Archive November 5, 2025

Fan ban ‘incredibly sad’ – Maccabi Tel Aviv chief

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Maccabi Tel Aviv chief executive Jack Angelides has called for a separation between football and politics after away fans were banned from Thursday’s Europa League game at Aston Villa.

Last month, West Midlands Police raised concerns about its ability to deal with potential protests and the Safety Advisory Group – the body responsible for issuing safety certificates for matches – informed Villa no travelling fans will be permitted at the match in Birmingham.

The decision became the focus of parliamentary-level debate and the Israeli club later said supporters would not travel to Birmingham for safety reasons.

“It’s incredibly sad and I think it’s a concerning and a worrying sign,” Angelides told BBC Sport.

“Politics should never be drawn into football.

    • 9 hours ago
    • 21 October
    • 2 hours ago

Six weeks ago, there was a chance the game might not go ahead, with calls for Israeli teams to be removed from international competitions because of the Israel-Gaza war.

But once a ceasefire was agreed last month, it became clear Maccabi Tel Aviv – the only Israeli club to reach the league stage of European competition this season – would stay in the Europa League.

West Midlands Police said its decision was “based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 Uefa Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam”.

A coalition of six pro-Palestinian organisations will be outside Villa Park on Thursday to protest against the match going ahead.

Nayeem Malik, chair of West Midlands Palestinian Solidarity, said the organisation has put out a national call for people to turn up and hope to have between 20,000 and 50,000 protesters attending.

“Maccabi Tel Aviv should not be playing anywhere in the international arena,” Malik told BBC Sport.

“We have had a lot of demonstrations for Palestine in this city and they have all been very peaceful.

“Our campaign is that Israel should be boycotted in all sports and that’s whether they play with or without fans.”

More than 700 police officers will be deployed, including those with horses, dogs, the force’s drone unit, and road policing officers. There will be a no-fly zone around the ground.

“We trust in the local authorities,” said Angelides.

“I feel that they must know the situation, what is required and know the lines that must be drawn.”

Maccabi Tel Aviv have played both their Europa League home games this season in Serbia after Uefa ruled it was unsafe to host matches in Israel, and Angelides believes the players are accustomed to playing fixtures without a large travelling support.

“We’ve had to deal with this for two years, playing our home match abroad and often without fans because of the distance and location,” he added.

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Fan ban ‘incredibly sad’ – Maccabi Tel Aviv chief

Getty Images

Maccabi Tel Aviv chief executive Jack Angelides has called for a separation between football and politics after away fans were banned from Thursday’s Europa League game at Aston Villa.

Last month, West Midlands Police raised concerns about its ability to deal with potential protests and the Safety Advisory Group – the body responsible for issuing safety certificates for matches – informed Villa no travelling fans will be permitted at the match in Birmingham.

The decision became the focus of parliamentary-level debate and the Israeli club later said supporters would not travel to Birmingham for safety reasons.

“It’s incredibly sad and I think it’s a concerning and a worrying sign,” Angelides told BBC Sport.

“Politics should never be drawn into football.

    • 9 hours ago
    • 21 October
    • 2 hours ago

Six weeks ago, there was a chance the game might not go ahead, with calls for Israeli teams to be removed from international competitions because of the Israel-Gaza war.

But once a ceasefire was agreed last month, it became clear Maccabi Tel Aviv – the only Israeli club to reach the league stage of European competition this season – would stay in the Europa League.

West Midlands Police said its decision was “based on current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 Uefa Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam”.

A coalition of six pro-Palestinian organisations will be outside Villa Park on Thursday to protest against the match going ahead.

Nayeem Malik, chair of West Midlands Palestinian Solidarity, said the organisation has put out a national call for people to turn up and hope to have between 20,000 and 50,000 protesters attending.

“Maccabi Tel Aviv should not be playing anywhere in the international arena,” Malik told BBC Sport.

“We have had a lot of demonstrations for Palestine in this city and they have all been very peaceful.

“Our campaign is that Israel should be boycotted in all sports and that’s whether they play with or without fans.”

More than 700 police officers will be deployed, including those with horses, dogs, the force’s drone unit, and road policing officers. There will be a no-fly zone around the ground.

“We trust in the local authorities,” said Angelides.

“I feel that they must know the situation, what is required and know the lines that must be drawn.”

Maccabi Tel Aviv have played both their Europa League home games this season in Serbia after Uefa ruled it was unsafe to host matches in Israel, and Angelides believes the players are accustomed to playing fixtures without a large travelling support.

“We’ve had to deal with this for two years, playing our home match abroad and often without fans because of the distance and location,” he added.

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

Related topics

  • Aston Villa
  • Premier League
  • Football

More on this story

  • A general view inside Villa Park
  • Ask Me Anything logo

Barcelona rescue draw at Club Brugge in six-goal Champions League thriller

Lamine Yamal, a teenager who was at his best for Hansi Flick’s side, came from behind three times to earn a 3-3 draw at Club Brugge in the Champions League to earn a point in a gripping encounter in Belgium.

The hosts repeatedly shredded Barca’s defense on Wednesday, with winger Carlos Forbs scoring twice and setting up Nicolo Tresoldi with one.

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Despite having several players out injured, Ferran Torres, Yamal, and a Christos Tzolis own goal saved Barcelona from what would have been a humiliating defeat.

In recent weeks, Barcelona have struggled, including a La Liga defeat at Clasico by rival Real Madrid.

Tresoldi, who was set up by the energetic Forbs, gave the hosts a first-half lead at the Jan Breydel Stadium.

With Forbs attacking Barcelona’s top defensive line in full swing, Brugge laid the groundwork for how they could consistently defeat Catalans.

Torres, who had Fermin Lopez play him in, quickly gave Flick’s side a heads-up, and he did so with a clever finish.

In a never-ending battle between two sides determined to attack, Lopez’s midfielder hit the woodwork before Forbs netted Brugge’s second.

The Portuguese international scored a one-two with Tzolis to force a second-half spacebender in front of Barca’s defense before passing Wojciech Szczesny with speed.

As the semifinalists of last year’s competition sought a leveller, Barca defender Jules Kounde crashed a shot against the bar at the other end.

After some recent poor displays, Yamal, who was once again the key player for his side, had a good chance to score before the break, but the striker nudged the ball past goalkeeper Nordin Jackers and headed wide.

As Brugge continued to attack in the second half, showing no desire to defend their lead, Szczesny made a good save from Joaquin Seys at the near post.

Eric Garcia hit the crossbar with a nearly long range effort, but Eric Garcia was only the third Barca player to do so.

Barcelona eventually won the game with a brilliant goal thanks to Yamal’s superb combination with Lopez.

The teenager’s path was blocked by Lopez’s backheeled ball, which Yamal then flicked past Jackers and into the bottom corner.

After scoring the equalizing goal at 2-2, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez celebrate [Photo by Nicolas Tucat/AFP]

Forbs wasted a good chance to give his team another lead before taking a commanding finish just a few minutes later.

On goal, Hans Vanaken delicately dinked past Szczesny for his second and Brugge’s third.

After colliding with Barca’s Alejandro Balde in the box, Forbs received a penalty, but it was voided after a VAR review revealed he had actually struck the Spaniard.

A Yamal effort was superbly saved by Jackers, who could only stop Barca’s equalizer, which came in a similar fashion.

Yamal beat the goalkeeper with his curling effort from the right, which deflected off Tzolis’ head.

When veteran goalkeeper Szczesny attempted to turn in his area before losing the ball as Romeo Vermant slid in on him in stoppage time, Brugges believed they had won.

After it was determined that the Belgian forward had fouled Szczesny, Vermant rolled the ball into the empty net.

Erling Haaland scored against his former club on Wednesday in the Champions League as his Manchester City thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4-1.

Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick helped Galatasaray defeat hapless Ajax 3-1 in the second half.

In the previous gameday, Bayer Leverkusen defeated Benfica 1-0 to win the match, which was 7-2 to titleholder Paris Saint-Germain.

With a 2-1 victory over Kairat Almty, Inter Milan moved to four wins in a row. Only Inter, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich are the only teams to have won all of their Champions League games so far this season.

Denise Van Outen ‘never seems to pay for much as truth behind lavish lifestyle revealed’

TV presenter and DJ Denise Van Outen lives a very lavish life as she is certainly enjoying everything that comes with being a celebrity from luxury trips to beauty products

Denise Van Outen appears to be embracing her celebrity lifestyle and is partial to a freebie. The TV presenter has carved a successful career thanks to her role on Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast.

She went on to star as a judge on talent shows I’d Do Anything and Any Dream Will Do, as well as make regular appearances on Celebrity Gogglebox. In recent years, Denise has transitioned into a DJ and has enjoyed tours as a result of her career change.

Away from work, Denise appears to be enjoying the perks of celebrity life she has been lucky enough to receive as she has been inundated with PR gifts and experiences. She has enjoyed luxury trips abroad, expensive cosmetic products and even wallpaper for her home, all in return for a few posts on social media.

READ MORE: Graham Norton makes huge dig at I’m A Celeb cast wanting ‘quick injection of cash’READ MORE: Ant and Dec share I’m A Celebrity line-up teaser as jungle rumours build

The mum-of-one simply labels her Instagram posts “ad” or “gifted” to avoid flouting advertising laws, as she gets to embrace the benefits of her hard work. “She never seems to pay for much; she loves a freebie,” a source told the Daily Mail.

Denise recently headed on a half-term holiday with her daughter Betsy and niece Freja to Universal Orlando in Florida. They lapped up a stay in one of the onsite hotels, with rooms costing up to £565.

She wasn’t the only celebrity invited on the trip, as Holly Willoughby, Abbey Clancy, Peter Crouch, Mark Wright and Olly Murs were also there. And it’s not just holidays Denise has received thanks to her celebrity status.

The TV star has kitted out her London flat with a Caple wine cooler, which retails at £2,100. In return for the product, she shared: “I love entertaining at my London flat, so it is essential to have the perfect wine cooler and this one by Caple fits the bill.

“It doesn’t just cool your bottles, it also keeps your glasses nice and chill. So, I guess this is why my friends love stopping by my flat for a chill wine every time.”

Denise also has a comfy-looking grey three-seater sofa, which is reportedly worth £1,499. She shared a video of her new furniture to promote it as she said: “Super comfy and stylish, and part of the lifestyle fabric range, which means it is really easy to clean.

“So, if you have got a busy home with kids and pets but still want a touch of luxe, be sure to check out Sofology’s lifestyle fabric range.” Denise has even got some lavish wallpaper, which she showed off in another video.

Her wardrobe has also seen new additions thanks to work with brands including Primark, Topshop and JD Williams. She has been sent beauty products, which has included a ‘glow set’ from Korean skincare brand Yepoda, worth £111.

Even her health has been given the luxury treatment as Denise has promoted a London clinic. She shared: “Absolutely loved my full health check at @preventicum_london.

“The team are so thorough, professional, and caring – it feels amazing to do this for myself and have that peace of mind with the results. Thanks to Preventicum for supporting this experience, I can’t recommend them enough!” Prices at the clinic start at £2,000.

Denise has enjoyed a work trip to Maldives, Ibiza as well as Glastonbury, the Monaco Grand Prix and the Isle of Wight Festival. It is thought influencers with more than a million followers can bag more than £10,000 per sponsored post, with celebrities having the potential to earn even more through these common collaborations and brand deals.

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The Mirror has contacted Denise’s representatives for comment.

READ MORE: ‘Luxury’ advent calendar worth over £400 shoppers are bagging for under £90 with code

Meghan Markle makes ‘massive’ return to acting – nine years after last role

Meghan Markle is returning to acting. The Duchess of Sussex’s last acting role was in the 2016 Hallmark Channel TV movie, Dater’s Handbook, as Cassandra Brand.

The Duchess officially retired from her time on screen eight years ago after she started dating Prince Harry, and their relationship became more serious. She found fame playing paralegal Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits, between 2011 and 2018, with her final scene being filmed the year before her exit.

But now, sources claim that she’s preparing to step back into her former career, alongside the likes of Brie Larson, Lily Collins, Brit Henry and Jack Quaid for the production of Close Personal Friends. Today, the Duchess was reportedly on set in Pasadena, Los Angeles.






The Duchess of Sussex became known for her role as Paralegal Rachel Zane in the NBC series, Suits
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NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)






She officially retired from acting in 2018 when her relationship with the Duke of Sussex became serious


She officially retired from acting in 2018 when her relationship with the Duke of Sussex became serious
(
FilmMagic)

Although she’s returning to the screens, it’s said she will be playing herself in the Amazon MGM Studios film, which focuses on two couples, one of them being famous, and the other not being famous.

A source told The Sun: “This is a massive moment for Meghan and signifies a return to doing what she truly loves. She has been swamped with offers, but this one felt right. It is Meghan’s way of gently putting her toe back in the water and seeing how she enjoys being back on set.”

They added that everybody involved in the production had been sworn to secrecy. Meanwhile, her husband, the Duke of Sussex, is said to be extremely supportive of his wife’s return to the screen and has been encouraging her to do “whatever brings her joy.”

Earlier this year, the mother-of-two admitted that she occasionally missed her acting career. But while Harry is extremely supportive, he admits that one scene of Meghan’s left a lasting mark on his mind. Writing in his memoir, Spare, the Duke said: “I’d witnessed her and a cast mate mauling each other in some sort of office conference room.






The Duke is said to be extremely supportive of Meghan's decision to return to her roots


The Duke is said to be extremely supportive of Meghan’s decision to return to her roots
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Getty Images)

“It would take electric shock therapy to get those images out of my head.” In the past, Meghan has always been open about her experiences as an actress, admitting she struggled earlier in her career. Despite getting countless auditions, directors rejected her, which she says had an impact on her self-esteem.

Speaking to Vanity Fair in October 2022, the Duchess made a very cryptic comment about a possible return to the industry. She told the outlet: “I left Suits right after the 100th episode, in 2018. I didn’t think I’d ever be in the entertainment industry again. But the entire culture has changed; streamers have changed things. The ability to create zeitgeist moments like we had in the ’90s — where everyone would tune in at the same time for a show or gather for one moment? — that doesn’t happen anymore.

“When I was doing Suits, that character, Rachel Zane, was in your living room with you while you were in your pyjamas eating Chinese takeout. That’s how connected the experience felt then. But to create a cultural moment or conversation requires something different today. Podcasting has been really interesting in that way. It might be one of the only remaining forums where people are alone to listen. Where else do you have that opportunity?”

When asked directly if she would consider returning to the screens, she quipped: “No, I’m done. I guess never say never, but my intention is to absolutely not.”

In 2021, just one year after Meghan and Harry stepped down as senior working members of The Royal Family, it was revealed that the Duchess would consider a return for the “right role”. She and Prince Harry later signed a deal with Netflix to produce documentaries, which included Harry & Meghan, and most recently, With Love, Meghan.

Film-maker Jia Wertz told the Daily Star: “Considering that Meghan Markle had a 15-year career as an actress and has now signed a production deal with Netflix, which is taking her back to the world of Hollywood, I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility to think she will return to acting for the right role.”

She went on to add: “The bold and decisive decisions Markle has made by stepping down as a senior member of the royal family and moving back to Southern California indicates that she knows what she wants, and has stated that she has no plans to return to acting. Fans may see her appear on camera in her new documentary endeavours, though.”

The Mirror has approached The Duchess of Sussex’s spokesperson for comment.

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Newcastle Sink Bilbao To Extend Champions League Winning Streak

Newcastle secured a third successive Champions League win as Dan Burn’s thunderous header inspired a cathartic 2-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.

Burn struck in eye-catching style in the first half at St James’ Park and Joelinton netted after the interval to wrap up Newcastle’s fifth successive home win in all competitions.

Newcastle’s dismal 3-1 defeat at lowly West Ham on Sunday left the Magpies languishing in 13th place in the Premier League and prompted a painful bout of soul-searching on Tyneside.

But although they have struggled domestically, Eddie Howe’s side have three wins from four games in the Champions League this season, with their only loss coming in the opening match against Barcelona.

Ahead of trips to Marseille and Bayer Leverkusen in their next two league phase fixtures, sixth-placed Newcastle are firmly in the hunt to secure the top-eight place that guarantees automatic qualification for the last 16.

Howe will hope Newcastle’s European success serves as a springboard for a winning run in the Premier League, starting at Brentford on Sunday.

Mired in mid-table in La Liga after losing to Basque rivals Real Sociedad last weekend, injury-hit Bilbao were toothless without brothers Inaki and Nico Williams.

Unai Gomez wasted an early chance to lift the visitors when he headed Alex Berenguer’s corner straight at Nick Pope and Newcastle made the most of that escape.

Newcastle’s lacklustre loss at West Ham had sparked accusations that Howe’s team are developing a habit of playing down to the level of their opponents.

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Burn makes his point 

Newcastle United’s Brazilian midfielder #07 Joelinton celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champion’s League league-stage football match between Newcastle United and Athletic Bilbao at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on November 5, 2025. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Burn added to that perception this week when he said “everybody knows we will turn up” against Bilbao.

The England centre-back was true to his word as he put Newcastle ahead in the 11th minute.

Kieran Trippier’s free-kick picked out Burn in space in the penalty area and he punished Bilbao’s slack marking with a superb header that curled into the far corner from 10 yards.

Even legendary Newcastle striker Alan Shearer, watching with a broad grin in the stands, would have been proud of such a sublime finish.

Bilbao briefly mounted a determined response to that blow and twice came close to drawing level as sloppy Newcastle conceded possession too easily.

Gomez raced clear of the flat-footed Newcastle defence and fired against the near post.

With Newcastle on the ropes, Adama Boiro lashed a ferocious strike off the woodwork from 18 yards.

Howe’s men squandered a chance to increase their lead when Nick Woltemade climbed highest for a header that whistled wide from Harvey Barnes’ cross.

Newcastle suffered a blow when England winger Anthony Gordon limped off with a recurrence of a hip injury late in the first half.

But they ignored that setback to double their advantage in the 49th minute.

Barnes cleverly worked space on the left side of the Bilbao area and lofted a cross into the six-yard box, where Joelinton thumped his header past Unai Simon for his first goal in nine games.

Nico Serrano’s stunning long-range drive nearly caught out Pope, but the Newcastle keeper recovered to preserve a comfortable clean-sheet.