other team
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers insists his side "won't get carried away" after they overcame top-four rivals Tottenham to climb to second in the Premier League.
In a hard-fought battle between the sides starting the day third and fourth in the table, Spurs one point above the visitors, it was the latter who established themselves as champions Liverpool's closest challengers courtesy of Jamie Vardy's penalty and a Toby Alderweireld own goal.
While Leicester sit four points behind the league leaders, former pacesetters Tottenham - removed from top spot in defeat by Liverpool on Wednesday - find themselves fifth after Sunday's matches, six points adrift of the lead.
"The players have done great. A European campaign, lots of injuries, but they have kept the enthusiasm, spirit and quality, so it is a very pleasing opening third of the season," said Rodgers.
On his side's position, he added: "The ambition is to continue improving. We won't get carried away, there is a lot of development to take place in our young players.
"We will see. It has been a really good start, I am satisfied with where we are at, knowing there are improvements to make."
Vardy confidently dispatched his spot-kick in the fourth minute of first-half injury time, after referee Craig Pawson was advised to review Serge Aurier's needless shove on Wesley Fofana via the pitchside monitor.
A VAR review for offside disallowed James Maddison's well-taken finish three minutes after the restart, but Vardy's header from Marc Albrighton's excellent cross deflected in off Alderweireld to double Leicester's advantage after 59 minutes.
Vardy's opener arrived at the end of a closely contested opening 45 minutes, during which Spurs captain Harry Kane's saved free-kick in the 34th minute and Foxes midfielder Maddison's deflected shot from distance were the only other attempts on target.
Son Heung-min was denied at close range by Kasper Schmeichel as Jose Mourinho's disappointing hosts were left frustrated in search of a response, while Leicester went close to a late third through Youri Tielemans.
Another Christmas in second for Leicester
Brendan Rodgers says his side thoroughly deserved win
The true importance of this result to Leicester's season may only be revealed when the season concludes, but it is one which should serve to convince Rodgers' side of their place among the Premier League's current elite.
Securing a top-four spot after agonisingly falling short last season is the challenge for Rodgers, and this was the perfect response to Wednesday's below-par defeat by Everton which prevented the Foxes widening the gap to the chasing pack.
As demonstrated in the past week, the need to deliver consistency is paramount going forward for Leicester, whose midweek defeat arrived between a devastating attacking display against Brighton and this impressive victory over a side threatening a title challenge.
Despite troubles with their home form, the Foxes have been ruthless on the road, this their sixth win in seven league away games despite facing a Tottenham defence with the joint-best record in the competition.
Vardy had a shot blocked at close range and Maddison fired over as Leicester were invited to ask the early questions of the Spurs backline, and they eventually got the breakthrough their positive play deserved as Vardy sent his penalty down the middle for his 11th goal of the campaign.
The returning Jonny Evans delivered an assured performance alongside Fofana in defence as the Foxes never appeared in danger of relinquishing their lead after Alderweireld's own goal, earning Rodgers a first Premier League win over Mourinho in eight attempts.
It is the first time in the club's history that Leicester have sat in the top two of the top flight at Christmas in consecutive seasons, and their Champions League credentials will be tested once more against Manchester United next.
Tottenham's title challenge falters
'Strange game' frustrates Mourinho
Roberto Firmino's last-minute winner for Liverpool was a painful way for Spurs to concede top spot in midweek, as Mourinho's side spurned several good second-half chances to claim a statement win at the home of the champions.
Liverpool's subsequent 7-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace on Saturday added even greater significance to Tottenham's response to a first league defeat since the opening day, with anything other than victory set to hand the Reds an ominous first glimpse of daylight in the title race.
Mourinho's tactics almost paid off at Anfield - despite just 24% of possession - but his subdued side were second best on Sunday.
In a rare off day for the Spurs forwards, Son unsuccessfully chose to square for Tanguy Ndombele instead of shooting in their first opening, while Kane went close with a header from a corner as the hosts increased their urgency before their costly setback before the interval.
Mourinho will have been left scratching his head at defender Aurier's careless barge on Fofana to concede the penalty and responded with the introduction of Gareth Bale at half-time.
He was soon forced to replace the injured Giovani lo Celso with Lucas Moura, yet despite an array of offensive players Spurs failed to get going in attack to leave any title aspirations in a precarious state.
It is now one win in five Premier League games for Spurs after a tough run of fixtures including Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Leicester in their past six.
For now, the immediate focus on ending a long wait for silverware rests on reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals, when they face Championship side Stoke City on Wednesday.
"It's frustrating but I think it's a strange game to describe. It's a game that we lose with the penalty and the own goal. It's a game where your goalkeeper doesn't make a single save, but it's a game that we didn't play very well," said Mourinho.
"I didn't think either team played very, very well. We deserved to win the game at Liverpool and that would have made it an amazing week because nobody has done that for a long time. The team was phenomenal at Liverpool. Now, if you look at the table, everybody is there."
Foxes' first victory at Spurs since title - the stats
Leicester won their first Premier League away game against Spurs since a 1-0 victory in 2015-16, the season they won the title.
The Foxes have won 18 points in their past seven games on the road, the most in their first seven away games of a season in their history.
Jamie Vardy has been directly involved in seven goals in seven Premier League away games against Spurs, more than against any other opponent.
Vardy has scored 19 goals in his past 19 Premier League away games. He also became the first player to score an away goal against an opponent at three different venues in the competition - White Hart Lane, Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers defeated a side managed by Jose Mourinho for the first time, at his eighth attempt.
Tottenham have lost two of their past three Premier League games against Leicester - as many defeats as in their previous 12 against the Foxes.
No player has scored more own goals for Spurs in the Premier League than Toby Alderweireld. His tally of three is level with Harry Kane.
Since joining Spurs in August 2017, Serge Aurier has given away four penalties in the Premier League - second only to Arsenal's David Luiz (five).
What's next?
Tottenham face Stoke City in the League Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday (17:30 GMT), before travelling to face Wolves in the Premier League on Sunday (19:15).
Leicester host Manchester United on Saturday afternoon (12:30).
Player of the match Vardy Jamie Vardy with an average of 8.32 Tottenham Tottenham Hotspur Tottenham Hotspur
Leicester Leicester City Leicester City Tottenham Hotspur Avg Squad number 1 Player name Lloris Average rating 4.26 Squad number 7 Player name Son Heung-min Average rating 3.79 Squad number 5 Player name Højbjerg Average rating 3.76 Squad number 3 Player name Reguilón Average rating 3.68 Squad number 10 Player name Kane Average rating 3.55 Squad number 15 Player name Dier Average rating 3.54 Squad number 9 Player name Bale Average rating 3.51 Squad number 4 Player name Alderweireld Average rating 3.50 Squad number 17 Player name Sissoko Average rating 3.46 Squad number 18 Player name Lo Celso Average rating 3.44 Squad number 28 Player name Ndombele Average rating 3.34 Squad number 8 Player name Winks Average rating 3.32 Squad number 27 Player name Lucas Moura Average rating 3.27 Squad number 24 Player name Aurier Average rating 2.79 Leicester City Avg Squad number 9 Player name Vardy Average rating 8.32 Squad number 10 Player name Maddison Average rating 7.98 Squad number 25 Player name Ndidi Average rating 7.79 Squad number 2 Player name Justin Average rating 7.72 Squad number 3 Player name Fofana Average rating 7.69 Squad number 1 Player name Schmeichel Average rating 7.60 Squad number 15 Player name Barnes Average rating 7.60 Squad number 11 Player name Albrighton Average rating 7.59 Squad number 6 Player name Evans Average rating 7.55 Squad number 8 Player name Tielemans Average rating 7.42 Squad number 27 Player name Castagne Average rating 7.39 Squad number 18 Player name Amartey Average rating 6.93 Squad number 26 Player name Praet Average rating 6.79 Squad number 14 Player name Iheanacho Average rating 6.73
Line-ups
Match Stats
Live Text Line-ups Tottenham Formation 4-2-3-1 1 Lloris 24 Aurier 4 Alderweireld 15 Dier 3 Reguilón 17 Sissoko 5 Højbjerg 18 Lo Celso 28 Ndombele 7 Son Heung-min 10 Kane 1 Lloris
24 Aurier Substituted for Winks at 64' minutes Booked at 81mins
4 Alderweireld
15 Dier Booked at 79mins
3 Reguilón
17 Sissoko
5 Højbjerg
18 Lo Celso Substituted for Lucas Moura at 49' minutes
28 Ndombele Substituted for Bale at 45' minutes
7 Son Heung-min
10 Kane Substitutes 2 Doherty
8 Winks
9 Bale
12 Hart
14 Rodon
23 Bergwijn
27 Lucas Moura
33 Davies
45 Carlos Vinícius Leicester Formation 4-2-3-1 1 Schmeichel 2 Justin 3 Fofana 6 Evans 27 Castagne 25 Ndidi 8 Tielemans 11 Albrighton 10 Maddison 15 Barnes 9 Vardy 1 Schmeichel
2 Justin
3 Fofana
6 Evans
27 Castagne Substituted for Amartey at 60' minutes
25 Ndidi Booked at 72mins
8 Tielemans
11 Albrighton Booked at 32mins
10 Maddison
15 Barnes Substituted for Praet at 84' minutes
9 Vardy Substituted for Iheanacho at 88' minutes Substitutes 12 Ward
14 Iheanacho
17 Pérez
18 Amartey
19 Ünder
24 Mendy
26 Praet
28 Fuchs
33 Thomas Referee: Craig Pawson Match Stats Live Text Post update Match ends, Tottenham Hotspur 0, Leicester City 2. Full Time Second Half ends, Tottenham Hotspur 0, Leicester City 2. Post update Offside, Leicester City. Wesley Fofana tries a through ball, but Kelechi Iheanacho is caught offside. Post update Foul by Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Tottenham Hotspur). Post update Youri Tielemans (Leicester City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Post update Offside, Leicester City. Marc Albrighton tries a through ball, but James Maddison is caught offside. Substitution Substitution, Leicester City. Kelechi Iheanacho replaces Jamie Vardy because of an injury. Post update Foul by Sergio Reguilón (Tottenham Hotspur). Post update Marc Albrighton (Leicester City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Post update Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Post update Foul by Dennis Praet (Leicester City). Post update Attempt missed. Youri Tielemans (Leicester City) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Jamie Vardy. Substitution Substitution, Leicester City. Dennis Praet replaces Harvey Barnes. Post update Foul by Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur). Post update Jonny Evans (Leicester City) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Post update Attempt saved. Jamie Vardy (Leicester City) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by James Maddison. Post update Attempt blocked. Harvey Barnes (Leicester City) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Post update Attempt blocked. Jamie Vardy (Leicester City) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by James Maddison. Booking Harry Winks (Tottenham Hotspur) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Post update Foul by Harry Winks (Tottenham Hotspur). Page 1 of 6 rewind previous Navigate to the next page next Navigate to the last page forward


bbc--2020-12-20--Rafael Leao: AC Milan forward scores fastest goal in Serie A history

Last updated on .From the section European Football Rafael Leao scored the fastest goal in Serie A history as AC @ @ @ @ @ seconds of their victory at Sassuolo on Sunday .
Leao 's goal beat the record @ @ @ @ @ Piacenza 's Paolo Poggi against Fiorentina on 2 December 2001 .
The win keeps Milan @ @ @ @ @ Inter , who beat Spezia 2-1 .
Belgium midfielder Alexis Saelemaekers scored Milan 's second @ @ @ @ @ before Domenico Berardi pulled one back late on for sixth-placed Sassuolo .
But it was @ @ @ @ @ will adorn the record books , with a shocked Sassuolo defence punished for backing off @ @ @ @ @ from the referee 's whistle .
The goal was even quicker than the fastest strike @ @ @ @ @ Shane Long 's effort for Southampton after 7.69 seconds against Watford on 23 April 2019 @ @ @ @ @ the goals and highlights from Saturday 's Premier League action now

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Rafael Leao's record-breaking moment was his third Serie A goal for AC Milan this season
Rafael Leao scored the fastest goal in Serie A history as AC Milan netted after just six seconds of their victory at Sassuolo on Sunday.
The Portuguese forward, 21, took Hakan Calhanoglu's pass in his stride to stroke the unbeaten league leaders ahead virtually from the kick-off.
Leao's goal beat the record of 8.9 seconds set by Piacenza's Paolo Poggi against Fiorentina on 2 December 2001.
The win keeps Milan a point clear of rivals Inter, who beat Spezia 2-1.
Belgium midfielder Alexis Saelemaekers scored Milan's second midway through the first half before Domenico Berardi pulled one back late on for sixth-placed Sassuolo.
But it was Leao's early strike that will adorn the record books, with a shocked Sassuolo defence punished for backing off as Milan surged forward right from the referee's whistle.
The goal was even quicker than the fastest strike in Premier League history - Shane Long's effort for Southampton after 7.69 seconds against Watford on 23 April 2019.
Line-ups
Match Stats
Live Text Line-ups Sassuolo Formation 4-2-3-1 47 Consigli 22 Toljan 2 Santos da Silva Barbosa 31 Ferrari 6 Oliveira da Silva 68 Bourabia 8 Lopez 25 Berardi 23 Traore 10 Djuricic 92 Defrel 47 Consigli
22 Toljan Substituted for Müldür at 61' minutes
2 Santos da Silva Barbosa
31 Ferrari
6 Oliveira da Silva Substituted for Kyriakopoulos at 45' minutes
68 Bourabia
8 Lopez
25 Berardi Booked at 65mins
23 Traore Substituted for Obiang at 86' minutes
10 Djuricic Substituted for Boga at 57' minutes
92 Defrel Substituted for Caputo at 45' minutes Substitutes 4 Magnanelli
5 Ayhan
7 Boga
9 Caputo
13 Peluso
14 Obiang
17 Müldür
18 Raspadori
21 Chiriches
27 Haraslin
56 Pegolo
77 Kyriakopoulos AC Milan Formation 4-2-3-1 99 G Donnarumma 2 Calabria 20 Kalulu Kyatengwa 13 Romagnoli 19 Hernández 8 Tonali 79 Kessié 56 Saelemaekers 21 Díaz 10 Calhanoglu 17 Rafael Leão 99 G Donnarumma
2 Calabria Booked at 71mins
20 Kalulu Kyatengwa
13 Romagnoli Booked at 88mins
19 Hernández
8 Tonali Substituted for Krunic at 45' minutes
79 Kessié Booked at 61mins
56 Saelemaekers Substituted for Castillejo Azuaga at 79' minutes
21 Díaz Substituted for Hauge at 57' minutes
10 Calhanoglu Substituted for Maldini at 86' minutes
17 Rafael Leão Substitutes 1 Tatarusanu
5 Dalot
7 Castillejo Azuaga
14 Conti
15 Hauge
22 Musacchio
27 Maldini
29 Colombo
33 Krunic
43 Campos Duarte da Silva
90 A Donnarumma
93 Roback Referee: Maurizio Mariani Match Stats Live Text Post update Match ends, Sassuolo 1, Milan 2. Full Time Second Half ends, Sassuolo 1, Milan 2. Post update Foul by Gian Marco Ferrari (Sassuolo). Post update Alessio Romagnoli (Milan) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Post update Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Post update Foul by Daniel Maldini (Milan). Post update Attempt missed. Jens Petter Hauge (Milan) left footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the left. Post update Attempt blocked. Pedro Obiang (Sassuolo) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Domenico Berardi. Post update Mehdi Bourabia (Sassuolo) wins a free kick on the right wing. Post update Foul by Daniel Maldini (Milan). goal Goal! Goal! Sassuolo 1, Milan 2. Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo) from a free kick with a left footed shot to the bottom right corner. Booking Alessio Romagnoli (Milan) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Post update Jeremie Boga (Sassuolo) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Post update Foul by Alessio Romagnoli (Milan). Post update Attempt saved. Theo Hernández (Milan) left footed shot from long range on the left is saved in the centre of the goal. Substitution Substitution, Milan. Daniel Maldini replaces Hakan Calhanoglu. Substitution Substitution, Sassuolo. Pedro Obiang replaces Hamed Junior Traore. Post update Foul by Hamed Junior Traore (Sassuolo). Post update Rafael Leão (Milan) wins a free kick on the left wing. Post update Offside, Milan. Theo Hernández tries a through ball, but Hakan Calhanoglu is caught offside. Page 1 of 6 rewind previous Navigate to the next page next Navigate to the last page forward


bbc--2020-12-21--Covid: US reaches long-awaited deal for coronavirus aid

The new package will include one-off $ 600 stimulus payments to most Americans , and will boost unemployment payments by @ @ @ @ @ It is also set to include more than $ 300bn in support for businesses , @ @ @ @ @ , schools and renters facing eviction .

The deal was announced on Sunday by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican. Speaking on Monday ahead of the vote, he said: "None of us think this legislation is perfect, but a big bipartisan majority of us recognise the incredible amount of good it will do when we send it to the president's desk. The American people have waited long enough."


bbc--2020-12-21--Covid: Flights shut down as EU discusses UK virus threat

All of these come together to build a case for a virus that can spread more easily .
However , @ @ @ @ @ certainty .
New strains can become more common simply by being in the right place @ @ @ @ @ such as London .

Covid: Flights shut down as EU discusses UK virus threat Published 21 December 2020
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Numerous countries have introduced travel bans amid concerns over the new coronavirus variant
EU officials are discussing a joint response to a new, more infectious Covid-19 variant in the UK, which has sparked travel bans by many countries.
Canada and India joined European states in blocking flights from the UK while Europe-bound train services via the Channel Tunnel have been halted.
The new variant is said to be up to 70% more transmissible, but there is no evidence that it is more deadly.
There is also no proof to suggest that it reacts differently to vaccines.
Two meetings are taking place in Brussels on Monday - one involving health ministers and another with the EU's crisis response team. But no decision is expected until Tuesday, when EU ambassadors meet.
A French official told the BBC's Gavin Lee that they were desperate to reopen the borders "as soon as safely possible", with one option discussed being the requirement that UK travellers - including lorry drivers - prove they have had a recent negative Covid-19 test.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Boris Johnson: "British supermarkets say supply chain is strong and robust".
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he had an "excellent" conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron and was keen to find a solution "in a few hours".
"I want to stress we in the UK fully understand our friends' anxieties about the new variant. But it's also true that the risks of transmission sitting alone in the cab is very low. So we hope to make progress," he said.
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock earlier said the new variant was "out of control", while Denmark, Italy and the Netherlands announced they had already detected it.
Following the discovery of case in Denmark, neighbouring Sweden banned all foreign travellers from there.
Also on Monday, the EU's medicines regulator approved the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for use in all 27 member states.
The vaccine is already being administered in the UK and in the US, and some European countries plan to begin administering doses from 27 December.
Which countries have acted and how?
France suspended all travel links, including freight lorries, with the UK for 48 hours from midnight (23:00 GMT) on Sunday. Thousands of lorries move between the countries every day.
Eurotunnel said it would suspend access to its Folkestone terminal for traffic heading to Calais. People booked to travel on Monday can get a refund. Trains will still run from Calais to Folkestone.
The ferry terminal at Dover is now closed for all accompanied traffic leaving the UK until further notice because of the French restrictions. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson chaired a meeting of the emergency committee Cobra to discuss the issue on Monday.
Other countries took different action in response to the new virus variant:
Germany, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Austria, Bulgaria, Romania , Malta, Croatia, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia all suspended flights from the UK
, and all suspended flights from the UK One of the most popular holiday destinations for UK citizens, Spain , also suspended flights
, also suspended flights Italy blocked all flights from the UK until 6 January, while the Netherlands banned all passenger flights from the UK until 1 January "at the latest". Ferry passengers are also barred from arriving in the Netherlands from the UK, although freight can continue
blocked all flights from the UK until 6 January, while the banned all passenger flights from the UK until 1 January "at the latest". Ferry passengers are also barred from arriving in the Netherlands from the UK, although freight can continue Belgium halted flights and trains from the UK until the end of Tuesday
halted flights and trains from the UK until the end of Tuesday Greece extended its quarantine period for travellers from the UK from three days to seven
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Outbound train services through the Channel Tunnel - including the Eurostar - have been halted
In the Republic of Ireland, flights arriving from Britain are banned for 48 hours at least from midnight on Sunday and people have been asked not to "travel to Ireland, by air or sea". Ferry crossings for freight will continue
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Can you become immune to coronavirus?
Turkey has temporarily banned all flights from the UK, as have Norway and Switzerland
has temporarily banned all flights from the UK, as have and Canada has suspended entry of all passenger flights from the UK for 72 hours, effective from midnight (05:00 GMT). Passengers who arrived in Canada from the UK on Sunday would be "subject to secondary screening and enhanced measures, including increased scrutiny of quarantine plans", it said.
has suspended entry of all passenger flights from the UK for 72 hours, effective from midnight (05:00 GMT). Passengers who arrived in Canada from the UK on Sunday would be "subject to secondary screening and enhanced measures, including increased scrutiny of quarantine plans", it said. Russia is suspending flights from the UK for one week
is suspending flights from the UK for one week India is suspending flights from the UK from 23:59 (18:29 GMT) on Tuesday until 31 December
is suspending flights from the UK from 23:59 (18:29 GMT) on Tuesday until 31 December Hong Kong, Israel , Iran, Croatia, Morocco and Kuwait brought in restrictions on UK travel
, and brought in restrictions on UK travel In Latin America, Argentina , Chile , Colombia , Ecuador , El Salvador and Peru all banned flights from the UK
, , , , and all banned flights from the UK Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait went even further, closing their borders completely for a week
What do we know about the new variant?
The new variant was first detected in September. In November it made up around a quarter of cases in London. This reached nearly two-thirds of cases in mid-December.
Three things are coming together that mean it is attracting attention:
It is rapidly replacing other versions of the virus
It has mutations that affect part of the virus likely to be important
Some of those mutations have already been shown in the lab to increase the ability of the virus to infect cells
All of these come together to build a case for a virus that can spread more easily. However, we do not have absolute certainty. New strains can become more common simply by being in the right place at the right time - such as London.
This variant is unusually highly mutated. The most likely explanation is it emerged in a patient with a weakened immune system that was unable to beat the virus.
There is no evidence yet to suggest the variant makes the infection more deadly, and at least for now the developed vaccines will almost certainly work against it.
However, if the virus changes so it dodges the full effect of the vaccine, then "vaccine escape" happens, and this may be the most concerning element.
You may also find interesting
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, BBC Middle East correspondent Yolande Knell joins rehearsals for the festive processions that are still going ahead in Bethlehem
How are the new restrictions affecting you? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:


bbc--2020-12-21--The drug that fuels fighters - destroyed

A massive seizure of the drug Captagon in Italy has revealed the scale of illegal drug production in Syria .
@ @ @ @ @ ever seized , with a street value of more than $ 1bn ( £900m ) @ @ @ @ @ drug raids across the Middle East , in what appears to be a co-ordinated effort @ @ @ @ @ likely run by the Syrian regime and its allies .
The amphetamine , Captagon is @ @ @ @ @ East but is also taken by fighters who say it gives them a feeling of @ @ @ @ @ The BBC 's Middle East correspondent Quentin Sommerville gained exclusive access to the drugs ' @ @ @ @ @ Produced and edited by Fabian Chaundy and Julian Miglierini

A massive seizure of the drug Captagon in Italy has revealed the scale of illegal drug production in Syria.
It is the largest haul ever seized, with a street value of more than $1bn (£900m) and was followed by smaller drug raids across the Middle East, in what appears to be a co-ordinated effort against the lucrative narcotics trade likely run by the Syrian regime and its allies.
Both the Syrian regime and Lebanese militia Hezbollah have denied involvement in the drugs trade.
The amphetamine, Captagon is used recreationally across the Middle East but is also taken by fighters who say it gives them a feeling of invincibility on the frontlines.
The BBC's Middle East correspondent Quentin Sommerville gained exclusive access to the drugs' journey to an incinerator.
Produced and edited by Fabian Chaundy and Julian Miglierini


bbc--2020-12-21--Ariana Grande announces engagement to Dalton Gomez

The following month , the couple then became Instagram official when she posted a picture of them in each other @ @ @ @ @ social media platform .

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bbc--2020-12-21--Brexit: Trade deal talks continue as negotiators fail to reach agreement

`` We respect the sovereignty of the UK and we expect the same .
Both the EU and Britain must @ @ @ @ @ their own laws and control their own waters .
And we should both be able @ @ @ @ @ are at stake , '' Mr Barnier wrote on Twitter on Sunday .

"And the position is unchanged," Mr Johnson said. "There are problems. It's vital that everyone understands that the UK has got to be able to control its own laws completely, and also that we have got to be able to control our own fisheries."


bbc--2020-12-21--Halle synagogue attack: Germany far-right gunman jailed for life

The cantor who was leading prayer in the synagogue saw the gunman on a surveillance TV and quickly moved the @ @ @ @ @ hall .

Psychiatrist Norbert Leygraf said of Balliet, in an evaluation, that he had symptoms of schizophrenia, paranoia and autism preventing him from having "empathy with others" while feeling "superior to others", AFP news agency reported.


bbc--2020-12-21--Covid: Australian states enforce travel bans amid Sydney outbreak

In Sydney , indoor gatherings have been limited to 10 guests , and all residents have been told to minimise @ @ @ @ @ wear a mask in public spaces .
Those living in the Northern Beaches will remain @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .

In Sydney, indoor gatherings have been limited to 10 guests, and all residents have been told to minimise their social activity and to wear a mask in public spaces. Those living in the Northern Beaches will remain in lockdown until at least Wednesday.


bbc--2020-12-21--Rwanda bolsters force in CAR as rebels 'held back'

The CAR is one of Africa 's poorest and most unstable countries , even though it is rich in resources @ @ @ @ @ The UN estimates that half of the population are dependent on humanitarian assistance and up @ @ @ @ @ displaced .

The CAR is one of Africa's poorest and most unstable countries, even though it is rich in resources like diamonds and uranium. The UN estimates that half of the population are dependent on humanitarian assistance and up to a fifth have been displaced.


bbc--2020-12-21--Covid: Denmark to dig up millions of mink culled over virus

The two burial sites are highly controversial , as one is near a bathing lake and the other not far @ @ @ @ @ water .
Residents have complained about the potential risk of contamination .

The two burial sites are highly controversial, as one is near a bathing lake and the other not far from a source of drinking water. Residents have complained about the potential risk of contamination.


bbc--2020-12-21--Christmas star: Jupiter and Saturn set to align in the night sky

The timing of this conjunction , as the celestial event is known , has caused some to suggest it may have been the source of a bright light in the sky 2,000 years ago .
Keen stargazers in the UK will have to keep a close eye on the weather to avoid an astronomical disappointment .
`` Any evening it 's clear , it 's worth grabbing a chance , because the weather does n't look great , '' Dr Carolin Crawford from the University of Cambridge 's Institute of Astronomy told the BBC .
If there is a gap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will appear in the southwest sky , just above the horizon shortly after sunset .
Monday is going to be a cloudy day with rain for some and while there was some hope a few days ago that the cloud will clear away this evening , this is now looking unlikely for most .
There could be a few cloud breaks across England , the best of any clear skies will now be limited to Northern Ireland and Western Scotland .
You 'll need to look to the south west , low on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Jupiter and Saturn set below the horizon .
Is this the return of the Star of Bethlehem ?
As Prof Eric M Vanden Eykel , a professor of religion from Ferrum College in Virginia , pointed out in an online article the timing has led to a lot of speculation `` about whether this could be the same astronomical event that the Bible reports led the wise men to Joseph , Mary and the newly born Jesus '' .
That is not just modern , festive speculation .
The theory that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` Star of Wonder '' was proposed in the early 17th Century by Johannes Kepler , a German astronomer and mathematician .
`` 2,000 years ago , people were a lot more aware of what was happening in the night sky , '' said Dr Crawford , `` [ so ] it 's not impossible that the Star of Bethlehem was a planetary alignment like this '' .
How rare is the event ?
As planets cross paths on their journey around the Sun , conjunctions are not particularly rare , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are great things to see - they happen fairly often - but [ for the planets to be this close ] is quite remarkable , '' Prof Tim O'Brien , an astrophysicist from the University of Manchester , told BBC News .
The two planets - the largest in the Solar System and some of the brightest objects visible in the night sky - have not been this close to each other in a dark sky for 800 years .
And while the UK forecast is not at all conducive to star-gazing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be setting in the southwest , so you need to get out there as soon as the sky is going dark .
`` None of us is going to be around in another 400 years , so just keep an eye on the weather and pop outside if you get the chance . ''

Christmas star: Jupiter and Saturn align in the night sky Published 22 December 2020
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Image source, DETLEV VAN RAVENSWAAY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Image caption, The planets often cross paths on their journey around the Sun, but this conjunction is unusual
Jupiter and Saturn have crossed paths in the night sky, appearing to the naked eye as a "double planet".
The timing of this conjunction, as the celestial event is known, has caused some to suggest it may have been the source of a bright light in the sky 2,000 years ago.
That became known as the Star of Bethlehem.
The planets have been moving closer together each night and reached their closest point on 21 December.
Keen stargazers in the UK have been keeping a close eye on the weather to avoid an astronomical disappointment.
"Any evening it's clear, it's worth grabbing a chance, because the weather doesn't look great," Dr Carolin Crawford from the University of Cambridge's Institute of Astronomy told the BBC.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, The spectacle was captured around the world on Monday, including this image in southern Spain
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The moon, Saturn and Jupiter formed a triangle over New York City
Image source, EPA Image caption, There is a theory that the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn might be the "Star of Wonder"
Given a gap in the winter gloom, both planets would have appeared in the southwest sky, just above the horizon, shortly after sunset.
Image source, Lennox Fevre Image caption, With binoculars, Jupiter's moons can also be seen; this image was captured in Nairobi by Lennox Fevre
Is this the return of the Star of Bethlehem?
Some astronomers and theologians think so.
As Prof Eric M Vanden Eykel, a professor of religion from Ferrum College in Virginia, pointed out in an online article the timing has led to a lot of speculation "about whether this could be the same astronomical event that the Bible reports led the wise men to Joseph, Mary and the newly born Jesus".
That is not just modern, festive speculation. The theory that the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn might be the "Star of Wonder" was proposed in the early 17th Century by Johannes Kepler, a German astronomer and mathematician.
"2,000 years ago, people were a lot more aware of what was happening in the night sky," said Dr Crawford, "[so] it's not impossible that the Star of Bethlehem was a planetary alignment like this".
How rare is the event?
As planets cross paths on their journey around the Sun, conjunctions are not particularly rare, but this one is special.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Close-up images of Nasa's Jupiter mission
"Conjunctions are great things to see - they happen fairly often - but [for the planets to be this close] is quite remarkable," Prof Tim O'Brien, an astrophysicist from the University of Manchester, told BBC News.
The two planets - the largest in the Solar System and some of the brightest objects visible in the night sky - have not been this close to each other in a dark sky for 800 years.
Because of the timing of the planets setting in the southwest, Prof O'Brien said it had been necessary for stargazers to get out and observe the event as soon as the sky went dark.
"None of us is going to be around in another 400 years," he said, of the next observing opportunity.
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bbc--2020-12-21--Covid-19: Couple holds 10,000 people drive-thru wedding in Malaysia

`` Me and my family are very honoured .
Thank you all for understanding and adhering to all procedures made @ @ @ @ @ out of the car . ''


bbc--2020-12-21--Galloway Viking hoard secrets 'unwrapped' by £1m research

The textiles can be chemically tested for dye to help reconstruct lost colours that have faded over the centuries since @ @ @ @ @ be radiocarbon dated to help reconstruct the history of the objects before they were buried @

The textiles can be chemically tested for dye to help reconstruct lost colours that have faded over the centuries since burial, or they can be radiocarbon dated to help reconstruct the history of the objects before they were buried.


bbc--2020-12-21--Kyle Rittenhouse: YouTube struggles with hero worship

Other social media companies like Facebook have tight rules on what you can and ca n't say or show about @ @ @ @ @ example , has banned his name from being searched for .

Other social media companies like Facebook have tight rules on what you can and can't say or show about Rittenhouse. Facebook, for example, has banned his name from being searched for.


bbc--2020-12-20--Hamilton 'so grateful' after winning Sports Personality of the Year

Last updated on .From the section Sports Personality Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has been voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2020 .
The 35-year-old , from Stevenage , also surpassed Schumacher 's total of 91 grand prix wins .
In a public vote , Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson finished second while jockey Hollie Doyle was third .
Boxer Tyson Fury , England cricketer Stuart Broad and snooker great Ronnie O'Sullivan were also shortlisted for the main award .
`` I want to say congratulations to all the incredible nominees , '' said Hamilton .
`` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I want to say thank you to everyone that has voted for me .
`` I was n't expecting this knowing there 's so many great contenders .
`` I want to say Merry Christmas to everyone - it 's been such an unusual year and I want to mention all the front line workers and all the children round the world , I want you to try and stay positive through this difficult time , I 'm sending you all positivity .
Thank you from the bottom of my heart .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our live text • None Moments of triumph : Your personal stories and videos from 2020 It is the second time Hamilton has been crowned Sports Personality of the Year , having first won the award in 2014 .
He is also a four-time runner-up , most recently in 2019 .
Hamilton , who holds the record for most pole positions , won 11 of the 17 grands prix during the 2020 season , which started four months late because of the coronavirus pandemic .
He achieved three further podium finishes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Hamilton also paid tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore , who was honoured with the Helen Rollason Award for his incredible fundraising efforts during lockdown , Young Unsung Hero winner Tobias Weller , and Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford , who won a special award .
`` There 's so many great stories out there , '' said Hamilton .
`` And so I truly was n't expecting it .
`` Your heart 's always pumping in those last few seconds when they 're announcing because you have absolutely no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am so , so , so grateful to the British public .
`` This definitely goes a long way to giving me the best Christmas that I can have given the circumstances . ''
Henderson 's runner-up spot came after his Liverpool side were named top team while manager Jurgen Klopp won coach of the year .
After picking up the trophy for finishing third , Doyle said : `` It felt unbelievable but felt like it was n't for myself but for our industry as a whole , which I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Sports Personality of the Year 2020 was broadcast live from MediaCityUK , Salford , in front of a 1,000-strong virtual audience and millions of BBC One viewers .
Football pundit Alex Scott joined the presenting line-up alongside Gary Lineker , Clare Balding and Gabby Logan to look back on a truly unusual year of sport .
• None Stream all the goals and highlights from Saturday 's Premier League action now

Last updated on .From the section Sports Personality
Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has been voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2020.
One of F1's all-time great drivers, he equalled Michael Schumacher's record of seven world titles with his fourth consecutive championship in 2020.
The 35-year-old, from Stevenage, also surpassed Schumacher's total of 91 grand prix wins.
In a public vote, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson finished second while jockey Hollie Doyle was third.
Boxer Tyson Fury, England cricketer Stuart Broad and snooker great Ronnie O'Sullivan were also shortlisted for the main award.
"I want to say congratulations to all the incredible nominees," said Hamilton. "I'm so proud of what they have achieved and I want to say thank you to everyone that has voted for me.
"I wasn't expecting this knowing there's so many great contenders.
"I want to say Merry Christmas to everyone - it's been such an unusual year and I want to mention all the front line workers and all the children round the world, I want you to try and stay positive through this difficult time, I'm sending you all positivity. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
It is the second time Hamilton has been crowned Sports Personality of the Year, having first won the award in 2014.
He is also a four-time runner-up, most recently in 2019.
Hamilton, who holds the record for most pole positions, won 11 of the 17 grands prix during the 2020 season, which started four months late because of the coronavirus pandemic. He achieved three further podium finishes.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast's Sally Nugent, Hamilton also paid tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore, who was honoured with the Helen Rollason Award for his incredible fundraising efforts during lockdown, Young Unsung Hero winner Tobias Weller, and Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford, who won a special award.
"There's so many great stories out there," said Hamilton. "And so I truly wasn't expecting it.
"Your heart's always pumping in those last few seconds when they're announcing because you have absolutely no idea who was called in. But I am so, so, so grateful to the British public.
"This definitely goes a long way to giving me the best Christmas that I can have given the circumstances."
Henderson's runner-up spot came after his Liverpool side were named top team while manager Jurgen Klopp won coach of the year.
After picking up the trophy for finishing third, Doyle said: "It felt unbelievable but felt like it wasn't for myself but for our industry as a whole, which I'm proud to be part of."
The Sports Personality of the Year 2020 was broadcast live from MediaCityUK, Salford, in front of a 1,000-strong virtual audience and millions of BBC One viewers.
Football pundit Alex Scott joined the presenting line-up alongside Gary Lineker, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan to look back on a truly unusual year of sport.
Other award winners at Sports Personality 2020
Helen Rollason Award: Captain Sir Tom Moore
Expert Special Panel Award: Marcus Rashford
Coach of the Year: Jurgen Klopp
Team of the Year: Liverpool FC
Unsung Hero: Sgt Matt Ratana
Captain Tom Young Unsung Hero: Tobias Weller
Young Sports Personality of the Year: Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix


bbc--2020-12-21--Kallis joins England coaching team for Sri Lanka tour

Last updated on .From the section Cricket South Africa legend Jacques Kallis will join England as batting consultant for their @ @ @ @ @ January .
Kallis has coached Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League and worked @ @ @ @ @ , but was not part of the Proteas set-up for England 's recent tour .
@ @ @ @ @ Sri Lanka before going on to tour India .
Kallis will work under head coach @ @ @ @ @ coach Paul Collingwood , wicketkeeping consultant James Foster , fielding coach Carl Hopkinson , bowling @ @ @ @ @ bowling consultant Jeetan Patel .
Both Tests will be played in Galle , starting on @ @ @ @ @ .

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
Jacques Kallis (left) averaged 55.37 with the bat in 166 Tests for South Africa from 1995 to 2013
South Africa legend Jacques Kallis will join England as batting consultant for their tour of Sri Lanka in January.
The 45-year-old is third on the all-time list of Test run-scorers with 13,289. He also took 292 wickets.
Kallis has coached Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League and worked with the South Africa team, but was not part of the Proteas set-up for England's recent tour.
England play two Tests in Sri Lanka before going on to tour India.
Kallis will work under head coach Chris Silverwood and alongside assistant coach Paul Collingwood, wicketkeeping consultant James Foster, fielding coach Carl Hopkinson, bowling coach Jon Lewis and spin bowling consultant Jeetan Patel.
Both Tests will be played in Galle, starting on 14 January and 22 January.


bbc--2020-12-21--Westwood named European Tour Golfer of the Year

Last updated on .From the section Golf Lee Westwood has been named 2020 European Tour Golfer of the Year .
Westwood began the year with victory at the Abu Dhabi Championship in January , and ended it by winning the Race to Dubai after finishing runner-up to Matt Fitzpatrick in the DP World Tour Championship this month .
The 10-time Ryder Cup player also hosted the British Masters for the second time at Close House in July .
The tournament marked the full resumption of the European Tour 's 2020 season following a three month pause because of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number one in 2000 and 2009 , with the span of 20 years between his first and most recent Harry Vardon Trophy surpassing the previous record of 15 years held by Seve Ballesteros .
His longevity was further underlined by the fact he also became the oldest winner of the Race to Dubai at the age of 47 years , seven months and 20 days .
`` I am very honoured and extremely flattered to have been named European Tour Golfer of the Year as I know the competition for the award this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Westwood said .
`` Thank you to the media for voting for me and also huge congratulations again to everyone at the European Tour who did a tremendous job this year managing to put on a full international schedule under such difficult times .
`` I never forget that I am extremely fortunate to do a job which I love , and which has sent me around the world playing in the most amazing places and meeting some wonderful people , so to win this award is very humbling . ''
Keith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Tour , said : `` Lee has been an incredible ambassador for golf and for the European Tour , not just throughout 2020 but also across his entire career .
`` His performances and his professionalism are matched by his longevity and his commitment to European golf . ''
• None Stream all the goals and highlights from a huge day of Premier League games now

Last updated on .From the section Golf
Westwood won a third Race to Dubai title this month
Lee Westwood has been named 2020 European Tour Golfer of the Year.
It is the fourth time the 47-year-old Englishman has won the award.
Westwood began the year with victory at the Abu Dhabi Championship in January, and ended it by winning the Race to Dubai after finishing runner-up to Matt Fitzpatrick in the DP World Tour Championship this month.
The 10-time Ryder Cup player also hosted the British Masters for the second time at Close House in July.
The tournament marked the full resumption of the European Tour's 2020 season following a three month pause because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Westwood was previously crowned European number one in 2000 and 2009, with the span of 20 years between his first and most recent Harry Vardon Trophy surpassing the previous record of 15 years held by Seve Ballesteros.
His longevity was further underlined by the fact he also became the oldest winner of the Race to Dubai at the age of 47 years, seven months and 20 days.
"I am very honoured and extremely flattered to have been named European Tour Golfer of the Year as I know the competition for the award this year would have been extremely high," Westwood said.
"Thank you to the media for voting for me and also huge congratulations again to everyone at the European Tour who did a tremendous job this year managing to put on a full international schedule under such difficult times.
"I never forget that I am extremely fortunate to do a job which I love, and which has sent me around the world playing in the most amazing places and meeting some wonderful people, so to win this award is very humbling."
Keith Pelley, chief executive officer of the European Tour, said: "Lee has been an incredible ambassador for golf and for the European Tour, not just throughout 2020 but also across his entire career.
"His performances and his professionalism are matched by his longevity and his commitment to European golf."


bbc--2020-12-21--Covid-19 pandemic: International alarm grows over new variant

In another development , travellers from South Africa are also facing bars from some countries after another new variant of @ @ @ @ @ is unrelated to the one found in the UK .

The US already has restrictions in place that prevent most non-US citizens who have been in the UK and some other countries for the last 14 days from entering. It is yet to follow suit with a ban on all travellers from the UK, but two airlines - British Airways and Delta - will only allow passengers who test negative for the coronavirus to fly to New York's John F Kennedy airport.


bbc--2020-12-21--Covid: US President-elect Joe Biden gets vaccine live on TV

Roughly three million doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been shipped and more than 500,000 Americans have been vaccinated so @ @ @ @ @ CDC .
And on Sunday , distribution of the Moderna vaccine began in the country @ @ @ @ @ million vaccine doses available for immediate shipment .

On Friday, more than 100 doctors at Stanford Medical Center protested against the university's plan for vaccine distribution. They say only seven of more than 1,300 residents - recent graduates of medical school - were selected to receive the vaccine in the first round of 5,000 doses. Hospital administrators and doctors working from home were given priority over those working directly with Covid-19 patients, according to the protesters.


bbc--2020-12-21--UK sees travel shutdown over virus threat

All of these come together to build a case for a virus that can spread more easily .
However , @ @ @ @ @ certainty .
New strains can become more common simply by being in the right place @ @ @ @ @ such as London .


bbc--2020-12-22--Lockerbie bombing: Alleged bomb-maker charged on 32nd anniversary of attack

According to the FBI , the alleged bomb-maker Mr Masud is said to have admitted in his jailhouse confession that @ @ @ @ @ investigators say were wrapped around the bomb in the Samsonsite suitcase .

The documentary alleged that Mr Masud had also been linked to a bombing at a disco in West Berlin in 1986, which killed three people. It also reported that he was imprisoned in Libya over his role in the 2011 uprising that ousted Gaddafi.


bbc--2020-12-21--SLS: Crucial test for Nasa's 'mega-rocket'

It is all designed to mimic as closely as possible what would happen in the hours prior to a real @ @ @ @ @ just trying to get as much data as we can so that , on the @ @ @ @ @ further .
And we want to find anything that could be improved during this wet @ @ @ @ @ , '' Ryan McKibben , Green Run test conductor for Nasa , told BBC News @

It is all designed to mimic as closely as possible what would happen in the hours prior to a real flight. "We're just trying to get as much data as we can so that, on the next run, we get further. And we want to find anything that could be improved during this wet dress to prepare for hotfire," Ryan McKibben, Green Run test conductor for Nasa, told BBC News.


bbc--2020-12-21--Russian agent 'tricked into detailing assassination bid'

Mr Kudryavtsev told him the swift response of the airline pilot and the emergency medical team in Omsk , Siberia @ @ @ @ @ first treated - could have been the reason for the failure to kill him .

Mr Kudryavtsev told him the swift response of the airline pilot and the emergency medical team in Omsk, Siberia - where Mr Navalny was first treated - could have been the reason for the failure to kill him.


bbc--2020-12-21--Christmas star: Jupiter and Saturn align in the night sky

The timing of this conjunction , as the celestial event is known , has caused some to suggest it may have been the source of a bright light in the sky 2,000 years ago .
`` Any evening it 's clear , it 's worth grabbing a chance , because the weather does n't look great , '' Dr Carolin Crawford from the University of Cambridge 's Institute of Astronomy told the BBC .
Given a gap in the winter gloom , both planets would have appeared in the southwest sky , just above the horizon , shortly after sunset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Star of Bethlehem ?
As Prof Eric M Vanden Eykel , a professor of religion from Ferrum College in Virginia , pointed out in an online article the timing has led to a lot of speculation `` about whether this could be the same astronomical event that the Bible reports led the wise men to Joseph , Mary and the newly born Jesus '' .
That is not just modern , festive speculation .
The theory that the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn might be the `` Star of Wonder '' was proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kepler , a German astronomer and mathematician .
`` 2,000 years ago , people were a lot more aware of what was happening in the night sky , '' said Dr Crawford , `` [ so ] it 's not impossible that the Star of Bethlehem was a planetary alignment like this '' .
How rare is the event ?
As planets cross paths on their journey around the Sun , conjunctions are not particularly rare , but this one is special .
`` Conjunctions are great things to see - they happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planets to be this close ] is quite remarkable , '' Prof Tim O'Brien , an astrophysicist from the University of Manchester , told BBC News .
The two planets - the largest in the Solar System and some of the brightest objects visible in the night sky - have not been this close to each other in a dark sky for 800 years .
Because of the timing of the planets setting in the southwest , Prof O'Brien said it had been necessary for stargazers to get out and observe the event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .


bbc--2020-12-21--Wonder Woman sequel falters at international box office

In the UK for example , only around a quarter of cinemas were open and in a position to screen @ @ @ @ @

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bbc--2020-12-21--NZ killer of British backpacker guilty of more attacks

She told the court : `` I was just frozen and I let him do what he needed to do @ @ @ @ @ go to sleep or go home as soon as possible . ''

She told the court: "I was just frozen and I let him do what he needed to do so I could try and go to sleep or go home as soon as possible."


bbc--2020-12-21--Covid: Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine approved for EU states

Most of the side effects are very mild , similar to those after any other vaccine and usually last for @ @ @ @ @ said Prof Sir Munir Pirmohamed , chairman of the UK 's Commission on Human Medicine @ @ @ @ @ an interview earlier this month .

Most of the side effects are very mild, similar to those after any other vaccine and usually last for a day or so, said Prof Sir Munir Pirmohamed, chairman of the UK's Commission on Human Medicine expert working group, in an interview earlier this month.


bbc--2020-12-21--Brexit: Johnson resists calls to extend transition into 2021

`` And the position is unchanged , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` There are problems .
It 's vital @ @ @ @ @ UK has got to be able to control its own laws completely , and also @ @ @ @ @ be able to control our own fisheries . ''

"And the position is unchanged," Mr Johnson said. "There are problems. It's vital that everyone understands that the UK has got to be able to control its own laws completely, and also that we have got to be able to control our own fisheries."


bbc--2020-12-22--How a young girl's fairy house sparked a magical friendship

When four-year-old Eliana created a fairy garden outside her California home at the start of the pandemic , she soon @ @ @ @ @ from a fairy named Sapphire - launching months of correspondence and a real-life fairytale friendship @

When four-year-old Eliana created a fairy garden outside her California home at the start of the pandemic, she soon began finding notes and gifts from a fairy named Sapphire - launching months of correspondence and a real-life fairytale friendship.
Video by Alexandra Ostasiewicz


bbc--2020-12-21--Nigeria's Panels of Inquiry: One mother's long road to justice

After weeks of protests in Nigeria , several states across the country have set up Panels of Inquiry to investigate @ @ @ @ @ Many families are hopeful these panels will give them the justice they have been looking @ @ @ @ @ whose son has been missing since his arrest in 2007 , is one of them @

After weeks of protests in Nigeria, several states across the country have set up Panels of Inquiry to investigate incidents of police brutality.
Many families are hopeful these panels will give them the justice they have been looking for.
Patience Mbang, whose son has been missing since his arrest in 2007, is one of them.
BBC Africa's Yemisi Adegoke reports.
Filmed and edited by Joshua Akinyemi.


bbc--2020-12-21--Biden gets Covid vaccine: 'Nothing to worry about'

US President-elect Joe Biden had his first dose of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine at a hospital in Newark , Delaware @ @ @ @ @ he stressed that American public should take the vaccine when it becomes widely available .
@ @ @ @ @ Jill , also received her inoculation on Monday .
Vice-President elect Kamala Harris and her @ @ @ @ @ are set to receive their first dose of the vaccine next week .

US President-elect Joe Biden had his first dose of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine at a hospital in Newark, Delaware.
Following his shot, he stressed that American public should take the vaccine when it becomes widely available.
Mr Biden's wife, Jill, also received her inoculation on Monday.
Vice-President elect Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, are set to receive their first dose of the vaccine next week.


bbc--2020-12-22--Will pregnant women receive the Covid-19 vaccine? It depends

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has urged the UK government to fund research studies on the vaccine and @ @ @ @ @ breastfeeding women .
And data will also be collected from pregnant and breastfeeding women in @ @ @ @ @ take the vaccine in the coming months .
This will come first from the country @ @ @ @ @ the first in the US to be eligible - some 330,000 of whom are estimated @ @ @ @ @ .

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has urged the UK government to fund research studies on the vaccine and its suitability for pregnant and breastfeeding women. And data will also be collected from pregnant and breastfeeding women in the US who elect to take the vaccine in the coming months. This will come first from the country's healthcare workers - among the first in the US to be eligible - some 330,000 of whom are estimated to be pregnant or breastfeeding.


bbc--2020-12-21--Coronavirus, Brexit, Christmas: How a dramatic week unfolded in the UK

Unlike the first lockdown in the spring , there have been no signs of panic buying - lettuce might be @ @ @ @ @ the event of any shortages , but that is clearly not alarming the British public @

So here's where we are with that: the European Union and the UK are still negotiating over a trade deal that would set out the terms for their future relationship. These talks have been going on for a while and even extended on a few occasions, but now a hard deadline is looming.


bbc--2020-12-22--1,000 lost on one boat - this woman hopes to name them

`` The boat pulled away .
But then it turned around .
The captain called out that they were overloaded @ @ @ @ @ him to leave - he said if the captain did n't go , he would @ @ @ @ @ .
The trafficker drew his gun and shot into the air .
Until 10am we @ @ @ @ @ in the distance . ''

"The boat pulled away. But then it turned around. The captain called out that they were overloaded. The trafficker just ordered him to leave - he said if the captain didn't go, he would kill him on the spot. The trafficker drew his gun and shot into the air. Until 10am we could still see the boat in the distance."


bbc--2020-12-22--Covid: Thanksgiving the cause of a spike in US infections?

What you can see from the graph is that because of reporting delays around the holiday period , there was @ @ @ @ @ followed by a catch-up period .
But overall , cases rose by about 20 % @ @ @ @ @ Thanksgiving - about the same increase as over the two weeks prior to 26 November @

What you can see from the graph is that because of reporting delays around the holiday period, there was a flattening of the curve followed by a catch-up period. But overall, cases rose by about 20% in the two weeks following Thanksgiving - about the same increase as over the two weeks prior to 26 November.


bbc--2020-12-22--Tanzania 'using Twitter's copyright policy to silence activists'

Before he won a second term in the controversial election in October , Mr Magufuli 's government passed laws such @ @ @ @ @ and Cyber Crimes Act which require the development of an online register of all bloggers @ @ @ @ @ to install CCTV cameras and impose fines on those that fail to comply .