Tottenham have written to Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief Howard Webb to raise their concerns over key refereeing decisions.

Sources have told BBC Sport the correspondence is primarily focused on what the club views as inconsistent decisions that have led to goals being allowed or disallowed as a result of contact inside the penalty area.

Spurs believe they have been on the wrong end of a number of these key incidents this season.

During Tottenham’s 4-1 home loss to north London rivals Arsenal on 22 February, striker Randal Kolo Muani had a goal – which would have levelled the score at 2-2 – ruled out after the officials adjudged the France international had pushed opposing defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the back just moments before slotting beyond David Raya.

It has been noted by Spurs that referee Peter Bankes, who officiated in the derby against Arsenal, said in last week’s episode of the Match Officials Mic’d Up show how, “once you see two hands in live play, it looks like a push, a clear push. I was more than happy that the two hands on the back had enough impact and was an offence”.

With that in mind, Tottenham were left confused why Fulham winger Harry Wilson’s opener against them in Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Craven Cottage was allowed to stand.

Mexico striker Raul Jimenez appeared to push Spurs defender Radu Dragusin in the build-up to Wilson’s strike as the pair jumped for an aerial challenge, but the goal was allowed to stand because the contact did not meet the threshold for a foul.

One of the countries affected is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including Dubai, and with regular flights to and from the UK for this holiday hotspot, you might be wondering if it’s safe to travel there.

Not only is Dubai a popular destination for Brits, but it’s also used as a layover stop for passengers flying further to countries like Australia and New Zealand as well as countries in Africa and Asia.

Whether you have a flight booked already or are thinking about travelling to or via Dubai, it’s worth staying updated with the latest travel advice and warnings.

What is happening in the Middle East?

The US and Israel attacked Iran over the weekend, killing its supreme leader.

The first reported American casualties included three American service members as the US and Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran on Saturday, February 28.

Five were seriously injured in military operations targeting Iran, the US military said.

Airspace closures in the Middle East have resulted in a number of commercial flights being grounded since the attacks began on Saturday.

More than a third of the flights scheduled to depart from the UK to the region on Monday were cancelled.

Analytics company Cirium said 49 of 144 flights were axed.

Airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet have changed their flight schedules this week.

⚠️ We urge you not to come to the airport unless your airline has contacted you with a confirmed departure time.

Please get in touch with your airline directly for the latest updates on flight schedules.

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— DXB (@DXB) March 2, 2026

Is it safe to travel to Dubai?

The UK government has warned people to avoid all travel to the UAE unless it’s essential.

This warning from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) extends to the whole country, so anyone travelling for a reason that is not absolutely necessary should rethink their plans.

It’s worth noting that if you ignore this travel advice, your travel insurance could be invalid should you need to make a claim.

Are flights leaving the UAE?

Some flights have left the UAE this week, including today (March 3), but airports are not operating a full schedule yet.

In a post on X, the Government of Dubai Media Office said on Monday afternoon (March 2) that airlines Emirates and Flydubai would begin operating a limited number of flights, with priority being given to customers with earlier bookings.

Some 15 Etihad Airways flights departed from Abu Dhabi in a three-hour window on Monday, which Flightradar24 said were “likely helping to clear transit passengers who have been stuck there since the start of the conflict”.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline continued to tell passengers not to travel to the airport unless they had been contacted directly and advised to do so.

As limited flight operations resume at DXB and DWC, here are answers to some common questions we’re receiving 👇

1️⃣ Should I travel to the airport if my airline has not confirmed my flight?
💬 No. If your airline has not confirmed your flight is operating, please do not travel…

— DXB (@DXB) March 3, 2026

How to check if your flight is cancelled

You can check the flight status of upcoming flights via the Dubai Airport website as well as the website of the UK airport you are travelling to or from.

Make sure to stay up to date with advice from your airline and look out for cancellation notices as well as delays and new flight times.

Are flights leaving and entering Dubai?

While some flights are still being cancelled, the flight status log for flights today is showing that some passengers have been able to leave and arrive into Dubai.

Departure cancellations include flights from Dubai to Ankara, Cairo, Bucharest, Riyadh, Tashkent, Moscow and more.

Departures going ahead include flights to Heathrow, Munich, Prague, Budapest, Milan Bergamo and more.

Arrival cancellations include flights to Dubai from Lahore, Bucharest, Timisoara, Singapore, Warsaw and more.

Arrivals going ahead include flights from Jeddah, Mumbai, Bangalore, New Delhi and more.

It’s worth noting that the flight schedules are reduced, so some flights to or from one destination may be cancelled while others may still go ahead.

What to do if you’re already in Dubai

Brits in Dubai are being told to “immediately shelter in place” as missile attacks have been reported in the UAE.

The UK government added: “Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”

If you’re in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar or the UAE, you need to record your presence so you can receive updates and so the UK government is aware you are there – this can be done by the government website.

Sir Keir Starmer said the situation on the ground “may remain challenging for some time” but that the government was “looking at all options to support our people”.

The Prime Minister told the Commons: “We’re asking all British citizens in the region to register their presence so we can provide the best possible support and to monitor the Home Office travel advice, which is being regularly updated.

“Across much of the region, airspace remains closed, and local authorities are advising individuals to shelter in place.

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“The situation on the ground may remain challenging for some time, so we’re sending rapid deployment teams to the region to support our British nationals on the ground.

“And we’re in close contact with the travel industry and governments in the region, including with our friends in the UAE (United Arab Emirates), given the concentration of British nationals in that country, and we’re looking at all options to support our people.

“We want to ensure that they can return home as swiftly and safely as possible.

“The FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) phone lines are open to provide consular support, and ministers are available to meet MPs to discuss any individual cases.”

Radcliffe, who shares a two-year-old son with partner Erin Darke, acknowledged that his own journey was shaped by unusually stable circumstances. The core Harry Potter crew remained largely the same for a decade, he said, creating a protective environment that shielded the young cast from some of the instability often associated with Hollywood.

The American World Cup co-hosts are “very supportive” of Iran playing at the tournament, the boss of US Soccer has told Sky News.

Iran‘s participation has been thrown into doubt since the US-Israeli military action was launched on Saturday, killing supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

And Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj was reported to have said that “we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope” after the attacks, without announcing a boycott.

Iran latest: Follow live updates

US Soccer CEO JT Batson told Sky News: “FIFA president Gianni Infantino shared over the weekend the intention of a safe and secure World Cup where all teams are participating. And we’re certainly very supportive of that.”

Donald Trump’s travel ban already impacts the ability of Iranian fans to travel to the US, but teams are due to be given exemptions to participate.

Iran are due to play group-stage games in Los Angeles and Seattle at the World Cup, which is also being held in Canada and Mexico.

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Will fans feel safe going to Mexico for the World Cup?

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Asked about potentially playing later in the tournament, Mr Batson said: “We played Iran a number of times in the World Cup and just like any other team of the 47 other teams we could play in the World Cup, our goal would be to win. And so we look forward to doing just that.”

FIFA is monitoring the situation and remains hopeful that all qualified teams can still be part of the tournament.

Mr Infantino told Sky News: “I hope so much it will be a moment of peace, I hope we can contribute to unite a little bit the world. I think the world really, really, needs it.”

The US could also benefit from football bringing the country together in a politically-charged environment as it stages the men’s World Cup for the first time since 1994.

“Our team wants to win and so that’s what they’re focused on,” Mr Batson said. “And they want to have as many Americans who can support them and get behind them and rally behind them.

“Our players, of course, are human. And we all have our own beliefs and we all have our things that we care about. But at their core, they want to win. That’s why they’re here. And they want to represent US soccer with pride. They want to inspire the next generation.”

Read more from Sky News:
Iran may be tempted into fearful final salvo
Internet shutdown leaves Iranians without voice

Overseeing the US team is former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino, but he is constantly linked with a move back to the Premier League – particularly Spurs for next season.

Asked about any approaches for the Argentine, Mr Batson said he is “fully focused” on the task of trying to win a first men’s World Cup for the Americans.

“We knew when we hired Mauricio that he was a coach who was in demand and for good reason,” he said.

“And so he was in demand when we hired him and he’s still in demand now and he’ll be in demand years to come and now having worked with them, I fully understand why.”

Britons continue to remain stranded throughout the Middle East, with more than 100,000 having registered their presence with the Foreign Office amid evacuation planning.

Large areas of airspace over the region such as United Arab Emirates and Qatar remain closed because of the fighting, and tourism safe spots like Dubai have come under fire in missile attacks.

With this in mind, many Brits will be wanting to know the latest travel advice to Turkey which shares a border with Iran.

Your rights if your flight is cancelled or delayed

The country is a popular holiday destination for UK travellers, with a significant proportion of tourists often heading to the likes of Cappadocia, Antalya and Marmaris, to name a few.

Is Turkey safe to travel to at the moment? See if you can fly

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its latest travel advice on March 1 for those heading to Turkey from the UK.

It warns that all British nationals intending to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey “must request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before travelling to the border”.

The new Turkey travel guidance from the Foreign Office in full is as follows: “The border remains open visa-free for people travelling on UK or Iranian passports (for stays of up to 90 days).

There has been intense escalation in the Middle East, with increasingly reckless strikes from the Iranian regime targeting Gulf allies and locations including bases, airports and hotels.

This directly impacts British nationals in the area.

We recognise this is an unsettling… pic.twitter.com/dm3zo9KbZJ

— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) March 2, 2026

“If you are a British national intending to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey, you must request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before travelling to the border.

“You must state which border point you intend to use and provide personal details (name, date of birth, details of travel document used to enter Turkey). 

“Also indicate whether you are contacting from Iran or from the UK on behalf of a relative.”

The UK government continues: “The Turkish authorities advise that the Iranians have closed the crossing point at Esendere-Serow on the Iranian side to daily traders entering and exiting over the course of a day.

“The usual entry requirements will apply, including that British nationals can enter without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. 

“If you intend to leave Iran overland, you do so at your own risk.

UK Passport Fee Guide

“In Iran, holding a British passport or having perceived connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.”

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office is also urging against “all travel” to some parts of the Turkey due to the fighting in Syria.

The FCDO asks people to not travel within 10km of the border with Syria “due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism”.

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It adds: “Fighting in Syria continues in areas close to the Turkish border and there is a heightened risk of terrorism in the region.

“Due to the ongoing conflict in Syria, roads in Hatay Province leading towards the border may be closed at short notice.”

Find out more information about travelling to Turkey on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.

BBC bosses are reportedly struggling to fill the Ncuti Gatwa-shaped hole in the Tardis for the Doctor Who Christmas special later this year.

The beloved time-travelling show finally confirmed that we haven’t seen the last of the Time Lord quite yet.

Disney had quietly pulled out of its much-touted partnership with the broadcaster on the show, after Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor regenerated into Billie Piper to mixed reviews from fans, leaving the show’s future unclear. 

But the BBC confirmed that the show will return this festive season for a special episode, written by longtime showrunner Russell T Davies, with a new season to follow.

However, the future actor taking on the mantle of the Doctor has remained rather opaque.

It has now been reported that it will not be Billie Piper – who won viewers over in her role as Rose Tyler, alongside first Christopher Eccleston and then, epicly, David Tennant.

Instead, The Sun has reported that producers are still on the hunt for the next lucky name to take on the show’s starring role, despite claims the Beeb put ‘feelers’ out as soon as Gatwa was confirmed to be stepping back.

The source told the publication: ‘Despite once being one of TV’s most coveted roles, it’s now seen as a bit of a poisoned chalice.

‘Plus, anyone taking on the job will want to know if it’s going to be a one-off festive special or go beyond that as they will want to plan their workload over the coming years.’

Metro contacted the BBC for comment on the report and a spokesperson said: ‘We never comment on speculation.’

Christmas might feel – and, indeed, is – a long way off, but Who’s veteran composer Murray Gold has already shed some initial light on the script, or scripts.

‘I know Russell’s written, I think, multiple versions depending on certain outcomes,’ he said on the Half the Picture podcast.

Gold added: ‘That’s all I really know, and I’m not sure I’m even supposed to know that. I normally do a very good job of not finding things out.

‘I make my job of keeping secrets very easy by never finding out in the first place.’

Doctor Who is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. The show will return later this year with a Christmas special. 

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Why do people start wars even though it hurts their country too – and they might lose?

Grace, 9, Belfast

Before governments, countries and writing, there was war. People have always fought with each other. Archaeologists have discovered skeletons with weapon injuries that are over 10,000 years old.

Wars are very serious because they hurt people and the environment. They happen for many different reasons, and each war is different. People who start wars often think that the short-term benefits of a war are worth the harm to their own people. But they don’t always understand the long-term consequences of their actions.

Experts use something called the “just war theory” to understand whether it’s ever OK to fight a war. This is a very old, but useful, set of ideas that help people decide if a war is fair, how soldiers should behave and how to protect people who are not fighting, like children and families.

Curious Kids is a series by The Conversation that gives children the chance to have their questions about the world answered by experts. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskids@theconversation.com and make sure you include the asker’s first name, age and town or city. We won’t be able to answer every question, but we’ll do our very best.

Just war theory says that countries have a right to defend themselves from invasion when another country attacks them. However, it also says that the harm from war must not be worse than the problem, that someone must actually be able to win and that people should try talking, negotiating and making agreements before they fight.

It provides rules for countries at war to follow. The rules say that normal people and the things that they need, such as hospitals, power plants and schools, should never be attacked because they help everyone live safely.

These ancient ideas have become part of the modern international laws and agreements that help make our world more peaceful. Unfortunately, not all countries follow just war theory when they go to war. Thankfully, we have laws in place to punish the leaders or soldiers who break the rules.

Why do wars start?

Wars can start due to a disagreement, fear or a desire for more power. Unfortunately, some leaders will choose war because they don’t want to appear weak. Or they might go to war to distract their own people and stay in control, because they feel vulnerable and unpopular. They might make a bad decision, really believe that they are right, then underestimate how long the war will last. The best leaders do not start wars in this way, do not make these mistakes and care about their people’s long-term wellbeing.

Another reason why people start wars is because they think that invading another country will make them stronger or richer. As we use up things we cannot easily replace, such as fossil fuels for our cars and rare metals for our phones and computers, this increases competition between countries to own the remaining resources.

Peace experts like me also explain that climate change contributes to wars, as it makes it harder for people to access good water and farmland. It is so much better for everyone when countries bargain with each other and share resources, instead of starting wars.

Even though wars are happening now in countries like Ukraine, Afghanistan and Iran, most countries still solve their problems peacefully by talking and working together.

Many experts think that wars are evidence of failure, and that everyone loses when they fight instead of working together to create agreements and compromises. Pacifists believe that war is always wrong and that we must strive to find peaceful solutions. I think that they have the right idea, and that a more peaceful world is definitely possible.

London’s Old Vic has settled a High Court claim with an actor who alleges that Kevin Spacey sexually assaulted him while working as the theatre’s artistic director.

Ruari Cannon claims that Mr Spacey assaulted him in 2013 at an event related to the production of Tennessee Williams’s play Sweet Bird Of Youth.

Mr Cannon, who has waived his right to anonymity, is taking legal action against the Hollywood actor at the High Court. Mr Spacey has denied the allegations.

Mr Cannon also had a separate claim against the Old Vic. However, that was settled on Tuesday, the theatre announced.

“Ruari Cannon and The Old Vic have reached a mutually agreed out-of-court settlement, the precise terms of which are confidential,” An Old Vic spokesperson said.

“This settlement has been agreed without any admission of liability, having regard to the costs and impact on all parties of continuing litigation.

“This statement has been mutually agreed and there will be no further comment.”

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Two other men, who are anonymous, are also taking legal action against Mr Spacey, who is defending the claims.

All three say that he abused them at times between 2000 and 2015.

In 2023, Mr Spacey was acquitted of nine sex offences relating to four men.

Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC, for the trio, told a High Court hearing on Tuesday that seven other people who allege they were sexually assaulted by Mr Spacey wish to give evidence without bringing a claim.

She said Mr Spacey has “a propensity to sexually assault young men” and that additional witnesses would show this.

The barrister told the court: “Evidence from other men of similar incidents occurring, all of whom have not spoken to each other or been in contact, some of them have simply contacted my instructing solicitors for the first time, do show a propensity and do add weight and are helpful in showing whether the three cases these claimants rely on can be proved.”

In written submissions, Ms Gumbel said many of the witnesses worked as young actors, massage therapists or drivers and were “placed in positions of proximity” to Mr Spacey through their work.

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William McCormick KC, for Mr Spacey, said in written submissions that for the witnesses’ allegations to be included, each of them must be relevant to the specific circumstances of those at the centre of the legal claims.

He said that one man, referred to as GHI, alleged that Mr Spacey drugged him after a meeting in August 2008 and that he woke up in the actor’s flat while being assaulted.

The man also said Mr Spacey called his phone and answered it while he was unconscious to make it seem like he had left his flat already, the barrister added.

Mr McCormick said: “None of the other allegations have any probative force in favour of GHI’s allegation.

“None bears any similarity to what GHI alleges.

“The location, the preceding contact and the nature of the sexual conduct are entirely different.

“The use of drugs to secure compliance and of the phone to manufacture a defence have no echo in any other allegation.”

The hearing, before Mrs Justice Lambert, is due to conclude on Wednesday.

Martin Lewis has urged bill-payers to get off the Energy Price Cap tarifs ‘urgently’ as fixed deals are being taken off the market.

From energy bills to pensions, here’s what experts say could be affected.

1. Gas and oil prices are rising

The conflict threatens supply routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, used by tankers carrying roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and seaborne gas. QatarEnergy has also halted some liquefied natural gas production after attacks on facilities.

David Aikman, director at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, warns:
“If it persists, it will raise household bills and business costs in the months ahead, putting renewed upward pressure on inflation.”

2. UK energy bills could increase

Although the UK imports energy from multiple regions, disruption in the Middle East could push gas and electricity prices higher, feeding through to heating and power costs.

Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB, notes: “Europe is much less reliant on gas from Russia and the Middle East… markets could absorb a few weeks of disruption to Qatari LNG flow.”

Important: If you can get off the Energy Price Cap right now, you should & urgently!

– The wholesale gas rate is spiking due to the Iran conflict, and it is a prime driver or UK elec prices. If that’s sustained (big if), it will likely push the Price Cap rate up from July
– Some…

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— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) March 3, 2026

3. Petrol and diesel could get pricier

Drivers may see gradual pump price increases. AA president Edmund King says prices will “inevitably increase” in the coming weeks, though wholesale rises take time to appear at pumps. RAC policy head Simon Williams adds:
“The oil price would have to rise significantly and stay that way for some time to have a dramatic effect.”

4. Shop prices could rise

Simon Geale, EVP at Proxima, explains: “Even though the UK doesn’t source much food from the Gulf, global supply chains are energy intensive. Fuel and fertiliser costs will push up prices for bread, pasta, cereals, potatoes, and animal feed. Food inflation could rise from 3.5–4% to around 4.5–5%.”

Rerouting shipments during disruptions has previously increased transport costs by 30–60%, which flows through to consumers.

Recommended reading:

5. Interest rates and mortgages may be affected

Sanjay Raja, chief UK economist at Deutsche Bank, explains:
“Should energy prices stick at current levels, rate cuts would slow. A March rate cut could be in doubt, leaving inflation expectations stickier.”
Lenders may also reassess risk appetites due to wider economic uncertainty.

6. Pension funds could fluctuate

Maike Currie, VP of personal finance at PensionBee, reassures: “Pensions are long-term investments spanning decades… diversified funds limit the impact of shocks to one market.”

7. Investor portfolios could face volatility

Joe Wiggins, investment research director at St James’s Place, says global events can trigger short-term market swings. He advises investors to ensure their portfolios remain diversified and aligned with long-term goals.

Mark Williams is a unique snooker player in many ways and must be the only professional who suffers with this very specific phobia.

The three-time world champion is still going strong at 50 years old, ranked number four in the world ahead of his 51st birthday this month.

The Welshman became the oldest ever winner of a ranking event this season when he won the Xi’an Grand Prix, beating Shaun Murphy in the final in October, having reached the World Championship final in May last year.

He is achieving remarkable things on the snooker table and suffers from a remarkable phobia off it.

The Welsh Potting Machine is far more comfortable around the snooker table than the kitchen table as he cannot stand being near teabags.

Williams revealed his fear to BBC presenter Catrin Heledd during coverage of the Welsh Open last week and she exposed it to the world.

‘I can’t believe you said it live on air,’ said Williams. I’m in trouble now.’

Stephen Hendry, the former rival and long-time friend of the Welsh great, has confirmed that Williams is not messing about.

Known for his sense of humour, Williams is not always being serious, but Hendry says he is being entirely genuine when it comes to his hatred of teabags.

‘Yeah, I have threatened him when we go and have a game of golf, I’ll have a couple in the bag when he’s ready to putt,’ Hendry said on WST’s Snooker Club podcast.

‘He said if I do it: “Be prepared, because I will punch you.”

‘It’s so weird and he’s deadly serious about it. Honestly he says: “If you ever do that, I will come for you. You can’t do that.”

‘It’s the strangest thing ever. He doesn’t drink tea or coffee or any hot drinks. I don’t know where it’s come from.

‘I will do it one time, though. I will do it. Because the amount of things he does to me that I tell him not to do, the list is long.’

Williams lost out to eventual champion Barry Hawkins in the last 16 of the Welsh Open and now has a couple of weeks off before his next action.

The Welsh great next plays at the World Open in Yushan on March 17, then he goes on to the Tour Championship in Manchester, the final stop on the road to Sheffield for the World Championship.

After making his Crucible debut in 1997, Williams will be making his 28th appearance at the famous venue in 2026.

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