Manchester United have branded supporters who racially abused Anthony Martial and Axel Tuanzebe on social media following the 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United on Wednesday as "mindless idiots."

The club issued a statement on Thursday to say they were "disgusted" by the messages received by Martial and Tuanzebe and urged social media companies to take more action to protect users on their platforms.

- Ogden: De Gea's mistakes put dent in Man United's title challenge
- Auba in doubt for Arsenal clash with United with sick mother

Captain Harry Maguire posted a message on Twitter to say the squad "will not tolerate" any form of racism while defender Brandon Williams branded the abuse sent to Martial and Tuanzebe as "disgusting behaviour."

The statement issued by United read: "Everyone at Manchester United is disgusted by the racial abuse received by players via social media after last night's game.

"We utterly condemn it and it is encouraging to see other fans condemn this on social media also.

"Manchester United has zero tolerance of any form of racism or discrimination and a long-standing commitment to campaigning against it through our All Red All Equal initiative.

"Identifying these anonymous mindless idiots remains problematic. We urge social media platforms and regulatory authorities to strengthen measures to prevent this kind of behaviour."

Former Sri Lanka allrounder Dilhara Lokuhettige has been found guilty of three offences under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

An independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal has found Lokuhettige guilty of:

• Article 2.1.1 - for being party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive or otherwise influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspect(s) of a match.
• Article 2.1.4 - Directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating any Participant to breach Code Article 2.1.
• Article 2.4.4 - Failing to disclose to the ACU full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in corrupt conduct under the Code.

Lokuhettige had been slapped with three corruption charges - by the ICC's own Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) - in April 2019, five months after the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) had also charged him.

Concerns over Lokuhettige had initially been raised by an Al Jazeera documentary on cricket corruption in Sri Lanka. In that piece, both Lokuhettige was seen to be in the room when another former Sri Lanka cricketer was talking to an alleged fixer, as well as an Al Jazeera journalist posing as a prospective bettor.

Lokuhettige was provisionally suspended by the ICC in November when the ECB laid its charges. The November allegations relate to the 2017 T10 tournament, to which Sri Lanka had sent a team. Former Sri Lanka seamer Nuwan Zoysa was also found guilty of three corruption-related offences to do with that T10 tournament, in November.

Lokuhettige played 11 white-ball internationals for Sri Lanka, picking up eight wickets to go with 101 runs with the bat. His last competitive game was a first-class fixture for Moors Sports Club in February 2016.

As Lokuhettige lives in Australia and held no positions with Sri Lankan cricket, he'd not faced any sanctions from SLC at the time.

Lokuhettige is the fourth former Sri Lanka player to be found guilty of corruption-related charges over the past few years, along with Zoysa, Jayananda Warnaweera, and most notably Sanath Jayasuriya, who served a two-year suspension that ended last year.

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Golden State Warriors were always confident James Wiseman could handle anything that came his way during his rookie year. That faith was rewarded in a major way Wednesday night, when Wiseman racked up a career-high 25 points in 24 minutes in a 123-111 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

That Wiseman had his career night just a game after he was pulled from the starting lineup reinforced to Warriors coach Steve Kerr and his staff what they believed all along: They made the right decision with the No. 2 pick of the 2020 NBA draft.

"I've said it many times," Kerr explained during a postgame video conference with reporters, "he's not only talented, but he's got a great head on his shoulders. The way he handled everything the last couple of days, moving to the bench, the way he responded to the media questions. The way he responded in practice; he had a great practice [Tuesday]. So this is a young guy who is very mature and wants to win and competes and works his butt off, so it's pretty exciting."

What has really endeared Wiseman to his teammates and coaches over the first few months of his professional career is his ability to roll with whatever comes his way. Kerr has repeatedly praised the time Wiseman has spent watching tape with assistant coaches Theo Robertson and Chris DeMarco, and Kerr said he was very pleased with how the 19-year-old played throughout Wednesday's contest.

"Picture yourself at 19," Kerr said. "I've tried to picture myself at 19 putting up with everything that he's had to put up with. It's remarkable. This is a man's league, and you come in with almost zero experience. Three college games, [playing in] a pandemic, nine months of individual workouts and no training camp. It's really stunning how quickly he is picking up things. Again, it's a sign not only of his athletic gifts but, more importantly, his brain, his intelligence, his wisdom beyond his years. It's remarkable to see."

Wiseman acknowledged he is even more motivated to come off the bench and contribute while continuing to learn from veteran Kevon Looney.

"I'm more effective because I'm just studying Loon and how he can be able to guard the defense," Wiseman said. "And just trying to figure out the different coverages, so it's really helping me out a lot. So most definitely coming off the bench is something that's very effective so far."

Wiseman has said all along the Warriors were always the team he wanted to play for, but it wasn't lost on him that Wednesday's outing came in front of Timberwolves president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas and against 2020 No. 1 overall pick Anthony Edwards, who scored 25 points in defeat.

When asked if it meant a little more to have this kind of performance against the team that could have drafted him, Wiseman didn't hesitate but tried to concentrate on the end result.

"You could say that," he said. "But I was just focused on the coaches' game plan and just trying to win this game. I really wasn't worried about that factor, but I'll be motivated each game just trying to get better, just trying to be the best I can be out there."

Kerr reiterated Wiseman would be the team's starter "long term" but that, for now, the Warriors aim to develop their center while also trying to stack up wins.

"Every game's going to be different," Kerr said. "If he's playing like he's playing tonight, he's going to be out there. But every game's going to be different, and we'll just play it by ear; but the plan is to continue to develop him every day, whether he's in the starting lineup or not."

After seven years with the New York Yankees, free-agent right-hander Masahiro Tanaka announced Thursday that he will return to Japan to pitch for the Rakuten Golden Eagles in the Nippon Professional Baseball League.

"I have decided to return to Japan and play for the Rakuten Eagles for the 2021 season," Tanaka wrote on Twitter. "I wanted to make sure and touch base with you, and thank you for all the love and support you have given me for the past 7 seasons.

"I feel extremely fortunate for having the opportunity to take the field as a member of the New York Yankees, and play in front of all you passionate fans. it has been an honor and a privilege! Thank you so much!!"

WELCOME HOME our HERO!!!!https://t.co/2WoFI9XjKJ#RakutenEagles #おかえりなさい pic.twitter.com/2DNlgJYORy

— 東北楽天ゴールデンイーグルス (@Rakuten__Eagles) January 28, 2021

The 32-year-old, coming off a season in which he missed some time after being hit in the head by teammate Giancarlo Stanton's shot during live batting practice, just completed a seven-year, $155 million deal.

A two-time All-Star selection, Tanaka spent all seven of his MLB seasons as a Yankees starter from 2014 to 2020 and was one of the most consistent starting pitchers in the majors over that span, going 78-46 in 173 starts.

He posted a 3-3 record with a 3.56 ERA -- down from 4.45 in 2019 -- in 10 starts during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

Tanaka was found to have a partially torn ligament in his pitching elbow during the 2014 season, and from then on, the Yankees tried to give him extra rest between starts at times. He made a $22 million base salary in both the 2018 and 2019 seasons and $23 million in 2020.

He pitched well in the playoffs during his time in the Bronx, going 5-4 with a 4.18 ERA, 44 strikeouts and 15 walks in 10 starts and 54 innings. He had his best postseason run in 2017, when he went 2-1 with a 0.90 ERA, 18 strikeouts and three walks in 20 innings during the division series against Cleveland and American League Championship Series versus Houston.

Prior to joining the Yankees, Tanaka was 99-35 with a 2.30 ERA in seven seasons with the Rakuten Golden Eagles, striking out 1,238 in 1,315 innings.

Depending on which rival evaluator you speak with, the Yankees have been stubborn this winter. Or smart. Or surprisingly conservative. Or too willing to embrace pitching uncertainty.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka has invested in professional women's football team North Carolina Courage.

The 23-year-old, who has not revealed how much of the club she owns, said: "The women who have invested in me growing up made me who I am today.

"I don't know where I would be without them," added the Japanese player.

"Throughout my career I've always received so much love from my fellow female athletes so that's why I am proud to share that I am now an owner of North Carolina Courage."

The North Carolina Courage have enjoyed consistent success since forming in 2017.

The team won the National Women's Soccer League Championship in 2018 and 2019, topping the table and winning the play-offs in both campaigns.

Osaka is currently preparing to play in the Australian Open.

The world number three won the event in 2019 and also won the US Open in 2018 and 2020.

Fly-half Finn Russell has a "totally different mindset" since his Scotland return and is "coaching" players in training, captain Stuart Hogg says.

Russell missed most of last year's tournament for breaching team protocol.

"It's exciting for everybody, especially myself as a back-three player [to have him back]," Hogg said.

"To have Finn playing beside you is only going to create opportunities.

"I've just loved the way he's come into camp during the autumn and this Six Nations campaign. He's almost coached the boys around and put us into positions where he wants us.

"It's a totally different mindset that he's got and we're absolutely loving it."

Russell, whose Racing 92 side were beaten by Hogg's Exeter Chiefs in last season's European Champions Cup final, is set to win his 52nd cap in Scotland's Six Nations opener against England at Twickenham on 6 February.

"You can see how well he's been playing for Racing over the past year and hopefully he can bring that form into Scotland," Hogg added.

"We believe he is one of the best 10s in the world, and quite possibly has the best kicking game out of everybody, so we're very fortunate he's part of our squad."

Head coach Gregor Townsend says there is a freshness about his squad as they seek to improve on last year's fourth-place finish.

Bath's 21-year-old centre Cameron Redpath, having chosen Scotland over England, is one of four uncapped players in the group, while Glasgow Warriors lock Richie Gray is recalled after two months out with concussion.

"Bringing someone young like Cameron into a squad does have an effect," Townsend said. "We saw that last year with Darcy Graham - just that enthusiasm of youth keeps the older guys on their toes.

"These guys are fearless and that's what you want. And Richie Gray brings experience. He's still very passionate about playing for his country and to see him running around in training like he's 21 instead of 31 is brilliant."

Mexican club America Femenil will increase security after their teenage defender Jana Gutierrez received death threats on social media.

Sources also told ESPN that the club will offer Gutierrez, 17, personal protection for as long as she needs as well as legal assistance.

- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)

The outfit based in Mexico City is also considering taking legal action against the individual that sent Gutierrez intimidating messages ahead of Sunday's away league game at Mazatlan in the Sinaloa region. Gutierrez started in that game which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Among the messages Gutierrez received were demands for her to leave the city where the game was being played or someone would make an attempt on her life as well as hurt her parents, who live in Mexico City.

Gutierrez is the daughter of former Mexican defender Miguel Angel Gutierrez.

An internal club investigation found that this is not the first time the suspect has made death threats as other Mexican women league players have also suffered similar situations.

Mexico international Diego Reyes and Monterrey midfielder Carlos Rodriguez are among the numerous players that have expressed their solidarity with Gutierrez.

Reyes wrote on Twitter: "All my support for Jana!! Things like this cannot continue to happen in our country. I invite women to raise their voice and for men to understand that without women we are nothing! RESPECT!!!"

Rodriguez added: "We're with you Jana and with all the women that suffer threats! Let's understand once and for all that this must stop."

Club America have thanked all the outpouring of support and said: "Death threats on social media are just one part of the grave problem of violence that women suffer. Let's all unite our voices. #ZEROVIOLENCE."

Club America will meet members of the national commission to prevent and eradicate violence against women (CONAVIM) in the hope to raise awareness and reinforce prevention of violence against women.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a doubt for the Premier League clash against Manchester United on Saturday.

Aubameyang, 31, revealed that he has missed Arsenal's last two matches due to his mother's illness.

- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
- Saka headlines ESPN's breakout players for 2021
- Ogden: Premier League mid-season status report

The Gabon international missed Arsenal's FA Cup fourth-round defeat by Southampton last weekend and was also absent from their 3-1 Premier League win over the same opponents on Tuesday.

"I don't know [if he will be available]," Arteta told a news conference on Thursday. "I spoke with him yesterday. Things are looking better at the moment, but we are going to have to wait and see.

"He is our captain and one of the most important players. We are doing everything we can to have him as a quick as possible -- but understanding that he has been through difficult days, that he had to support his family and we were here to support him as well with the time that he needed to get that support."

Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette dedicated their goals in the league victory over Southampton to Aubameyang.

"My mother is going through some health issues and I had to be there for her," Aubameyang tweeted on Wednesday. "She's already much better now and I will be back home tonight.

"I'm more than grateful to the doctors and nurses helping her get through this, and of course, thanks to my Arsenal fam for the love yesterday.

"I'm more determined than ever to keep our momentum going."

Aubameyang's mother is Spanish but pushed on whether the striker had been abroad, Arteta said: "He had to support his family and he had to be with them."

Sources have told ESPN that there are quarantine issues and Aubameyang will have to test negative for COVID-19 before being available while the club are waiting to see if he feels in the right mental state to play.

Arsenal have other injury concerns with Thomas Partey (thigh), Kieran Tierney (calf) and Emile Smith Rowe (muscular discomfort) all facing late fitness checks while new loan signing Martin Odegaard is in the squad but Saturday's game is likely to come too soon for the 22-year-old.

Information from Reuters was included in this report.

New venues sought for European 10,000m Cup and British Olympic trials, which Highgate event had been set to incorporate

The popular Night of the 10,000m PBs event, which had been scheduled for June 5 in Highgate, London, has been cancelled.

The meeting had been due to incorporate both the European 10,000m Cup and British Olympic trials for the 25-lap discipline but European Athletics and British Athletics are now seeking alternative venue options for those events.

British Athletics said: “The decision has been taken in light of the ongoing pandemic to ensure the safety of all those due to participate, athletes, coaches, technical officials, fans and event staff.

“Following consultations across a host of stakeholders, due to nature of the event and the difficulties in making the venue facility Covid-19 secure, the decision has been made to cancel the 2021 edition.”

Created to address the need for an appealing high-class racing opportunity, the first edition of the Night of the 10,000m PBs was held in 2013 – the same year in which Alyson Dixon was the sole female competitor in the British Championships 10,000m final in Birmingham – and it has evolved with every edition since.

As well as top-class racing, the spectator experience is also a key element, with past editions including hundreds of fans lining the track and even joining athletes on it as part of a ‘lane three beer and cheer’ ethos.

It would have been the third successive time that the event would have hosted the European 10,000m Cup.

“I’m gutted to announce we’ve made the decision to cancel the 2021 edition of Night of the 10,000m PBs,” said event organiser Ben Pochee.

“The safety of all involved from officials, to athletes and spectators has to be our obvious priority and the nature of our event and our venue facility have been key in this decision.

“I feel for everyone who was looking forward to celebrating our 25-lap festival, but please note we will return in 2022, and when we do I have no doubt how much we’ll appreciate the unique atmosphere created by our closely gathered #Lane3BeerNCheer community.

“Wishing everyone well during these tough times and we can’t wait to welcome our sport back to Parliament Hill in the near future.”