With regard to the report Marcus Rashford 'sorry' for penalty miss but 'will never apologise for who I am' (July 13): No apologies ever needed for identity or ethnicity, only assured improvement in his ability to take spot kicks in the future.
Srinath Sambandan, Hyderabad, India
Well done, Marcus. Be who you are, a kind and talented footballer who helps feed hungry kids – something that those thuggish, supposed-to-be England fans are not. It was a game of football, it’s done now. We can move on.
Glynys Hatfield, Dubai
What a shame for those who made him feel that he needs to apologise for anything. He did his best in the situation he was in.
Bozena Gab, Abu Dhabi
He should not be apologising for anything. People need to get a grip. The joy and the disappointment is what makes sport great.
Greg Rice, Guilderland, New York
Rashford should keep his head up high.
Abdelrahman Traboulssi, London, UK
He doesn't need to apologise for anything. He had a nation on his shoulders. Only ignorant fans would demand an apology for a missed shot, a fouled-up pass. The better team won, that's it. It hurts but that's it.
Massimo Albano, Rochester, New York
The greatest players of all time have missed penalties; it is part of the game.
Joe Khachoyan, Beirut, Lebanon
The violence in South Africa has gone too far
With reference to Jack Dutton's report South Africa: eyewitnesses describe terrifying riots that killed 72 (July 14): the people of South Africa were already struggling. These recent events have made matters worse. It's very sad. Looks like hard times are ahead.
Suria Newham, Abu Dhabi
The violence is taking place across South Africa, not restricted to poorer areas. There are places where there is complete lawlessness and rioters are burning infrastructure to the ground. There is now limited access to food or fuel.
Teagan Peat, Abu Dhabi
The violence and looting we are seeing qualifies as a state of emergency. It's gone too far already.
Fernadia Kearns, Dubai
Need more people like this animal lover in Iraq
Regarding the video posted on The National's Facebook page Young Iraqi woman fosters and treats stray cats and dogs in her city (July 13): I would love to support this woman. She's doing a great service.
Ria Vd Graaf, Rotterdam, Netherlands
We need more people like her.
Ricky Mestre, Dubai
THE BIO
Ambition: To create awareness among young about people with disabilities and make the world a more inclusive place
Job Title: Human resources administrator, Expo 2020 Dubai
First jobs: Co-ordinator with Magrudy Enterprises; HR coordinator at Jumeirah Group
Entrepreneur: Started his own graphic design business
Favourite singer: Avril Lavigne
Favourite travel destination: Germany and Saudi Arabia
Family: Six sisters
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Defined benefit and defined contribution schemes explained
Defined Benefit Plan (DB)
A defined benefit plan is where the benefit is defined by a formula, typically length of service to and salary at date of leaving.
Defined Contribution Plan (DC)
A defined contribution plan is where the benefit depends on the amount of money put into the plan for an employee, and how much investment return is earned on those contributions.
The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
