Sports

Pitch Invaders Disrupt Portugal vs Turkey Euro 2024 Match in Pursuit of Ronaldo

Published

7 months ago

June 23, 2024

A Group F match at the ongoing Euro 2024 between Portugal and Turkey was interrupted several times on Saturday as pitch invaders repeatedly attempted to get close to Cristiano Ronaldo for a photograph.

The first intruder, a young boy wearing a red tracksuit top, emerged from the stands midway through the second half, approaching the Portugal captain. Ronaldo graciously posed for a photo before the boy ran off, attempting to evade the stewards who eventually caught and escorted him away to applause from the stands.

At least five other fans managed to get onto the pitch, either during the match or after the final whistle, attempting similar stunts. However, Ronaldo grew increasingly exasperated with the unwanted attention.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez expressed relief that none of the multiple fans who invaded the pitch during the game had ill intentions. “It is a concern because today we were lucky that the intentions of the fans were good,” Martinez told reporters after Portugal secured qualification for the last 16.

Martinez acknowledged the admiration fans have for big stars but stressed the potential danger. “I think that we all love a fan who recognizes the big stars who are icons in their lands. I think we all agree with that, but you can understand that it is a very difficult moment if those intentions are wrong. Then the players are exposed, and we need to be careful with that. Probably there is a lot of security and protection and I don’t think it should happen.”

Martinez, the former Belgium boss, added, “Probably we should give a message to the fans that it is not the right way. You are not going to get anything out of it, and what you do is that probably the measures get worse for the future, and it is not good to get the players so exposed when you get people running on the pitch.”

Ronaldo, one of the most recognizable celebrities on the planet, has dealt with similar situations throughout his career. His teammate, Bernardo Silva, who scored the first goal in the game, acknowledged the challenges that come with such fame.

“I am not really concerned. It is just a bit annoying in terms of always having to stop the game because a fan enters the pitch,” the Manchester City player said. “Apart from that, I think that is the price you pay for being so recognized in the world of football. But in terms of feeling in danger, I don’t think so, not me personally at least.”

The disruptions underscore the fine line between fan admiration and the need for player security, highlighting the challenges faced by high-profile athletes in maintaining a balance between their public and private lives.

News

Haaland signs 10-year contract with Manchester City

Published

1 day ago

January 17, 2025

Austin Ojomah

By Francesca Hangeior.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has signed a new 10-year contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2034, the club announced on Friday.

The 24-year-old Norwegian, who joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, has been a pivotal figure in the club’s recent successes.

His initial contract was set to expire in 2027, but the new deal reflects the club’s confidence in Haaland’s importance to their future.

“Erling Haaland has signed a new 10-year Manchester City contract, keeping him at the Club until the summer of 2034,” the statement said.

Reflecting on the new contract, Haaland expressed his delight at extending his stay.

“I am really happy to have signed my new contract and to be able to look forward to spending even more time at this great club.

“Manchester City is a special club, full of fantastic people with amazing supporters, and it’s the type of environment that helps bring the best out of everybody,” he said.

Haaland thanked his teammates, manager Pep Guardiola, and the City staff, stating, “They have made this such a special place to be, and now I am City no matter what. I want to keep developing, keep working to get better, and help us achieve more success going forward.”

Since his arrival, Haaland’s impact has been nothing short of extraordinary. In his debut 2022/23 season, he scored 52 goals across all competitions, the highest-ever tally by a Premier League player in a single season, breaking the previous league record of 36 goals.

His goals were instrumental in City’s historic treble-winning campaign, which included the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles.

In addition to collective success, Haaland garnered numerous individual accolades in his debut season, including the PFA Player of the Year, Premier League Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, and the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year awards.

Despite an injury that sidelined him for nearly two months during the 2023/24 season, Haaland continued his prolific form, scoring 38 goals in 45 appearances, including 27 in the Premier League, securing a second consecutive Golden Boot.

Sports

SAD: Footballer slumps, dies during match in Osun

Published

2 days ago

January 17, 2025

Austin Ojomah

By Francesca Hangeior.

Osun State Police Command has confirmed the death of Adeyemi Adewale, a football player for the Ilesa West Local Government Area team, who slumped during a match in Osogbo, the state capital.

Adewale, 29, was participating in the Adeleke Memorial Cup Final match at the Ataoja School of Science on Thursday when he collapsed on the field.

Efforts to save him proved futile as he was rushed to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed him dead upon arrival.

Spokesperson for the Osun Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the incident in a statement, adding that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death have commenced.

“Today, (Thursday) while the Adeleke Memorial Cup Final match was going on at Ataoja School of Science, one Adeyemi Adewale ‘M’ 29yrs, a player of Ilesa West Football team, slumped on the pitch.

“He was rushed to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead by a doctor,” the statement said.

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the teaching hospital’s morgue.

Sports

Remarkable Comeback As Amad Diallo 12 Minute Hat-trick Seals Victory For Manchester United Vs Southampton

Published

2 days ago

January 17, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Three late goals from Amad Diallo dragged a below-par Manchester United to a 3-1 comeback victory over Southampton in the Premier League on Thursday.

Amad Diallo proved the saviour for Manchester United once again as they came from behind to sneak a late win against basement club Southampton.

United will have fancied their chances of getting back to winning ways against bottom of the table Southampton, but the hosts were second best from the off, deservedly falling behind to a Manuel Ugarte own goal just before halftime.

Staring down the barrel of another home defeat, United upped the ante after the break, getting back on level terms through Diallo eight minutes from time, before the Ivorian completed the turnaround in the 90th minute.

Amad Diallo is the hero for the hosts, his hat-trick getting them out of a huge hole against a Southampton team who deserved more than they got from the game.

An absorbing and entertaining game ends in a home victory.

Manchester United and Ruben Amorim have Amad Diallo to thank for saving their blushes.