Furious Neymar alleges racism in Marseille clash as five players sent off page 14

TUESday, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

Hosting AFC Champions League marks important milestone for return of continental football & 2022

asser Al Khater, CEO of FIFA for everyone involved. This includes Education City Stadium, which one accommodation throughout World Cup 2022, has putting in place a series of measures An ariel view of Khalifa International Stadium, Doha. hosted its first official game their stay in Qatar. This will reduce Ndiscussed the importance of the at every step of the user journey as part of the local QNB Stars travel time and increase training Qatar Football Association (QFA) from arrival at Hamad Internation- League earlier this month. time, leading to better football on stepping in to host the remain- al Airport to hotels, training sites Education City Stadium’s com- the pitch due to the reduced impact ing matches of the Asian Football and stadiums. pletion was announced digitally in of travel on player performance.” Confederation (AFC) Champions “The AFC Champions League is June due to the COVID-19 pandem- “Also, three FIFA World Cup League in the West region, which is a prestigious tournament that we ic. The digital launch of the stadium training sites will be used by the taking place in Qatar between Sep- are honoured to host. We are par- was dedicated to frontline workers competing clubs throughout the tember 14 and October 3 . ticularly thrilled to have been able battling COVID-19. tournament. These are key venues Top teams from across the AFC to step in and help the AFC at this “The AFC Champions League for the FIFA World Cup as they Western Zone are competing over late stage of the tournament and will be yet another substantial event will enable teams to stay and train 39 matches from the group stage play a role in facilitating the grad- that Qatar will host as one of nu- in the same FIFA standards venue through until the semi-final where ual, safe return of Asian football merous test events, to maximize throughout the tournament.” the winner will meet their coun- to stadiums – on behalf of football our preparedness well ahead of Al Khater concluded by rec- terpart from the Eastern Zone to lovers around the the FIFA World Cup™ in just over ognising the role different stake- lay claim to Asia’s most prestigious world,” he added. two years from now. Hosting the holders have played in planning club competition. The competition One of the AFC will be an important test to en- for a safe and successful return of was suspended in March of this necessary safety sure its readiness to host matches continental football in Qatar: “I re- year as part of a global response to measures has through to the quarterfinal stages of ally want to take this opportunity to limit the spread of COVID-19. been the re- the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™,” thank the great work that all parties As well as praising the return striction of said Al Khater. involved in planning and delivering of continental football, Al Khater fans enter- watch the matches, with gether – even if this means coming “We are particularly excited to the AFC Champions League are do- also discussed the stringent safety ing sta- venue capacities strictly lim- together digitally or through televi- showcase once again our innova- ing to ensure the safety of everyone measures put in place by organis- diums to ited throughout the tourna- sion screens.” tive cooling technology that will involved, but most importantly, the ers to ensure the tournament was ment due to COVID-19. Three of the four stadiums to be guarantee a temperature of 18 to 24 frontline staff who are working to safe and secure for players and Al Khater had a message used in the tournament are FIFA degrees Celsius at a time when we provide critical support to ensure officials involved. about this decision to the foot- World Cup 2022™ stadiums. Al still haven’t yet made it through the that all those have involved have all Commenting on the safety ball world: “While it is unfor- Janoub, Education City, and Khalifa summer’s heat. the support they need.” measures taken, Al Khater said: tunate that matches will International Stadiums will all host In addition to the stadiums that The remaining matches of Asian “From the very beginning, we have not be open to fans, matches during the tournament. will be used throughout the tourna- Football Confederation (AFC) worked with the Qatar Football As- we believe in the In particular, the 2020 AFC ment, Al Khater also discussed oth- Champions League in the West re- sociation, the power of foot- Champions League marks the er elements of the country’s hosting gion will bring together teams from and the Asian Football Confed- ball to bring first international sporting event capabilities that will be on display , the Islamic Republic of , eration to ensure that all possible people to- to be held in the 40,000-seat as well: “The compact nature of the , , the Unit- safety precautions are taken so that tournament means that all partici- ed Arab Emirates and hosts Qatar. the tournament is delivered safely Nasser Al Khater, CEO, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. pating clubs will be able to stay in (SC.qA) Spirited Al Duhail seek winning restart against

The Knights need With just one point from two matches, Persepolis FC hope to get their campaign up against Group C leaders Al Taawoun FC at the Education to start anew and City Stadium on Tuesday. stay focused, says Al Taawoun tie marks coach Regragui AFC start of ‘four finals’ Doha Al Duhail SC and Sharjah FC are looking to turn a new run for Persepolis page as the Qatari and Emirati champions face-off on Match- AFC Al Duhail 2-0, but their domes- day Three of the 2020 AFC Doha tic fortunes were grim. Coach Champions League Group C Abdullah Asiri’s men narrowly at the Education City Stadium Al Duhail coach Walid Regragui speaks to the media on Monday. Sharjah’s FC players during the team’s training. After picking up just one managed to secure their stay on Tuesday. point from two matches, in the Saudi Pro League on the Two points separate the old coach believes his side ing spirit and I always tell that they are to stand a chance of in the AFC Champions League Persepolis FC hope to get their final day of the campaign after two sides with Al Duhail in will need to show different to my players. reaching the knockout stages are strong. We showed our campaign up and running as an abysmal post-restart form, second place on three points, qualities to go far in the AFC “We still have a lot of con- for the first time since 2004. inexperience in the first two they face Group C leaders Al but the Saudis are determined and Sharjah bottom of the Champions League. fidence as league champions “We did not start well as games as we had not played Taawoun FC on Matchday to put it behind them. group on one point, and the ri- “We had a lot of injuries and we will carry that through we had absences for key play- in the competition for a really Three of the 2020 AFC Cham- “There were many reasons val teams are eager to get their especially after the restart, into the AFC Champions ers including Igor Coronado, long time, but with the second pions League on Tuesday. for the drop in our level after continental restart underway but we won the league despite League. We have to forget the but now we have everyone game we started to gain some The Iran Pro League cham- the restart,” said Asiri. with a win. those injuries and I have faith last game and focus on Shar- on board. Our only problem confidence and we hope we are pions had a slow start to their “We had injuries, COV- Having joined Al Duhail in every member of the squad,” jah,” added Regragui. is the long stoppage, but we now in a place to show our- continental charge, losing to ID-19 cases and many chang- midway through the 2019- said Regragui. Sharjah have not played worked hard and are ready to selves in a different way.” Al Duhail SC 2-0 then settling es to our squad, but we man- 20 season, former Moroccan “To play every three days competitive football since the put in a performance befit- Sharjah have never faced for a 2-2 draw against Sharjah aged to survive. We are now international defender Walid and go all the way to the final, UAE Pro League grounded to ting the name of our club and Qatari opponents in the AFC back in February, putting them determined to show a posi- Regragui has already won you have to have that fighting a halt back in March due to the UAE football,” said the for- Champions League and are at risk of early elimination for tive image of Al Taawoun and his first honour at the club, spirit. I believe the winner this COVID-19 pandemic, but coach mer Sharjah playmaker. without a win in four matches, the second year running. Saudi football. clinching the Qatar Stars year will not be the best team, Abdulaziz Al Anbari knows his “The Group is difficult but having last defeated Al Hilal With back-to-back encoun- Having only appeared in League title, but the 44-year- but the one with the most fight- side have ground to make if so are other groups. All teams 5-2 in the 2004 group stage. ters against Al Taawoun to ma- the competition in 2017, Al noeuvre over the next four days, Taawoun have been a sort of Persepolis’ hopes of progress- unknown quality to their op- ing to the next round might be ponents, unlike Persepolis who fully dependent on collecting have not missed on AFC Cham- points against the Saudi King’s pions League football since Cup champions. 2016. “We know this is a very “Things will be different important game for us and now. For the first two games, it is like a final for us,” said teams knew little about us, but Persepolis head coach Yahya now they know us and will not Golmohammadi. underestimate us as we are “All the four games we will group leaders, so I expect the play here are like finals for us. next run of matches to be more We are looking to play good difficult, but we are determined games and we are highly moti- to make it to the next round.” vated to win those games which A win for Al Taawoun in we know will be tough because this fixture could go a long Al Taawoun are top of the way in securing a first Round- group and have good organisa- of-16 qualification as early as tion, but we are Persepolis and Matchday Four when they we are famous for fighting and face Persepolis again three famous for winning.” days later, while failure to col- Al Taawoun might be top of lect points in the double-tie the group with full marks, hav- could spell the end of Perse- Qatar Stars League champions Al Duhail warm up for a training session on the eve of their ing defeated Sharjah 1-0 then polis’ Asian adventure. Group C Asian Champions League match against Sharjah FC. Sports Tuesday, September 15, 2020 13 Excited Al Sadd ready for challenge

Tribune News Network When asked about Akram Doha Afif’s fitness, Xavi said: “All the players are ready, and Akram Table topper in league stage is in good condition. We are of AFC Champions League only missing Salem Al Hajri 2020 Group D, Qatar’s Al Sadd and Ali Asad, who need more will be keen to continue their time to recover from injury.” good show post the unwanted The benefit of having pandemic break against for- played lately was underlined mer AFC Champions League by Al Sadd’s defender Ab- winners Al Ain FC of the UAE delkarim Hassan. when the two sides go head-to- “We have benefitted a lot head at the Jassim bin Hamad from the resumption of the Qa- Stadium on Tuesday. tari league and the early start Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez (right) and Abdelkarim Hasan at the Al Sadd, known as the to training, and this gives us press conference on Monday. Wolves, have four points with more readiness than the rest of a win and draw to their credit the teams,” said the tall player di Arabia’s Al Nassr 2-1 on suspension of the competi- while Al Ain are still seeking sitting alongside his coach. Matchday Two. tion, and with the joint worst their first win having lost the The two sides met in the Al Sadd, on the other hand, goal difference figure in the first two. 2002-03 edition of the AFC needed an own goal from Al competition. Guided by coach Xavi Her- Champions League, a match Nassr’s Abdulelah Al Amri This will be the first com- nandez, the Wolves have the that ended in a 2-0 win for to salvage a draw away from petitive match for the 13-time advantage of playing on home the UAE Pro League side home on Matchday One, be- UAE Pro League champions turf besides playing in the QNB courtesy of Kandia Traore fore going on to beat Sepahan since March 14, after which Stars League season which just and Boubacer Sanogo’s by a 3-0 scoreline thanks to UAE football came to a halt ended. That apart, Al Sadd will Al Sadd’s Akram Afif (centre) speaks to skipper Hassan Al Haydos during practice on Monday. strikes. The Emiratis went on Akram Afif’s chip and captain due to the COVID-19 pandem- need to move into higher gear to lift the trophy that year. Hassan Al Haydos’ brace in the ic. Al Sadd resumed domestic given the level of competition. players as well. We are train- two editions of the Champions son. They have a good coach The 2020 edition started second half. football in late July. Xavi exuded confidence ing well and we will forward League, we reached the semi- and a lot of good local and for- in a difficult manner for Al Ain Fortunes have differed for The Qatari giants, who while speaking at the pre- to a strong start, in a compe- finals, and everyone is dream- eign players, but we are ready with a 4-0 defeat to Sepahan the two in the first two games have reached the semi-finals match press conference, say- tition that will be difficult for ing of reaching the final. We to compete.” FC at home. of the group - Al Sadd are on in the past two editions, while ing: “We are very excited to everyone.” are now playing at our home He, however, added. “I Coach ’s top with four points from two Al Ain need a win to take them start. Al Sadd is at the top of “I’m happy with what the and this is good for us.” know everyone is excited‬ but men then slightly improved games while Al Ain sit at the back into contention for quali- the group. We have a lot of team’s performance at the About Al Ain, he said, “It is we have to be calm, and go on that performance, but not bottom of the group having fication to the Round of 16 for youngsters and experienced start of this season. In the last a different team from last sea- game by game, step by step.” enough as they lost to Sau- lost both matches prior to the the tenth time in their history.

Air-conditioning Late drama seals Hilal helped us win, says Zaragoza

AFC win over Pakhtakor Doha Marko AFC Shabab Al Ahli FC Marin Doha recorded their first win of the 2020 AFC Champions League, A late strike beating Shahr Khodro FC helped Al Hilal SFC down 1-0 at Al Janoub Stadium in 10-man Pakhtakor in a live- Group B on Monday. ly 2020 AFC Champions The match marked Shabab League Group B encounter Al Ahli’s return to competitive that ended 2-1 at Al Janoub action for the first time since Stadium on Monday. March, when the UAE Pro Both sides were positive League season was abandoned from the start as the Uzbek to limit the spread of COVID-19 champions and the Saudi and head coach Gerard Zarago- Pro League champions set za was pleased with his side’s Marin fires out to gain further ground performance on the night. on Shabab Al Ahli Dubai and “I would like to congratu- Shahr Khodro FC, the former late my players who played having narrowly beaten the really well in our firstcom - Saudi’s Al Ahli latter in the early Group B petitive match in six months. game on Monday. They fought hard and earned Less than five minutes the three points,” said the into last 16 into the match, Yasser Al Spaniard. Shahrani took a shot from “It was not easy for us to a very tight angle down the play after such a long break. Agencies the sidelines. I am happy that left flank, but keeper Eldor- “We trained and prepared Doha I am fit again and fully recov- bek Suyonov parried it in extremely hot weather in ered after weeks of absence out for a corner that al- UAE, but today we played in Former Germany and Chel- from training. most resulted in an opener an air-conditioned stadium sea midfielder “It was a difficult injury from 2019 AFC Champi- which made things easier for struck the only goal of the and I am happy to start the ons League top scorer us, especially in transitions match as Saudi Arabia’s Al competition with a win against Bafetimbi Gomis’ header. between defence and attack.” Ahli beat Iraq’s Al Shorta to a strong team like Al Shorta. It A few minutes later, Al Both sides will be in dire become the first team to qual- was a great performance and Hilal keeper Abdullah Al need of a result when they ify for the knockout phase of we are happy to get the win,” Mayouf’s error was almost face-off again on Thursday, the Asian Champions League he added. instantly punished when with a defeat spelling elimi- on Monday. In a lively start to the Igor Sergeev snatched the nation for Shahr Khodro. and Two-times runners-up Al match at Khalifa Internation- ball and took a shot that was leaving qualificationout of Ahli progressed to the last 16 al Stadium, the Saudis’ first tipped away by the Saudi Al Hilal Saudi FC player celebrates scoring the first goal against Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor Shabab Al Ahli’s own hands. after the UAE’s Al Wahda were attempt on target came just Arabia keeper. FK in the Group B encounter of the AFC Champions League 2020 at the Al Janoub Stadium on Monday. considered withdrawn from four minutes into the game Former Juventus and To- Match report on page 14  Group A as they failed to travel with head- ronto FC forward Sebastian damov’s sliced shot from the Almost instantly, the Uz- and ended up in the net in to Qatar following several pos- ing Abdullah Tarmin’s cross Giovinco broke the dead- right wing. bek side rallied at the other the sixth minute of the added itive tests among the squad for straight into the hands of lock deep into first half in- Goalkeeper Suyonov was end of the pitch and replied time of seven minutes. Covid-19. goalkeeper Ahmed Basil. jury time with a beautifully sent off on 65 minutes after with a goal as substitute The result sends Al Hilal That meant the Saudi side Al Shorta delivered a curled free-kick executed running off his line to counter striker Eren Derdiyok blast- three points clear at the top had to secure only three points strong response two minutes from just outside the opposi- Gomis who had just received a ed in the rebound from Al of the group with nine points, to guarantee a top-two finish later, coming within inches of tion penalty area. through ball, handling the ball Mayouf’s initial save of Dra- while Pakhtakor stay second in the three-team group, and scoring as Karrar Amer rose The second half started outside the box in the process gan Ceran’s effort. with six points. The two sides Marin’s 87th-minute strike highest to power a header from off with several half chances and prompting the referee to Bahabri finally broke the face off again on Thursday in from close following a pass Ahmed Jalal’s in-swinging cor- though the threat level for produce the red card instantly. draw and gave his side the Matchday Four. from Abdulrahman Ghareeb ner, drawing a fine reflex save either side was relatively Substitute keeper Sanzar Kuv- three points after control- Scoreline: Al Hilal 2 (Se- ensured just that at the Khalifa on the goal-line from goal- low, yet Pakhtakor came vatov was brought on to fill the ling the ball on the edge of bastian Giovinco 45+2’, Hattan International Stadium. keeper Mohammed Al Owais. closest before the hour mark Suyonov’s place, and Khamda- the area and firing a howit- Bahebri 90+7’) bt Pakhtakor 1 Shabab Al Ahli Dubai FC head In a fast-paced match both Iraqi international right- through Dostonbek Kham- mov was taken off to make way. zer which took a deflection, (Sren Derdiyok 70’). coach Gerard Zaragoza. teams missed close chances back Ali Mhawi was booked with the goalkeepers called in the 25th minute following into play several times. a heavy challenge on Al Ahli’s Al Shorta were reduced Abdulbaset Al Hindi in the to 10 men seconds before the middle of the pitch. first half ended with Ali Mha- Centre-back Amer con- Al Nassr will aim to put it past Sepahan wi earning his second yellow tinued to be Al Shorta’s main card, but that didn’t seem to source of threat as he got AFC Two with a 2-1 win. If Al Nassr do win, it will matter much as the Iraqis still on the end of another cor- Doha Domestically, Al Nassr lost be their first victory against managed to create pressure ner, firing goalward from a their Saudi Pro League title to Iranian opposition in six at- for their rivals. tight angle, but the number Iran’s Sepahan FC will face rivals Al Hilal, finishing sec- tempts, a run that stretches However, Al Ahli gained three watched as his effort Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in ond in 2019-20. all the way back to 2015, while control towards the final 20 was saved by Al Owais, and Group D at Jassim bin Hamad Meanwhile Sepahan end- Sepahan have lost their last minutes and following an ex- upon receiving the spilled ball Stadium in the second clash of ed the season fifth despite a three matches against Saudi change of passes Marin pro- Amer hit the side netting in the evening on Tuesday. blistering start that saw them opposition without scoring a duced a calm finish from six the 33rd minute. Sepahan’s fortunes have go unbeaten in their first 15 single goal, conceding seven in yards to help his team earn Mhawi’s booking from drastically shifted from Match- matches in the Iran Pro League. the process. three points. earlier in the half would prove day One to Matchday Two, With a point separating the Marin, who was named to be an important moment as having started the campaign duo, a win is paramount to ei- Today’s Matches player of the match, was de- the Al Shorta defender used off with a 4-0 defeat of former ther side’s efforts of advancing Group C lighted with his team’s win. his hand to intercept a Ma- champions Al Ain FC before to the Round of 16 before they “Of course, I am very hap- rin pass with seconds left in succumbing to a 3-0 loss at the meet again three days later. (at Education City Stadium) py to be named player of the the opening period, earning hands of Al Sadd SC. The two sides have never 6pm: Al Duhail vs Sharjah match, but I have many other a second yellow card and his In turn, Al Nassr kicked met before in the AFC Cham- 9pm: Persepolis vs Al Taawoun reasons to be happy,” said Ma- marching orders. their 2020 AFC Champions pions League, with the Isfahan Group D rin, who played in the 2010 Despite their numerical League journey off with a 2-2 based side representing the (at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium) World Cup for Germany. disadvantage, Al Shorta piled draw against Al Sadd, be- fourth Iranian opposition Al 6pm: Al Ain vs Al Sadd “I am happy to play an of- the pressure on their oppo- fore bagging all three points Nassr will have faced in the ficial game after a long time on nents early after the restart. against Al Ain on Matchday competition. 9pm: Sepahan vs Al Nassr 14 Tuesday, September 15, 2020 Sports Wolves’ Furious Neymar alleges racism fast start subdues as five sent off in PSG storm Blades AFP AFP Paris Sheffield (UK)

Neymar insisted he had been Wolves showed no signs of the victim of racism as he was fatigue as they kicked off their one of five players sent off Premier League campaign in a mass brawl at the end of with a 2-0 win against Shef- Marseille’s 1-0 win over Ligue field United on Monday. 1 champions Paris Saint-Ger- Just 34 days after losing to main on Sunday. Sevilla in their final game of PSG’s Brazilian star ap- the coronavirus-delayed 2019- peared to accuse Alvaro Gon- 20 season, Nuno Espirito San- zalez of calling him a “mon- to’s side looked fresher than key” in a series of furious expected as they made a blis- tweets after he was sent off in tering start at Bramall Lane. injury time for slapping the Raul Jimenez and Romain Marseille defender on the back Saiss put Wolves two goals up of the head. after just six minutes and the “Look at the racism. That’s visitors were in control the rest why I hit him,” Neymar, who of the way despite their shorter was returning from coronavi- than usual close season. rus quarantine, said as he left It was the perfect way to the pitch. Gonzalez later de- open the season for Nuno, who nied making a racist comment. recently signed a new three-year “The only regret I have contract, as he tries to improve is not hitting this idiot in the on successive seventh-place fin- face,” Neymar, the world’s ishes in the Premier League. most expensive player, tweet- Surpassing Wolves’ best per- ed after the game. formance in back-to-back sea- Neymar was red-carded af- sons since the 1960s will not be ter a VAR review, while team- easy, but there is enough quality mates Layvin Kurzawa and Le- in Nuno’s team to challenge for andro Paredes were also sent European qualification. off. Marseille striker Dario “This was the first match Benedetto and defender Jor- after a quick turnaround. I’m dan Amavi were also expelled. very pleased,” Nuno said. “It’s easy for VAR to show “The character, the ways my ‘aggression’. ‘Now I’d like they worked, the resilience at to them to show the image the end. It’s been an amazing of the racist who called me a three seasons. We can create ‘MONKEY SON OF A *****’. something really special. We I’d really like that!” Neymar have to stay humble.” tweeted. Blades manager Chris Florian Thauvin’s close- Wilder added: “To recover from range volley on 31 minutes Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar argues with Marseille’s French midfielder Dimitri Payet during their French L1 match at the Parc de Princes stadium in Paris on Sunday. (AFP) as poor a start as I can remem- earned Marseille a first vic- ber here against Wolves it was tory over their bitter rivals incident. He also tweeted a Tuchel tried to downplay 1978/79. However, Kylian Mbappe Di Maria found the net always going to be a tough ask. since November 2011 but the picture of himself surrounded the defeat. A frenzied schedule awaits remained absent after testing for PSG just past the hour “I know what I have got in ugly scenes overshadowed the by multi-racial teammates. “I’m not angry. I think Tuchel’s coronavirus-hit side, positive for the coronavirus on but had strayed behind the my changing room, they don’t game at Parc des Princes. “There’s no place for rac- you have to separate the per- starting with the visit of Metz France duty at the start of the last defender, and Marseille’s go under and they didn’t. They Neymar “told me it was a ism,” the Spaniard wrote, formance and the result. We in midweek and a trip to Nice week with Mauro Icardi and celebrations were cut short in made a game of it.” racist insult, but I didn’t hear adding: “Sometimes you have played a great match, I’m hap- next Sunday, and Neymar now Marquinhos also still missing. similar fashion moments later There were just three anything on the pitch”, PSG to learn to lose and take it on py with the quality, mentality faces a suspension. Marseille ‘keeper Steve when a Benedetto goal was minutes on the clock when coach Thomas Tuchel said. the field.” and the effort,” he said. Marseille find themselves Mandanda produced a magnif- ruled offside. Daniel Podence skipped past “There is no place for rac- PSG sporting director “I told the players if we with an early six-point advan- icent reflex to keep out an ef- PSG’s last goal came in the John Lundstram on the left ism in football but I don’t Leonardo suggested referee continue to play like that we’ll tage as they attempt to close the fort from Marco Verratti just a 3-0 win over RB Leipzig in the flank and whipped his cross think that was the case,” Mar- Jerome Brisard lacked the win every match. It was a great gap on PSG, French champions minute in as tempers bubbled Champions League semi-final to Jimenez, who intelligently seille coach Andre Villas-Boas experience to officiate such a performance but the result is seven of the past eight years. over frequently in the capital. on August 18, and Neymar peeled away from his marker told Telefoot. “We’ll have to highly-charged fixture. what it is.” After fielding a depleted Thauvin, who shone in poked wide from a Pablo Sara- to guide a sublime half-volley look at it.” “Fourteen yellow cards and PSG, runners-up to Bay- line-up at Lens on Thurs- Marseille’s opening 3-2 win at bia cross before the contest de- into the roof of the net. five reds means the match was ern Munich in the Champi- day, Tuchel was able to recall Brest before the international teriorated at the finish. Jimenez nearly scored ‘What racism?’ out of control,” said Leonardo. ons League final last month, Neymar and Angel Di Maria break, made the breakthrough “It’s a bit disappointing we again moments later when the According to Telefoot, Gon- “Not to criticise the referee but have now lost their opening for a match played in front when he turned in a Dimitri ended like that,” said Thauvin. Mexican striker’s dipping ef- zalez replied “What racism?” perhaps it’s not the time to of- two games of a season without of around 4,000 supporters Payet free-kick from point- “We didn’t want to get into fort was superbly tipped over when he was asked about the ficiate a ‘clasico’.” scoring for the first time since in Paris. blank range. that sort of game.” by Aaron Ramsdale.

Quick read AFC Champions League 2020 PSG stand by Neymar after Marseille red card Paris: Paris Saint-Germain said Monday the club “strongly supports” Neymar after the Brazil forward insisted he was the victim of racist abuse following his red card in Sunday’s defeat to Marseille. Neymar Sub Suhail does the star turn as will discover his punishment on Wednesday for being one of five players sent off following a brawl at the end of the game. “Paris Saint-Germain strongly supports Neymar Jr. who reported being subjected to racist abuse by an opposing player,” the French champions said in a statement. “The club restates Shabab Al Ahli beat Shahr Khodro that there is no place for racism in society, in football or in our lives and calls on everyone to speak out against all forms of racism throughout the world.” Marseille issued a statement of their own defending AFC the 30-year-old Spanish centre-back. “Alvaro Gonzalez is not racist. He has shown us that by his daily Doha behaviour since joining the club, as his team-mates have already testified,” the statement read. (AFP) A beautiful solo goal (75’) from youngster Harib Abdallah Suhail was the difference as Shabab Al Ahli Dubai FC man- aged their first three points Football for All Award in the 2020 AFC Champions League with a win over Is- lamic Republic of Iran’s Shahr for Ministry of Interior Khodro FC in Group B. With both teams having Tribune News Network lost their opening two fixtures, Doha they set out to get their first points of the campaign ahead The Board of Trustees of Qa- of their next game against tar Football Association (QFA) each other three days later. Award on Monday presented Playing their first com- the Football for All Award for petitive fixture since March, the 2019-20 season to the Min- Shabab Al Ahli’s first chance istry of Interior for its great ef- of the game came early on forts and contribution towards when 2015 AFC Footballer of resumption of football activity. the Year struck HE Major General Saad a placed shot at Shahr Khodro bin Jassim Al Khulaifi, Di- keeper Matin Safaeian, who Substitute Harib Abdallah Suhail struck in the 75th minute for Shabab Al Ahli Dubai FC against Iran’s rector of Public Security, was able to make the save. Shahr Khodro in their Group B2020 AFC Champions League clash at the Al Janoub Stadium on Monday. welcomed the initiative, and The first 15 minutes were greeted His Excellency Sheikh characterised by intense pres- of the teams posing a threat In a rare chance for Shahr shot which took a touch from Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed sure from the Dubai side, after the half hour mark, while Khodro, the Iran Pro League Safaeian before hitting the bar Al Thani, President of the whose efforts were met by a rise in physical challenges side’s attack managed to string and bouncing into the net. QFA, and highlighted the im- physical challenges that re- increased the number of stop- a number of passes outside The match sprung into life portance of co-operation be- sulted in a number of indirect pages due to fouls. their opponent’s area, but it after the goal, with the Iran side tween the Ministry of Interior free-kicks being leveled into A few minutes into the sec- ended when Akbar Sadeghi responding at the other end with and those in charge of football of QFA Award, said, “On be- our also comes as a token of the penalty area. ond half Khalil blasted wide, skied the shot. a shot from Amin Ghasemine- management in the State of half of HE Sheikh Hamad bin thanks and appreciation to the Safaeian was called into ac- with the next 15 minutes bring- Former Al Hilal SFC play- jad that Majed Nasser gratefully Qatar in order to present a Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, Ministry of Interior, and all its tion again when Khalil headed a ing virtually no final third ac- maker Carlos Eduardo made held. Another shot followed distinct image of the sport. He Chairman of the Board of employees for their great con- high ball down into the path of tion bar a header by Al Naqbi his debut for Shabab Al Ahli which again Nasser managed also expressed his happiness Trustees of QFA Award, I ex- tributions in the resumption Abdullah Al Naqbi, who in turn that fell wide of the goal from 65 minutes into the match. to save with ease as the game over the commitment of the tend my thanks and apprecia- of football activity in Qatar.” placed a shot above the keeper Azizjon Ganiev’s free-kick. Substitute Suhail finally ended with Suhail’s solitary goal Ministry of Interior to provide tion to the Ministry of Interior The Football for All Award yet the latter just about man- Al Naqbi was the centre of opened the scoring a quarter for the Emiratis. all of its services and facilities for its concerted efforts and is given to organisations, aged to tip it over the crossbar. the action again after Khalil’s of an hour from time in mag- The two sides play each to achieve common goals. the great work it did in co- groups or individuals mak- The first half lost intensity through ball found him, and nificent fashion, dribbling other again on Thursday at On his part, Hassan Ra- operation with various parties ing a significant contribution as time went on after a spell of one on one with the keep- down the right wing and tak- the same stadium with an- biah Al Kuwari, General Sec- concerned to address the cor- towards football in the local dominance by Shabab Al Ahli er, the midfielder somehow ing on several players, and other defeat spelling exit for retary of the Board of Trustees onavirus pandemic. This hon- community. gradually eroded with neither slashed wide from eight yards. subsequently placing a low Shahr Khodro. Sports Tuesday, September 15, 2020 15 Fourth Thiem lucky: Austrian says first Grand Slam title frees him up for more Rafael Nadal of Spain serves during a practice session on day one of AFP the Internazionali BNL D’Italia ATP tour at Foro Italico in Rome, Italy, New York on Monday. (AFP)

US Open champion Dominic Thiem said on Sunday that Nadal excited to chasing future Slams will be easier now that he has that elusive first tennis major un- der his belt following three be back, Djokovic near misses. The second seeded Aus- trian thought he was heading seeks redemption for a fourth defeat in Grand Slam finals after going two sets AFP last six months. down to fifth seeded German Rome “But here I am. I arrived Alexander Zverev at Flushing with plenty of time to try to Meadows. Rafael Nadal returns to have the right practices. That’s But the 27-year-old ral- competition after a six-month what I am doing. I know I have lied to complete a stunning enforced break while Novak a tough match against Pablo. comeback 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, Djokovic is looking to make He’s playing great.” 7-6 (8/6) against his 23-year- up for his US Open disqualifi- “It’s going to be a good old friend to secure a maiden cation as the short clay-court test. I’m excited about going Grand Slam title. season got underway in Rome back to the competition with- With that monkey off his on Monday without spectators. out big expectations.” back, Thiem says he expects to The tournament at Rome’s But third seed Stefanos be able to play more freely at Foro Italico normally takes Tsitsipas does not believe the Slams as he bids to snatch ti- place in May but was pushed lack of competition will have tles away from the “Big Three” back after the coronavirus an impact on two-time de- of Roger Federer, Rafael Na- pandemic which turned the fending champion Nadal who dal and Novak Djokovic. calendar upside down. has a 61-6 record in the tour- “It’s going to be or I expect “Obviously, it’s not the nament. that it’s going to be easier for same thing. There is no public, “I don’t think Rafa will be me now in the biggest tourna- we are in a bubble, we cannot struggling much playing here,” ments,” Thiem told reporters. enjoy the city,” said Nadal, who said Tsitsipas. “Because, of course, I had will play his first competitive “Regardless of how he it in the back of my head that Austrian Dominic Thiem (right) celebrates with championship trophy as runner-up German Alexander Zverev looks on after their US Open men’s match since his win in Acapulco feels, I’m sure he’ll find a way. I had a great career so far, singles final at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on Sunday.(Gett y Images/AFP) at the end of February. He always finds a way every way better career than I could “But at least we have a ten- single year.” ever dreamt of, but until today lose this one, it’s 0-4. week at the French Open sets to win the title. on his fifth set point. nis tournament.” there was still a big part, a big “It’s always in your head. where he will seek revenge for It was also the first time The tide was beginning to Nadal, 34, is the second ‘Big lesson’ goal missing. Is this chance ever coming those two defeats to Nadal. the final had been settled by a turn though as Zverev’s play seed behind world number Four-time Rome winner “With this goal achieved, I back again? All these thoughts, The Austrian limped tie-break. became increasingly cagey as one Djokovic in the tune-up Djokovic, who has reached think and I hope that I’m go- which are not great to play through Sunday’s tie-break The title marks Thiem’s his suspect second serve got for the final Grand Slam of the nine finals in the Italian capi- ing to be a little bit more re- your best tennis, to play free,” but said he would be fit for Ro- maiden Grand Slam trophy slower and his forehand, an- season at the French Open on tal, wants to turn the page on laxed and play a little bit more he added. land Garros after the realisa- after three previous defeats in other weakness, became more September 27. his dramatic disqualification freely at the biggest events,” he - Life’s work -Thiem said tion he is a Grand Slam cham- finals of tennis majors. defensive. “Excited to be back. Cir- in the round of 16 at the US added. lifting the US Open was a pion sinks in. Thiem was runner-up at After Thiem easily took cumstances have been, you Open, after throwing the ball Thiem came into the US dream come true. “I think physically I’m go- the Australian Open earlier this set four, Zverev found himself know, heavy for everyone, involuntarily at a lines judge. Open final having lost in five “I achieved a life goal, a ing to be fine, 100 percent. I’m year and also lost in the last- serving for the championship tough ones,” said Nadal who “It’s great that I have a sets to Djokovic in the final dream of myself, which I had going to have enough time to two showdowns at the French at 5-3 in the fifth set. is targeting a tenth title in the tournament right after that of the Australian Open earlier for many, many years. Of recover from all the troubles I Open in 2018 and 2019. But he could not hold and Roman capital. happened, because I feel like this year. course, as a kid, as well, when had,” he said. He also becomes the first soon Thiem found himself Professional tennis was the earlier I get back in a com- He also lost in the final of I started to play tennis. But “But the question is how new Grand Slam champion 6-5 ahead. He took a medical shut down from March until petition mode, the faster I’ll the French Open in 2018 and back then it’s so far away,” he I’m going to do it with the since Croatian Marin Cilic won timeout before it was his turn early August. overcome that memory and 2019, both times to Nadal. told reporters. emotions mentally. Obviously, at Flushing Meadows in 2014. to serve for the championship. And the world number two kind of reprogramme it,” the Thiem said the near misses “Then I got closer and clos- I’ve never been in this situa- Zverev smashed four aces However, like Zverev mo- opted out of the US hard court Serb told reporters in the Ital- were a chain around his neck er to the top. At one point I re- tion. I achieved a big, big goal. and 16 winners in the first set ments earlier, Thiem failed to tour because of coronavirus ian capital. during Sunday’s last-two alized that, ‘Wow, maybe one I don’t know how I’m going to as he displayed an impressive clinch the match and it went to concerns and citing the “mad- “When you hit a ball like I showdown on Arthur Ashe as day I can really win one of the feel the next days.” serve and volley game to take a tie-break. ness” of the new calendar. did, you have a chance to hit he was overcome with nerves four biggest titles in tennis.’ The second seeded Austri- a 1-0 lead in just 30 minutes. He found himself 5-3 up “Without regret,” he insist- someone on the court. The in the first two sets. “I put a lot of work in. I an beat the fifth seed 2-6, 4-6, The German was helped after two double faults by ed before his second round tie rules are clear, I accepted that. “Honestly, I think it didn’t dedicated basically my whole 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) in 4hr 2min by some sloppy serving from Zverev but Thiem, by now ex- midweek against 27th-ranked “I’m going to take this in, help me at all because I was so life until this point to win inside a near-empty Arthur Thiem, who hit three double hausted and limping, blew two compatriot Pablo Carreno you know, as profound as pos- tight in the beginning,” he ex- one of the four majors. Now I Ashe Stadium. faults as he was broken twice, championship points. Busta, who reached the semi- sible for me as a big lesson.” plained. did it. That’s also for myself a It marked the first time in in games three and seven. He won the title on his finals of the US Open. Djokovic had been un- “I mean, I wanted this title great accomplishment.” the US Open’s Open era histo- In set two, Zverev wasted third and collapsed to the “I am similar to always, beaten this year before his US so much, and of course there Thiem starts his bid for ry that a player had recovered three set points while 5-1 up court with his head in his maybe a little bit worse be- Open exit and is targeting a ti- was also in my head that if I second Slam in just over a from losing the opening two but held on to take a 2-0 lead hands. cause I didn’t compete for the tle he last won in 2015. I will be a Grand Slam Cricket Corner Bangladesh’s Test tour Archer defends English champion, says Zverev cricket over Holding’s It was the first time in the of Sri Lanka in doubt US Open’s Open era history that a player had recovered AFP government-nominated facil- anti-racism blast from losing the opening two Dhaka ity, which includes some ho- sets to win the title. tels, for everyone entering the AFP Archer told a conference call on It was also the first time Bangladesh’s forthcoming country. Manchester Monday that the England and the final had been settled by a Test series in Sri Lanka was Hassan said players had Wales Cricket Board (ECB) was tie-break. thrown into doubt Monday been unable to train together Jofra Archer said England taking the issue seriously. Zverev said it hurt to lose after its cricket chief rejected after all sporting activities in have not “forgotten about the ”I’m pretty sure Michael in the manner he did. the coronavirus restrictions Bangladesh were suspended Black Lives Matter” campaign Holding doesn’t know any- “Obviously being two sets imposed by the hosts. in March to stem the spread of after they were strongly criti- thing that is going on behind to love and a break up in a The three Tests in Octo- the virus. cised by West Indies great Mi- the scenes,” he said. Grand Slam final then losing ber-November were meant to Training resumed in July, chael Holding for no longer “I don’t think he has spoken is not easy,” he told reporters. mark the two nations’ return but only one player and a taking a knee. to (chief executive) Tom Harri- Zverev’s debut appearance to international cricket after a trainer are allowed inside England and West Indies son. I think that is a bit harsh in the last-two of a tennis ma- months-long lockdown halted Dhaka’s main stadium at a cricketers adopted the gesture for him to say that. I’ve spoken jor came after he reached the professional sports worldwide. time as a precaution. at the start of each of their to Tom and we have stuff run- semi-finals of theAustralian But Bangladesh Cricket “Our players have not been three Tests in July to show ning in the background. Open earlier this year. Board president Nazmul Has- in training for seven months. their support for the campaign “We’ve not forgotten, no Zverev said the rawness san said Sri Lanka’s condi- If we can’t train... then it’s not to fight racial injustice. one here has forgotten about Alexander Zverev is overcome by emotions during the trophy presenta- of the Flushing Meadows de- tions, which include 14 days of possible to play a Test,” he The practice was repeat- Black Lives Matter. I think it tion at the US Open in New York on Sunday. (Getty Images/AFP) feat meant it was too soon to isolation for players after ar- added. ed during England’s one- is a bit harsh for Mikey to not say whether he had taken any rival -- during which practis- Sri Lanka’s Sports Min- day matches against Ireland do some research before criti- AFP ing a Grand Slam champion. I positives from going a step ing would be forbidden -- were ister Namal Rajapaksa told but not in subsequent series cising.” New York was a few games away, maybe further. unacceptable. his country’s cricket board to against Pakistan and Australia. Archer has been subjected a few points away,” a dejected “That question is probably “The proposal we received work with the health depart- Holding, an outstanding to racist abuse on social media Alexander Zverev pledged Zverev told reporters. two, three days too early to ask is... not even close to what we ment to try and find a way fast bowler in the successful and the 25-year-old Sussex to bounce back from his bit- “For me what upset me the right now,” he said. agreed upon,” Hassan told re- around the strict quarantine West Indies teams of the 1970s quick said tough action was terly disappointing loss in the most is not the third set, it’s the But the German, who came porters in Dhaka. procedures. and 1980s, recalled in July the needed to clamp down on such final of the US Open on Sun- fifth set,” when he was serving into the tournament ranked “Under these conditions, it “Given the significance of ugly incidents he experienced remarks. day to capture a Grand Slam for the championship at 5-3. seventh in the world, added that is not possible for us to play the #cricket in the region, I have as a young cricketer on his vis- The England paceman one day. “I had a lot of chances in he was sure he would capture a Test championship... This is asked @OfficialSLC to consult its to Australia and England. took 3-34 as the world cham- The 23-year-old German the fifth set and didn’t use tennis major in the future. not even close to what is being the covid task force and recon- He accused England boss- pions fought back to beat Aus- went two sets and a break up them,” he added. “I’m 23 years old. I don’t followed in some other parts of sider the @BCBtigers matter, es and Australia captain Aaron tralia by 24 runs in the second in his first Grand Slam final The second seeded Thiem think it’s my last chance. I do the world where cricket is be- Rajapaksa tweeted. Finch of making “lame” state- one-day international at Old before losing in five sets to beat the fifth seed Zverev 2-6, believe that I will be a Grand ing played during this time.” There was no immedi- ments over ending the practice Trafford on Monday to level Austria’s Dominic Thiem. 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) in 4hr Slam champion at some Sri Lanka has a compul- ate comment from the Sri of taking a knee. a three-match series ahead of “I was super close to be- 2min. point,” he said. sory 14-day quarantine at a Lankan board. But Barbados-born quick Wednesday’s finale.