Australian soccer chiefs yesterday vowed zero tolerance for anti-social behavior after banning two fans for five years following violence marring warm-up games for the A-League season.
The crackdown on hooliganism follows a brawl that erupted on Wednesday during a friendly between new A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney United.
The incident was sparked when someone threw a firecracker into the crowd. Up to 60 people turned on police, who responded with pepper spray, when they tried to find the culprit.
Last week, violence marred a game between Sydney and the Macarthur Rams, with a man knocked out and a rock hitting a six-year-old boy in the head during a fight, also sparked by a flare thrown at a group of fans.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) said a man who activated a flare and another who let off a firework would be banned from all Australian matches for five years.
“The troublemakers who bring the game into disrepute with their reckless behavior have no place in the game,” FFA chief Ben Buckley said. “The incidents over the past week were the work of a few idiots who wanted to cause trouble.”
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