Crocker takes on hometown favourite Liam Paro in the first defence of the belt he won in September following a split-decision victory over Paddy Donovan

Belfast’s Lewis Crocker will make the first defence of his IBF welterweight title in Australia on Wednesday.

Crocker takes on hometown favourite Liam Paro in the first defence of the belt he won in September following a split-decision victory over Paddy Donovan.

The 29-year-old, who is unbeaten in 22 professional fights, was ordered to defend his IBF title after Donovan pulled out of a final eliminator against Paro to determine the next mandatory challenger.

Paro’s promoter, No Limit, subsequently won the purse bid to stage the fight in the challenger’s home state of Queensland.

Paro (27-1) is a former IBF light-welterweight titleholder who has stepped up in weight since losing his crown.

Here is all you need to know about the fight:

Where and when is it on?

Crocker and Paro will clash over 12 rounds on Wednesday, 24 June, at Pat Rafter Arena in the Brisbane suburb of Tennyson.

How can I watch it?

All of the action will be broadcast on Fox Sports Australia, with the prelims getting under way at 8am UK time (5pm AEST).

The main card will follow at 10am UK time (7pm AEST), before Crocker and Paro are expected to make their ring walks at around 1pm UK time (10pm AEST).

Fight Card

Lewis Crocker vs Liam Paro – IBF welterweight title

Dempsey McKean vs Liam Talivaa – Heavyweight

Nelson Asofa-Solomona vs George Burgess – Heavyweight

Luke Modini vs Peng Qu – Cruiserweight

Riley Candy vs Nathan Watson – Super middleweight

Vegas Larfield vs Shamal Ram Anuj – Featherweight

Jack Javed vs Lance MacDonald – Super welterweight

Stevan Ivic vs Caleb Tialu – Heavyweight

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Quotes Corner

Crocker admits he is the underdog again as he faces former IBF light-welterweight champion Paro, but says that is not a sign of weakness.

“It’s just the fact of the matter. If you ask 99 people here, 98 people are going to say Paro is going to be the successor,” Crocker said at Monday’s press conference.

“Going abroad and stuff, making a big deal out of travelling and stuff, we got out here plenty of time early and the doubts, can I do it like he’s did it abroad and stuff.

“Literally by the odds, he is the favourite to win the fight, so that’s where that comes from.

“Obviously me and the team are confident, but that’s where the underdog thing came from, because I am the underdog to the general public in this fight, but that’s not the way me and my team see it.”

He added: “I was a big underdog in my last fight, and I came through to win the world title in my city, so it’s exciting. Big respect for Liam, a phenomenal fighter, so no doubt we’re going to put on a great performance.”

Paro: “I’m ready to make Australian boxing history.

“It’s the kind of moment you dream about as a kid. To fight for another world title at home in Australia is massive, but there’s no easy road here.

“Crocker is undefeated and champion for a reason, and he’s coming in full of confidence.

“But I’ve built my career the hard way. I’ve travelled the world, fought in hostile environments and already beaten one of the most dangerous champions in boxing.

“I truly believe I’m levels above anyone he has faced, and I can’t wait to make history on June 24.”

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US congressman Dan Goldman has been defeated in a New York primary election, capping a clean sweep for candidates backed by New York’s democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani as he seeks to tilt the Democratic Party to the left.

Goldman was beaten by progressive challenger Brad Lander in New York’s 10th congressional district in a contest that laid bare the party’s divisions over the Israel-Gaza war.

Lander has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. Goldman, a two-term incumbent, was backed by pro-Israel groups.

Two other candidates, both democratic socialists endorsed by Mamdani, won their primary races on Tuesday, in a boost for the party’s left wing in America’s largest city.

Assemblywoman Claire Valdez unseated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in the 7th district.

Darializa Avila Chevalier, a doctoral student who has joined pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, won her race in New York’s 13th district.

She toppled Adriano Espaillat, who had held the district for five terms and is chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, a body that advocates for legislation and resources for Hispanic Americans.

Lander, who was also endorsed by Vermont’s democratic socialist Senator Bernie Sanders, easily beat Goldman by 65.7% to 34.1%, with most votes counted.

In a post on X after the results, he said his victory showed that the people of his district covering Lower Manhattan and part of Brooklyn “want leadership ready to fight, not fold, against authoritarianism”.

The former New York City comptroller’s bid against Goldman, who was first elected to Congress in 2022, was seen as a test of Mamdani’s political influence.

Goldman said he had called Lander to congratulate him, according to the BBC’s US news partner CBS.

“Tonight, the voters of 10th District have spoken. While this is not the outcome I worked so hard for, I respect their decision,” Goldman said.

US President Donald Trump called Goldman “weak and pathetic” in the aftermath of the race, adding that the congressman “just lost, BIG!”

They include restrictions on waiting, permit parking schemes, new speed limits, and a number of other measures in Stockport

Dozens of roads across Stockport are set to see 20mph speed limits and parking banned. A number of changes have been made following a series of area committee meetings last week.

They include restrictions on waiting; permit parking schemes; new speed limits; and a number of other measures. A list of the roads and what changes will be made to them can be found below.

Castle Hill

A no waiting traffic regulation order will be introduced to create a ‘quiet late’ to encourage more walking and cycling as well as other forms of travel. The quiet lane will be on a section of Battle Lane and Castle Hill in Bredbury.

A width restriction of 3.5 metres and traffic will be directed to turn right out of a proposed development site. A number of concerns had initially been raised by some members of the public but many of these were later dropped after further explanation was given.

Poleacre Lane and Briarley Gardens

Another order will be introduced in Woodley following complaints by people living in the area that ‘vehicles were being parked on PoleacreLane close to the junction of Briarley Gardens and Hyde Road’. A council report said this was ‘causing visibility and access issues for motorists attempting to navigate the junctions’.

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Out of the 14 people who responded to a survey in the area, 86% were in support. One person said it was ‘the only way’ to sort out the problem.

Love Lane

This area of Heaton Norris will be included in a resident permit parking scheme with one annual visitor permit costing £47.50 a year. A petition was first submitted to the council in 2015.

A permit bay will now be introduced on the site of the terraced properties on the road with a maximum of three permits per household costing £47.50 a year each though some discounts are available.

Enforcement visits will be carried out at least once a week and enforcement Monday to Saturday between 8am and 7pm. No waiting restrictions at any time will be enforced at the end of the road.

Fronting the nearby park, the council report said: “The proposal is offered as a gesture of goodwill to residents as in principle, the street did not meet the criteria for a permit scheme. Therefore, it is not deemed appropriate to extend the scheme to cover the southern side which is available for users of the recreation area.”

Elizabeth Mill and Poet’s Corner

A huge number of changes will be made in Reddish from no waiting restrictions to 20mph speed limits. No waiting at any time will be introduced on the following roads:

• Leamington Road, both sides, from the western kerbline of St. Elisabeth’s Way for a distance of 10.0 metres in a westerly direction.
• St. Elisabeth’s Way, both sides, from a point 10.0 metres north of the northerly kerbline of Leamington Road to a point 8.0 metres south of the southerly kerbline of Leamington Road.
• Leamington Road, both sides, from the eastern kerbline of Bedford Street for a distance of 11.0 metres in an easterly direction.
• Bedford Street, both sides, from a point 11.0 metres north of the northerly kerbline of Leamington Road to a point 8.0 metres south of the southerly kerbline of Leamington Road.
• Leamington Road, northern side, from a point 10.0 metres west of the westerly kerbline of Higginson Road to a point 9.0 metres east of the easterly kerbline of Higginson Road. Higginson Road, both sides, from the northern kerbline of Leamington Road for a distance of 8.0 metres in a northerly direction.
• Lichfield Avenue, both sides, from the northern kerbline of Leamington Road for a distance of 8.0 metres in a northerly direction.
• Lichfield Avenue, both sides, from the southern kerbline of Higginson Road for a distance of 6.5 metres in a southerly direction.
• Higginson Road, southern side, from a point 6.5 metres west of the westerly kerbline of Lichfield Avenue to a point 6.5 metres east of the easterly kerbline of Lichfield Avenue.
• Higginson Road, southern side, from a point 7.0 metres west of the westerly kerbline of Bolton Street to a point 7.0 metres east of the easterly kerbline of Bolton Street.
• Bolton Street, both sides, from the southern kerbline of Higginson Road for a distance of 7.0 metres in a southerly direction.
• Bolton Street, eastern Side, from a point 5.5 metres south of the southerly kerbline of Dover Street to a point 5.5 metres north of the northerly kerbline of Dover Street.
• Dover Street, southern side, from the eastern kerbline of Bolton Street for a distance of 27.5 metres in an easterly direction.
• Dover Street, northern side, from the eastern kerbline of Bolton Street for a distance of 5.5 metres in an easterly direction.
• Dover Street, northern side, from a point 10.0 metres west of the western kerbline of
• Gorton Road for a distance of 4.0 metres in a westerly direction.
• Naseby Road, eastern side, from a point 81.5 metres north of the northern kerbline of Wentworth Road for a distance 52.0 meters in a northerly direction.
• Houldsworth Street, western side, from a point 8.8 metres north of the projected northern kerbline of Leamington Road for a distance of 110.6 metres in a northerly direction.
• Houldsworth Street, eastern side, from a point 86.0 metres north of the northern kerbline of Leamington Road for a distance of 28.8 metres.
• David Street, northern side, from the eastern kerbline of St. Elisabeth’s Way for a distance of 5.0 metres in an easterly direction.
• St. Elisabeth’s Way, eastern side, from a point 15.8 metres south of the southerly kerbline of David Street for a distance of 102.8 metres in a northerly direction.

No waiting time restrictions will be introduced at the following roads between 8am and 6.30pm Monday to Saturday.

• Bolton Street, eastern side, from a point 7.0 metres south of the southern kerbline of Higginson Road for a distance of 59.6 metres in a southerly direction.
• Bolton Street, eastern side, from a point 5.5 metres south of the southern kerbline of Dover Street for a distance of 51.3 metres in a southerly direction.

Limited waiting restrictions of 30 minutes Monday to Saturday between 8am and 6.30pm will be introduced on Robert Street. There can be no return within one hour.

This will be on the northern side from a point 5.5 metres east of the eastern kerbline of Bolton Street for a distance of 18.0 metres in an easterly direction.

20mph speed limit zones will also be introduced on Rupert Street, from its junction with Houldsworth Street to its junction with Broadstone Road. The following roads will also be changed across their entire length:

• Houldsworth Street
• Liverpool Street
• Oldham Street
• Liverpool Close
• Arthur Street
• Bedford Street
• Margaret Street
• Leaf Street
• Leamington Road
• Higginson Road
• Lichfield Avenue
• Bolton Street
• Dover Street
• Priory Lane
• Skipton Court
• Ilkley Crescent
• Wharfedale Road
• Harewood Grove
• Harrogate Road
• Harrogate Drive
• Spa Close
• Naseby Road
• Finsbury Road
• Fovant Crescent
• Lillian Grove,
• Welbeck Road
• Wentworth Road
• Knaresborough Close
• Gainford Road
• Penrith Avenue
• Wemyss Avenue
• St Elisabeth Way
• David Street
• Nutwood Court
• Priory Court
• Harlow Close
• Elizabeth Gardens
• Fairview Way & Cotton Grove.

A 20mph speed limit will also be introduced on the following roads:

• Farley Way
• Tennyson Road
• Masefield Grove
• Churchill Crescent
• Byron Grove
• Shelley Road
• Chaucer Avenue
• Wordsworth Road

Conway Street

Issues were raised on this Reddish street following a complaint by a unit on a commercial estate off Coronation Street. It was reported ‘larger vehicles are struggling to turn right from Coronation Street into Conway Street due to parked vehicles on the western side’.

There is currently a restriction allowing for coaches and goods vehicles to park between Monday and Saturday for the hours between midnight and 7am and 7pm and midnight as well as all day on Sundays. Parking by all vehicles is currently permitted during the daytime.

The council has now proposed to bring in no waiting times between Monday and Saturday for the hours from 7am to 7pm.

Didsbury Road

On Didsbury Road, no waiting at any time and no loading Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm will be introduced on the south western side from a point level with the (projected) western kerb line of Queens Drive in a north westerly direction for a distance of 85 metres and an access line marking at the shared entry for houses 255 to 261 on Didsbury Road.

Westholme Avenue and Crossley Road

In Heaton Chapel, a current restriction between Monday to Saturday between 8am and 6pm will be removed on Crossley Road. This will be replaced.

The new rules will see no waiting at any time on the north side from a point 10 metres west of the western kerb line of Crossley Road in an easterly direction to a point 10 metres east of the eastern kerb line of Crossley Road.

Bus lane review

A council report before the Stepping Hill Area Committee said Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) ‘advised officers of additional funding being made available to Stockport Council to deliver further improvements and enhancements to bus stops and road markings in the borough’ in 2024.

A review of bus lanes was carried out to ensure sites were enforceable and compliant. Signage about operating hours and potential enforcement will be introduced for bus lanes Lancashire Hill, Travis Brow, Portwood Roundabout, Didsbury Road (Eastbound and Westbound), Macclesfield Road, Wellington Road South / Thomas Street West (Northbound), Astley Street / Viaduct Street / Chestergate, and Great Edgerton Street (Eastbound).

Brooklyn Crescent and Turnfield Road

The council is dealing with this area in Cheadle after councillors reported parking issues raised by people living in the area. It was ‘reported that vehicles are being parked on or near the bends, resulting in obstruction issues that hinder the movement of large vehicles, including refuse collection vehicles’ and created a ‘potential road safety hazard’.

No waiting at any time double yellow lines were ‘strongly’ supported by those living in the area and are now expected to be introduced. Existing restrictions on Turnfield Road have been extended to combat parking problems there.

Parkway Estate

Councillors voted to approve a new 20mph speed limit zone on the parkway Estate in Cheadle Heath. This is despite a number of objections but overall 64% of people were in favour.

Finney Lane

This road in Heald Green will see new bollards introduced. This is to stop drivers ‘from driving over the footway and parking their vehicles fully or partially on footway and causing obstruction for motorists and pedestrians’.

There are already a number of parking restrictions in force but due to people parking at the location for a short period of time, the council said they move their cars before any fines can be issued.

Hibbert Lane

No waiting at any time restrictions will soon be brought in at Hibbert Lane in Marple at the junction with Woodville Drive. Only two objections were lodged.

Marple Community Hub

Councillors last week voted to introduce speed limit and waiting restrictions, a zebra crossing and toucan crossing on various roads in Marple to support the Marple community hub development. This includes extending a 20mph speed limit cover the full length of Hollins Lane.

The zebra crossing will be introduced on Hollins Lane while the toucan crossing will be on Stockport Road. Parking restrictions will be introduced on Station Road, Garth Road, Ley Hey Road, Bradshaw Road, Winnington Road, and Parkfield Avenue.

Forbes Road and The Quadrant

In a report, the council said they had been called to ‘investigate safety concerns as it had been reported that vehicles park in such a manner that they are preventing pedestrians from safely using the footway as well as obscuring visibility’.

As a result, no waiting at any time restrictions are expected to be brought in from the projected southern building line of property no. 42 The Quadrant for a distance of 18 metres in a north westerly, then north easterly direction.

Restrictions will also be brought in from a point four metres north of the projected building line of property numbers 111 to 113 Forbes Road for a distance of 23 metres in a north westerly, then south westerly direction.

Yew Tree Road

This change has been brought about following complaints from people in the area about safety concerns. Now no waiting restrictions will be brought in from the intersection of the north-western kerb line of Bramhall Lane for a distance of 10 metres in a northwesterly direction.

There will also be restrictions from a point 10 metres southwest of the intersection of the southern kerb line of Yew Tree Road to a point 10 metres northeast of the intersection of the northern kerb line of Yew Tree Road.

Simpson Street

This Stockport road will see no waiting restrictions introduced between 8am and 6pm. This is because ‘motorists are parking in such a manner that they are causing an obstruction and hindering movement’.

Beechfield Road, Clutha Road and Frewland Road.

Restrictions are being brought in on these three roads to ban waiting at any time to support a new cycle and walking route. This is to allow for a new three metre pathway and prevent cars blocking dropped kerbs at either end of the path.

Chester Road

A section of the road in Woodford will see no waiting restrictions introduced between Moor Lane and Woodford Road. This is following issues raised as a result of recent development in the area.

Ahmed al-Ahmed, 44, the hero of the Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney, Australia, says the allegations are false and has confirmed he will fight them in court

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The man celebrated as a hero for his bravery during December’s Bondi Beach terror attack has pleaded not guilty to an assault charge in court.

Ahmed al-Ahmed, 44, pleaded not guilty to an allegation he assaulted his father at his dad’s Bankstown home in southwestern Sydney on March 9. The man hailed as the ‘Bondi hero’ also denied allegations that he placed his father in a headlock.

He pleaded not guilty to domestic violence common assault and stalking, intimidation at a court appearance in Bankstown on Wednesday (June 24).

“My client maintains his plea … the presumption of innocence should be maintained and upheld,” his Sakr said outside court, Sydney paper the Daily Telegraph reported.

“I believe the prosecution’s case bears some issues and over the next few weeks those issues will be lavished.”

Defence lawyer Mohamad Sakr outside Bankstown court said his client maintained his innocence.

“It’s been very difficult,” Mr Sakr said. “It is a family situation he never expected, one would never want to expect, and it must be really difficult for him.

“But there is one thing that should be upheld and that is the presumption of innocence.

“He is a heroic man and his honesty and dignity should be maintained until these matters are ultimately determined.”

Mr al-Ahmed’s father, Mohammad Fadeh al-Ahmed, told Australian national broadcaster the ABC that he was hopeful the case would soon be settled.

“God willing it will all be resolved,” he said. “After all there’s nothing more precious than your child.”

Earlier in June, NSW Police confirmed that officers received a report of an alleged assault at a property in Bankstown on March 9.

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“On Wednesday (June 3), a 44-year-old man was served with a Court Attendance Notice for common assault (DV) and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic),” police said in an official statement.

Australian broadcaster 7News reported that the assault charge related to allegations that he placed his father in a headlock. As a consequence, an apprehended violence order (AVO) has been issued against him. Al-Ahmed has also been ordered to stay 100m away from his father’s home and place of work.

In an interview with 2GB radio presenter Ben Fordham, he said: “I don’t deserve to be treated like this. Since the situation in Bondi, I’ve been given a second chance in life.”

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“I don’t deserve to be treated like this. Since the situation in Bondi, I’ve been given a second chance in life.”

In remarkable footage filmed on that devastating December day, the Syrian-turned-Sydneysider can be seen grappling the firearm from Sajid Akram’s grasp.

His son, Naveed Akram, has subsequently been charged with 59 offences including terrorism for his alleged role in the incident. Akram was later shot dead by police and his son, Naveed, was wounded and charged with 59 offences.

While al-Ahmed sustained multiple gunshot injuries, his swift intervention is widely acknowledged for preventing further casualties. As he recuperated in hospital, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid him a visit, hailing him as the “best of our country.”

In a post-attack interview, al-Ahmed explained: “My target was just to take the gun from him, and to stop him from killing a human being’s life and not killing innocent people. I know I saved lots, but I feel sorry for the lost.”

Al-Ahmed received the Keys to the City of Canterbury-Bankstown, his local area, and earlier this year walked onto the pitch ahead of play on the final Test of the Ashes series.

Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh, who bestowed the honour upon al-Ahmed, had previously stated: “What Ahmed did in that moment was remarkable. His courageous actions were motivated by his desire to save innocent lives.

“In the process, Ahmed himself was shot several times and sustained serious injuries. When evil came to Bondi Beach, Ahmed and countless ordinary heroes did not hesitate to confront it. His instinctive courage, his willingness to put others first, and his quiet bravery will never be forgotten. Our whole community is profoundly grateful.”

Al-Ahmed is scheduled to appear before Bankstown Local Court on July 29.

The BBC understands that if Andy Burnham becomes prime minister then he is expected to replace Rachel Reeves as chancellor and offer her a more junior cabinet position.

A spokesperson for Burnham said no decisions had been made.

It comes as the former Greater Manchester mayor begins to assemble a Downing Street team, assuming he wins the Labour leadership race in which, currently, he is the sole candidate.

Sir Keir Starmer announced he was standing down as prime minister days after Burnham won the Makerfield by-election, allowing him to return to Parliament.

The biggest decision Burnham will make as he begins to sketch out a possible cabinet is who will be his chancellor.

Most Labour MPs assume Reeves will not continue in that role but, as first reported by the Financial Times, external, she is expected to be offered a more junior cabinet position.

A close ally of Burnham told the BBC: “Andy really respects Rachel and I’m confident he’ll want her in his top team.”

James Purnell, who served as a minister in Gordon Brown’s government between 2007 and 2009, would be appointed Burnham’s Downing Street chief of staff.

But if the new MP for Makerfield becomes prime minister, how much to spend on defence will be an immediate challenge.

Burnham and his team have been discussing that with John Healey, the former defence secretary, who resigned earlier this month, warning the current planned increase in military funding fell “well short of what is required”.

The Food Standards Agency has issued an urgent Salmonella recall for apple and kiwi fruit pots sold in major UK supermarkets including Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, M&S and Waitrose

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An urgent recall has been issued for apples and kiwi fruit sold in supermarkets across Britain after concerns they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The alert was issued on Tuesday by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which said fruit supplier PrepWorld had recalled several pre-packaged fruit items from major supermarkets following testing that detected Salmonella in apples and kiwi used in the products.

The affected items include ready-to-eat fruit pots and snack packs sold in ASDA, Morrisons, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose.

All products involved carry best-before or use-by dates of 23 or 24 June.

At ASDA, the only product affected is a 220g Pink Lady Apple, Mango, Strawberry & Blueberry fruit pot priced at £2.75, reports the Express.

Morrisons has pulled a single product — a 220g Kiwi, Melon & Strawberries pack priced at £2.50 with a use-by date of 24 June.

Tesco has the greatest number of affected items, with four products withdrawn from shelves. These include its 250g Melon, Kiwi & Strawberry pots (use-by 24 June, £2.50), 100g Kiwi Fruit Pot (£1.50), 290g Fruit Kebabs containing kiwi, watermelon, mango and pineapple chunks (£4.10), and 125g Melon, Kiwi & Strawberry packs (£1.50).

Sainsbury’s and M&S both have three recalled products apiece.

At Sainsbury’s, affected items include 220g Melon, Kiwi & Strawberry pots, Orange & Kiwi 240g packs, and Pink Lady Apple & Grape 240g packs, all with a use-by date of 23 June, according to the Daily Mail. M&S has recalled three apple-based products: 90g Café Pink Lady Apple slices, 90g (FTG) Pink Lady Apple packs, and 225g Pink Lady Apple Slices, all with a use-by date of 24 June.

Waitrose has also pulled its 115g Pink Lady Apple and Grapes packs from shelves, which carry a best-before date of 23 June.

In its statement, the FSA said: “Prepworld is recalling the above products. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products.

“These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products. Please see the attached notices.”

Salmonella ranks amongst the leading causes of food poisoning across the globe and can trigger symptoms including fever, diarrhoea and stomach cramps.

While it is most commonly associated with raw or undercooked meat, poultry and eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables can also be a source of contamination.

According to FSA guidance, young children, those aged 65 and over, and individuals with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of becoming seriously ill.

The NHS states that symptoms typically begin within hours or days of consuming contaminated food, though in some cases they can take weeks to emerge.

It advises sufferers to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, alongside rest, paracetamol, and eating when able.

The FSA has urged consumers who have purchased the affected products not to consume them. Instead, customers are urged to take them back to the store where they were purchased in order to receive a full refund.

The recall comes just twelve months after a comparable warning was issued regarding Salmonella fears in a savoury snack sold by Lidl.

The supermarket withdrew its Sol & Mar Chicharricos BBQ Pork Scratchings from sale after potential contamination was identified.

The FSA cautioned at the time that the affected batches could trigger severe gastrointestinal symptoms, and shoppers were advised to return them for a full refund with no receipt required.

HOUSTON (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo had a simple but strong message as the final whistle sounded after Portugal’s big win at the World Cup on Tuesday.

“I’m back,” he said directly into the television camera. “I’m back.”

Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments by getting two goals in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, quieting critics after his forgettable performance in the team’s 1-1 draw with Congo in the opener.

Even though criticism isn’t anything new to the 41-year-old superstar, he admitted that the intense negativity directed toward him this week was difficult.

“But it’s always like that,” he said in Portuguese. “It doesn’t matter, because it’s been 23 years on the job and when things go well, ’Cristiano is good,’ when things go bad, ‘Cristiano is a retired player, is old.’ It will always be like that. But we responded well today, me and my teammates, which is what we wanted.”

Ronaldo made history in the sixth minute when João Cancelo crossed the ball to him and he shot with his right foot to make it 1-0. He ran toward the bench and celebrated with his teammates.

He added another in the 39th minute when he got a pass from Bruno Fernandes and scored with his right foot just inside the near post to make it 3-0.

“As a defender you need to be ready and you need to be close to him in the box,” said Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro, a standout defender in his playing days who led Italy to the 2006 World Cup title. “If you give him one centimeter in the box you are dead.”

Ronaldo was named man of the match for his performance, the latest of many in his incredible career.

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez raved about the professionalism and poise Ronaldo showed this week amid calls from outsiders to bench him.

“He’s a human being,” Martínez said. “He’s allowed to have emotions. He’s allowed to have feelings. What is impressive with him is the answer. Whatever he feels, the answer is to get back on the training ground and practice and work and demand from himself. That professionalism is what’s (led) to the longevity.”

The goals on Tuesday make him the second-oldest player to score at a World Cup behind Cameroon forward Roger Milla, who was 42 when he scored at the 1994 tournament in the United States.

Ronaldo and Argentina captain Lionel Messi became the only men in history to play in six World Cup tournaments this year. Ronaldo’s scoring streak started in his debut in 2006 and he also netted goals in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.

While he shares the record for most tournaments with Messi, he stands alone in scoring a goal in each edition after Messi failed to score at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Ronaldo’s two strikes against Uzbekistan gave him 10 career goals in the tournament. Messi has 18 after a hat trick in Argentina’s opener against Algeria and two more goals Monday against Austria that made him the all-time leading scorer in tournament history.

Ronaldo’s latest performance extended his record by giving him 145 international goals, and his 10 career goals in the World Cup moved him past Eusébio’s nine to make him Portugal’s all-time scoring leader at the tournament.

Tuesday’s game was the 230th of Ronaldo’s international career, which is the most in history.

This is likely to be the final World Cup for Ronaldo, who won the European Championship with Portugal in 2016 and the Champions League five times with Manchester United and Real Madrid.

___

AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup

Liverpool could finally swoop for a forward that former manager Jurgen Klopp was reportedly a big admirer of

Liverpool’s decision to sign Mohamed Salah instead of Julian Brandt is arguably the most pivotal sliding doors moment in the club’s modern history. During the summer of 2017, former boss Jurgen Klopp was searching for a clinical winger who would eventually form one part of a devastating three-man attack alongside Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

It’s understood that Klopp was keen to bring German talent Brandt, then 21, to Anfield. On the face of it, he appeared an ideal match for Liverpool, having registered 12 goal contributions across 40 outings for Bayer Leverkusen.

However, Klopp was reportedly persuaded to pursue Salah, who arrived at the club for £36million from Roma. Two Premier League crowns, a Champions League trophy and 257 goals later, the Reds’ choice appears thoroughly justified after Salah departed the club this summer.

Brandt ultimately left Leverkusen and signed for Klopp’s former employers, Borussia Dortmund, in 2019. The German, now 30, is poised to exit the Black and Yellows following seven campaigns, during which he found the net 57 times in 307 matches and is available on a free transfer.

Is there an argument for Liverpool to finally pursue Brandt, a full nine years after the club were initially linked? There is.

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Brandt can operate across the frontline, primarily filling in at an advanced midfield role but he can also feature on both wings – a quality Liverpool are reportedly seeking this season as Andoni Iraola looks to reconstruct his team’s attack.

He also provides a significant goal threat. He has netted 48 times and registered 45 assists from the left throughout his career to date, while contributing 19 goals and 14 assists from the right.

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He has recorded 37 goals and an impressive 66 assists operating in the No. 10 position. As we’re aware, availability is equally crucial given Liverpool’s demanding fixture list.

Brandt’s injury record is encouraging, with the adaptable attacker having missed merely three matches for Dortmund last season and only five the campaign before that.

He’s also accustomed to pressure situations. A former Germany international, Brandt emerged onto the scene as a teenager, making his Leverkusen debut before turning 18 and was instantly linked with Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, whom he reportedly rejected on two occasions.

Brandt also appears to possess genuine integrity. Speaking in 2017, during Klopp’s rumoured interest, he told Kicker: “My gut feeling and my head are telling me the time to move has not arrived yet. I have to straighten things out in Leverkusen.”

He remained faithful to his pledge and continued for another two seasons at the Bayer Arena. There is also the question of Brandt being available on a ‘free’ and in an environment where the Reds are prepared to spend upwards of £80m for the likes of RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and PSG’s Bradley Barcola, this could be categorised as a ‘no-brainer’.

Klopp has downplayed suggestions that he championed Brandt over Salah in recent years, but did acknowledge speaking to the forward.

“There is always a story that I wanted to sign Julian Brandt or someone like that,” Klopp told The Anfield Wrap. “The situation with that is if you go for a winger, you talk to seven or eight. Yes, we spoke to him, but we spoke to Salah.”

There’s little question Liverpool made the correct decision in securing the man who’ll eternally be regarded as the Egyptian King on the Kop. Yet the very notion of Brandt potentially replacing Salah after all these years feels so improbable that it just might succeed.