Emma Smith
@emmasmithbbc.bsky.social
Award-winning BBC Sport journo | Heard BBC World Service, BBC 5 Live, The Week Unwrapped | Seen BBC News, ABC News | Sports Journalism Association committee member | Manchester Laces goalkeeper coach
Reposted by Emma Smith
NEW: Premier League to launch new LGBTQ initiative in Feb to replace Rainbow Laces
“With Pride” to ask less of individual players - no rainbow armbands - & PL exploring Pride-themed football (logic being players can’t refuse to use a ball)
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698... l
“With Pride” to ask less of individual players - no rainbow armbands - & PL exploring Pride-themed football (logic being players can’t refuse to use a ball)
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698... l
Rainbow Laces out, pride-themed footballs in? Premier League to launch new LGBTQ+ campaign
www.nytimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:38 PM
NEW: Premier League to launch new LGBTQ initiative in Feb to replace Rainbow Laces
“With Pride” to ask less of individual players - no rainbow armbands - & PL exploring Pride-themed football (logic being players can’t refuse to use a ball)
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698... l
“With Pride” to ask less of individual players - no rainbow armbands - & PL exploring Pride-themed football (logic being players can’t refuse to use a ball)
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698... l
GB's Fear and Gibson can win Olympic medal - if they are flawless - www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
Fear and Gibson: British pair can win Olympic medal in 2026 - if they are flawless
With the 2026 Winter Olympics almost upon us, prepare to hear the names Fear and Gibson plenty over the coming weeks. But are they good enough to win an Olympic medal?
www.bbc.co.uk
January 18, 2026 at 11:03 AM
GB's Fear and Gibson can win Olympic medal - if they are flawless - www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
Not to be gold for Fear and Gibson - but they deserve credit for recovering from an early mistake to win European bronze.
If they bring their flawless best to Milan, an Olympic medal remains a definite possibility.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
If they bring their flawless best to Milan, an Olympic medal remains a definite possibility.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
European Figure Skating Championships: GB's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson fall short of historic gold
Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson miss out on winning Britain's first European Figure Skating Championships gold medal for 32 years.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 10:11 PM
Not to be gold for Fear and Gibson - but they deserve credit for recovering from an early mistake to win European bronze.
If they bring their flawless best to Milan, an Olympic medal remains a definite possibility.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
If they bring their flawless best to Milan, an Olympic medal remains a definite possibility.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
The sound of the Proclaimers is pounding through Sheffield Arena. Which must mean Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson are warming up for their bid at ice dance gold later.
The Disco Brits take to the ice at 9.34pm
(I wasn't in the arena to record, so here's some footage of the ice dance from yesterday...)
The Disco Brits take to the ice at 9.34pm
(I wasn't in the arena to record, so here's some footage of the ice dance from yesterday...)
January 17, 2026 at 11:47 AM
The sound of the Proclaimers is pounding through Sheffield Arena. Which must mean Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson are warming up for their bid at ice dance gold later.
The Disco Brits take to the ice at 9.34pm
(I wasn't in the arena to record, so here's some footage of the ice dance from yesterday...)
The Disco Brits take to the ice at 9.34pm
(I wasn't in the arena to record, so here's some footage of the ice dance from yesterday...)
Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron are going to be a tough act to beat - but in this form, Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson have a real shot of GB's first European figure skating gold in 32 years.
Report from a thrilled arena in Sheffield: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
Report from a thrilled arena in Sheffield: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
European Figure Skating Championships: GB's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson in contention for ice dance gold
Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson are in contention for Great Britain's first gold medal at the European Figure Skating Championships in 32 years.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 16, 2026 at 5:43 PM
Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron are going to be a tough act to beat - but in this form, Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson have a real shot of GB's first European figure skating gold in 32 years.
Report from a thrilled arena in Sheffield: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
Report from a thrilled arena in Sheffield: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
Day three of the European Figure Skating Championships in Sheffield, and the first day of competition in the ice dance. Can Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson win gold for Britain?
Side note: here's the pathway to the press box at Utilita Arena. Bit of a squeeze...
Side note: here's the pathway to the press box at Utilita Arena. Bit of a squeeze...
January 16, 2026 at 11:49 AM
Day three of the European Figure Skating Championships in Sheffield, and the first day of competition in the ice dance. Can Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson win gold for Britain?
Side note: here's the pathway to the press box at Utilita Arena. Bit of a squeeze...
Side note: here's the pathway to the press box at Utilita Arena. Bit of a squeeze...
A bad day for the Brits, a good day for the Georgians - and their controversial coach.
Report from Sheffield on day two of the European Figure Skating Championships: Fall costs GB's Digby and Vaipan-Law European medal - www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
Report from Sheffield on day two of the European Figure Skating Championships: Fall costs GB's Digby and Vaipan-Law European medal - www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
European Figure Skating Championships: Digby and Vaipan-Law see medal dreams dashed by fall
An error-strewn performance from Anastasia Vaipan-Law and Luke Digby costs the British duo a European Figure Skating Championships medal in Sheffield.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 15, 2026 at 10:40 PM
A bad day for the Brits, a good day for the Georgians - and their controversial coach.
Report from Sheffield on day two of the European Figure Skating Championships: Fall costs GB's Digby and Vaipan-Law European medal - www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
Report from Sheffield on day two of the European Figure Skating Championships: Fall costs GB's Digby and Vaipan-Law European medal - www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
A view of the warm-up area at Sheffield Arena for the Figure Skating Euros. It is day two today, with the men's short program before the first medals are decided in the pairs free skate - watch on BBC iPlayer, my report to come tonight for BBC Sport
January 15, 2026 at 12:07 PM
A view of the warm-up area at Sheffield Arena for the Figure Skating Euros. It is day two today, with the men's short program before the first medals are decided in the pairs free skate - watch on BBC iPlayer, my report to come tonight for BBC Sport
British figure skatingchampion Kristen Spours said she was "grateful" her father could see her perform for one final time in Sheffield.
Spours is being forced into retirement aged just 25 as she still recovers from a spinal injury suffered last year.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
Spours is being forced into retirement aged just 25 as she still recovers from a spinal injury suffered last year.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
European Figure Skating Championships: Kristen Spours 'grateful' for final performance for father
British champion Kristen Spours is
www.bbc.co.uk
January 14, 2026 at 8:54 PM
British figure skatingchampion Kristen Spours said she was "grateful" her father could see her perform for one final time in Sheffield.
Spours is being forced into retirement aged just 25 as she still recovers from a spinal injury suffered last year.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
Spours is being forced into retirement aged just 25 as she still recovers from a spinal injury suffered last year.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articl...
Day One of the figure skating Euros today, with the short programme in the pairs and women's to come.
The ice dance starts on Friday, but already GB's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson are the main event - you can get your picture taken with your face on their bodies...
The ice dance starts on Friday, but already GB's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson are the main event - you can get your picture taken with your face on their bodies...
January 14, 2026 at 11:31 AM
Day One of the figure skating Euros today, with the short programme in the pairs and women's to come.
The ice dance starts on Friday, but already GB's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson are the main event - you can get your picture taken with your face on their bodies...
The ice dance starts on Friday, but already GB's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson are the main event - you can get your picture taken with your face on their bodies...
Practice is underway today at Sheffield Arena ahead of the Figure Skating European Championships, as we count down to the #Milan2026 Winter Olympics. I'll be covering every day of the Euros for BBC Sport, keep across the action there and BBC iPlayer - and on my feed, ofc
January 13, 2026 at 3:43 PM
Practice is underway today at Sheffield Arena ahead of the Figure Skating European Championships, as we count down to the #Milan2026 Winter Olympics. I'll be covering every day of the Euros for BBC Sport, keep across the action there and BBC iPlayer - and on my feed, ofc
Pep Guardiola v Calum McFarlane. A battle for the ages.
I'm running the BBC Sport live text of Manchester City v Chelsea, which is pretty much always a thriller. Follow the action here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
I'm running the BBC Sport live text of Manchester City v Chelsea, which is pretty much always a thriller. Follow the action here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Man City vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League score, stats & updates
Premier League build-up as second-placed Man City host Chelsea in their first game since the departure of Enzo Maresca.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 4, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Pep Guardiola v Calum McFarlane. A battle for the ages.
I'm running the BBC Sport live text of Manchester City v Chelsea, which is pretty much always a thriller. Follow the action here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
I'm running the BBC Sport live text of Manchester City v Chelsea, which is pretty much always a thriller. Follow the action here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
My top 10 and bottom 10 films released in the UK in 2025. I saw 129 new releases this year (I have no life); narrowing down the best 10 was way harder than the worst list.
I particularly agonised over the order of my top 2, very different but both outstanding films.
I particularly agonised over the order of my top 2, very different but both outstanding films.
December 29, 2025 at 11:44 AM
My top 10 and bottom 10 films released in the UK in 2025. I saw 129 new releases this year (I have no life); narrowing down the best 10 was way harder than the worst list.
I particularly agonised over the order of my top 2, very different but both outstanding films.
I particularly agonised over the order of my top 2, very different but both outstanding films.
Gian van Veen. Luke Humphries. Michael van Gerwen.
We are spoiled in the darts tonight - and you can follow it all here:
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
We are spoiled in the darts tonight - and you can follow it all here:
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
World Darts Championship 2026 LIVE: Gian van Veen vs Madars Razma - scores, results & updates
Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen are in third-round action as the PDC World Darts Championship continues at Alexandra Palace.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 28, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Gian van Veen. Luke Humphries. Michael van Gerwen.
We are spoiled in the darts tonight - and you can follow it all here:
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
We are spoiled in the darts tonight - and you can follow it all here:
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
Back on the darts after Christmas, with a thrilling evening session featuring Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting in prospect. Follow all the action here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
PDC World Darts Championship 2026 LIVE: Luke Littler, Stephen Bunting, Jonny Clayton playing - scores, results & updates from third round
Luke Littler, Stephen Bunting and Jonny Clayton are in third-round action as the PDC World Darts Championship continues at Alexandra Palace.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 27, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Back on the darts after Christmas, with a thrilling evening session featuring Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting in prospect. Follow all the action here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
Reposted by Emma Smith
Great thanks to @emmasmithbbc.bsky.social for the interview. Pride is a vital part of what makes Seattle one of the best cities in the world. I'll be there at the match in the spirit of welcome for which the Emerald City is known around the world ⚽️🕊♥️🏳️🌈
EXCLUSIVE: Organisers of the 2026 World Cup Pride Match say they have had no official intervention despite complaints from Egypt and Iran, as they hope Fifa "do the right thing" and "respect the culture" by letting LGBT celebrations go ahead in Seattle - www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
2026 World Cup: Fifa yet to intervene on 'Pride Match' despite Egypt objection
An official involved with the World Cup Pride Match says there has been no contact from Fifa about their plans, despite the Egyptian FA's complaint.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 26, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Great thanks to @emmasmithbbc.bsky.social for the interview. Pride is a vital part of what makes Seattle one of the best cities in the world. I'll be there at the match in the spirit of welcome for which the Emerald City is known around the world ⚽️🕊♥️🏳️🌈
EXCLUSIVE: Organisers of the 2026 World Cup Pride Match say they have had no official intervention despite complaints from Egypt and Iran, as they hope Fifa "do the right thing" and "respect the culture" by letting LGBT celebrations go ahead in Seattle - www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
2026 World Cup: Fifa yet to intervene on 'Pride Match' despite Egypt objection
An official involved with the World Cup Pride Match says there has been no contact from Fifa about their plans, despite the Egyptian FA's complaint.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 26, 2025 at 12:35 PM
EXCLUSIVE: Organisers of the 2026 World Cup Pride Match say they have had no official intervention despite complaints from Egypt and Iran, as they hope Fifa "do the right thing" and "respect the culture" by letting LGBT celebrations go ahead in Seattle - www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Michael van Gerwen. Gary Anderson. Danny Noppert. Josh Rock. Sadly no Paul Lim.
It's the final session before Christmas of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, and I'm on the live text for BBC Sport - follow along here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
It's the final session before Christmas of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, and I'm on the live text for BBC Sport - follow along here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
World Darts Championship 2026 LIVE: Van Gerwen, Anderson, Noppert, Rock - scores & updates
Follow live text updates of Tuesday's second-round matches at the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 23, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Michael van Gerwen. Gary Anderson. Danny Noppert. Josh Rock. Sadly no Paul Lim.
It's the final session before Christmas of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, and I'm on the live text for BBC Sport - follow along here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
It's the final session before Christmas of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, and I'm on the live text for BBC Sport - follow along here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
Back on the darts over Christmas week, and there's a phenomenal match on Monday night - former world champion Luke Humphries versus 71-year-old Paul Lim. Follow the live text here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
PDC World Darts Championship 2026 LIVE: Luke Humphries vs Paul Lim - scores, results & updates
Follow live text updates of Monday's second-round matches at the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 22, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Back on the darts over Christmas week, and there's a phenomenal match on Monday night - former world champion Luke Humphries versus 71-year-old Paul Lim. Follow the live text here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
Should we have a bit of chaos?
It's the final round of fixtures in the Women's Champions League group stage, with nine games kicking-off at once.
Myself and Ciara Fleming will be marshalling all the goals and permutations here for BBC Sport
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
It's the final round of fixtures in the Women's Champions League group stage, with nine games kicking-off at once.
Myself and Ciara Fleming will be marshalling all the goals and permutations here for BBC Sport
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Women's Champions League LIVE: Build-up, team news, score and live text updates
Follow live coverage of the Women's Champions League as OH Leuven host Arsenal, Juventus take on Man Utd and Wolfsburg face Chelsea, plus follow live updates from around the other grounds.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 17, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Should we have a bit of chaos?
It's the final round of fixtures in the Women's Champions League group stage, with nine games kicking-off at once.
Myself and Ciara Fleming will be marshalling all the goals and permutations here for BBC Sport
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
It's the final round of fixtures in the Women's Champions League group stage, with nine games kicking-off at once.
Myself and Ciara Fleming will be marshalling all the goals and permutations here for BBC Sport
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
EXCLUSIVE: The response to Turkey's football betting scandal must have the same cultural impact as the punishments for the Calciopoli affair in Italy, says the assistant manager of Galatasaray.
"When there is a big problem, you need big decisions."
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
"When there is a big problem, you need big decisions."
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Turkish betting scandal: 'Big decisions' and 'very strict' sanctions needed, says Galatasaray assistant boss
The response to the Turkish football betting scandal must have the same cultural impact as the punishments for the Calciopoli affair in Italy, says the assistant manager of Galatasaray.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 16, 2025 at 1:05 PM
EXCLUSIVE: The response to Turkey's football betting scandal must have the same cultural impact as the punishments for the Calciopoli affair in Italy, says the assistant manager of Galatasaray.
"When there is a big problem, you need big decisions."
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
"When there is a big problem, you need big decisions."
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
UPDATE: SeattleFWC26 Organising Committee says it is "is moving forward as planned with our community programming" for World Cup Pride Match, despite Egypt's objections.
Fifa meanwhile has declined to comment.
Fifa meanwhile has declined to comment.
The Egyptian Football Association says it has sent a formal letter to Fifa requesting "Pride Match" celebrations at one of their World Cup matches do not happen.
A statement says they reject "in absolute terms" any activities linked to LGBTQ+ support during the match.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
A statement says they reject "in absolute terms" any activities linked to LGBTQ+ support during the match.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
2026 World Cup: Egyptian FA asks Fifa to cancel 'Pride Match' plans in Seattle
The Egyptian Football Association says it has sent a formal letter to Fifa requesting that LGBTQ+
www.bbc.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 8:05 AM
UPDATE: SeattleFWC26 Organising Committee says it is "is moving forward as planned with our community programming" for World Cup Pride Match, despite Egypt's objections.
Fifa meanwhile has declined to comment.
Fifa meanwhile has declined to comment.
The Egyptian Football Association says it has sent a formal letter to Fifa requesting "Pride Match" celebrations at one of their World Cup matches do not happen.
A statement says they reject "in absolute terms" any activities linked to LGBTQ+ support during the match.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
A statement says they reject "in absolute terms" any activities linked to LGBTQ+ support during the match.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
2026 World Cup: Egyptian FA asks Fifa to cancel 'Pride Match' plans in Seattle
The Egyptian Football Association says it has sent a formal letter to Fifa requesting that LGBTQ+
www.bbc.co.uk
December 9, 2025 at 8:01 PM
The Egyptian Football Association says it has sent a formal letter to Fifa requesting "Pride Match" celebrations at one of their World Cup matches do not happen.
A statement says they reject "in absolute terms" any activities linked to LGBTQ+ support during the match.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
A statement says they reject "in absolute terms" any activities linked to LGBTQ+ support during the match.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
The BBC understands that reports today suggesting Iran have appealed to Fifa about the World Cup Pride Match celebrations are untrue.
We understand that while there were reports on Iranian local media, no official complaint has been made.
We understand that while there were reports on Iranian local media, no official complaint has been made.
A 2026 World Cup fixture designated by organisers as an LGBTQ+ 'Pride Match' will feature two countries where homosexuality is illegal.
The 26 June match in Seattle, which coincides with the city's Pride weekend, will be the Group G game between Egypt and Iran.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
The 26 June match in Seattle, which coincides with the city's Pride weekend, will be the Group G game between Egypt and Iran.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
2026 World Cup: 'Pride Match' to feature Egypt and Iran - where homosexuality is illegal
A 2026 World Cup fixture designated by organisers as an LGBTQ+ 'Pride Match' will feature two countries where homosexuality is illegal.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 9, 2025 at 4:19 PM
The BBC understands that reports today suggesting Iran have appealed to Fifa about the World Cup Pride Match celebrations are untrue.
We understand that while there were reports on Iranian local media, no official complaint has been made.
We understand that while there were reports on Iranian local media, no official complaint has been made.
A 2026 World Cup fixture designated by organisers as an LGBTQ+ 'Pride Match' will feature two countries where homosexuality is illegal.
The 26 June match in Seattle, which coincides with the city's Pride weekend, will be the Group G game between Egypt and Iran.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
The 26 June match in Seattle, which coincides with the city's Pride weekend, will be the Group G game between Egypt and Iran.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
2026 World Cup: 'Pride Match' to feature Egypt and Iran - where homosexuality is illegal
A 2026 World Cup fixture designated by organisers as an LGBTQ+ 'Pride Match' will feature two countries where homosexuality is illegal.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 8, 2025 at 10:25 AM
A 2026 World Cup fixture designated by organisers as an LGBTQ+ 'Pride Match' will feature two countries where homosexuality is illegal.
The 26 June match in Seattle, which coincides with the city's Pride weekend, will be the Group G game between Egypt and Iran.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
The 26 June match in Seattle, which coincides with the city's Pride weekend, will be the Group G game between Egypt and Iran.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...