Cristiano Ronaldo may miss remaining pre-season friendlies, risks permanent damage

Cristiano Ronaldo will not be allowed to risk his recovery from the injury that plagued his World Cup by facing his former club Manchester United next Saturday. The Portuguese winger was scheduled to link-up with Real Madrid on their pre-season tour of the United States last night ahead of the European champions’ showpiece clash with Louis van Gaal’s side in Ann Arbor.

But even that plan has been put on hold as he recuperates from a tendonitis problem in his knee will be carefully managed. That means he won’t be facing his ex-Old Trafford team-mates - despite organisers of the International Champions Cup tournament being desperate for the Ballon d’Or winner to play.



More than 100,000 tickets have been sold for the game at Michigan Stadium. But Ronaldo has been warned that he risks permanent damage after playing the last two months of the season in constant discomfort. He played through the pain barrier in Real’s Champions League triumph over rivals Atletico Madrid in Lisbon in May. But was a shadow of his normal self as Portugal exited the World Cup at the group stages.

Medics have told the £80million winger that his pre-season must be carefully monitored so that he doesn’t put too much stress on his knee.

Ronaldo has resisted the option of having an operation to cure the problem because recovery rates vary and he could be sidelined for months. It is possible that his only pre-season outing will come at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on August 12, when Madrid face Sevilla in the European Super Cup.

Man-U fan almost loses his job for taking selfie with Van Persie

A waiter has been suspended over this selfie snap with football ace Robin van Persie. Kyson Forde asked the Manchester United star to pose with him at the posh Cliff restaurant in Barbados. But the stoppage time landed Kyson and another worker in trouble as they had broken strict rules banning staff from using mobile phones in the dining area.

A source said: “Maybe Kyson shouldn’t have bothered RVP when he was out for a meal, but it seems an over-reaction.

“Kyson is a massive Man U fan and this was his one chance to get a snap with his hero.”

Striker Van Persie was in the ­Caribbean for a break with wife Bouchra, son Shaqueel, eight, and five-year-old daughter, Dina after guiding Holland to a third-place finish at the World Cup in Brazil.

The £250,000-a-week star scored four goals at the tournament, including a stunning header in their 5-1 demolition of holders Spain.

The restaurant is on the island’s west coast, where stars such as X Factor judge Simon Cowell, Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker are holiday regulars.
During the evening, Kyson, who earns about £1,100 a month including tips, asked for a photo with his hero.

Van Persie agreed, but the dream snap almost cost the waiter his job.

Police chief, 75, arrested for molesting 2 elementary school students

 A police chief is on the wrong side of the law after he was accused of molesting two young girls.

75-year-old Clarence William Gregory, Sr. of Oklahoma, is very well known in his community. He has a long history of high powered positions in the community.

His latest position was as Police Chief of Spavinaw. However, he lost his job over allegations that he has molested two young girls.
An Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations agent arrested the police chief. Detectives believe that Gregory molested the children for many years.

However, they would not disclose how he knew the girls. Before becoming police chief, Gregory was the school board president.

He also spent many years volunteering as an assistant basketball coach for both boys and girls teams at the local school.

Sultan’s Moon Sighting “Claim Is Ridiculous And Unscientific” – NSCIA Sec.Gen.

There was confusion on Saturday night over whether the new moon of Shawwal was sighted in Nigeria to mark the end of the Muslim Ramadan fast. The Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad, who is also the President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, had around midnight on Saturday announced the sighting of the new moon and therefore the end of Ramadan.

“The new month of Shawwal was sighted in different places within Nigeria and therefore tomorrow (Sunday) is the first day of Shawwal equivalent to 27 July 2014,” the Sultan said in an announcement aired on the Nigerian Television Authority [NTA]. But when contacted after the Sultan’s announcement, the Secretary-General of the organisation, Is-haq Oloyede, a professor of Islamic Studies, said he was not aware that the moon had been sighted.

“I spoke to the Sultan about four times tonight and he did not tell me that the moon has been sighted,” Mr. Oloyede told newsmen. “In any case, any such claim is ridiculous and unscientific. It cannot be right. The National Moon-Sighting Committee has not informed us of any credible sighting of the moon. Rather, they said the moon wasn’t sighted. The new moon was only born at 11:45 P.M. tonight (Saturday) and it will take several hours for it to be sighted.

“Is our own sky different? Is our own moon manufactured in Nigeria?” Professor Oloyede urged Muslims to continue their fast on Sunday and prepare for Eid-Fitri on Monday in line with the verdict of the National Moon-Sighting Committee, [NMC]. It was learnt that the chairman of the NMC, Hafiz Wali, from Kano, had on Saturday night forwarded the report of his committee to the Sultan and Mr. Oloyede, indicating that the moon had not been sighted...."

Boko Haram clashes with Cameroon soldiers in cross-border attacks

Nigeria's Islamist militant group Boko Haram has carried out two cross-border attacks into Cameroon since Friday, killing at least four soldiers and prompting the Cameroonian army to send reinforcements to the area, army sources said on Saturday.

Under pressure from neighbouring Nigeria to do more to counter Islamist insurgents, Cameroon has deployed over 1,000 soldiers along its remote jungle border.

Nigeria believes Boko Haram wants to use Cameroon as a rear base as it strives to carve out an Islamic state. The group has killed thousands in its five-year insurgency and has recently bombed targets that were previously considered comparatively safe, such as Nigeria's commercial hub Lagos and capital Abuja.

Cameroonian regional military commander Colonel Felix Nji Formekong confirmed to Reuters by telephone that four soldiers had been killed in clashes with Boko Haram fighters at the village of Bargaram, without giving further detail.

A soldier based in the area who requested anonymity as he is not authorized to speak to the media said another 13 of his comrades were missing after the attack, which took place late at night.

He said that Boko Haram had attacked again in the night from Friday to Saturday but that the Cameroonian army had succeeded in pushing them back.

The attack at Bargaram came barely two weeks after Boko Haram attacked the same locality, kidnapping a 20-year old civilian.

Meanwhile, some 22 suspected Boko Haram militants who were held in Maroua since March, were on Friday sentenced to prison sentences ranging from 10 to 20 years.

South African King Goodwill marries sixth wife

The king, 66, married his sixth wife, Queen Zola Mafu, 28, in a colourful traditional ceremony during which Zulu warriors danced and those present sang. More than 10000 people, including traditional leaders and VIP guests, descended on the former KwaZulu homeland capital, which had been a hive of activity since Friday in anticipation of the royal nuptials.

International guests and the who's who of South Africa joined the celebrations, including President Jacob Zuma. More than 60 cows and scores of sheep were slaughtered for the wedding.

Zwelithini paid lobolo of 20 cattle - nine more than were required - eight years ago. Mafu was selected to be Zwelithini's bride when she took part in the 2003 Swazi reed dance. She was 18 at the time and a pupil at the prestigious St Mark's High School in Mbabane, Swaziland.

She was picked out by Zwelithini's third wife, Queen Mantfombi.

Today, the wedding will enter its second day with the umabo ceremony, when gifts are exchanged between the groom and bride's families.

Later this evening, the king will hold a reception to celebrate his wedding and his birthday.

14 year old boy tells Family Court of sex with his teacher; said she did it more than 10 times with him!!!

In calm and soft tones, a 14-year-old Philadelphia boy told a Family Court judge on Friday about the more than 10 times that he had sex with his special-education teacher over several months this spring. The boy was the only witness at a preliminary hearing for Stephanie Amato, 30, who taught at Ethan Allen Elementary School in Northeast Philadelphia.

Under questioning by Assistant District Attorney B.K. Jaycox, the boy said their encounters took place in her parents' home in Northeast Philadelphia, in her car while parked in an alleyway near Harbison Avenue and Levick Road, and in a park. They happened on weekends and school days, often between 10 and 11 p.m.

He said they had intercourse and oral sex. The boy also said that on one occasion at her parents' house, Amato gave him wine.

"I went to the liquor cabinet and was drinking," the boy said.

The boy said he told another teacher that he was having sex with Amato. Amato surrendered to police on June 4 after one of her students reported having sex with his teacher on "several occasions." The School District said Amato has been suspended without pay since June 9.

Jaycox hailed the boy for testifying in court. "It takes a lot of courage to come forward and testify," Jaycox said. "That's a courageous young man."

Judge Allan L. Tereshko scheduled an Aug. 14 arraignment for Amato on charges of statutory sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and related offenses.

Can You Guess Which World Cup Hero is Dating This Model?

He is only 22-years old and can already add the game winning goal of the World Cup to his resume. Do you think life could get any better for Germany's Mario Gotze? Well, if you haven't seen his incredibly good looking girlfriend, model Ann Kathrin Brommel, just smile. Remember only one person can score the World Cup's game winning goal, so no reason to be mad, unless of course you are Lionel Messi.

Ebola death after flight stirs new fears

Health authorities in Lagos raced to stop the spread of Ebola on Saturday after a man sick with one of the world's deadliest diseases brought it by plane to Lagos, Africa's largest city with 21 million people. Those on the flight with him as well as those who had physical contact with him at the airport and hospital are being tracked.

The fact that the traveler from Liberia could board a flight raised fears that other passengers could take the disease beyond Africa due to weak passenger inspection and the fact symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Officials in Togo, where the sick man's flight had a stopover, also went on high alert. Screening people as they enter the country may help slow the spread of the disease, but it is no guarantee Ebola won't travel by plane, said Lance Plyler, who heads medical efforts in Liberia for Samaritan's Purse. Meanwhile, that North Carolina-based aid organization issued a news release Saturday saying that American doctor Kent Brantly tested positive for the disease and was being treated in Liberia.

Government is ready for negotiations to free abducted girls

Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Joy Ogwu said the country is open to negotiations in order to secure the release of over 200 schoolgirls who were abducted in April.

Ogwu Saturday was speaking on the latest terrorist attacks in northern Kaduna and Kano, which killed several Nigerians and injured many others.

It is now more than 100 days after the schoolgirls were abducted by Islamist militant group Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno.

Ogwu said the Nigerian government has not given up hope on the release of the girls as they made continued appeals to the abductors to release them.

According to the Human Rights Watch, Boko Haram has been responsible for the death of 2,053 civilians in 95 attacks during the first six months of this year.

See video of the fastest goal scored in football this year... in just four seconds

Mineros de Zacatecas' Gustavo Ramirez scored the fastest goal in the history of Mexican football when he launched a shot into the top corner from midfield just after the opening kickoff of a Ascenso MX match against Necaxa. The Paraguayan's shot was both well placed and a surprise to everyone who hasn't been playing FIFA 14 online lately.

Initially clocked at seven seconds, it was more accurately put at just four seconds once everyone who witnessed it was able to gather themselves. The league's official website then confirmed it was the fastest goal in the history of Mexican football. 

Mineros went on to win 2-0.

Tim Cahill set the record for the quickest goal in MLS history last year, scoring in seven seconds. Ledley King holds the Premier League's record at nine seconds (Spurs v Bradford in 2000). Over the years, there have been several goals that have rivaled Ramirez's effort, though. Yael Averbuch set the NCAA record at four seconds in a match between the University of North Carolina and Yale in 2006. Serbian footballer Vuk Bakic and Saudi Arabian Nawaf Al Abed hold the world record, both scoring in two seconds flat.

James Rodriguez and his 14-month-old daughter do Colombia's World Cup dance together

James Rodriguez has had a lot to dance about lately. He won the World Cup's Golden Boot award and led Colombia to the quarterfinals, then he became the fourth most expensive player ever as he made his dream move to Real Madrid. And it seems his recent joy is shared by his 14-month-old daughter Salome.

Rodriguez, who is married to Daniela Ospina — sister of Colombia goalkeeper (and new Arsenal signing) David Ospina — posted a video on Instagram of he and Salome doing the Ras Tas Tas dance that Rodriguez and his teammates used to celebrate goals at the World Cup.

Inter Milan beats Real Madrid on penalty kicks

Mauro Icardi drove the winner past diving goalkeeper Jesus Fdez in the fifth round of penalty kicks to lift Inter Milan past Real Madrid after they tied 1-1 on Saturday in an International Champions Cup match.

Icardi also converted a penalty kick in the 68th minute to tie it. Referee Ricardo Salazar awarded the penalty kick after Inter newcomer Nemanja Vidic went down in the box on a challenge by Sobrino.

Gareth Bale scored for Real Madrid in the 10th minute, unleashing a strike into the top left corner of the net from about 25 yards out. The Welsh star also bounced a header off the crossbar less than three minutes into the match and nearly converted a direct free kick in the 30th minute

A sellout crowd of 62,583 fans watched the testy match at Memorial Stadium on the University of California campus. The contest featured four bookings and a shoving match broke out after a hard challenge from Real Madrid's Raul de Tomas in the 48th minute.

The eight-club Guinness International Champions Cup will continue at various stadiums throughout North America until Aug. 4.

Ebola comes to Nigeria, kills first victim

A Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, who is a consultant at the Ministry of Finance, who had been quarantined since falling ill after arriving Lagos for a conference last Sunday owing to Ebola disease, has died.

A Liberian government official, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said the news of Sawyer’s death was relayed to Liberia by the Nigerian embassy on Friday morning.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that Sawyer might have contracted the virus from his sister, who died at a Catholic Hospital about three weeks ago. He had told friends that his sister’s husband had fled the home after the wife died and that he convinced him to report to health authorities to check for signs of Ebola.

The Lagos State Government had announced that Sawyer was being tested for the deadly Ebola virus in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and the World Health Organisation in Dakar.

Sawyer’s death is the first recorded case of one of the world’s deadliest diseases in Nigeria.

The special adviser on public health to the Lagos State Government, Yewande Adeshina, told a news conference that Sawyer had collapsed on arrival at Lagos airport from Liberia on Sunday. He was rushed to hospital and put in an isolation ward.

She said, “The patient was admitted and detained on suspicion of possible EBV infection, while blood sample collection and testing was initiated and results are pending.”

Sawyer’s death comes shortly after reports from Sierra Leone that the head doctor fighting the tropical virus has caught the disease. 39-year-old Sheik Umar Khan, has been hailed as a national hero by Liberia’s health minister.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has tracked down all the passengers that travelled with the victim in an unnamed Lagos Hospital and are being investigated.

The government has also placed on red alert all ports of entry into Nigeria including Airports, seaports and land boarders following the discovery of the Virus.

The Minster of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, stated this during a joint press briefing held on Friday evening in Abuja with the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, while confirming the death of a victim of Ebola Virus at a Hospital in Lagos.

He said, “All passengers that came in contact with the patient have been traced and are being investigated in line with the international health regulations of the World Health Organization and in keeping with international best practices.”

Louis van Gaal to meet Sir Alex Ferguson for the first time as Man United boss

Louis van Gaal will sit down with Sir Alex Ferguson for the first time over the weekend when the former Manchester United manager joins the club’s pre-season tour in Washington.

New United boss Van Gaal said last week that he was keen to have coffee with Ferguson and is understood to be keen to pick the Old Trafford icon’s brains about life at Old Trafford.

Ferguson has spent much of the summer on holiday but is flying out to America on Saturday and will be with the United party in Washington and then Detroit.



The Scot will also be joined by six members of the Glazer family who have also decided to join the tour for the latter section, swelling the numbers in the United party to more than 170 here in America.

With United having got their tour off to a good start in Los Angeles with a 7-0 defeat of LA Galaxy, Van Gaal’s team face Roma in Denver this afternoon.

Centre forward Wayne Rooney scored twice against Galaxy at Pasadena Rose Bowl on Wednesday and is hoping to thrive in Van Gaal’s new 3-5-2 system.

The Dutch coach has said that this system is designed to incorporate two strikers and a ‘number ten’ and Rooney hopes that will help him forget about the disappointment of England’s World Cup summer.

'Of course the system is good for me,' said Rooney. 'It’s great to hear the manager say he wants to play two strikers as we have a few. It’s a good formation and it’s good to work on it in training for a few days.



'It was always going to be interesting to see how it worked in a game and it worked well, which is good. It was a good result and good to get 45 minutes under my belt. Louis van Gaal has been great.

'I’ve only had a few days but he’s a strong guy who has been good in training and it’s been enjoyable.

'He is bringing in a new style of play and wants us all to adapt to that and that’s been enjoyable. It was good to see it work against Galaxy.'

Rooney would have hoped to joined United’s tour later, given that progress for England in Brazil would have delayed his arrival in America.

However, the 28-year-old claimed this week that he has already put the World Cup – and the criticism that came on the back of England’s early exit – behind him.

'Was I criticised in the world Cup?' he asked. 'I honestly didn’t know. But I think that happens. It’s the world we live in.



'Of course we can win the title,' he said. 'Last season was a bad one, we know that, but we are confident we can put it right. We have to believe we can win the title.

'Of course I would like the captaincy but it’s the managers decision who he chooses.

'I think he wants to work with the players and then choose a captain from there. I don’t think he was ever going to just walk in and choose a player from the off.  I’m sure he will look at the players now and make his decision in a couple of weeks.

'He’s very honest in training. If you are not doing well in training he will tell you but if you do well he will praise you.

'If you aren’t doing things right in training you need to know so that you can put them right. In Brazil I watched the way Holland were playing and I carried on doing that when I came home.

'However you can watch as much as you want but it’s when you hear him getting his point across in training that you start to learn.'

Lionel Messi stars in Deco's testimonial as Barcelona's 2006 side draw 4-4 with Porto's Class of 2004... But QPR target Samuel Eto'o steals the show with cheeky finish and pre match messing around

Two Champions League-winning sides came together to celebrate Portuguese midfielder Deco's testimonial on Friday, marking the end of the career of one of Europe's greatest midfielders of the 21st century.

The game, featuring the likes of Lionel Messi, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Benni McCarthy and Paulo Ferreira, ended 4-4, with Samuel Eto'o scoring twice and Deco getting the decisive strike for Porto having played for both sides.

On an emotional occasion the Portuguese playmaker nipped in with a tidy finish in the 89th minute, which proved to be the last touch of the game. But Eto'o's cheeky antics were what had most people talking.

The centre forward, who spearheaded Barca's attack in 2006, was on top form. The first of his two goals came after he waited on the goalline for a defender to catch him before tapping in. And even before the game he was posing for the camera's as the camera panned across the assembled stars.

But the evening was all about Deco - he ended up scoring and setting up goals for both sides on a fitting end to a trophy-heavy career that took in time with both of these sides as well as Chelsea.

Derlei, Benni McCarthy scored for Porto as they raced into a 2-0 first half lead, and Edgaras Jankauskas also bagged for the Portuguese side. Messi scored Barcelona's third on the night, converting a rare header from an Eto'o cross.