Fans of John Wick are told they have to watch the film before it is too late

A ‘gruesome’ action thriller that some claim is ‘superior to John Wick’ is quietly disappearing from Netflix.

Featuring legendary actor Denzel Washington, The Equalizer first arrived in cinemas back in 2014. The film serves as a reboot of the beloved 1980s television series of the same name.

Washington takes on the lead role of former CIA operative Robert McCall. He’s a figure of enigmatic background who believes he has left his brutal past behind and commits himself to building a peaceful new existence.

Nevertheless, when he encounters Teri, a young woman who has been mistreated by ruthless Russian gangsters, he simply cannot turn away. Armed with his impressive abilities, McCall abandons his self-imposed retirement and resurfaces as a vengeful guardian, prepared to eliminate anyone who terrorises the defenceless.

Whilst the picture may not have won over critics, it still succeeded in earning a remarkable $192 million at the global box office. This level of commercial triumph eventually spawned two follow-up films, reports the Mirror.

READ MORE: ‘Dark and gripping’ crime drama fans should watch with lights on leaving NetflixREAD MORE: ‘Gory’ war movie from American Primeval director is leaving Netflix soon

The Equalizer’s original theatrical release was somewhat eclipsed by a comparable production that debuted around the same period – John Wick. Throughout the years, the two films have inevitably found themselves being contrasted by audiences.

It remains a contentious discussion, but those who have yet to witness whether Washington’s performance surpasses Keanu Reeves’ are running short on time. Although the movie joined Netflix’s catalogue last summer, it’s scheduled to vanish from the streaming platform within days.

A notice now shows that the final day to view the film on the platform is February 28. Nevertheless, at the time of writing, it can also be accessed via Sky Cinema or NOW.

Therefore John Wick devotees who haven’t yet experienced Washington’s action thriller are encouraged to watch it without delay. As one viewer suggests: “Well if you’ve watched John Wick, then you have got to see this. Not only it has such badass moments intricately represented by Denzel Washington but also has moments that give you that ‘feel good’ when you see him going about his business.”

They continued: “Action is neatly choreographed and in certain scenes you don’t need to think how that guy went down. Special mention to the subtlety that The Equalizer brings to the table which seemed to be lacking in John wick. Definitely worth your time!”.

Another user posted on Reddit with the headline ‘The Equalizer is better than John Wick. Change my mind’ and argued: “They managed to make The Equalizer a much deeper movie, with a slower pace and much better character development. The gruesome violence has much more impact and is better filmed, without that gratuitous barrages of bullets and bulletproof jackets. One could also argue that Denzel being a better actor helps The Equalizer to stand out.”

Someone else declared: “It’s like Sherlock Holmes meets John Wick with a hint of the Accountant. Best of all there is compassion and a will to do good.”

Yet another remarked: “Amazing movie. Ten out of ten. Could watch on repeat and would never get bored.”

Meanwhile there are several who simply say that both movies are just as worth your time. As one individual summarised: “It’s pure entertaining action drama which gives you John Wick type vibes. I’m not comparing the movies, both are good in their own style.

“The story was simple and effective, the screenplay was good but little bit loose, the direction was good and the performances were also good especially Denzel’s.”

The Equalizer is streaming on Netflix until February 28.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.

With Farrell rolling the dice in his selection – dropping James Lowe as well as giving Cian Prendergast a rare start – there were interesting subplots aplenty as the game neared.

Such was the nature of the Paris performance, however, that few such themes could be given fair scrutiny.

Ireland had picked a team to compete in the air but rarely challenged in that regard with the new-look back three of Jamie Osborne, Tommy O’Brien and Jacob Stockdale largely on the periphery.

While the loss of both usual starting props to injury, as well as two back-ups on the loose-head side, was unwanted, it gave the opportunity for others to step up and show what they can do, yet the set-piece was rendered a virtual non-factor.

Indeed, Ireland won a scrum penalty in the 45th minute but, such was the lack of pressure elsewhere, it was the first time Les Bleus had drawn a whistle from Karl Dickson.

Discipline had been a key area to improve after the autumn but, while Ireland did concede only six penalties, they frequently did not get close enough to infringe either, with 38 missed tackles on the night.

Ireland’s failure to get to grips with the non-negotiables – what Farrell called the “main part of the game” – left little point in sifting through much else.

“I think you make your own luck in this game,” said Farrell.

“Without the ball, I thought we lost that battle in the first half. The things like the high ball and winning the scraps on the floor, running through tackles or missing tackles etc – that’s the main part of the game.

“We certainly came off second best in that regard in the first half. Our response was gallant, but that’s not what we want to be, we don’t want to be a responding team. We needed to show it from the get go.”

Here’s how we rated the Ireland players after their Six Nations opener against France in Paris

Jamie Osborne – Found himself manning the last line of defence frequently during an uneasy debut appearance in the opening period. 5.

Tommy O’Brien – Despite being Leinster and Ireland’s standout performer throughout the season, the increased intensity on the flank proved challenging. 4.

Garry Ringrose – Combined effectively with McCloskey though attacking chances proved scarce. 6.

Stuart McCloskey – Demonstrated his defensive credentials during his 50-minute stint, forming a robust midfield barrier with eight successful tackles and only one miss. 7.

Jacob Stockdale – Showed determination and remained committed at the breakdown, displaying quality moments when he had the ball. 6

Sam Prendergast – Presented plenty for observers to assess. Looked assured with ball in hand and going forward, though he missed seven tackles. 5.

Jamison Gibson-Park – Struggles when compared to his counterpart. Made a brave attempt to bring order to the disorder. 5.

Jeremy Loughman – Fulfilled his core scrummaging duties well. Completed 12 tackles with just two misses, exceptional. 7.

Dan Sheehan – A relatively subdued performance by his usual standards, managing five carries over 17 minutes during his hour-long appearance. 5.

Thomas Clarkson – Provided adequate stability at scrum time, contributing four carries and six tackles, whilst giving away two penalties. 5.

Joe McCarthy – Will face questions from Andy Farrell regarding one of his first-half infringements. Made 10 tackles with two misses. 5.

Tadhg Beirne – Has required considerable time to regain form following the Lions tour. Accumulated 13 carries and 14 tackles alongside two misses. 6.

Cian Prendergast – Making his Paris debut and getting stuck into the action. Completed a dozen tackles, proving his value. .

Josh van der Flier – Delivered solid defensive contributions during the opening period, completing 11 tackles without missing any throughout his 50-minute appearance. 7.

Caelan Doris – Proved instrumental in both Ireland’s attacking and defensive efforts. Made 13 carries covering 341 metres, completed 15 tackles with just one miss. 8.

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher 5, Michael Milne 6, Finlay Bealham 5, James Ryan 5, Jack Conan 5, Nick Timoney 6, Craig Casey n/a, Crowley 5.

Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the latest sports news, headlines and top stories.

Alexander Taylor, 34, sent text messages to a mental health text support service who were so concerned by them, and the threats within them, that they called the police.

He made no comment when interviewed by officers but would plead guilty to sending a communication threatening death or serious harm on October 7, 2025.

Taylor, from Wythenshaw, appeared at Stockport Magistrates’ Court earlier today (January 5) to be sentenced.

He was given a 12 month community order with 15 rehabilitation days, including an uplift to mark the hate element.

David Holland, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Alexander Taylor’s deeply disturbing messages to a mental health organisation caused such concern that they were reported to the police.

“At a time of high alert following the terrorist attack on a Manchester synagogue, valuable police resources had to be diverted to deal with Taylor.

“There is no place for hate in our society and we will continue to work with partners to bring those who spread hate in our communities to justice.”

JILL SCOTT does not rush records. She only goes into the studio when she feels she has got something she needs to say.

The American singer’s sixth album, To Whom This May Concern, arrives a decade after her last effort for exactly that reason.

“It took me 27 years to make Who Is Jill Scott?,” she says of her landmark debut. “And all the experiences in those years I put into that album.

“These projects don’t just happen overnight, it doesn’t work that way. So, it took me ten years to make this album.

“Why did it take so damn long? Because it takes time to make a great meal. It takes time to decorate your home. You don’t rush it. I took my time because I care.”

Writing only when there is something urgent to say, and letting the music lead the message, is the way the Grammy-winning artist and actor creates.

READ MORE MUSIC INTERVIEWS

Advertisement

THE BIG INTERVIEW

‘If you have a big voice, people want to hear it’ says Nathaniel Rateliff

Advertisement

KILLING IT

We feel like The Beatles on stage, says The Killers’ Brandon Flowers

Advertisement

She says: “I wait for it to come and the things that came out of me for this album shocked the hell out of me, too.

“On some songs, I’m an anthropologist, studying people. I’m on social media and hearing how a lot of people are not satisfied and that’s a damn shame.

“It’s a little harder for me to just sit on a park bench and watch people.”

I meet Scott at her publicist’s office in central London.

I am very excited about the musicianship on this album. The horn players and the bass, which is all over this album, is amazing.

Advertisement

Jill Scott

Dressed in orange, she is bright, friendly and effortlessly glamorous, although she says the jet lag has been hard to deal with.

She’s been over here for a week of promotion, including an album launch where she introduced tracks from To Whom This May Concern and took questions from fans.

“That was a pretty exciting night,” she says. “And the response was great, which was good as I was scared because it’s the first time playing this new music for a bunch of people in a room.

“I am very excited about the musicianship on this album. The horn players and the bass, which is all over this album, is amazing. It’s not a plug-in, it’s a player.”

At 19 tracks long, this is an impressive album. Collaborators include Trombone Shorty, Maha Adachi Earth, DJ Premier and rappers Tierra Whack, JID and Ab-Soul.

Recent single Pressha and Don’t Play touch on relationships.

Jill says: “Pressha is about a toxic past relationship while Don’t Play is a template for how to have a date where you actually want to get to know someone.

“It’s not just about what box they tick or what salary they earn. Then BPOTY — Biggest Pimp Of The Year — I wrote after looking at society and thinking, ‘My God, these folks are pimping us’.

“Like the pharmaceutical companies. I had been taking some medication and I didn’t really need it, I was being pimped and so it began with that story.”

‘Music is medicinal’

A diverse record blending soul, rap and jazz, it features beautiful ballads such as Me 4 and Àse, showcasing the poetic storytelling Scott has long been celebrated for.

“When I heard how diverse the music was, it made sense as an album,” she explains.

“People are going to get what they’re going to get what they need from it at different times. I believe music is medicinal. Like when I first heard of Billie Holiday, I didn’t really hear her until I got my feelings hurt.

“Then I listened again and everything clicked and made sense — how poignant her words were — and that’s why this album is called To Whom This May Concern.”

Be Great is a superb track as both a declaration and mantra, designed for everyday moments of courage.

“I want people to play it before their auditions, job interviews or anything that matters to you,” says Scott. “Go ahead and be fantastic at it, whatever it is.

“I just got the music and the lyrics popped out. I see it as Golden’s cousin [her 2004 anthem]. Yeah, they’re definitely related.”

Offdaback, which Scott says is her favourite track on her new album, pays homage to her heroes who came before her, artists and pioneers who stood up for freedom and music.

“The ancestors have to be honoured,” she explains.

“Whether it was your grandmother who worked in somebody’s house in order to make sure your mother had food, or it was your dad who worked three jobs so you could go to college or so you could live your dream.

“As an artist every day I’m reminded of how many people have made a way for me to be here.

“My office wall has photos of all the people who have inspired me. Diana Ross, Missy Elliott, Led Zeppelin and Queen Latifah are on there.

“I admire so many. Nina Simone for being so frank and fearless; Tina Turner for being so brave and using her voice.

“The list goes on. Frankie Beverly was beloved to me and Prince was my number one, and Bette Midler showed me that you don’t have to be around, knocking on doors all the time. You can disappear for a while, too.

“I went to see Frankie Beverly and Maze and they’d not had a record out for 25 years but everyone at the show is up and singing at the top of their voices.

“Music is about that feeling, about camaraderie and unity. I feel really honoured that anyone would feel that about my music.

“However, I’m still working on the other stuff that comes with that.”

There was a recent social media post of Scott being stopped by a fan who recognised her on the street — and she tells me she still finds that side of fame difficult.

Staying human

She says: “I value my time in just taking a walk, I really do. It’s important to me and it helps me balance everything else. The guy was sweet and I loved his freckles but being stopped in the street is not easy for me.

“Yes, 26 years later, I’m still working on it. I get good advice about it. My mentors tell me the value of maintaining the private self and staying human.

“When people put you on a pedestal it’s a very dangerous game and it’s not the game I play.”

When Scott emerged in 2000 as the voice in neo-soul, blending R&B, jazz, soul and spoken word, she found the spotlight overwhelming.

“It was terrifying and exciting,” she says with a smile. “I had a good two or three weeks where I was like, ‘This is so fun’. And then it didn’t stop.

“People were driving by my house playing the album at full capacity at three o’clock in the morning.

“I don’t want to sound ungrateful, because that’s not where I live — I live in grace and gratefulness all the time.

“It just was never my priority. I see people who are far more famous than me, and God bless them, but balance really matters to me. I’m a writer first, I just happen to sing.

“I have to be human and recognise how flawed I am and how much I’m working through things and honouring myself in all the things.

`’So, my goal is to be grand and gracious and have patience with other people. And when I can’t, I go into the house. That’s how I live.”

I think as a society, we’re holding on to a lot of people that don’t benefit our lives.

Advertisement

Jill Scott

Pay U On Tuesday is a fun song which Scott says: “Comes from being exhausted of family members who I used to be friends with that just don’t value the same things.”

It’s a direct song which even comes with a disclaimer (in the form of a track called Disclaimer) before it.

She laughs and says: “Oh yes there’s a disclaimer. But cutting ties is sometimes needed.

“Maybe they’re not ready to be respectful now, but I think as a society, we’re holding on to a lot of people that don’t benefit our lives.

“What I’ve learned in these 53 years is that I love when the people around me bloom and I want to continue to bloom.

“This album has been brought to you by education for your home. For your family.

“I definitely don’t like being perimenopausal. That’s not fun. It’s made certain things a lot more challenging, like staying fit, and sometimes you don’t sleep and a dress doesn’t fit but I count on the joys.

“I’m a big advocate for a book called The Celestine Prophecy, which reminds me to constantly look for beauty.”

Growing up in North Philadelphia, “Jilly from Philly” says she owes her positivity and happy childhood to her mother and grandmother. “My mother showed me art and creativity and I’m grateful,” she tells me.

Although there was a lot of drugs and violence around her, she also saw “kind and beautiful-spirited people” — and that spirit is at the heart of the track Norf Side.

“It’s a celebration of the place,” she says.

For that song, she wanted another voice from North Philly and her son Jett suggested Tierra Whack, a brilliant MC and remarkable poetess. “We are both a reflection of that place,” she says.

Scott, who has a charitable foundation in North Philadelphia which has been sending kids to camp and to college for more than 20 years, says she could have made an album about what’s going on in the US politically but chose a theme of personal revolution over performative outrage and political frustration.

‘Joy, passion, rage’

“I think that’s another album,” she says. “Right now, I’m really focused on growth and healing — the human stuff.

“Then maybe there will be the kind of revolution that this kind of turmoil deserves.”

On the death of mum-of-three Renee Good, who was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis last month, she says: “This has been going on in the United States for longer than my whole life — it’s not new.

“It just happened to happen to a Caucasian woman so the world is shaken and they’re seeing it.”

Making a name for herself in acting as well as music and poetry, she has starred in 2007 comedy Why Did I Get Married? and TV series The No1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.

Scott says she is taking her time when it comes to choosing her next role, paying close attention to both the director and the writing.

Live performance, however, is non-negotiable. “I will be touring. That is a fact.”

For now, the focus is firmly on this record. “I just want people to come back and listen to it again and again,” she says.

“I’ve sprinkled levels of joy, frustration, passion and even rage. When that last chord plays, I want people to sit with it — and then start all over again. Each time, there’s something new.”

• To Whom This May Concern is out on February 13.

JILL SCOTT

To Whom This May Concern

★★★★★

Who is in the squads?

England

Forwards: Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers), Arthur Clark (Gloucester), Alex Coles (Northampton), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Tom Curry (Sale), Theo Dan (Saracens), Trevor Davison (Northampton), Ben Earl (Saracens), Greg Fisilau (Exeter), Ellis Genge (Bristol), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Heyes (Leicester), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Emmanuel Iyogun (Northampton), Guy Pepper (Bath), Henry Pollock (Northampton), Bevan Rodd (Sale) Vilikesa Sela (Bath), Sam Underhill (Bath).

Backs: Henry Arundell (Bath), Seb Atkinson (Gloucester), Elliot Daly (Saracens), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter), George Ford (Sale Sharks), Tommy Freeman (Northampton), George Furbank (Northampton), Alex Mitchell (Northampton), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Max Ojomoh (Bath), Henry Slade (Exeter), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby), Freddie Steward (Leicester), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester).

France

Forwards: Dorian Aldegheri, Uini Atonio, Hugo Auradou, Cyril Baille, Paul Boudehent, François Cros, Alexandre Fischer, Thibaud Flament, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Mickaël Guillard, Oscar Jegou, Anthony Jelonch, Maxime Lamothe, Julien Marchand, Temo Matiu, Peato Mauvaka, Emmanuel Meafou, Régis Montagne, Rodrigue Neti, Lenni Nouchi, Charles Ollivon, Dany Priso, Thomas Staniforth, Tevita Tatafu, Cameron Woki.

Backs: Grégoire Arfeuil, Théo Attissogbe, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Romain Buros, Thibault Daubagna, Nicolas Depoortere, Gaël Dréan, Antoine Dupont, Kalvin Gourgues, Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, Matthieu Jalibert, Yoram Moefana, Noah Nene, Thomas Ramos, Baptiste Serin, Ugo Seunes.

Ireland

Forwards: Tom Ahern (Munster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Jack Boyle (Leinster), Thomas Clarkson (Leinster), Jack Conan (Leinster), Caelan Doris (Leinster, captain), Edwin Edogbo (Munster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Ronan Kelleher (Leinster), Jeremy Loughman (Munster), Joe McCarthy (Leinster), Michael Milne (Munster), Tom O’Toole (Ulster), Cian Prendergast (Connacht), James Ryan (Leinster), Dan Sheehan (Leinster), Tom Stewart (Ulster), Nick Timoney (Ulster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster).

Backs: Bundee Aki (Connacht), Robert Baloucoune (Ulster), Harry Byrne (Leinster), Craig Casey (Munster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Nathan Doak (Ulster), Tom Farrell (Munster), Ciaran Frawley (Leinster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster), Hugo Keenan (Leinster), James Lowe (Leinster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster), Tommy O’Brien (Leinster), Jamie Osborne (Leinster), Sam Prendergast (Leinster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Jacob Stockdale (Ulster).

Scotland

Forwards: E Ashman (Edinburgh), J Bayliss (Bath), M Bradbury (Edinburgh), G Brown (Glasgow), D Cherry (Vannes), S Cummings (Glasgow), A Craig (Glasgow), R Darge (Glasgow), J Dempsey (Glasgow), F Douglas (Edinburgh), M Fagerson (Glasgow), Z Fagerson (Glasgow), G Gilchrist (Edinburgh), J Gray (Bordeaux Bègles), N McBeth (Glasgow), L McConnell (Edinburgh), E Millar Mills (Northampton), D Rae (Edinburgh), J Ritchie (Perpignan), P Schoeman (Edinburgh), R Sutherland (Glasgow), G Turner (Harlequins), M Williamson (Glasgow)

Backs: F Burke (Saracens), J Dobie (Glasgow), D Graham (Edinburgh), A Hastings (Glasgow), G Horne (Glasgow), R Hutchinson (Northampton), H Jones (Glasgow), T Jordan (Bristol), B Kinghorn (Toulouse), S McDowall (Glasgow), F Russell (Bath), K Rowe (Glasgow), O Smith (Glasgow), K Steyn (Glasgow), S Tuipulotu (Glasgow, capt.), D Van der Merwe (Edinburgh), B White (Toulon)

Wales

Forwards: K Assiratti (Cardiff), A Beard (Montpellier), L Belcher (Cardiff), J Botham (Cardiff), R Carre (Saracens), B Carter (Dragons), O Cracknell (Leicester), H Deaves (Ospreys), R Elias (Scarlets), T Francis (Provence), A Griffin (Bath), D Jenkins (Exeter), D Lake (Ospreys, capt.), A Mann (Cardiff), J Macleod (Scarlets), T Plumtree (Scarlets), N Smith (Leicester), G Thomas (Ospreys), F Thomas (Gloucester), A Wainwright (Dragons)

Backs: J Adams (Cardiff), S Costelow (Scarlets), D Edwards (Ospreys), J Evans (Harlequins), M Grady (Cardiff), K Hardy (Ospreys), G Hamer-Webb (Leicester), J Hawkins (Scarlets), L Hennessey (Bath), E James (Scarlets), E Mee (Scarlets), R Morgan-Williams (Ospreys), B Murray (Scarlets), L Rees-Zammit (Bristol), T Rogers (Scarlets), B Thomas (Cardiff), O Watkin (Ospreys), T Williams (Gloucester)

Who are the referees?

France vs Ireland – Karl Dickson
The only referee to have been appointed to two Six Nations fixtures in 2026 in a clear statement of who the authorities believe is top of their game as things stand. Dickson, the Englishman who refereed last season’s Prem final between Bath and Leicester, has been a mainstay on the international circuit for some time and has risen through the ranks to become one of the sport’s top officials. If Australia made the 2027 World Cup final and England did not, Dickson’s name would be in the mix.

Italy vs Scotland – Ben O’Keeffe
A strategic appointment. O’Keeffe refereed France’s quarter-final exit to South Africa in Paris at the last World Cup and, after his performance was met by vitriol by both players and public, has not officiated Les Bleus since. When that will be – perhaps never – only time will tell. The shame is that the New Zealander has become one of the top five referees in the world, even if he is a touch lax at the breakdown and the scrum.

England vs Wales – Pierre Brousset
France’s crop of officials is not what it once was – indeed, former Test referees Mathieu Raynal and Romain Poite are trying to turn that around – but Brousset sits on top of the tree. Question marks remain as to whether the Frenchman has the temperament and communication for the top level and, in truth, this match might not provide too many answers given the likelihood of a comfortable English victory. He will be refereeing consecutive Tests for England, however, having overseen the narrow autumn victory over Argentina.

Scotland vs England – Nika Amashukeli
A mainstay now at Test level and the only regular “tier one” referee from a “tier two” nation. The Georgian has developed into one of the world’s pre-eminent referees and, along with Angus Gardner and Karl Dickson, would appear as a front-runner for the World Cup final in 2027 – especially since it would be miraculous were Georgia to make it. Amashukeli refereed England against Australia in the autumn as well as the Wallabies’ third Test against the Lions last summer.

England vs Ireland – Andrea Piardi
One of the games of the championship, with a referee appointed whose rise has been rapid. The name of Andrea Piardi will not have meant much to rugby fans two seasons ago but the Italian has grown into one of European and global rugby’s most trusted officials. Piardi had an excellent match as England defeated New Zealand at Twickenham last November while he received plaudits for the way in which he handled the decisive second Test of last summer’s British and Irish Lions tour in Australia.

Italy vs England – Luc Ramos
Ramos took charge of two autumn Tests, both obliterations – Scotland against Tonga and South Africa’s visit to Wales – so the Frenchman will be hoping for something slightly more competitive at the top level in the Six Nations. He will probably get it, too; England will arrive in Rome as hot favourites but the Azzurri are always far more concentrated, organised and dangerous at home.

France vs England – Nic Berry
Given the bookmakers reckon this could be a title – or, even, Grand Slam – decider, what responsibility could lie on the shoulders of Berry, the Australian who has bounced back after the disgraceful treatment he received at the hands of Rassie Erasmus on the 2021 Lions tour. It is a measure of the man that he has bounced back so effectively, and if anything could prepare a referee for the pressure that might come in Paris, it may well have been the events of 2021. He took charge of New Zealand’s narrow victory over Scotland in November.

Who won the Six Nations in 2025?

France are the defending champions for the Six Nations, having beaten England by a single point last year. They won four of their five games, only losing to England at Twickenham by one point.

A huge scene was put in place following the fatal crash on Bury New Road

A woman was tragically killed after being hit by a car in a horror crash on Bury New Road on Thursday night (February 5). Police and paramedics raced to the scene near Prestwich following reports of the collision.

The main road was taped off in both directions while officers from the Serious Collision Unit attended the scene to conduct enquiries.

A large cordon was put in place between Scholes Lane and Butterstile Lane following the fatal crash.

Try MEN Premium NOW for just £1

It was confirmed a pedestrian, a woman, was pronounced dead following the crash. Her age has not yet been confirmed.

It’s understood a suspect has since been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in custody to be questioned overnight.

Pictures from the scene showed a huge police response, with a number of ambulances also in attendance. A blue forensic tent was also erected at the roadside amid ongoing enquiries.

Advertisement

Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for a full statement.

“House burping” is the latest thing cluttering people’s feeds: short clips of people flinging open every window and door, announcing they’re “burping” their home to get rid of stale, germ-filled air. Behind the playful name is a serious question: does this actually make a home healthier, or are people just swapping indoor germs for outdoor pollution?

In Germany, this trend looks less like a revolution and more like everyday life. Lüften – literally “airing out” – and Stoßlüften, or “shock ventilation”, have long involved opening windows wide for a few minutes to let fresh air race through, even in the depths of winter. Some German rental contracts even mention regular airing as part of looking after the property, mainly to prevent damp and mould.

The health logic is simple. Indoor air collects moisture from showers and cooking, smoke and particles from stoves and candles, chemicals from cleaning sprays and furniture, and tiny particles and viruses that people breathe out.

In a previous study my colleagues and I conducted, we found many diseases linked to indoor air pollution. Over time, these build up, especially in well-insulated homes that keep heat – and pollution – in. When the house is “burped”, the sudden rush of outdoor air dilutes this mixture and pushes a good chunk of it outside.

This is particularly important for infections that spread through the air. During the COVID pandemic, public health agencies stressed that better ventilation – including simply opening windows – could help cut the risk of catching the virus indoors. In one classroom study, opening all windows and doors dropped carbon dioxide levels by about 60% and reduced a simulated “viral load” by more than 97% over an eight-hour day, shrinking the area with higher infection risk to around 15% of the room.

Pets breathe the same air and can act as early warning signs of trouble. Veterinary studies link poor indoor air to lung irritation in dogs and cats, especially near the floor where particles settle – a reminder that stale air harms the whole household.

But the air outside is not always clean. Tiny particles from traffic and factories, and gases such as nitrogen dioxide, damage the heart, lungs and brain and are now recognised as major causes of illness and early death. In many cities, most of the fine particles inside homes and schools actually come from outside and seep in through gaps, vents and, of course, open windows.

Where you live shapes that trade-off. Homes close to busy main roads or motorways tend to have higher levels of traffic-related particles and nitrogen dioxide indoors, especially when windows facing the road are opened.

A study in inner-city schools found that the closer a school was to major roads, the higher the levels of traffic-related PM2.5 (microscopic air pollution particles small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs), nitrogen dioxide and black carbon measured inside classrooms.

That means flinging open roadside windows at rush hour may bring in a surge of exhaust, tyre and brake dust just as traffic pollution peaks. For people with asthma, heart disease or chronic lung problems, that extra pollution can undo some of the health benefits of better ventilation.

The picture looks different in greener, quieter areas. When schools and homes are surrounded by more trees and green space and are further from main roads, indoor levels of traffic-related particles tend to be lower. Vegetation can help filter some particles from the air and break up plumes of pollution from nearby roads.

The right time to burp

Timing also matters. In many cities, outdoor pollution is highest during the morning and evening commute and lower late at night or in the middle of the day. Short bursts of house burping outside these peaks – or just after rain, which can temporarily wash some particles from the air – may offer a better balance between infection control and pollution exposure.

Poor indoor air does not stop at the lungs. Studies link higher levels of fine particles and carbon dioxide to poorer concentration, slower thinking and raised risks of anxiety and depression. A stuffy home quietly chips away at mood and mental sharpness for everyone inside.

How the burp is done makes a difference to comfort and energy bills. German-style Stoßlüften, where all windows are opened fully for a short time, rapidly exchanges air but does not cool walls and furniture as much as leaving a small window open all day. Cross-ventilation – opening windows on opposite sides of the home – usually shifts air faster.

Treating COPD (a chronic lung disease) from poor indoor air can cost thousands yearly in drugs and hospital stays – a lifelong burden once diagnosed. Opening windows for five minutes in winter loses just pennies in heat. Fresh air now beats massive medical bills later.

For most households, a practical middle ground is possible. House burping is more likely to be helpful when it is done in short bursts, away from busy traffic times, and on the sides of the home that face quieter streets or greener spaces.

So the social media trend has a point, even if the name raises a smile. A home that never burps is likely to have higher levels of indoor pollution and a greater build-up of exhaled air, especially during virus season. Give your home a mini spa break at the right time: throw open the windows, let it burp out the stale air, and invite a burst of fresh stuff in. Your lungs, brain and pets will thank you.

The 2026 Winter Olympics have come at a turning point in sport in terms of how Olympians are allowed to monetise their performances. In December, the governing body the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that, for the first time, Olympians would have access to footage from their competitions to use for their personal branding and promotion.

In this pilot phase, the material will not be from these Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, but from the previous Games in Beijing in 2022. According to the new Olympian Highlights Programme, athletes who competed in China can have access to 60 seconds of their competition to use on their personal channels to celebrate their achievements during these Games.

But what does this mean, why does it matter, and why is it happening now?

While the permission might not sound like a big deal, the moving image of Olympic competition is the most valuable asset of the entire Olympic movement. It is highly protected due to the exclusive television rights agreements around the world, which have secured the economic fortunes of the Olympic industry for decades.

Today, the rights to the video content of the Games competitions is what makes money for the Olympic movement. The billions of pounds they generate contribute both to the Olympic programme, and also to schemes like Olympic Solidarity supporting federations and nations around the world. But this was not always the case.

In the early years of Olympic competition, broadcasters had free rein to cover the Games. This was seen as a great opportunity to share the Olympic message with the world. The sport then was treated more like news, whereas now it is predominantly entertainment, commercialised and exploited to grow the Olympic industry.

Tightly controlled media content remains the most effective way to monetise the Olympic programme. But this meant athletes could not use video material from their competitions, for fear that this could compromise the exclusivity agreed between the IOC and broadcasters.

Athletes’ frustrations

Similarly, Olympians have been severely restricted in what they can share from their Olympic experience, especially during Games time itself. The IOC Olympic Charter sets out these limitations to avoid things like ambush marketing (when a potential sponsor tries to use the Games period to promote their product in a way that undermines an official sponsor).

For Olympians with a personal sponsor, it means limiting the exposure of this affiliation during Games time, instead prioritising their official team partnership.

Loosening controls on competition videos is an important step to letting Olympians leverage their celebrity status at a time when they’re in the spotlight. Yet it also reflects a changing set of circumstances around media culture. For 20 years, there has been a steady transition of audience habits away from living room TVs towards mobile phones and social media.

This transition had caused the industry anxiety over whether it would hit viewing figures and reduce the value of rights deals. And so Olympic organisers have monitored web traffic and sent warnings to anyone infringing upon their intellectual property.

Today, that mindset is different. There is a recognition that social media amplifies the opportunity to monetise Olympic assets. Video tracking technology can intervene directly when something is posted and limit exposure of unapproved content shares. Or it can simply monetise it with adverts. These capabilities are expanding – and becoming more complicated – with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).

Provisions for social media sharing for athletes and others with accreditation have been evolving over recent Games. At the London 2012 Olympics, IOC social media guidelines did not allow any video from Olympic venues to be posted. In contrast, for Paris 2024, athletes were allowed to share video of their Olympic journey (but not their performance) with up to two minutes from each competition venue.

The guidance for Milan Cortina goes even further to encourage sharing. But it still prohibits athletes from posting this premium video content between one hour before competition and within one hour after, the crucial window for broadcasters.

Ultimately, giving permission to use video from the Games events is also about recognising the athletes’ own ability to attract audiences. On the days leading to Paris 2024, behind-the-scenes footage from athletes often became prominent social media posts, including viral footage of the athletes’ cardboard beds.

This showed candid moments from athletes before the TV coverage began. Audiences appeared to love this – and leaning into it is crucial for the Olympic movement in these changing times.

For decades, the IOC has shouted about how far the Olympic message travels during each Games, articulating this in terms of television hours watched across the world. Yet, television has changed too. After Rio 2016, there was a shift in the IOC’s language, moving from “television” to “live-streamed” hours, to reflect the new ways in which audiences are exposed to the Olympic Games.

The economic direction of international sport and the growing importance of non-traditional partnerships, such as those with Airbnb, Uber and Alibaba, show that the future of the Olympic Games is wedded to the technological culture of the time. While the technology of the 20th century was television, now sport is intimately connected to the rise of AI. Its integration within social media will be key to how users create and consume Olympic content.

In this way, 60 seconds of footage from a previous Olympic competition is not just a move towards empowering athletes. It is also a step towards safeguarding the future of the Olympic Games at a time of remarkable change in the media. The influencer economy is becoming the new unit of audience attraction and it’s crucial that the Olympic movement embraces this.

Mohammed Afzal, known to his loved ones as “Isa” died after being stabbed eight times during an evening of violence at the Power League carpark on Market Street, Bury, on August 1 last year.

Abbas Hussain, 19, Mohammed Rayhan, also 19, and Biryan Ak, 20, were all charged with Mr Afzal’s murder and this week were brought before a trial at Manchester Crown Court.

Jamie Hamilton KC, prosecuting, said: “We make it clear at the outset that Isa Afzal began the events by being the person in the wrong, but his actions did not justify what these three defendants were to go on to do.”

The three defendants all wore suits and ties in the dock as Mr Hamilton told the jury of seven men and seven women how the prosecution said the fatal events of that evening had unfolded.

The trial opened at Manchester Crown Court (Image: Anthony Moss)

He said that on the evening of August 1 Mr Afzal had been travelling with his friends in a Jaguar towards Ramsbottom, where they had been planning to get some food.

On the way, they saw a grey Vauxhall Corsa drive past them, and Mr Afzal said he he’d had “issues” with one of the occupants.

They then followed the car to Power League with Mr Afzal telling his friends he wanted to “smash up the guy’s car”.

Mr Hamilton told the court how, once, they had followed the Corsa to Power League, Mr Afzal then got out of his car and approached it with a baseball bat in his hand and opened the door.

Hussain then got out of the car holding a knife and struck at the left side of Mr Afzal’s body, causing feathers to spill out of his feather-lined coat.

Mohammed Afzal, known affectionately as “Isa” (Image: GMP)

CCTV footage then showed Mr Afzal trying to flee, dropping his bat in the process, and Hussain chasing after him.

Rayhan was seen to pick up the bat and join in the chase before Mr Afzal was chased back to where the incident had started.

Mr Hamilton said that Hussain then looked over to Ak and pointed at Mr Afzal, prompting Ak to what is described in sports as clothes lining the victim” bringing him to the ground.

He said that the 19-year-old was then attacked on the ground by Hussain with the knife and Rayhan with the bat while Ak watched on.

Mr Hamilton said: “Isa is unable to do much to fend off this joint attack but manages to get to his feet and run away, slumping against the side of a parked vehicle before being driven away in the Jaguar.”

A police car at the scene last August (Image: Phil Taylor)

The prosecutor told the jury that the incident was witnessed by a man who challenged one of the defendants as to why he was attacking Mr Afzal, which appeared to stop it.

The witness, who had been at the complex to play football, saw what he described as a “zombie-style knife”.

He also said the defendants appeared to be “fist-bumping and hugging each other” in a “celebratory manner” and “laughing” about the amount of blood on the scene.

Back in the Jaguar, Mr Afzal told a friend he was “gone” and started to say a prayer.

He died at the scene after the car was parked on Valley Mill Lane, despite the efforts of the emergency services at around 9.49pm that evening.

Mr Hamilton told the jury how, later that same evening, five men were seen going into a house on Timperley Close in Oldham.

Hussain was then later seen in the grey Corsa at a Texaco Forecourt on Hollins Lane, also in Oldham and in the early hours of the following morning, leaving Timperley Close in a taxi.

Hussain then stopped at Chauncey Road, Failsworth, which Mr Hamilton said is where Rayhan lived at the time, before he later headed on to Manchester Airport.

The taxi driver said that Hussain claimed he had been on his way to Turkey to “get his teeth done”.

But Hussain then left the airport again later that morning and got a tram back to the Abraham Moss area in North Manchester.

Mr Hamilton said that, having first celebrated what he had done, Hussain had then tried to “flee the country”.

Hussain, formerly of Bolton, now of Windsor Crescent, Prestwich, then went to Bury Police Station on August 2, where he was arrested on suspicion of murder.

He gave no comment but, in a prepared statement, said he had acted in self-defence at the Power League carpark after Mr Afzal and another man got out of their car “wearing balaclavas”.

Hussain said they launched a violent attack on him but accepted he had stabbed Mr Azal on “two or three occasions”.

Ak, of Norman Grove, Longsight, was arrested at his home on August 4, and according to Mr Hamilton, shouted to his father he had “seen a fight, that’s it”.

He also gave police a prepared statement where he claimed Mr Afzal had said “get the thing and do them” while looking in his direction.

In a further prepared statement, Ak said his glasses had been knocked off during the incident, and he was unable to see what had happened after that.

But he claimed that anything he had done had been an attempt to “de-escalate” the incident.

Rayhan, of Chauncy Road, Failsworth, was also arrested on August 4 and claimed in a prepared statement that he had also seen Mr Afzal and another man wearing balaclavas.

He said he had picked up the baseball bat to stop anyone else from using it and that he would not have approached Mr Afzal if he knew a knife was being used.

Mr Hamilton said: “We make it clear that Isa Afzal would have found himself in the dock of a criminal court for his conduct up to the point that he ran away.

“But both law and common sense say that defending yourself or others is not an excuse for any and all violence.

“At the point in time when Isa Afzal ran away from Hussain, the incident moved into another phase.

“Hussain was no longer defending himself; he had the upper hand and wanted to exploit it.

“He was armed, Isa Afzal was not; he was no longer being attacked, Isa Afzal was being pursued.

“As they circled round and returned to where the others were, Isa Afzal posed no immediate threat to anyone there.”

Hussain, Rayhan and Ak all deny murder, while Hussain also denies possession of a knife.

The trial, before the Honourable Justice Nicolas Lavender, continues.