Sport shorts: Jofra Archer ‘disturbed’ by racial abuse in NZ and Lewis Hamilton expects Red Bull F1 title challenge in 2020
Ten things from the world of sport on Monday 25 November
1. Archer racially abused in NZ
England cricketer Jofra Archer was left “disturbed” after being racially abused by a spectator during the first Test defeat against New Zealand.
The 24-year-old was batting when he was subjected to racial comments from “one guy” during the final day of the opening Test.
Writing on Twitter, Archer said: “A bit disturbing hearing racial insults today whilst battling to help save my team. The crowd has been amazing this week except for that one guy. The Barmy Army was good as usual.”
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New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said in a statement: “New Zealand Cricket will be contacting, and apologising to English fast bowler Jofra Archer, who was racially abused by a spectator as he left the field at the conclusion of the first Test at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui.
“Although security providers at the venue were unable to locate the perpetrator, NZC will be examining CCTV footage and making further inquiries tomorrow in an endeavour to identify the man responsible.
“NZC has zero tolerance towards abusive or offensive language at any of its venues and will refer any developments in the case to police.”
New Zealand won the first Test by an innings and 65 runs. The second Test starts in Hamilton on Thursday (10pm GMT daily start).
2. Stokes and Asher-Smith on SPOTY shortlist
England cricketer Ben Stokes and British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith are the first two nominees to be named for the 2019 Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) award. It’s also reported that England and Manchester City footballer Raheem Sterling will be nominated.
3. Wilder: I am the hardest hitter in history
Deontay Wilder retained his WBC heavyweight title after a brutal seventh-round knockout of Luis Ortiz in Las Vegas. Wilder, 34, said: “I think I earned my respect to say I’m the hardest-hitting puncher in boxing history. Period. I do what I do time and time again. I give people great fights and great knockouts.”
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4. No offers for Kaepernick
The Guardian reports that quarterback Colin Kaepernick has not received any offers from an NFL franchise after holding a public workout earlier this month. The 32-year-old former San Francisco 49ers star, who led the protests against social injustice in the United States, has not played in the NFL since 2016.
5. Rahm reigns in Dubai
Spanish golfer Jon Rahm has ended the year as the European Tour No.1 after victory in the season finale in Dubai. Rahm’s one-shot win in the DP World Tour Championship means he finishes top of the 2019 Race to Dubai rankings.
6. Spain win Davis Cup
It was a double Spanish celebration at the weekend as the country’s men’s tennis team beat Canada to win the Davis Cup in front of a home crowd in Madrid.
World No.1 Rafa Nadal secured a sixth Davis Cup title for Spain and captain Sergi Bruguera said: “Rafa, he is out of this world, I don’t know if he is an alien or what. Not one day we went to sleep before 3am this week.”
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7. Hamilton: Red Bull can challenge for title
Lewis Hamilton expects the Honda-powered Red Bulls to challenge his Mercedes team and Ferrari in next year’s Formula 1 world championship.
The British driver said: “The Honda’s obviously made some big steps and it’s great to see another manufacturer as strong as they are now.
“It means that hopefully next year we’re going to have a serious three-way, four-way battle and that’s great for Formula 1.”
8. McBurnie earns Blades dramatic draw
Sheffield United scored a last-gasp goal against Manchester United to salvage a deserved point in a scintillating encounter at Bramall Lane.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted he had “mixed emotions” at the final whistle after Oliver McBurnie had levelled for the Blades to cap an extraordinary match, which ended 3-3.
Solskjaer said: “Last year we would have gone four or five down instead of coming back. We would not have been able to come back.”
Premier League highlights: a Bramall Lane classic and leaders Liverpool win late at Palace
9. Ronaldo a doubt for Champions League
Cristiano Ronaldo missed Juventus’s 3-1 Serie A victory at Atalanta on Saturday and could be a doubt for the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.
Juventus host the Spaniards tomorrow (8pm GMT, live on BT Sport Extra 2) and will look to increase their lead at the top of group D. Juve have ten points from four matches while Atletico have seven points.
Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo: all-time goals and career records
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10. Arsenal eye Arteta and Allegri
According to The Times Arsenal are “interested in talking to Mikel Arteta and Massimiliano Allegri” with the paper saying that the sands of time are running down on Unai Emery’s stint at the “Mayhemirates”.
Former Gunners midfielder Arteta, currently Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, is said to be “keen to talk to Arsenal” and discussions could begin as early as this week.
Arsenal in turmoil: Emery on the brink as fans hit out at owner Kroenke
Today’s back pages
Emery, Silva and Pellegrini lead Premier League sack race
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