Connect with us

Published

on

England have opened their World Cup campaign in Qatar by taking the knee in a tournament which has been largely overshadowed by non-sporting issues, including criticism of the host nation over human rights abuses and allegations of FIFA corruption.

The Three Lions made the gesture against racism and inequality – just hours after rowing back on a decision to wear the OneLove armband during matches to promote diversity and inclusion because of the threat of the captain being booked.

Iran‘s side chose not to sing the country’s national anthem, in an apparent show of support for protesters back home.

Widespread demonstrations have followed the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in the custody of Iran’s morality police in September after being detained for alleged violations of the country’s strict dress code.

Iranian state television did not show footage of the players lined up for the start of the match.

Latest World Cup news – FIFA condemned over armband threat

Pic: Neil Hall/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Image:
Iran’s players remained silent throughout the country’s national anthem. Pic: Neil Hall/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Off the pitch, hundreds of fans trying to get into the Khalifa International Stadium were faced with delays after they found their ticket app only started working minutes before they reached the front of the queue.

More on Qatar

Fans said their tickets suddenly disappeared off the app, leaving them unable to get into the game.

FIFA said it was “working on solving the issue” and urged fans unable to access their tickets on their phones to check their emails “for further instructions”.

One England fan said they should have “just used paper tickets” and criticised the organisation of the entry.

“We are waiting in line and the game’s about to kick-off. I won’t use any profanity… but spewing, absolutely spewing,” said another fan, who had travelled from Australia to the game.

Read more
‘They’ve bottled it’: Fans’ anger after England and Wales ditch plan to wear OneLove armband

The Great Debate

Harry Kane was due to wear the multicoloured OneLove armband during the side’s opening game, and Wales captain Gareth Bale the same armband promoting inclusivity when he leads the team out against the USA later at Al Rayyan Stadium.

However, facing the threat of an instant yellow card, a joint statement from seven European nations – including England and Wales – who had signed up to the OneLove campaign, earlier confirmed the armbands will no longer be worn.

They said while they were “frustrated by the FIFA decision”, they could not put their players “in a position where they could face sporting sanctions”.

A suspension is issued after two bookings in this tournament, meaning had either player been booked ahead of kick-off, they would already be walking a tightrope.

Kane instead wore FIFA’s No Discrimination armband as England started their campaign against Iran.

The teams said they were prepared to “pay fines that would normally apply to breaches of kit regulations” but “cannot put our players in the situation where they might be booked or even forced to leave the field of play”.

The statement added: “We are very frustrated by the FIFA decision which we believe is unprecedented – we wrote to FIFA in September informing them of our wish to wear the OneLove armband to actively support inclusion in football, and had no response.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The story of the Qatar World Cup

Qatar has faced an onslaught of criticism since being chosen as the host nation, with the country’s poor human rights record and ban on same-sex relationships proving particularly problematic.

In Qatar, participating in same-sex sexual activity can be punished with up to seven years in prison, or even the death penalty.

The safety of migrant workers and the logistics of holding a football tournament in desert heat has also attracted negative attention.

The decision is another late one, following on from FIFA’s U-turn on alcohol sales – banning beer at the tournament’s eight stadiums, with the exception of those in corporate hospitality at venues.

The sale of alcohol is strictly controlled in Qatar, and is only allowed in the Muslim nation within hotel bars and restaurants away from street view.

The Football Supporters’ Association for fans in England and Wales, then criticised the decision, warning: “If they can change their minds on this at a moment’s notice, with no explanation, supporters will have understandable concerns about whether they will fulfil other promises relating to accommodation, transport or cultural issues.”

Today, the group issued a scathing response to the decision on armbands, saying: “We feel betrayed.”

Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts

“Today we feel contempt for an organisation that has shown its true values by giving the yellow card to players and the red card to tolerance,” it said.

“Never again should a World Cup be handed out solely on the basis of money and infrastructure. No country which falls short on LGBT+ rights, women’s rights, workers’ rights or any other universal human right should be given the honour of hosting a World Cup.”

Continue Reading

UK

Man arrested over death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey

Published

on

By

Man arrested over death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey

A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey.

Essex Police say Gilbey, 40, is thought to have died after a fall at work.

He was best known for appearing on the Channel 4 show alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who died in 2021 aged 71.

George Gilbey. Pic: Shutterstock
Image:
George Gilbey. Pic: Shutterstock

The reality star also appeared on the 14th series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2014, reaching the final.

An Essex Police spokesperson said: “As part of our ongoing investigation into the death of a man in Campfield Road, Shoebury, we have arrested a man in their 40s from the Witham area on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

“This is a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive and our inquiries are ongoing.”

Essex Police previously said they were called to an incident in Shoebury, Southend-on-Sea at around 10am on Wednesday.

More on Gogglebox

A spokesperson for the force said yesterday that “a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury”.

“The ambulance service, including air ambulance, were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene.”

Gilbey, from Essex, joined Gogglebox in its second series in 2013 before he and his family were dropped the following year when he signed up for Celebrity Big Brother. The family later returned to the series.

Follow Sky News on WhatsApp
Follow Sky News on WhatsApp

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Tap here

A spokesperson for the award-winning programme said: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and stepdad Pete.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda and George’s family and friends at this very sad time. The family has asked for privacy.”

Gilbey appeared on the Channel 5 version of Celebrity Big Brother alongside other famous faces including The Hills star Stephanie Pratt and American actor Gary Busey, who won the series.

Continue Reading

UK

Hundreds of Border Force staff at Heathrow Airport to strike in April

Published

on

By

Hundreds of Border Force staff at Heathrow Airport to strike in April

More than 600 Border Force officials at Heathrow Airport will strike for four days in April.

The strike action will take place from 11-14 April, the PCS union announced.

The workers, who carry out immigration controls and passport checks at Heathrow, voted by 90% to walk out over a new roster and imposed changes to shift patterns.

The union said the changes could see 250 staff at the west London airport forced to lose their jobs by the end of next month.

Fran Heathcote, general secretary of PCS, said: “Ministers have 14 days to withdraw these unfair and unnecessary proposals or our members at Heathrow will take strike action.

“Consultation with staff has been a farce, with our members having little or no choice about the new arrangements.”

Read more from Sky News:
Disgraced ‘crypto king’ jailed for 25 years
Man arrested over Gogglebox star’s death

She added: “Ripping up flexible working arrangements is no way to treat staff especially, as the government says, their work is critical to our nation’s security.

“Some members are heartbroken that the Border Force has become ‘unprofessional and inhumane’.

“If the government is serious about border security, it should look at Border Force officers’ job security, look after its staff, scrap the changes and work with us to protect jobs and working conditions.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are disappointed with the union’s decision to strike.

“Keeping our borders secure remains our top priority. We have robust plans in place to avoid disruption, and will deploy necessary personnel to meet demand on what we have long known will be one of the busiest travel days. We are confident in our plans to minimise the impact of this industrial action.

“We always recommend that passengers check the latest advice from their operators before travelling.”

Continue Reading

UK

King delivers personal Easter message following cancer diagnosis

Published

on

By

King delivers personal Easter message following cancer diagnosis

The King has said he is continuing to serve the nation with “my whole heart” in a personal Easter message in the wake of his and the Princess of Wales’s cancer diagnoses.

The pre-recorded audio was broadcast in his absence at a Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral on Thursday ahead of the Easter weekend.

EMBARGOED TO 2230 WEDNESDAY MARCH 27 EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO SALES. Publications are asked to credit BBC/Sky/ITV News. The photograph is being made available by way of license on condition that the photograph shall be solely for news editorial use only, no charge should be made for the supply, release, or publication of the photograph; there shall be no commercial use whatsoever of the photograph - including any use in merchandising, advertising or any other non-editorial use. The image must not
Image:
The King’s message was broadcast to a congregation at Worcester Cathedral. Pic: BBC/Sky/ITV News

The King, who announced in February he was undergoing cancer treatment, talked of his “special prayer” this Easter and expressed his “great sadness” of being unable to attend.

“The Maundy service has a very special place in my heart,” he said, after a Bible reading recounting Jesus washing his disciples’ feet.

He said the verse, from the Gospel according to St John, “has its origin in the life of our Lord, who knelt before his disciples, and to their great surprise, washed their trouble-weary feet”.

The monarch said in doing so, Jesus set “an example of how we should serve and care for each other” – and how as a nation “we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need”.

Read more:
What is Maundy Thursday?
Queen discusses what King is like as a patient
King ‘frustrated’ about speed of cancer recovery

More on Kate Middleton

King Charles III reads cards and messages, sent by wellwishers following his cancer diagnosis.
Pic:PA
Image:
The King reads cards and messages from well-wishers following his cancer diagnosis. Pic: PA

The 75-year-old, who acceded to the throne 18 months ago, said it reminded him of the pledge he made at the start of his Coronation service to follow Christ’s example – “not to be served, but to serve”.

“That I have always tried to do and continue to do with my whole heart,” he said.

“It is my special prayer today that our Lord’s example of serving one another might continue to inspire us and to strengthen all our communities.”

He added: “May God bless you all this Easter.”

The monarch – who has stepped back from large-scale public duties while receiving outpatient treatment – was pictured sitting at his desk in Buckingham Palace’s 18th Century Room as he recorded his message in mid-March.

While the King did not directly refer to his and his daughter-in-law’s health, his words will be interpreted as reflecting on the nation’s response to his and Kate’s challenges.

He told last month how he had been reduced to tears by the messages and cards of support he received from well-wishers.

Yesterday, the Queen, during a visit to Shropshire, was given posters from well-wishers for the Princess of Wales, and said Kate “will be thrilled” to receive them.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Queen thanks young Kate well-wishers

His message comes as he prepares to attend church on Easter Sunday with Camilla – his most significant public appearance and major royal engagement since his cancer diagnosis.

But there will be a reduced number of royals present to avoid the health risks associated with large crowds.

Prince William, the Princess of Wales and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis will not be present.

The family are spending the Easter holidays together following Kate’s announcement she is being treated for cancer.

Kate revealed she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy in a video message to the nation on Friday.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Kate’s message: Diagnosis ‘came as huge shock’

The statement followed weeks of global social media speculation and conspiracy theories about her whereabouts after she had not been seen on official engagements since last December.

The 42-year-old had planned abdominal surgery in January which she said was successful.

It was initially thought her condition was non-cancerous, but tests after the operation found cancer had been present.

Continue Reading

Trending