Ronaldo on Thursday apologized for making an obscene gesture toward Corinthians fans who were upset with the surprise loss to Paulista in the Sao Paulo state championship.
A photo by the private Agencia Estado news service depicts Ronaldo showing his middle finger as he was leaving the stadium on Wednesday after the 1-0 defeat, a result that left the club in danger of not advancing to the semifinals.
Local media said about 30 fans cursed and shouted at the striker as he was about to enter a car to leave the Arena Barueri. Some called him fat.
Ronaldo said the gesture was made to someone who offended him morally and personally at the stadium’s parking lot. He did not elaborate.
“I would never make a gesture like that to Corinthians fans, who have adopted me and supported me since my arrival,” Ronaldo said. “I want to apologize if any Corinthians fans felt offended and [I want to] reiterate my admiration for them.”
Television images shown later did not clarify to whom the gesture was made, but the group of fans was in Ronaldo’s direction.
Ronaldo understood and accepted the criticism from fans, but is hoping they will start supporting the team again in the match against rival Sao Paulo tomorrow.
Corinthians, the defending state champion, is fifth in the 20-team standings, but it could drop further after Thursday’s matches. Only the top four will advance to the semifinal stage, which begins next month.
Ronaldo struggled in the team’s home loss to Paulista and admitted he was far from his best.
“I made childish mistakes,” he said.
The three-time world player of the year has scored two goals in the nine matches he has played this year. He is still a long way from reaching the physical condition that allowed him to help Brazil win the 2002 World Cup and has been rested in some of Corinthians’ matches.
Taiwan’s top women’s badminton doubles duo, Hsieh Pei-shan (謝沛珊) and Hung En-tzu (洪恩慈), achieved a straight-sets victory over Japan’s Kaho Osawa and Mayui Tanabe at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Super 300 Macau Open on Sunday. The Taiwanese pair won the final 21-18, 21-12, marking the duo’s second title this year after their win at the BWF Super 300 Taipei Open in May. The match on Sunday was their first encounter with the Japanese duo, ranked No. 63 in the world. Hsieh and Hung, ranked No. 12, began the opening game well. Hung, who plays left-handed, performed strongly at both the net and the
Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko upset top-seeded Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-4 on Saturday night to reach the National Bank Open quarter-finals. “Your support was incredible,” Mboko told the crowd in French after a chorus of “Ole, Ole, Ole” chants echoed around the venue. “I’m really happy to win today ... It’s incredible. I’m so happy to beat such a great champion.” Gauff dropped to 2-3 since winning the French Open. She followed the major victory with opening losses in Berlin and Wimbledon, then overcame double-fault problems to win two three-set matches in Montreal. Gauff had five double-faults on Saturday after having 23 in
Jobe Bellingham on Tuesday admitted to having “anxieties” on following in brother Jude’s footsteps after joining Borussia Dortmund in the summer. Jobe Bellingham, 19, is two years younger than Jude Bellingham, who joined Real Madrid in 2023 after three years at Dortmund. A centerpiece of the England national team, Jude Bellingham has emerged as one of the best players in the world in recent seasons. The younger Jobe Bellingham joined Dortmund in June from Sunderland after their promotion to the English Premier League. He admitted he understood what the perception would be ahead of the move to Germany. “It’s something you do think about.
Before Tuesday’s 7-2 win at the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy suggested “most people couldn’t tell you five players on our team.” A look at the standings would indicate more Brewers players soon will be recognized by more fans. After all, it is difficult to overlook a team that not only continues to extend their lead in the National League Central, but also boasts the best record in the majors. “What we’re doing in here right now is special,” right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta said after allowing only four hits and one run in five innings, while setting a career high with
RSS