DAILY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Germany warns of travel to Turkey after minister threatens ʼterrorists,ʼ ʼtraitorsʼ The German government criticized Turkey on Wednesday after the Turkish interior minister threatened to arrest "terrorists" and "traitors" from Germany arriving at Turkish airports. The statement from Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu was "not helpful in the current situation," Foreign Office spokesperson Maria Adebahr said in Berlin. Read more: Turkey: Actors and actresses are Erdoganʼs new targets According to Turkish media, Soylu told an election campaign rally on Sunday that people in Europe and Germany who attend "terrorist organization" rallies would be arrested in Turkey. "In Germany, in Europe, there are those who attend terrorist organization events then go on vacation in Antalya, Bodrum and Mugla," Soylu said, referring to Turkish resort towns. "Now weʼve taken action against them.
EU court rejects Hamas appeal to delist terrorist status A top EU court on Wednesday rejected an appeal by Hamas for the bloc to delist the Palestinian group as a terrorist organization to allow it to regain access to frozen assets. Hamas, which seized control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 after it won Palestinian elections, has been on the EU terrorist list since 2001. The EUʼs General Court ruling on Wednesday related specifically to the EUʼs decision to renew the terrorism listing in 2015. Hamas, which has armed and political wings, had argued that the EU made a "mistaken characterization of Hamas as a terrorist group," denied a right to defense and had "not substantiated by any evidence" to justify the terrorism listing. The Islamist group further argued it is "a lawful political movement that won the Palestinian elections and forms the core of the Palestinian government."
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EU conservative bloc lays out ultimatum for Hungaryʼs Viktor Orban EPP chief Manfred Weber says that can be avoided if Orban does three things
Viktor Orbanʼs Fidesz party faces suspension or expulsion from the European Peopleʼs Party, the largest political bloc in the EU Parliament. EU lawmaker Manfred Weber pledged to "try one last time" to keep Hungaryʼs Fidesz party in the European Peopleʼs Party (EPP), the association of center-right parties in the European Parliament, as it prepares to debate Fideszʼs exclusion. The EPP, which also includes Germanyʼs Christian Democrats and Christian Social Union, has more lawmakers than any other group in the Brussels assembly. GermanbornWeber leads the conservative faction. peaking to Germanyʼs masscirculation Bildnewspaper, Weber listed three specific conditions for the populist Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to avoid sanctions for his party. Weberʼs ultimatum"Viktor Orban must immediately and permanently end his governmentʼs campaign against Brussels," Weber said in an interview published on Tuesday. Secondly, the Hungarian prime minister should apologize to EPP member parties, which number around 50 mostly ChristianDemocratic political groups. Lastly, Orban should allowthe George Soros-backed Central European University (CEU)to keep its headquarters in Budapest and be once again al-
lowed to give out US diplomas. Orban has long irritated Brussels officials with his moves against an independent judiciary and media, his rejection of migrants, as well as campaigns targeting the Hungarian-born billionaire Soros. In recent weeks, however, tensions were once again inflamedby an Orban-backed campaign against Soros and European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker. Last month, Orbanʼs government started posting tax-funded billboards of a grinning Soros and Juncker, saying they were planning migration incentives which "threaten Hungaryʼs security." In response, the European Commission slammed the claims as "at worst downright factually incorrect or at best highly misleading." The latest row also made waves in the EPP, which in 2014 ran Juncker as their top candidate for the European Commission presidency. Manfred Weber aims to replace Juncker following the EU election in May. On Monday, the EPP said it received motions from 12 of its member parties to vote on booting Orbanʼs Fidesz. Juncker also told Germanyʼs ZDF broadcaster he would support the exclusion of the Hungarian party.
Ash Wednesday — Germanyʼs day for beer and political insults For more than seven decades, the political culture of the Federal Republic of Germany has been characterized by remarkable consensus and compromise. Despite the best efforts of some of the far-right populists in the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, thereʼs no German equivalent to the acrimony generated by President Donald Trump in the United States. In the main, German politicians stay civil. But every Ash Wednesday the gloves come off, and political leaders are allowed to push the rhetoric to the limits of fairness — and sometimes beyond. Thatʼs been the case this year, too, in the centenary edition of the ritual. Here are some best zingers from the 2019 edition of the political roast dayGermans call "political Ash Wednesday."
North Korea rebuilding rocket test site
North Korea has started restoring part ofa long-range rocket launch site it dismantled last year, according to a report published on Wednesday by Washington-based think tank 38 North. Satellite evidence suggests that work had begun at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in the run-up toa summit in Vietnam between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump, 38 North said.
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France cools Iran spat with new ambassador The French government has appointed an ambassador to Iran after the role was left vacant for months following a diplomatic dispute with the Islamic republic, according to a decree published in Franceʼs Official Gazette. The government named veteran diplomat Philippe Thiebaud (pictured), who once represented France at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, as its permanent representative in Iran. Franceʼs AFP news agency reported that Iran had tapped Bahram Ghasemi, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, as its ambassador to France, another post left empty since the summer. Iranʼs choice is a controversial one. Ghasemi, who previously served as ambassador to Italy and Spain, had earlier this week credited Lebanese militant group Hezbollah with preventing terrorist groups from reaching Europe. Hezbollahʼs military wing is considered a terrorist group by the EU.
Germany extends ban on arms exports to Saudi Arabia Germany announced Wednesday it would extend a temporary ban on arms exports to Saudi Arabia until the end of the month. The ban, which Germany instituted followed the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and applies to countries involved in the Yemen war, has led to both domestic and international tension, with Chancellor Angela Merkelʼs government facing pressure from theGerman arms industryand some EU neighbors angered over the export freeze. The ban was originally set to last until March 9. "We decided this [extension] with a view to developments in Yemen," Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said following a meeting of Merkelʼs cabinet. "We believe that the Yemen war must end as soon as possible." "Not only will there not be any permits issued until the end of this month, but products with permits already granted will also not be delivered," Maas added. The minister said that the German government would evaluate the arms export situation with respect to developments in Yemen over the course of the month. Around 10,000 people are estimated to have been killed in the war in Yemen since 2015, when Saudi Arabia launched a military intervention in the country. 2
EU says still ʼno solutionʼ in negotiations Brexit in 23 days:
Former far-right Dutch politician converts to Islam A former Dutch far-right MP and right-hand man to anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders revealed he has converted to Islam. He was known for saying that Islam is "a lie" and the Quran is "poison." For years, as a lawmaker for Wildersʼ Freedom Party (PVV), Joram van Klaveren fought a relentless campaign in the Lower House against Islam in the Netherlands. Back then, according to the daily tabloid Algemeen Dagblad (AD), the "hardliner pleaded for banning the burqa and minarets, saying ʼwe donʼt want any Islam, or at least as little as possible in the Netherlands.ʼ" However, the 40-year-old Van Klaveren said he had changed his mind halfway through writing an anti-Islam book, which, on Tuesday, he told the respected NRC Handelsblad "became a refutation of objections non-Muslims have" against the religion.
Just over three weeks before the UK walks out of the European Union, there has been no breakthrough to amend Britainʼs divorce deal. The deadlock between the EU and Britain is centered on the so-called Irish backstop. The European Union said Wednesday there has been no progress in the latest talks with Britain, just days before the UK lawmakers are set for a second vote to avoid a hard Brexit. EU diplomats led bynegotiator Michel Barnierand his UK counterparts met in Brussels on Tuesday in a bid to amend their divorce deal before Britainʼs scheduled exit on March 29. "Michel Barnier has informed...that while the talks take place in a constructive atmosphere, discussions have been difficult,"
Will Mindanao referendum bring peace to Philippinesʼ restive region? Meccah Samanodi, 24, cast her vote at Vilo elementary school, a short walk from Notre Dame University in Cotabato city, where she is a faculty member. "I voted in favor of Cotabato city becoming part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) because I believe in my heart having this new region will finally resolve the injustices inflicted upon the Bangsamoro people over a long period of time," Samanodi told DW. She
said Margaritis Schinas, spokesman for the European Commission, the blocʼs executive. "No solution has been identified at this point that is consistent with the withdrawal agreement, including the protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, which will not be reopened," Schinas said. At the center of the deadlock is the Irish backstop that is aimed at ensuring there is no hard border between Ireland, a member of the EU, and Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom. voted "yes" in the January 21 referendum, but said she fully understood those who made a different choice. "Many people in my city worry we are risking our economic prosperity, security and progressive spirit. It will take time for everyone to feel good about the outcome. Nevertheless, we need to give peace a chance. Hopefully, the new Bangsamoro will live up to its potential."
Swedish royal heist jewelry found, reports say The trial of a young man accused of stealing royal jewelry from a Swedish cathedral was halted on Tuesday
when officials announced that the jewelry had been found in a rubbish bin in a Stockholm suburb. Thieves made off with an orb and two crownsworth approximately 65 million Swedish crowns ($7.1 million) from a hilltop cathedral west of Stockholm in July, before fleeing via a nearby lake system. Police said they had recovered what they believed to be King Karl IXʼs funeral regalia in an area around Stockholm and that they were working "intensely" to confirm the items were the royal jewelry. A 22-year-old Swedish man is standing trialaccused of stealing the objects from an alarmed display after the glass was smashed. The defendant, who was arrested Sept. 12, has not been publicly identified. A second man has been detained but not charged.
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Macron issues plea for Europe ahead of EU elections In a Europe-wide column, French President Emmanuel Macron has laid out a plan to protect democracy in Europe. It includes new border controls and higher penalties for firms that flout climate, tax or data rules. French President Emmanuel Macronhas outlined his visionfor fundamental reform of the European Union in an editorial to be published on Tuesday in leading newspapers in each EU country. His impassioned call for a "European Renaissance" comes amid unease about a continued upswing in support for far-right, nationalist partiesin the EU elections in May. Macronʼs main recommendations: The creation of a new agency to protect European democracies and their electoral processes against cyberattacks and fake
Violence against women rife in eastern Europe, says OSCE study The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) published Wednesday the "grim" results of a large-scale survey on violence against women in eight different countries in eastern and southeastern Europe. The representative report surveyed around 15,000 women aged 18-74 in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, Moldova, Ukraine and Kosovo, asking them about their experiences of violence and abuse since the age of 15. Key findings on violence Some 70 percent of women said they had experienced some form of violence since the age of 15, with 31 percent saying this had occurred within the last 12 months.Twentythree percent of women responded that they had experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner, while 18 percent said they had experienced this from a nonpartner.Family members were responsible for 31 percent of non-partner physical violence experienced by women.Psychological violence is the most common form of violence against women, with 60 percent of women reporting this from a partner.
news. It would enforce bans on foreign financing of political parties and draw up rules that ban "hateful and violent speeches from the internet."Sweeping reforms to the passport-free Schengen area, including the creation of a joint border police force and European asylum office.Stricter controls on the EUʼs outer borders and a common asylum policy for migrants.A similar approach to US President Donald Trumpʼs "America First" policies and a ban on companies that threaten European strategic interests.
Iraq tortured alleged IS children to coerce confessions: Human Rights Watch
Iraq and the autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) have charged hundreds of children with terrorism for alleged "Islamic State" (IS) membership after extracting confessions obtained through torture, Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday. "Iraqi and KRG authorities often arrest and prosecute chil-
dren with any perceived connection to IS, use torture to coerce confessions, and sentence them to prison in hasty and unfair trials," the rights group said. Around 1,500 children are in Iraqi and Kurdish detention for alleged IS affiliation, it added. At least 185 foreign children have also been convicted on terrorism charges.
German police launch manhunt after brazen airport heist German police are searching for three suspects who allegedly attacked a money transport truck at Cologne-Bonn international airport. "This morning at around 09:15 (0815 UTC), three masked and armed men raised a money transporter," police spokesman Wolfgang Baldes said on Wednesday. "There were shots. An employee of the (money transport) company was severely injured by at least one shot to the thigh." Police confirmed later in the day that the shot victimʼs life was not in danger.
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German workers tally record 61 billion hours Ten years on from the global financial crisis, German workers tallied up a record 61.1 billion work hours in 2018, a 1.4 percent increase on the previous year, according to areportfrom the Institute for Employment Research (IAB). The last time that number got close to the new record was 1991, at 60.3 billion hours. The number of people employed also reached a new high of 44.8 million last year. "We are really not running out of work, despite claims to the contrary,” said Enzo Weber, head of macroeconomics at IAB. The average time at work also increased last year, partly due to the trend towards more full-time work and fewer short contracts Weber said. Mexican workers top the list But if OECD figuresare anything to go by, Germany might be challenging common assumptions about hours worked. OECD data from that year showed German workers averaged 1,356 hours actually worked per year while Mexican workers toiled for an average 2,257 in 2017. The OECD average was 1,744 hours. Productivity and wages are also not evenly balanced across Germany with eastern states still lagging behind the west, three decades after reunification. Mexican workers top the list But if OECD figuresare anything to go by, Germany might be challenging common assumptions about hours worked. OECD data from that year showed German workers averaged 1,356 hours actually worked per year while Mexican workers toiled for an average 2,257 in 2017. The OECD average was 1,744 hours. Productivity and wages are also not evenly balanced across Germany with eastern states still lagging behind the west, three decades after reunification.
Merck does not have to compensate French patients, court rules Merck will not have to pay damages to customers who claim they werenʼt properly informed about changes to the companyʼs thyroid drug, a French court ruled Tuesday. More than 4,100 plaintiffs had demanded a total of €41 million ($46 million) — or €10,000 each — in compensation. They alleged the German pharmaceutical giant failed to tell them about possible side effects of a new version of its Levothyrox drug released in 2017. But the court in Lyon rejected the class-action suit, finding that Merck had provided enough information. About 3 million people use the thyroid medication in France. 4
EU hits car-part makers with €368 million price-fixing fine The EUʼs anti-trust regulator has issued huge fines to two auto-safety equipment suppliers for running cartels. Autoliv and TRW colluded to fix prices of car parts to Volkswagen and BMW. Two manufacturers of seatbelts, airbags and steering wheels were fined €368 million ($416 million) by the European Commission on Tuesday, in the latest antitrust case against car-part suppliers. The US, Michiganheadquartered TRW Automotive will pay €189 million, while Autoliv, based in Stockholm, Sweden, has been fined €179 million penalty. The pair, along with a third supplier, Takata of Japan, were found to have
Racing towards the unknown, but in an electric car As far as tone is concerned, carmakers at the Geneva International Motor Show have a difficult balance to strike. Every unveiling is an expensive, stage-managed affair, accompanied by soundtracks of overpowering bass. The show is meant to be a display of strength from the industry, promoting its ability to combine engineering might with top-level tech, all encased in innovative design. But the first industry-wide gathering in Europe for 2019 is also an opportunity for carmakers to present a united front in the face of perceived threats to the sector:from trade issues to other shifting political developments that could cripple their ability to move forward. An electric, and eclectic, mix This yearʼs Geneva Motor Show has the strongest, most varied line-up of close-to-market-ready electrified vehicles in its history. Although the $2.2-million (€1.95 million) Pininfarina Battista Electric Hypercar grabbed instant headlines as the fastest car as well as being electric, itʼs the mass market electric models that automakers hope gain most traction. And thatʼs not only to compete with Teslaʼs (now cheaper) Model 3.
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Silesian coal not what it seams The Polish Oil and Gas Company (PGNiG) and the Polish Mining Group (PGG) recently signed an agreement to extract methane gas from hard coal seams at the site of Ruda Ruch Bielszowice mine in Silesia, southern Poland. Poland is a major European coal producerand has dragged its feet over agreeing to UN CO2 emission reduction targets. It is also caught in the middle of the row within the EU overthe Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline linking Russian supplies and German markets. Read more: Can Poland end its toxic relationship with coal? In recent years it has looked to diversify its source of gas, while modernizing its coal sector. Poland appears to be increasing LNG imports from Qatar, Norway and the US in an attempt to gradually reduce its dependence on coal and Russia. This project the Polish government believes could help achieve both aims. The Upper Silesian Coal Basin may contain as much as 170 billion cubic meters (6 trillion cubic feet) of methane, according to estimates from the Polish Geological Institute.
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colluded as suppliers of safety equipment to German auto giants Volkswagen and BMW between 2007 and 2011. Read more: VW and Microsoft put their heads together in the digital cloud Takata was not fined the €195 million the commission initially set because it blew the whistle on the cartel. All three acknowledged involvement and agreed to settle, and TRW Automotive and Autoliv having their fines reduced for cooperation.
Trudeau scandal prompts further minister to quit
The budget minister in Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeauʼs Cabinet has resigned in an escalating political scandal. Jane Philpott said she had lost confidence in the government over its handling of a graft case. Treasury Board President Jane Philpott quit Canadaʼs Cabinet on Monday. Sheʼs the third high-profile figure to leave her post over whatʼs becoming an escalating political crisis. In a resignation letter addressed to the prime minister, Philpott said she was seriously concerned by efforts by politicians and officials to pressure former Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould to intervene in a criminal case against Canadian engineering giant SNC-Lavalin and could no longer defend the government. "Sadly, I have lost confidence in how the government has dealt with this matter and how it responded to the issues raised," Philpott said in a statement. "I must abide by my core values, my ethical responsibilities and constitutional obligations. There can be a cost to acting on oneʼs principles, but there is a bigger cost to abandoning them," she wrote.
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Summit Meeting of the Schlager Stars at Nassfeld All details at www.nassfeld.at/en/events
As part of the sun skiing programme, Nassfeld brings the stars of the local schlager scene to the stage for a big open-air concert on 5 and 6 April 2019. Including: the chart topper Melissa Naschenweng, Nino de Angelo, Marco Ventre & Band, Marc Pircher and many more. Number 1 in the Austrian album charts, highest entry as a newcomer in Switzerland and more than 1 million views of her video clip “I steh auf Bergbauernbuam“ within just three weeks; Melissa Naschenweng and her new album ”Wirbelwind“ bring a breath of fresh air to the schlager scene and to Nassfeld. Because the ski resort brings the successful singer to the Schlager Summit Open-Air Concert directly on the piste on Friday, 5 April 2019. But her colleague DJane Bibi Booom also represents a new, young generation of artists who simply cross the lines between different genres. With her typical mix of dance music, schlager and popular party hits, the musician in her dirndl and the red headphones has already established her fan community some time ago: ”The music is a wild mix but if the groove is a hit and the party is a great success, then this is all that counts in the end.“ And this is what you can expect from her at Nassfeld! Hannah and “Die Draufgänger“ with their cover ver-
sion of “Cordula Grün“ will also fire up the party atmosphere on Friday. It will also be a concert on home turf for Marco Ventre & Band. They will get the schlager fans going on Saturday, 6 April 2019. Nino de Angelo, an “old“ hand and one of the greatest in the industry, will perform many songs to sing along to also on Saturday. Just like all-round talent and popular musician Marc Pircher as well as the Ladykryners, who became famous in the schlager & folk music scene with a cover version of ”Bella Ciao“. The concerts on the giant Nassfeld stage, on the Tressdorfer Alm, surrounded by the Carnic Alps, start from 6:00 pm on both days. A day ticket costs € 29.00 and also includes the night ride experience on the Millennium Express from Tröpolach to the event area (uphill rides start from 5:00 pm). The 2-day ticket is available for € 49.00. The tickets are available from Ö-Ticket (plus € 2.00 ticket fee) or at the Hermagor Tourist Office. Photo credits: ©nassfeld.at
Banksyʼs shredded ʼGirl with Balloonʼ now on display in Germany First created by Banksy as a stencil street art piece in 2002, the world renowned image of a young girl with her hand extended toward a heartshaped red balloon has most famously been a symbol of political protests — including during the building of the Israel-Palestine segregation barrier in 2005 and the Syrian civil war in 2014. But when the
street artist recently attempted to shred his work after it was sold for auction at Sothebyʼs — which he renamed "Love is in the Bin" — in order to draw attention to the folly of the big money global art world, he ironically only added to its renown, and no doubt its value. Read more: Banksy video says ʼBalloon Girlʼ shredding went wrong .
Collective push against climate change more powerful than youʼd think Peter Kalmus sits outside Californiaʼs Pasadena City Hall in his electric car. His sons, aged 10 and 12, are on steps of the grand building, waving signs with the slogans: "School strike for climate" and "Adults, act like it!" Kalmusʼ Tesla is just the kind of luxury youʼd expect a climate scientist at NASAʼs jet propulsion laboratory to have. But he doesnʼt exactly live a lavish lifestyle. Actually, he says, he usually cycles. He hasnʼt been on a plane since 2012, and he eats a vegetarian diet. As someone who works in climate science, Kalmus feels thereʼs no excuse not to reduce his carbon footprint. "This is an urgent crisis," he says. "Those of us who understand that should act like itʼs an urgent crisis."
Múzeum+ February at Museum of Fine Arts
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Hungary Budapest: Debrecen: Eger: Hévíz:
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Culture
Right here, right now! Fatboy Slim comes to Budapest Akvárium Club BRIGHTON BEATMASTER FATBOY SLIM IS COMING TO BUDAPEST FOR HIS LOCAL CLUB DEBUT AT THE FOCAL AKVÁRIUM ON 25 MAY.
The February edition of monthly event series Múzeum+ is being held on the 14th at the Museum of Fine Arts. For each of these events, besides interactive workshops and concerts, an Englishlanguage guided tour also features. This time the theme is German Renaissance Art, starting at 7pm. For the complete schedule, check the museum website.
Brighton beatmaster Fatboy Slim is coming to Budapest for his local club debut at the focal Akvárium on 25 May. The veteran of many a festival – Glasto, Exit, Coachella – has played Hungary before but never in the intimate surroundings of a sweaty club. The booking represents a major coup for the Akvárium, whose line-up for 2019 also includes John Digweed and Kruder & Dorfmeister. Tickets have not yet gone on sale for Fatboy Slim in the Main Hall of the Akvárium – but keep an eye on theclub’s websiteas they’re bound to sell out in no time. Slim, who successfully shifted from indie to electronica in the 1990s, reignited his career with the hit Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat, in 2013. The DJ star is currently playing a series of huge arenas in the UK, from London to Glasgow. Akvárium Klub District V. Erzsébet tér 12
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Bayern Munich criticize timing of Joachim Löwʼs decision to axe trio
In a joint-statement issued by the club from chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, Bayern Munich criticized the timing of Joachim Löwʼs decision to cut the international careers of three players short. Read more: Löwʼs decision was overdue opinion "Normally we donʼt comment on the sporting decisions of the national team head coach. The nominations for the national team squad are exclusively the responsibility of Joachim Löw."
Paula Radcliffe says tighter transgender rules are needed to avoid ʼmanipulationʼ
Marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe says elite sport could be open to "manipulation" unless tighter rules are applied to transgender women. International Olympic Committee guidelinesstate that transgender women must suppress testosterone levels for at least 12 months before competition. But Radcliffe questioned whether that should also extend to surgery and has called for further research. We need to protect female sport but we also need to protect transgender women and their rights Paula Radcliffe "Right now, transgender women are not a threat to female sport," she said. 6
Aleksandar Kolarovʼs free kick stunner secures Serbia win over Costa Rica A brilliant second half free kick from captain Aleksandar Kolarov led Serbia to a deserved win over Costa Rica. Serbia were wasteful in front of goal but did enough to secure three vital points in Group E. Another World Cup day, another sublime freekick. If Cristiano Ronaldo’s ice-cold effort tosnatch a point against archrivals Spain on day two was the current goal of the tournament front-runner, the Portuguese may have just met his match. Aleksandar Kolarov, take a bow. A combination of poor finishing and sublime goalkeeping had kept the scores level until Serbia’s no.11 produced his moment of magic. Kolarov’s powerful left foot is no secret, but few inside the stadium would have expected such a thunderous strike when the Roma defender stood over a free kick midway through the second half. His shot was unstoppable; a sidefooted missile which screamed into the top corner of the Costa Rica net. Kaylor Navas, who kept his team in the game with several crucial saves either side of half time, was nowhere near it.
FA seeks observations from Liverpool manager after comments about referee Jurgen Klopp:
The FA has sought written observations from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp after his comments concerning the referee in his sideʼsdraw at West Ham on Monday. Klopp admitted James Milner was offside in the build-up to Sadio Maneʼs goal and felt that mistake influenced later decisions made by referee Kevin Friend. "I heard our goal was offside, Iʼm pretty sure the ref knew that," the German manager told BBC Sport. "In 50-50 situations it was always a free-kick for the
other team." Speaking to Sky Sports, Klopp added: "As a human being, if I know I have made a big mistake in the first half, I donʼt want to open the gap any more. "Referees are obviously human beings, and I understand that, but I didnʼt during the game because I had no clue that our goal was offside."
Andy Murray: Former Wimbledon champion ʼpain freeʼ after hip injury Andy Murray says he is "pain free" after hip surgery but that his chances of playing singles at Wimbledon this year are "less than 50%". Murray had hip resurfacing surgery in January, which he said meant it was possible he would not be able to play professionally again. But the threetime Grand Slam champion said it was the only option if he wanted to return to competitive action. "The rehab is slow but going well," the 31-year-old Briton said. "I want to continue playing, I said that in Australia. The issue is I donʼt
know whether itʼs possible." In an interview with BBC sports editor Dan Roan at Queenʼs Club, the former world number one added: "The operation went well. Iʼm feeling good and walking around pain free - which hasnʼt been the case for pretty much 18 months, two years. "The reason for having the surgery was to improve all the day-to-day things and my quality of life. "I wasnʼt enjoying tennis, I wasnʼt enjoying going out for walks and doing basic things - it was painful tying my laces. I wanted to get rid of that."