Tag Archives: Sports – Europe

DUBLIN (AP) — Ireland was halfway to the Grand Slam after putting down a spirited Wales by a harder-than-expected 31-7 in Six Nations rugby on Saturday. The Irish had victory sewn up by halftime when they led 17-0. But they couldn’t grab the bonus-point fourth try until the 81st minute. An utterly dominated Wales used the halftime break to regather …

MILAN (AP) — AC Milan forward Rafael Leão has denounced “small-minded” people after he was the latest victim of racial abuse as the problem continues to blight Italian soccer. Leão, who is Black, shared an Instagram story from a social media user who had written in Italian: “I can’t bear to see you anymore. I can’t bear to support you …

Karolina Muchova, last year’s runner-up at the French Open, had an operation on her right wrist for an injury that has sidelined her since September. “Following my injury at the U.S. Open and an extensive rehabilitation phase, it turned out that a medical intervention was necessary. So here I am, tired and sad, but I know I’ll be okay now,” …

LUTON, England (AP) — The goals are suddenly flowing freely and easily for Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund. That was about the only thing that came easily for United in a 2-1 win at Luton on Sunday, but the Dane’s scoring form could be enough to fuel a late push for a top-four spot for Erik ten Hag’s team. Hojlund …

PARIS (AP) — Brest coped with having a player sent off in the second half to beat Marseille 1-0 and move up to second place in the French league on Sunday. Veteran midfielder Pierre Lees-Melou scored in the 88th minute as Brest moved above Nice into second spot, 13 points behind league leader Paris Saint-Germain. Brest has never finished higher …

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP) — The soccer players’ union in Slovenia filed a criminal complaint against national champion Olimpija Ljubljana for alleged bullying of players over their contracts. The global players’ union FIFPRO said Friday it “strongly supports” its Slovenian affiliate and “condemns any unlawful behavior by football clubs aimed at forcing players to terminate or change contract terms.” “Slovenian labor …

GENEVA (AP) — More than 300 soccer clubs were in ownership groups involving multiple teams in a trend driven by American investors that could threaten the integrity of European games, UEFA said on Thursday. UEFA detailed the growing popularity of “multi-club ownership” – with investors, if not always the fans – in its annual analysis of the European soccer economy …

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Rafael Nadal put off his return to the tennis tour because he isn’t yet healthy enough to play, announcing Wednesday that he will sit out next week’s Qatar Open. “I would have loved to play in Doha, where the tournament team, as well as the amazing Qatar fans have always supported me greatly. Unfortunately I am …

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Kevin De Bruyne is so often Manchester City’s man for the big occasion. He delivered again at the start of the Champions League’s knockout stage. By scoring one goal and having a hand in two others, the Belgium playmaker inspired City to a 3-1 win at FC Copenhagen in the first leg of the round of …

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) — One year after returning from cancer treatment, Sébastien Haller could lead Ivory Coast to the Africa Cup of Nations title. Haller fired the host nation into Sunday’s final against three-time champion Nigeria with the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Congo in the semifinals. “It’s kind of a great moment today to be here …