Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Sport Matrix: Thursday 8 January 2015

 

Thursday 08 January 2015 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Premier League stars fly to Africa

Premier League clubs are preparing for the biennial struggle to cope with the loss of key players as the African Cup of Nations deprives them of stellar names. Added to the mix this year is the Asia Cup, limiting further top-flight selections. Yaya Touré is perhaps the biggest miss, from champions Manchester City, with Papiss Cissé, Yannick Bolasie, Nabil Bentaleb and Wilfried Bony also jetting off.

Murray and Watson suffer Hopman loss

British pair Andy Murray and Heather Watson suffered defeat in their second Hopman Cup match yesterday, losing 2-1 to Poland after opening with victory over France on Monday. Watson began with defeat to Agnieszka Radwanska before Murray overcame Jerzy Janowicz, only for defeat in the doubles to determine the tie. Great Britain face Australia in their final Group match tomorrow.

United back De Gea as Valdes arrives

Manchester United are determined to hold on to their highly rated goalkeeper David de Gea, despite agreeing an 18-month contract with the former Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes last night. The 32-year-old, who recently recovered from a knee injury, also interested Liverpool. United manager Louis van Gaal has reservations over the qualities of understudy Anders Lindegaard.

Don’t say cheese: Tottenham and Arsenal ban selfie sticks

Tottenham Hospur supporters will have to take pictures of themselves without the help of selfie sticks in future matches at White Hart Lane.

The devices, extendable rods for taking pictures with a smartphone or small camera, have been banned from Tottenham’s stadium following complaints from a fan irked by having his view of a match obstructed by a selfie stick.

North London neighbours Arsenal have followed suit in banning the controversial sticks from matchdays at the club’s Emirates Stadium.

Varndell heads for exit door at Wasps

Wasps yesterday completed the signing of Leinster’s Jimmy Gopperth as Tom Varndell neared an exit from the Ricoh Arena, moving to Bristol. Andy Goode’s playing career at the club is also set to finish, with the fly-half considering a coaching role with Wasps.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in