The Rangers legend has warned that it is cause for concern

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Ally McCoist has admitted that Celtic’s blistering opening to the Premiership campaign ought to concern their rivals.

The Hoops have secured victories in both their league fixtures and progressed comfortably to the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals, netting ten goals along the way.

They’ve subsequently added another three in their Champions League qualifier playoff against LASK, virtually guaranteeing their spot in the group stage.

Meanwhile, Rangers remain without a league win under Derek McInnes and struggled in their Conference League playoff first leg against Jablonec, though they did sweep aside St Mirren in the League Cup at Ibrox.

The title holders have been splashing the cash following several disappointing transfer windows that left supporters calling for substantial investment, with additional signings expected, reports the Daily Record.

Martin O’Neill has returned to the touchline after receiving hospital treatment for a minor procedure, and McCoist believes his side’s displays will have aided his recovery.

“Celtic have had a great start,” he told talkSPORT Bet slots site.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt the way Celtic have started has helped his recovery, because I thought they were comfortable in the opener. Kasper Hogh looked the real deal against Kilmarnock.

“I watched him down there, a proper centre forward’s goal. Then the signing of Hassan, I don’t mind telling you I was impressed with him in the World Cup, arguably in one of the runs of the tournament which ended up with a disallowed goal if you remember.

“So yes, worrying signs for the rest of the league, no getting away from it.”

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Adam was our mutual friend. It’s just not the whole truth.

Courtesy of Nicole Garelick

The study, conducted at RSPB Saltholme on Teesside, was carried out by the Mammal Society as part of its ‘Searching for Shrews’ project, now in its third year.

Ian Bond, a Northumbria Mammal Group volunteer, said: “So far, the Great White-toothed Shrew has not arrived at Saltholme, but what we have learned about other small mammals in the area is perhaps even more interesting.

Owl pellet analysis (Image: Derek Crawley)

“At Saltholme, Barn Owls have been preying on every other species of small mammal that is found in Northeast England, ten different species in total.

“Due to the near demise of Water Voles elsewhere and the patchy distribution of some of the other small mammal species, this is almost certainly the only place in the region where Barn Owls can choose from such a wide menu”.

The reserve is just 12km from the nearest known record of the greater white-toothed shrew, first recorded in the Sunderland area in 2022.

Pygmy shrew (Image: The Mammal Society)

RSPB staff have been collecting pellets every three months since October 2025, and the presence or absence of the invasive shrew is considered important due to its potential impact on native shrew populations.

Barn owls are a valuable tool for this kind of research, as they swallow their prey whole and later regurgitate pellets made of indigestible bones and fur.

These pellets provide a non-invasive way to monitor small mammal populations and identify species living in the area.

Chris Francis (Image: Claire Freeburn)

Chris Francis, senior reserve manager at RSPB Saltholme, said: “These findings demonstrate the habitats we’ve created and continue to manage at RSPB Saltholme are providing homes for a great variety of small mammals, such as Water Voles, Harvest Mice and Water Shrews.

“There’s a good deal more to learn and when it comes to surveying them, nothing beats an Owl to tell us about what’s here. Of all the birds that are seen at Saltholme, nothing excites visitors more than seeing a Barn Owl hunting over the meadows. Beautiful to look at and so well adapted as a hunter.”

Water shrew remains were found in high numbers, with Saltholme accounting for more than a third of all water shrew remains in the North East survey, despite contributing just over a tenth of the total pellets examined.

This highlights the value of the reserve’s managed mix of wetland and grassland habitats.

Barn Owl (Image: Supplied)

The only small mammal species native to the North East not found in the pellets was the greater white-toothed shrew.

Other species more widely found in England but absent from Saltholme include the hazel dormouse, fat dormouse, and yellow-necked mouse.

Saltholme currently supports four pairs of barn owls, with one pair successfully fledging seven chicks this year.

Dissecting owl pellets (Image: Kate Larson)

Mr Bond said: “The Barn Owl is one of Britain’s most recognisable birds, famed for its ghostly silent flight and heart-shaped face. At Saltholme, the pellets they leave behind give us a fascinating picture of the small mammals living on the reserve, while helping us monitor for the arrival of the Greater White-toothed Shrew.”

The Mammal Society’s North East group has examined owl pellets from more than 50 locations across the region as part of the wider project.

The continued absence of the greater white-toothed shrew at Saltholme is seen as significant, given the reserve’s proximity to known populations and its suitability as a monitoring site for the species’ potential spread.

After taking a wicket with the first ball of the Test, England dominated Pakistan across two and a half rain-affected days.

They appeared more measured in their approach than during the ultra-aggressive Stokes-McCullum regime, but still scored at 4.55 runs per over – albeit against a poor Pakistan side.

“We played to the fashion that we wanted to,” Trescothick said.

“We wanted to be able to be clever and smart. There’s moments within the game we’ve done that brilliantly.

“We still have that mantra of applying pressure because that’s the best way of being dominant over teams, if you can put them under pressure.

“I did enjoy the fact we were still scoring quite quickly especially when the ball was new.”

New Zealander Stephen Fleming has been appointed as McCullum’s replacement but will not take charge until the winter tour of South Africa, leaving Trescothick as interim.

Fleming was in contact with Root and Trescothick “every day” during the win over Pakistan.

“He was adamant me and Joe take it on and just run with what we feel is right, to try and get the group back in shape, with a few pointers on what he wanted and how he could see his style being implemented within the group,” Trescothick said.

Trescothick has worked with England as a batting and assistant coach since 2021, but former Australia coach Mike Hussey has been approached by Fleming to be batting coach when he takes over.

Hussey worked with England under Michael Mott during their 2022 T20 World Cup win and with Fleming at Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

Trescothick could move to a white-ball only role, where McCullum remains England coach, but said he would “love” to stay on with the Test side.

“I want to be involved in all formats of the game because it’s a wonderful place to be,” he said.

“Working with the best and seeing England cricketers do well.

“That’s not really for me to judge so I’ll wait and see what happens.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has spoken to drivers who have claimed they are being sent out in buses which are ‘not supposed to be on the road’, and that it is a ‘matter of time’ before a major incident happens.

Some said the problems in the network have become a ‘crisis’ and warned that there is growing unhappiness among bus drivers in Greater Manchester.

The Bee Network owns the region’s buses, while various operators run the services.

Bus drivers have spoken out about plummeting morale over the safety issues, including ‘anger’ over how many of them had to work long shifts in vehicles without air conditioning over summer when temperatures on board were said to be as high as ‘42C’.

The issue of high temperatures on buses has impacted bus networks across the country this year, with 1,500 bus drivers working for Arriva North London postponing strike action over hot weather working conditions this week after negotiations with trade union bosses.

The LDRS understands that Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is in active talks with trade unions in the region over driver concerns and working conditions in high temperatures.

One former driver at Go North West, an operator which runs Bee Network services, has alleged that MOT tests for buses are being ‘rushed’ through by members of staff who are employed by the company, while claiming that bus defects are routinely being ‘marked as fixed’ without actually being dealt with.

“It’s like our lives don’t matter,” the source said, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“They act like they care about your safety, but it’s all a box-ticking exercise to make them look good.

“There was one incident when the bus cut out, and I smelt burning. I got everyone off the bus and rang it in; all the plastic had fallen off, there was a wiring fault, because someone couldn’t be ars*d doing it properly.

“There could have been a serious fire next to high-rise buildings. I was driving around in a potential firebomb.”

They added: “In the garage, they passed the MOT on five double-decker buses in 40 minutes, but that’s the time it takes to do one car.

“A report came in on the computer about a serious defect, yet it was marked off as fixed.

“One of those buses that passed the MOT the next day, there were a load of reports from drivers of defects. It was just a box-ticking exercise, and this was a Bee Network service.”

Go North West has responded to the claims, saying that the allegations have been ‘thoroughly’ investigated.

A spokesperson said: “Safety is our highest priority, and we take any concerns raised by our current or former colleagues extremely seriously.

“An allegation of this nature has previously been raised with Go North West and was thoroughly investigated. The investigation did not substantiate any of the claims made.

“Our buses are maintained and inspected in accordance with the strict regulatory requirements, and drivers are required to carry out safety checks before entering service and to report any defects identified.

“Vehicles with safety-critical defects are not permitted to remain in service until the issue has been rectified.

“We encourage our colleagues to report any safety concerns and have established processes for doing so. We would never seek to discourage anyone from raising a genuine safety concern.

“If any specific new evidence is provided to us, we will of course investigate it thoroughly.”

A member of staff at the Stockport bus depot, which is managed by Stagecoach, also claimed that safety issues are repeatedly not being addressed.

They said: “Drivers are trained on doing a first-user check and to report defects. Engineers are supposed to look at it and decide if it is on the road or off the road, but they won’t do anything about it; they’ll sign it off and say it’s fine; they’ll sort it later.

“We’ve had CCTV cameras not working, radios not working. There are so many buses with no radio; realistically, we’re not supposed to take a bus out on the road with no radio, in case there’s a diversion or some other sort of issue.

“If someone kicks off on our bus, we’re just stuck. The emergency button in the cab links to the radio; if it’s not working, it won’t do anything.”

The staff member said high temperatures on board vehicles have been a major issue over the summer.

They added: “It’s disgusting; some days it has reached 42C at one point on the bus. It makes you feel exhausted, you’re overdrinking, you constantly need the toilet, you feel dizzy, and if we make one mistake it can be life-threatening with up to 100 people on the bus.

“We’ve had abuse from passengers because of it, people screaming and shouting at us, we were constantly getting abused when the heatwave was, all we could say was sorry.

“We’re told to get off the bus and get a break, but it’s not as easy as that, we have to run on time and everyone needs to get somewhere, you feel that constant pressure.

“One of the drivers had heatstroke and was sick outside the bus, another had to be taken off the bus because he was feeling dizzy, he had to go and sit in his car for AC just to cool him down.

“They don’t take our welfare seriously at all.

“It’s come to the point where it’s become a crisis, and a lot of the public don’t know any of this.

“A driver or passenger will end up seriously hurt at some point because of these issues, it’s just a matter of time until there’s another bad heatwave and a driver faints while driving a bus.”

Sources claim there has been a breakdown in communication between drivers and management at the Stagecoach depot in Stockport.

An issue which has soured relations is understood to be over a broken air conditioning system in the staff canteen, while managers’ offices are said to have working AC.

Other drivers on Bee Network services have spoken out in recent weeks about the difficulties caused by the lack of air conditioning on vehicles, which they believe has put them at risk of ‘passing out’ while driving a bus full of passengers.

The issue was particularly bad during the June heatwave when some drivers reported having to visit A&E after shifts, while passengers said they felt ‘unsafe’ on board Bee Network buses and trams.

Stagecoach accepted there are ‘limited’ issues with radios on buses, but denied that its services are unsafe.

A Stagecoach spokesperson said: “The safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and customers is our absolute priority, and we take any concerns raised by our drivers seriously.

“We strongly refute any suggestion that vehicle maintenance standards at our Stockport depot are being compromised.

“Our maintenance processes are subject to rigorous internal and external auditing, and Stockport’s engineering operation is consistently ranked among the top-performing maintenance operations across the Stagecoach Group.

“All vehicles undergo safety checks, and any defects identified are assessed by our engineering teams to determine whether a vehicle is fit to operate. A vehicle with a non-functioning CCTV system is not permitted to enter service.

“We are also aware of some limited radio coverage issues, which are being worked through with the radio contractors and are outside the direct control of our local management team.

“We have robust procedures in place to support colleagues during periods of hot weather, including guidance on taking appropriate breaks and staying hydrated. We continue to engage with our teams locally to ensure concerns about working conditions are properly heard and addressed.

“We would encourage any colleague with specific concerns about their safety or welfare to raise them directly with their manager or through the appropriate internal channels so that they can be investigated and resolved.”

Concerns over driver welfare and high temperatures on Bee Network buses have been raised by politicians in Greater Manchester, with calls for improvements on vehicles.

Councillor Michael Welton, the Green Party’s representative on Greater Manchester’s Bee Network Committee, said: “This summer’s extreme temperatures have been a wake-up call for the Bee Network’s passengers, employees and infrastructure.

“Air conditioning, window tinting, thermal insulation and shading at stops must all be on the table to protect staff health and keep buses and trams an attractive option in summer.

“The old excuse, that there weren’t enough hot days to justify investing in cooling, no longer holds.

“Greater Manchester’s Green councillors will be asking the Bee Network committee to scrutinise the network’s preparedness for hotter summers, with a focus on employee and customer health and comfort.”

Councillor Amna Abdullatif, co-deputy leader of Manchester Green Party Group, added: “This should be a national wake-up call. There’s no legal maximum working temperature in UK law and no minimum cooling standard for vehicles or workplaces.

“Heat has been linked to over 2,700 deaths in England and Wales this summer alone, according to the Met Office, and that’s before July or August is even counted.

“Unite has raised this nationally for years, warning that bus firms treat every heatwave as a surprise when it’s now a yearly problem. Drivers shouldn’t have to fight alone for basic safety at work.”

It is understood that all Bee Network operators have signed up to a new confidential incident reporting system that allows transport workers to flag concerns, and is set to go live on September 7.

The network is aiming to have a new fully electric fleet by 2030, with new buses with better cooling systems replacing older vehicles without any air conditioning.

Alison Chew, bus network director at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “Safety and staff wellbeing is a top priority for the Bee Network and something we discuss regularly with operators and unions – and we have sought additional assurances from operators about their staff welfare and vehicle maintenance procedures and policies in light of the allegations.

“All our buses are required by law to meet strict safety standards and undergo regular maintenance and testing. We are investing heavily in a new, modern fleet of electric buses that are better equipped for extreme hot weather.

“We encourage drivers to report any concerns they have either to their manager, through the confidential reporting system that Bee Network operators are signed up to, or to TfGM.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “It’s important public transport workers are protected from extreme temperatures, both for their health and wellbeing and for the safety of passengers and road users.

“Public transport operators have a legal responsibility to make sure their vehicles and workplaces are safe for staff, including during extreme heat.”

Good news for some, devastating for others, as the weather seems to be cooling this week, bringing the seemingly endless heatwaves of this scorching summer to a gentle halt.

There’s still a little sunshine left, though – and where better to take advantage of it than by the coast, at one of the UK’s best beachside pubs?

Whether you’ll sip on a Hugo Spritz with a chic seaside view, a pint of the Black Stuff while enjoying the sound of crashing waves or a pint of IPA in a classic English pub, these standout British watering holes on offer are certain to quench your thirst. 

Here, we round up some of the best coastal pubs right on the nation’s beaches that you should visit next. 

The Anchor Inn, Seatown, Dorset

Little-known Seatown, in Bridport, is home to the very definition of beachside pubs, The Anchor Inn.

Serving hearty gastropub food and real local ales from nearby Palmer’s Brewery, you’re getting a real taste of Dorset here – just metres from the sandy shores.

What to eat? Feast on a classic fish and chips, chorizo-baked hake fillet or market fish with roasted fennel, a veritable seaside extravaganza.

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: You can walk from The Anchor Inn up to the top of Golden Cap, the highest cliff on the south coast of England, a route that will take you around five hours to complete. 

The Old Success Inn, Sennen Cove, Cornwall

The Old Success Inn in Sennen Cove is an ideal Cornish spot

By day, The Old Success Inn is home to yoga and breakfast sessions and fish and chips lunches.

Come evening, you can expect cold pints, a warm ambience and expansive sea views. 

It’s dog-friendly, so Winston can tag along too. 

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Sennen Cove is a delightful part of Cornwall for surfers, walkers and active visitors. Dog-friendly beaches, popular cycling routes and a surfing centre will keep you occupied all summer long.

The Pilchard Inn, Burgh Island, Devon 

The Pilchard Inn, near the Burgh Island Hotel (pictured), is worth a look

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Look out adrenaline junkies, as danger (or, at least, mild risk) is on the cards at The Pilchard Inn, on South Devon micro-isle Burgh Island (once beloved by Dame Agatha Christie).

If the tide comes in when you’re full of food and beer, you’ll be forced to ride back to the mainland on a sea tractor.

The pub? It’s all cream stone fireplaces inside, and benches with a sublime view outside.

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: The famous Burgh Island Hotel is home to a Mermaid Pool, which offers a natural seawater swimming experience shaped by its island environment.

The Zetland Arms, Kingsdown, Kent

Directly on Kingsdown Beach, the Zetland Arms has been open since 1863

Packed in summer thanks to its location right on the seafront at Kingsdown, the bright white Zetland Arms looks across to France.

Go in winter when it’s quieter, and feel the warm embrace of a jar, brewed by Shepherd Neame up the road in Faversham, after a bracing walk.

The sheltered rear courtyard offers respite on windy days – which you’ll be grateful for if you arrive on one.

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Colourful beach huts and the White Cliffs are visible on sunny days here. Explore the Kent coastline at your leisure.

The Ship At Dunwich, Suffolk

The Ship At Dunwich is just a three-minute stroll from Dunwich Beach in Suffolk

Relaxed and welcoming, this old smugglers’ inn is ideal for a hearty lunch after a long walk. 

You can even stay overnight if you’ve tired yourself out.

Dogs sleeping under tables, a busy pub garden and fresh fish and seafood will be everywhere you look. 

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Dunwich Beach, located on the Suffolk coast, is popular among dog walkers living in the area. The pebble beach and nearby town are great to explore, with many visitors remarking on the interesting history and range of tea rooms, restaurants and cafes on offer.

The Atlantic Inn, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly

The Atlantic on St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly has unrivalled harbour views

The Atlantic overlooks the harbour on St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly, just steps from the quay.

Boats, clear waters and sunshine are on display, while burgers, steak, fresh fish and miso and chilli baked aubergine are on the menu.

On Mondays, the pub hosts a curry and pint night, a relaxed way to spend an afternoon or evening soaking up the atmosphere. 

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: If you’re holidaying on the Isles of Scilly, try out one of St Mary’s walking routes, go snorkelling with seals on nearby St Martin’s Island or visit Tresco Abbey Garden, just 28 miles off Cornwall’s coast.

Tŷ Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen, North Wales

The village of Porthdinllaen, North Wales is home to Tŷ Coch Inn

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Accessible by foot only, the 20-minute walk from the nearest car park to this highly picturesque red-hued beauty makes the visit well worth the effort.

On the north coast of the pretty Llŷn Peninsula, there are magnificent views of the water, and a nautical theme inside, including jugs and jars hanging from the beams.

Go for lunch, there’s no food in the evenings and doors close at 7pm on weekdays.

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Enjoy nearby beach Morfa Nefyn Beach and explore walks on the coastal paths.

The Ship Inn, Low Newton-by-the-Sea, Northumberland

Just yards from the beach, The Ship Inn in Low Newton-by-the-Sea is a pub with hearty food, seaside air and even live folk music nights.

The Ship Inn Brewery opened in March 2008, and the pub is now self-sufficient in real ale, with beer brewed on the premises and rolled a mere 10ft from brewery to cellar. 

So if you’re a beer lover, this is certainly the spot for you. 

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Walk to Dunstanburgh Castle, a now-ruined castle that dates back to 1313 and is now known for its wildlife.

The Old Neptune, Whitstable, Kent

In Whitstable, head to The Old Neptune pub on the beach

Backed by the shoreline, one of Whitstable’s oldest pubs, Old Neptune, dates from the early 19th century. 

The beer garden and outdoor seating is perfect for when the weather gets good.

‘Pub on the beach, amazing location for a beer. Iconic spot,’ one delighted visitor said. 

‘Staff are super friendly and accommodating – and go the extra mile for their customers. Good pub grub and speedy service – must visit when in Whitstable.’

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Fresh oysters are the order of the day in Whitstable. Try out nearby Wheeler’s Oyster Bar, explore the beach and stroll through the food stalls and Harbour Market.

Pennan Inn, Pennan, Aberdeenshire

The Pennan Inn in Scotland is quiet and remote, yet quaint and high quality

Pennan, a historic fishing village, is all whitewashed cottages and sea views – and family-run affair the Pennan Inn is the icing on the cake.

The menu changes with the catch and season, but frequently features fish from haddock to halibut and Highland sirloin steak.

‘An AA Rosette kitchen in a village at the edge of the world’, is how the establishment describes itself.  

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: Pennan is a wildlife paradise – embark on a dolphin-watching excursion, see the seals lounging on the beach and explore the many tiny coastal fishing villages.

Marsden Grotto, South Shields, Tyneside

Next up on the list is Marsden Grotto in South Shields, Tyneside

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Perhaps one of Britain’s most starkly different seaside pubs, The Grotto is built into a large cave on the coast.

Previously used for smugglers to hide contraband, it has now developed into an inn, and you can even book rooms too. 

It’s steeped in history and ghost stories. Jack the Jibber, a smuggler who was said to have been murdered by fellow criminals after selling information to HM Customs, was supposedly hung in a barrel in a cave near the current lift shaft and left to starve, the inn website reveals. 

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: You can reach Marsden Beach either via cliff steps or by the lift operated by the pub. The scenery is dramatic, with sea stacks and arches, plus you can explore rock pools when the tide is out. 

Victoria Inn, Morfa Borth, Ceredigion

Ceredigion’s Victoria Inn is a classic seaside pub

The Victoria Inn is a classic seaside pub on Borth’s high street, known for its views over Cardigan Bay.

From the front, it looks like any old pub. But from the back, the beer garden stretches right down to the shingle.

Visitors are keen to note this, with one Google review from this summer saying: ‘What a great pub. Small terrace out the back with extra benches on the pebble beach. Can’t ask for more on a summer’s evening with the sun going down.’ 

WHAT TO DO NEARBY: The Wales Coast Path is complete with clifftop walks, sandy coves and amazing views for those wanting to explore. Market town Aberystwyth is also nearby if you fancy riding the cliff railway or exploring the ruins of a 13th-century fortress.

Leeds United begin their Premier League campaign at Nottingham Forest. Here’s how to watch the clash, including TV, live stream and kick-off details

Leeds United begin their 2026/27 Premier League campaign away from home when they travel to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The Whites will be hoping for a positive start at the City Ground as Daniel Farke looks to improve on last season’s 14th-place finish.

Forest, meanwhile, will begin a new era under Oliver Glasner, with the former Crystal Palace boss now in charge at the City Ground.

Both sides have undergone changes during the summer and Saturday’s opening fixture will offer an early indication of what supporters can expect from the new campaign.

For Leeds, a positive result would provide an immediate statement of intent as they look to move up the Premier League table.

Here are the key TV and streaming details for the match.

Is Nottingham Forest v Leeds United on TV?

Unfortunately for supporters in the UK, Nottingham Forest v Leeds United will not be shown live on television.

The match kicks off at 3pm on Saturday, August 22, meaning it falls under the UK’s traditional Saturday afternoon broadcast blackout.

That means there will be no live TV coverage of the fixture in the UK.

However, Leeds supporters in the Republic of Ireland will be able to watch the game live.

Premier Sports has selected the match for broadcast, with coverage beginning at 2.30pm on Premier Sports 1.

Can I stream Nottingham Forest v Leeds United?

There will be no live stream available to UK viewers because of the 3pm blackout.

For supporters in the Republic of Ireland, the match will be available through Premier Sports 1 as part of its live television coverage.

Both clubs are expected to publish highlights around two hours after the final whistle.

When is Nottingham Forest v Leeds United?

Match: Nottingham Forest v Leeds UnitedCompetition: Premier LeagueDate: Saturday, August 22, 2026Kick-off: 3pm BSTVenue: City GroundUK TV: Not available live due to the 3pm blackout

Nottingham Forest andLeeds United’s pre-season

Neither side has played a competitive fixture yet this season, but both have had busy pre-seasons.

Leeds have lost just one of their six pre-season matches in 90 minutes, although they were beaten on penalties by Manchester United after a 1-1 draw in Dublin.

Their other defeat came in their opening pre-season fixture, when they lost 3-2 to Wrexham.

Forest have played nine pre-season matches under Glasner, winning five, drawing one and losing three.

On the basis of those results, Leeds have a slightly better pre-season win rate, although neither side will be putting too much weight on those figures once the Premier League season gets underway.

Farke will know there is a significant difference between building fitness during pre-season and competing for points in the Premier League.

Saturday’s clash at the City Ground will provide the first proper test.

Can I watch Leeds United abroad?

The Premier League’s international broadcast rights mean coverage varies depending on the country you are watching from.

In Europe, the match is available through the relevant Premier League rights holder in each territory. These include DAZN in Spain and Portugal, CANAL+ in France and Poland, Sky Deutschland in Germany and Austria, Viaplay in the Nordic countries and Arena Sport in several Balkan markets.

In the United States, Premier League matches are shown by NBC Sports, while viewers in Canada can watch through Fubo.

In Australia, the rights are held by Stan Sport, while SuperSport has the rights across sub-Saharan Africa and beIN Sports covers the Middle East and North Africa.

Supporters should check their local broadcaster for the latest coverage details before kick-off.

Mercedes’ George Russell led from start to finish to win the sprint race at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Russell led a train of four cars for the entirety of the race but was always able to keep his pursuers at arm’s length.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc passed McLaren’s Lando Norris with six laps to go to take second ahead of the world champion, who fended off a late attack from Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli.

Russell’s win cuts his deficit in the championship to Antonelli to 56 points, with Lewis Hamilton in second place.

The seven-time champion, who finished seventh behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, is three points ahead of Russell in the championship.

Russell was in control of the race throughout. Norris followed him closely in the opening phases, often within a second of the Mercedes and looking quicker.

But after eight laps Norris radioed his team to say he had no rear grip and he began to lose time to the Mercedes and fall back into the clutches of Leclerc.

The Ferrari driver had chosen the soft tyres for the sprint, rather than the mediums of the other front-runners. But rather than losing his tyres as the race went on, Leclerc grew stronger in his pursuit of Norris and was able to pass into Tarzan, the first corner, on lap 18 of 24.

Russell said: “As soon as I saw Charles behind, I dropped the hammer a bit and the two of us pulled away.”

Russell’s only concern was the weather. Rain was forecast to fall two laps from the end. As it happened, it did not come until after the chequered flag, as the drivers completed their slowing down laps, but it was heavy enough that it would have made the end of the race eventful had it come sooner.

Norris now had to concentrate on holding off Antonelli. The Italian was 0.3secs behind the McLaren crossing the line into the last lap, but although he feinted a move into Tarzan, he was not close enough to make it work.

Norris said: “I don’t think it was the tyres. We lacked pace and we have a bit of work to do.”

Piastri lacked the pace of the lead group and fell back fell back progressively as the race developed, but he was just able to hold off Verstappen on the final lap, crossing the line 0.3secs ahead, with Hamilton close behind the Red Bull.

By LUKE POWER, SPORTS REPORTER

Published: 11:07 BST, 22 August 2026 | Updated: 11:49 BST, 22 August 2026

Gianni Infantino has batted away questions about his future by making a series of bald jokes.

The embattled FIFA president was in no mood to face serious scrutiny even though weeks have passed since his clandestine plot to sell off stakes in the World Cup. 

He scrapped the controversial plan after a huge backlash in the wake of The Times revealing the devious scheme, which would have banked him millions. 

But the pressure is still on Infantino to step down, with UEFA saying they will boycott all FIFA tournaments until he does. 

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Asked by Sky News reporter James Matthews if he has betrayed football and why he won’t resign, Infantino replied: ‘You have a nice haircut, thank you so much. See you at the hairdressers.’

Both Infantino and Matthews are bald.  

Gianni Infantino brushed off questions from reporters about his future with a series of bald jokes

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The FIFA president quickly darted to a nearby vehicle to dodge questions posed by Sky News reporters

In July, news broke Infantino was considering selling parts of the World Cup to private investors and forming a new company in a deal that could have been worth around £15billion. 

The Times’ report added that Infantino could become the commissioner of that company once his role at FIFA ends in 2031, a highly lucrative position that estimates suggest could pay him more than $50million-a-year.  

Infantino’s blueprint for the potential selling of stakes had been discussed among senior FIFA figures and potential investors, which could have included Joshua Kushner, the brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared – and they signed non-disclosure agreements. 

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Bank JPMorgan was said to be handling the process and the Donald Trump administration is understood to have been consulted.

Earlier this month, Infantino was given the ‘full support’ of FIFA’s top brass after summoning executives to crisis talks in Morocco. 

He summoned senior FIFA officials to the Moroccan city of Sale for crisis talks after plans to sell £3.1billion in World Cup stakes leaked last week

The Swiss football administrator has since scrapped the proposals after widespread opposition – including an internal rebellion at FIFA.

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UEFA and CONCACAF – the body for North and Central America and the Caribbean – are both calling for Infantino to step down, with Europe declaring a lack of confidence in the FIFA president.

Infantino is facing mounting pressure over his failed plan to sell off stakes in the FIFA World Cup but has refused to resign

Luis Figo branded Infantino as a ‘relic who should have no part in football’s future’ in an explosive article for Daily Mail Sport

Pressure grew further after Jordan FA president Prince Ali bin Hussein accused him of blackmail, becoming the first Asian nation to rebel against the FIFA president.

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Jordan became the 91st member association to move against Infantino, assuming all UEFA and CONCACAF nations follow the stance set by their continental bodies. One hundred and six nations are needed to depose Infantino as president.

Portuguese legend Luis Figo wrote an explosive column for Daily Mail Sport demanding Infantino’s resignation. 

Figo described the now aborted World Cup sell-off as the ‘lowest, most deceitful and cravenly self-interested behaviour I have ever witnessed’ and a ‘grubby, underhand plot’.

Across 600 no-holds-barred words Figo, who had initially backed Infantino in 2015, brands the disgraced exec a ‘relic who should have no part in football’s future’ and accuses him of ‘a litany of abuses’, also referencing the now-infamous suspension of the ban behind Folarin Balogun’s red card and the half-time show at the World Cup final which ‘broke the laws of the game’.

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‘Infantino has debased the office of FIFA President that he promised to elevate,’ the former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan star writes. ‘He has lied, deceived and tried to feather his own nest at the expense of the game he is supposed to serve.’

Figo, now 53, is viewed by many as a potential successor to Aleksandr Ceferin, head of UEFA which is leading the war against Infantino.