Liverpool have been dealt another injury blow ahead of the EFL Cup final clash with Chelsea, with a "fantastic" player now ruled out this weekend.
Liverpool injury news
The Reds are trying their utmost to battle across four different competitions this season, but injuries are making it increasingly difficult to shine in all of them.
Jurgen Klopp is currently with a host of brilliant players all over the pitch, with the influential Alisson missing in goal because of a hamstring issue. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also absent at right-back, while backup left-back option Kostas Tsimikas is still missing with a shoulder problem.
Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Meanwhile, Curtis Jones went off injured in last Saturday's 4-1 away to Brentford in the Premier League, as did Diogo Jota, while midfield trio Thiago, Dominik Szoboszlai and Stefan Bajcetic are all out, too. There are even some concerns about Darwin Nunez's involvement after he was replaced at half-time, but that may have been more precautionary than anything.
On Sunday, Liverpool head to Wembley to take on Chelsea in the EFL Cup final, and it has now been confirmed that one player is definitely out of proceedings.
Curtis Jones out of EFL Cup final
According to a report from The Daily Mail, Liverpool midfielder Jones has been ruled out for the EFL Cup final through injury, joining Jota and others on the sidelines.
conor-gallagher-curtis-jones-tottenham-opinion
"Jota and Jones were withdrawn in the first half of the 4-1 win at Brentford on Saturday with respective knee and ankle injuries. Liverpool will await further tests before putting a timescale on their recoveries but there are concerns Jota faces up to two months out with his knee injury."
This is an enormous blow for Liverpool, considering what an excellent season Jones is enjoying in the midfield, really coming of age as a player and looking like a key figure.
Appearances
17
Starts
12
Goals
1
Assists
1
Pass completion rate
90.8%
Tackles per game
1.2
Minutes played
959
While other injury problems have limited him to 12 starts in the Premier League, he has shone across 17 appearances in total. Jamie Carragher has lauded him, calling him "fantastic", and the hope is that his absence isn't too lengthy.
Not having both Jones and Szoboszlai in the middle of the park against Chelsea weakens Liverpool significantly, given the technical quality and work ethic they provide, and it looks likely that Wataru Endo will anchor the midfield with Alexis Mac Allister as a No.8, assuming both stay fit this week.
Ryan Gravenberch and Harvey Elliott could then battle for the remaining spot, and with the former doing well when he came on at Brentford – he won six out of nine duels – and the latter better as an impact substitute this season, the Dutchman getting the nod may make the most sense.
Jamie Carragher says he’s “heard” about 56 y/o becoming Liverpool manager
His football is “similar to Klopp’s style”.
ByHenry Jackson Feb 19, 2024
Liverpool desperately need these unavailable players back as soon as possible, though, or they could start running on empty with so many matches arriving across various competitions.
Oh to be Manchester United's misfiring striker, Rasmus Hojlund right now.
Burdened with being the man to lead Erik ten Hag's attack at the age of just 20 – having scored only nine league goals last season for Atalanta – it is fair to say that the £72 summer signing has not yet found his groove at Old Trafford.
While Ten Hag's first-choice target, Harry Kane, is off scoring a bucket-load in Germany – already boasting 22 Bundesliga goals this season – Hojlund, meanwhile, has only one Premier League goal to show for his efforts.
Most big chances missed in 2023/24 – Premier League
Players
Chances missed
League goals
Darwin Nunez
18
5
Erling Haaland
17
14
Ollie Watkins
13
9
Nicolas Jackson
13
7
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
9
3
Rasmus Hojlund
9
1
Alexander Isak
9
10
Stats via Premier League
There were signs of life on the continent as the youngster hit five during the Red Devils' dismal Champions League run, yet it is domestically where he will be truly judged, having also failed to fire during the recent FA Cup victory over Wigan Athletic.
That 2-0 triumph over the League One outfit could have been all the more comfortable had Hojlund had his shooting boots on, notably striking the crossbar with a header from close range, while also prodding an effort agonisingly wide with the goal at his mercy.
If it wasn't already evident prior to that performance, the Old Trafford outfit must now be aware that signing a new striker is a necessity, either this month or in the summer, particularly with the typically unreliable Anthony Martial also nowhere to be seen due to illness.
Latest on Man Utd's hunt for a striker
The Athletic revealed last week that United are yet again seeking a low-cost, short-term fix in the winter window, having previously snapped up the likes of Wout Weghorst and Odion Ighalo in desperate late deals in years gone by.
The likes of Serhou Guirassy, Eric-Maxim Choupo-Mouting and Thomas Muller are all said to have been considered by Ten Hag and co, while contact had even been made regarding a move for Timo Werner, prior to the German's recent loan switch to Tottenham Hotspur.
Man Utd could banish Martial by signing “one of the best strikers in the world”
Erik ten Hag is keen to improve his attack this winter by signing a Ligue 1 star.
By
Tom Lever
Jan 10, 2024
In truth, none of those options will have had supporters licking their lips, with both Choupo-Mouting and Muller well into their 30's, while – as The Athletic noted – there are fears that Guirassy may merely be enjoying something of a freak season.
One name that may spark some more excitement, however, is Joshua Zirkzee, with recent reports in Italy indicating that the Dutchman is of interest to those at Old Trafford, amid his sparkling form for Bologna.
Valued at around €20m (£17m) according to CIES Football Observatory, the 22-year-old is said to have a €40m (£34m) release clause in his current deal, although further reports have indicated that the Italian outfit would be looking for closer to £50m, amid interest from Arsenal.
Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee
While the cash-strapped United may have to bide their time until the summer to land the 6 foot 4 striker, he would certainly be worth the wait.
Joshua Zirkzee could be the next Zlatan
Amid the woes of Hojlund, signing another striker from Serie A may have alarm bells wringing, yet all the indications point to a player who has the tools to be a real superstar in a United shirt.
Despite previously failing to flourish at Bayern, for whom he made just 17 first-team appearances, Zirkzee truly came to life during the 2021/22 campaign while on loan at Anderlecht, scoring 18 goals in all competitions under the watchful eye of then-boss, Vincent Kompany.
A move to Italy soon followed, and while two goals in 19 league games last term is nothing to write home about, a return of eight goals and four assists so far in 2023/24 has certainly caught the attention, as to have the plaudits that have flooded his way.
A towering, yet elegant marksman, the former Netherlands U21 international has even earned comparisons to a certain Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with Torino boss Ivan Juric only recently stating:
“Those who are good (coaches), take these talents, cultivate them and manage to make them explode. In some moves, I see Ibra again. He is an atypical striker who also manages to score many goals.”
The now-retired Swede – who is also a physical frontman at 6 foot 5 – previously shone during his brief stint in Manchester, scoring 28 goals in all competitions in 2016/17, as Jose Mourinho's side claimed the League Cup and Europa League.
What was also evident from that short spell was the veteran's link-up play as he also contributed ten assists that season, with that also a trait that Zirkzee shares, notably providing 13 assists during his time in Belgium.
Not only could the Bologna gem prove to be United's next Zlatan if a deal was to be agreed, but he could also rival a man who is ripping up the league on the other side of the city, having been favourably compared to Manchester City's, Erling Haaland.
How Zirkzee compares to Haaland
It doesn't take a genius to see that Zirkzee is nowhere close to hitting the type of goal returns that Haaland has enjoyed in his career to date, with the Norwegian already smashing in 71 goals in just 75 games during his time at the Etihad.
Manchester City forward Erling Haaland.
That said, the Dutchman's all-round game could potentially be superior – that's the view of reporter Suleyman Ozturk, at least, who has sensationally claimed that the former Bayern man is "better than Haaland at everything":
“Now you may be dismayed because of this statement. But I will frame it. (Zirkzee) has vision, technique, strength, charisma, flair, footballing ability. He is therefore better than Haaland in almost everything.
“Imagine if Zirkzee had the energy and focus of Haaland. Then he would be the best striker in the world.”
On the eye test, Zirkzee certainly passes with flying colours, seemingly possessing an ability to glide across the park, with data analyst Ben Mattinson hailing him as "one of the most complete" strikers of the season, due to his array of strengths – "A creator, physical presence, ball-striking, dribbling & taking on defenders".
That is reflected statistically, as the one-time Parma loanee ranks in the top 18% among his European peers for successful take-ons per 90, and in the top 22% for progressive passes per 90, rubberstamping his silky quality in possession.
Haaland, meanwhile, is less likely to impact proceedings in the build-up, as he ranks in just the bottom 24% and the bottom 22% for those same two metrics, respectively, instead acting as an undoubtedly clinical penalty box poacher.
It can be seen then in that regard that Zirkzee may have more strings to his bow than the 23-year-old, with the next step now to truly begin to flourish as a prolific presence in front of goal in his own right.
Such talents, of course, are unlikely to come cheap, but this Ibrahimovic heir may well be the man to ease the burden on Hojlund's young shoulders.
da casino： Após testar positivo para Covid-19 e cumprir o isolamento social, olateral-direito Samuel Xavier se reapresentou ao Fluminense na manhã desta segunda-feira. O atleta realizou testes físicos no CT Carlos Castilho, na Barra de Tijuca, e se juntará, nesta terça, à equipe que derrotou o Flamengo pela terceira rodada do Carioca.
> Confira a classificação do Campeonato Carioca
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da bwin： Vale destacar que o lateral é um dos reforços para atemporada 2021, visando a disputa da Copa Libertadores. O jogador testou positivo para o Coronavírus no início de março, e ainda não pode fazer a sua estreia com a camisa Tricolor. Caso estivesse apto, ele estaria no grupo sub-23, que iniciou o Carioca, mas a partir desta terça estará à disposição do técnico Roger Machado.
> Confira mais notícias sobre o Fluminense
O outro grupo de atletas do elenco profissional se reapresenta nesta quarta-feira. Eles ganharam mais dez dias de folga depois do Palmeiras ser campeão da Copa do Brasil, e o clube garantir uma vaga na fase de grupos da Copa Libertadores.
O Tricolor das Laranjeiras volta a campo no próximo sábado diante do Bangu, às 21h05, pela quarta rodada do Campeonato Carioca. Apesar do time principal se reapresentar nesta quarta, a escalação deve ser composta novamente por um time de reservas.
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka, according to journalist Fabrice Hawkins.
The lowdown: Rising star
A product of the Auxerre academy, the Paris-born youngster joined the Europa League winners in 2018 and has rapidly developed a burgeoning reputation in the Bundesliga.
Since arriving in Germany, the 22-year-old has made 139 appearances for Frankfurt, directly contributing to an impressive 19 goals from a predominantly central defensive role.
[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news-2/” title=”Latest Man Utd news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]
Fast approaching the final year of his contract (Transfermarkt), it appears inevitable that the next step in a blossoming career is on the horizon…
The latest: United cited
Taking to Twitter, French journalist Hawkins confirmed interest from the Red Devils, AS Monaco and Tottenham in acquiring the services of Ndicka.
He stated: “Evan Ndicka is very courted. Tottenham and Man Utd are tracking the Frankfurt defender, recent Europa League winner. In Monaco, his name comes up insistently if Benoît Badiashile is transferred. Ndicka does not rule out playing UCL with Frankfurt next season.”
The verdict: Exciting prospect
Signing the 6 foot 3 20-times capped France youth international would be a hugely promising statement as Erik ten Hag begins his tenure at Old Trafford by attempting to freshen up the squad.
Described as the ‘complete package’ by German reporter Christopher Michel, this is a move that would make an abundance of sense, particularly as Eric Bailly has been linked with a departure in recent days.
So far this season, Ndicka has scored four times and provided another four assists in 44 appearances across all competitions and played 100 minutes in the European final success over Rangers to earn a 6.90 Sofascore rating for a monstrous performance containing a massive seven clearances and seven successful aerial duels.
Partnering a talent of this magnitude alongside either Harry Maguire or compatriot Raphael Varane would be a tantalising prospect that Ten Hag and John Murtough should be doing everything possible to make a reality.
In other news: Man Utd source: Sensational transfer twist as Erik ten Hag now hijacking move for ‘golden boy’.
da betcris： O Corinthians não contará com o lateral-direito Fagner e o atacante Gustavo Mosquito na última partida da temporada, nesta quinta-feira, às 21h30, contra o Internacional, no Beira-Rio, em Porto Alegre, pela 38ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Ambos serão desfalques para o técnico Vagner Mancini.
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da pixbet： TABELA > Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão clicando aqui
GALERIA >Os melhores! Confira a Seleção do Brasileirão eleita pela redação do LANCE!
A dupla não se recuperou dos problemas que tiveram no empate em 0 a 0 entre Timão e Vasco, no último domingo, pela 37ª partida do Brasileirão, na Neo Química Arena, e não estão aptos a enfrentar o Colorado. Os atletas, inclusive, nem acompanharam a delegação corintiana em viagem para a capital gaúcha na tarde desta quarta-feira.
O departamento médico corintiano confirmou que Fagner tem um estiramento no adutor da coxa direita, enquanto Mosquito sente dores no joelho.
Na lateral-direita, o titular contra o Colorado tende a ser Michel Macedo, que já havia sido opção do técnico Vagner Mancini na derrota corintiana por 2 a 1 contra o Flamengo, há duas semanas, pela 36ª rodada do Brasileirão, quando Fagner estava suspenso pelo terceiro amarelo, e entrou no segundo tempo da partida diante o Cruz-Maltino, quando o camisa 23 sofreu a lesão.
Já a lacuna deixada por Mosquito, possui mais opções de substituições, como Gabriel Pereira, Otero ou até mesmo o deslocamento de Araos e Léo Natel, abrindo espaço para Cazares no meio e Jô como centroavante.
da esoccer bet： O Campeonato Brasileiro de 2020, entre outras coisas, ficou marcado pelo equilíbrio na briga pelo título. Flamengo, Internacional, São Paulo e Atlético Mineiro, principalmente, se revezaram constantemente no topo. No fim, porém, o campeão, mais uma vez, foi o Rubro-Negro Carioca.
Individualmente, também podemos dizer que foi uma competição parelha, com diversos nomes de várias equipes se destacando ao longo da disputa. Algo que fica muito claro quando olhamos para os números. Antes da bola rolar na última rodada, por exemplo, quatro jogadores dividiam a artilharia: Luciano, do São Paulo, Claudinho, do Red Bull Bragantino, Marinho, do Santos, e Thiago Galhardo, do Internacional. Os dois primeiros estufaram as redes mais uma vez e ficaram com o prêmio.
Outros três atletas terminaram o Brasileirão empatados em outro fundamento: o de passes para gol. Arrascaeta, do Flamengo, Keno, do Atlético Mineiro, e Vina, do Ceará, foram os maiores garçons do campeonato, com nove assistências cada um. Porém, apesar do momento mais importante do esporte ser o gol, nem só de tentos e passes vive o futebol. Por conta disso, o Números da Bola decidiu montar a “Seleção das Estatísticas”, um time formado apenas por jogadores que terminaram a competição no topo de algum ranking individual. Veja como ficou o selecionado:
SELEÇÃO DAS ESTATÍSTICAS DO BRASILEIRÃO 2020 – Dados do Footstats
1 – Tadeu (Goiás) – goleiro com mais defesas difíceis (51) 2 – Fagner (Corinthians) – lateral-direito com mais cruzamentos certos (57) 3 – Thiago Heleno (Athletico-PR) – jogador de linha com mais lançamentos certos (80) 4 – Junior Alonso (Atlético-MG) – jogador com mais passes certos (2413) 5 – Fernando Sobral (Ceará) – jogador com mais desarmes certos (99) 6 – Reinaldo (São Paulo) – lateral-esquerdo com mais cruzamentos certos (53) 7 – Keno (Atlético-MG) – jogador com mais dribles certos (53) 8 – Vina (Ceará) – jogador com mais passes para gol (9) 9 – Luciano (São Paulo) – artilheiro (18) 10 – Claudinho (Red Bull Bragantino) – jogador com mais passes para finalização (99) 11 – Arrascaeta (Flamengo) – jogador com mais passes para gol (9)
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Concerns are growing that the Bangladesh women’s team, due to tour Pakistan for 11 days starting October 23, may not visit after all. The tour, which comprises two T20Is and three ODIs, all in Lahore, was believed to be a near certainty to go ahead as far as both boards were concerned, but is still awaiting clearance from the Bangladesh government.The clearance was thought to be a formality despite the fact touring teams to Pakistan have, since 2009, needed extensive security guarantees from the PCB. Sri Lanka concluded a tour of Pakistan earlier this week that saw them play three ODIs in Karachi and three T20Is in Lahore, and although several leading players pulled out citing security concerns, the series itself went off without a hitch.The status of the women’s tour could also have an impact on the men’s team, pencilled in to tour Pakistan in January. BCB’s cricket operations committee chairman Akram Khan told reporters they would “only get the full details once the security team goes to Pakistan. As you all know, the BCB president mentioned how security is the top priority on tours after the New Zealand incident [when a terrorist killed 50 people inside two mosques in Christchurch]”.Khan would not be drawn on whether the women’s tour getting the go-ahead would de facto be a green light for the men’s series, too. “Security is definitely a concern but at the same time, we have to think about the development of women’s cricket. But I have said it repeatedly that only when we get the government’s green signal, will we go forward.”Ten days out from the women’s team’s scheduled arrival and with no confirmation, the PCB is understandably concerned. Aside from the logistical and financial hurdles delays would represent to the board, given the significant security effort that needs to go into assuring visiting teams are safe, the PCB is eager to begin a process of normalisation for international cricket in Pakistan. There was talk of Ireland visiting in the near future, and the PCB announced the entirety of the PSL would take place in Pakistan in 2020, in addition to a potential Test series against Sri Lanka.Even if the Bangladesh women’s tour was to proceed, the three Indian members of the support staff will not be travelling to Pakistan. Head coach Anju Jain, assistant coach Devika Palshikar, and trainer Kavita Pandey will be absent, the BCB saying they wanted to avoid visa-related difficulties because of the strained political ties between India and Pakistan. A number of Indian nationals involved in the TV production of the recently concluded Sri Lanka series were granted visas however.Earlier this year, Karachi hosted West Indies women for three T20Is. The Bangladesh women’s team last toured Pakistan in 2015, while the men’s side hasn’t visited since 2008.
da esport bet： Aston Villa will be looking to sell French midfielder Morgan Sanson in the summer transfer window as Steven Gerrard aims to rejig his playing squad.
What’s the word?
da betsson： According to former Villa striker Kevin Phillips, who was speaking to Football Insider, the 27-year-old midfielder will “definitely” leave the side in the upcoming summer transfer window, while suggesting that the manager will be “desperate” to sell him.
The club will reportedly accept bids around the £10m mark as they aim to cut their losses on the Frenchman.
Gerrard is desperate to sell
Gerrard is having a mixed spell at Villa so far since his arrival from Rangers in mid-November. A solid start was disrupted by a tough period over Christmas and New year, and while relegation was never really a threat, the former England captain will want to stamp his authority on the side ahead of an important campaign.
The manager will be desperate to sell Sanson, especially if a bid is going to be made on Philippe Coutinho and funds will need to be raised.
Unfortunately, it just hasn’t worked out for the midfielder at Villa Park since his arrival from Marseille in January 2021.
He has only featured in 21 matches for Villa during this underwhelming stint and after an injury in September, Dean Smith labelled it a “frustrating” time for the Frenchman.
During that time, he has only ever started six league games and has consistently underperformed, achieving a WhoScored average match rating of just 6.34 this term.
Gerrard and the club’s ownership, NSWE, will be hoping to cut their losses and gather the majority of the £16m transfer fee back that was spent on the player as the manager decides whether to plot a bid for loan star Coutinho.
With Villa’s most important transfer window fast approaching, recruitment will need to be spot on if Gerrard aims to push the side into the European spots next season and justify the decision to hire him in the first place.
If he has a slow start, then the board might have a decision to make.
AND in other news, “Gerrard really keen..“: Preece drops exciting Villa transfer claim, Lange must pounce
This season feels like it’s do-or-die for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.
The North Londoners have been a real force in the Premier League over the last few seasons, but after three second-placed finishes in a row, they need to get over the line.
Unfortunately, that is a lot easier said than done, as while Manchester City are no longer as much of a threat, Liverpool look incredible, and with Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak, arguably have the two best attackers in the league.
However, it is not all doom and gloom, because as long as he stays fit, Arsenal have a player in their ranks who could get to the level of those two.
Salah & Isak's 24/25
Unfortunately for Arteta and Co, the Egyptian superstar had what most would consider to be the greatest campaign of his career in 24/25.
For example, in 52 appearances, totalling 4501 minutes, the Red game-changing superstar amassed an out-of-this-world tally of 34 goals and 23 assists.
In other words, the 33-year-old winger was able to maintain an average of 1.09 goal involvements every game, or one every 78.96 minutes, which was a massive reason the Merseysiders won the league.
Another way to look at it is that, should the former AS Roma ace have another year like it this season, the Gunners may as well give up now.
While it sounds absurd to say, Isak’s campaign, while spectacular, wasn’t quite on the same level.
For example, before he burned his bridges with the Newcastle United supporters, the Swedish international managed to score 27 goals and provide six assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3324 minutes.
That comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.27 games, or every 100.72 minutes.
In short, Liverpool have two world-class attackers in Isak and Salah, but Arsenal have a star of their own who could emulate their importance this season.
The Arsenal star who could emulate Salah & Isak
The good news for Arteta is that he already has a number of players who could be described as some of the best in the world, such as William Saliba, Declan Rice, and Gabriel Magalhães.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
However, when it comes to the attack, it could be said that there is just one player from his squad who currently falls into that category: Bukayo Saka.
Yes, the player in question is none other than the Hale End superstar, and while he hasn’t quite hit the levels of a Salah yet, he’s getting closer and closer, and there is an argument that he is on Isak’s level already.
For example, in the 23/24 season, the Englishman managed to rack up a brilliant haul of 20 goals and 17 assists, in 47 appearances, totalling 3865 minutes.
That comes out to an unreal average of a goal involvement every 1.27 games, or every 104.45 minutes.
Then, despite missing almost four months of action last season and struggling to regain full fitness towards the end, he still scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists in 37 appearances, totalling 2,619 minutes.
In other words, the Gunners’ “legend in the making,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, averaged a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or every 100.73 minutes.
Appearances
267
Minutes
20271′
Goals
71
Assists
72
Goal Involvements per Match
0.53
Minutes per Goal Involvements
141.75′
To do that in a normal season would be incredible, but to manage those numbers in a campaign in which you’re injured for large parts and are without a striker in others is undoubtedly world-class.
Finally, while he is no longer ‘young’ in a footballing sense, he is still two years out from when we’d expect him to hit his peak, per research from The Athletic.
Therefore, as long as he can remain fit, we see no reason why he cannot once again surpass Isak from an output perspective and match Salah in terms of overall impact.
Ultimately, Saka isn’t the finished article just yet, but it feels like a matter of when, not if, he leads Arsenal to glory.
Agents tell Arsenal they can sign £36m France star who loves Saliba like a "brother"
He’s very close to the Gunners’ star centre-back who’s set to sign a new deal.
New Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan will feature independent commission and confidential forum
ESPNcricinfo staff25-Nov-2020
External view of the ECB offices at Lord’s•ESPNcricinfo Ltd
The England & Wales Cricket Board has stepped up its measures to drive out discrimination and increase diversity across the sport, with the announcement of a new independent Commission for Equality in Cricket, a forum for addressing racial issues in confidence, and a new Equality Code of Conduct for all organisations that fall within its jurisdiction.The measures, approved by the ECB board on Monday, will form part of a new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan which will be rolled out over the coming months, and follow on from the work already undertaken in line with the ECB’s Inspiring Generations strategic plan – the primary aim of which, according to Ian Watmore, the chairman, is “to make cricket a game for everyone”.”While continuing with this work and increasing its impact, we are equally clear that all discriminatory behaviour is unacceptable,” Watmore added. “We are committed to drive it out of the game through better governance, education, training, role modelling and behavioural change, but also through disciplinary action when necessary.”Although the ECB has worked hard in recent months to address the issue of racism in cricket, the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 has highlighted many areas in which the sport had long been lagging. Speaking in July at the launch of the board’s broader Inclusion and Diversity Strategy, Tom Harrison, the CEO, acknowledged that English cricket had been forced to confront some “uncomfortable truths”.The ECB’s announcement comes on the day that its two highest-profile active black cricketers, Jofra Archer and Chris Jordan, were unveiled as ambassadors for the ACE Programme, a charity set up by Surrey and chaired by Ebony Rainford-Brent which aims to address a 75 percent decline in cricket participation by members of the Black community.ALSO READ: What has English cricket been like for black players?Speaking in June, the former Test opener Michael Carberry claimed that “black people are not important to the ECB”, after the extent of that decline had been highlighted.More recently the sport has had to face up to claims of institutional racism at Yorkshire from their former player, Azeem Rafiq, while the former Test umpire, John Holder, recently hit out at the board for its failure to appoint any non-white umpires to the first-class list since 1992.”This year we have listened to many people from across the game and beyond, to understand where we must be better in making our sport inclusive and diverse, and tackling discrimination,” Harrison said.”The measures we have announced today, and the broader Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan we will launch, build on and accelerate the work we have already done in recent years. We will continue to learn how, as a game, we become more representative of the communities we strive to serve.”According to the ECB, the new commission will be led by an independent chair with independent members. It will consider the evidence of the sport’s historic failings, and provide recommendations for further action, based on information from people who have experienced discrimination in cricket, including that collected through the new Forum for Race in Cricket, the objective of which will be to provide a safe space for people to share their stories.”Continuing to listen to the experiences of people, whether positive or negative, and engaging with independent expertise will help to inform, strengthen and challenge our thinking and plans as we move forward,” Watmore added. “Taken together, these steps will ensure that the ECB achieves lasting change.”