Ryan Smart
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Writer @sportbible | Previous @BamberBridgeFC @LancashireFA | Sports Journalism graduate @UCLan | @pnefc @lancscricket fan
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Articles by Ryan Smart
New Man City investigation sought by executives as key 'dilemma' emerges
English football executives are reportedly pushing for a new investigation into Manchester City after they were found guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of the Premier League and UEFA's financial rules. City have launched an appeal against the verdict, with the new process setting out a 12-week window for that appeal to be heard plus an additional 30 days for the final judgment.
JJ Gabriel makes final decision on next club as Man Utd starlet set to quit Premier League
Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel has reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid after deciding to leave the Premier League club, it has been reported. In September, Gabriel submitted a formal request to leave United with immediate effect prior to turning 16, with his entourage said to have been unhappy with his lack of opportunities at senior level under Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick's message to Matheus Cunha speaks volumes after Man Utd win as full-time exchange cleared up
Michael Carrick has sent a pointed message to Matheus Cunha after the Brazilian scored twice and was sent off during Manchester United's 3-2 Champions League win over Roma at Old Trafford. United went 2-0 down against the Italian giants in yet another first half to forget, but pulled off an astonishing comeback in the second half. Cunha scored on 83 and 86 minutes but was booked for taking his shirt off during the celebrations, before being booked again minutes later for a foul.
Matheus Cunha and Michael Carrick's exchange after Man Utd vs Roma explained as UEFA rule emerges
Matheus Cunha could have risked a UEFA rule breach with his actions after being sent off during Manchester United's comeback 3-2 win over Roma in the Champions League. Cunha scored a brace as United came from 2-0 down to win their first game in any competition since September 10, with the Brazilian's goals coming on 83 and 86 minutes.
Fernando Alonso's data from Mexico GP is astonishing after lap 6 retirement
Fernando Alonso's power unit issues were so extreme during the Mexico City Grand Prix that he laughed over the team radio before ultimately retiring from the race on lap six. Both Alonso and team-mate Lance Stroll were both forced to stop their cars in the early stages of the Grand Prix, with Aston Martin telling both drivers that they had 'abnormal pressure levels in the PU systems'.
George Russell issues lengthy statement after worrying Mexico GP footage and one sentence speaks volumes
George Russell has posted a lengthy statement after emotional footage of the Mercedes driver emerged online following the Mexico City Grand Prix. Russell crossed the line in sixth place in Mexico City on a day in which his Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli won the Drivers' Championship for the first time in his career.
Liam Lawson extends little-known streak at Mexico GP that should boost his F1 seat chances
Liam Lawson's seventh-placed finish in the Mexico City Grand Prix means he has extended a little-known points-scoring record during the 2026 season - and it further strengthens his claims for a 2027 race seat. Lawson has had an impressive season with Racing Bulls, outscoring his rookie team-mate Arvid Lindblad by 83 points to 38.
Kyren Wilson speaks out after criticism over cue incident during International Championship
Kyren Wilson says he apologised to the referee over throwing his cue on the table after losing a frame at the International Championship in China. While 57 points behind with 27 remaining in his first round match against Liam Highfield, Wilson conceded the frame after his opponent Liam Highfield missed a yellow.
Wayne Rooney will have to abide by I'm A Celeb rule before show starts that ITV can't enforce
Wayne Rooney is set to follow in wife Coleen's footsteps by entering I'm A Celebrity later this month - but he is in a unique position before his trip to the Australian jungle when it comes to one of ITV's pre-show rules. According to The Sun, the Manchester United and England legend is one of the 12 celebrities who have signed up for the 2026 edition of the show, which gets underway on November 16.
Lewis Hamilton's biggest complaint over Charles Leclerc penalty has been perfectly proven as data emerges
Lewis Hamilton's biggest complaint about the FIA's decision to award Charles Leclerc a five-second penalty for their lap one incident at the Mexico City Grand Prix has been proven even further by new data. Hamilton finished second in Mexico City behind Max Verstappen, with Leclerc eventually crossing the line in fourth.
Lewis Hamilton's biggest complaint over Charles Leclerc penalty has been perfectly proven as data emerges
6 hours ago More angles of that intense first-lap fight between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in Mexico... For more F1® videos, visit: https://www.Formula1.com Visit our store: https://f1store.formula1.com/ Follow F1®: https://www.instagram.com/F1 https://www.facebook.com/Formula1/ https://www.twitter.com/F1 https://www.twitch.tv/formula1 https://www.tiktok.com/@f1 #F1 #MexicoGP
Max Verstappen's unaired team radio from Liam Lawson incident reveals what really happened
Unaired team radio from Max Verstappen's collision with Liam Lawson during Mexico City Grand Prix practice tells the full story behind what caused their incident. Both Verstappen and Lawson have been handed a one-place grid penalty for the collision, which occurred during the second free practice session on Friday. Red Bull driver Verstappen attempted to overtake Racing Bulls' Lawson into turns 12 and 13, but found himself being forced off the track by the New Zealander.
Esteban Ocon made telling comment in unaired Mexico GP team radio before Haas replaced him
Esteban Ocon was involved in a tense radio exchange with Haas race engineer Laura Muller during Friday practice for the Mexico City Grand Prix - the day before he was replaced by the American team. Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa, who competed in free practice one in Mexico City, will replace Ocon for the remainder of the weekend in Mexico, starting from FP3. No official reason has been given by Haas for the decision, though it is understood that the Frenchman is not ill.
Esteban Ocon immediately replaced by Haas for Mexico GP with driver set to make F1 debut
Esteban Ocon has been replaced by Haas just hours before qualifying at the Mexico City Grand Prix, with Ryo Hirakawa stepping in to make his Formula 1 debut. The Frenchman completed both practice sessions without incident on Friday in Mexico City, but now finds himself without a race seat for the remainder of the weekend. Japanese driver Hirakawa, who competed in free practice one for Haas, will replace Ocon and partner Oliver Bearman.
Man Utd fans can't believe what one player did before first Chelsea goal as 'damning' angle emerges
Alternate footage of Chelsea's first goal in their Premier League clash against Manchester United has emerged courtesy of the referee cam - and it shows that at least two players were at fault. Romeo Lavia won the ball in midfield before finding Morgan Rogers, who ran at United's defence from just beyond halfway before flicking the ball over goalkeeper Senne Lammens and into the net.
David Warner unleashes on 'deplorable' and 'disgraceful' Australia players in rant after South Africa collapse
David Warner has made his feelings perfectly clear on Australia's batting line-up after they were bowled out for just 111 in the fourth innings of their third and final Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Australia started day five needing 288 to win the third Test and secure a 2-1 series win, but lost Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne in the first over of their chase.
Isack Hadjar sent to FIA stewards as incident with fan in Mexico GP paddock emerges
Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar has been summoned to visit the FIA stewards amid a clip of him pushing aside a fan in the paddock at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Footage of Hadjar walking back to the Red Bull garage after second practice on Friday emerged on social media, with a fan approaching the Frenchman for a photo. The fan put his arm around Hadjar and attempted to take the photo with his phone, but the Red Bull driver appeared to decline the request and gestured for the fan to move aside.
Fallon Sherrock speaks out on 'backlash' after 'Beat Luke Littler' win as Barry Hearn responds to fan
Matchroom chairman Barry Hearn has responded to a fan's comment about Netflix's 'Beat Luke Littler' show, which saw Fallon Sherrock defeat Littler over a single leg to win £501,000. Sherrock scooped the biggest jackpot of her career by taking out a 43 checkout - via the three and double 20 route - to beat Littler, who had already defeated 13 of the 20 possible contenders he could face on the night.
Fallon Sherrock's illness battle explained as she wins 'Beat Luke Littler' on Netflix to claim £501,000
Fallon Sherrock was resigned to taking an extended break from darts midway through 2025 due to health issues - only to receive positive news before New Year ran out. Sherrock defeated Luke Littler over one leg on Netflix to win £501,000 - a life-changing sum of money for a player that has now tripled her career prize money earnings just from playing darts.
Fallon Sherrock's emotional admission after beating Luke Littler for £501,000 sums up the event perfectly
Fallon Sherrock's first words after winning £501,000 by beating Luke Littler on Netflix perfectly underlined - if it was needed - the life-changing nature of the show. Littler had beaten 13 out of 20 competitors before taking on Sherrock, who won a public vote ahead of Germany's Jarod Becker to become the 14th contender in Manchester. 'The Queen of the Palace' got closest to the bullseye before the leg in order to throw first, and took full advantage to be the first player at a double.
Harry Kane won the Ballon d'Or by one of the closest margins ever as official voting figures revealed
Harry Kane won the 2026 men's Ballon d'Or award by just 28 points ahead of Kylian Mbappe. Bayern Munich and England striker Kane lifted the trophy for the first time in his career in the London Palladium on Monday evening. France Football's editor-in-chief revealed that the gap between Kane and second-placed Kylian Mbappe was 'very little', and lower than the 41-point advantage that winner Rodri held over Vinicius Junior in 2024.
Ricky Evans among four big names in danger of missing World Darts Championship as it stands
Ricky Evans is among the high-profile darts stars who are currently set to miss the 2027 World Darts Championship as it stands. The 36-year-old, who is always one of the most popular players among the Alexandra Palace crowd, has lost in the first round of each of the last eight PDC tournaments he has entered. After losing 6-4 to Dirk van Duijvenbode at Players Championship 32 on Wednesday, 'Rapid' posted to Twitter (X) that he was hoping to soon play 'properly...
The nine iconic players you might have no idea are still in Football Manager 27
Football Manager 27 is now free-to-play via Launch Preview until November 3 - meaning players across the world are already getting their first saves underway. Whether you opt for a top-flight team at first to learn the new game mechanics, or jump straight into a lower league journeyman save, there are hundreds of thousands of players available for you to sign.
Harry Kane could now achieve rare double honour not seen in 33 years after Ballon d'Or win
Harry Kane's Ballon d'Or win could give him the opportunity to end a lengthy wait among English footballers that stretches back to 1994. Kane won the men's Ballon d'Or award for the first time in his career on Monday night in London, fending off competition from Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal. The question will now be what comes next for England's highest-ever goalscorer.
Harry Kane's first Football Manager rating re-emerges after Ballon d'Or win
Harry Kane is the winner of the 2026 Ballon d'Or - after over 600 club appearances, six different clubs and 91 caps for England. Kane's path to the top is an inspiring one for any young player. After starting out in Tottenham's academy, he spent loan spells at Leyton Orient, Norwich, Millwall and Leicester before being given an extended opportunity in the Spurs first team by Tim Sherwood - one of the many coaches he mentioned in his Ballon d'Or-winning speech.
Glen Durrant names the top contenders to beat Luke Littler on Netflix show
Glen Durrant has named the five players that he believes have the best chance of winning the £501,000 prize on Netflix's 'Beat Luke Littler' show. Littler will take on a maximum of 24 selected players, each over a single leg, consecutively when he takes to the oche at 8pm on Friday night. The competition will end as soon as one of the 24 players beats Littler and wins the £501,000 prize for themselves.
Journalist who voted in Ballon d'Or says he made 'mistake' after surprise top 10 list revealed
The Croatian journalist who voted for the men's Ballon d'Or award has admitted he made a 'mistake' after his top 10 list - in which none of the actual top three featured prominently - was revealed. The men's award was won by Harry Kane for the first time in his career, while Alexia Putellas won her record-equalling third women's crown at the London Palladium. While the full list of votes for both awards are yet to emerge, some votes have been published online.
Thierry Henry speaks out over Lamine Yamal joke at Ballon d'Or as Kate Scott responds
Thierry Henry has spoken out to address the response to a joke he made to Lamine Yamal after he won the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. Yamal won the Kopa Trophy - awarded to the world's best young player - for the third consecutive year at the ceremony, which was held at the London Palladium on Monday night. He dedicated his award to Barcelona team-mate Pau Cubarsi and said he should have won it instead, which visibly surprised Henry.
Major update emerges on James Anderson's cricket future after Lancashire exit confirmed
James Anderson has taken over as co-owner of a team in the brand-new Italia T10 League and could play for the team - in what is his first major cricketing decision since Lancashire announced they would not be renewing his contract. The Red Rose county confirmed on Sunday, following initial reports from The Times, that Anderson had been informed that he would not be receiving a contract for the 2027 season.
'I'm stunned...' - Simon Katich unleashes on Australia, selectors after controversial decisions vs South Africa
Simon Katich says he is 'stunned' by Australia's team choice for the third Test against South Africa - adding that he can't understand what the selectors are trying to do. Australia made four changes from their innings defeat in the second Test in Gqeberha, which levelled the series scores at 1-1 with one Test to play.
Mystery behind Isack Hadjar's confusing US GP radio message revealed after Red Bull issue
The mystery behind Isack Hadjar's radio messages with Red Bull race engineer Richard Wood during the United States Grand Prix has now been clarified. An exasperated Hadjar exchanged several messages with his engineer following his first pit stop, where he questioned why he had been put on the hard tyres for his second and final stint.
Every word of Harry Kane's 12-minute Ballon d'Or-winning speech as he becomes first English winner in 25 years
Harry Kane has won the Ballon d'Or for the first time in his career after an incredible season with Bayern Munich. Kane scored 61 goals in all competitions for Bayern last season in helping them to win the Bundesliga, and reached the semi-finals of the World Cup with England. He fended off fierce competition from Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal, who were both among the favourites to win the award for what would also have been the first time in their careers.
Bukayo Saka reads out emotional letter from 14-year-old after winning Socrates Award at Ballon d'Or
Bukayo Saka has become the latest winner of the Socrates Award for humanitarian work - and ended his acceptance speech by reading out the inspiring story of a young child who had been helped by a charity the Arsenal star supports. The Gunners winger is a partner of the BigShoe charity, which describes itself as 'a worldwide network of football stars, fans and partners that stand up for children from disadvantaged regions'.
Lamine Yamal shocks Thierry Henry with one of the most remarkable Ballon d'Or speeches of all-time
Lamine Yamal surprised co-host Thierry Henry when he said his Kopa Trophy award for the best young player at the Ballon d'Or should have been given to a Barcelona team-mate instead. Yamal was announced as the winner of the Kopa Trophy for the third consecutive year at the London Palladium. But the 19-year-old, who is also a leading contender for the Ballon d'Or, shocked everyone by using most of his speech to dedicate it to another player instead.
Julian Nagelsmann's Man Utd stance is clear amid 'growing support' among club chiefs
Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly receiving 'growing support' from the Manchester United hierarchy to replace Michael Carrick as the new head coach at Old Trafford. Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe, who are both out of work after leaving Germany and Newcastle respectively in the summer, are reported to be the current frontrunners to replace Carrick as head coach.
Ballon d'Or organisers issue statement after error goes viral hours before ceremony
Ballon d'Or organisers have issued a statement after articles commemorating Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe each as the winner of the 2026 men's award were published to their website. An article for each of the three favourites to win the men's award appeared on the official Ballon d'Or website at around 5:30pm UK time. They remained online for several minutes before being deleted, after organisers were made aware of the error. Now, a statement has appeared on the Ballon d'Or website.
The full set of criteria every Ballon d'Or voter must follow - and how much each one really matters
The 2026 men's and women's Ballon d'Or winners will be crowned at a special ceremony at the London Palladium on Monday - and each of the 150 assigned voters will have followed a strict set of criteria when deciding on their top 10. Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal are all vying to win the men's prize for what would be the first time in each of their respective careers, while Alexia Putellas is the favourite to win the women's award for a record-equalling third time.
Gary Anderson among three darts stars to make Players Championship Finals decision in surprise move
Gary Anderson is one of the headline absentees from the Players Championship 31 and 32 entry list - and it could well speak volumes about his plans for the rest of 2026. The two-time PDC world champion did not compete at the European Championship over the weekend in Dortmund, having not collected enough ranking points on the European Tour in 2026 to qualify.
Every word of Gary Neville's on-air rant about Man Utd vs Bournemouth as he names exactly who is to blame
Gary Neville could not hold back his frustration with Manchester United during the first half of their Premier League clash against Bournemouth, with Michael Carrick's side 2-0 down. Neville was on commentary for Sky Sports during the first half at Old Trafford, with goals from Rayan and Marcus Tavernier putting the Cherries two goals to the good.
Ashley Young savages Bruno Fernandes after spotting what he did before Man Utd kick-off
Ashley Young called out Bruno Fernandes live on-air after footage of the Manchester United captain entering Old Trafford for Sunday's Premier League clash against Bournemouth emerged. Fernandes has been dropped by United head coach Michael Carrick for the fixture at Old Trafford, and will start the game against the Cherries from the bench.
Luke Littler can achieve career history three more times at European Championship and it sums him up
Luke Littler will create his own piece of history with every win he now achieves at the European Championship after defeating Nathan Aspinall on Sunday night. Littler averaged a staggering 114.47 in his second-round win over Aspinall, defeating him 10-4 in Dortmund. The two-time reigning world champion will take on Poland's Krzysztof Ratajski in the quarter-final on Sunday afternoon, with Martin Schindler or Jonny Clayton awaiting the winner of that match in the final four.
Man Utd to relax controversial rule vs Bournemouth for one game amid Storm Boelo disruption
Manchester United have offered 'reassurances' that they will relax a controversial rule for supporters for Sunday's Premier League clash against Bournemouth, it has been stated. United take on the Cherries at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon with the effects of Storm Boelo still causing yellow weather warnings across the North West. But both United's fixture, and that of Liverpool versus Brighton, are set to go ahead as planned.
Stephen Bunting's next European Championship match holds extra significance as PDC scenario emerges
Stephen Bunting's European Championship quarter-final against Gerwyn Price will take on extra significance for 'The Bullet' - as it means he will be one victory away from an achievement that could yet define his next 12 months. Bunting progressed through the first two rounds in Dortmund with a 6-5 victory over Danny Noppert, before thrashing Kim Huybrechts 10-3 on Saturday afternoon.
Harvey Elliott given brutal verdict by Spanish media as Valencia spell hits new low after bizarre incident
Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott was shown two yellow cards in the space of around 10 seconds during Valencia's 2-1 home defeat to Villarreal on Saturday night. Elliott was brought on as a 70th-minute substitute during the loss, but was booked twice in quick succession after exchanging words with referee Alejandro Quintero Gonzalez. Valencia boss Javier Aguirre described the sending off as 'absurd' and 'ridiculous', and Spanish media have now had their say on the incident.
Neymar sent off for breaking rarely-seen rule after incident with player who called him out on live TV
Neymar Jr was sent off for Santos in their 1-1 draw against Bahia in the Brazilian top flight yesterday after confronting an opponent who publicly criticised him during a half-time interview. The 34-year-old, who is reaching the end of his second season back in Brazilian football, was sent off in the first minute of the second half with Santos 1-0 down.
Vincent Kompany 'in stable condition' after being taken to hospital following Bayern Munich training
Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany has been transported to hospital after collapsing following a training session, it has been reported. Kompany was taken to hospital by ambulance, it has been reported, with a helicopter having earlier landed at Bayern's training ground. According to Sky Sports Germany, the Belgian is in a stable condition. Kompany has been suffering from a viral infection and remained in the dugout during Saturday's 6-1 win over RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
Bayern Munich issue update after Vincent Kompany taken to hospital following training session
Donald Trump: US President says NFL Paris game on Sunday 'could have been postponed' amid civil unrest US President Donald Trump has said the NFL "could have probably postponed" Sunday's game in Paris between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans …
South Africa's enforced change for third Test could be the worst nightmare for every Australia player
South Africa will likely need to make one enforced change to their XI for the third Test against Australia - and it could prove to be the worst nightmare for the tourists. Australia lost the second Test in Gqeberha by an innings and 31 runs, having been bowled out for 99 in their first innings. Travis Head scored 121 in the second innings, but the match only lasted as long as the fifth day due to the opening two days being heavily rain-affected.
What every F1 driver has said about racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi as Carlos Sainz statement issued
Carlos Sainz has become the latest Formula 1 driver to address the increasingly uncertain prospect of Grands Prix taking place in Qatar and Abu Dhabi - only to then issue a slightly different view hours later. During Thursday's driver press conferences ahead of this weekend's United States Grand Prix, the Williams driver said that 'it's very difficult to be convinced' about racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi amid conflict in the Middle East, including recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Antonio Conte releases statement on replacing Michael Carrick at Manchester United
Antonio Conte says he is not in advanced negotiations with any club amid speculation that he could replace Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager - but the Italian has not definitively denied interest in taking charge at Old Trafford. Conte has been one of numerous managers reported as potential replacements for Carrick if Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, who head United's football department, decide to dispense with the current head coach's services.
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