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Poland charged over racism at Nations League game
UEFA has charged Poland with fan racism in a Nations League game, while the Czech Republic and Ukraine face charges for crowd unrest.
These are the first disciplinary cases involving Europe’s newest international competition. UEFA didn’t specify what Polish fans are alleged to have done in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Italy, but said the case would be heard Sept. 21.
Both the Czech Republic and Ukraine are charged over pitch invasions in their game Thursday, while Ukraine’s fans are also accused of crowd disturbances, throwing objects and damaging the stadium. Ukraine won the game 2-1.
The Czech Republic also faces a charge over the delayed kickoff of the game, which was caused by a problem with the floodlights. All of the charges related to that game will be heard Sept. 27.
Oklahoma player’s foot severed by train
Officials say a University of Central Oklahoma football player lost his foot when he was run over by a train over the weekend.
Oklahoma City police say 20-year-old Derek Loccident tried to crawl under a stopped train early Sunday when the train started moving. Police say the train severed Loccident’s foot, but he was able to flag down a nearby person who took him to a hospital. Police say he is expected to survive.
Loccident is a defensive back for the Division II school, which competes in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. He recorded 15 tackles in the team’s first two games this season.
UCO’s athletic department said in a statement that Loccident and his family have the school’s full support.
Governing body defends umpire after Serena flap
The International Tennis Federation is defending the chair umpire who gave Serena Williams three code violations during the U.S. Open final, saying his “decisions were in accordance with the relevant rules.”
Williams was cited by Carlos Ramos three times Saturday during her 6-2, 6-4 loss to Naomi Osaka: for getting coaching signals; for breaking her racket, which cost her a point; and for calling Ramos a thief, which cost her a game.
On Sunday, the tournament referee docked Williams $10,000 for “verbal abuse” of the chair umpire, $4,000 for being warned for coaching and $3,000 for breaking her racket.
The ITF said in a statement Monday that Ramos’ citations were “reaffirmed by the U.S. Open’s decision to fine Serena Williams for the three offenses.”