Unchanged India elect to bat vs West Indies – FBC News
[Source: Reuters] India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat in the second and final test against West Indies on Friday in their bid to secure a 2-0 series sweep against the struggling tourists. India, who won the opening test in Ahmedabad inside three days, retained the same 11 players for the match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. “The wicket looks good to bat on day one,” Gill said at the toss.“Just want to stay consistent and repeating the performance from the previous match is what I’m looking for.” West Indies made two changes replacing Brandon King and Johann Layne with Tevin Imlach and Anderson Phillip. Article continues after advertisement “We’ve had some big discussions as a batting group,” West Indies captain Roston Chase said. “We look to bat the whole day, the entire 90 overs.” Teams:India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj West Indies: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, John Campbell, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach (wicketkeeper), Roston Chase (captain), Justin Greaves, Khary Pierre, Jomel Warrican, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Saturday racing tips: Best bets and odds for Newmarket & York
Saturday’s Racing Tips Endorsement (Newmarket, 13.50) – 1pt win @ 3/1 (Unibet) Zavateri (Newmarket, 15.00) – 1pt win @ 10/3 (William Hill) Dawn Rising (Newmarket, 15.40) – 0.5pts each-way @ 14/1 (bet365) Korker (York, 15.15) – 0.5pts each-way @ 28/1 (Ladbrokes) The stars of the juvenile world descend on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile on Saturday, with the Dewhurst Stakes taking centre stage. Horse racing correspondent Jonathan Doidge has a selection to follow in the Dewhurst as part of his Saturday racing tips, which focus on Newmarket and York. Darley Dewhurst Stakes Tips (Newmarket, 15.00) This has the potential to be a very good renewal and given their respective records in the race, anything trained by Aidan O’Brien (five of the last ten winners) and Charlie Appleby (three of the last six winners) has to be given due consideration. Market leaders also have a good record, with seven of the last decade’s outright favourites on betting sites obliging, plus a joint favourite. Those stats alone mark out both this year’s ‘jolly’ Distant Storm (Appleby) and second favourite Gstaad (O’Brien) as serious contenders. That they are is in no doubt. Gstaad was mightily impressive when landing the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and has since been a close second in two Group 1 events. Distant Storm made an impressive debut on the July course (7f, good to firm). He then pulled away his chance when too keen in the Group 3 Acomb at York behind the reopposing Gewan. His most recent effort was over this C&D, when he settled much better under hold-up tactics and ran out an impressive winner. He fits the ‘could be anything’ tag at this moment and is arguably a worthy favourite on horse racing betting sites. However, the value at the prices surely has to be ZAVATERI. Eve Johnson Houghton may not have trained the winner of this race previously but she is of winning stock in that her late father Fulke, who died in February, trained the 2002 winner Tout Seul. It would be an emotional triumph if she can pull it off, and Zaveteri looks well-equipped to do so. Unbeaten in four starts, the son of Without Parole didn’t see a racecourse until June but by the end of July, he’d won back-to-back Group 2 races, the Bahrain Stakes on Newmarket’s July course and the Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. Proving neither was a fluke, he then came from the rear to get the better of a protracted battle with Gstaad to win the Group 1 National Stakes. Proven at this level and with no obvious reason why that form would be overturned, he’s the one for me. Saturday racing tip 1: Zavateri (Newmarket, 15.00) – 1pt win @ 10/3 (William Hill) Night Of Thunder Zetland Stakes (Newmarket, 13.50) Earlier on the card, the Group 3 Zetland Stakes pits the gelded Look To The Stars against Ballydoyle representatives ENDORSEMENT and Pierre Bonard. Look To The Stars took a couple of starts to fully get the hang of things and has been good since then, with wins at Kempton (7f, AW) and Newbury (1m, good to soft). He has potential for further improvement within this step up to 1m1f. The same can be said of a few of these, not least the selection Endorsement, who has been green on both starts. He showed ability first time out when runner-up at Killarney (1m, yielding to soft) and improved on that when scoring at Tipperary (1m1f, good to yielding) in August. I like the fact that he’s been given a bit of time before heading here and stepping up in grade. He had to go the long way around in that Tipperary victory and was doing his best work at the finish, winning going away. For me, he looks to have more potential upside than the favourite on betting apps, and I’m happy to back him. Saturday racing tip 2: Endorsement (Newmarket, 13.50) – 1pt win @ 3/1 (Unibet) Club Godolphin Cesarewitch Handicap (Newmarket, 15.40) Ireland has farmed this second half of the traditional ‘Autumn Double’ in recent season, winning six of the last seven renewals and the Emerald Isle is again mob-handed. Last year’s winner Alphonse Le Grande is back for more and is towards the head of the market, though has to shoulder 6lb more than last season. At the time of writing, four of the first five in the betting will carry Irish hopes but I’m going to side with another of their representatives. DAWN RISING sports the green and gold hoops of J P McManus and is very well treated on his best form. As a Queen Alexandra Stakes winner, he’ll get every yard of this 2m2f, he acts on a sound surface and with Oisin Murphy booked for the ride, he looks worth backing each-way (to as many places as your bookmaker will allow) to get us a return. Recent form hasn’t been much to write home about but that’s factored into his price and he did come good this time last year. Saturday racing tip 3: Dawn Rising (Newmarket, 15.40) – 0.5pts each-way @ 14/1 (bet365) Coral Sprint Trophy Handicap (York, 15.15) On the final day of York’s 2025 season, there’s probably more than just a hint of madness in taking on this 22-runner sprint handicap but, in the words of ‘Del Boy’, “He who dares wins!” In our case, he who dares returns a profit would suffice and, in that regard, we’ll cut to the chase here and suggest KORKER. Yes, yes, I know that he hasn’t won for two years but he does still have a few things on his side. Firstly, he goes well at this venue, where he rarely runs a bad race, finishing in the first four in 11 of his 15 starts on the Knavesmire. He’s still got plenty of pace and acts on any going, so whatever the weather, he won’t mind, while he’s also got a very handy low draw (all but
Xi’an Grand Prix: Ronnie O’Sullivan continues fine form as Kyren Wilson whitewashed
Ronnie O’Sullivan was again in fine form with two century breaks in a 5-2 win over Jak Jones at the Xi’an Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion, who has impressed in his first tournament since August, will play Gary Wilson in the quarter-finals. Jones made a 140 to stay in the match, but O’Sullivan – who hit a best of 135 in the second frame – responded with an 81 break to seal the success. The 49-year-old was a beaten semi-finalist in the first Xi’an Grand Prix last year. Earlier, world number two and defending champion Kyren Wilson was whitewashed 5-0 by Shaun Murphy, who hit a high of 141 in his three centuries.
Nadi Bay hosts first-ever Junior Regatta Championship – FBC News
[Photo: Supplied] Nadi Bay Canoe Club is set to make history this Fiji Day weekend with its inaugural Junior Regatta Championship at Wailoaloa Beach. The championship aims to nurture the next generation of va’a athletes, bringing together young paddlers from Nadi Bay, Vuda, Tafaga and Takia Canoe Clubs. The event will feature V1 and V6 races across both sprint and distance formats, with Fiji’s junior representatives—recently returned from the Palau Mini Games and the World Distance Championships in Brazil—also competing. Article continues after advertisement Event organiser Tracey Lee, who represented Fiji internationally in va’a at just 13, says the regatta is about more than just competition. “We’re thrilled to launch this regatta as a platform for juniors to shine and to cultivate a lifelong passion for paddling. This event is about opportunity, teamwork, and inspiring the future of canoe paddling in Fiji.” Supported by Simple Green and a dedicated team of volunteers, the regatta also promises a vibrant atmosphere for families and spectators, celebrating Fiji’s rich paddling culture and the community spirit that drives it. The championship marks a key step in building momentum ahead of the Fiji International Race in April 2026 and the International Va‘a Federation World Sprints in Singapore later that year. The competition will conclude tomorrow. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Wildly popular Savannah Bananas announce 2026 baseball tour –here is when they are coming to your city
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 The Savannah Bananas unveiled their 2026 tour schedule Thursday and set the stage for a new chapter in their wildly popular Banana Ball brand of baseball entertainment. The league will now include two new teams: the Loco Beach Coconuts and the revived Indianapolis Clowns. Banana Ball will tour 14 MLB parks and 10 football stadiums in 2026, including massive venues such as Texas A&M’s Kyle Field and Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium, which both have a capacity of over 100,000 spectators. The team will also host its smallest-ever crowd of 3,000 at Dehler Park in Billings, Montana. The Savannah Bananas are a baseball team founded in 2016 by Jesse and Emily Cole to make baseball more entertaining and fan-centric. While the game resembles traditional baseball, it features some unique rules. Players and umpires often break out into song and dance, fans who catch a foul ball on the fly can record an out and games are designed to be completed within two hours. Some have referred to the team as the “Harlem Globetrotters” of baseball. In total, Banana Ball is set to perform for a staggering 3.2 million fans next year, with a tour schedule so extensive it’s best explored on the league’s website. open image in gallery The Savannah Bananas revealed their 2026 schedule Thursday and also said that ‘Banana Ball’ is expanding to six teams as the new Championship League. (Getty Images) The Savannah Bananas, which started as a single exhibition team in Georgia, had already expanded into four teams: the Bananas, Party Animals, Texas Tailgaters, and Firefighters, all known for blending baseball with fan participation and dance-filled entertainment, which often goes viral on social media. The Loco Beach Coconuts’ name reflects a fun, tropical theme, while the Indianapolis Clowns are named after the historic Negro League team of all-Black players from the 1920s. The Banana Ball Championship League will start with a preseason tournament from February to April 2026, followed by a 50-game regular season, with the top teams competing for a spot in the inaugural Banana Bowl on October 10, 2026. Banana Ball tickets cost $35, but fans must enter the competitive ticket lottery by October 31 for a chance to buy them before resale. 2026 Savannah Bananas Home Schedule March 7-8: Savannah, Georgia March 14-15: New Orleans March 21-22: San Diego March 27-28: Anaheim April 11-12: Chapel Hill, North Carolina April 25-26: New York City May 14-16: Savannah May 21 and 23: Knoxville, Tennessee June 4-6: Savannah July 3-4: Iowa City, Iowa July 30-Aug. 1: Savannah Aug. 14-15: Denver Aug. 21-22: St. Louis Sept. 11-13: Savannah Sept. 18-20: Savannah 2026 Texas Tailgaters Home Schedule March 8-9: Frisco, Texas March 14-15: Round Rock, Texas April 24-26: Amarillo, Texas May 2: College Station, Texas May 7-9: Tulsa, Oklahoma May 15-16: El Paso, Texas May 28-30: Corpus Christi, Texas June 26-27: San Antonio, Texas July 2-4: Midland, Texas Aug. 21-22: Oklahoma City Aug. 28-29: Sugar Land, Texas Sept. 24-26: Arlington, Texas open image in gallery The Savannah Bananas have grown from one Georgia exhibition team into four: the Bananas, Party Animals, Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters – but now are adding two more teams. (Getty Images) 2026 Party Animals Home Schedule March 7-8: Memphis, Tennessee March 20-21: Sacramento, Califorina March 28-29: Conway, South Carolina April 11-12: Albuquerque, New Mexico April 30, May 1-2: Las Vegas May 8-10: Atlanta May 22-24: Tacoma, Washington June 6-7: Milwaukee June 18-20: Nashville, Tennessee June 27-28: Eugene, Oregon July 31, Aug. 1: Boise, Idaho Aug. 13-15: Salt Lake City Sept. 18-19: Detroit Sept. 25-26: Cleveland 2026 Loco Beach Coconuts Home Schedule April 10-11: Charleston, South Carolina May 29-30: Orlando, Florida June 18-20: Manchester, New Hampshire July 2-4: Jacksonville, Florida July 24-25: Portland, Maine July 31-Aug. 1: Bowie, Maryland Aug. 7-9: Minneapolis Aug. 13-15: Wilmington, Delaware Aug. 28-29: Foxborough, Massachusetts Sept. 25-26: Biloxi, Mississippi 2026 Firefighters Home Schedule March 14-15: Little Rock, Arkansas March 21-22: Montgomery, Alabama March 28-29: Scottsdale, Arizona April 24-26: Greenville, South Carolina May 1-2: Richmond, Virginia May 7-9: Wichita, Kansas May 22-23: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania June 4-6: Charlotte, North Carolina June 11, 13: Lincoln, Nebraska July 24-26: Chicago Aug. 7-8: Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Aug: 20-22: Billings, Montana Sept. 11-12: Syracuse, New York open image in gallery Banana Ball is known for its on-field theatrics and fan-first approach, offering $35 tickets even though fans must enter a competitive lottery to secure them (Getty Images) 2026 Indianapolis Clowns Home Schedule May 15-16: Indianapolis May 30-31: Kansas City June 12-13: Morgantown, West Virignia June 19-21: Cincinnati, Ohio June 26-27: Fargo, North Dakota July 23-25: Hartford, Connecticut Aug. 6-8: Spartanburg, South Carolinna Aug. 27-29: Sioux Falls, South Dakota Sept. 11-13: Lexington, Kentucky Sept. 19-20: Birmingham, Alabama
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to stand unopposed in election
FIA statutes state that the body will “respect the highest standards of governance, transparency and democracy, including anti-corruption functions and procedures”. FIA rules require it to be neutral in the election process and that it has an obligation to provide “equal treatment between candidates for the FIA’s presidency”. Mayer declined to comment, while the FIA has not responded to a series of questions from BBC Sport on the matter. Robert Reid – who resigned as Ben Sulayem’s vice-president of sport in April, citing “a fundamental breakdown in governance standards within motorsport’s global governing body” – wrote earlier this week in a post on LinkedIn, external: “Each presidential candidate must present a full slate, including seven vice-presidents drawn from list of World Council nominees. “If the incumbent already controls those names in any region through persuasion, pressure or promise, then no challenger can form. “The process looks democratic, but in practice it locks the door from the inside. It isn’t democracy. It isn’t even unusual. But that doesn’t make it right.” There is also doubt surrounding the eligibility of Daniel Coen from Costa Rica for the list of world motorsport council nominees, given that members must come from countries that host international motorsport events, which Costa Rica does not. Coen is Ben Sulayem’s nominee for vice-president for sport representing North America.
Ricky Hatton funeral live: Tyson Fury among boxing stars in Manchester to pay tribute with thousands of fans
Hatton’s coffin carried into cathedral Ricky Hatton’s coffin is being carried into Manchester Cathedral now. Cheers erupted from the huge crowds outside the cathedral as Hatton’s family lifted the sky blue coffin. (The Independent) Athena Stavrou10 October 2025 12:03 Andy Burnham and Liam Gallagher at funeral Combat Sports Editor Alex Pattle reports from Manchester: With the likes of Wayne Rooney and Manchester mayor Andy Burnham present, and word spreading that Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher is here, there really is a who’s-who not just of the boxing world, or even the sporting world; it’s a who’s-who of major personalities associated with Manchester. Yet it’s through the public turnout that it’s made clearest what a significant day this is – and what a significant figure Hatton was to this city. And so he will remain, no doubt. Athena Stavrou10 October 2025 12:00 Procession arrives at cathedral for funeral Ricky Hatton’s procession has arrived at Manchester Cathedral for his funeral. Huge clapped and cheered outside the cathedral as the private service is due to start soon. (Sky News) Athena Stavrou10 October 2025 11:56 Ricky Hatton was ‘my first hero’: Fans line streets to bid farewell to boxer Ricky Hatton was ‘my first hero’: Fans line streets to bid farewell to boxer Athena Stavrou10 October 2025 11:53 A show of unity to bid farewell to Ricky Hatton Combat Sports Editor Alex Pattle reports from Manchester: Irish boxing icon Barry McGuigan just arrived with his son Shane, a top-level coach, very close behind ex-world champion Carl Frampton. Barry McGuigan previously promoted Frampton, and the pair were embroiled in a multi-million pound lawsuit that was settled out of court in 2020, but here they are in close vicinity; it’s a reminder that today is about unity, and about a shared love of Ricky Hatton. Athena Stavrou10 October 2025 11:52 Wayne Rooney arrives at funeral Wayne Rooney is the latest sporting star to have arrived at Manchester Cathedral for Ricky Hatton’s funeral. The former Manchester United and England player was a friend of Hatton, having helped carry his championship belts into the ring for his 2007 fight against Jose Luis Castillo in Vegas. Wayne Rooney (right) and Coleen Rooney arrive ahead of the funeral service for Ricky Hatton at Manchester Cathedral (Martin Rickett/PA Wire) Athena Stavrou10 October 2025 11:49 Frank Bruno: ‘There will never be another Ricky’ Boxing legend Frank Bruno has arrived at Manchester Cathedral to pay his respects. The heavyweight legend told the BBC: “There will never be another Ricky or anyone like him and at this time I share the shock and upset of losing what I consider to be a great fighter, a friend and an amazing human being.” Former boxer Frank Bruno arrives ahead of the funeral service for Ricky Hatton at Manchester Cathedral (Martin Rickett/PA Wire) Athena Stavrou10 October 2025 11:43 Crowds gather outside Manchester Cathedral The Independent’s Video Journalist Caspar Barnes reports from Manchester: (The Independent) (The Independent) Athena Stavrou10 October 2025 11:37 Watch: Hundreds of well-wishers line streets for Ricky Hatton’s funeral procession Hundreds of well-wishers line streets for Ricky Hatton’s funeral procession Athena Stavrou10 October 2025 11:33 Boxing stars and celebrities arrive at Manchester Cathedral Many boxing stars and celebrities have arrived at Manchester Cathedral ahead of Ricky Hatton’s funeral service. Before the ceremony is set to begin at midday, boxers including Frank Bruno, Tyson Fury, Amir Khan and Frazer Clarke arrived. They were among other familiar faces who have turned out to pay their respects including Paddy McGuinness and actor Tamer Hassan. Boxer Tyson Fury arrived for the funeral service at Manchester Cathedral (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire) Former boxer Frank Bruno arrives ahead of the funeral service for Ricky Hatton at Manchester Cathedral (Martin Rickett/PA Wire) Actor Tamer Hassan arrives ahead of the funeral service for Ricky Hatton at Manchester Cathedral (Martin Rickett/PA Wire) Athena Stavrou10 October 2025 11:25
Fiji Rugby mourns Senibale’s passing – FBC News
Fiji Rugby is in mourning following the sudden death of Fiji Schoolboys Under-18 assistant coach Lasarusa Senibale, who passed away in Canberra, Australia last week just a day before the team’s second match on tour. The heartbreaking news sent shockwaves through the rugby fraternity, both in Fiji and among the travelling team in Australia, where Senibale had been helping to guide the next generation of Fijian players. Acting Fiji Rugby Union chief executive Koli Sewabu said the union, together with the Ministry of Education and the Fiji High Commission in Canberra, immediately began working to support Senibale’s family and ensure his body is returned home. Article continues after advertisement “It was around 10pm at night and it’s something you never wish to do, but unfortunately that has happened.” Sewabu said, recalling the difficult moment he and officials broke the news to Senibale’s family. He explained that because Senibale’s passing occurred in Australia, a number of formalities, including reports from the coroner and the Australian Federal Police, had to be completed before the repatriation process could begin. Sewabu said the Fiji Rugby Union, the Ministry of Education, and sponsors Fiji Airways have been working together to ensure a smooth and respectful return. Senibale’s body is expected to be moved to a Sydney funeral home for preparation before being flown home to Fiji once final clearances are granted. For those who knew him, Senibale was more than a coach. He was a mentor, a father figure and a proud servant of the game who inspired countless young athletes to play with passion and humility. His passing has left a void in the Fiji Schoolboys program and a deep sadness among players and officials who viewed him as a guiding light both on and off the field. As arrangements continue to bring him home, the rugby community stands united in grief, celebrating the legacy of a man who devoted his life to nurturing Fiji’s future stars. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
PSL star reveals why he ‘snubbed’ Orlando Pirates transfer move
Orlando Pirates were close to signing one of this season’s opening quarter surprise packages. The Buccaneers were reportedly interested in signing a player from Bulgarian side Etar Veliko Tarnovo. Despite their interest, a fellow Betway Premiership side rushed in to seal the deal. And now, the player himself has revealed why exactly he chose Marumo Gallants over the Soweto giants! Clifford explains why he opted against joining Orlando Pirates 29-year-old attacker Jaisen Clifford has revealed the exact reason why he chose Marumo Gallants over Orlando Pirates FC. According to the SuperSport United academy graduate, it was simply a case of Gallants’ chairman Abram Sello’s personal touch. “Obviously there was so much interest, big PSL teams made inquiries. As a player, I was weighing my options but Marumo Gallants were the team with more serious advances,” Clifford told FARPost. “As soon as I sat down with the chairman, he wanted things to be done immediately and I also wanted to secure myself in the country. They were the most serious and what they offered me was enough for me to say yes.” According to the same publication, Orlando Pirates were trying to lure the player to Mayfair. However, Gallants moved faster and ultimately did more to lure Clifford to Limpopo. Clifford showing his class After spending the better part of the last decade in Europe, Clifford joined Gallants with high expectations on his shoulders. So far, the attacker has scored two goals in 10 appearances for Marumo Gallants. Who knows, he may soon find himself joining Orlando Pirates after all!
Anthony Taylor: Premier League referee reveals the impact of abuse on his family
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 Anthony Taylor has admitted there have been times he has considered quitting refereeing because of the constant barrage of abuse – and revealed his family no longer attend high-profile matches after he was harassed by Roma fans at an airport. In an interview with BBC Sport, Taylor reflected on the “archaic” culture which he feels surrounds the game. Taylor, 46, has twice taken charge of the FA Cup final, in 2017 and 2020, and been on the Fifa referees’ list for more than a decade. Having been selected as one of six English officials for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Taylor was subsequently appointed for the 2023 Europa League final between Sevilla and Roma in Budapest. Following an ill-tempered affair at the Puskas Arena – with Sevilla eventually beating Roma, then managed by Jose Mourinho, after a penalty shootout – Taylor, who issued 13 yellow cards during the match, was accosted by angry fans at the airport as he travelled home. Despite being considered one of the Premier League’s leading referees, Taylor believes he and all other match officials have become an easy target, with criticism coming again following Chelsea’s dramatic stoppage-time win over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge last weekend. Taylor admitted he assumed he was not the only refereewho had considered it when asked if he had ever thought about quitting refereeing. “There’s certainly been moments – and I won’t be alone in this – there’s certainly been moments where you are thinking, ‘Is it worth it?’” he said. “And certainly, moments where you’re thinking, ‘What’s being said is completely unfair’.” Taylor continued: “We have this archaic psychological tactic of ‘let’s bombard the ref or bombard the fourth official with the hope of getting a decision out of it’.” open image in gallery Jose Mourinho was suspended by UEFA for four matches over his abusive behaviour towards English referee Anthony Taylor (PA) After the 2023 Europa League final, video footage emerged of the incident involving Taylor at Budapest Airport. A chair and drinks were thrown in the direction of the English referee and his group as they made their way through a gathering of Roma fans before being ushered to a safe area by airport security. Taylor revealed his family now no longer attends big matches. “That’s for sure the worst situation I’ve dealt with in terms of abuse,” he said. “Not only because I was travelling with family members at the time, but it also highlights the impact of people’s behaviour on others. “It makes you reflect back on whether you made a mistake travelling with your family in the first place.” Asked whether that means his family no longer goes to the high-profile games, Taylor said: “Yeah very much so – they haven’t been to one since.” Watch BBC Sport’s full Anthony Taylor interview on BBC Sport online, iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds.