Archive August 10, 2025

Chaos & controversy – Rashford’s first two weeks inside Barca soap opera

Getty Images

New Barcelona signing Marcus Rashford will make his home debut on Sunday, facing Como in a final friendly before the onset of La Liga.

But it’s not exactly the first appearance in his new city that Rashford would have envisaged.

The game will be played inside Barca’s training ground, with his availability for next weekend’s league opener still not guaranteed.

Ter Stegen dispute dies down

Life is never dull at FC Barcelona – or ‘Can Barca’ as the club and its surrounding environment is known in Spain.

Even the sleepiest off-season Sunday can suddenly erupt into the latest melodramatic controversy, with rumours, counter-rumours and abrupt U-turns a matter of course.

This summer has been no different, with Rashford’s first fortnight at the club overshadowed by a series of sagas.

The biggest of those, centred on club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen, looked for a while as though it would even delay Rashford’s league debut.

Ter Stegen is a Barca legend with more than 400 appearances and 17 trophies under his belt. But he has recently sustained several injuries, playing only nine games last season, and the summer signing of Joan Garcia from Espanyol strongly suggests the club is ready to shove their captain aside.

Attempts to sell him, however, were thwarted when the keeper underwent surgery on a back problem – and that also had wider ramifications.

Barca are currently barred by La Liga from registering their new signings, including Rashford and Garcia, because their troubled finances do not meet La Liga’s strict guidelines.

Selling Ter Stegen would have freed up enough salary space to do so, but his surgery made a summer sale impossible. So Barca devised another plan: de-register their captain until January.

Ter Stegen, however, refused to sign the necessary paperwork, reasoning that his injury should only sideline him until November.

Barca reacted furiously, opening disciplinary proceedings against the keeper and stripping him of the captaincy.

Ter Stegen then relented, had the captaincy restored and will spend the next few months as an unregistered player in rehab before – barring poor form or injury to his replacement Garcia – most likely being sold in January.

That should open the door for Rashford and other new signings to be registered (but take nothing for granted until the paperwork is complete), meaning he’ll be available for next Saturday’s league opener against Mallorca.

Iconic home still under reconstruction

The Nou Camp with cranes around itGetty Images

In an untypical outbreak of cooperation between Barca and La Liga, the club’s first three league games have all been scheduled away from home, providing time to complete the reconstruction of the Nou Camp.

Theoretically.

Barca have spent the past two seasons playing at the city’s Olympic Stadium while their iconic home has undergone a major redevelopment – adding around 10,000 seats, a roof and enhanced corporate facilities – which is costing more than £1bn.

The project has suffered significant delays, with the originally scheduled reopening in December 2024 now long gone.

This weekend’s friendly against Como was then earmarked for the grand opening. But that also proved impossible, so the game was switched to the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium inside the training ground, usually used by the reserve and women’s teams.

The next milestone is the weekend of 13-14 September, when Barca will host Valencia for their delayed home opener in round four of La Liga.

Latest photos from the building site – which is what the Nou Camp really still is – show the lower tiers of seating have been installed and the pitch has been laid, but there’s still a huge amount of work to complete.

Earlier this week, local authorities agreed to grant safety certificates to allow around 27,000 fans inside for the Valencia game – but only if the necessary construction is completed in time. So now it’s a race against the clock with no tickets yet on sale or venue confirmed.

And when will the new-look stadium be fully complete, allowing Rashford and his team-mates to step out in front of more than 100,000 fans? For now, that tricky question is being overlooked.

Lewandowski injury opens the door to Rashford?

With all the surrounding noise it can sometimes be forgotten that Barca’s main purpose is to play football – and on the pitch Rashford has made a promising start.

His debut came during the club’s summer tour to Asia, showing explosive flashes during a 3-1 win over Japanese champions Vissel Kobe (a game that, in typical Barca style, was cancelled and then reinstated within days of kick-off following a dispute with the promoter).

Rashford has continued to feature prominently throughout pre-season, scoring his first Barca goal in last Monday’s 5-0 rout of South Korean side Daegu.

His performances during the tour earned high praise, with local media reporting he has impressed his new team-mates with both his technical ability and his physical shape.

And his chances of immediately taking a key role have been enhanced by an injury to striker Robert Lewandowski, leaving Rashford and Ferran Torres to compete for the centre-forward berth.

Rashford filled that position to good effect in the win over Daegu and will almost certainly have more minutes as the striker against Como, giving him the perfect showcase to convince Hansi Flick he should start against Mallorca next weekend.

Lewandowski’s status for the competitive kick-off is uncertain, but Flick has already seen Rashford can make a strong contribution both as a number nine or on the left wing, so he is sure to receive opportunities.

Related topics

  • Spanish La Liga
  • Barcelona
  • European Football
  • Football

Joja Siwa just revived an old-school fashion trend with iconic footwear choice

Influencer and Big Brother star Joja Siwa seems to be bringing back a beloved fashion trend as she was spotted wearing this iconic footwear – and we know how to shop Jojo’s exact pair

Jojo Siwa revives old-school fashion trend(Image: Getty)

Joja Siwa is certainly one for bringing back old-school fashion trends, and this week, she’s at it again. Photographed playing tennis with Chris Hughes, Jojo Siwa was seen sporting a pair of Nike high-tops that were all the rage back in the 2010s. But could the iconic footwear be making a comeback?

Jojo was wearing the Nike Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 in what appears to be the black-and-white colourway, though due to the lighting, she could have been wearing the navy-and-white or indigo-and-white options.

And if you’re keen to revive the decade-old trend with the exact pair of shoes Jojo opted for, the good news is we’ve found one place to shop the Nike Jordans in all sizes from UK 4 to 17.

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Jordan 1 Retro High '85 Black White
Jojo recently wore these Jordan 1 Retro High ’85 Black and White from Nike (Image: Nike)

Coming in a huge range of shades and combinations, the Nike Jordan 1 Retro high tops are an ode to the original Air Jordan 1s from 1983, emulating the iconic style that’s been a firm favourite in footwear collections for decades.

Jojo’s sneakers have been designed with a luxe leather upper and revolutionary Air-Sole unit inside. They come armed with lightweight cushioning and a premium feel that ensures your feet are comfortable no matter what, whether you’re partaking in casual gameplay over a weekend or taking to the court like Michael Jordan himself.

This retro version features the same cupsole profile and thick stitch detailing as the original, ensuring you match the age-old trend, with all of the support and durability from a modern-day shoe.

The stable and supportive Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG is finished with a textile tongue for soft, breathable comfort and a lace-up fastening that keeps your high-tops in place and secure, ready to face all activities.

Jojo’s Nike high tops are available to buy for £149, though Stock X does allow you to place a bid. Depending on your budget, you may be able to secure your own for less.

If you’re happy to shop an alternative style high-top, Nike offer these Nike Dunk High Retro in black and white, and they’re currently for sale for £71.99.

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For those looking to ditch the Nike brand, Adidas have a similar look with these Rapid Court Mid High-Top Trainers, which cost £34 at Sports Direct.

Today’s horoscope for August 10 as Pisces is in need of relaxation

Today’s horoscope for Sunday, August 10 will see one sign spend some time alone, as another prioritises their health

Find out what’s written in the stars with our astrologer Russell Grant(Image: Daily Record/GettyImages)

It’s Sunday, and one star sign is urged not to rush into decisions, while another holds off on overspending.

There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.

These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

You’re struggling to understand yourself and your emotions. For some reason you are taking all the blame for issues in a close relationship. While it is true you have played a part in it, instead of punishing yourself, why not have an open and honest conversation with your partner?

Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)

Unforeseen costs may occur due to you having to lend a loved one some cash or pay for something they need but cannot afford. You might worry about their lack of money-sense but this isn’t the time for lectures. That can come later; though whether they listen or not is another story.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Your focus is on your home and family when you are getting together to finalise details of a little project plan. Loved ones appreciate your knack for sensing their needs and feelings. You seem to be the one who comes up with the best ideas on how to take this forward with everyone’s preferences in mind.

Cancer (June 22 – July 23)

The outcome of your day hinges on whether or not you find the time to finish a personal project. You are also aware of a relationship that could do with some attention. Things haven’t been too good between you lately. Do you want to save this relationship or are you ready to let it go?

Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)

You need to start focusing more on yourself. Set aside any unfinished tasks and don’t hesitate to say no if someone asks for your help especially if this is something you don’t want to do. You’ve worked hard and supported everyone around you. Now, make your personal life and well-being your top priority.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

A get-together will take place in a friendly and warm environment. You won’t want to miss out on this occasion. You feel fortunate to be among some wonderful friends who can provide you with this much-needed opportunity to have fun and recharge.

Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

If you haven’t been managing your budget well, it is no surprise that financial troubles hit you like an avalanche today. You cannot ignore this problem any longer. Talk to an older relative. They won’t be happy about it but they may offer a loan to help you out.

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

You’re anticipating a fun event involving a number of interesting people. Someone you meet at this gathering could become a good friend. Although you are tempted to overspend, try to hold back. You can have fun without it costing a lot. You will be grateful to yourself later when an unexpected bill needs to be paid.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Rushing into decisions and acting impulsively as you are tempted to do will not yield positive results. You would feel better knowing that a business project or social enterprise is set up for success and this can only happen if everyone takes a careful and considered approach from the start.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Make health a priority. When was the last time you really relaxed? Remind yourself of how refreshing a short break and change of scenery can be. Arrange to take a break from your busy schedule. Spend time with your closest friends and family and soak in their love and understanding.

Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

The best moments for you today will be those that are spent alone. You aren’t being anti-social, you just know you won’t be the most enjoyable company for those around you. There’s nothing wrong with needing some time to yourself. A good book can also be a wonderful escape.

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Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Given some recent challenges and problems, a rejuvenating day in nature would be the perfect remedy. At the same time, today will not be entirely about relaxation as you may have to attend to some pressing financial or domestic matters, this evening.

READ MORE: Skechers ‘nice and warm’ £40 slippers look just like £115 UGG Tasmans

Celeb hairdresser issues stern sunburn warning over popular sunscreen hack

Tess Daly and Emily Blunt’s stylist Phil Smith says the TikTok hack for spritzing your scalp with watered down SPF can only lead to disaster

Misinformation about how to protect your scalp against the sun is all over social media but listening to it will just leave you with sunburn(Image: Getty Images)

Another heatwave looms which means dips in the pool, frolicking in the sea and the sun’s rays beating down on your hair. Meanwhile, people are jetting off to sunny resorts where they can top up their tan and cool off in either the hotel’s swimming pools or in some crystal waters on a foreign beach.

But while sun, sea and swimming pools are the best bits of summer – they might be the worst for our hair. Celebrity hairdresser Phil Smith, who has looked after Tess Daly and Emily Blunt’s hair, says he always sees a surge in clients arriving at his salon worrying about frizzing, colour fade and frazzled scalps at this time of year.

However, there’s no need to let your tresses go fully feral with his expert insights and surprising hacks. “Maintaining effortless, healthy hair all summer can be a challenge – but with the right tips, tricks and products, you can protect your locks without compromising on style and quality,” he says.

Don’t fall for TikTok hair sunscreen hacks

We’ve all experienced that sting in the shower after a day at the beach – the telltale sign of a sunburned scalp. But avoiding a pink parting isn’t always as easy as it sounds. “I’ve seen people on TikTok suggest mixing sunscreen with water in a spray bottle to mist over the scalp,” says Phil.

A woman with a sunburnt middle parting
Avoid a sunburnt parting by slicking your hair back into a ponytail or bun, says hairdresser Phil Smith(Image: Getty Images)

“Unfortunately, this just dilutes the SPF, making it far less protective. And it’s a big no no if you have hair extensions too. “If the sunscreen contains ingredients like avobenzone, it can leave rust-like stains on them,” he adds.

Instead, a smarter approach is to choose a hairstyle that eliminates your parting altogether. “Slicking your hair back into a ponytail is one option, but that can be a bit harsh and doesn’t suit everyone. I recommend going for a topknot or a couple of soft buns instead. Just leave a few loose strands out for a softer, more effortless look – it’s protective and super cute.”

Use ketchup to boost blonde tones

It’s particularly tough being a blonde in summer, when colour can be left brassy and battered by pollution and UV exposure – or even go green after contact with chlorine. “One hair hack I particularly love, because it shocks people that it works, is using tomato ketchup to reverse green tinges,” says Phil.

“Apply a tablespoon to lengths and wait up to 30 minutes before rinsing. The acid in the tomatoes and vinegar break down the copper build-up that causes the discolouration, restoring the blonde tones you love.

Some ketchup squirting out of a bottle
Celebrity hairdresser Phil Smith says his ketchup trick for reversing green tinges in blonde hair shocks people(Image: Getty Images)

If you prefer results in seconds rather than smelling like you belong in a burger for half an hour, when you get back from your sunshine break, he suggests grabbing a bottle of Phil Smith Professional Haircare Blonde Toning Shampoo (£14 each; ), which uses amino acid rich violet rice extract to have you back to your ‘natural’ colour in the time it takes to shampoo and rinse.”

Shower before the pool to protect against chlorine

There’s nothing better than diving into a cool pool on a hot day, but chlorinated water can leave hair dry, brittle and weak. The good news? A little prep goes a long way. “Our hair is porous, but it can only absorb so much water at once,” says Phil. “If you want to limit how much chlorine your hair soaks up, wet your hair with fresh water before swimming.

“Take a quick shower or, if you’re at the beach, keep a refillable bottle of tap water handy so you can rinse before taking the plunge.” Phil also advises against swimming with your hair down. “I always tell my clients to apply a leave-in conditioner and then tie hair up in a bun to shield it,” he says.

Use the right towel on damp locks

Wet hair is much weaker and more prone to breakage than dry strands, so how you care for it after a swim is just as crucial as before. “Keep a soft microfibre towel like the Dock & Bay Hair Wrap (£15; uk.dockandbay.com ) in your beach bag so you aren’t tempted to rough dry with an abrasive beach towel, which will damage the cuticle and leave you with a halo of frizz,” says Phil.

A woman holding up her hair in frustration
Wet hair is much weaker and more prone to breakage than dry strands, so how you care for it after a swim is just as crucial as before(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

If you want to comb out knots post-swim, he advises buying a wet brush. “The MDLondon Vent Brush (£13; mdlondon.com ) is perfect,” says Phil. “Start detangling from the ends and work upwards to avoid breakage and minimise discomfort.

Add a pump of Phil Smith Professional Haircare Miracle Primer (£14; Tesco.com) at the same time, with hyaluronic acid to fight humidity-induced frizz and plant-based hemisqualane to smooth and detangle.

Get your roots done once you’ve returned home

Everyone wants their hair to look amazing in their holiday photos, but if your sunshine getaway happens to fall around the time you’re due to see your colourist, it might be worth delaying that appointment.

“UV rays break down dye pigment molecules, so when you’re on a sun-soaked holiday it’s almost impossible to avoid fading and dullness – unless you spend the entire trip under a giant hat,” says Phil.

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“While no one wants to skip a root touch-up to cover greys, if you can, I recommend stretching the time between appointments and scheduling your session for after you return home. Getting your hair professionally coloured is an investment – this way, your colour stays fresher for longer and you avoid paying for salon results that can’t last.”

  • For more information about Phil Smith Professional Haircare visit philsmithhair.com

Teen Oasis fan in tears after sharing incredible moment with Noel Gallagher

Jessica, 17, was helped to the front of the crowd by kindhearted gig-goers who noticed her homemade sign – before she shared a special moment with Noel Gallagher

Jessica got to the front of the crowd with her homemade sign at the Oasis gig in Edinburgh(Image: Supplied)

A young Oasis fan was moved to tears when generous concert-goers assisted her in getting to the front of the crowd at the band’s inaugural Edinburgh performance, leading to a memorable moment with Noel Gallagher.

Jessica, hailing from south west Scotland, was positioned at the barrier’s forefront for the Murrayfield gig on Friday, August 8, where her homemade sign caught the attention of Noel and his bandmate Bonehead.

The 17 year old expressed that the band ‘saved her life’ as she dealt with mental health issues. It was a concert she never imagined would take place, and Jessica shared that she felt her entire life had been ‘building up to it’. It comes after reports a dad’s tragic three-word post hours before plunging to his death at Oasis gig.

READ MORE: Paul Weller reveals unusual reason he refuses to watch Oasis concerts

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Noel
Noel Gallagher reading Jess’s sign during the gig

In a chat with the Manchester Evening News, she revealed: “Oasis is my favourite band and has been for a very long time. When their reunion was announced I was so happy, I got tickets in the presale and started a little countdown to my gig. My whole life was building up to me seeing them”, reports the Manchester Evening News.

She added: “My mam had bought me a little blanket/flag and said I should take it and I decided to paint on it saying how much Oasis means to me and hope I got to a barrier to show them. I was third row for most of the gig but the people in front of me were so kind and let me to the barrier to hang my sign over it during the encore. I was sobbing – like I had been for most of the gig – and during The Masterplan I saw Noel look over.

“He had to tilt his head because I was very far on his left and there were cameras and speakers in the way and my flag was tilted a bit to the side and difficult to read. He saw and smiled at it and occasionally looked over through the rest of the songs.”

Paul Arthurs – Bonehead – also noticed the sign, and later responded to Jessica on X, writing: “I saw your flag too and I’m glad [I] did, you carry on and hold your head high. We’re right behind you.”

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Jessica added: “I’ve suffered with my mental health a lot over the years and when I found Oasis, something clicked and suddenly I found myself obsessed and I ended up knowing so much about them and all their songs.

“I’m autistic and they’re my special interest. I was always holding out hope they’d reunite and they did and getting tickets helped motivate me and feel better. I met some really good people, including a girl named Lucy, who helped me get my good spot and was hugging me. Seeing Oasis live really healed something in me.”

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,263

Here is how things stand on Sunday, August 10:

Fighting

  • Russian forces launched a drone attack on a bus in Ukraine’s Kherson region, killing at least two people and wounding 16 others, according to Ukrainian officials. Another drone hit the bus as the police were responding to the attack, injuring three officers, the police added.
  • Russian forces also launched 36 other attacks on settlements across the Kherson region through Friday and Saturday, killing at least one more person and injuring three, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin.
  • Russian attacks on Ukraine’s Zaporizhia region killed two people travelling in a car in the Bilenkivska community on Saturday morning, and a 61-year-old woman who was in her home in the Vasylivka district, a local official reported.
  • In Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, a Russian attack killed a 56-year-old woman and wounded a 62-year-old man in the city of Nikopol, while in the Donetsk region, other Russian attacks killed four people and wounded nine, according to officials.
  • A Ukrainian drone attack on a house in Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine killed one person, Russia’s state-run TASS news agency reported, while another assault on a car in the Borisovsky district of Russia’s Belgorod region killed a husband and wife.
  • Russia’s Ministry of Defence said on Saturday that its forces had taken control of another Ukrainian village in the Donetsk region. The TASS news agency identified the village as Yablunivka.
  • Russia’s Defence Ministry also said that Moscow’s forces shot down 224 Ukrainian drones on Friday night into Saturday.

Politics and Diplomacy

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected concessions of land in any peace deal with Russia as United States President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin prepare to meet in Alaska on August 15. Trump has said that his meeting with Putin could see “some swapping of territories” between Russia and Ukraine, “to the betterment of both”.
  • Zelenskyy said that “Ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupier”, and that “decisions without Ukraine” would not bring peace.
  • The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Finland, together with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, issued a joint statement welcoming Trump’s efforts, while stressing the need to maintain support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia. The leaders said “they remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force”.
  • The US’s NBC News broadcaster cited an unnamed US official as saying that the Trump administration was considering inviting Zelenskyy to join the US and Russian presidents at their Alaska meeting.
  • The Wall Street Journal also reported that European officials who met US Vice President JD Vance in the UK on Saturday had presented a counterproposal for peace, which included demands that a ceasefire must take place before any other steps are taken. The proposal also said that any territory exchanges must be reciprocal, with firm security guarantees.
  • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron also spoke on Saturday and pledged to find a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine, while welcoming Trump’s efforts to end the fighting, a Downing Street spokesperson said. The two leaders also pledged “their unwavering support to President Zelenskyy”, the spokesperson said.