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The J.J. McCarthy Rumor Mill Takes a Chill Pill

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J.J. McCarthy throws passes during warmups before a Vikings game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) throws passes during pregame warmups before a matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium. On Oct. 19, 2025, in Minneapolis, McCarthy went through his routine throwing session as fans and media closely monitored the young quarterback ahead of kickoff against one of the NFC’s top contenders. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Just because the Minnesota Vikings appear to be on track for a Kyler Murray season at QB1 does not mean that J.J. McCarthy will be on the trade block.

That’s the message from The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis this week, as McCarthy trade rumors have swirled in recent days after some thought McCarthy sounded disgruntled at Vikings organized team activities. Minnesota controls McCarthy’s contract through the end of 2027 — and 2028 if it exercises his fifth-year option.

Vikings Should Keep the Two QBs in the Picture

J.J. McCarthy warms up before a preseason game against the Houston Texans.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) goes through warmups before a preseason matchup against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. On Aug. 9, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, McCarthy prepared for another opportunity to lead Minnesota’s offense as anticipation continued to build around the young passer entering his first season as QB1. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

McCarthy Trade Theories Dialed Back

Plugged into the Vikings more than most, Lewis said this week, “My conversations with people internally have not been about trade. They have not been about those comments. They have been about wanting to maximize every single day in the field and making sure that happens. The chips will fall how the chips will fall.”

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And truth be told, the comments make a lot more sense than Minnesota being in a big hurry to trade the quarterback they once viewed as their franchise guy.

How They Started in the First Place

The moment Murray signed in Minnesota three months ago, a McCarthy trade rumor mill grew legs, at least little ones. Because NFL media and fans lack patience for a quarterback’s development, they interpreted Murray’s signing as a cue that McCarthy could be on the way out.

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Instead, the Vikings’ brass has said every step of the way that it still believes in McCarthy and is willing to be patient with his maturation.

J.J. McCarthy plays in his first NFL preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy participates in his first NFL preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. In August 2024, McCarthy made his highly anticipated debut before suffering a season-ending meniscus injury, delaying his development until returning to claim Minnesota’s starting quarterback role in 2025. Mandatory Credit: YouTube

The wildcard is McCarthy’s mindset. If he expressed discontent — telling the Vikings he wanted to be traded — their hands could be tied. Last week, McCarthy spoke to reporters and compared Murray’s arrival and his role on the team as “two guys in high school” on the other side of the room. Those comments only intensified the trade fodder, and here we are.

Just Keep the Murray + McCarthy Setup

In 2025, the Vikings faced a critical decision regarding their quarterback. They had several options: Sam Darnold, who had just led them to a 14-3 season before a late-season collapse; Daniel Jones, a potential challenger for the starting role; or the tempting veteran, Aaron Rodgers. Alternatively, they could have opted for a more gradual approach with McCarthy, allowing him a gentle transition into his first year as a starter.

The Vikings bypassed all these possibilities. They committed solely to McCarthy, hoping for the best. The gamble proved unsuccessful. Minnesota missed the playoffs, McCarthy failed to establish himself as the long-term solution, and by February 2026, the team was still without a solid answer at quarterback.

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That’s when Murray’s arrival became a game-changer. He provides the Vikings with something they lacked last year: a genuine backup plan. While McCarthy can still earn the starting job, so can Murray. Minnesota no longer has to stake its entire season on the development of a single young quarterback.

With both players, the likelihood of securing a stable QB1 appears quite higher than it did during last year’s all-in bet on McCarthy.

J.J. McCarthy and Kevin O'Connell celebrate on the sideline during a Vikings game.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) exchanges congratulations with head coach Kevin O’Connell after a made field goal against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. On Dec. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas, McCarthy and O’Connell shared a moment on the sideline as Minnesota battled for positioning during the season’s final stretch. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert noted last week from OTAs, “Murray made all of the best throws of the practice, demonstrating his downfield touch and accuracy. Nothing McCarthy did was objectionable, and one of his few incompletions — a pass to the flat that cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. nearly intercepted — occurred when two receivers drifted far too close to each other.”

“And while McCarthy’s post-practice comments about their relationship delivered headlines, it was Murray who might have said the most notable four words of the afternoon: ‘My confidence is unshakeable.’”

As an Endgame, Which Teams Might Want McCarthy

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Pretend momentarily that McCarthy does fuss and demand a trade. If that happened this summer, he might be looking at a shortlist like this of suitors:

  • Arizona Cardinals
  • Cleveland Browns
  • Indianapolis Colts
  • Los Angeles Chargers
  • Miami Dolphins
  • New York Jets
  • Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Philadelphia Eagles
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ironically, the Cardinals — Murray’s former employer — might make the most sense if Arizona cannot resolve its current and befuddling holdout ordeal with Jacoby Brissett.

Sportsnaut‘s Andrew Buller-Russ noted on the Steelers as a McCarthy trade destination last week, “The Pittsburgh Steelers have a 42-year-old starting quarterback. Eventually, they need to plan for a future after Aaron Rodgers.”

“The Steelers do have a pair of developmental options in 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard, plus third-round rookie Drew Allar. Between the two, there could be a future starter in there, but adding a former first-round pick with a winning pedigree can’t hurt either.”

On the whole, though, expect the Vikings to keep McCarthy. There is no real upside to trading him, especially since two of the last three Vikings seasons have been sullied by quarterback injuries. Minnesota needs the quarterback depth.

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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

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Ohtani dominates on mound, at plate as Dodgers rout Diamondbacks

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Ohtani (6-2) allowed two hits and struck out six while lowering his major league-best ERA to 0.74. He’s allowed one earned run in 24 innings during a four-game winning streak.

Ohtani also hit three singles and reached base five times, scoring a run.

Tucker hit his homer off Zac Gallen (3-5) in the second inning. Freddie Freeman added a two-run single in the third. Max Muncy followed with a run-scoring single and Alex Freeman’s two-run single in the seventh put the Dodgers up 7-0.

Los Angeles had 16 hits to win for the 16th time in 19 games.

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Arizona had two hits in its fifth loss in six games since winning five straight.

Ohtani was frustrated with his command against Colorado despite winning his last start, dropping a few expletives that were picked up by the on-field mic.

The four-time MVP had a few control issues against the Diamondbacks as well.

Ohtani sailed his first warmup pitch into a group of photographers at the backstop — he, of course, apologized — and almost hit three different batters in the first three innings.

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The right-hander was nearly unhittable when he did keep it around the plate.

Ohtani didn’t allow a hit until Gabriel Moreno’s double over first base with two outs in the fourth inning and induced an inning-ending double play after Geraldo Perdomo’s single in the sixth.

Ohtani threw 89 pitches and was lifted following the Dodgers’ long top half of the seventh inning.

Gallen allowed five runs — four earned — on nine hits in five innings.

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Dodgers LHP Justin Wrobleski (7-2, 2.87 ERA) faces Diamondbacks RHP Ryne Nelson (2-4, 4.82) in Thursday’s series finale.

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England v New Zealand 1st Test: Emilio Gay goes for eight on debut to Kyle Jamieson at Lord’s

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England’s Emilio Gay falls for eight on Test debut as he’s caught off the bowling of Kyle Jamieson with the home side 16-1 on the first morning of the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s.

FOLLOW LIVE: England v New Zealand 1st Test

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Arizona Football Wins vs. the Top Programs in the West

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  By SuperWest Sports Staff


As we count down to the first college football game of the 2026 season, we continue our new series: The records of each top CFB program in the West against all the others in the region.

Some schools have met many times over the years, while others are beginning new rivalries in the wake of recent realignment.

For each opponent in the table below, we provide the total games played, wins, losses, ties, winning percentage, first year played, and most recent contest.

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We continue with Arizona, which has played 791 games vs. regional foes, winning 413, losing 360, and tying 18 for a winning percentage of .534.

The Wildcats have recorded the most wins (52) and lost the most games (46) against Arizona State (with one tie). ASU is also UA’s most-played opponent at 99 games.

Here is a breakdown of the Arizona’s records vs. the region’s teams.


Arizona Football Wins vs. the Top Programs in the West
Opponent Games Played Wins Losses Ties Win % First Game Most Recent
Air Force 9 3 6 0 33.3 11/14/1959 11/16/1974
ASU 99 52 46 1 53.0 11/30/1899 11/28/2025
Boise State 1 0 1 0 00.0 12/31/2014 12/31/2014
BYU 27 12 14 1 46.3 09/25/1936 10/11/2025
Cal 36 19 15 2 55.6 10/14/1978 09/24/2022
Colorado 28 11 17 0 39.3 11/26/1931 11/01/2025
CSU 17 13 3 1 79.4 11/27/1926 10/08/1994
Fresno State 2 0 2 0 00.0 11/21/1981 09/01/1984
Hawai’i 7 6 1 0 85.7 12/21/1951 08/30/2025
Nevada 6 4 1 1 75.0 11/01/1924 09/12/2015
UNLV 3 3 0 0 100.0 09/22/2001 08/29/2014
New Mexico 68 45 20 3 68.4 11/26/1908 08/31/2024
NMSU 37 31 5 1 85.1 ?/?/1909 09/10/1994
Oregon 46 17 29 0 37.0 12/04/1937 10/08/2022
Ore St 42 25 16 1 60.7 11/05/1966 10/28/2023
San Diego State 17 11 6 0 64.7 09/26/1931 09/03/2022
San Jose State 4 3 1 0 75.0 10/23/1965 10/19/1985
USC 47 8 39 0 17.0 12/09/1916 10/08/2023
Stanford 32 15 17 0 46.9 10/20/1979 09/23/2023
UTEP 53 40 11 2 77.4 11/04/1916 09/16/2023
UCLA 48 19 27 2 41.7 11/19/1927 11/04/2023
Utah 49 21 26 2 44.9 10/18/1924 09/28/2024
Utah State 6 4 2 0 66.7 12/09/1922 09/05/1992
Washington 38 11 26 1 30.3 11/04/1978 09/30/2023
WSU 47 28 19 0 59.6 10/05/1963 10/14/2023
Wyoming 22 12 10 0 54.5 11/28/1936 10/01/1977

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Iowa football legend Sedrick Shaw selected to Hawkeyes’ 2026 Hall of Fame class

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Iowa football’s all-time leading rusher is getting the recognition he deserves.

Sedrick Shaw was a Hawkeye from 1993-96. Shaw rushed for a school-record 4,156 yards and is tied with Tavian Banks for the most career rushing touchdowns with 33.

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Despite his name being strung across the Hawkeye football record book, Shaw hadn’t been inducted into the Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame. That will change soon.

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On Wednesday, Iowa announced its 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame class. Shaw joins six other former Iowa athletes in the 2026 Hall of Fame class:

  • Kim Baker-El Abiad: Women’s Gymnastics

  • Klas Bergstrom: Men’s Tennis

  • Diane DeMiro Simmons: Field Hockey

  • Amy Herrig Tanny: Women’s Basketball

  • Matt McDonough: Men’s Wrestling

  • Janet Moylan Ritter: Volleyball

This is the 37th Hall of Fame class for Iowa. The inductees will be honored and inducted into the Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 4, the night before the Hawkyes open the football season against Northern Illinois.

The ceremony is open to the public and will take place at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the ceremony starting at 6:30 p.m. The admission cost is $25.

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Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney

This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football legend selected to Hawkeyes’ 2026 Hall of Fame class

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Peter Fury says Tyson Fury made one big mistake against Usyk: “I saw it from the opening bell”

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Tyson Fury came up short when twice attempting to hand Oleksandr Usyk a maiden pro defeat back in 2024. Now, his uncle and former trainer, Peter Fury, has highlighted the key reason why he believes ‘The Gypsy King’ was unable to best the Ukrainian.

Peter Fury trained his nephew for his famous unified heavyweight world title win over Wladimir Klitschko back in 2015, arguably the most impressive victory of his career. However, following a three-year hiatus from the sport, Fury returned with Ben Davison in his corner. 

Davison worked with Fury for five fights, until SugarHill Steward was appointed for the Deontay Wilder rematch; a move which proved to be a successful one as the ‘Kronk’ style aided Fury in two legendary triumphs over ‘The Bronze Bomber’.

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Yet, when challenging for the undisputed throne, Fury and Steward were unable to get the better of Usyk and the Briton suffered a first career defeat, before losing once more in the rematch.

Speaking to talkSPORT Boxing, Peter Fury, who trained Rico Verhoeven in his controversial clash with Usyk last month, explained that his nephew was not front-footed enough in his bouts with Usyk, believing that he did not use his size to his advantage.

“As soon as the opening bell [went] and I seen how he was performing, I thought, ‘he is doing it wrong’. You’re a bigger man, coming in at 20 stone and doing all the wrong things; instead of going forward, [you’re] standing back. 

“He has got his team there and I am not criticising anybody but both of the tactics were not good in both of them fights. Its was gone about wrong because, when you look at the structure of Usyk and what he does, to stand off and try and box an elite boxer, who is lighter than you, who is giving pounds away, he is going to ping you all over the shop.”

Verhoeven’s efforts and Peter Fury’s tactics against Usyk have been lauded in the last two weeks, described by some to be providers of Usyk’s ‘toughest professional fight’, with the Dutchman now entering the world rankings despite losing the contest.

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Mercifully, Vikings Send a Brutal Idea to the Graveyard

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Vikings Fans at Dallas in 2025
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; A fan of the Minnesota Vikings before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.

Mercifully, the so-called triangle of authority has not been resurrected, instead allowed to stay in its grave.

The Vikings had a press conference for new GM Nolan Teasley earlier in the day. Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf, the one commonly tasked with media duties, got asked about who gets the final say on personnel. Per Wilf, it’s the GM’s job to pick the 53, which is the way to go.

Vikings Send a Poor Idea Packing

Once upon a time, the Minnesota Vikings employed a quarterback who didn’t believe he had the authority to call a timeout, leading to a costly penalty. Afterwards, there was some clunky press conference moments as the passer and head coach had to explain what took place.

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Shouldn’t a team empower the fabulously wealthy QB1 to perform a task as basic as a timeout?

In the hire at GM, the Vikings have avoided the blunder that once beset the Kirk Cousins and Mike Zimmer Vikings. The GM is going to be allowed to do GM things. Otherwise, why bother with the hire unless there’s full autonomy to do the basic functions of the job? Handcuffing a key person leads to predictable foibles.

Future of Cousins and Zimmer
Jun 15, 2021; in Eagen, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer and quarterback Kirk Cousins. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports.

In Mr. Teasley, the Vikings have hired somebody to choose the roster. That’s as fundamental to being a GM as passing is to a QB (or call a timeout, as the case may be).

Check out how Wilf described the situation: “He’s the general manager of the organization. He has final say on the roster, the 53. But in the end, he’s going to lean heavily — and he’ll say it himself — on our head coach, obviously, and people like Rob Brzezinski.” So, collaboration but with the tiebreaker residing in Teasley.

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As it relates to who is above Teasley, Wilf said that the new GM will report directly to ownership.

Given the team’s history, people online noticed and chimed-in on the situation. Tom Pelissero, for instance, said, “Vikings owner/president Mark Wilf says new GM Nolan Teasley will have final say over the roster. Both Teasley and coach Kevin O’Connell will report to ownership, with EVP Rob Brzezinski reporting to Teasley.”

Thor Nystrom jumped into the mix: “Mark Wilf just said Nolan Teasley has final say on the 53-man roster. That’s all I wanted to hear during this presser — that’s a win.”

Kevin O’Connell talks with Zygi Wilf at Vikings training camp in Eagan.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell speaks with team owner Zygi Wilf during training camp at TCO Stadium, Aug. 3, 2023, in Eagan, Minnesota, as the organization continues preparations for the upcoming season with leadership aligned on roster direction and expectations. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

What’s similarly of note was Teasley’s emphasis on learning what the coaching staff needs.

Back in those Zimmer days, Rick Spielman failed to maintain harmony with the head coach. Some friction is a good thing, but there does need to a resolution. A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand; eventually, Zimmer and Spielman were both fired largely due to internal disagreement that could never be reconciled in a productive way.

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Teasley’s task involves gaining an expert understanding of what the coaches need before then acquiring players to fulfill the coaching staff’s vision. Sounds basic, but it’s not always a foregone conclusion within a sport where everybody is ultra opinionated.

The coming days and weeks are sure to be hectic for Teasley. He has much to learn about life in Eagan before he then makes a pile of consequential decisions. The good news is merely that he’ll be allowed to function in a normal manner. Just as a restaurant shouldn’t hire a chef before insisting this person can’t cook, a football team shouldn’t prohibit a GM from shaping the roster.

T.J. Hockenson reacts after scoring a touchdown during a Minnesota Vikings home game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Dec. 7, 2025. Hockenson celebrated in the second half after finishing the drive with a scoring catch as Minnesota’s passing attack found success at home. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

On the field, the Vikings have been moving through OTAs. Next up is mandatory minicamp before a good size summer break. In all likelihood, downtime for the players will mean long hours for the front office executive who is being tasked with moving Minnesota from good to great.


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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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PSG players parade Champions League trophy after night of unrest in Paris

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The French capital laid on a hero’s welcome Sunday for Paris Saint-Germain players to mark their second Champions League title victory, which was marred by violent clashes overnight across France and led police to detain hundreds of people.

Tens of thousands of flag-waving fans took to the streets again to see the team parade from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport to the Champ de Mars plaza in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.

A PSG fan jumps over railing during celebrations at the Champs-de-Mars in Paris.
A PSG fan jumps over railing during celebrations at the Champs-de-Mars in Paris. © Benoit Tessier, Reuters

The team flew back from Budapest where they beat English Premier League champions Arsenal on Saturday night 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out.

Read morePSG beat Arsenal on penalties to win back-to-back Champions League titles

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They were also received by President Emmanuel Macron before returning to their Parc des Princes stadium for a final encounter with fans.

Le président français Emmanuel Macron au palais de l'Élysée pour prononcer un discours lors d'une cérémonie avec les joueurs du Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), à Paris, en France, le 31 mai 2026
President Emmanuel Macron said PSG were an “immense pride” for France. © Chistophe Petit Tesson, AFP

A night of celebrations was blighted however by clashes between youths and police in Paris and other cities, cars set on fire and shops looted.

One man died riding his motorbike around the Paris ring road in celebration while authorities reported stabbings and other attacks. They said 57 police and 219 “participants” were injured. Eight of the injured were in critical condition.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said there were 780 arrests across France, nearly a third more than when PSG’s triumph last year over Inter Milan also set off a night of disturbances. He said looting had taken place in around 15 cities across the country.

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© France 24

Municipal workers hurried Sunday morning to clear the Paris streets of broken glass, damaged bus shelters, trash cans and burned out cars and bikes before PSG’s return.

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French President Emmanuel Macron called the violence “unspeakable”.

But amid political recriminations over the troubles, Paris mayor Emmanuel Grégoire played down the severity, saying such incidents were nothing new.

‘Brainless thugs’

“In the vast majority of cases, people celebrated with family and friends. And it was an extraordinary celebration,” the mayor told BFM TV. “And incidents on the fringes of major events have been going on for centuries.”

Gregoire blamed the “media coverage” of the unrest “and perhaps also the obsession of these troublemakers who come to cause trouble and show themselves on social media”.

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“There’s a kind of escalation, a chain reaction, and an incitement, in a way, to do just about anything,” he added.

Read moreOne dead, 780 arrested across France as unrest mars PSG’s victory nightThe town hall for the Paris district that includes the Champs-Elysee, where tens of thousands went after the football victory, called for a ban on such gatherings.

On Saturday night, the “Champs-Élysées avenue and its surroundings ceased to be a place of celebration and became an arena of urban guerrilla warfare”, the town hall said in a statement.

A car was set ablaze not far from the Eiffel Tower during street celebrations on Saturday night.
A car was set ablaze not far from the Eiffel Tower during street celebrations on Saturday night. © Lou Benoist, AFP

Politicians from all sides lambasted the troubles and questioned the way it was handled.

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Far-right figurehead Marine Le Pen wrote on X that “only in France does a football club’s victory spark riots”.

Valérie Pécresse, the head of the greater Paris council from the Republicans party, slammed “the brainless thugs who allow themselves to destroy everything, tarnishing the image of Paris and France!”.

She demanded “exemplary sanctions” in a post on X.

A spokesperson for the hard-left France Unbowed said: “We cannot be satisfied with the way last night’s event was managed and organised by the government.”

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Riding high

Nunez promised “strongarm” security for Sunday’s celebrations as thousands of PSG supporters waited, waving flags and sporting PSG shirts. Some 6,000 police were on duty across the centre of the capital.

“We’re still riding yesterday’s high, so we want to keep the party going,” said 25-year-old Abou, a PSG fan “since he was little”.

French champions PSG beat English title holders Arsenal on penalties on Saturday night
The French champions beat Premier League title holders Arsenal on penalties to clinch back-to-back Champions League titles. © Kenzo Tribouillard, AFP

“Paris, Paris” chanted supporters, as they filtered through security checkpoints to get spots near a stage where the players appeared. The “We Are the Champions” pop song blared out on speakers.

PSG captain Marquinhos and striker Ousmane Dembele were among the most applauded as they lifted the trophy before the adoring crowds. “We will be back next year for the third,” said Dembele.

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But PSG’s Qatari president Nasser Al-Khelaifi appealed to the crowd: “Please celebrate calmly today. We must protect our city.”

The streets were so packed that the team arrived more than an hour late at the Champs-de-Mars where they paraded on a red, white and blue tricolour carpet to the stage.

Captain Marquinhos lifts the trophy against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower.
Captain Marquinhos lifts the trophy against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. © Benoit Tessier, Reuters

Giant screens showed replays of the penalty shootout that brought the trophy back to Paris.

“It was great, there was the stress of the penalty shootout but it was good stress in the end,” said Mirna Makima, a 39-year-old physiotherapist who travelled from Belgium for the celebrations.

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(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

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Alan Brazil’s ‘heart stopped’ in life-saving transplant as talkSPORT host gives health update

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The former striker, now a TalkSPORT presenter, has given the latest update on his health

TalkSPORT presenter Alan Brazil has spoken candidly about the life-saving surgery he underwent, disclosing that he received a liver transplant. The 66-year-old has now returned to the breakfast programme briefly this week, where he disclosed that his heart stopped beating while he was on the operating table.

Brazil had been away from his regular role hosting the show on talkSPORT for several months due to continuing health concerns. The severity of the situation remained unclear until last month.

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Speaking on the breakfast programme, the former Ipswich Town, Tottenham and Manchester United forward said: “The problem is that at night I can’t sleep. I don’t want to go too much into it, but I’ve still got a problem with fluids.

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“On the Wednesday morning I worked on talkSPORT, I’d been having ongoing trials, so many specialists, I decided I needed a transplant. I didn’t want to do it but my kids and Jill [wife] said you’ve got to do it, you have to do it, you are doing it.

“Amazingly on the Wednesday I was doing radio, I’d gone through loads of appointments, loads of serious questions and questions that you wouldn’t talk to anyone but your family about. Anyway, they decided, “we’ll have a go at this or else you’re in trouble.

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“On the Wednesday, I finished at quarter to 10, I got a shout at 10, you’ve got to phone Addenbrooke’s Hospital, I did at 10, they said “they’ve got something for you, get here right now.

“I jumped in a cab, went down to Cambridge, and at 2.30 that afternoon I was on the slab. Bang, they opened me up and performed [surgery] for something like eight hours. They transplanted my liver. I had a tiny liver by all accounts and they transplanted it. My heart did stop for a bit, it came back on its own.

“I’ll be very frank, I’m very, very lucky. Doctor Gibbs was magnificent. He explained as they were wheeling me into the theatre the dangers and what could happen and that I might not come out of this. But he said, “you’re strong, you’ll be alright.” I swear I thought my days were numbered, honestly.

“But anyway, this guy has been a legend. I had more than four weeks [in total]. I had a week in intensive care then they moved me to the ward. The staff, there’s one nurse to 13 beds, that’s how bad it is, I was having tests, I was in a cupboard, there was nowhere to put me. The aisles were full of beds and machines. They stuck me near a printer and all that and said ‘deal with that for 20 minutes’.

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“I’ve got the staff at Addenbrooke to thank. I had another four weeks in there, got myself out. I feel really good but I can’t sleep and I have a problem with fluid. The fluid keeps coming back. They’re not worried but saying, “look, it’s early days, it’s five-and-a-half weeks since we opened you up. We’ll get to the bottom of it.

“I’m taking loads of meds and appointments at Ipswich and Cambridge Hospitals. I’ve just got to be a good boy, rest up, and go and see these people. Hopefully I’ll get back to 100 per cent. From where I was before, the last five or six years, I never realised how bad I was. I feel totally different now. I’m incredibly lucky.”

He added: “I’m still here! Gradually, every day, improving.

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“I’m looking forward to getting back. It’s going to be a few more weeks, hopefully two or three and then I’m getting back. There’s going to be loads of sport on, which is really getting me going.

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“It’s been a funny few months, it really has, but there’s a lot of rubbish going on at the moment [elsewhere], there’s heartbreak and Kenny [Dalglish], Kevin Keegan, John Barnes (all confirmed that they have or have had cancer), every day you read something different.”

It’s our age I’m afraid. I cocked it and thank God, luckily, the guys at Addenbrooke’s Hospital saved my life.

“I’m on the mend I’m still not there, getting there guys. Gabby [Agbonlahor] is still talking tosh so I can still do this.

“Gabby (Agbonlahor), lovely to see you mate, and Ally [McCoist], I’m excited to get back to you with Celtic, Rangers, and Hearts.

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“So much sport has been going on and it’s really kept me going to be honest. It’s been magic and there’s still loads to come with the World Cup, so bingo! I’m alive and kicking, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Taking to social media last month, Brazil said: “As you can see, I’m beginning to improve rapidly, which is great news. I was nearly gone, I don’t mind telling you. But listen, it’s a miracle now what’s happened with the NHS, I can’t thank the people at Cambridge enough, they’ve saved my life basically.

“But, I’m on the mend, you bet, I’m missing radio. I will be back.

He added: “It won’t be long now, a few weeks, Brazil is back, Thank you for all the messages, I really appreciate it and I’m a lucky boy.”

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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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World Cup 2026: Fifa bans fans from taking water bottles into stadiums

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Fans will be able to buy water in the stadium and Fifa has promised not to charge above their usual venue prices.

The U-turn follows warnings by scientists that Fifa’s heat safety measures for the tournament are “inadequate”, with temperatures at 14 of the 16 host venues set to exceed dangerous levels.

“Fifa works closely with each host city committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans travelling to the stadium, which can include resources such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents and more around the stadium footprint,” Fifa’s statement said.

“Inside the stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles for the Fifa World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.”

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The change in policy comes amid complaints that fans are being hit by “extortionate” ticket prices and inflated train fares.

Fans were also prevented from taking bottles into stadiums at the last World Cup in Qatar.

The Free Lions England fans’ group called the move a “strange, late change”.

In a statement posted on X, it added: “In all of our discussions, free water availability in stadiums was a key one and we were assured by Fifa that this would be the case and that fans will have the ability to bring their own water bottle.

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“Naturally, the immediate thought from supporters is this is just the latest money-grab. For how hot the stadiums will be, many in open air, just let fans bring a bottle if they want to.

“We hope the water fountains in stadiums will still be free, hopefully you aren’t charged in the queue!”

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Hart’s efforts help Knicks turn around Game 1 of NBA Finals

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SAN ANTONIO — When the New York Knicks needed a lift, they turned to the player who has given them everything he has all season.

Josh Hart overcame early foul trouble to lead a defensive effort that stymied the San Antonio Spurs in the second half as New York rallied for a 105-95 victory in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday.

“That’s just who he is,” said Jalen Brunson, who led the Knicks with 30 points. “He’s always been that way. I can’t explain it. He just has a knack for doing things like that, and in crucial times, as well. It’s a credit to who he is as a player.”

Scoring three points on 1-for-5 shooting doesn’t sound like an impactful line, but Hart’s value to the Knicks goes well beyond his offence.

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Hart finished with 15 rebounds, six assists, four steals and a blocked shot in 27 minutes. The Knicks outscored the Spurs by 22 points when Hart was on the court, the highest plus-minus by eight of any player in the series opener.

Hart is the first player with 15-plus rebounds, six-plus assists and four-plus steals in an NBA Finals game since Hall of Famer Larry Bird in Game 3 of 1986 NBA Finals for Boston against the Houston Rockets.

“I don’t really don’t care about it, honestly,” Hart said, chuckling. “I’m happy we got the win. Happy I was able to impact the game. Obviously, I had a couple of shots that I felt good about that didn’t go in. How I play the game, it goes far beyond made shots, it goes far beyond box scores. Glory to God, he was able to strengthen me in moments of weakness and I was able to just go out there and just hoop.”

The Spurs were held to 40 points in the second half and were outscored 29-19 in the fourth quarter. Hart had three steals in the fourth quarter alone as the Knicks sealed a victory in Game 1 with Game 2 scheduled for Friday in San Antonio.

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Hart picked up three early fouls that limited him to 6 1/2 minutes in the first quarter and only 37 seconds in the second. San Antonio shot 38% on 3-pointers in scoring 55 points in the first half with Hart largely on the bench.

“These guys are resilient, man,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. ”They get better as the game goes along. They really try to pay attention to the details that we are throwing at them.”

Hart was key to that turnaround in the second half.

Spurs forward Julian Champagnie was 5 for 6 on 3-pointers in the first half but missed all five of his attempts in the second half. Champagnie finished with 16 points.

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At 20 years old, Spurs rookie Dylan Harper became the youngest player to score 10 points in the NBA Finals, doing so in his first six minutes on the court. He was limited to four points on 2-for-5 shooting in the second half and finished with 16 points.

Hart’s first steal of the fourth quarter led to a running layup by Brunson that put New York ahead 92-86 with 6:34 remaining.

His final steal led to Brunson’s 15-foot jumper with 38 seconds that sealed the victory.

“You know, you look at Josh Hart’s line being 1 for 5 from the field, and the guy had 15 rebounds and four steals, and he made some unbelievable defensive plays and he helped us tremendously in transition,” Brown said. “So, heck of a job by Josh.”

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