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Hawthorn Football Club accused of mental health hypocrisy

Hawthorn Football Club accused of mental health hypocrisy

In documents lodged on Sunday with the human rights division of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Salmon-Abbott says she was first approached by Hawthorn shortly after Christmas 2020 about working for the club.

She began work in March 2021 as a full-time member of its partnership accounts team. About two weeks before she started work, Salmon-Abbott was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. She believes that, like many young people in Melbourne, her mental health deteriorated during the city’s first protracted lockdown the previous year.

Sophia Salmon-Abbott is seeking an apology, compensation and a declaration that Hawthorn broke the law.

Sophia Salmon-Abbott is seeking an apology, compensation and a declaration that Hawthorn broke the law.Credit:Chris Hopkins

In her statement of claim, Salmon-Abbott says she discussed her mental illness with her bosses at the club and explained to them that feeling excluded was one of the significant triggers for her condition. She told this masthead that they seemed supportive of her situation, but in her statement, she says that this changed after she had a series of panic attacks at work and was hospitalized for a month.

Salmon-Abbott says that after she was given from hospital, she requested a gradual return to work, starting discharge with one day a week. Her dispute with Hawthorn, which is already the subject of failed mediation, centers on whether the club genuinely tried to accommodate this.

“I tried for months and months and months… to get back to the club,” she said. “I was just trying everything possible and it just seemed like I was stuck in mud.”

A key piece of evidence cited by Salmon-Abbott’s statement of claim is an email in which a Hawthorn executive made it clear that Salmon-Abbott would not be welcomed back to her old job until she was able to work full-time. The email was circulated among Hawthorn staff but not shared with Salmon-Abbott.

This is the basis of the claim of misleading and deceptive conduct against Hawthorn.

In August 2021, Hawthorn chief executive Justin Reeves sought to reduce Salmon-Abbott’s employment contract from five to one day a week, shift her from corporate partnerships to reception and extend her probationary period, the court documents claim.

According to Salmon-Abbott’s statement of claim, this was detrimental conduct in breach of Victoria’s Equal Opportunity Act.

Her case is being run by Harmers Workplace Lawyers, a specialist employment law firm.

Salmon-Abbott claims that from July 5, 2021, through to the end of the year, she was on unpaid leave and not permitted to return to work. She has now quit the club and taken a new job with a large consultancy firm.

Hawthorn chief executive Justin Reeves congratulates club coach Sam Mitchell.

Hawthorn chief executive Justin Reeves congratulates club coach Sam Mitchell.Credit:michael wilson

Salmon-Abbott says she feels supported in her new job and is still managing her anxiety and depression, which have prompted thoughts of suicide at her worst points.

“It is not something that just goes away overnight,” she says. “To this day, I can’t attend an AFL football match because I get triggered. I’ll have a panic attack.”

Asked why she is pursuing the case against Hawthorn – the club she grew up barracking for – Salmon Abbott says she was disappointed to leave the sports industry and more disappointed in Hawthorn, which every year plays an AFL match for the Beyond Blue Cup, an event intended to “shine a light on mental health” and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

“I think it comes down to the fact that I know I wouldn’t be the only person out there who’s experiencing this issue. This is bigger than me.”

Kennett founded Beyond Blue in 2000, shortly after leaving office as Victorian premier. He chaired the organization for 17 years before handing it over to former Prime Minister Julia Gillard. He retires as Hawthorn president at the end of this year.

Salmon-Abbott is seeking a declaration that Hawthorn breached Victoria’s equal opportunity laws, an apology from the club, compensation and costs. Reeves said the club would make no further comment while the matter was before VCAT.

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transfernews; Cameron Munster future; player signings, Wayne Bennett Dolphins; Latrell Mitchell; Roosters salary cap, Angus Crichton re-signs

transfernews; Cameron Munster future; player signings, Wayne Bennett Dolphins; Latrell Mitchell; Roosters salary cap, Angus Crichton re-signs

Cameron Munster may soon be headed north with Wayne Bennett reportedly closing in on his marquee man.

Meanwhile, the Roosters have reportedly locked in a key forward after months of speculation surrounding his future.

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DOLPHINS NEW MARQUEE TARGET

Rugby League reporter Ben Dobbin believes Cameron Munster is set to sign a four-year deal with the Dolphins which would make him the highest paid player in the NRL.

“Munster is a Dolphin, in 2024 I think Munster is a Dolphin,” Dobbin said on Triple M.

“I think it will be a four-year deal,” Dobbin said.

“So that will be roughly around $6 million?” Gorden Tallis then asked.

“Is he worth it? Yes, can he change the fortunates of a club? Yes he can,” Dobbin said.

“Can you put tools around him and will it attract other players? Yes it will.”

While strong in his belief Bennett has his man, Dobbin revealed Bennett could make an audacious bid to lure Latrell Mitchell to Redcliff if the Munster bid fails.

The NRL supercoach mentored Latrell during 2020 and 2021, coming desperately close to a premiership last season.

“If they don’t get Cameron Munster, I’m going to throw you a smokey right now. I believe they will go after Latrell Mitchell… Wayne Bennett’s relationship with Latrell Mitchell runs deep,” Dobbin said on Triple M.

Tallis, however, believed Latrell Mitchell has his roots firmly placed at the South Sydney club, explaining he is the “happiest” he has ever been.

“It is too far away from his farm, I think for Latrell, there is a bigger picture for him,” Tallis said.

“I have never seen a guy more settled and going back to the country and doing what he is doing, that is more important to Latrell now than money.

“I think he is the happiest (he has been).”

MORE NRL NEWS

DONE DEAL: Bulldogs sign Ciraldo on long-term deal

‘PENALTY AT THE LEAST’: Raiders win in controversy ‘almost identical’ to Rd 16

‘A SHADOW OF HIMSELF’: Dragons blasted for handling of rising star

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Ciraldo signed to save Dogs! | 01:55

CRICHTON’S FUTURE SECURED

Roosters gun Angus Crichton has revealed his is set to re-sign with the Tricolours, ending speculation surrounding his immediate future.

Initially, the 26-year-old’s two-year contract extension was said to be a handshake deal with no formal contract being registered with the NRL.

Crichton himself acknowledged the speculation has been “tough” but never considered playing for any other club.

“I think we are really close to finalizing something, so hopefully in the next little bit I will sign on for the next two years,” Crichton told 9News.

“It has been tough to have that hanging over my head and to get it sorted will be a massive weight off my shoulders.

“I don’t want to play for any other team.”

Reports linked the Origin backrower to a move to the Tigers with the Roosters’ salary cap facing a big squeeze.

The Daily Telegraph’s Buzz Rothfield revealed the immense cap pressure the Tricolours are under, with seven of the competition’s highest paid players on their books.

“In 2022 they have got Tedesco on $1.1m, Luke Keary on $850,000, Joseph Manu ($720k), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves ($700k), Angus Crichton ($700k), Sio Siua Taukeiaho ($625k) and Victor Radley ( $510k) for a total of $5,205,000,” Rothfield said on NRL360.

With the impending arrival of Brandon Smith and an increase in salary for young gun Joseph Suaalii, Roosters bosses now have to squeeze the remaining 21 players into what is left of their salary cap.

The departure of Ronald Volkman, Freddy Lussick, Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Lachlam Lam has opened cap space.

Sam Verills and Siosiua Taukeiaho are also set to leave at the season’s end, meaning the Roosters could have even more money to re-sign players for 2023 onwards.

Matty nails Buzz impersonation | 00:51

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St. Jude Championship live leaderboard, scores, Cameron Smith penalty, reaction, rules, explanation

St. Jude Championship live leaderboard, scores, Cameron Smith penalty, reaction, rules, explanation

Australian Cameron Smith was penalized two strokes by US PGA Tour officials, dimming his chances of a victory at the St. Jude Championship to become world number one and putting a dent in his campaign to take out the $25m FedEx Cup playoffs.

World number two Smith started the final round in Memphis, Tennessee, four strokes off the pace instead of only two after the punishment was applied for improper ball placement.

Smith, who has deflected questions this week on reports he will jump to LIV Golf after the PGA playoffs, made the violation on the par-3 fourth hole in the third round at TPC Southwind.

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FINAL LEADERBOARD

S1 — Will Zalatoris (-15)

T1 — Sepp Straka (-15)

S3 — Lucas Glover (-12)

S3—Brian Harman (-12)

S5—Trey Mullinax (-11)

S5—Matt Fitzpatrick (-11)

T5 — Tony Finau (-11)

S5—Andrew Putnam (-11)

S5—Adam Scott (-11)

S5—Colin Morikawa (-11)

S5—Jon Rahm (-11)

Cameron Smith suffered a setback. Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP
Cameron Smith suffered a setback. Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP

Gary Young of the PGA Tour rules staff said that Smith plunked his tee shot into the water on the hole and when he dropped the ball outside the penalty area, it rolled back and came to rest touching the red hazard marking line.

Rules committee members reviewed video replays of the hole and brought in Smith to talk about the infraction.

“At that point, he said yes, my ball was definitely touching the line,” Young said. “He wasn’t aware that no portion of the ball could be touching the line.

“You have to take complete relief from that area.”

The two-stroke punishment boosted Smith’s score from a three-under par 67 to a one-under 69 that left him on nine-under 201 through 54 holes, four adrift of 54-hole leader JJ Spaun.

“He felt it was OK to play it from there but unfortunately the rules say differently,” Young said.

“The rules give the player, as long as the player has shown reasonable judgment in determining whether or not his ball was in or out of the penalty area in this situation with his own naked eye, I thought it was simply going to be a situation where I asked Cam the question and he was going to tell him that he was comfortable that his ball was outside the penalty area.

“When I asked him the question, unfortunately, he said to me, ‘No, the ball was definitely touching the line’. So at that point there’s no turning back. That was a moment where I know that the player has knowledge that the ball was touching the line, he just simply didn’t understand the rule that it requires the entire ball to be outside of the penalty area and in his relief area. So that was the tough part.”

“He just said to me, ‘The rules are the rules.’ I just accepted it and left the office.”

Elsewhere, fellow Australian Adam Scott’s four-under-par 66 took up to the top of the leaderboard at 11 under midway through the final round.

‘Ready to cop some heat’ Smith talks LIV | 00:49

Smith seeks his seventh career PGA title and his fourth of the year after the Tournament of Champions, the Players Championship and taking the Claret Jug last month at St. Andrews.

A victory would vault Smith over Masters champion Scottie Scheffler of the United States to the top of the world rankings for the first time in his career.

Smith said his game has not been affected by distractions this week such as numerous questions about his future and reports compatriot Cameron Percy said the Smith has already made a deal to join LIV Golf.

“My goal here is to win the FedExCup playoffs. That’s all I’m here for,” Smith said earlier this week. “If there’s something I need to say regarding the PGA Tour or LIV, it will come from Cameron Smith, not Cameron Percy.

“I’m a man of my word and whenever you guys need to know anything, it’ll be said by me.”

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Alyssa Healy runs out Beth Mooney in The Hundred, sparking Northern Superchargers’ win over London Spirit

Alyssa Healy runs out Beth Mooney in The Hundred, sparking Northern Superchargers' win over London Spirit

Alyssa Healy has delivered a bit of brilliance in the field to run out Australian international teammate Beth Mooney and help inspire her Northern Superchargers side to their first victory in this year’s Women’s Hundred in England.

Healy’s airborne dismissal of Mooney, who scored 97 not out in the London Spirit’s opener to the 100-ball-a-side competition, proved the turning point in the Superchargers’ five-run win at Headingley.

Spirit’s pursuit of 4-127 was going along smoothly enough at 1-54 with Mooney still looking in control when she had a mix-up in running with second-wicket partner Amelia Kerr.

Turning for the second run, Mooney was in trouble, but the throw from mid-wicket from Beth Langston looked to have reprieved her because it was wide and high to wicketkeeper Healy.

But the Australian World Cup star leapt high to her left and not only collected it but managed to flick an underarm throw that hit the stumps and left her international opening partner stranded, out for a threatening 30 off 20 balls.

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From that point, the run chase was always in trouble, especially when Danielle Gibson top-edged Alice Davidson-Richards to fine leg next ball.

Spirit ended up needing 13 off the final series of five and despite an excellent effort from Sophie Luff, the visitors fell five runs short.

Earlier, Bess Heath had been key for the Superchargers, with a blistering 57 off 34 deliveries featuring 10 boundaries digging her side out of trouble.

Healy had also played her part with the bat, smashing 22 off 16 including one huge six over long-on before she perished, seriously annoyed with herself, after plonking a juicy full-toss off Kerr straight into Alice Monaghan’s hands on the boundary.

Maxwell stars with bat and ball

In the men’s tournament, Glenn Maxwell shone with bat and ball to help London Spirit maintain their perfect record in The Hundred.

Englishman Adam Rossington took center stage with the competition’s fastest 50, smashed off just 15 balls, as Spirit made mincemeat of their 144-run target against the Superchargers at Headingley.

But Australian star Maxwell was similarly pivotal in wrapping up the seven-wicket win with 18 balls to spare, as the Lord’s franchise almost certainly earned a place in the knockout stages already by winning their fourth straight match.

The Victorian cracked an unbeaten 43 off just 25 balls to steer them home after earlier granting just six runs and taking a key wicket off 15 balls in a spell that helped strangle the Superchargers.

AAP

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Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel sat off, fight, video, reaction, Tottenham vs Chelsea, score, Harry Kane goal

Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel sat off, fight, video, reaction, Tottenham vs Chelsea, score, Harry Kane goal

Harry Kane snatched a 96th minute equalizer to salvage a 2-2 draw for Tottenham from a feisty London derby against Chelsea.

Both managers Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel were sent-off after the full-time whistle for their second physical altercation of the match.

Chelsea looked set to get a new era at Stamford Bridge off to the best possible start as they twice led through Kalidou Koulibaly and Reece James.

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Ben Davies (R) celebrates with Ivan Perisic (C) after Harry Kane scores their late equaliser. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)
Ben Davies (R) celebrates with Ivan Perisic (C) after Harry Kane scores their late equaliser. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)Source: AFP

Tottenham were well off the level required if they are to live up to hopes of challenging Manchester City and Liverpool for the title, but showed the newfound character instilled by Conte to fight back for a point.

The Italian and Tuchel were both booked in the aftermath of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s first equaliser.

Tempers then flared again during a handshake after Kane hesitated in with virtually the last action of the game.

“It is the Premier League and why we love it. It is emotional coaches on the sidelines,” said Tuchel.

“I think it (the red card) was not necessary. But a lot of things were not necessary today so it is another poor decision from the referee.

“It’s emotional. You like it. We don’t need comments now. It was heated up and heated up.

“I thought when you shake hands you look into each other’s eyes. Antonio (Conte) had other ideas.”

MORE EPL NEWS

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Antonio Conte (R) and Thomas Tuchel (L) shake hands then clash. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)Source: AFP
The game finished 2-2. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)Source: AFP

Tottenham have still only won once at Stamford Bridge in 32 years in the league, but Conte will be delighted to escape with a share of the spoils against his former club.

“There is a difference between Chelsea and Tottenham but we are here to reduce this gap,” said the Italian. “Last season we lost three times, this time we drew so it’s a little step forward.”

New Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly was welcomed by a huge banner from the Chelsea support and saw an early return on the near £170 million ($206 million) investment in the transfer market since he sanctioned a £2.5 billion takeover to buy the club from Roman Abramovich .

Despite the drastic changes in the boardroom, on the field it was like the old times under Abramovich as Chelsea outthought, outplayed and outmuscled Spurs for the first 45 minutes.

Two of their new signings combined for the opening goal as it was from Marc Cucurella’s corner that Koulibaly found space to volley home.

Man U HOWLERS gift Brentford goals! | 01:17

Conte again resisted the temptation to start any of his six new signings, but it was not until the introduction of Richarlison just before the hour mark and a switch of formation that Tottenham began to threaten.

Kane had a glorious chance to level when he uncharacteristically dragged wide with only Edouard Mendy to beat.

Spurs did level 22 minutes from time in controversial fashion to light the spark between the two managers.

Kai Havertz looked to be clearly fouled by Rodrigo Bentancur before Tottenham broke forward and the ball eventually fell to Hojbjerg to fire low and hard past Mendy.

Tuchel reacted furiously to the decision and Conte’s overzealous celebration. The German fought fire with fire as he sprinted down the touchline to celebrate when James thrashed home Raheem Sterling’s pass to restore Chelsea’s lead 13 minutes from time.

However, Kane had the final say as he flicked in Ivan Perisic’s corner deep into added time.

De Bruyne scores spectacular solo goal! | 00:37

FOREST CELEBRATE HOMECOMING IN STYLE

Earlier, Nottingham Forest celebrated their first home game in the Premier League for 23 years by beating West Ham 1-0.

The two-time European champions have made 14 new signings in a bid to maintain their top-flight status and two of those making their home debuts were the heroes as Taiwo Awoniyi scored the only goal and Dean Henderson saved Declan Rice’s penalty.

Forest had fortune on their side as the Hammers also had a first-half goal controversially ruled out and hit the underside of the crossbar twice after the break through Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma.

But that mattered little to a capacity 30,000 crowd at the City Ground, who roared the home side over the line.

West Ham have now lost both their opening two games of the season, but in stark contrast to a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend, they should have taken at least a point back to London.

Taiwo Awoniyi of Notts Forest celebrates scoring the first goal (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Benrahma’s cool finish from Rice’s pass was ruled out after a VAR review for a foul by Michail Antonio as he blocked off Moussa Niakhate.

On top of nearly £100 million in transfer fees, Forest have splashed out a reported £200,000-a-week to secure Jesse Lingard on a one-year deal.

Lingard had been long linked with a return to West Ham after a successful loan spell in the 2020/21 season.

And he played a part in the winner as his shot was blocked by Ben Johnson but rebounded in off Awoniyi’s knee.

Bar a Brennan Johnson goal that was ruled out by VAR for offside, it was the visitors who had all the best chances after the break.

Fornals smashed an effort of the bar seconds into the second period before Benrahma did likewise from a nearly inch-perfect free-kick.

Rice had the best chance of all from the spot after Scott McKenna handled Tomas Soucek’s effort.

However, Henderson made himself an instant hero by diving low to his right to save the penalty.

More desperate defending was needed by Neco Williams to clear Kurt Zouma’s header off the line late on, but Forest held out for a famous win

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transfernews; Cameron Munster future; player signings, Wayne Bennett Dolphins; Latrell Mitchell; Roosters salary cap, Angus Crichton re-signs

transfernews; Cameron Munster future; player signings, Wayne Bennett Dolphins; Latrell Mitchell; Roosters salary cap, Angus Crichton re-signs

Cameron Munster may soon be headed north with Wayne Bennett reportedly closing in on his marquee man.

Meanwhile, the Roosters have reportedly locked in a key forward after months of speculation surrounding his future.

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DOLPHINS NEW MARQUEE TARGET

Rugby League reporter Ben Dobbin believes Cameron Munster is set to sign a four-year deal with the Dolphins which would make him the highest paid player in the NRL.

“Munster is a Dolphin, in 2024 I think Munster is a Dolphin,” Dobbin said on Triple M.

“I think it will be a four-year deal,” Dobbin said.

“So that will be roughly around $6 million?” Gorden Tallis then asked.

“Is he worth it? Yes, can he change the fortunates of a club? Yes he can,” Dobbin said.

“Can you put tools around him and will it attract other players? Yes it will.”

While strong in his belief Bennett has his man, Dobbin revealed Bennett could make an audacious bid to lure Latrell Mitchell to Redcliff if the Munster bid fails.

The NRL supercoach mentored Latrell during 2020 and 2021, coming desperately close to a premiership last season.

“If they don’t get Cameron Munster, I’m going to throw you a smokey right now. I believe they will go after Latrell Mitchell… Wayne Bennett’s relationship with Latrell Mitchell runs deep,” Dobbin said on Triple M.

Tallis, however, believed Latrell Mitchell has his roots firmly placed at the South Sydney club, explaining he is the “happiest” he has ever been.

“It is too far away from his farm, I think for Latrell, there is a bigger picture for him,” Tallis said.

“I have never seen a guy more settled and going back to the country and doing what he is doing, that is more important to Latrell now than money.

“I think he is the happiest (he has been).”

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Ciraldo signed to save Dogs! | 01:55

CRICHTON’S FUTURE SECURED

Roosters gun Angus Crichton has revealed his is set to re-sign with the Tricolours, ending speculation surrounding his immediate future.

Initially, the 26-year-old’s two-year contract extension was said to be a handshake deal with no formal contract being registered with the NRL.

Crichton himself acknowledged the speculation has been “tough” but never considered playing for any other club.

“I think we are really close to finalizing something, so hopefully in the next little bit I will sign on for the next two years,” Crichton told 9News.

“It has been tough to have that hanging over my head and to get it sorted will be a massive weight off my shoulders.

“I don’t want to play for any other team.”

Reports linked the Origin backrower to a move to the Tigers with the Roosters’ salary cap facing a big squeeze.

The Daily Telegraph’s Buzz Rothfield revealed the immense cap pressure the Tricolours are under, with seven of the competition’s highest paid players on their books.

“In 2022 they have got Tedesco on $1.1m, Luke Keary on $850,000, Joseph Manu ($720k), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves ($700k), Angus Crichton ($700k), Sio Siua Taukeiaho ($625k) and Victor Radley ( $510k) for a total of $5,205,000,” Rothfield said on NRL360.

With the impending arrival of Brandon Smith and an increase in salary for young gun Joseph Suaalii, Roosters bosses now have to squeeze the remaining 21 players into what is left of their salary cap.

The departure of Ronald Volkman, Freddy Lussick, Daniel Suluka-Fifita and Lachlam Lam has opened cap space.

Sam Verills and Siosiua Taukeiaho are also set to leave at the season’s end, meaning the Roosters could have even more money to re-sign players for 2023 onwards.

Matty nails Buzz impersonation | 00:51

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Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel handshake sparked wild scenes after Tottenham-Chelsea draw

Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel handshake sparked wild scenes after Tottenham-Chelsea draw

Tottenham and Chelsea played out a controversial English Premier League draw but that was only half the show as both coaches were sent off in wild scenes after full-time.

After a running battle throughout the match, things got truly heated after the final whistle when Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel and Tottenhal boss Antonio Conte were both awarded red cards after an intense handshake sparked wild scenes following the 2-all draw.

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Earlier in the match, Conte’s overexuberant celebrations of Spurs’ first equalizer resulted in the two coaches being booked for squaring up.

Tuchel then responded by running down the touchline in celebration when Chelsea retouched the lead through Reece James 13 minutes from time.

But Harry Kane’s 96th minute equalizer meant Conte had the last laugh.

Tuchel was not happy at the Italian for not making eye contact during a handshake at full-time, which sparked another melee between both sets of coaches and players.

Conte looked to be going for a quick shake, while Tuchel held onto the Italian’s hand and dragging him into the confrontation.

Conte could be heard over the pitch mics saying “What do you want?” as both sides returned to the pitch in defense of their managers.

As players and staff rushed in, security was forced to separate the pair and break up the wild scenes on the pitch.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Tuchel said the issue was sparked as Conte did not look at him in the eye during the handshake.

“I thought when we shake hands you looked in each other eyes, he had a different opinion,” said Tuchel.

“It (the red cards) was not necessary but a lot of things were not necessary. Another poor decision from the referee.”

Tuchel revealed his main source of anger due to the fact both of the Tottenham goals could have been disallowed.

Tuchel was unhappy the Spurs’ Rodrigo Bentancur sliding challenge on Kai Havertz went unpunished, while Tottenham’d Richarlison was off-side and in the eyeline of Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy in the first goal.

In the second goal, Cristian Romero dragged Marc Cucurella to the ground by his hair which led to the corner for Kane’s last-gasp equaliser.

“Both (Tottenham goals) cannot stand. Only one team deserved to win,” Tuchel added.

“We dominated for 90 minutes. We were sharp, we were hungry, it was a top performance. I’m sorry for all my players that we didn’t get the result we deserved.

“There was a clear foul on Kai Havertz and the situation goes on and on. Clear off-side on Richarlison off-side and since when can you pull hair on a football field? It’s ridiculous.”

However, after the match, Tuchel admitted it got too heated on the sidelines.

“It was hot from the temperature and hot between the benches and hot on the field and hot between the spectators,” Tuchel said with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius in the English capital.

“There’s no hard feelings. I feel like it was a fair tackle from him and a fair tackle from me.

“We did not insult each other, we did not hit each other, we were fighting for our teams and from my side there’s absolutely no hard feelings. I’m surprised that we both got a red card for that.”

Conte batted away several questions about his tete-a-tete with Tuchel, but admitted a gap between the sides remains despite Spurs’ improvement.

Chelsea won all four meetings between the sides last season, three of them after Conte took charge in November.

“In my opinion it is better to talk about the game,” Conte said. “Chelsea showed to be a really good team, but compared to last season we did a bit better.

“The difference is clear. This team won the Champions League two years ago, last year won the Club World Cup, got to the final of the FA Cup and Carabao (League) Cup.

“There is a difference between Chelsea and Tottenham but we are here to reduce this gap. Last season we lost three times, this time we drew so it’s a little step forward.”

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Manchester United thrashed by Brentford; Manchester City beat Bournemouth; Arsenal beat Leicester City

Manchester United thrashed by Brentford; Manchester City beat Bournemouth; Arsenal beat Leicester City

United’s last four games have been against Brighton twice, Crystal Palace and Brentford and they have lost all of them, scoring one goal and conceding 11.

The rot runs deep, and Ten Hag appears to need big-money signings to turn the tide, although no quick fix seems likely and many fans insist a change of ownership is the only way for England’s most successful club to revive former glories.

Ben Mee celebrates Brentford's third goal in the 4-0 win over Manchester United.

Ben Mee celebrates Brentford’s third goal in the 4-0 win over Manchester United.Credit:Getty

“I hoped for a better start, but still I have to believe because I have seen good things but the two games from now are disappointing. It is about taking responsibility on the pitch, you cannot make such mistakes at our level,” Ten Hag said.

“It is clear we need players but I don’t want to think about that at this moment. The good players we had should have been better. We will analyze and we will move forward but one thing is quite clear, we have to do things better.

“This team is good enough to beat Brighton and Brentford which we didn’t do so we have to question ourselves.”

United’s transfer activity had been underwhelming. They spent about £50 million pounds ($85m) on Ajax central defender Lisandro Martinez but he was substituted at half-time on Saturday after a torrid time against an inspired Brentford.

There were no such dramas for the blue half of Manchester, with City cruising to a 4-0 win over Bournemouth.

There were no such dramas for the blue half of Manchester, with City cruising to a 4-0 win over Bournemouth.Credit:Getty

Christian Eriksen, who joined on a free transfer from Brentford, was guilty for the second goal.

Brentford, whose starting line-up cost in the region of £55 million pounds, were simply too tenacious and organized for United’s whose combined price tag was upwards of seven times that.

“It felt like we were on top of everything. They couldn’t cope with our pressure, our second balls, our intensity. You could see they were struggling,” Brentford midfielder Mathias Jensen told Sky Sports.

Rubbing salt into the wound, meanwhile, champions Manchester City raised the bar even higher when they crushed promoted Bournemouth 4-0 to maintain their fast start.

Gabriel Jesus continued his flight to start to life at Arsenal with a double against Leicester.

Gabriel Jesus continued his flight to start to life at Arsenal with a double against Leicester.Credit:Getty

Arsenal joined Pep Guardiola’s side on six points as former City striker Gabriel Jesus struck twice in a 4-2 win over Leicester City.

Leeds United looked on course for a second successive win but squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Southampton, one of three draws on a sultry Saturday afternoon. Brighton and Newcastle played out a scoreless stalemate, as did Wolves and Fulham. Aston Villa beat Everton 2-1 in the early kick-off.

City, bidding for a fifth Premier League title in six seasons, cruised to an opening win at West Ham United last week and were equally dominant against Bournemouth.

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They wasted no time getting into their stride in the sunshine as Norway striker Erling Haaland marked his home debut with an assist for Ilkay Gundogan’s opener after 19 minutes.

City cut loose and scored a sumptuous second goal 12 minutes later when Kevin De Bruyne curled a fine strike into the net with the outside of his foot.

Phil Foden added another before half-time from De Bruyne’s assist and it was just a matter of how many more the hosts would help themselves to. In the end they managed only one more courtesy of Jefferson Lerma’s own goal but they spent most of the second half on cruise control.

Reuters

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NRL Rich 100 2022: Props overtake playmakers as rugby league’s best-paid players

NRL Rich 100 2022: Props overtake playmakers as rugby league's best-paid players

Jesse Bromwich is the highest paid prop in the game with the front-rower leading a clear attitude shift over how much props should be paid.

In a game-changer for the code, the front-row position is now the highest-paid position in the NRL.

The second highest-paid prop is Roosters recruit Matt Lodge on $900,000. A portion of his current salary is being paid by former clubs, the Warriors and Broncos.

From the Rich 100, 26 of the top-earners are front-rowers.

The next best grossing position across the NRL is back rowers (15) and locks (14).

Halfbacks (10) are ranked fourth overall for position in the 2022 Rich 100, a possible insight into the death of quality halves currently in the NRL.

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Bromwich’s $1.05 million salary with the Melbourne Storm will shock league fans, who routinely rate Penrith’s James Fisher-Harris, Eels prop Junior Paulo, Broncos spearhead Payne Haas or Roosters powerhouse Jared Waerea-Hargreaves as the best go-forward merchant in the NRL.

Climbing from a 53rd ranking on the Rich 100 last year to be 13th overall this year, Bromwich has hit pay dirt in his final year in Melbourne on the back of a stellar career at the Storm which has included three premierships and three Player of the Year awards.

The Kiwi International and Storm captain is edging closer to 300 first grade games in what is his final season in Victoria before moving north to become an inaugural franchise player with The Dolphins.

The 33-year-old will take a major pay cut to join the NRL’s newest baby, but could still figure inside the top-50 highest-paid players next year.

The stunning increase in salaries for props is in direct contrast from a long-held view of supercoach Wayne Bennett, who historically refused to spend big-money in his pack.

Lodge has landed at the Roosters for the remainder of this season on a cut-price deal, although his full salary continues to be supplemented by payouts from both the Brisbane Broncos and New Zealand Warriors, the latter of whom have paid him out in full for next season.

Lodge is hoping to earn an extension with the Roosters.

A mainstay of the Rich 100, the next highest-paid prop is Andrew Fifita, who will farewell the list at the end of this season.

The off-contract Sharks prop is in the final year of a five-year contract that is valued at $850,000 a season.

His current overall ranking of 19 on the Rich 100, is shared with fellow front-rower Addin Fonua-Blake.

The Warriors scored a coup when they managed to get Fonua-Blake from Manly for the 2021 season.

He was already one of the game’s premier props when he arrived at the Warriors and he continues to lead from the front for a side that has faced plenty of recent adversity.

Locked in until the end of 2026, Fonua-Blake’s challenge will be delivered upon his worth at the back-end of his contract.

Knights prop David Klemmer is the next highest-paid prop. He is ranked 28th overall on the Rich 100 on a salary of $850,000.

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Concerns ‘the next national stars’ are being shut out of sporting clubs due to a lack of inclusivity for athletes with autism

Concerns 'the next national stars' are being shut out of sporting clubs due to a lack of inclusivity for athletes with autism

Six-year-old Ava Renwood is an aspiring athlete with big dreams of a career in sport.

But her mum Ashleigh Brook fears her options are limited by the lack of inclusivity and understanding of athletes with autism.

The Brisbane mum said her daughter “lives and dies” for her weekly gymnastics, cheerleading and dance classes.

“Ava wakes up in the morning [at] like 7am, and it is ‘what gym classes do I have today?'” Ms Brook said.

After approaching local sport clubs to take her daughter to the next level in sport, Ms Brook was advised to send her to disability-only groups.

“It is great that they have a division for these athletes, but again, [it’s] not inclusive,” she said.

“[It’s] very like putting them in their own bubble.”

Mum Ashleigh and Ava smile
Ava’s mum Ashleigh Brook says there needs to be more inclusive clubs for children with disability.(ABC News: Mark Leonardi)

With Ava eager to compete with her peers, Ms Brook is unsure she can find an inclusive club next season.

“It is kind of one of those situations where I am questioning is there going to be somewhere,” Ms Brook said.

Sporting events for students of all abilities

Charlotte Kanowski holds her medal
Charlotte Kanowski with her medal after she won the Queensland School Sports triathlon’s multi-class autism without an intellectual disability category.(ABC News: Marton Dobras)

Fourteen-year-old Charlotte Kanowski is an accomplished triathlon, marathon and aquathon athlete.

She was also the first and only student to compete in Queensland School Sports triathlon’s multi-class autism without an intellectual disability category.

“I was proud of myself when I got the medal and finished the race,” Charlotte said.

Charlotte Kanowski competing.
Charlotte Kanowski competing in the Noosa triathlon.(Supplied)

Multi-class events allow students with disabilities to participate in an inclusive environment.

The events are currently offered in triathlon, cross country, swimming and track and field events.

The Department of Education said this year for the first time, students with autism can also compete in multi-class events in the Queensland School Sport State Swimming Championships and State Triathlon.

Charlotte’s mum Jessica Kanowski said creating inclusive sport environments is about implementing “reasonable adjustments”.

“I think having that multi-class does provide an opportunity for them to have a go, but in a comfortable setting,” she said.

“Ultimately, you would want it to be fully inclusive and all the kids going together and having a go.

“We need to be inclusive and allow access to all of our children so that they can reach their dreams.”

The Brisbane mum said she had been fortunate in finding inclusive sports for her daughter, but it had not come without its challenges.

“It can be tricky to find an instructor who is educated and knows what reasonable adjustments to put in place,” she said.

Charlotte Kanowski with her parents and little sister
Charlotte Kanowski with her parents and little sister – who all support her during her competitions.(ABC News: Marton Dobras)

Ms Kanowski said it was important for coaches to understand all children on the spectrum have different “sensory profiles.”

“It is a spectrum for that reason, they are all different,” she said.

“When [Charlotte] does have a moment or may have a meltdown, that it is normal for her.

“That’s her emotions bubbling over and that is how she expresses them, and it is part of being autistic.”

Seeing her daughter shine in competitions, fills Ms Kanowski with pride.

“Makes me feel like she is out there giving it a go, and I’m really proud of her,” she said.

Sporting clubs ‘fearful of the unknown’

The Special Olympics’ Queensland coordinator Kim Lawley said many sports clubs were “fearful of the unknown” around athletes with autism.

“Once you get them out on a track or a field or a court, they are an athlete, and they want to participate and train,” she said.

“It’s just breaking down those barriers and those fears of the unknown.”

She said many athletes with disabilities struggle to be accepted into sporting groups, including her own brother.

“There was no opportunity for my brother to play sport, so we made that happen for him [at the Special Olympics],” Ms Lawley said.

Kim smiles on an athletics track.
Special Olympics’ Kim Lawley says many athletes with autism struggle to be accepted into sporting groups.(ABC News: Sarah Richards)

She said the Special Olympics has helped create inclusive sporting opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism, with her brother going on to play basketball and golf nationally.

“It is about education of coaches, it is inclusion, and it’s just reminding coaches anywhere in Australia, in the world that they are athletes,” she said.

National athlete leadership coordinator for Special Olympics Australia, Susie Bennett-Yeo, said she hoped one day athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism could be accepted and welcomed by any sports team.

“I would love to just see some of the athletes I know, just to be able to go along to their local basketball competition and say, ‘I’d like to play basketball’ and they go, ‘that’s great’,” she said .

‘The next national stars’ falling through the cracks

Australian Sports Commission spokesperson said it believed everyone should be able to participate in sport.

“It is important that sporting bodies, from local clubs through to national sporting organisations, reflect the diversity in the communities they are a part of,” a spokesperson said.

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