SOCCER
West Ham down Saints
Felipe Anderson scored twice in six minutes on Thursday as West Ham United overcame Southampton 2-1 to move into the English Premier League top 10. The Brazilian’s pair in the second half came moments after West Ham were jolted out of a slumber by Nathan Redmond’s scrambled goalmouth finish. The winning goal was an attractive two-pass counterattack. Southampton’s Stuart Armstrong was blocked from distance after a corner as West Ham’s Issa Diop set Michail Antonio free. Antonio chipped through for Anderson, who raced on and finished in style.
SOCCER
Inter fans shut out
Inter are to play Empoli today without their fans after racism and violence overshadowed Christmas soccer in Serie A. Police in Florence said that visiting Inter supporters would not be allowed to attend the match, with the away stand closed. It follows violence before Wednesday’s clash against SSC Napoli at the San Siro, which resulted in a fan’s death after he was hit by a car during a brawl. During the game, Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly was targeted with “monkey” chants.
SOCCER
Qatar seeks rabbi’s help
The rabbi who brought kosher hot dogs to New York baseball stadiums wants to help Qatar host Jewish fans with food they can eat at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Marc Schneier, who founded Long Island’s mega-wealthy Hampton Synagogue, says he has been asked by Hassan al-Thawadi — secretary-general of the World Cup organizing committee — to advise him on hosting thousands of Jewish fans expected at the finals. Visitors with Israeli passports, currently barred from the Muslim country by law, would also be welcome, Schneier said, citing the Qatari official. He and al-Thawadi “have been in conversation for the last several months about certain ideas and initiatives he would like to implement to welcome and accommodate the many Jewish visitors they are anticipating at the World Cup,” Schneier said, including “bringing kosher food.”
FORMULA ONE
Schumacher to be honored
Michael Schumacher is in Formula One’s thoughts as the seven-time world champion approaches his 50th birthday, five years after a near-fatal skiing accident left the Ferrari great fighting brain injuries. The German’s birthday is on Friday. The Ferrari museum in Maranello, Italy, is planning an exhibition “both as a celebration and a mark of gratitude to the most successful Prancing Horse driver ever.” Mercedes, the last team Schumacher drove for in Formula One before retirement in 2012, is to have some of his cars on display at their museum in Stuttgart, Germany.
BASKETBALL
James misses game
LeBron James was held out of the Lakers’ game against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night with a groin injury, ending his consecutive games played streak at 156. James was injured during the Lakers’ 127-101 victory over two-time defending NBA champions the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday when he slipped while going for a loose ball. An scan showed that James sustained a left-groin strain rather than a tear, but no timetable has been set for his return. The Kings won 117-116.
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