Euro final review finds England fans endangered lives

An England supporter wears a flag as he walks by a police line near Leicester Square in London, Sunday, July 11, 2021, during the Euro 2020 soccer championship final match between England and Italy which is being played at Wembley Stadium. (AP/File)
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Updated 07 December 2021
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Euro final review finds England fans endangered lives

  • Some 100,000 fans gathered around the north London stadium for the match despite pandemic curbs capping the 90,000-seat Wembley’s capacity at 67,000

LONDON: Aggression by England fans at the European Championship final exposed an “embarrassing” part of the national culture that endangered lives and should lead to fans being barred from stadiums if they are chanting abuse and under the influence of drugs or alcohol, an investigation into the disorder has concluded.

The review found that around 2,000 ticketless supporters stormed into Wembley on July 11 after 17 “mass breaches” of the stadium gates, with many forcing their way through disabled access entrances by punching and kicking stewards before England lost to Italy in the country’s first men’s final since winning the 1966 World Cup.

“The behavior of a large minority of England supporters was not just disgraceful, it recklessly endangered lives,” Louise Casey, an experienced former government official, said in a 129-page report published Friday.

“The appalling behavior of supporters on Euro Sunday should be a wake-up call for us all. For too long, the actions of a minority of England fans have been tolerated as a part of our national culture (albeit an embarrassing one), rather than confronted head-on.”

The review said had England won the game, a ticketless group of 6,000 people were thought to be preparing to storm the stadium to see the trophy presented.

Casey blamed the ability for the rampage to take place on a “collective failure” and said she did not want to “scapegoat” anyone.

“A minority of England supporters turned what should have been a day of national pride into a day of shame,” Casey said.

Casey recommended that the English Football Association leads a campaign to bring about a “sea-change in attitudes” by fans.

Some 100,000 fans gathered around the north London stadium for the match despite pandemic curbs capping the 90,000-seat Wembley’s capacity at 67,000.

“The threats, aggression, violence, smoke and flare use, throwing of missiles — including faeces — excessive consumption of alcohol and cocaine all combined to fuel a febrile atmosphere,” Casey said. “A loss of experienced stewards as a result of the pandemic left Wembley’s stewarding operation vulnerable when confronted with the most aggressive and disorderly crowd Wembley had ever seen.”

Casey condemned fans who “targeted disabled supporters in a predatory fashion” to gain entry.

“In one appalling incident,” she said, “a ticketless fan tried to impersonate a steward and hijack a disabled child and separated him from his father, in order to trick his way through a pass gate.”

The insufficient enforcement of the ban on drinking alcohol on public transport in London was highlighted in the report.

“The FA and Wembley, working with others, should step up action on eradicating such behaviors from football ... refusing to allow entry to fans who arrive chanting foul abuse and/ or are clearly under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs,” she said.

Casey said tailgating should become a criminal offense.

“The existing enforcement mechanisms available to the police and other enforcement officers do not offer enough deterrent against those determined to use the cover of football matches to commit criminal offenses,” she said.

Players’ families were caught up in the unrest, with England defender Harry Maguire’s father injuring ribs.

UEFA has already punished England, with a home Nations League game in June having to be played in an empty stadium. A second empty-stadium game was deferred for a two-year probationary period.

“The review makes clear that the circumstances leading up to the match led to a perfect storm of lawlessness,” FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said in a statement. “No event is set up to deal with such disgraceful behaviour from thousands of ticketless fans. Collectively we must never allow this to happen again.”


Racing returns to King Khalid Racecourse in Taif

Updated 24 July 2025
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Racing returns to King Khalid Racecourse in Taif

  • Muqtahem, Honky Tonk Man feature in action
  • Highlights of season include September’s Group 3 King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Cup

TAIF: Racing returns to Saudi Arabia this week with race days on Friday and Saturday as the Taif Summer Racing Season gets underway at King Khalid Racecourse.

Top quality horses have been declared, including Muqtahem and Honky Tonk Man, and the competitors include a number last seen flying the Saudi flag on Saudi Cup weekend.

The JCSA Almaseef Cup takes center stage on Friday and 24 hours later the Taif Flower Festival Cup Prep meeting is held.

Over the coming weeks there will be 160 opportunities for Thoroughbreds and 40 for Purebred Arabians and a schedule packed full of compelling action from 29 Championship Cups.

Highlights of the season include September’s Group 3 King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Cup and the Listed Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Cup, both carrying a purse of SR1 million and open to Purebred Arabians.

The top Thoroughbred ranks, from 2-year-olds to older horses, will be campaigned toward the Taif Cups series as well as the Okaz Cup for older horses, carrying a purse of SR700,000, and the SR500,000 National Day Cup.

The very best juvenile contenders will work their way toward the JCSA’s 3-year-old program in Riyadh, which culminates this season on Saudi Cup weekend.

Saturday sees the 1,200-meter open featuring Group 2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint runner-up Muqtahem, trained by top Saudi handler Thamer Aldaihani, take on Honky Tonk Man, now under the care of Hadi Gharawi. Honky Tonk Man was the winner of a leg of the International Jockeys’ Challenge on the Friday of the Saudi Cup weekend.

Aeadat (KSA), another prolific winner and a daughter of Premium Tap, makes her return for trainer Ahmed Mohamoud in the Um Alqura Cup Prep as she bids to score for the eighth consecutive time. She goes up against Istita’aeh (KSA) and Aldaihani’s Pretty Flag from Ireland, winner of the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Cup.


Barca’s Ter Stegen faces three months out after back surgery

Updated 24 July 2025
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Barca’s Ter Stegen faces three months out after back surgery

  • The Spanish champions signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer
  • “Today is a personally difficult day for me. Physically and athletically,” said Ter Stegen

BARCELONA: Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to undergo back surgery on a long-term problem and will miss three months as a result, the Germany international said on Thursday.

The Spanish champions signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, who is expected to become the team’s first choice, with Wojciech Szczesny as back-up.

“Today is a personally difficult day for me. Physically and athletically, I feel in very good shape, although unfortunately I am not free from pain,” said Ter Stegen on social media network Instagram.


“After intensive discussions with the FC Barcelona medical team and external experts, the quickest and safest way for me to fully recover is through back surgery.

“After my last operation on my back, I returned to the pitch after 66 days-almost two months... this time, the doctors believe about three months will be necessary as a precaution, to avoid any risks.”

Spanish media reported Barcelona were hoping to sell Ter Stegen, 33, who signed for the club in 2014, to help register new signings Garcia and Marcus Rashford.

Last summer a long-term injury to defender Andreas Christensen allowed Barcelona to use a La Liga loophole to register playmaker Dani Olmo on a temporary basis after he signed from RB Leipzig.

“Emotionally, it hurts a lot not being able to support the team during this time. Fortunately, the rehabilitation is manageable and the road back is clear,” continued Ter Stegen.

“Don’t worry — I’ll be back.”


Golf Saudi partners with Five Iron Golf to expand sport across Kingdom

Updated 24 July 2025
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Golf Saudi partners with Five Iron Golf to expand sport across Kingdom

  • First Five Iron Golf venue scheduled for 2026 on ground floor of PIF Tower in King Abdullah Financial District
  • Five Iron Golf offers simulators, professional instruction, Callaway club fittings, a global membership program, and full-service hospitality

RIYADH: Golf Saudi has announced a strategic partnership with Five Iron Golf — a global leader in immersive golf experiences — to launch a series of advanced indoor golf venues across Saudi Arabia.

The collaboration supports Golf Saudi’s mission to broaden community engagement and build a sustainable, inclusive golf ecosystem in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030’s goals for the sports sector.

The first Five Iron Golf venue is scheduled to open in Riyadh in the first quarter of 2026. Located on the ground floor of the iconic PIF Tower in the King Abdullah Financial District — one of the region’s most advanced business hubs — it is set to become one of the world’s most prominent indoor golf destinations, adding a new dimension to Saudi Arabia’s evolving sports and entertainment landscape.

Spanning approximately 1,500 sq. meters, the venue will combine Five Iron Golf’s signature mix of cutting-edge technology, vibrant hospitality, and immersive design at one of the Kingdom’s most prestigious addresses.

Founded in New York in 2017, Five Iron Golf has grown into a global brand with over 36 sites across 16 US states and five other locations — including Dubai, India, Singapore, and Australia.

The company offers simulators, professional instruction, Callaway club fittings, a global membership program, and full-service hospitality. Backed by strategic investors such as Callaway Golf and Enlightened Hospitality Investment, Five Iron is rapidly expanding through both corporate development and franchising, with over 60 locations in the pipeline.

The partnership aligns with Golf Saudi’s vision to expand the sport’s footprint across the Kingdom by introducing modern, accessible venues that appeal to all demographics — particularly youngsters and women.

Golf Saudi and Five Iron aim to deliver a comprehensive, world-class model that blends technology, hospitality, and education to welcome players of all skill levels.

Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Five Iron Golf to bring one of the world’s most dynamic and inclusive golf experiences to Saudi Arabia.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to expanding participation, developing youth talent, and building year-round golf infrastructure. Together, we aim to create a vibrant, accessible golf ecosystem across the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030.”

Jared Solomon, the co-founder and CEO of Five Iron Golf, said: “We believe Five Iron is more than just a place to hit balls — it’s a cultural experience that has helped shape the modern face of golf. We’re excited to bring our brand, energy, and commitment to inclusivity to Saudi Arabia.

“As the Kingdom builds a vibrant golf ecosystem and inspires a new generation of golfers, we’re proud to be part of this momentum and contribute to its broader success story.”

Golf Saudi and Five Iron Golf plan to expand the model to additional cities in the future, further accelerating the Kingdom’s golf development and reinforcing its regional leadership in the sport.


Seo Seoa stuns two-time champion Ouschan

Updated 24 July 2025
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Seo Seoa stuns two-time champion Ouschan

  • Seo Seoa dismantled the two-time World Champion Albin Ouschan with a dominant 9-2 victory
  • Defending champion Fedor Gorst continued his strong title defence with a 9–5 victory over Italy’s Francesco Candela

JEDDAH: Seo Seoa produced the shock of the tournament, so far, eliminating two-time World Champion Albin Ouschan to reach the last 64. As the only female competitor in the field, she now stands just one victory away from making history as the first woman ever to reach the last 32 of the event.

In collaboration with the Saudi Arabia Billiard & Snooker Federation and under the supervision of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sport, the 2025 World Pool Championship — the crown jewel of the World Nineball Tour — returns to the iconic Green Halls in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 21–26 July.

Seo Seoa dismantled the two-time World Champion Albin Ouschan with a dominant 9-2 victory — an extraordinary result that brings the Korean star within one win of making history.

Reflecting on her landmark performance, Seoa said: “I just enjoy my game so I’m not nervous and I feel my confidence is good. I really respect Albin’s game, he’s a two-time champion. But because of that respect I feel comfortable when up against him.

My goal is to break the record of the first woman player to reach the last 32 stage. I’m now only one step away.”

Defending champion Fedor Gorst continued his strong title defence with a 9–5 victory over Italy’s Francesco Candela, building momentum ahead of the single-elimination rounds. While still fine-tuning his break, the Russian looked more settled at the table.

“I think this match went better than the first one. I felt more confident at the table, and the things I worked on after the first round were definitely working during this one. The shots that gave me trouble before were much more under control now. I made a few solid decisions and shots that I was happy with.

That being said, my break still wasn’t working for me, so I’m heading to the practice room now to work on that. I’ve made it to the last 64 – single elimination starts tomorrow, races to 10. Time to reset and get ready.”

One of the day’s most anticipated matches saw a dramatic clash between former world champions Shane Van Boening and Ko Pin Yi in the last round of Losers Qualification. With both players fighting for survival, Van Boening jumped out to an early lead. Ko mounted a late comeback to make it 5-5, but the American held firm to progress by charging the next 4-racks to secure a crucial victory.

Filipino rising star AJ Manas produced one of the standout performances of the day, toppling reigning UK Open champion Aloysius Yapp to secure his place in the last 64.

“I’m very happy because not only did I win my game but I felt really comfortable now on the main TV table — not like yesterday. Aloysius made a couple of errors so I had to take my chance. But now I look forward to my next match. I know I need to stay locked in for the last 64, but I’m so excited.”

Reyes Cup teammates Johann Chua and Carlo Biado both cruised into the last 64, continuing the strong Filipino showing in Jeddah. Chua overcame Oliver Szolnoki, while Biado defeated fellow countryman Lee Vann Corteza.

Chua stated: “I’m happy to be back in the last 64 – but it’s far from over yet. I know I got to stay focused, tomorrow is going to be tough. But I am happy – and happy for the Filipinos that have made it through alongside me – Carlo Biado, one of the best players from the Philippines, to have him with me. I am proud.”

Jayson Shaw continued his smooth progress through the field with a 9–5 win over American Max Eberle, while fellow Brit Chris Melling had to fight his way through the Losers Qualification stage. After falling short to last year’s runner-up Eklent Kaci in his opening match, Melling bounced back by defeating Mohamed Al-Balkhi to stay in contention.

“I haven’t played Nineball since last year’s US Open. So coming into this event I didn’t have high expectations and I’m aware anything can happen in this event – I focus on each match one by one.

But with Kaci I felt like I played better than him at the start of the match – I only missed one shot. But I think my shot selection let me down but I like to go out firing on the table. However I’m glad I got the job done in my following match, and am happy to be back tomorrow.”

With just 64 players remaining, the World Pool Championship now enters its most demanding stage—single elimination, races to 10. The stakes are higher, the pressure is heavier, and every shot counts as the battle for the world title intensifies in Jeddah.


Farhan’s 50 lifts Pakistan to 178-7 in third Bangladesh T20I

Updated 24 July 2025
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Farhan’s 50 lifts Pakistan to 178-7 in third Bangladesh T20I

  • Sahibzada Farhan’s 41-ball 63 studded with five sixes and six boundaries
  • Bangladesh rest five main players after already winning three-match series

DHAKA: Opener Sahibzada Farhan hit a solid half century to guide Pakistan to an improved total of 178-7 in the third and final Twenty20 international against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Thursday.

Farhan’s 41-ball 63 studded with five sixes and six boundaries as well as Hasan Nawaz’s 17-ball 33 with three sixes and a boundary helped Pakistan post a challenging total after they were sent into bat.

Having already won their first-ever T20I series against Pakistan with victories in the first two matches, Bangladesh rested five of their main players including spearhead Mustafizur Rahman.

Pakistan had scored 110 and 125 in the first two matches — also in Dhaka.

Farhan, who replaced Fakhar Zaman as one of two changes for Pakistan, put on 82 for the opening stand with Saim Ayub who scored a 15-ball 21 with a six and two boundaries.

Farhan, 29, fell in the 12th over to spinner Nasum Ahmed who finished with 2-22 in his four overs. Pacer Taskin Ahmed took 3-38.

Mohammad Nawaz, who scored 16-ball 27 with two sixes and as many fours, and skipper Salman Agha made 12 to help Pakistan add 46 runs in the last five overs.