Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jump to content
UK EditionAsia EditionEdición en Español
Sign up to our newslettersSubscribe: $6 for 6 months
More
Best
Climate
TV

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Ian Parker

Ian Parker is a sports reporter based in Manchester, primarily covering football in the north west, Northern Ireland internationals, and cycling. He has covered the Olympics twice and five editions of the Tour de France.

Ethan Wheatley made his Manchester United debut in Wednesday’s 4-2 Premier League win over Sheffield United (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

I wanted to give 18-year-old Ethan Wheatley debut goal – Bruno Fernandes

Erik ten Hag believes his side were always in control (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

We were totally in control – Erik ten Hag rejects criticism after chaotic win

Craig Bellamy watches Burnley take on Brighton (Richard Sellers/PA).
Football

I’ve got nothing but praise for him – Craig Bellamy backs Aro Muric after error

Burnley goalkeeper Arijanet Muric (right) reacts to his mistake against Brighton (Richard Sellers/PA).
Football

Aro Muric mistake denies Burnley crucial victory over Brighton

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp wants to bring fans more joy before he leaves (Peter Byrne/PA)
Football

Jurgen Klopp not worried about Liverpool legacy but wants fitting finale

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has dismissed Erling Haaland’s critics (Jose Breton/AP)
Football

Erling Haaland ‘extremely happy’ at Man City despite criticism – Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will rest Rodri if he asks for it (Adam Davy/PA)
Football

Guardiola prepared to rest ‘tired’ Rodri during City’s title run-in

Jurgen Klopp admitted the defeat to Atalanta was a low point (Peter Byrne/PA)
Football

Klopp promises Liverpool will be ‘angry’ for visit of Crystal Palace

<p>Jurgen Klopp called Liverpool’s defeat a ‘low point’ of their season. </p>
Football

Klopp says losing to Atalanta at Anfield a ‘low point’ for Liverpool

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil speaks to the fourth official after a late goal for his side is ruled out following a VAR review after the Premier League match at Molineux, Wolverhampton. Picture date: Saturday April 6, 2024.
Football

There may be trouble ahead for Gary O’Neil after emotions get the better of him

West Ham United’s James Ward-Prowse (centre) celebrates with Konstantinos Mavropanos (left) and Edson Alvarez after scoring their second goal of the game during the Premier League match at Molineux, Wolverhampton. Picture date: Saturday April 6, 2024.
Football

West Ham come from behind to win at Wolves but lose Jarrod Bowen to injury

Pep Guardiola will not let up in the three-way fight for the Premier League title (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Pep Guardiola targets winning run to pile pressure on Arsenal and Liverpool

Phil Foden went home with the match ball (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Guardiola: Top-class Phil Foden can do whatever he wants in football

Football

Guardiola: Top-class Phil Foden can do whatever he wants in football

Phil Foden went home with the match ball (Martin Rickett/PA)
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany applauds the fans following the Premier League match at Turf Moor, Burnley (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Vincent Kompany says Burnley will ‘keep fighting’

Vincent Kompany’s side had to settle for a point (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Don’t get me on referees again – Vincent Kompany unhappy after Burnley draw

<p>Burnley were denied a rare win </p>
Football

Burnley denied vital victory as Ait-Nouri earns Wolves a point

Vincent Kompany was sent off during Saturday’s 2-2 draw away to Chelsea (Nigel French/PA)
Football

Kompany claims Premier League refereeing ‘hasn’t been good enough’

Vincent Kompany was sent off during Saturday’s 2-2 draw away to Chelsea (Nigel French/PA)
Football

Kompany claims Premier League refereeing ‘hasn’t been good enough’

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo, left, hopes Nottingham Forest can build on their draw with Crystal Palace (Mike Egerton/PA)
Football

Nuno Espirito Santo wants Nottingham Forest to build on draw with Crystal Palace

Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood celebrates scoring against Crystal Palace (Mike Egerton/PA)
Football

Wood earns Nottingham Forest precious point against Crystal Palace

Michael O’Neill and Steve Clarke go head to head on the touchline on Tuesday (PA)
Football

Same again for O’Neill as Clarke demands response – Scotland v NI talking points

Jamie Reid in action for Stevenage (Rhianna Chadwick/PA)
Football

Reid relishes ‘dream’ debut for Northern Ireland in draw with Romania

Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill hailed his young stars (Andreea Alexandru/AP)
Football

Michael O’Neill hails young Northern Ireland stars after draw in Romania

Northern Ireland’s Jamie Reid celebrates his goal (Andreea Alexandru/AP).
Football

Jamie Reid’s debut goal helps Northern Ireland earn encouraging draw in Romania

Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland side will play Romania in a friendly on Friday (Liam McBurney/PA)
Football

Key talking points ahead of Northern Ireland’s clash with Romania

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill (Liam McBurney/PA)
Football

Michael O’Neill says young Northern Ireland squad ‘has a lot of potential’

Northern Ireland’s Jamie Reid celebrates his goal (Andreea Alexandru/AP).
Football

Jamie Reid’s debut goal helps Northern Ireland earn encouraging draw in Romania

Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland side will play Romania in a friendly on Friday (Liam McBurney/PA)
Football

Key talking points ahead of Northern Ireland’s clash with Romania

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill (Liam McBurney/PA)
Football

Michael O’Neill says young Northern Ireland squad ‘has a lot of potential’

Conor Bradley has 13 caps for his country (Zac Goodwin/PA)
Football

Conor Bradley staying grounded with Northern Ireland amid Liverpool breakthrough

Football

Conor Bradley staying grounded with Northern Ireland amid Liverpool breakthrough

Conor Bradley has 13 caps for his country (Zac Goodwin/PA)
Rodri helped City into the FA Cup semi-finals (Mike Egerton/PA)
Football

Rodri warns Manchester City’s rivals that ‘the best is yet to come’

Dame Laura Kenny has retired (David Davies/PA)
Cycling

In profile: Dame Laura Kenny’s five Olympic golds

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts on the touchline during the Emirates FA Cup quarter-final match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday March 16, 2024.
Football

Pep Guardiola hopes his players come through international action unscathed

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola saw his side reach a sixth successive FA Cup semi-final (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Pep Guardiola praises ‘special’ Manchester City after making FA Cup history

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola saw his side reach a sixth successive FA Cup semi-final (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Pep Guardiola praises ‘special’ Manchester City after making FA Cup history

Conor Bradley has impressed for Liverpool (Zac Goodwin/PA)
Football

Michael O’Neill not surprised by way Conor Bradley has handled spotlight

Michael O’Neill (Liam McBurney/PA)
Football

Michael O’Neill focused on Northern Ireland job despite Aberdeen links

Emma Finucane is one of the favourites for Olympic success in Paris (Tim Goode/PA)
Cycling

Emma Finucane hoping her success inspires more girls to take up track sprinting

Dame Laura Kenny seems unlikely to compete at the Paris Olympics this summer (John Walton/PA)
Cycling

Olympic great Kenny only given a ‘slim chance’ of competing at Paris

John O’Shea will take charge of the Republic of Ireland’s March friendlies after being named interim head coach (Brian Lalwless/PA)
Football

John O’Shea takes interim charge of Republic of Ireland for March double-header

An injury to Rasmus Hojlund, right, has left Erik ten Hag with a headache in attack (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Hojlund not United’s ‘main man’ and injury won’t derail us - Ten Hag

Oscar Bobb sees Erling Haaland as an inspiration (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Erling Haaland an inspiration for club and country – Man City winger Oscar Bobb

Pep Guardiola endured a tense evening before Manchester City found the breakthrough (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

In this type of game, you need Erling – Pep Guardiola hails hitman Haaland

Vincent Kompany was pleased to see his side rescue a point (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Vincent Kompany hopes David Fofana double ‘a turning point’ for Burnley

Burnley’s David Fofana celebrates scoring the equaliser (Jess Hornby/PA)
Football

Fofana brace on home debut rescues Burnley point against Fulham

Julian Alvarez (right) celebrates his second (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Pep Guardiola admits he is spoilt for choice with fully-fit Man City squad

Football

Pep Guardiola admits he is spoilt for choice with fully-fit Man City squad

Julian Alvarez (right) celebrates his second (Martin Rickett/PA)
Rob Edwards is happy Luton will take on Premier League opposition in the next round (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Rob Edwards happy to take on top-flight opponents after edging past Bolton

Chiedozie Ogbene scored a second-half winner for Luton at Bolton (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Luton dig deep to see off League One Bolton in FA Cup

Marcus Rashford with manager Erik ten Hag (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

I hope they keep going – Ten Hag seeing ‘progress’ from Man Utd duo

<p>Vincent Kimpany was livid that Luton’s late equaliser wasn’t disallowed </p>
Football

Furious Kompany calls VAR ‘a joke’ after controversial Luton equaliser

<p>Vincent Kimpany was livid that Luton’s late equaliser wasn’t disallowed </p>
Football

Furious Kompany calls VAR ‘a joke’ after controversial Luton equaliser

Vincent Kompany has warned Burnley not to expect any help from VAR (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

VAR controversy has to rally us – Vincent Kompany

Carlton Morris, right, scored a controversial late equaliser (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Carlton Morris’ controversial late equaliser earns Luton draw at Burnley

Bill Belichick’s departure is set to be announced (Adrian Kraus/AP)
Sport

Bill Belichick set to leave New England Patriots after record-breaking run

Erik ten Hag did not rule out using the January transfer window to add depth to Manchester United’s squad (Bradley Collyer/PA)
Football

Transfer market still an option for under-strength Manchester United

Erik ten Hag was pleased to see his side creating chances (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Erik ten Hag: Manchester United should have taken more chances at Wigan

Erik ten Hag says he held a ‘very positive’ meeting with Sir Jim Ratcliffe (Richard Sellers/PA)
Football

Ten Hag opens up on ‘very positive’ first meeting with Ratcliffe

Sir Jim Ratcliffe held meetings at Old Trafford on Tuesday (Peter Byrne/PA)
Football

Sir Jim Ratcliffe holds first meetings at Man Utd since buying stake in club

Erik ten Hag is looking forward to the return of his injured players (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Erik ten Hag hopes for more consistency from Man Utd with returning players

Erik ten Hag has backed Rasmus Hojlund to keep on scoring (PA)
Football

Erik ten Hag backs Rasmus Hojlund to go on Premier League scoring run

Everton manager Sean Dyche applauds the fans following the Premier League match at Turf Moor, Burnley. Picture date: Saturday December 16, 2023.
Football

Sean Dyche ‘delighted’ as winning return to Burnley continues Everton’s climb

Amadou Onana (second left) set Everton on the way to victory (Nick Potts/PA)
Football

Everton make it four wins in a row with victory at Burnley

Football

Everton make it four wins in a row with victory at Burnley

Amadou Onana (second left) set Everton on the way to victory (Nick Potts/PA)
Kalvin Phillips (left) has struggled to tie down a first-team spot at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola (Nick Potts/PA)
Football

Pep Guardiola admits Man City may need replacement if Kalvin Phillips leaves

Erik ten Hag’s side suffered another costly defeat (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Ten Hag demands Champions League return after Man Utd crash out

Erik ten Hag has been speaking about Jadon Sancho, left (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

He knows what he has to do – Erik ten Hag on Jadon Sancho’s Man Utd future

Football

He’s the hardest-working player: Vincent Kompany hails James Milner’s longevity

Football

He’s the hardest-working player: Vincent Kompany hails James Milner’s longevity

Erik ten Hag (left) says Marcus Rashford is an ‘incredible player’ despite a dip in form (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Ten Hag sends Rashford a message on getting back in the team

Luca Koleosho, centre, faces a spell on the sidelines (Mike Egerton/PA)
Football

Burnley dealt injury blow as Luca Koleosho faces several months out

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery on the touchline during the Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham. Picture date: Wednesday December 6, 2023.
Football

Unai Emery keen to keep things balanced at upwardly mobile Aston Villa

<p>Unai Emery has squashed talk of Aston Villa as title contenders </p>
Football

Emery responds to Aston Villa title talk after beating Manchester City

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom (left) says he can hold his head up (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Paul Heckingbottom stands by his work as Sheffield United lose again

Burnley’s Josh Brownhill celebrates scoring their fifth (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Five-star Burnley crush Sheffield United at Turf Moor

Vincent Kompany believes change must start in the boardroom if English football is to become more diverse (Steven Paston/PA)
Football

Vincent Kompany feels increasing diversity at boardroom level the key to change

Football

Burnley belief still burning bright for Vincent Kompany

Andre Onana has been under scrutiny after a run of high-profile mistakes (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Ten Hag sticks up for under-fire Manchester United goalkeeper Onana

Vincent Kompany’s Burnley suffered a home defeat to West Ham on Saturday (Peter Byrne/PA)
Football

West Ham defeat is toughest one to take yet – Burnley boss Vincent Kompany

Football

Tomas Soucek breaks Burnley hearts with late West Ham winner

Sean Dyche was shocked by the severity of the 10-point penalty imposed on Everton (Ben Whitley/PA)
Football

Dyche reacts to Everton points deduction: ‘Feels disproportionate’

Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland beat Denmark (Liam McBurney/PA)
Football

Michael O’Neill calls Northern Ireland win over Denmark step in right direction

Northern Ireland’s Isaac Price celebrates his goal (Liam McBurney/PA)
Football

Northern Ireland Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with win over Denmark

Football

Northern Ireland keen to go out on high note against Denmark – 5 talking points

Football

Michael O’Neill urges Northern Ireland to stick to plan

Northern Ireland’s Isaac Price celebrates his goal (Liam McBurney/PA)
Football

Northern Ireland Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with win over Denmark

Football

Northern Ireland keen to go out on high note against Denmark – 5 talking points

Football

Michael O’Neill urges Northern Ireland to stick to plan

Finland’s Teemu Pukki celebrates (Roni Rekomaa/AP)
Football

Finland put Northern Ireland to the sword in Helsinki

Sir Chris Hoy expects Katie Archibald to be back to her best for the Paris Olympics (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)
Cycling

Hoy says Archibald’s form ‘incredibly impressive’ ahead of Paris

Harry Maguire is firmly back in favour (Kieran Cleeves/PA)
Football

Harry Maguire ‘showing he can do the job’ – Erik ten Hag

Football

Ten Hag ‘not happy’ with Rashford’s Manchester United form

<p>Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks set to secure a minority stake in the club </p>
Football

Timeline revealed for Ratcliffe to take minority stake at Man Utd

Will Perrett will be back in action at the UCI Track Champions League in London this weekend (Tim Goode/PA)
Cycling

Will Perrett up for another battle against the odds as he targets the Olympics

Michael O’Neill has named a 26-man group for Northern Ireland’s final Euro 2024 qualifiers (Liam McBurney/PA)
Football

Michael O’Neill expecting a tough international window for Northern Ireland

Vincent Kompany (left) is sticking to his plan (Richard Sellers/PA)
Football

Vincent Kompany convinced Burnley will eventually get reward for their displays

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in