Philippa Kaur

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    Premier League release statement on decision that denied Aston Villa goal vs Man Utd as club make official complaint

    THE Premier League have released a statement over Aston Villa’s controversial disallowed goal.But it hasn’t pacified the Midlanders, who have now written to the PGMOL with their own “concerns”.Morgan Rogers was penalised despite Altay Bayindir dropping the ballCredit: GettyRogers finished into the empty net for Aston VillaCredit: ReutersThe whistle had already gone too earlyCredit: PAVAR were only able to confirm the mistake but not step inCredit: TNT SportsVilla thought they had gone in front in their crunch clash away at Manchester United on the final day of the season.Morgan Rogers poked the ball away from United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir before finishing into an open net after Harry Maguire’s header.But referee Thomas Bramall blew his whistle before the ball crossed the line.He thought Rogers had kicked the ball out of Bayindir’s hands and therefore awarded a free-kick against the Villa man.READ MORE ON ASTON VILLAHowever, replays showed Bayindir did not have the ball under control and the goal should have stood.However, the laws of the game state that a goal cannot be retrospectively awarded after the whistle has blown – even if done in error. VAR did take a brief look at the incident.But that was only to confirm the whistle had gone before the goal was scored – thus leaving the officials hamstrung. Most read in FootballAnd the Premier League statement clarified the situation. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTheir Match Centre account tweeted during the United vs Villa match: “72’ – The referee’s call was a free kick to Manchester United with Bayindir deemed to be in control of the ball before Rogers gained possession. “The whistle was blown by the referee before the ball entered the goal, therefore the incident was not reviewable by the VAR.”Ruben Amorim vows ‘good days are coming’ after ‘disaster season’ as Man Utd flops give him daggers during public apologyBut vexed Villa are not letting the matter lie and have written in a complaint.A statement read: “Aston Villa can confirm the club has written to the PGMOL to raise concerns over the selection process of match officials following today’s game with Manchester United at Old Trafford.”With such high stakes surrounding today’s fixture, the club believe a more experienced referee should have been appointed. “Of the 10 referees to officiate across the Premier League today, Mr. Bramall was the second least experienced.”The decision to disallow Morgan Rogers’ goal, which would have given the club a 1-0 lead with 17 minutes remaining in the match, was a major contributing factor to the club not qualifying for the Champions League.”As per the standards that have been established over the course of the season, a decision to whistle early is clearly inconsistent with current refereeing guidelines. “VAR exists to ensure that these types of situations receive the scrutiny they deserve. Unfortunately, the technology was not allowed to serve its purpose.”Ultimately, we acknowledge that the outcome for us will not change, but we believe that it is important to address the selection methodology to ensure that high stakes matches are treated as such with regards to officiating and to ensure that the implemented VAR technology is allowed to be effective.”To rub salt into the wounds for Villa – who were in fifth at the time of the referee controversy – United went up the other end and scored the opener through Amad Diallo.A Christian Eriksen penalty sealed a 2-0 home win as Villa had to settle for sixth and missed out on the Champions League on goal difference behind Newcastle – who lost at home to Everton. Bramall has taken charge of league matches across the Premier League and Championship this term – with Sunday’s Old Trafford game his 11th in the top flight. That took his Premier League tally to 30 – ironically, that is less than a third of the amount overseen by today’s fourth official Bobby Madley.Captain John McGinn was raging after the game and said: “I think everyone wanted the correct decisions when the VAR was implemented. “You watch rugby, even if the referee has awarded a try and it’s wrong, its overturned.”It’s so so hard to take especially when the impact it has on us, as a club and a team, is so big.”It’s really, really tough to take and handle. I don’t think we deserved to win but if you were 1-0 up at that point and all you need is a point to get to the Champions League, it’s costly.”Moving forward, the rule has to be looked at as the correct decisions were not getting made at the end of the day. I think [referee] Thomas [Bramall] knew. It probably wasn’t fair on him at that moment either. The boys are gutted.”Asked if the ref acknowledged his mistake, he said: “He didn’t really know what to say.”Because of the impact it has on us as players and our careers, the club, you are obviously angry. I think he is a young referee who has progressed very quickly.”Maybe we could look at having more experienced referees. I don’t know. It’s just an incredible decision and makes today even worse than it should be.”Villa manager Unai Emery added: “It was a mistake. A big mistake.Read More on The Sun”The match we played overall in 90 minutes with the red card and this goal disallowed, it was a key moment. But overall, they did more.”Emery revealed he spoke with the referee after the game: “Yes, I told him but he knows it [he made a mistake].”Replays showed Bayindir did not have the ball under controlCredit: PAAston Villa raged at Thomas Bramall after his mistakeCredit: ReutersUnai Emery made his feelings and frustrations clearCredit: AFPFourth official Bobby Madley has refereed more than 90 Premier League gamesCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea ratings: Colwill gets perfect revenge on Forest but Sancho performance won’t convince Blues to splash out £25m

    CHELSEA sealed Champions League football with a 1-0 win away at Nottingham Forest.The Blues have been absent from Europe’s elite competition for two years but finally, the billion-pound boys will be back next season.Levi Colwill got the vital touch to send Chelsea into the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe Blues beat Forest 1-0 at the City GroundCredit: GettyIt was unlikely source Levi Colwill with the goal to give Chelsea a boost of confidence ahead of flying to Poland for Wednesday’s Conference League final against Real Betis.Here is how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated the performances. Robert Sanchez – 6Chelsea fans have been on Sanchez’s back lately but he was rarely tested here.Lucky to escape unscathed when Chris Wood got to Ola Aina’s cross before him just before half-time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFortunately for the ‘keeper the big Forest striker lofted his shot over with Sanchez flapping at thin air.Reece James – 7Crunched into tackles and took no prisoners.Moved effortlessly into midfield when required.Played much more conservatively after Colwill’s goal as Forest pitched Callum Hudson-Odoi into the action.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSManaged to keep CHO subdued which is exactly what Enzo Maresca required of him.Tosin Adarabioyo – 7The daddy of this Chelsea team at the ripe old age of 27!But it didn’t stop the old boy from getting a real ticking off from his younger partner Colwill for carelessly gifting Morgan Gibbs-White the ball early on.  Recovered to put in a solid performance and managed to keep Wood shackled for the most part.Levi Colwill – 9Chelsea’s top performer – solid at the back and LETHAL up front!Produced a couple of timely tackles to win high-fives from his teammates.And went on to celebrate his England call-up with Chelsea’s crucial opener. That was karma for the big defender who scored an own goal playing for Huddersfield in the 2022 play-off final at Wembley which saw Forest promoted to the Prem! Marc Cucurella – 7Was solid defensively, winning a string of headers in his own penalty area.And slotted in comfortably to his inverted role in midfield when Chelsea were in possession.Had a large hand in Colwill’s opener too and can be well pleased with his afternoon’s work.Enzo Fernandez – 7 Disciplined performance in Chelsea’s engine room.Handled Elliot Anderson well and snuffed out his creative threat.Put in a power of work to frustrate Forest and squeeze the life out of them in midfield.Moises Caicedo – 8The man in the mask was handed the tough task of keeping Gibbs-White quiet which he did to great effect.Fortunate to avoid a booking after chopping down MGW from behind early on.But stuck to the job in hand and covered every blade of grass on the City Ground pitch to show why he is Chelsea’s Player of the Year.Even felt confident enough to ditch the protective mask for the second half!Noni Madueke – 7Was easily Chelsea’s best attacking player early on when he took the game to Forest at every opportunity.But lacked a focal point up front to supply with Neto pretty ineffective as a stand-in striker.Moved out to the left wing in the second half but saw less of the ball as Chelsea protected their lead.Cole Palmer – 7 Still struggling to recapture his early season form and few players will look forward to his summer hols more than the England man. Looks like he could do with even a short break to recharge his batteries before the club world cup.Sloppy in possession at times and hounded relentlessly by Forest’s midfielders.But he did at least put in Chelsea’s best delivery of the first half for Neto and was one of their more creative players on a day short on overall quality. Jadon Sancho – 5Worked hard on the left flank to track Aina’s runs and provide cover.But showed precious little in an attacking sense.Chelsea have an obligation to buy him from Manchester United this summer.But this wasn’t the kind of day when he was going to convince anyone that would be good business and he was replaced by Lavia on the hour. Pedro Neto – 6Played as a makeshift striker in Nicolas Jackson’s continued absence.But struggled to make an impression and missed a snip on the half hour when he fired Cole Palmer’s inviting cross over when he had to hit the target – at least!Looked a bit better when he was moved to the wing after the break and provided the crucial assist for Colwill’s goal.But a frustrating day for the Portuguese who was replaced by Gusto near the end.SUBS: Romeo Lavia (Jadon Sancho, 62) – 5Came on to bolt the backdoor once Chelsea got their noses in front and did what it said on the tin!Flashed in a late shot which was deflected for a corner. Malo Gusto (Pedro Neto, 78) – 5Sent on to help see out the game and did exactly that, double-banking with James to keep Hudson-Odoi under lock and key. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Noni Madueke, 86) – 5Sent on to kill a bit of time late on but ended up putting in a crucial clearing tackle to keep Chelsea’s clean sheet.Read More on The SunSanchez flipped the ball away from Wood’s head and Jota and Neco Williams were steaming in for the kill.However KDH threw himself at the loose ball to hoof it to safety. 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    Levi Colwill SWEARS in live Sky Sports interview as Chelsea ace hits out at pundits after Champions League qualification

    LEVI COLWILL accidentally swore live on Sky Sports after securing Chelsea’s return to the Champions League.The centre-back’s second-half winner at Nottingham Forest sealed a fourth-place finish for Enzo Maresca’s Blues. Levi Colwill accidentally swore live on Sky SportsAnd Colwill said: “Everyone has been talking a lot of s*** about us this season.”The defender let out a smile before joining his Chelsea team-mates in celebrating their Champions League qualification. Colwill also said: “When I scored, I stayed calm because we still had more minutes to play but I stayed calm and helped the boys.”What I got taught in the academy is you have to fight. We try to get these clean sheets to win and that’s what we did today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We had to win. We knew we had to win and that it wasn’t going to be a hard atmosphere but we did it.”This club deserves to be in the Champions League.”Chelsea were contending for the Premier League title before the wheels started to fall off after Christmas. And at one point, finishing in the top five and earning a spot in Europe’s elite was under threat. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThey started the day in fifth, but after Newcastle and Aston Villa were both beaten, Chelsea finished in fourth. Maresca said: “They grow a lot as a team and a player and they showed how good they are today.”I hope so, we brought this club where it has to be. We finished sixth last year and most of the time, they forget that.”The only thing I knew was when Man United scored their second one. They told me 2-0. We didn’t need the rest to drop points, we won.”Enzo Maresca leads the Chelsea celebrationsCredit: Getty More

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    Bungling masked robbers targeted Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho’s £4m mansion – but fled after making HUGE mistake

    BURGLARS targeted footie star Alejandro Garnacho’s home — but got the wrong house.Two balaclava-clad thugs arrived on the Man United star’s road just as he kicked off at Old Trafford.Two balaclava-clad thugs targeted footie star Alejandro Garnacho’s home — but got the wrong houseCredit: GettyThey buzzed on a door in a bid to work out if anyone was there — but were at one of his neighbours. A dog walker then saw and challenged them, before private security guards arrived.It came as United hosted Real Sociedad on March 13, with the Reds winning 4-1.One neighbour in Altrincham said: “They were targeting Garnacho — but they got the wrong home. “They were after his house as it was 8pm and they would have known he was playing at Old Trafford.” READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother local who witnessed the attempt said: “I was about to take the dog out but I saw two men walk past so I waited.“They were wearing dark clothes and balaclavas so I wondered what they were up to. When I went into the street I saw one had climbed on to the wall and fence on either side. “I then shouted, ‘What are you up to?’. Security guards came out and they jumped back over a fence and ran off.”They added: “I think the security was enough to scare them away. They saw the measures that are in this street — and have not been back.”Most read in FootballArgentine winger Garnacho, 20, has since put his family’s £3.85million mansion up for sale — and hinted he could leave United. A club source said his security team were “aware of an incident at an adjacent property”.Dramatic video of Paul Pogba fleeing Old Trafford after learning raiders had targeted mansion as children slept in bedA string of United stars have been burgled while they were away, including Victor Lindelof and Paul Pogba.      Since the attempted robbery, Garnacho put his family’s £3.85million mansion up for sale and hinted he could leave UnitedCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd ratings: Diallo needs to be one of first names on Amorim’s team-sheet but Hojlund remains shot-shy

    MANCHESTER UNITED saved possibly their best performance of a dismal season until the final game by seeing off Aston Villa.Goals from the livewire Amad Diallo and an emotional penalty from the departing Christian Eriksen bagged the three points.Amad Diallo was the best player on the pitch at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersBut the game was not without controversy. First Emi Martinez was sent off in the first half for a rugby tackle on Rasmus Hojlund.Then Villa were denied going ahead in the game when the referee incorrectly blew his whistle for a foul on United keeper Altay Bayindir.But replays showed he had spilled the ball and Morgan Rogers fired home what he thought put his side 1-0 up.VAR couldn’t rightly rule it was a goal as Thomas Bramall had already blown his whistle.Read more FootballVilla were incensed, United were relieved, and it was the beleaguered hosts who went on to secure a final-day victory.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated United’s stars…ALTAY BAYINDIR – 6Handed a start on what will surely be his final competitive game for United. Showed why as he almost gifted the visitors a goal when Rogers nicked it off him but the ref came to his rescue. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA couple of important late saves to be fair.VICTOR LINDELOF – 6 Another one who is saying his goodbyes this summer so got the chance to put himself in the shop window. The right time to move on but will be a handy free transfer for someone this summer. Ruben Amorim breaks silence over futures of Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro GarnachoHARRY MAGUIRE – 7Another glimpse of ‘Harrydinho’ on the wing to create the chance which Dalot put against the post. At the other end he did his bit to keep a toothless Villa quiet for much of the afternoon. AYDEN HEAVEN – 6One slip almost presented the visitors with a rare chance but otherwise another promising show from the young signing from Arsenal. One positive to come from United’s season is the way he has settled in. NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 5Made a positive start on the right and created a couple of early chances for Mount and Fernandes. But his afternoon lasted only 20 minutes as he was forced off with an injury and replaced by Dalot. BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Was off target with a few shots all afternoon but then supplied the pass for Diallo to nod the home side ahead. Generously gave the pen to Eriksen on his last game. United fans will be praying it wasn’t the skipper’s farewell too. Bruno Fernandes could yet be sold by Man Utd this summerCredit: AFPCASEMIRO – 7Proved he can still cut it in the Prem as well as in Europe with a decent show. Nice step over almost created a goal for Fernandes. Floated a beauty that clipped the outside of the post. Is the veteran worth the huge wages they pay him though? PATRICK DORGU – 6The January arrival gives United the kind of balance that Amorim is looking for on the left. Made it a difficult afternoon for Villa’s full-back Cash. There will be more to come from the former Lecce wide man next season.AMAD DIALLO – 8United are a much better side with him in the team and it was fitting that he scored the winner from a perfect pass from Fernandes. Then won a pen to seal it. The season would not have been this bad if the Ivorian had stayed during the spring. MASON MOUNT – 6A rare Prem start and should have marked it with an early goal as he saw two efforts saved by Martinez. Replaced by the departing Eriksen late on – United fans are still waiting for his Red Devils career to take off. RASMUS HOJLUND – 6 Forced the red card as he tried to go round Martinez. Another disallowed for offside but it just won’t happen for him. Left the field to a big ovation before the end – will this be the last we see of the goal-shy Dane at the Theatre of Dreams. Rasmus Hojlund failed to score yet againCredit: GettySUBSDALOT (for Mazrouai 20 – 6Curled an effort against post. Chose to pass when he should have shot and went off at half-time MAINOO (for Dalot 45) – 6Has hardly played recently but showed his quality after the break.ERIKSEN (for Mount 66) – 6Determined to bow out with a goal and managed it as he smashed home the pen.EVANS (for Heaven 66) – 6What a servant he has been and almost marked his last appearance with a goal. Read More on The SunOBI (for Hojlund 80) – 5Gave Villa’s over-worked defence a different kind of problem. 5 More

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    Southampton 1 Arsenal 2: Gunners break 101-year-old Premier League record but get stark reminder of huge job this summer

    WATCHING on at St Mary’s, Arsenal’s transfer committee have been given one final reminder of the magnitude of this summer.Serving a touchline ban, boss Mikel Arteta sat in the stands alongside co-owner Josh Kroenke, managing director Richard Garlick and sporting director Andrea Berta.Arsenal beat Southampton 2-1 to break a 101-year record for the most consecutive final-day victoriesCredit: AFPKieran Tierney scored on his final Arsenal appearanceCredit: ReutersTouchline banned manager Mikel Arteta watched from the stands alongside club director Richard Garlick and chief Josh KroenkeCredit: GettyThere were a few smiles, for Kieran Tierney scoring a 43rd-minute opener on his 144th and final club appearance and Martin Odegaard smashing home an 89th-minute winner.But for the most part, their faces were stern and serious, most notably when Ross Stewart headed in a 56th minute equaliser to deny David Raya a solo Golden Glove-winning 14th clean sheet.However, the Spaniard still earned a consecutive Golden Glove trophy – sharing the honour with Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels who also failed to keep the ball out of his net today.This final-day trip to Southampton could, and arguably should, have been the day the Gunners lifted their first Prem title since 2004.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLInstead, it was a meaningless clash to confirm a third successive second-place finish that was a stark reminder of what a disappointing campaign this has been for Arteta’s men.Other than setting a 101-year record, by winning a 14th consecutive final-day match and surpassing Liverpool’s Edwardian time record, it was an uneventful day.Instead the match was an example of what needs to change next term ahead of a potentially tenure-defining summer window for Arteta and the board.Incomings are essential, as are outgoings. Tierney will be one of them, expected to return to Celtic in a few weeks to end his six-year North London stint.Most read in FootballTierney was lifted up by his teammates in his final match for the GunnersCredit: AFPMartin Odegaard blasted home the winner for ArsenalCredit: GettyJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe Scot – filling in at centre back in a much-changed Arsenal XI – was hailed throughout the match by the away end. A day he will never forget at the already-relegated Saints.The less said about the actual game the better as the Gunners cruised for large parts with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Odegaard, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz left on the bench.Inside Katie McCabe and her family’s wild Champions League celebrations after Arsenal’s historic winBut Tierney’s stunned, grinning reaction at finding himself in the box to tap home was worth every penny, as was Odegaard’s stunning long-range belter.This clash reinforced Arsenal’s need for attacking reinforcements with Mikel Merino starting up top and Chelsea loanee Raheem Sterling starting on the right on what was also his final game in an Arsenal shirt.New Saints boss Will Still was also in the stands, getting a first glance over his new squad with a gruelling Championship campaign on the horizon. For this one, four changes were made, including 18-year-old Jay Robinson on his first senior start.Ex-Arsenal No.1 Aaron Ramsdale was kept busy early on as Merino and Gabriel Martinelli went close with headers and Sterling curled one just wide.The hosts were being encouraged to let the shackles off and attack, and they were unlucky not to get a penalty when VAR waved away a Yuki Sugawara shot striking Declan Rice’s arm in the box.But the visitors remained patient. Ross Stewart’s Southampton equaliser was rendered useless by Odegaard’s late goalCredit: ReutersWill Still was in the stands after being announced as Southampton’s new managerCredit: ReutersMerino was dangerous in the air, smacking the crossbar from a Martinelli cross, and the Brazilian winger fluffed a chance of his own, denied in a 1-v-1 by old pal Ramsdale.The opening was coming and Tierney provided it, held aloft by his teammates in a heart-warming celebration after tucking away Ben White’s low cross.Even Arteta and Kroenke afforded themselves a smile that was quickly wiped off as the Saints hit back from a simple set-piece delivery in the 56th minute.Robinson forced Raya into a decent save from the resulting corner, Stewart rose highest at the far post.On came the Arsenal cavalry. By the 75th minute, Saka, Trossard, Havertz, Odegaard and Myles Lewis-Skelly were all on the pitch.Read More on The SunThere was almost an instant impact as Saka bundled in only for VAR to confirm a correct offside shout.In the end, it was a sublime bit of quality from Odegaard that settled the contest, and it is quality personnel that Arteta and his transfer committee will be scouring the market for to ensure this sort of tame end to a season will not be repeated in 12 months time.Jorginho said goodbye to the Arsenal fans ahead of his exit this summerCredit: GettyDavid Raya won a second consecutive Golden GloveCredit: Getty More

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    Trent Alexander-Arnold breaks down in tears and kisses badge as he gets emotional send-off from Liverpool fans

    TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD broke down in tears in his Liverpool farewell – and received an incredible Anfield send-offThe departing right-back was benched for the Premier League champion’s final game of the season at home to Crystal Palace.Trent Alexander-Arnold shed tears in his Liverpool farewellCredit: GettyLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk embraces with Alexander-ArnoldCredit: EPAAlexander-Arnold won two Prem titles at LiverpoolCredit: GettyHe was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s 3-2 loss to Brighton and faced BOOS at Anfield after coming off the bench against Arsenal. Even Jurgen Klopp – who handed Alexander-Arnold his debut – condemned the boo boys. But in his last game for Liverpool, he came off the bench in place of Conor Bradley and received a warm welcome by fans. Alexander-Arnold was also cheered when he received his winners medal and the boyhood Red kissed the badge in response.READ MORE IN football While on the bench he looked like he was fighting back tears – but he could not hold it in at the final whistle.He peered around Anfield while wearing Liverpool red for the final time and gave his team-mates a farewell hug.He tapped and kissed the badge he has worn for 20 years while cheers echoed around Anfield. And that will be the lasting memory he would have hoped for before stepping out as a Liverpool player for the final time. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAlexander-Arnold admitted he was not sure what reception he was going to get at Anfield – but demanded one more match in red.He said: “I didn’t know what to expect stepping out at Anfield today after what had happened. “But I wanted to play for the club one more time, I told the manager, and he trusted me. “The reception I got means so much to me. I have never felt more loved and more cared for than today. “I hope that one day the fans and supporters of this club are able to recognise the hard work I put in for this team. “From six to 26, 20 years is a very long time. I have loved every second of it, it has been an honour and a privilege to be a part of this club. “I’ll remember these moments for the rest of my life. This day will go down as the best in my life.”Trent struggled to hold his emotions in checkCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold made his Liverpool debut in 2016Credit: PAHe won the Champions League in 2019Credit: Getty – ContributorLiverpool won their first title in 30 years in 2020Credit: AFPIt’s little surprise TAA was so emotional, the defender did come through Liverpool’s academy – making his debut aged 16 in 2016 under Klopp.He later became a first-team regular in the German’s side, winning the Champions League in 2018.One year later and Alexander-Arnold helped Liverpool to the league title – their first in 30 years. In 2021, Alexander-Arnold signed a new four-year Liverpool deal. And despite talks throughout the season, Liverpool could not manage to convince the player to extend it once more.An offer which would have made him one of the highest-paid full-backs in the world was said to have been rejected. Madrid are believed to have made a cut-price £20million bid for the defender in January – but Liverpool rejected it. Alexander-Arnold, though, had his heart set on the Spanish capital where England team-mate Jude Bellingham has been since his £115m move in 2023. Finally, on May 5 Liverpool finally confirmed his exit with a blunt statement. It read: “Trent Alexander-Arnold has informed Liverpool FC of his intention to leave the club this summer upon the expiry of his current contract.” Alexander-Arnold said: “I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it. “I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here. “I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it.”I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here.” He told fans directly: “There’s a lot I would like to say. The main thing is a massive thank you. “You guys have been there from the start with me, you guys have supported me, been there.“I’ve felt the support, the love, everything that you guys have done has never been unnoticed by me, I’ve loved every single minute of it. “I hope they have felt that has been reciprocated and that I’ve given everything I could to the club.“I’m just hoping that we’re able to carry on winning games, the noise [around my decision] doesn’t take away from the fact of what we’ve achieved this season.“It has been an amazing season. It has been amazing to be part of it and I just hope that everyone is able to maybe not dwell on this news for too long and be able to celebrate what the rest of the lads have done.”Liverpool legend and former Madrid star Xabi Alonso is expected to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.England team-mates Jude Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold are closeCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold is expected to play in the Club World Cup for Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – GettyAnd Reds boss Arne Slot warned: “He’s going to leave anyway so why not, it might be the first gift I can give Xabi Alonso.”I wasn’t completely happy with every single minute he was on the training ground.”In my opinion there were certain moments he could do more, to put it mildly.”He’s going to leave anyway so why not, it might be the first gift I can give Xabi Alonso.”I wasn’t completely happy with every single minute he was on the training ground.”In my opinion there were certain moments he could do more, to put it mildly.” Alexander-Arnold was defended by fuming ex-manager Klopp after being subjected to boos by his own supporters. Klopp said: “I don’t want to tell anybody what they shall think, I don’t want to tell you what you have to think.Jurgen Klopp spoke out in defence of Alexander-ArnoldCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold received his ex-manager’s backingCredit: Getty”But I can tell you what you think is wrong. That’s what I can do. Because I’m an old man and I don’t waste time hiding my opinion.”Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the players that made it all happen.”This boy, 18-years-old, scored a free-kick in Hoffenheim where if he doesn’t score that we don’t qualify for the Champions League.”Against Barcelona he did the most cheeky thing in the world and set up the goal for 4-0, a result and a game which will not happen again.”I don’t tell you that you should not be disappointed, you should not be angry. I tell you don’t forget. “This club doesn’t forget. We are famous for not forgetting, we don’t forget anything. I watched the game where he came on and I heard the booing.”I switched the telly off because, honestly, I could not have been more disappointed in this moment.”This is not us. 100 per cent not us. Be angry, don’t understand, whatever.Alexander-Arnold with Liverpool manager Arne SlotCredit: APSlot gave the inbound Madrid star a farewell against PalaceCredit: Reuters”This boy, I was there everyday, if he didn’t give everything I would tell you now. But everyday he gave absolutely everything to this badge.”Now he decided after 20 years at this club that he wants to go somewhere else.”Why didn’t he sign a new contract?’ I hear this from fans, this money discussion: ‘He goes without a transfer fee’.”If somebody should be angry about that it’s the owners, but they are not.”He wears the Liverpool badge in the skin. But now he plays for another club. We decide how we deal with that.”Read More on The SunThe inbound Real Madrid star held back tears on the benchCredit: ReutersAlexander-Arnold and Mo Salah hug at AnfieldCredit: APCurtis Jones hugs Alexander-ArnoldCredit: AFPAlexander-Arnold got his hands on the league title againCredit: Getty More

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    Goals 4 GOSH LIVE SCORES: Eden Hazard’s side lose penalty shootout in thrilling annual charity match – updates

    THIS year’s annual Goals 4 GOSH charity went the distance as penalties were required to separate the teams – and Chelsea legend Eden Hazard was on the losing side!Chet Sket’s double initially put the Dolphin Dons in a commanding position.However, footballing genius Hazard pulled one back for the Wimbledon WomblesAnd Wayne Routledge levelled the scoring, sending this match to penalties.But despite Hazard superbly scoring his, the rest of the Wimbledon Wombles just simply couldn’t keep their composure.Follow ALL the action from Plough Lane with our live blog below…Form is temporary, class is permanentHe may have put on a few pounds since retiring, but you could still see the touch was there with Eden Hazard.Scoring one sublime strike and having such a big influence on the match in general.However, he could not help his teammates with their penalties.Copy linkCopiedEden posing for photosThe big name at this charity match, Eden Hazard made sure the fans were not disappointed.They got their money’s worth as they got to see the legend score a goal along the way.Of course he scored his penalty in the shootout as he calmly rolled it into the bottom corner.Copy linkCopiedDolphin Dons win Goals 4 GOSH trophyChet Sket lifts the trophy aloft for the Dons.His goals were integral for them today.Everyone seems overjoyed with the victory.Copy linkCopiedFT: Wimbledon Wombles 2-2 Dolphin Dons (PENS 2-3)Well, it was an entertaining game at Plough Lane.It didn’t really come to life until the Dons scored their second.Then goals from Eden Hazard and Wayne Routledge got them back on level terms.Copy linkCopiedDolphins Dons win 3-2 on penaltiesCopy linkCopiedGoal – Matthew Briggs (Dolphin Dons) 2-3Copy linkCopiedMissed penalty – Danny Aarons (Wimbledon Wombles) 2-2Copy linkCopiedMissed penalty – Paul Gorton (Dolphin Dons) 2-2Copy linkCopiedPenalty saved – Grovesy (Wimbledon Wombles) 2-2Copy linkCopiedGoal – Manny (Dolphin Dons) 2-2Copy linkCopiedGoal – A Star (Wimbledon Wombles) 2-1Copy linkCopiedPenalty saved – Harry Cain (Dolphin Dons) 1-1Copy linkCopiedPenalty saved – Wayne Routledge (Wimbledon Wombles) 1-1Copy linkCopiedGoal – Tylor Cruz (Dolphin Dons) 1-1Copy linkCopiedGoal – Eden Hazard (Wimbledon Wombles) 1-0Copy linkCopiedFT: Wimbledon Wombles 2-2 Dolphin Dons The referee brings the game to a close.We now head to penalties.Just what the fans wanted to see.Copy linkCopiedWimbledon Wombles 2-2 Dolphin Dons85. Both sides are throwing caution to the wind looking for a winner.It is end to end stuff right now.Hazard tries his luck from distance but it is beaten away.Copy linkCopiedWimbledon Wombles 2-2 Dolphin Dons80. What a miss from Danny Aarons.Wayne Routledge does well to get the cross in and lays it on a plate for his teammate.Somehow, Aarons misses the goal from two yards out.Copy linkCopiedWimbledon Wombles 2-2 Dolphin Dons76. A great finish from Routledge has drawn this one level.He lifted it into the far corner, lifting it over the advancing keeper with the outside of his boot.This game has come to life all of a sudden.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Wayne Routledge (Wimbledon Wombles)Copy linkCopiedWimbledon Wombles 1-2 Dolphin Dons75. Chet Sket is penalised for a very late challenge.We have a slight break in play as the players have a drinks break.Not long left in the game for the Wombles to find an equaliser.Copy linkCopiedWimbledon Wombles 1-2 Dolphin Dons70. Routledge is showing how he still has the skills.Despite being retired he could probably do a job in the lower leagues.Hazard shoots from the edge of the box but it deflects wide again.Copy linkCopiedWimbledon Wombles 1-2 Dolphin Dons65. Mariappa is coming off injured, clutching his shoulder.Long seems to be struggling with his ribs from the same incident.Hazard is looking to take it up a gear now to get something from this game.Copy linkCopiedWimbledon Wombles 1-2 Dolphin Dons62. What a minute of football that was.Firstly, Chet Sket bundles his way past the defenders before toe poking his shot home.The Dons goes straight down the other end of the pitch and Hazard picks it up in a dangerous position.He runs at them before checking onto his right and bending it into the far corner.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Eden Hazard (Wimbledon Wombles)Copy linkCopied More