Paul Hayward

With international law shredded, the distinction between military and civilian targets has also disappeared.

The trauma and mega-violence inflicted on civilians by all sides in this Middle East war looks like Putin's barbaric assault on Ukrainians.

Thanks Shaun.

Cheltenham Festival: Racing’s rite of spring still suffer... Cheltenham’s iconic festival is fighting back after falling crowds, rising prices and Irish dominance. But can it retain its hold on the racing public?

The Cheltenham Festival is having to sing for its supper as never before. A piece on how jump racing's rite of spring is adapting to protect its popularity.

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Today's Observer Sport.

Classic Six Nations unpredictability...

France - scary, then defensively shambolic at Murrayfield. Blow Grand Slam.

England- 12 wins, then implode mid-tournament

Scotland - lose to Italy, then brilliant wins over England and France

Not surprised Arsenal started with this team at Mansfield. The first team looked weary at Brighton in mid-week. Sensible to rest them.

Thank you.

Thanks Kev.

The world is in flames and Gianni Infantino is left looki... Iran’s presence at the World Cup finals in less than 100 days is a quagmire that Fifa could struggle to get out of

It's easy to see why Iran can't take their place at the World Cup. More complicated is what to do about Trump's America, an unstable host.
My commentary

observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...

The world is in flames and Gianni Infantino is left looki... Iran’s presence at the World Cup finals in less than 100 days is a quagmire that Fifa could struggle to get out of

My column on Iran, the World Cup and the many reasons to see America's tournament as mayhem waiting to happen.
observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...

There's a disturbing relish in the way Pete Hegseth talks about killing people.

The true cost of war...

It wasn't a match report. It was a piece 'off' the game. I thought Ireland were superb.

Sport is struggling to deal with the poison of racism in ... From Jose Mourinho’s outrageous verdict on Vinícius Junior to the treatment of Edwin Edogbo, if we don’t stay alive to abuse, it risks handing a victory to discrimination

"A ginormous fuck you" to racism.

My column on last week's trio of cases and why becoming desensitised hands a victory to discrimination.

observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...

Ha, we've all done it, Emma. Hope you're enjoying the Games.

This one will have to get in the queue of questions about what's gone wrong with Britain.

Yes, the U-20s are the best hope that it's cyclical. It just seems the structure and culture have been run right down.

Not sure who's going to be most upset by that analogy Kev: Wales or Spurs.

Riven by panic and bitterness, Welsh rugby is on its knees Once the pride of the nation, the sport is locked into an identity crisis with no obvious way out

102 points conceded by Wales in two Six Nations games.
This is why we ran a four-page report on the problems in Welsh rugby.
A great culture in need of rescue 👇
@theobserveruk.bsky.social

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Shouldn't this be "18-day deal?"

The Washington Post’s sport cull is a bigger red flag for... If sport is simply churn and ‘content’, then every other form of cultural reportage might as well be closed down, too

My column on the great American sportswriting tradition - and why the Washington Post's cull spells danger far beyond the ballpark.

observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...

The Washington Post’s sport cull is a bigger red flag for... If sport is simply churn and ‘content’, then every other form of cultural reportage might as well be closed down, too

My column on the great American sportswriting tradition - and why the Washington Post's cull spells danger far beyond the ballpark.

observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...

He has more front than the French Riviera.

Presumably Jim Ratcliffe, who colonised Monaco, excludes Man Utd's multi-national squad from his claim that Britain has been "colonised by immigrants."

Thomas Frank downfall summary...

A critical mass of Spurs players decided they didn't fancy him and disengaged - which is what they always do when they know a sacking will follow.

Frank took the wrong road out of Brentford. Can the people now running Spurs end the doom cycle?

Super Bowl attendee Will Lewis's handiwork, before he too was sacked at the Washington Post.
Via @theobserveruk.bsky.social

Crazily brave on Vonn's part, but also dangerous and irresponsible to let her do it?

"100% gone."
When you think about it, it's incredible that Lindsey Vonn was allowed to ski in the Winter Olympics nine days after rupturing her ACL.

Arundell and Pollock turn on the style as England cruise ... The Welsh were crushed in the sort of form that can make this team a nation’s favourite

A piece from Twickenham on England developing a new identity as entertainers after years of being too easy for general viewers to ignore.
observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...

Arundell and Pollock turn on the style as England cruise ... The Welsh were crushed in the sort of form that can make this team a nation’s favourite

A piece from Twickenham on England developing a new identity as entertainers after years of being too easy for general viewers to ignore.
observer.co.uk/news/sport/a...