<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League</a> witnessed an unprecedented incident as players from Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir walked off the pitch amid allegations of racism by fourth officials on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The entire row erupted after Istanbul Basaksehir assistant coach Pierre Webo – a former Cameroon international – was shown a red card during a fierce face-off on the touchline with staff from the Turkish club appearing to accuse the officials of using a racist term.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">✊🏻✊🏿 NO TO RACISM | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Respect?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Respect</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ic1BzfANoi">pic.twitter.com/Ic1BzfANoi</a></p>
— İstanbul Başakşehir (@ibfk2014) <a href="https://twitter.com/ibfk2014/status/1336407284029730818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The moment Istanbul Basaksehir's Demba Ba reports the racist abuse by the fourth official at Paris Saint-Germain<a href="https://t.co/RlLAmtQUUF">pic.twitter.com/RlLAmtQUUF</a></p>
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobHarris/status/1336413648558972930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-basaksehir-stage-champions-league-walk-out-over-officials-alleged-racism-348492" hreflang="en">PSG, Basaksehir stage Champions League walk-out over official's alleged racism</a></strong></p>

<p>Television microphones picked up an agitated Webo continuously asking why the racist term was used to describe him. Star striker Demba Ba was also seen giving furious wordings to the referee.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PSG vs Istanbul Basaksehir has been suspended following an alleged racist incident involving the 4th official towards Istanbul's assistant manager. <a href="https://t.co/mLIkZiPK7u">pic.twitter.com/mLIkZiPK7u</a></p>
— Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCLonCBSSports/status/1336409907570982916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Even Paris Saint-Germain stars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were seen having a chat with the match officials as the duo looked stunned by the usage of words by the fourth referee.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/man-utd-stumble-out-of-champions-league-with-loss-in-leipzig-348496" hreflang="en">Man Utd stumble out of Champions League with loss in Leipzig</a></strong></p>

<p>While many footballing stars across the world chipped in with their support on social media platforms, Turkish President Recent Tayyip Erdogan said he “strongly” condemned the incident. UEFA announced that it would open a ‘thorough investigation’ on the incident.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="tr">Temsilcimiz Başakşehir’in teknik ekibinden Pierre Webo'ya karşı sarf edilen ırkçı sözleri şiddetle kınıyor, UEFA tarafından gereken adımların atılacağına inanıyorum.<br />
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Sporda ve hayatın tüm alanlarında ırkçılığa ve ayrımcılığa kayıtsız şartsız karşıyız. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Notoracism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Notoracism</a></p>
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) <a href="https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1336421579438350338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This response from İstanbul Başakşehir is exactly how teams should handle racist incidents.<br />
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Leave the pitch. Don’t stand for it. The fourth official accused has now been replaced by the VAR official in their game against PSG. <a href="https://t.co/Qzpm8qBFR4">pic.twitter.com/Qzpm8qBFR4</a></p>
— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) <a href="https://twitter.com/LDNFootbalI/status/1336413829153120256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>UEFA has been working strongly to kill racial discrimination from the sport and has strict sanctions against those found guilty of discrimination. “Say No To Racism” has been a go-to slogan in UEFA competitions for many years now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the fourth official was spotted agreeing that he used the racist term to describe Webo, there was someone, who was not spotted on the camera, saying there could have been a language issue as the fourth official was a Romanian.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is the 4th official attempting to explain what he said in the Paris St Germain match versus Istanbul Basaksehir <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSGIBFK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSGIBFK</a> <a href="https://t.co/NX6Geh17Gy">pic.twitter.com/NX6Geh17Gy</a></p>
— Brett Cullen (@iambrettcullen) <a href="https://twitter.com/iambrettcullen/status/1336417588574892034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>However, such incidents are a complete disgrace to the sport loved by billions around the world. &nbsp;<br />
In a statement, UEFA confirmed the game would, "on an exceptional basis", restart from where it was stopped on Wednesday at 1755 GMT, "with a new team of match officials".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">LOUD &amp; CLEAR ✊🏾 <a href="https://t.co/0VQVplti4D">https://t.co/0VQVplti4D</a></p>
— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) <a href="https://twitter.com/sterling7/status/1336424855181332480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">✊🏻✊🏿 <a href="https://t.co/4G873kjKUk">pic.twitter.com/4G873kjKUk</a></p>
— Aymeric Laporte (@Laporte) <a href="https://twitter.com/Laporte/status/1336432042297466880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿</p>
— Richarlison Andrade (@richarlison97) <a href="https://twitter.com/richarlison97/status/1336412392377487361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>PSG, who advanced following United's loss, will claim top spot with a victory.</p>


The UEFA Champions League witnessed an unprecedented incident as players from Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir walked off the pitch amid allegations of racism by fourth officials on Tuesday.

The UEFA Champions League witnessed an unprecedented incident as players from Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir walked off the pitch amid allegations of racism by fourth officials on Tuesday. The entire row erupted after Istanbul Basaksehir assistant coach Pierre Webo – a former Cameroon international – was shown a red card during a fierce face-off on the touchline with staff from the Turkish club appearing to accuse the officials of using a racist term. ✊🏻✊🏿 NO TO RACISM | #Respect pic.twitter.com/Ic1BzfANoi — İstanbul Başakşehir (@ibfk2014) December 8, 2020 × The moment Istanbul Basaksehir's Demba Ba reports the racist abuse by the fourth official at Paris Saint-Germainpic.twitter.com/RlLAmtQUUF — Rob Harris (@RobHarris) December 8, 2020 × ALSO READ: PSG, Basaksehir stage Champions League walk-out over official's alleged racism Television microphones picked up an agitated Webo continuously asking why the racist term was used to describe him. Star striker Demba Ba was also seen giving furious wordings to the referee. PSG vs Istanbul Basaksehir has been suspended following an alleged racist incident involving the 4th official towards Istanbul's assistant manager. pic.twitter.com/mLIkZiPK7u — Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) December 8, 2020 × Even Paris Saint-Germain stars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were seen having a chat with the match officials as the duo looked stunned by the usage of words by the fourth referee. ALSO READ: Man Utd stumble out of Champions League with loss in Leipzig While many footballing stars across the world chipped in with their support on social media platforms, Turkish President Recent Tayyip Erdogan said he “strongly” condemned the incident. UEFA announced that it would open a ‘thorough investigation’ on the incident. Temsilcimiz Başakşehir’in teknik ekibinden Pierre Webo'ya karşı sarf edilen ırkçı sözleri şiddetle kınıyor, UEFA tarafından gereken adımların atılacağına inanıyorum. Sporda ve hayatın tüm alanlarında ırkçılığa ve ayrımcılığa kayıtsız şartsız karşıyız. #Notoracism — Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) December 8, 2020 × This response from İstanbul Başakşehir is exactly how teams should handle racist incidents. Leave the pitch. Don’t stand for it. The fourth official accused has now been replaced by the VAR official in their game against PSG. pic.twitter.com/Qzpm8qBFR4 — LDN (@LDNFootbalI) December 8, 2020 × UEFA has been working strongly to kill racial discrimination from the sport and has strict sanctions against those found guilty of discrimination. “Say No To Racism” has been a go-to slogan in UEFA competitions for many years now. While the fourth official was spotted agreeing that he used the racist term to describe Webo, there was someone, who was not spotted on the camera, saying there could have been a language issue as the fourth official was a Romanian. This is the 4th official attempting to explain what he said in the Paris St Germain match versus Istanbul Basaksehir #PSGIBFK pic.twitter.com/NX6Geh17Gy — Brett Cullen (@iambrettcullen) December 8, 2020 × However, such incidents are a complete disgrace to the sport loved by billions around the world. In a statement, UEFA confirmed the game would, "on an exceptional basis", restart from where it was stopped on Wednesday at 1755 GMT, "with a new team of match officials". LOUD & CLEAR ✊🏾 https://t.co/0VQVplti4D — Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) December 8, 2020 × ✊🏻✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/4G873kjKUk — Aymeric Laporte (@Laporte) December 8, 2020 × ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 — Richarlison Andrade (@richarlison97) December 8, 2020 × PSG, who advanced following United's loss, will claim top spot with a victory.

Watch - From Demba Ba's reaction to fourth official's explanation: How PSG vs Istanbul Basaksehir racism row unfurled

<p>Life has come a full circle for Kevin Durant. The last time he played in the NBA was in Game 5 of the 2018-19 NBA Finals as a member of the Golden State Warriors. Fast forward 18 months and the 32-year old is back from the Achilles’ tendon injury and will face the Warriors on the opening night of the 2020-21 season wearing the Brooklyn Nets’ jersey.</p>

<p>The two-time NBA champion said he has tried to be the best version of himself while returning to much-awaited on-court action. “Every drill that I’ve done, I’ve been going as hard as I could,” said Durant. “I’ve been in the league for 14 years. Even if I didn’t have an Achilles’, I probably wouldn’t be 100 percent. So the wear and tear over time, I guess, but I feel solid.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-basaksehir-stage-champions-league-walk-out-over-officials-alleged-racism-348492" hreflang="en">PSG, Basaksehir stage Champions League walk-out over official's alleged racism</a></strong></p>

<p>Achilles tendon injuries can be exhausting to come back from, but Durant didn’t let the long road back to recovery get to him. “It actually wasn’t that frustrating, to be honest. I enjoyed having a lot of ‘me time’ away from you all and the NBA life in general,” said Durant while speaking to reporters.</p>

<p>Before the injury stopped him in tracks, Durant was one of the most feared basketball players in the world winning two titles with the Warriors and the Finals MVP in both the championship runs. A few years before getting his championship rings, Durant had already established his credentials winning the League MVP in 2014 playing for Oklahoma City Thunder.</p>

<p>When asked if he was back to his MVP form, he shrugged off the question saying he was feeling good playing the sport and not thinking about the awards at the moment. But Durant admitted he would find it difficult to be judicious coming at the back of a long injury layoff. “I enjoy playing an if and when Coach tries to pull me out early unexpectedly, of course, I’m going to push back, but I know they have my best interest,” the Nets superstar said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldo-scores-twice-as-juve-crush-messis-troubled-barcelona-348494" hreflang="en">Ronaldo scores twice as Juve crush Messi's troubled Barcelona</a></strong></p>

<p>Durant will form one of NBA’s blockbuster pairing with his friend Kyrie Irving that will look to dominate the Eastern Conference. “We both respect each other’s’ game, we know each other’s game inside out. We know what championship level basketball looks like,” he said.</p>

<p>But what if the duo became a trio with James Harden’s speculated move to Brooklyn. Durant wasn’t bothered. “Whatever happens, we have to be prepared for everything,” said Durant. When further probed on his role in getting the Houston Rockets cornerstone to his team, Durant said these are all made up stories. “I heard all the noise and James potentially wanted to come to the Nets. Nothing is set in stone till it is set in stone,” Durant concluded.</p>


Life has come a full circle for Kevin Durant. The last time he played in the NBA was in Game 5 of the 2018-19 NBA Finals as a member of the Golden State Warriors.

Life has come a full circle for Kevin Durant. The last time he played in the NBA was in Game 5 of the 2018-19 NBA Finals as a member of the Golden State Warriors. Fast forward 18 months and the 32-year old is back from the Achilles’ tendon injury and will face the Warriors on the opening night of the 2020-21 season wearing the Brooklyn Nets’ jersey. The two-time NBA champion said he has tried to be the best version of himself while returning to much-awaited on-court action. “Every drill that I’ve done, I’ve been going as hard as I could,” said Durant. “I’ve been in the league for 14 years. Even if I didn’t have an Achilles’, I probably wouldn’t be 100 percent. So the wear and tear over time, I guess, but I feel solid.” ALSO READ: PSG, Basaksehir stage Champions League walk-out over official's alleged racism Achilles tendon injuries can be exhausting to come back from, but Durant didn’t let the long road back to recovery get to him. “It actually wasn’t that frustrating, to be honest. I enjoyed having a lot of ‘me time’ away from you all and the NBA life in general,” said Durant while speaking to reporters. Before the injury stopped him in tracks, Durant was one of the most feared basketball players in the world winning two titles with the Warriors and the Finals MVP in both the championship runs. A few years before getting his championship rings, Durant had already established his credentials winning the League MVP in 2014 playing for Oklahoma City Thunder. When asked if he was back to his MVP form, he shrugged off the question saying he was feeling good playing the sport and not thinking about the awards at the moment. But Durant admitted he would find it difficult to be judicious coming at the back of a long injury layoff. “I enjoy playing an if and when Coach tries to pull me out early unexpectedly, of course, I’m going to push back, but I know they have my best interest,” the Nets superstar said. ALSO READ: Ronaldo scores twice as Juve crush Messi's troubled Barcelona Durant will form one of NBA’s blockbuster pairing with his friend Kyrie Irving that will look to dominate the Eastern Conference. “We both respect each other’s’ game, we know each other’s game inside out. We know what championship level basketball looks like,” he said. But what if the duo became a trio with James Harden’s speculated move to Brooklyn. Durant wasn’t bothered. “Whatever happens, we have to be prepared for everything,” said Durant. When further probed on his role in getting the Houston Rockets cornerstone to his team, Durant said these are all made up stories. “I heard all the noise and James potentially wanted to come to the Nets. Nothing is set in stone till it is set in stone,” Durant concluded.

Life comes a full circle for Kevin Durant

<p>"I've been through a lot, obviously starting out with my mom,” said Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns as he enters his sixth NBA season with a heavy heart. Towns’ mother, Jacqueline Towns, passed away in April due to COVID-19 related complications. On Friday, the 25-year-old revealed that six other family members have died due to COVID-19.</p>

<p>"Last night I got a call that I lost my uncle," Towns said. "I feel like I've been hardened a little bit by life and humbled."</p>

<p>Towns said his main priority is to keep his family safe. His father, Karl-Anthony Towns Sr., also tested positive for the coronavirus but recovered.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-washington-wizards-russell-westbrook-clears-the-air-talks-legacy-348098" hreflang="en">NBA: Washington Wizards' Russell Westbrook clears the air, talks legacy</a></strong></p>

<p>"I've seen a lot of coffins in the last seven months, eight months," Towns said. "But I have a lot of people who have -- in my family and my mom's family -- who have gotten Covid. I'm the one looking for answers still, trying to find how to keep them healthy. It's just a lot of responsibility on me to keep my family well informed and to make all the moves necessary to keep them alive."</p>

<p>However, Towns said basketball won’t be anything like a therapy for him as he plays to put a smile on the faces of his family members while adding it’s going to be a hard season for him to play after seven deaths in his family due to the virus.</p>

<p>"I play this game more because I just loved watching my family members seeing me play a game I was very successful and good at. It always brought me a smile when I saw my mom at the baseline and in the stands and stuff and having a good time watching me play," Towns said. "So it's going to be hard to play. It's going to be difficult to say this is therapy. I don't think this will ever be therapy for me again. But it gives me a chance to relive good memories I had."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/floyd-mayweather-to-take-on-youtuber-logan-paul-in-exhibition-bout-348104" hreflang="en">Floyd Mayweather to take on YouTuber Logan Paul in exhibition bout</a></strong></p>

<p>On March 15, Towns announced that he would donate $100,000 to the Mayo Clinic with hope that this fight with virus can be won quickly by increasing testing capabilities. He wrote on Instagram: "My hope is that we can fight this virus quicker and more efficiently by increasing the testing capabilities and availability and Mayo Clinic's overall Covid-19 response."</p>

<p>Minnesota Timberwolves will open the 2020-21 NBA season against the Detroit Pistons on December 23 at Target Center in Minneapolis.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


"I've been through a lot, obviously starting out with my mom,” said Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns as he enters his sixth NBA season with a heavy heart.

"I've been through a lot, obviously starting out with my mom,” said Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns as he enters his sixth NBA season with a heavy heart. Towns’ mother, Jacqueline Towns, passed away in April due to COVID-19 related complications. On Friday, the 25-year-old revealed that six other family members have died due to COVID-19. "Last night I got a call that I lost my uncle," Towns said. "I feel like I've been hardened a little bit by life and humbled." Towns said his main priority is to keep his family safe. His father, Karl-Anthony Towns Sr., also tested positive for the coronavirus but recovered. ALSO READ: NBA: Washington Wizards' Russell Westbrook clears the air, talks legacy "I've seen a lot of coffins in the last seven months, eight months," Towns said. "But I have a lot of people who have -- in my family and my mom's family -- who have gotten Covid. I'm the one looking for answers still, trying to find how to keep them healthy. It's just a lot of responsibility on me to keep my family well informed and to make all the moves necessary to keep them alive." However, Towns said basketball won’t be anything like a therapy for him as he plays to put a smile on the faces of his family members while adding it’s going to be a hard season for him to play after seven deaths in his family due to the virus. "I play this game more because I just loved watching my family members seeing me play a game I was very successful and good at. It always brought me a smile when I saw my mom at the baseline and in the stands and stuff and having a good time watching me play," Towns said. "So it's going to be hard to play. It's going to be difficult to say this is therapy. I don't think this will ever be therapy for me again. But it gives me a chance to relive good memories I had." ALSO READ: Floyd Mayweather to take on YouTuber Logan Paul in exhibition bout On March 15, Towns announced that he would donate $100,000 to the Mayo Clinic with hope that this fight with virus can be won quickly by increasing testing capabilities. He wrote on Instagram: "My hope is that we can fight this virus quicker and more efficiently by increasing the testing capabilities and availability and Mayo Clinic's overall Covid-19 response." Minnesota Timberwolves will open the 2020-21 NBA season against the Detroit Pistons on December 23 at Target Center in Minneapolis.

'I've seen a lot of coffins': NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns says he lost 7 family members to COVID-19

<p>Danny Ings returned from injury to score a controversial winner from the penalty spot as Southampton came from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 on Monday and climb to fifth in the Premier League.</p>

<p>Brighton took the lead from the spot, with Pascal Gross sending goalkeeper Alex McCarthy the wrong way after James Ward-Prowse handled the ball in the area.</p>

<p>Ralph Hasenhuttl's men found an equaliser just before half-time, when Jan Vestergaard produced a towering header from a Ward-Prowse corner.</p>

<p>Then, with nine minutes remaining, substitute Ings fired home after Southampton were awarded a spot-kick, with Brighton players claiming the foul took place outside the area.</p>

<p>Hasenhuttl was delighted to see his team grind out a win while not at their best.</p>

<p>"I didn't see the first penalty," he said. "For the second one, that is why we have VAR, especially when it is about decisions if it is in or not then you need this.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think it was clear inside the box. It is not nice to get a penalty against you but the decision from what I have seen was relatively clear."</p>

<p>Brighton started the match brightly in front of 2,000 supporters -- back in the stadium for the first time in nine months after the easing of coronavirus restrictions.</p>

<p>They took the lead in the 26th minute when referee David Coote pointed to the spot after a Danny Welbeck cross hit the raised arms of Ward-Prowse and Gross converted.</p>

<p>Brighton looked to get forward at every opportunity while Southampton struggled to get going but Saints were level just before the break.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ward-Prowse continued his impressive record from set-pieces, crossing the ball from a corner for Vestergaard to head past powerfully past Mat Ryan.</p>

<p>Ings, who had been out of action for five weeks, was brought on at the start of the second half.</p>

<p>With 13 minutes to go, Kyle Walker-Peters was brought down by Solly March. The referee initially awarded a free-kick before a lengthy VAR intervention changed the decision to a penalty.</p>

<p>Ings made no mistake and his side held on for the victory, which lifts Southampton to 20 points, one behind fourth-placed Leicester. Brighton stay 16th on 10 points.</p>

<p>Disappointed Brighton boss Graham Potter said the first challenge appeared to take place outside the box.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't know if there was a second but that's what the referee seemed to think," he told Sky Sports.</p>

<p>"I thought it was quite an even game so I'm disappointed with the result. If it's factual and the offence is inside and they've proved that's the case, then that's what it's there for and it's what you have to accept."</p>


Danny Ings returned from injury to score a controversial winner from the penalty spot as Southampton came from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 on Monday and climb to fifth in the Premier League.

Danny Ings returned from injury to score a controversial winner from the penalty spot as Southampton came from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 on Monday and climb to fifth in the Premier League. Brighton took the lead from the spot, with Pascal Gross sending goalkeeper Alex McCarthy the wrong way after James Ward-Prowse handled the ball in the area. Ralph Hasenhuttl's men found an equaliser just before half-time, when Jan Vestergaard produced a towering header from a Ward-Prowse corner. Then, with nine minutes remaining, substitute Ings fired home after Southampton were awarded a spot-kick, with Brighton players claiming the foul took place outside the area. Hasenhuttl was delighted to see his team grind out a win while not at their best. "I didn't see the first penalty," he said. "For the second one, that is why we have VAR, especially when it is about decisions if it is in or not then you need this. "I think it was clear inside the box. It is not nice to get a penalty against you but the decision from what I have seen was relatively clear." Brighton started the match brightly in front of 2,000 supporters -- back in the stadium for the first time in nine months after the easing of coronavirus restrictions. They took the lead in the 26th minute when referee David Coote pointed to the spot after a Danny Welbeck cross hit the raised arms of Ward-Prowse and Gross converted. Brighton looked to get forward at every opportunity while Southampton struggled to get going but Saints were level just before the break. Ward-Prowse continued his impressive record from set-pieces, crossing the ball from a corner for Vestergaard to head past powerfully past Mat Ryan. Ings, who had been out of action for five weeks, was brought on at the start of the second half. With 13 minutes to go, Kyle Walker-Peters was brought down by Solly March. The referee initially awarded a free-kick before a lengthy VAR intervention changed the decision to a penalty. Ings made no mistake and his side held on for the victory, which lifts Southampton to 20 points, one behind fourth-placed Leicester. Brighton stay 16th on 10 points. Disappointed Brighton boss Graham Potter said the first challenge appeared to take place outside the box. "I don't know if there was a second but that's what the referee seemed to think," he told Sky Sports. "I thought it was quite an even game so I'm disappointed with the result. If it's factual and the offence is inside and they've proved that's the case, then that's what it's there for and it's what you have to accept."

Danny Ings scores controversial VAR penalty as Southampton climb to fifth in Premier League

<p>Breakdancing was one of four new sports along with skateboarding, surfing and sport climbing to get the Olympic green light on Monday for inclusion at the 2024 Paris Games.</p>

<p>The four sports were included as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive board met to confirm the Paris 2024 programme.</p>

<p>Skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing have already been added to the programme for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which will take place in 2021 after being postponed by a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>The introduction of breaking was "one of the results of the Olympic Agenda 2020", Bach said. "We had a clear priority to introduce sports (that are) particularly popular among the younger generation and taking into consideration the urbanisation of sport."</p>

<p>Breakdancing, which grew up alongside hip hop in the South Bronx of New York in the 1970s and is officially known in sport terms as "breaking", appeared at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, in the form of head-to-head "battles".</p>

<p>Russia's Sergei Chernyshev, competing under the nickname Bumblebee, won the first breakdancing gold medal for boys in that event, while Japan's Ramu Kawai won the girls' title.</p>

<p>"Today is a historic occasion not only for b-boys and b-girls but for all dancers around the world," said Shawn Tay, president of the World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF).</p>

<p>"The WDSF could not be prouder to have breaking included at Paris 2024... It was a true team effort to get to this moment and we will redouble our efforts in the lead-up to the Olympic Games to make sure the breaking competition at Paris 2024 will be unforgettable."</p>

<h2>- Paris podiums down to 329 -</h2>

<p>Federations of sports that already have Olympic status were left disappointed in their bid to increase events within their sports as IOC president Thomas Bach said that none of the proposed 41 events would be included in Paris.</p>

<p>While some sports substituted in some events within their existing event numbers, Bach said medal events had actually gone down from 339 to 329.</p>

<p>He said the athletes' quota for Paris had been fixed at 10,500, including those participating in the four new sports.</p>

<p>That represents a decrease of 600 from Tokyo Games, while gender equality would be attained for the first time in Olympic history in Paris.</p>

<p>The question of gender equality led to the demise of the men's 50km race walk, which first appeared at the 1932 Olympics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>IOC sports director Kit McConnell said the event would be replaced by a "mixed gender event".</p>

<p>There was a decision to "reach gender equality by removing the men's 50km race walk", rather than introducing a women's version, McConnell said, adding that the men and women's 20km race walks would remain.</p>

<p>The replacement event will not, however, be a mixed cross-country, which World Athletics had been pushing hard for.</p>

<p>"The event had to fit into an existing Olympic venue," McConnell said, explaining that a potential re-fit of the equestrian or mountain-bike venues to accommodate a cross-country was shown to be "too expensive and complex".</p>


Breakdancing was one of four new sports along with skateboarding, surfing and sport climbing to get the Olympic green light on Monday for inclusion at the 2024 Paris Games.

Breakdancing was one of four new sports along with skateboarding, surfing and sport climbing to get the Olympic green light on Monday for inclusion at the 2024 Paris Games. The four sports were included as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive board met to confirm the Paris 2024 programme. Skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing have already been added to the programme for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which will take place in 2021 after being postponed by a year because of the coronavirus pandemic. The introduction of breaking was "one of the results of the Olympic Agenda 2020", Bach said. "We had a clear priority to introduce sports (that are) particularly popular among the younger generation and taking into consideration the urbanisation of sport." Breakdancing, which grew up alongside hip hop in the South Bronx of New York in the 1970s and is officially known in sport terms as "breaking", appeared at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, in the form of head-to-head "battles". Russia's Sergei Chernyshev, competing under the nickname Bumblebee, won the first breakdancing gold medal for boys in that event, while Japan's Ramu Kawai won the girls' title. "Today is a historic occasion not only for b-boys and b-girls but for all dancers around the world," said Shawn Tay, president of the World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF). "The WDSF could not be prouder to have breaking included at Paris 2024... It was a true team effort to get to this moment and we will redouble our efforts in the lead-up to the Olympic Games to make sure the breaking competition at Paris 2024 will be unforgettable." - Paris podiums down to 329 - Federations of sports that already have Olympic status were left disappointed in their bid to increase events within their sports as IOC president Thomas Bach said that none of the proposed 41 events would be included in Paris. While some sports substituted in some events within their existing event numbers, Bach said medal events had actually gone down from 339 to 329. He said the athletes' quota for Paris had been fixed at 10,500, including those participating in the four new sports. That represents a decrease of 600 from Tokyo Games, while gender equality would be attained for the first time in Olympic history in Paris. The question of gender equality led to the demise of the men's 50km race walk, which first appeared at the 1932 Olympics. IOC sports director Kit McConnell said the event would be replaced by a "mixed gender event". There was a decision to "reach gender equality by removing the men's 50km race walk", rather than introducing a women's version, McConnell said, adding that the men and women's 20km race walks would remain. The replacement event will not, however, be a mixed cross-country, which World Athletics had been pushing hard for. "The event had to fit into an existing Olympic venue," McConnell said, explaining that a potential re-fit of the equestrian or mountain-bike venues to accommodate a cross-country was shown to be "too expensive and complex".

Breakdancing gets Olympic green light for Paris 2024

<p>The Football Association announced on Monday that it is investigating following the booing of players taking a knee at two English Football League games at the weekend.</p>

<p>A number of fans at the match in the second-tier Championship between Millwall and Derby and at Colchester's League Two home clash with Grimsby booed the players' anti-racism gesture before kick-off.</p>

<p>"The FA can confirm that investigations are under way into crowd-related incidents at both The Den and JobServe Community Stadium on Saturday 5 December 2020," English football's governing body said in a statement.</p>

<p>The booing from Millwall fans led interim Derby boss Wayne Rooney to condemn their "disgraceful and mindless behaviour".</p>

<p>And Colchester owner Robbie Cowling, whose side play in the fourth tier, has told supporters who want to boo players taking a knee they are not welcome at the club.</p>

<p>"Those taking the knee, and supporting the taking of the knee, not only show their willingness to support the drive to eradicate racial oppression but force it to be a talking point even when it's uncomfortable," he said.</p>

<p>The Professional Footballers' Association described the booing as "a sad indictment of the lack of understanding and empathy for the players' fight against racism and discrimination".</p>

<p>It urged London-based Millwall to "act swiftly to identify the section of the crowd who booed the players".</p>

<p>Players from Millwall and Queens Park Rangers will stand arm-in-arm with each other in a show of solidarity for football’s fight against discrimination ahead of kick-off at The Den on Tuesday</p>

<p>The two teams will hold a banner to show their collective commitment towards ongoing efforts to rid the game of racism.</p>

<p>"Millwall believe that this gesture, which the club hopes to repeat with other visiting teams in the coming weeks and months, will help to unify people throughout society in the battle to root out all forms of discrimination," the club said in a statement.</p>


The Football Association announced on Monday that it is investigating following the booing of players taking a knee at two English Football League games at the weekend.

The Football Association announced on Monday that it is investigating following the booing of players taking a knee at two English Football League games at the weekend. A number of fans at the match in the second-tier Championship between Millwall and Derby and at Colchester's League Two home clash with Grimsby booed the players' anti-racism gesture before kick-off. "The FA can confirm that investigations are under way into crowd-related incidents at both The Den and JobServe Community Stadium on Saturday 5 December 2020," English football's governing body said in a statement. The booing from Millwall fans led interim Derby boss Wayne Rooney to condemn their "disgraceful and mindless behaviour". And Colchester owner Robbie Cowling, whose side play in the fourth tier, has told supporters who want to boo players taking a knee they are not welcome at the club. "Those taking the knee, and supporting the taking of the knee, not only show their willingness to support the drive to eradicate racial oppression but force it to be a talking point even when it's uncomfortable," he said. The Professional Footballers' Association described the booing as "a sad indictment of the lack of understanding and empathy for the players' fight against racism and discrimination". It urged London-based Millwall to "act swiftly to identify the section of the crowd who booed the players". Players from Millwall and Queens Park Rangers will stand arm-in-arm with each other in a show of solidarity for football’s fight against discrimination ahead of kick-off at The Den on Tuesday The two teams will hold a banner to show their collective commitment towards ongoing efforts to rid the game of racism. "Millwall believe that this gesture, which the club hopes to repeat with other visiting teams in the coming weeks and months, will help to unify people throughout society in the battle to root out all forms of discrimination," the club said in a statement.

English FA probes booing of players taking a knee

<p>Real Madrid value success in the Champions League above all else, but the 13-time champions head into Wednesday's game against Borussia Moenchengladbach with their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.</p>

<p>Should they suffer a humiliating group stage exit, ending their remarkable run as the only team to ever avoid elimination at this phase, coach Zinedine Zidane’s future will be at risk.</p>

<p>A win for either side in the Spanish capital will guarantee them passage through to the last 16 from Group B.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If Madrid draw and Shakhtar win or draw with Inter Milan in the other group match, the Spanish giants will be out.</p>

<p>Reports in the Spanish capital have linked Madrid with former Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino, currently without a club, should they part ways with Zidane, while Real Madrid Castilla coach Raul Gonzalez, a prolific striker for the club in the past, has been touted as a 'plan B’.</p>

<p>The Frenchman’s predecessor Santiago Solari was sacked after the humiliating last-16 exit against Ajax in the Champions League in 2019, paving the way for him to return just 10 months after his sudden departure.</p>

<p>Last season’s elimination at the same phase by Manchester City was mitigated by the team’s strong domestic performance, as they ground their way to the Spanish title, but another early failure in Europe may prove to be the final straw for trigger-happy president Florentino Perez.</p>

<p>"Zizou is a magnificent coach, a good friend and will do everything possible to have Madrid in the best position possible,” said former Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, defending the coach against the mounting speculation over his future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You cannot live in the past, but he has earned the right to lead Madrid."</p>

<h2>- Ramos returns -</h2>

<p>However, despite his success during two stints in charge, winning three Champions League trophies, two La Liga titles and two Club World Cups among other silverware, and his fine history as a player, a defeat could make Zidane Madrid’s eighth managerial casualty in 10 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He is at least boosted by the return of captain Sergio Ramos and right back Dani Carvajal. The Spanish duo are important parts of Madrid’s defence.</p>

<p>Ramos in particular is essential, with Madrid having lost eight of their last 10 European games in which the 35-year-old has not played, including the Ajax and Manchester City eliminations.</p>

<p>Zidane got a boost after a narrow 1-0 victory over Sevilla on Saturday, Real's first Liga win since October.</p>

<p>"The last few days have been very tough but this team has a lot of character and loves challenges,” Zidane said.</p>

<p>"Today's win is very important for what is coming next. We know when we don’t play well we will be criticised but we have to focus on the positives and keep trying to find consistency."</p>

<p>Madrid almost fell to defeat in Germany in October but last-gasp goals from Karim Benzema and Casemiro helped them earn a 2-2 draw after Marcus Thuram’s double put Gladbach ahead.</p>

<p>A pair of wins against Antonio Conte’s underwhelming Inter Milan got Madrid back on track but a dismal 2-0 away defeat by Shakhtar Donetsk at the start of December left Zidane desperately needing a victory this week.</p>

<p>Madrid then host league leaders Atletico Madrid in a derby clash on Saturday, another crucial match in a week which could define the Spanish champions' season, and their coach's future.</p>

<p>After the Shakhtar defeat Zidane insisted he had no intention of resigning, but if the team stumble against Marco Rose’s Gladbach, that decision may be taken out of his hands.</p>


Real Madrid value success in the Champions League above all else, but the 13-time champions head into Wednesday's game against Borussia Moenchengladbach with their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

Real Madrid value success in the Champions League above all else, but the 13-time champions head into Wednesday's game against Borussia Moenchengladbach with their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. Should they suffer a humiliating group stage exit, ending their remarkable run as the only team to ever avoid elimination at this phase, coach Zinedine Zidane’s future will be at risk. A win for either side in the Spanish capital will guarantee them passage through to the last 16 from Group B. If Madrid draw and Shakhtar win or draw with Inter Milan in the other group match, the Spanish giants will be out. Reports in the Spanish capital have linked Madrid with former Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino, currently without a club, should they part ways with Zidane, while Real Madrid Castilla coach Raul Gonzalez, a prolific striker for the club in the past, has been touted as a 'plan B’. The Frenchman’s predecessor Santiago Solari was sacked after the humiliating last-16 exit against Ajax in the Champions League in 2019, paving the way for him to return just 10 months after his sudden departure. Last season’s elimination at the same phase by Manchester City was mitigated by the team’s strong domestic performance, as they ground their way to the Spanish title, but another early failure in Europe may prove to be the final straw for trigger-happy president Florentino Perez. "Zizou is a magnificent coach, a good friend and will do everything possible to have Madrid in the best position possible,” said former Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, defending the coach against the mounting speculation over his future. "You cannot live in the past, but he has earned the right to lead Madrid." - Ramos returns - However, despite his success during two stints in charge, winning three Champions League trophies, two La Liga titles and two Club World Cups among other silverware, and his fine history as a player, a defeat could make Zidane Madrid’s eighth managerial casualty in 10 years. He is at least boosted by the return of captain Sergio Ramos and right back Dani Carvajal. The Spanish duo are important parts of Madrid’s defence. Ramos in particular is essential, with Madrid having lost eight of their last 10 European games in which the 35-year-old has not played, including the Ajax and Manchester City eliminations. Zidane got a boost after a narrow 1-0 victory over Sevilla on Saturday, Real's first Liga win since October. "The last few days have been very tough but this team has a lot of character and loves challenges,” Zidane said. "Today's win is very important for what is coming next. We know when we don’t play well we will be criticised but we have to focus on the positives and keep trying to find consistency." Madrid almost fell to defeat in Germany in October but last-gasp goals from Karim Benzema and Casemiro helped them earn a 2-2 draw after Marcus Thuram’s double put Gladbach ahead. A pair of wins against Antonio Conte’s underwhelming Inter Milan got Madrid back on track but a dismal 2-0 away defeat by Shakhtar Donetsk at the start of December left Zidane desperately needing a victory this week. Madrid then host league leaders Atletico Madrid in a derby clash on Saturday, another crucial match in a week which could define the Spanish champions' season, and their coach's future. After the Shakhtar defeat Zidane insisted he had no intention of resigning, but if the team stumble against Marco Rose’s Gladbach, that decision may be taken out of his hands.

Real Madrid and Zidane brace for crucial European night

<p>Barcelona are set to host Juventus at the Camp Nou as action in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League 2020-21</a> group stage continues. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will face each other for the first time since 2018 when the latter left Real Madrid to make a stunning move to Juventus. Since then, the footballing world has been dreaming to see the two legends take the pitch again together.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about Group G, Barcelona and Juventus both have qualified to the knockout stage with 15 and 12 points respectively with the former topping the group given their first-leg 2-0 win over Juventus – a match which Ronaldo missed after testing positive for the coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite it being a dead rubber, the eyes of the entire footballing world will be locked on Ronaldo and Messi for the 90 minutes as the iconic duo take the pitch again, resuming a rivalry of more than a decade.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-to-face-cristiano-ronaldo-as-iconic-rivalry-resumes-in-champions-league-348376" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi to face Cristiano Ronaldo as iconic rivalry resumes in Champions League</a></strong></p>

<h2>When will Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) begin?</h2>

<p>The Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) will begin at 1:30 AM IST on December 9.</p>

<h2>Where will Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) be played?</h2>

<p>The Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) match will be held at the Camp Nou.</p>

<h2>Which channel will telecast Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL)?</h2>

<p>The Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) will have a live telecast on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten HD.</p>

<h2>How to watch the live streaming of Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL)?</h2>

<p>The live streaming of Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) will be available on Sony’s streaming platform. &nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Barcelona are set to host Juventus at the Camp Nou as action in UEFA Champions League 2020-21 group stage continues. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will face each other for the first time since 2018 when the latter left Real Madrid to make a stunning move to Juventus.

Barcelona are set to host Juventus at the Camp Nou as action in UEFA Champions League 2020-21 group stage continues. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will face each other for the first time since 2018 when the latter left Real Madrid to make a stunning move to Juventus. Since then, the footballing world has been dreaming to see the two legends take the pitch again together. Talking about Group G, Barcelona and Juventus both have qualified to the knockout stage with 15 and 12 points respectively with the former topping the group given their first-leg 2-0 win over Juventus – a match which Ronaldo missed after testing positive for the coronavirus. Despite it being a dead rubber, the eyes of the entire footballing world will be locked on Ronaldo and Messi for the 90 minutes as the iconic duo take the pitch again, resuming a rivalry of more than a decade. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi to face Cristiano Ronaldo as iconic rivalry resumes in Champions League When will Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) begin? The Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) will begin at 1:30 AM IST on December 9. Where will Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) be played? The Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) match will be held at the Camp Nou. Which channel will telecast Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL)? The Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) will have a live telecast on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten HD. How to watch the live streaming of Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL)? The live streaming of Barcelona vs Juventus, UEFA Champions League (UCL) will be available on Sony’s streaming platform.

Barcelona vs Juventus, Champions League Live Streaming: When and where to watch BAR vs JUV match?

<p>Pakistan's cricketers complained Monday of being affected "mentally and physically" by New Zealand's strict Covid-19 protocols, which have kept the players holed up in their quarantine hotel for nearly two weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Coach Misbah-ul-Haq said the team was looking forward to exiting managed isolation, with New Zealand Cricket saying the latest virus tests had all come back negative and they should be allowed out on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Since the 50-plus squad of players and officials arrived last month, 10 have tested positive for the coronavirus, forcing New Zealand health authorities to withdraw permission for the team to train in isolation.</p>

<p>Early in their stay, several team members were caught mingling together at their four-star quarantine hotel in Christchurch, in breach of the managed isolation rules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Top professional athletes require a certain environment to prepare so that they can perform at the minimum expected levels every time they represent their countries," Misbah said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>He said Pakistan "respect and understand" the health and safety regulations, but "there is no denying the fact that the implementation of certain regulations has affected our athletes, both mentally and physically prior to an international series".&nbsp;</p>

<p>All overseas arrivals to New Zealand must spend two weeks in quarantine, with sports teams that return negative tests after three days granted permission to train together in isolation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, 10 days after the Pakistan team arrived, New Zealand health officials said "ongoing concerns" about the risk of further infections meant their training ban could not be lifted.</p>

<p>"I want to compliment my players and the management team for their patience, sacrifices and the hardships they have endured to ensure they not only lead the safe resumption of international cricket during the Covid-19 pandemic... but also try to give their best every time they step on the field," Misbah said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Zealand Cricket said the negative tests meant the touring party would be allowed to leave isolation on Tuesday, pending health department approval, to prepare for their first Twenty20 match against the Black Caps on December 18.</p>

<p>The New Zealand health ministry refused to confirm the results of the team's latest tests.</p>

<p><br />
cf/ns/arb/th</p>

<p><br />
© Agence France-Presse</p>

<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan's cricketers complained Monday of being affected "mentally and physically" by New Zealand's strict Covid-19 protocols, which have kept the players holed up in their quarantine hotel for nearly two weeks.

Pakistan's cricketers complained Monday of being affected "mentally and physically" by New Zealand's strict Covid-19 protocols, which have kept the players holed up in their quarantine hotel for nearly two weeks. Coach Misbah-ul-Haq said the team was looking forward to exiting managed isolation, with New Zealand Cricket saying the latest virus tests had all come back negative and they should be allowed out on Tuesday. Since the 50-plus squad of players and officials arrived last month, 10 have tested positive for the coronavirus, forcing New Zealand health authorities to withdraw permission for the team to train in isolation. Early in their stay, several team members were caught mingling together at their four-star quarantine hotel in Christchurch, in breach of the managed isolation rules. "Top professional athletes require a certain environment to prepare so that they can perform at the minimum expected levels every time they represent their countries," Misbah said in a statement. × He said Pakistan "respect and understand" the health and safety regulations, but "there is no denying the fact that the implementation of certain regulations has affected our athletes, both mentally and physically prior to an international series". All overseas arrivals to New Zealand must spend two weeks in quarantine, with sports teams that return negative tests after three days granted permission to train together in isolation. On Friday, 10 days after the Pakistan team arrived, New Zealand health officials said "ongoing concerns" about the risk of further infections meant their training ban could not be lifted. "I want to compliment my players and the management team for their patience, sacrifices and the hardships they have endured to ensure they not only lead the safe resumption of international cricket during the Covid-19 pandemic... but also try to give their best every time they step on the field," Misbah said. New Zealand Cricket said the negative tests meant the touring party would be allowed to leave isolation on Tuesday, pending health department approval, to prepare for their first Twenty20 match against the Black Caps on December 18. The New Zealand health ministry refused to confirm the results of the team's latest tests. cf/ns/arb/th © Agence France-Presse

Pakistan cricketers hit 'mentally, physically' by NZ Covid isolation

<p>The father of England all-rounder Ben Stokes, a former rugby league player and coach, Ged Stokes has died after a battle with brain cancer, his former rugby club Workington Town announced on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Ged Stokes, 65, was diagnosed with illness in January and spent five weeks in hospital seriously ill in Johannesburg earlier this year. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Stokes, 65, had returned home to Christchurch in New Zealand with his wife Deborah, where he was living at the time of his death.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is with great sadness that we learn our former player and coach Ged Stokes has passed away,” his former rugby club Workington Town said in a statement.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sad news. RIP Ged. <a href="https://t.co/KmEDFuLRUd">pic.twitter.com/KmEDFuLRUd</a></p>
— Workington Town is wearen a fyas cuvveren (@WorkingtonTown) <a href="https://twitter.com/WorkingtonTown/status/1336280530506182656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-left-fuming-as-umpires-deny-india-a-drs-opportunity-due-to-early-replay-348355" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli left fuming as umpires deny India a DRS opportunity due to 'early' replay</a></strong></p>

<p>"Ged is written into the rich fabric of Town history and will be greatly missed.</p>

<p>"Our thoughts are with Deb, Ben and James.</p>

<p>"Ged still has many, many friends here in West Cumbria and we send our thoughts to them too."</p>

<p>Ged coached Workington Town’s fellow side Whitehaven and also took charge of Serbia in the international circuit.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-cricketers-to-leave-new-zealand-quarantine-cleared-to-train-for-1st-t20i-348304" hreflang="en">Pakistan cricketers to leave New Zealand quarantine, cleared to train for 1st T20I</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, Ben Stokes had left England’s bio-secure bubble during their series against Pakistan to spend time with his father and family. He also missed the first half of Indian Premier League in the UAE before joining his franchise Rajasthan Royals for the last phase of the tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prior to jetting off for India, the all-rounder wrote in his Mirror column: "Saying goodbye to my dad, my mum and my brother in Christchurch was tough. It has been a difficult time for us as a family, but we've pulled together and supported each other as best we can.</p>

<p>"And I was able to get on the plane with my parents' love and blessing after we reached the decision, for me to get back playing, as a family with no external influences."</p>


The father of England all-rounder Ben Stokes, a former rugby league player and coach, Ged Stokes has died after a battle with brain cancer, his former rugby club Workington Town announced on Tuesday.

The father of England all-rounder Ben Stokes, a former rugby league player and coach, Ged Stokes has died after a battle with brain cancer, his former rugby club Workington Town announced on Tuesday. Ged Stokes, 65, was diagnosed with illness in January and spent five weeks in hospital seriously ill in Johannesburg earlier this year. Stokes, 65, had returned home to Christchurch in New Zealand with his wife Deborah, where he was living at the time of his death. "It is with great sadness that we learn our former player and coach Ged Stokes has passed away,” his former rugby club Workington Town said in a statement. Sad news. RIP Ged. pic.twitter.com/KmEDFuLRUd — Workington Town is wearen a fyas cuvveren (@WorkingtonTown) December 8, 2020 × ALSO READ: Virat Kohli left fuming as umpires deny India a DRS opportunity due to 'early' replay "Ged is written into the rich fabric of Town history and will be greatly missed. "Our thoughts are with Deb, Ben and James. "Ged still has many, many friends here in West Cumbria and we send our thoughts to them too." Ged coached Workington Town’s fellow side Whitehaven and also took charge of Serbia in the international circuit. ALSO READ: Pakistan cricketers to leave New Zealand quarantine, cleared to train for 1st T20I Earlier, Ben Stokes had left England’s bio-secure bubble during their series against Pakistan to spend time with his father and family. He also missed the first half of Indian Premier League in the UAE before joining his franchise Rajasthan Royals for the last phase of the tournament. Prior to jetting off for India, the all-rounder wrote in his Mirror column: "Saying goodbye to my dad, my mum and my brother in Christchurch was tough. It has been a difficult time for us as a family, but we've pulled together and supported each other as best we can. "And I was able to get on the plane with my parents' love and blessing after we reached the decision, for me to get back playing, as a family with no external influences."

Ben Stokes' father, Ged, dies after brain cancer battle

<p>In what has been one of the most awaited matches in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League</a> 2020-21 group stage, Barcelona is set to host Juventus at the Camp Nou on Tuesday with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo set to face each other for the first time since the latter left Real Madrid in 2018. The iconic duo of Ronaldo and Messi will take on each other for the 36th time in their career – an on-field rivalry which has left the footballing world at the edge of their seats for more than a decade.</p>

<p>While Messi and Ronaldo were to face each other in their first encounter in Turin, Ronaldo was ruled out of the match after testing positive for COVID-19. Messi went on to score a 90th-minute penalty to seal a 2-0 win for the Blaugrana.</p>

<p>Interestingly, Ronaldo, who is the highest-ever score in UCL history, is yet to score against Messi’s Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League whereas Messi has three goals against Ronaldo in the elite tournament.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fans-back-atletico-ac-milan-european-football-talking-points-348179" hreflang="en">Fans back, Atletico, AC Milan: European football talking points</a></strong></p>

<p>Notably, Messi has been on the losing side only once in five matches played between the duo in Champions League. Overall, Messi and Ronaldo have played 35 times in all competitions (for club and country) with the Barcelona ace leading the race with 16 wins whereas Ronaldo has tasted success 10 times. Messi has 22 goals and 12 assists to his name as compared to Ronaldo’s 19 goals and one assist.</p>

<p>In trophy race, Messi leads Ronaldo with 36-32. Even in the Ballon d’Or race, Messi holds the edge with six golden balls to Ronaldo’s five. However, in the international stage, Ronaldo won the Euro 206 and Nations League final titles for Portugal but Messi has lost four finals with Argentina. Ronaldo has more UCL trophies (five) to Messi’s four.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldo-set-to-renew-stellar-rivalry-in-champions-league-348069" hreflang="en">Ronaldo set to renew stellar rivalry in Champions League</a></strong></p>

<p>With both the giants of the footballing world set to collide again, all eyes will be set on the duo to determine who has the final laugh in what promises to be an enticing battle.</p>


In what has been one of the most awaited matches in UEFA Champions League 2020-21 group stage, Barcelona is set to host Juventus at the Camp Nou on Tuesday with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo set to face each other for the first time since the latter left Real Madrid in 2018.

In what has been one of the most awaited matches in UEFA Champions League 2020-21 group stage, Barcelona is set to host Juventus at the Camp Nou on Tuesday with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo set to face each other for the first time since the latter left Real Madrid in 2018. The iconic duo of Ronaldo and Messi will take on each other for the 36th time in their career – an on-field rivalry which has left the footballing world at the edge of their seats for more than a decade. While Messi and Ronaldo were to face each other in their first encounter in Turin, Ronaldo was ruled out of the match after testing positive for COVID-19. Messi went on to score a 90th-minute penalty to seal a 2-0 win for the Blaugrana. Interestingly, Ronaldo, who is the highest-ever score in UCL history, is yet to score against Messi’s Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League whereas Messi has three goals against Ronaldo in the elite tournament. ALSO READ: Fans back, Atletico, AC Milan: European football talking points Notably, Messi has been on the losing side only once in five matches played between the duo in Champions League. Overall, Messi and Ronaldo have played 35 times in all competitions (for club and country) with the Barcelona ace leading the race with 16 wins whereas Ronaldo has tasted success 10 times. Messi has 22 goals and 12 assists to his name as compared to Ronaldo’s 19 goals and one assist. In trophy race, Messi leads Ronaldo with 36-32. Even in the Ballon d’Or race, Messi holds the edge with six golden balls to Ronaldo’s five. However, in the international stage, Ronaldo won the Euro 206 and Nations League final titles for Portugal but Messi has lost four finals with Argentina. Ronaldo has more UCL trophies (five) to Messi’s four. ALSO READ: Ronaldo set to renew stellar rivalry in Champions League With both the giants of the footballing world set to collide again, all eyes will be set on the duo to determine who has the final laugh in what promises to be an enticing battle.

Lionel Messi to face Cristiano Ronaldo as iconic rivalry resumes in Champions League

<p>Australia on Tuesday defeated India by 12 runs at the Sydney Cricket Ground in what was the third and final T20I match of the series. This was India’s first defeat in 12 T20Is for India with the last loss coming against the West Indies in Trivandrum in December 2019. The 12-run defeat to Australia also became India’s first away defeat in 11 matches since losing to New Zealand in Hamilton in February 2019.</p>

<p>The T20I series also marks the end to the limited-overs affair in India’s gruelling tour of Australia and both the teams will now focus on the four-match Test series, starting December 17.</p>

<p>Batting first, Australia posted 186/5 in 20 overs following a breathtaking 80-run knock off 53 deliveries laced by seven boundaries and two sixes. While captain Aaron Finch departed for a duck, Steve Smith was also sent packing for 24. Both the wickets were taken by Washington Sundar.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-left-fuming-as-umpires-deny-india-a-drs-opportunity-due-to-early-replay-348355" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli left fuming as umpires deny India a DRS opportunity due to 'early' replay</a></strong></p>

<p>Glenn Maxwell continued his rich run of form as he smashed 54 off 36 including three boundaries and as many sixes as Australia managed to post another formidable total on the board.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Men in Blue, chasing 187, lost KL Rahul for a duck but Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli stitched a 74-run stand before the southpaw departed for 28. Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer both failed to deliver with scores of 10 and 0 respectively.</p>

<p>Hardik Pandya smashed a couple of sixes but couldn’t continue and even Virat Kohli departed for 85 soon after Hardik was dismissed. Shardul Thakur hammered another couple of sixes but it was too little too late for India as they end the T20I series by winning it 2-1.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-ravindra-jadeja-likely-to-miss-pink-ball-test-348137" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS: Ravindra Jadeja likely to miss pink-ball Test</a></strong></p>

<p>“At one stage when Hardik started going, we thought we could pull it off. The middle over phase during our batting cost us the game. A partnership of 30-odd would've made it easier for Hardik. We are finding ways to come back and give the opposition a scare and the series win is a little asterisk for us to finish the 2020 season on a high,” said Kohli after India’s 12-run defeat to Australia.</p>

<p>“I feel the crowd was a factor as well, it's always giving you a dimension of motivation. Our crowd pulls us through sometimes, and Australia's too, and we as players feed off the crowd's energy. We need to take the same competitive attitude into the Tests, and having played here a few times, we can score runs as well. Once it's time to capitalize and score, we need to do that session by session. I'm sure the current side is stronger than last time (Test matches) and I'll see if I can play the tour match,” he added.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Australia on Tuesday defeated India by 12 runs at the Sydney Cricket Ground in what was the third and final T20I match of the series. This was India’s first defeat in 12 T20Is for India with the last loss coming against the West Indies in Trivandrum in December 2019.

Australia on Tuesday defeated India by 12 runs at the Sydney Cricket Ground in what was the third and final T20I match of the series. This was India’s first defeat in 12 T20Is for India with the last loss coming against the West Indies in Trivandrum in December 2019. The 12-run defeat to Australia also became India’s first away defeat in 11 matches since losing to New Zealand in Hamilton in February 2019. The T20I series also marks the end to the limited-overs affair in India’s gruelling tour of Australia and both the teams will now focus on the four-match Test series, starting December 17. Batting first, Australia posted 186/5 in 20 overs following a breathtaking 80-run knock off 53 deliveries laced by seven boundaries and two sixes. While captain Aaron Finch departed for a duck, Steve Smith was also sent packing for 24. Both the wickets were taken by Washington Sundar. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli left fuming as umpires deny India a DRS opportunity due to 'early' replay Glenn Maxwell continued his rich run of form as he smashed 54 off 36 including three boundaries and as many sixes as Australia managed to post another formidable total on the board. The Men in Blue, chasing 187, lost KL Rahul for a duck but Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli stitched a 74-run stand before the southpaw departed for 28. Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer both failed to deliver with scores of 10 and 0 respectively. Hardik Pandya smashed a couple of sixes but couldn’t continue and even Virat Kohli departed for 85 soon after Hardik was dismissed. Shardul Thakur hammered another couple of sixes but it was too little too late for India as they end the T20I series by winning it 2-1. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Ravindra Jadeja likely to miss pink-ball Test “At one stage when Hardik started going, we thought we could pull it off. The middle over phase during our batting cost us the game. A partnership of 30-odd would've made it easier for Hardik. We are finding ways to come back and give the opposition a scare and the series win is a little asterisk for us to finish the 2020 season on a high,” said Kohli after India’s 12-run defeat to Australia. “I feel the crowd was a factor as well, it's always giving you a dimension of motivation. Our crowd pulls us through sometimes, and Australia's too, and we as players feed off the crowd's energy. We need to take the same competitive attitude into the Tests, and having played here a few times, we can score runs as well. Once it's time to capitalize and score, we need to do that session by session. I'm sure the current side is stronger than last time (Test matches) and I'll see if I can play the tour match,” he added.

3rd T20I: Australia take consolation win as India clinch series 2-1

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