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Marc Márquez, debilitado por una descomposición — and more

Marc Márquez, debilitado por una descomposición

El arranque del test de Tailandia no fue el soñado para Marc Márquez. El piloto de Cervera comenzó la primera sesión con una caída temprana, sin estar forzando el ritmo y rodando a rueda de Maverick Viñales. El incidente se produjo en una curva a derechas después de perder el tren delantero al pisar una línea blanca recién pintada en el asfalto.

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The 16-year-old refereeing adult football matches

RJ refereeing a football game. He stands on a football pitch his left arm extended. He is wearing a black sports jacket and black shorts.
RJ, 16, has won an award for his contribution to youth football [Jen Howell]

Being a football referee comes with many challenges, from managing intense emotions, making split decisions and dealing with constant criticism.

But none of this bothers 16-year-old RJ, from Taunton in Somerset.

After developing a passion for refereeing at a young age, he started officiating matches at 14 and now regularly officiates both youth and adult football matches across the county.

He was named Somerset Youth Referee of the year for his "outstanding" contribution to youth football.

"It felt really special," said RJ. "After doing it for only two years, I didn't expect to get anything like that."

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A keen football player, RJ said he started refereeing because he wanted to get more involved in the game.

"I've just loved it ever since then," said RJ. "I like having the role of responsibility."

RJ said he had learned to take difficulties faced on the pitch in his stride, after having to hand out a red card on his first game.

"I did freeze a little bit, but then I kind of regained [the reason] why I do it and took full responsibility."

Since starting his role, RJ said refereeing had helped him in all areas of his life.

Daniel Chalk, PE teacher at Monkton Wood Academy, described him as a "confident" pupil who helped to coach and referee football games at the school.

"It's brilliant for us. He helps with the key stage three football sessions after school and he's done countless amounts of refereeing for us."

Martin Peters, Somerset FA referee development officer, said it was "unusual" to find a 16-year-old refereeing for adult games.

"We have loads of 16-year-old referees, but not a lot of them want to go into the adult game," he said.

"And that's what makes this so unique with RJ that he's probably very much a minority 16-year-old that's gone into adult football."

Somerset FA is trying to encourage more young people to train to become referees.

"The big problem we have is trying to get them into the adult game," Peters explained.

"It's about coming into the game with discipline – being strong and confident in every decision that you make."

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Real Madrid midfielder holds himself accountable for Osasuna defeat: ‘I take responsibility’

Real Madrid midfielder holds himself accountable for Osasuna defeat: ‘I take responsibility’
Real Madrid midfielder holds himself accountable for Osasuna defeat: ‘I take responsibility’

Real Madrid suffered a tragic defeat to Osasuna at El Sadar last night, dropping three points in La Liga and handing Barcelona a chance to go back on top less than a week after stealing the lead.

The result was not entirely surprising considering how Osasuna were dominant, created the better chances, and converted when it mattered.

They took the lead in the first-half through a penalty and entered the second period with a one-goal lead. Real Madrid, however, equalised through Vinicius Jr. in the 73rd minute and seemed set to take at least a draw back home when matters took a twist.

Ceballos’ error and apology

When the game was close to its end and the clock read 89 minutes, Real Madrid found themselves playing out from the back against Osasuna’s spirited press.

At that time, substitute Dani Ceballos miscued a pass under pressure, one that saw possession go directly to Osasuna who found openings and scored the winner seconds later.

The Spanish midfielder’s misplayed pass, in that sense, laid the foundation for the defeat and Ceballos has now come out on his social media to take responsibility for the result.

Ceballos’ error proved critical

“I take responsibility,” he posted on his Instagram after the game with a gesture asking for fans’ forgiveness.

His reaction and decision to openly take responsibility show a lot of maturity on his part and is exactly the kind of leadership Real Madrid requires at this point. However, it is also true that the defeat was not completely down to his error.

For a team of Real Madrid’s quality, the scoreline should not have been so tight at that point in the game, nor should the team have been succumbing and struggling against Osasuna’s high press as they were.

With a big UEFA Champions League game coming up midweek, Alvaro Arbeloa and Co. will look to reset, reflect, and come back stronger – Ceballos included.

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