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Rangers ‘embarrassed’ by racist banner charge from UEFA

GLASGOW: Rangers have reacted with “embarrassment” after being charged by UEFA for a “racist and/or discriminatory banner” displayed by fans in last week’s Europa League tie against Fenerbahce. Banners reading: “Keep woke foreign ideologies out — defend Europe” were held up by fans as Rangers progressed to the quarter-finals on penalties on Thursday against the Turkish giants. The Scottish club were also hit with other UEFA charges, including the throwing of objects and blocking passageways. “For the club to be charged with such a matter in 2025 is shameful, and the disdain for those responsible will be shared by the overwhelming majority of our supporters,” Rangers said in a statement. “This charge will bring consequences for the club, while the club is also working to identify those responsible and will ensure they also face consequences. “For the avoidance of doubt, if you do not believe in 2025 that absolutely everyone is welcome to follow Rangers whether at Ibrox or away, then Rangers is not the club for you, and you should disassociate yourself with the club immediately.” Rangers also criticized “two individuals” for using pyrotechnics after Sunday’s league win over local rivals Celtic which could impact future ticket allocations. The 2022 Europa League finalists will face Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League last eight next month.

5 things to look out for in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup qualifiers

LONDON: Qualification for the 2026 World Cup enters a crucial phase in the next few days as Saudi Arabia host China at home on Thursday in Riyadh and then head to Japan for Tuesday’s clash.

Bento’s refreshed UAE to go all out for a historic second World Cup appearance

DUBAI: Destiny’s call bellows increasingly louder for a refocused and retooled UAE set to restart a World Cup 2026 qualification quest imbued with fresh momentum.

Clippers rally to beat Cavaliers, Warriors and Celtics win

LOS ANGELES, United States: Kawhi Leonard scored 33 points and Ivica Zubac added 28 on his 28th birthday on Tuesday as the Los Angeles Clippers rallied to hand the NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers a second straight defeat, 132-119. The Cavs, the runaway leaders in the Eastern Conference, got off to a hot start as they launched a five-game road trip in Los Angeles, scoring 45 points in the first quarter on the way to a 73-68 halftime lead. But the Clippers, with coach Tyronn Lue absent because of back spasms, held the Cavs to 46 points in the second half in a gritty performance that saw Cleveland drop a second successive game for the first time since January. Max Strus scored 24 points to lead the Cavaliers, whose 16-game winning streak was ended Sunday by Orlando. “It’s my birthday, I had to bring it,” Zubac said, adding that the Clippers “wanted this one bad” as they chase the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves for sixth place in the West and direct entry into the playoffs. Golden State star guard Stephen Curry was a spectator as the Warriors rebounded from a Monday loss to Denver with a 104-93 victory over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in San Francisco. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said his “exhausted” superstar needed some rest after a lackluster performance in the loss to Denver. In Curry’s absence, Jimmy Butler scored 24 points, Brandin Podziemski added 17 as he started at guard, and the Warriors thwarted the Bucks’ second-half comeback bid. Draymond Green scored just three points but was a defensive force.

Djokovic player union launches legal blitz against governing bodies

MIAMI: A tennis union co-founded by Novak Djokovic on Tuesday announced a series of legal actions aimed at the sport’s governing bodies, alleging “anti-competitive restraints and abusive practices.” The Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) said it was suing both tour organizers, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). The International Tennis Federation (ITF), and International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) were also named as defendants in a series of actions in the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union. Both the ATP and WTA responded by vowing to defend themselves against the claims with the men’s tour saying the PTPA has “consistently chosen division and distraction through misinformation over progress.” The PTPA was set up by Djokovic and Canadian Vasek Pospisil in 2020.

Courtois back and Belgium is looking to turn the page on ‘Courtoisgate’

The appointment of Rudi Garcia as the new coach this year paved the way for Courtois’ returnThe 32-year-old goalie was picked for the Nations League playoff doubleheader against UkraineBRUSSELS: Thibaut Courtois is back with Belgium after a 21-month absence and the Red Devils are hoping the Real Madrid goalkeeper’s return will herald the start of a new era for the national team after a lean spell.Courtois abruptly left the team in June 2023 ahead of a European Championship qualifier after falling out with Belgium’s then-coach, Domenico Tedesco. Their feud, which began over a captaincy dispute and was dubbed “Courtoisgate,” quickly escalated and damaged their relationship beyond repair.The appointment of Rudi Garcia as the new coach this year paved the way for Courtois’ return.

Campaign urges fans to watch SAFF Women’s Cup final between champions Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah

RIYADH: A new campaign has been launched to inspire football fans to attend, watch and follow the SAFF Women’s Cup final on Wednesday.

PFL MENA returns to Saudi Arabia as part of Jeddah Season

JEDDAH: The Professional Fighters League has announced that season two of PFL MENA will kick off at the Onyx Arena in Jeddah on Friday, May 9.

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Rangers ‘embarrassed’ by racist banner charge from UEFA

5 things to look out for in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup qualifiers

Bento’s refreshed UAE to go all out for a historic second World Cup appearance

Clippers rally to beat Cavaliers, Warriors and Celtics win

Djokovic player union launches legal blitz against governing bodies

Courtois back and Belgium is looking to turn the page on ‘Courtoisgate’

Campaign urges fans to watch SAFF Women’s Cup final between champions Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah

PFL MENA returns to Saudi Arabia as part of Jeddah Season