Martin O’Neill has masterminded a remarkable Scottish Premiership title win for Celtic after returning from retirement to rescue a turbulent season.
The 73-year-old initially answered an emergency call from major shareholder Dermot Desmond in October following the sudden departure of Brendan Rodgers.
Parkhead was engulfed in fan unrest after a dismal summer transfer window and a devastating Champions League play-off defeat by Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty.
Stepping out of retirement
The veteran Northern Irishman had not managed since leaving Nottingham Forest in 2019 and was working as a radio pundit when he accepted the interim role.
His immediate impact yielded five consecutive league victories, eradicating an eight-point deficit to Hearts before he stepped aside for Wilfried Nancy.
However, Nancy’s disastrous 33-day reign delivered six defeats in eight games, prompting the club’s hierarchy to issue a second SOS to their legendary former boss.
Restoring belief at Parkhead
Re-taking the reins, the charismatic tactician immediately picked up where he left off by churning out crucial results to stabilise the dressing room.
A formidable average of 2.57 points per game places him comfortably ahead of every other manager in Scotland’s top flight this term.
Alongside coaches Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham, the experienced manager stripped the squad’s tactical approach completely back to basics.
While not replicating the exhilarating attacking play seen under previous regimes, this pragmatic strategy proved incredibly effective in securing the championship.
Cup final and future uncertainty
This latest triumph marks the Glasgow giants’ 14th domestic league crown in the past 15 years.
Captain Callum McGregor has publicly praised the aura and presence his manager brought back to a previously fractured squad.
Attention now turns to the Scottish Cup final next Saturday, where Dunfermline Athletic stand in the way of a domestic double.
The lingering question remains whether the three-time title winner will sign a long-term deal or return to his peaceful retirement.
Former Scotland and British and Irish Lions centre Scott Hastings has died at the age of 61 following a battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The Edinburgh-born back, who played alongside his brother Gavin, was an integral part of the national side that famously clinched the 1990 Five Nations Grand Slam.
He earned 65 international caps during a distinguished career and toured twice with the Lions in 1989 and 1993.
A glittering career for club and country
The legendary midfielder spent his entire domestic club career representing his hometown side Watsonians.
He officially hung up his boots in 1999, cementing his status as one of the most beloved figures in Scottish sporting history.
His immense contribution to the game was formally recognised last year when he was inducted into the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame.
Life beyond the rugby pitch
Following his retirement from competitive action, the 65-cap international transitioned seamlessly into the media.
He became a highly respected broadcaster, providing expert punditry and commentary for rugby audiences across the United Kingdom.
Away from the microphone, he was a dedicated philanthropist who campaigned tirelessly for various charitable causes.
His fundraising efforts provided vital support for mental health initiatives and motor neurone disease research.
The much-loved sportsman had publicly revealed in 2022 that he was undergoing treatment for an incurable form of cancer.
Sunderland kept their Premier League European qualification hopes alive with a thrilling 3-1 comeback victory against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.
The hosts initially appeared on course to bolster their own top-eight ambitions when Merlin Rohl opened the scoring via a deflection just before half-time.
However, a disastrous second-half collapse culminated in the home supporters loudly booing their team off the pitch at the final whistle.
Brobbey sparks dramatic turnaround
The visitors initiated their impressive revival in the 59th minute through an emphatic near-post finish from Brian Brobbey.
The physical striker capitalised on a misplaced pass by Jake O’Brien before outmuscling James Tarkowski to blast the ball into the net.
Momentum shifted firmly towards Regis Le Bris’s squad, who were rewarded when Enzo Le Fee converted a close-range effort teed up by Chris Rigg in the 81st minute.
Final day European shootout looms
Wilson Isidor then sealed the crucial three points in stoppage time with a brilliant strike following a low cross from fellow substitute Habib Diarra.
This vital victory moves the newly-promoted Black Cats up to ninth place, trailing eighth-placed Brentford by just a single point.
They will now host tenth-placed Chelsea on the final day of the season in what promises to be a high-stakes shootout for European football.
Everton’s continental ambitions collapse
Conversely, the miserable defeat represents a devastating blow for the Merseyside outfit, who slip down to 11th in the table.
They face a daunting final-day trip to Tottenham Hotspur knowing their hopes of continental qualification are now effectively extinguished.
Fabio di Giannantonio won a chaotic Catalonia MotoGP in Barcelona that was red-flagged twice after severe crashes sent Alex Marquez and Johann Zarco to hospital.
The Italian Ducati rider secured victory at the third attempt, finishing ahead of Joan Mir and Fermin Aldeguer.
However, the premier class race was overshadowed by two major incidents that halted proceedings.
High-speed collision causes chaos
The first major accident occurred on lap 12 when race leader Pedro Acosta suddenly lost power on the straight.
The Spanish prospect desperately attempted to warn the pursuing pack, but the second-placed Marquez had no time to react.
He slammed into the rear of the stricken KTM machine, sending his own motorcycle hurtling towards the wall before cartwheeling violently through the air.
Gresini Racing confirmed the younger Marquez brother was conscious as he was transported from the circuit in an ambulance.
Second red flag and Zarco injury
Following the initial stoppage, the restarted race was immediately suspended again when Zarco crashed heavily.
The former Moto2 world champion became tangled in his bike and will undergo tests on his left leg.
Eventual race winner Di Giannantonio was actually struck by flying debris during the first incident but recovered to take the chequered flag.
Riders reflect on inherent dangers
Speaking after the race, the victorious rider admitted the paddock was shaken by the terrifying scenes.
“Today has not been an easy day for everybody. I really hope that Alex is fine.”
“We’ve been really lucky. We know that our sport is amazing. We try to give an amazing show, but also we are humans and we are in danger. So I really hope that everybody is safe.”
The grid was already missing reigning world champion Marc Marquez, who was sidelined after fracturing his foot at the French Grand Prix last weekend.
Brian Brobbey scored a crucial 59th-minute equaliser for Sunderland after capitalising on a defensive blunder by Everton’s Jake O’Brien.
The Dutch international showed lethal instincts to pounce on a loose pass from the Toffees centre-back before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper.
It was a moment to forget for the Republic of Ireland defender, whose momentary lapse in concentration proved costly for the Premier League side.
The visitors had been trailing before the former Ajax striker shifted the momentum of the contest just before the hour mark.
Defensive frailties exposed by visitors
Sean Dyche’s men had initially controlled the tempo of the match but struggled to maintain their defensive composure as the second half progressed.
The Black Cats seized their opportunity with ruthless efficiency when the unexpected gift was presented to their attacking focal point.
Brobbey has proven to be a valuable asset for the Wearsiders, with his physical presence and clinical edge causing constant problems for opposition backlines.
Sunderland build vital momentum
Securing a positive result against top-flight opposition will undoubtedly serve as a significant confidence boost for the traveling supporters.
This resilient performance highlights the continued progress being made by the Championship outfit under their current tactical setup.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom is confident Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup following constructive talks with the nation’s football association.
The Middle Eastern nation’s involvement in the tournament had been called into question due to escalating geopolitical tensions following incidents between the US, Israel and Iran in February.
All three of their group matches are scheduled to take place in the United States, prompting severe logistical and security concerns.
Diplomatic hurdles and proposed solutions
Doubts intensified earlier this month when Iran FA President Mehdi Taj was denied entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
The visa refusal was reportedly linked to his association with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In response to the challenging diplomatic climate, Iranian officials had requested their matches be relocated to co-hosts Mexico.
However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino rejected the relocation proposal, insisting the original North American tournament schedule would remain unchanged.
FIFA remains optimistic
Despite these ongoing hurdles, world football’s governing body firmly expects the national team to fulfill their fixtures.
“We’ve had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting together with the Iran FA.”
Grafstrom stated, emphasising that the two organisations are actively collaborating to find solutions.
“We’re working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup.”
Iran satisfied with dialogue
While specifics regarding player visas remain unconfirmed, the Iranian football chief acknowledged that their grievances were being taken seriously.
“I am pleased that they listened to Iran’s points, all 10 points that we had raised, and they offered solutions for each of them.”
Taj confirmed to Reuters during a recent interview.
“I hope, God willing, that our national team can go to the World Cup without any problems and achieve very good results there.”
Political tensions and US fixtures
The broader political context continues to cast a shadow over the upcoming tournament.
Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump stated that while the team was welcome, he did not believe it was appropriate for them to be there for their own safety.
The Asian representatives will be based in Tucson, Arizona, for the duration of the group stages.
They are scheduled to face New Zealand on 15 June and Belgium on 21 June in Los Angeles, before travelling to Seattle to play Egypt on 26 June.
A politically charged knockout fixture remains a distinct possibility depending on group stage results.
Should both nations finish second in their respective groups, Iran could face the United States in the last 32 in Dallas.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won his second consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player award on Sunday after leading the defending champions through another stellar campaign.
The Canadian international becomes only the 14th player in league history to claim the prestigious individual accolade in back-to-back years.
He beat out strong competition from San Antonio Spurs phenomenon Victor Wembanyama and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic to secure the honour.
An official broadcast detailing the final voting results will be televised by the league later on Sunday evening.
Driving the defending NBA champions
The dynamic playmaker was instrumental for his franchise once again, featuring in 68 regular-season games.
He posted remarkable averages of 31.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per contest.
Those elite performances helped solidify Oklahoma City’s status as a premier force in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.
Back-to-back MVP milestones
Securing consecutive MVP trophies places the 26-year-old alongside basketball royalty.
Only a select group of all-time greats have achieved the rare milestone of retaining the league’s top individual prize.
The Thunder will now look to capitalise on their talisman’s outstanding form as they continue their pursuit of further championship glory.
Bruno Fernandes has equalled the Premier League record for the most assists in a single season after registering his 20th of the campaign for Manchester United.
The Portuguese midfielder joins Arsenal great Thierry Henry and Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne in reaching the prestigious milestone.
He surpassed Mesut Ozil’s previous tally of 19 by setting up Bryan Mbeumo with a precise cross from the right flank against Nottingham Forest.
The playmaker has enjoyed a stellar year under manager Michael Carrick, earning the FWA Footballer of the Year award ahead of Arsenal’s Declan Rice.
Elite company in English football
The United captain had previously moved to 19 assists after creating a goal for Benjamin Sesko in a 2-1 victory over Brentford.
His pursuit of the record was briefly delayed when a deflection denied him an official assist against Liverpool.
However, the wait ended against Forest, cementing his place alongside two of the most celebrated creators in top-flight history.
The former Sporting Lisbon star admitted the landmark had been playing on his mind in recent weeks.
One game remaining to make history
“It’s something that I think about because we are talking about Kevin and Thierry, they were two of the best players that the Premier League has seen in a long, long time,” he said.
“Having the chance to be up there with their names is very good and I’m very proud of that.”
The 29-year-old now has the opportunity to claim the outright record before the campaign concludes.
He requires just one more assist in the final match of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion to stand entirely alone in the history books.