Friday 2nd March 2018
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MABS celebrates milestone
ALFAZ DEL PI JAVEA BENIDORM
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HARD-WORKING volunteers of the MABS Cancer Support Group are the “best of British abroad” for giving their time to help others, believes Consul Sarah-Jane Morris. The Alicante Consul was a special guest at an inauguration party in Teulada to mark the association achieving ‘foundation’ status – allowing it to become a national organisation across Spain helping people of all nationalities. Founded as the Marina Alta Breast cancer Support almost 20 years ago – and still affectionately known as MABS – there were 180 representatives at the lunch at Salon Canor. Members of the team from Mazarron travelled north to be united with colleagues from as far north as Valencia and along the coast of the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida; and in line with the best charitable tradition, dug hands in pockets to support a
Sarah-Jane Morris (Front Centre) with MABS Members by Jack Troughton
raffle that raised another €420 for the cause. The consul said it was an absolute pleasure to be at such an important event. “I am very humbled when I see what MABS has achieved over the years. Setting up a foundation in Spain is never easy...it is a huge achievement and shows the dedication
and hard work of a lot of people.” And Mrs Morris paid tribute to the MABS family. “What you are doing is giving to the community and actually showing what is the very, very best of Brits abroad.” She said it was an absolute pleasure to see such a “fantastic” project get going and be supported “because it needs to stay and continue to grow”.
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FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018
SEVEN DAY WEEKENDER
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THERE’S a lot of white stuff about caused by the unholy marriage of the so-called ‘Beast from the East’ and the not so catchy ‘Storm Emma’ – named by the Portuguese apparently. Blizzards and red weather warnings, which mean loss of life is likely, and sadly people do perish in such conditions; often in freak accidents or through sheer stupidity and thinking they are mightier than the ever powerful forces of nature. On the other hand and on a cheerier note there’s always warming photos of kids enjoying themselves, populations of snowmen, and pets frolicking in the snow, while farmers smile for the camera, grit their teeth and head off to check on and feed flocks and herds – also, there’s normally a burst of panic buying
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at the shops for those that can get there, emptying the shelves of bread and milk. Yes, the media picks up ‘the weather story’ again! Huge swathes of Europe have been affected by the snow. Here in Spain the weatherman predicts falls as low as 1,500 metres. On the Costa Blanca, it has meant heavy rain, strong winds and cold – but further north, the land is in the grip of winter. Transport always suffers and for expats the chaos is felt in cancelled or delayed flights and trouble on the roads and rails of the UK as the mercury falls – no jokes about the wrong sort of snow, so much has fallen some of it must be the right kind. Congratulations to the everpopular MABS Cancer Support Group who have moved on from being a humble charitable
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association to a ‘fundacion’ here in Spain, allowing it recognition across the whole of the country and its islands. The charity staged an inauguration party to celebrate the historic move at the Salon Canor in Teulada and British Consul Sarah-Jane Morris represented Ambassador Simon Manley to pass on congratulations on such a huge achievement. Founded 20 years ago, MABS stretches from Valencia in the north to Mazarron in the south – in fact a group of ladies from the south coast spent four hours in a coach to join the party. A big ‘well done’ to all the volunteers from The Weekender - and keep up the fantastic work!
Jack Troughton Editor - The Weekender
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THE WEEKENDER – 170mm x 256mm – Colour
23 February
Senior Reporter
Simon Russell
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FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018
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Expat wins BEM MABS MILESTONE DEDICATED charity worker and volunteer John Kiddell, a former accountant and long-term resident of Madrid, has been presented with the British Empire Medal by British Ambassador Simon Manley. The presentation to place at the ambassador’s official residence and the award was made for John’s services to the British community in the capital. Originally from London, he moved to Spain in the 1960s,
by Jack Troughton
where, initially, he worked for the then Ernst Whinney, later Ernst and Young. And over five decades he volunteered to help a range of British groups and charities in Madrid; including offering his accounting skills for free, to groups as diverse as the British Chamber of Commerce, St George’s Anglican Church, the British Ladies Association, the
Simon Manley (left) with John Kiddell (right)
British Benevolent Fund, and the British Cemetery Committee in Madrid. Simon Manley said: “I never fail to be impressed by the contribution that so many British nationals make to their communities across Spain, but John Kiddell stands out as one of a kind for his sustained contribution to so many groups in Madrid over so many decades, always in a humble and understated manner. “Many of these organisations would simply not exist today were it not for his time and skill in ensuring that they were financially viable and compliant with Spanish audit requirements. He is an example to us all” John said: “I feel very honoured to receive this BEM for the work I have done with so much pleasure for charitable organisations. In these conflictive times it is gratifying to receive positive recognition for humble efforts.”
Continued from front page. be supported “because it needs to stay and continue to grow”. MABS President Jacqui Phillips MBE said when she founded the group with four friends “I never dreamt nearly 20 years ago that we would grow so large.” In 1998, she was diagnosed with breast and throat cancer and received “excellent treatment” but no support or information, which caused problems for her and husband Bernard. “After the chemo and radiotherapy, which I received in a Valencian hospital, ended in 1999, I decided that a small group would be a great support for other people suffering from breast cancer in the Marina Alta area,” she said. “However, when it was reported in the press that a cancer group had been formed – plus we were fully legal with two numbers and registered in Alicante – we were requested to assist people of
other nationalities together with other forms of cancer.” Jacqui said she sought advice from the medical profession and it was agreed to help everyone ill with the disease; information was printed in English, Spanish, German and Dutch and different nationalities represented on the board. She said it had taken an immense amount of work and time to become a ‘fundacion’ and at present MABS had eight charity shops, four centres, and four palliative and hospice rooms. A property had been bought in Campasol to become a respite and palliative care home to provide for Costa Calida, said Jacqui. “I would like to thank you all for volunteering to get MABS where it is today. But – there is always a ‘but’ – we are always short of volunteers especially in some of the senior roles – so if any of you feel you would like to or could do more please contact us.”
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
Victim’s change of heart THE main court in Alicante did not believe the testimony of a woman when she withdrew her allegation that her partner had stabbed her, sentencing her attacker to seven and half years in jail this week. The incident happened in December 2016 when the couple, who lived in Almoradi (Alicante), had an argument. She went to a relative’s house where her
partner confronted her and, after a further argument, stabbed her twice in the side. Medical staff said that she was lucky to be alive after the incident which could easily have killed her. During the trial the victim changed her story, saying that her partner had not stabbed her. However the court ruled that her testimony was unreliable
and was influenced by her unhealthy dependence on her violent partner. She was also unable to offer a plausible account of how she received the wounds and, critically, there were two witnesses to the attack. In conclusion the court said they had no doubt the accused carried out the stabbing and passed down the sentence on Monday this week.
Corpse discovered after seven years A man in Valencia discovered the corpse of his brother lying on the bed of the apartment he lived in, seven years after he thought he had moved away permanently. The man had not
by Simon Russell
seen his 38-year-old sibling since 2011 when he believed he had gone to live in Santander. The brothers jointly owned the small
apartment in the country where the body was found and the man had gone to check the residence, which he assumed was locked up and unoccupied. He took a locksmith with
him; upon entry the gruesome discovery was made and the authorities alerted. Neighbours in the apartment block also thought the deceased had moved away, one even putting rags by the door to mask the bad smell coming from the flat which he put down to the many dogs and cats the dead man used to own. The victim, Valentin LP, had led a troubled life said his brother.
The pair lost their parents when young and went their own ways after Valentin, who never worked, became involved in drugs and
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
Katy Perry puts Spain in a spin SINGER Katy Perry has sparked a social media bonfire over Catalan independence by using the Spanish flag to promote her Barcelona concert. The star used the Spanish coast of arms and the country’s flag to publicise her June 28 gig in the capital of Catalonia – causing offence of both the A and B sides of the political debate. Using Instagram, the 33-year-old posted a video featuring the
by Jack Troughton
shield against the red and yellow of the flag and said: “Trust and believe I’m coming for you too, Barcelona. See you June 28.” One furious Catalan wrote: “What an idiotic woman. You’re coming to Catalonia not Spain you son of a b##ch.” Another added: “With what you’ve just done I don’t think a lot of people are going to come to your concert.” But pro-union
Spaniards hit back by saying: “Shut your mouth. C a t a l o n i a is Spain.” A second supporter of a united Spain added: “Look at your passports and ID cards, what do they say?” It appears that, like the ongoing independence crisis, the social media circus will take some time to die down,
Phone addicts PEOPLE from the Valencian Community spend more time on their mobile phone than those in any other part of Spain, a survey has found. Residents here spend an average of 3 hours and 47 minutes daily on their smartphones, 26 minutes more than the national average. Asked about their relationships with the devices 75% said “they could not live without a cell phone” while 32% consider themselves addicted to them, a 12% rise from 2 0 1 6
by Simon Russell
when the last survey was carried out. Nearly half admit to looking at their phones when they are out with friends and family and over half said that looking at their phone is the first thing they do when they get up in the morning and the last thing they do before going to bed at night. Speaking of the psychological damage overuse can do, an expert said “ T h e mobile p h o n e has been integrated into our lives to such an extent that many users cannot conceive their days without using it at some time. Abusive use of smartphones can be damaging and we should all be aware of this.”
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
Fiveeurohouse THERE is more than one way to purchase a house these days but a seller in Castellon (Valencia) is taking an unusual approach – a raffle. Elisabet Bosch is giving people the chance to win her 200 square metre property for just €5, the cost of a ticket to enter the draw. The lucky
by Simon Russell
winner will end up with a modern, high end property with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two terraces and a basement. The details such as solicitor and other legalities are being arranged by LotoHome, a firm set up by a family
who sold their house three years ago using the lottery method, eventually selling 40,000 raffle tickets at €10 each. With the property in Castellon if all tickets are sold €350,000 will be raised – but the seller is taking a gamble arguably larger than the ticket buyers and if sales are poor she will be out of pocket.
Crackdown on fare dodgers FERROCARRILS de la Valencia (FGV), the firm which operates the TRAM network across Alicante province, has
announced plans to clamp down on people not buying tickets to travel on the trains. With immediate effect there will be an
increased numbers of staff on the trains to watch out for travellers without tickets. FGV has also been holding talks with the provincial police to ensure that offenders receive an appropriate sanction. Other plans in place include an increase in fines to €100 (from €50) which takes effect from 1 April, though this will be reduced by 50% for prompt payment. Last year just over 1,700 fines were issued across Alicante for various ticketing offences. As well as travelling without a ticket offences included using other peoples travel cards, forgery, using expired tickets and using tickets from a different travel zone. Last year it was estimated that around 4% of journeys were made by people who had not paid a fare, possibly much higher.
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
Charity helping one in six THE Red Cross helped well over 400,000 people in the Alicante province last year, more than 15% of the official population total. Programmes for vulnerable groups helped over 100,000 people, focusing on children and young people experiencing difficulty. They also helped immigrants and refugees while 850 people were given
by Simon Russell
emergency housing and shelter, some of it after floods and snow. Their employment plan reached out to 5,800 people, an ongoing project done in collaboration with around 800 local businesses. 12,500 elderly were helped with problems varying from care to alleviating
loneliness and dealing with gender violence was also on the agenda. Last year there were 6,200 volunteers helping the organisation with their duties ranging from lifeguards to medical staff. The NGO was also successful in its main aim of extending the number of locations they were based in, currently standing at 40 across the Alicante province.
Q for quality ALCOY is renewing the Spanish Tourist Quality stamp, one of only two municipalities from inland Alicante that have the award. The
by Matthew Richards
“Q” stamp is awarded by the Spanish Tourist Office and recognises excellence in tourist
management, customer service, infrastructure and maintenance. Tourism Councillor Lorena Zamorano said this “affirms the recognition of
Alcoy as a quality tourist destination and helps enormously to improve our competitiveness in the sector.” Of the 200 or so tourist offices across the Valencian Community, only 28 have the Q award, 10 in Alicante, 10 in Valencia and 8 in Castellon.
Height requirement a tall order THE Spanish Ministry of Defence have confirmed it is looking into reducing the statutory height requirement for women to enter the armed forces. The proposed reduction is from 160cm to 155cm –or 5foot two and a half inches to just under 5 foot one in old money. Supporters of the change point
by Matthew Richards
out that the minimum is the same for males and females but around 30% of Spanish women don’t measure up. Other physical characteristics such as general fitness and the relevance of height to the job role applied for also need to be taken into account.
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
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THE Guardia Civil in Torrevieja are looking for a number of passersby who stole items from a woman who had just been raped. The details of the incident, which occurred a few weeks ago, have only now been released as a Moroccan man has been arrested for the original assault. The 32-year-old Belgian woman was walking her dog at around 6am when the alleged attacker approached her and started speaking in
by Simon Russell
various languages. She did not understand any of them and without warning the man dragged her off and assaulted then raped her. During the struggle several people appeared and took advantage to steal her mobile phone and other possessions. The victim was treated by medical staff and later interviewed by the police. A suspect later came to light and a
search of his house discovered a cap with distinctive branding that the victim said her attacker had been wearing. The 27-year-old
man has been remanded in custody in Torrevieja and police are looking for leads to the identity of the heartless robbers.
Monster washed up A shark weighing over 200 kilos washed up on Santa Pola beach last Thursday morning. The 3.5 metre giant had earlier been seen floating off shore before eventually finishing up in the Alicante town’s Playa Levante. The corpse has been sent to the Valencian Institute of Coastal
by Matthew Richards
Ecology for examination and confirmation of the species of shark. Special equipment w a s needed to remove the beast and transport it away.
Censorship row A controversial art exhibition about political prisoners in Spain has prompted further controversy after being removed from the art fair in Madrid where it was showing. This was done at the behest of the fair’s organiser Ifema who said that the work was hurting the visibility of other works on show. However Spanish painter Santiago Sierra called the removal of his work “a tyrannical act and censorship of the worst kind.” Madrid Mayor
by Simon Russell
Manuela Carmena has weighed into the debate by refusing to attend the fair once she learnt of the organiser’s actions, saying she supported freedom of creation and expression in Madrid at all times. Sierra’s works show 24 pixelated photographs of political prisoners currently being held in Spain, including three leading figures from the recent Catalan independence movement. Groups such as Amnesty
International have recently criticised Spain’s record on censorship and freedom of speech, citing cases such as a student charged last year after making a joke about PM Rajoy on Twitter, and a rapper who was jailed for lyrics that “glorified terrorism and insulted the monarchy.”
The mayor of Madrid, Manuela Carmena
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
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In all the years that I have been advising people on transferring pensions, I have never seen such astronomical transfer values, especially in the finance, manufacturing and retail industries. In the past, Final Salary pensions were seen as the ‘gold plated’ pension option, however, over recent years, opinions have changed dramatically.
Many UK schemes have unprecedented levels of debt and transfer offers are at all-time highs. Transferring away from your final salary pension has never been so popular, with 10,000s of applications each year. It was due to a similar article over a year ago that my client contacted me. He had worked as a store supervisor in a leading supermarket chain, and had no idea what his pension options were. He was 52 years of age and wanted to
start thinking about when he could retire and what his annual pension would be. After initially meeting with him, I sent off for a transfer value, and a few weeks later I was sat back in front of him. In short, he could expect an annual pension of £10,200 at the age of 60, or, he could leave the scheme with a pot of £350,000, or approximately 35 times his annual pension. There are lots of factors that need to be considered before deciding if a transfer is right for you, however, for this client, the high transfer value, along with being able to retire 5 years early, were significant. I was happy to recommend that we move his £350,000 transfer offer into a UK based private pension, and have his pension funds managed by a well-known,
FTSE 100 company. He would not only have full, flexible access to this pot from 55, but should anything happen to him, his entire pot of £350k would be left to his loved ones, something that his final salary scheme did not offer. This isn’t an isolated case, I’ve seen pension values, especially from banks, retail and manufacturing companies, as high as 40 times the
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
Shakira pays taxman €20 million SINGING superstar Shakira has stumped up €20 million to the Spanish tax authorities after being accused of not settling her debt despite being a resident between 2011 and 2014. The award-winning musician, who has sole more than 60 million records with hits like ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ featuring Latin American influences crossed with conventional rock, was reported as stumping up the money to pay what she allegedly owed for 2011.
by Jack Troughton
And an investigation was launched after the taxman filed an official complaint to prosecutors in Barcelona. The singer has been in a relationship since with FC Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique - with whom she has two sons - since 2011, and the 41-yearold star transferred her official residency to the Catalan capital in 2015 from the Bahamas. However, a spokesman for the Catalonia
prosecutor’s office said “that doesn’t match reality, with the children in school in Barcelona and her partner here.” It is understood officials will decide later in the year whether to pursue the case in the light of the payment. Shakira’s representatives argue that until 2014 she earned most of her money in international tours and didn’t live more than six months a year in Spain - a prerequisite to be an official tax-paying resident in the country.
Signalling change OVER a hundred municipalities in the province of Malaga have installed “road signs” with slogans about gender violence. The sign, a broken heart saying “No
by Simon Russell
violencia machista” are made to resemble stop signs in a campaign that is about stopping the scourge of gender violence.
Although they have confused the odd motorist, the signs have generally been well received and seem to be working in their aim of raising the awareness of the issue and
giving people pause for thought. 584 women have died as a result of gender violence in the last ten years in Spain – before then it was not recorded as a separate crime.
Less people behind bars THE Spanish prison network has seen the loss of a thousand jobs since 2011, a 4% cut in staffing numbers. There has been a steady drop each year, something that has coincided with a fall in prisoner numbers, which have decreased by 15% over the same period. Prison employees have fallen from 24,400 in 2011 (22,000 public employees and 2,200 contract staff) to current levels of
by Simon Russell
23,400. Andalusia has the most prisons and the most staff and around a quarter of job losses have come from the region, closely followed by Madrid. However Navarra, the Basque Country and Canaries have all seen small staff increases. In Spain the prison system has an ideal ratio of one staff member for every 2.5 inmates. The prison population has fallen from a 2010 high of 76,000 to a level of around 59,000 at the end of 2017; the reasons behind this were not addressed in the report, which was given as a response to a parliamentary question by the opposition.
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
CLOCKWORK CLOSURE
S
truggling retail giant Toys R Us has gone into administration putting 3,000 UK jobs at risk after a failure to find a buyer.
An “orderly wind-down” will begin of the country’s Largest toy retailer and administrators said all 105 stores will remain open until further noice. The company has been facing a £15 million tax bill – poor sales seem it is unlikely it can meet the payment. Joint administrator Simon Thomas said: “Whilst this process is likely to affect many Toys R Us staff, whether some or all of the stores will close remains to be decided.” “We will make every effort to secure a buyer for all or part of the business. The newer, smaller, more interactive stores in the portfolio have been outperforming the older warehouse-style stores that were opened in the 1980s and 1990s.” A large sale of remaining products at Toys R Us is
expected. The administrators said this would happen in stores only, as the online service and click-and-collect will be closed immediately. Shoppers who have ordered an item already on click-andcollect can still pick it up, but only if that item is still available in stock. Anyone with Toys R Us gift cards and vouchers should spend them in stores as soon as possible before the shops are closed down. No more gift cards will be sold. The retailer had a “take time to pay” service, which allowed customers to reserve a product and then pay for it gradually for 12 weeks, before picking it up. The administrators said these reservations would be honoured, provided that the outstanding balance was paid and the goods collected by 11 March. Alternatively, customers can use their deposits towards the cost of any other item bought in a store by 11 March. The UK arm of Toys R Us - its US owner filed for
Back In last protection bankruptcy September - managed to stave off administration in December after it struck an agreement with the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) to inject £9.8m into its retirement scheme over three years. The scheme has a shortfall of £38m
which will now be transferred over to the PPF. Toys R Us had made a loss seven out of the last eight financial years. It is a subsidiary of a US business which has been “drowning in billions of dollars of debt”.
Financially weak, Toys R Us has been unable to adapt to changing shopping habits; many shoppers do not want to go to a big out-of-town warehouse to buy toys - costs have been rising for all retailers and consumer demand has been softening.
Britain
FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
Hung up RACE AT A SNAIL’S PACE on phones CHARITY snail racing has had to been postponed because the UK’s cold snap has left the contestants too slow and sleepy. The cold-blooded snails were “too sluggish” to compete in the Dartmoor Union pub in Holbeton, Devon, and the fund-raising fun to raise money for the county’s air ambulance service has been cancelled. When manager Donna Aziz called a pet shop in Plymouth for the racing snails, she was told the cold weather had made them too sluggish to take part.
Months of planning went into the event and now posters advertising the racing have been taken down. “Perhaps we should have known because you don’t see a lot of snails around,” said Donna. “I’m a little bit disappointed; but there’s not a lot we can do.” Mike Trembath of the Ark Pet Shop said: “The snails have got a little bit sluggish in the cold weather – it happens with pretty much all coldblooded creatures but they will wake up when it gets a bit warmer.”
DINERS at a Wrexham pub can enjoy a 25% discount on food bills if they agree to lock away their mobile phones. Regulars at The Fat Boar can enjoy a special offer if they can bear to give up their devices and stop being...well, bores. The discount is offered as part of ‘Mobile Free Monday’ and aimed at an encouragement for people to talk without any distractions – phones are locked away in cash boxes on tables and members of the pub’s staff have the keys. The Fat Boar’s director Rich Watkin said: “Mobiles can often be a real distraction and stop us from just sitting among friends and family and simply having a good conversation; and that’s why I came up with the idea.” If successful the scheme will also be adopted by the pub’s sister restaurant in Chester Street, Mold. And The Fat Boar’s restaurant manageress Jade Darlington added: “I think we all feel a certain amount of pressure to be constantly checking emails, social media, texts and all the other messaging on our phones. “But if we can do something to encourage people to put their phones down and concentrate solely on one another and the fun night out they are having with us, then I think it is a really positive thing.”
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Out & About
FRIDAY 23RD FEB 2018 Food | Drink | Leisure | Events
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
Plane yob forces Backstabber diversion by Simon Russell
A Ryanair flight from Stansted Airport to the Canary Islands was forced to divert to Morocco to eject a passenger who had become increasingly agitated and threatening. Other passengers had complained about the man and, when approached by staff, he threatened them and used extremely abusive language. He was becoming increasingly irrational, even removing his shirt, and the pilot felt he had no choice but to divert, eventually landing at Marrakesh airport. Once there the man was “deplaned” by local security staff and is now in custody in Morocco facing various charges. He has not been identified but is thought to be a British national in their 20s or 30s. Fellow passengers filmed the incident on their phones and the video has gone viral on social media.
Murder suspect had killed before
by Simon Russell
AFTER a double murder that has been baffling the police for several months, the authorities in Catalonia have now arrested a man in connection with the case. The bodies of Paula Mas and Marc Hernandez, both in their early 20’s, were discovered in the remote Susqueda reservoir last September, a month after they had been reported missing.
The coroner found that Paula had been shot while Marc’s cause of death was undetermined. There seemed no obvious motive for the killing of the popular couple, and CCTV footage was examined and people in the area interviewed. However they have now arrested 60-year-old Jordi MagentiGamell, who was released from jail in 2010 after serving eight years of a sixteen year sentence for killing his wife, Pepita.
She was shot four times by Magenti after what has been described as years of physical and mental abuse by her husband. Magenti was released from prison early as he was judged to be rehabilitated and no longer a danger to society. If he is found guilty of what appears to be a senseless double murder of two young people, the Spanish judicial and prisoner release system may well come under the spotlight.
A 63-year-old has been arrested in Castellon for stabbing her 68-yearold husband in the back with a kitchen knife. He was stabbed twice and the woman then turned the knife on herself but failed to cause herself any serious injury. The incident happened at lunchtime last Monday and police were quickly
by Matthew Richards
alerted by neighbours of the couple. The man was taken to Castellon hospital for treatment while his wife has been arrested and charged with attempted murder. Locals said that the victim had problems with alcohol while his wife suffered from depression.
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Time on the run comes to an end
A 40-year-old man who had been wanted by the authorities since 2014 was arrested in Torrevieja this week. He was detained under the terms of a warrant from Palencia Crown Court in Northern Spain, issued almost four years ago. He had been a career criminal and, after being released from jail in 2013, immediately returned to a life of crime, mainly theft. He was wanted in Palencia for several crimes relating to this period, but went on the run and the arrest warrant was then issued. Investigations found he had family in Torrevieja and enquiries led police to believe he was hiding out with them in the Alicante town. However his relatives were protecting him, intimidating passersby and discouraging police efforts. When they finally traced him he tried to escape and attacked the police when apprehended but has now been sent to prison without bail, and is awaiting trial.
FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
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Business & Finance
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
Business & Finance
Jack talks
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Back to black
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By Jack Troughton
IT’S enough to get you reaching for a pint – or even maybe a litre – of the famous ‘black stuff’ as the EU proposal for the troublesome Northern Ireland border caused uproar in Westminster. The European Union’s draft legal document and a plan for Ireland suggests keeping the whole island in the customs union after Brexit in March next year – with a soft border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland. Instead, a regulatory border would exist between Ireland and the rest of the UK down the Irish Sea; no doubt manned by seals (and not of the United States’ special forces kind) and gulls. Chief negotiator for the remaining 27 members of the EU, Michel Barnier said the proposal was a “backstop” position and it was not intended to provoke the UK but trigger some realistic proposals as negotiations between the two sides are about to restart after a long winter nap. Britain wants a close future relationship after the divorce – already looking messy and expensive – and a “frictionless” border with as few checks as possible. The uproar triggered a stout response from Prime Minister Theresa May in the House of Commons before the Right Honourable Members headed for the bar and a well-deserved Guinness. Mrs May said the EU suggestion threatened the future of the UK – the United Kingdom after all – and no British prime minister could ever agree to it. She said she was “crystal clear” (are Emerald Isles crystal?); saying: “The draft legal text the commission has published would, if implemented, undermine the UK common market and threaten the constitutional integrity of the UK by creating a customs and regulatory border down the Irish Sea, and no UK prime minister could ever agree to it.” The PM was responding to a question – it was after all during the thirsty work of Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday this whole issue raised its head again – from a member of the Democratic Unionist Party; the DUP cannot be ignored these days because they prop up the government and give it essential support on key votes in the House.
Earlier the DUP leader in Westminster, Nigel Dodds had expressed his “amazement” at the Brussels proposal and that the EU thought it could “possibly fly with either us or the British government”. He said it would be a catastrophe for Northern Ireland to be cut off from UK markets; and emphasised: “We did not leave the European Union to oversee the breakup of the United Kingdom.” Mr Dodds was also backed by key Conservative Brexiteers – and no doubt stood a pint later – who have said the proposal was “completely unacceptable” and would affectively annex the territory of Northern Ireland. Naturally, Labour has its own solution to the border question – it wants the UK to enter a new customs union with the EU; meaning checks were not needed as people and goods passed between Northern Ireland and the Republic. Former PM Sir John Major – whose time as Conservative leader from 1990 to 1997 saw him have long-running battles with party Eurosceptics – wants MPs to have a free vote on any Brexit deal. Politicians have been assured of a ‘meaningful vote’ but Sir John, who campaigned with David Cameron to ‘remain’ prior to the 2016 referendum, believes MPs should be allowed to vote with their own conscience on whether a deal would leave the UK better or worse off. Speaking at the Creative Industries Foundation in London, he said Brexit was the most “divisive” political issue of his lifetime and believes politicians could rightfully call for a new referendum. Sir John said many voters believed they were “misled” ahead of the referendum (including the “phantom” of the extra £350 million a week for the health service) and more people were beginning to realise they voted the wrong way. Leading Tory backbencher and key Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg believes Sir John has been at the hard stuff. He said the former leader “had been wrong on Europe in the past” and was “getting it wrong again.”
ROYAL Bank of Scotland has posted its first profits in 10 years in what chief executive Ross McEwan said was “a really symbolic moment”. The bank, which is majority-owned by the tax payer after a government bailout, made an annual profit of £752, compared with the £6.95 billion losses of 12 months earlier. However, RBS still faces a potentially hefty fine in the United States’ Department of Justice over the sale of financial products linked to risky mortgages. McEwan became chief executive in 2013 and has steered the bank back towards financial health – turning away from investment banking towards UK high street banking. RBS enjoyed the boom years of the 2000s; in October 2007 it led a consortium to buy the Dutch bank ABN Amro for £49 billion, one of the
by Jack Troughton
largest deals in financial services history but the timing proved to be against it – a crisis swept through the sector and property prices plunged, global economies went into recession and banks lost billions. And at the height of the crisis, the UK government had to step in to bail out RBS with a £45 billion rescue package in October 2008 and it still holds a 71% stake on behalf of the taxpayer. Despite moving into profit, investors remain nervous about RBS because of the pending huge fine from America and the share price actually fell even with the good news. At around 269p per share, the bank’s share price is still a long way below the 502p a share the government would need to break even on the billions of pounds it spent bailing
out the bank a decade ago – sales have been made but at a loss. The sub-prime mortgage crisis came about in the US after banks started giving highrisk loans to people with poor credit histories. Risky mortgages would be packaged up with other loans, bonds, or assets, and sold on to investors as so-called mortgage backed securities. And RBS was one of the banks accused by the US Department of Justice of mis-selling these securities. The bank had expected to settle the case in 2017, but is now hoping it will reach an agreement this year. On Friday RBS set aside an extra £492m for US litigation, taking the total set aside for US court action around the sale of those products to £3.2bn. The issue complicates UK government plans to start selling down its stake in RBS.
Inflation on the rise SPAIN’S National Institute of Statistics calculated that the cost of living has risen by 1.1% in February compared with the same period last year. The rise is mainly attributed to an increase in electricity prices from 2017 levels. This comes
by Simon Russell
at a time when pensioners have just been awarded a minimum 0.25% state pension increase, something that has seen various protests organised as they argue that in real terms their spending
power continues to reduce. Some salaried workers have seen pay rises above inflation; however many have had small rises or pay freezes and again the financial effects for those more vulnerable members of society may start to bite soon.
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
Primark
pushes on LOW cost fashion retailer Primark is set to open a new store in Valencia City centre this year which will be its second largest in Spain. The planned store in the Rufaza district will be 7,000 square metres, with only their flagship
by Simon Russell
Madrid store being larger at a massive 12,400 square meters. Primark have been trying to obtain the site for almost five years and admit it has been problematic but are now confident that the
new shop will go ahead. This will be their 42nd outlet in Spain and they still plan to expand further, aiming for 50 shops in the near future. The Irish retailer employs around 5,100 staff (80% women) with an average salary of a respectable €19,000.
Survivor race OVER 1,500 people are expected to take part in the Survivor’s Race at Playa San Juan in Alicante this Sunday (4th March), about a third of them from
by Simon Russell
abroad. The race itself is an 8 kilometre long mud filled obstacle course, so not one for the faint
hearted. The event starts at 9am on PAU 5, next to Parque La Marjal. It is all for a good cause as monies raised from registration fees
goes towards the Small Wish Foundation which helps fight rare diseases and childhood cancer. As a precursor to the race on 3 March there will be an event in support of the same charity with activities such as zumba, cooking workshops, a giant paella and much more.
Outlawed
Data thief collared A man has been charged in connection with several suspected incidences of fraud perpetrated by data theft in the Alicante area. Police received several recent complaints relating to bank charges, credit card usage and unauthorised purchases from people in the province. They also received a complaint from a man saying that he suspected his business partner
by Matthew Richards
of using their firm to gain data details from customers. Once he had obtained bank or card details he was using this for fraudulent purposes for his own ends. The Spanish national has been charged with several offences including fraud, misappropriation, theft and forging documentation.
“Gay therapy” UNDER draft proposals for new laws to protect and support the LGBTQ community in Valencia, so called aversion therapy, which is supposed to “cure” people of homosexuality, will be punishable with fines of up to €45,000. As the law stands physicians or even non-medical people can employ often controversial methods of trying to change people’s orientation or gender bias, often for reasons of religion or family background. The draft bill has been presented by the Valencian Agency for Equality and the regional board for inclusion. Another proposal is that some local police will have special training in dealing with hate crimes, something which will apply to municipalities with over
by Simon Russell
100,000 residents. There are also plans for equal access to reproductive help, equality in general health care and a raft of educational measures
aimed at reducing levels of homophobia across the community from schools upward. Support will be offered to families of LGBTQ boys and girls and to the children who have been
affected by issues such as rejection and violence. The local government also pledges to recognise May 17th as International Day against homophobia and June 28th as LGBTQ Pride Day.
Local language promoted ADVICE in packs handed out to foreign parents of new-borns in 12 municipalities of the Valencian Community stresses the importance of the little ones learning Valenciano in every aspect of their life. This is part of the “Valencianization” campaign which many feel is seeking to banish the Spanish language from the region in places like schools. They advise that children should be enrolled in nurseries where Valenciano is spoken and later in schools where it is
by Matthew Richards
also the first language. Even names should be the Valenciano version where possible such as Carles for Carlos. By speaking the local language the children are more likely to feel part of the area and continue the cultural heritage of the area. However the majority of municipalities across the Community have opted not to include the letter and two of the twelve which originally did have now said they will be withdrawing it from circulation.
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
Fallas UNDERWAY by Simon Russell
T
OWNS and cities throughout Alicante and Valencia provinces started the buildup to this month’s Fallas festivities last weekend. Although the big day itself is 19 March, the remaining weekends leading up to the event will be marked by various parties and events led by the fallas groups in each town. The biggest celebration is always in Valencia City and over the weekend the city was alive with fireworks, fancy dress, music and traditional falleras. As always the mayor handed over the keys of the city to the fallas ambassadors, something repeated in many towns up and down the coast. In his speech he said that this year there is an increased awareness of women’s role as equals in the 21st Century, while some of the macho posturing of the past would be frowned on these days. Benidorm, Calpe, Denia, Oliva, Alicante and Gandia are among towns that all have fallas celebrations; if you want to know the timetable for your own town or area you can speak to your local town hall or tourist office.
Toll road debate continues WHILE in theory the motorway tolls across the Valencian Community will be discontinued from 2019, in practice the debate as to the feasibility of this continues. The Valencian Chamber of Contractors has said that
by Simon Russell
the free system will be unworkable, something that will not go down well with motorists who currently either have to battle their way through towns such as Altea, Benissa and Oliva or
pay the motorway tolls. The argument for retaining the charge is that the money they raise will still have to be found from somewhere to maintain the road network. This will probably be the taxpayer while in the
current system those who benefit most from the roads – the motorists who use it – are the ones who pay for the roads upkeep, albeit in an indirect fashion. Supporters of tolls have also said that motorway maintenance costs will
rise, as free usage will mean increased traffic, while some stretches will need to be widened. As things stand, when the current concession agreement runs out in December 2019 then the roads become toll free.
However the reality may be something in between such as reduced tolls, possibly targeted at residents most affected by the current system and who see their towns clogged up by traffic that could instead be on the nearby AP-7.
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FRIDAY 2ND FEB 2018
Reach for the sky by Edward Graham
THE 100th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Air Force falls on 1st April this year and former servicemen and women on the Costa Blanca are preparing to celebrate the historic date. The RAF was formed in 1918, the last year of the Great War, when the government amalgamated the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service, creating the world’s first independent air force. And the North Costa Blanca Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association is holding a formal dinner at the Canor Salones de Celebraciones in Teulada to mark the occasion. Wing Commander Bob Hunt MBE, is Chairman of the North Costa Blanca Branch and the European Area of RAFA – he joined up as a 16-year-old and was commissioned aged 24, serving for 34 years from 1962 to 1996. The branch was formed in 2004 and currently has around 100 members and Bob said it was hoped to attract new members. “We are trying to bring in anyone who has any form of association with the RAF,” he said. “Whether that was serving or as a dependent or even any form of affection for the RAF. “The association is for former national service
people and officers as well, and it is very sociable.” The dinner begins with a cocktail reception at the Canor and serving men and women are joining the branch as guests,
with entertainment provided by the Swing Sextet, an offshoot of the Romy Baker Big Band. Anyone interested in attending can email Bob at roberthnt@ hotmail.com or call 96 619 7325.
There is also a RAF100 Appeal being staged to mark the centenary and involves the RAF and four major RAF charities - the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, the Royal Air
Forces Association, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and the Royal Air Force Museum. The aim of the appeal is to raise money for the RAF Family and to create a lasting legacy.
Cave rescue Drugs sold from beauty salon by Simon Russell
THE Guardia Civil in Villena (Alicante) increased their monitoring of an area after noticing an upturn in drugs appearing in that part of the town. A nail salon came to their attention after several by Simon Russell
EIGHT German tourists were forced to spend the night in a cave after becoming trapped during bad weather on the island if Tenerife. The young group were hiking and decided to climb down a ravine, which they were then unable to ascend due to the heavy winds and rain. The
authorities were alerted but couldn’t reach them at first, although a local shepherd was able to get some food to them. They were rescued the next morning and the authorities said they had been extremely foolish to attempt hiking the ravine in such poor weather. The bad weather effected Tenerife for several days last week,
with hundreds of tourists stranded at both the islands airports due to strong winds and poor visibility. The popular resort – a winter sun favourite - suffered flooding, rock slides and blocked roads while many other travellers had to be housed in emergency accommodation awaiting the resumption of flights.
customers were entering and leaving the salon so soon after that they would not even have had time for the quickest manicure. The Guardia started interviewing witnesses and other leads to build a case and last week had sufficient evidence to raid the salon.
They discovered 700 grams of marijuana, 9 sachets of cocaine, cash, mobiles and scales, all related to the sale of drugs. These items had all been hidden in the wall under a radiator. A 35-yearold Spanish woman has been arrested and charged with drug trafficking.
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
What’s ON TV
The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard
A look at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, following the lives of some of the workers who keep the wheels turning and the passengers happy on one of the world’s most popular steam lines. To pull in the punters in, star engine Royal Scot is hired to headline for a week and for general manager Chris it’s an expensive gamble as this big and powerful engine was designed to thunder on mainline rails, while the heritage railway has much smaller platforms and bridges.
Channel 5 8:00pm Fri 2 Mar
MasterChef
The first quarter-final finds six heat winners with little time to rest on their laurels as they continue their fight to be crowned MasterChef Champion 2018. In the Critic’s Test, the week’s best amateurs are challenged by critic William Sitwell to make an exceptional dessert showcasing either alcohol or spices.
BBC1 London 7:30pm Fri 2 Mar
Gogglebox NEW SERIES The armchair critics share their opinions on what they have been watching during the week. The programme captures their instant reactions and lively discussions from the comfort of their own homes
Channel 4 9:00pm Fri 2 Mar
Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway
The Geordie duo celebrate the 100th edition of their awardwinning programme, and put their OBEs to good use as they join a secret service agency staffed by individuals with honours as their latest mystery spoof sketch gets under way. Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr is this week’s guest announcer, and Michael Ball and Alfie Boe help out with the End of the Show Show.
BBC2 10:00pm Sat 10 Feb
All Together Now
LAST IN SERIES Rob Beckett hosts the Grand Final of the crowdpleasing talent show, as the 10 finalists return to battle it out for the right to claim the £50,000 prize, and the title of champion. Each competitor performs a single song, hoping to get as many of the 100-strong panel of judges to join in. Then, the three highest-scoring singers take part in a make-orbreak sing-off, performing a brand new song in one last attempt to impress the judges. BBC 4 7:15pm Sat 3 Mar
Piers Morgan’s Life Stories
Pamela Anderson The host interviews former Baywatch star and Playboy centrefold Pamela Anderson, who reflects on her career and turbulent personal life.
ITV London 9:50pm Sat 3 Mar
V This Week
All T i Show mes n Ar e Span ish
Top Gear
The motoring show goes Stateside with a trip to California, where Matt LeBlanc and Chris Harris venture into some of the densest forests in the state to put some off-road vehicles through their paces and maybe see if there is any truth to the local legends of Bigfoot while they are at it. BC2 London 8:00pm Sun 4 Mar
Endeavour
QUARTET Morse investigates an assassination attempt at an international sporting event, but the case is very quickly closed. While Thursday is determined to walk away, Morse delves deeper, getting drawn into a web of intrigue involving espionage, big business and a dark secret in the heart of the Oxford community.
ITV London 8:00pm Sun 4
Call the Midwife
Barbara’s condition is not improving and she is kept in isolation at the hospital, leaving her friends able to do nothing but wait for more news. Dr Turner and Shelagh assist a man being held in a remand home whose wife is pregnant, while Lucille makes some new friends
8:00pm Sun 4 Mar
The Kyle Files
NEW SERIES - Cannabis Jeremy Kyle returns to tackle more high-profile issues affecting people’s lives across Britain, beginning by looking at the laws surrounding cannabis. Clinical trials suggest it could be beneficial for conditions like MS and epilepsy, so is it time to think again about decriminalising it? ITV London 8:00pm Mon 5 Mar
Action Team
DOCUMENTRYNEW SERIES Spoof spy thriller following the exploits of a team of special agents working for the British government and charged with saving the world. When an undercover agent is shot dead, it catapults the team into an Austrian adventure as they discover plans to attack an international charity conference. Tom Davis and Vicky McLure star
ITV2 10:00pm Mon 5 Mar
Big Field NEW SERIES Sketch show parodying TV programmes, starring Marek Larwodd and Tony Way
BBC2 10:25pm Mon 5 Mar
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
Relax
Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles
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QUICK CROSSWORD
Across 1 Rigorous (6) 4 Sloping script (6) 8 Imitate (5) 9 Substitute (5-2) 10 Welsh city (7) 11 Indian language (5) 12 Flabbergasted (9) 17 Parrot’s name (5) 19 Recital (anag.) (7) 21 Without weapons (7) 22 Leaves out (5) 23 Make possible (6) 24 Decapitate (6)
Down 1 To such an extent (2,4) 2 Comments (7) 3 Spiny desert plants (5) 5 Instructor (7) 6 Weighed down (5) 7 Outspoken (6) 9 Protect (9) 13 Appalling (7) 14 Mislead (7) 15 Husband or wife (6) 16 Came to an end (6) 18 Capital of Tibet (5) 20 Type of steak (1-4)
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
Across
Down
2 Dashing in great confusion (7) 1 Unready king making girl embarrassed (8) 3 Scoff when leader is knocked out in preliminary round (3) 6 Article I’m to make objective (3) 9 Precise former spouse has to do something (5) 4 Bunny talk? (6) 5 Mad artist turns playwright (9) 10 Directors and editor got on (7) 11 Oil change after journey in African port (7) 6 Check car heading for Tottenham (5) 7 Another word for doctor found in some dictionaries (5) 13 “Room at the Top” in Greek (5) 8 Browbeat Trojan hero (6) 14 Teased for being badly dressed (6) 12 Working with gear in top form (9) 15 Beer? Bert is ordered to swallow it (6) 16 Pair involved in most woe (7) 19 Aimed to reform press, TV, etc. (5) 21 Allowances made for disturbance on stair? (7) 17 Quit and write one’s name again? (6) 22 Just say I may be found in a French resort (7) 18 Royal pop star (6) 23 New gown about right? No, it’s not right (5) 19 Mother has second thoughts after contagious disease (5) 20 Teacher with north-eastern poet (5) 24 Observe the bishop’s territory (3) 23 Be successful for first half of season (3) 25 Drink that’s bad for teenager? (5,3)
For Crossword & Sudoku answers - See Page 40
Sudoku
Easy
Medium
Hard
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018 Chat | Travel | Celebrity | Puzzles
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Horoscopes
Scribble Pad
LIBRA (Sept 24th-Oct 23rd) ARIES (March 21st-April 20th) Your sense of timing is The lunar low tends to make impeccable and you’ll be you rather more circumspect anxious to make headway in than before and makes you practical matters. You’re now inclined to look back instead less geared towards negative of projecting your ideas into thoughts, and in fact on the the future. Its not too much ARIES LIBRA contrary as your mind now of a struggle to force yourself to take time to do whatever takes your fancy. focuses on strong positive issues to do with Trying too hard just wont work so take time to money and career. There’s a lot of good luck in your actions. rest and recoup. TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)
SCORPIO (Oct 24th-Nov 22nd)
GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23rd-Dec 21st)
CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd)
CAPRICORN (Dec 22nd-Jan 20th)
LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)
AQUARIUS (Jan 21st-Feb 19th)
VIRGO (August 24th-Sept 23rd)
PISCES (Feb 20th-March 20th)
This should be one of your Every job you do seems to be a better days for getting ahead one off so needs extra thought. in a general sense and for That wont bother you at all as establishing new patterns of you remain as methodical as ever behaviour that will be useful yet somehow more ingenious TAURUS and more adventurous. Away SCORPIO in the future. Look at matters carefully but be prepared to act from practicalities, grasp any chance to do something different, be it with on impulse when you know instinctively it’s the right way for you to proceed. partners or friends.
There’s a plan of action which Making a big impact on the is meant too be played out on world feels fairly easy to you the professional arena today even if you do tend to upset a but it seems to be slowing so couple of people along the way. much that it may well grind to You’re still fairly outspoken and a halt. You’re just going to have unwilling to compromise on SAGITTARIUS GEMINI to accept it as you cant change those occasions where you’re very certain of your ground. Your personality is anything right now. Focus more on your personal and home life. very potent right now.
You could be occupying a Being the centre of attention centre stage position right isn’t exactly hard for you today. now and should be more than In among the start of the willing to entertain others. This December festivities you could isn’t what you’re all about as a be put on some sort of pedestal, CANCER most likely by more than one CAPRICORN rule but you do have it within you now to be extremely person. You’re at your best in social situations and positively glow with good showy. At heart you’re still as keen to look after your own life and circumstances as is always health and vitality. the case.
Your need for better An important plan could miss communication and your the target unless you’re crystal desire to get out more, clear about all the details. It combine to indicate a restless cant be stressed enough just but potentially interesting how important it is to check and time. You want to get in touch double check. If you’re careful LEO AQUARIUS with lots of people but the something you’ve wanted for problem is there’s not enough hours in the day ages could be coming your way any time soon, to achieve all your objectives. Be patient. but if you’re sloppy you’ll be disappointed.
As you grow more confident Opportunities come along to after the lunar low, you’ll be improve your lot in and around less intimidated by finding your home. It should now be yourself in the limelight. Its easier to listen to relatives who true that others are making a have been having a bit of a hard time and to implement plans PISCES fuss of you at the moment and VIRGO you’re making the most of the that can help. Time stretches like elastic for Virgo at this part of the week and situation. Today is also good for all aspects of you’ll be amazed at how much you can achieve. romance and one to one liaisons.
Are you a 9 letter word Genius? Like our facebook page & share your results for your chance to be in The Weekender Newspaper! @TheWeekenderSpain
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
Motoring
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Head on collision kills two
Puzzle Solutions
TWO people were killed and in a crash that left two others badly injured near Paterna in Valencia last weekend. The head on collision occurred on the CV365 at lunchtime on Sunday 25
February close to the Fuente del Jarra de Paterna industrial estate. All four occupants of the two vehicles were trapped and fire-crews as well as ambulance services were both called out to the scene.
QUICK CROSSWORD
by Simon Russell
Two men aged 75 and 71 were given CPR but declared dead while a 35-year-old male and 78-year-old female were transferred to La Fe Hospital and another nearby clinic. The cause of the crash has not been determined at this point.
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
Passengers injured in coach crash
Twenty one people were injured, 11 of them seriously, after a bus overturned near Burgos in the north of Spain last weekend. The crash happened early on Sunday evening on
SUDOKU MEDIUM
by Simon Russell
the A-1 motorway by the small town of Lerma. 17 of the injured required hospitalisation, although six of these were soon released.
Of the remaining 11, one person is said to be in a very serious condition and a further four are gravely ill. The reason behind the bus overturning is not known at this stage.
SUDOKU HARD
Motoring
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018 8TH DEC 2017
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Live-in Carer Training & Selection Event March 5th – 9th and April 23rd – 27th To register for any of these events or to find out more contact Susan Edwards
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
Sport
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Neymar to have surgery in Brazil, out for Real Madrid clash Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Neymar will have surgery in Brazil later this week after he sprained his right ankle and cracked his fifth metatarsal toward the end of Sunday’s 3-0 Ligue 1 win over Marseille. The Ligue 1 leaders have revealed that after three days
of rest and various tests, the only option available was to operate on the Brazilian superstar. Neymar will now miss next week’s Champions League round-of-16 second leg with Real Madrid at Parc des Princes. A PSG statement read: “After an initial treatment period of
three days, in line with a strict medical protocol, a joint decision has been taken between the medical staffs of both PSG and the Brazil national team. “In accordance with the player, it has been decided that Neymar will undergo surgery in Brazil at the end of this week.
“He will be operated on by doctor Rodrigo Lasmar and accompanied by PSG’s Professor [Gerard] Saillant.” PSG have not stated how long Neymar will miss, but in an interview with ESPN Brazil, his father indicated that it will be somewhere between six to eight weeks.
Pochettino slams ‘embarrassing’ VAR Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino said the controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system had been “embarrassing” after his side came through an incident-packed FA Cup replay against Rochdale at Wembley on Wednesday. Spurs, who eventually won 6-1 on the back of a second-half hat-trick from Fernando Llorente, were twice denied goals, had one penalty claim rejected and another accepted on the word of the VAR during an extraordinary opening period at the national stadium. Fans at Wembley, Spurs’s temporary home while their successor ground to White Hart Lane is built, had no way of knowing the reasons behind the VAR’s decisions as, unlike the systems in use for rugby and cricket, they were not broadcast or displayed on a giant screen. Moreover, there were several occasions
when it took the VAR a lengthy amount of time to reach a verdict, while there were others when he appeared to be over-ruling an on-field call that did not involve a clear and obvious error.
Valtteri Bottas says the F1’s big three teams will be hard to separate MERCEDES should expect an even closer battle with Ferrari and Red Bull at the start of the new F1 season next month, says Valtteri Bottas. The weather-affected opening days of pre-season testing have given few concrete clues as to how the pecking order could stand going into the campaign when it begins in Australia at the end of March. Bottas, who has
completed the majority of Mercedes’ running with the W09 so far, admits he too would be guessing at this stage but suspects the fight at the front will be even more competitive than it was at the end of last season. “It’s way too early to say but if I would have to guess something I would say it’s definitely going to be closer,” Bottas told reporters. “And there will at least be three teams very close in
the beginning of the year.” Asked if McLaren could make it a four-team fight, Bottas replied: “As a team we don’t underestimate any team or driver. Of course Fernando Alonso is a good driver and maybe they have a better car, but it’s too early to say where the McLaren is and how strong they are looking.” he world champions were a close second to Ferrari in the mileage charts at the end of the second day but their 177
laps with the new W09 were still nearly 150 down on the number the W08 had racked up at the same stage last year. But Bottas says the test has not been a complete write-off. “I’ve learned a lot how to get the tyres to warm up!” he said in reference to the freezing temperatures. “I’ve learned about the new car and general behaviour and how it handles. I still need to really unlock everything and really test the limits.
FOOTBALL Sunday 3rd March
13:30 Burnley v Everton EPL 16:00 Leicester City v Bournemouth EPL 16:00 Swansea v West Ham EPL 16:00 Tottenham v Huddersfield EPL 16:00 Southampton v Stoke City EPL 16:00 Watford v West Brom EPL 18:30 Liverpool v Newcastle EPL 20:45 Real Madrid v Getafe CF
Sunday 4th March
14:30 Brighton v Arsenal EPL 17:00 Man City v Chelsea EPL 16:15 Barcelona v Athletico Madrid 20:45 Valencia v Real Betis
Monday 5th March
20:00 Crystal Palace v Man Utd EPL
Tuesday 6th March
20:45 Liverpool v Porto Champs League 20:45 PSG v Real Madrid Champs League
Wednesday 7th March
20:45 Tottenham v Juventus Champs League 20:45 Man City v Basel Champs League
6 Nations Ireland v Scotland Aviva Stadium (Dublin) Saturday, March 10. 3.15pm ITV
France v England Stade de France (Paris) Saturday, March 10. 5.45pm BBC
Wales v Italy
Principality Stadium (Cardiff) Sunday, March 11 4pm BBC
ALL TIMES GIVEN ARE SPANISH TIME
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FRIDAY 2ND MARCH 2018
Your Weekend Starts Here!
Sport
ANDY MURRAY MAKING PLANS FOR TENNIS COMEBACK
ANDY Murray is preparing to return to the court following hip surgery and could be back in match action before the grass-court season starts. The former world No.1 went under the knife in Melbourne last month after being sidelined since Wimbledon due to the problem in his right hip. There were serious fears for his career when he abandoned an attempt to come back at the Brisbane
International at the start of January and then wrote a heartfelt post on Instagram. He was much more upbeat following surgery, however, and targeted a return on the grass in June. It now appears he could even be back before then, although whether he would want to subject his body to the rigours of clay at, for example, the French Open appears highly doubtful.
Murray’s likely comeback tournament looked set to be Queen’s, which begins on June 18, although there are ATP Tour events on grass the previous week in Germany and Holland, while he could even choose to play one or more of the lower-tier British tournaments. Murray is now back working hard in the gym and has been doing regular pilates sessions ahead of an anticipated return to on-court
training towards the end of March. Having had to abort planned comebacks at the US Open last summer and then in Australia, Murray does not want to push too hard and will have to see how his hip copes with being back on the court. He is planning to head to sunnier climes for a warm-weather training camp once he has returned to on-court training.