The Stirling Highland Games, a key annual event celebrating Scotland’s heritage and culture, has recently launched its newest campaign that asks locals and visitors to consider buying an entry ticket to the event and make a difference to the not-for-profit that has been organising it since 2014.

The Stirling Highland Games committee is hopeful that this year’s event can support its organisers Ceangail into 2025, giving the social enterprise the opportunity to see its development proposal to Stirling Council, given the green light.

The Stirling Highland Games event is being used as a future delivery model as Ceangail aims to deliver 3 annual events in Stirling to become more sustainable. Its proposal for the Burgh Meadows development marks a significant milestone in establishing a dedicated community hub, where SHG can also nurture future generations of Highland Games athletes.

The Ceangail proposal envisions transforming an unused brownfield site into a vibrant community hub called The Burgh Meadows, complete with a state-of-the-art training facility for Highland Games athletes. By providing a dedicated space for training and development, this initiative seeks to preserve and promote the traditional Scottish sports and activities that are central to the Highland Games.

The Stirling Highland Games committee’s decision to back this proposal underscores the importance of investing in local sports infrastructure. The games, which attract competitors and spectators from across the globe, play a crucial role in showcasing Scotland’s rich cultural heritage. However, until now, athletes have lacked a dedicated training facility, relying instead on makeshift arrangements that do not always meet the rigorous demands of their disciplines.

Matt McGrandles, President of the Stirling Highland Games, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “Granted, there is the bigger picture of the social enterprises vision for Stirling but by supporting the proposal it is a natural extension of our commitment to the sport and our community. The development at Burgh Meadows will not only provide much-needed training facilities for us but will also serve as a focal point for fostering local talent and encouraging wider participation in the Highland Games.”

The Highland Games committee aim to offer comprehensive training programs tailored to various skill levels, from beginners to elite athletes. These programs will be led by experienced coaches who specialise in the unique techniques and physical conditioning required for success in Highland Games events. By providing access to expert guidance and top-tier training equipment, the Burgh Meadows development would provide SHG with the kind of facility that would allow them to elevate the standard of competition and inspire a new generation of athletes.

Matt added, “With the continued backing from our Supporting Partners, I would also love to see Stirling becoming Scotland’s base for the Wounded Highlanders where para-athletes can meet, train and improve their skill set for highland games competition. I am proud that Stirling is already leading the way here as these athletes deserve the opportunity to compete in more highland games during each season. Between our fantastic Adaptive Heavyweights Supporter, Anatomical Concepts and ourselves, I hope we can make that happen over the next 3 to 5 years. But first, we need a sports field and that is why the success of Ceangail’s proposal is so crucial to us.”

Residents and Visitors will soon see promotional cards in businesses across central Scotland, where they can pick one up and having scanned the QR code, will take them to the Stirling Highland Games website with the opportunity to buy a ticket and make a difference.

Ceangail’s social mission is to inspire young people into tourism through its vocational training programmes and practical experiences, such as through the Stirling Highland Games event. The event has provided over 170 young people with practical experience in events, digital media and heritage tours since 2014.

More details about tickets for Stirling Highland Games can be found at www.stirlinghighlandgames.com and further details about Ceangail CIC can be found at www.ceangail.org.

McLaren has had its request for a Right of Review into Lando Norris’ Austin penalty rejected by the FIA stewards for last weekend’s Formula 1 race in Austin.

McLaren had argued that the stewards made an incorrect statement – and overall call – in handing Norris a penalty in Document 69 (from the FIA timing system) of the Austin weekend.

It was this that the orange team submitted as a “significant and relevant new element that was unavailable to McLaren at the time the stewards took their decision” to penalise Norris.

McLaren tried to argue that Norris had successfully got ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in the scrap at Turn 12 late in the United States Grand Prix and so became a defending car and not an attacker when Verstappen shot back to reach the apex of the corner ahead before they both ran wide and Norris overtook in the wide run-off area.

Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

In order for the Right of Review procedure to get to its second stage, which here would have been a new case assessing if Norris’s penalty would be rescinded, all teams initiating this process must prove to the stewards what they are arguing as new evidence is ‘significant’, ‘relevant’, ‘new’ and ‘unavailable at the time of the decision’.

The hearing in the Mexican GP paddock – with the Austin stewards joining via video – lasted just 25 minutes, as McLaren team boss Andrea Stella and team manager CHECK Randeep Singh made their case.
Red Bull representatives, which included sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, FIA officials including head of single seater matters Nikolas Tombazis were also present – with Wheatley outlining Red Bull’s arguments in the case.

Singh argued that McLaren believed ‘Document 69’ was a significant and relevant new element because “The document for the decision contained a statement that was incorrect and that [therefore] evidenced an objective, measurable and provable error had been made by the stewards” – per the FIA document announcing the Right of Review had been rejected.

McLaren said “that the statement [in ‘Document 69’] was that “Car 4 was overtaking Car 1 on the outside but was not level with Car 1 at the apex” and that “the above statement was in error because McLaren had evidence that Car 4 had already overtaken and was ahead of Car 1 “at the braking zone”.

Stella argued that “the case for McLaren was a ‘legally sophisticated explanation’ and urged the stewards to recognize that this was a substantive case especially compared to previous Right of Review cases”.

Wheatley said Red Bull felt none of the four Right of Review criteria had been met in this case and said, also per the relevant FIA document, that “in view of the “very high bar” that is set (in Article 14 of the FIA International Sporting Code) for a successful petitioning of a Right of Review, it is “extremely onerous” to establish the existence of the new element”.

McLaren, however, believed its evidence presented met the high bar required and also “stated that he felt there needed to be another way to correct decisions taken in a race”.

Having adjourned the hearing, the Austin stewards decided to only focus on one of the Right of Review elements – relevance – and declared that “the concept that the written Decision (Document 69) was the significant and relevant new element, or that an error in the decision was a new element, is not sustainable and is therefore rejected”.

The Austin stewards also explained that “McLaren appears to submit that the Stewards finding that “Car 4 was not level with Car 1 at the apex” was an error and that Car 4 had overtaken Car 1 before the apex (and therefore that Car 1 was the overtaking car) and that this asserted error is itself, a new element.

The statement continued: “This is unsustainable. A petition for review is made in order to correct an error (of fact or law) in a decision. Any new element must demonstrate that error.

“The error that must be shown to exist, cannot itself be the element referred to in Article 14 (of the ISC).”
At the end of their petition rejection document, the Austin stewards also commented on the “high bar” element of the Right of Review rule in the ISC.

They determined to draw the FIA’s attention to how “The current ‘high bar’ that exists in Article 14 and the fact that it appears to have been designed more for decisions that are taken as a result of a hearing where all parties are present, rather than in the pressurised environment of a race session, when decisions are taken, (as is allowed under the International Sporting Code), without all parties being present.”

This is an element of how Norris’s penalty was applied in Austin – without hearing his or Verstappen’s point of view – that had frustrated McLaren last weekend.

The hearing in the Mexican GP paddock – with the Austin stewards joining via video – lasted just 25 minutes, as McLaren team boss Andrea Stella and racing director Randeep Singh made their case.

Manchester United hold talks with managerial candidates to replace Erik ten Hag, Kevin de Bruyne could leave Manchester City for Major League Soccer, Eintracht Frankfurt set price for Liverpool target Omar Marmoush.

Manchester United have already held talks with several managerial candidates as further pressure mounts on Dutchman Erik ten Hag, with Xavi Hernandez and Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim among them. (Daily Mail), external

Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, 33, could be on the move to Major League Soccer with San Diego FC as the Belgian’s contract expires in June. (GiveMeSport), external

Eintracht Frankfurt have set a value of between 50-60m euros (£41.6m-50m) for 25-year-old Egypt forward Omar Marmoush, whose representatives have held talks with Liverpool. (Sky Germany), external

Arsenal have drawn up a shortlist of world-class striker targets and Newcastle and Sweden striker Alexander Isak, 25, is top of the list. (TeamTalk), external

West Ham is a possible destination for Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell, 27, as the Englishman continues to struggle for playing time under Enzo Maresca. (Metro), external

Inter Milan are interested in Athletic Bilbao’s 24-year-old Spanish attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet, who has also been linked with Aston Villa. (Fichajes – in Spanish), external

Tottenham are determined to prevent 25-year-old Spanish right-back Pedro Porro from joining Manchester City, who see him as a replacement for England defender Kyle Walker, 34. (Football Insider), external

Liverpool and Arsenal are contenders to sign Spain and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, 17, as the La Liga club could be forced to sell their teenage forward amid ongoing financial difficulties. (Miguel Delaney via TeamTalk), external

Brazil winger Raphinha, 27, says he considered leaving Barcelona more than once in his first two seasons with the club following his move from Leeds. (ESPN), external

ARSENAL’S red-card run has me worried — but not for why you might think.

If the likes of Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard and William Saliba had been sent off for violent conduct, aggressive behaviour or arguing with refs, I could understand.

5

5

Advertisement

5

These things happen, move on.

But in Arsenal’s case, none of them were for tackles. They were simply for petulant, lazy and stupid actions — things that manager Mikel Arteta cannot account for.

In all fairness, Rice’s red against Brighton for kicking the ball away was mental. The ref handled that badly.

But Trossard’s against Manchester City was incredibly petulant.

And with Saliba’s at Bournemouth, he has got credit for reacting to a poor pass — ironically from Trossard — but I would have backed him to get back and for David Raya to save it.

It is something that keeps happening.

My other concern is the Arsenal players are starting to feel there is an agenda against them from the Prem refs — which there is NOT.

I have seen it in dressing rooms — you can find an excuse if you are looking for it. As players, it is never our fault.

5

FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS

And if you are hearing it on social media and begin talking about it then it will seep in.

I am also worried that when these red cards have been given, I haven’t seen or heard of anyone screaming or shouting, pointing fingers.  That’s maybe a sign of the times.

I was sent off five times in my professional career and every time in the dressing room after the games, I’ve got hammered for letting the team down.

I have experienced all of the emotions. Sometimes you feel hard-done-by and there is an element of smashing the dressing room up because you are angry, and sometimes I felt like a kid again getting told off by my parents — there is so much shame.

I don’t sense that has happened at Arsenal; more: “Unlucky, mate. Better luck next time.”

Arsenal players are starting to feel there is an agenda against them from the Prem refs — which there is NOT.

Troy Deeney

You need accountability, you need players to show their frustration.
When Saliba was sent off and the team then lost 2-0, I would expect someone to at least ask: “Why did you do that?”

You are supposed to have conflict. You are allowed to hold people to a high standard.

Arsenal have obviously been doing that to get to the position they are at, challenging for the title.

But in these situations, if they are going into games without their best players — especially an avoidable one in Saliba — then that should rightly boil over behind the scenes.

And do not underestimate the toll it takes on you playing with ten men on several occasions in quick succession.

It is almost impossible physically to pull it off just once, let alone three times, as well as the psychological damage of not having the ball.

When that is the case, it becomes a long, hard slog.

You can still see what that draw at Man City did to them — it is still in their legs, in their heads.

5

Advertisement

Drawing 2-2 so late on. You’ve played for so long with ten men, defended so well, contained them, and then someone scores and the whole emotion leaves your body.

City now have an effect on Arsenal whereby if they are not six or seven points ahead going into the last ten games of a season, they know they will be caught.

At the start of this campaign, they put a lot of pressure on themselves — maybe too much.

Bukayo Saka came out and said: “This is our year, we can do it.” I liked it.

I don’t see Arsenal getting a result but, for their sakes, I hope they do.

Troy Deeney

But with great expectation comes great responsibility and I don’t remember a game this season where they have looked like the Arsenal of the previous two years.

They have looked clunky and looked like they are forcing things.

And they are now in a position already this season where they have to go out and attack and win games, like against Liverpool on Sunday.

I don’t see Arsenal getting a result but, for their sakes, I hope they do. And as a neutral fan, I don’t want them to be done. Seven points adrift is huge.

So Arsenal have to deliver. And I am beginning to think of the question: When is Arteta under pressure?

Maybe if they drift away from the title race by Christmas?

It is a harsh question given what he has done for the club but you have to deliver at some point.

Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor Gunners

ARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.

Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.

Advertisement

Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…

DAVID RAYA – 7

Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stages

Pushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.

Advertisement

BEN WHITE – 6

Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. 

Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.

WILLIAM SALIBA – 7

Advertisement

In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.

One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.

GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5

Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.

Advertisement

Marked improvement in the second half.

RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6

Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.

Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.

Advertisement

THOMAS PARTEY – 6

Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.

Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.

DECLAN RICE – 6

Advertisement

Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.

Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. 

LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4

Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.

Advertisement

Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.

GABRIEL JESUS – 8

Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.

Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.

Advertisement

Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.

GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7

Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.

Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. 

Advertisement

KAI HAVERTZ – 7

Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.

Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.

Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.

Advertisement

SUBS

Mikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6

Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.

Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6

Advertisement

Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6

Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.

Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A

Advertisement