The MCG has been handed one demerit point after the ICC deemed the pitch that was used during the Boxing Day Test match ‘unsatisfactory’.

In his assessment of the wicket, Jeff Crowe of the ICC’s Elite Panel of Match Referees echoed the views of many players past and present, stating that the pitch had been prepared ‘too much in favour of the bowlers’.

The ‘unsatisfactory’ rating is the second-lowest ranking in the ICC’s four-tier system. Should a venue receive six demerit points in the space of a five-year period, the ground can be suspended from hosting international cricket for a year. 

Players, fans and pundits have been queuing up to criticise how the wicket had been prepared, with England wrapping up a four-wicket victory inside just two days.

Twenty wickets fell on the first day of the match, with this also being the shortest-ever Test hosted at the MCG since 1932.

‘The MCG pitch was [prepared] too much in favour of the bowlers,’ Mr Crowe said when handing down his verdict.

The MCG has been handed one demerit point by the ICC after the governing body deemed the pitch used during the Boxing Day Test to be ‘unsatisfactory’

The ranking is the second-lowest on the ICC’s pitch ratings, with Cricket Australia now facing major losses of around $25million in the wake of the two-day Test

‘With 20 wickets falling on the first day, 16 on the second day and no batter even reaching a half-century, the pitch was ‘unsatisfactory’ as per the guidelines and the venue gets one demerit point.’

It is now being reported by The Sydney Morning Herald that Cricket Australia could lose up to $25million (£12.43m) in revenue after the Boxing Day Test ended prematurely. 

Stakeholders and broadcasters have been left ‘fuming’ following the match, with Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg telling SEN on Saturday that ‘short Tests were bad for business’. Greenberg also hinted that the governing body could pay closer attention to how pitches are prepared in future. 

‘We were disappointed for the fans holding tickets for days three and four, and also the millions of fans excited to watch the action in Australia and around the world, that the pitch did not provide the MCG’s customary balance between bat and ball,’ CA cricket chief James Allsopp said.

‘We appreciate the outstanding work the MCC (Melbourne Cricket Club) staff have done over recent years, producing excellent Test match pitches.

‘We’re confident they will deliver first-rate surfaces for next year’s Boxing Day Test against New Zealand and the hugely anticipated 150th Anniversary Test against England in March 2027.’

Interestingly, the ICC had ranked the pitch used during the Perth Test as ‘very good’, despite that match also finishing inside two days. 

On Sunday, Melbourne Cricket Club curator Matt Page fronted the media to claim that he and his team had got the preparations wrong, adding that he had been ‘in a state of shock’. 

While batters on both sides have been slammed for poor performances during the match, curators had left 10mm of grass on the wicket, resulting in 36 wickets falling in 142 overs across both days. The highest score from both teams was struck by Aussie star Travis Head, who amassed 46 runs during Australia’s second innings. 

‘I was in a state of shock after the first day, to see everything that happened and 20 wickets in a day, I’ve never been involved in a Test match like it, and hopefully will never be involved in a Test match like it again,’ Page said.

‘It was a roller-coaster ride for two days to see everything unfold.’

Page defended the decision to leave 10mm of grass on the wicket. 

‘This year we went in with 10mm as we knew we were going to get a lot of hot weather at the back end of the game,’ he said.

During last year’s Boxing Day Test, curators had left only 7mm of grass on the wicket, with Australia going on to seal a thrilling victory against India on the fifth day of the Test match.

Page had hoped to replicate those same conditions, but instead, the wicket became a fast-bowler’s dream.

England captain Ben Stokes was particularly critical of the wicket, telling TNT Sports: ‘I’m pretty sure if that was somewhere else in the world there’d be hell on [earth].

‘It is not the best thing for games that should be played over five days but we played a type of cricket that ended up getting the job done,’ Stokes added. 

Steve Smith issued some sympathy to the curators at the MCG stating: ‘Groundsmen are always learning and they’ll probably take something from that’

His Aussie counterpart, Steve Smith, was more sympathetic to Page and his team.  

‘Maybe if you took it from 10mm to 8mm (of grass), it would have been a nice, challenging wicket, but maybe a little bit more even,’ Smith said. 

‘But groundsmen are always learning and they’ll probably take something from that.’

Melbourne Cricket Club CEO Stuart Fox placed his support behind Page when pressed on the pitch debacle.

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Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has brushed aside criticism over Nigeria’s failure to keep a clean sheet at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), insisting there is no cause for alarm within the camp.

Nigeria have conceded three goals in their opening two Group C matches but has matched that with an impressive attacking return, scoring five times to secure maximum points.

The Super Eagles opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Tanzania before surviving a late scare to edge Tunisia 3-2 on Saturday.

Those victories were enough to seal qualification for the round of 16, yet questions have been raised about the team’s defensive solidity, particularly after they allowed Tunisia back into contention from a seemingly unassailable position.

Goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman had put Nigeria 3-0 up before the Carthage Eagles rallied late on.

Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi struck in quick succession to set up a nervy finale, with Tunisian captain Ferjani Sassi going close to an equaliser in stoppage time as his header drifted narrowly wide.

Speaking in the mixed zone after the game, Stanley Nwabali dismissed suggestions that Nigeria are carrying defensive problems into the knockout phase.

“Tournaments like this, you are bound to concede goals. Even the best teams in the world concede goals,” he said.

“I don’t see any problem in the defence. At the last AFCON, we kept clean sheets in our first two games, but things have improved overall. We also want to keep clean sheets and it pains me when I concede, but we keep going as a team.

“We scored from set pieces and they also scored from a set piece. That is probably one of their strengths. Sometimes you can’t correct everything, but we try to deal with it.”

Nwabali, 29, has grown into the number one role since breaking into the Super Eagles setup ahead of the 2023 tournament, which was staged in the Ivory Coast last year.

He has since edged out Francis Uzoho and Ojo Olorunleke for the starting spot.

In the current squad, Uzoho and Amas Obasogie provide competition, but Nwabali was quick to stress that there is no rivalry behind the scenes.

“My first AFCON was with Francis, and I knew Amas before I left Nigeria,” he added. “These guys are amazing and they are like my family. We cover one another. There are no bad thoughts or bad energy.”

The Super Eagles of Nigeria, who have already secured their place in the round of 16, will round off their group campaign against Uganda at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30.

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At least three countries have been eliminated from the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Morocco after failing to register a single point in the group stage so far.

The three countries are Botswana, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

Despite having one final game to play in the group stage fixtures this week, the aforementioned countries will pack their bags and leave Morocco irrespective of the outcome of their last group stage matches.

Botswana is currently in the bottom position in Group D  with zero points after suffering consecutive defeats in their opening two matches.

They were beaten 3–0 by Senegal before losing 1–0 to the Benin Republic.

The Zebras still have a final group fixture against DR Congo on Tuesday; the results elsewhere in their group have already confirmed their elimination from the competition.

Similarly, Equatorial Guinea also suffered two defeats in Group E.  They lost 2–1 against Burkina Faso in their first game before losing 1–0 to Sudan, leaving them without a point.

Also, Gabon bowed out early in Group F after back-to-back defeats. They lost their first game 1–0 against Cameroon before falling 3–2 to Mozambique in their second game.

Gabon sits bottom position in the group and are mathematically eliminated.

They will play for pride when they face Ivory Coast on Wednesday in their last group fixture.

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Morocco star Achraf Hakimi has disclosed that Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe loves the country.

The Real Madrid attacker travelled to the Moroccan capital to support Achraf Hakimi, his close friend and former Paris Saint-Germain teammate, during the Atlas Lions’ Group A meeting with Mali on Friday in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Read Also:AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Clash Won’t Be Easy — Uganda Coach Put

Speaking of Mbappe’s visit to Morocco, Hakimi said: “Kylian Mbappe really loves Morocco. He’s enjoying our country. He’s enjoying Moroccan food, from what I understand.”

In addition, the 27-year-old also shared his thoughts on AFCON, and while he is confident in Morocco’s quality to go the distance, Mbappe remained optimistic about the Atlas Lions’ chances of winning the competition.

“He said we’re a candidate to win this AFCON, but there are also a lot of others,” Hakimi added.

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He asked for a table for two. ‘It was an unusual request for a Christmas dinner but we assumed he was apprehensive about being overwhelmed by a large crowd,’ says Nicky Reid, chief executive of the SPFL trust.

‘He came into the room alone, sat down at the table and put a photograph of his wife opposite him. We later learned that she had died only recently. He had his meal. He died three weeks later.’

This is what a meal can mean to someone. There is joy at festive dinners but there can be true meaning too.

This is just one story of what is the secret Santa of Scottish football. There may be a mystery to what the SPFL Trust delivers, but not among the thousands who are helped by it. Certainly not among the 26,000 who have enjoyed a Festive Friends dinner over the last 10 years.

The Stirling Albion Foundation was just one of 40 clubs who organised such an occasion. It was attended by some for whom it will be the only Christmas dinner of 2025. It offered a chance for others to meet people and dispel any loneliness that is sharpened by this time of the year.

It was also graced by Catherine Morrison, who at 93 found it ‘delightful’ and a change from her line-dancing class. ‘This is my third time here,’ she says. ‘Isn’t it lovely? Isn’t it wonderful?’

Catherine Morrison, 93, took time out from her line-dancing class for a Festive Friends dinner

Stirling Albion was just one of 40 Scottish clubs who opened its doors to the community 

The dinners allowed elderly and vulnerable football supporters to gather over the festive spell

It is. She is surrounded by pensioners, some from the Parkinson’s group that play football at Forthbank, and others who have been invited for a three-course meal, a rousing carol-singing and a visit from Santa.

‘I am very self-sufficient,’ says Catherine. ‘But this is a welcome treat.’ She still drives, lives alone and. of course, does her line dancing.

Her attendance at the lunch is in tune with her daily philosophy. ‘I go to church every morning, say my prayers, meet people and maybe have coffee with them. It is important to keep close to people,’ she says.

She lost her husband more than 30 years ago. They had no children so Catherine has forged another life. ‘I believe it is important to be active,’ she says. ‘I suppose you could call me a “going out person”.’

She enjoys football but as an armchair spectator. ‘I like it on the television. It’s great to see the fans singing and dancing.’

The singing begins in the room. There is a story in everyone present. They talk of the joy of reuniting with old friends, of finding advice for problems, of banishing some of the burden of everyday cares in a place of laughter and safety.

The SPFL Trust programme launched in 2016 as a pilot and has brought solace to tens of thousands. It also offers the chance to explore a secret Santa. What is the SPFL Trust and what does it do?

The SPFL chair Nicky Reid with Stirling Albion’s football development officer Craig Mair

Nicky Reid takes a breath, politely declines a dod of turkey, and tries to encapsulate her mission in bite-sized form.

‘We are the charity associated with the league,’ she says. ‘We are the strength of our network and our job is to improve the lives of people across Scotland. Football brings with it some challenges — we get that — but every day in the week we are working to help people.’

The Festive Friends is just one of the programmes as trusts and foundations at clubs bid to strengthen links with people who live on their doorstep.

The SPFL Trust may talk quietly but its impact is profound. ‘We as a country punch above our weight,’ says Reid. ‘I speak at international events and it is no exaggeration to say we are not doing anything different from the operations at Barcelona, Chelsea or Manchester United. I would argue we are doing it better, particularly because we have fewer resources and we are largely working with volunteers or part-time staff. We are probably the most community-engaged small to medium-sized league in the world.’

This is put in blunter, more powerful language. ‘We save lives and change lives,’ she says.

‘People come to us to be fed, people come to us who are considering suicide, we help those who are trying to reverse type 2 diabetes, we offer social interaction to people who might only experience that on one day a year.

‘It’s co-ordinated between us and those at the clubs.

‘We work together, we share ideas. It harnesses the best Scottish football has to offer and gives it back to people.’

Daily Mail Sport’s Hugh MacDonald speaks with 93-year-old Catherine Morrison at the dinner

This is exemplified by the people visited by Santa at Forthbank and other venues. There are those who have been reunited at events after long years apart. There was one pensioner who was struggling financially and attended an event at his club. He received advice that increased his benefits and changed his life.

‘It’s about people,’ says Reid. ‘Sometimes we forget to be kind and all this is an answer to that.’

It needs funds. The SPFL hands out £25,000 for Festive Friends. Fundraising and grants drive other programmes. But more help would be welcome from commercial sponsorship.

‘The need is increasing,’ says Reid. ‘The demand is growing.’

She welcomes Scotland’s qualification for the World Cup and not just as a fan.

‘There is a fundamental piece of leverage there,’ she says. ‘The World Cup brings attention to our game. There is, obviously, great stuff happening on the pitch but off the pitch there is so much to be proud of and so much for people to help us with. The World Cup publicity may attract those who have never thought of football and we have to get our message across that it is a force for good.’

She flits from table to table, welcoming the Festive Friends guests and chatting to volunteers who provide a superb meal, gifts and even persuade Santa to make a visit.

Sitting nearby, in a room packed with donations from local businesses, sits Craig Mair, football development officer at Stirling Albion Foundation.

‘My figures for the year show that we have 6,000 engagements with 1,500 people this year,’ he says. ‘We have about 300 people a week coming to the club for various activities.’

These stretch from the three-year-olds getting their first kick of a ball to the 83-year-old honing his first touch at the walking football.

Mair says Stirling provide opportunities for a wide range of ages to get involved with the club

‘One of our aims is to provide free or affordable football for all,’ he says. ‘We want to be a strong part of the community and that means offering something that is important to people.’

This theme is taken up by Jim Thompson, one of the trustees of the foundation. ‘We lost a young fan who took his life a couple of years ago and we thought we should be doing more for the younger generation in terms of mental health,’ he says. ‘We want to organise a solid youth club, we also want to move into football memories to improve social inclusion. We want to be here for the community.’

A retired police officer, Thompson is now editor of a programme magazine, organises programme fairs and is also a guide at the Scottish Football Museum at Hampden.

He is not just a fan of football but an advocate of the power the game has and that stretches far beyond the pitch.

‘People should know that the anchor point of their community is the football club. There are so many issues affecting people. We must be there to help them,’ he says.

The singing in the room merely puts this message to music.

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Three countries have already secured their tickets to the Round of 16 at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with Algeria becoming the latest side to confirm qualification following another gripping day of action on Sunday.

Algeria sealed their spot with a narrow 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso in Group E. Captain Riyad Mahrez kept his composure from the penalty spot to score the only goal of the match, steering the Desert Foxes to a second successive win.

That outcome lifted Algeria to six points from two games, placing them out of reach of the chasing pack. Burkina Faso and Sudan both remain on three points, while Equatorial Guinea are still searching for their first point of the campaign. Algeria have once again shown they know how to navigate the group stages. Recall they won the AFCON title in 1990 and 2019.

Their qualification means they join Nigeria and Egypt as the only teams so far to have mathematically confirmed a place in the knockout rounds of the tournament.

Away from the Algeria match, Sunday also produced a surprise in Group E as Sudan edged Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in Casablanca. The decisive moment came in the 74th minute when Coco inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing Sudan a crucial victory that keeps their qualification hopes firmly alive.

In Group F, Mozambique breathed new life into their campaign with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win against Gabon in Agadir. Gabon had taken the lead through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang just before the break. Still, goals from Bangal, Geny Catamo and Calila swung the contest in Mozambique’s favour despite a late Gabon response.

Attention later shifted to Marrakesh, where the Ivory Coast and Cameroon recorded a 1-1 draw in a high-profile Group F clash. This means that both sides currently have four points each in two games.

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The results of Sunday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, matches are out.

DAILY POST reports that AFCON holder Ivory Coast played a 1-1 draw with Cameroon in Group F on Sunday night, thanks to goals from Amad Diallo and Ghislain Konan (own goal).

Also in Group F, Mozambique defeated Gabon 3-2 to occupy the third position on the log with three points.

Similarly, in Group E, Algeria defeated Burkina Faso 1-0, thanks to Riyad Mahrez’s first-half penalty goal, while Sudan defeated Equatorial Guinea 1-0.

Meanwhile, more AFCON Match-day three fixtures will be played today, Monday, as South Africa will face Zimbabwe in the evening.

Also in the evening, Angola will clash with Egypt, while Zambia will tackle host nation Morocco in the night.

On Monday night, Comoros will clash with Mali at the Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca.

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has described Florian Wirtz as an intelligent player after his impressive display against Wolves.

Virgil van Dijk, speaking as captain, offered praise while outlining exactly what still needs improvement.

“I was very happy for him. He played a very good game. Everyone was outstanding in the first half. It’s great to see and hopefully many more to come from him.

Read Also:AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Clash Won’t Be Easy — Uganda Coach Put

“He’s getting used to playing for Liverpool and what we want to do as a team. He’s getting used to the intensity. After about 70 minutes I think he had some cramp. It’s part of the game. He just has to keep going. It was an important goal for us and now on to New Year’s Day.

“I think he runs almost everywhere. At times on the left, at times in the middle. He’s a very intelligent player who is so comfortable on the ball. He finds space between the lines and can be very important.

“He wants to be important in terms of goals and assists. The work rate he puts in and the chances he creates is what I think is even more important. I am really pleased for him, like the rest of the team. You saw the celebrations. Everyone is so happy for him.”

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By JACK BEZANTS, US DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR

Published: 04:47 GMT, 29 December 2025 | Updated: 05:10 GMT, 29 December 2025

Baltimore Ravens’ showdown against Pittsburgh Steelers, and potentially Aaron Rodgers last ever game in the NFL, will headline the last Sunday Night Football of the 2025 regular season.

The winner of that AFC North game will go into the playoffs and the losers will be finished for 2025. Rodgers, 42, is expected to call it a day once the Steelers season is over, whenever that might be.

The Ravens, meanwhile, kept their season alive by beating the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night with No 2 quarterback Tyler Huntley deputizing in place of the injured Lamar Jackson, whose status for Sunday night remains unclear as things stand.

Running back Derrick Henry scored four touchdowns and took 36 carries 214 yards in a sensational display.

San Francisco 49ers host Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night at 8pm ET for the NFC’s No 1 seed. Should the Niners win, it means they will be at home for the remainder of the 2025 season as the Super Bowl will be held at their Levi’s Stadium on February 7.

After Sunday night’s stunning 42-38 win over the Chicago Bears, they look every bit a Super Bowl contender as things stand.

Aaron Rodgers and Pittsburgh Steelers play Baltimore Ravens on Week 18 Sunday night game

San Francisco 49ers will play Seattle Seahawks for the NFC’s No. 1 seed next Saturday night

The shootout between Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the AFC South is played earlier on Saturday, at 4:30 ET, to kickstart the weekend. Both Saturday games are on ESPN and ABC.

The Buffalo Bills will stage potentially their last game at Highmark against the struggling New York Jets at 4:25pm ET. 

At the same time, the Denver Broncos meet the Los Angeles Chargers in pursuit of the AFC’s No 1 seed.

The New England Patriots are also in the running for the first seed. They need to beat the Miami Dolphins and hope the Chargers win against Sean Payton’s Broncos. 

The Las Vegas Raiders, meanwhile, host the Kansas City Chiefs at 4:25 ET, where a loss will also mean they are locked in on the No 1 pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

It may also be Travis Kelce’s final NFL game, with many expecting the Kansas City Chiefs star to retire once the NFL season ends. 

MORE TO FOLLOW 

Baltimore RavensSan Francisco 49ers

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NFL releases schedule for Week 18 and confirms huge Sunday Night Football showdown

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Coach Eric Sekou Chelle believes the Super Eagles can only get better at the on-gong  Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, after Saturday’s nervy 3-2 win over Tunisia in Fes.

The Super Eagles  put on an impressive display of attacking prowess with Victor Osimhen opening  the scoring a minute before halftime and captain Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman added two more after the break. But Tunisia staged a late comeback with goals from defenders Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi that set up a nervy finish.

Victory on Saturday sealed Super Eagles’ qualification  to the 16th  Round even with one first-round fixture still to play against Uganda  tomorrow.

Smarting from that  hard-fought  win against Tunisia on Saturday, Chelle has the Super Eagles to  learn  how to manage games better while also praising the team’s intensity in the encounter.

 “These are the situations that help a team grow; we must learn how to manage games better until the final whistle,” The Franco Malian coach said . “Our identity is based on intensity, aggression without the ball and speed when we regain possession. For most of the game, the players executed that very well.

 “It is never easy to respond when momentum shifts, but the players stayed united and disciplined. That mentality is very important in tournament football.”

He added:  “We have quality going forward but at this level, small details matter. We must remain focused from the first minute to the last.”

Speaking in the same vein,  Ademola Lookman, who  won the Man-of-the-Match award  following his excellent display  with a goal and  two assists, was proud of the team’s resilience.

He said: “We showed character when the game became difficult. These are the moments that define teams in tournaments like this. We are building strong connections on the pitch. Everyone understands their role, and that makes our play more fluid and dangerous.”

 “The coach gives us belief and clear instructions. When you know exactly what is expected, it becomes easier to express yourself.”

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By JACK BEZANTS, US DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR

Published: 02:33 GMT, 29 December 2025 | Updated: 03:01 GMT, 29 December 2025

A wild brawl erupted in Sunday night’s NHL game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders, sparked by Mason Marchment tripping 2025 first-round draft pick Matthew Schaefer.

Young Islanders’ star Schaefer went flying through the air before sliding across the ice as the play unfolded, before his teammate Mat Barzal took it upon himself to take revenge.

Barzal slowly skated towards Marchment before brutally slashing him across the leg with his stick, sending the Blue Jays man crumpling down onto the ice.

As Barzal turned away, Marchment’s teammates swarmed Barzal and unleashed a barrage of punches before the fellow Islanders piled in to make it a massive brawl.

The referees were helpless, trying to intervene and stop the punches being thrown but the players took little notice. Eventually, a ruck of players pulled themselves apart after sliding into the wall.

With the game tied at 1-1 in the second period, Barzal was then ejected from the game for taking matters into his own hands and will potentially be fined and suspended for hitting out at Marchment.

A massive brawl erupted in Sunday’s New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets game

The fight was started by Blue Jackets’ Mason Marchment tripped Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer

And when Mat Barzal hit Marchand with his stick, players from both teams fought back

Patrick Roy, the Islanders head coach, refused to criticize Barzal when he spoke to reporters after the game.

‘We’re never going to blame a teammate for going to try and defend a teammate,’ he said. ‘We thoought it was a knee on Schaefer.’ 

For his involvement, Marchment received a two-minute tripping penalty. He had tripped Schaeder earlier in the game, during the first quarter, and got the same punishment.

And the 30-year-old was punished again for the same thing later in the game, this time tripping Islanders winger Simon Holmstrom. 

But Marchment, playing only his third game since his acquisition from the Seattle Kraken, had the last laugh, with his team fighting their way to a surprise 4-2 win over the Islanders. 

Despite their win on Sunday, the Blue Jackets are last in the Eastern Conference’s Metropolitan Division, with a 15-15 record.

The Islanders, meanwhile, are second on 21-14 and three points behind leaders Carolina Hurricanes.

The Islanders meet Chicago Blackhawks next, on Tuesday, while the Blue Jackets play Monday against Ottawa Senators.

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Hockey star attacks rival with his STICK and sparks huge brawl in wild midgame meltdown

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Amad Diallo scored his second goal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as holders Ivory Coast drew with Cameroon in an enthralling clash between the tournament heavyweights in Marrakech, Morocco.

In a much-anticipated early showdown between two potential challengers for the title, Junior Tchamadeu struck a deflected equaliser less than six minutes after Amad had exquisitely curled the Elephants in front as part of a result which ensures both sides remain a point clear of Mozambique at the top of Group F and also eliminates Gabon.

Manchester United forward Amad, who scored the only goal in his country’s opening win over Mozambique, collected Ghislain Konan’s crossfield pass on a counter-attack and produced an effort worthy of watching France striker Kylian Mbappe from the edge of the box, finding the far corner of Devis Epassy’s net to break the deadlock in the 51st minute.

His strike was part of an extraordinary flurry of action at the start of the second half, arriving shortly after Ivory Coast’s Franck Kessie had a deft finish ruled out for offside and Danny Namaso hit the crossbar via two deflections at the other end.

A relatively quiet first period offered uncompromising intensity and glimpses of the entertainment to come, including a shot against the woodwork by Cameroon debutant Christian Kofane.

All four Group Fteams play their third and final matches of the initial stage on Wednesday (19:00 GMT), when Ivory Coast face Gabon in Marrakech and Cameroon meet Mozambique in Agadir.

RESULTS 

Gabon 2-3 Mozambique 

E’Guinea 0-1 Sudan

Algeria 1-0 Burkina Faso

Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon

TODAY

Angola v Egypt 

Zimbabwe v S’Africa

Comoros v Mali

Zambia v Morocco 

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Wayne Carey still lives with the stigma of his infamous affair with a married teammate over two decades ago, and now he has offered up his opinion on the latest marriage scandal rocking the AFL. 

The former North Melbourne captain recently spoke on the You Can’t Be Serious podcast, hosted by AFL controversy magnet Sam Newman. 

Newman could not resist bringing up the allegations of marriage infidelity that Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale is currently wrestling with.  

Carey rocked the AFL world with his 2002 affair with Kelli Stevens, the wife of his North Melbourne teammate and best friend, Anthony Stevens, while Carey was married to his then-wife, Sally McMahon. 

The scandal triggered Carey’s exit from the team, public condemnation, the collapse of his marriage to Sally, and a lasting rift with Stevens that resurfaced in a heated confrontation years later, despite Carey saying he had apologised. 

That explosive – and very public – marriage breakdown has drawn parallels with Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale, who is experiencing his own relationship crisis in a very public forum.  

Former AFL star Wayne Carey (right) gave his take on the biggest marriage drama in Aussie footy when he appeared on Sam Newman’s You Can’t Be Serious podcast

Carey spoke about the current allegations of marriage infidelity facing Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale (pictured with his wife Jules)

Carey was at the centre of footy’s greatest marriage scandal after his affair with teammate Anthony Stevens’s wife Kelli (Carey and Stevens are pictured)

Neale and his wife Jules reportedly spent the festive period in separate states as their marriage breakdown continues to play out publicly.

The situation escalated in December after Jules said she had been ‘betrayed in the most unimaginable way’ in a social media post, later calling out a third party, Tess Crosley, who became entangled in the fallout, though there has been no suggestion of wrongdoing on her part.

Jules has since returned to Western Australia to be with family, while Neale is understood to be spending time in South Australia, with neither party issuing a formal public statement.

Newman brought up the allegations made against Neale, and accused the Australian media of treating him differently to Carey.

‘You would be front and square, or I would be, but it seems to just drift on with no real controversy,’ Newman claimed.

‘They treat people with kid gloves if they want to, don’t they?’

‘I look at people’s comments about someone’s personal life, I will say this and I’ve said this a million times, generally people that have the strongest opinion about what someone else does in their personal, private life are doing way worse in their own,’ Carey replied.

‘So for all those people that sit on their ivory tower, Sam, they are generally doing a lot, lot worse than those they are judging.

Carey was married to his first wife Sally McMahon at the time of the affair that tore North Melbourne apart

Stevens, pictured with then-wife Kelli, was best friends with Carey but now there is a deep divide between the pair

‘You know what, what Lachie Neale does in his life with his family, with whoever else, friends, whatever, whose business is that but theirs?’

Newman pressed Carey further, saying, ‘You know very well that if you are in the public eye, it’s everyone’s business.’

‘It shouldn’t be, but it is,’ Carey replied. 

‘The sad part about anything that has been in the news – and this is what I have empathy for – I feel for children that get dragged into it. 

‘You would prefer those things, like everyone else’s life [when] they go through issues, that they don’t have to be dragged through the media circus that we live in. 

‘Unfortunately, Lachie’s kids have to be dragged through this, which is terribly sad. 

‘That is something that he will wrestle with over the coming months. 

‘It’s their business. Not mine. And I would be a hypocrite if I was to sit here and be judgmental, wouldn’t I?’

Sam Newman suggested that Neale’s marriage issues are not receiving the same attention that Carey got back in 2002 (Neale is pictured with Tess Crosley, left, and wife Jules, right)

Carey attacked those criticising Lachie and Jules (pictured together), saying their private lives must be a lot worse than what the footy star and his wife are going through

Carey has moved on from his past dramas and is now a father of four, after welcoming his second child with girlfriend Jessica Paulke in January.

He also has two daughters from previous relationships: Ella with ex-wife Sally McMahon, and Charlotte with former fiancée Stephanie Edwards.

Jules Neale has unfollowed her husband on Instagram and removed images of the couple together. 

She made their marriage issues public recently when she posted a message reading: ‘I want to make it very clear that I am not “working through” anything.’ 

‘I have been betrayed in the most unimaginable way. All I can do now is try to heal and do what’s best for my children. Thank you for the love and support.’ 

Neale still follows his wife and has retained their images on social media, including a picture of the two of them celebrating the Brisbane Lions back-to-back premiership win earlier this year. 

When Neale won the Brownlow Medal for the first time in 2020, he revealed the sacrifices that Jules had made to accommodate his highly-publicised move from Fremantle to the Lions. 

‘My wife Jules, she’s an amazing human being,’ Neale said at the time.

‘Not many people probably know but she owned a salon in Perth before we decided to move to Brisbane. She had to sell that to come over here and follow my dreams.

‘She was doing very well for herself over there but she always puts me ahead of herself when she shouldn’t have to.

‘She’s the most selfless person I know and my biggest support, so thank you very much Jules, I love you.’

When he won the medal again in 2023, he again paid tribute to his wife, calling Jules his ‘rock’.

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Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo continued his fine goal-scoring form as he scored a goal in the Elephants’ 1-1 draw against Cameroon in Sunday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Manchester United star, who had netted in the team’s first game against Mozambique, broke the deadlock in the 51st minute with a beautiful left-footed shot that beat the Cameroon goalkeeper.

Read Also:AFCON 2025: We Want To Have Good Game Against Nigeria —Uganda Striker, Ahimbisibwe

Ivory Coast’s lead only lasted for five minutes, with Ghislain Konan deflecting Junior Tchamadeu’s shot into his own net to draw level for Cameroon.

Kessie came close to restoring Ivory Coast’s lead, rising highest to meet Guela Doue’s cross, only to be denied by Devis Epassy.

The draw means the two teams both have four points from their first two matches and are well placed to advance from Group F.

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Lachie Neale and his wife Jules have reportedly spent the festive period in separate states, as their marriage breakdown continues to make headlines.

Rumours broke in December that the couple’s relationship had been on the rocks, with Jules taking to social media to write that she had been ‘betrayed’.

The mother-of-two wrote on Instagram: ‘I want to make it very clear that I am not “working through” anything.

‘I have been betrayed in the most unimaginable way. All I can do now is try to heal and do what’s best for my children. Thank you for the love and support.’

Jules appears to have travelled back to Western Australia to be with her family, and is yet to clarify what has happened. 

Last week, she shared a picture of the Busselton Jetty in Perth on Instagram, adding a ‘mending heart’ emoji.

Lachie Neale and his wife Jules have reportedly spent the festive holiday period in separate states, as their marriage breakdown continues to make headlines.

Rumours broke online in December that the couple’s relationship had been on the rocks, with Jules taking to social media to write that she had been ‘betrayed’ 

Lachie and Jules met when they were teenagers, but they did not start dating until around six years later.

The South Australian footy player was drafted to Fremantle in 2011 and his relationship with Jules blossomed. 

The couple were married in 2018, the same year Neale was signed to the Brisbane Lions, with the couple moving to the Queensland city together. 

They they would later welcome their first child, Piper Rose in September 2021, before celebrating the birth of their son Freddie in December 2024. 

Jules has regularly been seen supporting her husband at matches and was notably seen on the pitch at the MCG celebrating the Lions’ 2025 grand final victory with her husband and daughter Piper. 

Over the years, Jules has also turned heads at the Brownlow Medal ceremonies, thanks to her show-stopping and glamorous sense style.

Neale has claimed two Brownlow Medals during his career, but after he cruised to victory in 2020, cameras turned to Jules in the crowd who cut an emotional figure.

It was then that the 32-year-old paid a heartfelt tribute to his wife, thanking her for all of her support, a speech that may now come back to haunt Neale. 

‘My wife Jules, she’s an amazing human being,’ Neale said.

‘Not many people probably know but she owned a salon in Perth before we decided to move to Brisbane. She had to sell that to come over here and follow my dreams.

Jules was seen wiping tears from her eyes as Neale gave his Brownlow Medal speech in 2020

Lachie and Jules met when they were teenagers, but they did not start dating until around six years later

‘I want to make it very clear that I am not “working through” anything. I have been… in the most unimaginable way,’ she wrote

‘She was doing very well for herself over there but she always puts me ahead of herself when she shouldn’t have to.

‘She’s the most selfless person I know and my biggest support, so thank you very much Jules, I love you.’

After winning again in 2023, he went on to describe Jules as ‘his rock’.

The hair stylist is now no longer following the Brisbane Lions captain on Instagram and last week, removed TGI Sport – the company that manages both her and Lachie – from her bio.

It came as Jules launched a public attack on her former friend Tess Crosley, who had found herself in the middle of the couple’s marriage breakdown.

Jules had demanded that Tess remove photos on Instagram of the Brisbane Lions’ recent Grand Final celebrations.

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Tess. 

Neither party has made a public comment on the situation.

Neale, who guided the Lions to back-to-back premierships this year, is understood to have returned to South Australia and has, according to The Advertiser, been spending time with his family in the coastal town of Robe, 300km from Adelaide.

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