Newcastle eye Carabao Cup title as Wembley beckons

Newcastle United's Brazilian striker Joelinton (C) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English League Cup semi-final first-leg football match against Southampton. (AFP)
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Updated 26 January 2023
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Newcastle eye Carabao Cup title as Wembley beckons

  • Draw in second leg with Southampton needed
  • Eddie Howe’s not taking anything for granted

SOUTHAMPTON: Newcastle United have one foot in the final of the Carabao Cup after a Joelinton strike saw them emerge victorious in the first leg of their last-four tie at Southampton.

The Brazilian popped up with a second-half winner after a VAR-impacted encounter had seen two goals ruled out for handball.

The win means United just have to avoid defeat in the home return leg in seven days in order to make their first Wembley final since 1999.

Speaking after the encounter, head coach Eddie Howe said: “It was a tough game, both sides had their moments and had chances to win the game, but we know it’s only halftime and there’s a long way to go.

“We created chances today, we weren’t clinical until the goal.

“It’s been a good day but there’s still a long way to go in the tie. I can’t be critical in any way. We defended well, Nick made some big saves again.

“The two saves he made were big moments. (Che) Adams’ one-on-one was at a huge time in the game when they were growing into it and the crowd were getting up but Nick stepped up and kept us in it.

“He’s been outstanding for us this year, the defense has played very well in front of him but when called upon he’s delivered for us.

“Pleased to win, that was our aim but we know 1-0 is delicate, nothing is decided.

“We go back to St James’ with our fans behind us.”

Howe resisted the temptation to shuffle his pack after scoring just once in their last four games. He kept Alexander Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin in reserve as he stuck with the same starting XI at St Mary’s.

Having drawn a blank in three of their last four Premier League games, the Magpies started this one in no mood to see that run continue. Finding spaces down the flanks, United caused the opposition all kind of problems. Sean Longstaff came closest to finding a man in the middle with a low, guided cross. Soon after, Joe Willock somehow misjudged the flight of a Kieran Trippier cross when it looked easier to score.

Same source and same end product on the half hour when Willock blazed over a volley from a Trippier cross. He had an age to line it up, a poor, poor finish from a player who is struggling in the final third this season.

Carlos Alcaraz tested Nick Pope’s palms from distance in what was the Saints’ only real challenge to United’s first-half dominance.

On the stroke of halftime the Magpies had a seemingly legitimate goal chalked off for handball as Joelinton turned in from close range after a Willock break down the left, however referee Stuart Atwell deemed the ball hit the Brazilian’s hand. Replays — and it took numerous angles to spot it — showed the slightest of touches on the arm.

After the break, it was all United again, but frustratingly their wasteful finishing continued as Joelinton skied a cross over with an open goal at his mercy, then Sven Botman did the same as a corner was only half cleared.

Dominant to that point, the balance of play then began to switch as Saints had an inevitable spell.

And it was then, and only then, the Magpies had to call on their ever-reliable last line of defense, Pope.

Che Adams broke the defensive line and looked set to curl into the bottom corner, but for the outstretched limb of the England keeper. Then again a swift Adams turn and shot was stopped by Pope.

In need of inspiration, Howe turned to his bench for matchwinners — and he found it in the shape of Saint-Maximin and Isak.

While the former spread the play and gave Saints problems in behind, Isak’s movement proved a stark contrast from the largely static and anonymous Callum Wilson.

It was an Isak spin, totally wrong-footing then out-pacing Lyanco, that opened up the opportunity for Joelinton to make up for his earlier miss and hammer home right in front of the 3,200 travelling Geordies.

Those celebrations, though, were muted rather swiftly when former United forward Adam Armstrong bundled home a cross from the right. However, as it had done with Joelinton’s earlier, the goal was ruled out by VAR for a handball by the eventual scorer.

The tricky Saint-Maximin’s pace and energy then saw the home side reduced to 10 as Duje Caleta-Car received his second booking for a foul on the Frenchman.

The tie could and should have been put to bed in the closing stages as Isak rounded Gavin Bazunu, but a deft touch by the keeper pushed him wide enough to make the finish near impossible. Again, the side-netting was ruffled.

One down, one to go. And these two will do it all again on January transfer deadline day, right as the buying window closes.

“It wasn’t lost on me when I saw the game fall on that day,” said Howe.

“I was thinking, ‘that’s potentially interesting.’ I tend to think the manager’s role in this is reduced, in the sense that you’re not necessarily in control of transfers. Well, you’re not in control of transfers, you’re hearing second- and third-hand what’s happening.

“In terms of meeting and greeting players, that can be done by other people. My focus that day will be solely on the game, and making sure we’re as prepared as we can be.”

United are understood to be exploring the possibility of signing Everton’s Anthony Gordon. Talks are taking place between the sides, with a fee yet to be agreed.

When asked about the deal, Howe said: “No. I don’t know. We are actively pushing, but I haven’t checked my phone.”


F1 drivers could be suspended for swearing or political statements under new rules

Updated 57 min 46 sec ago
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F1 drivers could be suspended for swearing or political statements under new rules

  • Similar punishments also apply for “political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA“
  • The standard fine is 10,000 euros but punishments for F1 drivers are multiplied by four

PARIS: Formula 1 drivers could be suspended from racing or lose championship points for swearing or making political statements under new rules from the series’ governing body, the FIA.
That could deepen a rift with the drivers, who criticized the FIA last year after Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were punished for swearing in FIA news conferences.
These measures published by the FIA on Wednesday apply to “misconduct,” which is defined by the FIA as including both offensive language and physical assault, or for acts deemed to cause “moral injury or loss” to the FIA and auto racing in general.
Similar punishments also apply for “political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA” without written approval in advance.
The new regulations are labeled as a “guideline to assist stewards” on punishments and fines starting from 40,000 euros ($41,600) for an F1 driver’s first offense. The standard fine is 10,000 euros but punishments for F1 drivers are multiplied by four.
The suggested fine doubles for a second offense, along with a suspended one-month ban. A third offense within a two-year period carries a proposed fine of 120,000 euros ($125,000) for an F1 driver, a one-month ban and the loss of an unspecified number of championship points.
In cases involving political, religious or personal statements, the FIA regulations also specify the stewards should demand a “public apology and repudiation of comments.”


Becoming Man City’s first Egyptian player an ‘honor’ says Marmoush

Updated 23 January 2025
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Becoming Man City’s first Egyptian player an ‘honor’ says Marmoush

  • 25-year-old joins Premier League champions from Eintracht Frankfurt on four-and-a-half-year deal for undisclosed fee
  • Omar Marmoush: ‘I’m very happy to be the first Egyptian to play for Manchester City - it’s an honor for me to raise my country’s name here in the English league’

MANCHESTER: Egyptian international forward Omar Marmoush has completed his move from Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt to English Premier League champions Manchester City on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

Although the transfer fee was not officially disclosed by the clubs, UK media have speculated it is close to $72.8 million.

Since joining Eintracht Frankfurt from VfL Wolfsburg in 2023, Marmoush has netted 37 goals and registered 20 assists in 67 appearances.

The 25-year-old spoke to Manchester City’s official club channel.

On being the first Egyptian to play for Manchester City

I’m very happy to be the first Egyptian to play for Manchester City. It’s an honor for me to raise my country’s name here in the English league. This is just the beginning, and it will be a successful start. I can’t wait to be on the field and show everyone what I can do. Over the coming days, we’ll work hard to prove that and make it happen.

On support from fans in the Middle East

I’m honored to be here, and I’m very happy to be here. God willing, this will be a successful start. In the coming period, I hope it will be great for me, the club, and the fans. We’ll hope to achieve many championships and victories.

On having former City players as role models

Ever since I was young, I used to watch Sergio Aguero, because he had a playing style similar to mine. He wasn’t a big striker but he always moved into spaces and when the ball reached his feet, he was dangerous. So Aguero, of course.


India’s struggle to meet expectations

Updated 23 January 2025
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India’s struggle to meet expectations

  • An early sign of concern emerged with the unexpected, and surprisingly timed, decision of Ravichandra Ashwin to announce his retirement from international cricket

At first all seemed well for India’s men’s team on their recent five-Test series tour of Australia.

In early December the opening Test at Perth witnessed a handsome 295 runs victory for the tourists. This came on the back of a surprise home series defeat by New Zealand. By the end of the Perth Test, it was Australia who were in disarray, faced with accusations of being underprepared. If the team were stung by this opprobrium, they achieved a sharp turnaround in fortunes, drawing the second Test and winning the last three.

Ultimately, the Indian squad were in serious disarray. An early sign of this emerged with the unexpected, and surprisingly timed, decision of Ravichandra Ashwin to announce his retirement from international cricket. This occurred in a press conference after the third Test in Brisbane, for which he was not selected, when he sat alongside his captain, Rohit Sharma.

It was a very low-key manner in which to end an illustrious career. Ashwin played 106 Tests, becoming India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the format, with 537. Undoubtedly, this number would have been higher had he not been frequently overlooked for selection in overseas conditions. This pattern continued in Australia and it seems that Ashwin had reached the end of his tether.

Many observers were of the view that such a glittering career ought to have been marked by a farewell Test in front of appreciative supporters. This would have been a fitting tribute to his immense contribution to the game. A part of that was his intellectual approach, which facilitated his continual evolvement as a player.

As if to prove the point, he said that a farewell Test was not necessary, observing: “I’ve learned one thing: not everything goes the way you want it to.” He added that he still had plenty of cricket left in him but the place for that to happen was “obviously not in the Indian dressing room.”

Anyone who has played team sport, at any level, will be familiar with the fragile nature of team and dressing room culture. It takes much time, effort and psychology to nurture, and sometimes can be broken by a single incident. More often, in my experience, it is broken by steady, often imperceptible, erosion.

India’s team are in transition. Ashwin has gone, Sharma and Kohli appear to be near the end. Several others are on the brink. India’s current coach, Gautam Gambhir, has been in post for six months and inherited a team culture built largely by his predecessor, Ravi Shastri, and the aggressively driven Kohli.

Gambhir’s task is to effect a transition but the Indian cricketing fan base is impatient and demanding. Disappointment with the series result in Australia has been swiftly addressed by India’s selectors, but not in a way that was expected.

There has been no culling of the squad for the Champions Trophy, which will be played in one-day-international format. Instead, in an astonishing and extraordinary move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has issued a “10-point diktat.” This specifies restrictions on what players can and cannot do and is designed to “promote discipline, unity and a positive environment” by reining in its errant troops.

These are no ordinary troops. They are exceedingly wealthy, have film star lives, are the center of attraction in India and are largely cocooned within a protective entourage. Something seems to have snapped within the BCCI’s hierarchy. One might ask how it came to this stage. It is guaranteed that the restrictions will irritate the players.

In particular, families can now only join players for a maximum of two weeks during tours exceeding 45 days. Also, players will now be required to travel with the team for matches and practice sessions. Apparently, this measure is a reaction to instances of several high-profile players travelling separately. This also seems to have been the case at scheduled practice sessions. Now they are required to stay for the entire duration of practice sessions and travel together to and from the venue.

Another measure is that personal staff, including managers, chefs, assistants, and security personnel will now be restricted from accompanying players on tours or series unless explicitly approved by the BCCI. It may seem incredulous to mere spectators that individual players have a traveling entourage as opposed to one for the whole team or one provided by the high-end hotels where they stay.

The BCCI has made it mandatory for players to participate in domestic matches, emphasizing the importance of staying connected to grassroots cricket. Exemptions from this mandate will require formal notification and approval from Ajit Agarkar, the chair of selectors. Sharma has already baulked at this, pointing out that there is so little opportunity within a crowded international calendar. He last played in a Ranji Trophy match in 2015, whilst Kohli’s last appearance was in 2012.

These measures could be interpreted as ones designed to challenge the resolve of those close to the end of their international careers. Ashwin has ended his and one of the 10 BCCI measures might be a nod in his direction. Now players must stay with the team even if matches or series conclude earlier than scheduled. Of course, this does not imply that mid-series retirements are disallowed, but it does suggest they are unwelcome.

It remains to be seen how the players will react to the 10 points. All national boards and teams have policies in place for expected behaviors. The BCCI appears to be attempting to reclaim lost territory. India now have a T20 and ODI series against England, followed by the Champions Trophy and a summer tour to England. After that, a much-altered team may emerge.

Apart from this domestic skirmish, the BCCI is true to form externally. It is a month before the start of the ICC Champions Trophy and reports suggest that India have objected to the host nation, Pakistan, being printed on their team jerseys. In addition, there is rumor that the BCCI does not want to send its captain to the opening ceremony.

This, for many, is petty behavior. India has riches of cricketing talent, an abundance of money and boundless ambition, but a failure, so far, to translate that into a clean sweep of trophies.


Genesis presents luxury cars to Al-Hilal football stars

Brazilian footballer neymar junior. supplied
Updated 23 January 2025
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Genesis presents luxury cars to Al-Hilal football stars

  • ‘Moving in Elegance’ campaign part of company’s official team sponsorship
  • Handover ceremony embodies partnership between Genesis and Saudi Pro League champions

RIYADH: Luxury vehicle brand Genesis Riyadh has presented its latest top-of-the-range cars to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal.

The handover to the club’s personnel, including players and management, was part of the company’s larger agreement as Al-Hilal’s official car sponsor.

The slogan “Moving in Elegance” reflects the stature of the football club and cements the start of the car company’s activities in Riyadh for 2025. 

“This special ceremony between Genesis and Al-Hilal, the leading team in the region, reaffirms a long-term strategic partnership that we and the club cherish. The strong partnership is emphasized by the shared values that unite us, which are excellence and elegance,” said Ahmed Marshidi, chief operating officer at Genesis Al-Wallan.

Last season, Al-Hilal made football history by setting an unparalleled record of 34 consecutive victories across various competitions. This remarkable winning streak, which spanned September 2023 to April 2024, captured global headlines and cemented the club’s place in sporting history.


Abu Dhabi set to host first edition of UAE National MMA Championship

Updated 23 January 2025
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Abu Dhabi set to host first edition of UAE National MMA Championship

  • The mixed martial arts competition will take place at Mubadala Arena on Jan. 25-26

ABU DHABI: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation has announced the launch of the first edition of the UAE National Mixed Martial Arts Championship, scheduled for Jan. 25-26 at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.

The championship, initially planned as a one-day event, has been extended to two days due to the high number of registrations. It will feature male and female athletes representing various clubs and academies across the UAE.

Competitors will take to the cage in youth and senior categories, including Youth C (12–13 years), Youth B (14–15 years), and Youth A (16–17 years).For the first time in local mixed martial arts championships, the event will also include a Youth D category (11–12 years). 

The championship will also feature competitions in the senior category (18 years and above), adding a heightened level of excitement and competition to the event.

Mohammed Jassim Al-Hosani, a member of the Mixed Martial Arts Committee at the Federation, said the championship reflected the vision of the country’s leadership in supporting sports and athletes.

“The addition of the senior category to the championship underscores the continuous development of mixed martial arts in the UAE. This category contributes to raising the overall level of competition while enriching the experiences of younger athletes,” he added.