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SportAFP News'Next year we have to do it': Neymar keen for Messi reunion
Neymar dropped a bombshell on Wednesday as he followed up scoring twice for Paris Saint-Germain in their 3-1 Champions League win over Manchester United by revealing his desire to reunite with Lionel Messi next season.
SportAFP NewsNeymar puts Man Utd to the sword as Dortmund advance and Giroud scores four
Neymar's brace helped Paris Saint-Germain to a vital 3-1 win over Manchester United on Wednesday that took the French club to within touching distance of the Champions League last 16, while Borussia Dortmund secured their qualification for the next round and Olivier Giroud scored all four goals in Chelsea's 4-0 thumping of Sevilla.
SportAFP NewsFrappart makes refereeing history as Juve beat Dynamo Kiev in Champions League
Stephanie Frappart became the first woman to referee a men's Champions League game on Wednesday as Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 750th career goal in a 3-0 win for Juventus over Dynamo Kiev.
SportAFP NewsDortmund through to Champions League last 16 with Lazio draw
Borussia Dortmund reached the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday despite Lazio captain Ciro Immobile scoring a second-half penalty against his former club in a 1-1 draw in Germany.
SportAFP NewsBarca beat Ferencvaros to stay perfect in Champions League
Antoine Griezmann struck for the third game running as Barcelona beat Ferencvaros 3-0 on Wednesday to keep their 100 percent record intact in this season's Champions League group stage.
SportAFP NewsGiroud scores four as Chelsea thrash Sevilla to top group
Olivier Giroud scored four goals as Chelsea romped to an impressive 4-0 victory at Sevilla on Wednesday to secure top spot in Champions League Group E.
SportAFP NewsNeymar double downs Man Utd, gives PSG Champions League lifeline
Paris Saint-Germain took a huge step towards avoiding an embarrassing early exit from the Champions League and left Manchester United with work to do to reach the last 16 as Neymar scored twice in a 3-1 win at Old Trafford.
CelebrityThe WrapThe Rock Leads Tributes to Wrestling Legend and ‘Father Figure’ Pat Patterson
Pat Patterson, the former WWF professional wrestler, commentator and WWE match producer, has died at 79. When someone as beloved as Patterson passes, it does not take long for the genuine and heartfelt tributes to begin rolling in.Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson led the tributes, penning a message to his “father figure” on Instagram, and recounted how Patterson helped him land his first WWE wrestling match.“He was also responsible for calling Vince McMahon when I was training to become a pro wrestler (my $7 bucks days) and said, ‘Vince you gotta see this kid work in the ring.’ Vince flew me to RAW a few weeks later and I had my first match EVER in Corpus Christie, Texas. The rest is history and years later, here I am writing this post,” Johnson wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by therock (@therock)You can gather how great of a guy Patterson was from the words written by other friends and colleagues. Read more below:“I can not express how crushed I feel right now with the loss of Pat Patterson,” WWE executive and part-time wrestler Shane McMahon wrote on Twitter. “A true member of my family, mentor and dear friend. I love you Pat. God speed.”Also Read: Pat Patterson, WWE Legend and First Openly Gay Wrestling Superstar, Dies at 79“I’m deeply grateful to have grown up with @WWE Hall of Famer, the first-ever Intercontinental Champion, the father of the RoyalRumble and the first openly gay wrestler of his generation,” Shane’s sister Stephanie McMahon, the chief brand officer of WWE, penned. “Thank you for teaching me how to not take it all so seriously. Abooze.”“No words can describe what he gave to us,” her husband Paul “Triple H” Levesque, a former in-ring great and the person currently in charge of NXT, wrote. “His body as an in-ring performer, his mind as a storyteller, and his spirit as a beloved member of our large @WWE family. I will miss him for so many reasons… it’s never goodbye, it’s see ya down the road. Love you, Pat. Abooze.”“Loss is incredibly difficult. Those we love are only truly gone if we stop caring,” John Cena said. “Pat Patterson lived life as it should be lived with passion, love and purpose. He helped so many and always entertained with a story or joke. He will live on in my life always. Love you Patrick.”Also Read: WWE's The Undertaker on Retirement, Boneyard Match and When Wrestlers' Court Gets RealPatterson was the WWF/WWE’s first Intercontinental Champion. He also created the Royal Rumble Match.Patterson is considered the first openly gay wrestling superstar. His memoir, “Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE,” was published in 2016.Read more about Pat Patterson’s life here, and find additional tributes to the pro-wrestling legend below.Also Read: Rulon Gardner Explains Why Talks With WWE Broke Down - TwiceVery saddened to hear about the passing of one of my best friends..Pat Patterson. He had an infectious personality where you always wanted to be around him. This photo of Pat, @ShawnMichaels and me was from Wrestlemania 21. Pat helped us create an incredible Story. RIPHOFer pic.twitter.com/APHVs7hRoi— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) December 2, 2020Loved @wwe Hall of Famer Pat Patterson as a great friend and a mentor. The incredible times we had traveling the world, watching him sing karaoke, telling stories, talking golf are something I’ll treasure forever. Love you Pat, RIP legend. pic.twitter.com/xk3y08J24H— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) December 2, 2020Just heard of the passing this morning if the great, Pat Patterson. True legend of the pro wrestling business. A wonderful mentor who taught me so much. RIP old friend. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/t61R9yCze1— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) December 2, 2020Pat Patterson knew @WWE was his home away from home, a place where he felt completely accepted and truly loved. Someone like Pat made all the difference because he wasn’t afraid to be himself and he made no apologies for it. Pat did it his way. Rest in power, Pat♥️ pic.twitter.com/3hRYmaCb5W— NattieByNature (@NatbyNature) December 2, 2020I just heard the terrible news about the passing of Pat Patterson. I loved the man. I could listen to his stories for hours. One of the all-time great wrestlers, one of the best minds in the business, and a dear friend.RIPPatPatterson https://t.co/SozhlF8bQY— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) December 2, 2020Wow can 2020 just be over? I didn’t know Pat that well but was lucky enough to have a chance to work with him in wwe. I have nothing but fond memories of his stories and jokes backstage. Thank you Pat Patterson 🙏🏼 RIP pic.twitter.com/mXkpdgRGCV— Gail Kim-Irvine (@gailkimITSME) December 2, 2020Saddened to hear the news about Pat Patterson. Coming to WWE in 2002 was a “unique” situation. Pat was one of the first to go out of his way and genuinely make me feel at home. We shared many hours, stories, and yes a cocktail or 2. RIP Pat. You did it your way.— Eric Bischoff (@EBischoff) December 2, 2020That “My Way” reference is a nod to Patterson’s singing of the Frank Sinatra classic, most notably on WWE’s 2014 reality series “Legends’ House.”Watch that moment here:And now, back to the tributes…Wow – what a loss for the @wwe family. There was never a time I saw Pat Patterson backstage at a show or event where he wasn’t smiling or trying to make people laugh. Thanks for always being kind to me during our interactions. Your bright spirit will be missed.— Kayla Braxton (@KaylaBraxtonWWE) December 2, 2020Just read that Pat Patterson passed away. What great memories I have of a great man. I will dedicate "Chicken Necks" to him today and talk about all my fond memories. Really loved that guy. pic.twitter.com/7HG770pk0l— Vince Russo (@THEVinceRusso) December 2, 2020Heaven gained an angel! As my heart breaks a bit! Pat Patterson would fill a room w/ laugher, always sit & make me laugh every week in catering by barking & people would wonder where the dog was! Would joke w/ @HEELZiggler & I, & most importantly supported me! RIPPatPatterson pic.twitter.com/7D65WHToY9— Dana Brooke WWE (@DanaBrookeWWE) December 2, 2020I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Pat Patterson. My thoughts and prayers go out to Pat’s family and friends. I had the pleasure of working along side Pat in 1989. A class act, Best finish man in the Business. He will be missed. 💔— Tony Schiavone (@tonyschiavone24) December 2, 2020PAT PATTERSON I DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY OTHER THAN I LOVE YOU. YOU HAVE BEAUTIFUL MIND FOR THIS BUSINESS AND BEAUTIFUL HEART FOR THIS WORLD. MY HEART IS BROKEN. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP rip pic.twitter.com/XASbSUG0qO— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) December 2, 2020Lawrence Yee contributed to this report.Read original story The Rock Leads Tributes to Wrestling Legend and ‘Father Figure’ Pat Patterson At TheWrap
SportAFP NewsSorloth winner puts Leipzig in strong position in Champions League
Alexander Sorloth's stoppage-time strike gave RB Leipzig a dramatic 4-3 win over Istanbul Basaksehir in a remarkable Champions League game on Wednesday, as the Germans piled pressure on group rivals Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
SportAFP NewsSpurs, Rangers look to clinch Europa League knockout spots
Tottenham Hotspur head to Austria looking for the point that would take them through to the Europa League last 32 on Thursday, but the Premier League leaders will have one eye on the upcoming north London derby and the fitness of Harry Kane.
SportAFP NewsDortmund star Haaland out of Lazio clash with leg injury
Borussia Dortmund suffered a blow just before Wednesday's key Champions League clash at home to Lazio with the competition's top scorer Erling Braut Haaland forced out by a leg injury.
SportVarietyPat Patterson, First Openly Gay Pro Wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer, Dies at 79
Pat Patterson, the first openly gay pro wrestling star and a WWE Hall of Famer, has died, the organization announced Wednesday. He was 79. "In his 25-plus years in WWE, Patterson was synonymous with making history,” WWE wrote in the announcement of his death. “From the Intercontinental Title to the Royal Rumble Match and beyond, […]
SportAFP NewsMilan coach Pioli Covid-19 clear, Fiorentina's Prandelli positive
AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has been given the all-clear from Covid-19 and will be on the bench for Thursday's Europa League game against Celtic, the Italian league leaders confirmed.
CelebrityThe WrapPat Patterson, WWE Legend and First Openly Gay Wrestling Superstar, Dies at 79
Pat Patterson, a WWE and WWF legend and the first openly gay pro-wrestling superstar, has died. He was 79.Patterson, who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996 by Bret “Hitman” Hart, was the first-ever Intercontinental Champion. Later, Patterson created the popular Royal Rumble Match.“WWE is saddened to learn that Pat Patterson has passed away at the age of 79,” the organization said in a statement. “WWE extends its condolences to Patterson’s family and friends.”Patterson was a cast member on 2014 reality TV series “WWE Legends’ House.”Also Read: WWE's The Undertaker on Retirement, Boneyard Match and When Wrestlers' Court Gets RealPatterson, born Pierre Clermont in 1941, published a memoir in 2016 titled “Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE.” And boy did he change WWE.After effectively retiring from actually wrestling, Patterson provided commentary for the WWE/WWF and produced matches for other wrestlers. Patterson could often be found manning the all-important “Gorilla Position” backstage. “Gorilla,” named after WWF legend Gorilla Monsoon, is where key members of WWE production sit directly behind the curtain separating backstage from the arena. It is where last-minute match decisions are made, and where accolades or advice is dispersed following a match.Patterson was considered WWE Chairman Vince McMahon’s right-hand man for much of the company’s growth.Also Read: Rulon Gardner Explains Why Talks With WWE Broke Down - TwicePatterson began his wrestling career in 1958 in his native Canada. He would go on to win the AWA Tag Team Championship with Ray Stevens in 1978.Patterson’s most memorable in-ring rivalry was vs. Sgt. Slaughter in what was then the WWF. The two had heated Boot Camp Matches as well as an iconic Alley Fight at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, which is considered the Mecca of professional wrestling.Louie Dondero, Patterson’s partner, died in 1998.Also Read: Tracy Smothers, Who Wrestled in WWE as Freddie Joe Floyd, Dies at 58Patterson was beloved by many — though perhaps no one more than the first family of WWE, The McMahons.“I can not express how crushed I feel right now with the loss of Pat Patterson,” WWE executive and part-time wrestler Shane McMahon wrote on Twitter. “A true member of my family, mentor and dear friend. I love you Pat. God speed.”“I’m deeply grateful to have grown up with @WWE Hall of Famer, the first-ever Intercontinental Champion, the father of the RoyalRumble and the first openly gay wrestler of his generation,” Shane’s sister Stephanie McMahon, the chief brand officer of WWE, penned. “Thank you for teaching me how to not take it all so seriously. Abooze.”“No words can describe what he gave to us,” her husband Paul “Triple H” Levesque, a former in-ring great and the person currently in charge of NXT, wrote. “His body as an in-ring performer, his mind as a storyteller, and his spirit as a beloved member of our large @WWE family. I will miss him for so many reasons… it’s never goodbye, it’s see ya down the road. Love you, Pat. Abooze.”Read original story Pat Patterson, WWE Legend and First Openly Gay Wrestling Superstar, Dies at 79 At TheWrap
SportAFP NewsArsenal boss Arteta backs temporary subs for head injuries
Mikel Arteta on Wednesday backed calls for concussion substitutes after Arsenal's David Luiz was involved in a sickening clash of heads with Raul Jimenez that left the Wolves striker with a fractured skull.
SportAFP NewsRacing end Flamengo's Copa Libertadores defence in shootout win
Flamengo's defence of their Copa Libertadores title has ended at the last 16 stage after the Brazilian giants crashed out on penalties at the hands of Argentine outfit Racing.
SportAFP NewsColombia part company with Queiroz
Carlos Queiroz has lost his job as coach of Colombia, with the former Real Madrid boss paying the price for two expensive 2022 World Cup qualifying losses, the country's football federation announced on Wednesday.
SportAFP NewsKane says Premier League players should keep taking the knee in racism fight
England captain Harry Kane says Premier League players should carry on taking the knee in support of the fight against racial injustice, using their profile to raise awareness of the issue.
SportAFP NewsShanghai's Hulk lacks 'right spirit', says coach Pereira
Shanghai SIPG coach Vitor Pereira said out-of-favour forward Hulk lacked the "right spirit" after a spat that may have brought the Brazil international's time at the club to a bad-tempered close.
SportAFP NewsDefending champion Sounders beat Dallas in MLS playoffs
Seattle defender Shane O'Neill nodded home a header in the 49th minute as the defending champion Sounders defeated FC Dallas 1-0 on Tuesday in a Major League Soccer quarter-final.
SportAFP NewsAustralian Open tennis Grand Slam delayed to February 8: report
The Australian Open tennis Grand Slam will start three weeks late on February 8, reports said on Wednesday, with players cleared to train during quarantine following lengthy negotiations with state authorities.
SportAFP NewsLiverpool advance in Champions League, Real Madrid defeat heaps pressure on Zidane
Curtis Jones sent a depleted Liverpool through to the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday, while Zinedine Zidane dismissed suggestions he might walk away from Real Madrid after another defeat by Shakhtar Donetsk left their European hopes in the balance.
SportAFP NewsWomen's players agree to settlement with US Soccer
The United States women's squad have agreed a settlement deal with the US Soccer Federation on outstanding claims over working conditions, it was announced on Tuesday.
SportAFP NewsRomero secures crucial point for Atalanta against Midtjylland
Cristian Romero grabbed the equaliser as Atalanta secured a 1-1 draw against Midtjylland on Tuesday, meaning the Italians will reach the Champions League last 16 if they avoid defeat at Ajax next week.
SportAFP NewsVanney steps down as Toronto FC coach after seven seasons
Former US national team defender Greg Vanney has stepped down as coach of Toronto FC after being in the post since 2014, the Major League Soccer club said Tuesday.
