The PSNI released the figures as it defended its approach to policing the violence that erupted after last week’s knife attack

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There have been 35 arrests made and 23 people charged to date after disorder broke out following the Belfast stabbing last Monday.

The PSNI released the figures as it defended its approach to policing the violence that erupted after a knife attack in North Belfast in which the victim lost an eye.

Homes, a bus and cars were set on fire in Belfast and elsewhere as people were targeted based on their race.

A week on from the disorder, senior officers defended the PSNI’s approach to tackling the disorder and said its officers had “undoubtedly saved lives”.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson rejected claims its response was “anything other than appropriate” and praised the work of officers, 42 of whom were injured during violence that erupted last week.

“Within 24 hours of the attempted murder of the man in Kinnaird Avenue, police officers had arrested and charged a man in relation to this horrendous attack,” he said.

“That day, we extensively appealed for calm and to allow justice to take its course. Sadly, what we saw following was inexcusable lawlessness and disorder across Belfast and beyond.

“Our officers worked under incredibly challenging conditions to calm disorder, protect lives and restore calm.

“During the peak of the disorder, people intent on chaos came out to burn homes and cars with people fleeing.

“Police officers were first to many of these scenes and helped people to safety, including a two-month-old baby.

“Responsibility for the violence, criminal damage, intimidation and disorder lies squarely with those who came out on the streets.

“Throughout this time, our officers have worked around the clock to protect life, prevent further harm and facilitate lawful, peaceful protests.”

He paid tribute to the officers for their display of “unwavering professionalism, courage, and resolve”.

“Once again putting themselves in harm’s way to keep people safe resulting in unacceptable injuries to 42 of them – they are a credit to us all,” he said.

“Throughout the disorder, there has been extreme, anti-immigration disinformation on social media, underscoring the reality that there are those in society who seek to use any incident in our communities to create misunderstanding, generate fear and provoke anti-migrant sentiment.

“We have been working night and day to ensure those who chose to bring violence to our streets are brought to justice.

“To date, there have been 35 arrests and 23 people charged to court by the Public Order Enquiry Team.

“The charges are for a number of offences including riotous behaviour, attempted criminal damage, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of an article with intent to damage property, disorderly behaviour and assault on a police-designated person.

“Those responsible will face the full force of the law.”

He added: “There can be no justification for the violence and disorder we have seen last week. The public can be reassured that they will continue to see a heightened police presence in towns and cities, and engagement will continue as we work to keep people safe.

“Our increased presence and engagement in local communities includes communicating through digital channels to ensure anyone caught up in potential disorder thinks again and walks away.

“We would also repeat our appeal to anyone who has been the victim of, or has any information on, any crime to contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. We can assure you that we will always act on concerns and information we receive.”

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European champions Spain were held to surprise 0-0 draw by debutants Cape Verde in their World Cup opener, with 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha producing a standout performance for his side in their Group H clash.

MATCH REPORT: Spain 0-0 Cape Verde

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A last-minute meeting took place in America just before Iran’s World Cup opener vs New Zealand.

FIFA’s ban on pre-revolutionary Iran flags during the World Cup tournament will remain following a late meeting just before the nation’s tournament opener. Iran take on New Zealand at 2am BST on Tuesday morning.

It seems that the flag in question will not allowed to be seen. It was banned by FIFA, but was the subject of a lawsuit filed by an Iran fan intending to attend the game.

The flag is similar to the official flag but also features a lion and sun motif in the middle. It’s associated with the previous regime which was overthrown in 1979.

There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story.Follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.

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Marc Cucurella completed a move to Real Madrid from Chelsea on Monday with the Spain defender returning to La Liga in a £51.7million transfer

Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso is anticipated to explore the transfer market for a Marc Cucurella replacement. The defender has completed a £51.7 million move to Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old had been widely tipped to depart Stamford Bridge after four years with the Blues, though the swift nature of his exit caught many off guard. Cucurella disclosed just last week that he had been “filled with confidence” following discussions with Alonso while away with Spain on international duty.

Yet interest from La Liga swayed his thinking, with the prospect of Champions League football ultimately proving irresistible. Cucurella’s exit was formally confirmed on Monday morning, with the Spaniard penning a six-year deal with LaLiga heavyweights Real Madrid.

Cucurella established himself as one of the squad’s most vital players under both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior last term. His departure leaves Alonso with a significant void to fill on the left flank of his backline, with only Jorrel Hato arguably viewed as a natural successor from their existing squad.

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Hato’s recent emergence was a key factor in sanctioning the Spain international’s exit. But Chelsea are said to be weighing up their options in the transfer market and may choose to recruit a replacement to prevent Alonso being left undermanned.

Here, Mirror Football examines five potential targets for the west London outfit to pursue this summer.

Valentin Barco

If reports emerging from France are to be believed, Barco is already a Chelsea player in all but name – with only a formal announcement still to come. The Argentina international posted a farewell message on his Instagram page in May without disclosing his next destination, yet every indication points to a short hop through the Channel Tunnel from the French Riviera to London.

The 23-year-old features in the Albicelesti’s World Cup squad, and his international commitments may be holding up proceedings. Nevertheless, rumours persist that Chelsea have struggled to agree a fee – despite the curious fact that their parent company, BlueCo, also owns the Ligue 1 outfit.

Should Barco make the move, he is well-acquainted with the wing-back role favoured by Alonso, though more recently he has been deployed as a central midfielder.

Lewis Hall

More than two years after departing the club under unusual circumstances, Hall could be set for a surprise return to Stamford Bridge. The left-back completed a permanent £28 million switch to Newcastle following an impressive loan stint at St. James’ Park.

Even so, Hall is a product of Chelsea’s academy, having come through the ranks at Cobham, and remains highly thought of by both the club’s hierarchy and its supporters. Hall is thought to be firmly on Manchester United’s radar as they hunt for a long-term successor to Luke Shaw, and should Chelsea intensify their pursuit, it could trigger a bidding war for the 21- year-old.

Newcastle may find themselves with little choice but to cash in after failing to qualify for European football next season, with reports indicating a fee of around £50 million could be sufficient to seal the deal.

Fran Garcia

Garcia looks set to be the casualty of Cucurella’s switch to Real Madrid after falling out of favour during the previous campaign. Madrid are already well-stocked at left-back ahead of signing Cucurella, with Ferland Mendy and Alvaro Carreras also vying for a starting berth, and at least one is expected to be moved on by incoming boss Jose Mourinho.

Garcia featured under Alonso at Real Madrid with mixed fortunes, though he ultimately edged out Carreras, who spent lengthy spells warming the bench.

The Spaniard flourished as a left wing-back under Alonso, a role he could slot back into should the manager implement his favoured 3-4-2-1 system at Stamford Bridge. The 26-year-old could be made available on loan if Chelsea wish to channel their transfer funds elsewhere, and the two clubs’ cordial relationship could prove influential should they register an interest in Garcia.

Maxi Araujo

Chelsea scouts may well have had their attention drawn to loanee Geovany Quenda during Sporting CP’s Champions League clash with Arsenal last season. Yet few would be shocked if those same scouts returned with glowing reports about Araujo, who shone brightest for the Portuguese outfit across their 1-0 aggregate exit.

Portuguese publication Record recently claimed Chelsea had been keeping close tabs on his situation at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

The Uruguayan has a £69.1 million release clause written into his contract, though the Lisbon club may be willing to accept a lower figure. They have shown a willingness to do business with the Premier League side previously, having sold Quenda and Dario Essugo in a double deal last summer.

Araujo, 25, is representing his country at the World Cup this summer, and Chelsea may feel a sense of urgency to get a deal over the line swiftly should the wing-back continue to catch the eye.

Alejandro Grimaldo

Experienced, creative and well-versed in the system. There can be few more obvious candidates for Alonso to bring in as a replacement for Cucurella than Grimaldo, who flourished under his management at Bayer Leverkusen.

The Spaniard enjoyed the finest spell of his career working alongside his compatriot, playing a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s remarkable title triumph in 2023/24, when they went the entire 34-game league season unbeaten. Despite operating as an attacking wing-back, the Spain international racked up 10 goals and 15 assists in the Bundesliga.

Even with his form tailing off last term, he still managed 26 goal contributions across all competitions for the German outfit. Yet recent reports indicate the 30 year old is edging closer to a switch to Atletico, potentially denying Alonso the chance to reunite with the seasoned former Benfica player.

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Britain’s Francesca Jones missed two match points in a narrow defeat by Talia Gibson in the Nottingham Open first round.

Jones battled back from a set and a break down – and a medical timeout – to force a deciding set against Australia’s Gibson.

After being an early break down in the third, Jones hit back and held two match points as she served for victory at 5-3.

However, world number 66 Gibson broke back and held firm in the resulting tie-break to win 6-3 5-7 7-6 (7-4) after a gruelling three hours and six minutes.

Jones showed good fight in what was the longest match of her career, hitting 15 aces and landing 75% of her first serves.

She also twice appeared in discomfort, particularly after being broken to start the second set when she sat with her head under a towel, breathing deeply.

The doctor was called to court to check her blood pressure and vitals and Jones continued, breaking Gibson back before eventually taking a tight second set.

The 25-year-old took another medical timeout at 5-5 in the third set after appearing to struggle with a nasal problem.

Earlier at Nottingham, Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen battled back to beat Maria Sakkari 4-6 7-6 (7-1) 6-4.

Queen’s finalist Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter both withdrew from the tournament on Monday.

La Roja have teenage superstar Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams back available for their first game, as well as Victor Munoz, though both start on the bench after recovering from respective hamstring injuries. Cape Verde’s 26-man squad are based entirely overseas, with the bulk of them in Europe – including ex-Nottingham Forest duo Ryan Mendes and Nuno da Costa.

Princess of Wales wowed the crowds at the Trooping of the Colour event at the weekend – and needs an energy-packed diet to stay healthy

The Princess of Wales is renowned for immersing herself wholeheartedly in a wide variety of activities during her royal engagements. Whenever Kate attends an event involving children or sport, she is well known for joining in — whether that be sprinting, gardening, playing hockey or practising taekwondo.

She consistently makes a striking impression at public appearances as well. At the Trooping of the Colour, Kate wore a light blue tailored coat dress with white piping around the lapel, and she completed the look with a matching Philip Treacy hat. She accessorized with Cassandra Goad pearl earrings and an Irish Guards brooch. The princess holds the title of Colonel of the Irish Guards

Naturally, maintaining such an active lifestyle while remaining impeccably dressed means Kate must ensure her diet provides ample energy. She is well known for following a Mediterranean diet, which places emphasis on plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

It also incorporates moderate portions of lean protein from fish and poultry, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats such as olive oil, while limiting red meat and sweet treats.

She is also said to “love” preparing a roast chicken for her family and has a fondness for spicy vegetable curries. Kate is understood to favour high-intensity weight training sessions, exercises daily without a personal trainer, and requires adequate protein intake for optimal results.

Nikkita Hope-Brown, a qualified PT and owner of Found, a women-only strength training studio in London, told HELLO!: “You cannot build muscle without the building blocks, which is protein.

“To give a metaphor, proteins are the bricks that make up the wall, and strength training is the actual bricklaying. You cannot build a house without the actual bricks or someone doing the work of laying the bricks – you need to have both. How much protein we need depends on our goals and body, for muscle growth, typically 1.5 – 2g of protein for every kilogram we weigh.”

Kate Rowe-Ham, fitness coach and founder of Owning Your Menopause, echoes this perspective: “You can’t out-train a poor diet. Muscles are built in the gym but need to recover and transform in the kitchen. To support muscle growth and recovery, it is essential to consume a high-protein diet, especially after a workout.”

Kate said: “Include whole foods rich in fibre, healthy fats, and complex carbs to fuel your workouts and stabilise hormones.”

The royal is believed to favour a green smoothie to kick-start her morning, much like her sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, made with spinach, kale, blueberries and matcha. She is also understood to regularly begin her day with a bowl of slow-burning energy oats, also known as rolled oats, which she frequently prepares with milk or yoghurt and tops with fruits, nuts, cinnamon, and nut butter.

Lunchtime typically features salads and fruit bowls, with an emphasis on foods that encourage glowing skin, such as watermelon salads and gazpacho. She also likes berries mixed with almond milk as an afternoon treat and tends to prefer lighter meals throughout the day.

According to the Daily Mail, Kate also has a penchant for raw dishes like watermelon salads, gazpacho, goji berries, tabbouleh and ceviche for their skin-enhancing properties. She also has an appreciation for heartier, traditional English evening meals such as substantial roasts and curries.

Kate’s day in food.

Breakfast: A green smoothie is a regular choice, combining kale, spinach, spirulina, matcha, romaine lettuce, coriander, and blueberries. Alternatively a bowl of slow-burn energy oats.

Lunch: Salads and fruit bowls are preferred options, with particular focus on foods that support skin health, like watermelon salads, gazpacho, and tabbouleh. She also likes ceviche.

Dinner: While she prefers lighter meals during daytime hours, Kate enjoys traditional English dishes or carbohydrate-rich choices for tea like roast dinners and curries.

Snacks: Olives and popcorn are reported to be her preferred snacks. Drinks: She enjoys smoothies, and is also known to drink ginger tea.

What Foods Does Kate Middleton Avoid?

While Middleton hasn’t revealed any particular dietary preferences, sources suggest that she steers clear of:

• Dairy
• Carbohydrates (or at least reduces her intake of them)
• Seafood when travelling (as per royal protocol)

After Cape Verde stunned European Champions Spain on their World Cup debut, Lee Dixon admitted it all nearly got a bit too much for him

Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon has said he was almost in tears when Cape Verde drew with Spain on their World Cup debut. There were emotional scenes amongst the players from the tiny African island.

They arrived into the USA as one of the minnows of the tournament, having qualified for the competition for the first time in their nation’s history. Against Spain, who are many people’s favourites for the competition, they were the underdogs, in the same way Curacao were against Germany.

However, all of their players put in the game of their lives, particularly 40-year-old shot-stopper Vozinha, who made save after save from the Spanish.

After seeing many of the players weeping in joy, Dixon said: “I have to say, you might hear it in my voice, I am a bit emotional. It’s absolutely fantastic, a brilliant, brilliant performance.

“They deserve that point more than anything and Spain almost don’t deserve a point. They will walk off disappointed but this night is Cape Verde’s.

“What a performance, every single one of them. The centre-halves, the full-backs. That man there (Vozinha), crying, I am nearly crying myself.”

There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story. Follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.