Australia has given visas to five members of the Iranian women’s football team amid fears for their safety after they were criticised for not singing the national anthem.

They were in Australia for the Asian Cup when the Iran war began just over a week ago.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said officials had been preparing “for some time” and the home affairs minister travelled to Queensland to arrange the move.

Iran war latest: Trump calls conflict ‘complete, pretty much’

“Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women. They are safe here and they should feel at home here,” he said.

“Once it was made clear these women wanted assistance, the Australian federal police moved them to a safe location where they remain,” Mr Albanese added.

President Trump said he had spoken to Mr Albanese and that five of the team had “been taken care of” – but indicated the others were returning home.

The Australian government had been under pressure to protect the women after they were knocked out the tournament.

The players were reportedly criticised on Iranian TV, with a commentator saying they had committed the “pinnacle of dishonour” for staying silent during the anthem before their match on 2 March – two days after the US and Israel began attacking Iran.

“Traitors during wartime must be dealt with more severely,” presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi said, according to Reuters news agency.

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Day 10 Iran war: Videos from on the ground

Some believed the team’s silence was an act of resistance, while others saw it as a show of mourning following the initial US-Israel attacks on their country.

The team has not made any specific comment on their stance.

They sang and saluted ahead of defeats to Australia on Thursday and the Philippines on Sunday, but there were concerns they had been ordered to do so.

The team failed to get past the group stage and players’ union FIFPRO said it was “really concerned” about their welfare and had been unable to contact them.

Dozens of people chanted “let them go” and “save our girls” as the team’s bus left the stadium on the Gold Coast after Sunday’s match.

Supporters said they could see at least three players making the international hand signal for help, according to CNN.

Mr Trump said on Monday he had spoken to Prime Minister Albanese about the matter.

“He’s on it!” Mr Trump posted on Truth Social.

“Five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way.

“Some, however, feel they must go back because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don’t return.”

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Iran war briefing: Day 10 with Sean Bell

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‘Ongoing threat’

Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, who lives in the US, said he had been told that Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh and Mona Hamoudi were now in a “safe location”.

He earlier said the team faced an “ongoing threat” after their “brave act” not to sing the anthem.

“As a result of their brave act of civil disobedience in refusing to sing the current regime’s national anthem, they face dire consequences should they return to Iran,” he posted on social media.

The Australian Iranian Council had also urged the government to protect the players.

It launched an online petition asking authorities to “ensure that no member of Iran’s women’s national football team is to depart Australia while credible fears for their safety remain”.

The green-eyed monster rears its ugly head in Coronation Street when vile bully Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) catches Todd Grimshaw (James Pierce) growing close to another man and unleashes his jealous rage…

It’s hard to imagine Todd’s toxic relationship with his abuser becoming any more of a prison than it already was, but that’s exactly what happened after the tragic death of his ex-boyfriend and close confidante, Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank).

Unbeknownst to Todd, Theo left Billy to die in the burning wreckage of the Corriedale crash. Grief-stricken, Todd has sunk into deep depression which has made Theo even more insecure and paranoid about the prospect of losing him than usual.

For months, Theo has kept a terrified Todd in line with a mixture of emotional and physical abuse. Now the controlling narcissist has added financial abuse to his repertoire, as he forced his long-suffering fiancée to cut up his credit cards and agree to be given daily allowances.

With Theo’s hands on the purse strings, poor Todd is forced to come crawling to his poisonous partner every time he needs money to buy anything. He’s living on a pittance with barely enough to get by, and his friends like Sarah Platt (Tina O’Brien) and George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley) are starting to notice.

Everything comes to a head on Theo’s birthday. When Todd’s present-on-a-budget fails to impress his bullying boyfriend, it triggers a furious argument between the pair which might just be their most serious yet. In the aftermath, Todd’s left with a broken heart as Theo skulks in the shadows.

Are things over between them? Is Todd finally free of Theo’s clutches?

No such luck. Upcoming episodes will see Todd try to find comfort in someone else, prompting a seething Theo to lash out with deadly consequences.

In a bid to lift Todd’s spirits, Sarah takes him out for a spot of lunch.  But Todd’s face falls when he spots Theo at a nearby table with a good-looking bloke. Is this just an unfortunate coincidence… or another one of Theo’s messed up head-games?

After Theo’s lunchtime date stunt, Glenda Shuttleworth (Jodie Prenger) urges Todd to beat the bully at own game and find a hunky bloke of his own to take to lunch.

In the Rovers Theo makes a point of chatting up Sean Tully (Anthony Cotton) right under Todd’s nose. Fighting back, Todd reveals that Glenda’s fixed him up with a date. How will Theo react?

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Later, Todd meets up with his blind date, whilst Theo joins Gary Windass (Mikey North) for his birthday celebrations, trying to mask his fury. Theo makes a point of laughing loudly at Gary’s jokes, determined to give Todd a bad case of FOMO.

But when Theo finds James Bailey (Jason Callender) giving Todd a pre-marathon pep talk, Theo waits until he’s distracted by a phone call…before slipping some drugs into Todd’s drink.

What is Theo up to?

MORE: Grim Coronation Street scenes as abuser Theo confronts Todd with a knife

MORE: Coronation Street may have confirmed who catches evil Theo out

MORE: Coronation Street fans have the most brutal response to the upcoming death storyline

Northumbrian Water teams have cordoned off part of Westoe Road in South Shields today (Monday, March 9) after the main burst. 

The water firm said the incident – which was caused by “third party damage” –  has led to some flooding in the area. 

Footage taken from the scene shows water being shot up high in the air from the ground, well above nearby buildings. 

The water was sent towering into the sky (Image: NORTHUMBRIAN WATER)

It is not currently known when the issue will be fixed but Northumbrian Water said it will be carrying out repairs quickly and safely. 

A spokesperson said: “We’ve currently got a crew on site at a burst water main on Westoe Road in South Shields, caused by third-party damage.

“The size of the pipe has led to some localised flooding and our teams are now working to isolate the main and clear the water.

“We’ll be working closely with those affected to manage the impact and carry out repairs as quickly and safely as possible.

“We’d like to thank our customers for their patience while we work to get things back to normal.”

One person said the building work has been ‘inconvenient’

People who live near a construction site for ‘massive’ warehouses say they have felt their houses ‘rattle’. Work is well underway for the Boulevard development in Hampton, Peterborough, where three warehouses and a new Lidl store are being built.

The Lidl store is expected to create up to 40 jobs, while the warehouses are expected to create up to 153 jobs. However, those living nearby are not happy about the development.

Elisha Aurangzaib thinks the development will “bring a bit more to the community”, but has found the construction disruptive. She said: “Initially I thought I wasn’t too keen when they were building it.

“All I could hear was thumping. [My house was] rattling. I had frames and kitchen cabinets moving.”

One man, who wished to remain anonymous, has found the construction to be “inconvenient”. He said: “It has been irritating.

“It wasn’t much to start, but it has gradually gotten worse.” The man said it will be “nice to have a shop nearby”, but the development is “bigger than expected”.

He added: “It will bring more jobs but the other worry is traffic will build up in the area. It’s hard enough to get out of here as it is.”

Amanda Smith described the Boulevard as a “massive eyesore”. She said: “It’s been a big green space for so long. It feels out of the blue that they are doing it. It’s good to get a Lidl right in front, so I won’t even have to use my car for shopping.

“But then on the other hand, there is Aldi and Tesco basically next to it. And the warehouses, they are big eyesores. It feels like such a waste of a big space that could have been made into something prettier and more useful for the community. Hampton is becoming so overbuilt, and now they want ugly warehouses built in it.”

Nik, who asked to use his first name only, said it is a “bad thing”. He added: “There’s lots of traffic now and in time, once the customers start using the shop, it’s going to be chaotic. This place used to be quiet, but now it’s busy and always has people about.“

Another lady, who asked to not be named, said the construction has caused a “right racket”. She added: “Things in my house have moved about and rattled so much, it’s ridiculous. I don’t know if they even thought about the effect the building would have on people nearby.

“I’m all for bringing jobs in, but it feels like they could have tried to think of something else to build instead of warehouses. Maybe something else for younger people because you get more hanging about these days in Hampton with nothing to do.”

Sladen Estates, overseeing the development, has been approached for comment.

Apple’s iPad Air M4 comes in 11″ and 13″ sizes and one retailer is dishing it our for pennies before pre-orders close.

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Apple has had a busy month so far as the tech giant has unveiled not one, or two, but five new devices. Alongside an iPhone and MacBooks, there’s another addition to Apple’s ultra-thin tablet series with the iPad Air M4.

The latest model is touted as providing ‘blazing performance, more memory, enhanced connectivity and game-changing iPadOS 26 features’. It’s powered by Apple’s M4 chip, which is said to offer ‘incredible performance’ that’s three times quicker than its predecessor.

Ahead of its launch on Wednesday (March 11), Sky Mobile is accepting last-minute pre-orders with a deal that costs shoppers 53p when spreading the cost. In Sky’s monthly offers, the 11″ iPad Air M4 can be pre-ordered for £16.50, equivalent to roughly 53p per day over a 31-day month.

Similarly, the 13″ iPad Air M4 is priced at £21, or approximately 67p per day. Both deals are for the 128GB storage version, with customers only needing to pay a £12 upfront fee for each.

Key points to bear in mind here are that Sky’s tablet deals run on 48-month contracts, with the option to upgrade to a new device after 36 months at no additional charge. They also come with a standard 100MB data allowance, which may not be sufficient for some users, reports Birmingham Live.

Sky’s iPad Air M4 deal

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Sky Mobile customers can get Apple’s new iPad Air M4 from £16.50 per month or 53p per day when spreading the cost.

For those intending to use the iPad Air whilst connected to WiFi, 100MB may be adequate, but anyone planning on using it on-the-go should consider opting for a larger bundle. In addition to a selection of storage options, the iPad Air M4 is available in four colours: blue, purple, starlight and space grey.

Despite the contract commitment, Sky’s iPad deals offer far more budget-friendly options compared to purchasing outright, with prices starting at £599 at retailers such as Amazon and Argos. At EE, costs start at a steeper £45 per month but this includes a 5GB data allowance and a shorter 24-month term.

The iPad Air M4 features cutting-edge Apple Intelligence functionality, a 12MP Center Stage camera and the sophisticated Liquid Glass display found on the iPhone 17. It comes pre-loaded with iPadOS 26 straight from the box and is also compatible with accessories such as Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard.

Launching the new model, Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, said: “iPad Air gives users more ways than ever to be creative and productive, offering powerful performance and incredible versatility to help them turn their ideas into reality. With its blazing performance thanks to M4, incredible AI capabilities, and game-changing iPadOS 26 features, there’s never been a better time to choose or upgrade to iPad Air.”

Henry Burrell, Deputy Technology Editor at the Daily Express, highlighted several aspects of the iPad Air M4 that could entice Apple enthusiasts to upgrade. He said: “The iPad Air has more memory than the previous generation, with Apple confirming 12GB RAM in these new models.

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“It’s rare for Apple to divulge how much RAM its iPhones and iPads have, but in the age of demanding apps and Apple Intelligence, Apple AI tools, our gadgets need all the RAM they can get. Apple says the M4 iPad Air is up to 30 per cent faster than the M3 version, and up to 2.3 times faster than the M1 version.

“In practical use, you may not notice these gains depending on your usage, but it’s certainly good to see Apple offer a year-over-year chip upgrade without raising prices.”

No more getting away with it. No more close calls. The vile crimes of child predator Megan Walsh (Beth Nixon) are finally exposed on Coronation Street. However, for her victims, the nightmare is far from over…

For months, the insidious Megan has been grooming and gaslighting underage schoolboy Will Driscoll (Lucas Hodgson-Wale) into believing that they are in a loving relationship.

In reality, she’s been using her position as an athletics coach and a teacher to isolate the vulnerable minor and abuse him, sexually and emotionally, right under the nose of his dad, Ben (Aaron McCusker), stepmother Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley), his brother Ollie (Raphael Akuwudike) and grandmother Maggie (Pauline McLynn).

She’s even secretly pregnant with Will’s baby.

Like many abusers, Megan hides in plain sight by presenting a respectable public face within the community, even going so far as to date Weatherfield High teacher, Daniel Osborne (Rob Mallard) as the perfect cover. It was an act that fooled the whole of Weatherfield…

…except one. Enter Sam Blakeman (Jude Riordan).

The plucky young bookworm suspected something was a little off about Megan’s dynamic with Will when he discovered that his schoolfriend owned an incriminating tracksuit which Megan had sworn was Daniel’s. 

Ever since, he’s been like a dog with a bone determined to expose the predatory Miss Walsh’s true colours.

Megan, of course, has fought back, abusing her power as a teacher to sabotage Sam’s grades, his academic performance and reputation at school. This caused poor Sam to spiral and abuse unprescribed Ritalin in a desperate attempt to do better. When he tried to plant cameras in Megan’s flat to catch her illicit affair with Will on camera, she discovered his plan and threatened to make the poor lad look like a pervert.

The whole Megan ordeal has caused him serious psychological distress, as Corrie viewers up and down the land have been rooting for him to bring Megan down.

Finally, finally, they are about to get their wish. Sam is about to expose Megan as a paedophile to the entire street.

While Coronation Street fans will be delighted to see the villain finally getting her just desserts, it’s sure to be far more complicated for Will. A victim of grooming, he is completely in Megan’s thrall. Actor Lucas Hodgson-Wale explains his character’s headspace.

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‘In Will’s mind, he’s not a victim. He thinks a victim is someone who has suffered intense hardship, and since he thinks he’s enjoying this, he doesn’t see the harm. He even tells people I’m not a victim, he’s naïve to the fact that Megan is scheming and taking charge of everything. He’s just tagging along, not realising how much of a toll it’s taking on his mental health or his family.’

That toll is about to get a lot worse in upcoming episodes of Coronation Street, when the truth finally comes out. This is sure to have colossal consequences for Will and his family, as well as Sam and his mother Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson). Lucas teases the epic fallout facing Will.

‘It’s getting dangerous. Leanne is essentially family, so he has to be on the ball, but Will isn’t always the most cautious – he’s taken risks with PDA and kissing in cars. He doesn’t comprehend the full gravity of the situation.’

‘When it eventually blows up, I think he’ll be deeply ashamed – not necessarily for the relationship itself, but for the web of lies he’s told his family and Ollie’

What about Megan? Her exposure may not necessarily be the end of the story.

The damage she has done to Will psychologically will surely ensure his loyalty. Jude gives us a sneak preview of Will’s reaction when the cat is out of the bag.

‘At first, he’ll definitely jump to (Megan’s) defence. It will take him a long time to accept the idea that it wasn’t a mutual thing and that he was actually being manipulated.’

Coronation Street has worked on Will and Megan’s grooming storyline with support from Barnardo’s. Jude reflects on what he would like viewers to take away from this dark and emotional story.

‘Awareness. This kind of inappropriate, underage relationship – especially the dynamic of an older woman and a younger guy – isn’t talked about as often as it should be. These issues are happening in the real world. We want to show that no matter the gender or the dynamic, it is never acceptable. Bringing light to that is the most important part of this job.’

MORE: Maggie’s secret bubbles to the surface after shocking Coronation Street death in spoiler video

MORE: Coronation Street legend catches Megan flirting with Will and the game may be up

MORE: Coronation Street confirms comeuppance for abuser Megan in grim new trailer as the end looms

Michael Carrrick is in charge of Manchester United on an iterim basis as the club search for a new permanent manager

Michael Carrick is set to oversee a pivotal match in Manchester United’s season next weekend. The interim boss is preparing to face Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, where a win could significantly boost the club’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League.

United have been out of action for an extended spell and will be looking to bounce back from last week’s disappointing defeat to Newcastle. The result marked the first loss under Carrick, who has won six of his first eight games in charge.

The team’s change in form under the ex-midfielder has fuelled debates over whether the 44-year-old should be given the job permanently. However, several other managers have been linked with the vacancy.

Meanwhile, a United legend has named the coach he believes would be a perfect fit for the club. Here, Mirror Football looks at some of the latest headlines around Old Trafford.

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Manager ‘keen’ on Man Utd job

Roberto De Zerbi has been linked with both the United and Tottenham Hotspur jobs as he plots his next managerial move. The 46-year-old earned plaudits during his two years at Brighton, where he deployed an attacking style.

READ MORE: Man Utd star admits his concern over confirmed Old Trafford exit: “A sad day”READ MORE: Ex-Man Utd star reacts as player rushed to hospital after horror tackle led to three reds

He joined Marseille in June 2024 and led the club to second place in Ligue 1 last season before parting ways in February. The Telegraph reports that De Zerbi is ‘of interest’ to United and is included on the club’s shortlist of candidates.

The former Sassuolo boss is said to be ‘keen’ on the United job, which could damage Carrick’s hopes of staying on beyond this season. The report adds that De Zerbi’s “stock remains high” with the United hierarchy, despite leaving Marseille.

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Spurs are also weighing up options for their next permanent manager. However, as Tottenham are currently battling relegation, United would likely be a more attractive option for De Zerbi.

‘Dream coach’ named

United legend Patrice Evra believes Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique would be the perfect appointment for United. The 55-year-old led PSG to Champions League glory last term and is reportedly in talks to extend his contract but Evra is confident the Spanish coach would be a success at United if the club were able to tempt him to Old Trafford.

“I’m not talking to the Man United board or Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but in my honest opinion, with no disrespect to PSG or Nasser Al-Khelaifi, but Luis Enrique would be a dream coach for Man United,” the former defender told Stake. “I love the man, I love his philosophy, what he went through in his personal life and overcame it shows his personality.

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“The job he’s done at PSG by bringing them a Champions League without Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe or Neymar, it’s a fantastic job. Players would have to work really hard to play for Man United, they’ll have to run a lot and I think Enrique would bring that.”

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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.