‘Champions of Europe and the world’ — has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?
Come on, girls, we’re all right behind you!
The Lionesses have made it through to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Women’s World Cup after winning 4-2 on penalties against Nigeria despite going down to 10 players, reports The Manc.
England’s women’s team remain among the favourites left in the competition after reigning world champions USA were dumped out in the quarters following a 5-4 loss on penalties to Sweden. Luckily the Lionesses managed to survive their shootout even after missing their first attempt.
Sarina Wiegman‘s side couldn’t break the deadlock inside the 90 and were almost awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute, but the decision was ultimately overturned following a VAR review. It was the same story in extra time but they somehow managed to limp across the line to take the game to pens.
Thankfully, Manchester City’s Chloe Kelly, England’s hero in the 2022 Women’s Euros and the Finalissima back in April, did what she does best and scored the winning spot-kick to send them into the next round.
Prior to the shootout, the biggest moment of the game undoubtedly came when Chelsea’s Lauren James — who had been the star of their World Cup campaign thus far, with three goals and three assists in as many games — was sent off for stamping on Nigeria forward, Michelle Alozie.
In a rare moment of petulance and unacceptable gamesmanship, VAR was called in once again to re-examine the sly on-the-ground challenge, at which point the 21-year-old WSL and England star was promptly shown a straight red card.
Nevertheless, the Lionesses battled on and somehow made it through to the quarter-finals, although they will now have to do without one of the best players for the next match.
England will now play the winner of Colombia vs Jamaica for a place in the semi-finals of this year’s Women’s World Cup and still stand a very strong chance of winning the lot.
‘Champions of Europe and the world’ — has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Come on, girls, we’re all right behind you!
Featured Image — BBC Sport/Lionesses (via Twitter)
Sport
Leeds United is home to one of the Premier League’s cheapest stadium pints, new data reveals
Leeds United fans looking for a crisp pre-match pint, you're in luck.
Why? Because new data has revealed Leeds United as one of the Premier League clubs offering the cheapest pints in their stadium
And it's all down to credit card provider Zable, who analysed the average price of a pint at every Premier League stadium.
You'll be glad to know that Leeds United ranked a very respectable eighth among the Premier League teams with the cheapest pre-match pints, with fans paying an average £5.60 at Elland Road.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
However, supporters can currently get a cheaper drink at pubs around the stadium, where the average pint costs £4.74.
Ipswich Town have the cheapest pint at £3.50, followed by Coventry at £3.60 and Hull City at £3.90.
The top 10 cheapest stadium match day pints:
Ipswich (£3.50)
Coventry (£3.60)
Hull City (£3.90)
Liverpool (£4.80)
Sunderland (£5.00)
Everton (£5.50)
Newcastle United (£5.60)
Leeds United (£5.60)
Bournemouth (£5.60)
Brighton & Hove Albion (£5.80)
Adam McAllister at Zable says: "For many fans, grabbing a pint before kick-off is part and parcel of the matchday experience, but our research shows that where you choose to drink can make a noticeable difference to the price. While stadium pints are often assumed to be more expensive, that's not always the case.
"With the cost of attending football continuing to add up, from tickets and travel to food and drinks, small differences like these can make a real impact on the overall cost of a matchday. Taking a little time to compare prices before heading to the stadium this season could help fans make their money go further, whether they choose to have a pint at the pub or inside the ground."
Andy Burnham says he wants to scrap the ‘unfair’ ban on drinking alcohol in football stands
Emily Sergeant
Andy Burnham has said that he wants to scrap the 'unfair' ban on fans getting to drink alcohol in football stands.
It's a ban that's been in place in the top five tiers of men's football since 1985, when fears over violence and hooliganism were at their height, but now the Prime Minister has raised the question of whether drinking in football stands - or 'drinking in sight / view of the pitch', as it's known formally - is actually unjust, due to the fact that same rules don't apply to fans of other sports.
"I don't think it's fair for football fans to be singled out in that way," Andy Burnham has declared this week, grabbing headlines in the process.
He continued: "I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different, and I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination.
"I'm not going to back away from what's been a long-held view of mine. I don't see how it can be fair that some supporters of one sport can be treated differently."
The Prime Minister's comments have been met with mixed response.
Andy Burnham wants to scrap the 'unfair' ban on drinking alcohol in football stands / Credit: James Kirkup | Julia Nastogadka (via Unsplash)
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), for example, has very much welcomed the idea, saying that it 'totally agrees' the legislation is 'outdated' and 'deserves to be reviewed'.
Tom Greatrex, chair of the FSA, said in a statement: "The FSA has always argued that it’s unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while watching the match - especially since you can sit in the same seat drinking alcohol whilst watching an Oasis gig or rugby league."
However, on the flip side, the UK Football Policing Unit said it would be 'incredibly rash' to change the rules without proper consultation.
"Other sports simply don't see the violence and criminal behaviour from their supporters that football does, albeit a minority, with alcohol often playing a significant part in violent and disorderly behaviour," it said in a statement on the matter.
The Prime Minister did state in his initial proposition though that 'there are different ways it could be done', hinting that it could be done 'on a trial basis' perhaps.
The English Football League (EFL) added that it would be 'receptive to discussions around reviewing current legislation and permitting alcoholic drinks within view of the pitch'.
No formal details on a review have been confirmed as of yet, so fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates in due course.
Danny Jones -
7th August 2023 
