theweekuk--2020-03-06--Champions League last-16 predictions: who will qualify for the quarter-finals?

The 2019-20 Uefa Champions League knockout stage began with some huge results in the round of 16 first legs .
Holders Liverpool and last year ’ s beaten finalists Tottenham both lost their first leg matches , against Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig respectively , and will need to overturn one-goal deficits .
Spurs travel to Germany on Tuesday and even though his team lost 1-0 Jose Mourinho was in a positive mood after the first leg .
“ It ’ s not 10-0 and the result is still open , ” said Tottenham boss Mourinho .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wouldn ’ t be the first team to lose 1-0 at home and then win the tie away .
So why shouldn ’ t we believe ?
” Despite losing 1-0 in the Spanish capital , Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes the power of Anfield can help his side progress to the last eight on Wednesday night .
He said : “ I am really looking forward to the second leg .
It ’ s half-time and we ’ re 1-0 down .
The second half will be played in our stadium and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a miracle after losing 3-0 at home in their first leg against Bayern Munich while Manchester City will be confident of progressing after winning 2-1 at Real Madrid .
Here we take a look at the round of 16 second leg fixtures and pick out the pundit predictions ahead of the games on Tuesday and Wednesday .
• None Tuesday 10 March : RB Leipzig vs. Tottenham ( 1-0 on aggregate ) ; Valencia vs. Atalanta ( 1-4 ) • All matches kick off at 8pm ( GMT ) and are live on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– “ Only Timo Werner ’ s 58th-minute penalty separated these sides in London , but the Bundesliga outfit looked much the better team for large parts of that contest .
We ’ re backing Julian Nagelsmann ’ s men to come out on top again on home turf.
” “ We ’ ve got the feeling that RB Leipzig look likely to get the goals that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who will not find it easy to score .
We ’ re predicting a decent 2-0 winning margin for RB Leipzig after 90 minutes.
” “ A Timo Werner penalty proved enough to separate these sides for the first leg in London , and Leipzig are heavily expected to finish the job and book their quarter-final place at the expense of a Tottenham team who are clearly struggling in the absence of Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min .
Percentage chance of qualifying : RB Leipzig 80.20 % Tottenham 19.80 % .
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t improve , then the prognosis , like our predictions , suggest a heavy loss that will send Spurs out of the Champions League knockout rounds with a bitter aftertaste.
” “ Leipzig are unlikely to risk their away goal lead and chase the game with the same fearless aggression from the start , so we ’ re going to go with a low scoring game in the return leg , with a Leipzig 1-0 win the most likely outcome.
” “ The Infogol model predicts a 61 % chance of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 20 % chance that Tottenham Hotspur will win .
The draw is a 19 % chance.
” “ In our opinion , Atalanta and Valencia should both be able to score more than once here although it ’ s hard to pick a clear winner .
Shouldn ’ t be much in it , and there should be goals with a draw being quite a realistic outcome .
With that in mind , we reckon that it will be a 2-2 when the full-time whistle blows.
” “ We can see this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Valencia have to come forward to try and come from behind in the tie , but Atalanta have the quality to pick them off on the break and as such , we expect the two sides to cancel each other out in this game for a draw.
” “ Valencia found themselves hopelessly overpowered by a free-scoring Atalanta side that have netted the third most goals [ 70 ] in Europe ’ s top five leagues this season , and the odds give them less than a 10 % chance of overturning their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Valencia 9.72 % Atalanta 90.28 % .
” “ All their good work will be undone as [ Diego ] Simeone heads to Anfield and tries to defend for 90 minutes ; only to find that Liverpool ’ s relentless will to win and his own side ’ s mental fragility means there will be only one outcome from such an approach .
They will hold as long as they can , but eventually they will cave to the pressure as they always do .
Liverpool to advance.
” “ The fortress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many historic Champions League games down the years , paired with a wall of red banners and the cacophonous singing Kop .
Combine this with the Reds ’ s gegenpressing , attack-dominant starting XI and the chances of another comeback are more than likely.
” “ Defending champions Liverpool fell foul of a typically stern and defensively organised Atletico performance in the first leg , although they are still very narrowly favoured to remain in the competition ahead of Diego Simeone ’ s side .
Percentage chance of qualifying : Liverpool 51.12 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Past evidence suggests Borussia will struggle to keep PSG at bay on the road .
They lost 3-1 at Barcelona and 2-0 at Inter during this season ’ s group stage , while last term they went down 2-0 away to Atletico Madrid in their pool and were beaten 3-0 by Tottenham in London at this point .
Take 11/1 for a 3-1 home victory.
” “ Whilst an impressive brace from this season ’ s breakout star Erling Braut Haaland led Dortmund to a first leg victory , the odds give PSG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter-finals for what would be the first time in four seasons .
Percentage chance of qualifying : PSG 52.11 % Borussia Dortmund 47.89 % .
” PSG ’ s striker situation : keep Mbappe by selling Neymar or risk losing both ?
“ A Kevin De Bruyne masterclass enabled Manchester City to come from behind and defeat La Liga leaders Real Madrid at the Bernabeu , and the market indicates they have reason to feel confident about their chances of reaching the quarter-finals .
Percentage chance of qualifying : Man City 86.99 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A fortuitous Nicolas Tousart goal condemned Juventus to defeat versus Lyon in arguably the most shocking result amongst the first legs , and whilst they are still favoured to advance , their chances have dropped from an initial 85 % rating to just under 55 % .
Percentage chance of qualifying : Juventus 54.60 % Lyon 45.40 % .
” “ Bayern Munich produced a thoroughly impressive and ruthlessly clinical second half performance to dismantle Chelsea in the first leg of their tie , leaving Frank Lampard ’ s side virtually zero chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign.
” “ Napoli turned in a determined display to earn a respectable 1-1 draw at home against Barcelona , although the market indicates that will not be enough to secure a spot in the quarter-final .
Percentage chance of qualifying : Barcelona 77.72 % Napoli 22.28 % .
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Here we take a look at the round of 16 second leg fixtures and pick out the pundit predictions ahead of the games on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Chelsea require a miracle after losing 3-0 at home in their first leg against Bayern Munich, but may not have to contend with raucous home support if the tie does take place in an empty arena, while Manchester City will be confident of progressing after winning 2-1 at Real Madrid.
He said: “I am really looking forward to the second leg. It’s half-time and we’re 1-0 down. The second half will be played in our stadium and they will feel it.”
Despite losing 1-0 in the Spanish capital, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes the power of Anfield can help his side progress to the last eight on Wednesday night.
“It’s not 10-0 and the result is still open,” said Tottenham boss Mourinho. “It’s as simple as that. We wouldn’t be the first team to lose 1-0 at home and then win the tie away. So why shouldn’t we believe?”
On the pitch Spurs travel to Germany this evening and even though his team lost 1-0 Jose Mourinho was in a positive mood after the first leg.
The clash between Valencia and Atalanta tonight will also be played in an empty stadium, and Uefa has done away with the pre-match handshakes, following in the footsteps of the Premier League.
On Monday Paris Saint-Germain were ordered to play Wednesday’s home tie against Borussia Dortmund behind closed doors after banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people to try and slow the spread of the disease.
Barcelona confirmed on Tuesday that their game against Napoli on March 18 would take place behind closed doors, and it is expected that Chelsea's tie with Bayern Munich the same night will also be a lock-out.
The 2019-20 Uefa Champions League knockout stage began with some huge results in the round of 16 first legs. But there is now as much focus on the impact of the coronavirus outbreak as the football.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Predictions: RB Leipzig vs. Tottenham (1-0)
Bwin
“Only Timo Werner’s 58th-minute penalty separated these sides in London, but the Bundesliga outfit looked much the better team for large parts of that contest. We’re backing Julian Nagelsmann’s men to come out on top again on home turf.”
Football Predictions
“We’ve got the feeling that RB Leipzig look likely to get the goals that they need when they face Tottenham, who will not find it easy to score. We’re predicting a decent 2-0 winning margin for RB Leipzig after 90 minutes.”
Pinnacle
“A Timo Werner penalty proved enough to separate these sides for the first leg in London, and Leipzig are heavily expected to finish the job and book their quarter-final place at the expense of a Tottenham team who are clearly struggling in the absence of Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min. Percentage chance of qualifying: RB Leipzig 80.20% Tottenham 19.80%.”
Football Tips
“If Mourinho’s strike-force options don’t improve, then the prognosis, like our predictions, suggest a heavy loss that will send Spurs out of the Champions League knockout rounds with a bitter aftertaste.”
BettingPro
“Leipzig are unlikely to risk their away goal lead and chase the game with the same fearless aggression from the start, so we’re going to go with a low scoring game in the return leg, with a Leipzig 1-0 win the most likely outcome.”
Infogol
“The Infogol model predicts a 61% chance of a win for RB Leipzig. There is a 20% chance that Tottenham Hotspur will win. The draw is a 19% chance.”
Predictions: Valencia vs. Atalanta (1-4)
Football Predictions
“In our opinion, Atalanta and Valencia should both be able to score more than once here although it’s hard to pick a clear winner. Shouldn’t be much in it, and there should be goals with a draw being quite a realistic outcome. With that in mind, we reckon that it will be a 2-2 when the full-time whistle blows.”
Football Tips
“We can see this one fizzling out into a draw. Valencia have to come forward to try and come from behind in the tie, but Atalanta have the quality to pick them off on the break and as such, we expect the two sides to cancel each other out in this game for a draw.”
Pinnacle
“Valencia found themselves hopelessly overpowered by a free-scoring Atalanta side that have netted the third most goals [70] in Europe’s top five leagues this season, and the odds give them less than a 10% chance of overturning their 4-1 defeat. Percentage chance of qualifying: Valencia 9.72% Atalanta 90.28%.”
Predictions: Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid (0-1)
Squawka
“All their good work will be undone as [Diego] Simeone heads to Anfield and tries to defend for 90 minutes; only to find that Liverpool’s relentless will to win and his own side’s mental fragility means there will be only one outcome from such an approach. They will hold as long as they can, but eventually they will cave to the pressure as they always do. Liverpool to advance.”
Football Tips
“The fortress that is Anfield has played host to many historic Champions League games down the years, paired with a wall of red banners and the cacophonous singing Kop. Combine this with the Reds’s gegenpressing, attack-dominant starting XI and the chances of another comeback are more than likely.”
Pinnacle
“Defending champions Liverpool fell foul of a typically stern and defensively organised Atletico performance in the first leg, although they are still very narrowly favoured to remain in the competition ahead of Diego Simeone’s side. Percentage chance of qualifying: Liverpool 51.12% Atletico Madrid 48.88%.”
Predictions: PSG vs. Borussia Dortmund (1-2)
Bwin
“Past evidence suggests Borussia will struggle to keep PSG at bay on the road. They lost 3-1 at Barcelona and 2-0 at Inter during this season’s group stage, while last term they went down 2-0 away to Atletico Madrid in their pool and were beaten 3-0 by Tottenham in London at this point. Take 11/1 for a 3-1 home victory.”
Pinnacle
“Whilst an impressive brace from this season’s breakout star Erling Braut Haaland led Dortmund to a first leg victory, the odds give PSG a slight edge in advancing to the quarter-finals for what would be the first time in four seasons. Percentage chance of qualifying: PSG 52.11% Borussia Dortmund 47.89%.”
PSG’s striker situation: keep Mbappe by selling Neymar or risk losing both?
Predictions: Man City vs. Real Madrid (2-1)
Pinnacle
“A Kevin De Bruyne masterclass enabled Manchester City to come from behind and defeat La Liga leaders Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, and the market indicates they have reason to feel confident about their chances of reaching the quarter-finals. Percentage chance of qualifying: Man City 86.99% Real Madrid 13.01%.”
Predictions: Juventus vs. Lyon (0-1)
Pinnacle
“A fortuitous Nicolas Tousart goal condemned Juventus to defeat versus Lyon in arguably the most shocking result amongst the first legs, and whilst they are still favoured to advance, their chances have dropped from an initial 85% rating to just under 55%. Percentage chance of qualifying: Juventus 54.60% Lyon 45.40%.”
Predictions: Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea (3-0)
Pinnacle
“Bayern Munich produced a thoroughly impressive and ruthlessly clinical second half performance to dismantle Chelsea in the first leg of their tie, leaving Frank Lampard’s side virtually zero chance of advancing and all but ending their campaign.”
Predictions: Barcelona vs. Napoli (1-1)
Pinnacle
“Napoli turned in a determined display to earn a respectable 1-1 draw at home against Barcelona, although the market indicates that will not be enough to secure a spot in the quarter-final. Percentage chance of qualifying: Barcelona 77.72% Napoli 22.28%.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-03-06--Social/life: five tips for staying healthy on and offline

We all know getting too little exercise and being too addicted to electronic devices can be damaging to one ’ s mental wellbeing , but what can we do about it ?
Here are five simple tips for staying healthy , both on and offline .
Rather than having too much clutter , simplify your life by carefully categorising your apps into groups .
Make sure you have quick access to all of the apps that you use the most , without considering which apps you should use the most .
Reduce distraction by clearing the bottom three rows of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you will reduce the number of apps you see when opening your phone .
This way you will no longer be tempted to spend time clicking in and out of apps that you don ’ t care about just to remove the red alert badges which have been designed to attract your attention .
Each app on your home screen should be selected with intention , with any addictive apps specifically designed to steal your attention hidden .
It ’ s well known that caffeine can impact sleep quality .
Even though you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact a few hours after consumption , the caffeine may still be in your body and consequently disrupt your sleep .
Everybody 's tolerance is different , but caffeine is active in your bloodstream typically for five to six hours , and you may still have some coffee left in your system for up to 24 hours after drinking it .
Therefore consider a noon cut-off time .
Getting good quality sleep is critical for mental and physical performance .
Walk whenever you ’ re on the phone Whether you ’ re catching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call , try to get up and walk around when you are on the phone .
I walked hundreds of laps of the block around my office and the streets around my home while on the phone .
Our bodies are made to move .
Spending hours hunched over a computer without moving could even leave you with mobility issues in the long run .
In the past I have struggled with both back pain and golfer ’ s elbow , but moving and stretching throughout the day has solved both of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to ensure you get your daily steps in .
A health journal is a great way to monitor your overall wellness and allow you to understand any issues you might have .
I don ’ t use a special app , just a separate calendar on my phone and laptop so that I can see how it relates to other things in my schedule such as work , training , social activities .
Try recording when you are unwell , in any pain , or feeling particularly tired or down .
Swap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Friday after-work drinks with friends , consider doing something fun and active such as table tennis or a group gym session .
Catch-ups with friends can be spent going for a walk rather than sitting in a bar – I ’ ve even had business networking days in a Russian Banya !
Switching to more mindful , social habits allows for meaningful relationships and building stronger bonds with others .
If you are surrounded by like-minded people , they will be more than happy to join in .
Additionally , it can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wellness for your friends , family , colleagues and associates .
For more ideas check out the Minboso app on the Apple app store and in early-access on Google Play .

We all know getting too little exercise and being too addicted to electronic devices can be damaging to one’s mental wellbeing, but what can we do about it? Here are five simple tips for staying healthy, both on and offline.
Clear your home screen - clear screen, clear mind
Rather than having too much clutter, simplify your life by carefully categorising your apps into groups. Make sure you have quick access to all of the apps that you use the most, without considering which apps you should use the most.
Reduce distraction by clearing the bottom three rows of your home screen. That way, you will reduce the number of apps you see when opening your phone. This way you will no longer be tempted to spend time clicking in and out of apps that you don’t care about just to remove the red alert badges which have been designed to attract your attention. Each app on your home screen should be selected with intention, with any addictive apps specifically designed to steal your attention hidden.
No coffee after midday
It’s well known that caffeine can impact sleep quality. Even though you may not be able to feel the impact a few hours after consumption, the caffeine may still be in your body and consequently disrupt your sleep.
Everybody's tolerance is different, but caffeine is active in your bloodstream typically for five to six hours, and you may still have some coffee left in your system for up to 24 hours after drinking it. Therefore consider a noon cut-off time. Getting good quality sleep is critical for mental and physical performance.
Walk whenever you’re on the phone
Whether you’re catching up with family or on a business call, try to get up and walk around when you are on the phone. I walked hundreds of laps of the block around my office and the streets around my home while on the phone. Our bodies are made to move. Spending hours hunched over a computer without moving could even leave you with mobility issues in the long run. In the past I have struggled with both back pain and golfer’s elbow, but moving and stretching throughout the day has solved both of these ailments. It is also an easy way to ensure you get your daily steps in.
Keep a health journal
A health journal is a great way to monitor your overall wellness and allow you to understand any issues you might have. I don’t use a special app, just a separate calendar on my phone and laptop so that I can see how it relates to other things in my schedule such as work, training, social activities. Try recording when you are unwell, in any pain, or feeling particularly tired or down.
Swap dinner and drinks for something active
Instead of Friday after-work drinks with friends, consider doing something fun and active such as table tennis or a group gym session.
Catch-ups with friends can be spent going for a walk rather than sitting in a bar – I’ve even had business networking days in a Russian Banya!
Switching to more mindful, social habits allows for meaningful relationships and building stronger bonds with others. If you are surrounded by like-minded people, they will be more than happy to join in. Additionally, it can have the added benefit of promoting positive wellness for your friends, family, colleagues and associates.
For more ideas check out the Minboso app on the Apple app store and in early-access on Google Play.


theweekuk--2020-03-06--Met officer arrested on suspicion of far-right links

A serving front-line police officer has been arrested on suspicion of being a member of a banned neo-Nazi terrorist group .
Counterterrorism officers raided a home in north London and detained the Metropolitan Police constable on Thursday .
They continued to search the property overnight .
The Met said that the officer ’ s status was under review , and the case had been referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct .
“ Whilst the investigation remains ongoing , at this time there is nothing to suggest there is any threat to wider public safety in relation to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
Earlier this year , police chiefs admitted they have been too slow to boost diversity .
Just 7 % of officers in England and Wales are from ethnic minorities , compared with 14 % of the population .
Attention has also turned to how police recruiters can prevent racists from joining the force .
According to The Guardian , “ white nationalists pervade law enforcement ” , with a “ long history of the military , police and other authorities supporting , protecting or even being members of white supremacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK ’ s most senior counterterror officer said Boris Johnson would be barred from joining the police because of his remarks describing black people as “ piccaninnies ” and comparing Muslim women to “ letterboxes ” .
Asked whether someone would be allowed to join a UK force if they had made the same comments , Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said : “ No , they wouldn ’ t be recruited into policing.
” A job advert for West Midlands Police says tattoos are considered “ unacceptable ” if they “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could cause offence to members of the public or colleagues ” or are considered to be racist .
The ad also states that “ the Police Service strictly prohibits any of their officers or staff from becoming members of organisations whose aims and objectives may contradict the duty to promote race equality , ” such as “ the BNP , National Front or Combat 18 ” .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magazine .
Get your first six issues for £6 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A serving front-line police officer has been arrested on suspicion of being a member of a banned neo-Nazi terrorist group.
Counterterrorism officers raided a home in north London and detained the Metropolitan Police constable on Thursday. They continued to search the property overnight.
The Met said that the officer’s status was under review, and the case had been referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct.
“Whilst the investigation remains ongoing, at this time there is nothing to suggest there is any threat to wider public safety in relation to this matter,” the force said in a statement.
Earlier this year, police chiefs admitted they have been too slow to boost diversity. Just 7% of officers in England and Wales are from ethnic minorities, compared with 14% of the population.
Attention has also turned to how police recruiters can prevent racists from joining the force.
According to The Guardian, “white nationalists pervade law enforcement”, with a “long history of the military, police and other authorities supporting, protecting or even being members of white supremacy groups”.
Last summer, the UK’s most senior counterterror officer said Boris Johnson would be barred from joining the police because of his remarks describing black people as “piccaninnies” and comparing Muslim women to “letterboxes”.
Asked whether someone would be allowed to join a UK force if they had made the same comments, Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said: “No, they wouldn’t be recruited into policing.”
A job advert for West Midlands Police says tattoos are considered “unacceptable” if they “indicate alignment with a particular group that could cause offence to members of the public or colleagues” or are considered to be racist.
The ad also states that “the Police Service strictly prohibits any of their officers or staff from becoming members of organisations whose aims and objectives may contradict the duty to promote race equality,” such as “the BNP, National Front or Combat 18”.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues for £6–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-03-06--Quiz of The Week: 29 February - 6 March

Quiz of The Week: 29 February - 6 March

The coronavirus outbreak has continued to dominate the news this week , with more than 100,000 infections reported worldwide and almost 3,500 deaths .
Governments are stepping up efforts to contain the epidemic , with scores of high-profile events cancelled and travel restrictions and lockdowns put in place .
The authorities in Italy , the worst-hit country outside of Asia , have taken the “ prudent decision ” to close all schools and universities until mid March , Education Minister Lucia Azzolina announced on Wednesday .
To find out how closely you ’ ve been paying attention to the unfolding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your knowledge to the test with our Quiz of The Week .
Need a reminder about the other big stories over the past seven days ?
In the US , former vice-president Joe Biden stormed ahead in the race to decide the next Democratic presidential nominee , claiming ten of the 14 states up for grabs on so-called Super Tuesday .
Biden and and left-wing Vermont senator Bernie Sanders are now the only two remaining candidates vying to take on Donald Trump in the presidential election in November , after Mike Bloomberg and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , political analysts have given a caution welcome to a new ceasefire in the northwest Syrian province of Idlib , under a deal struck by Russia and Turkey following more than six hours of talks in Moscow .
In UK news , Brexit negotiations with the EU began in Brussels , with the bloc ’ s chief negotiator Michel Barnier warning of “ serious divergences ” between the two side over the contents of a future trade deal .
The National Audit Office revealed that the UK government had spent more @ @ @ @ @ @

We will use the details you have shared to manage your registration. You agree to the processing, storage, sharing and use of this information for the purpose of managing your registration as described in our Privacy Policy.
Would you like to receive The WeekDay newsletter ?
The WeekDay newsletter provides you with a daily digest of news and analysis.
We will use the details you have shared to manage your newsletter subscription. You agree to the processing, storage, sharing and use of this information for the purpose of managing your subscription as described in our Privacy Policy.
We will use the information you have shared for carefully considered and specific purposes, where we believe we have a legitimate case to do so, for example to send you communications about similar products and services we offer. You can find out more about our legitimate interest activity in our Privacy Policy.
If you wish to object to the use of your data in this way, please tick here.
'We' includes The Week and other Future Publishing Limited brands as detailed here.


theweekuk--2020-03-07--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 7 Mar 2020

A man in his early 80s has become the second person in the UK to die after testing positive for @ @ @ @ @ said the man had underlying health conditions .
His family have told The Guardian he @ @ @ @ @ .
More than 160 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK and @ @ @ @ @ to spread in “ a significant way ” , officials have said .

Second UK coronavirus death in the UK
A man in his early 80s has become the second person in the UK to die after testing positive for coronavirus. Milton Keynes Hospital said the man had underlying health conditions. His family have told The Guardian he was not isolated quickly enough. More than 160 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK and it is now highly likely to spread in “a significant way”, officials have said.


theweekuk--2020-03-08--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 8 Mar 2020

The country is still divided over the decision to leave the European Union , according to a new poll for @ @ @ @ @ per cent said they would like to rejoin the EU , against 54 per cent @ @ @ @ @ not return .
Some 63 per cent of 18-24 year-olds want a return to Europe @ @ @ @ @ of over-65s want to stay out .

Poll shows that the UK is still divided over European Union
The country is still divided over the decision to leave the European Union, according to a new poll for The Independent. Some 46 per cent said they would like to rejoin the EU, against 54 per cent who believe the UK should not return. Some 63 per cent of 18-24 year-olds want a return to Europe, but 69 per cent of over-65s want to stay out.


theweekuk--2020-03-09--Sports shorts: Indian Wells cancelled over coronavirus, Premier League in jeopardy

To keep reading The Week ’ s concise , refreshing and balanced take on the world , please register your @ @ @ @ @ use the details you have shared to manage your registration.You agree to the processing , @ @ @ @ @ of this information for the purpose of managing your registration as described in our Privacy @ @ @ @ @ the details you have shared to manage your newsletter subscription.You agree to the processing , @ @ @ @ @ of this information for the purpose of managing your subscription as described in our Privacy @ @ @ @ @ the information you have shared for carefully considered and specific purposes , where we believe @ @ @ @ @ to do so , for example to send you communications about similar products and services @ @ @ @ @ more about our legitimate interest activity in our privacy policy .
‘ We ’ includes @ @ @ @ @ Publishing ( UK ) Ltd brands as detailed here

1. Indian Wells cancelled The Indian Wells tennis tournament in California has been called off because of concerns about the spread of coronavirus. Organisers of the BNP Paribas Open made the decision to call off the event “due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus and the safety of the participants and attendees... This is following the guidance of medical professionals, the Centres for Disease Control, and State of California.” Many of the world's leading players, including men's world number two Rafael Nadal, had already arrived in California for the event. Qualifying was due to begin today with the main draw matches beginning on Wednesday. The combined ATP and WTA event is one of the biggest non-Grand Slam tournaments in the calendar and attracts draws more than 400,000 fans each year to Indian Wells, 130 miles east of Los Angeles. 2. Fears for the Premier League The coronavirus outbreak could also threaten the Premier League season and the Government was due to hold crisis talks with sports leaders and broadcasters today. Premier League clubs fear being ordered to play behind closed doors reports The Daily Telegraph, which says that two clubs believe the season could still have to stop. “Concerns that playing Premier League games without spectators would just transfer the problem to pubs showing live matches are behind proposals such as cutting off the feed to such establishments or even showing any match in a closed stadium on free-to-air television,” it reports. “In the worst-case scenario, the season could be suspended at a critical moment in the fixture list in terms of the title race and with eight top-flight clubs still involved in the FA Cup and four in the Champions League.” 3. Serie A confusion In Italy Serie A games were played behind closed doors at the weekend, but the country’s sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora said it was “irresponsible” not to suspend the competition. Skip advert His comments on Sunday meant Parma's Serie A match against SPAL kicked off 75 minutes late after as the players awaited a decision on whether the game would go ahead or not. Earlier Brescia striker Mario Balotelli called for all games to be postponed, echoing calls from Italy’s players’ union.
Elsewhere in Europe France has announced a ban of gatherings of more than 1,000 people, a ruling certain to impact on sporting events, says the BBC, while the German health minister has also called for similar measures. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 4. Liverpool two games from glory Liverpool fans will be waiting with bated breath to see whether the Premier League season can continue, as the club is now just two matches away from winning the title for the first time since 1990.The Reds’ victory over Bournemouth and Man City’s defeat to local rivals United on Sunday mean that Jurgen Klopp’s side need just six points from nine games to secure the league. If Man City lose to Arsenal this week then victory in the Merseyside derby next Monday would see Liverpool crowned champions. If City win their next match then the Reds could still be champions if they can beat Everton and then Crystal Palace. Premier League: Man United maintain superiority over City 5. Doubts over Cheltenham favourite Despite a case of coronavirus being confirmed in the town organisers of the Cheltenham Festival say it is “business as usual” ahead of the four day racing meet. But punters have other things to worry about apart from the Covid-19 after one of the event’s big draws became a doubt for the festival. “Altior is lame and at great risk of not being able to run in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at this week’s Cheltenham Festival,” reports The Guardian. “The news puts at risk what had been built up as the most exciting race this week, the much anticipated clash of Altior, Defi Du Seuil and Chacun Pour Soi in Wednesday’s Champion Chase. Altior, winner of the race for the past two years, had been favourite at 2-1 but was immediately pushed out to 3-1 and those odds looked set to lengthen.” 6. England beat Japan England kept their hopes of retaining the SheBelieves Cup alive after substitute Ellen White scored a late winner against Japan. Skip advert England, who are holders, lost their opening fixture to the US and failed to impose themselves on Japan. Manager Phil Neville picked a side with an average age of 21 and a front three with just 12 caps between them. However, experienced second half substitutes Toni Duggan and White combined in the 83rd minute to secure his side the win. The Lionesses face Spain, who have also lost to the US and beaten Japan, in their final game of the round robin tournament on Wednesday. 7. Australia win T20 World Cup Hosts Australia won the women’s T20 World Cup, crushing India in front of more than 86,000 fans in Melbourne.


theweekuk--2020-03-09--Instant Opinion: Italy lockdown ‘warning from the future’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
Italy ’ s coronavirus response is a warning from the future “ Italy has long been a political laboratory , for better or worse , and a harbinger of developments that later spread .
It ’ s also a rule-bound country where rules are often ignored , a place that often falls short on long-term planning but rises to the occasion in emergencies and has a knack for improvisation that its northern neighbors lack .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ information is often unreliable and politicized .
Today , it is an experiment in which free movement of people and goods meets free movement of a deadly virus .
Countries across Europe and the world are watching how Italy handles an epidemic that knows no borders , has been putting tremendous strain on public-health structures , and is pushing the country ’ s already fragile economy to the brink.
” “ Biden is a poor candidate .
His messaging is uninspiring .
His performances in debates have been terrible .
At a time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic Party is coming from young candidates with grassroots campaigning power , particularly women of colour , they ’ re gravitating towards an elderly white male candidate who already held the office of vice-president .
The Democratic Party is falling into the same patterns that created a context where they convinced themselves Hillary Clinton was a good idea .
Like Clinton , Biden has already had his shot .
Like Clinton , he doesn ’ t want to rock the boat .
Like Clinton , he has baggage .
But at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broader idea : the idea of the first female president .
What does Biden have going for him ?
” India 's Muslims are punished for asking to be Indian “ Both the [ 1984 ] Sikh massacres and the [ 2002 ] Gujarat pogroms started in response to alleged atrocities committed by the members of the targeted communities .
Last month ’ s anti-Muslim violence in Delhi , however , was not ‘ revenge ’ for anything .
It was not preceded by a major infraction against the Hindu majority .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remotely warrant retaliation .
The only thing they had done in the weeks prior to the attacks was to peacefully protest against the country ’ s new , discriminatory citizenship law .
Thus , unlike in 1984 and 2002 , there was no ostensible cause for the violence .
This time , Muslims were punished , only for being Muslim and asking to be Indian .
And because of this , last month ’ s attacks mark the beginning of a new , frightening chapter in Indian history.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a weekly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the UK and abroad , try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– on the significance of ancient rituals We won ’ t eradicate FGM if we keep misunderstanding its history “ As an archaeologist I ’ ve been researching the history of FGM , and I ’ ve found it to be far more deep-rooted in cultural traditions than most campaigners – not to mention many who practise it – realise .
These roots are long forgotten , even within the north-eastern African societies where it began .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to tackle the issue .
Campaigners often claim the tradition is mainly about virginity , chastity , paternity confidence or control of women ’ s sexuality .
I ’ ve found that FGM began instead as an act of sacrifice to the divine .
In other words , the initial intention was not about relations between humans but rather between humans and the gods : an act of self-preservation related to sacred blood , existence itself , and reproduction.
” Concussion had made my life a mess .
So I gave my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was changing everything about me and everything about my life .
I could barely walk , talk , think , see or sleep .
I was a mess .
We named that mess Stella .
It was the first name that came to mind .
I quickly realized that by naming my concussion , I had inadvertently added humour to my situation .
Rather than bursting into tears when I got lost in my own neighbourhood or when I used the freezer as a microwave , I ’ d giggle and mumble , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While shopping online for a lawn chair , I accidentally purchased a journal with a lawn chair on its cover .
Once I got over the initial disappointment — I really wanted that lawn chair — I shared Stella ’ s misstep with my friends and family .
By turning Stella into a punchline , laughter became my medicine and sharing my story became my therapy .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Rachel Donadio in The Atlantic
on a strange week in Europe
Italy’s coronavirus response is a warning from the future
“Italy has long been a political laboratory, for better or worse, and a harbinger of developments that later spread. It’s also a rule-bound country where rules are often ignored, a place that often falls short on long-term planning but rises to the occasion in emergencies and has a knack for improvisation that its northern neighbors lack. It is a free society in which information is often unreliable and politicized. Today, it is an experiment in which free movement of people and goods meets free movement of a deadly virus. Countries across Europe and the world are watching how Italy handles an epidemic that knows no borders, has been putting tremendous strain on public-health structures, and is pushing the country’s already fragile economy to the brink.”
2. Una Mullally in The Irish Times
on 2016 repeating itself
Biden’s rise shows Democrats have learned nothing
“Biden is a poor candidate. His messaging is uninspiring. His performances in debates have been terrible. At a time when the only energy being injected into the Democratic Party is coming from young candidates with grassroots campaigning power, particularly women of colour, they’re gravitating towards an elderly white male candidate who already held the office of vice-president. The Democratic Party is falling into the same patterns that created a context where they convinced themselves Hillary Clinton was a good idea. Like Clinton, Biden has already had his shot. Like Clinton, he doesn’t want to rock the boat. Like Clinton, he has baggage. But at least Clinton’s candidacy stood for a broader idea: the idea of the first female president. What does Biden have going for him?”
3. Vidya Subrahmaniam in Al Jazeera
on a history of violence
India's Muslims are punished for asking to be Indian
“Both the [1984] Sikh massacres and the [2002] Gujarat pogroms started in response to alleged atrocities committed by the members of the targeted communities. Last month’s anti-Muslim violence in Delhi, however, was not ‘revenge’ for anything. It was not preceded by a major infraction against the Hindu majority. The Muslim community did nothing that could even remotely warrant retaliation. The only thing they had done in the weeks prior to the attacks was to peacefully protest against the country’s new, discriminatory citizenship law. Thus, unlike in 1984 and 2002, there was no ostensible cause for the violence. This time, Muslims were punished, only for being Muslim and asking to be Indian. And because of this, last month’s attacks mark the beginning of a new, frightening chapter in Indian history.”


theweekuk--2020-03-09--Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal journey - in pictures

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are making their final appearance as senior royals today before quitting the UK and become financially independent .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey , alongside the Queen , Prince William and Kate , and Prince Charles and Camilla .
The engagement marks the first time that the couple have appeared in public alongside the rest of the Royal Family since revealing their plan to step down from royal duties - an announcement made without consulting Buckingham Palace .
It is not clear when the family will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be fascinating to see how it plays out , ” royal biographer Penny Junor told Sky News .
“ I imagine everybody will be on absolutely best behaviour .
But goodness knows what they will all be thinking privately.
” The Royal Family were reportedly “ hurt ” and “ deeply disappointed ” by Harry and Meghan ’ s decision to call it quits and by the way they announced the news .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– But the Sussexes have justified their decision in interviews and on their website , explaining that they want a “ more peaceful life ” away from media scrutiny .
“ For me , and for my wife , of course there ’ s a lot of stuff that hurts , especially when the majority of it is untrue , ″ Harry told ITV ’ s Tom Bradby last year .
” I will not be bullied into playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple will not use their HRH titles from 31 March , and will no longer be allowed to use the word “ royal ” in their branding .

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are making their final appearance as senior royals today before quitting the UK and become financially independent.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey, alongside the Queen, Prince William and Kate, and Prince Charles and Camilla.
The engagement marks the first time that the couple have appeared in public alongside the rest of the Royal Family since revealing their plan to step down from royal duties - an announcement made without consulting Buckingham Palace. It is not clear when the family will next be seen together.
“It will be fascinating to see how it plays out,” royal biographer Penny Junor told Sky News. “I imagine everybody will be on absolutely best behaviour. But goodness knows what they will all be thinking privately.”
The Royal Family were reportedly “hurt” and “deeply disappointed” by Harry and Meghan’s decision to call it quits and by the way they announced the news.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
But the Sussexes have justified their decision in interviews and on their website, explaining that they want a “more peaceful life” away from media scrutiny.
“For me, and for my wife, of course there’s a lot of stuff that hurts, especially when the majority of it is untrue,″ Harry told ITV’s Tom Bradby last year. ”I will not be bullied into playing a game that killed my mum.″
The couple will not use their HRH titles from 31 March, and will no longer be allowed to use the word “royal” in their branding.


theweekuk--2020-03-09--Premier League: Man United maintain superiority over City

Manchester United beat their noisy neighbours for the third time this season on Sunday and in doing so they edged Liverpool ever closer to the Premier League title .
United ’ s 2-0 defeat of Man City at an ecstatic Old Trafford means Liverpool - whose win against Bournemouth on Saturday has given them a 25 point advantage over the Sky Blues - need just two more victories to get their hands on a trophy they last held in 1990 .
For United , who have beaten City in their two league encounters this season ( for the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi final , the win was imperative after Chelsea had thrashed Everton 4-0 earlier in the day .
The Blues are fourth with 48 points but United are just three behind after a weekend when both Wolves and Tottenham dropped points in the fight for the precious fourth place .
United are now unbeaten in their last five league matches but it ’ s unlikely they will again encounter a goalkeeper this season as generous as Ederson was at Old Trafford .
The City stopper had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for both goals .
His first gaffe came on the half hour when Bruno Fernandes quick free-kick found Anthony Martial whose innocuous shot squirmed under Ederson ’ s body and into the net .
Then in the dying moments of the match , as City desperately chased an equaliser , Ederson hurled his clearance straight into the path of Scott McTominay who struck the ball back past the Brazilian .
“ He is an extraordinary keeper , ” said Guardiola , when asked about Ederson ’ s performance .
“ Next time he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Sergio Aguero had a goal ruled out for offside by VAR and United felt they should have had a penalty when Fred clashed with Nicolas Otamendi , but the three points rightly belonged to United .
“ It ’ s a privilege to be their manager , ” said a jubilant Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of his side , now unbeaten in their last ten competitive matches .
“ We feel we are improving as a squad and a team .
We feel the fans want us to do well and they see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is getting better and better .
But we are still fifth .
We need points to catch Chelsea and Leicester , so need to keep plugging away.
” How they reacted to the Red Devils victory : Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer : ” The desire , attitude , commitment , connection between fans and players pleased me most.
” Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola : “ We did our game but unfortunately we conceded a goal .
They waited for our mistakes.
” Manchester United goalscorer Scott McTominay , : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s such a beautiful feeling to score like that in front of the fans .
But we can ’ t get too carried away and need to keep pushing for the Champions League.
” Manchester City ’ s Bernardo Silva : ” It was a bad game for us .
Not acceptable ... a team like ours can not lose this many games .
We need to check what ’ s not going right and try not to make so many mistakes .
”

Man United 2 Man City 0
Manchester United beat their noisy neighbours for the third time this season on Sunday and in doing so they edged Liverpool ever closer to the Premier League title.
United’s 2-0 defeat of Man City at an ecstatic Old Trafford means Liverpool - whose win against Bournemouth on Saturday has given them a 25 point advantage over the Sky Blues - need just two more victories to get their hands on a trophy they last held in 1990.
Points mean prizes
For United, who have beaten City in their two league encounters this season (for the first time in a decade) as well as the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi final, the win was imperative after Chelsea had thrashed Everton 4-0 earlier in the day. The Blues are fourth with 48 points but United are just three behind after a weekend when both Wolves and Tottenham dropped points in the fight for the precious fourth place.
United are now unbeaten in their last five league matches but it’s unlikely they will again encounter a goalkeeper this season as generous as Ederson was at Old Trafford. The City stopper had a shocker with the Brazilian at fault for both goals.
Brazilian blunders
His first gaffe came on the half hour when Bruno Fernandes quick free-kick found Anthony Martial whose innocuous shot squirmed under Ederson’s body and into the net. Then in the dying moments of the match, as City desperately chased an equaliser, Ederson hurled his clearance straight into the path of Scott McTominay who struck the ball back past the Brazilian.
“He is an extraordinary keeper,” said Guardiola, when asked about Ederson’s performance. “Next time he will do better. Sometimes it happens.”
Privilege
Sergio Aguero had a goal ruled out for offside by VAR and United felt they should have had a penalty when Fred clashed with Nicolas Otamendi, but the three points rightly belonged to United. “It’s a privilege to be their manager,” said a jubilant Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of his side, now unbeaten in their last ten competitive matches. “We feel we are improving as a squad and a team. We feel the fans want us to do well and they see what we are doing, so it is getting better and better. But we are still fifth. We need points to catch Chelsea and Leicester, so need to keep plugging away.”
How they reacted to the Red Devils victory:
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: ”The desire, attitude, commitment, connection between fans and players pleased me most.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola: “We did our game but unfortunately we conceded a goal. They waited for our mistakes.”
Manchester United goalscorer Scott McTominay,: “That was such a sweet moment...It’s such a beautiful feeling to score like that in front of the fans. But we can’t get too carried away and need to keep pushing for the Champions League.”
Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva: ”It was a bad game for us. Not acceptable... a team like ours cannot lose this many games. We need to check what’s not going right and try not to make so many mistakes.”


theweekuk--2020-03-09--Back pages: Joy for red hot Man United, Scotland stun France

Manchester United ’ s 2-0 win against Man City in their derby encounter dominates the tabloids .
“ Bundle of Joy ” is Metro ’ s headline , above a photograph of celebrating United players , while the Daily Mirror goes for “ Red Hot ” .
The paper claims that United ’ s win , which moves them into fifth in the table , just three points shy of fourth place Chelsea , is further evidence that the Red Devils are rediscovering their mojo under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer .
The Daily Express focuses on the losing manager under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s an oblique reference to City keeper Ederson , at fault for both the United goals , but the Express says that the Brazilian keeper isn ’ t the only player who “ fears a backlash ” from manager Pep Guardiola , after a defeat that means Liverpool are now just two wins away from clinching the title for the first time in 30 years .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland ’ s dramatic 28-17 victory over France at Murrayfield makes most of the back pages with the result meaning that four teams are still in with a shout of winning the Six Nations tournament .
England , who beat Wales 33-30 on Saturday , top the table but their final match in Rome next week has been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak in Italy .
So they ’ ll have to sit and watch what happens when Scotland play Wales and France host Ireland , although that match might also fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise in France .
Ireland didn ’ t play at the weekend because their game with Italy was shelved and they , along with Scotland , are also in contention for a title that is unlikely to be decided before the autumn .
The French were expected to maintain their unbeaten campaign in Edinburgh but against a fired-up Scotland side they lost their shape and their discipline - none more so than prop Mohamed Haouas who was sent off four minutes before the break for landing a right hook on the head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paper has a photo of the punch on its backpage under the headline “ knockout Blow ” , while the Daily Express captions the same photo with “ Sucker Punch ” .
The Guardian ’ s headline is “ Le Punch ” and the paper says France ’ s hopes of winning their first Grand Slam since 2010 are in “ tatters ” on account of Haouas ’ s moment of madness .
The Daily Telegraph and the Daily Express find space on their back pages to report that England coach Eddie Jones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RFU and thrash out a new contract .
The Telegraph says that Jones , whose existing contract expires next year , “ is keen to resolve his own future ” when he meets Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney .
“ I think we ’ ve got dinner organised in a couple of weeks so we may be able to chat about it , ” Jones is quoted as saying .
The Express claims that the Australian “ wants to go through to the 2023 World Cup ” , which would see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the longest-serving coach in England history .

Derby delirium
Manchester United’s 2-0 win against Man City in their derby encounter dominates the tabloids. “Bundle of Joy” is Metro’s headline, above a photograph of celebrating United players, while the Daily Mirror goes for “Red Hot”. The paper claims that United’s win, which moves them into fifth in the table, just three points shy of fourth place Chelsea, is further evidence that the Red Devils are rediscovering their mojo under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Daily Express focuses on the losing manager under the headline “Eds will roll”. That’s an oblique reference to City keeper Ederson, at fault for both the United goals, but the Express says that the Brazilian keeper isn’t the only player who “fears a backlash” from manager Pep Guardiola, after a defeat that means Liverpool are now just two wins away from clinching the title for the first time in 30 years.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
France felled by Scots
Scotland’s dramatic 28-17 victory over France at Murrayfield makes most of the back pages with the result meaning that four teams are still in with a shout of winning the Six Nations tournament. England, who beat Wales 33-30 on Saturday, top the table but their final match in Rome next week has been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak in Italy. So they’ll have to sit and watch what happens when Scotland play Wales and France host Ireland, although that match might also fall victim to coronavirus as cases continue to rise in France. Ireland didn’t play at the weekend because their game with Italy was shelved and they, along with Scotland, are also in contention for a title that is unlikely to be decided before the autumn.
The French were expected to maintain their unbeaten campaign in Edinburgh but against a fired-up Scotland side they lost their shape and their discipline - none more so than prop Mohamed Haouas who was sent off four minutes before the break for landing a right hook on the head of Scotland flanker Jamie Ritchie. The i paper has a photo of the punch on its backpage under the headline “knockout Blow”, while the Daily Express captions the same photo with “Sucker Punch”.
The Guardian’s headline is “Le Punch” and the paper says France’s hopes of winning their first Grand Slam since 2010 are in “tatters” on account of Haouas’s moment of madness.
Keeping up with Jones
The Daily Telegraph and the Daily Express find space on their back pages to report that England coach Eddie Jones is ready to sit down with the RFU and thrash out a new contract. The Telegraph says that Jones, whose existing contract expires next year, “is keen to resolve his own future” when he meets Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney. “I think we’ve got dinner organised in a couple of weeks so we may be able to chat about it,” Jones is quoted as saying. The Express claims that the Australian “wants to go through to the 2023 World Cup”, which would see him overtake Sir Clive Woodward to become the longest-serving coach in England history.
Today’s sport headlines


theweekuk--2020-03-09--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 9 Mar 2020

The trial of four men suspected in the downing of MH17 is starting in Amsterdam today , more than five @ @ @ @ @ plane was shot down as it flew over eastern Ukraine .
Prosecutors say the Buk @ @ @ @ @ flight , killing all 298 people on board , came from a military base in @ @ @ @ @ - three Russians and a Ukrainian - are not expected to attend the trial .

Trial over downing of Flight MH17 begins
The trial of four men suspected in the downing of MH17 is starting in Amsterdam today, more than five years after the Malaysian Airlines plane was shot down as it flew over eastern Ukraine. Prosecutors say the Buk missile that hit the passenger flight, killing all 298 people on board, came from a military base in Russia. The four suspects - three Russians and a Ukrainian - are not expected to attend the trial.


theweekuk--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: supermarkets start rationing to combat panic buying


theweekuk--2020-03-09--Flight MH17: Four men go on trial for murder

Four men will go on trial today in the Netherlands in the first criminal case resulting from the murder of 298 people on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 .
The Boeing 777 was shot down over Ukraine in 2014 after Russian-backed rebels seized the area .
Prosecutors say they have evidence the missile system that brought it down came from a military base in Russia but Moscow has repeatedly denied involvement in the deadly attack .
The four suspects - Igor Girkin , Sergei Dubinsky , Oleg Pulatov and Leonid Kharchenko - are not expected to appear for the trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from eastern Ukraine .
The trial will be held at a high security justice complex at Schiphol airport , from where flight MH17 took off .
Piet Ploeg , whose brother and nephew died in the attack , told the BBC that the trial will help to discover the truth about the attack .
“ We want the world to know what really happened and to know who did it , ” he said .
Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 left Amsterdam ’ s Schiphol Airport at 12.31pm local time on 17 July 2014 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur the following day .
Instead , the Boeing 777 broke apart in mid-air following an explosion near the cockpit as the aircraft flew over eastern Ukraine , near the Russian border .
A total of 283 passengers , including 80 children and 15 Malaysian crew members were killed .
The victims included 193 Dutch citizens , 43 Malaysians , 38 Australians , 12 Indonesians and ten Britons .
The other passengers were from Belgium , Canada , Germany , New Zealand and the Philippines .
Last November , international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that suggest top Russian officials coordinated the attack on MH17 .
NL Times says a survey last month found that 55 % of Russian citizens agree or completely agree that Russia should pay grief damages to the relatives of the MH17 victims if the investigation finds that Moscow was responsible for this disaster .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six @ @ @

Four men will go on trial today in the Netherlands in the first criminal case resulting from the murder of 298 people on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.
The Boeing 777 was shot down over Ukraine in 2014 after Russian-backed rebels seized the area.
Prosecutors say they have evidence the missile system that brought it down came from a military base in Russia but Moscow has repeatedly denied involvement in the deadly attack.
The four suspects - Igor Girkin, Sergei Dubinsky, Oleg Pulatov and Leonid Kharchenko - are not expected to appear for the trial. Three are from Russia and one from eastern Ukraine.
The trial will be held at a high security justice complex at Schiphol airport, from where flight MH17 took off.
Piet Ploeg, whose brother and nephew died in the attack, told the BBC that the trial will help to discover the truth about the attack.
“We want the world to know what really happened and to know who did it,” he said.
Flight MH17 crash
Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 left Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport at 12.31pm local time on 17 July 2014 and was due to land in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur the following day.
Instead, the Boeing 777 broke apart in mid-air following an explosion near the cockpit as the aircraft flew over eastern Ukraine, near the Russian border.
A total of 283 passengers, including 80 children and 15 Malaysian crew members were killed. The victims included 193 Dutch citizens, 43 Malaysians, 38 Australians, 12 Indonesians and ten Britons. The other passengers were from Belgium, Canada, Germany, New Zealand and the Philippines.
Last November, international investigators released recordings of intercepted telephone calls that suggest top Russian officials coordinated the attack on MH17.
NL Times says a survey last month found that 55% of Russian citizens agree or completely agree that Russia should pay grief damages to the relatives of the MH17 victims if the investigation finds that Moscow was responsible for this disaster.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues for £6


theweekuk--2020-03-09--Oil prices plunge as Russia feuds with Saudi Arabia

Russia and Saudi Arabia have kicked off an oil price war after Moscow torpedoed an Opec deal to cut production in response to a fall in demand caused by the coronavirus outbreak .
In response , Saudi Arabia , the de-facto head of Opec , has gone on the offensive .
Rather than restricting supplies , handing the Russians the chance to expand their market share , the kindom has opened the taps .
Oil prices had dropped by almost a third since January to $ 45 a barrel , and news of the Saudi pushed them towards $ 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as much as 9 % in Sunday trading in Riyadh .
Saudi output will be upped “ next month to above ten million barrels a day and could increase to its maximum capacity of 12 million barrels a day if needed , ” the country ’ s officials told The Wall Street Journal .
“ The price cuts are aimed directly at Russia ’ s market share… but don ’ t encompass the entirety of the kingdom ’ s strategy.
” This wider strategy is , in fact , similar to Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase market share and damage competitors : Riyadh is not only upping production , but also cutting prices by 10 % , announcing unprecedented discounts of almost 20 % in key markets .
Profits will drop in the short term as crude prices plunge , but the Saudi governmentis hoping to use the crisis to extend its position in the global market for the long term .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important business stories and tips for the week ’ s best shares - try The Week magazine .
Get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did Russia pull out of the deal ?
This is bad news for Russia and other oil-producing nations , who will now see their income reduced , but the Saudi aggression is an outcome they may have predicted , and accounted for .
“ Russia has built up a $ 170bn national wealth fund from excess oil revenues in recent years and believes it can tap that to offset any short-term price war , ” says The Financial Times .
Moscow believes it can weather the short-term losses they will incur in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worth the long-term benefit they could accrue from rivals in Iran , Venezuela , and North America going out of business .
In particular , Russia is hoping to undermine the shale oil business in North America .
If the price of oil drops further , shale oil sellers , who rely mostly on the expensive process of hydraulic fracturing - or fracking - to extract the commodity , could be forced out of business .
The impact on the shale industry If the price war continues , it is difficult to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can survive .
However , says The New York Times , the war may in fact only be temporary .
“ The moves over the weekend may well have been part of a negotiating chess game , and the Saudis and Russians can still reach a compromise .
“ But if the collapse is lasting , ” the paper continues , “ oil executives say there is nothing to stop oil prices from tumbling to the lowest levels in at least five years .
”

Russia and Saudi Arabia have kicked off an oil price war after Moscow torpedoed an Opec deal to cut production in response to a fall in demand caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
In response, Saudi Arabia, the de-facto head of Opec, has gone on the offensive. Rather than restricting supplies, handing the Russians the chance to expand their market share, the kindom has opened the taps.
Oil prices had dropped by almost a third since January to $45 a barrel, and news of the Saudi pushed them towards $30. Shares in Saudi Aramco slid by as much as 9% in Sunday trading in Riyadh.
Saudi output will be upped “next month to above ten million barrels a day and could increase to its maximum capacity of 12 million barrels a day if needed,” the country’s officials told The Wall Street Journal. “The price cuts are aimed directly at Russia’s market share… but don’t encompass the entirety of the kingdom’s strategy.”
This wider strategy is, in fact, similar to Russia’s, in that it hopes to increase market share and damage competitors: Riyadh is not only upping production, but also cutting prices by 10%, announcing unprecedented discounts of almost 20% in key markets.
Profits will drop in the short term as crude prices plunge, but the Saudi governmentis hoping to use the crisis to extend its position in the global market for the long term.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important business stories and tips for the week’s best shares - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues free–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Why did Russia pull out of the deal?
This is bad news for Russia and other oil-producing nations, who will now see their income reduced, but the Saudi aggression is an outcome they may have predicted, and accounted for.
“Russia has built up a $170bn national wealth fund from excess oil revenues in recent years and believes it can tap that to offset any short-term price war,” says The Financial Times.
Moscow believes it can weather the short-term losses they will incur in a price war. They believe this is worth the long-term benefit they could accrue from rivals in Iran, Venezuela, and North America going out of business.
In particular, Russia is hoping to undermine the shale oil business in North America. If the price of oil drops further, shale oil sellers, who rely mostly on the expensive process of hydraulic fracturing - or fracking - to extract the commodity, could be forced out of business.
The impact on the shale industry
If the price war continues, it is difficult to see how the North American shale oil industry can survive.
However, says The New York Times, the war may in fact only be temporary. “The moves over the weekend may well have been part of a negotiating chess game, and the Saudis and Russians can still reach a compromise.
“But if the collapse is lasting,” the paper continues, “oil executives say there is nothing to stop oil prices from tumbling to the lowest levels in at least five years.”


theweekuk--2020-03-09--Coronavirus lockdown: will Italy’s new policy work?


theweekuk--2020-03-09--Greece at simmering point as refugee crisis grows

Greek hostility is growing towards an influx of refugees from the conflict in Syria as neighbouring Turkey rejects its role as Europe ’ s “ gatekeeper ” .
This weekend , a refugee shelter on the Greek island of Lesbos burned down in a suspected arson attack and police battled with migrants at the Turkish border .
“ Greek police fired tear gas at crowds at the border crossing at Kastanies , who responded by throwing stones and shouting ‘ open the gates ’ , ” the BBC says .
There are reports of those who make it across being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their belongings and clothes , and returned in their underwear by police .
The violence marks a stark change in Greek attitudes from when the refugee crisis first flared in 2015 .
Then , the country was largely empathetic .
On Lesbos , which sits only 3.5 miles off the coast of Turkey , a fisherman was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to save refugees crossing the Mytilini Strait in overcrowded boats .
Now , towns are forming civilian patrols to catch migrants .
Journalists and aid workers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them of helping the newcomers .
The 120-mile Turkey-Greece border has been the focal point of increasing violence .
The latest surge in the number of refugees began on 28 February , when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced he would allow refugees housed in Turkey to cross into Greece , disregarding a 2016 deal with the EU in which Ankara promised to host them .
Turkey is fighting Syrian government forces and Russian warplanes at its eastern border with Syria .
A million refugees are trapped on the Syrian side , fleeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the West , Turkey has closed this border to them .
The refugees now trying to get into Greece are the 3.6 million displaced people already in Turkey .
Feeling it was shouldering an unfair humanitarian burden as the numbers of migrants increased , Ankara is trying to force the EU into increasing its support by allowing the refugees in Turkey to spill into the EU .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magazine .
Get your first six issues free ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– What will happen next ?
Erdogan will meet with the EU in Brussels today , and has already set out what he is seeking .
“ We were hoping to get much more support from the international community when it comes to refugees , ” Erdogan said yesterday .
“ We have fulfilled the obligations of the agreement we have made with the EU .
However , the EU did not fulfill its commitments except for minimal contributions ...
I hope we will achieve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Greece , I am calling on you from here , you too should open your gates and let them go , ” he said .
“ We are looking for fair sharing of the burden.
” Greece , however , is consumed by a sense of crisis , bolstered “ by wall-to-wall coverage of events on Greek national networks ” , says The New York Times .
“ Ordinary Greeks felt compelled to chip in ” with guarding the border , the paper says .
“ Some of the more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by known far-right extremists , but it was evident that the movement against migrants enjoyed broader social support in the borderlands .
”

Greek hostility is growing towards an influx of refugees from the conflict in Syria as neighbouring Turkey rejects its role as Europe’s “gatekeeper”.
This weekend, a refugee shelter on the Greek island of Lesbos burned down in a suspected arson attack and police battled with migrants at the Turkish border. “Greek police fired tear gas at crowds at the border crossing at Kastanies, who responded by throwing stones and shouting ‘open the gates’,” the BBC says.
There are reports of those who make it across being rounded up, beaten, stripped of their belongings and clothes, and returned in their underwear by police.
The violence marks a stark change in Greek attitudes from when the refugee crisis first flared in 2015.
Then, the country was largely empathetic. On Lesbos, which sits only 3.5 miles off the coast of Turkey, a fisherman was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to save refugees crossing the Mytilini Strait in overcrowded boats.
Now, towns are forming civilian patrols to catch migrants. Journalists and aid workers have been physically attacked, after residents accused them of helping the newcomers. The 120-mile Turkey-Greece border has been the focal point of increasing violence.
What has changed?
The latest surge in the number of refugees began on 28 February, when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced he would allow refugees housed in Turkey to cross into Greece, disregarding a 2016 deal with the EU in which Ankara promised to host them.
Turkey is fighting Syrian government forces and Russian warplanes at its eastern border with Syria. A million refugees are trapped on the Syrian side, fleeing the violence - but like Greece to the West, Turkey has closed this border to them.
The refugees now trying to get into Greece are the 3.6 million displaced people already in Turkey. Feeling it was shouldering an unfair humanitarian burden as the numbers of migrants increased, Ankara is trying to force the EU into increasing its support by allowing the refugees in Turkey to spill into the EU.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues free–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
What will happen next?
Erdogan will meet with the EU in Brussels today, and has already set out what he is seeking.
“We were hoping to get much more support from the international community when it comes to refugees,” Erdogan said yesterday. “We have fulfilled the obligations of the agreement we have made with the EU. However, the EU did not fulfill its commitments except for minimal contributions ... I hope we will achieve different results this time,” Erdogan said.
“Greece, I am calling on you from here, you too should open your gates and let them go,” he said. “We are looking for fair sharing of the burden.”
Greece, however, is consumed by a sense of crisis, bolstered “by wall-to-wall coverage of events on Greek national networks”, says The New York Times.
“Ordinary Greeks felt compelled to chip in” with guarding the border, the paper says. “Some of the more violent groups seemed to have been mobilised by known far-right extremists, but it was evident that the movement against migrants enjoyed broader social support in the borderlands.”


theweekuk--2020-03-09--Ten things that happened in Westminster while the UK was talking about coronavirus

Coronavirus has dominated the front pages since the outbreak reached British shores at the end of January .
Hours after the UK ’ s third death linked to Covid-19 was confirmed , Prime Minister Boris Johnson today chaired another emergency Cobra meeting to decide how best to tackle the crisis .
With countries including Italy on lockdown and shares plunging in global stock markets , the epidemic looks set to remain a priority for governments worldwide for the foreseeable future .
But what else has been happening in Westminster over the past seven days ?
The PM was greeted with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flood-hit town of Bewdley in Worcestershire yesterday .
Following criticism from the opposition for not visiting affected areas earlier , Johnson was heckled with cries of “ traitor ” and “ do your f***ing job ” , as well as requests for selfies , as he walked along the River Severn .
He announced an extra £2.6bn to be spent on flood defences and a new £200m fund to pilot new flood resilience projects .
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards is launching an official investigation into Johnson ’ s £15,000 post-election Caribbean holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The commissioner , Kathryn Stone , wants to identify the donor who lent Johnson a property on the island of Mustique over the new year .
“ It is the first time a serving prime minister has been investigated by the commissioner , ” says the newspaper .
If a breach of rules is uncovered , the report will be forwarded to the Committee on Standards , which can recommend a penalty if appropriate .
Downing Street has not commented .
A BBC Panorama investigation revealed that the Department for Work and Pensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discrimination cases than any other UK employer , resulting in almost £1m in payouts , since 2016 .
The department , which is responsible for supporting people with disabilities into employment , lost 17 of 134 claims of disability discrimination against its own workers – of which 11,000 out of a total of 80,000 identify as disabled .
A man allegedly carrying two knives was shot dead by police in Whitehall on Sunday evening .
The Metropolitan Police said officers came across a man who was acting suspiciously , and when challenged “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Standard reports .
He was first fired upon with a taser , and was then shot by a firearms officer .
He later died from the gunshot wounds .
The Met tweeted : “ A man has been shot dead by officers following an incident in # Westminster at 23.27hrs on Sunday 8 March .
This is NOT being treated as a terrorist incident.
” The British Medical Journal published a report which found that binge-drinking was more common among MPs than the general public .
The BMJ released the long-awaited findings of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 , that found members were more likely to “ drink riskily ” .
Tory MP Dan Poulter , a GP , teetotaller and one of those behind the survey , said : “ It is extraordinary that there are so many bars in parliament where alcohol is available at almost every hour of the day.
” A House of Commons spokesperson said efforts were being made to encourage responsible drinking , reports The Observer .
Baroness Liz Sugg was given the new role of special envoy for girls ’ education , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world ’ s poorest countries into schools .
The appointment was announced ahead of International Women ’ s Day at a reception for female figures in business , science , sports and other sectors , as well as a group of schoolgirls , at Downing Street .
Boris Johnson came under pressure at Prime Minister ’ s Questions last week to reveal when he first learned of bullying allegations against Home Secretary Priti Patel .
The prime minister avoided answering , and also swerved Jeremy Corbyn ’ s questions on why public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil servants who made bullying allegations against Patel .
“ The home secretary is doing an outstanding job… and I ’ m sticking by her , ” said Johnson .
Ministers ’ promises that Chinese tech giant Huawei will eventually be phased out of future UK phone networks has failed to quash Tory backbencher concerns over the issue .
Matt Warman , a junior minister , told MPs the government wanted to reach a point “ where we do have not to use a high-risk vendor in the network at all ” but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timetable , The Guardian reports .
Conservative rebels have echoed US concerns that Huawei ’ s 5G technology represents a potential surveillance risk , owing to the firm ’ s links to the Chinese state and its intelligence services .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The Labour leadership contest frontrunner Keir Starmer has refused to rule out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shadow Brexit secretary said he did not think it was a “ priority for now and the immediate future ” , but said it was for future generations to decide whether the UK would rejoin the bloc in years to come , says the Mirror .
Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy – Starmer ’ s opponents in the race – both ruled out campaigning to rejoin .
Alex Salmond , the former SNP leader , goes on trial today accused of sexually assaulting ten women while serving as Scotland ’ s first minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edinburgh ’ s High Court and is expected to last for four weeks .
Salmond , 65 , faces a total of 14 charges of alleged offences against ten women – all of which he denies .
The charges comprise one of attempted rape , one of sexual assault with intent to rape , ten of sexual assault and two of indecent assault , says Glasgow-based newspaper The Herald .


theweekuk--2020-03-09--When will coronavirus end?

When will coronavirus end?


theweekuk--2020-03-09--Reaction as Indian Wells tennis cancelled - is Wimbledon in danger?

The decision to cancel the Indian Wells tennis tournament over coronavirus fears has generated a mixed response , amid fears that other events – including Wimbledon – could now be in jeopardy .
Organisers in California , where there have been 114 reported cases of the virus , took the decision to call off the event on Monday .
“ The tournament , a combined ATP and WTA event which is one of the biggest and most prestigious outside of the Grand Slams , was due to start this week , ” reports the BBC .
“ Health officials in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a risk ’ to hold a ‘ large gathering of this size ’ .
” The tournament was due to begin on Wednesday , with 19 or the world ’ s top 20 male players taking part and stars including Serena Williams , Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff in the women ’ s draw .
Rafa Nadal , who was already in California was among those to express his shock on Twitter .
Tournament director Tommy Haas said he hoped to be able to stage the event at a later date .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not take place , but the health and safety of the local community , fans , players , volunteers , sponsors , employees , vendors , and everyone involved with the event is of paramount importance , ” he said .
But The New York Times says “ finding another two-week window on the overstuffed professional tennis calendar in 2020 will be a challenge ” , but notes that other events could also be cancelled .
Andy Murray is hoping to make his comeback at the Miami Open , a similarly high-profile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brother Jamie pointed out on Twitter that there had been more cases of the virus in that part of Miami than in Coachella , where Indian Wells takes place .
He questioned whether Wimbledon might now be in jeopardy .
“ After the two American hard court tournaments players return to Europe to kick off the clay season , ” notes the Daily Express .
“ The Monte Carlo Masters has a strong possibility of being abandoned as it neighbours northern Italy , where over 16million people are in quarantine .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quelled and no vaccine is discovered in the coming weeks then the Grand Slam tournaments , which are generally higher attended events , will have some major decisions to make.
” Other sports have also been impacted , with Six Nations rugby games postponed , European football matches taking place behind closed doors and the start of the new F1 season in turmoil with the Chinese Grand Prix cancelled and fans barred from the Bahrain GP .

The decision to cancel the Indian Wells tennis tournament over coronavirus fears has generated a mixed response, amid fears that other events – including Wimbledon – could now be in jeopardy.
Organisers in California, where there have been 114 reported cases of the virus, took the decision to call off the event on Monday.
“The tournament, a combined ATP and WTA event which is one of the biggest and most prestigious outside of the Grand Slams, was due to start this week,” reports the BBC.
“Health officials in California said there was ‘too great a risk’ to hold a ‘large gathering of this size’.”
The tournament was due to begin on Wednesday, with 19 or the world’s top 20 male players taking part and stars including Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff in the women’s draw.
Rafa Nadal, who was already in California was among those to express his shock on Twitter.
Tournament director Tommy Haas said he hoped to be able to stage the event at a later date.
“We are very disappointed that the tournament will not take place, but the health and safety of the local community, fans, players, volunteers, sponsors, employees, vendors, and everyone involved with the event is of paramount importance,” he said.
But The New York Times says “finding another two-week window on the overstuffed professional tennis calendar in 2020 will be a challenge”, but notes that other events could also be cancelled.
Andy Murray is hoping to make his comeback at the Miami Open, a similarly high-profile tournament later this month, but his brother Jamie pointed out on Twitter that there had been more cases of the virus in that part of Miami than in Coachella, where Indian Wells takes place. He questioned whether Wimbledon might now be in jeopardy.
“After the two American hard court tournaments players return to Europe to kick off the clay season,” notes the Daily Express.
“The Monte Carlo Masters has a strong possibility of being abandoned as it neighbours northern Italy, where over 16million people are in quarantine.
“If the spread of the disease is not quelled and no vaccine is discovered in the coming weeks then the Grand Slam tournaments, which are generally higher attended events, will have some major decisions to make.”
Other sports have also been impacted, with Six Nations rugby games postponed, European football matches taking place behind closed doors and the start of the new F1 season in turmoil with the Chinese Grand Prix cancelled and fans barred from the Bahrain GP.
Doesn’t bode well for the tour if IW cancelled for 1 confirmed case in Coachella Valley. Broward county (Miami Open home) has more confirmed cases. Monte Carlo borders northern Italy currently in lockdown. Rome Masters? French Open? Wimbledon?!!! — Jamie Murray (@jamie_murray) March 9, 2020
So sad to hear the news about the postponing of the @BNPPARIBASOPEN . I was so excited to make my debut in IW, but safety is always the no.1 priority. Stay safe 🙏🏾❤ — Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) March 9, 2020
You probably all heard the news. Indian Wells cancelled. We are here and still deciding what’s next. So sad for all that is happening around the world with this situation. Hopefully soon solutions from the authorities. Stay all well and safe. — Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 9, 2020


theweekuk--2020-03-09--Alex Salmond trial: what to expect

Alex Salmond trial: what to expect

Alex Salmond goes on trial today accused of sexually assaulting ten women while serving as Scotland ’ s first minister .
The former Scottish National Party ( SNP ) leader denies all the allegations , which include attempted rape , and has pleaded not guilty .
How long will the trial last ?
The trial is taking place at Edinburgh ’ s High Court and is expected to last for four weeks .
Under Scots law , Salmond will be tried by a 15-member jury and the verdict could be guilty , not guilty or not proven .
The case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who as The Scotsman reports is the first woman in 692 years to be appointed to the role of Scotland ’ s lord justice clerk - the country ’ s second most senior judge .
What are the allegations ?
Salmond faces a total of 14 charges of alleged offences against ten women – all of which he denies .
The charges comprise one of attempted rape , one of sexual assault with attempt to rape , ten of sexual assault and two of indecent assault , says Glasgow-based newspaper The Herald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 2008 and 2014 , when Salmond was first minister of Scotland , and are said to have occurred at locations including his official Bute House residence and the Scottish Parliament , both of which are in Edinburgh .
One incident is alleged to have happened in November 2014 , the month of Scotland ’ s independence referendum .
The alleged attempted rape is said to have happened in June of that year at Bute House .
The indictment says that Salmond placed the alleged victim ’ s “ legs over his , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groped her , then blocked her path ” , The Herald reports .
Salmond is then alleged to have pinned her against a wall , stripped himself naked and attempted to unclothe her , before trying to rape her on a bed , according to the newspaper .
He is also accused of sexually assaulting a woman with intent to rape the previous December , again at his official residence .
His other alleged victims allege that he variously groped , attempted to kiss and made sexual remarks to them , at locations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a restaurant in Glasgow .
Few details about the women are likely to be revealed , with Scotland enforcing strict restrictions on reporting the identities of claimants in sexual assault cases .
How widely will be trial be reported ?
The Times describes the case as Scotland ’ s “ trial of the century ” , while The Guardian reports that “ more than 40 newspaper and broadcasting journalists , including some from overseas media , are expected to attend the hearings ” .
What does the trial mean for Scottish nationalism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have a far-reaching effect ” on the SNP ’ s push for independence , with the ruling party “ already in the grip of an unprecedented level of infighting ” .
Derek Mackay , who had been tipped as a future SNP leader , was forced to resign as finance secretary last month after admitting bombarding a teenage boy with suggestive text messages , and “ Nicola Sturgeon , Salmond ’ s one-time protege and deputy , has never looked more vulnerable ” , the newspaper continues .
But John Curtice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argues that “ it would be unwise to presume that attitudes to independence are likely to be influenced in the long term by the fortunes of one politician - however prominent they might once have been ” .

Alex Salmond, the former first minister of Scotland, has been acquitted of all sexual assault charges after a two-week trial.
The jury at the high court in Edinburgh found Salmond not guilty of 12 charges of attempted rape, sexual assault and indecent assault.
Using a decision unique to Scottish courts, the jury reached an outcome of not proven on one charge of sexual assault with intent to rape. This stops short of a finding of not guilty but means the accused is innocent in the eyes of the law.
Jurors “reached majority verdicts on all charges”, says The Guardian.
What were the allegations?
Salmond initially faced a total of 14 charges of alleged offences against ten women – all of which he denied. The charges comprised one of attempted rape, one of sexual assault with attempt to rape, nine of sexual assault and two of indecent assault.
He was formally acquitted of another sexual assault allegation earlier this month after the charge was withdrawn by the prosecution, The Guardian reported.
The allegations related to alleged incidents between 2008 and 2014, when Salmond was first minister of Scotland, and were said to have occurred at locations including his official Bute House residence and the Scottish Parliament, both of which are in Edinburgh.
The attempted rape allegation was said to have happened in June 2014 at Bute House.
Speaking outside court after his acquittal, Salmond said that his faith in the judicial system has been “much reinforced”. Thanking his friends and family for standing by him throughout the trial, the 65-year-old added that his own “nightmare” could not compare to the coronavirus crisis.
Salmond said: “As many of you will know, there is certain evidence I would have liked to have seen led in this trial but for a variety of reasons we were not able to do so.
“At some point, that information, that facts and that evidence will see the light of day.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
What did the trial mean for Scottish nationalism?
The Sunday Times had warned that the trial “could have a far-reaching effect” on the SNP’s push for independence, with the ruling party “already in the grip of an unprecedented level of infighting”.
Derek Mackay, who had been tipped as a future SNP leader, was forced to resign as finance secretary last month after admitting bombarding a teenage boy with suggestive text messages, and “Nicola Sturgeon, Salmond’s one-time protege and deputy, has never looked more vulnerable”, the newspaper before the trial.
Her reputation may be damaged by “persistent claims that she mishandled the allegations against Mr Salmond when they first surfaced”. And, whatever the outcome of the trial, she heads a party that “looks more divided than when she took it over”, says The Economist.
But John Curtice, professor of politics at Strathclyde University, argued that “it would be unwise to presume that attitudes to independence are likely to be influenced in the long term by the fortunes of one politician – however prominent they might once have been”.
Following Salmond’s acquittal Joanna Cherry was one of the first senior SNP figures to react, says The Scotsman.
The Westminster MP said: “It goes without saying that Mr Salmond must be allowed to re-join the party without delay, if that is what he wishes to do, and that his place in the party’s history must be restored to the prominence it deserves.”
Meanwhile, former Scottish justice secretary and East Lothian MP Kenny MacAskill tweeted: “Delighted for Alex Salmond. Some resignations now required.”