Skating coach accused of sex abuse

BALTIMORE — A figure skating coach, who competed for the Soviet Union at 1988 Calgary Olympics, is accused in a lawsuit of fondling a teenage skater.

The lawsuit alleges former Russian ice dancer Genrikh Sretenski fondled the girl in a hotel room in July 2011. The suit, which was filed in a Maryland court alleges he kissed the girl, touched her breasts and also sent her hundreds of text messages.

It seeks $5 million in damages for the girl who no longer skates competitively.

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Barca backs Messi over abuse claims

BARCELONA, Spain — Barcelona has staunchly defended Lionel Messi over claims he racially abused a black Real Madrid player several seasons ago.

Dutch midfielder Royston Drenthe, currently on loan to Everton, was quoted in a Dutch magazine as saying he was taunted by the Argentine forward and three-time FIFA player of the year during several of their Spanish League encounters.

Barcelona said in a statement that the accusations "are well wide of the mark" and that Messi "has always shown maximum respect and sportsmanship towards his rivals."

Drenthe, who is black, claims Messi used the word "negro" in a negative tone. Liverpool's Luis Suarez was banned for eight games for taunting Manchester United's Patrice Evra in a similar manner this season.

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Anfield abuse suspect out on bail

LIVERPOOL, England — The man arrested on suspicion of racially abusing an Oldham player during an F.A. Cup match at Liverpool was released on bail by police on Sunday pending further inquiries.

Defender Tom Adeyemi was reduced to tears by insults from fans during Friday's loss at Anfield and had to be comforted by teammates and opposing players toward the end of the third-round match.

Merseyside police arrested a 20-year-old man from Aintree on Saturday on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offense.

Adeyemi, who is black, has now spoken to police, according to the players' union.

"We can confirm that he was the victim of racist abuse towards the end of the Liverpool vs. Oldham F.A. Cup tie," said Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers Association. "This abuse came from a spectator sitting in the Kop section of the ground."

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