bbc--2020-01-23--League One Tranmere shock Watford to set up Man Utd tie

League One Tranmere shocked Premier League Watford in an FA Cup third-round replay to set up a tie against 12-time winners Manchester United .
In a game rescheduled from earlier in the month because of a waterlogged pitch , Rovers capitalised on a hugely under-strength Hornets and best navigated a dire , sand-covered Prenton Park surface to finally settle the tie in extra time .
Substitute striker Paul Mullin , who came off the bench to score a late penalty at Vicarage Road and complete a remarkable Rovers comeback from 3-0 down to set up this replay , went one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the extra 30 .
The Hornets had come back themselves in normal time , with Kaylen Hinds firing in through a mass of players to level after Emmanuel Monthe had given the home side the lead .
The silver lining for Nigel Pearson 's side is that they will not have to play what would have been a fourth game in nine days in the fourth round on Sunday , and will instead be able to focus all their efforts on avoiding relegation from the top flight .
Tranmere , though , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the weekend , hosting Manchester United with an even greater shock in mind and on a pitch unlike any other the Red Devils will have played on this campaign .
This FA Cup run has been something to savour in what has been an otherwise tough season back in League One for Tranmere .
The club have been on an upward trajectory over the past two campaigns , returning to the Football League in 2018-19 after three seasons in the National League and then following that up with a second successive promotion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have won just five of 25 league games since then and sit 21st in the League One table .
However , both the original tie and this replay have showcased the battling spirit that Micky Mellon has instilled in his players .
And on a sandy , rapidly deteriorating surface such as this , that appetite for battle was key .
They won tackles , stuck a boot in where their opponents would not and remained alive to the opportunities that chaos can create in a minefield of a penalty area .
Blackett-Taylor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went close before defender Monthe - also a scorer in the original tie - struck his opener in the first half , and they did not wilt when Watford levelled in the second .
They could easily have won the tie in normal time , but Mullin hit the outside of the post from a tight angle and Danns fired just past the far post with seconds left .
They were not to be denied , though , as Mullin timed his run to perfection to meet a flicked on cross from Liam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth round and the chance to show what they have got against a struggling Manchester United .
`` I do n't think it 's an opportunity because of the form United are in .
I know they have a threat .
We have to make sure we are ready , '' said Mellon .
`` We will give it everything we have got .
There is no doubt we will be up against a good side .
`` We have to go out there and understand that is what will come here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are a League One club , at the bottom end of League One , but we are going to give it everything we 've got .
`` We will try to represent the club again and the players will run their socks off again and who knows ? ''
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side will not relish the prospect of facing Tranmere on this pitch .
The FA Cup represents one of United 's main potential avenues to silverware this season and you would therefore expect Solskjaer to field a stronger XI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But they will face the same , alien problems of inconsistent bounce and roll on a surface that is as much sand as grass .
Plus , they come into the tie at arguably the lowest moment of Solskjaer 's time at the club , having meekly lost their last two games - at fierce rivals Liverpool and then at home against Burnley .
Clearly , Solskjaer has the superior players at his disposal but Tranmere will have the bit between their teeth and a leveller beneath their feet .
Precariously placed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at relegation rivals Villa , this was a game Watford could have done without , and one they should have avoided in the first place .
Leading 3-0 at half-time in the original fixture at Vicarage Road , their place in round four was essentially booked , before their second-half capitulation allowed Tranmere parity and a replay .
When the elements then intervened and the game on 14 January was postponed , it left the Hornets facing a horror run of fixtures at a crucial juncture in their season .
No wonder then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes from the defeat at Villa , with Christian Kabasele , Jose Holebas and Andre Gray the most recognisable first-team figures in a team largely comprised of under-23 players .
As an indication of how deeply the Watford boss dug into his squad , the average shirt number for the 18 named in the match-day squad was 38 , with the highest on display the 72 sported by unused substitute Andi Janjeva .
None of them particularly covered themselves in glory , never fully getting to grips with their opponents or environment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefest of flashes and drew a good save out of home keeper Scott Davies , who was also called into action to superbly palm away a curling Callum Whelan shot in extra time , while Holebas hit the post with an angled drive .
But these were rare moments of attacking flair in an encounter that will be quickly forgotten if the returning first team can return to winning ways in the league in nine days ' time .
`` It was a tough game , '' said Pearson .
`` We learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I thought the senior players were excellent .
`` Congratulations to Tranmere .
For people who possibly thought we were n't too interested in it , we were but we could n't risk too many first-team players . ''
Pearson also dismissed any notion that the pitch was to blame for the loss , adding ; `` It is the same for everyone .
They showed a lot of energy and desire .
In the first half we were second-best in terms of desire . ''
Tranmere welcome Manchester United to Prenton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off at 15:00 GMT on Sunday .
Watford get a short break from action to lick their wounds before hosting Everton in the Premier League on Saturday , 1 February .

League One Tranmere shocked Premier League Watford in an FA Cup third-round replay to set up a tie against 12-time winners Manchester United.
In a game rescheduled from earlier in the month because of a waterlogged pitch, Rovers capitalised on a hugely under-strength Hornets and best navigated a dire, sand-covered Prenton Park surface to finally settle the tie in extra time.
Substitute striker Paul Mullin, who came off the bench to score a late penalty at Vicarage Road and complete a remarkable Rovers comeback from 3-0 down to set up this replay, went one better with a headed winner 14 minutes into the extra 30.
The Hornets had come back themselves in normal time, with Kaylen Hinds firing in through a mass of players to level after Manny Monthe had given the home side the lead.
The silver lining for Nigel Pearson's side is that they will not have to play what would have been a fourth game in nine days in the fourth round on Sunday, and will instead be able to focus all their efforts on avoiding relegation from the top flight.
Tranmere, though, get to do this all over again at the weekend, hosting Manchester United with an even greater shock in mind and on a pitch unlike any other the Red Devils will have played on this campaign.
Rovers dig deep again
This FA Cup run has been something to savour in what has been an otherwise tough season back in League One for Tranmere.
The club have been on an upward trajectory over the past two campaigns, returning to the Football League in 2018-19 after three seasons in the National League and then following that up with a second successive promotion to the third tier.
But they have won just five of 25 league games since then and sit 21st in the League One table.
However, both the original tie and this replay have showcased the battling spirit that Micky Mellon has instilled in his players. And on a sandy, rapidly deteriorating surface such as this, that appetite for battle was key.
They won tackles, stuck a boot in where their opponents would not and remained alive to the opportunities that chaos can create in a minefield of a penalty area.
Blackett-Taylor and 37-year-old veteran midfielder Neil Danns both went close before defender Monthe - also a scorer in the original tie - struck his opener in the first half, and they did not wilt when Watford levelled in the second.
They could easily have won the tie in normal time, but Mullin hit the outside of the post from a tight angle and Danns fired just past the far post with seconds left.
They were not to be denied, though, as Mullin timed his run to perfection to meet a flicked on cross from Liam Ridehalgh and head his side into the fourth round and the chance to show what they have got against a struggling Manchester United.
"I don't think it's an opportunity because of the form United are in. I know they have a threat. We have to make sure we are ready," said Mellon.
"We will give it everything we have got. There is no doubt we will be up against a good side.
"We have to go out there and understand that is what will come here. They are an unbelievable football club and we are a League One club, at the bottom end of League One, but we are going to give it everything we've got.
"We will try to represent the club again and the players will run their socks off again and who knows?"
An unenviable task for Man Utd
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side will not relish the prospect of facing Tranmere on this pitch.
The FA Cup represents one of United's main potential avenues to silverware this season and you would therefore expect Solskjaer to field a stronger XI than Watford did for this game.
But they will face the same, alien problems of inconsistent bounce and roll on a surface that is as much sand as grass.
Plus, they come into the tie at arguably the lowest moment of Solskjaer's time at the club, having meekly lost their last two games - at fierce rivals Liverpool and then at home against Burnley.
Clearly, Solskjaer has the superior players at his disposal but Tranmere will have the bit between their teeth and a leveller beneath their feet.
Second-string Hornets stung
Kaylen Hinds joined Watford in August 2019 following a spell in Germany with Wolfsburg
Precariously placed in the Premier League and having just lost at relegation rivals Villa, this was a game Watford could have done without, and one they should have avoided in the first place.
Leading 3-0 at half-time in the original fixture at Vicarage Road, their place in round four was essentially booked, before their second-half capitulation allowed Tranmere parity and a replay.
When the elements then intervened and the game on 14 January was postponed, it left the Hornets facing a horror run of fixtures at a crucial juncture in their season.
No wonder then that Pearson opted to make so many changes from the defeat at Villa, with Christian Kabasele, Jose Holebas and Andre Gray the most recognisable first-team figures in a team largely comprised of under-23 players.
As an indication of how deeply the Watford boss dug into his squad, the average shirt number for the 18 named in the match-day squad was 38, with the highest on display the 72 sported by unused substitute Andi Janjeva.
None of them particularly covered themselves in glory, never fully getting to grips with their opponents or environment.
Teenage Brazilian forward Joao Pedro showed the briefest of flashes and drew a good save out of home keeper Scott Davies, who was also called into action to superbly palm away a curling Callum Whelan shot in extra time, while Holebas hit the post with an angled drive.
But these were rare moments of attacking flair in an encounter that will be quickly forgotten if the returning first team can return to winning ways in the league in nine days' time.
"It was a tough game," said Pearson. "We learned a lot about our young players tonight and I thought the senior players were excellent.
"Congratulations to Tranmere. For people who possibly thought we weren't too interested in it, we were but we couldn't risk too many first-team players."
Pearson also dismissed any notion that the pitch was to blame for the loss, adding; "It is the same for everyone. They showed a lot of energy and desire. In the first half we were second-best in terms of desire."
Man of the match - Manny Monthe (Tranmere)
Monthe scored the opener and then stood tall to help keep Watford at bay with four clearances
What's next?
Tranmere welcome Manchester United to Prenton Park for the fourth-round tie, kicking off at 15:00 GMT on Sunday. Watford get a short break from action to lick their wounds before hosting Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, 1 February.


bbc--2020-01-23--Report into Saracens breaching salary cap released - what are the key points?

Premiership Rugby has released the report into Saracens ' breaches of the league 's salary cap that led to their 35-point deduction and £5.36m fine , and paved the way for their subsequent relegation .
Saracens said they were `` keen '' for the report to be published , with chairman Neil Golding saying it would `` provide much-needed context and clarity '' .
Premiership Rugby ( PRL ) chief executive Darren Childs said : `` We are pleased to be able to finally publish the full judgement .
`` Now that everyone can see the details , the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firm action to enforce the regulations and our management of the salary cap has been endorsed by the panel . ''
So what have we learned from the 103-page document , which covered the last three seasons ?
Here is a summary of what has emerged .
• 'We should have been far better ' - Wray sorry for Saracens approach to salary cap Although confidential information is redacted in the version published by PRL , the identities of those involved in the deals are in the public domain because of the full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several new pieces of information revealed in the judgement : • Saracens ' overspend was more than £1.1m in 2016-17 ; £98,000 in 2017-18 ; and £906,000 in 2018-19 .
• PRL initially wanted each breach to be treated separately but the panel decided this would have led to a 'disproportionate ' sanction of 70 points .
It decided 35 points was the right decision , which PRL accepted .
• Former chairman Nigel Wray made almost £924,000 of contributions to property co-investments with players • Part of the breaches surrounded image-rights deals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • A previously unknown property-sharing arrangement between the club 's former owner and Wray and another player is revealed More on those £924,000 contributions The total contribution to property co-investments with players was £923,947.63 .
The names of the players are redacted , but the figures are £451,188.92 , £219,932.36 and £252,826.35 .
In this section of the report , the starkly contrasting positions of PRL salary cap manager Andrew Rogers and Wray are detailed .
Rogers says there was a `` misconceived '' and `` concerted and deliberate attempt '' to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Wray contested this view , saying he entered into `` bona fide commercial transactions '' - not for `` an additional reward '' for players .
He said : `` While it is important to me to help the club 's players prepare for a life outside rugby and it is certainly the case that where I know and trust an individual , I am more favourably disposed to an idea they pitch to me and to entering into a business relationship with them , my motivations when making investment decisions are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both positions , the panel ruled that `` we are satisfied that these capital contributions were salary '' , relying on its finding that the loan from Wray was not repayable in the salary cap year .
In the report , it emerges part of the overspend in the 2018-19 salary cap year related to the image rights valuation of a player .
It says Rogers identified £800,000 of salary `` on the basis of an alleged overpayment by Mr Wray , Mr Silvester [ Saracens director Dominic Silvester ] and Mr Leslau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saracens until September 2019 ] '' - for `` 30 % of the shares in [ redacted ] '' .
Rogers disputed the purchase price , but Wray and Leslau both defended the valuation they had used .
The panel decided `` Mr Rogers was reasonably entitled to conclude that the purchase price for the [ redacted ] shares was above the true market value to the extent of £800,000 '' .
The report also looks at the activity of a hospitality business called MBN Promotions - which has since become Premier Team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's daughter Lucy and her husband Tony .
Lucy Mercey - formerly Lucy Wray - was , until Thursday , a director of Saracens .
MBN paid a player £30,000 in 2016-17 , £30,000 in 2017-18 and £35,000 in 2018-19 , but details of these payments or the relevant agreement between MBN and the player were not disclosed .
The report also states `` no evidence was provided by Saracens to show any events that [ player ] had in fact attended '' .
Saracens accepted this was an `` oversight '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the club 's position was these payments were `` arm 's length commercial transactions '' and should not be deemed salary .
The panel rejected Saracens ' challenge that the three payments should not be included in the salary cap .
Co-owned £1.35m property to be lived in by player This section of the report concerns a sum of £319,600.76 relating to a 20 % stake in a £1.35m property lived in by a player .
It states Wray and fellow Saracens director Silvester each provided 10 % of the purchase price , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £234,223 for refurbishment work on the property .
In May 2019 , Saracens disclosed to PRL a `` Declaration of Trust in respect of the property '' .
Rogers made the case that there had been `` a payment of salary of £319,600 '' in the 2017-18 salary cap year , because it was a benefit in kind .
In outlining this position , he said the sum deferred was a loan , that it was `` doubtful '' the player would have been able to secure such a loan elsewhere , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Saracens disputed this , saying that this was an `` entirely arm 's length commercial bargain '' .
A considerable portion of the Saracens judgement concerns the club 's challenge `` that the salary cap provided for by the regulations is illegal on the grounds that it is contrary to competition law '' .
How did the panel reach the penalty decision ?
In reaching its decision on what the penalty for the breaches should be , the panel heard evidence from salary cap manager Rogers and Saracens .
Rogers said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` open and transparent '' and said the club had been `` reckless in its approach to the salary cap '' .
In this section , the panel notes Saracens ' breaches were `` not deliberate , but in our view they were reckless '' , that Saracens had not admitted any of the breaches , that they were charged with a failure to co-operate in 2015 ( leading to a settlement and sanctions ) and that they had not fully cooperated with Rogers .
It uses the analogy that Saracens were issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2015 , and therefore `` the repeated failure to disclose breaches , which it has admitted , make the position all the more stark '' .
Saracens argued that to deduct points for `` technical '' breaches was `` unfair punishment and is contrary to the spirit and underlying purpose of the regulations '' .
The panel disagreed with this view .
Despite viewing the breaches as `` very serious '' , the panel ultimately decided that imposing a 70-point deduction would be `` disproportionate '' and that a 35-point deduction would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the breaches '' over the three seasons covered by the report .
Saracens were subsequently handed automatic relegation for next season as they would not have not been in compliance with the salary cap this season as well .
There was no panel decision for this , as it was a Premiership Rugby decision which Saracens agreed to .

Saracens won the Premiership and Champions Cup last season
Premiership Rugby has released the report into Saracens' breaches of the league's salary cap that led to their 35-point deduction and £5.36m fine, and paved the way for their subsequent relegation.
Saracens said they were "keen" for the report to be published, with chairman Neil Golding saying it would "provide much-needed context and clarity".
Premiership Rugby (PRL) chief executive Darren Childs said: "We are pleased to be able to finally publish the full judgement.
"Now that everyone can see the details, the decision will show that Premiership Rugby has taken firm action to enforce the regulations and our management of the salary cap has been endorsed by the panel."
So what have we learned from the 103-page document, which covered the last three seasons? Here is a summary of what has emerged.
The key information
Although confidential information is redacted in the version published by PRL, the identities of those involved in the deals are in the public domain because of the full report having been leaked.
There are several new pieces of information revealed in the judgement:
Saracens' overspend was more than £1.1m in 2016-17; £98,000 in 2017-18; and £906,000 in 2018-19.
PRL initially wanted each breach to be treated separately but the panel decided this would have led to a 'disproportionate' sanction of 70 points. It decided 35 points was the right decision, which PRL accepted.
Former chairman Nigel Wray made almost £924,000 of contributions to property co-investments with players
Part of the breaches surrounded image-rights deals and hospitality payments relating to a player
A previously unknown property-sharing arrangement between the club's former owner and Wray and another player is revealed
More on those £924,000 contributions
The total contribution to property co-investments with players was £923,947.63. The names of the players are redacted, but the figures are £451,188.92, £219,932.36 and £252,826.35.
In this section of the report, the starkly contrasting positions of PRL salary cap manager Andrew Rogers and Wray are detailed.
Rogers says there was a "misconceived" and "concerted and deliberate attempt" to take those contributions outside of the salary structure.
Wray contested this view, saying he entered into "bona fide commercial transactions" - not for "an additional reward" for players.
He said: "While it is important to me to help the club's players prepare for a life outside rugby and it is certainly the case that where I know and trust an individual, I am more favourably disposed to an idea they pitch to me and to entering into a business relationship with them, my motivations when making investment decisions are ultimately always commercial."
Having regarded both positions, the panel ruled that "we are satisfied that these capital contributions were salary", relying on its finding that the loan from Wray was not repayable in the salary cap year.
An £800,000 overspend on image-rights valuations
In the report, it emerges part of the overspend in the 2018-19 salary cap year related to the image rights valuation of a player.
It says Rogers identified £800,000 of salary "on the basis of an alleged overpayment by Mr Wray, Mr Silvester [Saracens director Dominic Silvester] and Mr Leslau [Nicholas Leslau, a director of Saracens until September 2019]" - for "30% of the shares in [redacted]".
Rogers disputed the purchase price, but Wray and Leslau both defended the valuation they had used.
The panel decided "Mr Rogers was reasonably entitled to conclude that the purchase price for the [redacted] shares was above the true market value to the extent of £800,000".
Plus £95,000 of hospitality payments
The report also looks at the activity of a hospitality business called MBN Promotions - which has since become Premier Team Promotions Ltd and is owned by Wray's daughter Lucy and her husband Tony. Lucy Mercey - formerly Lucy Wray - was, until Thursday, a director of Saracens.
MBN paid a player £30,000 in 2016-17, £30,000 in 2017-18 and £35,000 in 2018-19, but details of these payments or the relevant agreement between MBN and the player were not disclosed.
The report also states "no evidence was provided by Saracens to show any events that [player] had in fact attended".
Saracens accepted this was an "oversight" and apologised for the non-disclosure. However, the club's position was these payments were "arm's length commercial transactions" and should not be deemed salary.
The panel rejected Saracens' challenge that the three payments should not be included in the salary cap.
Co-owned £1.35m property to be lived in by player
This section of the report concerns a sum of £319,600.76 relating to a 20% stake in a £1.35m property lived in by a player.
It states Wray and fellow Saracens director Silvester each provided 10% of the purchase price, equating to £135,000. They also contributed £234,223 for refurbishment work on the property.
In May 2019, Saracens disclosed to PRL a "Declaration of Trust in respect of the property".
Rogers made the case that there had been "a payment of salary of £319,600" in the 2017-18 salary cap year, because it was a benefit in kind. In outlining this position, he said the sum deferred was a loan, that it was "doubtful" the player would have been able to secure such a loan elsewhere, and he had immediate use of the property.
Saracens disputed this, saying that this was an "entirely arm's length commercial bargain".
The panel sided with Rogers.
Saracens' challenge of salary cap
A considerable portion of the Saracens judgement concerns the club's challenge "that the salary cap provided for by the regulations is illegal on the grounds that it is contrary to competition law".
This challenge failed.
How did the panel reach the penalty decision?
In reaching its decision on what the penalty for the breaches should be, the panel heard evidence from salary cap manager Rogers and Saracens.
Rogers said he disagreed with the suggestion Saracens had been "open and transparent" and said the club had been "reckless in its approach to the salary cap".
In this section, the panel notes Saracens' breaches were "not deliberate, but in our view they were reckless", that Saracens had not admitted any of the breaches, that they were charged with a failure to co-operate in 2015 (leading to a settlement and sanctions) and that they had not fully cooperated with Rogers.
It uses the analogy that Saracens were issued with a "yellow card" in 2015, and therefore "the repeated failure to disclose breaches, which it has admitted, make the position all the more stark".
Saracens argued that to deduct points for "technical" breaches was "unfair punishment and is contrary to the spirit and underlying purpose of the regulations".
The panel disagreed with this view.
Despite viewing the breaches as "very serious", the panel ultimately decided that imposing a 70-point deduction would be "disproportionate" and that a 35-point deduction would be "sufficient to mark the seriousness of the breaches" over the three seasons covered by the report.
Saracens were subsequently handed automatic relegation for next season as they would not have not been in compliance with the salary cap this season as well. There was no panel decision for this, as it was a Premiership Rugby decision which Saracens agreed to.


bbc--2020-01-23--Australian superstar Kerr was 'nervous' about WSL move

She may be one of the best strikers in the world , but even Sam Kerr admits she felt nervous about playing in the Women 's Super League .
Chelsea beat off competition from the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to sign the Australia international , who has broken a string of goalscoring records during her illustrious career .
But despite her fearsome reputation , Kerr tells BBC Sport she was still anxious about her move to England .
`` I was nervous about coming , '' she says .
Chelsea pulled off a coup in signing Kerr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago Red Stars in November 2019 .
The Australian made her much-anticipated WSL debut against Reading at the start of January and scored her first goal for the club in a 4-1 victory over Arsenal on Sunday .
`` It 's a big move - cold weather , being further away from home , a longer season , all those types of things , '' she adds .
`` But I feel like I 've been welcomed in by the team and the club and I feel really comfortable here .
I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in London . ''
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes played an important role in signing Kerr , who received a host of offers from European clubs after she announced her decision to leave Chicago to move to Europe .
Kerr admits Hayes ' determination to sign her , and their subsequent friendship , was key in her decision to move to West London .
`` She did n't bother me or nag me , it was just more talking about football and what 's important to us , '' she says .
`` She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about my family - the things important to us .
That 's where we connected - off the pitch we both had the same values .
We talked a fair bit and its important before you make a big decision .
`` A lot of things had to fall into place for me to be here and they all kind of did , and I knew it was the time .
`` I did a lot of research on Chelsea , I watched the girls , I did a bit of research on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were the team that was the best fit for me .
`` Football is the most important thing to me but at the end of the day , I want to be working with good people . ''
' I do n't care what trophy it is , I just want to win one ! '
She may hold the all-time goalscoring records in both the American and Australian leagues , aged just 26 , and she shone with five goals at the 2019 World Cup in France - but those achievements have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won two W-League titles and an NWSL Shield in Australia but failed to win a trophy in the US , with both her seasons in Chicago ending with defeat in the play-offs .
`` I want to win trophies , that 's part of the reason why I 'm at Chelsea , '' says Kerr .
`` I 've always missed out , it feels like I 've lost in the final a million times .
That 's why I came here - Chelsea needed those extra few pieces to really become a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killing it without me , so my plan is to slide in as easily as I can and hopefully win some trophies with them .
`` I do n't care what trophy it is , I just want to win one ! ''
So what separates Kerr from other goalscorers ?
`` I would say I 'm an unnatural striker .
Everything I do is off the cuff , it 's my instincts , '' she says .
`` That 's one of my strengths - defenders do n't always know what I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do the same thing .
`` Other forwards in the world that are hold-up forwards , they like to keep the ball .
But I think with me , sometimes I do n't even know what I did after I scored .
It just happens and I think that 's from my upbringing playing Aussie Rules .
`` I 've just been a really off-the-cuff , instinctive player .
I 've used that to my advantage throughout my career and hopefully it can keep working .
It 's something I possess that not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to change something before it 's too late' Away from football , Kerr has also spoken out about climate change , an issue given extra poignancy as wildfires have ravaged large swatches of her native Australia in recent weeks .
Kerr has auctioned off a shirt and some boots to raise funds for the victims of wildfires and says she will continue to use her profile to try and highlight the issue and the urgent need for change .
`` I think something 's got to change , '' she says .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and animal lives and habitats that have been lost , it 's either now or never for us .
We have to change something before it 's too late .
`` Obviously some people are in a position where they can do things and others are n't .
Where it 's possible , everyone should do their part .
Whether it 's big or small , I believe it makes a difference .
I try and take it into account in my life but I understand not everyone is in a position to @ @ @ @

She may be one of the best strikers in the world, but even Sam Kerr admits she felt nervous about playing in the Women's Super League.
Chelsea beat off competition from the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to sign the Australia international, who has broken a string of goalscoring records during her illustrious career.
But despite her fearsome reputation, Kerr tells BBC Sport she was still anxious about her move to England.
"I was nervous about coming," she says.
Chelsea pulled off a coup in signing Kerr from National Women's Soccer League side Chicago Red Stars in November 2019.
The Australian made her much-anticipated WSL debut against Reading at the start of January and scored her first goal for the club in a 4-1 victory over Arsenal on Sunday.
"It's a big move - cold weather, being further away from home, a longer season, all those types of things," she adds.
"But I feel like I've been welcomed in by the team and the club and I feel really comfortable here. I can see myself really enjoying and loving living in London."
Hayes relationship key to Chelsea move
Sam Kerr (right) captained Australia at the Women's World Cup last summer
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes played an important role in signing Kerr, who received a host of offers from European clubs after she announced her decision to leave Chicago to move to Europe.
Kerr admits Hayes' determination to sign her, and their subsequent friendship, was key in her decision to move to West London.
"She didn't bother me or nag me, it was just more talking about football and what's important to us," she says.
"She talked about her family, I talked about my family - the things important to us. That's where we connected - off the pitch we both had the same values. We talked a fair bit and its important before you make a big decision.
"A lot of things had to fall into place for me to be here and they all kind of did, and I knew it was the time.
"I did a lot of research on Chelsea, I watched the girls, I did a bit of research on the league and I honestly thought they were the team that was the best fit for me.
"Football is the most important thing to me but at the end of the day, I want to be working with good people."
'I don't care what trophy it is, I just want to win one!'
Kerr scored her first Chelsea goal in their 4-1 win against Arsenal on Sunday
She may hold the all-time goalscoring records in both the American and Australian leagues, aged just 26, and she shone with five goals at the 2019 World Cup in France - but those achievements have not always translated into trophies.
She won two W-League titles and an NWSL Shield in Australia but failed to win a trophy in the US, with both her seasons in Chicago ending with defeat in the play-offs.
"I want to win trophies, that's part of the reason why I'm at Chelsea," says Kerr.
"I've always missed out, it feels like I've lost in the final a million times. That's why I came here - Chelsea needed those extra few pieces to really become a title team and they've been absolutely killing it without me, so my plan is to slide in as easily as I can and hopefully win some trophies with them.
"I don't care what trophy it is, I just want to win one!"
So what separates Kerr from other goalscorers?
"I would say I'm an unnatural striker. Everything I do is off the cuff, it's my instincts," she says.
"That's one of my strengths - defenders don't always know what I'm doing because I don't always do the same thing.
"Other forwards in the world that are hold-up forwards, they like to keep the ball. But I think with me, sometimes I don't even know what I did after I scored. It just happens and I think that's from my upbringing playing Aussie Rules.
"I've just been a really off-the-cuff, instinctive player. I've used that to my advantage throughout my career and hopefully it can keep working. It's something I possess that not many others do."
'We have to change something before it's too late'
Away from football, Kerr has also spoken out about climate change, an issue given extra poignancy as wildfires have ravaged large swatches of her native Australia in recent weeks.
Kerr has auctioned off a shirt and some boots to raise funds for the victims of wildfires and says she will continue to use her profile to try and highlight the issue and the urgent need for change.
"I think something's got to change," she says. "The amount of people that have died and animal lives and habitats that have been lost, it's either now or never for us. We have to change something before it's too late.
"Obviously some people are in a position where they can do things and others aren't. Where it's possible, everyone should do their part. Whether it's big or small, I believe it makes a difference. I try and take it into account in my life but I understand not everyone is in a position to make changes."


bbc--2020-01-22--Coronavirus: How worried should we be?

Coronavirus: How worried should we be?

A virus - previously unknown to science - is causing severe lung disease in China and has also been detected in other countries .
At least 17 people are known to have died from the virus , which appeared in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December .
There are already hundreds of confirmed cases , and experts expect the number will keep rising .
A new virus arriving on the scene , leaving patients with pneumonia , is always a worry and health officials around the world are on high alert .
But is this a brief here-today-gone-tomorrow outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more dangerous ?
• Wuhan : The London-sized city where the virus began • China coronavirus : What we know so far What is this virus ?
Officials in China have confirmed the cases are caused by a coronavirus .
These are a broad family of viruses , but only six ( the new one would make it seven ) are known to infect people .
Severe acute respiratory syndrome ( Sars ) , which is caused by a coronavirus , killed 774 of the 8,098 people infected in an outbreak that started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a strong memory of Sars , that 's where a lot of fear comes from , but we 're a lot more prepared to deal with those types of diseases , '' says Dr Josie Golding , from the Wellcome Trust .
How severe are the symptoms ?
It seems to start with a fever , followed by a dry cough and then , after a week , leads to shortness of breath and some patients needing hospital treatment .
But most of our knowledge is based on the severe cases that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unknown how many mild or even symptomless cases are out there .
The coronavirus family itself can cause symptoms ranging from a mild cold all the way through to death .
`` When we see a new coronavirus , we want to know how severe are the symptoms .
This is more than cold-like symptoms and that is a concern but it is not as severe as Sars , '' says Prof Mark Woolhouse , from the University of Edinburgh .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) is considering declaring an international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with swine flu and Ebola .
How deadly is it ?
Seventeen people are known to have died from the virus - just over 3 % of the known cases .
But the infection seems to take a while to kill , so more of those patients may yet die .
And it is unclear how many unreported cases there are .
Where has it come from ?
New viruses are detected all the time .
They jump from one species , where they went unnoticed , into humans .
`` If we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it is a new coronavirus , it will have come from an animal reservoir , '' says Prof Jonathan Ball , a virologist at the University of Nottingham .
Sars started off in bats and then infected the civet cat , which in turn passed it on to humans .
And Middle East respiratory syndrome ( Mers ) , which has killed 858 out of the 2,494 recorded cases since it emerged in 2012 , regularly makes the jump from the dromedary camel .
Once the animal reservoir ( where the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then the problem becomes much easier to deal with .
The coronavirus cases have been linked to the South China Seafood Wholesale Market , in Wuhan .
But while some sea-going mammals can carry coronaviruses ( such as the Beluga whale ) , the market also has live wild animals , including chickens , bats , rabbits , snakes , which are more likely to be the source .
Prof Woolhouse says it is because of the size and density of the population and close contact with animals harbouring viruses .
`` No-one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China or that part of the world , '' he says .
How easily does it spread between people ?
At the beginning of the outbreak , the Chinese authorities said the virus was not spreading between people - but now , such cases have been identified .
`` It is crystal clear there is human-to-human transmission , '' says Prof Peter Horby , from the University of Oxford .
`` The critical question is how transmissible is it .
Is this going to be sustainable ? ''
Sars spread between people but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close contact .
The new virus infects the lungs , so coughs and sneezes are a likely route of transmission .
It will also be important to find out whether some people are more vulnerable to infection or likely to transmit the virus .
When the virus is infectious is also unknown .
Is it before symptoms appear , which is when flu spreads , or when they are most severe ?
How fast is it spreading ?
It might appear as though cases have soared , from 40 to more than 500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is misleading .
Most of the `` new '' cases were already out there but have only just been detected as China steps up its surveillance .
There is actually very little information on the `` growth rate '' of the outbreak .
But experts say the number of people becoming sick is likely to be far higher than the reported figures .
A report by the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis at Imperial College London said : `` It is likely that the Wuhan outbreak of a novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or severe respiratory illness than currently reported . ''
While the outbreak is centred on Wuhan , there have been cases reported in Thailand , Japan , South Korea and the US .
All but one of those cases had travelled from Wuhan - but one , in Thailand , was due to local spread there .
There are concerns that the virus could be spread by the hundreds of millions of people travelling for Chinese New Year later this month .
Yes , you would expect viruses to mutate and evolve all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is harder to tell .
The novel coronavirus has jumped from one species to another .
It could mutate to become easier to spread from one person to another or to have more severe symptoms .
This is something scientists will be watching closely .
How can the virus be stopped ?
There is no vaccine , so the only way of stopping the virus spreading is to diagnose people early and treat them in isolation .
Tracing and monitoring people who have come into contact with patients can help prevent further spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and banning mass gatherings .
China 's National Health Commission said travellers should avoid Wuhan and residents should not leave the city .
Infected people have been treated in isolation to minimise the risk of the bug spreading .
Extra checks such as temperature scans have been put in place to screen travellers .
And the seafood market was closed for cleaning and disinfection .
How is the world responding ?
Most Asian countries have stepped up screenings of travellers from Wuhan and the WHO has warned hospitals worldwide a wider outbreak is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been screening air passengers from Wuhan and authorities in the US and the UK have announced similar measures .
However , questions remain about the effectiveness of such measures .
If it takes five days for symptoms to appear , then someone could easily be halfway round the world and have passed through any screening checks before starting to feel ill. How worried are the experts ?
Dr Golding says : `` At the moment , until we have more information , it 's really hard to know how worried we should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the source , that 's always going to make us uneasy . ''
Prof Ball says : `` We should be worried about any virus that explores humans for the first time , because it 's overcome the first major barrier .
`` Once inside a [ human ] cell and replicating , it can start to generate mutations that could allow it to spread more efficiently and become more dangerous .
`` You do n't want to give the virus the opportunity . ''

Older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure), are more likely to become severely ill. Men are at slightly higher risk of dying from the virus than women.


bbc--2020-01-23--Are packages safe, and other questions answered

The coronavirus in China has killed tens of people and spread to several provinces , as well as the US , Thailand and South Korea .
Wuhan , the city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak , was locked down on Thursday The origin is suspected to be a food market that `` conducted illegal transactions of wild animals '' .
Officials in the UK are monitoring flights from China .
BBC health and science correspondents Michelle Roberts and James Gallagher answer your questions about the new virus .
Can the coronavirus be transferred through items bought from Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is no evidence this is a risk .
Some diseases - including the coronavirus that causes Sars - can spread through surfaces contaminated by people coughing or sneezing on them .
It has not been shown this new coronavirus can do that .
Even if it could , there would still be questions about whether international shipping would be a major problem .
Cold viruses tend to survive less than 24 hours outside the human body although norovirus ( a severe stomach bug ) can last months outside the body .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases seem to require close contact with another person - say , a family member or healthcare worker - in order to spread .
Is there any reason such viruses are emerging more from China ?
- Gautam Yes - large populations of people living in close proximity to animals .
This coronavirus almost certainly came from an animal source , with one suggestion being snakes .
Sars , another coronavirus that originated in China , came from bats and the civet cat .
The early cases of this new infection were traced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Live wild animals were also sold including chickens , bats and snakes .
It is a far cry from the usual shopping experience if you are used to your meat nicely cut up and in clear plastic packaging in your typical Western-supermarket .
Given we have three flights from Wuhan to London every week , should we be wearing face masks on the Tube ?
- Anonymous No .
There are still no cases in the UK and the risk is deemed to be `` low '' .
Seasonal flu is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK than this novel coronavirus .
Is this likely to play out as a Sars-type outbreak , with clusters , or a swine flu situation , where everyone is affected ?
- Clare The expectation is this will be closer to severe acute respiratory syndrome than swine flu because the new coronavirus is a relative of Sars .
However , one of the big unanswered questions is how readily this virus spreads from one person to another .
How does the speed of the confirmed spread compare [ with ] previous outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transmission vector ?
- Daniel It is very hard to know how fast it is actually spreading .
It might appear as though cases have soared , from 40 to 440 in less than a week .
But this is misleading .
Most of the `` new '' cases were already out there but have only just been detected as China steps up its surveillance .
There is actually very little information on the `` growth rate '' of the outbreak .
• UK to monitor flights from China as precaution • How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• Wahun : The London-sized city where the virus began How did Sars spread ?
How did it originate ?
- Angelo Busato Sars started off in bats and then infected the civet cat , which in turn passed it on to humans .
Some people were infected by direct contact with civet cats .
But it was also able to spread from one person to another through coughs , sneezes and contaminated surfaces .
Is there anything we could do for prevention ?
- Anonymous There is no vaccine and very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk .
Doctors will be trying to diagnose and isolate cases as quickly as possible and trace people patients have come into contact with to try to stay on top of the virus .
How likely is it to travel to the UK or Europe ?
- Barry Flynn The longer this goes on and the more people are infected in China , the more likely it becomes there will be cases in the UK and Europe .
Is it possible to vaccinate in order to prevent this respiratory illness ?
- Hans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no vaccine that can protect people against this type of coronavirus , but researchers are looking to develop one .
It is a new strain that has n't been seen in humans before , which means doctors still have lots to learn about it .
I am travelling to Beijing and Shanghai in February and would like to know what , if necessary , precautions to take whilst there ?
- Matt Based on currently available information , the World Health Organization has not recommend any restrictions on travel or trade .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you depart .
• New Chinese virus 'will have infected hundreds' • New coronavirus 'preventable and controllable ' , China says Is it possible for the virus to have affected any person , who travelled to China in the last few months for example , October to December 2019 ?
- Anonymous The first human cases were identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019 .
There have not been any other suspected human cases reported prior to this .
Given the type of virus , the incubation period ( how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after catching the infection ) is days , rather than weeks .
It is not yet known how or when the virus became infectious to people .
Experts believe the first cases were transmitted by an animal .
Are UK airports planning to screen arrivals ?
Two family members have lung and heart conditions and relatives from China arrive this week .
- Anonymous Currently , UK airports are not screening passengers on arrival .
The government is keeping the situation under review .
Extra checks such as temperature scans have been put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Airports in Singapore , Hong Kong and Tokyo have been screening air passengers from Wuhan and US authorities last week announced similar measures at three major airports in San Francisco , Los Angeles and New York .
A lot of initially infected people have already been discharged from hospitals .
Does it mean that the virus is not that dangerous ?
- Anonymous Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe disease .
It 's not yet clear how bad this new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovered from the infection , they should not pose a significant risk to others and can be sent home from hospital provided they are well enough .
What animal does the Corona virus come from ?
How can one protect himself against ?
- Anonymous It is not yet known how the virus was transmitted .
Other coronaviruses , such as Sars and Mers , came from civet cats and camels respectively .
Experts are working to find the source .
• covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing Avoid close contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as coughing and sneezing .
In its advice to travellers , the UK 's National Travel Health Network and Centre ( NaTHNaC ) says there is a low risk of pneumonia due to the novel coronavirus to travellers to Wuhan but simple precautions such as washing hands should be taken .
NaTHNaC adds : `` You should also avoid animals ( alive or dead ) , animal markets , and products that come from animals ( such as uncooked meat ) .
`` Seek medical attention if you develop respiratory symptoms within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your health service prior to attendance about your recent travel to the city . ''

How is the government going to protect vulnerable children who remain unvaccinated? My son has cystic fibrosis and will now be forced to mix - he has not had any access to vaccination.
Because your son is in a clinical risk group - and as long as he is over five - he should soon be offered two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. You should be contacted by your GP or specialist team to arrange this.
With regard to the dangers of mixing, the UK has also recommended that Covid vaccines are offered to all children aged 5 to 11, not just those at high clinical risk. This is likely to start in England in April. Children are generally at much lower risk of becoming seriously ill from a Covid infection, although some do still get sick and need hospital care. Over-12s can already be vaccinated, and it's hoped that extending the rollout to younger age groups will help protect even more children from the risk of catching and spreading Covid.
Schools are expected to work with and support families who have concerns about a pupil returning to the classroom. It is compulsory for school-age children to attend, even if they were previously shielding - the only exception is a small number of children whose clinician or GP has advised them not to attend. If you have concerns about this, you should talk to your doctor.


bbc--2020-01-23--Doctor: Thousands of people at Wuhan hospitals

The Chinese city where a new virus has left 17 dead has gone into lockdown to try to stop the outbreak spreading .
Many of Wuhan 's 11 million people had been preparing for Lunar New Year celebrations .
A second city , Huanggang , will be placed in quarantine at 00:00 local time ( 16:00 GMT ) .
A doctor at a Wuhan hospital tells BBC News of her alarm at the spread of the outbreak .
We have chosen to protect the doctor 's identity .
It 's my first epidemic .
The first time we heard about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were a few cases .
But in the last two weeks , there has been an alarming rate of spread .
I am scared because this is a new virus and the figures are alarming .
The hospitals have been flooding with patients , there are thousands , I have n't seen so many before .
They have to wait for hours before they see a doctor - you can imagine their panic .
It 's a new virus , so there is n't much information .
The incubation period is usually seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the minimum period and 10 to 12 days the maximum .
It is spread through human-to-human transmission and there are also medical-staff infections .
The virus may mutate , so there is further risk of spread .
Specialists here have produced a quick guide to diagnosis and treatment after studying admitted patients .
• How do you quarantine a city - and does it work ?
• How worried should we be about coronavirus ?
Fever is the main manifestation of the virus .
Dry cough , shortness of breath , and diarrhoea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients get a runny nose .
Severely affected patients get severe respiratory problems , septic shock and , as we know , there have been at least 17 deaths .
But most patients have a good prognosis .
It 's more dangerous for the elderly , pregnant or people with weakened immune systems .
The government is responding well now to try to stop the virus spreading .
Outside , I can barely see anyone on the streets .
We have been told to avoid gathering .
Some Lunar New Year celebrations are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago not to go to work at the hospital , because of the risk of the virus spreading .
Our accommodation is on the university campus , so there is higher risk of contamination .
If we leave our house , we have to wear masks .
It 's illegal not to wear them .
We do n't want to take our two-year-old son outside .
He 's sleeping now and we are trying to protect him as much as possible - using hand-washing , airing the apartment , avoiding contact with people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rise in deaths is something to worry about .
I went to the supermarket to buy food but there was nothing left - no vegetables - and everywhere is closed .
Today from 10:00 , all boundaries in the city were closed - no in or out .
People are not allowed to leave .
We do n't know how long this will last .
Normally , Wuhan is a great place to live .
We are proud of our work as doctors .
But I fear this is going to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-virus medication , so we can only treat symptomatically - decreasing fever and with good hydration .
Right now , it 's all about precautions .
People are getting phone messages from the authorities , with advice about precautions and what to do if you have symptoms .
Screening is difficult because of the one-week incubation period - people may be travelling without realising they have the virus .
That means the actual figure of people infected is probably higher .
We plan on staying at home , not taking our son outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airing the apartment and some light exercise to improve our immune systems .
Some students had bought tickets to go home for Lunar New Year but they ca n't go now .
Everyone is stuck here and ca n't leave .

We don't want to take our two-year-old son outside. He's sleeping now and we are trying to protect him as much as possible - using hand-washing, airing the apartment, avoiding contact with people.


bbc--2020-01-23--Coronavirus: Virus fears trigger Shanghai face mask shortage

A new virus that has emerged in China has seen customers flocking to buy face masks and sanitiser .
Seventeen @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus that emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan , forcing some cities into lockdown @ @ @ @ @ 500 confirmed cases of the virus , which has spread abroad .

A new virus that has emerged in China has seen customers flocking to buy face masks and sanitiser.
Seventeen people have died from the coronavirus that emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan, forcing some cities into lockdown.
There are more than 500 confirmed cases of the virus, which has spread abroad.


bbc--2020-01-23--Killer plague game tops charts amid coronavirus

An app that tasks users with spreading a deadly virus around the world has skyrocketed in popularity in China amid the coronavirus outbreak .
On Wednesday , eight years after its release , the game became the bestselling app in China .
Some players have suggested people were downloading the game as a way to cope with fears surrounding the virus .
The coronavirus has so far killed at least 17 people in the country and infected more than 500 others .
Developed by UK-based Ndemic Creations , the strategy game , Plague Inc , puts the user in control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a global pandemic before the scientific community can develop a cure .
The overall aim is to `` bring about the end of human history '' .
• Coronavirus : How worried should we be ?
On Wednesday , Ndemic Creations tweeted it had been receiving a lot of questions regarding the coronavirus outbreak and directed users to the World Health Organization 's website .
The game has been downloaded more than 120 million times since 2012 and been nominated for numerous game-of-the-year awards .
One user of Chinese social-media platform Weibo said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear is to look fear straight in the face . ''

The coronavirus has so far killed at least 17 people in the country and infected more than 500 others.


bbc--2020-01-23--Coronavirus: Taobao warns firms not to profit from outbreak

Chinese online giant Taobao has warned sellers using its platform not to profit from the deadly coronavirus outbreak by raising prices .
Fears over the spread of the virus in China have triggered a surge in sales of protective gear in Asia .
Pharmacies have seen a rush for surgical masks , while rubber glove makers are braced for a jump in demand .
At least 17 people have now died , with more than 500 confirmed cases across China , and as far afield as the US .
Over the two days of 20 and 21 January more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is owned by Alibaba and is one of the largest online retailers in the world .
However , media reports suggested these included profiteers looking to quickly resell the masks at a higher price .
This prompted the online message from Taobao warning sellers they were `` not allowed to increase prices '' .
In November , a pack of 20 3M masks sold for 178 yuan ( £20 ) , but on Tuesday sellers were charging up to 1,100 yuan for the same item , according to a report in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it would also offer `` special subsidies '' to make sure masks were `` cost-effective '' for consumers .
On top of this , it will also continue delivery services during the Chinese New Year celebrations • Can wearing masks stop the spread of viruses ?
• Coronavirus : How worried should we be ?
Joleen Siew at Glovida , an e-commerce site based in Singapore selling health products , said it had seen a `` significant spike in demand for masks compared to normal '' .
`` We 've also seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and supplements as parents want to protect their kids .
Singapore likes to be pre-emptive about these things . ''
Denis Low , president of the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association which represents 56 members told the BBC : `` I have spoken to the members and we are all geared up if demand shoots through the roof as expected .
We will ramp up capacity and make some tweaks to productivity . ''
Malaysia produces around two-thirds of the world 's rubber gloves , predicted to be more than 150 billion pairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic in 2009 and 2010 , Malaysian rubber glove makers saw a surge in orders of about 10 % -15 % .
Mr Low , who works for glove maker Supermax , said the increase could be higher this time if the coronavirus continues to spread .
''We are very worried about this virus and will do all we can to make sure we meet the demand .
But we will not profiteer from this calamity by putting up prices , '' he added .
Major airlines have said they will supply protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request them .
Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific was the first airline to announce it will allow cabin crew to wear surgical masks while operating mainland China flights due to infection concerns .
Singapore Airlines also said it is making surgical masks available to crew , and other carriers operating in the region are expected to follow suit .
A Cathay Pacific spokeswoman said : `` We are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to co-ordinate with the health authorities in Hong Kong and in all the ports to which we operate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff by buying masks and gloves , Chinese technology giant Tencent is taking even more drastic steps .
Founder Pony Ma Huateng will not hand out traditional red packets to employees to celebrate the Lunar New Year for fear of spreading the virus .
This is the first time in almost two decades Shenzhen-based Tencent has cancelled this traditional handout to staff .

''We are very worried about this virus and will do all we can to make sure we meet the demand. But we will not profiteer from this calamity by putting up prices,'' he added.


bbc--2020-01-23--Wuhan: The London-sized city where the virus began

Wuhan may not be a well-known Chinese mega-city like Beijing or Shanghai .
But the place where the coronavirus outbreak emerged is , in fact , a crowded metropolis with connections to every part of the globe .
Estimates vary on the exact size of the population , with local government officials putting the figure at 11 million , though UN data from 2018 says 8.9 million people live in the central Chinese city .
Either way , the city is around the same size as London , but much bigger than Washington DC .
One estimate makes it the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the seventh biggest in China .
And it 's the size - and economic clout - of Wuhan that explains why the virus has travelled quickly across Asia , and even to the US .
In short , the virus has spread so widely because lots of people visit Wuhan and take the virus home with them .
Wuhan international airport handled 20 million passengers in 2016 , and offers direct flights to London , Paris , Dubai , and other cities around the world .
The city is built along the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website , it is a `` foundation of in both hi-tech manufacturing and traditional manufacturing '' .
It has a series of industrial zones , 52 `` institutions of higher learning '' , and claims more than 700,000 students - including , reportedly , the largest number of undergraduates in the country .
Some 230 of the world 's 500 biggest companies ( as measured by the Fortune Global list ) have invested there .
There is also notable investment from France - which had a foreign concession in Hankou , in today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
More than 100 French firms have invested in the city and Peugeot-Citroen has a Chinese joint-venture plant there .
Wuhan can also serve as a gateway to the Three Gorges - a tourist region and home to a huge hydroelectric dam .
• New China virus 'could mutate and spread further' • Chinese virus : How worried should we be ?
So , although the coronavirus originated in a local seafood market , the flow of people in and out of Wuhan has ensured its spread .
The US patient , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as had both Japanese patients .
The Korean patient lived there .
The case in Thailand is a Chinese tourist from Wuhan .
The huge flow of people in and out of Wuhan will only increase as Chinese New Year approaches , and millions of people return home to celebrate .
China 's National Health Commission said travellers should avoid Wuhan , and that Wuhan residents should not leave the city .
But Wuhan 's status as one of the biggest - and most connected - places in the world means international cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @

There is also notable investment from France - which had a foreign concession in Hankou, in today's Wuhan, between 1886 and 1943. More than 100 French firms have invested in the city and Peugeot-Citroen has a Chinese joint-venture plant there.


bbc--2020-01-24--China coronavirus: Death toll rises as more cities restrict travel

China has widened its travel restrictions in Hubei province - the centre of the coronavirus outbreak - as the death toll climbed to 26 .
The restrictions will affect at least 20 million people across 10 cities , including the capital , Wuhan , where the virus emerged .
On Thursday , a coronavirus patient died in northern Hebei province - making it the first death outside Hubei .
Another death was later confirmed in north-east Heilongjiang province .
The province borders Russia and is more than 2,000 kilometres ( 1,200 miles ) from Wuhan .
• 'We 've been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there are currently 830 confirmed cases of patients infected with the virus .
A small number of confirmed cases have also been found outside China , including in Thailand , the US , Taiwan , South Korea , Japan , Vietnam and Singapore .
The growing list of restrictions comes on the eve of Lunar New Year - one of the most important dates in the Chinese calendar , when millions of people travel home .
Wuhan is effectively on lockdown : all bus , subway and ferry services have been suspended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Residents have been advised not to leave , and roadblocks have been reported .
Ezhou , a smaller city in Hubei , shut its railway station .
The city of Enshi has suspended all bus services .
City officials in the capital , Beijing , and Shanghai have also asked residents who return from affected areas to stay at home for 14 days to prevent the spread of the virus , local media report .
• Have you been affected ?
Get in touch : haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk Analysis - Can the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is not a virus that will burn out on its own and disappear .
Only the decisions being made in China - including shutting down cities - can stop it spreading .
Scientists have revealed each infected person is passing the virus onto between 1.4 and 2.5 people .
It is known as the virus 's basic reproduction number - anything higher than 1.0 means it 's self-sustaining .
Those figures are early estimates , but put coronavirus in roughly the same league as Sars .
There are two crucial outstanding questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they infectious .
The fact only 25 % of reported cases are severe is a mixed blessing .
Yes , that is less dangerous than Sars , but if those hard-to-detect mild or maybe symptomless cases are contagious too , then it is much harder to contain .
And we still do n't know when people are contagious .
Is it before symptoms appear , or only after severe symptoms emerge ?
One is significantly harder to stop spreading than the other .
The impact of the coronavirus is not limited to Hubei @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourist sites including the Forbidden City in Beijing and a section of the Great Wall and cancelled major public events in other parts of the country , including : • All public Lunar New Year celebrations in Macau Shanghai 's Disney Resort is temporarily closing , as are McDonald 's in five cities .
Earlier , information from China 's National Health Commission , when the death toll was 17 , said the youngest person who died from the virus was 48 and the oldest was 89 .
Most victims were elderly and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's and diabetes .
• How do you quarantine a city - and does it work ?
• Coronavirus : How worried should we be ?
Wuhan - home to around 11 million people - is now rapidly building a new 1,000-bed hospital to deal with the increasing number of victims .
The project will `` solve the shortage of existing medical resources '' and would be `` built fast [ and ] not cost much ... because it will be prefabricated buildings '' .
Videos have been circulating on social media , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long queues at local hospitals .
In one video on Twitter taken from Chinese social media , a man can be heard complaining , saying patients could be queuing for as long as 10 hours .
The video could not be independently verified by the BBC .
The World Health Organization has not classed the virus as an `` international emergency '' , partly because of the low number of overseas cases .
`` It may yet become one , '' said the WHO 's director-general , Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus began • Fourteen people in UK tested for new strain How are people coping in the lockdown ?
One doctor , who requested anonymity , describes the conditions at a hospital in Wuhan .
`` In the last two weeks , there has been an alarming rate of spread , '' she told the BBC .
`` The hospitals have been flooding with patients , there are thousands , I have n't seen so many before . ''
One woman , Jane , flew back to Wuhan from Beijing just before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` But for me , because my child , my husband and family… are in the Wuhan area , I have to go back . ''
Daniel Pekarek , a software engineering student at Wuhan University , told the BBC he and his friends were all staying in their rooms .
`` I was planning to stay in my apartment because I 'm scared to go to the gym , and I 'm scared to go to out in public , and not many people are willing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were on Thursday added to the nations recording confirmed cases , joining Thailand , the US , Taiwan and South Korea .
Japan and South Korea have both confirmed their second cases .
On Friday , Singapore confirmed its third case - who is known to be the son of another patient .
Thailand has five .
Other nations are investigating suspected cases , including the UK , US , and Canada .
Many authorities have announced screening measures for passengers from China , including on Thursday the major airport hubs of Dubai @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people arriving from Wuhan and the US state department warned American travellers to exercise increased caution in China .
Learn more about the new virus • Your questions : You asked , we answered • The story explained : How worried should we be ?
• Wuhan profiled : The city now in lockdown • In detail : Follow all our coverage here Are you in China ?
Have you been affected by the lockdown in various cities ?
Email haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

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bbc--2020-01-24--Coronavirus: What's the difference between pandemic and epidemic?

Would you know if you had HPV ?
What is the human papilloma virus and how do you know if @ @ @ @

The World Health Organization has declared that the Covid-19 outbreak that originated in China can now be characterised as a pandemic.
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine's Dr Rosalind Eggo looks at the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic and explains how viruses spread.
This video was originally published on 24 January 2020.


bbc--2020-01-24--Trump impeachment: Senators play games and nap during trial

US senators have been accused of falling asleep , playing games and breaking other rules during President Donald Trump 's impeachment trial .
Jim Risch and Jim Inhofe are among members who have apparently nodded off during the lengthy hearings .
Crossword puzzles , fidget spinners and at least one paper aeroplane have been spotted with senators .
The trial has heard that Mr Trump 's alleged abuse of power threatens American democracy .
The senators are acting as the jury to decide whether the president should be removed from office .
The upper chamber of US Congress prides itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But some of its members - Republican and Democrat alike - have this week been accused by US media of acting like bored schoolchildren .
• Trump impeachment trial : All you need to know • Why is 'pettifogging ' suddenly in the news ?
The rules call for senators to remain seated during the impeachment trial .
But at least nine Democrats and 22 Republicans left their seats at various times on Thursday , according to Reuters news agency .
Marsha Blackburn , a Tennessee Republican , defended herself on Thursday after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chamber .
• 'No crime , no impeachment ' - is that true ?
She tweeted that the tome - How Trump Haters Are Breaking America , by Kim Strassel - `` provides good insights into today 's proceedings '' .
`` Busy mamas are the best at multi-tasking , '' she added .
`` Try it . ''
Mr Risch , a Republican who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , was seen this week slumped motionless with his eyes closed at his desk during the hearings .
A spokesman for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asleep , telling the Wall Street Journal he was just listening closely `` with his eyes closed or cast down '' .
Mr Inhofe , an Oklahoma Republican , was spotted on Wednesday by an NBC reporter appearing to briefly doze off before he was nudged by Senator Todd Young , an Indiana Republican who sits next to him .
Mark Warner , a Virginia Democrat , was observed leaning on his right arm with his hand covering his eyes for 20 minutes .
On Thursday , Richard Burr , a North Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a children 's toy , to fellow senators to help them while away the hours in the chamber .
`` I saw somebody grab up a few of them , so they must have some real anxiety going along with this , '' said Mike Braun , an Indiana Republican .
He said he did not require one of the gizmos .
Phones , laptops and tablets are a regular accessory during normal Senate hearings , but all electronics have been banned in the chamber for this trial , leaving many restless .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was heard drawling `` my precious '' as he retrieved his phone from the cupboard outside the chamber .
Some senators have apparently found a way around the strict rules by wearing smart watches .
Rand Paul , a Kentucky Republican , reportedly worked on a crossword puzzle and made a paper airplane as Democratic prosecutors laid out their case on Wednesday .
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren , a Democratic front-runner for the 2020 White House nomination , was spotted by an ABC News reporter playing an unspecified game on paper .
Talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and senators are daily admonished by the Senate sergeant-at-arms to remain silent during proceedings `` on pain of imprisonment '' .
But on Wednesday , two Republicans - Tim Scott of South Carolina and Ben Sasse of Nebraska - threw caution to the wind and began whispering after hours of passing notes to each other .
There are also strict rules against food , but senators have been spotted munching chocolate and chewing gum .
Press access to the chamber has been heavily restricted during the Senate trial , meaning there are fewer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But other senators have appeared to pay close attention to the trial with some diligently taking notes .
Marco Rubio , a Florida Republican , was observed scribbling away with what appeared to be a quill pen .
Mr Trump is only the third president ever to be impeached , but he is unlikely to be convicted in a chamber that is controlled by his fellow Republicans .
Before Thursday 's arguments began , some Republican senators said they had heard nothing new in Democratic prosecutors ' arguments and had already made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A two-thirds majority votes is required to remove Mr Trump from office .

"I saw somebody grab up a few of them, so they must have some real anxiety going along with this," said Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican. He said he did not require one of the gizmos.


bbc--2020-01-24--Indonesian needlefish boy: 'A fish jumped out the water and stabbed my neck'

An Indonesian teenager has described - for the first time - his terrifying swim to safety after a fish leapt out of the sea and speared him through the neck .
Warning : This article contains an image some readers may find distressing .
Muhammad Idul revealed how the force of the needlefish impaling itself in his neck threw him from his boat and into the water , prompting a desperate swim to shore and a sprint to hospital some 90 minutes ' drive away .
The fact the 16-year-old is still alive , smiling and able to tell his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a bit of luck - and some very careful surgeons .
The injury has turned Muhammad into a bit of a star , after pictures of the fish in his neck went viral and were shared around the globe .
But , speaking exclusively to BBC Indonesian five days after the shocking accident , he says it was just meant to be a late-night fishing trip with a school friend , Sardi .
`` Sardi 's boat sailed off first , and I went later in another boat , '' he recalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third of a mile ) off the beach , Sardi turned on the flashlight .
`` A needlefish suddenly jumped out of the water and stabbed my neck . ''
Muhammad fell off the boat into the dark water below .
The fish 's long , slender - and sharp - jaws pierced right through his neck , from just under his chin to the base of his skull .
What 's more , the fish was still thrashing , pushing the teenager around in the water as it tried to escape .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tight , hoping he could stop it making the injury worse .
`` I asked Sardi to help - he stopped me from trying to remove the fish to prevent bleeding , '' he said .
The boys somehow managed to swim back to the beach with Muhammad holding the 75cm-long fish clasped in his arms and still stuck in his neck .
Muhammad 's father Saharuddin rushed him to a hospital in Bau-bau , about an hour-and-a-half from their village in South Buton , South East Sulawesi .
But while doctors there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just its head remained in his body , they could not remove the beak from Muhammad 's neck because they did not have the right equipment .
For that , they needed to travel further afield , to a provincial hospital in Makassar , the capital of South Sulawesi .
Even at the bigger Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital , however , staff were stunned at what they had been presented with .
Its director Khalid Saleh said it was the first case of its kind , and required five specialists to carefully remove what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surgery .
Five days later , Muhammad is keen to get home : his neck is bandaged , and it does n't hurt any more .
He still ca n't move it to the right , but he is smiling .
He could have to wait a little longer , however .
`` We 're monitoring his condition .
He might be discharged in a few days but he ca n't go back to his village yet because he needs more check-ups , '' Khalid Saleh explained .
The incident has also not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I just need to be more careful next time .
Needlefish ca n't tolerate light - that was why it jumped out of the water and stabbed me , '' he said .
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But while doctors there were able to cut the fish so just its head remained in his body, they could not remove the beak from Muhammad's neck because they did not have the right equipment.


bbc--2020-01-24--Locusts: UN calls for international help in East Africa

The UN has called for international help to fight huge swarms of desert locusts sweeping through east Africa .
A spokesman for the UN 's Food and Agricultural Organisation ( FAO ) , called for aid to `` avert any threats to food security , livelihoods , malnutrition '' .
Ethiopia , Kenya and Somalia are all struggling with `` unprecedented '' and `` devastating '' swarms of the food-devouring insects , the FAO has said .
The agency fears locust numbers could grow 500 times by June .
Ethiopia and Somalia have not faced an infestation on this scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not seen a locust threat this size for 70 years , the FAO said earlier this week .
South Sudan and Uganda are also at risk if the swarms continue to grow and spread .
`` The speed of the pests ' spread and the size of the infestations are so far beyond the norm that they have stretched the capacities of local and national authorities to the limit , '' the FAO said .
The only option left was `` aerial control '' - spraying insecticide from aircraft .
The swarms have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Heavy rainfall at the end of 2019 created ideal conditions for the food-devouring insects to flourish .
And the problem could get worse as the year goes on .
Aside from growing numbers in east Africa , locusts have also been breeding in India , Iran and Pakistan , which could turn into swarms in the spring .
Locusts can travel up to 150 kilometres ( 93 miles ) in a day .
Each adult insect can eat its own weight in food each day .
A swarm the size of Paris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as half the population of France in a single day , an FAO fact sheet says .
In November , the UN warned about the locust infestation in Ethiopia - saying that the creatures could spread into Ethiopia and Kenya if not dealt with .
Some farmers in Ethiopia 's Amhara region lost 100 % of their crops .
Last month a locust swarm forced a passenger plane off course in Ethiopia .
Insects smashed into the engines , windshield and nose , forcing the aircraft to land in Addis Ababa .
You @ @ @ @ @ @

Ethiopia and Somalia have not faced an infestation on this scale for 25 years, while Kenya has not seen a locust threat this size for 70 years, the FAO said earlier this week. South Sudan and Uganda are also at risk if the swarms continue to grow and spread.


bbc--2020-01-24--Australian Open: Teenager Coco Gauff stuns defending champion Naomi Osaka

American teenager Coco Gauff stunned defending champion Naomi Osaka in straight sets to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open .
The 15-year-old excelled at the Rod Laver Arena and eased to a 6-3 6-4 victory in 67 minutes Osaka , the world number four , struggled with unforced errors throughout - making 30 compared to Gauff 's 17 .
`` I do n't know where that came from , '' the American said after the match .
`` Honestly , like , what is my life ? ''
`` Two years ago I lost in the first round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Gauff added .
`` I was telling myself one point at a time and keep fighting .
You never know what happens on this court . ''
Gauff will play either China 's Zhang Shaui or American Sofia Kenin in the fourth round .
It was an uncharacteristically slow start for Japan 's Osaka who had won the pair 's only previous meeting at last year 's US Open .
The 22-year-old could not contain Gauff in the first set , especially when the American was on serve .
Gauff completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Osaka 's 61 % .
Despite Gauff making the quicker start , the pair each held serve until the ninth game when the American seized her opportunity .
An easy backhand miss from Osaka gave Gauff break point and it was another backhand error that gave the American the break which she held on to to take the first set 6-3 .
The 15-year-old broke the Osaka serve again at the start of the second set , but could not hold for 2-0 , allowing the defending champion to break back .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Japanese player and Gauff broke again to lead 4-3 .
She served for the match and Osaka sent three straight returns long before hitting match point into the net , handing Gauff victory in the simplest of fashions .
I do n't have the champion mentality yet - Osaka Osaka is set to drop to ninth in the world after the defeat and could fall out of the top 10 , depending on the progress of other players .
Gauff , who becomes the first 15-year-old to reach the last 16 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1996 , is set to break into the world 's top 50 with her first win against a top-five player .
`` I do n't have the champion mentality yet .
That is someone who can win when they are down , '' Osaka said .
`` Sometimes I get overwhelmed and I do n't know what to do in these situations .
`` I have an age problem - I do n't like losing to people younger than me .
So I took this very personally . ''

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
'Honestly, like, what is my life?' - Gauff
2020 Australian Open Venue: Melbourne Park Dates: 20 January to 2 February Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and online; Live text on selected matches on the BBC Sport website and app.
American teenager Coco Gauff stunned defending champion Naomi Osaka in straight sets to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open.
The 15-year-old excelled at the Rod Laver Arena and eased to a 6-3 6-4 victory in 67 minutes.
Osaka, the world number four, struggled with unforced errors throughout - making 30 compared to Gauff's 17.
"I don't know where that came from," the American said after the match. "Honestly, like, what is my life?"
"Two years ago I lost in the first round in juniors and now I'm here," Gauff added.
"I was telling myself one point at a time and keep fighting. You never know what happens on this court."
Gauff will play fellow American Sofia Kenin in the fourth round after the 21-year-old beat China's Shuai Zhang 7-5 7-6 (9-7).
It was an uncharacteristically slow start for Japan's Osaka who had won the pair's only previous meeting at last year's US Open.
The 22-year-old could not contain Gauff in the first set, especially when the American was on serve. Gauff completed 81% of her first serves compared to Osaka's 61%.
Despite Gauff making the quicker start, the pair each held serve until the ninth game when the American seized her opportunity.
An easy backhand miss from Osaka gave Gauff break point and it was another backhand error that gave the American the break which she held on to to take the first set.
The 15-year-old broke the Osaka serve again at the start of the second set, but could not hold for 2-0, allowing the defending champion to break back.
But unforced errors continued to flow from the Japanese player and Gauff broke again to lead 4-3.
She served for the match and Osaka sent three straight returns long before hitting match point into the net, handing Gauff victory in the simplest of fashions.
I don't have the champion mentality yet - Osaka
Osaka won the pair's previous meeting at last year's US Open
Osaka is set to drop to ninth in the world after the defeat and could fall out of the top 10, depending on the progress of other players.
Gauff, who becomes the first 15-year-old to reach the last 16 of two Grand Slams since Martina Hingis in 1996, is set to break into the world's top 50 with her first win against a top-five player.
"I don't have the champion mentality yet. That is someone who can win when they are down," Osaka said.
"Sometimes I get overwhelmed and I don't know what to do in these situations.
"I have an age problem - I don't like losing to people younger than me. So I took this very personally."


bbc--2020-01-24--Detroit bank calls police on black man depositing cheque

A US man is suing a bank in Detroit after employees called the police when he tried to deposit cheques at their branch .
Sauntore Thomas had attempted to put in money he had won after settling a racial discrimination lawsuit against his former employer .
But the bank allegedly said they would have to verify the cheques .
As Mr Thomas waited , the police arrived .
TCF bank has since apologised to Mr Thomas in a statement .
`` Local police should not have been involved , '' the statement read , according to the Detroit Free Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discrimination of any kind . ''
The bank said they could not validate Mr Thomas 's cheques and said they take extra precautions when large sums of money are involved .
• The awkward questions about slavery from US tourists • Should the term 'racist ' be redefined ?
• Viewpoint : Why racism in US is worse than in Europe But Mr Thomas , a US Air Force veteran , is now prosecuting the bank .
`` They discriminated against me because I 'm black .
None of this would have happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the Free Press .
His lawsuit says he faced resistance for `` banking while black '' , the New York Times reports .
Mr Thomas , a Detroit resident , had successfully settled a lawsuit he lodged against his former employer for a confidential amount , and went to TCF bank to deposit the cheques .
He had held an account at the bank for almost two years .
But when he tried to open a savings account for the money at the Livonia branch , staff said they would need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager - herself a black woman - went to a backroom , before returning and telling Mr Thomas their team member who verifies cheques was not there .
She allegedly asked him how he got the money .
Ten minutes later - after Mr Thomas said he would wait in the lobby for the staff member to return - four police officers arrived .
`` I did n't give them any type of indication that I was getting upset , '' he told Buzzfeed News , mindful of high profile cases in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers .
`` I wanted to make sure I stayed as level-headed as possible , because I was n't going to be the next person on the ground saying , ' I ca n't breathe . '
'' Mr Thomas told the Free Press he called his lawyer , who provided them with proof of the settlement , but still he could not deposit his money .
Instead , Mr Thomas closed his account and went to the branch of a nearby competitor .
He set up a new account with them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a matter of hours .
`` I will be vindicated because I did n't do anything wrong , '' Mr Thomas told the Free Press .
Police began an investigation into Mr Thomas for fraud during the incident , but have since closed the case .
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But when he tried to open a savings account for the money at the Livonia branch, staff said they would need to verify the cheques. The assistant bank manager - herself a black woman - went to a backroom, before returning and telling Mr Thomas their team member who verifies cheques was not there. She allegedly asked him how he got the money.


bbc--2020-01-24--Mexican police push back hundreds of US-bound migrants

Police in southern Mexico have forced back a group of around 1,000 migrants , mainly from Central America , trying @ @ @ @ @ Guatemala .
Officers with shields and batons pushed the group that left Honduras last week @ @ @ @ @ border and , eventually , seek asylum .
This was their third attempt to cross @ @ @ @ @ government is under huge economic and diplomatic pressure from the Trump administration to stop migrants @ @ @ @ @ border .
Hundreds of people have already been deported back to Honduras .
Read more @ @ @ @ @ stopped from entering Mexico

Police in southern Mexico have forced back a group of around 1,000 migrants, mainly from Central America, trying to enter the country from Guatemala.
Officers with shields and batons pushed the group that left Honduras last week hoping to reach the US border and, eventually, seek asylum. This was their third attempt to cross into Mexico.
The Mexican government is under huge economic and diplomatic pressure from the Trump administration to stop migrants from reaching the US southern border. Hundreds of people have already been deported back to Honduras.
Read more: Hundreds of US-bound migrants stopped from entering Mexico


bbc--2020-01-24--Jordan Belfort: Real Wolf of Wall Street sue film studio for $300m

Jordan Belfort , the former stock broker whose story inspired the hit movie The Wolf of Wall Street , is suing the filmmakers for $ 300m ( £229m ) .
Belfort was played by Leonardo DiCaprio in the film , which was was Oscar-nominated and a box office success .
He claims Red Granite Productions lied about being `` legitimately funded '' when he sold the rights to his story .
The company 's lawyer described Belfort 's lawsuit as `` desperate and supremely ironic '' .
Red Granite Productions co-founder Riza Aziz was arrested on suspicion of money laundering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims Aziz `` concealed these criminal acts and funding sources from him '' and that he was `` blindsided '' over the true source of the company 's funding .
Hollywood producer Aziz is the stepson of the former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak , who is accused of siphoning $ 700m ( £534m ) from the government-run 1MDB - who funded the film - into his personal bank accounts .
The film , which is Martin Scorsese 's biggest film success to date , was based on Belfort 's book , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York stockbroker in the late 80s , and his subsequent fall , through a haze of drugs , women , corruption and fraud .
Belfort , who spent 22 months in prison for crimes depicted in the 2013 movie , now wants to make his rights deal void , claiming he never would have made it had he known where the money was coming from .
The amount he is suing for - $ 300m ( £229m ) - is how much the film made at the box office .
However Red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement : `` Jordan Belfort 's lawsuit is nothing more than a desperate and supremely ironic attempt to get out from under an agreement that for the first time in his life made him rich and famous through lawful and legitimate means . ''
DiCaprio 's portrayal of Belfort earned him a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination .
The Wolf of Wall Street was adapted again last year , as a live immersive experience in London .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

However Red Granite's lawyer Matthew Schwartz said in a statement: "Jordan Belfort's lawsuit is nothing more than a desperate and supremely ironic attempt to get out from under an agreement that for the first time in his life made him rich and famous through lawful and legitimate means."


bbc--2020-01-24--Devoted football fans experience 'dangerous' levels of stress

Devoted football fans experience such intense levels of physical stress while watching their team they could be putting themselves at risk of a heart attack , research suggests .
The Oxford study tested saliva from Brazilian fans during their historic loss to Germany at the 2014 World Cup .
It found levels of the hormone cortisol rocketed during the 7-1 home defeat in the semi-final .
This can be dangerous , increasing blood pressure and strain on the heart .
The researchers found no difference in stress levels between men and women during the game , despite preconceptions men are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` Fans who are strongly fused with their team - that is , have a strong sense of being 'one ' with their team - experience the greatest physiological stress response when watching a match , '' said Dr Martha Newson , researcher at the Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion , at Oxford .
`` Fans who are more casual supporters also experience stress but not so extremely . ''
Raised cortisol can also give people a feeling of impending doom , that their life is in danger or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has shown an increase in heart attacks among fans on important match days , whether supporting club or country .
In their study , the University of Oxford researchers tracked cortisol levels in 40 fans ' saliva before , during and after three World Cup matches .
The most stressful by far was the semi-final .
`` It was a harrowing match - so many people stormed out sobbing , '' Dr Newson told BBC News .
But the fans had used coping strategies such as humour and hugging to reduce their stress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the final whistle .
Dr Newson suggested stadiums should dim the lights and play calming music after games .
`` Clubs may be able to offer heart screenings or other health measures to highly committed fans who are at the greatest risk of experiencing increased stress during the game , '' she added .

"Fans who are strongly fused with their team - that is, have a strong sense of being 'one' with their team - experience the greatest physiological stress response when watching a match," said Dr Martha Newson, researcher at the Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion, at Oxford.