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Barcelona thrashed Valencia with Marcus Rashford involved in a La Liga goal for the first time.

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Barcelona thrashed Valencia with Marcus Rashford involved in a La Liga goal for the first time.

BARCELONA, Spain (BN24) — Barcelona produced a statement performance with a 6-0 demolition of Valencia on Saturday, with Marcus Rashford registering his first goal involvement in La Liga since arriving on loan from Manchester United.

The England forward, making just his second start for the Spanish champions, delivered a brilliant cross to assist Raphinha’s first goal shortly after halftime, giving Barcelona a 2-0 lead. Rashford played 67 minutes in a lively outing at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, where he also had two shots narrowly miss the target.

Fermin Lopez opened the scoring in the first half, racing onto a Ferran Torres through ball to fire past the Valencia goalkeeper. The midfielder then doubled his tally with a stunning long-range strike to make it 3-0 before Raphinha rifled in his second goal — Barcelona’s fourth as the home side ran riot.

Robert Lewandowski, who came off the bench alongside Raphinha, joined the scoring party late on. The Polish striker calmly finished Dani Olmo’s pass before chipping in a sixth goal that was initially flagged for offside but later confirmed by VAR.

The hosts created plenty of other chances, with Torres striking the post after getting on the end of another dangerous cross from Rashford. The match was held at the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium — normally used by Barcelona’s B team — while the Nou Camp continues to undergo redevelopment.

Barcelona’s resounding win not only kept them in the La Liga title hunt but also marked a milestone for Rashford, who had been under scrutiny since his high-profile loan move from Old Trafford. The 26-year-old’s assist provided a glimpse of his potential impact as he adapts to life in Spain.

Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir edges Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa to claim women’s marathon gold at World Athletics Championships in Tokyo

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Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir edges Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa to claim women’s marathon gold at World Athletics Championships in Tokyo

TOKYO (BN24) — Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya outpaced Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa in a dramatic sprint finish to win the women’s marathon gold medal at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Sunday.

Jepchirchir, 31, added another chapter to her decorated career by triumphing in 2 hours, 24 minutes, 43 seconds. The victory came after a tense duel with Assefa, who set the women-only world marathon record of 2:15:50 in London earlier this year. The two broke away from the pack before the 30-kilometer mark and ran stride for stride until entering Japan National Stadium for the decisive final stretch.

Assefa, 28, surged first with 250 meters remaining, but Jepchirchir responded with a powerful kick on the final bend, crossing the line two seconds ahead of her Ethiopian rival.

“It was not my ultimate plan to sprint in the final meters, but when I saw I was 100 meters from the finish, I just started to kick,” Jepchirchir said. “It was so hot, so difficult, but I managed to do it. This is my first World Championships, and I am so happy it happened in Tokyo because I also won my first Olympic gold medal here. Today was tougher. The humidity was so high, and I was exhausted coming into the stadium. But I sprinted for it.”

Assefa settled for silver, adding to her runner-up finish at the Paris Olympics last year. She said she preferred to frame the result positively.

“I don’t like to think I lost the gold. I always try to think I won the silver,” Assefa said. “Every medal is special. Honestly, my world record race in London was much easier. That had pacemakers, purposeful preparation and perfect conditions. Today was different, but I coped with the challenges.”

The bronze medal went to Julia Paternain of Uruguay, who finished in 2:27:23. Her achievement marked the first-ever medal for Uruguay at a World Athletics Championships.

“I love being able to run for Uruguay,” Paternain said. “My whole family is from there. I grew up in England and live in the United States, but I am a Nacional fan and proud to represent a small country with so much pride.”

The men’s marathon will take place Monday morning in Tokyo, wrapping up the endurance races at this year’s championships.

Ruben Amorim insists on sticking with tactics despite Manchester United’s poor run

Simeon Bateren
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Ruben Amorim insists on sticking with tactics despite Manchester United’s poor run

MANCHESTER, England (BN24) — Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim vowed not to abandon his tactical philosophy despite growing criticism and mounting pressure after a dismal start to the season. Speaking in the wake of a 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, Amorim defended his adherence to a 3-4-3 formation, asserting his belief in the system while acknowledging the pain of the club’s current struggles.

United have secured only four points from their opening four Premier League matches and were knocked out of the League Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby Town, intensifying scrutiny on the Portuguese coach’s methods. Since taking over at Old Trafford in November last year, Amorim has overseen just eight wins in 31 league games. The club finished a disappointing 15th last season, and early signs in the current campaign suggest little progress.

“I understand that and I accept it. It’s not a record that you should have in Manchester United,” Amorim said when asked about the pressure to change tactics. “I’m not going to change. When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the men. I play my way and I’m going to play my way until I want to change.”

Despite the poor results, the former Sporting Lisbon manager continues to enjoy support from the United board. That patience is being tested, however, following a £200 million ($271 million) investment into a revamped attacking line. Thus far, the returns have been underwhelming. United have scored just four goals in league play this season, with two coming from opposition own goals and one via a penalty.

One of the marquee signings, Matheus Cunha, missed the derby through injury, while £74 million striker Benjamin Sesko failed to make an impact in his first start for the club.

“My message is that I’m going to give everything. I will do everything, always thinking about what is best for the club,” Amorim added. “Until I’m here, I will do my best. I really want to win games. I’m suffering more than them (the fans).”

Sunday’s defeat was particularly stinging given United entered the derby ahead of City in the Premier League table for the first time in five years. Pep Guardiola’s side, reeling from back-to-back losses to Tottenham and Brighton before the international break, rediscovered its form at Old Trafford.

City, who remain six points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, are hopeful the derby triumph can ignite their season.

“I would love it to (be the start of a good run), but I would say we started last season winning four games in a row and look how we struggled in October, November, December,” Guardiola said. “We have to improve, but that’s true that winning games, especially in the derby, you see the faces of our fans, the joy, the happiness after the game, always helps.”

For Amorim and United, the road ahead appears increasingly treacherous, with performances now under intense scrutiny and results needed to match the backing the manager has received.

Spanish FA hits back at Barcelona in row over Lamine Yamal after Hansi Flick’s outburst

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Spanish FA hits back at Barcelona in row over Lamine Yamal after Hansi Flick’s outburst

BARCELONA (BN24) — Spain’s football federation has pushed back against Barcelona’s criticism after head coach Hansi Flick accused the national team of mishandling teenage star Lamine Yamal, who will miss Sunday’s La Liga clash with Valencia through injury.

Barcelona confirmed that the 17-year-old winger, widely considered one of Europe’s brightest young talents, returned from international duty with Spain carrying a knock that left him unavailable for the club’s first home match of the season. Flick publicly blamed Spain manager Luis de la Fuente for worsening the situation, saying Yamal had been forced to play through pain with the national side.

“Lamine Yamal will not be available. He went with the national team in pain and did not train. They gave him painkillers to play,” Flick said in a heated pre-match press conference Saturday. “They had at least a three-goal lead in every match, and he played 73 minutes and 79. Between matches he couldn’t train. That is not taking care of the player. I am very sad about this.”

The remarks sparked a swift response from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), which insisted its medical staff had carried out routine checks on Yamal and found no issues. Federation sources told Spanish outlet Sport that Barcelona had not alerted them to any existing injury concerns when the teenager joined the national squad. RFEF physiotherapist Fernando Galán reportedly cleared Yamal before he featured in Spain’s games.

Flick acknowledged he has had little contact with De la Fuente since taking charge at Barcelona, but RFEF officials maintain that lines of communication between the federation and the Catalan club remain open and active.

Yamal’s absence is a significant setback for Barcelona, with uncertainty still surrounding his recovery timeline. Club doctors hope he will regain fitness in time for Thursday’s Champions League opener against Newcastle, though he may only be ready for a limited role in next weekend’s La Liga fixture against Getafe if his condition does not improve quickly.

The public clash underscores the growing tension between Barcelona and the national federation over player management, with Yamal now at the center of a dispute between club and country.

Amir Khan, Tyson Fury join others to mourn Ricky Hatton after death at 46

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Amir Khan, Tyson Fury join others to mourn Ricky Hatton after death at 46

MANCHESTER, England (BN24) — British boxing great Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 46, prompting an outpouring of grief led by fellow champions Amir Khan and Tyson Fury, who remembered him as both a warrior in the ring and a cherished friend outside of it.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed Sunday that Hatton was found dead at his home in Gee Cross, Hyde. Officers said the death is not being treated as suspicious. The two-weight world champion, affectionately nicknamed “The Hitman,” had remained a prominent figure in the sport as a trainer, promoter and public personality since retiring in 2012.

Khan and Fury lead tributes

Khan, who frequently cited Hatton as an inspiration, posted a heartfelt message describing him as “a friend, a mentor, a warrior.” He spoke candidly about the importance of mental health in light of Hatton’s well-documented struggles. “As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong — we train, we sweat, we take hits. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind,” Khan wrote. “Ricky, thank you for everything … Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”

Fury, Britain’s reigning heavyweight champion, echoed the shock felt across the sport. “Rip to the legend, Ricky Hatton. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this, so young,” he said on Instagram.

Grief spreads across sporting world

Hatton’s death drew tributes from a wide circle of athletes and entertainers. British great Frank Bruno said he was “absolutely devastated,” while Chris Eubank Jr. wrote: “Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you.”

American boxer Jake Paul hailed Hatton as “one of the greatest British fighters of all time,” and Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh called him a “great fighter and a legend in British boxing.”

Former footballers, including Michael Owen and David James, remembered Hatton as both a world-class athlete and a genuine personality, while ex-England striker Stan Collymore praised him for speaking openly about his battles with depression and addiction. Darts star James Wade described him as a “dear friend,” and television host Paddy McGuinness recalled fond memories of Hatton’s warmth and generosity.

A fighter’s legacy

Hatton rose to prominence in the 2000s, capturing world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight. His 2005 victory over Kostya Tszyu remains one of British boxing’s most iconic nights, and his legions of supporters often traveled in the thousands to Las Vegas to see him fight. Though his unbeaten record ended against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007, Hatton’s grit and charisma secured his status as a national sporting hero.

Beyond the ring, Hatton’s honesty about his personal struggles won him admiration for his courage in addressing mental health. As tributes highlighted Sunday, his influence extended far beyond boxing.

From ‘Bella Ciao’ to ‘OwO’: What the engravings on bullets in Charlie Kirk shooting may mean

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From ‘Bella Ciao’ to ‘OwO’: What the engravings on bullets in Charlie Kirk shooting may mean

WASHINGTON (BN24) — Investigators say the suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk left behind bullet casings etched with cryptic engravings that blend references to fascism, internet memes, and video game culture.

The messages, which at first glance may look like nonsense to those unfamiliar with online communities, are immediately recognizable to people steeped in internet culture. Experts describe them as “extremely online,” a term used to capture the deep immersion in digital subcultures where slang, emoticons, and coded references circulate rapidly.

Authorities revealed Friday that phrases engraved on the ammunition ranged from the Italian resistance anthem “Bella Ciao” to the internet emoticon “OwO,” a playful or mocking expression popular among online gamers and furry community members. Other casings contained strings of arrows resembling video game input codes, as well as direct references to fascism.

Internet slang with layered meanings

“OwO,” for instance, is widely recognized as an emoticon depicting a cute or surprised face. In furry fandom it is often used in flirtatious exchanges, but outside those circles it frequently appears as trolling shorthand or ironic mockery.

Experts caution that such symbols are rarely straightforward. “Oftentimes this extremely online disguise is meant to be doublespeak,” said Jamie Cohen, a Queens College professor who studies memes, in an interview with NBC News. “It could just be another bait and switch designed for more viral exposure.”

Gaming references

One casing carried the inscription: “Hey, fascist! Catch ↑ → ↓↓↓.” While the opening line seems like a political statement, the sequence of arrows was quickly recognized by players of Helldivers 2, a 2024 cooperative video game. The code summons a 500-kilogram bomb within the game, itself framed as a satirical commentary on fascism.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, asked about the engraving by Sky News, said the reference to fascism “speaks for itself,” but noted the broader cultural context remained complex.

The song ‘Bella Ciao’

Another inscription read: “Oh bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao.” The lyrics come from the famed Italian folk song associated with anti-fascist resistance against Benito Mussolini during World War II.

“Bella Ciao” has since been revived as a cultural anthem, gaining global popularity through the Spanish Netflix series Money Heist and viral remixes that have attracted hundreds of millions of plays on Spotify and TikTok. It also appears frequently within gaming and meme communities.

Experts urge caution

While the messages appear to mix politics, satire, and internet humor, researchers warn against drawing direct conclusions about the suspect’s ideology. “These kinds of inscriptions are often layered and designed to confuse or provoke,” Cohen said.

The case underscores how digital subcultures, memes, and gaming references increasingly surface in real-world violence — making interpretation both vital and fraught with risk.

SKY.COM

British boxing great Ricky Hatton dies at 46, BBC reports

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British boxing great Ricky Hatton dies at 46, BBC reports

LONDON (BN24) — Ricky Hatton, the former British world champion whose fearless fighting style made him one of the most popular boxers of his generation, has died at the age of 46, the BBC reported Sunday.

Police in Greater Manchester said a body was discovered Sunday morning at an address in Hyde, the northern English town where Hatton lived. In a statement, authorities confirmed that the death was “not being treated as suspicious.”

Hatton, who captured world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweight, retired in 2012 after a celebrated career that left him among Britain’s most beloved fighters. He had been scheduled to make a comeback appearance at an event in Dubai later this year.

Known as “The Hitman,” Hatton compiled 45 wins in 48 professional bouts, with 32 victories coming by knockout. His career peak came in 2005 when he stunned Australian champion Kostya Tszyu, stopping him in the 11th round to claim the IBF light-welterweight title and cement his reputation as one of boxing’s elite.

Hatton entered the ring with a perfect 43-0 record before suffering his first defeat against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas in 2007. Although he fought again, including a loss to Manny Pacquiao in 2009, he never fully regained his previous dominance.

Beyond the ring, Hatton was candid about his personal struggles. In the years following retirement, he spoke openly about his battles with depression, alcoholism, and drug use. In a 2016 BBC interview, he revealed that he had attempted suicide multiple times. “I was coming off the rails with my drinking and that led to drugs,” he said at the time. “It was like a runaway train.”

Despite those challenges, Hatton remained a revered figure in British boxing, training fighters and maintaining a devoted fan base who celebrated his down-to-earth personality as much as his ferocity in the ring.

Death toll from Nepal’s anti-corruption protests rises to 72 

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Death toll from Nepal’s anti-corruption protests rises to 72 

KATHMANDU, Nepal (BN24) — Authorities in Nepal said Sunday that the death toll from last week’s anti-corruption protests has climbed to 72 as recovery teams continue to find bodies inside government offices, private homes, and businesses set ablaze during the unrest.

The Health Ministry said the new figure marks the deadliest wave of political violence in the Himalayan nation in decades. The unrest, driven largely by young Nepalis frustrated over corruption and government mismanagement, erupted last week in Kathmandu and other major cities, forcing Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign on Tuesday.

Security forces had deployed tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters who stormed and torched state institutions, including the Supreme Court, parliament, police posts, and several homes of politicians. Shops, malls, and other private properties were also set on fire.

“Bodies of many people who died in shopping malls, houses and other buildings that were set on fire or attacked are now being discovered,” Health Ministry spokesperson Prakash Budathoki said.

The ministry’s death toll stood at 51 on Saturday, but officials said the number rose as rescuers entered damaged structures. At least 2,113 people have been injured since the violence broke out.

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki formally assumed office as interim prime minister on Sunday, becoming the first woman to lead Nepal. She has been tasked with steering the nation toward new parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5.

Karki announced that families of those killed in the protests would receive 1 million rupees (about $7,100) in compensation, while injured demonstrators would be provided with free medical care. Speaking from a temporary government building—after the prime minister’s office was among those set on fire—she emphasized the need for rapid recovery.

“We must now engage in rebuilding the destroyed structures,” Karki told senior officials, according to state television.

The political crisis has deepened uncertainty in Nepal, where young activists, fueled by online networks and public anger, have emerged as a decisive force in shaping the nation’s future.

Young activists who toppled Nepal’s government now shaping interim leadership – Reuters

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Young activists who toppled Nepal’s government now shaping interim leadership – Reuters

KATHMANDU, Nepal — The young activists whose protests forced the resignation of Nepal’s prime minister are now emerging as influential power brokers in the country’s fragile transition, helping shape an interim government and setting the stage for upcoming elections.

Sudan Gurung, a 36-year-old former DJ and founder of the nonprofit Hami Nepal (“We are Nepal”), led the movement using Discord, a messaging platform popular with gamers, along with Instagram. By coordinating rallies through VPNs to bypass a government ban on multiple social media sites, the group mobilized tens of thousands of mostly young demonstrators in what became Nepal’s deadliest political upheaval in decades. At least 72 people were killed and more than 1,300 injured in clashes with authorities.

The campaign quickly evolved into more than street protests. Hami Nepal leaders, who say they are not seeking political office, have taken part in high-stakes negotiations over the interim administration, according to several members who requested anonymity for security reasons. The activists convinced Nepal’s president and army chief to back former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister, making her the first woman to lead the Himalayan nation. Elections are scheduled for March 5.

“We will make sure power lies with the people and bring every corrupt politician to justice,” Gurung declared at his first press conference since the demonstrations.

Hami Nepal is now helping shape the cabinet, pushing for officials tied to the previous administration to be replaced with younger, reform-minded figures. “The process is being carefully carried out, so that it consists of skilled and capable youth,” the group wrote on Instagram, where its following has surged to more than 160,000.

Gurung, who became widely known for organizing earthquake relief in 2015 and COVID-19 aid efforts, insists his role is to amplify the demands of Nepal’s Gen Z activists rather than take formal power. “We don’t want to be politicians,” said 26-year-old volunteer Ronesh Pradhan. “We are only the voice of the nation.”

Other emerging leaders include 24-year-old café owner Ojaswi Raj Thapa, who has spoken out about judicial independence, and law graduate Rehan Raj Dangal, who helps manage online communications. Thapa told Reuters that while constitutional changes might be necessary, “we don’t want to dissolve the constitution.”

The movement’s rapid rise from online activism to political influence underscores how a generation of young Nepalis, angered by corruption and disillusioned with traditional parties, is reshaping the country’s political landscape.

Ukrainian drones strike major Russian oil refinery, igniting fire in Leningrad region-AP

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Ukrainian drones strike major Russian oil refinery, igniting fire in Leningrad region-AP

Ukrainian drones struck one of Russia’s largest oil refineries overnight, igniting a fire at a facility that is central to Moscow’s fuel supply, Russian officials and Ukraine’s military said Thursday.

The attack targeted the Kirishi oil refinery in Russia’s northwestern Leningrad region, an installation operated by Surgutneftegas and capable of processing nearly 17.7 million metric tons of crude annually, or about 355,000 barrels per day. Ukrainian officials said explosions followed by a fire erupted at the site, posting images of smoke and flames against the night sky.

Regional Gov. Alexander Drozdenko confirmed that three drones were shot down in the Kirishi area but said debris sparked a blaze at the refinery. He reported no injuries and added that firefighters contained the fire. Russia’s Defense Ministry did not immediately provide details on the extent of the damage or the operational impact on the plant.

The strike is part of a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Russian energy infrastructure, which Kyiv says powers Moscow’s war machine more than three years into the full-scale invasion. The refinery assault comes as Russia grapples with mounting fuel shortages that have left motorists in several regions facing long lines, empty pumps, and rationed sales.

To stem the crisis, Russian officials this week extended a ban on gasoline exports, imposing a full halt through Sept. 30 and a partial ban on intermediaries until Oct. 31. The government said the move was needed to stabilize the domestic market after weeks of supply disruptions.

Meanwhile, the risk of spillover beyond Ukraine’s borders persisted. On Wednesday, NATO scrambled fighter jets after multiple Russian drones crossed into Poland, a stark reminder of fears the conflict could spread deeper into Europe.

Russia, the world’s second-largest oil exporter, has seen its fuel supplies increasingly vulnerable to Ukrainian strikes on depots and refineries. Kyiv has argued that such operations are a legitimate part of its defense strategy, aiming to reduce Moscow’s capacity to sustain its war effort.

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