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Archive May 16, 2025

Chris Brown hit producer with bottle in London nightclub attack, court hears

By in Entertainment News, News

US singer Chris Brown is in a jail cell today after being remanded in custody following a Manchester court appearance for a charge of grievous bodily harm

Brown’s mugshot after being charged with grievous bodily harm with intent(Image: Metropolitan Police)

American R&B star Chris Brown appeared in court today charged with grievous bodily harm. The 36-year-old Loyal singer is accused of using a bottle to cause grievous bodily harm to music producer Abe Diaw during a night out at the Tape club in London’s Mayfair on February 19, 2023.

Grammy winner Brown was arrested yesterday morning at Manchester’s five-star Lowry Hotel after flying into the UK on a private jet to perform a series of gigs in the city, as well as concerts in London, Birmingham, Cardiff and Glasgow as part of his Breezy Bowl XX 20th anniversary tour.

But that is now up in the air after he was remanded in custody today following an appearance at Manchester Magistrates Court. During the hearing, Brown, who wore black tracksuit bottoms and a plain t-shirt, spoke only to confirm his full name as Christopher Maurice Brown and his date of birth. He gave his UK address as the Lowry Hotel.

Chris Brown on stage
Chris Brown is due to tour the UK next month but it could now be halted(Image: Getty Images)

Brown is charged with one count of grievous bodily harm with intent. He was refused bail and remanded in custody until his next court appearance at Southwark Crown Court on June 13 after District Judge Joanne Hirst said the charge was too serious to be heard by magistrates.

Article continues below

On Thursday evening, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North Adele Kelly said: “We have authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Chris Brown, 36, with one count of grievous bodily harm, contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

“The alleged incident occurred in London on February 19, 2023. He will have his first court appearance on Friday, May 16 at Manchester Magistrates’ Court. The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Trump calls on Iran to ‘move quickly’ on nuclear proposal

By in News, World News

United States President Donald Trump says that Iran has his administration’s proposal regarding its rapidly advancing nuclear programme as negotiations between the two countries continue.

Trump made the remarks on Friday on board Air Force One as he ended his trip to the United Arab Emirates. It is the first time he has acknowledged sending a proposal to Tehran after multiple rounds of negotiations between US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

“We’re in very serious negotiations with Iran for long-term peace,” Trump told a journalist when asked about the proposal.

“We’re not going to be making any nuclear dust in Iran. I think we’re getting close to maybe doing a deal without having to do this,” he said.

“But most importantly, they know they have to move quickly, or something bad is going to happen.”

On Thursday, Araghchi spoke to journalists at the Tehran International Book Fair and said that Iran had not received any proposal from the US yet.

Araghchi also criticised what he called conflicting and inconsistent statements from the Trump administration, describing them as either a sign of disarray in Washington or a calculated negotiation strategy.

Witkoff at one point suggested that Iran could enrich uranium at 3.67 percent, then later said that all Iranian enrichment must stop.

“We are hearing many contradictory statements from the United States – from Washington, from the president, and from the new administration,” Araghchi said.

“Sometimes we hear two or three different positions in a single day.”

Iranian and American officials have met in Oman and Rome in recent weeks for the negotiations mediated by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, a trusted interlocutor between the two nations.

The talks seek to limit Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of some of the crushing economic sanctions the US has imposed on the Islamic republic.

Trump has previously threatened to launch attacks targeting Iran’s nuclear programme if a deal isn’t reached.

Some Iranian officials have warned that Tehran could pursue a nuclear weapon with their stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels.

Separately on Friday, Iranian officials also met officials from Britain, France and Germany in Istanbul to discuss their nuclear negotiations with Washington.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who attended the talks in the Turkish city, said in a post on X: “We exchanged views and discussed the latest status of the indirect nuclear negotiations and the lifting of sanctions.”

Gharibabadi added that if necessary, Tehran would meet with the so-called E3 – the European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, along with China, Russia and the United States – once again to continue discussions, after several meetings since last year.

Trump had effectively torpedoed the deal during his first term by unilaterally abandoning it in 2018 and reimposing sanctions on Iran’s banking sector and oil exports.

Nuno ‘concerned but positive’ for injured Awoniyi

By in News, Sports News
Getty Images
Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo says the club are “concerned but positive” about Taiwo Awoniyi after the striker was put in an induced coma following a serious abdominal injury.

The 27-year-old Nigerian international had emergency surgery to repair internal damage suffered during the closing stages of Sunday’s 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester City.

Awoniyi was taken to hospital for the first phase of surgery on Monday, with the second stage completed on Wednesday before he was woken up from the induced coma later that evening.

“He went to surgery, surgery went well. Thank god,” said Forest boss Nuno, speaking before Sunday’s trip to West Ham in the penultimate game of their season.

“He is under observation now, but he is recovering. We still have to wait for the doctors to allow visits.

Awoniyi was hurt when he collided with the post while trying to reach a cross from Anthony Elanga, who was offside in the build-up to the 88th-minute incident, but the assistant referee did not raise the flag until play was completed due to an offside protocol introduced in 2020.

Forest full-back Ola Aina said the injury “would never have happened” had the flag been raised earlier.

Nuno said medical staff are monitoring Awoniyi’s progress and added: “The information that we have is that at least five days, he has to be there under observation, so that everything goes well.

“I’ll try to visit him as soon as possible. He’s in good hands, and the family is there, which is what he really needs – the support there of the family.

“It has been very difficult because of the concern of the injury, the situation he went through.

“It’s been very difficult, very difficult on us and on everybody, the concern of the injury that he had, the situation that he entered through, it’s been hard on us.”

Awoniyi joined Forest from Union Berlin in 2022 and has scored 19 goals in 85 appearances across all competitions. He has also earned 10 caps for Nigeria, having made his international debut in 2021.

Nuno said: “The players are constantly chatting on the groups. We know that he’s well, he just needs time.

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  • Nottingham Forest
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FA Cup Success ‘Massively Important’ For Man City, Says Guardiola

By in News, sport-news

Pep Guardiola said winning the FA Cup would still be signficant for Manchester City, even if victory in Saturday’s final will not mask a disappointing season by their own high standards.

City were deposed as Premier League champions by Liverpool for the first time in five years and are facing a first trophyless season since Guardiola’s debut campaign in 2016/17 if they do not beat Crystal Palace in this weekend’s showpiece match at Wembley.

Indeed, Guardiola’s men, with two league games remaining, face a fight just to finish in the top five of the Premier League to secure Champions League qualification.

But the City manager insisted Friday all of the club’s focus was fixed on lifting a trophy in their third consecutive FA Cup final.

READ ALSO: De Bruyne Seeks Fitting Man City Farewell In FA Cup Final

“That is the problem, right? The FA Cup now is not the first choice (trophy),” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference. “Once we are here of course we want the trophy.

“It is massively important.

“But to win the trophy you have to be there. And to have to be there, you have to win previous games. And we have done it for many, many years in the last years.”

Erling Haaland is expected to start after making his comeback from a six-week injury absence in last weekend’s disappointing goalless draw at already-relegated Southampton.

Guardiola added he is not thinking about managing Kevin De Bruyne’s minutes to ensure he can also play a part in his last home match for the club on Tuesday against Bournemouth.

But the City boss is not willing to take a risk on welcoming back Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.

The Spanish midfielder is nearing a return after suffering cruciate ligament damage in September.

“He is much, much better,” said Guardiola of Rodri. “I am waiting for the doctors. When they tell me when he is ready, he is going to start.

“We don’t want to take a risk and take a step back.”

Tinubu Pledges Welfare Of Air Force, Other Security Personnel

By in News, Nigeria News

President Bola Tinubu has pledged his administration’s continuous support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies in the country in the area of fleet modernization, training and welfare of men and women of the Armed Forces.

He made the pledge on Friday at the induction ceremony of two newly acquired Agusta 109S Trekker helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force held at the Presidential Air Fleet of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu underscores the importance of a well-equipped military not just in securing the nation, but also preserving its democracy.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Inducts Two Fighter Aircraft To Tackle Insecurity

“Let me use this opportunity to assure you all that my administration will continue to support the Nigerian Air Force and indeed other security agencies by giving due attention and priority to fleet modernization as well as training and welfare of our men and women in uniform,” he stated.

“As your commander-in-chief, I understand that a well-equipped military is essential not only for securing our nation but also for preserving our democracy.

“A democratically stable Nigeria is fundamental to our national progress and regional peace. And the defence of democracy requires a military that is well-prepared, well-trained and well-equipped. We also recognize that the security of a nation is intrinsically linked to its economic growth and social stability.

“Accordingly, my administration will remain steadfast in modernizing the armed forces. Ensuring that you have the best tools to perform your duties effectively,” President Tinubu said.

He further assured that his government will invest more in defence technologies especially for the Air Force.

“We will continue to invest in cutting-edge defence technologies and provide our military with the resources needed to counter both conventional and assistive weapons.

“This investment in air power allows you to have broader vision to create a buoyant and self-sufficient economy for local and foreign investments to thrive, and for our people to engage in meaningful productive ventures. It is for this reason that strengthening national security for peace and prosperity is a key priority area in the renewed hope agenda,” he said.

The President noted that the Nigerian military is gaining traction in its fight against terrorists, bandits and other non-state actors bent on disrupting the peace of the country.

He commended the men and women in uniform for their sacrifices and commitment to protecting the territorial integrity of the nation.

“Your efforts are finally wrapping up our onslaught against the enemy. You must therefore step up and intensify your efforts at conclusively ending the 19-dimensional security challenges facing our dear country.

“We must also continue to collaborate with our contiguous neighbours in order to checkmate the activities of these criminals across our shared borders. In this regard, the multinational collaboration to bring peace to the Lake Chad region is an example that must be improved upon and replicated wherever necessary.

“For us to retain our relevance in such collaborations, it is critical that we remain professional, continually build our capacity and adequately equip our armed forces and other security agencies.

“Be rest assured that under my leadership, the federal government will continue to report professionalized and equipped security agencies for effective discharge of their constitutional duties to our nation and across the sub-region.

“Globally, conflicts in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa continue to shape international security dynamics. These realities also demand that we remain vigilant, adaptable. And proactive in safeguarding our national interests. The Nigerian armed forces must therefore be prepared not only to address domestic security concerns but also to participate in regional and international peacekeeping efforts that promote stability and collective security.

“This induction ceremony, therefore, is not merely about adding new helicopters to our fleet. It is a strategic statement of intent. A demonstration of our collective resolve to strengthen our armed forces, defend our nation, and reinforce Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa.

Man City vs Crystal Palace: FA Cup final – preview, team news, kickoff

By in News, World News

Who: Manchester City vs Crystal Palace
What: English FA Cup final
Where: Wembley Stadium, London, United Kingdom
When: Saturday at 4:30pm (15:30 GMT)

Follow Al Jazeera Sport‘s live text and photo commentary stream.

Manchester City and Crystal Palace go head-to-head for the FA Cup in a final that has captured the imagination the world over since its inception.

English football’s showpiece cup final has been a tale of a team from any level – even non-professional – rising to the top to take down the giants of the game.

The Eagles of South London are no minnows in this story, but their opponents are as big as they come in the global game.

Al Jazeera Sport takes a look at a showdown that carries great weight for both teams in the world’s oldest cup competition.

Why is the FA Cup so important to both finalists?

History beckons for Crystal Palace against a Manchester City side that have one final shot at avoiding a rare trophyless season under Pep Guardiola.

Twice FA Cup runners-up, Palace have never won a major trophy in their 119-year history.

The Eagles sense this may finally be their time up against a City side far from their former glories of Guardiola’s trophy-laden reign.

What is Crystal Palace’s form?

Palace warmed up for the Wembley showpiece by cruising to a 2-0 win at Tottenham last weekend to equal their record of 49 Premier League points with two games of the season to spare.

The south London club finished in the top 10 for the first time in the Premier League era last season after just a few months under Oliver Glasner.

Another top-half finish looks unlikely, but progress has continued under the Austrian thanks to their FA Cup heroics, including a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Champions League quarterfinalists Aston Villa in the last four.

Who is Crystal Palace’s key player?

Eberechi Eze is the main man for City to fear with five goals in his last four games.

But he is one of just four England internationals that reached the final of Euro 2024 likely to start for Palace on Saturday alongside Dean Henderson, Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton.

“It means everything,” said Eze on the prospect of delivering the club’s first taste of silverware.

“We know what it means to the fans, to the club. We’re going to give everything that we’ve got to put ourselves in the best position.

“We’re confident. We know that we’ve just got to do what we do and be the best version of ourselves, and we’ve got the chance of beating any team.”

Victory would also secure entry to one of Europe’s major club competitions for the first time in Palace’s history, with a place in the Europa League at stake.

What is Man City’s form?

City’s laboured display in drawing a blank at bottom-of-the-table Southampton last weekend gives Palace even more reason to believe they can lift the cup.

However, Guardiola’s men are unbeaten in 10 games, including a 5-2 demolition of Palace in the Premier League last month despite falling 2-0 behind.

Will this be De Bruyne’s dream send-off?

City’s fightback at the Etihad Stadium in the last encounter between the clubs was prompted by Kevin De Bruyne rolling back the years.

The Belgian has just three games left as a City player after a glorious decade in Manchester and will be aiming to add one more to his 14 major honours with the club.

“He has had an incredible time at Manchester City,” said City’s top scorer Erling Haaland.

“It is ridiculous how many trophies he has won. Hopefully he will get one more trophy.”

Why has City’s season been ‘horrendous’?

After an unprecedented four consecutive English top-flight titles, City find themselves battling just to secure a top-five Premier League finish and a place in next season’s Champions League.

Anything other than victory would cap what Haaland described as a “horrendous” campaign for a squad of serial winners.

City have not ended a season without a trophy since Guardiola’s first at the club in 2016/17.

“It is a good habit to reach Wembley and always important to win trophies. We have the FA Cup final to play for and in a horrific season we still managed to do this,” added the Norwegian.

What was Palace’s finest FA Cup moment?

Palace’s extraordinary and eventually heartbreaking 1990 campaign was their finest hour in the competition.

The semifinals and final(s) that year were arguably the most dramatic in the competition’s long and storied history and remain the emotional high and low point of every Palace fan who watched them.

Palace were struggling in the top flight after promotion and had been humiliated 9-0 by Liverpool early in the season.

In the Cup they were hardly pulling up trees either, beating lower league Portsmouth, Huddersfield Town, Rochdale and Cambridge United to reach the semifinals for the first time since they lost to Southampton as a third division team in 1976.

Facing runaway champions-elect and FA Cup holders Liverpool again in the semis look an insurmountable barrier and an Ian Rush goal had the Reds ahead at halftime at Villa Park.

Things then went crazy as Mark Bright and Gary O’Reilly gave Palace a shock lead. Two goals in two minutes put Liverpool back in front, only for Andy Gray to stun the odds-on favourites in the 88th minute to force extra time.

Amazingly, it was Palace who snatched victory in the 109th minute via Alan Pardew, who would later manage the club.

The cup final itself, against Manchester United, went to a replay after a stunning 3-3 draw in the first encounter.

United won the next match 1-0 with a goal from defender Lee Martin, which handed a young manager by the name of Alex Ferguson his first trophy as boss of the Red Devils.

How many FA Cups have City won?

City are seven-time winners of the cup, with their first victory coming in 1904 against Bolton Wanderers.

Their last win was a 2-1 victory against their fierce rivals Manchester United in 2023.

Head-to-head

This is the 74th meeting between the two teams in a fixture dating back to 1921.

Palace were 2-0 winners in an FA Cup meeting in the third round that year.

City stormed back in the next meeting between the clubs – once again in the FA Cup – beating Palace 11-4 in February 1926.

Overall, City have claimed the spoils on 39 occasions and the Eagles soaring to victory after 17 of the meetings.

Palace haven’t recorded a win in their last seven encounters with City, who have won four in that time.

Man City team news

Haaland is expected to start after making his comeback from six weeks out injured at Southampton last weekend.

Rodri continues his slow return to full fitness, but with an eye on the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in June, the cup final appears to have come too soon for a start.

Crystal Palace team news

Midfielder Adam Wharton has returned to full fitness following an ankle injury.