Real Madrid ban club member who did Nazi salute during match — and more

Real Madrid have banned a club member for performing the Nazi salute during the Champions League play-off return match against Benfica on Wednesday evening.

Madrid said in a statement that it "urgently" requested the club's disciplinary committee to start an "immediate expulsion procedure" for the member, who was caught on TV cameras doing the gesture in the stands before the kick-off.

"Real Madrid condemns this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sports and society," the club said.

Madrid advanced to the last 16 after a 2-1 win.

Cristiano Ronaldo has purchased a 25% stake in Spanish side Almeria.

The Al-Nassr superstar has invested in Almeria, who currently play in Spain's Segunda Division, as part of his post-football business strategy. Almeria are currently third in Spain's second tier and pushing for promotion back toLa Liga, after relegation from the top flight in 2023-24.

Almeria are currently owned by Saudi investment consortium SMC Group, led by Mohammed Al-Khereiji, who acquired the club from Turki Al-Sheikh in May 2025.

Ronaldo has now joined the ownership after completing his investment through the recently formed CR7 Sports Investments. The terms of the investment remain undisclosed.

“It has been a long-time ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch. UD Almería is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth,” Ronaldo said in the statement.

Almeria owner Al-Khereiji said that Ronaldo's knowledge of the Spanish league can help aid Almeria's ascent. Ronaldo spent nine seasons atReal Madrid and is the club's all-time record goalscorer.

“We are very pleased that Cristiano has chosen our club to invest in,” Al-Khereiji said in the statement.

“He is regarded as the greatest player ever to play the game. He knows the Spanish leagues very well and he understands the potential of what we are building here both in terms of the team and the academy.”

North Carolina A&T Aggies (10-15, 5-9 CAA) at Monmouth Hawks (18-8, 11-4 CAA)

West Long Branch, New Jersey; Friday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Monmouth faces N.C. A&T after Gigi Gamble scored 21 points in Monmouth's 64-57 victory against the Hampton Lady Pirates.

The Hawks are 9-3 on their home court. Monmouth is fourth in the CAA scoring 63.8 points while shooting 40.9% from the field.

The Aggies are 5-9 in CAA play. N.C. A&T ranks ninth in the CAA shooting 29.3% from 3-point range.

Monmouth scores 63.8 points per game, 0.5 more points than the 63.3 N.C. A&T allows. N.C. A&T scores 5.3 more points per game (62.8) than Monmouth allows (57.5).

The teams square off for the second time in conference play this season. Monmouth won the last meeting 61-55 on Jan. 4. Gamble scored 25 points points to help lead the Hawks to the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Gamble is shooting 40.1% and averaging 14.5 points for the Hawks. Divine Dibula is averaging 16.0 points over the last 10 games.

Chaniya Clark is shooting 45.6% and averaging 13.1 points for the Aggies. Crystal Hardy is averaging 1.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Hawks: 7-3, averaging 61.8 points, 30.0 rebounds, 12.1 assists, 5.7 steals and 2.9 blocks per game while shooting 42.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 55.8 points per game.

Aggies: 4-6, averaging 62.8 points, 33.3 rebounds, 14.2 assists, 6.3 steals and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 40.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 64.1 points.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Emma Raducanu will work with her former short-term coach Mark Petchey ahead of Indian Wells, after the British No 1 insisted she would not be making a permanent hire any time soon.