Football pundit and sports presenter Kate Scott has been met with plenty of praise for her ‘expert’ handling of the fallout following more racism in the Champions League this week, delivering an emotional and impassioned speech about discrimination live on TV.
The Manchester-born broadcaster, formerly Kate Abdo, was serving as the host on her usual CBS Sports panel on Tuesday, 17 February, when the story of the playoff game between Benfica and Real Madrid – which included a worldie from Vinicius Jr. – was overshadowed by more allegations of racial abuse.
In case you missed it, Argentine player Gianluca Prestianni was accused of making racist remarks by both Vini Jr and Kylian Mbappe, but supposedly covered his mouth so as not to be caught on camera; the match was then stopped for more than 11 minutes.
Speaking in the aftermath amid the following European fixtures the next day, the Withington-schooled journalist and University of Salford graduate delivered an eloquent reaction to the controversy with peak professionalism.
Absolutely pitch perfect, and all those involved in preparing the statement should be applauded.
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While Scott herself recognised that it’s a shame we even have to keep talking about issues like these rather than the sheer simplistic beauty of, well, ‘the beautiful game’, her response is an example of the job being done at arguably its very best: factual, ethical, moving and inspiring.
As you can see, Scott goes on to say, “This isn’t Real Madrid versus Benfica – it is right versus wrong. Vini Junior and Kylian Mbappe said that there was repeated racial abuse.
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“Gianluca Prestiani said they misheard, but he covered his mouth to hide what he said from the cameras, and hopefully, we can all agree that if what you are saying on a football pitch is shameful enough to have to hide it from the public, then you’re wrong.”
The Portuguese club, which ultimately lost 1-0 in their first leg at home on the night, have released a statement reaffirming their commitment to “equality, respect, and inclusion” but reiterates that they believe Prestiani and feel he is now the subject of a “defamation campaign”.
Conversely, in a definitive and emphatic closing message, she signs off by adding the following: “The racial diversity on a football pitch in the Champions League is the representation of the global love for this game and the global belonging in this game. This is the very spirit of football.
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“And if you don’t agree, then respectfully, you are the one who doesn’t belong.”
This is what the Athletic is supposed to be. Telling important stories & giving in depth analysis. I hope this signals that it will be its focus moving forward.
From CBS ‘Golazo’ show being applauded for tackling the subject head-on, to Cross herself being labelled as everything from “a role model” and “a benchmark” to “the best on the planet” in the outpouring of reactions on social media, it’s fair to say they absolutely nailed it.
Sadly, this is one of many recent examples of prejudice being shared publicly across various UEFA tournaments and beyond in recent years, but the only way we can truly help anti-hate initiatives is by continuing to call them out.
Why so many are excited by the Irish teenager being monitored by Man City, United and more
Danny Jones
The next generation of Irish football is looking brighter, and there’s one particular young striker currently playing in the Republic of Ireland’s Premier Men’s Division that’s reportedly attracting interest from the likes of Manchester City, Man United, Chelsea and more.
Still just a teenager and having barely just broken into senior football, Michael Noonan is the youth player presently starring for Shamrock Rovers FC at just 18 years old.
Anyone who followed their recent run in the UEFA Conference League last year will know the kind of box office moments he’s already supplied fans of the South Dublin side, but he’s still a relatively new and somewhat unknown quantity to most, and one that’s already on the radar of some big clubs.
But just to put things into perspective, Irish football journalist Darryl Geraghty has gone so far as to dub him as “probably the hottest prospect in Irish football right now.” Here are just some of the reasons why…
Speaking to Betway (who have ironically just been announced as United’s new principal partner and official sponsor for their training gear), the sports writer said the increasing number of suitors floating in and around the youngster at such a crucial stage in his career comes as no surprise.
Turning 18 last month, the former St Patrick’s Athletic academy graduate is now free to entertain deals from other suitors, with the likes of Arsenal, Everton, Nottingham Forest, Ajax and ‘several’ others claimed to be circling his signature; Noonan is already said to have visited the Dutch giants for talks.
“A who’s who of European football are vying for his signature and it’s easy to see why”, says Geraghty. “Natural goalscorers are incredibly difficult to find, and Michael has that instinctive ability that elite clubs are always searching for.
“He doesn’t need five chances to score one goal. He has that natural striker’s knack of arriving in the right place at the right time, while his movement and pace off the shoulder constantly ask questions of defenders.”
“What’s impressed me most is how much his all-round game has developed. He’s become more involved in build-up play and is learning how to affect games even when he’s not scoring, which is essential for modern forwards.”
He also reiterated to Betway that “perhaps the most impressive thing is how unfazed he seems by the attention and expectation around him”, adding that “talent gets you noticed, but mentality is what convinces clubs to invest in a young player.”
Having helped ‘The Hoops’ to lift another title and a domestic cup, as well as growing an even wider experience base by representing his country in the national team’s youth ranks – most recently at the highly competitive under-21s level – this year could be a big turning point in his career.
Naturally, comparisons to the likes of Robbie Keane have already been drummed up, especially given how much talent he’s already shown at such an early age.
It’s “not because they’re identical players”, clarifies, “but because of the intelligence of his movement, his instinct for goals and his ability to fit into almost any attacking system.”
You only have to see some of his highlights for the resurgent Rovers to see his neat footwork in tight spaces and ability to drive into the right areas with conviction.
According to Geraghty, it’s merely “a matter of when rather than if“, and whoever snaps him up (more likely in the January window, it has been suggested) will be signing “one of the most exciting young strikers Ireland has produced in years.”
You can see his thrilling European debut performances against Norwegian side Molde FK down below.
At only 16, he became the youngest scorer in the competition’s history.
Former Man United coach under Sir Alex Ferguson joins Stockport County in director role
Danny Jones
Former Manchester United coach René Meulensteen, who famously worked under Sir Alex Ferguson, has been appointed to a new role at Stockport County FC.
Joining the club in an unprecedented position – the terminology for which has definitely sparked some speculation – the Dutch coach arrives at Edgeley Park during a period of big changes across the board.
Not only serving under Sir Alex, but also having managed Fulham for a spell and helping steer Iraq to their first World Cup since 1986 this summer as assistant, he brings a varied pedigree to SK3.
Announcing the news on Monday evening, Meulensteen has already set about his introductions to the squad and the rest of the coaching staff this week.
Starting out as a Skills Development Coach in Man United‘s youth academy, helping develop reserve players on their way into the senior setup, he then went on to work at Danish side Brøndby, over in Russia, as part of the Australian national team, and, of course, a second stint at Old Trafford.
With this being a brand-new role not only for Stockport County but one boasting a unique title which presents plenty of questions, it will be interesting to see just how much of an imprint he can have on the first team.
Sporting Director Damien Allen said in a statement: “This appointment represents another important step in delivering our long-term vision, reinforcing our commitment to creating an elite football department, developing players and coaches capable of competing at the highest levels of the game.”
Writing on his own X account, the 62-year-old is clearly relishing the opportunity to carve out a path through this unique new role.
Moreover, the reaction to his name being now tied to the club has been one of excitement and optimism given his CV and well-documented career history.
Just shows the ambition at this club, you've worked with some of the worlds best & can't imagine the wealth of knowledge & experience you're bringing with you, its a pleasure to have you on board
Speaking on his arrival, new Hatters boss Jimmy McNulty – who is set to embark on his debut season as manager of the club after leaving Rochdale AFC this summer – added: “It is a genuine pleasure to be adding a coach of René Meulensteen’s calibre to our coaching team.
“Having operated at the very highest level, guided elite players, and gained invaluable experience across diverse footballing cultures in both domestic leagues and major international tournaments, he brings a tremendous breadth of wisdom and perspective to our coaching team.
“This brilliant addition adds another layer of strength to our coaching collective, and I am delighted René has decided to join our County team.”
What do you make of the appointment, County fans? We’ll admit, we particularly enjoyed the reaction by club legend Ben Hinchliffe fresh from his testimonial match…
🗣️ "I have no idea what that job title means!" 🤣
Ben Hinchliffe on Stockport County's new Director of Football Methodology Rene Meulensteen.
Danny Jones -
19th February 2026 
