Sign in

Rob Minto

@robminto.bsky.social
131 followers 87 following 454 posts

Journalist and web developer; Working with Unredacted UK; Author of Sports Geek, (2016); Ex FT, Newsweek. Sport, data, politics: that's my bag.

PostsRepliesMedia
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
File another headline that should be from The Onion. This is dystopian. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Hegseth says execution of Fort Hood shooter will be a public event
Officials clarified execution by firing squad of Nidal Hasan, army psychiatrist who killed 13 people, will be livestreamed
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
I agree with this. I left X for a reason. If I wanted to see what inane bullshit Isabel Oakshott was saying I’d have stayed there.
110
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
A headline that is not so far from Count Binface’s pledge “I’ll cut your taxes by raising everyone else’s.”
091
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Again with this. The BBC present Pep as a neutral party. He isn’t. He stands to lose trophies, reputation. But most importantly and NOT mentioned is that he is employed as a Man City Global Ambassador!! He’s still in the payroll ffs. www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
bbc.co.uk
Pep Guardiola: Former Man City manager to attend PSG Champions League tie
Pep Guardiola managed Manchester City for a decade, leaving in the summer, and has backed the club's owners since the verdict.
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Stop it. He’s big-headed enough as it is
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Simple new rule. Any politician (or anyone using a public platform) should have to spell out the EXACT no-go areas. Street by street. That will shut down this bullshit. And unless they are able to do that on the record, the media should not report it. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Tory shadow minister claims Luton has ‘no-go zones’ where ‘white people won’t go’
Blake Stephenson tells fringe meeting at Tory conference that the town is ‘a very dangerous place’ with ‘ghettoes’
010
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
She’s like King Julien in Madagascar “You have a plan?” “Better! I have confidence!”
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Perjurer, shoplifter, liar, insider trader, and more. But sure, rogue, whatever.
040
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Some Man City fans / ex-players are so incredibly naive. "I've got no reason not to trust Khaldoon. What he said is enough for me." - Joe Hart. (BBC). www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba... "I have faith in what Ferran Soriano says." - Will Greenwood (Telegraph). www.telegraph.co.uk/football/202...
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
I can't be bothered to do other paywalled sites, but you get the picture. Note to editors - when Shaun Wright-Phillips is out of Strictly and starts to defend Man City (if, if etc) - he is also employed as a City ambassador. As is Steph Houghton - said nothing yet so far.
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
The Guardian mentions that Pep is an ambassador for the club, but only in the 5th paragraph. Better than nothing, though. www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
‘I am here more than ever’: Guardiola backs Manchester City owners over guilty verdicts
Pep Guardiola has thrown his support behind Manchester City after the club were found guilty of all charges of breaching Premier League financial rules over a nine-year period
100
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Ditto the BBC: Pep is just the former manager. He's STILL on the payroll guys! Come ON. www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
bbc.co.uk
Pep Guardiola: Man City backed by former manager after guilty verdicts
Former Man City boss Pep Guardiola says he will "always" be behind the club after they were found guilty of financial charges.
100
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Pep enters the chat. He's obviously the ex-manager, as the piece says. But AT NO POINT does Sky say that he is STILL on the City Football Group payroll as their 'Global Ambassador'. Come on. news.sky.com/story/pep-gu...
news.sky.com
Pep Guardiola pledges support after Manchester City found guilty of Premier League charges
In a social media post, Guardiola said he "always will be behind my club" after the Premier League confirmed Man City were found guilty of all alleged breaches of its financial rules.
110
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
HEADLINE: Burnham's former deputy... But read the piece and this guy Richard Leese is... "the honorary president of Manchester City". Ugh. observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
observer.co.uk
Burnham’s former deputy says Manchester City ‘will prove ...
The former deputy mayor of Manchester criticises the Premier League investigation into the football club’s finances, after it was found guilty of numerous breaches
100
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
The media are doing a not-great job of pointing out who is defending Manchester City and whether they are being paid by the club. Some examples:
101
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
The £100k childcare rule is weird - Theoretically, a couple both earning 99k (total 198k) would get free childcare while a couple where the split is 100k & 20k get nothing. That's definitely not sensible. How many people it affects, and how much childcare should cost are separate things.
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
I'm gutted it's Marina Hyde's last column. Many's the time I've seen crazy shit, and thought - I can't wait to read Marina's take on this. Unlike 99.99% (*) of columnists, we will actually miss her awesome takes. * the other is Lucy Kellaway www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
It's true: this is my final column. You have exactly 24 hours to complain before my inbox self-destructs | Marina Hyde
Yes, after 25 years I’m signing off, and I’ve cherished every moment – especially storming the French embassy with a (toy) AK-47, says Guardian columnist Marina Hyde
010
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Why is SV so disliked? It seems fairly hated in this wider thread. Surely there are some benefits (easy to explain to voters, you still get a local MP, fewer 'wasted' votes)?
100
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
“I said to them: ‘If you lie to me, the day after I am not here. I will be out and I will not be your friend any more.' This begs the question, what didn't they lie to him about? www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
‘I am here more than ever’: Guardiola backs Manchester City owners over guilty verdicts
Pep Guardiola has thrown his support behind Manchester City after the club were found guilty of all charges of breaching Premier League financial rules over a nine-year period
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Probably not. They should be down 2+ divisions and 5 year transfer ban.
010
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
They either will have to suck up being in a lower league and the embarrassment of that, or walk away from a club AND surrounding area which they have regenerated and sunk ££££ into. Both are terrible for owners. So lawfare / stymie / delay / denials are best strategy.
101
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The CIA tracks… petrol thieves? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
RAF Fairford: 'Quantity of petrol' but no explosives found in three vehicles
Police say the decision to release five men on bail is one "grounded in experience and strategy".
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
It’s 2042, the World Cup has been expanded to 128 teams, and still Italy don’t qualify.
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
This will age badly. "If Man City are found guilty, which I don't think they are because of what Khaldoon said, then there's conversations to be had." Fool me once... www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
bbc.co.uk
Man City ruling: Joe Harts trusts club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak's claims they are innocent of breaking Premier League's financial rules
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart believes club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak's claims they are innocent of breaking the Premier League's financial rules.
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
This isn't going to age well. Mancini: "Found guilty of what? .... I don't think they were found guilty." www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
bbc.co.uk
Manchester City charges: Roberto Mancini says Premier League rule breaches 'not my concern'
Roberto Mancini says an alleged "double contract" during his time as Manchester City manager is "not my concern".
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Francesca Ferdinand
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
The guy in the lighter clothes looks like he's about to do a voice over at the start of a comedy series. "I'm MIchael. You're probably wondering how I ended up on the front line of a religious protest in Northern Ireland. Well, so am I..."
Nationalist protesters block the Garvaghy Road in Portadown on Sunday.
121
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Nothing has changed… In the sense that they were always financial cheats and will remain so? www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Manchester City chair Al Mubarak insists ‘nothing has changed’ after guilty verdict
Manchester City’s chair Khaldoon Al Mubarak, has attempted to dismiss the club’s guilty verdict as ‘noise’
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
The ramifications of Man City going down a division or three could be massive. Doom loop scenario: Star players leave, esp if they have division break-clause. Academy youngsters leave. AbuD decide it's not worth the reputational damage and sell club.
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
As City are found guilty of 114 out of 115 charges, I expect the one they were acquitted of is “caring TOO much”.
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
How in gods name is White Lotus above Severance? There are other anomalies but that seems egregious.
010
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
What odds can you get on both Spurs *and* Man City starting next season in the Championship? That would be very funny. (Although FTR I’d prefer spurs to stay up. City can FRO). www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Manchester City found guilty of breaking Premier League’s financial fair play rules
Manchester City face substantial sanctions from the Premier League after an independent panel found they had broken rules over financial fair play
010
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Important stuff this. So much right wing bs gets unchallenged.
010
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
This is extraordinary. For a party that used to bemoan the 'nanny state' at EVERY opportunity, Tories would restrict cash withdrawals and spending on 'sin' items for some in society. It's a total restriction on personal freedom. Very un-Conservative. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Tories would prevent long-term jobless spending benefits on alcohol and cigarettes
The proposals would also see benefits cut for people who are able to work but have failed to hold down a job.
100
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
3) BUT.... The biggest downside will be getting covered in beer as fans celebrate a goal. Those scenes in fanzones and bars when it's raining lager? Imagine that but in a massive stadium. Not so keen now, are you?
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
2) Violent 'fans' are going to get drunk and be violent any which way. Having a drink or two at your seat isn't going to change that. And drink is only half the issue - cocaine is just as much a problem.
100
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Three thoughts on football drinking www.theguardian.com/football/202... 1) Most football fans are having a drink. The ban in the stands means they 'tank up' before, and neck another at half time if they can get served in time. Allowing fans to drink less frenetically is a good idea
theguardian.com
Andy Burnham signals he may lift ban on alcohol in football stands
Prime minister says measure is discriminatory when fans of other sports are not similarly restricted
100
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Trump is always taking about “doing business” with people - even Iran, for fuck sake. He loves talking “business”. This is probably the most useless question. Ever.
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Plus breathless crap like: "I filled the brief silence with a question. Was the prime minister a man you can do business with, I asked the president, given your political differences?" Boom! What a forensic line of questioning, ranking just above "Do you have a message for the nation today, sir?"
100
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
He has stupid one-sentence paragraphs like this: "It is rollercoaster without a harness stuff." "Ah, interesting."
100
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
I think this is the worst piece of reportage by Chris Mason ever. And he's reliably terrible in any case. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... Details...
bbc.co.uk
Chris Mason: From inside the room, how Burnham survived first Trump meeting
Burnham seemed nervous at first, knowing how explosive these encounters with Trump can be, writes BBC political editor Chris Mason.
121
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Like some weird dream where they had too much family time. Older ones perceive a loss of time and friendship but have bounced back. Still haven’t been back to Hamleys though.
100
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
This is good from the police. But at the same time, they can't stop a fascist live-streaming himself trying to drown people in the Channel? www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Police believe they have foiled ‘imminent’ attack on Manchester’s Jewish community
Counter-terrorism police say ‘long-running investigation’ disrupted alleged plot days after two men arrested on eve of the holy day Yom Kippur
011
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
This is outside Hamleys, Regent st. On a Saturday. At midday. Lockdown was extraordinary.
100
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
This is the way
040
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
important thread. This is a new phase which should be front page news - far right activists endangering lives in the channel.
001
Reposted by Rob Minto
Emma Yeomans @yeomans.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Worrying scenes in the Channel today, for all interested in asylum policy and maritime tactics. A small boat from Normandy spent more than 30 hours at sea. Those on board now on their 2nd rescue vessel as Border Force forced to play cat and mouse with far-right activists who have their own boat.
1042174958
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
No notes
Two utter cunts with the same surname: Paul.
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Which of these wankers to believe... www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
theguardian.com
Nvidia boss says there is ‘0% chance’ AI destroys the world by 2030
Jensen Huang dismisses warnings from former Anthropic researcher and others as ‘doomsday narratives’
000
Rob Minto @robminto.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Why would anyone care what Ed Sheeran thinks about Gaza? If you're looking for geopolitical guidance and insight from Ed Sheeran, good luck with that.
100