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    Inter Milan manager’s gesture backfires horribly after shock intervention in Champions League penalty decision

    SIMONE INZAGHI’S hand gesture backfired after his chosen player MISSED a penalty against Feyenoord in the Champions League.With Inter Milan 2-0 up, goalscorer Marcus Thuram drew a foul in the box after Jeyland Mitchell clipped the back of the Frenchman’s leg in the 63rd minute.Inter Milan boss Inzaghi’s gesture backfired after his chosen player scuffed a penalty against FeyenoordPiotr Zielinski missed out on the chance of putting Inter 3-0 upCredit: ReutersAfter initially waving on, referee Espen Eskas overturned his decision after being sent to the monitor.The camera panned to Inter boss Inzaghi who was holding seven fingers up to his players waiting near the penalty spot.He was indicating he wanted midfielder Piotr Zielinski to take the spot-kick in the first-leg of their last-16 clash.That’s despite talismanic striker Lautaro Martinez still being on the pitch.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd, in a dramatic turn of events, Zielinski’s limp shot was easy kept out by goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther.Inzaghi’s mistimed intervention came about because No.1 penalty taker Hakan Calhanoglu was sitting on the bench.Zielinski had just returned to the starting line up at the expense of former Manchester United star Henrikh Mkhitaryan.Martinez scored his penalty in Argentina’s shootout victory over the Netherlands in the semi-final of the Qatar World Cup in 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe was also due to take the fifth spot-kick for Argentina in the final against France, but his country had already claimed a 4-2 win before his turn came.Martinez doubled Inter’s lead in the 50th minute, after Thuram grabbed their opener.Champions League last 16 draw sees Liverpool take on PSG and Arsenal face PSV Zielinski had scored his last two spot-kicks, both in the same game in a 4-4 thriller against Juventus in Serie A in October.Usual penalty taker Halhanoglu has endured a torrid time in 2025 and was benched after coming off injured during Inter’s 1-1 draw against title rivals Napoli. More

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    Matheus Cunha facing extended ban as Wolves star is handed extra FA charge after ‘punch, kick and headbutt’ red card

    MATHEUS CUNHA is facing an extended ban after the FA handed him an extra misconduct charge for his antics at Bournemouth.The Wolves striker was sent off in the closing stages of extra-time in the FA Cup clash for grabbing Milos Kerkez around the neck before he appeared to punch, kick and push his head into the face of the Cherries defender.Matheus Cunha was sent off for an altercation with Milos KerkezCredit: GettyThe striker had a bust-up on the sidelinesCredit: RexReferee Sam Barrott showed Cunha a straight red.The Brazilian, 25, then remonstrated with Wolves boss Vitor Pereira and pushed team-mate Dan Bentley as he was ushered towards the changing room.The FA said: “Matheus Cunha has been charged following the FA Cup tie between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth on Saturday, March 1.“It’s alleged that the forward acted in an improper manner around the 121st minute of the fixture after his dismissal. Matheus Cunha has until Monday, March 10 to provide a response.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe straight red card for violent conduct means Cunha is already suspended for Saturday’s Prem clash with Everton, plus matches with Southampton and West Ham.If the misconduct charge is proven, he faces a one-game extension that would see him miss the crucial trip to relegation rivals Ipswich on April 5.Wolves are currently 17th in the league – five points and one place above the third-bottom Tractor Boys.Cunha — Wolves’ top scorer with 15 goals in all comps — was banned for two matches and fined £80,000 by the FA in December after a row against Ipswich.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe clashed with a member of Ipswich’s staff, grabbing the man’s glasses, and could face further retrospective punishment following the latest incident at the Vitality Stadium.Cunha’s ban was reduced after he apologised to the Ipswich security guard and offered to buy him a new pair of glasses.Man Utd and Arsenal in Matheus Cunha transfer battle with Wolves star ready to make summer move More

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    PSG vs Liverpool live stream: How to watch huge Champions League clash

    LIVERPOOL will look to start their Champions League knockout campaign on the right foot as they face PSG away.Arne Slot’s Liverpool topped the group stage, winning seven of eight matches as they cruised into the knockout phase.Salah has three goals and four assists in the Champions League.Credit: GettyOusmane Dembele leads the line for PSG since Mbappe’s departure with 26 goalsCredit: GettyIt was not so straightforward for first-leg hosts PSG, who finished 15th and faced a playoff qualifier to move on.They breezed past Brest in the playoff, winning 10-0 on aggregate over two legs.Both PSG and Liverpool are top of their respective domestic leagues. The Parisians remain unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season and are 13 points clear with 10 matches still to play.Their European form has not been so impressive, with Champions League losses coming against Bayern Munich and Athletico Madrid.Read more FootballLiverpool’s season has been straightforward, with Arne Slot hitting the ground running in his first season as the Reds cruise towards a 20th top-flight title.This will be just the fifth time PSG and Liverpool have faced one another, most recently clashing in the 2018-19 Champions League group stage. Liverpool won the home tie 3-2 before losing 2-1 at Parc de Princes.The second leg will follow next Tuesday, with the victor moving on to face either Club Brugge or Aston Villa.Most read in Champions LeagueHow to watch PSG vs Liverpool and is there a live stream?ALL Champions League games are broadcast LIVE in the UK on TNT and Discovery+.PSG vs Liverpool will be live on TNT Sports 1 It will also be available for streaming on Discovery+.Alternatively, follow along with SunSport’s live blog.PSG vs Liverpool kick-off timePSG vs Liverpool will kick off at 8:00pm GMT.Action from Parc de Princes is available LIVE on TNT Sports 1 or streaming on Discovery+. More

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    Ex-Champions League finalists release new video as work restarts on 70,000-seater ‘world’s best stadium’ after 16 years

    VALENCIA have released a video as work finally restarted on their Nou Mestalla stadium after a 16-YEAR hiatus.The club were initially supposed to move into the ground all the way back in 2009.President Kiat Lim has visited Valencia’s Nou Mestalla stadiumCredit: X @valenciacfWork has restarted on the ground after 16 yearsCredit: X @valenciacfThe construction site had become a white elephant in the cityCredit: GettyIt is now expected to become one of the best in the worldCredit: X @valenciacfBut work was halted due to crippling debts of more than £350million.New president Kiat Lim has again given the go-ahead for work to resume on the 70,044 capacity stadium.He visited the construction site for the stadium on Tuesday afternoon.The aim is for the new ground to open in 2027 and become the future home of Valencia – and host games at the 2030 World Cup.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd it is hoped the stadium will help massively increase revenue for the club in the future.Lim was joined by general director Javer Solis and outgoing president Lay Hoon Chan during the tour.The club released a video of the group being shown around the building site that would become the new ground.But it shows that there is still much work to be done.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe shell of the stadium had been left to rot since 2009, with the structure now needing to be secured.There are still no sign of any seats of even a pitch.Work restarts on ‘world’s greatest football stadium’ that had been abandoned for 16 years as £250m revamp is agreedThe capacity will be 70,044Credit: X @valenciacfValencia has taken out a £270m loan to complete its constructionCredit: X @valenciacfThe stadium that was expected to be the “best in the world” will have a new design to the existing Mestalla Stadium.Putgoing Chan boldly proclaimed: “We’re not just building a stadium, we’re building a monument.”The Singaporean, 60, also added that the stadium will act as a “beacon of hope” for the city.The 2001 Champions League finalists are working with the same contractor as they agreed a deal with in 2007.They hope for the new stadium to be ready in time for the 2027-28 season.Around 3,000 VIP seats will be included, and the stadium will be able to host top events by meeting Uefa’s highest criteria.Valencia is said to be taking out a new £270m loan from Goldman Sachs in order to help finance the project.They plan to begin paying back their loan in 2027, across a period of 20-25 years.READ MORE SUN STORIESValencia has so far missed out on being one of 11 host cities for the 2030 World Cup.But tournament chiefs could slip them in at the last minute, should Nou Mestalla be built according to plan this time.The stadium will also be used for events outside of footballCredit: X @valenciacfThere will be 3,000 VIP seatsCredit: X @valenciacf More

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    ‘The man of my life has come in’ – DAZN host Diletta Leotta opens up on first time she met husband Loris Karius

    DILETTA LEOTTA has lifted the lid on the first time she met her husband Loris Karius.It was “love at first sight” for the TV presenter, who has since married the goalkeeper and birthed a child with him.It was love at first sight for Diletta Leotta when she saw Loris KariusCredit: GettyThe couple have had a whirlwind romance and wed last yearCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaThey have a one-year-old daughterCredit: AFPThe couple met at Paris Fashion Week in 2022Credit: Instagram @dilettaleottaDiletta was smitten right awayCredit: instagram @dilettaleottaThe couple met in late 2022 and have enjoyed a whirlwind romance since.Leotta knew Karius was the one after first laying eyes on him at Paris Fashion Week, although he made the opening move.She told Bild: “Loris comes in and I said, ‘Girls, the man of my life has come in.'”That was absolutely amazing.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLeotta fell pregnant a few months into their relationship and their daughter Aria, 1, was born in August 2023.A year later they married in Sicily in a star-studded ceremony that involved 160 guests.The pair previously had to spend time apart when Karius was still a Newcastle player, but it is now easier for Leotta to attend his matches for Schalke.The Italian watched on as Karius returned to his position between the sticks after a lengthy absence, helping his side to a 1-0 win over Munster with a string of saves.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKarius’ wages are understood to be dwarfed by his wife’s.Bild say he will pocket around £125,000 for his half-season deal – compared to the estimated £840k-a-year that Leotta earns as a star DAZN broadcaster covering Italy’s Serie A.Sports presenter and ex-Premier League Wag Diletta Leotta stuns in see-through top for live TV broadcast And she has a growing army of social media fans, including 9.1million followers, partly due to sharing snaps in incredible outfits from the Italian top flight. More

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    What is Baller League? UK start date, format and rules, plus line-ups for John Terry and KSI’s huge football tournament

    BALLER LEAGUE football is coming to the UK very soon after a blockbuster announcement included KSI and an array of football legends.The six-a-side spectacular has been a major success in Germany – where it was set up by Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski – and will now be making its way to these shores.Baller League is coming to the UK at the end of MarchGary Lineker, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer will be managing a team in the new Baller LeagueCredit: Baller LeagueYouTuber-turned-boxer KSI has been unveiled as the president of the UK version, with streaming sensation iShowSpeed guiding the US.A stunning advert – which mimics the famous Nike Brazil ad from the 1998 World Cup – revealed football legends such as John Terry and Luis Figo will act as managers of teams.Match of the Day alumni Gary Lineker, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer will also take charge of a team, as will Arsenal Invincibles Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann and Robert Pires.It will be Lineker’s first new role since announcing he is leaving MOTD at the end of the season.Sidemen stars Miniminter and Tobi, plus YouTuber AngryGinge will also be involved.KSI will be the Baller League UK presidentCredit: Baller LeagueOnly Ronaldinho and Speed have been announced for the US version so far.Brit Award winner and platinum-selling superstar Dave will take charge of a team, Santan FC, while fashion icon Clint 419 will manage FC Rules the World.Trials have been taking place in London and Manchester for the players, who can be recently retired pros, futsal players, free agents or released academy players.Most read in FootballBaller League CEO, Felix Starck said: “Baller League is a brand new way to consume football.”We’re redefining how the game is played by bringing an exhilarating and authentic approach to football, and one that will appeal to current fans along with future generations.”Baller League is all about forward-thinking, aggressive, hyper-exciting football. We’re about creating a version of the game that’s impossible to ignore – thrilling, bold and packed with excitement.”John Terry has been announced for the UK versionCredit: Baller LeagueWhile Ronaldinho will take part in the USCredit: Baller LeagueWhat is Baller League?Baller League is a weekly indoor football tournament – consisting of legendary footballers and YouTube stars managing the teams.Twelve teams will play in six-a-side matches, with the top four teams of the league advancing to the final play-off in May to be crowned the champion.The entertaining format will be similar to Gerard Pique’s Kings League from Spain and the German version of the Baller League.Matches will be live streamed on Monday nights with Chunkz set to host on YouTube and Twitch.When is Baller League coming to UK?Baller League is set to begin at the end of March 2025.The first night of matches – Matchday One – will take place on March 24.Matches then run every Monday night until May.However, before a ball is kicked there will be a massive draft night, where managers will assemble their squads LIVE.That takes place on Monday, March 10 at 6.30pm.The Baller League draft will be streamed live on YouTube and Twitch.What are the Baller League rules?Matches will be played in a six-a-side format on an smaller indoor pitch.Each half set to last 15 minutes.Shock rule twists to be introduced for the final three minutes of each half including a three vs three format, long-range goals counting as double, and goalkeepers not allowed to use their hands.These rule twists for the final three minutes will be randomised.MLS style one-vs-one penalties to be used.12 teams in the league with the top four going through to the playoffs.League set to start in March 2025, with the final four playoff in May to crown the winner.Who is playing in the Baller League?The Baller League YouTube channel has a series – ‘Becoming a Baller’ – that has chronicled which players have made it into the draft pool.Trials took place in London and Manchester at the start of the year.The open trials included futsal stars and former academy players, as well as pro players who are currently free agents.Adrian Mariappa, who played in the Premier League with Reading Crystal Palace and Watford, and former Aston Villa and Newcastle defender Ciaran Clark are among the ex-pros in the draft pool.Hashtag United’s Percy Kiangebeni (AKA PK Humble) and Love Island’s Montel McKenzie will also be up for selection.Football legends such as John Terry and Gary Lineker will manage teams, as will YouTube stars.Dave and Clint 419 have also been confirmed on the sidelines.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is not yet clear if any of the football legends or YouTubers will play in the matches.What teams are in the Baller League?Trebol FC – Luis FigoVZN FC – TBJZLDeportrio FC – Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah RichardsSDS FC – Sharky26ers FC – John TerryYanited FC – AngryGingeN5 FC – Robert Pires, Jens Lehmann, Freddie LjungbergM7 FC – MiniminterSantan FC – DaveFC Rules the World – Clint 419 More

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    ‘We’ve broken the poor man, he must hate us’ – Ruben Amorim bizarrely stands on different pitch as Man Utd flops train

    RUBEN AMORIM bizarrely stood by himself on a different pitch to the Manchester United team.The club’s struggling stars were partaking in an open training session ahead of the Europa League clash against Real Sociedad.Ruben Amorim cut a lonely figure during Manchester United trainingCredit: PAHe wandered onto a different pitch to the one the players trained onCredit: AlamyThe players continued to train without Amorim presentCredit: AlamyThey are next in action against Real Sociedad in the Europa LeagueCredit: PACameras caught Amorim, 40, wandering off by himself with a ball at his feet while the team trained on a different pitch.The Man United manager cut a lonely figure as he was left alone with his thoughts.He could be seen walking and tapping a ball with his feet before kicking it at an empty goal.The players continued to perform their drill out of sight from the former Sporting Lisbon coach.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFans have been left stunned by the moment as it was shared on social media.One posted: “We’ve broken the poor man. He must hate us. He has to be missing Sporting Lisbon.”A second commented: “The gap is getting larger for each loss.”A third wrote: “Doesn’t want to be anywhere near this shower of s***.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA fourth said: “We finished the poor man, what a shame.”Another added: “No wonder he’s struggling to get his ideas across, he’s taking training from another postcode.”‘That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueHe did eventually come and oversee some of the players trainCredit: GettyMan United’s travelling squadHere is a look at the 18-man travelling squad for Manchester United to take on Real Sociedad…Goalkeepers:Andre OnanaDermot MeeElyh Harrison Defenders:Harry AmassDiogo DalotMatthijs de LigtPatrick DorguAyden HeavenVictor LindelofNoussair MazraouiLeny YoroMidfielders:CasemiroToby CollyerChristian EriksenBruno FernandesForwards:Alejandro GarnachoRasmus HojlundJoshua ZirkzeeSome fans claimed that he was not present with he team as they were warming up and he was not needed.He was later pictured closer to the team and watched on as they practiced.Amorim arrived at Old Trafford as the replacement for Erik ten Hag in November.He has struggled to instantly turn the fortunes around at the club as they currently linger in 14th place in the Premier League table.The club has been dumped out of both of the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.The Red Devils’ last chance of silverware this season is in the Europa League.Amorim helped guide the team through the League Phase and into the knockout rounds.The club now face Real Sociedad on Thrusday evening in the first leg of the round of 16.However, the manager will have to rely on out-of-form striker Rasmus Hojlund as he can not pick promising youngster Chido Obi.The teenage striker was not eligible to be picked for the tournament.A statement read: “Chido Obi is ineligible for the competition, as he cannot be added to the B list due to only signing for the Academy last year.”Obi has made three appearances for the club this season and has already had fans set up social media pages impersonating him.The club has acted quickly to tackle the issue and has had the fake accounts removed.Man Utd confirmed to SunSport it is something done “routinely” to help all players.Amorim will be without Manuel Ugarte and Harry Maguire for the match after picking up injuries in the FA Cup defeat to Fulham.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere is some good news for Man United though as Toby Collyer has returned to training.The midfielder has been out of action since mid-February after picking up a knock.Toby Collyer will be back for the match against Real SociedadCredit: AlamyHarry Maguire will miss the gameCredit: GettyManuel Ugarte has also been ruled out with a knockCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Is the problem really the players?’ – Antony’s agent slams Ruben Amorim as Man Utd flop thrives at Real Betis

    ANTONY’S agent has fired back at Ruben Amorim’s suggestion that the winger lacks the physicality to thrive in the Prem.The 25-year-old winger, who joined Real Betis from United in January on a six-month loan, has made an instant impression for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, notching three goals and two assists in seven games.Man Utd loanee Antony’s agent has fired back at Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyAntony has notched three goals and two assists in seven games for BetisAntony’s significant upturn in form has not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford.When quizzed on it, Amorim gave his take on why the Brazilian has flourished at Betis. Amorim said: “When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there. If you don’t have physicality, you will struggle a lot. “Antony is so much better now in Spain. It’s because of a lot of factors but I guarantee you it’s physicality.”READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd now, Antony’s agent, Junior Pedroso, has hit back at those comments, with data to suggest Amorim’s comments were off the mark.He appeared to suggest United are to blame for Antony failing in Manchester, not the player himself.Pedroso said: “Many players who do not prosper at United find success at other clubs, which leads us to wonder if the problem really lies with the players.”We respect the opinion of coach Ruben Amorim, but we completely disagree with his analysis.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”To attribute Antony’s lack of success at Manchester United solely to the question of physicality is a very superficial argument and does not reflect reality.”The truth is that Antony has not had enough prominence or the confidence necessary to play his best football. Moment Antony told red card has been OVERTURNED and he can play Real Madrid as Man Utd flop celebrates with team-mates”Of the 15 games in which Amorim managed United, he only used Antony in nine, with a total of 252 minutes played. “This represents only 18.6% of the total possible minutes (1,350 minutes). “How can you judge an athlete without a minimum sequence to prove his worth?”Since joining Betis on loan, Antony has rediscovered his form, which has seen him win Man of the Match in three games.He even scored a stunning volley from the edge of the box against Real Sociedad last month – who United face in the Europa League on Thursday.United fans have been left scratching their heads, as he equalled last season’s goal tally in just four games last month. Pedroso added: “The manager’s statement, although perhaps it was not his intention, ends up devaluing LaLiga and the Spanish competitions.”The reality is that Antony, since he arrived at Real Betis, has become one of the best players in the team.”This makes it clear that the problem was not his physicality, but rather the context and the way he was coached in Manchester.”Antony has told Betis he would be open to extending his loan from United by a further 12 months.Betis chief exec Ramon Alarcon said: “The other day Antony told me that he wanted to stay another year.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The player is very comfortable here and was surprised by the facilities we gave him to settle in the city as soon as he arrived.”Antony, who joined United from Ajax in September 2022 for a reported £86 million, has notched just 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances. More