Category Uncategorized

The chairman of the PCB’s independent disciplinary panel pointed to Umar Akmal’s lack of remorse and a refusal to cooperate with investigating authorities as he detailed the reasoning behind the three-year ban on the Pakistan cricketer, which will keep him out of the game – as a player and otherwise – till February 19, 2023.Akmal was charged by the PCB on two counts of breaching its anti-corruption code ahead of this year’s PSL, and while each charge carries a three-year ban, they will run concurrently. Unlike a number of punishments in corruption investigations, there is no suspended sentence. Akmal has 14 days to appeal before the tribunal.”It appears that he [Akmal] is not prepared to show remorse and seek apology, make admission that he failed to fulfill his responsibility under Anti-Corruption Code, Article 2.4.4, rather he tried to take refuge under the pretext that in the past whenever any such approaches were made, the matter was reported by him,” Justice (retd) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan, the panel chairman, wrote in his full judgment of the case, released today. “As far as Charge No.1 is concerned, I do not see any circumstances to mitigate the nature of offence, particularly, when the participant (Umar Akmal) has not cooperated with the PCB Vigilance and Security Department and the investigating team.”Akmal was initially suspended by the PCB on February 20 and subsequently charged, and then chose to forego the right to a hearing before the anti-corruption tribunal, where he could have pleaded innocence or contested the charges, saying he would wait for a sanction to be confirmed. As a result, his case went directly to the disciplinary panel.As reported by ESPNcricinfo, in his reply to the charges to the PCB, Akmal did admit the violation, saying that he was approached by two men on separate occasions, but chose not to inform the authorities, which was a breach of the code and led to his suspension. In front of the panel too, Akmal admitted the charges, but claimed there had been no “objectionable material” to report.Akmal explained that a first approach was at a dinner party in Lahore, when he was introduced to a stranger and after sensing the intentions of the individual, he distanced himself and left the venue. But Chauhan observed that Akmal was duty-bound to inform the anti-corruption officials immediately: “The reason given by the player is not acceptable and the explanation given in the reply are not sufficient.”Even today when offer was made to him to accept his offence and pray for lesser punishment, the player did not avail the chance and stuck to his explanations.”Speaking about the second approach, Akmal said that a person in Lahore had requested a favour in exchange for help in resolving an undisclosed dispute. Becoming uncomfortable, Akmal said he left the meeting but the judge, again, pointed out that he should have reported the approach. Akmal said in his reply that in the past, confidential information involving him had been “leaked to the media” without his consent.The judge observed that Akmal “had failed to give any plausible explanation for not reporting the matter to PCB vigilance and anti-corruption department and is in breach of the rule article 2.4.4 and he would be deemed to be engaged in corrupt conduct under the anti-corruption code of PCB”.The judgment concluded with: “The participant/player/Umar Akmal shall not play, coach or otherwise, participate or be involved in any capacity in any match or any kind of functions, event or activity (other than authorised anti-corruption education or rehablitaion program that is authorised sanctioned, recognised or supported in any way by the PCB, the ICC or other national cricket federations, or receive accreditation previously issued shall be deemed to be withdrawn.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O Vasco anunciou, nesta quinta-feira, que farácampanha para que sócios e torcedores escolham o novo nome do CT do clube. Atualmente, o local é chamado “do Almirante” e foi construído com a ajuda da torcida. Com isso, o projeto será dividido em três etapas e intitulado de:”NOSSO CT: Você construiu, você vai escolher o nome”.

> Confira e simule a tabela da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro

RelacionadasVascoPresidente do Vasco projeta recuperação semelhante a do Flamengo: ‘Mandato de arrumação’Vasco01/07/2021VascoVasco parabeniza zagueiro Dedé, que completa 33 anos: ‘Peça fundamental na conquista da Copa do Brasil’Vasco01/07/2021VascoEm mais um revés, Vasco demonstra descontrole emocional e tem quatro derrotas em oito rodadas na Série BVasco30/06/2021

O resultado final será divulgado no dia 2 de agosto e não serão permitidas homenagens a pessoas vivas ou personalidades políticas, de acordo com a vedação estatutária. Na primeira etapa, que será realizada de 01 a 07 de julho, participarãoos torcedores que fizeram doações para a construção do CT. Eles irão sugerir nomes a uma comissão, que selecionará os dez.

>Veja momentos em que o clube defendeu as causas sociais

Na fase seguinte, do dia 10 a 16 de julho, os sócios poderão participar e terão direito a um voto cada. Dos dez, os dois nomes mais votados seguirão para a terceira e última etapa do processo.

> Vasco demonstra descontrole emocional e tem quatro derrotas na Série B

Por fim, a fase decisiva será constituída porvotação aberta a todos os torcedores do Vasco com duas opções de escolha. Não haverárestrição de quantidade de votos e a opção mais votada pela torcida renomeará o Centro de Treinamento do Vasco da Gama.Para participar do processo de escolha basta clicar aqui.

Celtic's place at the top of the Scottish Premiership table is safe for now after their rivals were beaten on Sunday, leaving them four points clear.

The Hoops smashed St Mirren 3-0 on Saturday to move four points ahead of Rangers at the summit, and the Gers went on to lose 3-2 to Ross County on Sunday.

Brendan Rodgers' side could see the gap reduced to one point if their rivals win their game in hand against Dundee on Wednesday night, but the title is still in their hands as it stands.

The Scottish giants are fighting to avoid a trophyless end to the 2023/24 campaign and they still have the Premiership title and the SFA Cup to compete for over the coming weeks.

Attention will then turn to the summer transfer window and how Celtic can improve their playing squad by dipping into the market to add to their options.

Celtic's interest in prolific forward

It was recently reported by Football Insider that the Hoops are one of a number of clubs interested in a possible summer swoop for Blackburn Rovers star Sammie Szmodics.

The initial report claimed that Celtic and Brentford are battling it out to land his signature ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, after his prolific season in the English Championship.

It also added that other unnamed teams in the bottom half of the Premier League could also provide competition to sign the Republic of Ireland international.

Football Insider followed up on that with an update shortly after and they claimed that the Bhoys could be blown out of the water if Premier League teams decide to act upon their interest with firm offers, due to the financial advantage they have over the Scottish side.

However, there was no mention of how much Blackburn would demand for the attacker and it remains to be seen whether or not Celtic can swoop in before others have the chance to make their move.

Rodgers could land a dream partner for current Hoops star Adam Idah, who is currently on loan from Norwich City, if he can get a deal for Szmodics over the line.

Football Scotland report that the Canaries are likely to demand a fee within the region of £6m for the Irish marksman, and claim that is within the club's transfer budget for the summer.

With this in mind, the board must push the boat out to land Szmodics and Idah to bolster Rodgers' attack for next season, as the prolific duo could form a terrific partnership at the top end of the pitch.

Adam Idah's form for Celtic

The Hoops snapped the 6 foot 3 striker up on loan from Norwich on deadline day at the start of February, and he has been a superb addition to the squad.

Idah had scored six goals in 28 Championship matches, including 12 starts, for the Yellows during the first half of the ssaon before his switch to Glasgow, and has already bettered that tally at Parkhead.

The 23-year-old dynamo has plundered an eye-catching seven goals and two assists in just ten appearances for Celtic in the Premiership since the start of February.

Appearances

33

10

Goals

11

7

Minutes per goal

200

65

Conversion rate

13%

30%

Big chances missed

21

6

As you can see in the table above, Idah has been far more effective in front of goal than Kyogo Furuhashi in the Premiership, with a goal every 65 minutes of action in comparison to the Japan international's one every 200.

No Celtic player has outperformed their xG by more than the Irish star, who has scored seven goals from 5.24 xG. Meanwhile, no Hoops man has underperformed their xG by more than Kyogo, who has scored 11 goals from 15.4 xG in the Premiership so far this season.

These impressive statistics suggest that Rodgers should be pushing for the club to sign Idah to lead the line as the starting number nine for the team next term, as he has been a prolific addition to the side.

He would also be the perfect foil for a signing like Szmodics, who operates in an attacking midfield role and stands at 5 foot 6, as he has won 69% of his aerial duels in the Premiership and can provide a physical presence up front that allows the smaller whiz to focus on his work in possession.

Sammie Szmodics' goalscoring record this season

The Ireland international has plundered a fantastic 30 goals and four assists in 45 appearances in all competitions for Blackburn so far this season.

Former Rovers boss Jon Dahl Tomasson hailed Szmodics as "incredible" at the start of the year, and his sensational statistics this term back that comment up.

Appearances

41

Sofascore rating

7.28

xG

19.21

Goals

24

Minutes per goal

152

As you can see in the table above, the 28-year-old star has been a prolific presence in the number ten position for Blackburn in the Championship, with more than one goal every other game on average.

24 goals from an xG of 19.21 means that he has outperformed his expected tally by almost five goals, which speaks to how clinical the Irish whiz has been in front of goal.

Szmodics, who has played the bulk of his games as an attacking midfielder but can also play as a centre-forward, could thrive alongside Idah at the top end of the pitch for Celtic.

His compatriot could occupy opposition defenders with his physical presence, standing at 6 foot 3 with an impressive aerial duel success rate, and free up the current Blackburn star to make runs and pick up clever positions in the box to find the back of the net in an attacking midfield or second striker role.

Both players have been lethal scorers for their respective clubs this season, both outperforming their xG, and could combine to form a sensational pairing for Celtic next season to improve Rodgers' attack as they attempt to compete domestically and in Europe.

It is now down to the board to ensure that they can wrap up deals for both attackers during the upcoming summer transfer window to provide the manager with a clinical forward line for the 2024/25 campaign.

An esteemed member of Mikel Arteta's squad has been playing on with an injury all season, and it is believed he's still the hardest trainer at Arsenal.

Arsenal chasing first Premier League title in 20 years

The Gunners are in hot pursuit of their first league title in 20 years and have picked up scintillating form at just the right time with 33 goals scored in their last eight Premier League games alone.

Arteta could sign 36-goal striker for Arsenal at sizeable transfer discount

He’s been in sublime form this season.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 21, 2024

Arsenal currently sit top of the table, level on points with fellow contenders Liverpool whilst boasting the superior goal difference. Jurgen Klopp's side and Man City come as their biggest obstacles, with the two teams having dominated English football for over half a decade.

If Arteta can upset the applecart and usurp the pair, it would go down as a historic season and one which would cement the manager's status in Arsenal folklore.

Bukayo Saka

7.69

Declan Rice

7.40

Martin Odegaard

7.33

Gabriel Martinelli

7.10

Gabriel Magalhaes

7.04

Key players like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, William Saliba and others will have a major part to play in the race, but so will versatile defensive ace Ben White. The Englishman, who recently caused a stir by refusing a call-up to Gareth Southgate's England squad, has been pivotal over his 27 league appearances this season.

According to Arsenal journalist Charles Watts, speaking to Caught Offside, the 26-year-old shows his dedication week in, and week out at Hale End.

Ben White playing through injury as hardest trainer in Arsenal squad

Watts claims that White has been playing with an injury throughout the entirety of Arsenal's season, and nobody can question his work ethic as he stands out as the hardest trainer in Arteta'a squad.

“Ben White is as focused about football as any other elite player. You talk to anyone at Arsenal and they will say the same thing. No-one trains harder or works harder than Ben White," said the reporter.

“Just because he doesn’t go home and watch match after match on the TV doesn’t mean he isn’t fully committed to the game and his club. Mikel Arteta demands absolute professionalism from his players. If they don’t show that, they are swiftly shown the door. But White has been rewarded with a new contract that Arteta and Edu were desperate for him to sign and that tells you all you need to know about his character and how he is behind the scenes.

“White has been carrying an injury throughout the season, but he consistently plays through the pain barrier. He is absolutely committed to everything he does.

“So instead of people pointing the finger at White following his decision to opt out of playing for England, they should probably be asking why a player at the peak of his powers does not feel comfortable working with the current England coaching set-up.”

Given White's sheer importance, supporters will perhaps be breathing a huge sigh of relief that the £150,000-per-week defender won't be risking further injury in meaningless England friendlies.

Aston Villa recorded their third Premier League win in a row, although it took a late Lucas Digne winner to seal all three points.

Luton Town threatened to snatch a share of the spoils, clawing back a two-goal deficit, but the mentality that Unai Emery has installed in his team is why they are currently sitting in the top four.

The fixtures are set to come thick and fast over the next few weeks, however, as the club get set to take on Ajax in the last 16 of the Europa Conference League.

This means Emery may have to reshuffle his starting XI in order to keep things fresh, indicating that a few players may drop out…

Youri Tielemans was poor against Luton, and he could make way for someone more effective.

Youri Tielemans’ statistics vs Luton Town

The Belgian was unleashed alongside Ollie Watkins against the Hatters as Emery went for a standard 4-4-2, but while the Englishman scored twice, Tielemans couldn’t quite get into the game.

Youri Tielemans' stats vs Luton Town
Accurate passes	18
Touches	35
Total shots	0
Possession lost	11
Total duels won	3/6
Via Sofascore

He failed to have a single shot on goal, made just one key pass and failed to create a big chance during the clash as he failed to provide a meaningful attacking contribution.

The former Leicester City midfielder lost possession 11 times throughout the tie and managed to take just 35 touches – 36 fewer than Emiliano Martínez in the sticks – while completing just 69% of his passes, and it was clear his stint alongside Watkins was poor.

With Morgan Rogers and Moussa Diaby on the bench, it was a strange move seeing Tielemans start next to the in-form Watkins, and could this change ahead of the tie against Ajax in midweek?

The players who could replace Youri Tielemans against Ajax

Dropping the £150k-per-week ace to the bench makes sense and this gives Emery the option to unleash a couple of players in his place.

Rogers has registered 16 goal contributions this term – seven goals and nine assists – and can operate either on the wing or as a centre-forward, indicating that he could certainly be a useful option for the Spaniard to call upon.

The most obvious choice perhaps is Diaby, who has found himself on the bench recently for the Midlands side.

He has yet to hit the heights that saw him become one of the most feared attackers in the Bundesliga, scoring just six times for Villa, but he enjoyed a solid cameo against Luton.

The Frenchman set up Digne’s late winner while making one key pass and creating a big chance and there is no doubt he would be fresh after playing just 11 minutes on the weekend.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Tielemans may be able to offer a variety of qualities to this Villa side, but playing him in a more advanced role did not work well against Luton, and it is time Emery went for a player who has more experience in this area.

Diaby should be given the nod, especially if a 4-4-2 formation is chosen again, and he can take a lot of confidence from his late assist against the Hatters.

Gloucestershire 220 for 7 (van Buuren 93, Charlesworth 77*) v NorthamptonshireWe might be living through strange times, but surely not so strange that either of these counties will now be denied promotion to the first division. Rain has made a mockery of the myriad equations so let’s be done with arithmetic and talk the simple language of cricket: Glamorgan must bat with the precision of Donald Bradman at the speed of Brian Lara, then take wickets at the strike rate of SF Barnes to beat Durham and stop Northamptonshire and Gloucestershire from going up.The game here at Nevil Road is heading for a draw, probably of the dullest and soggiest variety. That will matter not a jot in the wider context. Nor will Northamptonshire lament a strangely disengaged performance on Wednesday when they took only a single wicket and Gloucestershire claimed the batting point they needed to ensure promotion remains entirely in their own hands. They require a draw plus three more points with either bat or ball. A mere draw will do for Northants.Concern around noon on Monday when Gloucester collapsed to 67 for 6 had dissipated – drowned is perhaps a better way of putting it – by the time Graeme van Buuren pushed Rob Keogh through extra cover for the boundary that carried Gloucester to the critical 200 mark. His stand of 151 with Ben Charlesworth began pre-lunch on day one and was ten minutes from continuing into the fourth when van Buuren, who scored 93, stabbed outside off stump to Gareth Berg and was caught behind.The fact that Gloucester lost their first division status as far back as 2005 might explain why so many supporters stayed on with barely a murmur for the four-and-a-half hours between the scheduled start and eventual three o’clock beginning. Such a long and hard-fought return will be something to celebrate despite the absence of prize money for third place. Northamptonshire will receive £57,000 as runners-up to Lancashire.In other circumstances, they might have grown more restless. It is hard to imagine the crowd at an international match behaving as placidly with the sun shining, the playing field open, nets in place and stumps beside the pitch ready to be inserted. Yet the place was a hive of inactivity through the morning save for the occasional sight of a player or the umpires wandering out, scraping the soles of their boots on problem areas and wincing their way back off.With the situation even worse at Chester-le-Street, the slippy, sludgy areas around footmarks on the edges of used pitches might have suited both teams. Gloucester, in the weaker position, would have been content not to risk defeat. “Mud, mud, glorious mud,” they must have sung, like Flanders and Swann, in the sanctity of their dressing room. Yet once umpires David Millns and Mike Burns did consider play to be possible, it was they who switched on quicker.Van Buuren played and missed a couple of times against Ben Sanderson in the early exchanges and Charlesworth survived a reasonable appeal for leg-before by Keogh, the most dangerous of the bowlers on a surface offering some turn. Otherwise, the closest that Northants came to breaking the stand as it developed was a run out opportunity when Charlesworth was sent back by his partner, Keogh missing with the throw.They made a tricky pair: Charlesworth tall, upright and left-handed, van Buuren a short, right-handed croucher. Van Buuren punched anything slightly short, especially through the off side, while Charlesworth’s off-drives again flowed like cream from a jug. At 18, he is a prospect who will make crowds purr with his strokes. That in turn may lead to frustration if returns fall short of unreasonable expectations. He needs to be allowed to develop at his own pace.”Ben is so solid,” van Buuren said. “He makes bowlers look slow, he plays them with ease. It is a sexy forward defensive he has. He is an attractive player but he is already a good player too and you have to remember how young he is. I said to somebody yesterday how he reminds me so much of Aiden Markram, the way he loads up, stands still and has that same whirl of the bat. He is class.”Van Buuren is a friend of Markram, a fellow South African, who averages 43.80 from his first 17 Test matches. It is quite a compliment. He also drew a comparison with Chris Dent, blooded young by Gloucester but now their steadiest batsman approaching 9,000 career runs. Sanderson was generous too, praising Charlesworth for his temperament and judgement of what to leave.Charlesworth has already equalled his career best; tomorrow would be quite a day to set a new one. Equally, while van Buuren was disappointed at missing his own hundred he could reflect on the more important picture. “We just have to rock up for one more day and play good, hard cricket,” he said. “Stay grounded, keep humble and hopefully cricket will look after us in the end.”