Getty Images31 minutes agoUriah Rennie, the Premier League’s first black referee, has died aged 65.Rennie officiated more than 300 games between 1997 and 2008, including 175 Premier League matches.”We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie,” said a Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association statement.”Uriah made history as the Premier League’s first Black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008. He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.”Rennie recently revealed he was learning to walk again after a rare condition left him paralysed from the waist down.Born in Jamaica, he moved to Sheffield as a child and grew up in the Wybourn area of the city.He started refereeing in local football in 1979 before making history in 1997 when he oversaw the top-flight match between Derby County and Wimbledon.”Incredibly sad news about the passing of Uriah Rennie. A Black pioneering referee and leader in the game,” said Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List.”We owe so much to those who push open the doors. Uriah should never, ever be forgotten.”Thoughts and prayers with Uriah’s family and close friends.”Rennie had been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned on issues including improving equality and inclusion in sport, mental health and tackling deprivation.He had a master’s degree in business administration and law and, in November 2023, was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sheffield Hallam University for his distinguished contributions to sport and his work with South Yorkshire communities.In May, Rennie was installed as the new chancellor of the university.Related topicsPremier LeagueFootball

Getty ImagesJonathan JurejkoBBC Sport tennis news reporter at Roland Garros8 June 2025, 19:59 BST730 CommentsUpdated 24 minutes agoFrench Open 2025Dates: 25 May-8 June Venue: Roland GarrosCoverage: Live radio commentaries across 5 Live Sport and BBC Sounds, plus live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website and appDefending champion Carlos Alcaraz recovered from two sets down – saving three championship points on the way – to beat Jannik Sinner in an incredible French Open men’s singles final.Alcaraz’s reign on the Roland Garros clay looked to be over when world number one Sinner closed in on victory at 5-3 in the fourth set.But the 22-year-old Spaniard showed extraordinary fight to win 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (10-2) after five hours and 29 minutes – the longest French Open final in history.In an electrifying atmosphere on Court Philippe Chatrier, Alcaraz produced the finest performance of his career to claim a fifth major title.In his victory speech, he told Sinner: “The level you have is amazing.”It is a privilege to share a court with you in every tournament and in making history.”Alcaraz is the first man to win a Grand Slam title after saving match point since Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer in the 2019 Wimbledon final.The world number two had never previously won a match after losing the opening two sets.Sinner, bidding for a maiden Roland Garros triumph, was denied his third successive major after a gruelling, gritty and glorious encounter.”It’s easier to play than talk now,” said the 23-year-old, who was playing in only his second tournament since returning from a three-month ban for failing two doping tests.”I’m still happy with this trophy – I won’t sleep very well tonight but it is OK.”Alcaraz laps up admiration in all-time classicThe first Grand Slam showpiece between the two dominant players on the ATP Tour had been a tantalising prospect – and it surpassed the hype.Both Alcaraz and Sinner pushed themselves – and each other – to the limit in a classic contest that showcased all of their shot-making, athleticism and resilience.Their fascinating rivalry is quickly turning into an enduring duel that could transcend the sport.It has all the facets – the core talent, gripping encounters on the biggest stages and the blend of personalities.Alcaraz, with his swashbuckling style, passion and infectious smile, has long been a box-office star who engages millions of fans.In the toughest moments of the battle against Sinner, he continued to play with freedom – perhaps too much for his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero – and demanded more noise from the Paris crowd.They loudly responded as Alcaraz demonstrated the heart and courage – along with explosive returns and deft hand skills – for which he has become known and revered.The majority of the 15,000 fans were jumping to their feet after every point in a thrilling finale, where both players continued to execute top-quality shots that often defied belief.Alcaraz flew out of the blocks in the first-to-10 match tie-break of the deciding set, sapping every last bit of Sinner’s energy before sealing victory with a remarkable running forehand winner that fizzed down the line.He fell flat on his back before Sinner trudged around the net for a warm, heartfelt embrace.Alcaraz somehow found the energy to sprint off court, climbing up the stands to celebrate with 2003 French Open winner Ferrero, the rest of his team and his family.Both players were given rapturous rounds of applause as they collected their trophies after the second longest major final in history.Sinner gives ‘everything’ on Grand Slam returnGetty ImagesSinner has emerged as the standout player on the ATP Tour over the past 18 months, with a machine-like brand of tennis reminiscent of 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic in his prime.Little appears to faze the mild-mannered Italian on or off court – even the controversy surrounding his doping case which rocked the sport.Sinner agreed a three-month ban with the World Anti-Doping Agency shortly after retaining his Australian Open title in January, meaning he did not miss a Grand Slam tournament and was able to compete at Roland Garros.It was like he had never been away.Sinner did not drop a set on his way to a maiden French Open final, losing serve only three times in his six matches – the fewest since Spanish great Rafael Nadal in 2012.But his serve instantly came under intense pressure against Alcaraz in an elongated start which included a 12-minute opening game.The quality of his service game varied as the contest ebbed and flowed, but landing 54% of his first serves over the whole match was a telling statistic.Alcaraz broke him seven times as a consequence and swarmed over Sinner’s second serve to take control of the final-set tie-break.Questions were raised about Sinner’s fitness and durability if the final went long, given he is still in the early stages of his comeback, but he answered them in the longest match of his career.Addressing his team afterwards, he said: “We tried our best today. We gave everything we had. “Some time ago, we would have loved to be here [in the final] so it’s still been an amazing tournament.”Related topicsTennis

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedThomas DuncanBBC Sport Scotland in Vaduz51 minutes ago42 CommentsInternational friendly: Liechtenstein v ScotlandVenue: Rheinpark Stadium, Vaduz Date: Monday, 9 June Kick-off: 17:00 BSTCoverage: Watch live on BBC Scotland and BBC Sport website & app, online text updates, listen on BBC Radio ScotlandScott McTominay and Kieran Tierney have not travelled with Scotland as they prepare to face Liechtenstein on Monday in a friendly match.Napoli midfielder McTominay, 28, picked up a knock in the defeat by Iceland on Friday and was replaced on 80 minutes.Tierney will also miss out on the second match of Scotland’s double-header through injury, which is live on BBC Scotland from 16:30 BST.Head coach Steve Clarke has already called up two goalkeepers – Ross Doohan and 18-year-old Callan McKenna – after injuries to Angus Gunn and Robby McCrorie against Iceland.Gunn was replaced by 22-year-old Ipswich goalkeeper Cieran Slicker, who endured a tough debut in the 3-1 defeat by Iceland at Hampden.Liechtenstein, ranked 205th in the world, are Scotland’s final opponents before they open their World Cup qualifying campaign in September away to Denmark.How good are Liechtenstein?Liam McLeodBBC Sport Scotland CommentatorThere are just five nations ranked below the microstate in the world rankings, including the US and British Virgin Islands and San Marino. And even the San Marinese have beaten Liechtenstein twice in the past year.They have only won once in their last 48 matches – a 1-0 success over Hong Kong in a friendly last October – and have a squad mainly made up of home-based part-time players who perform in the lower reaches of the Swiss leagues.In the Euro 2012 qualifiers, manager Craig Levein was made to sweat as a Stephen McManus header in the sixth minute of stoppage time at Hampden spared the Scots one of their most embarrassing ever results as they laboured to a 2-1 victory.It was not exactly a routine win 13 months later in the return in Vaduz, with Craig Mackail-Smith’s solitary Scotland goal settling it.This one has shades of the friendly with Gibraltar 12 months ago, which was another stodgy affair and it may be similar this time round at the end of a long season. Regardless of the outcome, Clarke will have much to ponder before the trip to Copenhagen to face top seeds Denmark in the early autumn when the real stuff begins again.Match statsScotland have won both previous meetings with Liechtenstein, both in Euro 2012 qualification (2-1 home, 1-0 away).Liechtenstein have won one of their last 76 matches against nations inside the top 100 (D7 L68), beating Luxembourg 2-1 in an October 2020 friendly.Scotland have failed to win five of their last six against opponents ranked lower than them (D3 L2), having won 13 of their previous 15 (L2).Liechtenstein are winless in their last 26 home games (D4 L22) since a 2-0 victory over Gibraltar in September 2018. They’ve scored in just one of their last 15 matches at home (a 3-1 loss to San Marino in November last year).Scotland are looking to win three consecutive away games for the first time since November 2021.This will be Clarke’s 68th game in charge, which will see him move level with Jock Stein and behind only Craig Brown (71).Related topicsScottish FootballFootballScotland Men’s Football Team

Getty ImagesMichael EmonsBBC Sport journalist8 minutes ago6 CommentsA star in the Birmingham City academy, impressing in the Championship, then a big-money move to Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund; Jobe Bellingham’s career is following a very similar path to that of his older brother Jude.Jobe recently helped Sunderland win promotion to the Premier League – but the 19-year-old midfielder won’t be playing in the English top flight next season.Instead, in an agreement worth up to £31m, he will join eight-time German champions Dortmund, who finished fourth in 2024-25 to secure a Champions League place.He will become Dortmund’s second-most expensive signing after Ousmane Dembele in 2016 and Sunderland’s record sale.Dortmund is a club the Bellinghams know extremely well after Jude’s successful spell there. He was only 17 when the German side paid Birmingham City an initial fee of £25m to sign him in July 2020. It proved to be a bargain.Jude made 132 appearances over a three-year stint at Signal Iduna Park, winning the DFB Pokal in 2021. He narrowly missed out on the Bundesliga title as a knee injury meant he was an unused substitute when they drew with Mainz on the final day of the 2022-23 season. Victory would have made them champions for the first time in 11 years.Jude was named Bundesliga Player of the Season, and within months had joined Real Madrid for an initial £88.5m. He helped Real win the Champions League and La Liga in his first season, and the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Intercontinental Cup in his second.Jobe has a lot to live up to.’He’s trying to create his own identity’Getty ImagesThough Jobe is following in his brother’s footsteps by joining Dortmund, he wears his first name on the back of his shirt as he aims to create his own headlines.”He doesn’t want to live off the back of his brother’s name; he wants to be the footballer he is and show people what he can do. He’s trying to create his own identity,” said former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray in 2023.While Jude operates largely as a number 10 – behind the main striker – for club and country, Jobe can play as a defensive or box-to-box midfielder. In his first season at the Stadium of Light he even deputised as a central forward, although he has maintained his best position is in the middle of the park.”I know playing box-to-box is what I enjoy the most, because you can get stuck in and drive forward,” he told Sky Sports. “I can show more of what I’m capable of in that position.”In the 2024-25 season, he played 43 times for Sunderland, scoring four goals and registering three assists.”He’s still a young player with the ability to play many different roles,” said Sunderland boss Regis le Bris earlier this season.”I like him as a number eight because he’s an offensive midfielder. He can express his power, his ability to run and his ability to press, to link defence and attack.”Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini believes moving to Germany will be a positive for Jobe.”The Bundesliga is somewhere between the Championship and the Premier League,” said BBC Radio Newcastle pundit Gabbiadini.”It’s a way of stepping up, maybe a little bit of less pressure. There are some financial advantages of going abroad as well.”Jobe was 17 when he moved to Sunderland from Birmingham for an undisclosed fee – on the same day Jude completed his move to Real Madrid.”It was a bit of a surprise when he came to Sunderland,” added Gabbiadini. “Not because we weren’t a big enough club, but because he was such a hot talent. “Birmingham were in a similar position to us in the league, it wasn’t a massive step up at that stage.”He’s been very good for us. Do I think he’s as good as his brother? Not from what I’ve seen so far, but there is nothing wrong with that.”If he’s 80% as good as his brother, he will still be a very good footballer. So in some respects, let it be, let it progress as he wants.”‘The biggest dream’ – Jude hopes Jobe can play for England Getty ImagesJobe and Jude were both born in Stourbridge in the West Midlands and came through Birmingham’s academy.But could they be reunited on the pitch in England shirts in the future?Jude made his England debut four months after joining Dortmund and has already won 43 caps, scoring six times and reaching the final of the European Championship in 2021 and 2024.Just as Jude did, Jobe has represented England at various youth levels, and has been named in the Young Lions’ squad for the European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia.Speaking on his YouTube channel in September, Jude said he hoped Jobe could soon join him in a full England squad.”Because we’re of a similar age and we’ve played together for so long – in the street and on tufts of grass – to play with my brother for England… that would be the biggest dream of my life,” said Jude.”That would mean more than any of the trophies, especially if we managed to do it on a consistent basis and play at a major tournament together, win things together. Nothing would even get close to that.”And Jude believes his own success will help motivate his younger brother.”He has to deal with more than I would have had to at his age, and he deals with it with so much class,” he said.”He wants to try to create his own legacy and his own path. People will use him as a way to have a dig at me and vice-versa, so we’re almost like each other’s biggest fans but also the biggest target for each other because we care about each other so much.”As long as he’s happy, that’s all I really care about. His happiness means more to me than my own.”Brother v brother in Club World Cup?Getty ImagesAlthough Jobe has been named in England’s squad for this summer’s European Under-21 Championship, if his move to Dortmund is completed by 10 June he could spend the next month playing in the Club World Cup instead.The 32-team tournament is being held in the United States from 14 June to 13 July.Dortmund have been drawn in Group F, along with Fluminense of Brazil, Ulsan HD of South Korea and South African side Mamelodi Sundowns. Real Madrid are in Group H, with Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia, Pachuca of Mexico and Austrian team Red Bull Salzburg.If both Dortmund and Real win their respective groups and last-16 ties, they would meet in the quarter-finals on 5 July.Jobe could then face his big brother for the first time in a competitive match and have the chance to really make a name for himself.Related topicsBorussia DortmundEuropean FootballFootball

Getty Images6 June 2025Updated 1 minute agoLondon Pulse produced a determined display to move back to the top of the Netball Super League with a 58-48 win at Manchester Thunder.Pulse were 17-10 in front after the first quarter but the hosts reduced the deficit to three points as the visitors led 27-24 at half-time.However, Pulse stepped up their game and were 44-37 up at the end of the third quarter before going on to secure victory.Olivia Tchine scored a game-high 27 goals for Pulse, while Elmere van der Berg scored 23 for the Thunder, who remain third with one round of fixtures to go before the play-offs.”The second quarter, in particular, was a bit disappointing,” said London Pulse head coach Sam Bird.”We just took our foot off the pedal a little bit. We just lost a little bit of focus. That is certainly something I want to be improving on.”When they got their brains back together and they came out really hard I thought they did really well. “It’s a difficult place to come. It’s really good for the players to play that well away.”The three points meant Pulse are two points clear of second-placed Loughborough Lightning.Both teams are guaranteed a top two finish and will contest the major semi-final in the play-offs with the winner going through to the final.The loser will face the winner of the minor semi-final between third and fourth – which will be between Manchester Thunder and London Mavericks – to determine the other finalist. Loughborough Lightning had briefly gone top of the table with a dominant 79-58 win against London Mavericks on Friday.Lightning, who have won three of the previous four Grand Finals, were in control throughout and opened a 23-12 lead at the end of the first quarter.That set the tone for the contest, with Samantha Wallace-Joseph finishing with 24 goals for the victors, and Ella Clark and Berri Neil also impressing with 14 and 13 goals respectively.Emily Andrew contributed 24 goals for the fourth-placed Mavericks.Birmingham Panthers won 75-69 in the opening match of the round on Thursday.On Sunday, Georgia Rowe scored 43 goals to help bottom side Cardiff Dragons beat Leeds Rhinos 60-52 and move within a point of their opponents in the table. Related topicsNetball

Getty ImagesSimon StoneChief football news reporter16 minutes ago80 CommentsBorussia Dortmund have agreed a deal with Sunderland to sign Jobe Bellingham for an initial 32m euros (£26.96m) plus 5m euros (£4.2m) in add-ons.The 19-year-old midfielder had garnered interest from across Europe but it is Dortmund, former home of elder brother Jude, who are set to secure his signature.Bellingham has played for Sunderland since 2023 and helped them secure Premier League promotion this past season, making 43 appearances for the Black Cats and scoring four goals across all competitions.The England youth international started his career at Birmingham City, coming through the academy before playing two years of senior football for the club.Borussia Dortmund experienced an inconsistent season in 2024-25 but had a strong finish to the campaign winning their final five matches to finish fourth and secure Champions League football for next season.If the deal is completed by 10 June, Bellingham would be able to play in the upcoming Club World Cup.That tournament takes place in the United States from 14 June to 13 July.Bellingham has been named in the European Under-21 Championship, to be held in Slovakia from 11-28 June, but England boss Lee Carsley has said he will release players so they can compete in the Club World Cup.Mirroring his brotherIt is thought Bellingham is keen to follow in his brother’s footsteps.Jude, two years Jobe’s senior, also came through Birmingham City’s academy before moving to Dortmund in 2020 and then Real Madrid in 2023.Bellingham is already mirroring his brother’s career with the move to Dortmund and he was also named the Championship’s Young Player of the Year in May, five years after Jude won the same award.Related topicsBorussia DortmundSunderlandEuropean FootballFootball