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      PSG fans unfurl banner aimed at Arsenal before suffering shock loss as Enrique admits ‘the players are clearly affected’

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN fans unfurled a banner aimed at Arsenal before losing their first Ligue 1 game of the season.The French giants were on course to match the Gunners’ invincible achievement this campaign.Paris Saint-Germain showed off a banner aimed at ArsenalCredit: AFPThe French giants were then beaten by NiceCredit: GettyFormer Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Sanson netted twiceCredit: ReutersLuis Enrique fielded a strong teamCredit: AFPPSG have already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title with a massive 23-point advantage over second-placed Marseille.Ahead of Friday night’s clash against Nice at the Parc de Princes the club’s supporters had other things on their mind.The club are set to take on Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday.Supporters showed off a banner in the crowd that targeted Mikel Arteta’s side.READ MORE ON ARSENALIt read: “Eliminate Arsenal, bring us to the final”.However, the performance on the pitch may have dented their ambitions ahead of the tie.Former Aston Villa ace Morgan Sanson netted a brace on either side of a goal from Fabian Ruiz to put the visitors ahead.The result was wrapped up for Franck Haise’s men when Youssouf Ndayishimiye netted his side’s third in the 70th minute. Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPSG lost the game with all three of Nice’s shots on target finding the net.Manager Luis Enrique admitted that his players were left “affected” by the result.How Arsenal can outsmart PSG in Champions League semi-finalEnrique did not want to give any clues to Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyHowever, he did insist that they deserved to win and that he would be “signing up” for the matches against Arsenal.He said: “Based on what I saw, I’m signing up straight away for Tuesday in London and the return leg.”Not for the result, obviously, but I saw a team that had 30 chances to score. I’m not worried at all.”We attacked, didn’t calculate, and we came up against a goalkeeper who made some incredible saves.”We are the best team in France, by far, we proved it. We have to be brave now and think about winning the Champions League.”Right now, the players are clearly affected. We deserved to win, no doubt about it.”But if the opponent is 100 per cent efficient and you’re not as efficient as usual, things turn around. It’s as simple as that.”The former Barcelona boss fielded a full-strength side against Nice, which included stars such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire DoueHe was quizzed on why he made that decision and quipped that he did not want to help Arteta.Read More on The SunHe said: “Draw whatever conclusions you want from that.”I’m not going to give any clues to Arteta.” More

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      Real Madrid issue statement after making ref break down in tears and ‘threat to BOYCOTT Copa del Rey final vs Barcelona’

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      REAL MADRID have issued a statement following a referee breaking down in tears ahead of the Copa del Rey final.Los Blancos are due to face rivals Barcelona at the Estadio de La Cartuja tonight.Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea broke down in tears during a press conferenceCredit: Copa Del ReyThe official was targeted by a video released by RMTVCredit: APThe video showcased his decisions against Real MadridCredit: ReutersThere were thoughts that Los Blancos could boycott the Copa del Rey finalCredit: GettyHowever, the capital-based club pulled out of pre-match activities after referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea’s press conference.The Spanish official broke down as he 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.An emotional De Brugos said: “To see your son come from school crying because some kids have said his dad is a crook is very hard to take.READ MORE FOOTBALL”What I do is tell my son that his father is honourable. I make mistakes, like any athlete, but I am honourable.”I want my son to be proud of his father and of the refereeing profession.”Nobody has the right to submit my colleagues to what they are dealing with.”Reuters has claimed that Real views the ref’s comments as a “clear conflict of interest.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA source told the outlet that the club believe that the refereeing team should be changed for the final.However, the Spanish FA rejected the request.You’re a football superfan if you can work out Brazil and Real Madrid legend’s son, 16, by his iconic playing style Real Madrid statementHere is the full statement released by Real Madrid…It read: “In light of the rumours that have arisen in the last few hours, Real Madrid C.F. communicates that our team never considered refusing to play in the final.”Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements from the referees appointed for this match, made 24 hours before the final, cannot tarnish a sporting event of global importance that will be watched by hundreds of millions of people and also out of respect also for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and for all those who are already in the Andalusian capital.”Real Madrid understands that football’s values must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that has today once again been shown against our club, by the referees appointed for the final.”The actions of the club led many to believe that they may boycott the final entirely.However, Real later released a statement that insisted that it “never considered” withdrawing from the match.The club continued to argue that “football’s values must prevail, despite animosity that has once again been shown against our club”.The final VAR, Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, joined De Brugos at his press conference.He insisted that referees will soon take action against the constant pressure they are under.He added: “In a few days, you all will see.”We are going to make history and we are not going to continue to put up with what we are putting up with.”A strike? You will have news from us soon.”Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has also weighed in on the referee debacle.The German insisted that officials, like players, need to be protected,He said: “For me, it’s only a sport. It’s only a game.Read More on The Sun”It’s only football.”It is our responsibility to protect not only the players but all the people involved in the game.”Hansi Flick claimed referees need to be protectedCredit: Getty More

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      Dimitri Payet breaks silence on claims he beat lover & made her film sick sex acts saying relationship was ‘consensual’

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      FORMER Premier League star Dimitri Payet has broken his silence after abuse claims made by his ex-lover.Larissa Ferrari alleged the married midfielder subjected her to “physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence” – including forcing her to film degrading videos, in an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday.Ex-lover Larissa Ferrari accused the ex-West Ham ace of ‘physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence’Credit: NewsflashThe footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa, 28, over Instagram last August using a fake profile, claims LarissaCredit: NewsflashLarissa showed The Sun on Sunday pictures of bruises, which she also handed to policeThe Brazilian lawyer, 28, also accused the former West Ham and French international Payet, 38, of making her take part in a fake wedding and wearing a ring to “prove her love”.She also alleged he made her drink her own urine and water from the toilet, and lick the floor.Larissa showed The Sun on Sunday photos of her bruises which she said she’d handed to police.The mum-of-two said: “He’s a sick monster. I was scared for my life, and I’m still scared.”READ MORE NEWSPayet, however, has denied “physical and psychological violence” in a statement to Brazilian cops, reports local outlet G1, which claims to have seen a document detailing the case. The footballer admitted to having had a seven-month affair with his accuser after “becoming lonely” while playing for Vasco da Gama in Rio de Janeiro.Larissa told G1 she suffers from Borderline personality disorder and claims Payet took advantage of her condition.”Dimitri knew about my passion and psychological problems, using this against me,” she is reported to have said by the Brazilian outlet. Most read in Football”Dimitri convinced me to put my head in the trash, in the toilet, made me drink my own urine and other sexual bizarre acts.”However, Payet’s statement allegedly sees him claim everything was consensual and proposed by his accuser.Dimitri Payet breaks down in tears after announcing he is leaving Marseille It refers to an incident where Larissa “requested slaps during sexual intercourse” which resulted in marks on her body.The footballer is also said to have claimed the pair used wooden chairs during sex.G1 reports Payet alleges he refused Larissa’s wish to continue their relationship as he prepares to return to France, which would include him paying her expenses.Payet has four children with his wife of nearly 20 years, Ludivine, who remained in France after he joined the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club in 2023. Payet’s lawyer Sheila Lustoza told G1: “It is regrettable that confidential records were leaked, but the case reveals with evidence something that is very clear: a woman exercising her freedom and will, as it should be, contrary to what has been publicly narrated up until now. “The defence is confident that the truth that is proven by documents will demonstrate these facts.”‘I only want justice’Speaking to The Sun on Sunday previously, Larissa went on to say: “I not only want justice but to also help other women who are blindly allowing their partners to abuse them.”Payet spent 18 months with West Ham before Marseille paid £25million for him in January 2017. He then moved to Rio in 2023 after signing for Vasco de Gama.Payet spent 18 months with Premier League side West HamCredit: PA:Press AssociationLarissa wearing bridal gear for ‘ceremony’The footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa over Instagram last August. She claims that Payet used a fake profile. They then started messaging on WhatsApp.Larissa, who knew the star was married, initially flew 1,500 miles from her home in the state of Parana to meet him in Rio’s Windsor Hotel where his team were staying before a match.She said: “He was very sweet and romantic. It was a very intense date and the following day I went to watch him play. He was so attentive and there was lots of hugging and kissing. I thought he seemed like a lovely man.”As the relationship grew, they started staying together for days at a time.Larissa said she stopped dating other people and they acted as a “normal couple”. But in early December Larissa’s pal posted on social media a snap of two match tickets Payet had given them.Larissa claimed Payet became aggressive and screamed at her. She said: “This was the first time I saw this side of him.”Read More on The SunShe alleges that sparked off the abuse.In text messages seen by The Sun, Payet asked for “humiliating” sexual videos of Larissa. WhatsApp messages also show Payet asking for “disgusting acts” to prove her love.Domestic abuse – how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone – including men – and does not always involve physical violence.Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak toThreats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:Remember, you are not alone.1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.Payet and his wife Ludivine, a mum of fourCredit: AFPLarrisa claims Payet made her wear a wedding ring More

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      Ruud van Nistelrooy reveals plan to get Leicester promoted – but he’s only THIRD favourite to be manager next season

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has mapped out his blueprint for getting Leicester City back to the Premier League in the post Jamie Vardy era.Now he wants the green light from the Foxes’ powerbrokers to push ahead with his plans.Ruud van Nistelrooy has outlined his plan for getting Leicester back to the Premier LeagueThe bookies believe Russell Martin and Sean Dyche have better odds of being in charge than Van NistelrooyThe longer the Dutchman remains in limbo, the more speculation intensifies over his future.Ahead of today’s trip to in-form Wolves at Molineux, Van Nistelrooy is the 11/8 favourite to be the next Premier League manager to be axed.Even the bookies believe Russell Martin (11/10) and Sean Dyche (5/4) have better odds of being in charge of Leicester next season than the current boss!Now Van Nistelrooy has urged Foxes chiefs to clear up the uncertainty over his future so he can start building for next season …. or clear his desk!Read More on Football”It’s necessary to find alignment,” he said. “The quicker the better in the best interests for the football club.That’s what I’m urging.”We need to be on the same page.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”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. Ruud van Nistelrooy reveals son’s name was inspired by former Man Utd team-mate who tragically died”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. “There are 60-70 great professionals here who can move the club forward.”But I’m still waiting on that alignment.”Van Nistelrooy has drawn up a list of summer targets and wants to promote youth players such as 15-year-old Jeremy Monga from the Foxes’ Academy.Planning recruitment”It’s my job to plan for recruitment,” he said.”I’m responsible for the footballing part of the football club. I take it very seriously. “I can’t wait because we have to continue to work and prepare. So we’ve been doing that for quite a long time.”I’ve evaluated the current squad and how to move forward, the positions that need reinforced.”Obviously now with Jamie Vardy going that was a big part of those conversations, which as I say, started in February.”I want to involve the academy and build a foundation of homegrown players who can apply the highest standards in football. And play with intensity and character and soul like Jamie always did. Stopping the rot”It’s clear where I stand. But it can only improve when there’s alignment and total clarity on where we’re going. “Until then the work continues.” Van Nistelrooy stopped the rot of nine straight defeats with a draw at Brighton before Leicester lost narrowly to Liverpool last Sunday.He will be without midfielder Stephy Mavididi for the rest of the season after the 26-year-old suffered a muscle injury against Arne Slot’s Reds.Vitor Pereira’s in-form Wolves are on a high after winning their last five matches.Van Nistelrooy said: “Their manager has done an excellent job.”I think they invested well and reinforced their squad in January on top of a good squad. Read More on The Sun”I feel they have already spent a long time in the Premier League. But all credit to their performances since the new manager came in. “They got themselves out of trouble and really far away from the bottom three.” More

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      How to watch Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa for FREE: Streaming and TV info for huge FA Cup semi-final

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      CRYSTAL PALACE and Aston Villa will leave it all on the field TODAY as they face off in a thrilling FA Cup semi-final.Goals from Eberechi Eze, Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah fired the Eagles to a huge win over London rivals Fulham in the previous round.Nketiah scored Palace’s thrid in a rout against FulhamCredit: AlamyMarcus Rashford’s double fired Villa into the semisCredit: RexAnd Palace boss Oliver Glasner will be determined to lead his side to their first FA Cup final since a devastating 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in 2016.But the Eagles go up against a Villa side who have incredible strength in depth and this was demonstrated in their quarter-final Preston drubbing.Furthermore, with Unai Emery’s men losing grip on the top five Premier League race along with getting knocked out of the Champions League, the FA Cup is Villa’s final chance for success.Its perfectly poised to be a sensational game of football this afternoon and fans can watch it for FREE!Read more on FA CupHow to watch Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final for FREECrystal Palace vs Aston Villa is available to watch for FREE on BBC One in the UK as long as you hold a valid TV license.Fans can also stream the entire action for FREE on BBC iPlayer through a compatible mobile device or tablet.The huge FA Cup semi-final kicks off at 5:15pm BST.And whoever goes on to win this match, will face the winner of Nottingham Forest and Manchester City in the final.Most read in FA CupWhat is the prize money for the FA Cup 2024/25?This year’s FA Cup winners will receive a whopping £2million in prize money.While the runners-up take home £1million. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson attends Man Utd event saved by Gary Neville after Sir Jim Ratcliffe axed it in cost-cutting rampage

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON attended an event for the Association of Former Manchester United Players.The charity event had previously been axed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe as part of his drastic cost cutting measures at the club.Sir Alex Ferguson attended the event for the Association of Former Manchester United PlayersThe manager was joined by current player Jonny EvansSir Jim Ratcliffe has previously axed the eventCredit: PAGary Neville fought to save the eventCredit: GettyRed Devils legend Gary Neville saved the day by stepping in to raise money.The retired defender has worked with the club to organise the event, which also honoured ex-striker Andy Cole.All the proceeds from it were donated to the AFMUP, with guests being charged £125 per ticket.One of the highlights of the night was the attendance of legendary manager Sir Alex.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe Scot took the stage for pictures with Neville, Cole and current star Jonny Evans.The snap was shared by Evan’s wife Helen on her Instagram.The Northern Irish defender was part of a panel with Neville and Cole on the stage for a Q&A.In March, Neville questioned Ratcliffe over the decision to cut the funding to the charitable arm.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe fund cost the club £40,000 every year for players who were from the 1960s and 70s.The Sky Sports pundit suggested that the club should put on a dinner and donate the money to former players.I told Rio Ferdinand to tell Sir Alex Ferguson to f*** off and the Man Utd legend’s reaction was pricelessRatcliffe sheepishly admitted that the idea had not been put forward.The AFMUP was set up in 1985 with its main objectives of promoting friendship, support and charitable work.But many of its 300-plus members played in the years before the eye-watering wages of today.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      What is Jean-Philippe Mateta wearing on his head?

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      JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA will be determined to lead Crystal Palace to FA Cup success this season – and he’ll be sporting a new look in the process.The French star had a tough start to his career at the Eagles, often being benched for Odsonne Edouard and Jordan Ayew.Jean-Phillipe Mateta scored a screamer against ArsenalCredit: EPABut four years later, the handful striker has made himself Oliver Glasner’s main focal point and this was rubber stamped by his sensational midweek strike against Arsenal last Wednesday.However, Mateta suffered a slight setback in his progression to becoming Palace’s main man and as a result, the French forward now has to wear something on his head for the foreseeable.SunSport can explain why below.What is Jean Philippe-Mateta wearing on his head?Jean Philippe-Mateta is wearing a water polo-style helmet to protect his ear following a recent horror incident.Read more on MatetaThe Crystal Palace striker was taken to hospital after being on the receiving end of a sickening tackle in the last round of the FA Cup against Millwall.Liam Roberts was hit with a six-match ban after his horror tackle on MatetaMillwall keeper Liam Roberts karate-kicked Mateta and was handed a SIX-match ban for what Palace chairman Steve Parish described as ‘the most reckless challenge he’s ever seen’.Mateta required 25 stitches in his ear and was missed several games for the Eagles.On his return to action Mateta wore a water polo-style helmet to protect his ear and helped Palace to a 3-0 win at Craven Cottage.Most read in FootballThere was serious planning to put into the helmet’s design, with three versions considered.What has been said?Mateta first wore the helmet in a behind-closed-doors friendly, with Eagles boss Oliver Glasner joking afterwards that the helmet was better suited to water polo.He said: “It’s like a water polo helmet. In water polo it’s so they don’t get water into their ears, he has it just on one side. It sounds crazy, but we are used to it.“I said to him maybe you should try [water polo] because he’s tall enough.”It looks a bit strange but he says he feels comfortable so let’s see.“When he scores a header, then it was the right mask and the right protection.“Our doctor and the team did a great job finding the right protection. Everything is approved by the FA.“There were three different ones. He tried one like you use to ride a motorbike but he couldn’t train with this because it was too heavy.“I said to the doctor I remember Petr Cech wearing a helmet but the ear was free so we needed the full helmet. Then we found the right one.“He tried in training which one fits him best and doesn’t influence him in the wrong way.“If I believed it was a problem, I wouldn’t play him but it looks like it isn’t a problem.“The last 10 days he’s had this protection and he did well in training so I didn’t find a reason to talk about this.”Read More on The SunFans will get to see Mateta’s protective head gear when the Eagles take on Aston Villa in a huge FA Cup semi-final.When is Crystal Palace’s FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa?Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa will take place on Saturday, April 26.The huge FA Cup semi-final encounter gets underway from 5:15pm BST.Fans in the UK can watch it for free on BBC One or stream it live on BBC iPlayer.Alternatively, you can keep up with the entire action through our live blog. More

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      Jude Bellingham hailed as new Zidane by Premier League cult hero with star ‘easily’ comparable to Real Madrid legend

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has been compared to Zinedine Zidane and told he could end his career as a Real Madrid great.The England superstar will try to guide Madrid to Copa del Rey glory today when they face Barcelona in the final in Seville.Jude Bellingham’s fiery side has been praisedCredit: GettyHe has been tipped to become a Real Madrid great like Zinedine ZidaneCredit: GettyFrederic Kanoute believes Bellingham can hit Zidane’s levelsCredit: JAMES RUDLANDBellingham, 21, did the LaLiga and Champions League double in his first season at the Bernabeu.And Frederic Kanoute – who spent seven seasons in LaLiga with Sevilla – reckons there are similarities with the West Midlander and France’s World Cup winner.Not just in terms of their incredible talents but the fact Bellingham also plays on the edge and seems to be one second away from a rough tackle or moment of dissent.Kanoute, a former striker for West Ham and Tottenham, told SunSport: “It would be very easy for me to compare him to Zinedine Zidane.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He’s a fan himself. He took his number five and plays for the same club. And he has a little bit of an edge as well.“Right now, it’s not a full comparison. Zidane has proven everything in football and is one of the greatest in history. But I think it’s a good benchmark for him to have. “I played against Zidane. The ease that he had to go past his opponents effortlessly, and with class and elegance.“At the same time, this strength of character that he had, and a winning mentality, it was the full package.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBellingham, who moved to Spain from Borussia Dortmund for £88.5million in the summer of 2023, has scored three goals in five El Clasicos.Yet he does have to curb his temperament and was sent off in a 1-1 draw at Osasuna in February – and then served a two-game ban for swearing at the referee.New footage ‘shows Jude Bellingham in tense standoff with Ancelotti’ as Real Madrid boss ‘mortally wounded’ by Arsenal Kanoute has no issues with that, however, and he said: “In any sport, you need to have a little bit of that edge.“Obviously you need to channel it and he’s still very young. I think he’ll learn how to channel it, not to cross that line.“But I think you can see all the top players, they have something as they are always competitive.“It’s definitely something that can be turned into a positive.“Jude has raised the standard in LaLiga. It only happens a few times that English players go and play in LaLiga.“His adaptation is quite impressive, especially in Real Madrid, where the pressure is huge.“What strikes me with him is the extreme level of confidence he has, and he has had a very positive impact on the team.“One of his most positive assets of his game is his mental strength. He’s a leader. A natural leader.Read More on The Sun“He has all the ingredients to become one of the greats in England and at international level.”++ Kanoute was speaking as La Liga and Bloomsbury Football opened the Harris Academy in St John’s Wood, London. This partnership supports youth football in the UK and ensures players from all backgrounds in London have access to the game. More