Sports
Trans women to be banned from playing in majority of British female tennis competitions
Transgender women will be banned from playing in the female category in most domestic tennis competitions from next month.
Current Lawn Tennis Association rules allow players to self identify but, from January 25, 2025, trans women and non-binary individuals assigned male at birth will only be allowed to compete in the male category in Specified competitions.
These include leagues and tournaments in tennis and padel involving players from different clubs and venues, from the national championships down to local level.
Club championships and social tournaments have been designated as Non-specified and it will be up to individual venues to decide their own policy.
The legislation is set to come in from next year
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The LTA does not have jurisdiction over international events such as Wimbledon or ATP, WTA or International Tennis Federation tournaments, so this policy will only apply to domestic tennis events.
Currently, trans women are allowed to compete in the female category in WTA and ITF events providing they meet strict restrictions on testosterone levels.
The LTA has made opening tennis up to all sections of society its core strategy but cited physiological male advantages.
This includes longer levers and increased cardio-vascular capacity, for its change in policy.
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The new legislation will not impact on international events such as Wimbledon or ATP
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A statement said: “It is clear that tennis and padel are gender-affected sports – the average man has an advantage when playing against the average woman.
“The current broad consensus, including the conclusion of the review carried out by the Sports Councils Equality Group, is that this advantage is likely to be retained to a significant degree in trans women, making competition potentially unfair.
“We are changing our policy to restrict trans women and non-binary individuals assigned male at birth from playing in the women’s category in Specified, inter-venue, competitions.
“We want to encourage local venues to ensure that they are as inclusive as possible for trans and non-binary individuals, providing opportunities to compete in a friendly environment. In line with this, our own Local Tennis Leagues product (largely played in parks) will remain fully inclusive.”
The new policy is the result of an 18-month process involving consultation with affected groups and other sports, and the LTA pledged to review the policy going forward.
One of those who had been campaigning for it is coach Judy Murray.
She said: “I’m all for inclusivity in sport, but we’ve always had categories for a reason: to make it fair and to keep it safe…When children reach puberty, the boys begin to pull away from the girls hugely because they obviously become bigger, stronger and faster,” she explained.
She noted that boys are typically “more competitive” and “more robust than girls in general.”
Jack Butland was between the sticks for Rangers for the first time in 2025 after a leg injury kept him out of the last five games.
But before that lay off there were grumbles about his form.
A mistake against St Mirren lead to a penalty and defeat for Rangers last month, and then he was let off the hook when Motherwell caught him out for a corner, only for Tony Watt’s goal to be ruled out at the end of December.
Those were just two examples of Butland making errors he simply did not make last term.
So his own goal at Old Trafford – scored by punching a corner into his own net – will only have intensified scrutiny on his position as number one goalkeeper.
Especially as Liam Kelly deputised effectively in his absence.
However, despite his mistake the former England goalkeeper also showed why he is Philippe Clement’s first choice.
He made five saves, including a brilliant one to deny Amad Diallo in the first half.
The Rangers manager seems unlikely to drop him, but it will not stop conversations continuing over his role.
“It’s a horrendous mistake and Butland knows it himself,” former Rangers winger Neil McCann said on Sportsound.
“I don’t think it’s a real flaw in his game, he’s maybe a wee bit rusty having been out injured.
“He’ll hate himself tonight. Sitting in the dressing room, he’ll blame himself.
“I don’t think he could do anything about the winner, it was smashed straight through his legs.”
Chelsea and Napoli have both expressed interest in 20-year-old Garnacho.
United did not respond to questions around a reported bid from Chelsea that is said to be around the £60m fee they are looking for.
The club have been open around the fact their profit and sustainability rules (PSR) situation is tight and they have written to a leading fans group to admit they are in danger of a breach unless costs are cut.
Under PSR rules, selling a home-grown player like Garnacho creates more room within their submission.
Yet, United know such a move would go down badly with fans who repeatedly chanted the Argentina international’s name during the win over Rangers.
“Let’s see in the next days,” said Amorim. “He’s a Manchester United player and was really important for us today.
“I think he’s improving in every aspect of the game, he was better today playing inside, also outside, changing positions, he’s improving the recovering position. Sometimes he shows some frustration and that is good because he wants more. He has the potential to be so much better in every situation in the game.”
Signed from Atletico Madrid in 2020, Garnacho has made 118 first-team appearances for United since making his debut in 2022 and scored 23 goals.
He has netted eight times in 32 appearances this season but, with United’s next home game not until the day before the close of the transfer window against Crystal Palace, was he saying goodbye to the Old Trafford faithful?
Former United Champions League winner Rio Ferdinand told TNT Sports: “The fans were making their feelings very clear. They love him. He gets you on the edge of your seat.
“I don’t think he would be the one initiating this move. I don’t think he’s the one going: ‘I want to leave’.
“But the system goes against him. Amorim doesn’t play with out and out wingers, so you don’t see the best of him. That will be one of the main reasons why they may listen to offers.”
A late Bruno Fernandes goal gave Manchester United a 2-1 victory against Rangers on Thursday.
That moved them up to fourth in the league table with 15 points, meaning victory at Romanian side FCSB next week will cement a top-eight finish. A draw might be enough depending on results elsewhere.
Tottenham, meanwhile, put themselves on the verge of a place in the knockouts by winning 3-2 at Hoffenheim.
They are sixth on 14 points, meaning only a win against Elfsborg will guarantee a place in the last 16.
Rangers may have suffered frustration with the late Fernandes goal, but they are still in a good place to secure at least a place in the play-off round.
They are 13th on 11 points, three ahead of Porto in 25th place – with teams who finish between ninth and 24th going through to the two-legged play-offs.
Porto are the only club who could deny them a finish in those positions but goal difference would come into play and Rangers are in a good position in that regard. The Scottish side have a +5 goal difference, while Porto are on +1.
Rangers are at home to Belgians Union Saint-Gilloise on the final day of the league phase and a point will guarantee a place in the top 24, while Porto are away to Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv.
With its paeans to the immortal Denis Law and the banners hailing the genius of their other great Scot Sir Alex Ferguson, Old Trafford looked the part.
But it didn’t sound like it. It didn’t have any aura, any noise from the home fans, any intimidation factor.
“Glory and honour”, “One Love Stretford End” “Manchester Is My Heaven.” The worthy motifs decorated the stands but there wasn’t glory or honour or love.
Not until Butland banged one into his own net.
Suddenly, the volume was turned up. Suddenly, United looked convincing in their build-up play, albeit wasteful when the moments came.
There were several good ones, but no second goal, not until the dying seconds.
Butland saved, his defenders blocked and Rangers ensured that their night didn’t descend into something unpleasant.
Findlay Curtis came on, another 18-year-old in the fray. A debut against Fraserburgh on Sunday and a Europa League debut on Thursday. Rice and Curtis must have felt like kids at Christmas.
So much has been said about the Old Firm’s inability to break through their young players, but Clement has some decent ripostes to that criticism now. Rice and Curtis were there because of injuries to others, but they were there.
This is a young group of players that Clement has and he is desperately trying to buy time to mould them into a gnarled unit. Patience, of course, is as rare as the dodo bird on the Govan Road.
In a heart-stopping moment late on, Rice played a gorgeous pass into Dessers, who was on-on-one with Altay Bayindir in the United goal.
He lifted it over him and saw it come off a post. He was probably offside but that didn’t lessen the ire of the home fans. They reacted with a fury that split the ears.
We couldn’t have known that Dessers would go again and this time he would put it away in the manner of the greatest Rangers strikers. Seventeen for the season. More than 20 last season.
That’s decent shooting for the dud you hear some Rangers fans talking about.
Fernandes had the final say and there will be Rangers angst because of it. For all the class of the finish, the goal was avoidable.
That will hurt, but there will be hope, too, for Clement. His players fought hard against adversity. He saw character out there. No points, but something to keep building on.
Sports
Will Liverpool tighten their grip at the top? Paul Coyte and Clive Allen’s weekend predictions
After Spurs losing to Everton I was ready to give up on football but just like Michael Corleone each time I try to get away they pull me back in. Same thing with Man Utd fan Eamonn on Monday morning when we were arguing over who’s team were worse.
One of football’s greatest strikers Clive Allen and one school football’s worst will attempt to predict this weekend’s PL scores. Can Liverpool tighten their grip at the top? Will Nottingham Forest continue their amazing season? Can Ipswich get anything at Anfield?
Liverpool have a golden opportunity at Anfield this weekend to extend their lead at the top.
Getty Images
Here’s what we think…
Bournemouth V N Forest
Clive 1-1 Paul 1-2
Brighton V Everton
Clive 1-0 Paul 2-0
Liverpool V Ipswich
Clive 3-0 Paul 4-0
Southampton V Newcastle
Clive 0-2 Paul 1-3
Wolves V Arsenal
Clive 0-2 Paul 0-2
Man C V Chelsea
Clive 2-1 Paul 3-2
C Palace V Brentford
Clive 1-0 Paul 1-1
Spurs V Leicester
Clive 2-0 Paul 2-0
Aston Villa V West Ham
Clive 2-0 Paul 2-1
Fulham V Man Utd
Clive 1-1 Paul 2-1
As well as the Europa League, Tottenham are also in the FA Cup and have a 1-0 first-leg advantage over Liverpool in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
The win at Hoffenheim means victory for Tottenham at home to Elfsborg next week will likely see them into the knockout stage.
That game comes before a huge couple of days for Spurs as they travel to Liverpool in the EFL Cup on 6 February before going to Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round three days later.
Around those they have important league fixtures against Leicester, Brentford and Manchester United as they look to avoid dropping lower than their current 15th place in the Premier League.
“It is a huge couple of weeks for the club,” Hargreaves added.
“It defines their season, with the FA Cup and the second leg of the League Cup.”
Former Tottenham striker Peter Crouch said: “They are one game away from a final.
“They are in the ascendency there. If they get to a final that is a good season.”
Tottenham are now among the favourites to win the Europa League.
With finishing in the top four unlikely, success in Europe’s second-tier competition is their best way of securing Champions League football next season.
“The Europa League they have to prioritise now,” added Crouch.
“I look at the teams and they are capable of beating any of them.”
Sports
Man Utd player ratings vs Rangers as Ruben Amorim finds new partnership in dramatic Europa League win
Manchester United are close to sealing a top-eight finish in the Europa League table after leaving it late with a 2-1 win over Rangers on Thursday.
There was nothing to separate the two sides after 45 minutes with neither goalkeeper truly tested.
United were pushing for the opening goal to start the second half with both Christian Eriksen and Amad Diallo combining to trouble Rangers’ defence.
But the deadlock was broken in surprising circumstances when Jack Butland inadvertently punched a corner kick from Eriksen into his own net.
That goal gave United the cushion they needed to take full control of the match as Rangers chased their opponents around the pitch.
Manchester United won a dramatic match
REUTERS
However, Rangers found an equaliser in the final minutes when Cyriel Dessers pounced on an error from Harry Maguire to fire past Altay Bayindir.
But United captain Fernandes came up trumps for his side minutes later when a brilliant finish to seal all three points.
Man Utd player ratings
Altay Bayindir – 7
Another assured display from the young shot-stopper. More questions will be asked on whether he takes Andre Onana’s spot permanently.
Leny Yoro – 6
Gave away a needless foul that denied Matthijs de Ligt from scoring the game’s opening goal early on. Picked up another knock that forced him to come off.
Matthijs de Ligt – 7
A strong display from the Dutchman at the heart of the defence. Comfortably kept Rangers’ forwards at bay.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Playing on the left allows Martinez a bit more licence to push forward and he provided the cross for Fernandes’ winner.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Looked dangerous for United going forward, but still needs to improve defensively against tougher opposition.
Amad Diallo – 8
Quickly establishing himself as United’s brightest star. Incredible he was overlooked for so long by Erik ten Hag.
Toby Collyer – 7
An impressive European debut for the 21-year-old. Didn’t look fazed at all by the occasion.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Came up trumps for his side when they needed it most with a winning goal in stoppage time.
Harry Maguire nearly cost Manchester United the win
REUTERS
Christian Eriksen – 8
Was United’s most creative player besides Diallo. His set pieces were the difference for United on the night.
Alejandro Garnacho – 7
Was lively out wide without creating a lot in the final third. United fans made it clear they don’t want the club to sell him.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
Cut a lonely figure at times through a lack of service but also failed to get himself in the game at times.
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Manchester United are in a strong position to finish inside the top eight
REUTERS
Subs:
Harry Maguire – 4
A huge error nearly cost United dearly in the dying minutes. Fernandes came to his rescue.
Tyrell Malacia – 5
Looked a bit shaky down the left when he came on and Rangers’ best chances came down that side.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Had a quiet 15 minutes after his introduction.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
Similar to Manuel Ugarte, didn’t have a lot to do when he came on.
Rasmus Hojlund – N/A
Chelsea considering move for Alejandro Garnacho, Manchester City chasing Andrea Cambiaso, and Borussia Dortmund weighing up two Premier League left-backs.
Chelsea are considering a move for Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho, 20, after Napoli ended their pursuit of the Manchester United player. (Sky Sports), external
Manchester City are interested in Italy full-back Andrea Cambiaso, 24, but Juventus will demand a fee in the region of 65m euros (£54.8m). (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external
Borussia Dortmund have stepped back from the race to sign England forward Marcus Rashford, 27, with the Manchester United player’s £350,000-per-week wages proving a stumbling block. (Mail), external
Arsenal and Ukraine left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, 28, is expected to leave before the end of the window, with Borussia Dortmund eyeing a deal. (Telegraph), external
Dortmund also have an eye on Chelsea and England left-back Ben Chilwell, 28, as an alternative option. (Sun), external
Chelsea have verbally agreed a deal to loan Portugal midfielder Renato Veiga, 21, to Juventus for the rest of the season. (Athletic), external
Arsenal and Scotland left-back Kieran Tierney, 27, is on the verge of agreeing a pre-contract to return to Celtic on a free transfer at the end of the season. (Telegraph), external
West Ham want RB Leipzig’s Andre Silva, 29, on loan for the rest of the season but will turn to Ajax’s Netherlands striker Brian Brobbey, 22, if they fail to secure a deal for the Portugal forward. (Florian Plettenberg), external
Ryan Reynolds has revealed how he sent teasing WhatsApp messages to Tom Brady and David Beckham during Birmingham City’s victory over Wrexham last September.
The Wrexham co-owner shared details of the playful exchange ahead of tonight’s League One clash between the two sides at the Racecourse Ground.
While Brady and Beckham were present at St Andrew’s for Birmingham’s 3-1 win, Reynolds watched from afar, engaging in what he now admits was overzealous banter with the sporting legends.
Speaking on the Men in Blazers podcast, Reynolds confessed to sending messages mocking both sports stars’ physical attributes.
Tom Brady and David Beckham were in attendance to watch Birmingham and Wrexham in September
GETTY
“I was s— texting both of them, mostly failing bone structure and age-related sort of material,” Reynolds said.
The Hollywood star expressed regret about his messages, adding: “It wasn’t my finest moment and I hate that they’re both kind people in real life.”
Tonight’s match sees Reynolds’ Wrexham host Brady’s Birmingham City at the Racecourse Ground.
Reynolds, who initially expressed uncertainty about his attendance, has suggested he might be present for the League One fixture.
“It is definitely on the cards,” the Wrexham co-owner said regarding his potential appearance at tonight’s match.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have had great success with WrexhamPA
The previous encounter between the sides in September ended in a 3-1 victory for Birmingham City, with both Brady and Beckham watching from the stands.
Beckham has previously shown support for Reynolds’ involvement in football, having attended Wrexham’s FA Trophy final against Bromley at Wembley in May 2022 as Reynolds’ guest.
The former England captain has praised Reynolds and co-owner Rob McElhenney’s impact on the Welsh club.
Drawing from his experience with Inter Miami, Beckham said: “It takes people like Ryan and Rob to give it that bit of air.”
Reynolds revealed his fellow co-owner McElhenney might be even more competitive when it comes to facing Brady.
“Would I love to beat Tom Brady at sports? The answer is an emphatic yes. Would Rob? Maybe more so,” Reynolds said.
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Tom Brady holds a minority stake in Birmingham
Reuters
The Wrexham owner added: “Rob has a skosh more rabies about it all and about everything, but God bless it. It’s great.
“We’re very clear that we’re Canadian and American and we balance each other beautifully.”
Aston Villa are eighth in the Premier League and ninth in the Champions League, so their season is hardly a disaster – they just look a little bit flat at times.
Their striker situation is something that Villa boss Unai Emery has got to sort out because he put Jhon Duran on to play with Ollie Watkins in the second half against Monaco, and they are not playing well together
I don’t know if that is an ego thing, where both strikers want to be the main man, but they both need to have a think about what benefits the team.
As a former striker myself, I know how other strikers want to be fed, and how to have an understanding to create situations, but that does not seem to be happening – Watkins and Duran are not connecting or clicking, which is a worry.
For a partnership to work, you have got to understand your role in the team and how sometimes one of you has got to sacrifice yourself.
Believe it or not, I was pretty good at realising that, where I was in the pecking order, and how to adapt my game. There are people out there who would say I was unselfish and a team player, and I wouldn’t argue with that.
I know there is a different view because I listen to my old strike-partner Alan Shearer speaking to Erling Haaland about how you have to be single-minded in front of goal.
You do, you have to be selfish when it comes to taking chances. But football is a team game and sometimes you have to be prepared to adapt and roll your sleeves up – Shearer always did it – and try to play roles that you don’t necessarily want to play, for the good of the team.
When Aston Villa’s squad is stretched and a little bit fatigued, Watkins and Duran should be capable enough, and have enough understanding of how to feed each other, because strikers know how to do it.
Not doing it is a bit of a blot on the copybooks of both players. They are both very talented players, but they need to work this out for the good of the team. Maybe Emery needs to whack some Brazilian music on in training to sort them out?
Seriously, though, this is a crucial time in Villa’s season and I think they will get past West Ham.
Graham Potter’s side were jammy when they beat Fulham last week, but I don’t see them being lucky enough to beat Villa.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Jamie’s prediction: Villa obviously have the potential to do damage but I just feel like Potter has got something to prove in his first month. 1-2
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