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Crystal Palace have been handed a raft of injury blows ahead of their clash with Wolves as they look for just their second win of the Premier League season, it has emerged.

Crystal Palace win in midweek but at huge cost

Oliver Glasner’s side claimed a surprise 2-1 win over Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup, setting up a quarter-final tie with Arsenal in the process. Goals from Eberechi Eze and Daichi Kamada proved too much for Unai Emery’s side as the Eagles marched into the last eight of the competition on the hunt for the first mjor trophy in their history.

However, the win came at a cost. Eze was forced off with an injury just minutes after opening the scoring, before England teammate Adam Wharton was also forced out of action before the half hour mark, handing Glasner further injury woes.

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Their exits added to a casualty list that already sees Jefferson Lerma, Chris Richards, Chadi Riad and Matheus Franca sidelined, but after the game Glasner tried to be positive.

“Adam is a more positive one because it is nothing new. We spoke about it many times; he has had groin problems for many months. We thought he needed a break today, but he gave the thumbs up and said he was fine. But the pain got worse during the game, so we had to make a second sub. Especially with the circumstances, I am very proud of the performance.”

However, the latest update is less than ideal for the Eagles.

Palace midfielder set for surgery

That comes as Glasner faced the media ahead of his side’s trip to Molineux to face winless Wolves, and had some bad news on the injury front. Firstly, he ruled Eze, Lerma, Riad, Richards and Franca all out of games until after the upcoming international break, but the worst news came regarding Wharton.

The midfielder, who has been managing an injury all season, is now set for surgery and at least a month on the sidelines, Glasner confirmed, meaning that he will miss at least five games of Premier League action.

‘We took the final decision: he will have surgery, so he won’t be available for Wolves. He tried [to train] today, but there’s too much pain, and it makes no sense. He’s really struggled the last weeks and months, and so now we took the decision he will have surgery, and we hope to have him back after, let’s say, four weeks.’

Games Adam Wharton could miss for Crystal Palace

Wolves (Away)

Fulham (Home)

Aston Villa (Away)

Newcastle (Home)

Ipswich Town (Away)

The news will come as a blow to Palace, who had just begun to show shoots of improvement following a tragic start to the campaign as new signings tried to acclimatise to life at Selhurst Park, but with the 20-year-old and Glasner having both known about and managing the injury since the summer, they will be hoping that the surgery will mark the end of his issues.

Meanwhile, the damage of Wharton’s absence will be mitigated by the return of Cheick Doucoure, who will be part of a matchday squad for the first time this season when Palace take on Wolves this weekend, the Palace boss confirmed.

Harry Maguire shares Ruben Amorim's frustration with Manchester United's performances after the coach called his side the worst in the club's history.

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Defender also frustrated with Utd's formAmorim explains why he made astonishing claim'I'm young and sometimes I make mistakes'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Maguire was speaking alongside Amorim in a press conference ahead of United's Europa League match against Rangers on Thursday, the first media appearance since the Portuguese made the disparaging remark about his side on the back of their 3-1 defeat by Brighton on Sunday.

AdvertisementWHAT MAGUIRE SAID

"I think as players, we were frustrated and disappointed, coming on the back of a good away perfoRmance [at Arsenal] and beating Southampton. We have to look at ourselves and take responsibility," Maguire said. "We were going into the game confident we had the belief we could beat Brighton but we didn't perform on the day. I go home and think about how I can help the team get back to where we want to and that's challenging given where we are in the league."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Amorim attempted to explain the reasoning behind his frank comments, which stunned pundits and former players. But he stopped short of apologising. He said: "I was talking more for myself than for my players, because you have a coach that starts a job and loses eight games so it was more for me. I also talked in the same response about I was not helping my players and if you look at every time I speak I never put the spotlight on my players. So I understand I gave you that headline and I’m frustrated sometimes and sometimes I should not say that in those terms. But it is what it is. Sometimes it's really hard to hide the frustration in some moments. But the good thing is that I said the same things in a different way in the dressing room five minutes before and the response was quite normal because I’m really blunt with my players. I say what I see."

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DID YOU KNOW?

It has been revealed that Amorim damaged a television in the club's dressing room as he vented his fury over the Brighton performance. The coach did not directly reference damaging the television but admitted he sometimes oversteps the mark: "I’m a young guy and sometimes I make a mistake. That’s why I don’t talk about it after the game," Amorim said. "This game, I needed to talk and maybe it was a mistake and then I get more nervous and go to the to press conference really nervous. Then you say things that you shouldn’t say, and that’s it. Sometimes you are a young guy, and then do mistakes and you improve. I don’t promise you that I won’t do it again, but I will try to improve."

أعلن نادي ريال مدريد في بيان رسمي عن إصابة لاعب وسط الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، داني سيبايوس، أثناء مباراة ريال سوسيداد في نصف نهائي كأس ملك إسبانيا.

وتعرض سيبايوس إلى إصابة خلال المباراة التي أقيمت على ملعب “ريالي” يوم أمس، الأربعاء، والتي انتهت بفوز ريال مدريد بهدف نظيف.

وأكد ريال مدريد خلال بيانه أن سيبايوس قد خضع لفحوصات طبية شاملة صباح اليوم من أجل تشخيص إصابته وأظهرت النتائج أنه تعرض لإصابة في العضلة شبه الغشائية مع تأثر الوتر في ساقه اليسرى.

ولم يحدد ريال مدريد مدة غياب سيبايوس في بيانه ولكن إذاعة “كادينا كوبيه” الإسبانية قد كشفت عن مدة الغياب المتوقعة والصادمة.

وأفادت الإذاعة أن اللاعب سيغيب عن ريال مدريد لمدة شهرين تقريبًا، وبالتالي، لن يكون متاحًا لخدمات المدرب كارلو أنشيلوتي في المباريات المقبلة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. فينيسيوس يصدم الأندية السعودية بشأن مستقبله مع ريال مدريد

Parte médico de Ceballos. — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) February 27, 2025

سيبايوس يغيب عن 11 مباراة على الأقل مع ريال مدريد بسبب الإصابة

ريال بيتيس – الدوري الإسباني – 1 مارس.

أتلتيكو مدريد – دوري أبطال أوروبا – 4 مارس.

رايو فاليكانو – الدوري الإسباني – 9 مارس.

أتلتيكو مدريد – دوري أبطال أوروبا – 12 مارس.

فياريال – الدوري الإسباني – 15 مارس.

ليجانيس – الدوري الإسباني – 30 مارس.

ريال سوسيداد – كأس ملك إسبانيا – 1 أبريل.

فالنسيا – الدوري الإسباني – 6 أبريل.

ألافيس – الدوري الإسباني – 13 أبريل.

أتلتيك بلباو – الدوري الإسباني – 20 أبريل.

خيتافي – الدوري الإسباني – 23 أبريل.

هناك مباريات أخرى قد يغيب عنها حال تأهل ريال مدريد في دوري أبطال أوروبا وربما يغيب عن نهائي كأس ملك إسبانيا حال التأهل أيضًا خاصة وأن الموعد المحتمل سيكون في 26 أبريل.

“When we get into such good positions, we have to get them by the throat and we have to finish them off”

Mohammad Isam11-Jul-2021

Donald Tiripano – “I am happy to embrace it if given the chance to bat up the order”•Abu Dhabi Cricket

Donald Tiripano has said that he is ready to take up the challenge of batting higher up the order, after he frustrated Bangladesh with a 144-ball 52 coming in at No.5 in the one-off Test.While Bangladesh were always on course for victory, Tiripano managed to stall the visitors for most of the final day, and it was eventually a poor umpiring decision that ended his stay at the crease. Ebadot Hossain got the ball to jag back enough, but the replays clearly showed that there was daylight between bat and ball, before Liton Das collected the ball. Tiripano, however, felt the game swung decisively on the first day when Zimbabwe failed to get their opponents “by the throat and finish them off”.Related

Mominul Haque admits Bangladesh 'got away' thanks to long batting line-up

The strange silence on Mahmudullah's last day of Test cricket

Mahmudullah shines in Test swansong as Taskin, Miraz hand Bangladesh big win in Harare

“It is a challenge that I am willing to take. I am happy to embrace it if given the chance to bat up the order. I like being challenged. I enjoy pressure,” he said.The pressure on the fifth day was unrelenting for Zimbabwe, particularly after they lost four wickets in 19 balls just after the first drinks break. Dion Myers, Timycen Maruma, Roy Kaia and Regis Chakabva all departed, leaving Tiripano alone with a long tail.He managed the pressure quite well though, ensuring Bangladesh needed more than 30 overs to dislodge the last three wickets. Tiripano struck six fours during his stay, couple of them driven through the covers and midwicket, and one from a reverse sweep. This was his second Test fifty, both coming this year.Tiripano, however, was disappointed Zimbabwe couldn’t put up a higher score in the first innings.”It is unfortunate that we couldn’t get a good total in the first innings. There are a lot of positives that came out from this game. Guys tried to score some runs and build partnerships by putting their head down. But we should work hard on our batting and make sure that we don’t play catch up cricket in a Test match.”He also rued Zimbabwe letting Bangladesh off the hook on the first afternoon when the visitors were 132 for 6 at one stage.”We started well in the first morning. The wicket was doing a bit. After taking six wickets, we let them off. Mahmudullah and Liton Das put together a partnership.”I think we have to make sure that when we get into such positions, we have to get them by the throat and we have to finish them off.”Tiripano was all praise for the two debutants Kaitano and Myers.”They are exciting guys. Kaitano is very talented. Everyone has seen what he can do. Dion also showed glimpses of how great a batter he is going to be for Zimbabwe. The future looks bright with these guys.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians encerrou na manhã desta quarta-feira (24) a sua preparação para o confronto diante do Ceará, nesta quinta-feira (25), às 20h, no estádio do Castelão, em Fortaleza, pela 35ª rodada do Brasileirão.

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Vinte e quatro atletas viajarão ao nordeste brasileiro para a partida, mas um será cortado até do banco de reservas que permite presença máxima de 12 jogadores.

Entregues ao Departamento Médico, os meias Cantillo e Giuliano seguem fora e podem ser desfalques corintianos até o fim desta temporada. Ambos se recuperam de lesões musculares na coxa direita.

Quarto colocado no Campeonato Brasileiro, o Timão está em busca de uma vaga direta na fase de grupos da Copa Libertadores de 2022 e enfrenta um Ceará que não perde há três partidas e, com isso, se afastou da zona do rebaixamento, estando na nona posição.

Confira abaixo a lista de relacionados do Corinthians contra o Ceará:

Goleiros: Cássio, Guilherme e Matheus Donelli
Laterais: Fábio Santos, Fagner, João Pedro e Lucas Piton
Zagueiros: Gil, João Victor, Léo Santos e Raul Gustavo
Meias: Adson, Du Queiroz, Gabriel, Gabriel Pereira, Gustavo Mantuan, Luan, Renato Augusto, Vitinho, Willian e Xavier
Atacantes: Gustavo Mosquito, Jô e Róger Guedes

Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon issue statement following Cameron Bancroft’s latest comments

ESPNcricinfo staff18-May-2021Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon have reiterated that they did not know anything about “a foreign substance being taken onto the field of play to alter the condition of the ball” at the Newlands Test of 2018, infamous as Sandpapergate. In a statement addressed “to the Australian public”, Australia’s bowling unit from that Test said that they had became aware of the use of sandpaper on the ball only after “we saw the images on the big screen”.Related

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David Saker calls for Newlands ball-tampering report to be made public

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Cricket needs a global ball-tampering inquiry to clear the air

“We pride ourselves on our honesty. So it’s been disappointing to see that our integrity has been questioned by some journalists and past players in recent days in regard to the Cape Town Test of 2018,” the statement read. “We have already answered questions many times on this issue, but we feel compelled to put the key facts on the record again.”We did not know a foreign substance was taken onto the field to alter the condition of the ball until we saw the images on the big screen at Newlands.”And to those who, despite the absence of evidence, insist that ‘we must have known’ about the use of a foreign substance simply because we are bowlers, we say this: The umpires during that Test match, Nigel Llong and Richard Illingworth, both very respected and experienced umpires, inspected the ball after the images surfaced on the TV coverage and did not change it because there was no sign of damage.

“We’ve all learned valuable lessons and we’d like to think the public can see a change for the better in terms of the way we play”

“None of this excuses what happened on the field that day at Newlands. It was wrong and it should never have happened.”We’ve all learned valuable lessons and we’d like to think the public can see a change for the better in terms of the way we play, the way we behave and respect the game. Our commitment to improving as people and players will continue.”We respectfully request an end to the rumour-mongering and innuendo. It has gone on too long and it is time to move on.”The statement followed an interview with Cameron Bancroft in the where the batter, one of the three – Steven Smith and David Warner were the others – to serve a ban following the incident, said that it was “self-explanatory” that the bowlers had to know the ball had been tampered with.Since then, former Australia captains Michael Clarke and Adam Gilchrist have offered their views on the issue, with Clarke saying he suspected more people knew what was going on, and Gilchrist suggesting that the incident had not been investigated thoroughly by Cricket Australia.*Nick Hockley, the interim CA chief executive, said the governing body’s integrity unit would not be contacting the former assistant coach David Saker in the same way that it had reached out to Bancroft following his comments. “No, not at this stage. We’ve put out the general message publicly that if anyone feels they have new information, they should come forward,” Hockley said.”We saw the media reports and our integrity unit reached out to Cam directly to ask whether he had new information. He came back overnight to confirm he’s had no new information since the original investigation, and we’re appreciative of him confirming that. We’ve also said publicly if anyone has any new information that they should come forward and present it.”As for what would happen should such information be presented, Hockley would not elaborate on the sort of action CA might then take. “I’m not going to speculate,” he said. “We’ve got to work on the facts that we’ve got, at the moment we’ve got no new information since the original investigation.”Hockley said the episode had been a difficult one for many in cricket, as a re-opening of old scars from 2018. “It’s challenging in the sense that it’s re-opening or taking us back to what was a very bruising time for lots of people,” he said. “A full and thorough investigation was done at the time, sanctions were handed out and they were served. Since that time there’s been new leadership, who I think have done a tremendous job.”You only have to watch documentary to get great insight into the culture and how making Australians proud is a central tenet of the culture that that leadership has built and created. I’m really focused on taking all the learnings and the confidence we have from delivering a fantastic summer just gone, to taking that forward to what’s going to be a massive Ashes summer ahead.”**The Australian captain Tim Paine said that Bancroft had been “caught on the hop” with his comments, leading to the bowlers’ joint statement. “They felt they wanted to get that out there, and that’s fair enough,” Paine said in Hobart, a day after the bowlers issued their statement. “An investigation was done three years ago and positions on that haven’t changed since and our behaviour since then has been exemplary, so for me as captain it’s important we keep looking forward, we keep trying to be the best role models we can be, and we want to keep looking forward, not backwards.”Some of the guys have spoken to Bangers, I don’t think it was intentional to do anything. I think he was just caught on the hop a little bit, it happens, and the guys have responded ad now we’re looking forward to a huge summer of cricket. The ball wasn’t even changed on the field so there was no damage to it. If the umpires aren’t seeing it then I’m not sure what the bowlers are supposed to see.”I think they’re frustrated that it keeps popping up but that’s part and parcel for everyone who played in that Test match. It’s going to keep popping up and you have to get used to that. their mood was fine, they’ve spoken to Bangers, cleared the air there and everyone’s looking forward to moving on.”*GMT 1316, May 18: The story was updated to include Nick Hockley’s statement.*GMT 0400, May 19: The story was updated to include Tim Paine’s quotes.

MatériaMais Notícias

A goleada do Atlético Mineiro sobre o Fortaleza, por 4 a 0, nesta quarta-feira, no Mineirão, trouxe marcas importantes para o time. Além da grande vantagem obtida para o jogo de volta das semifinais da Copa do Brasil, o Galo ultrapassou a marca dos 100 gols na temporada – algo que não havia feito em 2020 – e ainda se tornou a segunda equipe com mais bolas na rede na história da competição nacional.

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O duelo com o Leão foi o de número 173 dos mineiros na Copa do Brasil. No retrospecto geral, são 87 vitórias, 38 empates e 48 derrotas, tendo sido campeão em 2014. O clube agora soma 338 gols marcados e 200 sofridos.
O Flamengo, que também segue na disputa pela taça e que empatou com o Athletico Paranaense por 2 a 2 nesta quarta, segue liderando o ranking.

TIMES COM MAIS GOLS NA HISTÓRIA DA COPA DO BRASIL

1º – Flamengo – 344 gols em 192 jogos
2º – Atlético-MG – 338 gols em 173 jogos
3º – Vasco – 334 gols em 192 jogos
4º – Grêmio – 315 gols em 197 jogos
5º – Cruzeiro – 313 gols em 170 jogos

West Bromwich Albion have made contact with Juventus in a bid to sign a Belgium Under-20 international, according to a new report.

The Baggies got their Championship campaign up and running on Saturday, and they got off to a perfect start as they claimed all three points against Queens Park Rangers. However, the club suffered a cup upset on Tuesday evening as the Midlands side bowed out of the EFL Cup, suffering a shock 2-1 defeat to League Two side Fleetwood Town.

The cup wouldn’t have been a priority for Carlos Corberan and his side, but it will be disappointing to go out so soon. The focus can now be on the league and what remains of this transfer window, as the club look to add to their new arrivals.

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West Bromwich Albion would welcome this new striker in through the door with open arms.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 14, 2024 West Brom’s summer signings

West Brom reached the Championship play-offs last season but fell short when they came up against eventual winners Southampton. The aim will be to improve on last season and go a step further. That is why Corberan will have been keen for the club to be active in the transfer market.

Torbjorn Heggem

Brommapojkarna

Gianluca Frabotta

Juventus

Devante Cole

Barnsley

Ousmane Diakite

TSV Hartberg

Joe Wildsmith

Derby County

Paddy McNair

San Diego

Lewis Dobbin

Aston Villa

So far, the Baggies have brought in seven new faces over the course of the summer, with the majority of the additions being free transfers, as well as two loan deals and the addition of Torbjorn Heggem, who cost the club a transfer fee.

West Brom’s transfer business so far has seen them add players such as Joe Wildsmith, Paddy McNair, Ousmane Diakite, and Devante Cole. Their latest additions are Gianluca Frabotta, who has joined on a free transfer, and forward Lewis Dobbin, who has arrived on a loan deal.

Aston Villa have sent Dobbin to The Hawthorns in a bid for the striker to get valuable first-team minutes, and Dobbin himself sees this as the perfect opportunity. He told the club’s official website: “It’s the perfect opportunity to get first-team minutes and show what I can do. I’ve heard a lot about the Championship, and I know it’s a tough, competitive league. I’m ready for it, though. I really want to show what I’m about."

But it appears as though the club is not stopping their transfer business there, as they eye a deal for a midfielder.

West Brom make contact with Juventus over signing Joseph Nonge Boende

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, West Brom are now in direct contact with Serie A giants Juventus over a deal for Joseph Nonge Boende. The Baggies have sent their first offer for the midfielder, which is a straight loan until the end of the season, with no option to buy.

Furthermore, the 19-year-old is said to have already spoken with Corberan and is keen on the move to the Midlands. Tavolieri goes on to add that personal terms for this deal shouldn’t be a problem.

The Belgian has been with Juventus since 2021 when he joined the club’s academy from Anderlecht. He has spent most of his time in the club’s academy set-up, but he did feature twice in Juventus’ first team last season.

Cole Palmer single-handedly helped Chelsea secure a European spot last season after a campaign of inconsistent performances on the pitch.

However, the 22-year-old was consistently a bright spark for the Blues, registering 22 Premier League goals – the second most of any player in the division, with only Erling Haaland scoring more than the Englishman.

Todd Boehly spent £40m to bring the attacker to Stamford Bridge from rivals Manchester City last summer – an absolute bargain 12 months on from his move given his superb form in West London.

Including his 11 assists, Palmer was involved in 33 out of Chelsea’s 77 Premier League goals last campaign – contributing to 43% of the efforts, a reflection of how crucial he was during a dismal season for the club.

Despite his hugely successful first season at the club, he could further increase his tally in 2024/25 should new boss Enzo Maresca secure a deal for a player previously on the club’s radar.

Chelsea could land £75m talent this summer

In recent months, Chelsea have been on the hunt to sign a new talisman to help push the Blues back towards the top end of the Premier League after missing out on the top four last season.

Various names have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, including Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins – as reported earlier this month – who enjoyed a stellar campaign under boss Unai Emery.

The 28-year-old scored 19 times and registered 13 assists in his 37 Premier League appearances during the 2023/24, helping fire Villa to the Champions League for the first time in a generation.

His subsequent form earned him a call-up to the England national side for Euro 2024, scoring the crucial goal in the semi-final victory over the Netherlands – sending the nation to their second successful Euros final under Gareth Southgate.

Whilst it’s unclear how much he would cost the Blues this summer, less than a year ago, Villa placed a £75m price tag on his head – with any deal for Watkins at around that price a bargain for a player of his quality.

He could prove to be a cheaper and better alternative to a talent who has constantly been linked with a move to West London during the summer window.

Why Watkins would be a better option than Osimhen for Chelsea

Over the past couple of years, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has been constantly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, with this summer no different in the club’s pursuit for a new talisman.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the Blues were still interested in a move for the Nigerian, with current Napoli boss Antonio Conte wanting to sign current Chelsea man Romelu Lukaku this summer.

However, when comparing his stats to Watkins’ from 2023/24, he was unable to match the Englishman in numerous key areas for a centre-forward in Maresca’s system.

The attacker, who’s a “nightmare to play against” as described by Leicester City defender Conor Coady, registered 14 more combined goals or assists with a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate than the Nigerian.

How Watkins & Osimhen compare per 90 in 2023/24

Statistics

Watkins

Osimhen

Games played

37

25

Goals + assists

32

18

Shot-on-target accuracy

44%

42%

Pass accuracy

75%

67%

Progressive passes

1.5

1.1

Take-on success rate

41%

40%

Stats via FBref

He also excelled in finding hidden teammates, achieving an 8% higher pass completion rate and averaging 1.5 progressive passes – fitting into Maresa’s philosophy of being comfortable in possession.

Watkins loves to play on the shoulder of the defender, making him perfect for Palmer who could improve his tally of 11 assists should the England international move to Stamford Bridge this summer – the playmaker notably having been the man to tee up the striker against Holland.

It may be a tricky move for the Midlands side to complete, but it would certainly bolster the club’s ranks in the centre-forward position, helping the Blues mount a charge for the top four this season.

The project could be an intriguing one for Watkins despite Villa’s recent success, with the 28-year-old having the ability to form an excellent partnership with his international teammate and take the club back to the top of the English pyramid once again.

As a proven Premier League striker – reaching double figures for goals in all four of his top-flight seasons – Watkins could represent a sure-fire success for the Blues, rather than taking a gamble on a newcomer to English football in Osimhen.

Related Outscored Osimhen: Chelsea could sign bigger star than Gyokeres in £20m ace

The Blues’ hunt for a new centre-forward continues…

Posts ByEthan Lamb Aug 1, 2024

Cricket South Africa’s interim board has expressed concern over the men’s national team’s response to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement but maintains it will not compel the squad to act in a particular way. Instead, board chairman Judge Zak Yacoob has written to director of cricket Graeme Smith and national coach Mark Boucher noting individuals’ right to freedom of expression but stating he felt that South Africans should show “the world that all of us are together in opposing racism at every turn”.Yacoob has also made himself available for any player who felt strongly about demonstrating the message of anti-racism to contact him directly and stressed the interim board’s stance in favour of BLM.”The interim board (IB) reaffirmed the significance of the current world-wide movement against systemic racism in sport, noting that it was not a sectarian political cause but a broad social justice campaign garnering wide support from athletes all over the world, bringing together a coalition of support across national, racial, class, religious and generational lines,” an interim board statement read. “The IB feels black lives matter has a particular meaning given South Africa’s apartheid past. Therefore, the IB has confirmed CSA’s support for BLM – first expressed on 9 July in the aftermath of the letter sent to CSA by 36 former national players and senior coaches.”Related

• Jason Holder calls for more action around anti-racism in cricket

• South Africa to 'raise our fists' in support of BLM at start of Boxing Day Test

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• SA's culture camp yields respect, belonging, empathy

• How issues of race have cast SA cricket into turbulence

While CSA as an organisation and individual players such as Kagiso Rabada have repeatedly thrown their weight behind the BLM movement, the national team, as a collective, has not been as strong in its stance. The team did not take a knee on its return to international cricket, against England, on November 27 – the first time they played together since March – but wore black armbands to mourn the lives lost in the coronavirus pandemic. Two days before the game the team issued a statement expressing their commitment to dismantling anti-racism by “building commitments to one another and demonstrating ways of engaging that we simply never have before as a team”.In that statement, the team harked back to the exhibition 3TeamCricket (3TC) game in July, where all 24 players and every member of support staff involved took a knee. Coach Mark Boucher said that in that act the team felt “we have done what we needed to do”. The team then U-turned slightly on that and a banner reading: “We stand in solidarity against racism and gender-based violence” was on display in the stands at Newlands when they played England in two of the three T20Is. The third match was in Paarl and the banner was not transported to Boland Park.Between July and November, CSA also set-up a Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) Committee, chaired by former independent board director Eugenia Kula-Ameyaw. The committee had a vast range of responsibilities, which included considering reparations for those players who had been discriminated against in the past. An ombudsman, advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza, was unveiled in August and tasked with managing an independent complaints system. That process, along with the entire SJN, has been placed on hold while the interim board obtains a legal opinion on how to move forward.