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- Sacked Red Bull driver trolls team after Max Verstappen loses F1 title to Lando Norris
- Arsenal plan talks to sign Bayern Munich star after approving Premier League transfer
- Knife-Wielding Man Shot After Assaulting Police Near Arc de Triomphe | UK News
- Eurelectric Urges Europe to Prioritise Energy Security Amid Rising Threats
- Jim Ratcliffe’s Controversial Immigration Comments Spark Backlash
- Rodri ban: How many games could Man City star miss after FA charge?
- France’s Foreign Affairs Ministry Launches “French Response” X Account
- Nigel Farage agrees with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s views on immigration | News UK
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Sacked Red Bull driver trolls team after Max Verstappen loses F1 title to Lando Norris
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Sacked Red Bull driver trolls team after Max Verstappen loses F1 title to Lando Norris
Two-minute read
Lando Norris clinched the 2025 formula 1 world championship, finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, held on Sunday. Max Verstappen won the race from pole, but fell just two points short of the title. Oscar Piastri finished the season closely behind, marking the closest championship finish since 2008.
Source: Original report
Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday but ultimately lost the 2025 Formula 1 world championship to Lando Norris, who finished third in the race. The tight championship concluded with Norris edging Verstappen by just two points, marking the closest finish since 2008.
Verstappen’s victory at Yas Marina was not enough to alter the championship outcome, as he needed Norris to finish lower to secure a record-equalling fifth title. Throughout the race, Norris faced pressure from Charles Leclerc in fourth place, prompting Red Bull to instruct Yuki Tsunoda to assist Verstappen by impeding Norris.
Red Bull’s Strategy Resembles 2021 Title Showdown
The tactics employed by Red Bull were reminiscent of the 2021 championship when Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate at the time, successfully held up Lewis Hamilton. However, Tsunoda’s efforts to delay Norris were futile, as the McLaren driver swiftly overtook him, even after Tsunoda’s aggressive defence forced Norris off the track.
Fans on social media compared Tsunoda’s performance unfavourably to Perez’s previous strategy, suggesting that the championship’s outcome might differ had Perez still been with Red Bull. Perez himself referenced a meme on Twitter that implied he felt his previous treatment at Red Bull was too harsh, while also congratulating Norris on his title win.
Verstappen Congratulates Norris After Race
Max Verstappen expressed his admiration for Lando Norris post-race, stating, “I don’t see it like losing to be honest. He [Norris] has had a very good season.” Verstappen acknowledged the emotional significance of winning a first championship, encouraging Norris to celebrate with his family and team.
While Verstappen concluded the season with 421 points, Tsunoda ended his campaign in 17th place with just 33 points. Red Bull has confirmed that Tsunoda will not be on the grid in 2026, with rookie Isack Hadjar taking his seat, while Perez will rejoin the grid next year with the new Cadillac team.
Arsenal plan talks to sign Bayern Munich star after approving Premier League transfer
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Arsenal plan talks to sign Bayern Munich star after approving Premier League transfer | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
Arsenal held discussions regarding the potential signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, who will become a free agent this summer after leaving the club at the season’s end. Goretzka declined an offer from Atletico Madrid in January, opting to remain at Bayern for the final part of the campaign to pursue silverware.
Arsenal are planning further talks to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka during the summer transfer window. This development comes after Bayern Munich confirmed last month that the 31-year-old would leave the club as a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Goretzka had previously turned down an approach from Atletico Madrid in January, along with a late enquiry from Arsenal. According to reports from BILD’s Christian Falk, the Germany international chose to remain at Bayern for the rest of the campaign due to the club’s pursuit of titles in the Bundesliga, the Champions League, and the DFB Pokal.
Arsenal’s Interest Persists
Christian Falk stated, “It is true: Arsenal are considering bringing Leon Goretzka to London this coming summer.” He added that although Goretzka declined an offer from Atletico Madrid and opted to stay at Bayern, preliminary talks were held with Arsenal, indicating mutual interest for a potential summer transfer.
Goretzka is reportedly keen on moving to the Premier League next season, with Arsenal expressing ongoing interest despite competition from other clubs, including Tottenham and teams from Serie A. Details about the transfer will continue to unfold as the situation develops.
Arsenal have yet to confirm any official negotiations, but Leon Goretzka remains a target for the upcoming transfer window.
Knife-Wielding Man Shot After Assaulting Police Near Arc de Triomphe | UK News
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TL:DR – “Knife-Wielding Man Shot After Assaulting Police Near Arc de Triomphe | UK News“
- A man armed with a knife attacked police officers during a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe, Paris.
- The attacker was shot by an officer and is now in hospital; no injuries to bystanders or police reported.
- France’s counterterrorism prosecutor is investigating the incident.
- The iconic landmark remains closed to the public, while nearby traffic is unaffected and metro services were temporarily halted for safety.
Knifeman shot after trying to attack police near Arc de Triomphe | News World
Police officers stand guard after authorities said a man armed with a knife attacked an officer near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris (Picture: Reuters)
A man wielding a knife has been shot by police after trying to attack officers during a ceremony beneath the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
The attacker targeted an officer securing the ceremony for relighting the eternal flame honouring unknown soldiers at the Napoleon-era landmark, according to police.
Another officer shot the attacker, who was taken to hospital, the official said.
No bystanders or police officers were injured in the incident, it is understood.
The French counterterrorism prosecutor’s office said it is investigating the case and sent an investigator to the scene.
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most famous sites and sits atop the busy Champs-Elysees avenue.
Law enforcement officer stands guard after authorities said a man armed with a knife attacked an officer near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris (Picture: Reuters)
Footage of the aftermath of the attack on Friday
A large police presence was visible Friday evening near the monument, which was closed to the public.
The traffic circle surrounding the Arc de Triomphe remained open to vehicles.
The nearby metro station was closed for security reasons at the request of police, Paris public transport operator RATP said.
No other details were immediately available.
Eurelectric Urges Europe to Prioritise Energy Security Amid Rising Threats
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TL:DR – Eurelectric Urges Europe to Prioritise Energy Security Amid Rising Threats
• European industry leaders, at the Munich Security Conference on 13 February 2026, emphasised the need to prioritise energy security alongside defence.
• Eurelectric president Markus Rauramo stated that Europe must adapt to increasing threats by enhancing energy infrastructure and repair capabilities.
• The energy sector has faced 23 cyberattacks since 2022, highlighting vulnerabilities exposed by Russia’s attacks on Ukraine.
• EU lawmakers last November urged restrictions on Chinese solar inverter manufacturers due to cybersecurity risks.
• NATO officials have begun collaborating with EU energy ministers on securing critical energy infrastructure.
‘EU energy infrastructure is as vulnerable as European defence,’ industry warns
Europe’s Energy Security Urged as Critical Issue
Europe’s energy security has been called to action with the same urgency as defence, industry leaders stated on Friday during the Munich Security Conference. This statement follows a series of attacks by Russia on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, revealing vulnerabilities within the European Union.
The significance of this statement is underscored by the increasing threats to energy systems, with officials advocating for a reassessment of strategies in the face of escalating attacks. Markus Rauramo, President of Eurelectric, emphasised the need for power companies to consider preparation for both physical and hybrid attacks as essential to their future operations.
Expert Calls for Reinforcement of Energy Infrastructure
According to Eurelectric, Europe’s energy infrastructure must be strengthened, and repair capabilities enhanced, with cyber resilience integrated by design. The industry noted an increasing number of hybrid threats, such as sabotage and cyberattacks, with reports indicating that 2024 saw at least 11 incidents damaging critical infrastructure and 23 cyberattacks targeting the energy sector since 2022.
A recent incident left approximately 45,000 households in Berlin without electricity after fire damaged high-voltage power lines. Regardless of the attackers’ identity, Eurelectric states these events are rising in scale and frequency, pressing power utilities to ensure a reliable energy supply.
Concerns Over Chinese Dominance in Inverter Production
As Europe transitions to clean power, the reliance on inverter devices has highlighted concerns over China’s market dominance. These devices are crucial for converting direct current from renewable sources into usable alternating current for the grid.
EU lawmakers expressed the urgency for the European Commission to limit access for Chinese solar inverter manufacturers to the bloc’s energy infrastructure due to cybersecurity threats. Chinese companies like Huawei, Sungrow, and Growatt reportedly control 70–80% of inverter installations in Europe.
NATO and EU Collaboration on Energy Security
The urgency surrounding energy infrastructure protection has prompted NATO to engage with EU energy ministers to establish connections between energy and security amid growing geopolitical tensions. The discussions, which included protecting vital energy infrastructure against threats such as attacks on underwater cables and pipelines, aim to enhance cooperation between defence and energy policies.
NATO’s Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska stated that maintaining contact with energy ministers is crucial for ensuring the integrity of critical infrastructure. She cautioned against the entanglement of Russian industry with China and called for a shift to a more combat-ready mindset in response to these threats.
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Jim Ratcliffe’s Controversial Immigration Comments Spark Backlash
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Jim Ratcliffe’s Controversial Immigration Comments Spark Backlash — what we know so far
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has apologised for comments made during a recent discussion regarding immigration, which he acknowledged may have caused offence. The billionaire’s remarks elicited criticism from various quarters, as his business interests, particularly in football, continue to attract public scrutiny.
The controversy arises amid increasing tensions surrounding immigration policy in the UK. Ratcliffe’s statements raise concerns about the implications for societal attitudes towards foreign workers and residents, making his position even more relevant as he pursues further involvement with Manchester United.
Quick links:
What we know so far |
How UK outlets are framing the story |
Additional UK News sources
What we know so far
Jim Ratcliffe, once Britain’s richest businessman and owner of Manchester United, made comments regarding immigration that have drawn criticism. He expressed controversial views which some claimed were ‘offensive’. Following the backlash, Ratcliffe publicly apologised for the language he used, acknowledging that it may have unintentionally hurt certain individuals.
In response to the incident, Manchester United released an official statement supporting Ratcliffe. The club emphasised its commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. The situation has garnered significant media attention, highlighting the ongoing conversations surrounding immigration and public discourse in the UK.
Confirmed details
- Jim Ratcliffe faced backlash for comments regarding immigration.
- His remarks reportedly offended some members of the public.
- Ratcliffe has expressed regret over the language used in his comments.
- The incident has been widely covered in the media.
- Manchester United issued an official statement in response to public concern.
- Calls for his resignation have emerged from various quarters.
What remains unclear
- Exact timing of Jim Ratcliffe’s immigration comments is unclear across sources.
- Specific reactions from affected communities are not consistently reported.
- Details regarding any official investigations into the comments remain uncertain.
- Statements from government officials about the comments vary widely.
- Clarification on the intended audience for Ratcliffe’s remarks is inconsistent.
- Information on potential repercussions for Ratcliffe is not confirmed.
How UK outlets are framing the story
Fact-checking Jim Ratcliffe’s immigration and benefit claims
Publication: BBC | Sentiment: Neutral (0.0) | Framing intensity: 5/10
Presentation: The BBC takes a balanced approach, assessing the accuracy of claims made regarding immigration and benefits. It presents multiple viewpoints, ensuring a comprehensive examination of the topic.
Angles and bias: Compared to other outlets, the BBC maintains a journalistic neutrality, focusing on factual verification rather than sensationalist claims.
Football must reject Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cynical, self-serving electioneering
Publication: The Guardian | Sentiment: Negative (-0.6) | Framing intensity: 8/10
Presentation: The Guardian strongly critiques Jim Ratcliffe’s recent statements, labelling them as opportunistic and harmful to the sport’s integrity. The opinion piece evokes emotional responses while urging action against such rhetoric.
Angles and bias: The piece employs a bold tone aimed at encouraging accountability, contrasting with softer approaches seen in other reports.
Man Utd official club statement 12 February 2026
Publication: Manchester United | Sentiment: Neutral (0.0) | Framing intensity: 4/10
Presentation: The official statement provides a straightforward account of the club’s position regarding the recent controversies. It clearly outlines their actions and intended future steps without additional commentary.
Angles and bias: This outlet typically represents the club’s perspective, thus omitting critical external commentary present in other media.
Additional news sources from the UK
BBC
Fact-checking Jim Ratcliffe’s immigration and benefit claims
BBC
Jim Ratcliffe sorry language ‘offended some’ after immigration comments
The Guardian
Football must reject Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cynical, self-serving electioneering | Barney Ronay
Manchester United
Man Utd official club statement 12 February 2026
Rodri ban: How many games could Man City star miss after FA charge?
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Rodri ban: How many games could Man City star miss after FA charge? | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
Manchester City midfielder Rodri was charged with misconduct by the FA following his post-match comments about referees after the 2-2 draw with Tottenham on 17 February. He suggested bias against City, prompting an investigation. Rodri has until 18 February to respond, after which an independent panel will determine any punishment he may face.
Rodri charged by FA for referee comments
Manchester City midfielder Rodri faces the prospect of a misconduct ban after being charged by the Football Association (FA) for comments made regarding match officials following the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. His remarks, which suggested bias against City, come at a crucial time in the Premier League title race.
The FA confirmed that Rodri allegedly acted improperly during a post-match media interview by implying bias and questioning the integrity of match officials, contrary to FA Rule 3.1. The incident occurred after City’s draw allowed Arsenal to retain a three-point lead at the top of the table.
Rodri has until 18 February to respond to the charge, after which an independent panel will determine the potential punishment. His comments could have significant implications for City’s title challenge, given his influential role in Pep Guardiola’s squad. The Spain international underscored the importance of fair officiating, stating, “the referee has to be neutral,” and expressed frustration over the decisions affecting the match.
City’s next fixture is a vital clash against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final on 22 March.
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