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      in Soccer

      WSL gets TV audience boost with Sky Sports football director revealing higher than anticipated viewing figures

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      WOMEN’S Super League match coverage is pulling in more than 120,000 watchers per game on Sky Sports this season.Its audience reach peaked during Manchester City vs Tottenham last September with around 550,000 viewers tuning in.
      Manchester City’s WSL duel with Tottenham is thought to have attracted more than half a million viewers on Sky SportsCredit: Getty
      Last June, the channel committed to exclusively air at least 35 games live as part of a landmark broadcast deal which commenced at the start of this season.
      Sky Sports’ director of football Gary Hughes revealed viewing figures for coverage of top tier clashes had been “dramatically up” on what was expected in its first term as a WSL broadcast partner.
      Speaking at this year’s Sports Pro Live event, Hughes said: “Our audience is up dramatically from what we anticipated and what it was on pay TV last year.
      “I think our average is around 125,000 a game — I think that’s up around 175% per cent. 
      “I believe our reach is around six million which I think is around a 200% increase.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}KARIM OF THE CROP .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Five key battles where Man City and Real Madrid will be won and lost
      “Our peak audience was for Manchester City vs Tottenham back in September where we got around 550,000 people watching.
      “Audience figures have been really good, but our intention is to grow the game.
      “What we always set out to do was the position (the) WSL alongside our other leading rights as a premium right alongside our Premier League rights as well.
      “We gave it the full Sky Sports treatment. What I mean by that is the look and feel of our studio and our production values in terms of the number of cameras.
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      “We’d like to think that we’ve got the best pundits talking about the game.
      “We’ve got huge reach across our digital platforms; we’ve got Sky Sports News which is 24/7. So (we’re) really focussed on the power of promoting the game.”
      Kick-off times have occasionally been a bugbear for some WSL match-going fans.
      This term a few have taking to social media to comment on clashes between games involving top tier men’s and women’s sides.
      On kick-off times and TV coverage, Hughes said: “(In terms of) kick-off slots, that is something we will continue to talk about.
      The WSL is reportedly on course to become the fourth most-watched domestic sports competition in the UKCredit: Alamy
      “It was about finding the right time for the matches, and we’ve not stumbled but we’ve come across an evening kick-off time (on a Sunday evening) that inherits the audience of Super Sunday which is huge.
      “You’re taking a big Sky Sports football audience into the women’s game.”
      Sky’s and BBC Sport’s broadcast coverage of WSL matches are a part of a three-year TV deal worth £24million.
      It is thought to be the biggest commercial agreement in women’s football history.
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      Last November a study carried out by Nielsen Sports data analysts revealed the league could be on course to attract an audience of 14.5million in the UK
      This figure would see England’s top women’s football division become the nation’s fourth most-watched domestic league. More

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      in Soccer

      Steinhaus-Webb says helping Women’s Super League referees cope with intense public scrutiny is crucial

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      BIBIANA STEINHAUS-WEBB believes helping elite women’s football referees handle growing scrutiny is vital with officials under the spotlight. And the WSL refs chief thinks the league has the potential to one day lead the way on global officiating standards.
      Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb says helping referees manage the increased scrutiny of their performance is crucialCredit: Reuters
      Steinhaus-Webb, who made history as the first woman to referee in Germany’s Bundesliga, was speaking nine months on from her appointment as PGMOL’s first women’s select group director.
      The Germany-born former referee, who is married to ex-Prem ref Howard Webb, oversees match officials in the WSL and Women’s Championship.
      Referees in the women’s top tier are in the spotlight with fixtures reaching bigger audiences with games aired on Sky Sports and the BBC.
      On occasions, some decisions have led to criticism of officiating along with calls for Premier League standard refereeing.
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      In November Neilsen’s sports research revealed the WSL could become the fourth most viewed domestic league on TV in the UK.
      And with that attention comes greater social media reaction to decisions.
      This includes moments such as a ball deflecting off the referee in the lead-up to a goal for Manchester City during their 1-1 draw with Arsenal in January.
      That scenario is one of a few that led some commentators and club managers to call for improved refereeing.
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      And Steinhaus-Webb highlights this as an example of why helping officials whose decisions are heavily scrutinised is so important.
      The PGMOL women’s select group director said: “The psychological support around them is crucial at the moment, especially at the moment because the referees are not used to it.
      “We had a situation at Manchester City vs Arsenal when the referee was hit by the ball, and a few seconds after City scored.
      “Abi Byrne was the referee and we spoke about this incident for days after.
      “Abi is an international referee with a really strong mentality and a huge amount of experience.
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      “A few days after this game she said to me, ‘Bibi, you know what? I know that the exposure of the women’s game is so huge.
      “But this is the first time I can feel it. I can feel being recognised. Like being at the store the next day, and (people saying) ‘oh, I saw you on TV yesterday.’
      “She hasn’t done anything wrong, and this is the crazy bit.
      “You can discuss this situation for hours and hours — what is the best solution here? What do we expect the next time?
      “She was hit by the ball but then it just developed into an attacking situation.
      Referees’ decisions in the WSL have come in for greater attention with games getting more TV coverageCredit: Reuters
      “From a technical point of view, she did everything correct — she let play continue.
      “Going through this, the scrutiny, that was the first time she really realised how much exposure the game actually has.
      “And we are talking about a situation where we might have a totally different outcome because of a referee.
      “What we do is take care of our people. They are human beings, and we have to make sure they are ready to take approximately 300 decisions in every game.”
      Rebecca Welch is one of four English officials selected for duty at the Euros this summerCredit: Getty
      “We have regular meetings – not only in the different parts of the country where the officials come from- but we also we have our PGMOL conference (in June).
      “That’s when all the officials from the Premier League, the EFL and 40 of my girls from the Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship come together.
      “These are the opportunities for all of the officials to get to know each other better and to speak about the challenges they are facing.”
      The potential use of VAR and goal-line technology in the women’s top tier has been a topical issue this season.
      In February EFL and WSL officials held discussions with PGMOL reps over the adoption of a low cost, light version of a video assistant referee.
      In England we are not only watching WSL examples. You have to a look around what happens in the rest of the world when it comes to refereeingBibiana Steinhaus-Webb
      However, a timescale for when a system could be introduced is yet to be confirmed.
      Steinhaus-Webb added: “We can discuss VAR lite, we can discuss VAR, and first of all it’s a question for the competition: Where do you want to put your investment in?
      “How do you prioritise? Do you want to grow the game and have more spectators first before you go [for] technology?
      “If one of the answers is ‘yes, we want more technology in the game, to support the referees’, then (there are) a lot of questions around how many cameras, which venues, how can we do it, what do we need?
      “We are in close contact with the competition department with the league, to discover all of the possible opportunities for the future. It’s (a case of) wait and see really.”.
      Steinhaus-Webb believes more training for match officials in the WSL could one day see the league lead the way on refereeing in women’s football.
      And she believes sharing ideas on best practices with counterparts in other countries is important.
      The former Bundesliga ref added: “Progressing in our own country is important and efficient and should be our focus.
      “But that being said, you have to a look around what happens in the rest of the world when it comes to refereeing.
      “In England, we are not only watching WSL examples we are also watching international examples, what happens all around the world.
      Steinhaus-Webb believes the WSL may one day set standards for match officiating internationallyCredit: Getty
      “We’ve been invited by the refereeing department in Germany to look at their new academy and refereeing strategy.
      “We discussed different things that work well
      “With the WSL we probably have one of the strongest leagues in the world, if not the strongest competition.
      “Give us a little bit more time and we will be leading the way on international officiating standards.” More

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      in Soccer

      Sarri says Birmingham are ready to ‘fight until the end’ to avoid relegation from the Women’s Super League

      by

      VEATRIKI SARRI is backing Birmingham give it their all in a last-gasp bid to avoid a drop into the Championship. And club boss Darren Carter says his aces are ready to go “toe-to-toe” with Chelsea after their 3-1 defeat of Brighton.
      Birmingham have three games left to try and save their top tier status following their defeat of BrightonCredit: Rex
      A win against the WSL leaders next Sunday for Birmingham and against Manchester City three days after, would be a huge boost for Blues’ survival hopes.
      The result against the Seagulls saw them reduce Leicester’s lead to four points.
      And the Foxes face a tough trip to Man City with the club chasing Champions League qualification.
      Greece forward Sarri, who was on target with Birmingham’s opener against Albion, says she ready to keep up fight to stay in the top tier.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BOW OUT? .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Lee Bowyer in line for mega Birmingham payout if he’s sacked as manager
      The St Andrew’s ace said: “It’s an incredible feeling to get the win against Brighton.
      “It’s a massive boost and keeps us alive and I’m really proud of the girls.
      “Mathematically it’s not over yet so we’re going to fight until the end.
      Birmingham chief Carter said: “It’s a daunting task against Chelsea with them pushing for the title and that match is back-to-back against Man City.
      “It’s going to be interesting how we game-plan for those two.
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      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “I’m always saying to the players believe in yourselves, be confident.
      “Yes, you’re coming up against world-class players, but make them go and earn the right.
      “Against the top teams, we don’t want to back down, we’ll go toe-to-toe.”
      Following the match Carter reflected on conversations with a individuals who had written off Birmingham’s hopes of avoiding relegation.
      And the St Andrew’s gaffer believes his side are more than capable of pulling off a great escape.
      Carter added: “Over the last three weeks, I’ve had probably three, four or five people speak to me and – I don’t know if they’ve realised it but – they’ve kind of said ‘oh, how are you going to rebuild? how are you going to come back?’
      Darren Carter wants his team to fight until its mathematically impossible for them to avoid relegationCredit: Reuters
      “I’ve had to check them a little bit and say ‘well, we’re not down yet’.
      “It does feel like a lot of people have written us off and have done for a while, especially in these last few weeks.
      “But this group have got fight in them and spirit. I’ve seen in football you can expect the unexpected.
      “It would be very nice for me to go back to those people at the end of the season, if we did pull it off, and say ‘there’s lessons learnt – don’t write people off until it’s mathematically impossible’.
      Brighton, who were celebrating Hope Powell’s 100th game in charge, began the stronger of the two sides and had the majority of shots on target.
      But it was Birmingham who struck first with Sarri dribbling past her marker to net a vital opener for the visitors.
      From then on Blues weathered a number of attempts on goals with Emily Ramsay pulling off a string of saves
      This included parrying a first-half shot at the near post from Lee Geum-min.
      The second spell saw Whelan replaced by Danielle Carter who fired an effort wide before Louise Quinn doubled Birmingham’s lead with a 70th-minute header.
      Hope Powell’s Seagulls aim to bounce back from their loss in their final two games this season against Man City and EvertonCredit: Rex
      Julie Zigiotti pulled a goal back for Albion in the 83rd minute before Quinn poked home to seal her brace and the win.
      Powell said: “Credit to them, they fought for everything. It felt like they wanted it more.
      “I’m not saying we didn’t try, but it just wasn’t enough.
      “We created enough chances to win the game, but you’ve got to be clinical, and they were.” More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Powell says Brighton will treat Birmingham with respect with rivals chasing first win in the WSL since January

      by

      HOPE POWELL refused to write off Birmingham’s WSL survival hopes with the club in the final stages of their battle to avoid relegation.However, the Brighton chief warns relegated sides face a huge task returning to the top-flight due to fierce competition in the Championship.
      Brighton hope to finish in the WSL’s top five after finishing sixth last seasonCredit: Reuters
      Today Albion host their bottom of the table opponents who are in desperate need of a win having earned a point from their last seven games.
      The club, who have notched one win from the 18 matches played so far, are seven points behind league strugglers Leicester.
      Powell, 55, said: “Mathematically isn’t over, they’re still in the league and we still need to play the game and treat them with respect.
      “Being relegated is not position we want to be in and one we haven’t been in.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}TROY DEENEY .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}I can understand Azpilicueta’s fan argument, I was involved in similar incident
      “The Championship is getting harder and harder with the professional status of a lot of the teams in there.
      “Many are full time which has raised the standards, so for any team that gets relegated it’s a challenge to get promoted straightaway.
      “Liverpool have done it and they’ve got huge resources and an exceptional squad of players, but for any team that gets relegated it’s quite a challenge.”
      Birmingham, who were one of the founding team of the WSL, have never been relegated from the league since its creation in 2011.
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      The two-time FA Cup winners, who competed in the Champions League ten years, ago have struggled with their WSL form in recent years
      The club finished second from bottom in the WSL in the last two seasons.
      Interim boss Darren Carter wants his side to “put their foot on the gas” with four games left for them to maintain their to-flight status.
      Carter, 38, said: “There are a lot of things that need to change and will change at the football club.
      A win for Birmingham against Brighton would see them reduce Leicester’s lead to four pointsCredit: PA
      “I want to drive this team back to the height and some of the successes of previous years gone by.
      “I want the players to represent the club as they have done, giving their everything.
      “We’ve got to get points now and put them on the board and we’re more than capable.” More

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      in Soccer

      Barcelona 5 Wolfsburg 1: Putellas nets a brace as LaLiga champs crush Wolfsburg in front of a record 91,648 crowd

      by

      BARCELONA delivered an attacking masterclass Wolfsburg are unlikely to forget in hammering their rivals 5-1 in the Champions League.The LaLiga Queens trounced their opponents at the Nou Camp with the crowd attendance surpassing the record set during their duel with Real Madrid.
      Alexia Putellas scored in both halves for Barcelona with the team bagging a hefty win against WolfsburgCredit: AFP
      Aitana Bonmati (pictured after the game) netted Barcelona’s openerCredit: AFP
      And Barca’s victory – played in front of 91,648 fans – was their first in Europe against the two-time winners of the contest.
      Wolfsburg, who are currently leading the pack Germany’s top-flight, came into the game off the back of a 3-1 a defeat of Bayern Munich in the DFB Pokal Cup.
      But in this match, they were outclassed by their opponents’ quick passing and midfield dominance.
      The last duel between the sides ended in a 1-0 victory for Tommy Stroot’s side in August 2020.  
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}ALL TO PLAY FOUR .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Arsenal vs Utd can give one shot in arm for top four – or end their season
      But this clash was an altogether different story. It took just two minutes for the hosts to get off the mark.
      They did so with Aitana Bonmati latching on to a free-kick launched forward to whip in the opener.
      And Fridolina Rolfo gave her old side a scare moments later firing wide of goal.
      But the game was only eight minutes in before the home side went two-nil up.
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      This time with Caroline Graham Hansen punishing her former club slotting home after a neat exchange with Ana Maria Crnogorcevic.
      Wolfsburg had their first shot on goal with Svenja Huth’s first effort blocked before the Germany ace forced a classy clearance off the line from Irene Paredes.
      This came moments before Wolfsburg keeper Almuth Schult took a ball to the face after a team-mate attempted to clear a cross.
      Barca went 3-0 up near the half hour point with Jenni Hermoso burying an effort after a neat cutback from Torrejon
      And the LaLiga champions made it four close to half-time with Alexia Putellas walloping the ball in at close range after her shot struck Schult and the post.
      The second half saw the visitors attempt to up their game with Sveindis Jonsdottir firing a shot from distance.
      Jill Roord was on target with a consolation goal for Wolfsburg in the second halfCredit: Getty
      More than 91,000 fans watched the game on Friday night at the Nou CampCredit: Getty
      And the hosts had a goal disallowed as offside around the 49th minute before Huth attempted to lob Sandra Panos several minutes later.
      The She-Wolves pulled one back towards the game’s closing stages with Jill Roord netting on her 25th birthday.
      But Barca soon restored their four-goal advantage.
      They did so with skipper Putellas netting from the spot after Dominique Janssen, who endured a tough night, conceded a penalty.
      And the result put the Catalan club in cruise control before their second leg clash on April 30th.   More