SOFIA: England bounced back from their first tournament qualifying defeat for 10 years with a 6-0 thrashing of toothless Bulgaria on Monday in a Euro 2020 Group A clash marred by racist incidents in the first half that stopped the game.
The match at the Vasil Levski stadium was temporarily halted by the referee in the first half under a three-step UEFA protocol to tackle racist abuse from the crowd.
Racist chanting was heard from the stands and reported by England players to manager Gareth Southgate, with the referee informed and a public announcement made on two occasions.
"The officials were onto everything very quickly," said Southgate. "We reported everything very quickly when we heard things.
"I explained to the players that if anything else did happen in the second half we would be coming off. We all saw the second half was calmer and that allowed our players to do their talking with the football."
Most of the Bulgaria players and coach Krasimir Balakov said they had not heard any abuse of the England team.
"It's a very delicate subject," Balakov told reporters. "I do not think there is a single person in Bulgaria who would say that racism is something pleasant.
"But at the same time, it is very strange how this topic is interpreted in football. I have heard absolutely nothing (during the game)."
On the pitch, Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling both netted twice after Marcus Rashford got the opener and captain Harry Kane finished off the rout, Bulgaria's heaviest home defeat, as the visitors recovered from a 2-1 loss to the Czech Republic on Friday.
England, who moved closer to a place at Euro 2020, are top of the group with 15 points from six games, three ahead of the Czechs and four in front of Kosovo who beat Montenegro 2-0.
EARLY VICTIM
England debutant Tyrone Mings was an early victim of racist abuse, turning towards the fans when chants were aimed in his direction. Croatian referee Ivan Bebek stopped the game in the 28th minute after Raheem Sterling was a target for abuse.
A public announcement condemned the racist abuse before stating that the match would be abandoned if it continued.
The game was stopped again in the 43rd minute but resumed after the referee consulted England manager Gareth Southgate.
A group of black-clad Bulgarian fans, some of whom were making right-wing salutes, were moved from an area behind the dugout with home team captain Ivelin Popov trying to appeal to the supporters in a heated discussion at halftime.
Popov did not even go to the dressing room, attempting to explain to fans that their behaviour was unacceptable.
European soccer governing body UEFA had ordered the Bulgarian Football Union to partially close the Vasil Levski national stadium for England's visit after supporters were found guilty of racist behaviour in matches earlier this year.
On the pitch, Barkley struck twice after Rashford score in the seventh minute as Southgate’s side highlighted the gap in quality with the hosts before Sterling netted before halftime.
England’s victory was rounded off by Sterling's second goal midway through the second half and a cool finish from Kane five minutes from the end against bottom side Bulgaria.
"We have no class," coach Krasimir Balakov said of his side. "I understand all the people who have bought tickets and wanted something different, but against this England team, with this dynamic, and with these players that cost millions..."
England thrash Bulgaria after game halted over racist abuse
England thrash Bulgaria after game halted over racist abuse
- Racist chanting was heard from the stands and reported by England players to manager Gareth Southgate
Ronaldo’s brace keeps Al-Nassr in title race after beating Damac 2-0
- It was far from a vintage performance by the Riyadh club
- Al-Nassr should have extended their lead on numerous occasions
RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice on Friday to give Al-Nassr a vital 2-0 win over Damac that keeps the Riyadh hosts in the title race.
It was far from a vintage performance by the Riyadh club but they move on to 25 points from 12 games, three behind Al-Hilal and five behind Al-Ittihad, with the top two teams in action on Saturday.
Ronaldo went closest early on, heading over from a good position but had an even better one after 16 minutes as Al-Nassr were awarded a penalty following a handball in the area from Abdelkader Bedrane.
Ronaldo stuttered and delayed his run-up before drilling a low shot into the bottom-left corner beyond the diving Amin Al-Bukhari to show his famous “Siu” celebration for the 57th time in 58 league games for the Yellows.
Al-Nassr should have extended their lead on numerous occasions. Angelo rolled two shots just wide of the post while Sadio Mane had a close-range effort saved by Al-Bukhari after being put through on goal by a Ronaldo backheel in the area.
At the break, Nassr coach Stefano Pioli would have been frustrated by his team not getting a second, and after play resumed, the Italian would have been unhappy at his time looking sloppy at the back. More than once Bento had to save the team from defensive laxness.
Some of the pressure was removed after 55 minutes as Damac were reduced to ten men. The unfortunate Bedrane saw red for a dangerous challenge on Mohamed Simakan.
The visitors still managed to cause problems for the star-studded hosts but Ronaldo sealed the win with 10 minutes remaining. Nawaf Boushal got to the byline on the left and provided the five-time Ballon D’Or winner with the perfect pullback and the Portuguese star did the rest, firing a left-footed shot powerfully home. It was his ninth league goal of the season so far.
Al-Qadsia stay fourth behind Al-Nassr on goal difference with a 1-0 win at home to Al-Khaleej, a fifth league victory in succession for the newly promoted team.
AlUla ready to host Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation Endurance Cup
- Event will feature more than 200 male and female riders competing across a challenging 120-kilometer course
ALULA: The Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation Endurance Cup will take place on Saturday at the Al-Fursan Equestrian Village fields in AlUla.
The event will feature more than 200 male and female riders competing across a challenging 120-km course, with a prize pool totaling SR1.5 million ($399,268).
Organized in collaboration between the Royal Commission for AlUla and the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation, the event will showcase the Kingdom’s growing presence in the global equestrian arena.
A veterinary examination of the participating horses took place on Friday to ensure the well-being of all entrants ahead of the race.
This marks the fourth endurance race hosted in AlUla during the 2024-2025 season, and the region has become a key destination for endurance racing, attracting top talent from around the world.
The endurance racing season in AlUla will culminate in February 2025 with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup.
Al-Hilal out to banish minor slump against Riyadh rivals Al-Shabab
- Questions are being asked of the champions who last week dropped points in the SPL and AFC Champions League
DUBAI: Are all-conquering Al-Hilal fallible?
This is the question being posed after a week in which the holders were beaten — for the first time in a record 57 domestic matches — by dark horses Al-Khaleej to cede top spot in Roshn Saudi League to Al-Ittihad, then draw with Qatar’s Al-Sadd to be replaced at the AFC Champions League Elite League Stage’s West Region summit by Al-Ahli.
Although Champions League progress to the knockout stages by Al-Hilal — as well as the other Saudi clubs involved, Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr, has been confirmed — this mini slump has shaken predictions of a 2024-2025 procession for Jorge Jesus’s star-studded squad.
Arab News takes a look at issues from which rivals may take encouragement ahead of Saturday night’s derby at much-improved neighbors Al-Shabab.
Looking at the numbers
Naturally for a team this, uniquely, good, it’s not yet time to ring the alarm bell.
A return of two wins, two draws — Al-Hilal’s other dropped points came in the much-hyped Riyadh Derby at Al-Nassr on Nov. 1 — and one defeat from five matches is slightly concerning. But this followed a staggering run of 18 successive victories that included the 2023-2024 King’s Cup and 2024-2025 Saudi Super Cup successes.
Since Jesus was rehired at the start of last season, he’s overseen 68 wins, eight draws and just four defeats. The Portuguese mastermind is also in charge of leading scorers in this term’s RSL (29) and AFC Champions League (17).
All this has been achieved with only minimal appearances by Brazil megastar Neymar, because of injuries.
Nothing is forever in football.
Manchester City’s current travails in Europe demonstrate that maxim. Causes exist for Hilal concern.
No Neves, no party?
It feels impertinent to pick out one name from a galaxy of superstars, but Ruben Neves is a special case.
Hilal have not been the same since a knee injury necessitated, first, his removal in victory on Oct. 21 at Asian champions Al-Ain and, second, surgery earlier this month. Head physician Dr. Juan Jimenez anticipated a “return to match action in January,” meaning solutions must be found.
The Portugal defensive midfielder has excelled since being bought from Wolverhampton Wanderers, making a strong argument to be considered the smartest buy in the game-changing summer of 2023 recruitment drive across The Kingdom.
He is, also, a player without natural replacement in Hilal’s squad. A situation accentuated by pre-season exits by club icon Salman Al-Faraj to ambitious NEOM SC and a loan to Ettifaq for Abdulelah Al-Malki.
This is not the case for injured attackers Neymar and Salem Al-Dawsari, despite their incredible talents.
No one can question the ability of Mohamed Kanno, Nasser Al-Dawsari or Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. But this trio perform different midfield tasks to the waylaid Neves.
Hilal have kept only two clean sheets in seven matches since the 27-year-old was sidelined. This is a gap that must be plugged, especially after the impending winter break’s end versus Ittihad in the King’s Cup quarter-finals on Jan. 7, 2025.
Sterner opposition?
By the end of match week 11 in 2023-2024, Hilal had already accrued a four-point advantage over Nassr and were the division’s only unbeaten outfit.
Holders Ittihad were a distant sixth, eight points behind, and then-promoted Ahli were fifth on 22 points to the leaders’ 29.
Gargantuan improvement at Ittihad puts them one point ahead of champions Hilal at the same stage of the season, despite both Nassr and Ahli registering fewer points from their opening top-flight fixtures.
Laurent Blanc’s summer arrival in Jeddah has rejuvenated 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema. His RSL tally of eight goals in eight games is just one less than in all of 2023-2024 (nine goals in 21 outings).
This has been aided by the tremendous impacts of fellow Francophones Moussa Diaby — with a leading 10 assists — and last-gasp hero Houssem Aouar.
With N’Golo Kante and Fabinho patrolling midfield for the competition’s second-stingiest rearguard (eight goals conceded in 11 games), Ittihad are not budging in this engaging title battle.
Mitrovic dependence
Bafetimbi Gomis had looked irreplaceable in the hearts of Hilal supporters — that is, until Aleksandar Mitrovic showed up.
The Serbia center forward has exceeded all expectations since a protracted move from Fulham was finally completed in August 2023. He’s struck a formidable 59 times in 63 outings, on the way to four pieces of silverware.
In a strong support cast in 2023-2024, Malcom scored 25 times and Salem Al-Dawsari 24 times across all competitions, to Mitrovic’s 40. This season, he’s more of a solo act.
A fearsome tally of 19 goals in 20 appearances dwarfs that of compatriot Milinkovic-Savic (six), Salem Al-Dawsari and Marcos Leonardo (both seven) and Malcom (three).
If Mitrovic doesn’t fire, it decreases Hilal’s odds of winning.
Summer signings yet to take prominence
Hilal’s sense of purpose to reclaim the RSL trophy in 2023-2024 was intense.
An ominous set of pre-season signings set the course for domestic dominance. This pre-season’s batch have yet to make similarly profound impressions.
Portugal right-back Joao Cancelo has saved his buccaneering best for Asian football, following his Manchester City move. A superb goal at Al-Rayyan and four assists in five outings is vastly superior to a return of two assists in nine league appearances.
It is a similar tale for Brazil youth forward Marcos Leonardo, scooped up from Benfica. Returns of two goals in four AFC games and two goals in two King’s Cup ties look far healthier than two goals in eight top-flight matches.
Availability issues have hampered rapid left-back Moteb Al-Harbi since being bought from Shabab, with one goal coming in six fixtures. Ettifaq loanee Khalid Al-Ghannam has, unsurprisingly, got one assist to show from six fleeting appearances.
Competition for places is fierce. This second wave of signings under Jesus must fight for every minute on the pitch.
A greater threat of being usurped could give a required jolt to the existing Hilal squad for the challenges ahead.
Dakota Ditcheva poised for ‘massive statement’ at PFL World Championship in Riyadh
- Loughnane takes on Khizriev for men’s featherweight title in the headline bout
- Ditcheva faces Santos for the women’s flyweight championship in co-main event
RIYADH: Dakota Ditcheva said she is ready to make a “massive statement” on Friday night when she faces Taila Santos for the PFL Women’s Flyweight Championship in Riyadh and hopes an impressive performance can help inspire more women to pursue mixed martial arts.
Ditcheva, one of the most exciting talents in global mixed martial arts, puts her 13-0 unbeaten record on the line against the experienced Santos (22-3) when they meet in the co-main event of an extraordinary PFL World Championship event at King Saud University.
Six world title fights will take place on Friday to conclude a thrilling 2024 PFL season, headlined by the featherweight championship bout between 2022 champion Brendan Loughnane (30-5) and unbeaten Timur Khizriev (17-0). Each winner will walk away with the belts and $1 million in prize money.
Ditcheva has been making major waves since swapping a world championship-winning Muay Thai career for MMA in 2021. Her enormous potential was spotted by the Professional Fighters League and she was signed in 2022 after five victorious MMA bouts.
Since clinching the PFL Europe women’s flyweight title in 2023, the English-Bulgarian fighter has made the step up to world level look easy, claiming two regular season wins and a semi-final victory in 2024 — all by first-round stoppage.
Now she faces the toughest challenge of her career against experienced Brazilian Santos, who has also impressed since joining the PFL with three straight wins this season.
On what a win over Santos would mean, Ditcheva said: “A massive statement, I feel like. I don’t know whether it will still gain the respect of the people on the internet, but that’s not something I’m worried about.
“Beating Taila would be massive; she’s someone I used to watch in the UFC and someone I have a lot of respect for so I’m just excited to put on an amazing fight. It seems to be a fight that’s got everyone excited, so I’m hoping we can both bring it on the night and put on a great performance.”
Ditcheva’s bout against Santos is another significant moment for women’s MMA as the second professional bout to be staged in Saudi Arabia. It comes nine months after boxing superstar Claressa Shields fought Kelsey DeSantis in the PFL vs Bellator event in Riyadh in the first professional women’s MMA fight in the Kingdom.
“Being a female over here in Riyadh, it can motivate a lot of other women probably and being one of the first ones to come over and show you can still fight, you can perform in such an amazing country, it’s just nice and hopefully motivating for other women,” Ditcheva said.
Among the bouts on the night is one featuring Hattan Alsaif, a rising MMA talent from Saudi Arabia who aspires to follow in Ditcheva’s footsteps and become a global PFL fighter. Alsaif’s inclusion in the event highlights the growing opportunities for women in the region to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Ahead of the fight, Ditcheva took in the many sights of Riyadh, which included attending a Saudi Pro League match to watch Al-Nassr and their superstar captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Everyone knows I’m a big football fan and my brother is a massive Ronaldo fan, as I’m sure everyone is. It was just amazing that I was able to go and experience that,” she said.
“That’s what I love about this sport; it takes you all over the world, you get to experience different sports, meet different people. It’s probably not something I would have had without this sport, so I feel very lucky that I get to do that.”
The 26-year-old will be well supported on Friday night and will have her family by her side, including her mother Lisa Howarth, who was a world champion kickboxer and is a lifelong inspiration for the MMA star.
Abu Dhabi to host FIM World Supercross Championship finale
- WSX returns to the Etihad Arena for 2024 season showdown
ABU DHABI: The stage is set for the finale of the 2024 FIM World Supercross Championship, as the world’s top riders prepare to battle under the lights of the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Dec. 4.
After a hard-fought season, including the historic double-header in Perth, there are several championship scenarios that could still play out.
Fresh off a dominant performance in Perth where he claimed seven out of eight possible race wins, Eli Tomac (CDR Yamaha Supported by Star Racing) heads to Abu Dhabi with a commanding 46-point lead in the WSX Class. However, two-time defending champion Ken Roczen (Pipes Motorsports Group) is not mathematically eliminated yet, setting up what could be one of the most dramatic comebacks in supercross history.
For Roczen to pull off the seemingly impossible and secure his third consecutive WSX title, he would need to win every race in Abu Dhabi (GP Race 1, GP Race 2, GP Race 3, and SuperFinal); Tomac to finish outside the top 10 in several races; and make up an average of 11.5 points per race.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the finale, Joey Savatgy (Fire Power Honda) — the only rider to beat Tomac in a race at Perth — is just six points behind Roczen. With a total of 105 points available in Abu Dhabi, the battle for second in the championship could yet be the night’s most intense storyline.
“The mathematics might be in my favour, but this is supercross — anything can happen," said championship leader Tomac. “Abu Dhabi presents a completely new challenge for everyone, and we’ll be pushing until the final chequered flag.”
The SX2 250cc class has its own compelling narrative as Shane McElrath (Fire Power Honda) looks to convert his 57-point advantage into a championship victory. However, the emerging rivalry between Coty Schock and Enzo Lopes, separated by just two points in their battle for second place, could deliver one of the highlights of the night in Abu Dhabi.
For either Schock or Lopes to have any chance of unseating McElrath, they would need to win every race while hoping for multiple DNFs from McElrath; outperform each other consistently, as neither can afford to lose points to their rival; and overcome McElrath’s near-perfect form that earned him six wins in Perth.
