Chelsea were handed a nine-month academy transfer ban and a £750,000 fine over the registration of academy players between 2019 and 2022.

But compare this case with Everton and Nottingham Forest in 2024, when both clubs received points deductions for PSR breaches that appear much less serious.

So what relevance, if any, does all this have on the Premier League’s other major disciplinary case?

Fifteen months after the end of an independent commission hearing into more than 100 alleged breaches of financial rules by Manchester City, the club is still waiting to discover its fate.

Unlike Chelsea, City deny wrongdoing and are contesting the case. And unlike at Stamford Bridge, there has been no change of ownership at the Etihad to provide mitigation.

But City fans will surely be encouraged that the Premier League board did not appear to even consider a points deduction in the case of Chelsea, despite the “deception and concealment”. Indeed, it referred to a two-window transfer ban as an “appropriate” punishment, had the club not self-reported and co-operated.

In July 2023, Uefa fined the club £8m over the same case. And the FA is expected to take similar action when it announces the conclusion of its disciplinary process into the affair in the coming weeks.

But there are clear signs that Chelsea feared it could have been worse. In 2024, it was revealed that owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali held back £150m of their purchase price for the club to cover potential fines relating to the Abramovich era. So far this episode has cost the club about £18m.

Some of their rivals may feel the cost may have been greater in the form of trophies and prize money they could potentially have won. And also to the integrity and credibility of a competition that relies on everyone following the rules.

The council announced the decision amid concerns that the 275 existing benches across the town are beginning to overwhelm public areas.

The Labour-run authority said the benches, placed in memory of loved ones, can block access for wheelchair users and people with pushchairs.

There are 275 existing benches across the town. (Image: SWNS)

However, locals disagree with the plans.

Daniel Matthews, 40, said: “My mum and dad had a bench put up in memory of my nan who loved to look out to sea when she was alive.

“It was a nice place to sit and pay tribute to her but the bench started falling apart and eventually had to be removed.

“I don’t think it’s fair for the council to say Hartlepool has too many of these benches.”

“It’s a nice way to keep your memories of relatives alive.”

The authority has now paused all future applications and is suggesting tree planting as an alternative.

The authority say the benches can block access for wheelchair and pushchair users. (Image: SWNS)

Not everyone is opposed to the ban.

One mother, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s a pain to be honest having to almost slalom the pushchair around all these benches when I’m taking my toddler out.

“Lots of these benches don’t just have a plaque either, there are sometimes photos and flowers and teddies.

“They’re becoming like graves rather than somewhere for people to sit on.”

Karl Barowsky, owner of Teak Garden Furniture, which supplies memorial benches, said: “When thoughtfully planned and positioned, memorial benches can sit comfortably within public spaces.

“They support reflection, wellbeing and everyday community use, and they can enhance parks and town centres rather than detract from them.”

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Karen Oliver, Chair of the council’s Housing, Growth and Communities Committee, said a recent audit identified 115 benches on the Headland, 112 on Seaton Promenade, and 48 in Ward Jackson Park.

She said: “We understand that our communities want to commemorate and remember loved ones, so we acknowledge that this is a very sensitive issue.

“We aim to engage with the owners of benches – where we have ownership information – to agree a sympathetic approach that minimises the need for the removal of benches.”

Armed police were called to reports of disorder at St Enoch Square on Monday night.

Two teenagers have been charged after a knife was found and a police officer was injured in a rammy in Glasgow city centre.

Emergency crews, including specialist firearms officers rushed to St Enoch Square at around 8.40pm on Monday after receiving a report of disorder outside a shopping centre.

An 18-year-old man was charged in connection with police assault, resisting arrest and breach of the peace. He was also charged in connection with being in possession of a knife and drugs.

The teen is expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today (Tuesday, March 17).

A 16-year-old girl was also charged in connection with police assault and resisting arrest. The force confirmed that a report will be submitted to the Scottish Children’s Report Administration.

Images from the scene showed police at either side of the Argyle Street entrance to the St Enoch subway station. Numerous cop cars were also spotted.

There were no injuries involved in the disturbance. A weapon was also recovered.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Around 8.40pm on Monday, 16 March, 2026, we received a report of disorder at St Enoch Square, Glasgow.

“Police, including specialist firearms officers, attended and an 18-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with possession of a weapon, police assault, resisting arrest, breach of the peace and drug possession. He is expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 17 March, 2026.

“A 16-year-old female was charged in connection with police assault and resisting arrest. A report will be submitted to the Scottish Children’s Report Administration.

“There were no reports of any injuries and a weapon was also recovered.”

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LONDON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in London on Tuesday for talks with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the British government said, as European countries look to keep international attention on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while the unfolding Iran war engages world leaders.

Starmer’s office said that NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will also join the meeting at 10 Downing St. to discuss peacemaking efforts in Ukraine and “the need to maintain sanctions pressure on Russia.”

The meeting comes days after the U.S. temporarily waived some Russian oil sanctions in a bid to ease pressure on global supplies triggered by the war in the Middle East, which was sparked by the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on Feb. 28.

Zelenskyy criticized Washington’s move to ease sanctions, saying it would provide a windfall for Moscow to keep up its attacks on Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump says he wants to secure a peace deal that ends Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II and has rattled the continent’s leaders, who reckon that Russia could pose a credible security threat to the European Union by the end of the decade.

But U.S.-brokered talks between delegations from Moscow and Kyiv, which so far have yielded no significant progress on key issues, have lost momentum amid the Middle East conflict.

At the same time, Trump has spurned Zelenskyy’s offer of help for the United States and its Persian Gulf partners in fighting Iranian drones. Ukraine has become one of the world’s leading producers of high-tech, battle-tested drone interceptors.

British officials say that Russia and Iran are collaborating on drone technology and tactics in the Middle East. Drone combat experts from the U.K. and Ukraine have been sent to the region to help Iran’s neighbors repel its drone attacks.

Starmer’s office said the U.K. and Ukraine will sign a deal combining “Ukraine’s expertise and the U.K.’s industrial base to manufacture and supply drones and innovative capabilities.” Britain is also funding an “AI Center of Excellence” in conjunction with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.

Zelenskyy, announcing his arrival in London on X, said his priorities are “more security and opportunities for Ukraine.”

Starmer said in a statement that “drones, electronic warfare and rapid battlefield innovation are now central to national and economic security, and that has only been further magnified by the conflict in the Middle East.”

“By deepening our defense partnerships, we are strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend itself from Russia’s brutal, ongoing attacks, while ensuring the U.K. and our allies are better prepared to meet the threats of the future.”

Russia’s Defense Ministry said Tuesday that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed 206 Ukrainian drones overnight over Russian regions, the annexed Crimean Peninsula and the Azov Sea. A total of 40 intercepted drones were flying toward Moscow, the ministry said.

Asked about an increase in Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow over the past few days, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that authorities in Kyiv were “continuing absolutely futile resistance” against Russia’s invasion.

Zelenskyy said late Monday that counterattacks by Ukrainian forces at eastern and southern points along the front line have wrecked Moscow’s plans for a March offensive.

His comments couldn’t be independently verified, but the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said Monday that Ukrainian counterattacks “are likely constraining” some Russian offensive operations.

Ukraine’s air force said that Russia launched 178 long-range drones of various types across the country overnight starting late Monday, with 154 of them either intercepted or jammed while 22 more struck their targets.

In the southern Ukraine city of Zaporizhzhia, a Russian strike damaged a terminal of Ukraine’s biggest private delivery company, Nova Poshta, the company said on Telegram. Eight people were wounded, according to Ivan Fedorov, the head of the regional military administration.

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Illia Novikov contributed to this report from Kyiv, Ukraine.

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Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Band members RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook are to reunite for a new album, titled Arirang, which will be released on March 20 – while they will make their return to the stage on March 21 for a show at the historic Gwanghwamun, the main gate of the Gyeongbokgung palace in Seoul.

John Clark, a victim of the 1973 Old Bailey bombing in London; Jonathan Ganesh, a 1996 London Docklands bombing victim; and Barry Laycock, a victim of the 1996 Arndale shopping centre bombing in Manchester, all allege that Mr Adams was a leading member of the Provisional IRA on those dates, including of its Army Council, and are seeking £1 in damages.

Mr Jenrick told a press conference in London: “If you give us your details on that website, in the next week or two, we’re going to draw one of those names, and Nigel [Farage] is going to come to your house and he’s going to pay your energy bills and those of everyone who lives on your street for an entire year.”

When the British summertime serves up dazzling sunshine, there’s no better pastime than relaxing in the garden on some outdoor furniture with a chilled drink in hand. A parasol will shield you from the glare and is essential for alfresco dining in the midday sun.

There are offerings from homeware retailers for simple and static upright styles costing less than £100 to cantilevered canopies costing close to four figures which come with speakers and LED lights to make those sundowners truly memorable.

Not to mention their varied look and feel: simple designs will blend seamlessly into a garden, whereas a design-led style will add to the feeling of escaping elsewhere. Our FAQ section at the bottom of the page answers any questions you might have.

Ultimately, you want a well-made model that will see you through many balmy seasons to come. After testing a batch of popular designs from Ikea, Dunelm, Kettler and other leading brands, these are our best buys in a quick list.

The best garden parasols: At a glance

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How to choose the best garden parasol

Space and portability are some of the main things to consider when choosing a parasol for your outdoor space. A nine-foot-tall leanover requires a sizeable base and is difficult to carry around. Unlike normal parasols, cantilever styles allow you to stretch the umbrella away from its stand, over the area of your choice, which means more space to move around underneath. 

Storage is also key: can your garage house a giant structure come winter? Although upright styles will need to be inserted in a dining table’s hole to provide cover, once taken apart they are usually no taller than waist-height and can be tucked away in the corner of a shed.

Beyond shade, most canopy fabrics offer additional sun protection thanks to their UV protective coating. Prioritise a parasol with a high Ultraviolet Protectin Factor (UPF) for sun safety.

How we test garden parasols

Jason Byers from Malafolla Ltd has applied for a new premises license for Gran Taberna, located at 88 Skinnergate, Darlington, DL3 7LX.

The general description on the application says: “It would include serving a range of beers, wines, spirits, vermouths and hot and cold tapas and Spanish dishes.

“With one bar, open plan kitchen, men’s, women’s and disabled WC. Both indoor seating and pavement license (if permitted).”

The application also includes making disabled access via a door and ramp to combat the stepped entrance, with one side totally glazed and south facing.

New signs appear on 5 Blackwellgate (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The proposed licence would permit the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises seven days a week.

The application is also applying for live indoor music from Thursday – Saturday between 3-11.30pm and Sunday from 3-11pm.

Applications have also been made for recorded music indoors and outdoors and performance of dance.

Made under the Licensing Act 2003, the premises license has applied to start on May 1, 2026.

It comes after the corner unit was spotted last week boarded up with brown paper, with a handwritten sign in Spanish reading “Vamos a Ver”, which translates as “let’s see”.

New signs appear on 5 Blackwellgate (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Pictures show brown sheets covering the windows as renovation work takes place inside.

The building previously housed Newcastle Building Society until 2017, before the branch moved to Horse Market on the high street.

Members of the public have until April 3 to submit comments or objections in writing to Darlington Borough Council via www.darlington.gov.uk.

Andrew Lawrenson, head of Latin at Dame Allan’s Schools, is an accomplished player and maker of the Northumbrian smallpipes – England’s only native bagpipes with an unbroken playing tradition.

Originally from Scotland, Mr Lawrenson began learning the instrument after discovering a set of pipes belonging to his father.

Mr Lawrenson said: “It’s about immersion.

“Taking the time to understand a different system – whether that’s an ancient language or a traditional instrument -and learning to think with care and precision.”

Unlike the better-known Highland bagpipes, the Northumbrian smallpipes are bellows-blown rather than mouth-blown, producing a quieter, sweeter sound suited to indoor performance.

In addition to playing, Mr Lawrenson has taught himself the complex craft of making the pipes—a process involving woodwork, metalwork, and reed-making.

He now plays a set he built himself.

He said: “It’s intimidating, but I like understanding how things work.”

Mr Lawrenson is active within the Northumbrian piping community, serving as a committee member of the Northumbrian Pipers’ Society and is listed as a repairer and reed-maker.

He has also been invited to serve as deputy piper to the Duke of Northumberland, a ceremonial role with more than 200 years of history.

As deputy piper, he performs at Alnwick Castle and other official events.

At Dame Allan’s, Mr Lawrenson runs a co-curricular piping club where around six pupils are learning the instrument.

He describes Latin and piping as being more closely linked than they might appear.

Mr Lawrenson said: “You step into a society with very different values, one where slavery and capital punishment were the norm.”

That distance encourages pupils to reflect critically on their own world while developing sophisticated language skills, analytical thinking and close reading—qualities that translate well beyond the classroom.

He studied English Literature and Latin at Newcastle University, later training as a teacher in Glasgow.

His career has taken him to teaching positions in Aberdeen, St Andrews, and Hexham before he joined Dame Allan’s, where he is now in his third year as head of Latin.

Mr Lawrenson first became interested in Northumbrian piping during a resurgence, with a new generation of players – including Kathryn Tickell -recording and performing.

He began learning seriously under the guidance of experienced musicians, including Patricia Jennings, later Chair of the Northumbrian Pipers’ Society, and developed his skills through a mix of learning by ear, mentoring, and competition.

One pupil, Savile, has shown strong musical instincts and quick progress.