Sports

Messi fined for grabbing neck of coach

Published

4 weeks ago

February 27, 2025

Inter Miami CF players Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez have been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer for violating the “hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent” rule during the team’s season-opening MLS match against New York City FC on Saturday, the league announced Tuesday.

Following the final whistle, Messi made contact with NYCFC assistant Mehdi Ballouchy by grabbing the back of his neck. The assistant coach clenched his shoulders, but he did not retaliate against the player before Messi exited the field and headed to the locker room.

When asked about the discussion between Messi and Ballouchy, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano referred to the situation as a matter of the pitch.

“I don’t have too many things to say. It’s difficult when you are on the pitch,” Mascherano said Monday. “And sometimes you think that things are not going the right way because sometimes you can see some mistakes from the referee. But at the end, in football, to understand the players and the emotions of the player, you have to be inside on the pitch, and [trying] to see from afar, it’s difficult.

“It’s difficult sometimes to control the emotions. I think the press sometimes want to create a circus about it. And that happens in every game that you can discuss with the referee, with some opposing players. It’s like this. It’s important, what we say in Argentina, what we say, and the things that happen in the pitch stay in the pitch. And we forget, we are looking forward to the next game.”

In Suárez’s case, the forward was fined for touching NYCFC player Birk Risa on the back of the neck during a heated argument just seconds after the referee signaled for half-time. The two players engaged in an intense discussion before NYCFC’s Strahinja Tanasijević stepped in between Risa and Suárez.

Suárez and Messi will continue to be available for Inter Miami as the team faces Houston Dynamo FC on the second matchday of the 2025 MLS season.

Before traveling to Texas, the Herons will host Sporting Kansas City in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup first-round clash Tuesday night. Inter Miami lead the series 1-0 after defeating SKC at Children’s Mercy Park with a goal from Messi in frigid conditions last week.-ESPN

Sports

Pitch Invader in Ghana-Chad Game Sentenced to 100 Days Imprisonment

Published

23 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Net News Ghana

Mohammed Huzeinu, 21, has been sentenced to 100 days in prison by an Accra District Court for invading the pitch during Ghana’s match against Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2022.

Huzeinu’s actions disrupted the game, an offense that has potential financial consequences for the Association (GFA), as the Association is likely to be fined whenever such incidents occur.

Pitch invasions are considered a serious breach of security and disrupt the smooth running of games.

The sentencing serves as a strong warning to fans to respect stadium regulations and maintain order during matches.

The FA has consistently urged fans to refrain from such actions, emphasising the importance of discipline and adherence to match day protocols to avoid fines and maintain Ghana’s reputation in international football.

Sports

Queensland Intl Sch wins maiden Rising Star Rugby League tournament

Published

1 day ago

March 25, 2025

Net News Ghana

Queensland International School made history by emerging champions in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions at the inaugural Rising Star Rugby League Tournament U15 held at the Englebert School in Accra.

The event, organised by the Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG) in collaboration with Futurestars Charity and Salford Red Devils, provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and passion for rugby league.

The all-play-all format tournament featured five schools, 100 children (50 boys and 50 girls), aged 9-15, and over 20 volunteers.

Queensland Boys began the tournament with a 2-2 drawn game with Future Leaders Boys before defeating Englebert Boys 4-0 and Twedaase Boys 2-1 to emerge victorious, with Twedaase School, Tema Cluster Boys, Future Leaders Boys and Englebert Boys following in that order.

The girls from Queensland followed in the footsteps of their male counterparts, beating both Future Leaders and Tema Cluster 2-1 before going down by the same scoreline to Twedaase Girls.

They, however, ensured the top spot with a 4-3 victory over Englebert Girls in the final game, leaving Twedaase, Future Leaders, Englebert and Tema Cluster Girls to follow in that order on the medal table.

Special guest of honour, Mr Keith McMahon, Deputy British High Commissioner, commended RLFG for the initiative, noting that the energy and talent on display were inspiring.

“The tournament is a fantastic platform for these young athletes to develop their skills and grow the sport in Ghana and I urge the RLFG to continue with their good works,” he added.

On her part, the president of RLFG, Madam Juliana Storey, congratulated all the participating teams for their stellar performance, adding that the passion, determination, and talent on display confirm that her outfit is on the right path in its mission to grow the sport.

She promised to We continue investing in grassroots development to ensure a bright future for the young athletes.

RLFG General Manager, Mr Jafaru Mustapha, said the enthusiasm from these young athletes during the tournament is proof that rugby league has a promising future and stated that they were going to expand the tournament and provide more opportunities for young players across Ghana to enjoy the game.

He thanked Mr Emmanuel Okyne-Tetteh, Futurestars Charity Country leader, for the opportunity to partner with his outfit to hold a successful tournament.

BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY

Sports

PHOTOS: Black Stars hold training at Grande Stade Al Hoceima ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar

Published

2 days ago

March 24, 2025

Net News Ghana

The Black Stars held their official training at Grande Stade Al Hoceima on Sunday in preparation for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar.

Otto Addo’s men appeared sharp and lively during training under the lights, following their arrival in Morocco on Saturday. All 23 players are in good condition ahead of the crucial Group I game, scheduled for Monday, March 24, 2025.

Ghana recorded a resounding victory against Chad on Friday, climbing to the top of the table with 12 points. They aim to cement their position with a victory over Madagascar.

The Group I fixture is scheduled to kick off at 19:00 Hrs at Grande Stade Al Hoceima, Morocco. Our Chief Photographer sent us back these photos: