Barcelona Star Dani Alves Sparks #SayNoToRacism Social Media Campaign

Barcelona defender Dani Alves responded to a despicable racist taunt when a banana was thrown at his feet during Sunday's game Villarreal, by picking it up and taking a bite out of it before proceeding to take a corner.

This incident has triggered an inspirational social media campaign against racism in football. Alves' fellow professionals have rushed to support the Barcalona star, posting messages of support and solidarity.

Players such as Neymar, Balotelli, Hulk, Agüero and more controversially Luis Suárez were among those to post of themselves taking bites out of bananas in tribute.

The actions have received wide-spread condemnation, Fifa president Sepp Blatter has branded the abuse as an "outrage" and is promising a zero tolerance attitude to discrimination at the World Cup, although Fifa themselves have a shaky history or taking such abuses seriously. Villareal took swift action by identifying the 'fan' and handing them a lifetime ban.

This is not the first time that Alves has been a victim of racist abuse whilst playing in Spain. After the match he said "You need to take these situations with a dose of humour."

Across Europe players have shown their solidarity by posting pictures of themselves eating bananas across Twitter and Instagram. His Barca and Brazil team-mate Neymar led the way after posting a selfie to Instagram, with the caption "We are all monkeys".

Suárez posted a picture on Twitter of himself and Liverpool team-mate Philippe Coutinho, with the captions: "#SayNoToRacism #WeAreAllMonkeys."

Argentina and Manchester City striker Agüero put up an image of him and Brazil women's superstar Marta eating bananas, with the caption: "With my colleague Marta from Brazil we say #NoToRacism. We are all equal."

Barcelona stated their "complete support and solidarity" with Alves and thanked Villarreal for their immediate and swift action. Villarreal quickly identified the perpetrator, withdrew his season ticket and banned him from their stadium for life.

The 'Banana Selfie' is now trending worldwide on twitter, along with the hashtag #SayNoToRacism, as users post their own responses to the incident. A great example of turning a negative into a positive.

'An End of an Error' - Who will replace Moyes?

David Moyes the 'Chosen One' didn't even manage a full 12 Months. A catalogue of missed targets, errors and appalling performances has led to what became an inevitable sacking. 

It became so inevitable because his tactics weren't working, his handling of the media was laughable, he inspired descent among the players, his transfers didn't come off and he had the demeanour of a broken man.  

So Utd, one of the richest and most widely supported clubs in the world, go again in their pursuit of a manager who can live up to their standards. 

I imagine Alex Ferguson won't be the one making the sole decision this time, so who are the likely candidates for one of footballs top jobs...

Jurgen Klopp

Klopp is probably the fans favourite and number one choice. 

His time at Borussia Dortmund has seen him become the most coveted young manager in European football. Taking an ageing team at its lowest point on a phenomenal run that has seen two league titles and one Champions League Final appearance. When you put this against the backdrop of the all conquering Bayern Munich team of recent years, it becomes an even better performance.  

As a manager he plays an attractive and exciting brand of passing football which has turned the Dortmund fans into his disciples. This is in spite of his best players being sold off, season after season, Robert Lewandwoski just the latest example. 

Although Klopp has ruled it out this morning, there is hope amongst Utd fans that a formal offer at the end of the season could tempt him to take on a new challenge.

Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs, a Utd legend, has been appointed the caretaker manager until the end of the season. Giggs who is yet to complete his coaching badges, could use this opportunity as a no-lose audition for the one of the biggest jobs in football.

After 21 year as a Utd player, there are few people as experienced and entwined in the culture of the club as Giggs. He will know the personalities, the factions, the fans and what is expected from the team - it is ingrained into his DNA. 

There have been several reports of unrest and dissatisfaction with Moyes methods. Giggs himself reportedly missed a coaching meeting last month with Moyes, claiming it was "pointless, as Moyes doesn't listen".

Maybe as manager "Giggs will tear them apart, again" and become an even bigger Utd legend in the process. It could also lead to the intriguing proposition of Giggs picking himself.

Diego Simeone 

Battling the overwhelming financial odds to top La Liga, with a few games to go his Atletico Madrid side sit above the duopoly of Real Madrid and Barcelona. His season could end with an extraordinary Champions League and La Liga double. The financial disparity between Atletico and Spain's top two is astounding, yet Simeone could potentially be about to perform European footballs most impressive performance in past history.

There is little doubt that Simeone could inspire the respect, passion and determination that Utd have been lacking under Moyes. His teams fight for each other until the end, a quality notably lost from the Ferguson era. 

It is likely that Real Madrid and Barcelona will both come back stronger next year. Due to the financial disparity, there appears little chance that he could maintain this phenomenal performance season after season. Maybe he will want to exit at the height of his achievement and start a new challenge at a bigger club with a lot more money to spend. 

Louis van Gaal

Van Gaal is set to leave his role as Holland manager at the end of the World Cup and is set to be in demand from across the football world. He also enjoys a great working relationship with Robin Van Persie, who has had a particularly poor season and was rumoured to have not been a fan of Moyes training methods.

Van Gaal, at 62, may not be the manager for the long term. However, there are few managers available with a CV as strong as his. 

There were rumours linking him to the soon to be vacant Tottenham job, but if Utd come calling there is little chance he would turn down such an opportunity at this point in his career.

Laurent Blanc

A former Utd player who is having a great run as manager of a fantastically exciting Paris St Germain team. Not only is he a young manager with a great attacking team, anyone who has had to deal with Zlatlan Ibrahimovic is used to dealing with huge egos and managing the top players around.

Blanc will have to be seen as outside though, his current experience and presence may not be enough to take Utd forward at this difficult period in its history. 

And the rest...

Jose Mourinho almost publicly asked for the job when Sir Alex announced his retirement last summer and certainly has the qualifications. Carlo Ancelotti and Frank De Boer have also been linked with the job. 

Who do you think would be the best man to take Utd forward?

Can a new coach transform the England Cricket Team?

The England cricket team has faced one of the most traumatic periods in its recent history after last summers humiliation at the hands of Australia over all forms of the game. The new prospective coach will have a huge job on his hands and will have to transform and rebuild the side.

The rebuilding job will start with tests against Sri Lanka this summer, building towards next year's World Cup and home Ashes series. The prospective coach needs to not only pick out potential match-winners and improve tactics, but also to bring about a cultural shift in the team.

The team that collapsed in Australia last year appeared over-confident, complacent and arrogant. There was a feeling they only had to turn up to win. Under real pressure and competition they collapsed and their arrogance was massively misplaced.

The new coach needs to create a culture of reverence around playing for England, the same reverence you can see the Australian players have for their team.

The Ashes should act as a wake-up call for the players, coaching staff and selectors. The new coach should attempt to transform the team into a great, hard-working, dedicated and skilful set of players who want to play hard and in the right way.

This suggests that the England Cricket Board may appoint an Englishman as Andy Flower replacement. The Australian Trevor Bayliss is among the candidates, but he is not Gary Kirsten - a top of the range foreign coach - so it may be a mistake to go for him on this occasion.

This is likely to leave Ashley Giles and Peter Moores as the realistic candidates. Mick Newell, the other Englishman in the running, has a great county pedigree and is well respected, but has little experience of international cricket.

Moores first reign as England coach was marred by his inability to work with Kevin Pietersen and his 'unique' personality. With Pietersen now out of the equation, he could have a clear run at moulding the team anew. Moores is a very technical coach and although he wouldn't be a sea change after Flower, the elite players respect him a lot.

Giles has the huge embarrassment of the loss to Netherlands in the World Twenty20 hanging over him, however, England have suffered and bounced back from such defeats before.

The word from the journalists and players during the World Cup Twenty20 in Bangladesh was that the players wants Giles to get the job. Suggesting he has the support and respect of the players. His results have not been great, but he didn't have the strongest team to chose from and the tournament came after an exhausting Test series.

Whoever is appointed has a massive task on their hands, requiring changes to the teams culture and attitude. If the new coach doesn't manage to change the team for the better, England could be heading for embarrassment next summer.

RFU boss Ian Ritchie optimistic about reaching new long term deal with Premiership

The Rugby Football Union is confident that they can agree terms on a new long-term deal with the Premiership clubs to guarantee the future release of England players beyond the next World Cup before the end of the year.

The current 8 year deal expires in June 2016, established the professional game board and created three elite squads - senior England, Saxons and the Under-20s.

Commencing in June 2008, the current deal saw the RFU pay £110 million to the Aviva Premiership clubs. This guaranteed the England management two weeks' access to players ahead of the Autumn internationals and the Six Nations as well as the summer tours. There is also a financial clause that acts as an incentive for clubs to field English-qualified players.

The deal seems to have been beneficial for both parties and is viewed as a success. The major debating points this time are likely to be money and access, with the Aviva Premiership wanting more cash and the RFU pushing for more flexibility and access to the players in the elite squads.

This summer England are going to New Zealand for three high-profile tests, yet they will be without many of their first choice side in the opening Test in Auckland on June 7th. This is a situation almost unthinkable in other sports.

The Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham falls the weekend before, and International Rugby Board protocols prevent players from being involved in both.

On Monday, Ian Ritchie, the RFU chief executive said that he hoped negotiations could be concluded before the end of 2014. Ensuring the build-up to next year's World Cup would not take place against a back drop of recriminations and dispute between the clubs and governing body.

“We’re of exactly of the same mind here,” Ritchie said. “It should be the next priority. Both the RFU and Premier Rugby Limited want this done sooner rather than later. There has to be a partnership and we need to get it properly sorted.”

The clubs are also demanding compensation for losing players and match income during the World Cup next year - as Premiership games cannot take place during the early stages - with some estimates of compensation reaching £14 million.

Ritchie avoided talk of a compensation figure and instead talked up the benefits to the clubs of England hosting the World Cup. Including the great national and international focus it will bring on the sport and its players.
“Having been so preoccupied with Europe, neither us nor PRL have been able to have a proper discussion recently and we’ve put World Cup compensation on to the backburner,” Ritchie said.

“That has to come on to the front burner. We understand there may be some losses, but we must also recognise there will be something that looks like an upside such as better attendances and more interest.”

Manny Pacquiao, back at his best?

Pacquiao is a fighter who has been involved in many massive fights. Taking on many brilliant opponents and been pushed to the absolute limit many times. There isn't a fighter who wouldn't struggle to find the strength to come back yet again, especially after recent defeats.

Against Timothy Bradley last Saturday night Pacquiao did just that, showing what a great fighter and competitor he really is. 

Going into the fight Bradley hadn't been beaten and it was assumed he would be too strong for Pacquiao, but it goes to show you cannot write great fighters off. He was unbelievable. He is now eight times World Champion and that in itself is an amazing record. He took the fight to Bradley and won.

Filipino Pacquiao, who lost to American Bradley in a controversial encounter in 2012, was the winner on all three judges' scorecards.

"I proved tonight that my journey in boxing will continue," said Pacquiao, who has won 56 of his 63 fights.

Bradley, 30, said: "I tried, I really tried. I just lost to the best fighter in the world."

Bradley's tactics didn't help him, he attempted to knock Pacquiao out with almost every punch, even when he did produce a few good combinations, Pacquiao came back at him stronger. In this form and frame of mind Pacquiao looked like he couldn't be beaten.

Pacquiao produced strong and emphatic bursts, which were connecting. To do this against an undefeated champion who is strong and naturally suited to the division, showed how great he is.

The talk of a Pacquiao vs Mayweather clash had subsided recently, but this fight changes everything and now it is back on everyone's lips. Pacquiao is in possession of a World Title, in the same division, and now the fight that everyone wants to see, may well finally happen.

There is also a possibility of a third fight between Pacquiao and Bradley, after the controversial first fight and this victory on points, they may want to settle it once and for all. 

Many people had started to think Bradley was the only fighter capable of challenging Mayweather. This fight changes everything.

Several experts believed a loss on Saturday night would have seen him call it quits, bowing out in a massive fight and ending a long and brilliant career. At 35 he talks of having two years left and this fight showed he clearly still has much to offer.

Many of boxing's (or sports) greats go on for too long, becoming shadows of their former selves and ruining their legacy. The likes of Larry Holmes and Evander Holyfield, for example - but Pacquiao looks as if he has had no ill-affects of his long, brilliant and victorious career.

Walking with hope in their hearts...

It's been 24 long years since Liverpool last won the league title (above). Their glorious 70's and 80's exploited are nothing but a long-distant memory to most football supporters. Liverpool supporting 90's kids long for those days to return and their are many young supporters alive today who have never seen their historic team win the league. 

When the final whistle blew on Sunday, their victory over title favourites Manchester City was greeted with wild celebrations from a thunderous Anfield. "You'll Never Walk Alone" echoed around the stadium alongside chants that they were "going to win the league."

This is the one the fans want, even more than the Champions League miracle of Istanbul in 2005. Their dramatic turn around in fortunes has made this season all the more remarkable. Last season they finished seventh and looked dramatically off the pace. Even the most optimistic of Liverpool fan could not have uttered their famous mantra "This will be our year", with any genuine conviction at the start of this season. Yet here they are four games away from the first title in 24 years. The inner child in all the fans has now been released and they're loving this glorious run.

At the final whistle on Sunday Steven Gerrard Liverpool's captain and talisman began to cry. "Do not let this f*cking slip," was heard, as he hastily assembled his team-mates into a huddle, showing their togetherness and team spirit.

This title chance means as much to Gerrard as any Liverpool player or fan. He is a local lad, who has support Liverpool his whole life, played for them his whole career and won everything bar the league title. Monday was the 25th anniversary of Hillsborough, in which he lost his 10-year-old cousin and when interviewed after the game he was almost struck dumb by the precipice the team stand on.

"I'm quite a distance away from winning the league," he'd said on 1 September last year. "I think a lot of things would have to happen within the next 12 months, the next two years." Those things have started to happen and after a 10 game unbeaten run, Liverpool are top after winning every match since.

The game at Anfield on Sunday was treated as a title-decider, even though there are still four massive games to come. Every Liverpool fan is frantically studying the fixture list, looking at the permutations, filled with excitement and dread in equal parts. They pray that the days of living in the shadow of Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United will be over. But there is also fear that being so close this year, missing out on the opportunity now would be the cruellest blow in that entire 24 year stretch.

The city as a whole has a lot to proud of this season, Everton are riding high in fourth and both teams play entertaining and exciting football, which are a credit to their manager and brilliant for their fans.

So with just four games to go, Liverpool fans are daring to dream. A 19th league title in May and then, finally, justice for the 96.

Great acts of sportsmanship

Sadly it is not often you see amazing acts of sportsmanship. A great recent example is Werder Bremen midfielder Aaron Hunt owned up to a dive against Nuremberg and convinced the referee to overturn his decision to award a penalty. This made news around the world, football in particular has often become a sport in which any advantage gained from gamesmanship is taken and relished (Just look at Luis Suarez in the World Cup against Ghana for one example).

Due to the rareness of truly exceptional acts of sporting chivalry many of them live long in the memory. Here is a run down of some of the most amazing acts of sportsmanship that sport has seen:


Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin

American domination of the Ryder Cup in 1969 was absolute, the domination was so complete people almost began to become bored with the event itself. Unthinkable, when you compare it to today's competition. 

It was one man's action's that reignited this great combination and stoked the imagination. With both teams locked at 15 ½-15 ½ , the final rubber between Britain's  Tony Jacklin and the formidable Jack Nicklaus would decide where the trophy was headed. The two men reached the 18th tee the match was all-square. The American played the hole perfectly and holed-out for a regulation par. In contrast, Jacklin faced a tricky three-footer forcing the first ever tie in the event. Nicklaus was set to be the hero, yet made one of the great sporting gestures, picking up his opponent's ball marker rather than forcing Jacklin to putt out. Nicklaus incurred the wrath of US captain, however this result set the tone for a more competitive event and laid the seeds for the refurbished version enjoyed by several million people across the globe today.

Nigel Mansell

Before Mansell's 1992 Formula 1 World Championship victory, he was forging a reputation as a perennial nearly man of British driving. Ayrton Senna had so often proved the Englishman's nemesis and in 1991 the pair were in close competition once again. Mansell managed to hold off the Brazilian's determined challenge for 59 laps and in a close race, Senna's McLaren looked the stronger car. It seemed obvious that he would pass Mansell's Williams for the lead. However, with 10 laps to go Senna ran out of fuel. Mansell strolled to the win and, on his victory lap, stopped to pick up the stricken Senna who, faced with a long walk back to the garages, had decided to watch the remainder from trackside. Senna waved away several angry race stewards and remained on-board Mansell's car until they arrived at the pits.

Andrew Flintoff and Brett Lee

The 2005 Ashes was the first time England won back the the famous urn since 1987 and will live long in cricket fans memories. The turning point of the great series was the second Test at Edgbaston. England playing superbly needed just two wickets to level the series by the fourth day. After Shane Warne exited they needed one wicked, while Australia needed 61 runs to complete the win. The Australians dug in and began to chip away at the lead, with Brett Lee scoring regularly. When Lee finally succumbed to the English bowlers he could not hide his disappointment. Flintoff, recognising his opponent's truly valiant effort, consoled the Australian. "We tried to bowl him out, we tried to knock him out. We tried everything, but he wouldn't budge," Flintoff said. "So after it happened I went over, put my arm around him. I can't remember exactly what I said, but it was some words of consolation - probably the reason why I did it is [because] he did not deserve to be on the losing team - and obviously I have great respect for him."

Sir Stirling Moss

Stirling Moss is probably the best driver never to win the Formula One World Championship. Although he was determined  to become Britain's first world champion, he believed the manner in which the battle was fought was as important as the outcome. In 1958 his sporting principles were challenged to the fullest. It was the Portuguese Grand Prix, championship rival Mike Hawthorn was accused of reversing on the track after spinning and faced disqualification. This would strip him of second place and seven vital points. Stirling defended Hawthorn, insisting his fellow Englishman should not be penalised. He got his own way but, despite claiming four race wins to Hawthorne's one, would miss out on the drivers' crown by a single point.

Paolo Di Canio

Fresh from his 1998 encounter with referee Paul Alcock after a sending off against Arsenal,  Di Canio was not seen in the best light by the football public and definitely not seen a great advocate of fair play. 

Fast-forward a few years and the mercurial striker, now plying his trade for West Ham, was a changed man. Di Canio's unselfish act in deliberately abandoning a distinct scoring opportunity so that injured Everton goalkeeper Paul Gerrard might receive immediate attention won the Italian the FIFA Fair Play award and wiped clean his slate of previous offences. "I am not a saint, just like I wasn't a killer three years ago with the referee when I did something wrong," said Di Canio shortly after the game.

8 Of The Greatest Shots In Snooker History

Since the modern game's inception in the 19th century there have been countless amazing and surprising moments in snooker. Whether you love it or hate it, you can't deny the sheer skill on display. Here is our selection of the very finest shots in snooker history.

Alex Higgins Vs Jimmy White 1982 Crucible

Say what you will about Alex "Hurricane" Higgins and his technique, but this remarkable shot kept him in the 1982 World Championship.

Stephen Maguire Vs Ronnie O'sullivan 2008 Masters

Stephen Maguire pulled off this fantastic shot to combat O'Sulivans snooker in the 2008 Masters.

Ronnie O'Sullivan 5 Cushion Snooker Escape

After two failed escapes on another path, Ronnie O'Sullivan makes this incredible five cushion snooker escape on his first attempt. Ronnie's face at the end says it all.

Stephen Hendry Exhibition Shot World Championship 2009

Stephen Hendry played this impressive shot against opponent and friend Mark Williams in the first round of the 2009 World Championship. He came back from 7 - 5 down to win 9 -7.

Ding Junhui Reverse Side Pink To Black

Ding demonstrates his total control over the cue ball with this superb shot, positioning him perfectly for the black ball.

Jimmy White Masse Shot Hamburg 1993

Jimmy White escapes from a snooker imposed by a 17 year old Ronnie Sullivan in the most spectacular way possible.

Neil Robertson Positional Shot Vs Shaun Murphy

Neil Roberts plays this fantastic exhibition shot setting him up perfectly to take the brown. The Australian went on to win the match nine frames to seven, knocking out opponent Shaun Murphy at the quarter final stage.

     

Ding Junhui Snooker Vs Mark Selby 2012 Premier League

Ding Junhui executes a series of snookers against opponent Mark Selby in this match from 2012. His precision in tucking the cue ball behind the black off the yellow is a real testament to his mastery of the game.

Tirapongpalboon Vs Milkins World Open 2012

Here's a bonus shot for you. Tirapongpalboon's fluke pot on the black against Milkins in the World Open 2012. This won't go down as the best shot in history but it is certainly one of the most exciting!

If you're a fan of snooker, or know someone who is, be sure to take a look through our selection of fantastic snooker images!