England make World Cup statement by dismantling South Africa in opener
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more England opened their Women’s Cricket World Cup campaign in style with a thumping 10-wicket win over South Africa. After winning the toss and opting to field first, England got off to a sensational start, skittling the Proteas for just 69 runs with Linsey Smith the pick of the bowling attack as she took three for seven. open image in gallery Linsey Smith (centre) finished with figures of three for seven (AFP via Getty Images) Sinalo Jafta was the only batter to reach double figures in a bleak display for South Africa and Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones eased to their 70-run target to claim a first win of the competition. England’s attention now turns to their next game, which takes place on Tuesday against Bangladesh. An extraordinary start saw South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt caught and bowled by Smith in the second over and the spinner claimed her second scalp in the fourth after bowling Tazmin Brits. Seamer Lauren Bell bowled Sune Luus the following over and Smith soon bagged her third, bowling Marizanne Kapp as South Africa plunged to 19 for four. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt then dismissed Anneke Bosch and Chloe Tryon in quick succession and the wickets kept tumbling as Nadine de Klerk was caught by Heather Knight off Sophie Ecclestone. England’s spinners were able to quickly finish off South Africa’s innings inside 21 overs when Charlie Dean bowled both Masabata Klaas and Nonkululeko Mlaba either side of Ecclestone’s dismissal of Jafta, who had provided a faint glimmer of hope with her stubborn 22. open image in gallery Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones eased England home (Getty Images) Openers Beaumont and Jones safely navigated a chase of 70 with 215 balls remaining, Jones with 40 and Beaumont 21. PA
Is this Springboks superstar Sacha’s only weakness?
The Springboks have a new superstar in their midst. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is still working on becoming the finished article, though. The 23-year-old pivot is known for his flair and attacking instincts. However, his fierce work ethic and desire to improve his goal-kicking aren’t new traits. Sacha’s Springboks inspiration Sach’s ex-coach opens up on an old weakness Wesley Chetty, a former coach of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at Bishops Diocesan College, has opened up on the 23-year-old’s biggest weakness back in high school and how he’s been working on it. “Sacha’s biggest weakness in those days was his kicking for posts, and we had another talented youngster who is now doing really well at hockey who did the kicking for us,” recalled Chetty. “But when Sacha came to me at the first team, he started to work on his kicking from the tee, assuming we might need him at some point, which we did in a game against Stellenberg. “He had a really bad day. I was grumpy as I drove to pick up my wife an hour or so after the game, and there was Sacha, out on the empty (Bishops) field, kicking at posts. “After that, I would see him doing that so often. I would go for a run early on a Sunday morning, and there he would be. He was obsessed with getting it right, and the proof of the pudding was the success he got after that.” WATCH: 13-year-old Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu makes a stunning speech Sacha’s old weakness is now a strength for the Springboks Alongside his natural playmaking ability, flair and attacking instincts, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is becoming a more accomplished goal-kicker. With his tally of 37 points against Argentina in South Africa’s 67-30 win last weekend, the fly-half became the Springbok with the most points ever in a single match for South Africa. Along with a hat-trick of tries, he slotted two penalties and eight conversions. This complete performance makes a mockery of claims that his goal-kicking isn’t up to par. When are the Springboks and Sacha next in action? 4 October will be a decisive day in the Rugby Championship. How can the Springboks secure the trophy? Permutations via Craig Lewis: South Africa sits at the top of the standings, one point ahead of the All Blacks, and with a vastly superior points difference (+55 to New Zealand’s -6). Australia are in third place with 11 points, while Argentina are fourth on nine points. The good news for the Springboks is also that their final fixture will not be played in Argentina, where they have often struggled, but instead it will be played at Twickenham, where they will have plenty of expat support in London. Ultimately, all the Springboks need to do this Saturday is secure a win over Argentina by any margin.
Best Betting Sites UK 2025 | New & Top Ranked Bookmakers
Being a bettor in the UK in 2025 means you have a huge amount of choice when it comes to the best betting sites. There are over 175 licensed betting sites available in the UK and it’s not unusual for punters to have accounts with more than one online bookmaker. Odds, free bets, apps and customer services can differ massively from one betting site to the next, so why just stick with one operator? We’ve endeavoured to find online betting sites to suit every type of bettor, drawing on research, experience and first-hand testing to assess each platform’s pros and cons. The Independent aims to provide readers with an accurate and up-to-date guide to choosing the best betting sites, leveraging trusted third-party data and our reporting standards to put together our recommendations of the top online bookmakers. Rest assured that all of our best betting site recommendations are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), who hold online bookmakers to the highest standards of fairness and transparency. Best Betting Sites UK – Top 10 Betting Sites Best For Sign Up Offer UKGC Account No. Bet365 Football Bet £10, get £30 in free bets 55148 Tote Horse Racing Use promo code B10G40 to get £40 in free bets 3062 BoyleSports Golf Bet £10, get £30 in free bets 39469 Virgin Bet Free Bet Offers Bet £10, get £30 in free bets 54310 William Hill Cricket £30 in free bets when you sign up and bet £10 2752 BetMGM In-Play Betting Bet £10, get £40 in free bets 39198 Betway Free Bet Club 100% welcome bonus up to £30 39372 Betfred Accumulators Get £50 in free bets when you sign up and bet £10 39544 Unibet Live Streaming Bet £10, get £40 in bonuses 45322 NetBet Bet Builders Bet £10, get £20 in free bets 39170 Ranking updated October 2025 open image in gallery The Independent’s 10 Best Betting Sites (The Independent) Best betting sites for football – Bet365 Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Bet365 Pros Bet365 Cons ✓ High quality live streaming service ✗ No Champions League streaming despite Uefa partnership ✓ One of the strongest welcome offers going ✗ Less free bet promotions than a lot of their rivals ✓ Biggest variety of Champions League odds we’ve seen Over the last twenty years, Bet365 has become the industry leader among football betting sites. But their domination of the UK betting site landscape doesn’t stop at football with their all-around appeal leading to them becoming popular with all types of punters. The Stoke-based firm don’t hang around when it comes to getting markets live and their odds are nearly always competitive, but they are particularly strong on football and recently backed up this commitment by agreeing a three-year deal to become Uefa’s first betting partner for the Champions League. open image in gallery Bet365 give customers the chance to win Champions League tickets (Bet365) Bet365’s European football offerings have an abundance of price boosts, early payouts and free-to-play games surrounding the continent’s premier club competition. The only slight disappointment with Bet365’s football product is that live streaming of Champions League matches is not available. Overall, the positives definitely outweigh the very slight drawbacks on Bet365, and it’s not only football that they specialise in. In my eyes, they’re up there with the best for a range of different sports, from horse racing to tennis. Chris Wilson, The Independent You can use the Bet365 bonus code INDY2025 to claim a new customer offer which sees players receive £30 in free bets when they deposit and stake £10. New and existing customers can also take advantage of the Bet365 Super Boost, where odds are bolstered on a particular selection in one of the most popular betting events that day. Alternative online betting sites for football BoyleSports Football betting and accumulators have long been close friends and BoyleSports have become the top pick among accumulator betting sites courtesy of their Acca Rewards and Acca Loyalty promotions. Regular acca bettors can get a £5 free acca bet every time they place five £5 accumulators with Acca Loyalty, while Acca Rewards gives punters either a profit boost or insurance. LiveScore Bet LiveScore Bet has more football-related offers than most UK betting sites with early payouts, accumulator insurance and a VAR promotion that honours goalscorer wagers, even if the goal is chalked off following a VAR review. There’s also a weekly money-back offer on the Premier League’s Saturday lunchtime game, a free to play LiveScore Bet Squads game to play and the sign up offer can be used entirely to wager on football. Best betting sites for horse racing – Tote Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Tote Pros Tote Cons ✓ Tote guarantee on matching or bettering SP ✗ Live stream service could be improved ✓ Weekly free horse racing bets ✗ Working out potential returns can be tricky ✓ Unique racing betting options ✗ No free-to-play racing prediction game unlike rival bookies ✓ Highly-rated betting app Tote has been synonymous with horse racing since its launch in 1928. It was created by avid racing fan Sir Winston Churchill and revolutionised how people bet on horse racing. For those unfamiliar with the Tote, it is unique among online betting sites as it’s run on a pool betting system, with everyone who backed a horse sharing the dividends if that horse wins. We have a guide to Tote betting where you can learn all there is to know. Previously run by the UK government, Tote has changed. While it still uses a pool betting system, it has introduced modern features such as free bets, price guarantees, and live streaming. It all adds up to the Tote becoming one of the best horse racing betting sites in the country. open image in gallery The Tote guarantee works in a similar way to BOG, securing bettors the best price on any winners (The Independent) The Tote welcome offer has recently been upgraded. No bettors who
Night game to light up IDC for working fans – FBC News
Fiji Football General Manager Operations Anushil Kumar says there will be a lot happening next week as the stage is set for the highly anticipated FMF Inter-District Championship. The tournament, which kicks off on Tuesday, will feature a packed program with special night fixtures designed for fans who are unable to attend matches during the day. Kumar has confirmed that interest has been high, with ticket sales already recording a strong response from supporters eager to be part of one of Fiji football’s most prestigious events. Article continues after advertisement “We have also considered that it will be a working day when we conduct our group matches so considering all those matters we have decided to have atleast two night matches with 6pm and 8pm kickoffs so that atleast the working fans can see two full matches apart from those who are able to enjoy the entire days program.” Kumar says the focus is on ensuring that as many fans as possible from the country’s traditional soccer towns experience the excitement of the IDC, which remains one of the highlights of the domestic football calendar. Rewa and Nadroga will kickoff the 2025 IDC at 1.30pm, Labasa meets Nadi next at 3.30pm before the official opening at 5.30pm. Lautoka faces Suva at 6pm before hosts Ba will meet Navua at 8pm to wrap up day one of competition. You can listen to selected matches LIVE on Radio Fiji Two Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Nurmagomedov vs Hughes 2: Carl Frampton, Savannah Marshall and more give predictions for MMA title fight
Media caption, What happened in Usman Nurmagomedov v Paul Hughes 1? Usman Nurmagomedov v Paul Hughes 2 Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Date: Friday, 3 October Coverage: Follow live text commentary of Nurmagomedov v Hughes 2 from 20:00 BST on Friday, 3 October on BBC Sport website and app Irishman Paul Hughes seeks revenge against Usman Nurmagomedov on Friday in Abu Dhabi. Hughes, 28, is challenging Nurmagomedov for the PFL lightweight title eight months after he was beaten by the Russian. Nurmagomedov edged Hughes on points in a closely fought battle which could have gone either way. Can Hughes become the first fighter to beat 27-year-old Nurmagomedov? BBC Sport asks fighters and pundits for their predictions. Carl Frampton – two-weight boxing world champion “I think Paul can win this one. I felt he did enough to win the first fight but the head clash was a big moment. He came off worse but it happened at a time when Nurmagomedov needed a rest and he used all of his experience to take a break, which benefited him. Paul will be right up for this and should be the favourite because of what happened last time. I’m backing him to become Ireland’s latest world champion.” Prediction: Hughes Alfie Davis – PFL 2025 lightweight tournament-winner “My prediction is that Hughes is going to get the job done this time. I feel he’s been more active than Nurmagomedov of late, and I feel he just wants it more. So I’m going to go with the underdog Paul Hughes by a decision victory.” Prediction: Hughes Savannah Marshall – two-weight boxing world champion “What an absolute cracker that first fight was. I’m really excited for the second one. I just think everything Paul Hughes had, Usman Nurmagomedov had an answer for. So for this second one, I’m going for the same result but I think it will be a lot more decisive than the first one.” Prediction: Nurmagomedov Dan Hardy – PFL analyst and former UFC welterweight “I’m kind of leaning towards a decision for Usman again. I feel he will have recalibrated, he knows what he’s up against now and it will take Paul to do something even better than last time to get him the win. I’ve had conversations all week about it and it’s crazy how divided the opinion is. I’ve had high level fighters come up to me and tell me Paul’s going to surprise everyone, but I’m leaning towards Usman. But I’m always open to being surprised by Paul and he keeps surprising me, so we’ll see what happens.” Prediction: Nurmagomedov Costello van Steenis – PFL middleweight champion “I believe Paul Hughes is going to get the win. He looks fitter than ever, he looks hungrier than ever and he knows what it is to lose against Usman. So I don’t think he’s going to make the same mistakes. Maybe I’m totally wrong, we’ll see, but it’s going to be a great fight to watch – so grab your popcorn and enjoy the night.” Prediction: Hughes Michael Conlan – professional boxer “It’s a very hard fight to call. It was a great first fight and I think Paul should have got the decision. This one, Nurmagomedov will be be much more respectful for the ability of Paul and will have trained much harder, but I do believe this will be a Paul Hughes victory, either on points or with a late stoppage.” Prediction: Hughes Liz Carmouche – PFL 2025 flyweight tournament-winner “I’m going to have to go for Paul. I think after the first exchange, even though the decision went for Usman, one of the things he showed was he was able to push Usman into deep waters as far as his conditioning goes. He was able to utilise anti-wrestling successfully, he pushed striking and really pushed Usman. I think he will capitalise in the rematch.” Prediction: Hughes Thad Jean – PFL 2025 welterweight tournament-winner “I say Usman pulls it off with a unanimous decision. Hughes gets really aggressive but Usman will use this to his advantage and make sure he pulls of that victory.” Prediction: Nurmagomedov Dalton Rosta – PFL middleweight “First time around, I felt Usman underestimated Paul a little bit. He’s not going to make that mistake again. I think this time he goes in there and gets it done via a finish. I think he does that by using his wrestling, taking him down and getting the submission.” Prediction: Nurmagomedov
Why Argentina and South Africa are playing Rugby Championship decider in London
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more These are busy times in international rugby union, a fast-moving world spinning ever more quickly on its axis. In the next few weeks, it is expected that there will be long overdue confirmation of key information about the new Nations Championship due to launch next year, and of the finer details of New Zealand’s tour of South Africa that will restructure the southern hemisphere winter in 2026 and beyond. In the background, rebel league R360 remains on manoeuvres having secured funding that suggests it will get off the ground – even if some real challenges remain before it is fully realised. London has taken on a certain centrality within the chaotic, clustered landscape. Not only is the city expected to be confirmed as the host of the inaugural Nations Championship finals next November but most of the sport’s movers and shakers were in town last weekend, too. Their presence, in part, was expected with an era-defining Women’s Rugby World Cup final at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, but also for a series of World Rugby meetings that will shape the future of the game. New player load guidelines have been introduced, the draw details for the next men’s World Cup have been confirmed and grand plans to crack the United States have been officially backed. There is plenty happening. For Argentina and South Africa, then, there is a sense of arriving after the Lord Mayor’s Show as the pair pitch up in Twickenham for a Rugby Championship decider with a difference. The Pumas and Springboks were otherwise occupied sharing nearly 100 points in a Durban demolition derby while most others were watching the Red Roses triumph but it is they who take a more central stage in the culmination of a compelling edition of a competition that is looking likelier and likelier to face disbandment beyond this year. open image in gallery South Africa beat Argentina 67-30 last weekend (AFP via Getty Images) London is far from a traditional locale for a competition that normally restricts its vast sprawl to territories south of the Equator but this is not totally new ground for the Rugby Championship. It is nine years since Australia beat Argentina 33-21 on the Pumas first flirtation with Twickenham, but the identity of the opposition makes it likely that they will find a rather more hostile holiday home than they recall. The strength of the South African population within south-west London is clear on rugby matchdays not involving the Springboks; with the world champions gracing increasingly familiar turf again, the biltong and braais that operate along the Whitton Road will be doing good business. open image in gallery A strong South African presence around Twickenham will again be evident (Getty Images) Why, then, have Argentina ventured north when they know that their passionate fans will be outnumbered? As ever, finances will be a driving force. While a portion of the profits from a lucrative matchday at Twickenham will bolster the coffers for England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU), a not-far-from capacity crowd will also blow past any of the stadiums regularly in use back home in Buenos Aires. Logistically, it makes sense, too – almost all of Felipe Contepomi’s squad are European-based, and an early relocation will make transitioning back to their clubs smoother for the short stint that precedes November’s Quilter Nations Series. A trip to Twickenham suits South Africa mightily, too. As detailed previously in these pages, building brand Springboks is an increasingly important objective for SA Rugby, with the sort of global cut-through enjoyed by the All Blacks envied. Connecting with the diaspora is a strand of their strategy, particularly in London. This will be the third consecutive year that they have visited for an encounter with a side other than England, while there is a fixture against Japan to come at Wembley in a few weeks’ time. open image in gallery South Africa have become regular visitors to Twickenham (Getty Images) Unlike for glorified friendlies against New Zealand (2023) and Wales (2024), when the confected Qatar Airways Cup was contested, South Africa this time have legitimate silverware on the line. The Springboks begin the last couplet of Rugby Championship fixtures a point ahead of New Zealand at the top of the table and thus in control of their own destiny. Even a four-point win without a bonus point should be enough to ensure retention of their title, given the vast superiority of their points difference over the All Blacks. “This match is a final for us, and we know how dangerous Argentina can be,” Rassie Erasmus declared this week, perhaps hoping to ensure that his side remain fully focussed after a rather more chaotic contest last weekend than he would have liked. While South Africa have expanded significantly since the arrival of attack coach Tony Brown, Erasmus underlined that the team had perhaps been over extravagant even in victory. “Since Tony has been with us, he’s trying to find the balance. We are all obviously chasing the perfect game and Saturday wasn’t it. Sixty minutes into
Maya makes Fiji Bati extended squad – FBC News
Former Naitasiri Under 20 rep Keresi Maya has earned his place in the Vodafone Fiji Bati extended squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships. Maya, the only local based player in the 25 member, was part of the Bati’s training squad last year and has now broken through to secure a full spot. He was banned for life from rugby union after punching a referee on August 29, 2020, during the under 20 clash between Naitasiri and Tailevu at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori. Article continues after advertisement This incident prompted his switch from union to league. His selection highlights the strength of Fiji’s domestic rugby league pathway, with the Navy Albatross player flying the flag for local talent among a team dominated by NRL and overseas-based players. The other squad members includes Jahream Bula of Wests Tigers, Semi Valemei of North Queensland Cowboys, Sunia Turuva of Wests Tigers and Tui Kamikamica of Melbourne Storm. Also named are Taane Milne of Huddersfield Giants, Waqa Blake of Bradford Bulls, Brandon Wakeham of Manly Sea Eagles, Jethro Rinakama of Canterbury Bulldogs, Solomone Saukuru of Wests Tigers and Caleb Navale of Manly Sea Eagles. Others confirmed are Michael Waqa of Brisbane Broncos, Ben Nakubuwai of Norths Brisbane, Kitione Kautoga of Parramatta Eels, Mark Nawaqanitawase of Sydney Roosters, Kurt Donoghoe of Dolphins, Sione Fainu of Wests Tigers, Samuela Fainu of Wests Tigers, Terrell Kalo Kalo of South Sydney Rabbitohs, Joese Lanyon of Wests Tigers, Kylan Mafoa of Manly Sea Eagles, Jordin Leiu of Newtown Jets, Akuila Qoro of Canterbury Bulldogs, Meil Nasau of Newtown Jets and Joseph Litidamu of the Clydesdales. With a blend of top-tier professionals and rising stars, the Fiji Bati will look to deliver another powerful campaign on the Pacific stage, and Maya’s inclusion ensures local rugby league talent remains firmly in the spotlight. The FNRL has also confirmed key absences for the Fiji Bati with Viliame Kikau missing this year’s Fiji Bati campaign due to family commitments and while Maika Sivo ruled out because of injury. Fiji Bati will meet Cook Islands Aitu on the 18th of this month at the Santos National Football Stadium. The two teams last met at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva last year, where the Bati thrashed the Aitu 56-6. On the 1st of next month they meet the Papua New Guinea Kumuls. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Wrexham v Birmingham City: Moore focused before international break
Although still seeking their first home league win of the season, Wrexham have only lost one of their last six games in the Championship. Moore’s fellow Wales international Nathan Broadhead secured a point for Wrexham in a 1-1 on Tuesday away at Leicester City, who were a Premier League side last season. “Leicester are a great side,” Moore added. “For a team that has just been relegated and for us to go there and impose ourselves. “We could have come away with three points, which is a credit to us and what we’re trying to do here.” The result at the King Power Stadium was a second successive Championship draw for Wrexham, following a 3-2 win at Norwich. “I think we can really see some momentum in not just our results, but in the way we play and the way we’re moving the ball,” Moore continued. “It’s come a long way and hopefully we continue that. “I’m only judging from my personal experience – It’s just momentum, really. “You need a string of results together, you need a group that’s hard work and all on board, really.” For now at least Moore’s full focus is on Wrexham but then the attention will turn to two big games for Wales – the friendly against Thomas Tuchel’s side and a seemingly crucial World Cup qualifier in Cardiff. Moore scored his 15th goal for Wales on his 50th appearance in September’s 1-0 qualifying win in Kazahkstan. “There’s no greater honour playing for your country. You know, it’s everything you ever want,” Moore added. “International football is amazing and to be a part of it and to play a part in it is incredible.”
Roma miss three penalties in Europa League defeat to Lille; Celtic left ‘baffled’ by VAR
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Roma missed three penalties as they fell to defeat at home to Lille in the Europa League. The French side led early on through Hakon Arnar Haraldsson’s goal in the sixth minute. But the hosts were awarded an 80th-minute penalty after handball by Lille’s Aissa Mandi. The first two efforts from Artem Dovbyk were both saved by goalkeeper Berke Özer — only for referee Erik Lambrecht to order the penalty to be retaken both times because of encroachment. The first was from defender Romain Perraud, who encroached into the box, and the other from the goalkeeper who was judged to have stepped forward too early from his line. open image in gallery Özer saved three penalties in the game (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Roma then switched penalty takers to Matías Soulé, but Özer saved that one as well, diving to his right to punch the ball away in the 85th minute — five minutes after Dovbyk had made his first attempt. Celtic also rued a VAR decision in their game against Braga. With the Scottish side losing 1-0 to Braga, they had an equalizer was ruled out for handball, even though replays seemed to show that Kelechi Iheanacho had scored the goal without any use of his arm. The VAR took several minutes to review the incident before upholding the referee’s initial decision to disallow the goal, which Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers lamented as “baffling.”
Are Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen showing signs of releasing handbrake?
When Nicky Devlin pounced to nod in his side’s second with 20 minutes to go after Marko Lazetic’s spectacular effort was tipped onto the bar, the home fans matched their side’s energy levels on the park as they hoped for a grandstand finish. “The positive thing was we were connecting with the fans, showing some desire, passion, and personality on the pitch and fighting for Aberdeen football club,” Thelin said. “We have to build on this now and learn from this. We always have to go out on the pitch to show how hard we are fighting for them. “We did that today, the fans pushed the players to the last minute. We have to have that mentality every game. Now we will see the strength of character we have as a team in another important game on Sunday.” The swell of support inside Pittodrie as they watched their side drive forward in the final half hour will also serve as encouragement for the embattled Thelin, who can take solace from the support within the fan base. Donetsk are a side that arrived with a reputation for dynamic attacking play, having scored 14 goals in seven domestic league appearances, but Aberdeen matched their drive and zeal when the game was at its most frenetic.