WeeklySA_AdminGAZA GOALPOSTS
A protester chained himself to the goalposts before Scotland’s Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier against Israel at Glasgow’s Hampden stadium.
The match, which is being played behind closed doors, was delayed after the man used a heavy duty lock to secure himself to the posts in protest at Israel’s military operation in Gaza.
When the two sides returned to the field, the Israeli team held up a T-shirt bearing the message “Bring Them Home” in reference to hostages taken by the Hamas group in the official team photo.
The game eventually kicked off 45 minutes later than planned.
TYSON HEALTH SCARE
Mike Tyson’s fight with Jake Paul in Texas has been postponed on health advice given to the former world heavyweight champion. The bout, due to take place on July 20 at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium between the 57-year-old and YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, will now be put back after Tyson was diagnosed with a flare-up of an ulcer problem.
Tyson reportedly became unwell while aboard a flight from Miami to Los Angeles last week and needed medical assistance.
Organisers of the event at the 80,000 capacity stadium, which is home to the Dallas Cowboys, indicated a new date for the fight will be confirmed on June 7.
DJOKOVIC CRUISES THROUGH
Defending champion Novak Djokovic moved efficiently through the gears once again to beat Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena and reach the French Open third round. Serbia’s Djokovic, 37, cruised to a 6-4 6-1 6-2 victory on another rain-soaked day in Paris. It ensured he has reached the last 32 at the clay-court Grand Slam for the 19th consecutive year.
Question marks surrounded the three-time champion and his form when he arrived at Roland Garros following a turbulent year.
NO DRINKING PLEASE, WE ARE FRENCH
The French Open has stopped fans drinking alcohol in the stands in a bid to end unruly behaviour, says tournament director Amelie Mauresmo. It comes after Belgium’s David Goffin had chewing gum spat at him during a match against France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
On Wednesday, women’s defending champion Iga Swiatek pleaded with fans to keep quiet during points and not to shout out. While alcohol will be banned in the stands, it will continue to be available on the concourses and around the grounds.
Security measures have been increased and offenders will be identified and warned in a bid to calm them down.
STEP UP WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
Former Banyana Banyana Performance analyst and technical advisor, Shilene Booysen, has reiterated the call to professionalise women’s football in South Africa, saying the current set-up stifles growth.
In recent times, many football personalities and pundits have pushed for the Hollywoodbets Super League to go professional so the league can grow.
Formerly with Houston Dash in the USA and also with the South Sudan Senior Women’s National team, Booysen is now based in Egypt where she is the head coach of Wadi Degla Women in the Premier League. She says South Africa needs to make a step up.
WORLD RUGBY U20 RETURNS
The World Rugby U20 Championship returns to South Africa in June and July when the 12 best Under-20 teams will battle it out for global supremacy.
France are set to defend the title they won in Cape Town last year but will have to contend with some fierce competition, including from the Junior Springboks, who will be looking to improve on their bronze medal from 2023 in front of their home fans.
The tournament kicks off on 29 June in Cape Town at DHL Stadium and Athlone Stadium, with the next two pool match days scheduled for 4 and 9 July. The playoffs – including the semi-finals for the top four sides – will be played on 14 July, with the final and placing matches on 19 July.
