By TARA ANSON-WALSH, FOOTBALL REPORTER

Published: 08:46 BST, 26 August 2026 | Updated: 09:15 BST, 26 August 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo‘s relationship with new Al Nassr boss Ange Postecoglou already appears to be under scrutiny just three matches into the season. 

Al Nassr completed a remarkable comeback from two goals down to beat rivals Al Ettifaq 3-2 on Tuesday, but it was no thanks to Ronaldo, who earns an astronomical £488,000 a day, that the reigning champions claimed all three points.

The visitors appeared to be heading for defeat after enduring a disastrous first half which saw goalkeeper Bento sent off in the 12th minute for a challenge on former Fulham midfielder Mousa Dembele after rushing out of his box.

Al Ettifaq capitalised, with Ondrej Duda and Alvaro Medran finding the back of the net to take a two-goal lead into half-time.

Advertisement

Ronaldo, who was making his first start of the season following his return from the summer’s World Cup, cut a frustrated figure as he headed towards the dressing room at the break.

The 41-year-old forward was seen angrily gesturing and removing his captain’s armband as he walked down the tunnel.

Postecoglou then boldly opted to remove Ronaldo before the start of the second half in what turned out to be an inspired move.

Advertisement

Ronaldo couldn’t help but hide his frustration after enduring a disastrous first half which saw the reigning champions trail by two goals and reduced to 10 men

He was seen angrily gesturing and removing his captain’s armband as he walked down the tunnel at half-time

Postecoglou then boldly opted to remove Ronaldo before the start of the second half in what turned out to be an inspired move

Sadio Mane sparked the revival in the 74th minute before defender Abdulelah Al Amri levelled the match three minutes later. Mane then found the back of the net again in the 90th minute to complete the turnaround and seal victory.

Advertisement

Footage of the post-match celebrations showed no sign of Ronaldo celebrating the victory, while Postecoglou refused to indulge questions about his controversial call to drop the Portugal star after the match.

‘I think there’s a bigger story today, and that is that ten men of Al Nassr were unbelievable. That’s all you should write about today, everything else doesn’t matter. 

‘It doesn’t matter what team because if you see 10 men in those conditions for so long, 2-0 down to come back, that’s the only story today.’

Controversy appears to have followed Ronaldo since his move to the Middle East in January 2023, following his public fallout with Manchester United.

Advertisement

At the beginning of the year Ronaldo went on strike over what he felt was a lack of financial backing of his Al Nassr compared to their title rivals Al Hilal. Both clubs are majority owned by The Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.

Ronaldo was convinced that Al Hilal are getting preferential treatment, and he was particularly angry that they strengthened their squad by bringing in players such as his former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema during the January window.

Saudi officials, meanwhile, were surprised that Ronaldo was unhappy given he is earning nearly £500,000 a day. 

Footage of the post-match celebrations showed no sign of Ronaldo celebrating the victory

Advertisement

Ange Postecoglou:

“I think there’s a bigger story today, and that’s that the ten Al Nassr players put in an incredible performance. That’s all you should be writing about today.”
pic.twitter.com/7jSMfBAtqp

— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) August 26, 2026

Although Ronaldo is the face of the SPL, the league issued a statement firing back at the Portuguese star by reaffirming that he has no say on what happens at clubs outside of his own.

‘The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules,’ they said.

Advertisement

‘Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league.

‘Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition. Like any elite competitor, he wants to win. But no individual – however significant – determines decisions beyond their own club.’

Ronaldo claimed his first league title with Al Nassr last season.

Swapping cigarettes for vapes does not put users ‘at risk of serious harm’ – is the surprising conclusion of a major review into e-cigarette safety.

Experts behind the report promoted the use of the devices as a stop-smoking treatment, saying doctors should be ‘reassured’ of their safety. 

The review also found that e-cigarettes are at least two thirds more effective at stopping people smoking than nicotine gum and patches. 

The advice comes a week after the publication of a stark review that linked vaping to a host of health conditions in young people, including respiratory problems including wheezing and coughing, depression and panic disorders.  

The authors, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), also found a higher incidence of allergies, sleep and eye symptoms in young vapers. 

‘There is much we do not yet know about [vaping’s] long term impact on children and young people…but a clear and concerning picture is emerging,’ said the College’s Vice President for policy, Dr Mike McKean.

Meanwhile, paediatrician and author of last week’s study, Professor Will Carroll, said vaping ‘should not be seen as a harmless part of growing up,’ adding that it is ‘clearly linked with respiratory symptoms and nicotine dependence’.

However, the authors of the new review, published in the prestigious Cochrane Library, argue that the risks of vapes ‘pale in comparison’ to smoking.

‘With every update, the evidence has become stronger that vapes play a crucial role in supporting people trying to quit smoking,’ Dr Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, senior author of the review from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, said. 

‘Based on the consistency of the findings here, it’s clear they are not only substantially less harmful than smoking, but a proven and viable option for people wishing to quit traditional cigarettes.’ 

The number of Britons aged under 16 who vape overtook the number of smokers of the same age for the first time this year, official figures show. 

Prof Carroll told the Daily Mail that the new report neglects the risk of the devices to young people.

‘One person’s exit from the perils of tobacco smoking might be a child’s entry into a lifetime of nicotine addiction and subsequent poorer health,’ he said. 

A full UK-wide ban on selling vapes and nicotine products to under-18s is already law and will come into force on 29 October. 

This will make it illegal to sell any nicotine or vape product to anyone under 18 including nicotine vapes, nicotine free vapes, e-liquids and nicotine pouches.

Adults who buy or attempt to buy vapes or nicotine products for under-18s will also be committing an offence. 

Vaping in cars carrying anyone under 18 will also be banned in England under government plans to reduce the harms caused by smoking and vaping.

The Department of Health and Social Care said the measures it is proposing are needed, given the growing evidence about the dangers of heated tobacco and vaping. 

Around 5.4 million adults now use e-cigarettes daily or occasionally, compared with 4.9 million who smoke. This means one in 10 adults now vape.

Research shows that one in two smokers will die from smoking-related disease, such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease and stroke. 

Despite this, many smokers, who may have been hooked on nicotine for decades, find it difficult to stop.

Vapes are handheld devices that work by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine and flavourings. Nicotine is then inhaled as a vapour, rather than smoke. 

For this reason, it has been suggested that regulated vapes are safer than traditional cigarettes because they do not expose users to the same levels of toxic chemicals.

However, another study involving more than 4.5million ex-smokers and published in the journal Nature Medicine last month found that swapping cigarettes for vapes may not reduce the risk of lung cancer. 

 Results showed that those who took up vaping to help them quit traditional smoking had a significantly higher risk of the disease, compared to those who kicked the habit entirely. 

For the latest review, researchers analysed 80 studies involving 29,861 adult smokers that assessed the effectiveness of vapes for smoking cessation. 

The University of Massachusetts scientists compared the results of different interventions over the course of six months, as well as side effects.

Vapes were compared with traditional nicotine replacement therapies such as patches or gum, drugs used to help people stop smoking, and therapy.

The authors also compared the outcomes of nicotine-free vapes and those with the addictive substance. 

The researchers found more people stop smoking for at least six months with vapes than with any other conventional method. 

Around 10 per cent of smokers using vapes quit successfully, compared to five per cent of those receiving no support or behavioural support alone. 

Nicotine e-cigarettes led to higher quit rates than nicotine gums and patches – about four more quitters per 100 people; a difference of around 67 per cent.

While there appeared to be no difference in the number of serious side effects reported, the researchers conceded this may be because their study only included regulated e-cigarettes. 

‘Not all e-cigarettes are the same,’ Dr Hartmann-Boyce explained. ‘The harms we hear about are often from unregulated vaping devices that may contain psychoactive substances like THC.

‘And the vaping devices assessed in this review are probably very different from what a teenager may be using.’ 

The review only followed participants for two years – and could have missed longer-term complications, the authors added. 

The researchers concluded that while vaping is not risk free, it is considerably less harmful than smoking – which is the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the UK. 

Data released in July from Action on Smoking and Health found that over half of British adults who smoke believe vaping is as harmful or more harmful than smoking. 

‘The misconceptions matter,’ Dr Hartmann-Boyce said. ‘People who switch entirely from smoking to vaping an e-cigarette are likely to substantially improve their health.

‘The advice remains largely the same – we know these are useful tools to help people quit smoking and we feel more confident in those results now.’ 

The harms of vaping are said to lie with exposure to heated chemicals – this is thought to be toxic to lung tissue.

In the UK, smokers looking to quit have a growing range of options available. 

Alongside nicotine replacement therapies such as patches and gum, some GP practices and stop smoking services can offer prescription medicines including varenicline, cytisine and bupropion.

Nicotine vapes have also been offered on the NHS since 2023 to patients attempting to kick cigarettes. 

However, there is growing concern that vaping is not as nearly as safe as once thought.

The researchers, meanwhile, stressed that while the best approach will vary from person to person, combining vaping with behavioural support often gives smokers the best chance of success. 

Bolton Destitute Animal Shelter, based on Northolt Drive in Great Lever, has been shortlisted in the Best Animal Rescue/Charity category at the Pet Industry Business Awards 2026.

The awards celebrate businesses and charities across the animal sector, with winners determined through nominations and recommendations from customers, supporters and members of the public.

The shelter, which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, said it was “extremely heartwarming and humbling” to be nominated by its supporters.

In response to the nomination, management praised the dedication of staff, highlighting the physical and emotional challenges of caring for vulnerable animals.

A spokesperson for the shelter said: “To be recognised by our supporters is unexpected and a fabulous boost to morale during a difficult time at the shelter.

“Long days, early starts and animals that rely on us to survive can be taxing both physically and mentally for our team, but they take every day in their stride.

“To be nominated in the Best Animal Rescue/Charity category is all thanks to their tireless work and commitment to the animals who need us most.”

The nomination comes at a particularly challenging time for the shelter, which recently had to temporarily close and launch an emergency fundraising appeal following a ringworm outbreak that affected both animals in its care and several staff members.

Despite the difficulties, the recognition has provided a welcome morale boost for the team as they continue working to recover and support vulnerable animals in need.

The shelter said the nomination was particularly meaningful because it came from supporters rather than through a direct award entry.

“It is touching to know that we have been nominated not because we entered, not because we campaigned for it, but because our supporters chose us,

“They took time out of their day to say ‘this rescue matters’.”

Bolton Destitute Animal Shelter is now encouraging supporters, volunteers, fosterers and members of the public to submit nominations and share their support online.

Supporters wishing to nominate the shelter can do so through the PIBA website by selecting the Best Animal Rescue/Charity category and entering the charity’s details.

The charity said the recognition highlights not only how far it has come, but also the difference it continues to make for animals and pet owners across the community.

For the team at Destitute Animal Shelter, the nomination itself is already a significant achievement.

“We are so thankful to have such a wonderful bank of supporters, volunteers, sponsors and fosterers,

“To be recognised for how far we have come, the difference we have made, and the lives we have yet to impact is a real boost to the Destitute Animal Shelter.”

Summit Foods is recalling various filled wraps, including its Chicken Fajita Wrap and Snacksters Hoi Sin Wrap.

Shoppers are being warned not to eat the products listed and instead to return them to stores immediately.

Shoppers warned ‘do not eat’ chicken wraps sold in Aldi and Morrisons due to recall

Friday 21 August – Summit Foods is recalling various products because of possible contamination with Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) #FoodAlert https://t.co/MGnLjK0Al6 pic.twitter.com/OMs3rdsvoY

— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) August 21, 2026

Advertisement

The recall includes various wraps that shoppers may have purchased, all of which have use-by dates up to and including September 5, 2026.

They are:

• Snacksters Chicken Fajita Wrap
• Snacksters Hoi Sin Wrap
• East Street Deli Sweet Chilli Chicken Wrap
• Target a Snack Chicken Fajita Wrap

Summit Foods has said the affected products may possibly be contaminated with E.coli.

Symptoms include severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain and occasionally haemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is advised to stay away from work, school or nursery until you have stopped having symptoms for at least 48 hours to avoid passing it on to others.

Those who have already purchased any of the wraps have been urged to return the product.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said: “If you have bought the above product, do not consume it.

“Instead, dispose of the product and provide proof of purchase on sales@summitfoods.co.uk, stating when and where it was purchased, for a refund.”

Recommended reading:

What is a product recall?

If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product).

The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.

In some cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ is issued, which provides local authorities with details of specific actions to be taken on behalf of consumers.

Have you had to return a product due to a recall before? Let us know in the comments.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham remain active as the summer window enters its final stretch. Arsenal are said to have made an offer for Julian Alvarez after Atletico Madrid named their price but there’s still work to be done to get a deal over the line. The Gunners are set to confirm Gabriel Martinelli’s exit as they remain interested in the likes of Kenan Yildiz and Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Meanwhile, Igor Tyjon and Habeeb Ogunneye will be announced as Arsenal players after medicals, to be followed by James Scanlon.

A similar number have no idea what they need to do

Advertisement

Nearly half of UK landline users are in the dark over the phone switch-off deadline. The UK’s traditional phone network is being switched off as services move to digital technology, meaning households with landline phones need to make the transition to internet-based calls.

A poll of adults who have a landline telephone in their home has found 53 per cent use it on a weekly basis, but 45 per cent don’t understand what they need to do ahead of the switch-off to ensure their phone keeps working as it should. Landlines are vital for many, with one in three relying on theirs to keep in touch with friends and family, while 29 per cent use it to speak with healthcare providers.

Analogue landlines will be switched off by January 2027.

Nearly six in 10 said their landline remains an important part of their household, with 17 per cent saying it’s cheaper for overseas family or friends to call versus a mobile phone. The research was commissioned by Community Fibre, which offers broadband and calls packages that allow customers across London and the southeast to switch easily to a full fibre home phone service.

TV chef Rustie Lee, who uses her landline regularly, has partnered with the broadband provider to raise awareness of the change. She said: “The landline switch-off is one of the biggest changes to our home phones in years, so if you haven’t switched yet, there are a few things you need to do.

“My top tip is this: don’t just accept the first deal you’re offered by your current provider. Take a moment to shop around, especially look at the newer fibre broadband providers as they will often save you a lot of money. The extra good news is that switching to a new fibre provider is also simple and risk free.

“You can keep your telephone number, and your new provider can handle the switch on your behalf with your current provider so you won’t have any break in service.”

48 per cent of landline users are not confident they know what they need to do to manage the transition. Nearly half haven’t seen enough information about the change, while 33 per cent are confused about what action is actually required.

A fifth are unsure who is responsible for arranging the switch and as a result, 43 per cent are concerned the transition could lead to a loss, breakage or interruption of their service.

Before taking the survey, carried out via OnePoll, 48 per cent were unaware that the landline service, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) could affect devices in the home other than telephones. These include alarms designed to help elderly or vulnerable people live independently by connecting them to a 24/7 emergency response centre, as well as some home security systems.

Rustie added: “If you use a telecare alarm or other devices that use a phone line, check with the providers of those services if they’ll be affected too, rather than your phone company.”

In fact, 53 per cent are worried about elderly people in their lives being left isolated if they lost access to their landline and other services. Another 54 per cent expressed concerns that older generations may need additional support to navigate the switchover process.

Peter Rampling, a broadband expert at Community Fibre, said: “The switch from analogue to digital phone services is a nationwide change that is affecting millions of households. But unfortunately, many of those needing to switch may not be offered the best available full fibre service by their existing provider, so it’s important to explore what else is out there before committing.

“Whether you’re sorting your own line or helping someone else to do it, shopping around and switching provider makes absolute sense with the cost-of-living crisis and can save money and effort in both the short and the long run.”

For information on the switch-off you can read consumer guides and updates on the Ofcom Future of Landline Calls page, and you shopuld contact your telephone provider.

Dolly Parton has died aged 80 after a “brief battle with cancer”, her representatives have confirmed in a statement

Advertisement

Dolly Parton has died following a cancer diagnosis, her representatives have confirmed.

In a statement released to PEOPLE on Tuesday (August 25), the country music icon’s team announced that the star died aged 80 after a “brief battle with cancer”. The specific type of cancer has not been disclosed.

“Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched,” the statement read.

“Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.

“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.”

Advertisement

The statement concluded: “After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”

Parton died on Tuesday, with her nephew Bryan Seaver sharing the heartbreaking news with the world through a deeply personal social media post on the same day, reports the Irish Mirror.

According to PEOPLE, Parton was admitted to a hospital in the Nashville area on Friday (August 21), where she sadly passed away four days later. Just four days prior to her passing, the legendary American performer opened up about her deteriorating health in a separate conversation with PEOPLE.

“As I’ve shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over [my husband] Carl. You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to manage something like this.

“Back in the early ’80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health,” she said.

She continued: “But, I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn’t years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I’m the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me – as I’ve often said – I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”

In lieu of floral tributes, her relatives have asked that contributions be directed towards Parton’s beloved Imagination Library early years reading programme.

Advertisement

The extraordinary force of nature that was Dolly Parton will be remembered for a great many things – singer, songwriter, businesswoman, theme park owner, mother, philanthropist and so much more – but she is perhaps best known for penning a host of iconic hit songs, among them her timeless track Jolene and a modest little number called I Will Always Love You.

The latter evolved into one of the definitive romantic ballads of the 20th century – composed as a tribute to her former creative partner Porter Wagoner, who welcomed her as his co-presenter on The Porter Wagoner Show and secured her a recording contract.

The song achieved phenomenal success when Whitney Houston released her interpretation for the 1992 picture The Bodyguard.

Parton’s foray into cinema commenced in 1980 when she starred opposite Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda in 9 To 5. The picture’s title track proceeded to become her maiden chart-topping single on the US Hot 100.

Her 1973 recording Jolene is universally considered amongst the finest country compositions ever penned.

Her representatives issued a poignant tribute to the country legend through a sincere statement on Tuesday. It reads: “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.”

It concluded with: “Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”

Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives… To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here.

Acrid smoke hangs in the air as clearly as the growing sense of anger as yet another wildfire engulfs a mountainside in South Wales. Residents, whose homes are perilously close to the Maerdy Mountain fire, admit they are frightened. But more than that they are angry and at a loss to understand why this keeps happening.

No official cause of the Maerdy Mountain fire, which broke out on Monday, has been given, but many residents are vocal in their belief that it was started deliberately.

The word on most people’s lips is “why?”. Some fear it will take someone to be killed before the fires will stop. Read on

Recent BBC reporting has highlighted the potentially serious consequences of errors by the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), which now handles more than 800,000 cases.

For separated parents already facing financial pressure, an incorrect calculation can mean hundreds of pounds being added to their monthly payments.

Similarly, many parents who receive a lower amount than they think is correct.

One took to parenting forum Mumsnet to say: “At the moment, the system mainly looks at PAYE income, which doesn’t always reflect someone’s actual financial situation, especially if they’re self-employed or have income from things like property (such as landlords), dividends, or company benefits, it also doesn’t take into account windfalls like inheritances.

“That can leave a lot of children missing out on support they should be receiving, as well as requiring taxpayers to pick up the slack.”

Others reported that their ex-partners were hiding income and asked for advice on how to challenge this.

Nearly £800m in child maintenance has gone unpaid since the CMS was created. It has extensive enforcement powers, but little apparent urgency about using them.

Andy Burnham wants to tackle the problems Westminster has ignored. Here’s one.https://t.co/tV7Cexdwe4 pic.twitter.com/7GxPd2uK5J

Advertisement

— Justine Roberts (@Justine_Roberts) August 21, 2026

But parents who believe their calculation is wrong can challenge the decision.

Nusrat Siddique, a solicitor at Rayden Solicitors, said: “The Child Maintenance Service calculates child maintenance in accordance with a formula and set criteria.

“Most of the time, they get it right. However, there may be instances when the CMS may have made an error or missed evidence when making their decision on a child maintenance calculation.”

She added: “If you receive a decision from the CMS which you do not agree with, you can ask them to review their decision. This process is known as seeking a mandatory reconsideration.”

How to challenge a child maintenance calculation

Parents who believe the CMS has made a mistake should first check their original decision letter.

A mandatory reconsideration normally needs to be requested within one month of the date on the decision letter. GOV.UK says parents can ask for a reconsideration if they believe an error has been made or important evidence was missed.

When making the request, parents should clearly explain why they believe the calculation is wrong and provide supporting evidence where relevant.

This could include bank statements, payslips, tax returns or medical evidence, according to the advice supplied by Rayden Solicitors.

The CMS will then review the decision and issue a mandatory reconsideration notice, explaining whether the decision has been changed and the reasons for the outcome.

What if you’ve missed the deadline?

Parents can still ask for a mandatory reconsideration after one month, but they will need to explain why the request is late.

GOV.UK gives examples including being in hospital or experiencing a bereavement.

If the parent remains unhappy after the mandatory reconsideration, they can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal.

The appeal normally needs to be made within one month of receiving the mandatory reconsideration notice.

The tribunal is independent of government and will consider the evidence before reaching a decision.

Parents must keep paying while they challenge the decision

One important point for parents is that challenging a CMS calculation does not automatically stop the existing payment amount.

The CMS says its decision remains in place while it is being reconsidered or appealed.

Parents should therefore continue making payments according to the current calculation until the matter is resolved.

Recommended reading :

There can also be extra costs if the CMS has to collect unpaid maintenance through its Collect & Pay service.

Parents paying using Collect & Pay have a 20% collection fee added to each amount collected.

This means parents who believe their calculation is wrong should not simply stop paying. Instead, they should follow the formal challenge process and provide evidence supporting their case.