Singo Apologizes for Injuring Donnarumma, Monaco Condemns Ensuing Racist Abuse

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint Germain leaves the pitch after receiving an injury during the French Ligue 1 soccer match AS Monaco vs Paris Saint Germain, at Stade Louis II, in Monaco, 18 December 2024. EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint Germain leaves the pitch after receiving an injury during the French Ligue 1 soccer match AS Monaco vs Paris Saint Germain, at Stade Louis II, in Monaco, 18 December 2024. EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER
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Singo Apologizes for Injuring Donnarumma, Monaco Condemns Ensuing Racist Abuse

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint Germain leaves the pitch after receiving an injury during the French Ligue 1 soccer match AS Monaco vs Paris Saint Germain, at Stade Louis II, in Monaco, 18 December 2024. EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint Germain leaves the pitch after receiving an injury during the French Ligue 1 soccer match AS Monaco vs Paris Saint Germain, at Stade Louis II, in Monaco, 18 December 2024. EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER

Monaco has condemned the racist insults at its defender Wilfried Singo, who gave Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma a bloodied face in their Ligue 1 game.
Donnarumma’s face was cut up by Singo's studs during PSG's 4-2 win at Monaco on Wednesday.
Singo's shot was blocked so he tried to jump over the sliding Donnarumma but struck his face. Photos showed a cut below his right eye. Singo, who had already been warned, was lucky to avoid a red card.
PSG said Donnarumma suffered “a facial trauma with multiple wounds.” He was scheduled for exams on Thursday and will likely be rested for several days.
Singo apologized to Donnarumma, The Associated Press reported.
“My gesture was obviously not intentional, but I was able to see afterwards that he had a significant injury to his face," Singo wrote on social media in French and Italian. “I wish you a good recovery.”
PSG posted a video showing Singo in its dressing room and speaking with a smiling Donnarumma after the match. In the footage, the goalkeeper can be heard saying in Italian “Tranquillo," which in that context translates as “Don't worry.”
Social media was not so understanding.
Monaco said in a statement on Thursday it “firmly condemns the unacceptable racist comments made about Wilfried Singo on social networks after last night’s match against Paris Saint-Germain. Such behavior has no place in sport, either on or off the pitch, and is totally at odds with the values upheld by the club. The club offers its full support to Wilfried.”
Donnarumma walked off the field and was replaced by Matvey Safonov.
PSG has opened a 10-point lead at the top of the French league. Monaco remained in third place, level on points with second-placed Marseille, which has one match in hand.



Renard Confirms Saudi National Team's Readiness for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
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Renard Confirms Saudi National Team's Readiness for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA

French coach Hervé Renard has confirmed the Saudi national football team's readiness to compete in the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait, from 21 December 2024 to 3 January 2025, and stressed that the team aims to achieve great results, rather than merely gain experience.
Renard also said the tournament is a valuable opportunity to enhance the players' technical and physical capabilities, SPA reported.
Speaking at a press conference, Renard said: "We are here to participate effectively and win. This tournament provides a great platform to work with the players and prepare them for future competitions."
Regarding the team's condition, Renard said that player Hassan Tambakti is ready for action, while Salem Al-Dawsari is "working on regaining full fitness".

He commended Al-Dawsari for his dedication to speeding up his recovery. Meanwhile, Firas Al-Brikan is dealing with an injury, and his availability will depend on further evaluations, said Renard.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Renard said: "I accepted this challenge because I believe in the players' capabilities. We must work with team spirit and focus on improvement in the coming period."
As far as the team's opening match against Bahrain is concerned, Renard said: "We are preparing for a tough game. The preparation period was crucial, and our focus now is on delivering a strong performance."
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday in what promises to be an exciting start to their Gulf Cup matches. Both teams are eager to make a strong impression in their opening match.