Ryan Giggs denies charges of assaulting two women

1. Giggs bailed after pleading not guilty

Football

Former Manchester United star and Wales manager Ryan Giggs has denied charges of assaulting two women and controlling or coercive behaviour.

The 47-year-old was granted bail at a 13-minute hearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court today and is now due to appear at the city’s Crown Court on 26 May.

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The Football Association of Wales announced last week that Giggs would not be in charge of the team for this summer’s European Championship, with Robert Page taking over as caretaker manager.

2. Uefa propose 26-man squads for Euros

Football

National team bosses will be able to call upon three extra players for this summer’s European Championship after governing body Uefa proposed 26-man squads for the tournament.

The decision by Uefa’s national teams committee will be subject to ratification but is not expected to meet any opposition, the BBC reports. Due to the pandemic and the effect on player fitness, Uefa has already confirmed that teams will be allowed to make five substitutes instead of three per match during the championship.

3. ‘Middle Sunday’ a permanent addition to Wimbledon from 2022

Tennis

The middle Sunday of The Championships at Wimbledon is usually a rest day for players, but from next year’s tournament it will be a permanent part of the schedule. Coinciding with the centenary of Centre Court, the 2022 grass grand slam will become a 14-day event.

“We are comfortable that we are able to look after the courts, most particularly Centre Court, without a full day of rest,” said All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) chairman Ian Hewitt.

After last year’s postponement, Wimbledon returns this summer and is set to start on Monday 28 June. AELTC chiefs say they are currently working to a spectator capacity position of around 25%, based on the Sports Grounds Safety Authority guidance.

4. ‘Heartbroken’ North to miss Lions tour

Rugby union

George North will miss the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa this summer after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

The Wales and Ospreys winger confirmed on Twitter that he will undergo surgery next week. He said: “Sport can be cruel. We all know the risks when we take the field. Heartbroken is an understatement.”

Lions head coach Warren Gatland will name his 36-man squad on Thursday 6 May.

5. Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul set for 6 June

Boxing

American boxing legend Floyd Mayweather will step into the ring with YouTuber Logan Paul on 6 June at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Mayweather, 44, ended his career as a five-weight world champion and was unbeaten in 50 bouts.

Paul, 26, has only fought once professionally - in 2019 when he lost to British YouTuber KSI. Retweeting a story about the exhibition against Mayweather, Paul wrote on Twitter: “Full transparency my mom is terrified.”