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Adwaidh Rajan
journalist for BBC Sport
In honor of their “great hero” John Robertson, who passed away this week at the age of 72, Nottingham Forest are changing the name of their stand at the City Ground.
When the team won the European Cup in 1980 and beat Hamburg, Robertson scored the only goal, beating Trevor Francis with the cross that had previously netted the winner against Malmo.
The winger also won the 1978 FA Charity Shield, Forest’s First and Second Division titles, the Uefa Super Cup, two Football League championships, and the Anglo-Scottish Cup with Forest.
The John Robertson Stand would be a “lasting recognition of his extraordinary contribution to our club,” according to Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
As we gather to mourn the passing of John Robertson, a true legend of this great club in every way, this week is filled with profound sadness for everyone connected to Nottingham Forest, according to Marinakis.
“I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who loved him.
Football icons
How Nottingham Forest and John Robertson twice conquered Europe
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Former City Ground managers Brian Clough and Peter Taylor, both of whom have names, have already established their own stands.
Robertson was named as the Nottingham Post’s all-time favorite Forest player in 2015 after the Nottingham Post.
He also won 28 caps for Scotland, including a winning goal against England in 1981 and a World Cup goal against New Zealand in 1982.
The Scottish Premiership fixture list for December 27 is one to look forward to, with significant matches at the top and bottom of the division. It isn’t the traditional Boxing Day card for this season.
In Saturday’s early kick-off, Hibernian welcome Edinburgh rival Hearts to Easter Road, while Rangers host Motherwell at Ibrox while defending champions Celtic travel to bottom club Livingston.
In the late kick-off, Aberdeen travel to Paisley to face Dundee United, while Dundee hosts Falkirk, and Kilmarnock travels to Paisley to face St Mirren.
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Hibernian v. Hearts: Game of the Day (12:30 GMT)
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The Edinburgh derby, which took place two days after Rangers’ first meeting, is undoubtedly the standout fixture against Motherwell, despite the fact that Motherwell’s match certainly caught the eye.
If Hearts win and Livingston shock Celtic at Almondvale, they could increase their lead by nine points, strengthening their hold on the top spot.
Hearts boss Derek McInnes is aware that a victory would give the team new momentum heading into 2026 despite the events in West Lothian.
Before a mouthwatering match at Tynecastle against Celtic on January 25, they have favorable fixtures in the new year against bottom-half rivals Livingston, Dundee, and St Mirren.
Hibs is able to stay within one point of Rangers in fourth with the tantalizing prospect of stalling Hearts’ title challenge and the knowledge that three points will bring them within one point of Rangers.
Reo Hatate (Celtic) is the player to watch.
No Premiership player has this season’s opening more chances from open play (26) than Reo Hatate from Celtic, and only Alexandros Kyziridis (3. 9) has more anticipated assists than the Japan international (3.2).
Hatate is expected to play for Celtic against Livingston after missing last year’s game against Aberdeen due to illness.
Under new manager Wilfried Nancy, he has started four of the Frenchman’s five games as one of two number 10s in his much-discussed 3-4-3 formation.
Hatate showed he could fit in the new system by scoring in St Mirren’s Premier Sports Cup final defeat and creating chances in each of those three league games despite having lost in each of those games.
Hatate has consistently been one of Celtic’s top performers since leaving Kawasaki Frontale in January 2022, and raw statistics indicate that he still plays an integral role in their attacking attack.
Jens Berthel Askou (Motherwell), the manager in the spotlight
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Unquestionably the best team to watch in the Premiership this year, Motherwell, who have undoubtedly been the most successful team in Scotland’s top flight.
Since joining the summer, Jens Berthel Askou, a coach who has a much bigger budget, has created an eye-catching possession-based style.
Only Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland has scored more goals in the Premiership than Tawanda Maswanhise this season, while Elijah Just has excelled in midfield and Elliot Watt has excelled under Askou’s leadership.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Askou’s setup was at the back, though.
Motherwell have six straight clean sheets and haven’t conceded in their past ten league games.
All-season, they have only conceded 15 goals in the league, which is a league record better than that of Celtic and Hearts (both 14).
According to research from my knowledgeable colleague Nick McPheat, Motherwell have the best defensive record in a top-flight campaign ever, conceding 0.83 goals per game on average since the 1931–32 season, when they won the title.
Defenses win titles, but attacks win matches. Before they face Rangers at Ibrox, the Steelmen and Askou will have a festive omen of cheer.
Egypt’s 10-man team defeated South Africa 1-0 on Friday in Agadir to become the first to advance to the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
When Yasser Ibrahim appeared to handle the ball inside the box in the 45th minute, the Liverpool star converted a penalty and South Africa were denied a spot-kick in the final minute.
Salah skipped five Liverpool games to start in Morocco, which caused an outburst against manager Arne Slot.
When right-back Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card for stamping, followed by a red, in the first-half, Egypt were reduced to 10 men.
Aubrey Modiba, South Africa’s #06 defender, reacts to a goalless attempt in the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group B football match between Egypt and South Africa at Agadir Stadium on December 26, 2025. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP photo)
Egypt, the seven-time champions, are on pace for a top-two finish and a spot in the round of 16 after two rounds in Group B.
After drawing 1-1 in Marrakech earlier, South Africa now has three points, along with Angola and Zimbabwe one each.
After 11 minutes, Salah had 11 chances, but he was unable to advance quickly enough to cross Hany’s low cross.
Soon after Zizo’s request for a free kick was ignored, loud whistling surrounded the stadium, which made it clear that the majority of the crowd was in favor of the Pharaohs.
Three Egyptians darted forward after Salah fired a free kick into the South African area, but none could intercept the ball.
A pattern had emerged in the opening half: South Africa defended with calmness and effective tackling while Egypt were frequently pushing forward.
Salah is closely guarded ,
Egypt’s No. 10 forward Mohamed Salah scores the team’s opening goal from the penalty spot in the first game of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group B football match between South Africa and Egypt at Agadir on December 26, 2025. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP photo)
Omar Marmoush was yellow-carded when Teboho Mokoena fouled him just outside the D. The resultant free kick was fired wide by the Manchester City striker, though.
With many earlier group games staged in torrential rain, the sun burst out in the southern coastal city as the first half progressed, which was a welcome sight for both players and spectators.
Lyle Foster struck a weak shot that Mohamed El Shenawy, 37, comfortably saved in a rare South African attack that came to an unexpected end.
South Africa performed a complex, multi-pass move that ended tensely as El Shenawy clutched a cross as the team was awarded a free kick close to the touchline.
As half-time approached, Salah retreated into the Egyptian half while being closely watched by Aubrey Modiba.
The South African right-back raised his left arm and struck Salah’s left eye as the Egypt captain chased a loose ball with Khuliso Mudau.
The Burundian referee pointed the penalty spot on a VAR monitor as the Egyptians protested.
At the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group B football match between Egypt and South Africa at Agadir Stadium on December 26, 2025, forward #9 Lyle Foster scores but falls short. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP photo)
Salah comfortably converted the penalty after Ronwen Williams dived the wrong way despite a lengthy delay before the kick was taken.
When Hany stamped on Mokoena in extra time, adding drama, the defender received a second yellow card.
With a numerical advantage, South Africa attacked more as the second half progressed, but Williams foiled Emam Ashour, who had just a quick free-kick from Williams.
El Shenawy exhibited his agility with 15 minutes left, tipping a low Foster shot safely with his right hand. It was just one of several saves that kept Egypt ahead.
Egypt’s 10-man team defeated South Africa 1-0 in Agadir to become the first to advance to the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
On Friday, Yasser Ibrahim appeared to handle the ball inside the box, and the Liverpool star converted a penalty in the final 45 minutes of play.
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Salah skipped five Liverpool games to start for Morocco, which caused him to clash with manager Arne Slot.
When right back Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card for a stamp, followed by a red, in the first-half, Egypt were reduced to 10 men.
Egypt, the seven-time champions, are on a par with record seven points after two rounds in Group B, which guarantees a top-two group stage appearance and a spot in the round of 16.
After drawing 1-1 earlier on Friday in Marrakech, South Africa now has three points, along with Angola and Zimbabwe one each.
After 11 minutes, Salah had 11 chances, but he was unable to advance quickly enough to cross Hany’s low cross.
Soon after Zizo’s request for a free kick was ignored, loud whistling surrounded the stadium, which made it clear that the majority of the crowd was in favor of the Pharaohs.
Three Egyptians darted forward after Salah kicked a free kick into the South African area, but none of them could intercept the ball.
A pattern appeared about the halfway point of the opening period. South Africa defended with calm and effective tackling while Egypt was frequently moving forward.
In the Africa Cup of Nations Group B game between South Africa and South Africa, Salah scores from the penalty spot.
Omar Marmoush was yellow-carded when Teboho Mokoena of South Africa fouled him just outside the D. The Manchester City striker did, however, fire wide with the resultant free kick.
With many earlier group games staged in torrential rain, the sun burst out in the southern coastal city as the first half progressed, which was a welcome sight for both players and spectators.
Lyle Foster struck a weak shot that Mohamed El Shenawy, 37, comfortably saved in a rare South African attack that came to an unexpected end.
South Africa won a free kick while holding a cross close to the touchline in a complex, multipass move that was subdued by El Shenawy.
As half-time approached, Salah retreated into the Egyptian half while being closely watched by Aubrey Modiba.
The South African right back raised his left arm as the Egypt captain chased a loose ball with Khuliso Mudau, who struck Salah’s left eye.
The Burundian referee pointed the penalty spot on a VAR monitor as the Egyptians protested.
Salah comfortably converted the penalty after Ronwen Williams dived the wrong way despite a lengthy delay before the kick was taken.
When Hany stamped on Mokoena in extra time, adding drama, the defender received a second yellow card.
With a numerical advantage, South Africa attacked more as the second half progressed, but Egypt almost scored after Williams quickly foiling substitute Emam Ashour.
El Shenawy exhibited his agility with 15 minutes left, tipping a low Foster shot safely with his right hand. One of Egypt’s numerous victories kept them ahead.
AFCON hopefuls are kept alive by Angola and Zimbabwe.
Knowledge Musona, a veteran, scored in Marrakech to start the second round of AFCON matches earlier in the day as Zimbabwe rallied from a 1-1 deficit with Angola.
In the second half, Gelson Dala and Musona both put Angola ahead, and Musona was brought up again in the second half.
After one more match, Group B’s draw was unsuitable for either team, leaving both teams two points adrift of joint leaders Egypt and South Africa.
The knockout phase is automatically open to the top two finishers in each group. The top four of the six mini-leagues’ top four teams will also advance.
When Bill Antonio fired wide from close range in front of a small crowd, he missed a good chance to give Zimbabwe an early lead.
After 24 minutes, Qatari striker Dala, who was based in Angola, quickly regained control and took the lead.
To Carneiro’s superb lobbed pass landed in front of Dala inside the box, and he stowed the ball between the near post and goalkeeper Washington Arubi, who is now 40.
After being defeated by Egypt in Agadir by 2-1, Musona, one of the four changes in the Zimbabwe lineup, started getting more involved as the Warriors searched for an equaliser.
Marian Marinica, the coach of Romania, was frustrated when Musona squandered a free kick by smashing the ball into the defensive wall before sending a wide shot.
After colliding with an opponent, the 39-year-old Angola goalkeeper had his head severely bandaged before moving on.
At the end of the opening half, Musona’s perseverance paid off when he equalized six minutes into extra time.
Zimbabwe quickly counterattacked after Angola were taken out of midfield, and Musona was found inside the box by a superb pass.
He slammed the net into the left of Marques’ extended right leg while Carneiro’s legs were sluggish.
Four years after the birth of their son, Leo, Lee Latchford-Evans and his wife Kerry-Lucy, the couple’s brood is growing, according to a statement made on Christmas Day by the couple’s son.
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Lee and Kerry Lucy are expecting their second child together(Image: Instagram)
Steps singer Lee Latchford Evans has announced his wife is expecting their second child. The musician took to social media on Christmas Day to reveal the special news.
Taking to Instagram, Lee revealed Kerry-Lucy is pregnant again. He shared a black and white snap in which the pair can be seen posing next to their Christmas tree. Their four-year-old son Leo is also on hand to kiss his mum’s growing baby bump.
Merry Christmas to all of you, wrote a thrilled Lee. from “all of mine” x x x x x. He expressed his love and blessings using hashtags. And in the comments section, fans were quick to congratulate the growing brood.
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Wow, Lee, that’s incredible news, one user wrote. Congratulations to everyone involved. Another remarked, “Such a lovely, sweet picture, and I’m thrilled to see you both getting a new baby this year.”
Lee and his wife described their son as a “dreamboat” after his birth in 2021, sharing details of how traumatic he was. He’s a little dreamboat and really cute, Kelly once said.
Speaking to OK! shortly after, the couple explained why Leo arrived by C-section, with Lee describing the birth as “traumatic”. The baby was in a breech position and Kerry was suffering with pre-eclampsia.
Despite the scheduled procedure, complications arose because the initial anesthesia didn’t seem to work. Submitted by Kerry to OK! “I had a 36-week scan, and they discovered that he was breech.”
“He was in a really weird position. They did say I could have him naturally, but the safest way is a C-section. And then on top of that I had pre-eclampsia, so there were all sorts of medical issues going on.”
She then described the moment she first saw her son, “They slightly lowered the curtains so I could see him being lifted out,” which was remarkable. I ran into this tiny oblivious.
Since 2007, Lee and Kerry-Lucy have been dating. Lee and Kerry went through a period of resentment toward their friends who were expecting or already having children after a miscarriage, before giving birth to Leo.
Speaking to Daily Mail, Lee said: “We’ve wanted a baby for so long. We did start thinking, ‘Why isn’t this working for us? What’s wrong with us?’ You doubt each other slightly, but luckily we have a very strong relationship.
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“We once had some resentment toward our friends who were pregnant, and we were always passing them with prams, which I know we shouldn’t have. Both challenging and frustrating.
On Sunday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his American counterpart, Donald Trump, will meet in Florida to discuss territorial disputes that are continuing to prevent Russia from ending its conflict with Ukraine.
Zelenskyy stated that the discussions could be crucial as Washington redoubles efforts to put an end to Europe’s most bloody conflict since World War II when they were first announced. Before the New Year’s Eve, Zelenskyy said, “There can be many decisions.”
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The most contentious aspect of the negotiations is still territory. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which has been under Russian control since the start of the Russian invasion, will now be discussed by Elenskyy.
We will discuss Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in relation to the delicate issues. In a WhatsApp chat with reporters, he declared, “We will undoubtedly discuss other issues.”
As it seeks full control over the wider Donbass region, including Donetsk and Luhansk, Kyiv has demanded that it renounce parts of the Donetsk region that are still under Ukrainian control. Instead of putting an end to hostilities along the current front lines, Ukraine has rejected that request.
Territorial concessions
The US has suggested creating a free economic zone should Ukraine relinquish control of the disputed area in an effort to bridge the gap, but it is still unclear how exactly that would work.
Zelenskyy once more stated that the general public would be required to approve any territorial concessions. He claimed that Ukrainians themselves must make land-related decisions, possibly through a referendum.
Zelenskyy said his conversation with Trump would be focused on improving draft agreements, including those regarding security guarantees and economic arrangements. He claimed that a 20-point peace framework was about to be developed while a security pact with Washington was about to be finalized.
After previous international commitments, which did not stop Russia’s invasion that started in February 2022, Ukraine has sought binding guarantees.
Trump has previously expressed his impatience with the pace of the talks, but he has stated that he would follow up with him if negotiations developed.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed last week that only his nation could negotiate with both parties to reach a peace agreement. He downplayed the significance of the conflict for Washington at the same time.
“It’s not our war,” he said. He claimed that the war is taking place on a different continent.
Zelenskyy confirmed he had already provided information to Finnish President Alexander Stubb regarding what he described as “significant progress” and that European leaders could participate remotely in the discussions on Sunday.
Sergey Ryabkov, the deputy foreign minister of Russia, claimed that Ukraine was “torpedoing” the peace talks, claiming that Kyiv’s revised version of the US peace plan was “radically different” from an earlier version negotiated with Washington.
In a television interview on Friday, he said, “Our ability to make the final push and reach an agreement will depend on our own work and the political will of the other party.”
Any agreement must adhere to the terms set forth at a summit in August between Trump and Vladimir Putin, which Ukraine and other European countries have criticized as being overly diplomatic in their war goals, according to Ryabkov.
