Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has made an interesting comparison between Cityzens midfielder Bernardo Silva and Lionel Messi, claiming after the Portuguese's goal against Villarreal on Tuesday night that both him and the great Argentine have a "hammer in their necks", capable of scoring great headed goals despite their comparatively short stature.

Silva receives strange Guardiola praise after Villarreal goal

Silva scored his side’s second goal as City won 2-0 away to the Spanish side, the inevitable Erling Haaland scoring the opener as Guardiola’s men climbed into the Champions League top eight, three matches into the league phase, despite the continued absence of Rodri.

Bernardo powered home a header from the centre of the penalty area to double the scoreline for his side, leading to Guardiola’s comparison between his neck muscles and a “hammer”, a trait the Catalan believes is shared by Inter Miami superstar Messi, whom he famously managed during both men’s illustrious spell with Barcelona.

Considering the substantial power behind the header, Guardiola’s comparison makes some sense, though it was a unique one to make, nevertheless.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportGuardiola describes Silva's powerful goal

“I’m pleased that Erling scored again; and pleased that Bernardo made an incredible header again. It’s a little bit like [Lionel] Messi, it’s a hammer. They have a hammer in their neck, they are so good. They are small but they are so good with their head contact.”

Social media reacts to Guardiola's comments

The commenters on Sky Sports News’ video of the clip in question from Guardiola’s post-match press conference had a field day, as football fans enjoyed the creative comparison made by the City manager.

“Pep just be inventing anatomy at this point,” said @MaxRakeBitCom, alongside a laughing face emoji.

“Only Pep could make heading sound like an art form,” laughed @Only1Justus.

Another user, @0xa1_, added: “Bro’s built like a USB stick but headers like prime Ronaldo.”

“Pep just compared a neck header to Messi? Try that with Ronaldo and the ball enters orbit,” added @olisaemekalum2.

Another, @BavuFunzo, joked: “Always finding a point to involve Messi.”

Another user questioned Guardiola’s use of vocabulary, @xwordz: “Ain’t the hammer, it’s the flexibility and the elastic strength.”

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Guardiola and Rico Lewis speak after Villarreal win

"Tough place to come. We played really good. At the end they had one or two chances but we played a fantastic game. A good step for us in this tournament," said Guardiola.

"It's good that not just Erling [Haaland] scored and we had more chances for others. Impact from Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders good too. Little disappointed with result in Monaco, we created chances and didn't win and played the same as today but today got the goals. Teams in La Liga are really tough and a top-class manager.

“Spanish people know it, maybe English people don’t know it, Villarreal is a top, top team. So I know how difficult it is to come here. Indeed, in the way we played, I have the feeling that, in many ways, we are coming back to what we were in the past.

"Our numbers in the Champions League in the last year are not bad. Personally my numbers are not bad. But last season was tough for us, the vibe and how the team are playing now make me feel fine."

City’s Rico Lewis, who assisted the game’s opening goal for Haaland, told TNT Sports: "We felt in control for most of the game. There's always better things we can do and there were a few spells they had that we could've prevented but we have to be harsh on ourselves if we want to win the competition.

"We've got some confidence back. When you're playing with confidence there's nothing to stop you but yourself. Everyone trusts each other as well and there's nothing better than us having each other's backs."

Speaking about Haaland, he added "Impossible, amazing. To play with him in the team, he helps us more than people realise. He draws defenders to free other people and then that frees him up to score. He's impossible to defend. He's such a hard worker and never stops wanting to score."

Everton appear to be moving in the right direction.

Last time out, the brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium witnessed wild celebrations for the first time as the Toffees fought back from a goal down to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in the dying embers.

Iliman Ndiaye converted a penalty, before Jack Grealish rather tackled in the winner from close range deep into stoppage time.

This propelled David Moyes’ team up to eighth in the Premier League table and was a timely victory, considering the Blues’ next two matches are Manchester City (A) and then Tottenham (H) after this latest international break.

So, while Everton’s sole league defeat since the opening day came in the Merseyside derby at Anfield, one regular member of their team is on borrowed time, ahead of the return of, arguably, Everton’s best player.

The latest on Jarrad Branthwaite's fitness

What has made Everton’s decent start to the season all the more impressive is the fact that Jarrard Branthwaite is yet to play a single minute of it.

The England international suffered a hamstring injury during a pre-season friendly against Roma, so has not been seen in competitive action since the final game at Goodison back in May.

In the meantime though, he has signed a new five-year contract with the club, a serious statement of intent to secure the signature of a defender described as a “generational talent”.

Ahead of the recent 1-1 draw with West Ham, Moyes noted that Branthwaite was not yet “back with the group” but is expecting him to be available “soon”, so there is optimism that he’ll be ready to feature in the coming weeks.

Having been both the Toffees’ players’ and supporters’ player of the season in 2023/24, the 23-year-old’s imminent return will only elevate this team, but could certainly be bad news for his current deputy.

Everton star on borrowed time once Branthwaite is back

In Branthwaite’s continued absence, James Tarkowski and Michael Keane have started every Premier League match at centre-back so far this season, both ever-presents until the latter suffered a rib injury against Crystal Palace, replaced by Tim Iroegbunam mid-way through the second period.

Keane joined the Toffees from Burnley all the way back in 2017, accumulating 239 appearances for the club to date, playing under eight different permanent managers: Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce, Marco Silva, Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benítez, Frank Lampard, Sean Dyche and now Moyes.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday night football, one of Keane’s former caretaker bosses, Duncan Ferguson exclaimed that he’s been blown away by the England international’s recent performances, particularly in light of his goal against West Ham.

“It’s incredible how he got the height. He jumped off his two feet when normally it would be off one. It was behind him. What a header.”

However, one would assume that, as soon as Branthwaite is back, the 32-year-old will find himself back on the bench, so let’s assess how the duo compare.

Aerial duel success %

59%

57%

Ground duel success %

69%

49%

Clearances

6.8

6.9

Interceptions

1

1.3

Blocks

0.9

0.7

Ball recoveries

3.4

2.6

Touches

56

50

As the table documents, Branthwaite comes out on top for the vast majority of defensive metrics included.

Keane did score that aforementioned goal against West Ham at Bramley-Moore Dock last month, but his days not only in the Everton team but at the club at all could be numbered, considering he is out of contract next summer, having signed a one-year deal last July.

Branthwaite, on the other hand, is the future, currently contracted to remain on Merseyside until 2030, so they will want him back in the defence as soon as possible.

Thus, while Keane is a serviceable Premier League player, Everton’s new home signals that they have aspirations of grandeur, and Branthwaite’s return will be key in getting them back there.

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ByDan Emery Oct 13, 2025

Following a tough start to life under Russell Martin, former Rangers player Derek Ferguson has taken aim at one particular deal that Kevin Thelwell pushed through in the summer.

Update on Russell Martin's Rangers future

Reports last week suggested that the Hibernian game was a crucial point in the early stages of Martin’s tenure. Defeat would have likely ended the manager’s time at the club just months on from arriving. At long last, however, the Gers got back to winning ways and advanced in the Scottish League Cup to hand Martin a glimmer of hope.

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ByCallum Kemp Sep 23, 2025

The victory, which must only be a start, hands Rangers something to build on and may well be the beginning of the pressure being lifted on Martin. What is also key to note about that victory is the return of Nicolas Raskin. The midfielder has found himself dropped for reasons away from the pitch at times this season, but finally returned last time out to hand the Gers a decisive boost.

That win has not silenced all the noise, however, with Ferguson still taking aim at Thelwell and one decision that the sporting director reportedly pushed through during the summer transfer window.

Ferguson "baffled" by Chermiti deal

Speaking to Ibrox News, Ferguson revealed that he’s been “baffled” by Rangers’ decision to sign Chermiti in a deal worth as much as £10m at the end of the summer transfer window.

The former midfield player said: “I just can’t see anything to justify that fee. It’s baffling why they’ve paid so much. What it does is it brings pressure for the young lad from the off.

“With a price tag like that, you expect him to play every week and to bang in goals. If he doesn’t, then the pressure builds. It’s a strange one, and I, of course, wish him well, but I’m scratching my head over this one. I don’t know why this deal was done, to be honest with you.”

The former Everton forward is yet to prove his worth in a Rangers shirt. Although still early days, the 21-year-old has made just two appearances for the Scottish giants which is far from ideal for a player of his price.

At £10m, the Gers needed a player capable of hitting the ground running, especially in the middle of their current run. Alas, Chermiti hasn’t even broken into Martin’s Scottish Premiership squad at times this season.

Crystal Palace have now expressed an interest in signing an “extraordinary” forward, who has made a fantastic start to the 2025-26 campaign.

Palace looking to sign another top-level forward after Pino

It was always going to be a tall order to replace Eberechi Eze, after losing the attacking midfielder to Arsenal in the summer transfer window, but the statement signing of Yeremy Pino from Villarreal went some way to allaying Palace fans’ fears about losing the talisman.

Pino led the Eagles to victory in their opening Europa Conference League match, chipping in with two assists in the 2-0 victory, and the Spaniard is not the only forward off to an impressive start, with Ismaila Sarr already on three Premier League goals.

Despite Oliver Glasner already being blessed with a number of top-quality attacking options, however, it has now been revealed the Eagles have expressed an interest in another forward, with Steve Parish proving he means business.

According to a report from Spain, Crystal Palace are now keen on signing AS Monaco star Ansu Fati, following his impressive start to the season, but there could be competition for the 22-year-old’s signature, with Everton and Newcastle United also keen.

It is unclear what sort of fee Monaco would be looking to receive for Fati, but FC Barcelona have a buy-back clause of around €28m (£24m), which provides a potential reference point.

Palace are said to be looking to bolster their squad with young talent, meaning the Monaco forward would be an ideal addition, and his displays in Ligue 1 this season suggest he could make a real impact at Selhurst Park…

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ByDominic Lund Oct 12, 2025 "Extraordinary" Fati fulfilling his potential at Monaco

Once widely regarded to be the next big thing, the former Barcelona man flattered to deceive at the Camp Nou, but he has since gone on to prove he still has the potential to become one of the best wingers in the world since signing for AS Monaco.

Indeed, the Spaniard has made a flying start to the 2025-26 campaign, scoring six goals in five matches in all competitions, including his side’s only goal in a 4-1 defeat against Club Brugge in the Champions League.

The left-winger has also received high praise from Xavi in the past, with the ex-Barca manager once lauding him as “extraordinary”, which suggests he has the ability to be a real difference-maker for Palace.

With it being widely reported that Parish has held talks with Glasner about a contract extension, making a statement signing in January could play a major role in convincing the Austrian to stay, and Fati could be an excellent addition to the squad.

Over the last three seasons, Arsenal have been within touching distance of ending their two-decade drought for a Premier League title under Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners last claimed title glory way back in 2004, with a generation of supporters unable to personally experience the heights achieved in the years prior.

In recent years, the club have shown glimpses of ending such an extended wait, but have been unable to cross the line and end a campaign in top spot.

Arteta’s men have finished the last three seasons in second place, but will be hoping to go one better this time around after the hierarchy backed him with over £200m worth of new additions.

However, despite the heavy spending from the board, one player already in the ranks at the Emirates could offer the solution to their recent inability to jump the final hurdle.

Why Saka could lead Arsenal to title glory in 25/26

Winger Bukayo Saka has been a crucial member of the Arsenal squad over the last couple of years, even cementing his place as a regular starter under Arteta.

The Englishman has risen through the academy ranks and showcased his worth, subsequently reaching unthinkable heights in the club’s hunt for title glory.

The 24-year-old has since racked up 270 senior appearances for the Gunners, registering 144 combined goals and assists in the process – an average of 0.53 per 90.

He missed a huge chunk of last campaign through injury, restricting him to just 37 appearances in all competitions, but it didn’t stop him from achieving a total of 25 goal contributions.

Such numbers weren’t enough for Arteta to claim any form of silverware, but his return to full fitness in 2025/26 will only improve the club’s chances of success.

His emergence through the youth ranks has highlighted the impressive work done by all the staff behind the scenes, which could allow players to emulate his success at the Emirates.

The Arsenal star who’s already a Saka-type player

Over the last couple of months, Arsenal fans have found a new reason to be excited, with teenager Max Dowman making his mark on the first-team despite being just 15.

He made his first senior appearance for the Gunners in the 5-0 triumph over Leeds United at the Emirates, featuring for just under half an hour but still having a huge impact.

The youngster won a penalty late on in the contest, handing Viktor Gyokeres the chance to net his second goal for the club, already showcasing his ability to torment the opposition despite his tender age.

Given his immediate impact in North London, there’s no denying that Dowman has a huge future at the club, but it’s crucial Arteta and co manage the expectations placed upon him.

However, the route of being in the academy and making the jump to the senior squad isn’t as simple for others, with Eberechi Eze one player who’s demonstrated just that in recent years.

He spent time in the youth ranks during the early years of his career, before being let go and making a name for himself at Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

The Gunners subsequently forked out a deal worth £67.5m for his signature this summer, with the hope he can become as crucial as Saka in the immediate future.

Eze, who’s been labelled “magical to watch” by Paul Hall, has glaring similarities to the aforementioned star, with the attacker already being comparable to his compatriot.

In his first eight games back in North London, the 27-year-old has already showcased his creative ability, laying on two assists in his first five Premier League outings.

Eberechi Eze – Arsenal stats

Stats (per 90)

Eze

Arsenal rank

Shots

2.8

1st

Shots on target

1.13

1st

Shots on target %

46.2%

5th

Progressive passes

5.23

8th

Shot-creating actions

3.83

3rd

Goal-creating actions

0.68

4th

Successful dribbles

1.3

3rd

Take-on success %

61.5%

1st

Stats via FBref

However, Eze has also shown that he’s capable of starring alone, already netting his first goal for the club in the recent Carabao Cup clash against Port Vale.

Both traits have seen Saka become a real fan-favourite in North London, with the winger undoubtedly a key part of any potential success the club could achieve this campaign.

As for the new summer addition, he could also follow suit if he continues his excellent start to life at the Emirates – subsequently adding a new dimension to Arteta’s already potent front line.

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Posts ByMatt Dawson Oct 15, 2025

Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, one of San Diego FC’s brightest stars in the 2025 MLS season, was a surprise omission from the lineup in the club’s recent Matchday 34 clash against the Portland Timbers. What first appeared to be a tactical decision by head coach Mikey Varas now seems to stem from a deeper disciplinary issue, according to reports.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Heated argument at root

  Lozano has been temporarily separated from the San Diego FC roster following a disciplinary incident, according to Tom Bogert. 

  The outlet reports that the Mexico international was involved in a heated argument with head coach Mikey Varas shortly before joining up with the national team during the most recent FIFA window. The altercation allegedly occurred during halftime of San Diego’s match against the Houston Dynamo on Oct. 4, a game in which Lozano was substituted after the first 45 minutes.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'He was visibly upset'

  As a result, the winger was excluded from the following match against the Portland Timbers, and his participation in the upcoming MLS Playoffs is now in doubt. Inside sources say the player must demonstrate a stronger sense of commitment to regain his place within the squad.

  “He was visibly upset, and that’s when the confrontation took place,” a source told . “Lozano needs to prove his dedication to the group if he wants to be part of the postseason.”

  Lozano was San Diego FC's blockbuster signing to kick off their first season, and the 32-year-old had a solid inaugural campaign with nine goals and 10 assists. 

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Bad timing

  Despite the recent controversy, Lozano has been a key member of San Diego and his form has led him back to El Tri as well. The winger was called up by Javier Aguirre to represent Mexico in the September and October FIFA dates – his first appearances with the national team in over a year. This disciplinary setback, therefore, comes at an especially unfortunate moment for the Mexican star. Mexico reconvene in November for friendlies against Uruguay and November 18. 

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• Playoffs ahead

  San Diego kick off their playoff run against the Portland Timbers in a three-game series, with Game 1 on Sunday, Oct. 26. 

أكد أشرف بن شرقي، لاعب فريق الكرة بالنادي الأهلي، أن بطولة السوبر المصري من البطولات المهمة هذا الموسم، وأن جميع اللاعبين يسعون بكل قوة لتحقيق اللقب وإسعاد الجماهير.

ويستعد الأهلي لمواجهة سيراميكا كليوباترا مساء الخميس المقبل، بالمباراة التي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة السوبر المصري.

وقال أشرف بن شرقي في تصريحات صحفية عبر المركز الرسمي لـ الأهلي: “السوبر المصري تعد من البطولات المهمة التي نرغب في التتويج بها، ونحن ندرك تمامًا قيمتها بالنسبة للنادي والجماهير، ونتمنى أن نكون عند حسن الظن ونحقق الفوز باللقب”.

أسامة حسني: الأهلي تعرض للظُلم قبل السوبر المصري.. وأين تكافؤ الفرص؟

وتحدث بن شرقي عن مواجهة سيراميكا كليوباترا المقرر لها مساء الخميس المقبل في نصف نهائي البطولة، قائلا: “سيراميكا من الفرق المميزة التي قدمت نتائج قوية إلى الآن على المستوى المحلي، ونستعد بشكل جيد لمواجهتهم ونسعى لتحقيق الفوز وحسم التأهل إلى نهائي البطولة”.

وشدد على أن إقامة البطولة في الإمارات يمثل دافعًا قويا للفريق، لاسيما أن جماهير الأهلي دائما ما تكون حاضرة في الملعب؛ لدعم وتشجيع اللاعبين، إلى جانب الأجواء المميزة من حيث جودة الملاعب.

وواصل: “هذه البطولة تمثل بداية قوية لموسم طويل، والتتويج بها سيمنحنا دافعًا كبيرًا لمواصلة المنافسة على جميع الألقاب، نحن جاهزون ذهنيًا وبدنيًا، ونتمنى أن نحقق الفوز ونسعد جماهير الأهلي”.

وأتم: “أتوجه بالشكر لجماهير الأهلي على دعمهم الكبير، والفريق هدفه الفوز باللقب للاحتفال معهم”.

MatériaMais Notícias

Corinthians e Grêmio se encaram em um duelo válido pela 15ª rodada do Brasileirão. A partida estava atrasada e será realizada nesta segunda-feira (18), às 21 horas (de Brasília. Veja abaixo onde assistir!

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+ Veja a classificação e simule os resultados do Brasileirão

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O Timão busca voltar a reencontrar as vitórias na competição nacional. Nos últimos cinco jogos, a equipe paulista perdeu em duas ocasiões e empatou outros três confrontos.

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

Enquanto isso, o Grêmio vive uma batalha pelas primeiras colocações da tabela. Contudo, fora de casa, o Tricolor Gaúcho deixou a desejar. O Imortal perdeu os últimos quatro desafios longe dos seus domínios no Brasileirão.

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CORINTHIANS X GRÊMIO
15ª RODADA DO CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO

Local: Neo Química Arena, São Paulo (SP)
Data e hora: segunda-feira, 18 de setembro de 2023, às 21h00 (horário de Brasília)
Árbitro: Paulo César Zanovelli da Silva (Fifa-MG)
Assistentes: Luanderson Lima dos Santos (Fifa-BA) e Celso Luiz da Silva (MG)
Árbitro de vídeo: Emerson de Almeida Ferreira (MG)
Onde assistir: Premiere e no tempo real do Lance!

CORINTHIANS

Cássio; Fagner, Caetano, Lucas Veríssimo e Fábio Santos; Moscardo, Maycon e Giuliano (Renato Augusto); Rojas, Yuri Alberto e Wesley. Técnico: Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

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Desfalques: Roni (trauma no tornozelo); Paulinho (recuperação de cirurgia no joelho); Bruno Méndez e Gil (suspensos)

Pendurados: Cássio, Lucas Veríssimo, Caetano, Fagner, Fausto Vera, Gabriel Moscardo, Matheus Bidu, Maycon, Roni, Guilherme Biro, Ruan Oliveira e Yuri Alberto.

GRÊMIO

Gabriel Grando; João Pedro, Rodrigo Ely, Kannemann e Reinaldo; Villasanti, Pepê, Ronald e Cristaldo; Ferreira e Suárez. Técnico: Renato Portaluppi.

Desfalques: Carballo (lesão ligamentar no joelho direito); Geromel e Jhonata Robert (transição física)

Pendurados: Bruno Alves, Mila, Rodrigo Ely e Everton Galdino.

+ Já pensou em ser um gestor de futebol? Participe da nossa Masterclass com Felipe Ximenes e descubra oportunidades

Tudo sobre

CorinthiansGrêmioOnde assistir

The decision had been on the cards ever since he was overlooked for CSA’s central contracts in April

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Jun-2025

South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen has announced that he is stepping away from international cricket, as he looks to prioritise his T20 league future.The decision means Klaasen, who will be 34 next month, played his last game for South Africa in the Champions Trophy semi-final defeat to New Zealand in Lahore in March. That has turned out to be the final game of a seven-year international career, in which he played four Tests, 60 ODIs and and 58 T20Is. It was in the white-ball formats that he really made an impact, and his reputation as one of the game’s most fearsome middle-order hitters; he exits ODIs with one of the highest career strike rates.Related

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It was in the 50-over format that he played one of the innings people will remember most, a blistering 83-ball 174 against Australia in Centurion. He was a key figure in South Africa’s runs to the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup as well as the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup. His dismissal in that final against India for a 27-ball 52 was one of the major turning points in South Africa’s ultimately doomed chase.The decision to retire, though, had been on the cards for a while now. He was overlooked for Cricket South Africa’s central contracts in April. Klassen had been on a white-ball only contract until then, having retired from Test cricket in January 2024.1:45

Would Heinrich Klaasen rather dance at the IPL opening ceremony or appear in a Telugu film?

At the time, both David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen accepted hybrid contracts which allows them to play in ICC events and agreed-upon bilateral tours. Of Klassen, CSA had said in a statement only that “discussions regarding his future are ongoing and a final decision will be made in due course.”Klaasen’s decision was also inevitable given Shukri Conrad’s plans for the national side. Announced as South Africa’s white-ball coach last month, Conrad made it clear that playing for South Africa would be the priority over T20 leagues in his tenure and committed to putting the best South African team forward in all their games.South Africa have a busy schedule coming up across formats, including several white-ball commitments through July, August and September. Those series clash with a number of leagues, including Major League Cricket (MLC), the Hundred and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). As one of South Africa’s most sought-after players on the T20 franchise circuit, Klaasen is signed up for the MLC and the Hundred (for the Seattle Orcas and Manchester Originals respectively).ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Conrad was expected to talk to players who were not given central contracts, including Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi as well but he was very clear when taking over about his selection criteria: “All our players must be available for selection. If they make themselves unavailable for selection, well, that’s a decision that they’ve made and the path that they’ve chosen.” He was especially keen to avoid situations where players do not feature in bilaterals but are parachuted in for an ICC event or one where a severely under-strength national squad has to take the field.”It is a sad day for me as I announce that I have decided to step away from international cricket,” Klassen said in a statement. “It took me a long time to decide what’s best for me and my family for the future. It was truly a very difficult decision but also one that I have absolute peace with.”To have played with the Proteas badge on my chest was and will always be the biggest honour in my career. I look forward to spending more time with my family as this decision will allow me to do so.”Enoch Nkwe, CSA’s director of national teams and high performance, said they respected Klaasen’s decision. “Heinrich has been a true match-winner for South Africa. He was a player capable of changing the course of a game in a matter of overs,” he said. “His commitment and impact in the white-ball formats have been immense, and we thank him for his outstanding service to South African cricket.”He has been transparent with Cricket South Africa throughout the past few months, and we fully respect his decision to retire from international cricket. We wish him continued success in the next chapter of his journey.”

West Indies coach Daren Sammy has been fined for his criticism of third umpire Adrian Holdstock during the opening Test against Australia in Barbados.Sammy was angered by two decisions, in particular, that went against West Indies on the second day: Roston Chase’s lbw, upheld by Holdstock despite a suggestion of an inside edge, and Shai Hope’s inside edge that was brilliantly caught by Alex Carey, who was ruled to have held the catch cleanly. On the first day, Holdstock adjudged a similar low catch to Hope off Travis Head as having not carried.Speaking after the second day’s play, Sammy said he had held concerns about Holdstock’s umpiring from the recent ODI series in England.Related

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• Chase calls out 'so many questionable calls' in Barbados Test

• Sammy 'looking for some clarity' as contentious TV umpiring decisions pile up

“You don’t want to get yourself in a situation where you’re wondering about certain umpires,” he said. “Is there something against this team? But when you see decision after decision, then it raises the question.”Sammy was found to have violated Article 2.7 of the ICC’s code of conduct, which pertains to “public criticism of, or inappropriate comment in relation to an incident occurring in an international match or any player, player support personnel, match official or team participating in any international match”.He was fined 15% of his match fee for the level-one offence. One demerit point has also been added to Sammy’s disciplinary record, his first offence in a 24-month period.Sammy admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Javagal Srinath. Level 1 offences carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum of a 50% match fee fine, along with one or two demerit points.Captain Chase was equally critical of the decisions when he spoke after the match but there has yet to be any mention of a sanction against him.Holdstock is due to be an on-field umpire for the next two Tests in Grenada and Jamaica with the TV role split between Nitin Menon and Richard Kettleborough.