The EFL says “approximately 900 individual players were subjected to online abuse” at some point during the 2024-25 season.
According to figures released by the EFL for the last campaign, there were also 141 incidents of racist abuse at grounds and more than 5,000 incidents of online abuse.
The EFL estimates that 17 fans were banned from their clubs and a further 24 faced police convictions for racist abuse at EFL stadiums. Another 26 were referred for restorative justice and there are more than 80 cases still under investigation, the league added.
Last week the League One game between Exeter City and Reading was stopped for a short time in the 74th-minute after a report of a racist comment towards an Exeter player by a visiting supporter.
The EFL is hoping to show fans that reporting abuse can have an impact with its Together Against Racism, which runs from 17-27 October.
The week aims to highlight the work the league and its 72 member clubs deliver all season long to combat racism.
“Positive action is being taken, including issuing stadium bans to individuals who engage in discriminatory behaviour, referring cases of online abuse to the relevant authorities, and supporting the rehabilitation of offenders so they can understand the real-life consequences of their actions,” EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said.
“This is a multi-faceted approach – and crucially, the work does not stop here.”
-12 T Fleetwood (Eng); -11 S Lowry (Ire), B Harman (US); -10 K Nakajima (Jpn) -9 B Robinson-Thompson (Eng), J Luiten (Ned)
Selected others: -8 A Fitzpatrick (Eng); -7 B Griffin (US), A Sullivan (Eng); -6 R McIlroy (NI), V Hovland (Nor); -5 L Donald (Eng)
Tommy Fleetwood fired a superb eight-under round of 64 to take the halfway lead at the DP World India Championship, while Rory McIlroy finished strongly to stay in touch.
England’s Fleetwood carded eight birdies in a bogey-free round to lead former Open champions Shane Lowry and Brian Harman by a shot at Delhi Golf Club.
Overnight leader Lowry – playing with European Ryder Cup team-mate Fleetwood – made four birdies and a bogey in a 69 while Harman carded a 65 to surge up the leaderboard.
World number five Fleetwood is chasing his eighth DP World Tour title after claiming the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup in August.
“I hit it in the fairway a lot and gave myself some chances with irons,” said Fleetwood.
While Fleetwood enjoyed serene progress on Friday, McIlroy was 10 shots adrift after mixing two birdies with three bogeys over the first 12 holes.
But the world number two picked up four shots in his last six holes to post his second successive 69 and join Ryder Cup team-mate Viktor Hovland on six under.
US Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin – playing with McIlroy and Hovland – recovered from a slow start to card his second straight 68 and sit four shots off Fleetwood.
British comedian Johnny Vegas is set to return to screens this week in Netflix’s The Twits.
British telly favourite Johnny Vegas is set to grace screens once more this week in Netflix’s The Twits.
The Netflix film marks the first time Roald Dahl’s beloved short story has been brought to life on screen and boasts an impressive ensemble cast.
Phil Johnston, famed for his contributions to Zootopia and Wreck-it Ralph, helms the animated feature.
The official synopsis for The Twits reads: “The Twits tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. Twit, the meanest, smelliest, nastiest people on the face of the earth, and their epic battle against a family of magical Muggle-Wumps and two brave children who refuse to let the Twits’ cruelty win.”
Who does Johnny Vegas play in The Twits?
Johnny Vegas lends his voice to Mr Twit in Netflix’s The Twits, an animated adaptation of Roald Dahl’s famous short story.
He shares vocal duties with Hollywood legend Margo Martindale, who brings Mrs Twit to life.
The supporting cast features Star Wars icon Natalie Portman as Mary Muggle-Wump and Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke as Pippa.
Johnny Vegas in Ideal, Benidorm and other roles
Beloved British funnyman Johnny Vegas has racked up numerous prominent roles throughout his career, reports Lancs Live.
His most memorable appearances include BBC Three’s dark comedy Ideal, in which he portrayed Moz/Roger, and ITV sitcom Benidorm, where he brought to life Geoff Maltby, also known as ‘The Oracle’.
Additional credits feature Eric Agnew in the BBC One sitcom Still Open All Hours and Krook in Bleak House. His knack for comedy has landed him regular appearances on popular panel shows like QI and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Johnny Vegas’ art
There’s been a growing interest in Johnny Vegas’ artwork, which has been creating quite a stir.
Just last month, it was revealed that Johnny had teamed up with sculptor Emma Rodgers to craft an installation for an upcoming pottery exhibition titled Just Be There.
Dubbed as an “avenue of hugs captured in clay”, it was showcased at the British Ceramics Biennial, which kicked off in Stoke-on-Trent in early September.
The British Ceramics Biennial is taking place at the Spode Works until 19 October and boasts displays from top ceramic artists.
During the pandemic, Johnny rekindled his passion for ceramics, describing it as an “unfinished part” of his journey.
His artwork can also be snapped up at the Blackmore Gallery and Bluecoat Display Centre.
Who is Johnny Vegas’ ex-wife?
Johnny Vegas first tied the knot with interior designer Catherine ‘Kitty’ Donnelly, after they met at a London pub. They got hitched in August 2002.
In 2003, the couple welcomed their son Michael Pennington, but by 2006 they had separated and were officially divorced two years later.
Vegas then walked down the aisle again in 2011, this time with Irish TV presenter Maia Dunphy in Spain.
By then, Dunphy had already made a name for herself competing in Celebrity Masterchef: Ireland and the Irish version of Dancing with the Stars.
The pair welcomed their son, Tom, in 2015 before calling time on their marriage two years later.
Maia announced the separation with a “heavy heart” in 2018, posting on X (Twitter): “We are telling people now because speculation is unhelpful at best, and dangerous at worst.
“As we think is obvious, we continue to fully support each other, there is no acrimony, no story and no one else involved.”
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Johnny Vegas’ weight loss
Johnny Vegas has been open about his weight loss transformation, revealing that he decided to take action after becoming “wedged in a tunnel” whilst on his honeymoon in Vietnam in 2011.
Calling the experience a “wake up call”, Johnny subsequently began monitoring his food intake more carefully.
This meant reducing his consumption of his beloved bread and cheese, as he shared during an appearance on Loose Women in 2019.
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He said: “I have not done a diet in any way whatsoever. I have cut out things, it’s a lifestyle change.
“Then you can live with it and you don’t feel like you are denying yourself anything – apart from cheese!”
Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu has called up 21 players including skipper Rasheedat Ajibade, and Esther Okoronkwo, for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Benin Republic.
Nigeria’s team is made up of 21 players made up of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders and six forwards.
Ajibade was the Player of the Tournament at the 2024 WAFCON where she led Nigeria to a record-extending 10th continental title in Morocco. The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star will be joined by Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto.
Aphoto combination of Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie receiving their individual awards at the WAFCON 2024 in Morocco on July 26, 2025.
Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie (Africa’s Goalkeeper of the Year for two years running) is also on the list. Others include regulars like defender Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielders Jennifer Echegini and Deborah Abiodun, and forwards Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Folashade Ijamilusi.
Veteran Mexico-based defender Osinachi Ohale, and midfielder Christy Ucheibe are also part of the squad.
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Nigeria’s midfielder #13 Deborah Abiodun and Morocco’s forward #18 Sanaa Mssoudy vie for the ball during the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final football match between Morocco and Nigeria at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on July 26, 2025. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)
The game between the West African countries is the final qualifying fixture for the 2026 WAFCON to be hosted by Morocco.
The first leg is scheduled for the Stade Kegue, Lome, Togo on Saturday, 25 October while the return fixture will be played at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
That tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals to be hosted by Brazil.
Nigeria’s players celebrate with the trophy on the podium after winning the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final football match against Morocco at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on July 26, 2025. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)
Nigeria are the defending champions of the WAFCON, beating hosts Morocco to land the record-extending title.
Full List of Players for Super Falcons Vs Benin Republic WAFCON Qualifier
Bafta-winning actor Micheal Ward is charged with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault against one woman
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(Image: PA)
Actor Micheal Ward’s lawyer will apply to have sexual allegations against him dismissed, a court has heard.
The 27-year-old, who starred in Blue Story and Top Boy, was charged with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault against one woman in January 2023.
He appeared in person at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday for what was initially listed as a plea and trial preparation, but his lawyer instead requested a dismissal hearing.
The next hearing is listed for December 5 and Ward was bailed under condition he does not contact the alleged victim.
He was bailed in August after appearing in court charged with rape and sexual assault. Ward appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on August 28 where he spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth during a short hearing.
He did not enter any pleas and was granted conditional bail to next appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 25. His condition is not to contact the alleged victim.
In a statement issued after the charges were announced last month, Ward said, “I deny the charges against me entirely,” and he added that he had cooperated with police throughout their investigation.
The Jamaican-born actor was awarded the Bafta Rising Star honour in 2020 and was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Bafta for his role in the BBC ’s Small Axe in 2021 and the 2022 film Empire of Light.
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Ward played in the Soccer Aid match at Stamford Bridge last year and gave a reading at the Christmas Eve carol service hosted by the Princess of Wales in 2023.
He also stars in the American film Eddington alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, which was released this month.
