4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Darwin Nunez bites back at Arne Slot with two social media posts after Liverpool boss slammed ‘unacceptable behaviour’
FURIOUS Darwin Nunez defended his work ethic following Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s savage attack on his “unacceptable behaviour”.
GETTYDarwin Nunez missed a golden opportunity to seal all three points for Liverpool against Aston Villa[/caption]
GETTYThe striker was thrown under the bus by Kop boss Arne Slot[/caption]
GETTYThe Uruguayan has hit back at his gaffer on social media[/caption]
But Nunez, 25, blasted back with TWO social media posts.
He insisted: “You never see me give up”, before vowing “to give it my all until my last day at Liverpool”.
Manager Slot threw Nunez under the bus during yesterday’s 10:30am press conference as he revealed he would read him the riot act over his perceived poor work-rate.
It sparked an 1:18am reply on X from Nunez, which was then deleted and replaced with another post 13 minutes later.
Nunez’s “attitude” was also slammed by Kop fans after a video emerged of him heading alone down the Villa Park tunnel at the final whistle, while his team-mates applauded the travelling supporters.
Slot kicked off the war of words with the South American by insisting: “I will tell him you can miss a chance but you cannot miss out on workrate.
“That is the life of a striker — he will miss chances and score some.
“It is part of the job of a No 9. You miss when people expect you to score.
“But it is not part of the job of a No 9 to slow down in workrate. And that is something we will talk about.
“I can accept every miss, especially from a player who scored two very important goals at Brentford and scored for us in the home game against Villa.
“I would prefer him to score but the word ‘chance’ says it all. It is a chance so not 100 per cent that it goes in.
“I can accept misses but what is harder for me to accept is his behaviour after the chance.
“It got too much in his head. He was not the usual Darwin who works his a** off and makes sure he helps the team. He was too disappointed he missed that chance.”
Nunez, who also blew a one-on-one with Villa keeper Emi Martinez after coming on as a second-half sub, has just six goals this season and a total of only 39 in 131 Liverpool appearances since his move from Portugal.
But in his social media posts — written in Spanish — he hailed his own “resilience” plus his match-winning double at Brentford last month.
His first post, quickly deleted, read: “Three weeks ago Darwin was the best, Darwin gave us the three points.
“But yesterday, I was unlucky enough to miss a goal and I am once again the ‘worst’ and the failure.
“I don’t fall, I get up and I am never going to give up. I am going to give my all until the last day at Liverpool. Resilience!”
It was accompanied by a ‘muscles’ emoji and a picture of him celebrating after scoring against the Bees.
GETTYDarwin Nunez didn’t mince his words when hitting back at his gaffer[/caption]
At 11:31am, a new post appeared, with the same picture and emoji, which read: “I wasn’t the best three weeks ago, nor am I the worst now.
“If I fall, I get up. You will never see me give up. I’m going to give it my all until my last day at Liverpool. Resilience!”
However, some angry fans accused him of snubbing them after the Villa game.
One supporter posted: “He’s done. I don’t like his attitude post-match at all.”
Another remarked: “I can accept missing open goals but Nunez was strolling most of the time he was on. Shocking attitude.”
The storm may now lead to Slot offloading Nunez this summer.
In another dig, the Anfield manager added: “I truly believe it is always best to have Wataru Endo’s mindset.
“For the whole season he does not complain, keeps on going and whenever we need him he is ready.
“It is not the chance Darwin missed but the 20 minutes afterwards that I will talk to him about.”
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Trump seems ready to betray Ukraine and Europe to appease Putin – Britain and Nato must prepare to face the unthinkable
SOMEWHERE in the darkest reaches of a secret Ministry of Defence archive, a team of military planners must be dusting off a file called something like “The Great Betrayal”.
EPAIf one thing is certain about Donald Trump, it is that he has forced us to think the unthinkable[/caption]
GettyWithout a credible deterrent — as Ukraine and Zelensky found out — Russia rides roughshod over sovereignty and invades[/caption]
Vladimir Putin knows that sending tanks into Estonia, Lithuania or Latvia — countries Russia used to rule — risks an armed response from America and 30 alliesGetty
For many this is unthinkable.
The transatlantic alliance has underpinned the greatest, longest stretch of widespread peace the human race has ever known.
Britain and America’s armed forces are so intricately intertwined, with each other and with Nato, that even the thought of unpicking the alliance makes the bravest of soldiers go pale.
But if one thing is certain about Donald Trump, it is that he has forced us to think the unthinkable.
People who love him and people who loathe him agree that he is wildly unpredictable.
Without a credible deterrent — as Ukraine and Georgia have found to their cost — Russia rides roughshod over sovereignty and invades.
Give a country a deterrent — as the Baltic states discovered when they joined Nato — and Russia may rant and rave but it won’t launch a full-scale military invasion.
Writing on the wall
That is because Moscow doesn’t want World War Three any more than we do.
For all the Kremlin sabre-rattling that we have heard during the war in Ukraine, Russia knows how Nato works.
Would Donald Trump risk American lives to roll back Russian tanks in Europe? The unavoidable truth is that Trump has seeded doubt.
Article 5 is clear: “An armed attack against one or more of them . . . shall be considered an attack against them all.”
So however much Vladimir Putin might dream of rebuilding the Soviet empire, he also knows that sending tanks into Estonia, Lithuania or Latvia — countries Russia used to rule — risks an armed response from America and 30 allies.
But would it? Would the US step up to defend a Nato ally?
Would Donald Trump risk American lives to roll back Russian tanks in Europe?
The unavoidable truth is that Trump has seeded doubt.
The answer used to be yes, absolutely. Now we are not so certain.
That doubt puts all of us in peril because it changes Russia’s calculations.
It is this doubt which forces military planners — whose job it is to plan for extremely unlikely but damaging scenarios — to think about “what if”.
But what certainly does seem possible, indeed likely, is a US military pivot away from Europe towards the Indo- Pacific and China.
Under President Harry S Truman, the US signed up to Nato in 1949. America may not leave Nato, but it may be significantly less engaged.
This is partly — as Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at London’s Royal United Services Institute think tank argues — because Trump “sees no intrinsic value in alliances and partnerships”.
And partly because America has limited resources and China is the bigger threat. To put it in perspective, China now has the world’s biggest navy.
Its total shipbuilding capacity is 230 times America’s and it adds the equivalent tonnage of the entire Royal Navy to its war fleet every two years.
GettyEmergency services fight a fire following a Russian air strike on Kharkiv[/caption]
GettyAs the conflict rages on, Ukraine faces devastating destruction, with cities reduced to rubble and a nation grappling with the scars of war[/caption]
So somewhere near the top of that “Great Betrayal” file will be an urgent note for the planners to call the Treasury.
The military is going to need more money.
Last year America spent $968billion on defence, which is more than double the rest of Nato combined.
But it is far more complicated than how much we spend. It is what we spend it on. What weapons are sovereign and what are American?
The debate over Storm Shadow missiles and whether Ukraine could fire them at Russia was a perfect example of Britain’s critical dependence on America.
The bunker-busting cruise missiles are a sovereign British and French weapon.
But they rely on mapping data from American spy satellites to navigate to their targets. We can’t fire them without American permission.
We fly American F-35B jets off our aircraft carriers and we have to fix them in the US.
Our nuclear deterrent — carried on Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarines — relies on US-made Trident 2 missiles which are loaded and offloaded in Georgia.
The RAF’s Rivet Joint spy planes, which vacuum up signals intelligence for the GCHQ listening service, automatically share everything they collect with the CIA.
GettyLast year America spent $968billion on defence, which is more than double the rest of Nato combined[/caption]
GettyPresident Harry S Truman, the US signed up to Nato in 1949[/caption]
We rely on US spy satellites, and Nato could not go to war without American heavy lift aircraft.
Yet while America is undoubtedly Nato’s Goliath, things are not entirely one-sided.
For a start, the only time Article 5 has been used to trigger a military response was when allies came to America’s aid after the 9/11 attacks.
Nato are not just America’s allies. They are America’s biggest trading partners. We buy everything from fighter jets to Coca-Cola.
And while the US has might, Britain has precious geography.
Defeat and retreat
The US missile early-warning sites, designed to detect a Russian nuclear attack, are scattered across the UK and Europe.
There is RAF Oakhangar, Hants, home to one of the largest US Space Force bases outside America.
And RAF Menwith Hill, North Yorks, which hosts 37 giant radomes, much loved by the CIA.
Everything [Trump] has said this last week suggests he is ready to betray Ukraine, and Europe with it, to appease the Kremlin.
RAF Alconbury and RAF Molesworth, Cambs, and RAF Croughton, Northants, all host spies from the US Joint Intelligence Analysis Centre.
Through us they get access to a spy station in Cyprus, an airbase in Diego Garcia (unless the Government gives away the Chagos Islands), a space force runway on Ascension Island and outposts in the Falklands and the Antarctic.
The US armed forces are staffed by people of courage and honour, people who cherish integrity.
I have no doubt they will strive to ensure these allegiances endure. But they cannot overrule their president.
We would be fools to ignore Trump’s statements and fools to ignore his track record.
Donald Trump betrayed American’s Kurdish allies in Syria by ordering a sudden withdrawal in 2018.
He drove the disastrous peace deal with the Taliban which ultimately led to defeat and retreat from Afghanistan in 2021.
And everything he has said this last week suggests he is ready to betray Ukraine, and Europe with it, to appease the Kremlin.
Britain and Nato must be ready to think and to face the unthinkable.
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Jerome met with Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine in November 2023peter jordanJerome Starkey at the scene of a devastating missile attack in Kharkiv[/caption]
Peter JordanJerome in the bombed-out council offices in Kharkiv at the start of the Russian invasion[/caption]
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Man ‘behaving unusually’ dies at Manchester Airport after he was ‘detained on drug offences by Border Force’
A MAN has died at Manchester Airport after “behaving unusually” while being detained by Border Force officials.
A 27-year-old passenger “became unwell” after he was stopped going through security in Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport on Wednesday.
GettyA man, 27, has died after being detained at Manchester Airport[/caption]
GettyThe passenger was stopped while going through security at Terminal 2[/caption]
Emergency services were called to the holding area but the man was pronounced dead at just before 2pm, as reported by the M.E.N.
A probe has since been launched into his death.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) are carrying out their own investigation after a Home Office referral.
According to an IOPC spokesperson, the man was stopped after “displaying unusual behaviour” while planning to leave the country.
It is understood he was arrested by Border Force officers on drug offences before his death.
The man’s family are being supported by specialist officers.
An IOPC spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we are independently investigating the circumstances of a 27-year-old man’s death following his arrest by Border Force officers at Manchester Airport on Wednesday 19 February.
“Our investigation follows a referral from the Home Office which detailed how the man was due to travel from the airport on Wednesday and was stopped after displaying unusual behaviour.
“He was subsequently arrested by officers and taken to a holding area where he became unwell and paramedics were called. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at 1.53pm.
“After being notified of the man’s death, we declared an independent investigation into the circumstances at 4.29pm on Wednesday.
“IOPC investigators were sent to the scene to begin gathering evidence.”
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe added: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by his death.
“When someone dies after being taken into custody, it is important for there to be a thorough investigation to understand what has happened.
“We have been in touch with the man’s family to explain our role and will keep them updated as the investigation progresses.
“Our investigation is in its very early stages and no further information is available at this time.”
This comes after two brothers charged over a brawl at Manchester Airport that sparked protests across the country appeared in court last month.
Passenger Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 19, was kicked in the head as he and his brother Muhammad Amaad, 25, were restrained, it was said.
The two brothers were charged over the airport chaos but two cops probed over the incident will not faces charges.
Amaaz, now 20, is accused of two offences of causing actual bodily harm, one charge of assaulting an emergency worker and one charge of common assault.
Amaad, 25, is charged with causing actual bodily harm and appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court alongside his brother today.
No indication of pleas were given and the pair were bailed to next appear at Liverpool Crown Court this month.
Protests were held across Rochdale and Manchester after the footage emerged in the summer.
The viral video first showed an officer appearing to kick and stamp on Amaaz’s head before he was shot with a Taser.
Further footage then emerged days later showing the lead up to the alleged attack when two female police officers were hit to the ground.
Four men – including Amaaz and his brother – were arrested on suspicion of affray and assault following the incident and were later bailed.
GettyBorder Force official had kept the man in a holding area when he ‘became unwell’[/caption]
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Nigel Farage rebukes pal Donald Trump and says ‘Zelensky is no dictator’ as America’s spat with Ukraine intensifies
NIGEL Farage has rounded on his pal Donald Trump — as America’s spat with Ukraine intensified.
The Reform UK boss rebuked his political soulmate the US President, saying: “Let’s be clear, Zelensky is not a dictator.”
APReform UK boss Nigel Farage rebuked his political soulmate the US President[/caption]
AFPUS President Donald Trump and key aides ramped up their criticism of Ukraine’s leader[/caption]
Mr Trump and key aides yesterday ramped up their criticism of Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky as pleas from allies to unite against Russia’s Vladimir Putin were ignored.
White House figures have told Ukraine to “tone it down” and said “everything is on the table” in peace talks with Russia.
Mr Farage said there should be a timetable for a Ukraine ballot, but added: “Russia is to blame for the invasion, of that there is no doubt.”
His words followed a separate rebuke from PM Sir Keir Starmer and other Nato leaders who rallied round Mr Zelensky.
But US-Ukraine relations soured further yesterday as Mr Trump said Russia “has the cards” in negotiations after taking “a lot of territory”.
EPAUkraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky railed against being cut out of US-Russia talks this week[/caption]
APA Russian airstrike destroyed a section of a block of flats in Kherson[/caption]
His billionaire pal Elon Musk also said Mr Zelensky was “despised” by his own citizens.
America is refusing to endorse a UN resolution condemning Moscow’s “aggression” on the third anniversary of the invasion.
White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz warned Ukraine to “tone it down” and sign a deal to give the US hundreds of billions of pounds worth of minerals.
Mr Waltz said US “frustration with President Zelensky is multi-fold” and urged him to show a “deep appreciation” for America’s help.
US Vice-President JD Vance also yesterday defended opening negotiations with the Kremlin — saying it puts Europe “on the cusp of peace”.
Fears of a deepening rift were raised as a press conference between Mr Zelensky and US envoy Keith Kellogg was cancelled at the last minute, though the pair had met.
Sir Keir is due to meet Mr Trump at the White House next week, where he will lobby for a security guarantee for Ukraine.
Yesterday a Russian airstrike destroyed a section of a block of flats in Kherson injuring at least six people and destroying 80 homes.
KREMLIN KILLS
RUSSIA let its soldiers execute at least 133 prisoners of war last year, experts say.
Drones helped investigators find evidence of Kremlin-approved war crimes.
In one video, a hooded Russian barks at comrades to film him before shooting six defenceless prisoners in their backs.
The killer was identified as Oleg Yakolev, 32, by the Financial Times.
He denied claims he was the killer, but told the FT that someone “killed those guys for a reason”.
Expert Yuri Belousov says war crimes are Russian “policy”.