Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister receives a red card. PHOTO: AP
LONDON (AFP) – Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister had his red card against Bournemouth overturned on Tuesday after the Reds appealed against the controversial dismissal.
Mac Allister was dismissed by referee Thomas Bramall after catching Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Christie on the foot in the 58th minute of Liverpool’s 3-1 win in the Premier League on Saturday.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was furious with the decision and claimed Mac Allister’s absence for much of the second half should be the only punishment the Argentine World Cup winner face.
“After the game I saw it back. I think if you have a list of points, what we need to give a red card, besides contact there’s nothing else, no other boxes ticked,” Klopp said on Saturday.
“It’s a decision we all agree if he gives a yellow card video assistant referee (VAR) would not overturn it and if he gives a red card VAR will not overturn it because contact means it’s not a clear and obvious mistake.”
Mac Allister would have been suspended for three games if the ban had been upheld, but now he is free to return to the team.
“An independent regulatory commission has removed Alexis Mac Allister’s three-match suspension following a claim of wrongful dismissal,” a Football Association spokesperson said.
“The Liverpool midfielder was sent off for serious foul play during their Premier League game against Bournemouth on Saturday, August 19.”
Liverpool responded to the FA decision by saying: “A club appeal against the suspension has now been upheld by an independent regulatory commission, meaning Mac Allister is eligible for selection when the Reds travel to Newcastle United on Sunday.”
Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister receives a red card. PHOTO: AP
OKINAWA (AFP) – Slovenia’s Luka Doncic and France’s Rudy Gobert will be among the NBA’s international stars trying to stop the United States (US) from regaining the Basketball World Cup when the event begins tomorrow in Asia.
A young US start the 32-team competition, which is being co-hosted by the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan, as favourites to lift the Naismith Trophy for the first time since 2014.
Spain, who beat Argentina in the final four years ago in China, when the Americans failed to make the podium, have the experienced Rudy Fernandez to lead their title defence.
But fellow veteran Ricky Rubio will be missing after announcing a break from the NBA to “take care of my mental health”.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is in charge of the US squad for the first time, after assisting Gregg Popovich at the 2019 World Cup in China and in Tokyo two years later, where they won Olympic gold.
Kerr has picked an up-and-coming group of players to gain redemption for four years ago when the US slumped to seventh in their defence of back-to-back world titles.
His squad is headlined by NBA All-Stars Anthony “Ant-Man” Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Brandon Ingram, Jaren Jackson and the Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero, the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Edwards has been impressive in warm-up games – his 34 points on Sunday inspiring the US to a 99-91 comeback victory against Germany in Abu Dhabi.
“He is unquestionably ‘the guy’,” Kerr said of the 22-year-old Edwards. “He knows it, but now the team knows it.”
No American on the roster has previous World Cup or Olympic experience, but Kerr believes that with hungry players like Edwards, they can challenge for the title.
United States’ Anthony Edwards. PHOTO: AFP
“If you think about US basketball over the years, a lot of young players have taken a leap in these World Cup, Olympic competitions and it feels to me like Anthony is taking that leap,” said Kerr, who has won four NBA titles as a coach.
The US have been drawn with Greece, New Zealand and Jordan in Group C in Manila and will face stiff competition from other countries studded with NBA talent.
Dallas Mavericks guard Doncic will bring his star power to Slovenia’s team in Group F, where they will play Cape Verde, Georgia and Venezuela on the Japan’s Okinawa island.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns and Boston Celtics centre Al Horford will suit up for the Dominican Republic, while Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey will play for Australia.
But Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will not appear for Greece, after undergoing knee surgery at the end of the NBA season. NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic will not be in Serbia’s lineup. He has opted to rest after leading Denver to their first NBA championship in June as has his Canadian Nuggets teammate Jamal Murray.
French sensation Victor Wembanyama, the top pick in June’s NBA Draft, is missing as he prepares for his first season with the San Antonio Spurs.
But Tokyo Olympics silver medallists France could still be a threat to the US with the likes of Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum, New York Knicks guard Evan Fournier and Minnesota Timberwolves centre Gobert in their ranks.
Canada still boast a strong squad with Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Knicks forward RJ Barrett and Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks.
But the US look the team to beat as they aim for a sixth title. “We go to Manila feeling like we have a lot of room for growth,” said Kerr. “But we also go there with a lot of confidence in ourselves, in the fibre of the group, the connection, they really like each other, they play well together.”
LONDON (AFP) – Pep Guardiola will miss Manchester City’s next two matches after a “routine operation” on his back on Tuesday, the Premier League champions announced.
City said their treble-winning manager had been suffering from “severe back pain for some time” and flew out to Barcelona for “emergency” yet “routine” surgery.
The Spanish boss will remain in Barcelona while he recovers from the operation and is expected to miss City’s matches against Sheffield United this Sunday and Fulham on September 2, with assistant manager Juanma Lillo taking temporary charge in his absence.
City expect Guardiola, 52, to be back on the touchline after the international break for their visit to West Ham on September 16.
A Manchester City statement said: “Pep Guardiola has today (Tuesday) undergone a routine operation on a back problem.
“The Manchester City boss has been suffering with severe back pain for some time lately, and flew out to Barcelona for emergency surgery performed by Dr Mireia Illueca. The surgery was a success, and Pep will now recover and rehabilitate in Barcelona.
“In his absence, assistant manager Juanma Lillo will oversee coaching of the first team on the training field and will assume duties on the touchline until Pep’s return.
“He is expected to return after the forthcoming international break. Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a speedy recovery, and look forward to seeing him back in Manchester soon.”
PSV Eindhoven's Ibrahim Sangare scores against Rangers at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland. PHOTO: AP
PARIS (AFP) – Luuk de Jong scored a late equaliser as PSV Eindhoven secured a 2-2 draw at Rangers in the first leg of their Champions League play-off round tie early yesterday.
The Dutch giants, aiming for revenge after defeat by Rangers at the same stage of the competition last season, twice pegged back their hosts to seal a repeat of the first-leg result from 12 months ago.
Last year, Rangers edged through with a 1-0 second-leg win in the Netherlands, but will need another surprise away win next week to book a return to the group stage after an entertaining clash at Ibrox.
“I don’t think they’ll underestimate us, but they’d better not,” Rangers manager Michael Beale told TNT Sports.
“This is a PSV team who haven’t been beaten since February and we nearly did (it) tonight.”
Senegalese youngster Abdallah Sima, signed from Angers in the close-season, scored a fantastic opening goal to give Rangers a 45th-minute lead against the run of play.
Ibrahim Sangare levelled for PSV just after the hour mark and the visitors looked to be pushing for a winner until a sweeping Rangers counter-attack was finished by Rabbi Matondo.
But the Scottish side, who struggled in the Champions League group stage last season with six successive defeats, could not hold onto the lead as De Jong bundled home from a corner with 10 minutes remaining. Royal Antwerp boosted their hopes of a first appearance in the European Cup proper since the 1957-58 season with a 1-0 first-leg win over AEK Athens in Belgium.
FC Copenhagen also moved a step closer to the group phase with a 1-0 away success over Polish champions Rakow.
PSV Eindhoven’s Ibrahim Sangare scores against Rangers at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland. PHOTO: AP
LONDON (AFP) – Lewis Hall has joined Newcastle on a season-long loan from Chelsea with the option for a permanent deal for the defender, the northeast side announced on Tuesday.
The clubs have been in talks over a move for the 18-year-old academy graduate, with Newcastle reportedly offering GBP28 million (USD36 million, EUR33 million) to their Premier League rivals.
Hall signed a new six-year contract to stay at Stamford Bridge earlier in August but Newcastle’s interest has led Chelsea to part with a defender who made 11 first-team appearances last season, including nine in the Premier League.
Boyhood Newcastle fan Hall told the Magpies’ website: “I’m very proud. Me and my family are Newcastle fans, and for me and my brother growing up, it was drilled into us that we were Newcastle. It’s a big club and I can’t wait to get started.
“I got a lot of experience last year in some big fixtures and I was really proud of the way I progressed as a player and a person. To now be here at Newcastle, the club that I’ve supported since I was a kid, I’m honoured and very proud to wear this shirt.”
He added: “It’s very exciting. When you look back on last season and the way the team performed – not just the results, but the performances the team were putting in – it was amazing.
“There’s so many talented players and we’ve got the Champions League now as well so there’s many different competitions that I know the team will be wanting to do well in, and hopefully get a trophy or two as well.”
LONDON (AFP) – Mason Mount will miss Manchester United’s Premier League games against Nottingham Forest and Arsenal after suffering a “small” injury, the club said on Tuesday.
United revealed that Mount had sustained the “small complaint” during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Tottenham.
The England midfielder is expected to be “out until the international break next month”, United said.
Mount moved to Old Trafford from Chelsea in the close-season for GBP60 million (USD76 million).
Mount is not the only United close-season signing to be hit with injury issues already this term.
Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund, signed from Serie A Atalanta, has not featured for United due to a back injury.
Ten Hag’s men host Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday before travelling to Arsenal the following weekend in their final fixture before the international break.
RIYADH (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr qualified for the Asian Champions League group stage after they secured an injury-time victory against Shabab Al Ahli in Riyadh on Tuesday.
The Saudi Pro League side came from behind to triumph 4-2 in the play-off at Mrsool Park, with Brazilian Anderson Talisca scoring twice and Croatia international Marcelo Brozovic rounding off the win. Nassr had been two minutes from exiting the tournament.
The result means Nassr, runners-up domestically last season, move into the group phase, which begins next month.
Ronaldo, a five-time UEFA Champions League winner, was making his debut in Asian football’s top club competition after signing for the Riyadh club last December. Nassr opened the scoring on 11 minutes, when Taslica headed home a Brozovic corner.
However, Yahya Al Ghassani levelled for United Arab Emirates champions Shabab Al Ahli seven minutes later, the winger slotting the ball into the Nassr net after the Dubai side countered.
Ronaldo, 38, left the pitch at half-time clearly frustrated and could been seen arguing with the referee. The Portuguese star, the Nassr captain, believed he should have had two penalties in the first half.
Then, one minute after half-time, Al Ghassani raced clear of the Nassr defence to flick the ball over Nawaf Al Aqidi and put Shabab Al Ahli in front. However, Nassr equalised with two minutes of normal time remaining, when full-back Sultan Al Ghannam’s header was diverted into his own goal by Walid Abbas.
Nassr’s comeback was complete five minutes into the allotted seven minutes of injury time, with Talisca nodding home from close range.
Moments later, as Shabab Al Ahli chased the equaliser, Ronaldo teed up Brozovic to drill his shot into the net and make safe the game.
Elsewhere in the west zone, UAE side Sharjah qualified for the tournament proper with a 3-1 victory away to Iran’s Tractor FC, while Uzbekistan’s Navbahor Namangan defeated Al Wakrah of Qatar 1-0 after extra time.
In Tuesday’s other play-off, Uzbek side AGMK Olmaliq defeated Qatar’s Al Arabi 1-0.
Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh presents an award to Nur A’ishah binti Haji Khairul Amir Shahrin at the ceremony. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Students should continue to gain knowledge and develop new skills to keep themselves relevant to industry needs, said Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Vice Chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle.
He said this at the presentation ceremony for the University Medal and Book Prize Awards yesterday to acknowledge UBD students for their hard work and dedication in their achievement of excellence. The event was held in conjunction with the recent 35th UBD’s Convocation Ceremony.
Dr Hazri said, “The medal and book prize presentation ceremony is an annual event related to the UBD convocation and regarded as the official recognition of achievements and academic excellence for graduates and students.”
He added, “The awards serve as a platform to instil the culture of excellence by setting high standards for academic achievements, leadership and community involvements. We hope that these achievements will be an inspiration to other students to try to realise their full potential.
“Today’s recipients have exhibited eagerness, diversity of talent and skills cultivated during their time at the university. The achievements covered academic excellence, research, community service, art and athletics, reflecting the comprehensive educational approach at UBD.
“In line with UBD’s motto ‘Ke Arah Kesempurnaan Insan’, the hard work, dedication, and high commitment shown by students for academics as well as self-development, is very important for the preparation of students to start a new journey after leaving the study environment,” he added.
Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh presents an award to Nur A’ishah binti Haji Khairul Amir Shahrin at the ceremony. PHOTO: JAMES KONABOVE & BELOW: Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh presents the awards to Captain Siti Hafizah binti Haji Abdul Khalid; the Chinese Ambassador Award to Melanie Choo Hui San while Chinese Ambassador-designate to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo looks on; and to Andrea Tiong Jia Yin. PHOTO: JAMES KONPHOTO: JAMES KONPHOTO: JAMES KON
Nur A’ishah binti Haji Khairul Amir Shahrin received the Vice-Chancellor’s Medal after recently graduating with a first class honours in Bachelor of Engineering in Energy Systems. The Vice-Chancellor’s Medal is awarded based on the recipient’s academic merits, significant contributions and achievements in extracurricular activities as well as for demonstrating exemplary leadership skills.
In an interview with the Bulletin, Nur A’ishah said, “Alhamdulillah, after all the hard work and efforts I put in the past four years, I am glad that UBD acknowledged my potential and achievements.”
On her success, she shared, “I have my own goals to achieve, like stepping out of the comfort zone and improving myself. My advice to the undergraduates is that perseverance is important when you go through hardship. Set your goals first, then you can work to achieve even higher results. Once you get there, it will be very fulfilling.
“I want to thank my parents and friends for their support. I also extend my gratitude to my lecturers who gave their insight and knowledge during my time here. Without them, I wouldn’t have made it.”
The University Silver medals were presented to the best final year Bachelor’s Degree students; Nur A’ishah, Sarah Mohamed Mohieldin Ahmed Abouelmaati, Koo Pey Ting, Areezna Arza binti Haji Abdullah and Syuni Syahindah binti Haji Mohd Taufik.
Meanwhile, the recipients of the University Book Prizes comprised 13 students from the Master’s Degree and 67 Bachelor’s Degree programmes for their outstanding achievements.
Bachelor of Business in Business Administration student Nurafifah Aqilah binti Hussin received the Book Prize for her outstanding achievement in Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB). Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd also presented the Excellence Awards to three recipients; Nur A’ishah, Awangku Mohammad Azamuddin bin Pengiran Mohd Hardy who achieved first class honours in Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical and Process Engineering) and Melanie Choo Hui San who also achieved first class honours in Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical and Process Engineering.
Four students received the Chinese Ambassador Award: Siti Nursarah binti Julhijjal, Su Jih Yang, Nur Adlin Hanisah binti Haji Mohd Noorasri and Melanie Choo Hui San, while Abdul Wafi bin Haji Ismail and Hani Nadirah binti Muhammad Daud received the award for Mandarin language.
Melanie Choo Hui San said, “I am excited and glad to receive the award because it’s the last time that I will be receiving them at UBD. My parents have been instrumental in my success. They have been very supportive and encouraged me when I faced difficulties.”
Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, who is also the chairperson of the UBD Council was the guest of honour at the ceremony held at the university’s Chancellor Hall.
Attorney General Dato Seri Paduka Haji Ahmad bin Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di-Raja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa, Chinese Ambassador-designate to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo, principal officers, UBD staff, sponsors and family members were also present. – James Kon
Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, Princess of Thailand presents the award to Dr Haji Morsidi bin Haji Muhamad. PHOTO: THE LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE BUREAU
Three Bruneian writers recently received the Southeast Asia (SEA) Write Awards in Bangkok, Thailand. The organisers extended invitations to Brunei Darussalam to send awardees for the SEA Write Award for 2019, 2020, and 2021.
The presentation of awards held at the Dusidalai Hall, Chitralada Garden, Dusit Palace on August 10, was presided by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, Princess of Thailand.
Recipient of the 2019 SEA Write Award for Brunei Darussalam was the late Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Tamat (Salmi Mesra) for his poetry collection in Kumpulan Puisi Mata Hati II, represented by his spouse, while Haji Bujang bin Haji Matnor (Bujang MN) was awarded for his novel, Angin Koperasi for 2020.
Dr Haji Morsidi bin Haji Muhamad (Morsidi MH) was the recipient of the 2021 award for his poetry collection in Kumpulan Sajak Sungai, LAUT dan KiTA.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, through the Language and Literature Bureau, served as the Secretariat for the SEA Write Award for Brunei Darussalam. Awardees were selected by a judging panel in their countries, and were evaluated based on their published works, according to a criteria set by the organisers.
Brunei was first invited in 1986 to send writers to receive the SEA Write Award. Since then up to 2021, a total of 36 local writers have been recognised and honoured with the prestigious award. For over 40 years, the SEA Write Award has acknowledged outstanding writers and poets from ASEAN member countries which include Brunei, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The SEA Write Award serves as a platform to elevate local writers to the same level as regional writers, to recognise prominent writers in ASEAN member countries in the field of literature, to strengthen friendship and camaraderie among writers and literary figures. The recognition also hopes to provide encouragement to writers, poets, and literary enthusiasts in the Sultanate and to enhance the dignity of literature at the national and regional levels.
The awardees also participated in a panel discussion at the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, attended a reception, gala dinner and poetry reading at the Royal Ballroom, Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok. – Adib Noor
Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, Princess of Thailand presents the award to Haji Bujang bin Haji Matnor. PHOTO: THE LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE BUREAUHer Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, Princess of Thailand presents the award to Dr Haji Morsidi bin Haji Muhamad. PHOTO: THE LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE BUREAU
ABOVE & BELOW: Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin cuts the ribbon; and tours the new LCB campus. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Laksamana College of Business (LCB) achieved another milestone yesterday as it unveiled its new campus extension. The cutting-edge three-storey building stands as a testament to LCB’s unwavering dedication in offering top-tier education and resources to its students.
The inauguration of the new campus extension adjacent to the existing LCB premises, was launched by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin.
The expansion embodies LCB’s commitment to fostering a world-class learning environment.
The new building boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed to elevate the overall academic experience.
The new building features an auditorium, poised to host events and presentations while fostering a collaborative learning atmosphere. Multiple lecture halls equipped with cutting-edge technology to facilitate interactive teaching sessions, while a function room offers a versatile space with a stunning rooftop view, ideal for various events and gatherings.
The new extension further includes fully equipped practical kitchens and a patisserie kitchen, providing students hands-on experience and training in the culinary arts.
Additionally, a forthcoming restaurant is poised to open its doors to the public, serving as a practical training ground for students pursuing careers in the culinary and hospitality industry.
ABOVE & BELOW: Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin cuts the ribbon; and tours the new LCB campus. PHOTO: JAMES KONPHOTO: JAMES KON
Abdul Razak Holdings (ARH) and LCB Director Haji Awang Suhaimei bin Haji Awang Besar highlighted the institution’s strong foundations, tracing its roots to its establishment in 2003 through a partnership between ARH Brunei and Kensington College of Business (KCB) London.
“LCB celebrates its 20th anniversary this year,” he said, underscoring ARH’s enduring commitment to providing high-quality education and services within a nurturing environment.
The new building stands as a testament to this commitment, with ARH investing more than BND7 million to accommodate LCB’s needs, particularly in the culinary field. Director and Principal of LCB and KCB Ian Pirie emphasised the institution’s growth journey.
He noted, “Over the years, as our courses, student numbers, and successes have grown, we have expanded our physical space to 80,000 square feet over seven floors.”
Pirie looks forward to the culinary school’s growth and success, noting that a dedicated floor houses three training kitchens, staff rooms, a main kitchen, and a restaurant where students will serve the public. This expansion provides students with work experience in a real restaurant setting, he said.
The ceremonial ribbon-cutting marked the highlight of the event, symbolising the official opening of the new campus extension. Invited guests embarked on a tour, marvelling at the cutting-edge infrastructure designed to foster innovation and learning.
The tour included lunch at the new restaurant within The Culinary School, offering a glimpse of the experiences to the public. Dignitaries, guests, and industry leaders also attended. – James Kon
