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Many thanks Brendan for a very enjoyable workout. Agree re 19 though, missing an L.

Many thanks to Brendan.
Started late after getting home from a concert.
Found it extremely difficult, but some of that could be fatigue. Surprised I finished, in fact. Much fun in any case.
FOI 26 (indicating a struggle), LOI 23.
Too tired to think about COD, maybe tomorrow.

Brendan, 5d cryptic definition has nothing to do with US sport, but with the prototypical romantic ("Passionately") gesture. The part of the clue following the comma seems like a bonus hint, nearly superfluous.

Hi Geeker,

5d - I think we've got our wires crossed. I wasn't suggesting that CK's famous protest had anything to do with the parsing but rather just pointing out that the answer itself has since acquired a new, or at least an additional meaning.

Sorry, Brendan. I wasn't even thinking about the infamous CK...that move has long been used (by QBs) in grid football as a way to "run out (or down) the clock".

So true Geeker. I've seen QBs doing it since I first watched a game. I suppose my point was just that, among a certain generation and people with particular views on social justice etc, the term has taken on a whole new meaning. Although, now I think of it, it's pretty much had it's day and is rarely, if ever, seen nowadays.

Didn't mean to muddy the waters.

Morning all. Good fun I thought and not too tricky.

Re 19, it is given as an accepted US variant spelling in the ODE, alongside the English spelling, so I think it’s fine.

Also, the intended meaning of 24 is supported in Collins but not Chambers, as far as I can see.

Haven't started this yet though from the comments maybe I should have a first crack as it sounds tough. I am currently intending to save it for the train on my way to watch @Brendan and my team lock horns at The Emirates.

I daresay I shall be back.

Hi brendan
Going back to your first comment and your query re 23 (which I don’t think anyone else has mentioned). I don’t have a dictionary to hand, but when I google the solution the first hit, from Oxford Languages, gives an example under its first definition which fits the solution here. It’s not how I would use the word though!

Incidentally, geeker, I hope you enjoyed your concert. The reason I was up at midnight GMT was because I’d been for a quick drink after seeing Verdi’s Les Věpres Siciliennes at the Royal Opera House, which clocked in at 4 hours including intervals but which was worth every second (and every penny). Bit tired this morning though!

jono et al re 19:
I nis realise that I was held to because I attempted to enter the usual spelling and didn’t notice that it didn’t work, as a result of which I had the wrong penultimate letter for 26 (which I then stared at for far too long before realising what I had done!) When I corrected it though, like jono I had no issue with the alternative spelling despite being a UK person.