A LaLiga TV commentator has sparked outrage online by claiming Vinicius Jr "is not an angel" and that he "provokes other teams" after the Real Madrid star was sent off for his reaction to being the victim of racist abuse from the stands during a 1-0 defeat to Valencia on Sunday. While LaLiga TV covered the game, co-commentator Toni Padilla said that while it's important to stand against racism, Vinicius should not be free from blame for the sending off. Padilla's comments have subsequently sparked outrage online, while some Twitter users questioned who will protect Vinicius Junior in Spain against the abuse. The incident has garnered attention in the press and on social media, with the publication of video footage showing Vinicius being subjected to a barrage of racist slurs that were directed at him by the Valencia supporters. As reported on Wednesday, LaLiga faces backlash over its lack of action on repeated racist abuse incidents.
Gayle King, presenter of CBS Mornings, has criticised pundits and paparazzi who have questioned Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s account of a recent “car chase” through New York. The couple encountered “highly aggressive” photographers immediately following the Ms. Foundation gala in the city. Both the authorities and the agency employed by the photographers have disputed the Sussexes’ version of events. The couple’s legal representatives have demanded that photographs of the incident and the days following be handed over.
The US is seeing nearly two mass shootings per day in 2023 with the current number of 227 well on course to be the worst for mass shootings in a decade, according to an analysis of Gun Violence Archive data. There has been a surge in gun buying, which means an increased potential for deadly violence, with the number of first-time gun owners more than doubling compared with 2019. Personal, social, and economic dislocation caused by the pandemic has also contributed. The US stands apart with easy access to so many firearms, which is the difference that makes the violence lethal.
Golf star Brooks Koepka has cemented his place as one of the all-time greats after winning his fifth major title. The American golfer has, in recent years, established himself as one of the most formidable competitors in the sport, with his defining active stance and swaying gait before unleashing his frighteningly powerful shots. Koepka joins an exclusive club of players to have won five or more men's majors before 34 years of age, alongside Tiger Woods, Seve Ballesteros, and Jack Nicklaus.
Irish actor Ray Stevenson has died aged 58. The actor was known for his roles in films such as King Arthur, Punisher: War Zone and Marvel’s Thor films and was due to star in upcoming Star Wars spin-off series Ahsoka. Stevenson played Volstagg in the Thor trilogy and appeared in a number of other Hollywood movies such as The Book of Eli, GI Joe: Retaliation and Divergent, as well as television shows including HBO’s historical drama Rome. The actor’s publicist confirmed his death but did not give a cause of death.
