‘Mass protest’ on Clasico day
Barcelona: Catalan separatists from Democratic Tsunami on Tuesday called for a “massive” protest around Camp Nou stadium on December 18 where Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to play their rearranged Clasico. Spain’s most prestigious fixture had been due to take place at the Barcelona stadium on October 26 but was postponed following a wave of violent pro-independence protests in Catalonia. “In an exceptional situation, we should act in an exceptional way,” said a statement from the group, which has called supporters to gather at four points around the stadium from 4:00 pm, just four hours before kickoff. The rally is the latest in a wave of protests which began two months ago when Spain’s top court jailed nine Catalan separatist leaders over their role in a failed 2017 independence bid. (AFP)
Hockey India suspends 11 players
New Delhi: The disciplinary committee of Hockey India has suspended 11 players for varying number of months along with team officials of Punjab Armed Police and Punjab National Bank for their involvement in an ugly brawl between the two sides during the 56th Nehru Senior Hockey Tournament in November. The brawl, which was sparked by an altercation between Punjab Police’s Hardeep Singh and Sumit Toppo of Punjab National Bank, left several players injured. The suspended players would also be on further probation for 24 months after the expiry of their sanctions. (IANS)
Bianca becomes athlete of the year
Washington: US Open champion Bianca Andreescu has become the first tennis player to win Canada’s athlete of the year award. The title is awarded each year to Canada’s top athlete, and Andreescu, 19, put together a strong case throughout her 2019 season, during which she won her first WTA title at the BNP Paribas Open – a Premier Mandatory tournament – and her second at the Rogers Cup in Toronto, a Premier 5 event that Andreescu grew up attending. The youngster later became the first from her country to win a Grand Slam singles title in the US Open. (IANS)