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Ukraine has barred Russia's Eurovision contestant because she performed in Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014. Julia Samoilova was banned from entering Ukraine for three years because of her "illegal" visit, the Ukrainian SBU security service said. Samoilova, 27, has confirmed that she sang in Crimea in 2015. Ukraine is due to host Eurovision in Kiev, in May. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which founded Eurovision, said it was "deeply disappointed" by the news. "We have to respect the local laws of the host country, however we are deeply disappointed in this decision as we feel it goes against both the spirit of the contest and the notion of inclusivity that lies at the heart of its values," it said in a  statement . The EBU said it would "continue a dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities with the aim of ensuring that all artists can perform" in Kiev. Senior Russian politicians called for a boycott of the event. Russia ...

Former Blues midfielder Ray Lewington has praised the leadership qualities of Gary Cahill, who he worked with during his four years in the England set-up. Lewington represented Chelsea 92 times during his five years in our first team during the Seventies, although he spent over a decade at the club having joined the youth ranks at the age of 10. A lengthy coaching career followed, the pinnacle of which saw him assist England manager Roy Hodgson between 2012 and ‘16, and  Cahill  was a mainstay of the team throughout that period. We saw Gary grow up as a man during that time,’ said Lewington, who started his managerial career with Fulham at the age of 29. ‘Eventually we made him our vice-captain, and he deserved that. ‘His CV is so impressive that you’d be thinking this boy is a brash, confident lad, but he’s actually very quiet. He’s a very, very likeable man and I’ve got a lot of time for him. ‘He’s quite a shy and introverted lad, he’s not what people typically th...

Mason Mount was on target for England Under-19s as they opened their Elite Round qualifying campaign for this summer’s European Championships with a 3-0 win against Norway at St George’s Park. There was plenty of Chelsea involvement with Jay Dasilva, who is currently on loan at Charlton, skippering the side at left-back and Trevoh  Chalobah  (pictured above), younger brother of Nathaniel, deployed in central defence. Further forward there were starts for both Mount and Dujon Sterling. England were the dominant side in the first half and the opening goal, a debut strike for Mount, arrived after 32 minutes when he converted a pass from Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold. Chalobah , Mount and Dasilva all had efforts on goal as England increased the pressure on the visitors’ goal, but it remained 1-0 until the break. Within 10 minutes of the restart, though, it was 3-0 thanks to goals from Tayo Edun, assisted by Sterling, and Samuel Field. Sterling was then withdrawn wi...

Given his brilliant form for Chelsea this season, it’s no surprise Pedro has been recalled to the Spain squad for their upcoming matches against Israel and France, and the attacker is excited to be back. Pedro  has been superb for the Blues, scoring 11 goals and establishing himself as a regular starter in  Antonio Conte ’s side, who currently boast a 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. Having been part of the teams which won the World Cup in 2010 and European Championships two years later, he has enjoyed a wonderful international career up until now and is looking forward to working under Julen Lopetegui, who took charge of Spain last July. ‘It's a new chance for me, a new challenge,’ said  Pedro . ‘We are looking at how he wants to play, his ideas. He's another coach to add to the list in my career. I'm pleased to meet with team-mates and experiencing a good moment with my club. I am happy to be here. ‘We all come to join the team with the coa...

A police officer has been stabbed in the Houses of Parliament in central London, in what police are treating as a terrorist incident. Commons Leader David Lidington told MPs the "alleged assailant was shot by armed police". There are also reports of as many as five people being "mowed down" on nearby Westminster Bridge. MPs said they had heard three or four gunshots. A Downing Street source said Prime Minister Theresa May was "OK". Prime Minister Theresa May was seen being ushered into a silver Jaguar car as what sounded like gunfire rang out at Parliament during the incident. Staff inside Parliament were told to stay inside their offices. Tom Peck, political editor for the Independent, tweeted: "There was a loud bang. Screams. Commotion. Then the sound of gunshots. Armed police everywhere." Live coverage How the news broke Video: Aftermath on the bridge 'Terror incident': In pictures Press Association political edito...