Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Newsroom

Real Madrid Win UEFA Champions League Final; WHO: Rio Olympics Should Go Ahead As Planned; Greece Clears Migrant Camp at Macedonian Border; Violent Scuffles at Australian Immigration Rally; American Jailed in Congo; Bernie Sanders Battles for California; Top Gear Relaunches with New Team. Aired 12-12:30a ET

Aired May 29, 2016 - 00:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NATALIE ALLEN, CNN NEWSROOM HOST: Real Madrid win a record 11 European cups, and the fans can't help but celebrate, as you can imagine, well into the morning.

The World Health Organizations responds to a plea to move the summer Olympics because of the Zika virus.

And in the race for the White House, Bernie Sanders keeps his eye on the primary prize, California.

And we'll take you there here on CNN NEWSROOM. We're live in Atlanta. I'm Natalie Allen.

The presidential election can wait, because our top story is from the world of sports. Real Madrid have won their 11th Champions League final, setting off wild celebrations, as you can imagine, in the Spanish capital.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(CHEERING)

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: Real beat cross town rivals, Atletico, Madrid 5-3 on penalty kick in Milan. Cristiano Ronaldo's spot kick in the shootout sent Real home with the silverware. And we're delighted to have with us World Sport's Patrick Snell to give us the low down. How about that?

PATRICK SNELL, WORLD SPORT HOST: Natalie, what an exciting final. My heart actually goes out to Atletico and their fans and their head coach, Diego Simeone.

They were trying to win the tournament for the first time ever. It wasn't to be though. And Real made it another record-extending 11th European cup. Quote incredible.

And I want to talk about the two managers in just a moment. But the story of the game very simply Real in control early on through Sergio Ramos. And then, credit to Atletico. Yannik Ferreira Carrasco would level, but the script was written after at Atletico player had missed his penalty in the shootout. You know who, CR-7 gets the job done. Cristiano, the Portuguese superstar.

They all played their part, including Gareth Bale, but it would be Renaldo, the main man. And afterwards, it left one French head coach of Real Madrid very happy indeed.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ZINEDINE ZIDANE, REAL MADRID COACH (through translator): Since I am a positive man and I have a fantastic team that has worked very hard, the message is this. We have worked. We have fought for it. And when you have players of such great talent, then you can manage something great like what we have achieved tonight.

DIEGO SIMEONE, ATLETICO MADRID COACH (through translator): What is clear for me is that no one ever remember who came second. To lose to finals is a failure, and I need to set accept this moment, licking my wounds at home.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SNELL: Natalie, what a story. When you reflect on Zinedine Zidane, he only took over as manager, his first full-time senior managerial post in football, in January of this year, replacing Rafael Benetiz. And what does he going and do? In about half a season, he goes and wins the biggest European co-op (ph) prize that there is.

He won this, of course, as a player in 2002, when he scored an iconic goal in the Hampden Park Scotland's final against Germany's Bayer Leverkusen. And becomes just the seventh person ever to win a European cup as both a player and manager.

The other side of the coin, Diego Simeone, but we heard from that soundbyte there, I detected a sense of determination. He's got a terrific young squad that he's still molding I sense. He's going -- the club recently announced he'll be staying for at least one more season with Atletico.

He has led them to two Champions League finals now in the last three seasons. That's quite incredible, because they have a fraction, a modicum of the budget that Real Madrid have. Real Madrid is basically a license to print money. Atletico is not. Terrific stuff by Atletico, and I'm sure they'll be back. No question about that.

ALLEN: Madrid was the center of the universe, was it not?

SNELL: It was the football capital of the world, certainly of Europe, no question about that. Because for the second time in three years, two Madrid teams in the final. Absolutely incredible.

As I say, the sad thing for Atletico, they still haven't got that major European cup. But as I say, I sense it's around the corner. But let's talk a little bit more about Real Madrid, because this is a dynasty that just continues. And I used the word "record-extending". They already have the record

of 10 European cups, "La Decima". Their previous head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian, he won that in 2014, but he didn't last more than a year after that simply because Real Madrid is a club that demands success.

And the problem Zinedine Zidane has now is seeing images of Madrid fans celebrating and celebrating what is it at 6:04 a.m. in the Spanish capital. The party continues. The fans absolutely delighted.

But the problem Zidane has now, I think, going forward is he's set the benchmark super high already, less than six months into the job, and it's going to be an expectation, keep on winning, keeping on winning, winning at all costs at Real Madrid. Nothing less will do.

ALLEN: Yes, he's got to have good game inside his head.

SNELL: Yes, he's certainly got to maintain it.

ALLEN: All right, Patrick Snell, thanks so much. How exciting.

Well, in other news we're following. The World Health Organization says the Rio Olympic games should go on in Rio. The WHO is responding to an open letter from a group of doctors who said the upcoming Olympics should be moved or delayed because of the Zika virus.

Brazil has been the epicenter of the outbreak. The WHO says it has a good understanding of the virus at this point and the health risks it poses.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DR. BRUCE AYLWARD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OUTREACH AND EMERGENCIES, WHO: WHO's response to the concern about the timing of the Olympic games in Rio De Janeiro is that based on a careful risk assessment and all the information we've gathered so far about the disease, these games should go ahead as planned, and we should continue to work to make sure they're as safe as possible.

Now, if there should be something spectacularly new in terms of the kind of disease it causes in the adult population and the consequences, then you'd have to do a reassessment of the overall risks.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: Olympic officials in Brazil say they will continue to follow the WHO's guidance and that there are no plans to postpone or relocate the games.

Pro-government Iraqi fighters say they have found these underground tunnels built by ISIS on the outskirts of the city of Fallujah. They fighters are from the popular mobilization units, mostly Shiite paramilitary groups formed to fight ISIS. They say the tunnels were used by ISIS to approach and escape the front lines. Iraq's been engaged in an operation to retake Fallujah from ISIS for the past week.

Greece has cleared a migrant camp at the border with Macedonia. The camp once housed nearly 14,000 refugees and migrants. Our Atika Shubert shows us what they left behind.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ATIKA SHUBERT, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): From the beginning of the refugee crisis, people would come here by train, by bus. That's actually the old train station there. But then the border slowly began to close. People were no longer able to walk across. So they began camping out here on the train tracks, on the fields nearby.

And actually, there used to be a number of abandoned rail cars here. People would camp inside. There was even a volunteer soup kitchen. But all of that now has been taken away.

(on camera): So we're right on the border now. And you can see some of the graffiti left behind by refugees. This is where, at the beginning, refugees would line up to cross the border. That's the IOM, the international office for migration, where refugees would register before crossing over into Macedonia.

You can see, it's completely sealed off. There's still Macedonian border police on the other side. And the great hope of many refugees is that if they waited long enough, they would then be able to cross into Macedonia and make their way across Europe.

Now, there were really the beginnings of a community here. There were barbershops. Other storefronts had opened. This was the Idomeni Cultural Center, and it was really sort of a center for kids. You can see they still left their hand prints here. And all the countries that they wanted to get to, Germany, Greece, Canada, Spain, Norway, the U.S.A., and they still hope to get to, but their wait may be a little bit longer.

Now, at one point, up to 14,000 people were camped out here, and they lived in tents like this. And in some cases here, it's almost as though people were simply sitting here and then they just picked up and left their lives behind. Shoes, clothes, tins of food, toys, even baby strollers I've seen here. And all of this now is being completely dismantled.

If you look here, in fact, there are bulldozers moving away much of the tents. And all of this will soon be cleared.

Now, all the refugees should be moved to safer places, better camps with more secure facilities. But there's still a real sadness here, even as the cleaning crews come in, because it's the feeling that all their hopes have now been abandoned.

Atika Shubert, CNN, at the Idomeni border crossing in Greece.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: A migrant camp ghost town. In Germany, a politician known for speaking out against immigration is

facing a backlash from antifascists. An angry activist threw a tropic cake at the chairwoman of an opposition group during a party meeting on Saturday. The politician has been criticized for her anti-migrant comments in the past, saying German should limit the number of refugees they let into the country.

Tempers flared over the hot button issue of immigration in Melbourne, Australia as rival groups of demonstrators clashed in the streets. Dozens of police tried to keep anti-racism and anti-immigration protesters apart, but they kept trying to find ways to get to each other and scuffle. Sky News Australian reporter Jackson Williams has the report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JACKSON WILLIAMS, MELBOURNE REPORTER, SKY NEWS (voice-over): Police knew rival protestors would be gathering here, two groups with very differing groups on multiculturalism. Police say the violence here today wasn't isolated to one group. They have condemned all involved.

SHARON COWDEN, VICTORIA POLICE COMMANDER: I'm really disappointed. I think that Coburg's a fantastic place to be. We worked really closely with the council, and I think that some of those arrangements made this not as bad as it could have been.

Unfortunately, we're starting to see more and more of these protests in the street.

WILLIAMS: Seven people were arrested here, five for their behavior and two others were arrested for possessing weapons. Police say only three people received minor injuries. And they say that's a reflection of their preparation.

COWDEN: We did have a large number of resources today, and that was as a result of the planning. So as predicted, we were able to deal with the violence as it occurred. And more importantly, we were flexible enough in our deployment.

WILLIAMS: A local Greens candidate was due to speak at the No Racism in Moreland rally. She pulled out citing safety fears. Her party's leader, Richard Di Natale, says the violence is unacceptable.

(on-camera): Police will set up a task force to investigate today's event. They say the violence is simple unacceptable, and all those responsible will be brought to justice.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: Lightning strikes in France and German injured more than a dozens of people, including children. We'll have more about that in a moment.

Also ahead here, Bernie Sanders stumping hard in California and insists he's still in it to win it. We'll have that story as well. Stay with us. More of CNN NEWSROOM right after this. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ALLEN: And welcome back to CNN NEWSROOM.

At least 14 people were injured by lightning strikes in France and Germany. Eight children and three adults were hurt when lightning hit a park in Paris. Three of the children suffered life-threatening injuries. Two others are listed in critical condition.

In western Germany, lightning hit a youth football match. Three adults were severely injured, and 29 children sent to the hospital as a precaution.

Karen McGinnis is standing by with more for us from the International Weather Center. Karen?

(WEATHER REPORT)

ALLEN: A U.S. Citizen working as a security advisor is a Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa is behind bars facing allegations of being a mercenary. But U.S. officials say he's just caught up in the middle of a political power struggle and wrongly accused. Here is CNN's Jonathan Mann.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JONATHAN MANN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): American contractor Darryl Lewis was doing his job. He and three others were hired to provide security advice to DRC opposition candidate, Moise Katumbi, ahead of a highly volatile presidential run. Without warning, police raided a Katumbi rally on April 24th, firing tear gas and ammunition into the crowd.

The Jones Group International says three contractors managed to escape. Darryl Lewis did not. He was arrested. And despite not being formally charged with a crime, remains behind bars in Kinshasa.

Katumbi is seen as the most viable candidate to unseat current president Joseph Kabila, who's constitutionally barred from running again but far from eager to relinquish power. Several weeks after the rally, the Kabila government arrested and charged Katumbi with hiring mercenaries in a plot to overthrow the president, a move critics see as a ploy to postpone elections scheduled for November and extend his presidency.

MATEBA LUHUNGA, CIVIL SOCIETY ACTIVIST (through translator): What is going on is that this is a political trial, that's all, in order to block a candidate who was expressing himself, a candidate who wants to prepare for November 19th this year so he may present himself for the elections and may get the people's vote.

MANN: The DRC's justice minister says Darryl Lewis, who was not armed at the time of the arrest and was in the country on a legal work visa, is one of those mercenaries. The U.S. State Department adamantly refutes the claim in a statement to CNN. "We are concerned that the Minister of Justice is using the case of a

detained American to manufacture claims of U.S. mercenaries in the DRC. We have no reason to believe such claims. We are aware of the detention of American citizen Darryl Lewis, who was working in Katanga province as a private security advisor. Again, we have no reason to believe claims of mercenary activity by U.S. citizens in the DCR."

The DCR embassy in Washington has not returned our calls for comment. And Lewis remains a political pawn in a country marred by corruption with a president who doesn't want to give way. Jonathan Mann, CNN report.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. always occupy center stage in the race for the White House, but some voters turn to third parties. Why the Libertarian Party hopes to be a big spoiler this time. That's coming up next.

Plus, hang on to your hats. One of the most watched and fastest TV shows in the world is heading full speed back to the air waves.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ALLEN: Well, in case you haven't noticed, the U.S. presidential race is shaping up to be quite divisive, and the Libertarian Party hopes to take advantage of that and make major inroads with voters disenchanted with both Republicans and Democrats.

It's holding its national convention in Orlando, Florida to select its presidential and vice presidential nominees. Debating his rival Saturday, White house hopeful, Gary Johnson, made it clear how he felt about the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GARY JOHNSON, U.S. LIBERTARIAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: You know, I really don't even want to comment on Donald Trump. I really don't. I really think that when Donald Trump talks about deporting 11 million illegal immigrants, that's just wrong. When he talks about building a fence across the border, that is just wrong. When he talks about killing the families of Muslim terrorists, that is just wrong.

When he talks about free market but he's going to force Apple to make their iPads and their iPhones in the United States, that's just wrong. When he talks about a 35-percent tariff, that's just wrong. When he says he's going to bring back water boarding or torture or whatever, whatever it's taking, that's just wrong. He's just wrong.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: Gary Johnson there in Florida firing up the crowd. But Trump is getting more support from a former Republican presidential nominee. Former Senator, Bob Dole, who ran for president in 1996 is urging other Republicans to support Trump. Dole told CNN he's been a lifelong Republican and it's an easy call

for him to back the party's presumptive nominee, regardless of who it is. And he has a suggestion for vice president pick. He recommends former House speaker, Newt Gingrich.

Democrat Bernie Sanders is battling for California ahead of the state's primary coming up here on June 7th. And despite trailing far behind Hillary Clinton in the number of delegates, the Vermont Senator says he is in it to win it. He's never changed that. Here's CNNs Dan Simon in California.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAN SIMON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Bernie Sanders doesn't seem to care that Hillary Clinton has what appears to be an insurmountable lead when it comes to the delegate math. He is campaigning hard in California. He had this event in Santa Barbara City College. He has a few others today.

He is calling California the most important battle in this primary season. Right now, the polls, show a statistical dead heat. Secretary Clinton's lead has now essentially vanished.

Now, one of the lines that seem to draw the biggest applause had to do with Donald Trump. As we know, Bernie Sanders challenged Donald Trump to a debate. Trump seemed open to it, then changed his mind. This is what Sanders had to say.

BERNIE SANDERS (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Donald Trump initially said, yes, then he said, no. Then he said yes, then he said no. So I think for a guy who changes his position so many times, I would hope he would change it one more time and say yes.

SIMON: Now, if somehow Sanders can win the primary on June 7th in California, it will certainly strengthen his argument that super delegates should come over to his side. Of course, that is a farfetched scenario. The more realistic scenario is that it would give him more leverage when it comes to the party's platform at the convention in Philadelphia.

Dan Simon, CNN, Santa Barbara, California.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: You can get an inside look at America's remarkable race for the White House. Watch "STATE OF THE RACE" with Kate Bolduan weeknights at 7:30 p.m. in London and Tuesday to Friday at 2:30 p.m. in Hong Kong, only here on CNN.

Well, one of the world's most-watched programs, the BBC's "Top Gear" will returns to the air waves Sunday. The show was forced to revamp after a scandal with presenter Jeremy Clarkson. But the new team of presenters are not without their own controversies. Here is Phil Black in London.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One, two, three, four, go!

PHIL BLACK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The world is about to find out what the BBC has done with one of the planet's most-watched programs. "Top Gear" is back. This is just a taste.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You don't want to mess it up. You don't want to -- drive!

BLACK: It looks the same: fast cars, silly stunts, all beautifully shot, but the faces are new. If you're one of the show's 350 million viewers, or even if you're not, you probably know why the lineup change was necessary.

Last year, presenter Jeremy Clarkson got a little punchy with a producer after a long day at work. So the BBC sacked him. Co- presenters James May and Richard Hammond decided to walk away, too. And ever since, the BBC has been working to save one of its most lucrative brands.

MATT LEBLANC, CO-HOST, TOP GEAR: No. No. It's like car Tinder. She's hot.

BLACK: They made a big international hire, Matt Leblanc, the former Friend star and self-confessed petrol head.

LEBLANC: How far is Glasgow.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Not that far.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Feel the heat, baby!

BLACK: LeBlanc and British broadcaster, Chris Evans, will co-host. There's a new wider team of presenters, too, and the Stig is, well, still the Stig.

CHRIS EVANS, HOST, TOP GEAR: We know that within 72 hours of the first show being broadcast it will have been seen in 83 countries on six continents. So it's a pretty big audition for us. We're going to have to wait and see.

BLACK: Chris Evans has become a regular target for Britain's tabloid press since signing on to the show. Reports have accused him of bullying, ranting and other unstable behavior, forcing out senior staff and feuding with LeBlanc.

Evans, LeBlanc, the show, the BBC say that's all nonsense. And Evans says he has a lot of respect for LeBlanc's car cred.

EVANS: He loves cars. You know, he can fix a car. He can put a car -- and he can strip a car engine and put it back together almost blindfolded, and he's a brilliant driver.

BLACK: Meanwhile, Clarkson, May and Hammond are beavering away on their new project for streaming service Amazon Prime. Their few promotions so far have focused on the search for the show's name. JEREMY CLARKSON, FORMER PRESENTER, TOP GEAR: The show, I think, will sit on the Internet like -- and this is what I'm suggesting for the name -- a small puddle of excellence.

BLACK: They eventually settled on "The Grand Tour." Its premier is still months away. Long before then, Top Gear fans will have declared judgment on whether the new version of their beloved show is firing on all cylinders.

Phil Black, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ALLEN: We'll know soon enough.

You're watching CNN. Our top stories are right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)