TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Kevin Cash isn’t worried that manager ejections will become a relic of baseball’s past just because robot umpires have arrived to settle some debates.
“You only get two challenges, right? That can come up in the first inning,” the Tampa Bay Rays manager said.
“Manager ejections have been down for a while now because of the replay system,” said Hall of Famer Jim Leyland, a three-time Manager of the Year tossed 73 times over 22 seasons. “I really like the ABS. I think it’s going to be great for the game.”
Last year, 61.5% of ejections among players, managers and coaches (99 of 161) were related to ball/strike calls, according to MLB, up slightly from 60.3% (114 of 189) in 2024. The figure included what MLB counted as inappropriate comments and conduct, and throwing equipment in protest.
“I’m in favor of anything that allows our technology to play in this game,” Cash said. “We have so much of it. Why not use it?”
Each team gets two challenges per game, and a club keeps its challenge if successful. A team out of challenges gets an additional one in each extra inning.
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“You’re going to take out the argument of balls and strikes initially,” Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton said. “I think the challenge is going to be after the challenges go away, how managers are and what they do? But I do think that there is going to be probably less general complaining about balls and strikes in the early going.”
Aaron Boone of the Yankees has led or tied for the most ejections in four straight seasons, and his nine in 2022 were the most since Atlanta’s Bobby Cox was tossed 10 times in 2007.
Cox was thrown out a record 162 times, followed by John McGraw (121), Leo Durocher (100), Weaver (96), Tony La Russa (93) and Bruce Bochy (89).
Cincinnati’s Terry Francona, starting his 25th season in a big league dugout, leads active managers with 54. Boone, beginning his ninth season, is second with 46.
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Boone is less concerned over whether his dugout dissents will dwindle and more focused on keeping his players locked in if a challenge goes against them. If an umpire calls strike three to strand the bases loaded and the pitcher pumps a fist and bounds off the mound, how will the pitcher quickly regain composure if ABS reverses the call and forces a 3-2 offering?
“It’s a whole new thing that pitchers have never dealt with. That’s an emotional thing you’ve got to deal with,” Boone said. “That’s something we’ve already addressed, same with the hitters to a lesser degree: that reset. How do you clear the mechanism?”
Bobby Valentine, who managed three major league teams over 16 seasons, will be honored by the New York Mets this May with a giveaway promotion commemorating one of his 44 ejections. After he was tossed by Randy Marsh on June 9, 1999, Valentine returned to the dugout with a fake mustache fashioned from eye black and sunglasses.
Valentine thinks players have evolved past the point where a manager could spark his team with a histrionic argument.
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“I found that by the end of my career that that was only entertainment,” he said. “It didn’t fire anyone up except for my wife, who was worried about the fine that I was going to get.”
Drivers who are members of The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) will walk out for 24 hours from midday on Tuesday and Thursday.
They are the first walkouts in a series of six 24-hour strikes by drivers on the Tube.
But why are the drivers striking, when are they and how much disruption can passengers expect? Here is all you need to know.
When are the Tube strikes?
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As it stands, members of the RMT union will strike at the following times (all BST)
21–22 April (12pm Tuesday – 11:59am Wednesday)
23–24 April (12pm Thursday – 11:59am Friday)
19–20 May (12pm Tuesday – 11:59am Wednesday)
21–22 May (12pm Thursday – 11:59am Friday)
16–17 June (12pm Tuesday – 11:59am Wednesday)
18–19 June (12pm Thursday – 11:59am Friday)
Why is the strike taking place on the Tube?
Transport for London (TfL) are offering Tube drivers the chance to work a four-day week, but the RMT has rejected the offer.
Under the plans the majority of drivers would see their working week reduced from 36 hours to 35 hours – but they would work longer shifts on days they work.
But the RMT argues the working day would be too long under the proposals, risking driver fatigue and potentially compromising safety.
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The union instead wants to negotiate a 32-hour week over four days for drivers, meaning they would work three fewer hours each week for the same salary.
TfL is currently rejecting the RMT proposals, saying drivers do not need to take up the four day week offer and could remain on a five-day week if they want.
Members of the Aslef union have also already voted to accept TFL’s four day week offer.
How much disruption is expected?
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All London Underground lines will be affected by the Tube strikes between April 21 and 24, TfL has said.
No service is expected at all on the Piccadilly and Circle lines during the strikes.
A reduced service will run across other lines but “significant disruption” is expected.
Any services that do run will be less frequent, very busy, and you may not be able to board the first train, TfL is warning.
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No service is expected on the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate
No service is expected on the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street
Outside of the specific strike times disruption is also expected.
While normal services will be expected until mid-morning on the Tuesday and Thursday, services will then begin to ramp-down before the 24-hour strikes.
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Tube services that do run on Tuesday and Thursday will finish early – you should aim to have completed your journey by 8pm, TfL has said.
On the Wednesday and Friday, significant disruption will take place on all lines until midday.
Tube services that do run will start later than normal with no service expected before 7.30am on Wednesday and Friday.
In the afternoon on those days some disruption is expected until the evenings.
Top administration officials, including President Donald Trump himself, appeared unclear as to whether Vice President JD Vance would lead peace talks with Iranian officials in Pakistan this week, less than 24 hours before the U.S. negotiating team are supposedly due in Islamabad.
Vance’s participation in the upcoming talks has been in question for days after the last round, helmed by the vice president, failed to reach an agreement to end the war. Tuesday is the two-week deadline for the U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
Trump is closely watching Vance’s performance in the negotiations with Iran as he ponders his eventual successor for 2028. CNN reported last week, citing multiple sources familiar with the conversations, that the president was soliciting opinions of Vance’s strengths. On Sunday morning, the president took calls from reporters at a plethora of outlets, telling ABC News’ Jonathan Karl, then MS NOW’s Jacqueline Alemany that Vance would not be attending the Islamabad talks, claiming that “security issues” prohibited Vance’s participation in the second round of talks.
“It’s only because of security,” Trump told Karl. “JD’s great.”
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Unnamed White House officials then contradicted the president and told multiple networks, including ABC and MS NOW, that Vance would indeed be traveling to Islamabad.
Vice President JD Vance led the last round of peace talks with Iran but failed to reach an agreement on the country ending its nuclear program or the opening the Strait of Hormuz (Getty Images)
On Sunday news shows, there was further confusion.Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNN that Vance would lead the U.S. delegation to Pakistan.
U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz, meanwhile, could not say whether Vance was leading the latest U.S. delegation, during his own interview on NBC’s Meet the Press. “My understanding from an announcement the president just made is that the team is going over. I’ll leave the delegation announcement to the White House,” he said.
Trump told two reporters who called him early Sunday morning that JD Vance would not be a part of Monday’s peace talks in Islamabad (AFP/Getty)
Both networks then reported Vance would be traveling to Islamabad, citing unnamed senior U.S. officials. In a call with Axios, Trump also mentioned the participation of both special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, but did not say if Vance would attend. Axios reported that two U.S. officials separately confirmed Vance would lead the delegation.
The Independent has asked the White House for confirmation of the vice president’s plans. When asked about the confusion around whether Vance was leading the U.S. delegation, a White House official told CNN: “Things changed.”
The White House hasn’t offered any explanation for why security risks that supposedly prohibited Vance’s attendance at the talks were no longer present, or any other reason for the sudden shift.
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Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff were at Vance’s side for U.S. peace talks with Iran in Pakistan last weekend (Getty)
The vice president himself has been quiet about the negotiations with Iran since last Tuesday, when he appeared at an event for conservative youth organization, Turning Point USA.
“I recognize that young voters do not love the policy we have in the Middle East, OK,” he told attendees. “Don’t get disengaged because you disagree with the administration on one topic. Get more involved, make your voice heard even more. That is how we ultimately take the country back.”
On Sunday, Tehran reportedly rejected taking part in the second round of peace talks after Trump threatened to strike civilian infrastructure in a Truth Social post earlier in the day.
“We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran,” he posted.
During his call with Axios, Trump also said: “The concept of the deal is done. I think we have a very good chance to get it completed.”
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Iran’s official state news agency, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), reported that regime would not be taking part in the talks despite the U.S. sending a delegation to Pakistan. They cited “U.S. excessive demands and unreasonable, unrealistic requests” as preventing progress, however they did not cite a specific source.
However CNN reported from Iranian sources than an delegation from the country would be there to meet the U.S. team.
Polls indicate that a large share of Americans question whether the administration has a real plan to end the war, which the president and his allies keep insisting is already won.
Sunday began with the news that a tanker ship was fired upon by Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and a statement from the force claiming that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports was ended. The president later wrote on Truth Social that U.S. Marines had boarded an Iranian-flagged vessel that attempted to run the blockade.
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Days earlier, Trump had taken a short victory lap and declared the U.S.’s efforts to reopen the strait a success. Now the U.S. is staring down a deadline with Iran and the U.S. at essentially the same point the two countries were before talks began. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces has caused a massive jump in oil prices that U.S. officials warn will likely last for months.
A cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz reported that it had been fired upon early Sunday by IRGC forces (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
Trump and his allies continue to insist that, to end the war, Iran must give up future ambitions of enriching nuclear material and commit to the full destruction of its nuclear weapons development. Iran has refused this demand.
Vance confirmed last weekend, upon leaving negotiations with Iran’s top diplomats, that the sticking point remained.
Police Scotland has revealed the circumstances surrounding the crash on the M90 near Kinross, which killed two people.
Police Scotland have revealed the circumstances of a crash that killed two men after one of them drove in the wrong direction down a motorway amid a watchdog probe.
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Emergency crews raced to the M90 close to junction seven near Kinross at around 10.30pm on Friday after a grey Ford Kuga was seen driving northwards on the southbound carriageway. The vehicle collided with a white Vauxhall Corsa and the 44-year-old male driver of the Kuga and the 20-year-old male driver of the Corsa were both fatally injured.
Chief Inspector Lyne Williamson, Operational Support Division, has now confirmed what happened in the lead-up to the deaths amid rumours online. A statement read: “I am aware of rumours circulating on social media around the circumstances leading up to the fatal crash on the M90, near Kinross, which happened around 10.30pm on Friday, April 17, 2026.
“Whilst on routine patrol, an officer in a marked police vehicle encountered a Ford Kuga travelling towards them in the wrong direction on a roundabout, near to the entrance of junction six of the M90. Blue lights were activated but the Kuga continued onto the southbound carriageway of the motorway, travelling north in the wrong direction.
“The police vehicle then proceeded onto the northbound carriageway, travelling north in the correct direction, before coming across the collision between the Ford Kuga and the Vauxhall Corsa on the opposing carriageway. In these circumstances, it is mandatory for a referral to be made to the Police Investigation & Review Commissioner.
“I would ask the public to please avoid further speculation and respect the privacy of the families involved. Our thoughts remain with them.
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“Extensive enquiries remain ongoing and I would again urge anyone with relevant information or dashcam footage to please contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference 3758 of 17 April, 2026.”
This comes after Police Scotland confirmed a referral has since been made to the Police Investigation and Review Commissioner (PIRC) to investigate..
A spokesperson said: “A referral of the circumstances of the incident has been submitted by Police Scotland’s Professional Standards Department to the Police Investigation and Review Commissioner for consideration.”
The M90 was closed southbound between junctions six and seven for around 16 hours to allow an investigation to be carried out.
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Tehran has reportedly rejected a second round of peace talks with the US
Husna Anjum, Eliana Nunes and Husna Anjum Senior Reporter
21:57, 19 Apr 2026
Donald Trump has revealed the US forcibly seized an Iranian-flagged ship near the Strait of Hormuz after “blowing a hole” in it. The dramatic event was detailed on Truth Social, Sunday evening (April 19).
The United States President wrote: “Today, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA, nearly 900 feet long and weighing almost as much as an aircraft carrier, tried to get past our Naval Blockade, and it did not go well for them.”
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Trump said US Marines intercepted and took “full custody” of the cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman. This marks the first such interception since the US blockade of Iranian ports of maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports began on Monday.
The Mirror reports he added: “The Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room.” Iran has reportedly not commented.
Iran views the US naval blockade as a violation of the two-week ceasefire. Earlier today, Iranian state news agency IRNA reported that Tehran has rejected a second round of peace talks with the US.
Trump said the talks would take place in Islamabad on Monday night and threatened to “knock out” every power plant and bridge in Iran if Tehran does not agree to a deal with the US. Tehran’s absence is due to “Washington’s excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions, and the ongoing naval blockade”, IRNA said.
The news threw into question Trump’s announcement that US negotiators would head to the Pakistani capital for the talks, which had raised hopes of extending a fragile ceasefire set to expire by Wednesday. While Iran’s chief negotiator, parliament speaker Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf, said in an interview aired on state television late Saturday that “there will be no retreat in the field of diplomacy”, he acknowledged that a wide gap remained between the sides.
Host Pakistan also did not confirm a second round, but authorities began tightening security in Islamabad. The White House said Vice President JD Vance, who led the first round of face-to-face talks over 21 hours last weekend, would lead the US delegation to Pakistan with special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Iran said it had received new proposals from the US on Saturday. It was unclear whether either side had shifted stances on issues that derailed the last round of negotiations, including Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme, its regional proxies and control over the Strait of Hormuz.
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The lawsuit follows a report by The Atlantic alleging Patel is deeply paranoid about being fired and frequently drinks to excess, raising concerns among officials.
Patel vehemently denied the allegations on Fox News, calling the report “fake news” and an “indirect attack” on the FBI.
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The Atlantic journalist, Sarah Fitzpatrick, has stood by her reporting, stating the publication has “excellent attorneys” and that White House officials are discussing Patel’s potential replacement.
The White House, through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, defended Patel’s leadership, while FBI officials and Patel’s adviser also dismissed the article as ‘completely false’ and unverified.
The BBC has seemingly pulled episodes of Top of the Pops that featured Scott Mills from iPlayer after the corporation made the decision to dismiss the radio star last month
The BBC has seemingly pulled episodes of Top of the Pops that featured Scott Mills from iPlayer. In yet another scandal for the public broadcaster, Scott Mills, a BBC radio favourite for decades, was axed from his role in March.
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The Mirror revealed that the former BBC Radio 1 and 2 DJ was questioned in 2018 over the historical allegations of serious sexual offences, but the investigation – which began in 2016 – was closed in 2019 after the CPS deemed there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.
The programme, which ended in 2006, is still repeated regularly but now the The Sun has reported that the three episodes in which Scott, 53, served as host, have now been wiped from the corporation’s streaming service.
The episodes in question originally aired in 1999 and around that time, he welcomed the likes of Billie Piper, Mariah Carey and Westlife onto the show to perform their latest singles. The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment.
The Metropolitan Police said a man, who was in his 40s at the time of the interview in 2016, was investigated over allegations reported to have happened between 1997 and 2000. Today, BBC News reported that director general at the time, Tony Hall, was not aware of the allegations.
The investigation was dropped in 2019 after the CPS deemed there was insufficient evidence to bring charges. As first reported by the Mirror, Mills was sacked over allegations relating to his ‘personal conduct’ after the final edition of his breakfast programme aired.
Following his dismissal, Mills issued a statement via lawyers thanking his well-wishers. He said: “I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss.”
On the police probe, he said: “The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me.
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“An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence, which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully co-operated and responded to in 2018.”
He added: “Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed seven years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter.”
Arsenal defender Gabriel avoided a straight red card against Manchester City on Sunday in a potentially decisive referee decision in the Premier League title race.
Gabriel and Haaland have clashed previously, including when the striker bounced a football off the defender’s head when celebrating a goal, but on Sunday it turned more vicious.
Amid the melee, Gabriel had ripped Haaland’s undershirt, which required replacing after the striker had finished celebrating.
Gabriel vs Erling Haaland
PA
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Shortly afterwards, the pair faced off again, forehead to forehead, but this time Gabriel moved to headbutt his opponent, who remained unmoved.
A headbutt is typically considered violent conduct, which results in a straight red card and an automatic three-game ban.
However, referee Anthony Taylor instead showed both players a yellow card, and VAR did not intervene to suggest upgrading to a red for Gabriel.
But is Gabriel out of the woods yet?
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Can Gabriel be retrospectively banned for Erling Haaland headbutt?
No. The Football Association (FA) can only retrospectively punish a player if an incident was missed by all on-field officials and VAR.
Because the incident was spotted by the match official, in addition to being reviewed by VAR, the on-field decision is final.
In short, the FA cannot re-referee a match.
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There have been examples where a ban has been extended upon review. Aleksandar Mitrovic, then of Fulham, was sent off in 2023 for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh. His ban was then extended to eight games upon review.
That was considered an exceptional circumstance, a bar Gabriel’s headbutt would not meet.
Celtic beat St Mirren 6-2 after extra-time to reach the Scottish Cup final as super sub Kelechi Iheanacho scores crucial goals
Scott Burns
22:25, 19 Apr 2026Updated 22:25, 19 Apr 2026
A dramatic extra-time thrashing of St Mirren secured Celtic’s place in the Scottish Cup final.
Martin O’Neill will take the Glasgow giants back to Hampden next month to take on Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline Athletic in the showpiece decider.
A case of master versus apprentice.
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However, the Hoops faced a stern test, as the Premier Sports Cup champions – who defeated Wilfried Nancy’s Celtic when these sides last met at the national stadium – clawed their way back from 2-0 down and forced extra-time.
Yet, ultimately it proved to be a comprehensive victory as Celtic struck four times in the opening period of extra-time to seal a 6-2 triumph. But how did the individual players perform? Daily Record Sport assesses the ratings.
Celtic
Viljami Sinisalo 6
The goalkeeper produced an excellent stop to thwart Liam Donnelly. Appeared uncertain when dealing with back passes and was fortunate on several occasions. Powerless to prevent either goal.
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Anthony Ralston 7
Provided stability and reliability. Struck a superb goal at the close of the opening period. The left flank became vulnerable afterwards. Restored composure in the latter stages.
Auston Trusty 7
The towering defender was another who began impressively. The US international handled the physical presence of Mandron and Ayunga effectively. Celtic’s standout defender.
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Benjamin Arthur 6
The Brentford loanee made a confident start. He appeared commanding but began to falter when St Mirren increased the pressure. Withdrawn prior to extra-time.
Kieran Tierney 7
The left-back delivered his trademark performance down the flank. Pushed forward at every opportunity while maintaining defensive solidity. The team’s quality noticeably dipped following his substitution.
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Arne Engels 6
The Belgian midfielder made his first start since February. A positive development for Celtic. He struck the woodwork with a powerful effort. Cautioned by the referee.
Callum McGregor 7
The skipper has faced scrutiny recently, but his knowhow proved crucial on this occasion to maintain Celtic’s rhythm. Consistently made himself available.
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Benjamin Nygren 7
The Swedish forward often faces accusations of being one-dimensional. He displayed greater versatility in this match. Posed a significant danger and found the net.
Yang 6
Proved a constant menace down Celtic’s right flank. Gave St Mirren’s defence plenty of headaches. Delivered an excellent ball for Ralston’s strike.
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Daizen Maeda 8
Operated centrally. The tactical switch paid dividends as he opened the scoring. His speed troubled the opposition throughout and gave St Mirren no breathing space.
Sebastien Tounekti 6
The wide player’s form can fluctuate. This ranked amongst his better displays. Fashioned several chances for teammates. Celtic require this level of output regularly.
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Subs
James Forrest (Tounekti 61) Provided the delivery for Iheanacho’s strike 2.
Luke McCowan (Engels 74) Sealed victory with the fourth goal 3.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (McGregor 74) Subdued cameo 1.
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Kelechi Iheanacho (Yang 83) Completed the rout with a brace 5.
Marcel Saracchi (Tierney 83) Fulfilled his role 2
Dane Murray (Arthur 91) Helped close out proceedings 2.
St Mirren
Ryan Mullen 1 The goalkeeper endured a torrid quarter of an hour. A wayward clearance gifted Daizen Maeda the opening goal before he was forced off with a thigh problem.
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Mark O’Hara 6
Operating as wing-back, the skipper put in a tireless shift. Consistently looked to receive possession and surge forwards.
Alex Gogic 6
Typically combative at the centre of the St Mirren backline. Gave absolutely everything though he and his teammates eventually ran out of steam. Tough afternoon.
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Miguel Freckleton 6
His speed proved vital in enabling St Mirren to push higher up the pitch. Difficult to fathom how his side conceded so heavily by the final whistle.
Liam Donnelly 6
Usually deployed in midfield but stepped up amid the Buddies’ injury crisis. Didn’t disappoint his side. Advanced when his team chased an equaliser.
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Declan John 7
Outstanding throughout. The left-back delivered the run and delivery for Mandron’s goal. Got forward consistently and posed a genuine threat for St Mirren.
Allan Campbell 6
Has experienced something of a renaissance under Craig McLeish. Certainly grafted hard and covered plenty of ground to pressure Celtic. Cautioned.
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Jacob Devaney 6
The Manchester United loanee was eager to impress on the big occasion. Scrapped and battled for his side. Didn’t contribute much going forward.
Killian Phillips 6
Worked tirelessly and brought a physical presence for the Buddies. Thought he’d scored but saw it chalked off for handball.
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Mikael Mandron 7
Hampered by illness in the previous final. Was determined to feature in this one. Compensated with a clinical brace. Outstanding performance.
Jonah Ayunga 6
The towering forward worked tirelessly and kept the Celtic backline busy throughout. He wasn’t really afforded opportunities to showcase his best attributes. Withdrawn in the closing stages.
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Substitutes:
Grant Tamosevicius (Mullen 15) The youngster was exposed 3.
Roland Idowu (Phillips 74) Brought creativity 1.
Jake Young (Ayunga 74) Excellent touch for the leveller 2.
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Jayden Richardson (Campbell 74) Provided speed down the right flank 2.
Conor McMenamin (Donnelly 82) Failed to make an impact 1.
Scott Tanser (John 106) Had limited influence 1.
Referee assessment: Matthew McDermid. While he frequently faces scrutiny, he managed proceedings effectively.
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Star performer: Kelechi Iheanancho. Transformed the match with his brace in extra-time. The ultimate impact substitute narrowly edged Mandron for the accolade.
A top wrestler suddenly died at the age of 66 with the cause of his death currently unknown. Van Hammer – whose real name was Mark Hildreth – competed for WWE and WCW but was best known for his glory days in the latter as one of its ‘heavy metal’ stars.
Friends and former colleagues including Marc Mero and Diamond Dallas Page posted tributes to Hildreth, who died today (Sunday 19 April). One fan tweeted: “REST IN PEACE VAN, YOU WERE AN AWSOME WRESTLER.” An autopsy is expected soon.
Mero, 65, who has competed in the ring under his real name and as Johnny B. Badd, broke the news online, writing: “It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of our dear friend, Mark Hildreth, known to so many as Van Hammer.
“At this time, we are still awaiting answers regarding the cause, pending an autopsy. Mark was a fighter in every sense of the word. Life threw its share of challenges his way, but he had a resilience about him… he always found a way to rise, to push forward, to keep going.
“I have so many incredible memories with him that I’ll carry forever. We first met while he was vacationing in Venice, Florida, working out at a local gym.
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“Not long after, I got the call from Dusty Rhodes [another legendary wrestler, who died in 2015] to come to his office the next day. Mark didn’t hesitate, he drove me eight hours so I could sign my very first contract with World Championship Wrestling.
“That’s the kind of person he was loyal, selfless, and always there when it mattered most. We went through wrestling school together, chased the same dream, and before long, he earned his own contract.
“We even lived together in Atlanta, training, grinding, and building a life around the passion we both shared. We were also chosen to help promote WCW for the United Kingdom Tour, doing countless personal appearances, television spots, and even promotional work alongside Gladys Knight.
“Those were unforgettable moments… times I’ll never forget. My heart goes out to his family, his friends, and the fans who supported him throughout his journey.
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He concluded: “Rest easy, my friend. You will always be remembered.”
North Yorkshire Council has opened nominations for its annual Community Awards, which celebrate the organisations and individual volunteers who dedicate their time to improving the lives of others.
The awards scheme recognises the impact of voluntary work across the county, and this year introduces two new categories.
Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, said: “The Community Awards are a fantastic way of honouring the everyday heroes who improve the lives of residents in so many aspects.
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“Every year, we hear inspiring stories from those who send in nominations, spanning our urban and rural areas, and from differing backgrounds.
“We want to keep our categories fresh to shine a spotlight on relevant topics.
“This time we are showcasing the importance of wellbeing and inclusivity among communities, and we want as many people as possible to nominate local champions.”
The closing date for nominations is July 5.
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The first of the new categories is wellbeing and community connection, which recognises organisations or groups who help people feel healthier, more connected, and included, with a focus on physical and mental wellbeing.
The second, inclusive communities, is for groups working to bring people together and support them to thrive, such as by removing technological or physical barriers to participation.
The commitment to the community category, which honours individual volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, also returns this year.
Last year’s winner of the collaborative spirit category, Malton Free Fridge, is a volunteer-run scheme where unpaid volunteers collect food six days a week that would otherwise be wasted from local businesses, supermarkets, gardens and allotments, and distribute it to any taker.
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Lindsay Wrightson, chair and founder of the project, said: “The award gave our volunteers more confidence in what they are doing and an increased look at the wider community they serve, therefore opening their eyes to more possibilities.”
Share Skipton was named the winner in the community impact category.
The organisation runs a “library of things” where residents can borrow useful household items at low cost and hosts a repair café where items can be fixed by volunteers for free.
Jill Coupe, project coordinator at Share Skipton, said: “After being nominated, the team was both surprised and thrilled to be selected as the winner.
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“It celebrates the incredible efforts of our dedicated volunteers, as well as the growing number of residents embracing our services to share, reuse, mend, and learn.
“This award has helped raise awareness of Share Skipton.
“It has been an amazing year, and we are very grateful to North Yorkshire Council for their support.”
Angela Monaghan, founder and chair of the trustees at Share Skipton, said the recognition highlighted the group’s practical approach to both social and environmental concerns.
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She said: “In a time of rising costs and climate urgency, we are offering practical solutions that bring people together and prove that sustainable living and stronger communities go hand in hand.
“The recognition marks a significant milestone for the organisation and highlights the positive impact of grassroots community initiatives in addressing both environmental and social challenges.”
The winner of each category will receive £1,000 for the project, group or nominated relevant local charity in the case of the volunteer awards, while two runners-up in each category will receive £250. Each finalist will receive a trophy and a framed certificate.
All finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony on October 16, at the North Yorkshire Wider Partnership Conference, held at the Pavilions of Harrogate, North Yorkshire Showground.
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