Tag: wales

Wales set to swear in first black leader on Wednesday

For the first time in its history, Wales is set to appoint its first black leader after Vaughan Gething was announced as the winner of the Welsh Labour leadership election on Saturday.

Gething will replace departing 69 year-old Mark Drakeford who’s stepping down.

Drakeford announced in December that he would be stepping down from his position.

Elated Gething said he would have “the honour of becoming the first black leader in any European country” when he becomes Welsh first minister next week.

“Today, we turn a page in the book of our nation’s history. A history we write together,” he told Labour party members in Cardiff.

Labour heads the devolved administration in Cardiff and Gething is expected to be sworn in on Wednesday.

“His appointment as first minister of Wales, the first black leader in the UK, will be an historic moment that speaks to the progress and values of modern-day Wales,” UK Labour leader Keir Starmer said in a statement.

Gething was born in Zambia to a white father from Wales and a black Zambian mother.

Once he takes office, the leaders of three of the UK’s four governments will be non-white.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is of Indian descent, while the parents of Scotland’s pro-independence first minister Humza Yousaf migrated from Pakistan.

Drakeford’s departure will herald the latest political transition in the UK.

Yousaf took office last year while Michelle O’Neill made history last month by becoming Northern Ireland’s first Irish nationalist leader.

Opinion polls tip Starmer to succeed Sunak, a Conservative, as UK prime minister following an election due this year.

Drakeford has been first minister since December 2018, and seen four UK prime ministers come and go.

His tenure was dominated by the effects of austerity policies of the Conservative government in London, then Brexit and the Covid pandemic.

Drakeford’s regular televised appearances throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and his cautious approach to lifting restrictions, boosted his prominence among the Welsh public.

But his popularity slumped after he refused to back down on a decision to impose lower speed limits in built-up areas.

In 1998, Tony Blair’s Labour government devolved a number of powers, including healthcare, transport and social policies, from London to new legislatures in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.

The UK government sets policies for England, and retains control over countrywide issues such as foreign policy and defence.

March 16, 2024
Gareth Bale retires from professional football

Former Real Madrid, Tottenham and LAFC forward, Gareth Bale has retired from professional football at the prime age of 33.

Bale was a member of the Welsh team that participated at the just concluded World Cup in Qatar 2022.

According to Bale the decision to quit international football is a hard one.

According to him, his decision to quit International Football is by far the hardest decision he has made in his career.

He said “My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life, but who l am,” he added.

Bale wrote on social media: “After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.

“From my very first touch at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between, shaped a club career that I have an immense pride and gratitude for. Playing for and captaining my country 111 times has truly been a dream come true.

“To show my gratitude to all of those that have played their part along this journey, feels like an impossibility. I feel indebted to many people for helping to change my life and shape my career in a way I couldn’t have ever dreamed of when I first started out at nine years old.

“To my previous clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and finally LAFC. All of my previous managers and coaches, back room staff, team mates, all the dedicated fans, my agents, my amazing friends and family, the impact you have had is immeasurable.

“My parents and my sister, without your dedication in those early days, without such a strong foundation, I wouldn’t be writing this statement right now, so thank you for putting me on this path and for your unwavering support.

“My wife and my children, your love and support has carried me through. Right beside me for all the highs and lows, keeping me grounded along the way. You inspire me to be better, and to make you proud.

“So, I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure.”

Bale added: “To my Welsh family,

“My decision to retire from International football has been, by far the hardest of my career.

“How do I describe what being a part of this country and team means to me?

“How do I articulate the impact it has had on my life? How do I put in to words the way I felt, every single time I put on that Welsh shirt? My answer is that I couldn’t possibly do any of those things justice, simply with words. But I know that every person involved in Welsh football, feels the magic, and is impacted in such a powerful and unique way, so I know you feel what I feel, without using any words at all.

“My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who I am. The fortune of being Welsh and being selected to play for and captain Wales, has given me something incomparable to anything else I’ve experienced. I am honoured and humbled to have been able to play a part in the history of this incredible country, to have felt the support and passion of the red wall, and together have been to unexpected and amazing places.

“I shared a dressing room with boys that became brothers, and back room staff that became family, I played for the most incredible managers, and felt the undying support and love from the most dedicated fans in the world. Thank you to every one of you for being on this journey with me.

“So for now I am stepping back, but not away from the team that lives in me and runs through my veins. After all, the dragon on my shirt is all I need.

“Together stronger, Diolch.”

“I’m completely shocked, really, really shocked at the news. I think one year ago I was one who probably said he might be thinking of retiring and it might be in the back of his mind. I know it was, but I still didn’t think it was actually going to happen, especially now that he has moved to LA over the last few months.

“But he did what he was supposed to do, win trophies, do well and inspire a team. He went and won the MLS, but I actually thought he was going to stay, so I’m very, very surprised.”

January 9, 2023
Qatar 2022: Gareth Bale angrily pushed away TV camera after England defeat

Wales captain Gareth Bale angrily pushed a TV camera away from his face during their World Cup loss to England.

The Welsh were outclassed by their neighbors, losing 3-0 thanks to a double from Marcus Rashford and a Phil Foden strike.

Bale, who was subbed off at half time when the scores were 0-0, was unhappy at the final whistle.

According to Tribalfootball, a cameraman was following him as he went to walk down to his teammates, but he immediately pushed it away from his face.

The 33-year-old is likely to retire at the end of the tournament, as he was keeping himself fit for the World Cup.

Speaking post-game, Bale stated: “Everyone is disappointed. I think we’re all proud of what we’ve achieved to get here. We have to look at how far we’ve come.

“Of course, we would have loved to have gone past the group but football is difficult.

“Teams go through good runs and bad runs and we didn’t quite live up to our expectations this tournament.

“But we’ll take massive experience from it and going forward we need to look at how far we’ve come.

“To be at a World Cup, if you’d asked us that two years ago, we’d have all pinched ourselves. It’s disappointing to go out but we’ll all walk out of that changing room with our heads held high and proud of each other.”

November 30, 2022
Qatar 2022: England spell Iran in 6-2 thrashing in group B opener

England got their aspiration of winning the FIFA World Cup to a dream start by thrashing Asian nation Iran 6-2 in a group B game.

Iran was hit by an early minute trouble when their goalkeeper, Alireza Beiranvand had a concussion after a clash of heads with team-mate Majid Hosseini.

Jude Bellingham got England off the mark in this World Cup with a soaring header from Luke Shaw’s cross 10 minutes before the break and the game was wrapped up before half-time thanks to Bukayo Saka’s fine strike and Raheem Sterling’s classy volley with outside of his foot from Harry Kane’s cross.

Mehdi Taremi scored a beautiful consolation goal inside 65 minutes to the delight of the Iranian fans present at the stadium but the three lions responded with two quick goals from Bukayo Saka and substitute Marcus Rashford.

To put the gloss on an incredibly dominant display, Jack Grealish slotted home from close range after a good run and pull back by Callum Wilson.

Teremi then scored the second goal of the campaign from the penalty spot after John stones committed a foul in the match.

England is on top of Group B with three points and four goal difference; they now await the outcome of other group members, Wales and USA.

November 21, 2022
Juve withdraw No 8 jersey from Aaron Ramsey

Serie A side, Juventus haven’t given Aaron Ramsey a shirt number for preseason.

The Welshman spent the second-half of last season on-loan with Rangers.

Ramsey isn’t wanted by Juve and been encouraged to find himself a new club.

Calciomercato.com says the former Arsenal star was left absent on the Juventus squad number list, with his number eight being vacant.

Juve are pushing Ramsey to accept a €4m payoff for the final year of his deal.

July 2, 2022
Ryan Giggs resigns as Wales manager over domestic violence charge

Former Manchester United footballer, Ryan Giggs, has resigned as Wales manager following an alleged domestic violence trial.

The ex-Manchester United player is accused of controlling and coercive behaviour against his former girlfriend, Kate Greville.

Giggs, on Monday, announced he is standing down as Wales manager with immediate effect.

Giggs was spotted leaving Manchester Crown Court where he was appearing on charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm to his ex-girlfriend, Kate Greville, common assault to her sister Emma Greville, and controlling or coercive behaviour.

The case will go to trial at the same court on January 24.

The former Manchester United player has been on leave from his post since November 2020 and faces a domestic violence trial in Manchester on 8 August.

In his place, Wales’ caretaker manager Robert Page masterminded his country’s playoff win over Ukraine to book their place at this year’s World Cup in Qatar – the first time Wales have qualified for the finals since 1958.

Giggs is accused of controlling and coercive behaviour against his former girlfriend Kate Greville between August 2017 and November 2020.

He is also accused of assaulting Ms Greville, causing her actual bodily harm, and of the common assault of her younger sister, Emma Greville, at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on 1 November 2020.

The 48-year-old has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

At the time he was charged, the former footballer said he “looked forward to clearing my name”.

In a statement, Giggs said he resigned as it is “only right that the Wales FA, the coaching staff and the players prepare for the tournament with certainty, clarification and without speculation around the position of their head coach”.

He added: “Whilst I am confident in our judicial process, I had hoped that the case would have been heard earlier to enable me to resume my managerial responsibilities.

“Through nobody’s fault the case has been delayed.

“I do not want the country’s preparations for the World Cup to be affected, destabilised or jeopardised in any way by the continued interest around this case.”

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) acknowledged Giggs’ statement, adding: “The FAW places on record its gratitude to Ryan Giggs for his tenure as manager of the Cymru Men’s National Team and appreciates the decision he has taken, which is in the best interests of Welsh football.

“The full focus of the FAW and the Cymru Men’s National Team is on the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.”

June 21, 2022
No retirement, no transfer – Gareth Bale

Wales captain Gareth Bale says he never considered international retirement.

On the eve of a crucial World Cup qualifier with Belarus on Sunday, the 32-year-old put his cards on the table in a passionate press conference.

In it, Bale revealed he never had any plans to retire from Wales duty and opened up on his return to the fold at Real Madrid under their new manager Carlo Ancelotti who has made him feel loved again.

After spending last season on loan at Tottenham, Bale said talking about his next domestic destination would only cause “chaos”.

“Everyone just seems to make up stories when they want. They make up some wild things. I never planned to finish,” Bale said. “I just wanted to concentrate on the Euros and didn’t want to explain myself. I didn’t feel like I needed to. I still don’t feel like I need to.

“No matter what I said I was going to do, whether I was going to stay, leave, retire or whatever, I think it would have caused a big, annoying and distracting story. For me it was better not to say anything and concentrate on the job in hand. Of course I want to play in a World Cup for Wales, not just for myself but for the country as a whole. I think it would be an incredible experience for the nation. We’re fully focused on trying to do that.”

September 5, 2021
Euro 2020: Italy send Austria out in extra time as Denmark thrash Wales

Italy needed extra time to see off battling Austria at Wembley and set up a Euro 2020 quarter-final against Belgium or Portugal.

Austria marked their first appearance in the knockout stage of the European Championship with a tireless performance to give their much-fancied opponents a scare.

Marko Arnautovic had a headed goal disallowed after a VAR check for offside in normal time when the game was goalless before goals from substitutes Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina sent Italy through.

Wales were eliminated in the second round of Euro 2020 as they were thrashed by Denmark, whose inspiring journey at the tournament continues to the quarter-finals.

Backed by a fervent and almost exclusively Danish crowd, Kasper Hjulmand’s side led as Kasper Dolberg curled in a fine 27th-minute strike from the edge of the penalty area.

Dolberg struck again in the 48th minute as he seized on a defensive error from Wales substitute Neco Williams to smash in from close range.

That goal deflated Wales, who never looked like clawing their way back into the game as Joakim Maehle added a late third for the jubilant Danes.

Substitute Harry Wilson was then shown a straight red card for a late foul on Maehle before Martin Braithwaite struck a fourth goal in added time as Wales’ campaign ended miserably.

June 26, 2021
Euro 2020: We’re used to being called underdogs, Bale says as Wales clash with Denmark today

Gareth Bale has embraced Wales’ underdogs tag, with Euro 2020 rivals Denmark counting on support from all over Europe following Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest.

Inter Milan midfielder Eriksen collapsed on the pitch during Denmark’s tournament opening goal against Finland in Copenhagen on June 12 and is currently recovering at home.

Denmark qualified for the knockout stage on a wave of emotion and have become a lot of people’s “second team” after what happened to Eriksen.

But skipper Bale, speaking ahead of Saturday’s round-of-16 clash in Amsterdam, said Wales were familiar with being underdogs.

“That’s normal anyway,” said the Real Madrid forward.

“We’re always the underdogs and (are) used to that tag. It doesn’t make a difference to us.

“Obviously we understand the situation that happened with them and we’ve sent all our best wishes to Christian.

“What a great job the Denmark team did with that. But it won’t have any bearing on the game.

“The players have been in situations before, where teams are favourites and supported more.

“Against Turkey they had 18,000 fans in the stadium (when Wales won their group game in Baku 2-0). So, it makes no difference.

“When it comes to kick-off, it will be just us players on the pitch focusing on the game.”

Eriksen was the star performer in both games when Denmark completed a UEFA Nations League double over Wales in 2018.

The Danes triumphed 2-0 in Aarhus and 2-1 in Cardiff and have won six of the 10 games between the two countries.

“The last time we played them we were in more of a transition and younger players were coming in,” Bale said.

“With the time that’s passed, we’ve got better and improved as a team.

“We’ve got more players now and we’re more comfortable with each other.

“Hopefully, we can prove on the pitch that we’re a much better team.”

Wales must attempt to claim a first-ever win in the Netherlands without any of their fans present in a 16,000-strong crowd at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Supporters coming from Wales are banned because the United Kingdom is not on the safe list of countries.

Denmark, as a country in the European Union, are able to have their citizens avoid quarantine in Holland by spending less than 12 hours in the country.

Around 4,400 Denmark fans are expected in Amsterdam.

“We don’t have our fans in the stadium, which is disappointing,” said Bale, who confirmed that Wales had practised penalty kicks in the event of a shootout contest after extra-time.

“But, as players, that’s something we’re a little bit used to.

“We know the occasion we’re in, at a big tournament, and every game we play we feel it’s a big game.

“We just have to play the game and not think of the occasion.”

June 26, 2021
Euro 2020: Wales into last 16 despite defeat to Italy

Italy made eight changes to their side but they were still too strong for Wales as they defeated the Welsh 1-0 in the final Group A encounter.

Italy had already qualified for the last 16 and despite the narrow scoreline had little trouble in retaining their 100% record in the Group and their 8th win over Wales in 10 games.

Wales battled in the first half to keep themselves in the game as they struggled with the long Italian diagonal ball played to either far post.

Chances came and went for the Italians in that opening period with Belotti, Emerson, Chiesa and Pessina all going close and it was the latter who broke the deadlock on 39 minutes.

A clever free kick by Verratti was sent in low for Pessina to meet the ball with a neat flick across keeper Ward and into the far corner. The same player almost repeated the feat a couple of minutes later but just failed to make contact.

For Wales the nearest they came was header narrowly over by Gunter from a corner.

Nothing changed after the break and Bernardeschi immediately hit the post from a free kick. Then came a Wales chance. Ramsey was through on keeper Donnarumma but from a tight angle he lost the ball and the chance was gone.

It then got worse for Wales as they were reduced to ten men on 55 minutes as Ampadu was shown red for stamping on the ankle of Bernardeschi.

Ward saved from Belotti after a quick Italian break used their one man advantage to the full. But it was Wales who should have levelled but the unmarked Bale fired a volley over from 10 yards.

Italy comfortably played out time and really should have scored more but credit the battling Wales rearguard with preventing this and who also qualify for the last 16 despite this defeat.

June 20, 2021