Newcastle United: Is this the price you pay for success?
A two-word statement from the Newcastle United Twitter account marked a historic day for the city: “Newcastle UNITED.” Ask any Geordie, and I guarantee you they will be able to…
What is a club, in any case?
On the hill from which St. James Park dominates the Newcastle skyline, a statue of the late Sir Bobby Robson gazes towards the Tyne. He remains a man spoken about…
State-owned football: an SOS for Europe?
Two of European football’s top sides have in recent years been essentially bankrolled to success by nation-states. The Qatari Investment Authority have owned French giant Paris Saint Germain since 2011,…
Spain, Saudi Arabia, and social responsibility in football
It has recently been announced that the annual Spanish Super Cup – essentially Spain’s version of the glorified pre-season friendly that is the Community Shield – will be held in…
This Month in Global News: the wider world this October
Trump of the Tropics: former soldier, Jair Bolsonaro, was elected as Brazil’s new president on October 28 after a month of escalating tension and violence which culminated in his clear…
The hidden agendas behind research funding
In March of last year it was revealed that, of the £290,000 donations to the Princess Dashkova Russian Centre in the University of Edinburgh, over £250,000 was given by the…
Questions of citizenship and humanity surround Sophia the humanoid robot
Sophia the humanoid robot designed by Hanson Robotics has become a powerful international figure. It spoke at the United Nations, traveled the world chatting with talk show hosts, and even…
Premier League to blame for Clattenburg’s exit
The impending departure of Mark Clattenburg from the Premier League has signaled the start of a shift in power towards officials. Clattenburg has decided to leave England and become head…