How did Ronaldo get away with a two-match ban?

Image: The Independent. Available here.

How did Cristiano Ronaldo get away with just a two-match ban for his red-card in Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Cordoba at the weekend?

Despite winning the Ballon d'Or for two years in a row, Real's talisman showed that he wasn't the 'perfect' footballer.

Cordoba defenders Edimar and Jose Angel Crespo were on the receiving end of a violent outburst, ending in the 29-year-old picking up a straight red. 

Referee Alejandro Hernandez was left with no choice but to dismiss the star, following his frustrated outburst in the latter stages of a routine Los Blancos victory over struggling Cordoba.

La Liga's disciplinary committee have successfully highlighted Real's power in Spanish Football. 

Real boss Carlo Ancelotti would have been unavailable to select the prolific forward for the six-point clash with bitter rivals Atletico Madrid, had the compulsory minimum three-game ban for violent conduct been dished out. 

Instead, just the menial Primera Division fixtures at the Bernabeu against David Moyes' Real Sociedad and Unai Emery's Sevilla will be missed by the Portugal captain.

The Madrid derby carries more significance than ever before, with the emergence of Diego Simeone's side as genuine title contenders. Real take their inner-city rivals seriously now, after their excellent campaign of 2013-14, in which Los Colchoneros finished in the hot seat of Spanish football.

Netting 28 goals in just 18 La Liga appearances, Ronaldo is at his peak. Real know that with-out their heart and soul in their lineup they don't pose the same threat to Atletico.

Ronaldo was quick to apologise after the incident. Although does that make it okay to be lenient in his case and reduce his ban by one game? Retrospective action needs to be taken.

Ronaldo's absence does provide some good news for the promising youngster Jese Rodriguez. The 21-year-old forward will probably have to be thrown in at the deep end, after recently returning from a substantial injury. 

CR7's star status seems to have made the La Liga disciplinary committee a laughing stock of world football. 

By Stephen Matthews

Shahid Afridi signs for Steelbacks

Shahid Afridi. Image: Cricket52.
Available here.

Northants Cricket have announced the signing of Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi for this season's NatWest T20 Blast campaign.

The 34-year old will join up with the Steelbacks on 15th May, and will be available for the first six fixtures in this year's competition, subject to clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Afridi will bring "a wealth of experience" to Wantage Road according to Northants Head Coach David Ripley, he said: “This is a very exciting signing for us.

“Shahid is without doubt the most outstanding spin bowling all-rounder in one day international cricket of the last 5 years.

"He is a fierce competitor and undoubted match winner with bat and ball.

“Afridi brings a wealth of experience to the dressing room with over 230 Twenty20 games as well as captaining his Country."

Afridi has featured for Pakistan in 77 T20 internationals, taking 81 wickets at an average of 22.4, whilst his batting average sits at under 20. 

The Pakistani legend featured in English domestic cricket four years ago with Hampshire, but has also represented Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Kent.

Shahid Afridi spoke with Northantscricket.com and said: “I am looking forward to playing in the NatWest T20 Blast. I have always enjoyed playing in England, where I have always found the crowds good natured and knowledgeable.

“I am very happy to be joining a good Northants squad in the search for Twenty20 success."

By Stephen Matthews

Poundshops make up less than 1% of town centre

Image: Ellandi. Available here.

STATISTICS reveal that 'poundshops' make up less than 1% of the total shops in Kettering town centre.

'Poundland' and the '99p store' are the only 'poundshops' in the town centre, disspelling the popular myth that the town is full of them.

Figures compiled by Cllr Michael Brown for the All Saints Ward also reveal that retail and fashion outlets make up for just under 30% of the total shops within Kettering town centre.

Cllr Brown said: "The shops that are most successful are the ones that people chose to spend their money in. People decide what shops are successful.

"There is more product range choice and independent businesses than there is in other local towns.

"As a town we can pull together and show people what a great place Kettering is."

Cafe's help to make up around 7% of the town centre, whilst charity shops lie at just under 4% according to the statistics.

Cllr Brown also told Kettering Online that the footfall within the town had increased.

December 2014 footfall for Kettering town centre was 6.4% higher than it was for the same month the previous year.


The national average footfall over the same period had fell by -0.8%, where as the East Midlands had dropped by around -1.4%.

Footfall for the entire year had increased by 3.3% for the town, whilst the national average was -0.8%.

The figures also reveal that Kettering is performing well for shop unoccupancy.

National average for shop unoccupancy lies at around 13.5%, where as the official figure for Kettering is around 9%.

By Stephen Matthews

Northamptonshire Police protects policing numbers

Police and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire
Police, Adam Simmonds. Image: Local Government
Available here.

Northamptonshire Police's budget for the 2015/16 period was unveiled yesterday by the Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds.

Despite an 'extremely challenging financial climate', the budget aims to protect the 1,220 police officers serving in Northamptonshire. 

Northamptonshire Police needs to save £23 million by 2018, but remains one of the only forces in England and Wales to not have reduced policing numbers since Simmonds took office in late 2012.

37-year-old Simmonds said: “Fundamentally, policing needs to change. I want to support the creation of the brightest and best police force in the country, and this requires a radical  transformation programme. 

"This covers many things, including new technologies, rethinking the police estate and ways of working, and becoming more pro-active in preventing crime by working locally with communities. 

"This budget reflects serious investment in positive change for our local police service. The biggest investment in change in a generation.”

Simmonds also revealed that increasing the number of frontline PC's is of key importance for the force. 

A continued drive to recruit more Special Constables was another priority with-in the budget. Special constables donated more than 100,000 hours of policing in Northamptonshire during 2014.

Northamptonshire Police now has more Special Constables per head of the population, than any other force in the country. 

Simmonds said: “In terms of visibility, the OPCC has listened to the public and responded to an overwhelming desire to ensure police visibility across communities remains a key priority.

“And building on that strong foundation of police visibility, this budget will continue our investment in the biggest expansion of the Special Constabulary anywhere in the country as well as a further expansion of parish constables, delivering a dedicated policing presence in local communities.”

Significant investment plans for child protection have been included in Simmonds' budget, he said: “There is an urgent and pressing need to increase protection of children across our county, not just those in the care of the State but in everyday homes across Northamptonshire. 

"Whether it be through online activity, social media, mobile phones and gaming our children are increasingly at risk.

"I am passionate that those who prey on children will be caught and dealt with and our services across all agencies to those at risk of exploitation are strengthened.

“By rigorous management of budget and driving efficiencies in other programmes, I intend to identify considerable further reinvestment, up to £1m, to further strengthen our services to protect children and other vulnerable people.”

Chief Constable Adrian Lee said: “We are improving the services we provide and managing the financial challenge while protecting frontline services. 

"The Force fully supports the strategy set out by Mr Simmonds, we are proud of our work with the Fire Service, the focus on the Special Constabulary and our willingness to transform.

“It gives me great confidence that the strategy can be delivered in challenging times. My thanks to all members of the force and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for their hard work and commitment."

By Jordan Lyons

Man's jaw fractured following assault in Kettering

A man received a fractured jaw after being assaulted outside a Kettering bar in the early hours of Sunday, 25^th January.

Northamptonshire Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was assaulted twice, firstly inside Remi’s bar on Silver Street, and then again outside.

The first offender is described as black, 5ft 8in to 5ft 10in, with a stocky build. He was wearing a white long-sleeved top.

The second offender is described as black or dual heritage, about 6ft, with a slim build. He was wearing a light-coloured top. 

Officers are appealing for anyone who was in Remi’s or Silver Street around that time and who may have witnessed either assault to contact them.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

By Daryl Greenland

World-class women's cycling returns

Image: velouk. Available here.

World-class women's cycling returns to Northamptonshire, with The Friends Life Women's Tour coming to the county in the summer.

Stage Three of the Friends Life Women's Tour is set to start in Oundle on Friday, 19th June, before finishing in Kettering town centre later that day.

Northamptonshire is set to hold the tour for the second successive year, following the success of last year's event.

Hannah Barnes, a professional cyclist from the county, who rides for the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling team said: 

“The prospect of racing on home roads again in the 2015 Friend’s Life Tour is very exciting. 

"Last years was unbelievable. The media exposure that race received was incredible and getting back to the hotel after the stage, turning the TV on and being able to watch a full hour of coverage was amazing.

“The crowds that lined the route were unbelievable and to have so many people coming out to support the event was humbling and really made me proud to be British. 

"Here’s to a great 2015 Tour. I can’t wait.”

The exact details for the Stage Three Northamptonshire route will be announced later this spring.

Friends Life Women's Tour Race Director Mike Bennett said: “Northamptonshire and Oundle gave us a great send-off for the first edition of the Friends Life Women’s Tour last May. 

"Both have been supporters of the event from the outset, so we are delighted to be returning to both, while Kettering is familiar to us from the Tour Series, and we are confident they will make a great finish for the stage.”

The confirmed list of the 16 competing teams will be confirmed sometime during the spring, joining the already announced teams of Matrix Fitness and debutant team Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International.

By Daryl Greenland

‘Only Fools and Boycie’ – An evening with John Challis

John Challis AKA ‘Boycie’ from the hit TV show ‘Only Fools and Horses’ is coming to Kettering.

Challis will be performing at the Masque Theatre as part of his popular tour ‘Only Fools and Boycie’ this Friday night, 30th January.

The 72-year-old actor describes the show as an “interactive experience”.

The show has been on for nearly a year now, with the Unity Theatre, Liverpool describing it as “a fascinating evening of insight and anecdote”.

The Only Fools and Horses star’s book: ‘Being Boycie’ has been out for 4 years now but is still selling really well.

“When I do the show, they are on sale. If a customer wishes to purchase one I can personally dedicate it to them on that evening” Challis said.

“The end of the evening is a sort-of Q&A where the audience can ask me questions which I really like. Then I scoot out the back and meet everyone who wants a picture to be taken.”

Despite being on tour, Challis has still been performing elsewhere as he performed in a ‘Jack and the beanstalk’ pantomime in Plymouth a few months ago.

He said: “It was with Bobby Davro and the famous Chico, it was a great show.

“He’s [Chico] great isn’t he? He’s a really positive guy and the girls love him when he takes his shirt and he does that!

"It helped that he was a fan of the show, he was delighted to be working with the Boycie character and it always makes me warm to people that enjoy something that I do.”

Although Challis has performed at the Masque Theatre before, he admitted: "I must get there early this time so I can have a good look-around."

When asked if he had another tour up his sleeve, he didn’t rule it out saying: “I’m always looking for possibilities.

“Having published books myself, I’m always looking for opportunities to tell them to people.

“I just really enjoy telling stories, I’m not a comedian but I do enjoy telling stories.”

If you want to book a ticket to see ‘Only Fools and Boycie’ you still can on: http://tinyurl.com/m9f2chp.

If you can’t make it, you can see his upcoming tours on: http://www.wigmorebooks.com/events.php

Buy an autographed ‘Being Boycie’ book here: http://www.wigmorebooks.com/being-boycie.php

By Joe Shine

Northants Police to help protect your business from online attack

A business security consultation will be hosted by Northamptonshire Police at Force headquarters on Tuesday, 24 February, starting at 9:15 am and finishing at 4:15 pm.

The objective of the event is to provide local businesses the direction they require to ensure they do not suffer victim to cyber-attacks which can cause great damage, and this will be the debut of an event surrounding this issue.

National industry experts will be in attendance to carry out presentations, and this event will also assist the police’s business crime scheme.

Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds, and the Deputy Chief Constable Martin Jelley will begin the consultation by issuing a warm welcome.

The consultation has been organised by Detective Constable Neil Cahalin, who is a Digital Media Investigator for Northamptonshire Police’s Cyber Crime Unit.

He said: “It is absolutely crucial that businesses across the county understand the importance of cyber security.

A leading spokesman from IBM will give the global picture of the very real risks all businesses face, no matter how small they are.

“Cyber-attack can be ruinous and can even lead to bankruptcy.

“Those who attend the conference will learn what the risks are and will find out how to protect their businesses from them, including details of the software technologies available to keep their company’s data safe.”

You can register now by emailing CyberCrimeUnit@northants.pnn.police.uk

By Matt Hamblin

Diego Simeone robbed of award

Diego Simeone. Image: Daily Mail. Available here.

DIEGO Simeone is the Coach of the Year, regardless of what FIFA say.

Joachim Loew may have ran away with this year’s accolade, but he stole it from underneath the Argentinian’s nose.

Coaches and captains of international teams select the award winner, as well as journalists from all over the world, so why wasn't Simeone the winner?

Perhaps there is more involved to the voting procedure? Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan made it clear on Twitter that he had voted for his club coach for the award, rather than Chelsea gaffer Jose Mourinho as FIFA had announced.

Atletico Madrid have no right to compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona, their budgets are a million miles apart.

So how did Los Colchoneros manage to go the distance in the 2013-14 season and clinch the La Liga crown ahead of those two giants?

The answer lies with the 44-year-old tactician Simeone.

Simeone isn’t stupid; the man knows his side shouldn’t be fighting for the title. ‘400 million’ tells the difference between his squad and that of the Los Blancos.

Atletico’s squad is valued at below 90 million, but somehow managed to pip their inner city rivals over at the Bernabeu with a squad estimated at over 500 million to the hot seat of Spanish football.

World Coach of the Year winner, Joachim Loew.
Image: Sky Sports. Available here,

Budget is the fundamental difference between the two Madrid rivals. One spends around 190 million in salaries to their players each year, three times more than their counter-part. Any guesses who?

Simeone’s side fulfilled 65 fixtures in 2014, winning 40 of them, leaving the Argentinian mastermind with a win percentage of 61.54%.

Compare that statistic to Sir Alex Ferguson who left Manchester United in May 2013 with a win percentage of 59.67%

Joachim Loew may have technically had a higher win percentage for 2014, but his side completed only 17 fixtures. His side was also full of players of high caliber, such as Phillip Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer and Toni Kroos. The list goes on, you get the idea.

Atletico have no players of exceptional quality, focusing on being tactically perfect and very focused instead of buying their way to a title.

Three of Real’s players made the FIFPRO World XI, four if you include Angel Di Maria who started the year off at the club. A star-studded selection of players ply their trade for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, including the FIFA Ballon d’Or winner for past two seasons, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Atletico’s excellence for the whole year wasn’t justified in the Team of the Year at all, excluding the prowess of the powerful centre-back Diego Godin. Instead, Brazilian David Luiz was selected, who was at the heart of defence during Brazil’s devastating 7-1 loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup Semi-Final.

If Diego Simeone can’t win Coach of the Year after his exploits for Atletico Madrid in 2014, he will never win it.

By Stephen Matthews

Man arrested on suspicion of murder of Jon Casey

A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Jon Casey.

The teenager was arrested yesterday afternoon, 22nd January, following the "brutal" stabbing of the father-of-two.

Mr Casey, 35, was found stabbed in Barrack Road, Northampton, near to the Lazeez Indian restaurant last Friday, 16th January.

He was found at 17:30 GMT, but died an hour later at Northampton General Hospital.

Officers are still appealing for anyone who may have witnessed an altercation in Barrack Road at about 5.20pm last Friday, January 16, to come forward.

Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

By Stephen Matthews

Man's body found in Northampton

Image: Northampton Chronicle. Available here.

A man's body was found in Northampton earlier this morning, 23rd January.

A 39-year-old man's body was found by a member of the public.

Police were called to Ransome Road lake in Northampton just before 8am this morning.

Officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from the East Midlands Ambulance Service.

However, the man's death is not being treated as suspicious.

More to follow.

By Stephen Matthews