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      Man Utd 2-1 Rangers LIVE RESULT: Fernandes’ stunning finish secures late win for hosts as Red Devils close in on last 16

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have beaten Rangers 2-1 to put them within touching distance of the last 16 of the Europa League.Matthijs de Ligt thought he broke the deadlock with a header from a corner, but he was adjudged to have committed a foul in the build-up.In the second half, United did get the advantage after former Red Devil Jack Butland misjudged a Christian Eriksen corner and punched the ball into his own net.Cyriel Dessers’ outstanding touch and finish in the 88th minute looked to have secured the Scottish giants a point, but Man Utd skipper Bruno Fernandes stepped up in stoppage time to take the spoils with a stunning strike.Man Utd’s fate is in their own hands as they travel to Bucharest to face eighth-placed FCSB in their final league phase match next Thursday.Match result: Man Utd 2-1 RangersMan Utd team: Bayindir, De Ligt, Yoro, Martinez, Dalot, Amad, Collyer, Eriksen, Fernandes, Zirkzee, GarnachoRangers team: Butland, Tavernier, Propper, Balogun, Jefte, Barron, Raskin, Ridvan, Bajrami, Cerny, IgamaneCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Boss relieved with late victorySince taking over at Man Utd, more often than not, Ruben Amorim has had to face some awkward questions in his post-match media duties.You could see a much more upbeat manager this evening as he gave his opinions on tonight’s win.Amorim seems a passionate person, who speaks his mind, but in the heat of the moment his recent comments about his team have got him into some hot water.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedRangers facing difficult progressDefeat this evening has given the visitors the realisation that they are likely to be involved in the two-legged play-offs if they want to progress to the last 16.They need a lot of results to go their way on the final matchday to stand any chance of sneaking into the top eight.Their final match will be in front of their own fans as they take on Union Saint-Gilloise next week.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedRed Devils joy over narrow winYou could see from the players’ reactions at the full-time whistle that there was a real relief to win in front of their own fans tonight.Many of them have experienced the boos and negativity of walking off the pitch after a home defeat.Amorim will be hoping that his side gain a hunger for this feeling that can see them turn their fortunes around.Credit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChance to get back on trackThe upcoming fixtures for Man Utd suggest an opportunity to put a run of wins together to take pressure off the team and their manager.On paper, these are all very winnable games.The Red Devils need to take the positives from this win tonight and use the confidence the late winner gave them as a springboard for the remainder of the campaign.Copy linkCopiedTime seems to be up for starHaving not played for Man Utd since December. many are wondering where Marcus Rashford’s future lies.The fact that he was not even included in the matchday squad gives a big indicator that it seems the club want to move him on.With only a small window to get deals done in January, it remains to be seen if they can find him a new club in that time.If not, they have quite the dilemma on their hands how they deal with the situation for the remainder of the season.Copy linkCopiedFrenchman with mixed feelings on resultSpeaking with BT Sport, the Rangers manager fronted up the media after their last-gasp defeat at Old Trafford:Very mixed feelings with me and in the dressing room. I am gutted that we lose as you play games to win. We wanted to do something special here and we came close to doing that. I am pleased with the way the team performed and they stuck to the tactics but I am very disappointed with the result as I felt we deserved the draw. I cannot ask more of my players in what they give today.Philippe ClementRangersCopy linkCopiedFans left wondering about Garnacho futureComing into this game, much of the talk around Man Utd was the Chelsea interest in signing Alejandro Garnacho.Rumours are circulating that the club would consider selling the 20-year-old if their valuation was met.The Argentine seemed to have a hunger and work rate that has been missing all too often in his performances this evening.Who would have thought, the only motivation he needed was to tell him that his Chelsea move depended on it.Copy linkCopiedBoss gives thoughts on winSpeaking with BT Sport after the game, Ruben Amorim gave his view on tonight’s win:I think we did well. We played better with the ball. I think we start well but then we lost control of the game. We are not playing our best, we are far from that but we improved from the last game. The connections, the movement we did well in these moments. We need to be more clinical as that can help us a lot. We are improving but not a perfect performance. Ruben AmorimMan UtdCopy linkCopiedTime to play for the badge, not the wageWhile some things certainly went their way this evening, Man Utd need to use this as something to build on.They dug deep after the setback of conceding late on and grabbed a winner to show some fighting spirit.It is time for the players now to put in maximum effort in every game and try to make things easier for their manager as he looks to rebuild this team.Copy linkCopiedRed Devils get out of jail with late goalMore questions would have been asked of this team if they were to have to settle for a draw this evening.They had been gifted a goal by Butland to take the lead and from that point looked confortable in the game.Some poor defending by Maguire allowed the visitors to score an equaliser late on.However, Fernandes grabbed an added-time winner as Old Trafford erupted.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Ken Lawrence at Old TraffordHardly a convincing win for United but right now Ruben Amorim will take anything. Especially when he gets a victory courtesy of a brilliant extra time winner like skipper Bruno Fernandes came up with.Beat FCSB in Bucharest next Thursday and United will finish in the Europa League’s top eight.Not a bad night for Ruben in the end at all….Copy linkCopiedFT: Man Utd 2-1 RangersThat will be a bitter pill to swallow for Rangers.Butland’s blunder proves to be costly for Clement’s side.Man Utd grab a late winner as their captain steps up for the Red Devils.Copy linkCopiedFT: Man Utd 2-1 RangersThe referee brings the game to a close.Fernandes’ strike has secured three points for Man Utd.A rare win at Old Trafford for Ruben Amorim’s side.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Rangers90+4. That will really hurt the visitors.They had worked so hard to get back into this game.However, they do say you are most vulnerable to concede just after scoring yourselves.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Rangers90+2. Old Trafford erupts as the ball hits the back of the net.The Rangers’ defence switches off and as a ball is swung into the box, Fernandes ghosts in at the back post.He drills his shot past Butland to seemingly win the game for the hosts.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-1 Rangers90. What a goal by Dessers for Rangers.Maguire makes a hash of the high ball as he completely misses it.Dessers takes it out of the air with his first touch and drills it into the far corner with his second.He has silenced Old Trafford with that strike.We are going to have five added minutes.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedGoal – Cyriel Dessers (Rangers)Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 Rangers88. The referee has made some very questionable decisions tonight.Dessers seemed to be fouled by Malacia out wide but the referee waves play on.Garnacho picks the ball up, cuts inside onto his right foot and looks to bend one into the far corner.Butland gets down well to beat the effort away.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 Rangers86. This could be an exciting end to the game with such a slender lead for Man Utd.In reality it should be all about game management for the hosts now.That is in a perfect world, they have not looked capable of that for some time.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 Rangers84. Time is running out for the visitors.A clipped ball over the defence see Dessers run onto it.He tries to flick it over the advancing Bayindir but it drops wide of the post.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 Rangers82. Man Utd have another chance to cause problems.The free-kick is swung in from out wide and Ugarte gets a diving header away.Butland reacts well to parry it behind for a corner.Looking at the replay, the Red Devils’ midfielder to direct it straight at the keeper.Zirkzee is replaced by Hojlund for the hosts.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 Rangers 80. If they cannot find a way back into this game, Rangers will feel hard done by tonight.Aside from the Butland error, there has been little between the two teams.On the balance of play, a draw would be a fair result.Amorim will be hoping his team can use this piece of luck as a platform to build on.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 Rangers78. Amad has a good chance to test Butland.The ball drops to him on the volley on the back post.He slices his effort well wide of the target.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 1-0 Rangers76. Rangers play a pass in behind the Man Utd defence.Dessers beats Maguire to it, his pace is an issue for the defender.However, he manages to shepherd it out for a goal kick although the visitors’ forward felt he was being fouled.The referee did not agree.Copy linkCopied More

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      Man Utd 2 Rangers 1: Fernandes bails out his team-mates again with dramatic last-gasp winner to all-but clinch top-8

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      BRUNO FERNANDES saved Harry Maguire’s blushes and got Manchester United out of jail on a night of Euro cock-ups.The United captain popped up with a dramatic stoppage-time volley to seal three priceless points just when Maguire’s blunder looked to have gifted Rangers a draw.Bruno Fernandes wheels away after scoring Utd’s winnerCredit: ReutersFernandes spared Harry Maguire’s blushesCredit: GettyJack Butland gifted Man Utd their opener by punching the ball into his own netCredit: GettyThe keeper misjudged and punched the ball into the back of his own netCredit: GettyA Harry Maguire error allowed Cyriel Dessers to scoreCredit: PAAnd that came after an even worse one from keeper Jack Butland had put Ruben Amorim’s men on the way to an all-too-rare triumph in front of their own fans.Talk about madness and mayhem. Even for Old Trafford’s astonishing standards this was something else.Keeper Butland – a boyhood United fan – punching one into his own net for the oepener.Then Maguire getting hopelessly lost under James Tavernier’s hopeful punt with two minutes left and Cyriel Dessers looking to have sealed a draw.And then, with everyone gasping for breath, Lisandro Martinez picking out United skipper Fernandes at the far post to deliver the final and finishing kick in the guts.Football, bloody hell, as one famous knight of the realm once said in these parts.And no-one was left cursing more than Gers keeper Butland, who spent his childhood dreaming of being the hero who helped United to a famous European triumph.Not like this, though. Because it was the Rangers keeper who punched a Christian Eriksen corner into his own net for the killer opener.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd to think the world used to make cracks about Scottish goalkeepers! Well this clanger-dropper hails from Bristol and any international ambitions are England ones.Not that they will exactly be forthcoming with blunders like the 52nd-minute one here, with both sides stuttering their way to a dismal and dreary draw.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer destroys La Liga giants in first game with Besiktas as Man Utd fans work out exactly how he did itThen up stepped Eriksen to whip a corner in from the left, not even one that was threatening to curl into the Rangers goal, either.Instead a melee of bodies rose to meet it – none higher than Butland’s outstretched right paw.Yet when he made contact – and there was nothing really in his way to stop good, clean contact either – but instead of punching to safety, it flew backwards and into his own net.Rangers stood to a man, arms out in an appeal for what no one could really tell. Surely there had to be something, though. The keeper couldn’t have scored it could he?Well actually yes he could. It was a comedy of errors, true, but it was also cruel for a man who spent six months on loan here two years ago and never got off the bench.Especially after working so hard to be fit for Old Trafford when a six-game absence with a severe dead leg and internal bleed had made it touch and go.Butland probably wishes he’d fallen short in that fitness scrap now…although there was something quite fitting in the fact it took a cock-up to break the deadlock.Because there were precious little moments when we looked like doing so in any other way last night.Battle of Britain? Well if so it was one fought with handbags rather than heavy artillery.Two one-time European giants but now second rate team going at it in a second-rate competition. With a second-rate skill level.Yes, there were some high spots, but pulses rarely raised too high. Alejandro Garnacho – possibly a man on his way out this month to raise funds – was responsible for some of them.Most notably with a thundering drive destined for the top corner before striking Nicolas Raskin and flying over.If that had United cursing their ill fortune, it was nothing compared to the ones aimed at referee Erik Lambrechts when they put the ball in the net from the resulting delivery.De Ligt certainly did nothing wrong when he rose to power Amad Diallo’s corner past Buckland midway through the half and it was deadlock broke at last. So we thought.In reality, though, the Belgian official had ruled it out for the faintest of touches from Leny Yoro on Robin Propper.To be fair there probably was some contact. Yet certainly nothing like as much as the Rangers midfielder made in rolling around like a turtle on its back.A Propper con job some would call it. A proper kick in the guts United most definitely did. Nothing like the one which put them on their backs for real though with seconds left.Utd players celebrate after taking a 1-0 lead in the clashCredit: ReutersTavernier’s downfield punt was nothing more than that – one hopeful hail Mary in search of salvation.It came when Maguire shimmied and stumbled, Dessers darted and delivered and United were left appealing in vain for an offside flag which never came.Neither would the points, so it seemed. Not any more. Those days of Fergie time and heroic late rescue acts have long gone, of course.Only no they haven’t. Maybe Ruben Amorim does have that magic touch some fans are convinced he possesses after all.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor after one more dramatic dink into the box from Argentine warrior Martinez, there was Brilliant Bruno, in behind everyone to slam it home.Rangers on their backs again…and this time no picking themselves up.Man Utd ratings: Bruno Fernandes captain fantastic in last-gasp win but Harry Maguire asleep in dreadful cameoMANCHESTER UNITED all but sealed automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to a last-gasp win over Rangers.The Red Devils welcomed the Scottish giants to Old Trafford in the penultimate group match of their European campaign on Thursday night.And they took a giant step towards a top-eight finish thanks to a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.A calamitous own second-half goal from Gers stopper Jack Butland broke the deadlock.Cyriel Dessers thought he’d rescued a point for the visitors in the 88th minute before Bruno Fernandes broke the hearts of the travelling Teddy Bears four minutes later.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence was in attendance for the Battle of Britain and is on hand to rate and slate the performances of Ruben Amorim’s side.Altay Bayindir – 7The Turk is a better keeper than No 1 Andre Onana, especially dealing with corners.Took a sore one colliding with Toby Collyer showing exactly that.Leny Yoro – 5The £52m central defender was deployed on the right side of Rubin Amorim’s three-man rearguard.Youngster was shaky at times but looked better when he had the ball.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Terrible early touch stranded Toby Collyer – Nicolas Raskin’s even worse touch let him off the hook.Hooked at the break – no surprise there, although Amorim said afterwards that he “felt something”.Lisandro Martinez – 5Once known as The Butcher of Amsterdam but he’s long lost that scary presence.Another one who doesn’t look happy in the new system.Amad Diallo – 7Looks a bit different these days since his tough time on loan at Rangers three years ago.Not on wonder-boy form this time but still a threat.Toby Collyer – 6Made his first appearance on a European stage and the boy done good.The 21 year old is a very decent emerging midfielder.Christian Eriksen – 6Turns 33 next month and his legs aren’t really up to playing in centre midfield.He’s always been a creator anyway but he dug in.Diogo Dalot – 5Started out on his wrong foot as a left wing back.Switched midway through the second half and looked far more comfortable.Bruno Fernandes – 9You wonder if he drives himself as mad as he must do his manager at times. But scored a fantastic winner.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Ruben. He’s NOT a centre-forward.Whatever £36m bought, it wasn’t a natural striker and it’s unfair to be playing him up there on his own.Alejandro Garnacho – 8Busy and focused – didn’t look like any talk of being sold to Chelsea was bothering him.On this sparkling evidence United would be mad to let him go anywhere.SUBSMaguire (for De Ligt 46) 3 Totally asleep for Rangers’ equaliser.Malacia (for Yoro 56) 5 : Looking happier now injury worries overUgarte (for Collyer 73) 5 : Put in a solid short spell.Mainoo (Eriksen 73) 5 : Added strength and mobility.Hojlund (for Zirkzee 82) 5 : Ran about a bit – he’s good at that. More

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      Shock moment Rangers and Man Utd hooligans clash and throw bottles at each other as police battle to restore order

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      THIS is the shocking moment Man Utd and Rangers fans clashed in Manchester ahead of tonight’s huge European clash. Both clubs are facing off for the first time since November 2010 and this game had all the makings to be a Europa League classic at Old Trafford. Chaos unfolded in the streets of ManchesterBoth sets of fans clashed in violent encountersCops attempting to break up the violenceRangers and Man Utd were both placed in the top eight of the league phase before the game got underway, with Gers in eighth and the Red Devils one spot ahead. And given the rich history shared between both British heavyweights, it was always going to be a fiery affair. That was clear to see even before kick off as both sets of fans appeared to go head-to-head in violent encounters in the streets in the lead up to the game. Videos show a large number of supporters seemingly clashing with each other while being surrounded by a heavy police presence. Several clips, which have been widely shared on social media, even appear to show some fans launching bottles and other missiles at each other from opposite sides of the road. The incidents occurred on Great Ancoats Street – four miles from Old Trafford – with cops on scene and arrests were made. Rangers fans were actually warned not to travel down south amid the fears over Storm Eowyn. The Met Office issued red warnings nationwide, with 100mph winds expected up and down the UK over the next 24 hours. Most read in Europa LeagueMany supporters will be left in limbo tomorrow when trying to get up the road as public transport will be seriously affected by the weather. But those who made the trip will hope it’s worthwhile in the end and Philippe Clement’s men manage to pull off a shock win at Old Trafford. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      I’m a football fan – I’ve spent £5,000 building a six-seater stand in my garden to watch my favourite team

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      FOOTIE fan Ian Nutter built a £5,000 six-seater stand in his back garden to watch his favourite team over the fence — even though tickets are £7.Ian, 64, launched the six-week project when he saw a grandson straining to get a better view of Barnoldswick Town in action.Ian Nutter built a £5,000 six-seater stand in his back garden to watch his favourite team over the fenceCredit: Mark Tattersall Commissioned by The SunIan went viral during Barnoldswick Town’s 4-1 defeat to Bury, pictured in front of his homemade standCredit: Mark Tattersall Commissioned by The SunHe said: “There’s a 12ft drop [over the fence] so I decided to build a structure where he could watch safely.”Ian has a bit of experience — he owns an architectural metalwork company whose customers have included Manchester United.He went on: “I started off by just building a platform but then I put my engineering head on. It’s got a steel sub-frame, wooden deck floor, panelled sides, a roof and toughened glass on the front.”And he and his family can now watch North West Counties League Premier Division games from seats he sourced from Burnley FC when the Championship club had an upgrade.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIan added: “Most people don’t see me sat there but some of the away supporters sometimes look at me in bewilderment. It’s a great position to watch football.”The fan, whose company until recently sponsored one Barnoldswick FC’s stands, asked the club’s chairman before building the stand.This week a photograph of Ian sitting in his stand during Town’s 4-1 defeat to Bury went viral.Fan Mat Anderson posted: “Welcome to non-league football. Bloke with his own stand in his back garden at Barnoldswick.”Most read in FootballBarnoldswick Town currently sit 15th in the North West Counties League Premier Division, where admission to home games is £7 and a season ticket costs £90.Ian and his company Metalcraft Engineering have experience helping build football stadiums, with his firm previously working on Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground and will soon begin installing architectural metalwork at Everton’s new £800m stadium.tunning apartment inside Arsenal’s former Highbury stadium listed up for sale with sleek kitchen and nod to former gloryIan’s view of the pitchCredit: Mark Tattersall Commissioned by The Sun More

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      ‘Joke of a club’ rant Man Utd fans as 100s of Rangers fans swarm into home end for Battle of Britain Europa League clash

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      FANS have brandished Manchester United as a “joke of a club” after hundreds of Rangers supporters swarmed the home end.The two clubs faced off in a Battle of Britain Europa League clash at Old Trafford which the hosts edged to a 2-1 victory.Rangers fans managed to get into the home sections at Old TraffordCredit: GettyHundreds were singing in the concourse of the stadiumCredit: xMan United fans were left fuming on social mediaCredit: xFootage emerged on social media of Rangers fans chanting for their team in the home sections of the stadium’s concourse.One clip showed Red Devils fans trying to get past a large group of away supporters singing together.Fans have reacted furiously on social media at Man United for allowing the error to happen.One posted: “Rangers Fans in Man United sections. F*****g pathetic from the club.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA second wrote: “This is what you call home invasion.”A third commented: “Man United is just crumbling day by day.”A fourth said: “Such a joke of a club.”Another added: “It never ends with this institution.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJack Butland started the match for Rangers on his return to Old Trafford.It was his first appearance since being hospitalised for a “serious internal bleed” earlier this month.Man Utd player ratings: Bruno Fernandes captain fantastic in last-gasp win but Harry Maguire asleep in dreadful cameoMarcus Rashford watched the game from the stands as he continues to be left out the squad by manager Ruben Amorim.An own-goal from Butland gave the hosts the lead in the second half as he punched the ball into his own net.Cyriel Dessers fired in a brilliant equaliser, which looked to have earned Rangers a well-fought point.However, Bruno Fernandes scored a dramatic winner to hand a crucial three points to Amorim’s side.Meanwhile, the club has also admitted that it is at risk of breaching PSR rules.Man United penned a shock letter to fan groups and insisted on cost-cutting, which could lead to ticket prices increasing.United at risk of breaching PSRHere is the letter sent to fan groups admitting that Manchester United is at risk of breaching PSR…“As previously communicated, we are, however, currently making a significant loss each year – totalling over £300 million in the past three years.”This is not sustainable and if we do not act now we are in danger of failing to comply with PSR/FFP [financial fair play] requirements in future years and significantly impacting our ability to compete on the pitch.“We will get back to a cash positive position as soon as possible and we will have to make some difficult choices to get there.”That has included a significant reduction to our workforce as well as cuts across many areas of spend across our club.“None of this has been easy, but we believe it is essential to restoring financial sustainability to the club which will underpin us as we work to get back to the top of English and European football.“We do not expect fans to make up all the current shortfall – but we do need to look at our ticketing strategy to ensure we are charging the right amount, and offering the right discounts, across our products for our fans.” More

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      Jack Butland in Rangers XI to face ex-club Man Utd for first time since being hospitalised with ‘serious internal bleed’

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      JACK BUTLAND returned to the Rangers line-up to face his former club Manchester United for the first time since suffering an internal bleed.The goalkeeper has spent the last few weeks on the sidelines and has missed the last six games.Jack Butland returned to start against Man Utd after weeks out injuredCredit: GettyButland played with some medical covering on his thighCredit: GettyBut he returned to play for Rangers for their trip to Old Trafford – but was on the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat.Butland was also at fault for United’s opener when he punched the ball into his own net.It is the first time Butland has played against United since leaving the club in 2023.Butland, 31, was rushed to hospital on New Year’s Day after suffering an internal bleed in his thigh.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was kept in overnight for observation before being released the next day.The keeper returned to training last week wearing protective padding on his right thigh.The Rangers doctor kept a close eye on him during his warm up but there didn’t seem to be any causes for concern.He was then passed fit to play at Old Trafford with Rangers bidding to qualify from the first phase of the Europa League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Scottish side began the day just inside the automatic qualification spots but a win for Tottenham and FCSB, and their own defeat, meant they dropped out.Man Utd are still yet to lose in the competition this season.Why Glazers ‘feared a mutiny from Man Utd stars’ as reason club never visits US city on pre-season tour revealed Last time out in Europe Rangers drew 2-2 at home with Tottenham. More

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      ‘Ref has forgotten about VAR!’ says Hoddle as penalty against Spurs overturned seconds before kick in bizarre scenes

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      GLENN HODDLE says the referee “forgot about VAR” before he overturned a penalty in Tottenham’s Europa League clash against Hoffenheim.Morten Krogh awarded the Germans a 64th minute spot-kick after he deemed Spurs stopper Brandon Austin to have fouled Max Moerstedt.Spurs stopper Brandon Austin was judged to have fouled Hoffenheim’s Max Moerstedt in their Europa League clashCredit: REUTERSReplays showed the keeper touched the ball before he made contact with MoerstedtCredit: APReferee Morten Krogh initially didn’t consult with VAR but eventually overturned the penaltyCredit: REXHoffenheim hitman Andrej Kramaric was all lined up to take the pen before VAR told the ref to review the incidentSpurs legend Glenn Hoddle claimed the referee had forgotten about VAR prior to overturning the spotkickCredit: GETTYThe Danish official gave a pen as he judged Austin to have struck Moerstedt in the face as he tried to intercept Kevin Akpoguma’s deflected cross.Hoffenheim hitman Andrej Kramaric was all set to take the resulting spot kick until the VAR instructed Krogh to review the incident on the monitor.That prompted TNT Sports pundit and Spurs legend Hoddle to say: “As the ball springs over the top Brandon Austin has the right to dive, there’s contact.”But I’m not sure what the goalkeeper is supposed to do. I think it’s a 50-50.”READ MORE ON SPURSHe continued: “The referee has forgot about VAR for a moment.”Brandon Austin just gets a little touch on it, which might be his saving grace.”After seeing Austin touched the ball before his hand hit Moerstedt, Krogh reversed his decision and the booking he dished out.Hoddle said of the call: “I think that’s the right decision. Plus he doesn’t get the booking. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTottenham ended up running out 3-2 winners over the German outfitCredit: REX”The booking’s been taken off Austin as well.”A relieved Austin tried to shake hands with the ref after the decision was overturned.Ange Postecoglou’s press conference interrupted by coughing fit amid Tottenham crisis But he was snubbed by the official, much to the enjoyment of Hoddle.He said: “He thought he was gonna shake his hands there.”The referee went for the ball and he went to shake hands for the referee.”Tottenham narrowly escaped the PreZero Arena with all three points, running out 3-2 winners in their penultimate group match. More

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      Hoffenheim 2 Tottenham 3: Spurs take giant step to avoiding dreaded play-off but leave fans biting their nails at end

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU began his big week well enough, thanks to an explosive start and a rocket from skipper Son Heung-min.Despite being woken up at 2am by fireworks let off outside their hotel by cheeky home fans, Spurs raced into a two-goal lead through James Maddison and Son.James Maddison opened the scoring for SpursCredit: ReutersMaddison has been in and out of the side in recent weeksCredit: ReutersSon Heung-min netted the second goal of the matchCredit: EPAAnton Stach grabbed one back for the hosts in the second halfCredit: GettyThe spark started to fizzle out though with hosts Hoffenheim missing a number of big chances, and having a penalty overturned, before netting through Anton Stach.At that point you feared another collapse from confidence-sapped Spurs.But then up stepped Son to crash home a blistering drive into the far corner.Sub David Mokwa did ensure a nervy finish with a late header but the visitors hung on.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt put Tottenham, who were missing FOURTEEN players through injury and ineligibility, on the brink of automatic qualification for the knockouts.A point at home to Swedish side Elfsborg should be enough to secure a top-eight spot and avoid a pesky play-off in February.But more importantly it kicked off a pivotal seven days for under-pressure Postecoglou, whose injury-hit side have slumped to 15th in the league and are pinning all their hopes on the cups.Spurs were so short of players that they only named eight out of a possible 12 subs, including two goalkeepers and six teenagers.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThey were 1-0 up inside two minutes when Maddison cleverly controlled Pedro Porro’s high ball with one touch and dispatched in past keeper Oliver Baumann with the other.Son, Porro and Richarlison, making just his second start this term due to his own personal injury woe, went close with shots.Ange Postecoglou’s press conference interrupted by coughing fit amid Tottenham crisis Son grabbed his second of the night in the second halfCredit: GettyDavid Mokwa scored late on for HoffenheimCredit: GettyThen on 22 minutes, the former doubled the lead to give Spurs some breathing room.Once again Maddison was involved, clipping a ball through which Son controlled on his chest, just about, before firing a shot which looped up off Pavel Kaderbek and bounced into the net.It was the most comfortable Tottenham had looked in ages as they bossed the opening 25 minutes – though Hoffenheim were poor.But this would not be Spurs this season without some jeopardy and they were lucky when their hosts squandered three good chances before the break.Two fell to striker Max Moerstedt but he could not beat Europa League debutant Brandon Austin, who also saved well from Bayern Munich-bound Tom Bischof.The hosts piled on the pressure after the break, with ex-Leicester man Andrej Kramaric heading onto the crossbar.Veteran Kramaric then thought he was about to take a penalty after one was given when Austin appeared to clatter Moerstedt with his fist when trying to punch away a cross.But as the Croat waited to take the spot-kick, ref Morten Krogh was called to his touchline monitor to have a second look – and found that Austin had made contact with the ball first.Hoffenheim shook off the disappointment and within minutes did have a goal back as Stach turned home David Jurasek’s cross.Son looked to have killed it off with a vintage strike, going round Kevin Akpoguma with a drop of the shoulder and belting the ball into the far corner.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut nothing is coming easy for Spurs right now.And when Mokwa headed home with two minutes to go, it was a matter of hanging on, which they just about did, much to Postecoglou’s relief. More