Amiens SC’s Ligue 1 game at Dijon FCO was temporarily halted on Friday after the visiting side’s captain, Prince-Desir Gouano, was subjected to racist insults.
The 0-0 draw was stopped for five minutes toward the end when Gouano, who is black, appeared to be targeted.
“I put the ball out of play. I heard noises because I was close to the stand at the time. I heard monkey noises. I said to myself: ‘Well, this cannot be possible.’ I went over for a look and they continued,” Gouano said. “I asked the referee to stop the game.”
On Twitter, Amiens said: “The players will restart but will stop playing if it continues. Total support to our captain Prince Gouano. Racism has no place in a football stadium.”
Gouano said that he wanted to take a stand against racist abuse.
“It’s not just for me, but for everyone who’s a victim of this. It can’t continue, it has to stop,” the 25-year-old defender said. “Love conquers everything. We’re all one. I’m against racism.”
The league said in a statement that it condemned the racist insults and that it was supporting Gouano.
“The disciplinary committee will receive the file. This evening, the Dijon club identified the perpetrator of the racist insults who was subsequently arrested,” it said.
The draw kept Amiens seven points clear of Dijon, who are third from the bottom in the relegation zone with six rounds left.
In the late game, Nantes upset third-place Lyon 2-1 at home.
Lyon were five points behind Lille OSC, who host league leaders Paris Saint-Germain today.
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