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Liam Gallagher blasted ‘part time rock stars’ who are ‘in it for money’ before reuniting Oasis

By in Entertainment News, News

Liam Gallagher has never minced his words, and an interview has resurfaced of him hitting out at musicians who bagged a quick pay cheque before he and Noel Gallagher reunited

Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
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Liam Gallagher hit out at musicians ‘in it for the money’ before Oasis reunion(Image: BBC)

Liam Gallagher slammed musicians who are “in it for the money”. The comments were made by the Mancunian legend years before he and his older brother, Noel Gallagher, reunited as Oasis.

Last weekend, the 52-year-old and Noel, 58, reunited on stage for the first time in 16 years, just shy of a year after they announced their long-running feud had come to an end and they were bringing the legendary band back. But after their first performance at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Liam immediately exited the venue by car, with Noel leaving a little later on.

It’s claimed that both brothers are set to rake in around £50million each from the tour, which sold out in hours. Fans were left paying thousands after Ticketmaster introduced dynamic pricing, a surge in costs due to the huge demand. However, the band had no input in this.

Liam previously hit out at musicians being in the industry for a simple pay cheque
Liam previously hit out at musicians being in the industry for a simple pay cheque(Image: PA)

But in 2017, while appearing on The Graham Norton Show, Liam took a subtle swipe at fellow musicians. The singer, who is not shy when it comes to saying what’s really on his mind, said: “A lot of these rock n’ roll stars these days are coming in and just getting the cheque, do you know what I mean?

“Imagine Keith Moon drumming his a**e off and then going home. You need to boot a few things and that, know what I mean?” Despite their once frosty bond, Noel and Liam settled their differences and left fans emotional when they walked on stage, holding hands – a sight many thought they would never see.

This weekend, they return to their hometown for the first home show since 2009. Oasis will play five sold-out shows at Heaton Park on July 11, 12, 16, 19 and 20. Each night, they will be performing to around 80,000 fans. But before the band take to the stage, Liam could face a very rocky reception.

He and his brother Noel will perform in Manchester for the first time in 16 years this weekend
He and his brother Noel will perform in Manchester for the first time in 16 years this weekend(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The frontman urged all fans at both Cardiff gigs to turn around and bounce up and down during the anthem Cigarettes & Alcohol. He said on Saturday: “I don’t ask you to do the Mexican wave or sh*t like that, but I want you to do the Poznan so everyone turn around and put your hands on each other. It’s 2025, don’t be shy. When the tunes start, you jump up and down, it’s very easy, you don’t need GCSEs.”

And he also posted a clip of the Poznan on his official social media with his comments from Friday night where he similarly said: “I want you to do the Poznan, so turn around and put your hands on each other.” However, the Poznan is a move used by Manchester City fans and he and Noel face performing in front of thousands of rival Manchester United fans this weekend.

One music source told the Mirror: “Liam loves seeing the crowd do it, but it will be a higher risk strategy at Heaton Park. It will be no surprise if he does do it or gives City a shout-out on stage because he and Noel are such big fans. Bonehead is the only red (United fan) in the line-up.”

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China backs Southeast Asia nuclear ban; Rubio, Lavrov at ASEAN meeting

By in News, World News

China has agreed to sign a Southeast Asian treaty banning nuclear weapons, Malaysia’s and China’s foreign ministers confirmed, in a move that seeks to shield the area from rising global security tensions amid the threat of imminent United States tariffs.

The pledge from Beijing was welcomed as diplomats on Thursday gathered for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers’ meeting, where US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also due to meet regional counterparts and Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamad Hasan told reporters China had confirmed its willingness to sign the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) treaty – an agreement in force since 1997 that restricts nuclear activity in the region to peaceful purposes such as energy generation.

“China made a commitment to ensure that they will sign the treaty without reservation,” Hasan said, adding that the formal signing will take place once all relevant documentation is completed.

ASEAN has long pushed for the world’s five recognised nuclear powers – China, the United States, Russia, France and the United Kingdom – to sign the pact and respect the region’s non-nuclear status, including within its exclusive economic zones and continental shelves.

Last week, Beijing signalled its readiness to support the treaty and lead by example among nuclear-armed states.

Rubio, who is on his first visit to Asia as secretary of state, arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday amid a cloud of uncertainty caused by President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy, which includes new levies on six ASEAN nations as well as key traditional allies Japan and South Korea.

The tariffs, set to take effect on August 1, include a 25 percent duty on Malaysia, 32 percent on Indonesia, 36 percent on Cambodia and Thailand, and 40 percent on Laos and Myanmar.

Japan and South Korea have each been hit with 25 percent tariffs, while Australia – another significant Asia Pacific ally – has reacted angrily to threats of a 200 percent duty on pharmaceutical exports to the US.

Vietnam, an ASEAN nation, along with the UK, are the only two countries to have signed separate trade deals with the US, whose administration had boasted they would have 90 deals in 90 days.

The US will place a lower-than-promised 20 percent tariff on many Vietnamese exports, Trump has said, cooling tensions with its 10th-biggest trading partner days before he could raise levies on most imports. Any transshipments from third countries through Vietnam will face a 40 percent levy, Trump said, announcing the trade deal on Wednesday. Vietnam would accept US products with a zero percent tariff, he added.

Reporting from Kuala Lumpur, Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride says Southeast Asian nations are finding themselves at the centre of intensifying diplomatic competition, as global powers look to strengthen their influence in the region.

“The ASEAN countries are facing some of the highest tariffs from the Trump administration,” McBride said. “They were also among the first to receive new letters announcing yet another delay in the imposition of these tariffs, now pushed to 1 August.”

Family photo of the attendees of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Post-Ministerial Conference with Russia during the 58th ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting and related meetings at the Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur on July 10, 2025 [Mohd Rasfan/AFP]

The uncertainty has pushed ASEAN states to seek alternative trade partners, most notably China. “These tariffs have provided an impetus for all of these ASEAN nations to seek out closer trade links with other parts of the world,” McBride added.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has been in Kuala Lumpur for meetings with ASEAN counterparts, underscoring Beijing’s growing engagement.

Meanwhile, Russia’s top diplomat, Sergey Lavrov, has also been holding talks in Malaysia, advancing Moscow’s vision of a “multipolar world order” – a concept backed by China that challenges what they see as a Western-led global system dominated by the US.

“Lavrov might be shunned in other parts of the world,” McBride noted, “but he is here in Malaysia, meeting with ASEAN members and promoting this alternative global structure.”

At the same time, Rubio is aiming to counter that narrative and ease tensions. “Many ASEAN members are traditional allies of the United States,” McBride said. “But they are somewhat nervous about the tariffs and recent US foreign policy moves. Rubio is here to reassure them that all is well in trans-Pacific relations.”

As geopolitical rivalry intensifies, ASEAN finds itself courted from all directions, with the power to influence the future shape of international alliances.

US seeks to rebuild confidence in ASEAN

Rubio’s presence in Kuala Lumpur signals Washington, DC’s intention to revive its Asia Pacific focus following years of prioritising conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.

The last meeting between Rubio and Russia’s top diplomats took place in Saudi Arabia in February as part of the Trump administration’s effort to re-establish bilateral relations and help negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.

Analysts say Rubio faces a difficult task of rebuilding confidence with Southeast Asian countries unnerved by the US’s trade policies. Despite the economic fallout, he is expected to try and promote the US as a more dependable alternative to China in terms of both security and long-term investment.

According to a draft communique obtained by Reuters, ASEAN foreign ministers will express “concern over rising global trade tensions and growing uncertainties in the international economic landscape, particularly the unilateral actions relating to tariffs”.

Separately, a meeting involving top diplomats from Southeast Asia, China, Russia and the United States will condemn violence against civilians in war-torn Myanmar, according to a draft statement seen Thursday by AFP.

Messi scores two goals, sets new MLS record in Inter Miami win

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Lionel Messi scored twice in the first half of Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution on Wednesday, continuing a run of form unprecedented in Major League Soccer (MLS).

The 38-year-old Argentinian star has scored two goals in each of his last four MLS games to become the first MLS player to score multiple goals in four straight games.

He launched the record streak in late May with two goals in a 4-2 win over Montreal, followed by two in a 5-1 victory over Columbus.

Miami then paused their MLS campaign to compete in the Club World Cup – where Messi scored one goal in four matches and Miami were eliminated in the round of 16 by Paris Saint-Germain.

Javier Mascherano’s team returned to MLS action on Saturday with a 4-1 victory at Montreal – also prompted by a brace from eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi.

In all, Messi has 14 goals in 15 MLS games, putting him two behind leading scorer Sam Surridge, who has appeared in six more games for Nashville than Messi has played this season.

“Obviously, Leo is a special player,” Mascherano said. “For me, he’s the best player that has played this sport in history. It’s unbelievable how he continues doing things that maybe many years ago we thought that we cannot see at this moment.”

Messi put Miami up 1-0 in the 27th minute at Gillette Stadium, taking advantage of a Revolution miscue and firing a left-footed shot from the heart of the area.

The Argentinian star doubled the score 11 minutes later, charging onto a long through ball from Sergio Busquets and curling a left-footed shot beyond the reach of Slovenian goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic.

Messi strikes the ball at goal during the MLS regular season match between New England Revolution and Inter Miami CF at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on July 9, 2025 [Joseph Prezioso/AFP]

“They have played for many years so just when they see each other they connect and they know what they think,” Mascherano said of the Busquets-Messi connection. “In the second goal, Busquets understands when and where Leo wants the ball. It’s fantastic for us.”

Veteran goalkeeper Oscar Ustari also starred for Miami, coming up with six saves before Spaniard Carles Gil managed to put one by him, picking off Tadeo Allende in the 79th minute and rifling in a shot from outside the box.

With the victory, Miami climbed from sixth to fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. On 35 points, they are seven points behind leaders FC Cincinnati, but with three fewer matches played after their Club World Cup break.

Their jam-packed July schedule continues on Saturday against Nashville, one of three matches in the next 10 days.

Mascherano said New England’s late goal meant he couldn’t afford to take Messi out.

England too strong for Wales? Brown-Finnis’ Euros predictions – final group games

By in News, Sports News
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England can make sure of a place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2025 by beating Wales on Sunday, but will the holders get the result they need?

BBC Sport football expert Rachel Brown-Finnis is predicting the outcome of all 31 games in Switzerland.

She got seven of the eight second round of group matches correct, compared to 5/8 in the first set of games, but was caught out by Portugal’s draw with Italy.

You did not see that result coming either, with 50% of you backing Italy to win, and like Rachel you ended up with a score of 7/8 overall.

One of the games that pretty much everyone was right about was Spain’s victory over Belgium – 87% went with a win for the world champions – but out of the thousands of votes, only one reader got the 6-2 scoreline spot-on. A big shout-out to them, for the best prediction of the tournament so far.

Will you and Rachel do better next time? You can make your own predictions for the final set of group games below.

Brown-Finnis has also picked her two teams to go through from each group into the knockout stage, and given her reasons why.

Group A

What information do we collect from this quiz?

I had Switzerland to go through and am sticking with that as they are growing into the tournament. There is not a lot between these two teams and a draw would do it for the Swiss.

Finland have not particularly looked prolific. They got their 1-0 win over Iceland in the opening game but the red card to Iceland’s Hildur Antonsdottir helped them more than anything.

Switzerland were unlucky against Norway in their opener but I believe they can do it and the Swiss crowd will help with that. It would be huge for the tournament if the host nation go through.

A potential quarter-final tie against Spain is on the cards but you can’t look that far ahead.

What information do we collect from this quiz?

Norway are already through as group winners and there is nothing to play for so it’s an opportunity to try out different players and I would expect some changes.

In recent history they have been underachievers for all their super firepower, but they have two types of performances and that first-half performance against Switzerland was memorable for all the wrong reasons. It was an unrecognisable Norweigan team. For the quality on the pitch, they were 2/10 and some players might benefit from the rest against Iceland.

I can see Iceland getting something from the game because they will be bitterly disappointed that they are already out of the tournament. They have had two draws against Norway already in the Nations League this year and will want to prove a point and get the win.

Group B

What information do we collect from this quiz?

If Italy lose to Spain and Portugal beat Belgium, we could have a situation where the quarter-finalist is decided on goal difference. That is a worry for Italy because as we have already seen, Spain can score six quite easily.

Spain need to avoid defeat to top the group and even if they rest players I don’t think it will make any difference because the players they have brought on have been players that would start in most other international teams.

Spain are playing like a team from another planet and have been the best side to watch so far. They just seem to have clicked. Italy will be a different test. They can keep the ball quite well, they can be physical and a little bit dirty at times and that could rattle Spain.

Italy have scored some absolute peaches. I have really enjoyed watching them. They have improved massively. Italy are going for a win and it is unlikely they are not going to go through, but it could be another really open game.

What information do we collect from this quiz?

I originally thought Portugal would progress from the group behind Spain but now it is a massive ask.

Facing Spain in the opener is always tough, but the 1-1 draw against Italy was the critical game and the one that killed Portugal. I had them to go through but then Italy have improved more and they have edged it with more quality in the final third that Portugal have not had.

There is still a chance for Portugal and they have to go for it. They know they are good at attacking, they just haven’t had that final bit of quality as much as they would have needed.

Belgium have not had the cutting edge and the quality to get the points. They played against teams that have been really difficult to play against. We have seen Belgium can catch you on the counter-attack and they could get three points against which would be a consolation, but nothing else.

Group C

What information do we collect from this quiz?

Both of these teams have a huge amount of pride in tournament football but Sweden are sick to death of being the bridesmaids since their 1984 triumph, while Germany have won the tournament a record eight times in the past.

Germany, without their injured captain Giulia Gwinn, will be wounded but they want to prove they can still push for the title in this battle for top spot in the group.

Sweden haven’t conceded a goal yet but it will be a big ask for them to keep another clean sheet with the German firepower.

Germany had 16,000 fans at their game against Denmark and will have huge support in Zurich once again, but there will always be a sea of Sweden’s blue and yellow. The fans might come into it but both sets of players are used to playing in sellout stadiums both domestically and internationally and they are ready for the big stage.

What information do we collect from this quiz?

There is nothing riding on this game and Denmark will be so disappointed their tournament is over, with the likes of their captain Pernille Harder potentially playing her last tournament.

They had high hopes coming into Euro 2025, but to get Sweden and Germany in that group was a tough ask.

Poland haven’t been embarrassed on their major tournament debut and they have held their own.

They have made progress and that’s why they are here and they should be very happy with that. I would love them to score a goal and especially Ewa Pajor because she is a quality player. That would make history and she is probably the right person to do that for Poland.

Group D

What information do we collect from this quiz?

France’s attack at this tournament has been frightening, with only Spain scoring more than them. The potential of the squad hasn’t always translated into performances at major tournaments. Their team is impressive just on paper, so as a neutral it is great to see them use their players to get results and performances.

They are going to be hard to stop but they have conceded goals and shown teams how you can get at them. It will be interesting to see if there is any wavering.

The Netherlands will be desperate to bounce back and know they have the quality and the tactics to hurt France. It will be interesting whether they start with Lineth Beerensteyn in the nine shirt and put Vivianne Miedema a little bit deeper. Miedema was pretty much man-marked by England and had no breathing space.

England didn’t let the Dutch play at all, but being well-beaten by the Lionesses might just do what the France game did for England and reinvigorate them. It could be a really tasty game. France have scored loads of goals, but the Netherlands are here to get through to the knockouts.

What information do we collect from this quiz?

Group D is going to go right to the wire and the head-to-head between the home nations will be the biggest game for both teams.

I had full confidence that with the obvious task at hand, England would bring a whole new level of performance against the Netherlands and they did absolutely that. They pulled out all the stops and Sarina Wiegman’s tactical tweaks and subtle changes worked brilliantly.

They all performed individually and collectively towards their maximum and it was all-round a really watertight performance. There were no cracks. It was as close to a perfect performance as you can have.

For Jess Fishlock to score Wales’ first ever goal at a major tournament was really monumental and poignant and couldn’t have been written better as a script. They didn’t get the result ultimately but to go toe-to-toe with France was really impressive.

England know that it is not going to be easy and will be relatively conservative. They won’t want to leave any gaps for Wales to nick something.

Wales would absolutely love to get something from England, especially if it means that England don’t go through to the knockout stages. They will try and rattle the Lionesses and want to go out with a bang. England need to not get drawn into that.

Related topics

  • England Women’s Football Team
  • Wales Women’s Football Team
  • UEFA Women’s EURO
  • Football
  • Women’s Football

Oti Mabuse sports affordable £22 tennis dress to Wimbledon as fans say she looks ‘beautiful’

By in Entertainment News, News

Strictly Come Dancing’s Oti Mabuse was spotted wearing one of the most affordable celebrity Wimbledon looks yet in a ‘beautiful’ £22 tennis dress

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Oti Mabuse in affordable look with Champagne Lanson at The Championships, Wimbledon(Image: Getty/Champagne Lanson/Tu Clothing)

Wimbledon is almost over for another year, and we’ve had one of the most stylish and best dressed Championship yet with celebs acing their courtside fashion.

From Frankie Bridge’s chic pinstripe Karen Millen midi dress, currently £149.50 here to Samantha Cameron’s Cefinn seersucker dress, £290 here and Louise Thompson’s on-theme Lulu Guiness strawberry punnet handbag, available to rent from £5.16 a day here, we’ve spotted some amazing outfits.

And the latest celeb to catch our eye in potentially the most affordable look yet is Strictly Come Dancing’s Oti Mabuse. The pro dancer headed to Wimbledon earlier this weeking sporting a £22 tennis dress from Tu Clothing.

The REAKTIV Navy Tennis Dress is actually from the range that Oti is an ambassador for, and is totally on theme for Wimbledon.

READ MORE: Wimbledon’s best dressed celebrities including Olivia Dean’s butter yellow midi dress

READ MORE: ‘I was genuinely wowed by these 31 Amazon Prime Day deals – they’re the best I’ve seen’

Oti Mabuse with Champagne Lanson at The Championships, Wimbledon
Oti’s £22 tennis dress is one of the most affordable Wimbledon looks we’ve seen(Image: Getty/Champagne Lanson/Tu Clothing)

If you’re after something that’s the perfect mix of sporty and stylish, this blue marl polo tennis dress ticks all the boxes. The classic white collar gives it that preppy, polished feel, while the moisture-wicking fabric will keep you cool and airy whether you’re actually playing tennis or heading to watch a match yourself.

It’s soft, flowy and easy to move around in. Just throw on some chunky white trainers, and a slogan cap for the ultimate athleisure look. Equally, take a page out of Oti’s style book and dress it up for Centre Court with a pair of white heels and some minimalist jewellery.

With its flattering cut and smart detailing, this dress definintely works for slightlier fancier outings too and Oti has just proved it. This is the kind of piece you’ll be reaching for day after day.

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If you’re on the lookout for more tennis dresses to add to your activewear wardrobe, Abercrombie’s YPB motionTEK Halter Bubble Hem Mini Dress is currently half price at £32.50 down from £65.

Tennis pro Amanda Anisimova’s reality star boyfriend and ‘unbearable’ reason for retiring

By in Entertainment News, News

American tennis star Amanda Anisimova will face world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in the semi finals at Wimbledon but the determined talent, thought to be dating a famous model, is accustomed to facing huge battles in her life

Amanda has faced some personal battles in her life

US star Amanda Anisimova has reached the second grand slam semifinal of her career and will now face world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka after beating the Russian Anastasiya Pavlyuchenkova in the quarter finals at Wimbledon. The American was visibly overjoyed at her achievement and remarked on how much she was relishing the tournament.

“It’s been an extraordinary year for me,” she said in her on-court interview after Tuesday’s quarter final round. “So many highs. It’s just been such a ride, and I’ve been enjoying every step of the way.” She topped off the moment by bringing her four year old, achingly cute nephew, Jaxon, out onto the court to melt the hearts of the delighted crowd.

READ MORE: Wimbledon star Aryna Sabalenka’s millionaire boyfriend who was rock through personal tragedy

Her next match will be her first semi final at Wimbledon but the 23 year old also reached the same stage at the French Open in 2019 when she was just 17. The achievement catapulted the then teenager onto the world stage. However that same year just before her 18th birthday and as her star was rising, she suffered a personal tragedy when her father and former coach, Konstantin, was found dead after suffering a heart attack. She withdrew from the US Open that year.

Amanda Anisimova with nephew on court
Amanda with her adorable nephew after her win(Image: Getty Images)

“It was the worst thing that ever happened to me,” Anisimova told the New York Post in 2020. “It was very tough.” She immediately withdrew from the 2019 US Open and her performances on court were a mixture of successes and failures over the next few years.

The year after her dad passed away it’s thought she did manage to find some happiness in her personal life when she met and started dating the Australian, Tyler Roos. The son of Australian Football League legend Paul Roos, Tyler is an athlete who at the time played for the Southport Australian Football Club. Tyler is also a model and starred in Season 4 of the hit reality TV series The Amazing Race Australia. It’s thought the couple are still together.

Although Anisimova continued to play tennis, in May 2023 she announced she was retiring from the game due to mental health issues. “I’ve really been struggling with my mental health and burnout since the summer of 2022,” she announced at the time. “It’s become unbearable being at tennis tournaments. At this point my priority is my mental well-being and taking a break for some time,” she said.

Amanda Anisimova celebrates with her nephew
The little boy melted hearts at Wimbledon(Image: PA)
Amanda Anisimova and Tyler Roos.
Amanda and Tyler have been dating since 2020

She found a new hobby and turned to painting during her free time to help with relaxation and her mental state. She also launched a campaign Art for Hope, donating the funds raised from selling her paintings to mental health charities.

Making her Wimbledon comeback in 2024, she lost in the qualifying round but spoke extensively to ESPN about the importance of taking care of every area of your health.

“You can struggle with your mental health. It’s just as important as your physical health,” she said. When she was asked what made her decide to return to the sport she said she knew she would one day. “I always knew deep down that no matter how long I was gonna take off, I was gonna come back to the tour.

Amanda Anisimova and Tyler Roos.
Tyler is an athlete and model

“I still felt like there were so many things I wanted to achieve in the sport. Winning a Slam is definitely one of them, and I didn’t wanna walk away so early after sacrificing so much of my life and working so hard,” she revealed. “Once I came back, I found this new passion for it. I feel like it’s a passion I didn’t feel back then or maybe when I was a teenager. Every win is that much more special now.”

She also spoke about the importance of being “honest and vulnerable” about a topic which is often stigmatised. Explaining that a lot of tennis players struggle with loneliness due to the lifestyle and travel she emphasised the importance of finding a balance.

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