News 30/03/26

A survey has revealed that 75% of Premier League fans oppose the use of VAR. Nearly 8,000 supporters were polled, just over half of whom attend more than fifteen home games each season.

95% disagreed that VAR makes watching football more enjoyable, while over ninety percent said it had not improved the match-going experience. Three quarters of respondents said they did not support its use, and more than seventy percent disagreed that it has increased the accuracy of refereeing decisions.

Donald Trump has said he wants Iran’s oil and could seize Kharg Island, according to a report by the Financial Times.

In a wide ranging interview, the US president said taking Iran’s oil would be his preferred option. He said critics in the United States who questioned the idea were wrong, describing them as stupid people. The comments form part of a series of significant statements made during the interview.

Fertiliser is emerging as the most valuable commodity in agriculture this spring, as the Iran war pushes up prices and limits supply.

Synthetic fertiliser is considered essential, with some estimates suggesting up to half of global crop and livestock production depends on it. British importers, farmers and growers say rising costs are squeezing producers and could lead to a spike in food inflation for consumers. The impact is being felt at the start of the growing season across Europe and Asia.

Global oil prices have surged and stock markets fallen sharply as the US Israel war entered its fifth week.

Brent crude rose more than three percent to above one hundred and fifteen dollars a barrel, while US traded oil climbed to one hundred and three dollars. Asian markets dropped, with Japan’s Nikkei down four point five percent and South Korea’s Kospi four percent lower. The move follows strikes by Iran backed Houthi rebels and threats of wider retaliation.