Wednesday 27 April 2011

UN condemns Syria

The international community has (finally) made noises which indicate it is ready to consider action against Syria, as the reported killing of protesters by government forces shows no sign of ending. 

A meeting on Wednesday between representatives of the UN will decide whether an investigation should be started into the deaths in the country. Several nations have supported Ban Ki-moon’s suggestions that the Security Council must choose a course of action. 

The current death toll is above 400 during the pro-democracy protests which have been ongoing for a month across the entire country, but particularly in the city of Deraa. It is expected that the UN will now start pressuring the Syrian authorities and look to enforce strict sanctions if there is a lack of response from President Bashar al-Asaad and his men.


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Wednesday 20 April 2011

Mou conquers Barca again

The second of four El Clasico ties towards the end of this season was the final of the Copa del Rey, the Spanish cup, on Wednesday night. Real Madrid and Barcelona were both determined to earn a win over their fiercest rivals, and that urgency perhaps showed in the play as normal time was fairly sporadic, Barcelona only starting to play in the second-half, and they went into extra-time after a disappointing 0 – 0. 

Despite Barca’s domination, Real scored the winning goal when Cristiano Ronaldo headed in after a wonderful move and cross down the left. The Catalans could not break through to equalise, giving Mourinho and Madrid their first El Clasico win and trophy for a number of years. 

The English Premier League's north-London derby proved far more exciting as Arsenal found themselves 1 – 2 up within minutes. Spurs fought back to make it 3 – 3 at full time. 

Chelsea beat Birmingham 3 – 1 at Stamford Bridge to put them above the Gunners on goal difference. The two London clubs are now six points behind leaders Manchester United.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=896743

Celtic manager targeted by parcel bomb

The manager of Celtic, Neil Lennon, has received a parcel bomb. This latest attack is one in a series of incidents which indicate that Scottish football is struggling with Sectarianism. 

Two other similar packages were sent to Lennon’s lawyer, Paul McBride QC, and an officer of the Scottish Parliament, Trish Godman, both of whom are public Celtic fans. 

These attempts to “kill or maim” follow an announcement by UEFA that Celtic’s fierce rivals, Rangers, will be investigated for Sectarian chanting by fans. 

Lennon has also been physically assaulted in the past, the club stating that he was knocked unconscious as he walked home alone after an Old Firm defeat. 

Authorities have announced their determination to find and persecute those responsible, and to avoid allowing Scottish football to become embroiled in Sectarianism, but recent events are still immensely troubling for all involved.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=893932

Tuesday 19 April 2011

Newcastle hold leaders

Newcastle United hosted Premier League leaders Manchester United on Tuesday evening. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men were looking for a win which would take them nine points clear of their nearest rivals, Arsenal, and they also hoped to be able to erase memories of their FA cup exit to neighbours Manchester City at the weekend. 

The home side had the advantage of not having played for a few days more and started brightly, forcing a series of corners. Both teams played with tempo but few chances were forthcoming, remaining goalless at the break. 

The second half continued in similar fashion, with the match seemingly able to go either way, but no-one could find enough to produce a goal. Chicarito’s booking for a dive in injury-time summed up the rather fruitless evening as it finished 0 – 0. 

Despite the draw, United go seven points clear having played a game more, and Arsenal’s fixture against Spurs tomorrow night could easily result in the Gunners losing yet more ground as their chase grows harder.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=884259

Monday 18 April 2011

Goodluck for Jonathan in Nigerian election

Results of Nigeria’s presidential election voting were broadcast on Monday. They indicated that the current Christian leader, Goodluck Jonathan, has gained an insurmountable advantage. 

Jonathan became president only last year for the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) after the death of his predecessor. Victory this week will mean he becomes the first elected-leader from the Niger Delta. He currently holds a lead of 11 million votes, with only 6 million left to be announced. 

The opposition is in the shape of Muhammadu Buhari, a former military chief from the Muslim north of Nigeria. The results so far have caused a number of riots in northern states, where youths supporting Buhari have reportedly starting revolting and attacking followers of Jonathan. 

Their anger is fuelled by some dubious figures from the voting in certain southern areas, where the PDP claims to have gained over 95%, something which seems very unlikely.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=885468

Sunday 17 April 2011

Hamilton beats Vettel in Shanghai

Sebastien Vettel started the Chinese Grand Prix from pole position on Sunday morning. It was his third pole out of three so far this season, and he had won the previous two races prior to Shanghai. 

The Red Bull man, for once, had a poor start and was overtaken by McLaren pair Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. They continued in that order until the first pit-stops, where Vettel was able to regain his place, although all three emerged to find themselves behind Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg. 

After the next series of stops, however, Vettel worked his way into the lead once again, with Lewis Hamilton making a series of overtaking moves to close in on the German, who needed to pit as the chequered flag approached but tried to hang on until the end. 

In the last three laps it became clear that Hamilton’s strategy was more effective than Vettel’s, as the German had no defence against the pace of the Brit’s McLaren, Hamilton taking the victory quite comfortably and stopping Vettel’s run of wins, although he remains a clear leader in the championship race.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=885599

Mourinho engineers el clasico stalemate

Real Madrid hosted Barcelona on Saturday night in la Liga, the first of four “el clasico” clashes between the Spanish giants as they also meet in the final of the Copa del Rey and the two-legged Champions League semi-final over the coming month. 

Jose Mourinho set his team out in typical style, creating a wall of defenders which proved very difficult for Barcelona to break down. Chances were hard to come by, although Pep Guardiola’s men seemed unlucky not to win a penalty when David Villa was brought down by Iker Casillas. 

Barcelona did win a penalty in the second-half when Raul Albiol missed a high ball and hauled down Villa, earning a red card in the process. Lionel Messi stepped up to give the Catalans the lead. 

Madrid did not give up and were given a penalty of their own when Marcelo went to ground during a fair tackle by Dani Alves. Cristiano Ronaldo equalised from the spot, and the game finished 1 – 1. 

The draw leaves Barca as clear favourites for the title as they remain eight points clear. The outcome of the match also gives few hints as to which team has the advantage for the next three meetings.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=886920

Saturday 16 April 2011

City finally overcome United

The first FA cup semi-final took place on Saturday afternoon and saw a renewal of the rivalry between both Manchester clubs, City and United. With Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney unable to play, the sides found themselves without key players. 

The first-half proved fairly dull, as many had feared. United began far more brightly, and Dimitar Berbatov was guilty of wasting a couple of clear chances early on, but City were able to grow into the match towards half-time, although neither side could find a breakthrough. 

After the break it was City who took the lead when Yaya Toure seized on a loose pass by Michael Carrick to burst through the United defence and slot into the net. Things became harder for the Reds when Paul Scholes was sent off. 

The ten men attempted to pressurise City towards the end but could not equalise against an accomplished performance from their neighbours, allowing the blue side of Manchester to celebrate the prospect of another trip to Wembley in May after a 1 - 0 triumph. 

In the English Premier League, important results included Chelsea winning 1 – 3 at West Brom, Wigan also earning a 1 – 3 victory at Blackpool, and Aston Villa grabbing a vital late goal to beat West Ham 1 – 2 at Upton Park.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=882148

Monday 11 April 2011

Latest aftershock hits Fukushima

The troubled prefecture at Fukushima, which holds the stricken Daiichi nuclear power plant, was the epicentre for a 6.6-magnitude aftershock on Monday, exactly one month after the initial earthquake which caused so much devastation. 

Employees at the plant were forced to abandon their work as they were evacuated, with the surrounding exclusion zone expected to be increased due to radiation leaks. 

The aftershock caused a landslide into Iwaki City, although early warnings of a tsunami were later cancelled. Hundreds of thousands of homes were again affected, losing power and more. 

28,000 are dead or missing in the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=822897

Sunday 10 April 2011

McIlroy lacks mastery of Schwartzel

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, 21, went into the final round of the Masters at Augusta on Sunday on twelve under par, holding a four-shot lead over his nearest challengers. Tiger Woods started the day seven shots back, needing an inspirational charge to claim the Green Jacket. 

McIlroy struggled from the first tee as he began his round by unerringly finding bunkers, resulting in him being tied for the lead after only the second hole. A disastrous 7 triple-bogey at the tenth put him behind the leaders as a host of other players, including Woods, made steady progress in what developed into an incredibly tense finale given the intensity of the competition. 

The winner emerged in the shape of Charl Schwartzel from South Africa, who sank his putt at the eighteenth to finish as the winner by two shots on fourteen under-par and claim his first Major in compelling style.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=872679

Mubarak called in

Egypt’s ousted former President, Hosni Mubarak, was summoned by the state prosecutor on Sunday to face allegations of corruption and murdering protesters. 

The call comes as over 1,000 Egyptians defied the army in Cairo’s Tahrir Square when the armed forces did not follow up on a threat to disperse the crowd who had gathered to campaign for Mubarak’s prosecution. A crack-down early on Saturday left one person dead and many more injured, but it did not deter others from continuing with the sit-in protest. 

Mubarak’s two sons have also been given summons, but he is determined to fight to clear their name. The investigation is likely to focus on his family fortune, which could reach £43 billion. 

The unrest has continued in Egypt due to the lack of urgency shown by the new army council which came in after Mubarak’s resignation two months ago.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=874063

More killings in Syrian protests

28 Syrians were allegedly killed during peaceful protests over the weekend when security forces opened fire in order to disperse crowds, including 26 who were said to be attending funerals of deceased protestors in the city of Daraa on Saturday. It has been claimed that 37 died in similar incidents on Friday.

The recent tragedies have resulted in a statement from the National Organisation for Human Rights, which described events as a “flagrant violation”.

The government is reacting to public movements which have been inspired by revolutions in other Arab countries such as Tunisia and Egypt.

The brutal responses have not done much to daunt the people though, as protests are still spreading across the entire country in an effort to oust the authoritarian regime.

Vettel dominance continues

The start of the Formula 1 season has begun in ominous fashion for the rivals of reigning world champion, Red Bull’s Sebastien Vettel, after the German completed his second race victory from pole in the first two races this year. 

Vettel started confidently in pole position in Malaysia on Sunday morning after pipping Lewis Hamilton in qualifying. The leader was quickest off the line and rapidly built a sizeable lead, once again able to drive freely into a commanding position. 

After the pit stops it was Hamilton’s McLaren team-mate, Jensen Button, who emerged behind Vettel and ahead of his fellow Brit, who appeared to be struggling. Hamilton lost more places when an incident with Alonso saw the Spaniard lose his front wing, and he could not prevent other drivers passing him. 

Vettel claimed the chequered flag with another comfortable win. Button was second and Heidfeld held on to complete the podium. 

Red Bull’s star man already has daylight in the drivers’ standings with maximum points after the second Grand Prix.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=875224

Saturday 9 April 2011

Gaza situation escalates

Reports over incidents in Gaza continued to flood in on Saturday as the fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants intensified. 

The killing of a Hamas commander and two aides by an air strike triggered the Palestinians to fire up to fifty rockets in retaliation. 

The latest fatalities have taken the number of deaths in the last three days to a minimum of eighteen, which includes civilians. 

Israel claimed that Hamas attacked a school bus, stating that this was justification for bombing the vehicle in which the three militants were killed in an early-morning raid.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=584875

At least thirty dead after Misrata assault

Rebel sources involved in the fighting in the Libyan city of Misrata claimed that at least thirty of their men had been killed after an assault by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s forces on Saturday. 

The regime targeted the city as the struggle continues to overhaul Gaddafi after his forty-one year dictatorship. 

Meanwhile, NATO claimed the destruction of seventeen Libyan tanks in a related incident. 

There remains a great deal of anger amongst the rebels who NATO is attempting to aid following the mistaken targeting by a pilot which resulted in thirteen soldiers being killed last week. They have faced similar criticism for a lack of response to the murder of a number of civilians by Gaddafi’s forces.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=838478

United comfortable without Rooney

Leaders Manchester United welcomed Fulham in the English Premier League on Saturday afternoon. For once, Wayne Rooney was not able to make the headlines as his hotly-debated two-match ban was upheld by the FA on Thursday. 

His absence did not hinder them in the slightest though, as it took only ten minutes for Dimitar Berbatov to give them the lead. The advantage was doubled before the break by Antonio Valencia, recently back from a long-term injury. 

The two goals effectively finished the game with United settling to defend their cushion against a Fulham side who did not look particularly threatening. The 2 – 0 result put Sir Alex Ferguson’s men ten points clear of Arsenal. 

Chelsea found more resistance as they hosted Wigan but eventually overcame their opponents with a Florent Malouda goal giving them a 1 – 0 win. 

Other (more entertaining) matches saw West Brom fight back to win 2 – 3 at Sunderland, while Spurs beat Stoke 3 – 2.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=862562

Japan’s suffering becomes clearer

Following the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and consequent tsunami on 11 March, and then the 7.1 aftershock on 7 April, many of the lasting effects on Japan are becoming clear. 

Latest estimates have put the costs of the disaster at approximately 25 trillion yen. The impact on the economy has been accentuated by reductions in exports, for example in fish due to radiation leaks from Fukshima, and the interruption of operations in some of the automobile plants. 

The official death toll is now nearly at 13,000, with 15,000 still missing. At least 82 children have been orphaned. 

The nuclear crisis at Fukushima seems no closer to a conclusion either as the operator continues to struggle with the variety of problems which keep emerging. The radiation leaks have damaged the surrounding environment, now affecting the sea. Debris from the tsunami is expected to start washing up on Hawaii and the west coast of the USA soon.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=818322

Thursday 7 April 2011

North-east Japan hit by another earthquake

There was a tsunami warning on the north-east coast of Japan on Thursday afternoon after an earthquake of magnitude 7.4 struck forty kilometres from the mainland. 

Buildings in Tokyo shook again, less than a month after the 9.0 earthquake of 11 March. The tsunami on that occasion caused untold damage and loss of life, with waves reaching ten metres in height. The warning on Thursday expected waves of around two metres. 

The Fukushima nuclear plant was once again troubled as it is in the area affected, but immediate reports from operator, TEPCO, suggested no further damage. 

The latest earthquake does, mercifully, appear to be far less severe than the one which struck on 11 March, although everyone in Japan will be prepared for the worst as the people seem to be receiving no respite from the disaster which affected them so badly only a number of weeks ago.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=822897

NATO misfire kills Libyan rebels

NATO has announced intentions to increase the amount of air strikes against Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s forces in Libya, but may have to reconsider as the rebels they are trying to aid have claimed that at least thirteen of their number were killed when missiles identified the wrong target. 

The incident took place in Ajdabiya, where the rebels were forced to retreat from a battle with the regime after being hit by allied air strikes. Doctors at a nearby hospital said there were many more injuries too, which has stirred anger among the people. 

This tragic mistake has interrupted their advance in the last few days, but it is very unlikely that they will want long to regroup as they seek to take their country from Gaddafi and his men.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=800858

Rooney strikes back

Arguably the tastiest of the Champions League quarter-finals was the all-English clash between rivals Manchester United and Chelsea. The first leg was played at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night. 

The match started evenly but the visitors scored a vital away-goal when Ryan Giggs set up Wayne Rooney to side-foot the opener for United. Chelsea struggled to find quality with the conspicuously-disappointing Fernando Torres in attack, but then somehow failed to score on the stroke of half-time as a cross hit the post and Frank Lampard’s finish was cleared off the line. 

United looked to defend their lead, becoming less adventurous in the second-half. They defended well and limited Chelsea’s opportunities until Ramires broke into the box in injury-time and was brought down by Patrice Evra, only for the referee to refuse them a penalty. 

The 0 – 1 result puts United in a very strong position for the return leg at Old Trafford.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=862562

Tuesday 5 April 2011

Spurs taught Real lesson

Harry Redknapp and his unpredictable Spurs team visited Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. Madrid’s home loss to Sporting only days before offered a good omen for the Londoners. 

They were also boosted by the fitness of Gareth Bale, but it was the hosts, complete with Cristiano Ronaldo, who took the lead after only four minutes when Emmanuel Adebayor was given a free header. Peter Crouch was sent off early on for the visitors for two rash fouls. 

Reduced to ten men, Spurs could not withstand the Spanish giants' attacking potency. Adebayor headed in a second, then Angel Di Maria hit a stunning third before Ronaldo volleyed in in the dying stages to make the final score 4 – 0. 

The only (minor) positive for the English team was that the margin of defeat might have been far greater.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=865861

Besieged Gbagbo calls for ceasefire

Latest reports on Tuesday claimed that Ivory Coast’s defiant leader, Laurent Gbagbo, was calling for a ceasefire after opposition forces surrounded the complex where he was apparently hiding in the basement.

Mr Gbagbo officially lost the election in November to the new UN-recognised President Allasane Ouattara, but has tried to hold onto power in the city of Abidjan. However, it now appears that forces of Mr Ouattara, with aid from French and UN air power, have finally fought their way through. Hundreds of fatalities were alleged over the weekend, although there was no clarity over who was responsible. Thousands of civilians have fled the area as a result of the bloody conflict.

The call for a ceasefire, reportedly from Mr Gbagbo’s Military Chief, hopefully signals an end to the violence, but whether he has decided to surrender the Presidency remains to be seen.

Rooney finally faces ban

Many football fans could be forgiven for believing that, for some reason, Manchester United and England’s Wayne Rooney was somehow above sporting law. However, his indiscipline has finally caught up with him and he finds himself facing a 2-match ban which means he will miss his side’s FA cup semi-final against rivals Manchester City. 

Only a few weeks ago the striker escaped punishment despite blatantly elbowing Wigan Athletic’s James McCarthy on the back of the head during a Premier League encounter. This time though, the FA has felt obliged to act after he swore into a camera when celebrating a goal against West Ham United on Saturday. 

Although Rooney apologised soon after the game, the governing body has acted on violation of the rule concerning offensive language not being in the best interest of the game. He can appeal, otherwise he will miss United’s next two domestic fixtures.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=862562

Monday 4 April 2011

More deaths in Yemen protests

Further deaths were reported in Yemen on Monday as clashes continue between protesters and the forces of President Ali Abdullah Saleh. 

Witnesses and medical officials said that six had been killed and over thirty injured in the southern city of Taiz. The marches and protests there are only part of the events that are being held across the entire country. 

It is rumoured that the US is considering taking action given recent events, but with UN forces currently occupied in Libya, it seems unlikely any move will be made unless things grow even worse for the people of Yemen.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=729906

TEPCO begin releasing radioactive water

Workers at the nuclear power plant at Fukushima, Japan, have been forced to dump 11,500 tonnes of radioactive water into the sea in order to contain large amounts which contain more radioactivity. 

The action comes as a leak in the number two reactor is causing a great deal of water to escape. Authorities are demanding a quick response but the operator, TEPCO, must keep feeding water into the reactor so that it stays cool, which therefore results in the accumulation of waste water which must be disposed of. 

The official death toll has now climbed above 12,000 in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami of 11 March. 2 of that number were workers from Fukushima who were on the premises when the disaster struck. Almost 15,500 remain missing.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=822897

Sunday 3 April 2011

Authorities appeal over car bomb murder

Northern Irish government and officials have asked for information after a catholic police officer was killed by a car bomb. 

Ronan Kerr, 25, died outside his home in Omagh, county Tyrone, in an attack suspected to have been carried out by dissident republicans on Saturday. 

Many leading public figures have spoken out against the murder of the young policeman, who was described as a “peacemaker”. 

The manhunt has now begun to find those responsible in this latest shocking attempt to disturb the progress towards peace in the country. Men such as First Minister Peter Robinson and Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams have voiced their determination to catch the bombers and to continue the peace process.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=862752

Saturday 2 April 2011

Rooney gives United control

Saturday was a busy day for football in the Premier League, with matches involving most of the big sides being played. 

At lunchtime, leaders Manchester United travelled to Upton Park to face the resurgent West Ham. The hosts led 2 – 0 after Mark Noble converted two penalties. 

The second half was about Wayne Rooney, whose hat-trick inspired a United comeback before Javier Hernandez added another to make it 2 – 4. 

Chelsea’s trip to Stoke began poorly as they fell behind to a Jonathan Walters strike, but came back through Didier Drogba as they drew 1 - 1. Liverpool, meanwhile, lost 2 – 1 at West Brom. 

Arsenal hosted Blackburn in the evening game, needing a win to keep pressure on United. However, they struggled once again to break their opponents down and were held 0 – 0. 

Rooney’s goals put United seven points ahead of their faltering rivals in the league table.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=862562

India overcome Sri Lanka in final

Mumbai hosted the final of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup on Saturday. The finalists were Sri Lanka and India, who beat their great rivals, Pakistan, in the semi-final.

Sri Lanka batted first but made a slow start in the powerplay. The innings started to take shape with the arrival of captain Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, who were able to guide them towards an impressive total. Wickets fell regularly but Jayawardene proved the key man, scoring a vital and unbeaten 103 to take his country to 274 - 6 off 50 overs, with plenty of help from some big hitting at the end.

India’s reply started with all eyes on Sachin Tendulkar, chasing his 100th one-day century on his home ground, although the dangerous Virender Sehwag made the first impression by being out lbw after two balls. Tendulkar then followed for 18 to leave India struggling.

The chase was rebuilt by Gautam Gambhir and their captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, making 97 and 91 not out respectively, the latter hitting a magnificent six to give them the win by six wickets with a  final total of 277 – 4.

So Dhoni led his team to their first World Cup since 1983, and most would say they deserve it after a series of fine team performances.

Friday 1 April 2011

Battle for Ivory Coast presidency

The main city of the Ivory coast, Abidjan, hosted a battle on Friday between forces of the two men warring over the presidency of the country following the disputed election result from last November. 

The run-off vote was won by Alassane Ouattara who is recognised as the president by the UN, but Laurent Gbagbo has since refused to leave the role that he held before he lost. 

Forces of Mr Ouattara are now attacking the compound that is currently held by Mr Gbagbo, as months of civil war appears to be approaching a conclusion with the defection of many of Mr Gbagbo’s people. 

The city is reported to be full of heavy gunfire, putting everyone in the area at great risk.


http://thenewsportal.net/?p=786566