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Messi’s Farewell Caps a Golden Era as Ronaldo’s Rift with Portugal Deepens
4 days ago•Source: thenationalnews.com
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3.415 min•6 days ago
Serbia Press Conference Collapses as Israeli Reporter Accuses Irish Squad of Racism
The pre-match press conference for the Republic of Ireland’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Israel ended abruptly in Backa Topola, Serbia, after an Israeli journalist alleged that Irish players had used racist slurs. FAI communications manager Kieran Crowley intervened, calling the claim a 'lie' and physically removing the microphone, forcing the Irish delegation to relocate to a dressing room to conclude the interview. The incident followed a tense first leg in Hungary where Ireland won 3-0, and amidst ongoing political tensions regarding the Gaza conflict. While the FAI released unedited footage to counter the accusation, Israeli media condemned the disruption as 'disgraceful.' The second leg is scheduled for Sunday, with both coaches emphasizing the need to focus on football despite the volatile environment.
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Hodgkinson debuts all-black speedsuit to clinch 800m at Athlos
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Beijing Hyrox furor: winner continues after faecal incident sparks backlash
An elite Hyrox competitor, Joanna Wietrzyk, soiled herself during Hyrox Beijing yet continued and won, prompting fierce debate over track hygiene and organizational response; spectators highlighted penalties for littering and the track contamination affected later participants; Hyrox World defended the athlete while acknowledging lapses and proposing rule updates, sanitation improvements, and clearer intervention protocols in future events, amid continuing backlash on Chinese social media.
Olympians push back on Sydney Sweeney's controversial sports promo
The Novig ad featuring Sydney Sweeney, which uses sports imagery to sexualise a female body, drew swift backlash from Olympians and athletes who say it undermines hard work and teamwork in women’s sport; the campaign was viewed over 22 million times in two days, with critics including Amy Hunt and Ariarne Titmus calling it harmful, while Sweeney responded with posts and Novig defended the campaign.
Edgbaston day three: Pakistan reach 296-5 in chase as England edge ahead
England closed their first innings on 453 all out, then Pakistan were bowled for 133 in the first innings before ending day three at 296-5 in their second innings, 158 runs behind England’s 454 target with Saud Shakeel and Ghazi Ghori not out. Babar Azam contributed 76 before falling to Tongue, while England’s bowlers again used short-pitch plans and solid fielding to keep Pakistan in check ahead of a potentially decisive final day.
England edge closer to victory as Edgbaston day two goes England’s way
England took a commanding 320-run lead on the first innings after bowling Pakistan out for 133 and replying with 453 at Edgbaston. Brook top-scored with 75, while Smith (69) and Lawrence (65) also contributed, and debutant Razaullah claimed 4-128. Cox kept wicket for England due to Smith’s finger injury. At the close, Pakistan were 52-2 in their second innings, 268 runs behind, with rain interrupting play and Day 3 set to begin.
Liverpool overturns Atlético as Arsenal edge Napoli; PSG and Barcelona shine in CL
Liverpool came from behind to beat Atlético Madrid 2-1 at Anfield, with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai on target; Arsenal edged Napoli 1-0 thanks to Odegaard’s late winner; PSG hammered Slovan Bratislava 6-1; Barcelona beat Feyenoord 5-1; and Sporting CP defeated Galatasaray 3-1 as a night of big Champions League results unfolded.
Ballmer banned as Clippers face penalties over Kawhi Leonard salary‑cap scheme
The NBA banned Clippers owner Steve Ballmer for one year after an independent investigation found the team funneled millions to Kawhi Leonard through sham endorsements to evade salary-cap limits; the Clippers were fined $30 million and forfeited five first‑round picks (2029–2033). The probe, which cited Aspiration Partners and other vendors, also led to suspensions for two Clippers executives and a $700,000 fine for Leonard, with the team agreeing to a stringent compliance program.
Raygun’s viral moment rewrites breaking’s Olympic narrative
Netflix’s Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly follows Australian b-girl Rachael Gunn’s pre-Olympics panic and viral sprinkler moment, showing how her emphasis on originality earned global attention but sparked debate about breaking’s place in the Olympics and the gender dynamics within the scene.
Cherki shines as City rout Palace, BBC player ratings highlight the stars
Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park, extending Enzo Maresca’s winning start. BBC’s player ratings crown Rayan Cherki as the standout (average 8.54) after his two goals, with Haaland also among City’s top performers; Dias and Anderson contributed solid showings, while Palace’s best was Adam Wharton in the mid-6s and several others in the 5s. The piece lists full ratings for both teams and subs.
Arsenal edge closer to Alvarez transfer as Atleti rule out Barca route
Arsenal’s bid for Julian Alvarez looks to be gaining momentum as Atletico Madrid reiterates they will not sell to Barcelona; Alvarez is reported to be open to a Premier League move, and with the transfer window deadline looming, a big-money switch could materialize if his camp signals encouragement, despite renewed Barca interest.
Atletico push to resolve Alvarez saga by Friday amid Arsenal interest
Atletico Madrid want the Julian Alvarez transfer saga wrapped up by Friday as Arsenal press for a move; Alvarez reportedly still prefers Barcelona, with a projected €150m price tag mentioned, though Barca may struggle financially. Atletico fear selling to a La Liga rival and are weighing replacements, while Arsenal could sweeten the deal with a forward swap such as Viktor Gyokeres or Gabriel Jesus.