Pat Riley says Heat are not trading Jimmy Butler
Six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler isn’t going anywhere, Miami Heat team president Pat Riley announced Thursday. “We usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches,” Riley said in a statement. “Therefore, we will make it clear — We are […]
Fulham boss Silva praises his goal-scoring subs in comeback win over Chelsea
LONDON, – Fulham coach Marco Silva hailed his substitutes for once again coming off the bench to score in his side’s first win at Stamford Bridge in 45 years on Thursday. By contrast, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca faced questions about why he did not shake up his team more decisively as the West London derby […]
Fernandes sent off as Man Utd lose 2-0 at Wolves
WOLVERHAMPTON, England, 
– Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off as his side slid to a 2-0 loss at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday — a fourth defeat in their last five Premier League games. Fernandes earned a second yellow card two minutes after the interval and with Boxing Day fog swirling at Molineux, […]
Liverpool comeback to beat Leicester and move seven points clear
LIVERPOOL, England, – Liverpool came back after conceding early to beat Leicester City 3-1 at Anfield on Thursday and open a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League. Struggling Leicester took a shock sixth minute lead through Jordan Ayew but lived a charmed life until Cody Gakpo equalised on the stroke of […]
Mancini denies interference in his former Saudi Arabia job
Roberto Mancini on Thursday dismissed claims that he had encountered interference during his spell at the helm of the Saudi Arabia national soccer team. The 60-year-old Italian left his position on Oct. 24, some 14 months after taking over from Herve Renard, who is now leading the team at the Arabian Gulf Cup held in […]
Liverpool go seven points clear, Chelsea drop points, Man City remain in freefall
MANCHESTER, England, – Premier League leaders Liverpool opened up a seven-point gap at the top as they came from a goal down to beat Leicester City 3-1 at Anfield after second-placed Chelsea lost at home to Fulham and Manchester City’s woes continued on Thursday. Arne Slot’s Liverpool could not have asked for a better […]
Man Utd slump deepens, but still no Amorim U-turn on Rashford
WOLVERHAMPTON, England, – Manchester United’s woeful form continued on Thursday with manager Ruben Amorim still opting to leave forward Marcus Rashford out of his plans. Rashford did not feature in United’s 2-0 defeat by Wolverhampton Wanderers, the fourth game in succession the 27-year-old did not make the squad. He was initially left out after […]
Suffering continues for Man City with a 1-1 league draw with Everton
MANCHESTER, England, – Bernardo Silva scored an early goal but Erling Haaland missed a penalty as struggling Manchester City could only muster a single point in a 1-1 Premier League draw with Everton to kick off a full slate of Boxing Day games on Thursday. The champions’ slump has seen them win just once […]
Gasperini’s fairytale of Atalanta under threat from Napoli and Inter
Atalanta’s winning run and top spot are at risk when the Serie A leaders take on fourth-placed Lazio this weekend, with Napoli and Inter Milan ready to pounce should Gian Piero Gasperini’s side finally slip up. Atalanta appear unstoppable, with a club record 11 successive league victories sending them soaring up the table to what […]
Celtics C Kristaps Porzingis injures ankle vs. 76ers
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis injured his ankle during a 118-114 loss against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. Porzingis seemingly got hurt just 65 seconds into the contest, slipping near the top of the key while trying to create separation with a step back. He did end up logging six minutes in the second […]