A man was left out of work with his leg swollen ‘like a balloon’ after a ‘horrific’ bite from ‘Britain’s most dangerous spider’. 

Shane Parmenter, from Chelmsford, Essex, says a bite from a noble false widow left him unable to work and struggling with his mental health. 

The 36-year-old, who raps as MC Napz, says the spider struck after he tried to squash it in his recording studio. 

He said: ‘My mate was laughing his head off. He said “it’s gonna come back and do ya” and I was like “yeah, alright”. 

‘We ended up both falling asleep in the studio, and I felt something in the night bite me. It felt like a bee sting. 

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT 

Shane Parmenter, from Chelmsford, Essex, says a bite from a noble false widow left him unable to work and struggling with his mental health

The spider possesses a fast-acting neurotoxic venom with a very similar composition to true black widows

‘When I woke up in the morning, I felt another big sting, and then a false widow ran out of my trouser leg. 

‘Pretty much straight away it all went red, it was a bit uncomfortable. 

‘It got a whole lot worse. My leg swelled up like a balloon. I felt sick, I felt nauseous, I was dizzy, I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat.’ 

Following advice from the NHS 111 helpline, Shane drew around the bite with a pen so he would see if it was swelling – but his injury quickly outgrew the markings. 

He said: ‘It went from a little mark on my leg, to massive – it just kept getting bigger and bigger, more swollen and swollen. You could see that it was getting infected.’ 

At Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital, medics cleaned and dressed the wound, and gave him a course of antibiotics. 

But the musician would have to re-dress the wound time and time again as it continued to ooze through the bandages. 

He said: ‘I had about four or five of them put on, and literally within 24 hours of it going on, it was filling up – I’d take them off and it’d burst. 

The noble false widow (Steatoda nobilis) is an invasive species of spider known for causing painful symptoms when it bites unlucky humans

Following advice from the NHS 111 helpline, Shane drew around the bite with a pen so he would see if it was swelling – but his injury quickly outgrew the markings

Mr Parmenter (pictured) said: ‘I felt something in the night bite me. It felt like a bee sting’

‘The worse it got was: one night, I was sat on the toilet and I felt it just go ‘pop’ and I felt it seeping through the pad – it was dripping down my leg. 

‘I took the pad off and it was just literally horrific: blood and big lumps of pus oozing out of my leg. It was so painful.’ 

The bite has also unleashed a wave of mental health anguish for Shane, and impacted on his work with his record label, D&B Politics. 

‘It was really hard to cope with,’ he said. 

‘Not being able to go to work and not being able to do my side-job, or even sit at my laptop and do my promotions and release some music. 

‘I’ve got my own studio so I like to get really creative in the studio, but I couldn’t think straight. ‘It’s made me a bit shook of spiders.

‘I wasn’t scared of spiders before but I definitely damn well am now.’ 

Noble false widows are not native to the UK, but are thought to have arrived from the Canary Islands in banana boxes in the late 1800s.

The species gained a strong population in the majority of Britain’s southern counties, and they are now spreading northwards. 

It can be found all year round regardless of climate both indoors and outdoors – from roadside plants and ivy growing on walls to telegraph poles, fence posts and buildings.  

At Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital, medics cleaned and dressed the wound, and gave him a course of antibiotics. But the musician would have to re-dress the wound time and time again as it continued to ooze through the bandages

File photo of a noble false widow (Steatoda nobilis). The species is ‘widely regarded as the most dangerous spider breeding in Britain,’ according to a 2020 paper by Clive Hambler, an Oxford University zoologist

The noble false widow is ‘widely regarded as the most dangerous spider breeding in Britain,’ according to a 2020 paper by Clive Hambler, an Oxford University zoologist.

However they’re unlikely to attack unless provoked or trapped between clothes and skin. 

Now Mr Parmenter is speaking out to warn others to leave them be. 

He said: ‘They’re the sort of spider that if you just leave them alone, they will not even bother you. 

‘My advice to other people would be: if you find a false widow in your house, leave it.’ 

THE NOBLE FALSE WIDOW SPIDER 

Pictured: a noble false widow spider

Species name: Steatoda nobilis

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Origin: the Canary Islands & Madeira

Range: Europe, Africa, Americas 

Colour: Brown body, red/orange legs 

Notable feature: Bulbous abdomen 

Size (female): 0.37–0.55″ (9.5–14 mm)

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Size (male): 0.28–0.43″ (7–11 mm) 

Habitat: Indoors and outside 

Lifespan: Average of five years 

Venom: Latrodectus-like toxins

(Not to be confused with the black widow spider, on whose similarity the false widow was given its common name.)

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•  People eating high-quality snacks were more likely to have a healthy weight

By Shaun Wooller

Published: 16:37 EDT, 24 September 2023 | Updated: 17:50 EDT, 24 September 2023

A quarter of people are undoing the benefits of healthy meals with unhealthy snacks that raise the risk of heart disease and stroke, a study suggests.

Researchers examined the diets of 854 people and found almost all of them (95 per cent) snacked, consuming an average of 2.28 each per day.

But contrary to popular belief, the analysis indicates that snacking in itself is not unhealthy – as long as the nibbles are nutritious and eaten at the right time.

Making the ‘wrong’ choices appeared to affect key health indicators such as body mass index and levels of fat and sugar in the blood.

The UK is a ‘nation of snackers’, with 24 per cent of our daily energy intake from snacks such as cereal bars, pastries and fruit, the study found.

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A quarter of people are undoing the benefits of healthy meals with unhealthy snacks that raise the risk of heart disease and stroke, a study suggests (Stock Image)

Some 47 per cent of those who snacked ate two snacks a day and 29 per cent ate more.

The most popular items consumed were cookies, fruit, nuts and seeds, cheese and butter, cakes and pies, and granola or cereal bars.

Notably, 26 per cent of participants ate healthy main meals but poor quality food in-between.

The scientists, from King’s College London, say addressing this imbalance could be a simple diet strategy to improve health.

People who frequently ate high-quality snacks such nuts and fresh fruits were more likely to have a healthy weight compared to those who did not snack at all or those who snacked on unhealthy foods.

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Meanwhile. poor-quality snacks, such as highly processed food and sugary treats, left people feeling hungry and were associated with poorer health markers.

This included higher BMI, higher levels of harmful fat around the organs and higher levels of fats in the blood, which can increase the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease and obesity.

The greatest contribution to calorie intake were cakes and pies (14 per cent), breakfast cereals (13 per cent), ice cream and frozen dairy desserts (12 per cent), donuts and pastries (12 per cent), candy (11 per cent), cookies and brownies (11 per cent), nuts and seeds (11 per cent).

Notably, 26 per cent of participants ate healthy main meals but poor quality food in-between (Stock Image)

The timing of the snacking also appeared to be crucial to health, according to the findings published in the European Journal of Nutrition Snacking after 9pm was associated with poorer blood markers compared to all other snacking times.

Snackers at this time tended to eat energy-dense foods which were high in fat and sugar.

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Dr Sarah Berry, from King’s College London and chief scientist of the Zoe Predict Study, said: ‘Considering 95 per cent of us snack, and that nearly a quarter of our calories come from snacks, swapping unhealthy snacks such as cookies, crisps and cakes to healthy snacks like fruit and nuts is a really simple way to improve your health.’

Colleague Dr Kate Bermingham, said: ‘This study contributes to the existing literature that food quality is the driving factor in positive health outcomes from food.

‘Making sure we eat a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables, protein and legumes is the best way to improve your health.’

Issued on: 25/09/2023 – 01:01

2 min

The AfD’s candidate Joerg Prophet was defeated by independent incumbent Kai Buchmann in a run-off vote that put the spotlight on the city of Nordhausen in the former East German state of Thuringia.

The prospect of a win for the far-right party was described as a “catastrophe” by the keepers of a nearby concentration camp memorial ahead of the ballot.

Around 60,000 prisoners were held in the Mittelbau-Dora slave labour camp — a sub-camp of the notorious Buchenwald — only six kilometres (four miles) from central Nordhausen.

They were forced to make V-2 rockets in brutal underground conditions, with around one in three worked to death.

An AfD mayor would not have been welcome at commemorative events at the site’s memorial, Jens-Christian Wagner, director of the Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora Memorials Foundation, told AFP.

‘Weight lifted’

“The AfD is an extreme right-wing party whose ideology is congruent or at least very similar in many areas to the ideology of the National Socialists,” he said.

Prophet looked confident ahead of the vote, flashing a brilliant white grin to passers-by at his campaign stand in the small but prosperous city.

The 61-year-old argued he represented a fresh start for Nordhausen after six-year incumbent Buchmann had fallen out of favour with many residents after repeatedly clashing with the city council.

Like many members of the far-right party, Prophet has been accused of extremism and historical revisionism.

In a blog post in 2020, he claimed the Allied forces that liberated the Mittelbau-Dora camp were only interested in snooping on the site’s rocket and missile technology.

He also called for an end to Germany’s Schuldkult, or “guilt cult”, a reference to the country’s efforts to remember and learn from the Holocaust.

But in the end, Prophet failed to gather the support needed to become city mayor, collecting 45.1 percent of the vote.

The result guaranteed a “normal life for Nordhausen”, Buchmann said after the outcome became clear.

With the result “a huge weight has been lifted”, Wagner told news channel NTV.

It made clear that “you cannot win elections with historical revisionism, with an attitude that downplays the suffering of concentration camp prisoners”, he said.

Regional tests

Nonetheless, right-wing extremist attitudes are becoming increasingly widespread in Germany, according to a survey published this week by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

Eight percent of Germans can now be classified as having clear right-wing extremist views, compared with two to three percent in previous years, the foundation said.

The AfD, created in 2013 as an anti-euro outfit before seizing on anger over mass migration to Germany,has had a string of successes of late.

The party secured its first district administrator position in June, also in Thuringia, and its first town mayor in July in neighbouring Saxony-Anhalt.

At the national level, recent opinion polls have put the party on 22 percent, above Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left SPD and only a few points behind the main opposition conservative party.

The AfD’s support is especially strong in Thuringia, where it is polling  around 34 percent, according to a recent survey by regional broadcaster MDR.

Thuringia will hold a vote for its regional parliament in September 2024, along with two other former East German states, Brandenburg and Saxony.

(AFP)

Taylor Swift went absolutely wild celebrating new beau Travis Kelce’s touchdown reception as his Kansas City Chiefs obliterated the visiting Chicago Bears on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. 

Kelce’s touchdown grab came early in the second half when Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes found him in the back of the end zone for an easy three-yard score, which pushed the lead to 41-0.  

Following his touchdown, cameras cut to Kelce’s suite, where Swift appeared to mouth the words ‘lets f***ing go,’ as she celebrated.  

Swift, 33, was pictured in the stands wearing a red-and-white jersey – the colors of the Chiefs  – and was laughing and joking with Kelce’s mother Donna throughout the game. The Chiefs were clearly excited about their new celebrity fan, tweeting out ‘Welcome to Chiefs Kingdom, Taylor Swift’ alongside a video of her cheering for the team.

The pair have recently been romantically linked and the Chiefs tight end did little to play the rumors down this week, admitting he had invited her to watch him play. And this is the weekend she has taken him up on the offer, with Swift currently enjoying a break between dates of her incredibly popular Eras Tour. 

Taylor Swift was sat with Travis Kelce’s mom to watch him play in the NFL on Sunday

She was seen cheering away moments before the start of the game vs Chicago Bears

Kelce recorded a touchdown midway through the third quarter of the game vs Chicago

Swift appeared to mouth the words ‘lets f***ing go’ as she celebrated the three-yard catch

As the game got underway, Swift was clearly feeling tense watching Kelce in action 

But she was later seen laughing away with another companion midway through the NFL game

Swift sips a drink as she watches on from Kelce’s suite inside Arrowhead Stadium 

As the game went on and the Chiefs carved out a solid lead, Swift looked more relaxed 

Travis Kelce pictured arriving at Arrowhead Stadium earlier on Sunday for the NFL game

She was seen on camera enthusiastically shouting and applauding before the start of the game, with Kelce one of the star players for the Chiefs – the current Super Bowl champions. 

Swift appeared to endure an array of emotions during the game, cheering away but also looking tense during other moments of the game against the Bears. Soon enough though, the quality of the Chiefs began to show and they led 34-0 at halftime and the tense moments were all but forgotten.

‘It’s life, baby,’ Kelce said on the Pat McAfee show earlier this weeks about getting Swift to watch him play. ‘I threw it out there, I threw the ball in her court. 

‘I said, “I’ve seen you rock the stage in Arrowhead, you might have to come see me rock the stage in Arrowhead, and see which one’s a little more lit. We’ll see what happens in the near future. Alright, nowwwww.’ 

The Chiefs, who won the Super Bowl last season, have won one and lost one so far this time around.

Kelce was pictured warming up with his teammates in a sunny Kansas City and was seen deep in talks with quarterback and star player Patrick Mahomes before the start. 

He was mocked by fans on social media as he arrived for the game wearing a curious matching blue-and-white jacket and trousers. Chiefs fans said that Kelce, who is known for his flamboyant dress sense, looked like he had been painting his house before the game.

Fans in the stadium clearly wondered if Swift would be there too. One Cheifs supporter was seen holding up a sign saying ‘Is Taylor here?’. 

It was reported earlier this month that they had been ‘quietly hanging out,’ and then Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce – Travis’s older brother – admitted on the WIP Morning Show that he believed the news to be ‘100 percent true.’ 

‘I think things are going great and I think it’s 100 percent true,’ he said. ”I don’t really know a lot about what’s happening in Travis’s love life. You know, his business is his business and I try to stay out of that world.’

Ironically, the Travis Kelce and the Chiefs won last year’s Super Bowl against Jason  Kelce and the Eagles. 

Kelce pictured in action for the Chiefs in the early moments of Sunday’s game vs the Bears

Chiefs fans in the stadium were hoping that the pop star would also be watching on Sunday 

Kelce pictured warming up before the start of the game against the Bears on Sunday

Kelce, 33, is seen in discussion with his Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes before the game

Travis and mom Donna pictured at the Netflix premiere for the ‘Quarterbacks’ series in July 

Mom Donna shot to fame for her split loyalties and wore a 50-50 jersey for the game that was mix of both team’s colors.

But now, she is inadvertently more famous than ever before given that she is shoulder-to-shoulder with Swift for today’s game.

Travis, who previously dated influencer and broadcaster Kayla Nicole, was first linked to Swift earlier this month. 

The Chiefs star first tried to link up with Swift when her Eras tour came to Kansas City in the summer. 

He revealed on his New Heights podcast with Jason that he attempted to give the songstress a friendship bracelet with his phone number on it. 

Kelce and his Chiefs team impressed in front of Swift and led 34-0 at halftime in the game 

Kelce first tried to link up with Swift when her Eras tour came to Kansas City in the summer 

Kelce said he was ‘a little butthurt’ when his first attempt failed but now seems to have his way

‘So, I was a little butthurt that I didn’t get to hand her one of the bracelets I made for her,’ Travis said.

‘She doesn’t meet anybody — or at least she didn’t want to meet me. So, I took it personal.’

Jason jokingly guessed that Swift, who hails from Pennsylvania, refused to meet with Travis because of her known fondness for the Eagles. 

She even references her ‘Eagles t-shirt hanging from the door,’ in her song Gold Rush from Evermore, her ninth studio album. 

Issued on: 24/09/2023 – 23:28

2 min

Mbappe appeared to hurt his ankle in winning the free-kick which saw Achraf Hakimi put PSG ahead in the eighth minute at the Parc des Princes.

The France superstar was eventually replaced just after the half-hour mark, but the home side went on to double their lead before the break through Randal Kolo Muani.

Ramos then headed in the home side’s third goal just after half-time and completed the rout late on as PSGfollowed up their 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in midweek.

The win leaves Luis Enrique’s team in fourth place after six games, two points behind surprise leaders Brest, who beat Lyon 1-0 on Saturday.

Marseille had started the day unbeaten and were above PSG in the table, but they were outclassed here at the end of a turbulent week for the 1993 Champions League winners.

Their coach Marcelino Garcia Toral resigned on Wednesday after only seven games at the helm and following an angry meeting between club officials and fan representatives.

Marseille president Pablo Longoria and several senior colleagues opted not to travel to Amsterdam for Thursday’s 3-3 draw with Ajax in the Europa League amid doubt as to whether they would carry on.

However, Longoria has since decided to stay and was in Paris for Sunday’s game in which former player Jacques Abardonado took interim charge of the team.

Also in attendance in the French capital was Selena Gomez, who may have been hoping to see Mbappe play a more prominent role than he ultimately did.

Hakimi stars

The forward had scored eight goals in five games this season before Sunday, when he appeared to turn his left ankle in an early tangle of legs with Leonardo Balerdi just outside the Marseille box.

A foul was given and Hakimi scored with a stunning strike from the resulting free-kick as he continued his fine start to the campaign.

Clearly in some discomfort, Mbappe twice came off for treatment before eventually giving up in the 31st minute to be replaced by Ramos.

Marseille might have equalised midway through the first half but Vitinha headed an inviting cross by Jonathan Clauss off the bar and over.

Instead PSG scored again on 37 minutes when a long-range Hakimi shot took a deflection and hit the post before ricocheting off goalkeeper Pau Lopez and falling for Kolo Muani to score.

It was his first goal since signing for his hometown team from Eintracht Frankfurt on transfer deadline day at the beginning of the month.

Portugal forward Ramos then joined in after the break, scoring his first two goals since signing from Benfica.

Ramos arrived at the near post to head in Ousmane Dembele’s right-wing cross just over a minute into the second half.

And he netted again with a minute left, finishing off Kolo Muani’s low centre at the end of a counter-attack.

(AFP)

Ex-BBC boss who championed Russell Brand and then lost her job over Sachsgate is released from a confidentiality agreement so she can reveal ALL about what she knew of the under-fire star’s behaviour

• Lesley Douglas has reportedly been freed from a confidentiality agreement 

By Cameron Charters

Published: 17:11 EDT, 24 September 2023 | Updated: 18:10 EDT, 24 September 2023

Russell Brand’s former boss at the BBC will be required to cooperate with an investigation into his alleged wrongdoing.

Ex-Radio 2 controller Lesley Douglas has reportedly been freed from a confidentiality agreement so her role in the scandal can be examined.

A BBC insider told the Sunday Times that director general Tim Davie ‘will want her to have to answer questions, because the buck stopped with Lesley.’

Davie’s predecessor Sir Mark Thompson will also be quizzed about what he knew after it emerged that he reassured MPs that Brand’s show was not ‘an accident waiting to happen’ during an appearance before the culture, media and sport committee shortly after Sachsgate.

Douglas, who personally gave Brand a string of high-profile BBC roles, allegedly ignored whistleblowers who complained of Brand’s ‘aggression and disrespect’ in 2007.

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Russell Brand ’s former boss at the BBC, ex-Radio 2 controller Lesley Douglas, will be required to cooperate with an investigation into his alleged wrongdoing. Pictured: Brand and Douglas at the MITS awards in 2009 

The allegations, which included claims that Brand urinated into a bottle in full view of a guest who ‘appeared to be a minor’, were not included in the official Sachsgate reports

The allegations, which included claims that Brand urinated into a bottle in full view of a guest who ‘appeared to be a minor’, were not included in the official Sachsgate reports.

When initially approached by the Sunday Times earlier this month, Douglas referred the matter to her lawyers who insisted she ‘did not at any time encourage, enable and/or fail herself to take any adequate steps within her power with regard to the conduct of Russell Brand of which she was aware.’

Thompson’s spokesman said: ‘Mark Thompson’s record in taking immediate action in respect to completely appalling behaviour by Russell Brand on BBC radio is clear and has been well reported on. 

Like everyone, Mark is horrified by the alleged behaviours of Russell Brand that have recently come to light.’

Yesterday it emerged that Brand was interviewed under caution in 2014 over claims he assaulted a masseuse after she was hired to give him a £500 birthday massage.

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Yesterday it emerged that Brand was interviewed under caution in 2014 over claims he assaulted a masseuse after she was hired to give him a £500 birthday massage

The alleged victim reportedly told police she was ‘touched’ by Brand, 48, at a £5million mansion in Oxfordshire, which she said traumatised her.

The claims, reported by The Sun on Sunday, are the first known instance of the comedian being interviewed by police over assault allegations.

The masseuse, who was reportedly hired to give Brand a massage in June 2014, contacted Thames Valley Police. The comedian denied any wrongdoing in his interview and the case was dropped.

Police say Brand told them he was uneasy when the woman arrived and decided to back out of the massage – and was then escorted out of the house and left.

He said it was friendly but awkward.

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Brand claimed CCTV supported his version of the story, and the police told Brand later they were not pursuing the matter.

Issued on: 24/09/2023 – 22:58Modified: 24/09/2023 – 23:07

The victory at the OL Stadium guarantees a top-two finish in Pool C for Wales while Australia’s destiny is now out of their control, having already lost to Fiji last Sunday.

An early try from Gareth Davies laid the platform for Welsh success with Nick Tompkins and captain Jac Morgan also going over while replacement flyhalf Gareth Anscombe efficiently kicked six penalties, a drop goal and a conversion after taking over from the injured Dan Biggar.

Australia, who were World Cup winners in 1991 and 1999 and have never previously failed to get past the pool stage, did not add any score after Ben Donaldson put over two penalties in the opening 14 minutes.

(Reuters)

•  Yoghurt was 99 per cent effective at reducing the odour-producing compounds

By Xantha Leatham Deputy Science Editor

Published: 16:53 EDT, 24 September 2023 | Updated: 16:58 EDT, 24 September 2023

It’s natural to feel self-conscious after some particularly pungent garlic bread or a chicken kiev.

But simply eating some natural yoghurt could help get rid of the stink of garlic on your breath, scientists say.

Researchers have discovered that proteins found in whole-milk plain yoghurt work well to neutralise the sulphur-based compounds that cause the smell.

A team from Ohio State University placed equal amounts of raw garlic in glass bottles before adding yoghurts of differing fat, protein and water content.

They discovered yoghurt was 99 per cent effective at reducing the major odour-producing garlic compounds.

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Simply eating some natural yoghurt could help get rid of the stink of garlic on your breath, scientists say

Analysis revealed yoghurts with high levels of protein were most effective at reducing garlic smells, as well as yoghurts with a high butter fat content.

Dr Sheryl Barringer, senior author of the study, said: ‘High protein is a very hot thing right now. Generally, people want to eat more protein.

‘An unintended side benefit may be a high-protein formulation that could be advertised as a breath deodoriser in addition to its nutritional claims.

‘We know proteins bind flavour…in this case, it could be a positive.’ 

The researchers also tested yoghurt’s ‘deodorising’ effects on fried garlic but, in the process, discovered that frying the garlic significantly reduced most of its odour-causing volatile compounds anyway.

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Dr Barringer and her team believe their study sets a good basis to explore different proteins which could soon be formulated to create the perfect garlic-breath eradication product.

Researchers discovered yoghurt was 99 per cent effective at reducing the major odour-producing garlic compounds

In the meantime, however, Dr Barringer suggests Greek yoghurt – which has a higher protein value than the whole milk plain yoghurt – may be the most effective way to rid yourself of garlic breath.

Flavoured yoghurts would also likely work and, whatever is used, should be consumed shortly after garlic has consumed.

‘Have your garlic and eat the yoghurt right away’, she added.

The findings were published in the journal Molecules.

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Issued on: 24/09/2023 – 21:32

3 min

But Townsend railed against the television match official and bunker review system after Afusipa Taumoepeau was only yellow carded for a head-high tackle on captain Jamie Ritchie.

Ritchie failed his head injury assessment and having already gone over the threshold of five previous concussions now faces 12 days on the sidelines in line with the return-to-play protocol.

It means the flanker will miss their must-win match against Romania in Lille on September 30, but should be back for a potential winner-takes-all clash against Ireland in the two sides’ final pool game on October 7 in Paris.

“It’s very disappointing that our captain, one of our key players, was hit in the head and was removed from the game,” Townsend said.

The former Scotland and British and Irish Lions fly-half said he didn’t understand how the review system was being operated.

“They’re trying to look at ways of not giving a red card rather than referee what is a legal tackle… (it) should be a red card in my opinion.

“The TMO/bunker is not being delivered as I thought it would be, which is only (using it) if the referee at the time isn’t sure if it’s a yellow or red card.”

“This is our showcase to show what’s legal… I don’t think it’s good enough.”

Turning to the result, with Scotland outscoring Tonga by seven tries to two, Townsend said the “game plan and intent and our contact work were really good”.

“It’s a six-day turnaround to Romania now and we know we’ve got to improve on this performance to get a bonus-point win. Then, we’ve got a shootout against Ireland if that’s the case.

“We know we have to win our next two games.”

Mixed emotions 

Fly-half Finn Russell, who stood in as skipper after Ritchie’s departure in the 34th minute, said the team had loved getting back on the pitch after two weeks off following their opening 18-3 defeat by South Africa.

“We prepared well and put out a decent enough performance. We’re going to have to get better if want to stay in this competition after the group stages but we got what we needed tonight, which was a bonus-point win,” he said.

Tonga skipper Ben Tameifuna said he had “mixed emotions”.

“I’m very proud of the boys. The score doesn’t reflect how much effort we put in this week,” said the prop who scored a fine barn-storming individual try.

“Hopefully both teams have come away unscathed,” he said of a no-holds barred clash that saw Tonga No 8 Vaea Fifita red-carded for a reckless ruck charge at the death.

The performance, he added, “goes to show where Tonga is at the moment. We can now see what it’s like to be at the top level, so we just keep our heads down and keep chugging forward. Don’t give up”.

“We’re trying to put our best foot forward but a couple of areas let us down,” said Tameifuna. 

“To give those opportunities to those dangerous backs they have, you can’t afford to give those easy options.”

Tonga coach Toutai Kefu, who won the 1999 World Cup as a player with Australia, said his team had “tried their hardest”.

“Scotland are a good side,” he said. “They controlled possession and territory and that was probably the difference.”

Tonga, who lost their opener to Ireland 59-16, now face defending champions South Africa in Marseille on October 1 before finishing up against Romania a week later in Lille.

“It’s another massive Test match for us. You don’t play South Africa very often, but we’ll turn up, bring our best and fire some shots next week,” Kefu said of the Springboks game.

(AFP)

Cryptoqueen fugitive faces High Court showdown

By Calum Muirhead

Updated: 15:39 EDT, 24 September 2023

Fugitive: ‘Cryptoqueen’ Ruja Ignatova

A top City firm is preparing a lawsuit against the fugitive ‘cryptoqueen’ Ruja Ignatova, who led a multi-billion pound cryptocurrency scam called OneCoin.

Mishcon de Reya, whose clients have included Princess Diana and anti-Brexit campaigner Gina Miller, is planning a class action lawsuit in the High Court, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

The Bulgaria-based scheme has been dubbed ‘one of the biggest scams in history’, with Ignatova playing a central role in promoting it. She disappeared in 2017 and is on the FBI’s Most Wanted list with US authorities offering $250,000 (£200,000) for information leading to her arrest.

Mishcon aims to recover funds lost by investors in the fraud, with claimants able to sign up on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis.

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‘The claim aims to achieve at least partial redress for investors taken in by the deception and who suffered losses as a result,’ said partner Rhymal Persad.

Launched in 2014, OneCoin marketed itself as a rival to Bitcoin, attracting investors worldwide with promises of huge returns. 

Backers bought educational material and ‘tokens’ that the firm said could be converted into OneCoin cryptocurrency and would increase in value.

At its peak in mid-2017, the firm had amassed more than £4billion, according to the US Department of Justice, despite growing warnings from regulators and signs it was functioning as a Ponzi scheme, where new investment pays existing backers rather than the firm making a profit.

The business effectively collapsed later that year after US authorities charged Ignatova with fraud and issued a warrant for her arrest, leaving investors billions of pounds out of pocket.

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