Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid implode with THREE red cards as Bellingham ‘restrained’ and Rudiger throwing ICE PACK at ref in Copa del Rey

      by

      JUDE BELLINGHAM had to be “restrained” and Antonio Rudiger threw an ice park at the referee as Real Madrid had three players sent off in a heated cup final.The club’s El Clasico rivals Barcelona won last night’s thrilling Copa del Rey final 3-2 amid shocking scenes in the closing stages.Antonio Rudiger launched an ice pack at the refereeCredit: X @PremSportsTVLucas Vazquez and Vinicius Junior ran onto the pitch and made angry gestures at the officialCredit: X @PremSportsTVRudiger had to be restrained from confronting the refereeCredit: X @PremSportsTVReal Madrid were wound up by several decisions given by Ricardo De Burgos BengoetxeaCredit: AFPTempers flared with just 20 seconds of extra-time remaining after Kylian Mbappe was judged to have fouled Eric Garcia in Real Madrid’s last attack.Chaos erupted as the bench behind Carlo Ancelotti completely lost their heads.A raging Rudiger launched an ice pack at referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.Vinicius Junior and Lucas Vazquez sprinted onto the pitch and gestured angrily towards him as several coaches also got involved.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen the official came over to dish out red cards to the Real Madrid players, Rudiger had to be held back from confronting the ref by Ferland Mendy and a member of staff.The ex-Chelsea centre-back and Vazquez were both sent off, but Vinicius somehow escaped without punishment.The ref’s report says Rudiger was sent off for “throwing an object and behaving aggressively” and Vazquez went for “stepping onto the field making disapproving gestures”.Bellingham’s red card came after the final whistle for angrily “approaching the referee aggressively” and needing “to be restrained by team-mates”.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA clip has since emerged of the Englishman in the tunnel at half-time, ranting: “Everything 50/50 goes their way, everything 50/50”.Meanwhile, Rudiger could receive a lengthy for his moment of madness.Real Madrid issue statement after making ref break down in tears and ‘threat to BOYCOTT Copa del Rey final vs Barcelona’Ex-Granada player Dani Benitez was banned for three months for throwing a bottle at an official in 2012.The appointment of referee De Burgos Bengoetxea for the final was highly controversial with Real Madrid expressing their displeasure before the game.They took to the club’s TV channel, broadcasting videos that showed his mistakes while highlighting he had never been in charge of a Champions League or Fifa level match.Real Madrid also pointed out they had a poor win percentage when he was the man with the whistle for their games.It led to De Burgos Bengoetxea breaking down in tears in a pre-match press conference, saying: “When a child of yours goes to school and there are kids telling him that his father is a ‘thief’ and comes home crying, it’s totally messed up.”What I do is try to educate my son, to say that his father is honest, above all honest, who can make mistakes, like any sportsperson.”Lucas Vazquez was of three Real Madrid players red cardedCredit: RexJude Bellingham was sent off after the final whistleCredit: RexBarca won via a late Jules Kounde goal in extra-timeCredit: Rex More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona vs Real Madrid LIVE RESULT: Kounde nets extra-time winner as red-carded Rudiger ‘throws ice pack at referee’

      by

      BARCELONA have beaten Real Madrid 3-2 after extra-time to win the Copa del Rey.Barca took the lead just before the half-hour mark through a wondergoal from Pedri.Kylian Mbappe was introduced at half time for Real and the French superstar levelled the final with a stunning free-kick.Seven minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni thumped a header home to put Los Blancos in the lead for the first time, but Ferran Torres made it 2-2 with minutes remaining to take the tie to extra-time.Just when it looked set to be decided by a penalty shoot-out, Jules Kounde’s stunning strike flew past Thibaut Courtois to secure the Copa del Rey title for Barca.From there, the clash descended into chaos as Antonio Rudiger was seen throwing an object, believed to be an ice pack, towards the referee.The ex-Chelsea star then had to be restrained by the Real Madrid bench to prevent him causing further chaos after he was sent off.Match result: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (AET)Barcelona team: Szczesny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Inigo, Martin; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Dani Olmo; Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Lamine YamalReal Madrid team: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Mendy; Tchouameni, Ceballos, Bellingham, Modric; Rodrygo, Vinicius JrFollow our live blog below…Ice, ice babyAntonio Rudiger was especially angry and had to be held back by multiple team-mates and staff as he totally lost his head.The former Chelsea defednder could even be seen throwing an ICE PACK at the referee.Copy linkCopiedReal see redThere are reports in Spain that Real Madrid had THREE players sent off in the dying minutes of the match.Los Blancos players were infuriated by De Burgos Bengochea as he penalised Kylian Mbappe.Now, Marca says that Jude Bellingham, Antonio Rudiger and Lucas Vazquez were all shown a red card.Copy linkCopiedSeason of dreams continues for BarcaNobody could have predicted the campaign Barcelona are enjoying in 2024/25 under their German manager.All of the fans are still in the stadium, celebrating with the players.Nobody will forget this night for some time.Credit: EPACredit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBarcelona win the Copa del ReyIt was a perfect night in Seville for the Catalan giants.Club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen accepted the trophy.There will be parties long into Sunday morning as the Barcelona fans celebrate victory over their bitter rivals.Credit: ReutersCredit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedMadrid suffer more cup heartacheAfter going out of the Champions League against Arsenal, Real Madrid now suffer defeat Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.It hurst even more after they came back from a goal down to lead 2-1 in the match before conceding with just six minutes of normal time remaining,Some of these players may not have another chance to win this trophy with the team, including Carlo Ancelotti.Credit: APCredit: ReutersCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedFlick continues brilliant first seasonHansi Flick is still on to win four trophies in his maiden campaign as Barcelona manager.What a way to win your first Cope del Rey trophy against your bitter rivals in extra-time.Barcelona are giving their opponents a guard of honour as Real Madrid head to collect their loser medals.Credit: APCredit: EPACopy linkCopiedFT: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (ET)Crazy scenes in Seville as Hansi Flick’s side celebrate.Jules Kounde’s extra-time goal has won it for them.We also saw absolute pandemonium on the Madrid bench and that may be the first time we have seen a player in professional football throw an object at a referee from the touchline.Rudiger will face some harsh punishment for that no doubt.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedBarcelona win the Copa del ReyCopy linkCopiedFT: Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (ET)The referee brings the game to a close.Barcelona are Copa del Rey champions.What a final this has been in Seville.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (ET)120+2. It is all going a little crazy now.Real Madrid’s players are throwing objects at the referee.Rudiger is being held back from attacking him it seems.Wild.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (ET)120. Barcelona are on the verge of victory here.Time is running out for Real Madrid.Hansi Flick’s side just need to protect what they have now.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (ET)118. More drama as the penalty is ruled out due to offside.Brahim Diaz was beyond the last man.Lazy stuff from the Real Madrid man.Copy linkCopiedPenalty to Real MadridCopy linkCopiedBarcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (ET)116. How about this for drama.Mr Real Madrid, Luke Modric, plays a tired pass and Kounde cuts it out.He shifts the ball in front of him and drills it into the far corner to put Flick’s side ahead late on in this match.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Jules Kounde (Barcelona)Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)114. The ball is lifted into the box and Bellingham throws himself at it.He almost gets a touch to score possibly the most important goal of his Madrid career so far.Barcelona are under intense pressure now.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)112. Endrick has come on for Rudiger for Real Madrid.How the youngster would love to get a winner here.Ancelotti’s side look to come forward and pile some pressure on Barcelona.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)110. Tchouameni puts in a timely sliding challenge in his own penalty area.It goes behind for a Barcelona corner.Garcia rises to meet the cross and sends it sailing over the bar.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)108. Bellingham is shown a yellow card by the referee.Torres had another sight of goal but slipped as he shot.He kicked the ball onto his other foot and it looped over Courtois and landed on the roof of the net.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)106. You can see some players are feeling it now.Barcelona cross into the middle and Torres slots home.He is offside by a country mile and it is ruled out.Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)We are back underway in Seville.Fifteen minutes to make yourself a hero.Barcelona get the second-half of extra-time started.Copy linkCopiedHT: Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)The referee brings the first-half of extra-time to close.Still nothing to separate these two teams.There are some leggy players out there in this heat.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)105. As a cross comes into the box for Barcelona, Raphinha goes down holding his face.He needs to be careful now he has already been booked.Torres get a sight of goal and looks to slot it in the far corner and it misses by a matter of inches.Copy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)103. A ball is knocked down the line for Modric to have a race towards with the defender.Just what the 39-year-old wanted am sure.Torres looks to swing a cross in towards Raphinha but Courtois comes to gather.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedBarcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (ET)101. Mbappe is looking more isolated up top now.He thrives in having someone who can match his pace alongside him.There is no danger Brahim Diaz can do that.Copy linkCopied More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona 3 Real Madrid 2 (AET): Kounde bags extra-time winner as Barca survive VAR controversy to claim Copa del Rey

      by

      JULES KOUNDE outshone fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe as Barcelona sealed a historic Copa del Rey win over rivals Real Madrid. The match was played following an extraordinary refereeing row, with Madrid forced to deny they would boycott the fixture. Jules Kounde scored a brilliant winner to secure the Copa del Rey for BarcelonaCredit: APLamine Yamal and Co led early in the first half through PedriCredit: ReutersBut Kylian Mbappe turned the game on its head with a brilliant freekickCredit: APDespite the Frenchman’s heroics, it was his fellow countryman Kounde who stole the showCredit: APThe full-back’s late strike came with the game seemingly destined for penaltiesCredit: APLos Blancos trailed early in the contest following a strike from Pedri at Seville’s Estadio La Cartuja. But after the break, Madrid stormed back thanks to some inspiration from Mbappe.The French talisman turned the game on its head with his first-ever career free-kick goal. The 22-year-old took aim from just outside the area after being chopped down by Frenkie De Jong.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMbappe unleashed a powerful, low, right-footed free-kick which flew in off the post.And just minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni headed in to put Madrid on the cusp of their 21st Copa del Rey title.Carlo Ancelotti’s men made it to within five minutes of the whistle before they were pegged back by Ferran Torres.The ex-Man City star was sent clear and rounded keeper Thibault Courtois to level things up.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBarca thought they had won it late in stoppage time as Raphinha went down under a challenge from Asencio.Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea initially gave the spot-kick, only to book the Brazilian for simulation after a VAR review.Barcelona coach SMASHES IPAD in fury as he appeals for penalty in La Liga clashDespite the time ticking past midnight in Spain, the game headed into an energy-sapping extra time.And as time ticked towards penalties, it was Arsenal-target Kounde who proved to be the Barca hero. He intercepted a rare loose pass from Luka Modric on the edge of the box, thundering a low strike past Courtois and sparking jubilant scenes in the Barca end.The goal sealed the Catalan giants’ 32nd success in the competition and their first since 2021.Saturday’s final had been dogged by reports before kick-off that Madrid would boycott the spectacle. Referee Bengoetxea broke down in tears during an extraordinary press conference on Thursday.The Spanish official tearfully responded to a video by Real’s in-house TV channel RMTV.The video highlighted decisions that had gone against Real, which the club believe to have been incorrect.Real Madrid later responded to the rumours, writing in a statement: “Our team has never considered giving up playing tomorrow’s final. Read More on The Sun”Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements made 24 hours before the final by the referees appointed for this match cannot taint a sporting event of global significance which will be watched by hundreds of millions of people. “We also express our respect for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and for all those already in the Andalusian capital.” More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘We hurt the squad’ – Ruben Amorim admits decision to axe Marcus Rashford and Antony cost Man Utd around ten goals

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ruben Amorim dumped striker Marcus Rashford and £85.5million flop Antony for the greater good of the club.Homegrown star Marcus Rashford, who is now out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, found a new lease of life on loan at Aston Villa.Ruben Amorim has admitted the losses of loan stars Marcus Rashford and Antony have hurt Man UtdCredit: APAntony and Rashford have excelled while on loanCredit: RexHe scored four goals and had five assists.And Antony has been an instant favourite at Spanish club Real Betis.But ahead of today’s trip to Bournemouth, with United facing their lowest-ever Prem points total, Amorim said he needed to move the unhappy duo on.And not only because the cash-strapped club could save a huge chunk of their combined weekly wage of £500,000.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn a clear signal that he wants them sold to help fund a summer re-build, Amorim said: “We lack a lot of things in the team.“In January we lost, and you are talking about Rashford and Antony, we lost these players.“And we didn’t bring new ones, that was a risk. We are trying to do something more important.“But I think that there are things here that are more important than to score 10 more goals this season.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford“We can hurt the squad now but in the future it is going to help the club so I think we are on that path.”Amorim stressed he had the full support of technical director Jason Wilcox with the loan deals.Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd He added: “It was my idea but I tried to help the team and sometimes helping the players needs something different.”Rashford and Antony’s future lies away from Old Trafford with United pushing on with plans to lure £62.5m forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves. Liam Delap, available for £30m from Ipswich, is another target, along with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool line up £50m Adam Wharton transfer as Crystal Palace and England star, 21, sets out conditions

      by

      LIVERPOOL will try to tempt Adam Wharton to quit Crystal Palace in a £50million-plus swoop.Anfield’s transfer team are focusing on the midfielder whose passing talent could make Arne Slot’s team tick.Liverpool will try to sign Adam Wharton this summerCredit: GettyWharton has established himself as a Premier League player of real promise since his move from hometown club Blackburn in 2024.And his ability to see the picture and deliver quick balls to attackers marks him out as a future elite star.Wharton, 21, could be interested in a return to his native north west but the snag will be whether he gets enough game time to keep him on an upward path.He forced his way into England’s Euro 2024 squad after joining Palace but has been frustrated by injuries this season, missing three months after a groin operation in November.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat has restricted his appearances in a campaign that should have seen him take off for club and country.If Liverpool can sell a plan to Wharton – especially with Champions League football available – then he may take the chance.Palace, facing huge interest in their players this summer, are sure to demand a huge fee for Wharton who still has more than four years left on his contract.Blackburn are also due a 15 per cent cut of profit over the £18m Palace paid up front for their former academy star 15 months ago.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBayern Munich and Real Madrid are also admirers but Wharton has not played often enough this season to make their interest concrete.Wharton has featured heavily since his return from injury, playing in every game since he got back fit.Mo Salah commits to Liverpool with new two-year contract More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I understand’ – Pep Guardiola joins calls to bring back popular FA Cup feature

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA made a fresh call to switch FA Cup semi-finals from Wembley to help out cash-strapped fans.Manchester City face Nottingham Forest on Sunday in the last four,  a seventh straight appearance at this stage.Pep Guardiola has backed FA Cup semi-finals moving from WembleyCredit: EPACity are appearing in their seventh-straight semi-finalCredit: GettyBut about 5,000 City tickets are unsold for what is their 28th trip to the redeveloped national stadium, while Forest’s 36,000 swiftly sold out.Guardiola has sympathy for fans priced out of yet another trip south.And the Spaniard called for a return to staging semis at neutral grounds in the country.Asked if it was unfair to always make fans travel 200 miles from Manchester to London, he said: “Yes, one day in the FA Cup maybe we will play them in the north.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Maybe they will come to Old Trafford, Etihad, Anfield or Goodison,  perhaps they will come here.”I understand people all around the world are suffering economically, it’s not easy for them.“We’d love it if they could be there and  will play for the ones who come and the ones who would like to but cannot.“They can’t but I’m  sure they’d love to – it’s just that it’s not possible for them. I’m close enough to them to understand it.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOnly Chelsea, with 30 trips, have been to Wembley more since 2007.City are closing in on a tenth visit in four years.Pep Guardiola in iconic reaction to controversial Man Utd fans’ chantThe 4.30pm kick-off is another issue as extra-time and penalties would be a big problem for fans travelling by train.Guardiola added: “I know they’d come but the situation is difficult.”For travel, work on Monday, maybe they will get back late.”The prices, all the tickets . . . people cannot afford it.” More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Nuno’s Nottingham Forest have been fantastic for Premier League by mixing things up in era of poor Guardiola imitations

      by

      NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO is clearly a manager who does things his way — and thank goodness for that.Nuno is one of a dying breed of bosses proving modern football doesn’t have to be about playing half-a-dozen passes before reaching halfway.Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest are a breath of fresh airCredit: AlamyToo many bosses are poor imitations of Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyThat it’s not always about false nines, floating tens and lingo from laptop users trying to complicate a simple game.Instead, Nuno has shown that in an era of stats and soundbites, it’s still possible for the best lessons to come from the old school.That’s the refreshing way Nottingham Forest do things, anyway. And it could even end with a Champions League place and an FA Cup win.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe second bit won’t be easy with a semi-final today against Manchester City. But, whatever happens, they have had a fantastic season.And it’s been fantastic for everyone who loves to see fast, exciting football, rather than a poor imitation of teams trying to copy Pep Guardiola’s pass, pass, pass methods.I’m not knocking Pep, of course, he’s won everything in the game that way. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut it’s pointless trying to follow suit if you haven’t got the players.Unlike many others, Nuno knows it —  just as he knows playing to your strengths brings the best chance of success.Pep Guardiola aims sly dig at rivals Man Utd hours after their heroic Europa League comeback And for Forest, that means a throwback approach.If you’ve got wide players with pace, why build slowly from the back?Maybe that’s no-risk football but it’s no-excitement football, too.With two wingers, Nuno wants the ball wide as quickly as possible for Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi to cause mayhem. Which means getting the ball into the box for Chris Wood to hold it up, lay it off or, ideally, stick it in the net — like we saw the other night at Tottenham.Chris was a journeyman in his 30s before going to Forest yet only Mo Salah, Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak have scored more than his 19 Premier League goals this season.He’s a “proper” centre forward. Powerful and strong in the air, along the lines of a Mick Harford or Joe Jordan.Every club had one back in the day, but there are so few now that centre-backs have a nightmare trying to handle them. They’ve not managed it with Wood yet!Sadly for Forest, though, I can’t see a fairytale ending today because City’s big-game nous can see them over the line.I’ve never made any secret of how much the FA Cup means to me and it was great to see three different names — plus  City! — in the semis.You could argue it’s kept the season alive because the title and relegation business has been sorted for weeks.It’s unlikely to happen, but I’d love to see the winners get a place in the Champions League. It would certainly end all those weakened teams!Better late than neverLIVERPOOL have been the best team by a mile and it’s hard to be critical of anyone who wins the title in a canter.And I’m delighted their fans can celebrate properly this time, too, after missing out because of Covid five years ago.Read More on The SunI wouldn’t say this is the greatest Liverpool team but there’s no knocking what a great job Arne Slot has done.Now the challenge will be to defend it… and the others have certainly got a job on to catch up! More

    • 175 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester face being leapfrogged by Rangers in chase for first-choice manager target Russell Martin

      by

      RUSSELL MARTIN is heading for a managerial tussle between Leicester City and Rangers.Martin, 39, is the first choice at relegated Foxes, as SunSport revealed last month, and the former Southampton chief is keen.Rangers and Leicester are set to battle for Russell MartinCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy hopes to continue as Foxes bossCredit: ReutersHowever, Scottish giants Gers have also shortlisted Martin, who played for them on loan and is very interested.Martin is waiting on the call from Ibrox, where the club is about to be taken over by an American group tied in with Leeds.Until the takeover is finalised, it is difficult to make a concrete offer to a boss.Leicester are also waiting for a few weeks before committing to their own change, so it is a case of who moves first for Martin.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLee Carsley has been linked with the Foxes – but the England Under-21 boss is not looking to work in the Championship.Current Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy remains in the dark over his future.He has picked up just three wins as manager in 23 games.But he is keen to stay on, despite Sean Dyche also being tipped to join the King Power dugout.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSVan Nistelrooy said of his future: “It’s necessary to find alignment.”The quicker the better in the best interests for the football club.That’s what I’m urging.Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 years”We need to be on the same page.”Over the past months, starting in February, I’ve had conversations with the board and the chairman. Later in March and recently as well.”The club knows where I stand.”I’ve always informed the club on the way I see things, the lessons learned now it’s clear it’s going to be in the Championship.”We can move on to that scenario. But I’m still waiting for the club to come back. That’s where it stands now.”I know what my plan is to move forward and bring the club back up with the people in this building.Read More on The Sun”There are 60-70 great professionals here who can move the club forward.”But I’m still waiting on that alignment.” More