Sport news in brief
Djokovic’s father poses with Putin supporters
Novak Djokovic’s father has been filmed posing for pictures with a group of Vladimir Putin supporters at the Australian Open. Srdjan Djokovic can be seen alongside a man holding a Russian flag with Putin’s face on it, in footage that emerged on YouTube. The man was also wearing a T-shirt with the letter Z on it, which has become known as the makeshift logo of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While Srdjan Djokovic poses for pictures, the man also appears to shout: “Long live Russia.”
The Australian Open banned Russian flags from the Melbourne Park grounds last week but crowds gathered on the steps of the Rod Laver Arena following nine-time champion Djokovic’s
victory over the Russian player Andrey Rublev in Wednesday’s quarter-final. They could be seen chanting in support of Russia, while the face of Putin was also visible alongside flags of Russia and Djokovic’s native Serbia. Srdjan Djokovic’s encounter with the group as he was leaving the Rod Laver Arena has led to a statement from Tennis Australia reminding “players and their teams” of their responsibilities.
The statement said: “A small group of people displayed inappropriate flags and symbols and threatened security guards following a match on Wednesday night and were evicted. One patron is now assisting police with unrelated matters. Players and their teams have been briefed and reminded of the event policy regarding flags and symbols and to avoid any situation that has the potential to disrupt. We continue to work closely with event security and law enforcement agencies.”
Russian flags have been banned from the tournament since one appeared in the crowd during the match between Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl and Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova last week. Russian player Karen Khachanov made it through to the men’s semi-finals in Melbourne while Belarusian players Victoria Azarenka and Aryna Sabalenka also reached the women’s semifinals.
Archer set for long-awaited England comeback
Jofra Archer is expected to make his long-awaited England comeback in today’s first ODI against South Africa despite being the only absentee from final practice. All England training sessions are now optional but there were still minor alarms when the fast bowler was not seen at Bloemfontein’s Mangaung Oval yesterday given his chequered recent history with injuries.
He played a full part on Wednesday and England confirmed there are no fresh fitness concerns after captain Jos Buttler announced Archer would be in the XI for the series opener against the Proteas. Archer’s last England appearance was in March 2021 as a long-term elbow problem required two operations while a stress fracture in his lower back saw an
attempted return to action last year shelved. The 27-year-old was back in competitive action this month in South Africa’s domestic T20 league and Buttler is relishing being able to call upon the paceman.
Buttler said: “It’s great to have Jofra back, fit and playing cricket again. I speak on behalf of everyone that he’s such an exciting guy to have back on the field. As an England captain, being able to have him back in your squad and the team is brilliant.” PA
George gives England boost ahead of Six Nations opener
Jamie George is back in the England training camp ahead of their Guinness Six Nations opener against Scotland next weekend. The Saracens hooker was initially withdrawn from the squad after he was concussed in their defeat to Edinburgh on Sunday. George will have to continue following concussion protocols until late next week but nevertheless, he reported back to England’s Surrey training base yesterday.
Meanwhile, Lewis Ludlam has revealed how the squad are buying into the new Steve Borthwick regime. Former England captain Borthwick took over as head coach from Eddie Jones in December and – alongside Kevin Sinfield – and seems to have adopted a more-approachable style than the fiery Australian. “That is a really exciting thing,” said Northampton flanker Ludlam. “You get those two, who are both real honest blokes, saying they want a team that works for each other and fights for each other.” England will do battle for the Calcutta Cup against Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday, 4 February, having lost the last two instalments. PA
Newcastle’s Joelinton fined after admitting drink driving
Joelinton, Newcastle United player, has been fined less than a week’s wages after admitting drink driving. The 26-year-old Premier League midfielder was stopped by police who spotted his 2022-plate Mercedes G wagon on Ponteland Road, Newcastle, at around 1.20am on 12 January. The Brazilian failed
a breath test that showed he had 43mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath when the legal limit is 35mg.
District Judge Paul Currer fined him £29,000 and banned him from driving for 12 months, which will be reduced to nine months if he completes a rehabilitation course. The judge calculated the fine based on documents showing his weekly wage was £43,000. The player must also pay a £2,000 surcharge and £85 costs.
Jonathan Stirland, prosecuting, said officers spotted his car driving at speed near the football ground and requested the driver to stop. Joelinton was compliant with officers and told them he had drunk two glasses of wine earlier in the evening.
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