The Iran women’s national team reportedly face the threat of the death penalty for treason after refusing to sing their national anthem at the Asian Cup in Australia.

The players staged a silent protest during their opening match against South Korea on Monday.

They declined to sing the anthem or perform a military salute, an action interpreted as defiance against the country’s regime.

Iranian state television has since labelled the squad as "traitors", raising grave concerns for their safety upon their imminent return.

Accusations of wartime treason

Presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi issued a stark warning on state-linked media following the broadcast of the initial match.

In times of war, traitors must be dealt with more harshly. Anyone who takes even a single step against the country during wartime must face stronger consequences.

Under the Iranian penal code, acts considered treasonous can be classified as capital offences punishable by execution.

Journalist Ali Bornaei stated on social media that the athletes face arbitrary detention and danger to their lives if forced to return to Tehran.

The squad notably resumed singing the anthem in their subsequent defeats to the tournament hosts and the Philippines.

Calls for Australian asylum

Following their elimination from the tournament, calls have mounted for the Australian government to offer the players protection.

Julian Leeser, Australia’s shadow attorney general, urged the government to intervene on International Women’s Day.

Given the serious threats, members of the Iranian team should be offered asylum if they want it. The Australian government should not turn a blind eye to the danger these women face.

Refugee Council chief executive Paul Power confirmed that available evidence suggests the group is at significant risk.

Team Melli Banovan exited the competition on Sunday after conceding nine goals across three group stage matches.

West Ham striker Callum Wilson has agreed a new one-year contract extension with the club, securing his future at London Stadium for the 2026-27 campaign.

The agreement marks a significant turnaround for the forward, who had been in discussions to leave the Hammers earlier this year.

According to reports from The Telegraph, the deal has been finalised following his resurgence in the second half of the season.

Turnaround after January exit talks

Wilson’s future in east London had appeared uncertain as recently as the January transfer window.

The former Newcastle United marksman held talks regarding the potential termination of his contract just months after arriving at the club.

He attracted interest from other English sides and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Shabab during a period where his game time was limited.

Growing importance to Hammers

The England international initially joined West Ham on a free transfer last August following his departure from St James’ Park.

While the experienced frontman struggled for minutes during the opening months of his tenure, he has since established himself as a key figure in the squad.

His increased influence on the pitch has now persuaded the club hierarchy to extend his stay in the capital beyond the current season.

Ugly scenes marred the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox as fans invaded the pitch following Celtic’s penalty shootout victory over Rangers.

Disorder follows dramatic shootout

The Hoops advanced to the semi-finals after Tomas Cvancara scored the decisive spot-kick to settle a tense 0-0 draw.

However, the football was immediately overshadowed as supporters from both sides breached the advertising hoardings and stormed the playing surface.

Police and stewards were forced to intervene rapidly to separate the rival factions as flares were ignited amidst the disorder.

Standard journalist George Flood described the situation as "utter pandemonium" in the immediate aftermath of the result.

Flood reported seeing "scores of fans" entering the field of play, with security struggling to contain the initial surge.

He further noted that an individual appeared to attempt an attack on a member of the visiting coaching staff during the commotion.

Impact on away allocations

Order was eventually restored as security forces managed to keep the opposing groups apart, though the scenes will prompt serious questions for Scottish football authorities.

The violence comes just seven days after a thrilling 2-2 Premiership draw between the Glasgow giants, highlighting the intense nature of the rivalry.

Both clubs had recently negotiated for full away allocations to return to the fixture, but these events may now jeopardise that progress.

Flood described the incident as "not a good look" for either side given the recent efforts to improve the atmosphere for travelling supporters.

For the hosts, the defeat was compounded by penalty misses from captain James Tavernier and Djeidi Gassama.

Oxford United have announced the tragic death of 15-year-old academy player Amelia Aplin following her collapse during a match against Fulham on Saturday.

The teenager fell ill during the fixture taking place at the club’s training ground in Horspath.

Medical staff from both teams and emergency services treated the youngster at the scene, but she sadly passed away.

Club statement and support

Oxford United confirmed the news in a statement released on Sunday, expressing their devastation at the loss.

The club said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of 15-year-old academy player, Amelia Aplin.”

The U’s also placed on record their appreciation for the efforts of the medical professionals who attended to the player.

Support is now being offered to Amelia’s family, as well as players, coaches, and staff impacted by the traumatic event.

Oxford United have requested that the family’s privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time.

Football community pays tribute

Tributes have poured in from across the footballing world for the talented prospect.

The Football Association expressed their deep sadness, stating their thoughts were with her family and everyone associated with the club.

Fulham, whose academy side were the opponents on the day, also shared their condolences.

“Everyone at Fulham Football Club is shocked and saddened to hear this news,” a club spokesperson said.

“Our thoughts are with Amelia’s family and friends, and all associated with Oxford United FC.”

Local rivals Oxford City joined the tributes, sending sincere condolences to their neighbours during what they described as an “incredibly sad time”.

Sports commentator Jacqui Oatley and fellow Women’s National League sides, including Exeter City and Chesham United, also offered messages of support.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has opted for a modest electric vehicle for club duties after finally passing his driving test at the age of 27.

The France captain declined the club’s offer of a top-range BMW i7, preferring a smaller model as a novice driver.

Instead, he has selected the BMW iX3, reportedly feeling the smaller dimensions are more manageable for his first regular vehicle.

Real Madrid’s commercial partnership with the German manufacturer requires all first-team players to drive the brand’s vehicles to training sessions and official functions.

New wheels for Bernabeu stars

England international Trent Alexander-Arnold has also favoured practicality over the luxury saloon option following his move to the Spanish capital.

The former Liverpool defender selected the iX xDrive60, an electric SUV valued at approximately £95,000.

Alexander-Arnold was previously unable to drive his personal Range Rover to the Valdebebas training complex due to the strict sponsorship protocols currently in place.

A long road to the licence

Despite a trophy-laden career including a World Cup triumph, Mbappe had previously stated he lacked the time to focus on obtaining a driving licence.

Recent footage from outside the training ground captured the former Paris St-Germain striker driving himself for the first time.

The decision to reject the flagship i7 appears pragmatic, as the saloon measures 5.4 metres in length compared to the 4.7-metre iX3.

Former England midfielder Joe Cole believes Arsenal are destined to reach the Champions League final in Budapest following a favourable knockout stage draw.

The Gunners are the only team to hold a perfect record in this season’s competition having won all eight group matches.

Mikel Arteta’s side have avoided European heavyweights Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich until the potential showpiece event.

‘Book your tickets’

Arsenal have been drawn against Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 and would face either Sporting Lisbon or Bodo/Glimt in the quarter-finals.

With the traditional giants of the competition all placed on the opposite side of the draw, Cole is confident the north London club will go the distance.

“Every team that has won it for the last ten years is on one side: Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, so it has opened up for Arsenal,” Cole told The Dressing Room Podcast.

“I think, personally, it’s going to be an Arsenal versus Manchester City final.”

The former Chelsea player suggested the path to the final in Hungary has been laid out perfectly for the Premier League leaders.

“In summary, the Champions League draw, they’ve opened it up, someone has rolled it across the goal for Arsenal,” he added.

“Arsenal fans, book your tickets for Budapest, in my opinion.”

Quadruple chase

Arteta’s side maintained their pursuit of an unprecedented quadruple by defeating Mansfield Town in the FA Cup on Saturday.

They currently sit top of the Premier League and face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final later this month.

While the club have never won the Champions League, their recent European form includes impressive victories over Bayern Munich and Inter Milan during the group stage.

The Gunners reached the semi-finals last season before being eliminated by eventual winners Paris St-Germain.

The Croatian manager has lost all three of his matches in charge since replacing Thomas Frank in the dugout.

Questions are already being asked regarding the appointment, with the North London club looking devoid of confidence heading into the final nine games of the campaign.

Relegation rivals show fight

While bookmakers still narrowly favour West Ham United to fill the third relegation spot, current performances suggest a shifting momentum.

Despite Nuno Espirito Santo’s side suffering a heavy 5-2 defeat at Anfield, the Hammers displayed a cohesion that has been notably absent from Tottenham’s recent displays.

The Lilywhites have struggled significantly with injuries, leaving the squad depleted at a critical juncture of the season.

European distractions and tough fixtures

Matters are further complicated by a demanding schedule that sees the capital club competing on multiple fronts.

Tudor must prepare his side for a Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid over the coming week.

Domestic duties offer no respite, with a daunting trip to face Liverpool at Anfield awaiting them next Sunday.

Potential consequences of the drop

While relegation would be viewed as a disaster by supporters, the financial structure of the club ensures they would not face administration.

A season in the Championship could potentially offer a reset for a team that has won only eight of their last 33 Premier League home games.

Dropping down a division often facilitates a clear-out of underperforming players and allows a club to rebuild a winning culture.

Supporters would also see a significant increase in victories and goals scored, providing a stark contrast to the struggles endured over the last two campaigns.

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has confirmed he personally decided to reject a move to Tottenham Hotspur during the January transfer window to extend his Anfield career.

The Scotland captain emerged as a surprise target for Spurs in the closing stages of the winter market.

Although the Reds were prepared to facilitate a move in recognition of his service since 2017, the 31-year-old opted to remain on Merseyside.

Robertson addressed the speculation following Liverpool’s 3-1 FA Cup victory over Wolves on Friday.

Choosing to stay put

“There was obviously interest there – there were discussions had with both sets of clubs,” Robertson said.

“But the decision was that I wanted to stay. We stayed at Liverpool and that was the decision made.”

An injury to Joe Gomez had reportedly complicated the defensive picture at Anfield, but the veteran left-back insisted his mindset never wavered.

“I was never not committed. I’ve been committed to Liverpool for the last eight and a half or nine years now and I’ll be committed until I’m no longer needed.”

“That’s always been my mindset. This club has given me everything and I’ve given this club everything.”

Contract hints and competition

Robertson has faced increased competition for his place this season following the summer arrival of Milos Kerkez.

Despite the Hungarian largely usurping him in Arne Slot’s Premier League XI, Robertson produced a standout performance at Molineux to help secure a quarter-final spot.

With his current deal expiring at the end of the season, the defender would be available on a free transfer if fresh terms are not agreed.

However, he hinted that discussions regarding an extension are ongoing, though they will remain behind closed doors.

“I’ve always said that [the talks] will stay between me and the club,” he added.

“I have got an amazing relationship with Richard Hughes, Mike Gordon and Michael Edwards. They have helped make me who I am.”