A bit of advice. When highlighting how few footballers are in contention to play for Tottenham, try not to add to the list of absentees. Last Monday, Cristian Romero’s critique of the Spurs board came on Instagram and was liked by a host of his teammates. “We had only 11 players available – unbelievable but true and disgraceful,” he wrote.
And so, as virtually everyone should have predicted, the next Tottenham player to be ruled out was the Premier League‘s serial miscreant. Romero’s straight red card for scything down Casemiro meant he missed two-thirds of their defeat to Manchester United. He incurred his third suspension of the season – he is two bookings away from a fourth – and will miss four games. He cannot play in the Premier League again until Spurs visit Anfield on 15 March; after his utterly needless red card when Tottenham met Liverpool in December, it may be a risky fixture for a return.
So if Tottenham’s powerbrokers have let the team down, so has their captain. Thomas Frank insisted he did not regret making the Argentinian skipper and will not strip him of the armband; there is the possibility, though, that by the time Romero is able to reclaim the armband, there will be a different face in the dugout.
Frank’s explanation for naming Romero captain was unconvincing. “He is one of the most important players,” he said. Which is not a qualification in itself. Arguably Romero is simultaneously Tottenham’s best and worst player; a high-class defender with a penchant for line-breaking passes, a better finisher than some of the forwards and a man with the sense of timing to score two injury-time equalisers this season.
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Not that he is much use when sent off or suspended; captain, leader, liability? In the last year, he has been man of the match in the Europa League final against United, as Tottenham won their first silverware in 17 years, and sent off for a dangerous challenge against them. Romero was apologetic in the dressing room, Frank and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario reported; perhaps his next social-media post will not be broadside at the board.
Romero was reported to have apologised to his teammates by manager Thomas Frank and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario (REUTERS)
He has courted popularity with the fanbase with his regular jibes at the powerbrokers. He may want to be more self-critical. The rebel captain may have cult-hero status but, oddly enough, the chorus of “Romero’s right, the board are s***e” was only heard in the first half-hour at Old Trafford.
He isn’t the first captain to sometimes lead by the wrong kind of example – Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira and Dennis Wise had more than their share of early exits – but his disciplinary record borders on the disastrous. “If you look at how many red cards he had, it is not like that he had that many,” claimed Frank. It was a ridiculous assertion from a usually rational man.
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In four-and-a-half years since joining Tottenham, Romero has six red cards: it came as news to Frank that is more than any other Premier League player in that time. The centre-back can scarcely complain if he has a reputation as the worst-behaved player in the division.
Romero was shown a sixth red card of his Tottenham career at Old Trafford (REUTERS)
His rap sheet could be longer. He might have been sent off in each of the games against Brentford this season. As it is, he also saw red for kicking out at Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate. In 2023, he was dismissed for sliding in on Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez when he perhaps ought to have gone earlier in the same game for kicking Levi Colwill off the ball.
Earlier that year, he got a second yellow card in the Champions League exit to AC Milan for clattering into Theo Hernandez. A month before that, he was on a caution, committed a similarly obvious bookable offence for halting Jack Grealish and saw red against Manchester City.
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Romero’s maiden Tottenham red, against Vitesse Arnhem in Antonio Conte’s managerial bow, came for a rugby tackle on Lois Openda when he was already booked. Once again, subtlety was not his forte.
Romero’s crunching tackle on Casemiro that got him dismissed (REUTERS)
There is a pattern: of recklessness, of sliding in on opponents, of studs-up challenges, of committing fouls in parts of the pitch where he does not need to, of involving himself in incidents that need not concern him. There is scant evidence Romero is learning his lesson. His tackling technique could be better; so, too, his judgment.
They might be reasons why he is still at Tottenham. They are probably also grounds to strip him from the captaincy, even if that makes him still more outspoken. But a time in the stands ought to offer Romero some time for reflection; whatever the failings of Tottenham’s various imperfect decision-makers, they are not alone in leaving Frank short-staffed. Spurs’ absentees already included defenders Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Kevin Danso and Ben Davies even before Destiny Udogie went off hurt at Old Trafford. Now Romero is banned. Again.
The Planning Inspectorate has upheld an appeal brought by Mark and Benjamin Fitton, from the Half Moon Inn, in Sharow, near Ripon, and quashed the notice served by North Yorkshire Council.
The council had issued the enforcement notice in 2024, alleging an unauthorised change of use from a public house to a house.
It required the owners to cease residential use and reinstate the primary use as a pub, with three months to comply.
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However, Inspector Chris Baxter concluded that the residential use of the entire building had continued for at least four years before the notice was issued, meaning it was immune from enforcement action.
Under planning law, councils cannot take enforcement action against a change of use to a single dwellinghouse if it has been continuous for four years prior to the notice being served.
In reaching his decision, the inspector considered ten sworn statutory declarations from the appellants and family members, as well as photographs and written statements.
The declarations described how the building had been used as a sole residence since November 2019, with daily living activities taking place throughout the property.
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Mr Baxter said in his conclusion: “From the evidence before me, I am satisfied on the balance of probability that the public house use ceased before 25 April 2020 and that since then the whole of the appeal property has been used as a single dwelling for a continuous period of four years.”
Commenting on the appeal decision, Mark Fitton told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “After decades of business failure, it was obvious that the Half Moon would never reopen as a pub.
“The council has wasted a great deal of public money, spending years fighting a battle that it was never going to win.”
Planning applications to change the use of the pub into a home have been refused on several occasions in recent years.
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A new application has recently been filed with the council in the wake of the appeal decision.
A community group has been campaigning for the pub to be reopened since 2021, with a survey of local residents revealing widespread support for the proposal.
The trousers are a comfortable yet smart option to wear to the office.
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If you are heading into the office for work, you might be looking out for some new pieces to wear this spring. When you have to spend all day at work, you want outfits that both look professional and are comfortable to wear.
The smart trousers could be paired with a plain white shirt or blouse to create a chic look. The trousers are currently on sale for only £10 and could be a great addition to your workwear wardrobe.
The trousers were posted in a video to the Tesco F&F Instagram page, alongside other co-ord pieces that could be mixed and matched. The post was captioned: “Because you can never have too many co-ords right?? @zoetowellandtwins.”
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Fans of the F&F brand have already headed to social media to share their opinions on the new co-ords and stylish trousers. One commenter said: “Love them all.”
If you want to get a pair of the trousers or any other item from the brand, you can go to the Tesco website to browse all of its clothes. You can also go in-person to a Tesco store with a clothing department.
If these trousers are not in line with your style, Boden has some options that you might like more. There are these Belgravia Linen Trousers that reviews say “fit well” and are “flattering around the waist and hip” or there is this Ivy Linen Midi Dress, which is an easy choice to throw on in the morning.
Located at Blackies Park on Fordfield Road in Sunderland, the new facility was created after residents were invited to choose between designs during a public consultation – and more than 55 per cent backed the winning proposal from play specialist Streetscape.
Gentoo acted as the housing and community partner that helped get the Blackies Park project off the ground and delivered on the ground for residents.
Feedback from families has already been positive. (Image: Gentoo)
Chris Roberts, director of customer at Gentoo, said: “The opening of Blackie’s play park is a fantastic addition to the area.
“Projects like this have a real and lasting impact on the whole community.
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“By creating safe, vibrant and inclusive spaces, we’re not just improving facilities, we’re helping to strengthen community pride, encourage healthier lifestyles, and bring people together.
The park is designed to encourage climbing, swinging, sliding and exploring. (Image: Gentoo)
“This investment is a reflection of what local residents told us they wanted, and it’s fantastic to see it becoming a reality.”
The park, designed to encourage climbing, swinging, sliding and exploring, was funded through Section 106 funding provided by Sunderland City Council.
Cllr Lindsey Leonard, cabinet member for environment, transport and net zero at Sunderland City Council, said: “I’m delighted to see section 106 funding being put to such good use, to develop this fantastic new play area.
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Residents were invited to choose between designs. (Image: Gentoo)
“We know how much families really value having fun, safe and accessible play parks to take their children to and it’s great that they have been involved in helping shape this new play area to the needs of their community.”
Feedback from families has already been positive.
One resident who visited the park with his grandson, said: “Before the park we just played football on the field, but since the park has been built, my grandson is out from 8am in the morning playing on the park.
“The new park is a godsend for the area.” (Image: Gentoo)
“The new park is a godsend for the area.
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“It’s absolutely the best thing Gentoo has ever done.”
Another visitor said: “I’m happy we have something like this in the area because, before the park was built, we would usually have to take them to a park further away and now we have one in our neighbourhood.”
The annual event brought comic books, film, TV, video games and anime together.
Recommended reading:
Many guests in cosplay were there to greet attendees at The Knavesmire this year (Image: Garry Hornby – Press Camera Club)
Those in dress included legendary Star Wars character Chewbacca, along with Little Shop of Horrors’ Audrey II, Death Eaters, Wolverine and Batman.
Enthusiasts were able to browse the many stalls, cars and merchandise on offer, meeting media guests Dani Harmer, who played the protagonist in The Story of Tracy Beaker from 2002 till 2006 and Marvel star James D’Arcy.
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The day featured everything from sci-fi to movies, books and fantasy (Image: Lisa Young – Press Camera Club)
The highly anticipated event is organised by Unleashed, which run Comic Con events, featuring traders and guests in cosplay, across the UK each year.
Comic Con fans were able to browse the artefacts, collectables and cars on display (Image: Newsquest)
A representative for the company explained: “Initially, comic-cons used to be events focusing on comic books and comic book culture.
“However, nowadays comic-cons cover multi-genre entertainment, such as films, TV and gaming, and have made being ‘geeky’ cool.”
The company described the events as “brief escapes” from reality, where pop culture, sci-fi and fantasy can coalesce into one room.
Thousands have been left stranded in the Middle East as flights are cancelled due to the conflict
Holidaymakers from Northern Ireland in the Middle East have described their “frightening experience” as they take shelter in their hotels amid the sound of explosions.
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Thousands of people have been left stranded in a number of Middle Eastern countries this weekend after Iran launched missile strikes against four Gulf Arab nations hosting US military bases — Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE, after it was attacked by the US and Israel on Saturday. During these strikes Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed.
Tourists have had to take shelter in underground car parks and hotel rooms and have said they are desperate to leave the country for their own safety.
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One NI holidaymaker told Belfast Live: “On Saturday afternoon we heard some loud explosions directly overhead which we later found out were the result of missile interceptions.
“On advice of UK Embassy we took shelter in our hotel room and have remained there ever since. A lot of normal activity seemed to continue on Saturday but Sunday definitely feels quieter. A very frightening experience overnight with constant loud bangs and noises.
“Looks like all flights cancelled until 3pm UAE time tomorrow as minimum. Yes everybody just keen to get safely out of the country.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the situation in the Middle East will leave many people feeling apprehensive following a meeting with a UK Government advisor.
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She said: “I know that many, many people will be really apprehensive about what is happening in Iran and across the Middle East.
“The Iranian regime is an appalling one, it has created a huge amount of instability in the region, it has killed many thousands of its own citizens.
“I know that there are many hundreds of people from Northern Ireland who are living and working in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE and of course many others that are visiting the region as well.
“I know that there are a lot of people worried about their loved ones and families at the moment.”
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The deputy First Minister said the briefing, which was also attended by the Scottish and Welsh First Ministers, was an opportunity to raise questions.
She added: “Also to try to push to ensure that the clear messages are coming out from the UK Government, clear advice to people who are in the region in terms of making sure that all of the support is there to keep people safe.”
A fresh wave of blasts was heard in Dubai and in the Qatari capital of Doha on Sunday as defence forces intercepted missiles headed their way in response to US and Israeli attacks.
The UAE is home to one of Ireland’s largest diasporas per capita, with an estimated 14,000 Irish nationals residing in the country, many of whom live in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
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Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs has urged Irish citizens in the Middle East to “shelter in place” following a sharp escalation in conflict across the region.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said there are currently “no evacuation routes recommended for Gulf countries” as she urged Irish citizens “not to pursue anything other than a shelter in place strategy”.
Ms McEntee added: “I want to provide a further update on the situation in the Gulf and the implications for Irish citizens there,” Minister McEntee said in a statement Sunday.
“A large number of Irish citizens, in particular in the UAE, are already on our Citizen Registration platform, with several hundred registering yesterday. I would encourage anyone in the region either resident or transiting to register.
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“I am also aware of suggestions of consideration of land routes to neighbouring countries, such as Oman. However, I strongly urge citizens not to pursue anything other than a shelter in place strategy for now.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is urging Brits abroad in the Middle East to inform the government of their whereabouts for support.
In a post on X, the office said in a statement: “British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar and UAE can register their presence to receive direct updates from the FCDO on the situation in the Middle East.
“You should continue to follow our travel advice for the country you are in and the advice of the local authorities.”
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The FCDO also advises British nationals currently in the city of Duqm, Oman, “should immediately shelter in place”.
“Any British nationals currently visiting Salalah, or within 100km, should look to leave as soon as possible if commercial means allow. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”
It advises against “all but essential travel” only to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed sadness over the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Husna Anjum Senior Live News Reporter and Astha Saxena
18:54, 01 Mar 2026
Russia has threatened retaliation against Europe with Russian propagandists claiming Donald Trump “unwittingly creating political and psychological opportunities.”
Yesterday (February 28) Russian President Vladimir Putin paid tribute following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Russian President called the act “a murder committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law”.
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Speaking about Russia ’s next move, Sergey Karnaukhov, a former president and CEO of The Centre for the National Interest, and Dimitri Simes, a former president and CEO of The Centre for the National Interest, highlighted what needs to be done as he blames Europe for “waging war” against Russia.
The Express reports in the conversation with Vladimir Solovyov on channel Solovyov Live, he said: “Estonia is waging war against us. I think we should give it some thought that Mr Trump unwittingly created political and psychological opportunities for us, he untied our hands for our Supreme Commander in chief to do whatever he finds appropriate to do for the nation’s security.”
The host of the show continued issuing threats to Europe. Mr Solovyov said: “But we see what is happening, the only language Europe understands is the language of force, and only when the force is used against them. They saw that Oreshnik was used twice and decided they are protected in their little house.
“It’s clearly time to strike their little house.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry had sharply denounced the joint US‑Israeli military operation in Iran the previous day, describing it as “a pre‑planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state” and a violation of core principles of international law.
In Moscow’s view, “Washington and Tel Aviv have once again embarked on a dangerous adventure that is rapidly bringing the region closer to a humanitarian, economic and, not exclude, a radiological catastrophe.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry claimed that the US and Israel are “covering themselves with an imaginary concern to prevent the Iranians from acquiring nuclear weapons,” while in fact their main goal, according to Moscow, is “to destroy the constitutional order and destroy the leadership of a state they do not like, which has refused to submit to forceful dictate and hegemonism.”
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The foreign ministry also appealed to Russians in Iran and Israel to leave these countries immediately if possible.
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They now face a Chelsea side who have not beaten Arsenal in any competition since August 2021 – a run of 10 matches and seven defeats, including both legs of their recent Carabao Cup semi-final tie. Liam Rosenior’s tactics in that late 1-0 loss in N5 last month certainly proved divisive and he has criticised his team in the weeks since after their top-four hopes were hit by frustrating draws with Leeds and Burnley as their disciplinary issues continued.
“He has had a huge impact and is making big improvements,” Carrick said of Sesko. “He is getting used to being here. He is desperate to do well and is a pleasure to work with. He is a real threat. I’m really excited about where he can get to. He’s got huge potential.”
There is little doubt the United coach has enjoyed some good fortune since taking over. First Diogo Dalot escaped what should have been a red card for a studs-up challenge against Jeremy Doku in the derby against Manchester City, and then Tottenham were reduced to 10 men after half an hour when Cristian Romero was sent off. Here, Palace spent much of the second half with a man down. Equally, Carrick could argue that you make your own luck.
Despite Oliver Glasner’s grumblings, the rules state Christopher Kavanagh was right to award a penalty, even though Lacroix had initially grabbed hold of Cunha outside the penalty area before the Brazilian eventually tumbled in the box.
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Fernandes coolly converted the spot-kick and it was the turning point United needed because they had struggled in the first period.
United have offloaded four wingers over the past nine months – Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony – and while not too many fans were sad to see that quartet depart, it has left the team short of recognised wide players. The situation on the left flank has been further exacerbated by a hamstring injury to Patrick Dorgu.
Cunha has been occupying that position for the most part, but he is a No. 10 at heart and his desire to routinely cut inside really narrowed the pitch against Palace.
With Luke Shaw unable to overlap from left back like he used to, United lacked width on that side and it helped the visitors. The situation did not improve when Shaw went off in the 24th minute and Noussair Mazraoui, a right footer, filled in at left-back.
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Palace losing Lacroix was a significant boost for United and liberated Carrick’s side, Cunha included. The south Londoners, in the end, were lucky not to lose by more, with Henderson making fine saves to deny Casemiro and Amad Diallo.
So it is six wins during an unbeaten seven-match run now for Carrick. They have built up a real head of steam.
Good afternoon, and welcome to live coverage of Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur from the Premier League, with the visitors desperately looking to climb away from the relegation zone.
Spurs currently sit 16th in the table, just four points above West Ham United in 18th, with relegation now an alarmingly possible prospect for the north London club after failing to win any of their nine league games since the turn of the year.
West Ham’s 5-2 defeat at Liverpool on Saturday means Spurs will not slide any further towards the drop zone this weekend, but with Nottingham Forest making the trip to Brighton this afternoon, defeat at Craven Cottage could see them slip to 17th by full time.
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Igor Tudor’s appointment did not have the desired effect for last weekend’s north London derby, with an injury-ravaged Spurs losing 4-1 against Arsenal for the second time this season.
Despite Pedro Porro and Kevin Danso becoming available for selection this weekend, the Spurs boss will continue to be hamstrung by absences and admitted on Thursday that the job at hand is harder than he expected.
Spurs take on a Fulham side who ended a run of three successive defeats last weekend with an impressive 3-1 victory away at Sunderland, who had previously lost just once at the Stadium of Light this season.
Marco Silva’s side start the afternoon in 10th but could climb up to eighth with victory against Spurs, who they have beaten in three of their last four league meetings.
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Having claimed a 2-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November, the west London outfit have the opportunity to complete the league double over Spurs for the second time in their history and for the first time since the 2003-04 campaign.
