latest
Bernardo Silva Criticizes Premier League Schedule After Arsenal Draw
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has criticized the Premier League for what he called “unfair” scheduling, saying players are being pushed too hard after City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Saturday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Silva, a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s squad, voiced frustration that City had to play a high-stakes league game only three days after a Champions League fixture. He argued that the congested calendar increases the risk of injuries and lowers the quality of matches.
“We play every three days at the highest level, and it is not fair for the players,” Silva told reporters after the game at the Etihad Stadium. “The schedule is too tight. We want to give our best, but sometimes it is impossible with so little rest.”
The draw against Arsenal left City trailing Liverpool by two points in the Premier League table. Silva said the short turnaround between competitions was partly to blame for his team’s uneven performance.
City played in midweek against Real Madrid in the Champions League before facing Arsenal, while Mikel Arteta’s side had a full week to prepare. Silva suggested the difference showed in the final stages of Saturday’s match, as City struggled to maintain intensity.
“The level is very high in both competitions,” Silva said. “But if one team has seven days to rest and the other has three, it makes a huge difference. The league needs to protect the players more.”
The midfielder’s comments add to a growing debate in English football over fixture congestion. Managers including Guardiola, Jürgen Klopp, and Arteta have previously complained that the Premier League and broadcasters prioritize television schedules over player welfare.
Guardiola himself has repeatedly warned that his squad cannot sustain peak performances with such limited recovery time. Last season, City played 61 competitive matches on the way to winning the treble of Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.
Arsenal’s late equalizer Saturday kept them level on points with City but ahead on goal difference. Liverpool remain in first place with 64 points, two clear of both rivals. With eight league games left, the title race remains wide open.
Silva’s frustration reflects concerns across Europe about the growing demands on elite players. UEFA has expanded its competitions, FIFA has added new tournaments, and domestic leagues continue to fill the calendar with cup matches and rescheduled fixtures.
The players’ union, FIFPRO, has also warned that the workload is unsustainable. In a recent report, the group said many top professionals are playing more than 70 games in a season, leaving little time for recovery.
Despite Silva’s remarks, Premier League officials have defended the schedule, saying fixtures are arranged in consultation with clubs, broadcasters, and police. They argue that balancing domestic and international competitions is complicated and that television contracts play a major role in setting dates and times.
For City, the draw against Arsenal was another sign of how tight the title race has become. With Liverpool also in contention, every point matters, and player fitness could decide the outcome in the final weeks.
Silva insisted his criticism was not an excuse for City’s result but a call for greater fairness.
“We are used to fighting until the end,” he said. “But if football wants to see the best of us, then the calendar has to change. Otherwise, players will suffer, and the fans will not see the best games.”
The Premier League has not yet responded to Silva’s latest comments. City will face Brighton next week before returning to European competition, continuing the demanding run of fixtures that sparked Silva’s outburst.
As the season enters its decisive stage, Silva’s warning highlights the balance between entertainment and exhaustion in modern football. Whether the league takes action remains to be seen, but his words reflect a growing unease among players about the game’s relentless pace.
A group of Nigerians has staged a protest at the United Kingdom Parliament, calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The demonstrators reportedly gathered outside the parliamentary complex, expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the electoral body in Nigeria and demanding immediate action.
They insisted that the INEC chairman should be removed, alleging concerns over credibility and trust in the electoral process as the country prepares for the next election cycle.
The protest drew attention from passersby and security personnel, as the group maintained their position that electoral reforms and leadership changes were necessary to restore public confidence.
Sir Uyi has responded strongly to critics of his involvement in nightclub businesses, insisting that such ventures represent only a small part of his wider activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a firm reaction to recent criticism linked to Vaniti, he stated that people are focusing too much on his nightlife businesses while ignoring other aspects of his work and achievements.
He stressed that his nightclub operations do not define his entire identity or professional portfolio, adding that he is involved in several other ventures beyond entertainment and hospitality.
According to him, the criticism reflects a narrow perception of what he does, and he believes his broader contributions are being overlooked.
Sir Uyi maintained that he remains focused on his various commitments despite public scrutiny surrounding his nightlife business interests.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with the abduction of passengers travelling in an 18-seater Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road last Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The victims, which included candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) heading to Otukpo for their examinations, have all been successfully rescued.
Speaking while briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi during the presentation of the freed victims, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said the rescue operation was achieved through coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies.
He explained that five of the abducted passengers were first released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning without injuries.
According to him, the combined pressure from security forces, supported by the state government and the Inspector-General of Police, led to the successful outcome of the operation.
Emenari further disclosed that eight suspects are currently in custody, adding that seven of them are strongly linked to the kidnapping incident, with some victims already identifying them.
He also noted that clearance operations have begun across forest areas in the state to flush out criminal groups, in line with directives from security authorities.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, while receiving the rescued passengers, expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping in the state but welcomed the safe return of all 18 victims.
He confirmed that among those rescued were eight candidates on their way to write examinations, and called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the affected exams for them.
The governor assured that the state government remains committed to supporting the victims and strengthening security across Benue State, while also urging residents to provide credible information to security agencies.
He further directed the state health authorities to conduct medical evaluations for all rescued persons and promised government support for those affected.
-
latest8 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp