分类： sports

Marseille’s head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, has publicly defended Mason Greenwood, stating that the forward has ‘paid dearly’ for the sexual assault allegations that once derailed his career. Greenwood is set to face English opposition for the first time since the controversy as Marseille prepares to host Newcastle United in the Champions League on Tuesday. The 24-year-old, who joined Marseille in July 2024 after a loan spell at Getafe, has been a key player for the French club, scoring 33 goals, including 11 this season. De Zerbi emphasized that Greenwood has found a supportive environment in Marseille, describing him as a ‘good lad’ who has overcome significant personal challenges. Despite the controversy, Greenwood’s on-field performance has been commendable, with De Zerbi praising his development into a ‘complete player.’ However, England manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated that Greenwood is not currently in his plans for the national team. Meanwhile, Greenwood’s teammate Angel Gomes noted that their conversations focus more on casual topics like video games rather than Greenwood’s aspirations for an international recall. Marseille, currently struggling in the Champions League with just three points from four matches, will rely on Greenwood’s form to improve their standing in the competition.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Michka Hyde, a former 400m and 400m hurdler from St Andrew High, made history by breaking the Jamaican national record in the women’s marathon. Competing in her first-ever marathon, Hyde completed the 26.2-mile race at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday with an impressive time of 2:35.28 minutes. This remarkable achievement eclipsed the previous record of 3:08.47 minutes set by Jill Vincent at the Negril Marathon in 2000. Hyde, a 24-year-old scholarship recipient at George Mason University, secured second place overall, trailing only American runner Anna Oeser, who finished in 2:34.56 minutes. She narrowly outpaced Ireland’s Orla Rocha, who clocked in at 2:36.45 minutes. Hyde’s performance not only highlights her exceptional athletic prowess but also marks a significant milestone in Jamaican marathon history.

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Manchester High, the double defending champions, kicked off their campaign in the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Rural Area Basketball competition with a commanding performance on Monday. The team secured victories in both the Under-16 and Under-19 categories against Munro College at their home court in Manchester. The competition, which had been delayed by nearly a month due to Hurricane Melissa in late October, saw Manchester High dominate with a 95-18 win in the Under-19 game, led by Shawn Bogle’s 20 points. Earlier, they triumphed 110-13 in the Under-16 game, with Jaquain Palmer scoring a game-high 28 points. Meanwhile, St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) also enjoyed a double victory over Christiana High in Zone A, winning 21-8 in the junior game and 69-17 in the seniors. In other matches, Belair High defeated Old Harbour High 56-30 in the Under-19 game, after Old Harbour had claimed a 45-20 win in the Under-16 category. The competition resumes with high expectations for continued thrilling performances.

In a stunning display of skill and determination, Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze delivered a masterclass performance, scoring a hat-trick to lead his team to a resounding 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby. The match, held at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, saw Arsenal extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points, further solidifying their title aspirations.

The Vitality Netball Roses Horizon Series, a high-profile international netball competition between England and Jamaica, has faced a significant setback with the cancellation of its Jamaican leg due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. The decision, though disappointing, was deemed necessary to prioritize the recovery efforts of the affected communities. The hurricane, which struck Jamaica on October 28, disrupted extensive planning and sponsor engagements, prompting stakeholders to focus on relief initiatives.

Karen Baugh, President of Netball Jamaica (NJ), expressed her regret over the cancellation but emphasized the importance of supporting hurricane recovery. ‘We were working very hard on putting on a great show, but we must come back stronger next year,’ Baugh stated. The series, designed to provide consistent, high-intensity competition for both teams, will now proceed with only the England leg, scheduled for December 13 and 14 at London’s Copper Box Arena.

In a show of solidarity, England Netball announced that £1 from every ticket sold for the London matches will be donated to World Central Kitchen (WCK), NJ’s charity partner, which is providing meals to Jamaican families affected by the hurricane. Fans are also encouraged to make optional donations at checkout.

Eboni Usoro-Brown, President of England Netball, highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations, stating, ‘The Sunshine Girls are more than opponents; they have shaped some of the most defining moments in our sport.’ She expressed pride in England Netball’s support for Jamaica during this challenging time and pledged to ensure the Sunshine Girls feel respected and supported in London.

The Jamaican team, already facing selection challenges due to the unavailability of key players, remains determined to perform at their best. ‘We are going out there to give it our best shot,’ Baugh affirmed, despite the absence of regular captain Jhaniele Fowler-Reid and other prominent players.

The cancellation underscores the broader impact of natural disasters on sports and community life, while the collaborative response highlights the resilience and unity within the netball community.