La Liga president Javier Tebas on Sunday said that players must remember to act responsibly to stop the spread of COVID-19 after four Sevilla players broke the Spanish government’s rules on social gatherings.
Argentina trio Ever Banega, Lucas Ocampos and Franco Vazquez, as well as Netherlands striker Luuk de Jong, were pictured at a party alongside eight other people at the weekend.
Spain has eased one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe as its COVID-19 infection rate has slowed and the death toll has declined, although gatherings of more than 10 people are still not permitted by the guidelines.
The picture, which was posted on Instagram by Banega’s wife, also showed a shisha pipe.
“Players are an example to society and should be careful with their actions,” Tebas told Movistar TV. “I call on all footballers to not act like this. We have to be very careful because a lot of people’s jobs are at stake.”
“Safety is guaranteed at training grounds and matches, but I’m worried about other places and parties like this. We should all be very cautious,” he added.
The players all issued statements to apologize for their behavior, which Sevilla published on the club’s Twitter account.
Sevilla did not state whether the players would face disciplinary action and did not respond to a request for comment.
All soccer in Spain was suspended on March 12 due to the pandemic, although on Saturday the Spanish government said that the top two divisions could resume from June 8.
Sevilla’s derby with Real Betis Balompie is set to be the first La Liga game to be played when the season resumes next month.
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
Forget Real Madrid, Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain, the world’s best soccer team — statistically speaking — might be a little-known outfit from the closed central Asian nation of Turkmenistan. Founded last year, Arkadag, named in honor of former Turkmen president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, have been unstoppable, notching up 36 consecutive domestic victories in a run still ongoing. The side have not lost a single competitive match and swept to a league and cup double in their inaugural season — success unthinkable almost anywhere else. However, in Turkmenistan, it could hardly have gone any other way. The energy-rich country is one of the most closed
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