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Premier League restarts as players take knee in racism protest
The Premier League resumed on Wednesday after a three-month hiatus, with players taking the knee at the start of a goalless draw between Aston Villa and Sheffield United overshadowed by a goalline controversy.
Coronavirus restrictions mean the 92 games remaining after the 100-day shutdown are being crammed into less than six weeks.
Defeat for Manchester City, who kicked off against Arsenal later on Wednesday, would leave Liverpool on the brink of their first English top-flight title for 30 years.
But Villa and Sheffield took centre stage to relaunch the English top-flight.
In front of a huge global audience, players and staff protested racial injustice for about 10 seconds in solidarity with worldwide protests following the death of American George Floyd while in police custody.
“In the first Premier League fixture of Project Restart both clubs hope that the act of ‘taking a knee’ will send a strong message of unity and amplify the many messages of support from Premier League players and the wider football family,” the clubs said in a statement.
Manchester City and Arsenal players also took a knee before kick-off at the Etihad.
All players will wear Black Lives Matter (BLM) on the back of their shirts where names are normally printed for the first 12 matches of the restart.
A BLM logo will feature on shirts for the remainder of the season along with a badge thanking Britain’s health workers for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 0-0 draw at Villa Park did not suit either side.
Aston Villa were seeking a precious win to lift them out of the relegation zone while Sheffield United are chasing a European spot next season.
Tech failure
The big talking point came late in the first half when a free-kick from United’s Oliver Norwood was caught by Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, but he stumbled backwards and looked to have carried the ball over his own goalline.
United players appealed for the goal, but the technology that alerts the referee when the ball has gone over the line did not award it and VAR did not intervene.
Despite replays showing the ball had clearly crossed the line before Nyland regained his footing, referee Michael Oliver had no choice but to let play continue.
Should Manchester City lose to Arsenal, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, who hold a 25-point lead at the top of the table, could be crowned champions as early as Sunday when they face local rivals Everton.
Despite concerns over fans congregating around stadiums, clubs won the battle to host matches in their home grounds.
Liverpool can win a long-awaited title in their own city, either at Goodison, or when the Reds host Crystal Palace at Anfield on Wednesday.
But Klopp stressed the need for supporters to stay at home.
“Stay safe, support us from home. We are still with you and you’ll never walk alone,” he said.
The battle for Champions League places next season and to avoid the drop are far more closely contested.
Matches will be preceded by a minute’s silence in memory of those who have died from coronavirus. Britain is the worst-hit country in Europe with more than 42,000 deaths.
Three of the four managers to lead their sides on Wednesday have been touched by the virus.
Aston Villa boss Dean Smith’s father died, while City manager Pep Guardiola lost his mother.
Guardiola’s former assistant Mikel Arteta returns to the Etihad for the first time as Arsenal manager three months after his positive test for coronavirus hastened the season shutdown.
Silence
With all games being played behind closed doors, players will have to get used to the eerie silence in the usually raucous stands.
Piping crowd chants into stadiums, cardboard cut-outs of supporters and live video fan walls will add colour but the Premier League’s chief executive Richard Masters admitted there would be something missing without crowds.
“It is going to be an odd experience without fans at the stadia,” he said. “The Premier League won’t be back with a capital ‘B’ until fans are back.”
Just 300 people will be allowed in stadiums for each match, with strict health protocols in place.
Players have been told to maintain social-distancing during goal celebrations and are banned from spitting.
Reporting and photos: AFP
Kandooma Maldives has introduced a new pickleball court, expanding its recreational facilities as the paddle sport continues to gain popularity worldwide.
Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a sport that is relatively easy to learn and suitable for players of different ages and abilities. The new facility allows guests to participate in singles or doubles matches, offering an additional recreational activity for families, couples and groups staying at the resort.
The pickleball court is open daily from 6am to 6pm, with paddles and balls available for guests to borrow from Reception.
Court reservations can be made through the resort’s Recreation or Front Office team. Each villa is entitled to one complimentary hour of court use per day.
The introduction of pickleball forms part of Kandooma Maldives’ efforts to expand its recreational offerings and provide guests with more opportunities to participate in sports and group activities during their stay.
Best Dives Maldives has won two awards at the World Luxury Travel Awards 2026, recognising its diving operations across the Maldives.
The company was named Best Diving Experience in Indian Ocean Islands and Best Diving Centre in Indian Ocean.
The awards reflect the team’s focus on professional service, safety and quality in creating memorable experiences for guests.
With more than two decades in the Maldivian tourism industry, Best Dives Maldives has become an established name in diving, watersports and ocean experiences. It works with resorts across the country, giving guests the opportunity to explore the Maldives’ underwater world.
“We are truly honoured to receive these two awards,” said Ahmed Razee, Managing Director of Best Dives Maldives. “This recognition reflects the passion and dedication of our team, whose hard work makes these achievements possible. We are grateful to our resort partners for their continued trust and support, and to the World Luxury Travel Awards for this recognition.”
The awards reinforce the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality diving and ocean experiences while showcasing the beauty of the Maldives’ marine environment.
Best Dives Maldives has more than two decades of experience in the Maldivian tourism industry. It offers a wide range of ocean experiences and marine services, including diving, watersports, excursions and luxury yacht charters. The company also provides guest transfers and professional training and certification programmes.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has announced a special edition of The Astor Club Soirée in partnership with LUX Tennis, welcoming three of the sport’s most accomplished players, Daniil Medvedev, Paula Badosa, and Donna Vekić, for a series of tennis residencies from October 26 through November 30, 2026. Taking place at the Maldives’ finest address, the program will feature private coaching sessions, group clinics, junior development activities, and guest appearances, offering participants direct engagement with some of tennis’s most recognized names.
The Astor Club Soirée Tennis Series will commence with Donna Vekić from October 29 to November 1, 2026. One of Croatia’s most accomplished tennis players, Vekić has captured five WTA singles titles throughout her career and achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 17. Her recent achievements include a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a semifinal appearance at Wimbledon, and victory at the prestigious Queen’s Club Championships in 2026. Renowned for her powerful playing style and competitive spirit, Vekić will share her expertise through a series of guest sessions designed for players of all levels.
From November 13 to 14, 2026, the resort will welcome Paula Badosa, one of the most inspiring players on the WTA Tour. After capturing the French Open Girls’ title and turning professional in 2015, Badosa rose steadily through the ranks to reach a career-high World No. 2 ranking in 2022. Following a determined comeback from injury setbacks, she re-established herself among the world’s elite with a title run at the Washington Open, a quarterfinal appearance at the US Open in 2024, and an Australian Open semifinal appearance in 2025. Guests will have the chance to spend time with one of modern tennis’ most resilient and admired competitors through a series of coaching and on-court sessions.
The pinnacle of the series arrives November 26 to 27, 2026 with the highly anticipated residency of Daniil Medvedev, former ATP World No. 1 and one of the defining champions of his generation. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished players in contemporary tennis, Medvedev’s distinguished career includes a historic US Open title, multiple ATP Masters 1000 victories, ATP Finals success, and numerous Grand Slam final appearances.
Celebrated for his tactical brilliance, relentless competitiveness, and commanding presence on court, Medvedev has consistently performed at the highest level of the sport while establishing himself as one of tennis’ most influential global stars. As the headline appearance of The Astor Club Soirée Tennis Series, he will lead a schedule of private lessons, clinics, and guest events throughout this stay.
“The Astor Club Soirée was created to bring influential figures in sport and culture to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort through bespoke guest programming,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “We are pleased to welcome Daniil Medvedev, Paula Badosa, and Donna Vekić, whose achievements have made a lasting impact on professional tennis. Their presence reflects our continued focus on presenting distinctive experiences that inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impression on our guests.”
Designed for aspiring young athletes, tennis enthusiasts, and seasoned players, each residency offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from some of the sport’s most accomplished professionals.
The Astor Club Soirée forms part of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s signature platform for distinctive guest programming. Inspired by the Astor family’s appreciation for sports, culture, and refined leisure, The Astor Club Soirée unites influential figures from around the world through engaging experiences that inform, inspire, and connect, embodying the quintessential St. Regis tradition of bringing people together through personalized service.
For more information, please visit stregismaldives.com.
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