■ SOCCER
Player suffers heart attack
A French player suffered a heart attack while playing in a second division match between Sedan and Niort on Friday. Niort defender Marco Randrianantoanina, 24, who has played for English Premier League side Birmingham, collapsed in the 23rd minute of the match. After being transferred to hospital, the club said his condition had improved. "He is out of danger at the moment," said a statement on the Niort official Web site. Paramedics treated the player on the pitch at the Louis Dugauguez stadium with a defribillator after he lost consciousness.
■ CYCLING
Cipollini set for comeback
Former sprint king Mario Cipollini is set to come out of retirement and sign a contract with US team Rock and Republic, the Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Friday. The 40-year-old, who arrived in California to negotiate with team officials, retired two years ago but is expected to formally complete a deal shortly. Cipollini, however, threw some doubt on his joining the team when he told Rai television: "It's not an easy transition: we'll see. We're still in talks. But compared to two days ago, things are a bit more difficult. Something has happened."
■ SOCCER
Politician protests ban
A Slovak Christian Democrat European member of parliament on Friday protested against the banning of religious slogans on players' equipment. "Players are allowed to wear commercial messages and it is blatant to punish them for a demonstration of joy by religious means," Miroslav Mikolasik said in an open letter to world governing body FIFA. "This is a serious breach of the constitutional right of EU citizens to religious freedom," he said. His letter to FIFA president Sepp Blatter asked for the regulation, which sanctions the team of a player who publicizes political, religious or personal slogans or statements, to be lifted.
■ SOCCER
Gullit predicts Toon woes
Former Newcastle United manager Ruud Gullit believes Kevin Keegan will struggle to make an impact in his second spell as manager of the Premier League team and believes they are no longer a big club. Speaking to Web site www.feelfootball.com Gullit poured cold water on Keegan's joyful return. "I think the expectations of the club are so incredibly high that maybe [they are] not realistic for the people who go to work there," he said. "If you think you can play and win immediately there that is not true." Asked if Newcastle will start challenging the top six soon under Keegan, Gullit said: "No. He won't do it. It is not realistic to expect that."
■ RUGBY LEAGUE
New Zealand coach quits
Gary Kemble quit as New Zealand coach yesterday, a week after senior players said they had no confidence in him. Kemble, who succeeded Bluey McClennan as New Zealand coach last year, announced his resignation by written statement after 155 days in the job. Kiwi captain Roy Asotasi led a player uprising last week when he called for former Australia coach Wayne Bennett to be given an advisory role in the New Zealand management structure. In only five matches in charge, Kemble led New Zealand to a record 58-0 loss to Australia, a 3-0 series whitewash by Britain and an unimpressive win over France. Other senior players joined Asotasi in expressing either lukewarm support or open criticism of Kemble.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely