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.Not content with just wearing the headwear for a BT Sports advert, it appears that Gareth Bale will start the new season with Real Madrid by sporting an Alice band, after playing with one on again during the 1-0 friendly defeat by Roma in Dallas last night. He has also wore one during the 1-1 draw with Inter Milan on Saturday.
The Welshman, who moved to Madrid for a world record £86m last summer, has taken a page out of David Beckham's book. The former England captain has resorted to the hair-pulling band throughout his career while growing his hair, or just his fringe, for a new look.
But is Bale really wearing the band in homage to his team-mate, the world's best player Cristiano Ronaldo? The mercurial Portuguese forward was partial to wearing the band while he was at Manchester United.
It hasn't always just been free-flowing wingers that have played in an Alice band though - even hardman Joey Barton played in one.
And they haven't always inspired success either, Fernando Torres wore one during one of his lengthy baron spells with Chelsea, then cut all of his hair off...and still didn't score.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments