Congo captain Chancel Mbemba subjected to online racist abuse
ABIDJAN, Jan 22: Congo captain Chancel Mbemba was subjected to a torrent of racist abuse on social media after leading his team to a 1-1 draw against Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations. Mbemba’s Instagram account was targeted by many users who replied to his latest posts with monkey or gorilla emojis, or wrote racist comments.The 29-year-old Mbemba, who is Black, plays for top-tier French club Marseille.Mbemba had a heated exchange with Morocco coach Walid Regragui after the match. It led to a melee between players and officials from both teams that continued as they left the field and went down the players’ tunnel.Regragui sought Mbemba after the game when the player was on his knees giving thanks in a personal moment. Mbemba took Regragui’s hand and clapped him on the back as it appeared he thought it was a friendly exchange. But Regragui kept hold of Mbemba’s hand and carried on talking. The player angrily pulled his hand away and gestured for the video referee before players from both sides jumped in.Mbemba suggested to journalists after the game in San Pedro that Regragui had insulted him. “I’m keeping my silence, it’s better. Everybody knows me, I respect everyone . but I never thought I’d hear that word from the coach, that it would come from his mouth,” Mbemba said. There was no immediate reaction from Regragui. (PTI)
Mumbai Marathon: 74-year-old among 2 dead; 22 hospitalised
MUMBAI, Jan 22: Two participants, including a 74-year-old man, collapsed and died during the annual TATA Mumbai Marathon held here, a police official said.According to the official, 22 persons who took part in the running event held on Sunday were hospitalised for dehydration and other reasons.The deceased have been identified as Suvradeep Banerjee (40) from Kolkata and Rajendra Bora (74) from Mumbai.Banerjee, a seasoned full marathoner and software engineer, collapsed near the Haji Ali Junction.Bora collapsed on the road near a petrol pump close to a popular pizza joint opposite the Marine Drive, the official added.Ethiopian runners expectedly dominated the Mumbai Marathon as defending champion Hayle Lemi Berhanu and Aberash Minsewo won the men’s and women’s titles respectively. (PTI)
Dusan Vlahović nets twice as Juventus go top of Serie A
MILAN, Jan 22: Dušan Vlahović continued his scoring streak with two goals to help Juventus win 3-0 at Lecce and move top of Serie A on Sunday.Vlahović netted both goals in the second half although he had to apologize to teammate Weston McKennie for the second one to take his tally to six in the past five matches. Gleison Bremer scored Juve’s other goal late on.Juventus moved a point above Inter Milan, which is involved in the Italian Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia on Monday. The Bianconeri could even be four points clear by the time Inter next plays in Serie A at Fiorentina next Sunday as Massimiliano Allegri’s team hosts Empoli the day before. Lecce had not won in more than a month and was desperate to move away from danger, and Juventus found it harder than it might have expected. McKennie enjoyed the best of the early opportunities and had a header nodded off the line by Lecce forward Nikola Krstović, who celebrated almost as if he had scored at the other end.It was a battle for every ball but Juventus finally broke the deadlock in the 59th minute. Vlahovic scored with a scuffed volley. If Vlahović’s first was somewhat fortuitous, his second nine minutes later was a poacher’s goal. (AP)