Football in Brief: Smith toys with idea of starting Boyd in must-win Stuttgart tie
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Walter Smith has not ruled out out handing Kris Boyd a rare Champions League start when Rangers try to resurrect their campaign at home against Stuttgart tonight.
The striker has spent most European nights kicking his heels on the bench, with Kenny Miller usually given the nod up front. But Smith may be tempted to opt for a two-pronged attack in a match Rangers must win to keep alive their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.
Asked whether he would throw caution to the wind, Smith said: "There is always a temptation to play anyone who gets Kris's number of goals."
South Africa to set up special 'hooligan' courts
The South African government has announced the establishment of special courts to deal with cases involving foreign nationals in the country for next summer's World Cup finals.
The system will prioritise crimes in which either the victim or perpetrator is a foreigner, enabling any witnesses to give evidence while still in the country.
A spokesman said: "The experience from previous host countries has shown the influx of foreign nationals in World Cups also potentially increases criminal activities. The courts are here to speed up the process." South Africa is keen to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on hooliganism and anti-social behaviour.
Kakuta thrilled after making Chelsea bow
Chelsea's exciting teenager Gaël Kakuta was brought back to earth with a bump last night as he followed up his spectacular Premier League debut on Saturday by turning out for the reserves at Brentford's Griffin Park.
The 18-year-old, whose four-month Fifa ban has been temporarily suspended, was in the side to face Birmingham after earning the plaudits for his first team debut against Wolves.
Kakuta said: "I've been working hard every day in training doing double sessions and I feel good. I've been waiting a long time to make my debut and I am really happy to have done it." By Mark Fleming
Wigan's 'embarrassed' flops to refund fans
The players have offered to refund supporters who travelled to Sunday's astonishing 9-1 thrashing at Tottenham. The Latics crashed to the second-worst defeat in Premier League history as they conceded eight second-half goals at White Hart Lane. Latics defender and captain Mario Melchiot admitted the result was embarrassing and, along with his team-mates, pledged to reimburse the away fans. He said: "We feel that as a group of players we badly let down our supporters, and this is a gesture we have to make and pay them back for their loyalty. As a group of professionals we were embarrassed by the way we performed."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments