Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • Man Utd knocked out of FA Cup by Brighton, Martinelli hits hat-trick for Arsenal

    Man Utd knocked out of FA Cup by Brighton, Martinelli hits hat-trick for Arsenal

    The Emirates FA Cup delivered a weekend of high drama and stunning upsets, headlined by a seismic shock at Old Trafford where Brighton & Hove Albion eliminated Manchester United with a 2-1 victory. This defeat extinguishes the Red Devils’ final hope for silverware this season and plunges the club into deeper crisis.

    Interim manager Darren Fletcher witnessed his squad’s fragility firsthand as Brighton’s Brajan Gruda and former United striker Danny Welbeck found the net, securing a deserved win for the visitors. The match was punctuated by audible dissent from the home supporters, with persistent chants directed at the Glazer family and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, highlighting the growing discontent within the theatre of dreams. United’s misery was compounded by a late red card for teenager Shea Lacey for dissent, capping a performance that Fletcher admitted showcased a ‘fragile’ team that must ‘dig deep.’ This early cup exit means United will play only 40 games this season—their lowest tally since 1915.

    In stark contrast, Arsenal exhibited resilience and firepower in a commanding 4-1 away victory at Portsmouth’s Fratton Park. The narrative was dominated by Gabriel Martinelli, who responded to a week of intense criticism with a brilliant hat-trick. The Brazilian forward had faced significant backlash for an incident involving Liverpool’s injured Conor Bradley in a previous match, but he let his performance do the talking on the pitch.

    Portsmouth had dreamt of a giant-killing, taking a shock lead through Colby Bishop after just three minutes. However, their advantage was short-lived. An Andre Dozzell own goal leveled the score before Martinelli took center stage. He displayed clinical finishing to net three times, effectively killing the tie and guiding the Gunners into the fourth round for the first time in three years. Manager Mikel Arteta praised his player’s ‘big personality’ to overcome controversy and deliver under pressure.

    Elsewhere in the competition, West Ham United secured a 2-1 extra-time victory over Queens Park Rangers, thanks to a decisive header from new £26 million signing Taty Castellanos. Leeds United mounted a second-half comeback to defeat Derby County 3-1, while League One side Mansfield Town pulled off a spectacular 4-3 upset against Premier League strugglers Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Norwich City, Hull City, and West Bromwich Albion also secured their passages to the last 32.

  • AFL: North Melbourne’s Jackson Archer won’t feature in 2026

    AFL: North Melbourne’s Jackson Archer won’t feature in 2026

    North Melbourne Football Club has been dealt a significant blow with the confirmation that defender Jackson Archer has sustained a complete anterior cruciate ligament rupture during a pre-season training session. The devastating injury occurred on Saturday when the 23-year-old went down during drills, with subsequent medical scans revealing the full extent of the damage.

    The club issued an official statement confirming the season-ending setback: “The club will continue to support Archer as he meets with the medical team this week to work through his rehabilitation program.” This development marks another chapter in what has been a frustrating period for the young athlete, who managed only three appearances in the 2025 season following his breakthrough performance the previous year.

    Archer’s recent career has been plagued by multiple setbacks, including a controversial Round 1 suspension last season followed by separate hamstring and ankle injuries that limited his participation. The latest ACL injury represents perhaps the most challenging obstacle yet for the talented defender, who comes from impressive football lineage—his father Glenn Archer played over 300 games for the Kangaroos and earned the prestigious Norm Smith Medal in 1996.

    The injury not only impacts Archer’s personal career trajectory but also represents a significant loss for North Melbourne’s defensive lineup as they prepare for the upcoming season. The club now faces the challenge of reorganizing their defensive strategy while supporting Archer through what is typically a 9-12 month rehabilitation process for such injuries.

  • St Kilda backs Stephen and Jack Silvagni at club following Tom Silvagni’s rape conviction

    St Kilda backs Stephen and Jack Silvagni at club following Tom Silvagni’s rape conviction

    In a definitive statement addressing the ongoing repercussions of a serious criminal conviction within a prominent football family, St Kilda Football Club has publicly affirmed its continued commitment to player Jack Silvagni and list manager Stephen Silvagni. This declaration comes despite the recent rape conviction and subsequent imprisonment of their family member, Tom Silvagni.

    The club’s position was formally articulated by newly appointed General Manager Lenny Hayes during a Monday morning address. Hayes characterized the situation as ‘a really challenging time for the family’ while emphasizing the organization’s dedication to supporting its personnel through personal difficulties. ‘We support all our people,’ Hayes stated unequivocally. ‘We fully support Jack and even Stephen. They’re fully committed to their roles this year as we are to them.’

    This organizational backing extends to both Silvagnis despite the serious nature of the unrelated criminal case. Tom Silvagni, brother to Jack and son of Stephen, received a prison sentence exceeding six years in December after being found guilty on two counts of rape. The offenses occurred at the family residence in January 2024, though both Jack and Stephen Silvagni remain entirely unconnected to the criminal proceedings and have not been accused of any wrongdoing.

    The timing of these developments presents particular challenges for the club. Jack Silvagni joined St Kilda during the off-season period while his brother’s case remained under a court-issued suppression order, meaning the full details were not publicly known at the time of his recruitment. The 28-year-old defender, considered a significant addition to the Saints’ defensive lineup, has faced additional complications after sustaining an injury during pre-Christmas training sessions.

    Currently undergoing a carefully managed rehabilitation program, Silvagni is progressively reintegrating into light training drills. Club officials express optimism regarding his recovery timeline, with Hayes projecting a return to full training participation by the conclusion of January. The General Manager further highlighted the valuable attributes Silvagni brings to the team, noting expectations for his ‘enormous experience,’ ‘leadership,’ and ‘high-quality performance’ to significantly bolster the club’s defensive strategies throughout the upcoming season.

  • AFL 2026: St Kilda general manager Lenny Hayes on the fitness of Tom De Koning, Max King

    AFL 2026: St Kilda general manager Lenny Hayes on the fitness of Tom De Koning, Max King

    St Kilda Football Club’s marquee signing Tom De Koning is making significant strides in his recovery from a calf injury, though club officials remain cautiously optimistic about his availability for the season’s inaugural match. The high-profile ruckman, who departed Carlton for a lucrative contract estimated at $1.7 million annually, encountered the setback during pre-season preparations ahead of the Christmas break.

    Newly appointed General Manager Lenny Hayes provided an update on De Koning’s condition, indicating positive progress while maintaining pragmatic expectations. “We’re genuinely excited to integrate Tom into our organization,” Hayes stated. “He’s adapting exceptionally well with the squad and has resumed on-field activities, demonstrating promising advancement in his rehabilitation regimen.”

    Despite the encouraging signs, Hayes refrained from guaranteeing De Koning’s participation against Collingwood in the Opening Round fixture scheduled for March 8. The club acknowledges several critical milestones must be achieved before finalizing his match readiness. Hayes emphasized De Koning’s professional approach to recovery, noting his diligent work ethic throughout the process.

    The Saints’ competitive aspirations hinge significantly on the fitness of both De Koning and key forward Max King, whose own pre-season has been compromised by persistent knee concerns. King’s athletic journey has been marred by extensive injury challenges, limiting him to merely 23 appearances since his breakthrough 2022 campaign after missing the entire 2025 season.

    Hayes confirmed King’s anticipated return to full training within weeks, marking a potential culmination of his prolonged rehabilitation. The dual recovery narratives of these pivotal players will substantially influence St Kilda’s strategic preparations and their pursuit of postseason contention.

  • Virat Kohli hits 93 to lead India to 4-wicket win over New Zealand in first ODI

    Virat Kohli hits 93 to lead India to 4-wicket win over New Zealand in first ODI

    In a captivating opening to their three-match series, India secured a hard-fought four-wicket victory against New Zealand in the first ODI at Vadodara on Sunday, propelled by Virat Kohli’s commanding 93-run performance. The hosts successfully chased down New Zealand’s competitive total of 300-8 with six deliveries remaining, finishing at 306-6 in 49 overs.

    New Zealand established a solid foundation with openers Devon Conway (56) and Henry Nicholls (62) compiling a 117-run partnership. However, their momentum stalled as the middle order struggled, with Daryl Mitchell’s impressive 84 off 71 balls serving as the innings’ backbone. Mitchell’s effort, complemented by debutant Kristian Clarke’s late cameo of 24 off 17 deliveries, propelled the Black Caps to an imposing 300-run total.

    India’s response began shakily as captain Rohit Sharma departed after a brisk 26. Kohli then orchestrated the chase with precision, reaching his half-century in just 44 deliveries. He formed crucial partnerships with Shubman Gill (50 off 66 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (49 off 47), maintaining India’s scoring rate throughout the middle overs.

    The match witnessed dramatic tension when pace bowler Kyle Jamieson (4-41) triggered a late collapse, removing Kohli just seven runs short of his century and claiming two additional wickets in quick succession. Despite this pressure, Lokesh Rahul’s composed unbeaten 29 off 21 balls, supported by Harshit Rana’s valuable 29-run contribution, guided India across the finish line.

    The victory gives India a 1-0 series advantage as both teams prepare for Wednesday’s second ODI in Rajkot, where New Zealand will seek redemption after letting control slip despite Jamieson’s bowling heroics.

  • Hamda scores big win for Emirati women at Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Festival

    Hamda scores big win for Emirati women at Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Festival

    In a groundbreaking display of equestrian excellence, Emirati riders Hamda Jasim Ahmed Mohamed Al Ali and Maitha Mohamed Al Qubaisi achieved a historic one-two finish at the prestigious Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival in Dubai. The landmark victory, witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum himself, represents a significant milestone for women’s sports in the United Arab Emirates.

    The two athletes conquered the grueling 160-kilometer course at Dubai International Endurance City through strategic brilliance and exceptional horsemanship. Riding SW Hinkul, a 12-year-old gelding, Hamda executed a perfectly timed final surge to claim victory in 6 hours, 14 minutes, and 19 seconds, maintaining an impressive average speed of 25.65 km/h throughout the demanding desert terrain.

    What made their achievement particularly remarkable was their tactical approach. Rather than leading from the start, Hamda began in 24th position and remained outside the top ten for much of the race. Her victory was secured through intelligent pacing, meticulous veterinary management, and a decisive final push during the last 20 kilometers that overwhelmed the competition.

    Maitha Al Qubaisi followed just 36 seconds behind her compatriot, completing an all-Emirati female podium dominance that showcased the depth of talent developing within the UAE’s endurance riding program. Mansour Saeed Al Farsi secured third place, rounding out the podium.

    The event, now in its 19th edition and organized by the Dubai Equestrian Club, stands as one of the most prestigious fixtures on the global endurance calendar. Sheikh Mohammed, a former World Endurance Champion himself, personally followed the final stretch of the race, adding symbolic significance to the women’s achievement.

    This triumph demonstrates how endurance riding rewards strategic decision-making and partnership with the horse as much as physical stamina. Both riders emphasized the values of patience, humility, and trust that the sport instills—qualities that proved decisive in their historic performance that will be remembered as a defining moment in the festival’s history.

  • India’s Shubman Gill calls it ‘destiny’ after shock T20 World Cup snub

    India’s Shubman Gill calls it ‘destiny’ after shock T20 World Cup snub

    Indian cricket star Shubman Gill has responded with philosophical acceptance after selectors delivered the stunning decision to exclude him from India’s T20 World Cup squad. The 26-year-old batsman, who maintains captaincy roles in both Test and ODI formats, addressed media in Vadodara ahead of India’s one-day series against New Zealand.

    Gill’s recent performance statistics in T20 internationals revealed a concerning trend, with merely 291 runs accumulated across his previous 15 appearances at an average of 24.25. This statistical decline ultimately influenced the selection committee’s controversial verdict.

    ‘My personal philosophy centers on believing I am precisely where I’m meant to be in life,’ Gill stated. ‘Whatever destiny has ordained for me, I shall receive. While my primary ambition remains winning matches for my nation, I respectfully accept the selectors’ decision and extend my fullest support to the T20 squad.’

    The upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka between February 7 and March 8, will see India defend their title under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. Meanwhile, Gill’s immediate focus shifts to the ODI series against New Zealand, where he’ll captain a team featuring veteran icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

    Both Kohli (37) and Sharma (38), having retired from T20 and Test cricket following India’s triumphant 2024 World Cup campaign in Barbados, continue to demonstrate exceptional form in the 50-over format. Gill emphasized the invaluable perspective these seasoned players bring to leadership dynamics.

    ‘Their presence significantly simplifies captaincy responsibilities,’ Gill noted. ‘When confronting challenging situations, their accumulated experience provides crucial strategic insight. Consulting them regarding decision-making processes offers immense value to any captain.’

  • Mbeumo ‘sad’ over Cameroon Afcon exit

    Mbeumo ‘sad’ over Cameroon Afcon exit

    In a thrilling quarter-final clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, host nation Morocco secured a 2-0 victory against Cameroon at Rabat’s packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The match saw Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari net decisive first-half goals that ultimately proved insurmountable for the Indomitable Lions.

    Cameroon’s Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo expressed profound disappointment with his team’s initial performance, acknowledging that their hesitant start significantly compromised their chances. “Our first-half display fell considerably short of our capabilities,” Mbeumo stated. “We demonstrated marked improvement after the interval, forcing Morocco to adapt, but ultimately they capitalized on their opportunities.”

    The match represented a personal milestone for Mbeumo, who was competing in his first AFCON tournament since switching international allegiance from France to Cameroon in 2022. Despite failing to score throughout the competition, the 26-year-old contributed a crucial assist during Cameroon’s opening victory against Gabon.

    Cameroon’s head coach David Pagou, who assumed leadership shortly before the tournament following the controversial dismissal of Belgian manager Marc Brys, concurred with Mbeumo’s assessment. Pagou noted the team’s initial timidity but praised their second-half resurgence and overall tournament performance, emphasizing that the youthful squad had provided “significant emotions to the Cameroonian people.”

    The victory held particular historical significance for Morocco, marking their first semi-final appearance since 2004. Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Diaz continued his exceptional tournament form, scoring his fifth goal to become Morocco’s all-time top scorer in a single AFCON competition. Head coach Walid Regragui hailed Diaz as the team’s “X factor” and praised his transformed mentality, suggesting the player possesses potential to become “the world’s best.”

    The electric atmosphere generated by Moroccan supporters received special recognition from both teams, with Saibari describing the environment as “amazing” and Regragui noting the crowd effectively functioned as a twelfth player. Morocco now advances to face the winner of the Algeria-Nigeria matchup, continuing their quest for a second continental title fifty years after their first triumph.

  • Celtic fans urge club to cancel proposed £2m transfer deal with Israeli club

    Celtic fans urge club to cancel proposed £2m transfer deal with Israeli club

    Scottish football powerhouse Celtic FC is confronting significant supporter backlash over a reported £2 million transfer deal for Maccabi Netanya striker Jocelin Ta Bi. The controversy stems from the Israeli club’s connections to military suppliers and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, creating a direct challenge to Celtic’s historical pro-Palestinian stance.

    Fan organizations and human rights advocates have intensified calls for the club to abandon the transaction, framing it as financial support for Israel’s military operations. The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) emphasized that Israeli clubs cannot be considered neutral sporting entities given the current geopolitical context.

    Further complicating the matter, investigative research reveals that Maccabi Netanya is owned by Aliya Capital Partners, whose leadership maintains board positions at Xtend Defense—an Israeli drone manufacturer supplying military technology to the Israeli army. This corporate linkage has amplified concerns that transfer funds could indirectly support military operations.

    Social media platforms and fan forums have erupted with criticism, with many supporters threatening boycotts and accusing club management of betraying Celtic’s foundational values. The club’s distinctive historical position, particularly through the activism of the Green Brigade ultras group, has established strong symbolic connections with Palestinian causes through numerous solidarity displays.

    Despite growing pressure, Celtic FC’s management has remained silent on the controversy, offering no public statements regarding the proposed transfer or addressing the ethical concerns raised by supporters and advocacy groups. A rapidly circulating petition has gained substantial traction among the fanbase, reflecting widespread opposition to conducting business with Israeli institutions during the ongoing conflict.

  • Village Gran Turismo held in Guizhou

    Village Gran Turismo held in Guizhou

    Nestled in the mountainous terrain of Southwest China’s Guizhou province, Qinglong County has transformed into an unexpected hub for motorsport enthusiasts through its innovative Village Gran Turismo event. The recently held competition attracted participants and spectators from across the nation to this previously obscure region, showcasing how niche sporting events can drive regional development.

    According to Yan Jiao, Deputy Director of Qinglong’s Publicity Department, the initiative aims to ‘create a platform that enables automotive culture enthusiasts from throughout the country to express themselves freely within a safety-conscious environment.’ This strategic approach balances sporting excitement with responsible event management.

    The county’s connection with motor racing runs deeper than many realize. Local media reports indicate Qinglong has maintained a motorsport tradition for over two decades, centered around its challenging 24-Zig hill climb course renowned for dramatic hairpin turns. The regularity of these events has established a stable sporting culture that continues to gain momentum annually.

    What distinguishes Qinglong’s approach is the seamless integration of high-adrenaline competition with rural tourism development. The Village Gran Turismo represents more than just a racing event—it serves as an economic catalyst that introduces visitors to the county’s unique landscape and cultural offerings. This model demonstrates how specialized sporting events can effectively promote regional identity while stimulating local business opportunities.

    The successful execution of these events highlights how traditionally urban-focused motorsport competitions can find innovative expression in rural settings, creating new possibilities for economic development through sports tourism in China’s less-developed regions.