Willie Collum has backed the VAR decision to award Celtic a penalty in the dying moments of their Scottish Premiership clash with Motherwell

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Willie Collum has defended both Andrew Dallas and John Beaton following the contentious penalty awarded to Celtic during their match at Fir Park.

The decision to penalise Sam Nicholson for handball ignited widespread debate after the spot kick, converted in the 96th minute, preserved the Hoops’ title aspirations heading into the final day of the campaign, where they defeated Hearts to secure a fifth consecutive Premiership title.

The VAR audio recording has now been made public, revealing Dallas’ insistence that the ball clearly made contact with Nicholson’s hand, which he confirmed to Beaton when the referee sought verification.

Despite supporters questioning how either match official could be certain, head of referees Collum maintains that both had conclusive proof of the handball offence.

“For us there’s clear evidence, particularly the still image,” he told the Sky Sports VAR Review Show. “In our opinion this is clear.”, reports the Daily Record.

“When you strip it back, 95th minute of the match, VAR goes through a clear process. They’re clear it’s a handball.

“When the referee comes over, he agrees. So we fully support the decision.

“The key for me is Nicholson’s hand and arm are already in an unnatural position. It moves further into an unnatural position. The player takes a huge risk when he jumps with his hand in that position.

“It’s not a foul on the Motherwell player. We’ve been consistent with handballs. Falkirk against Hibs, Connor Barron against Falkirk. We believe we’ve been consistent in our approach.

“We felt he wasn’t trying to get his arm out of the position. We didn’t feel he was trying to protect his face, it wasn’t a shot coming at him from a close distance.

“We need to be careful talking about an advantage being gained. It wasn’t a case of trying to avoid contact, or trying to protect his face.Another small point.

“People say ‘support the on-field decision?’ There wasn’t an on-field decision, it was completely missed. We had a decision at the end of an Old Firm where no-one appealed for a handball but it was checked. We have to be thorough.”

When questioned about whether Beaton ought to have consulted Dallas regarding the handball call, Collum responded: “When you bring a ref to the monitor, you’ve already come to the conclusion that it’s hit the hand.

“The ref’s focus has to be to check the position of the arm. He just quickly confirms ‘has it hit the arm?’ You wouldn’t bring him over if it hadn’t.

“There’s three key people here. The VAR, the AVAR and the referee. They see this as a clear error and a punishable handball. It’s crucial they identify that.”

Regarding the penalty Hearts were denied at Fir Park days before, involving Tawanda Mashwanise’s challenge on Alexandros Kyzirids, Collum believed Steven McLean ought to have awarded a spot kick. “The VAR team feel it’s a penalty so they bring the referee over,” he said. “There’s been a bit of a debate about whether this is a clear error. But once the referee comes to the monitor, they expected the penalty to be awarded.

“My personal opinion is that’s a penalty. There’s some debate within refereeing and we’ll discuss it in pre-season. But I feel it should be awarded.

“The VAR process is going to the final degree. The referee has been brought over then VAR shows the angles they’ve based their judgement on.

“They’re the only two angles available. Whether the angles are sufficient, that’s another debate. But can you imagine the criticism if VAR tried to convince the referee?

“Perhaps that contributes to the doubt in the referee’s mind. We’ll need to have discussion with referees and clubs. But in my opinion, the expected outcome is a penalty kick.”

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This embellished M&S co-ord genuinely looks far more premium than I expected. A matching cami top and embellished trouser set perfectly capture that confident, glamorous summer energy the collection is all about.

The cami top is the real hero piece for me. The all-over beaded embroidery catches the light beautifully and gives the top a luxe eveningwear finish that looks much more expensive than it is.

I am no fashion model, but I felt comfortable in this M&S co-ord – and my dogs were big fans (Image: Jade Wright)

I also love the elegant scoop neckline, which keeps the silhouette soft, flattering and easy to wear. The regular fit means it drapes beautifully without feeling restrictive, making it comfortable enough for summer parties or holiday evenings.

As part of the wider M&S Summer of Love That campaign – which celebrates confidence, compliments and feel-good summer fashion – this embellished set perfectly delivers that “main character” energy Amelia Dimoldenberg brings to the Casa del Compliments collection.

What I particularly love is how wearable the outfit feels despite the statement embellishment.

M&S Embellished cami, £30, and balloon trousers £46 (Image: M&S)

Sometimes heavily embellished pieces can feel overdone, but this set still manages to feel modern, effortless and very on trend.

The rich brown shade also feels incredibly current for 2026 and offers a softer alternative to classic black.

It’s available here, but be quick as the hot weather has seen stocks flying out this week.

M&S Embellished balloon trousers £46 (Image: M&S)

The matching embellished trousers completely pull the look together. The flowing wide-leg shape gives the outfit movement and elegance – it’s better when it moves than in the picture.

They’re pretty see-through but the built-in shorts make sure there’s no wardrobe malfunctions.

The elasticated waistband adds comfort without compromising the silhouette, and the gathered detailing creates a beautiful drape through the fabric that moves effortlessly when walking.

Together, the pieces create a standout co-ord that needs very little styling. I paired mine with my usual jewellery and flat sandals, or heels, and the embellishment did all the work. I also love that the trousers can easily be styled separately with a simple satin camisole or blazer, making them feel even more versatile.

The soft viscose fabric also makes the outfit surprisingly lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods, which is something I always look for in occasionwear. It feels glamorous without feeling heavy or uncomfortable.

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It’s stylish, flattering and has that instantly uplifting effect where you genuinely feel more confident the second you put it on.

If you’re looking for affordable high street occasionwear that looks elegant, expensive and fashion-forward without designer pricing, this M&S embellished co-ord is easily one of the standout pieces from the Summer of Love That collection.

The Met Office has warned of possible thundery showers today

There is a chance of some thundery showers in Northern Ireland on Saturday as the dry and sunny weather ends this weekend.

The Met Office has said that May 30 could see thundery showers alongside outbreaks of heavy rain in the afternoon and evening. This follows a week of sunny weather with rain forecast throughout the week ahead.

It said in its Saturday forecast: “Some early brightness in southeast, but generally a cloudy morning with outbreaks of occasionally heavy rain. During the afternoon the rain turns more showery and perhaps thundery.

“Showery rain will push northeast through the evening, occasionally heavy and perhaps thundery at times. Clear spells and scattered showers overnight.”

Sunday is forecast to see a combination of sunny spells and rain throughout the morning which will become drier in the afternoon, with temperatures reaching 18 degrees. However rain is due to return later in the evening.

The Met Office has also forecast cloudy and rainy weather on Monday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 2, to start the week.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

A main road was shut late on Friday evening following a collision

Police are appealing for information after a serious late-night crash in Porthcawl. The collision happened shortly before midnight on Friday on Pyle Road north of the town.

Police say two drivers were involved, but have not disclosed any further information. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “We are investigating a serious road traffic collision that happened at around 11:48pm last night, Thursday May 29, on Pyle Road, Nottage, Porthcawl.

“The incident involved the drivers of two cars – a black Ford Mondeo and a blue Vauxhall Corsa.

“If you saw anything at the time or were in the area and may have dash cam footage, we’d really like to hear from you – even the smallest detail could make a difference. Please contact us online or by calling 101, quoting reference 2600168610.”

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BANGKOK (AP) — Rescue workers in Laos said Saturday they have safely evacuated four villagers trapped in a flooded cave for 10 days, the day after another one was successfully extracted. Two men remain missing.

Lao and Thai rescue groups posted about the successful operation on social media, along with photos of the men lying on stretchers, wearing oxygen masks and being wrapped in foil blankets.

The villagers had reportedly entered the cave last week to look for valuable minerals before being trapped by flash flooding that blocked their way out. One other villager escaped in time and alerted the authorities to the seven left behind.

Lao organization Rescue Volunteer for People said on its Facebook page that the water level inside the cave receded low enough for them to leave with divers who had gone in to deliver food and water. They said they will continue their search for the two who remain missing.

The first man was safely evacuated on Friday. According to rescuers, that operation took about 30 minutes. Videos showed the moment he emerged from the water alongside a diver, catching his breath before struggling to crawl through a narrow, flooded passage and rising unsteadily to his feet. As rescuers helped him away from the tunnel, one could be heard warning others to be careful because his hands were injured. He was then wrapped in a foil blanket and helped into a seated position.

Another video showed the man getting out from the cave’s entrance with a lamp strapped to his forehead. He was walking unsteadily with the assistance of two men, who handed him over to other team members amid a waiting crowd.

The villagers had reportedly entered the cave last week to look for valuable minerals before being trapped by flash flooding that blocked their way out. One other villager escaped in time and alerted the authorities to the seven left behind.

Five of them were found alive Wednesday. They were identified by their first names as Khamla, Mued, Ee, Ing and Laen.

The men had been supplied with water, soft food and foil blankets to keep them warm, although videos shot inside the cave suggested that their conditions continued to deteriorate.

Rescue teams from Laos and neighboring Thailand were joined by Japanese and Malaysian colleagues. Indonesian, French and Australian specialists also reportedly arrived at the site in a rugged area in the central province of Xaisomboun, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of the capital, Vientiane.

Several of them had taken part in the complicated 2018 cave rescue in northern Thailand of 12 schoolboys and their soccer coach.

More risky tasks await rescuers

In a video shot Friday, just about an hour before the evacuation of the first man began, Thai rescuer Kengkaj Bongkawong of the Metta Tham Rescue Kalasin detailed the challenge they are facing in the operation.

The team has set up a station in a large chamber inside the cave, accessible only by navigating more than 200 meters (yards) of twisting, narrow, flooded passages with jagged walls. From there, divers need to dive through a flooded tunnel about 30 meters (yards) before reaching the trapped men.

“To dive in a cave, there are issues with the temperature, narrow areas, control of movement, and managing the panic of the survivor, which will be difficult, but we have to do it,” Kengkaj said.

There is a significant risk for the team of guiding the survivors without diving skills through zero-visibility water.

A video showed Thai diver Norrased Palasing and Finnish diver Mikko Paasi teaching the men how to use diving gear, including breathing techniques underwater.

“All the way, breathe through your mouth only. Do not ever breathe with your nose, do you understand?” Norrased said during the session.

Rescuers are also preparing to search for the two villagers who remain missing.

Kengkaj said the team plans to explore an area deeper inside the cave, about 20 to 25 meters (yards) beyond where the survivors were found. However, he cautioned that the section is heavily flooded.

In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Previews of every single World Cup team in your inbox, featuring the players to look out for, games you shouldn’t miss and Metro’s big England predictions.

Alderwoman Grekos said: “Fleet Street is one of London’s most iconic and historic streets, and this project gives us a unique opportunity to reimagine it for the future. The design options we are bringing forward reflect valuable input from local businesses, residents and stakeholders, and demonstrate our ambition to create a greener, safer and more welcoming environment for everyone who uses this important route.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The top U.S. commander in Latin America met with Cuban military leaders Friday in a “brief exchange on operational security matters” near the U.S. Navy base in Guantanamo Bay, the latest official to visit the island nation as President Donald Trump ramps up pressure on its leaders.

Trump has warned that Cuba “is next” after U.S. military forces captured Venezuela’s autocratic leader, Nicolás Maduro, in a January raid. In the months since, the Trump administration has imposed an oil blockade on Cuba, maintained warships in the Caribbean Sea and indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro on federal charges.

Gen. Francis Donovan, head of U.S. Southern Command, met with Lt. Gen. Roberto Legrá Sotolongo and other Cuban military officials.

Cuba’s Revolutionary Armed Forces said in a statement that both sides viewed “the meeting positively because it addressed security issues along the perimeter separating the military enclave, and they agreed to maintain communication between the two military commands.”

Top Trump aides, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA chief John Ratcliffe, also have met with Cuban officials to explore possible improvements in relations. But the U.S. side has come away unimpressed from those talks, leading to even more sanctions imposed on the Cuban government.

Besides the meeting, Donovan also assessed the security of the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay and discussed the “safety of service members and their families, and operational readiness with base officials,” U.S. Southern Command said in a post on X.

The U.S. maintains the base despite decades of friction with Cuba’s socialist leaders, whom Trump wants removed from power.

The U.S. military has a handful of Navy ships, including at least one amphibious assault ship, in the Caribbean, a much smaller force than was present at the time of the Maduro raid.

On Friday, the Pentagon announced that a new unit of 1,300 sailors and Marines would be replacing the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which deployed to the region last summer.

___

Associated Press writer Andrea Rodríguez in Havana contributed to this report.

There were delays on the M4 outside Cardiff early on Saturday morning due to a crash.

Two lanes of the motorway were shut on the westbound side near Junction 30 following a collision at around 7am. Traffic Wales advised motorists to expect delays and to allow extra time for travel.

Both lanes reopened at around 7.45am.

Our gallery features old photos of York’s most famous royal visits over decades.

One of the most notable occasions came on June 8, 1961, when York Minster hosted the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Kent, attended by the Queen Mother, a young Prince Charles, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen.

Wedding of Duke and Duchess of Kent, York Minster, 8 June 1961. From left Queen Mother, Prince Charles, Duke of Edinburgh, and the Queen. (Image: The Press)

In 1971, Her Majesty returned as York marked 1,900 years since the founding of Roman Eboracum, with large crowds turning out for the celebrations.

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The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were again given a warm welcome in July 1977, arriving at Micklegate Bar during the Silver Jubilee tour.

1977 – The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh arrive outside Micklegate Bar on their Silver Jubilee visit to York on July 13th (Image: The Press)

And in November 1981, Prince Charles and Princess Diana drew enthusiastic crowds to the city centre during their visit, capturing the excitement of a new royal era.

Princess Diana and Prince Charles meet crowds in York November 1981. (Image: The Press)

Share your memories

If you love delving into York’s past and seeing photos and reading stories from yesteryear then make sure you check The Press every day for its regular nostalgia stories. And don’t miss our eight-page nostalgia supplement every Wednesday in the paper.

We also have more than 3,000 members in our online nostalgia group on Facebook, Why We Love York – Memories. It is free to join and you will find us at www.facebook.com/groups/yorknostalgia/.

It would be great to see your old photos of York – and they don’t have to be from centuries ago. We all love seeing old photos from our recent past, and some of our more popular stories with readers date from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

If you have a nostalgia story for us, please email nadia.jeffersonbrown@newsquest.co.uk