The Premier League has moved away from individual LGBTQ+ symbols, such as rainbow armbands and warm-up tops, in favor of a new league-led “With Pride” campaign designed to reduce pressure on individual players.

The Premier League has officially revised its approach to LGBTQ+ visibility, confirming that club captains will no longer be required to wear rainbow-themed armbands.

Additionally, players will no longer be asked to wear pride-themed warm-up tops or rainbow laces during matchdays.

The decision follows the conclusion of the league’s eight-year partnership with the charity Stonewall and its “Rainbow Laces” campaign.

League officials reportedly made the change after consultations with all 20 club captains, aiming to reduce the individual pressure placed on players.

This shift moves the focus away from personal symbols—which sparked high-profile religious and cultural debates in previous seasons—toward collective branding.

The league plans to launch its own “With Pride” initiative this February, utilizing league-wide assets like themed match balls.

Inter Milan received a €50,000 fine and a three-match away supporter ban after a fan-thrown firecracker stunned Cremonese’s Emil Audero during a recent league match.

Inter Milan have been hit with a €50,000 fine and a three-match away fan ban after a firecracker struck Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero.

The Italian Interior Ministry confirmed the sanctions following the “serious disturbances” at Stadio Giovanni Zini, where Audero was stunned by a projectile thrown from the away end.

The ban remains in effect until March 23, 2026, to safeguard public order and prevent future safety compromises.

The travel restriction applies to Serie A trips against Sassuolo, Lecce, and Fiorentina, while also prohibiting ticket sales to Lombardy residents for these fixtures.

However, the ruling excludes the Champions League clash against Bodo/Glimt and the upcoming Milan derby at San Siro.

Authorities credited Inter’s cooperation in identifying the culprit, noting the club’s “willingness and cooperation regarding the instant identification of those responsible” for the dangerous isolated incident.

Mikel Arteta lauded Arsenal’s “deserved” qualification for the EFL Cup final, specifically praising Kai Havertz’s late goal and the electric atmosphere at the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta expressed immense pride after Arsenal secured their place in the EFL Cup final with a victory over Chelsea. The Gunners’ boss emphasized that his side deserved to progress over the two-legged semi-final.

Arteta highlighted the dramatic nature of the contest, praising his team’s resilience and the overwhelming emotional response from the players and supporters alike at the Emirates Stadium.

The decisive moment came late in the match, courtesy of a clinical finish from Kai Havertz. Arteta described the atmosphere as “magical” following the goal, which finally broke the deadlock in a tense encounter.

Despite facing a formidable opponent, the Spaniard noted that the collective spirit of the starters, substitutes, and coaching staff was key to overcoming their London rivals and reaching Wembley.

Arsenal booked their place in the 2026 Carabao Cup final on Tuesday, February 3, with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, securing a 4-2 win on aggregate. In a tense and tactical semi-final second leg, former Chelsea man Kai Havertz delivered the decisive blow in the 97th minute, rounding Robert Sánchez on a clinical counter-attack to seal the win.

Despite Chelsea enjoying 56% possession and 14 shots, they struggled to breach a resolute Arsenal defense led by Man of the Match Gabriel Magalhães. Mikel Arteta’s side, missing Bukayo Saka due to a minor injury, focused on defensive discipline before the late breakaway sparked wild celebrations in North London, marking the Gunners’ first League Cup final appearance since 2018.

Liam Rosenior: “We dominated the areas we wanted to in the second half, but we didn’t find that quality moment.

Arsenal know they were in for a game today, over both ties. I think there are clear improvements from the first leg to the second. Yes, it’s painful to lose – you want to go through. We just need to keep making improvements – which I’m seeing.”

Jurrien Timber: “Chelsea are a great team. They have some amazing players. Bringing Palmer and Estevao on, they also have amazing players coming off the bench. When you win over two legs twice, I think you have done an amazing job, so credit to the team.”

Arsenal clinched their place in the League Cup final after a dramatic 1-0 second-leg win over Chelsea, with William Saliba anchoring a resolute defense and Kai Havertz providing the late heroics.

​Mikel Arteta’s side booked their first major cup final appearance at Wembley since 2020 by maintaining their composure against a tactically shifting Chelsea side.

After a cagey first half, the Gunners weathered increased pressure in the second period before striking on the counter-attack in the final moments.

The aggregate 4-2 victory ensures North London will be represented in next month’s showdown against either Manchester City or Newcastle United.

​Kepa Arrizabalaga (7): The goalkeeper enjoyed a relatively serene evening against his former club. His most notable contribution was a confident save from an Enzo Fernandez long-range effort, which proved to be the only time he was truly tested throughout the match.

​Jurrien Timber (8): A standout performer in the backline, Timber was essential in neutralizing Chelsea’s counter-attacking threats. He showed great defensive discipline, particularly after the introduction of Estevao, and was instrumental in keeping the Blues’ left wing quiet.

​William Saliba (9): The heart of the Arsenal defense, Saliba was virtually flawless. His ability to remain calm under the pressure of the Chelsea press provided the foundation for the clean sheet, delivering the kind of elite performance that defines championship-caliber teams.

​Gabriel (8): The Brazilian was a dominant physical presence, though he might regret not finding the net himself. He had several headed opportunities across both halves that lacked the final touch but remained a bedrock of stability alongside Saliba.

​Piero Hincapie (8): In what was arguably his finest showing since joining the club, the left-back was a dual threat. His powerful strike forced a save that led to a goalmouth scramble, and his defensive positioning was impeccable against a rotating Chelsea attack.

​Martin Zubimendi (8): Functioning as the team’s heartbeat, the Spaniard controlled the game’s rhythm with ease. He was metronomic in possession and vital in disrupting Chelsea’s attempts to build momentum through the center of the pitch.

​Declan Rice (8): Despite a rare lapse in concentration with a wayward pass early on, Rice grew into the game’s protagonist. His energy galvanized the home crowd, and he ultimately provided the crucial assist for Havertz’s late winner.

​Eberechi Eze (6): It was a quiet night for the playmaker, who struggled to find his usual influence. He missed a decent opportunity when the ball fell to him in the area and was largely overshadowed by the game’s defensive intensity.

​Noni Madueke (6): Engaged in a grueling physical battle with Marc Cucurella, Madueke showed flashes of danger but lacked the clinical edge required to break the deadlock. He was withdrawn in the second half as Arteta sought fresh legs.

​Viktor Gyokeres (5): The striker found chances hard to come by against Chelsea’s three-man defense. While he worked hard to create space and provide crosses early in the second half, he was unable to register a meaningful shot on target.

​Gabriel Martinelli (7): The winger looked the most likely to score in the opening stages, seeing a goal-bound effort blocked by Malo Gusto. His persistent running behind the defense kept Chelsea on edge until the very end.

Substitutes

​Kai Havertz (7): Coming off the bench to haunt his former employers, Havertz showed composure when it mattered most. His late goal, rounding Robert Sanchez to finish into an empty net, sparked wild celebrations and secured the trip to Wembley.

​Leandro Trossard (6): Introduced to offer tactical flexibility, Trossard helped manage the closing stages of the game. His intelligent movement and defensive work rate ensured Arsenal maintained their lead until the final whistle.

❗️Graphical representation of the lineup to face Albacete. pic.twitter.com/vardFujPfJ

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) February 3, 2026

🚨🚨🎙️| Alejandro Garnacho on facing Arsenal tonight at the Emirates:

"Everyone knows how hard it is to play there.

But now I think the view is a little bit different. If, for example, Manchester United can beat them there, we can do it perfectly." pic.twitter.com/MVhDoEqgch

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) February 3, 2026