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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez shares pic of enormous sparkler on ring finger amid marriage rumours

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez has shared a picture of a stunning ring amid marriage talk surrounding the couple.Ronaldo and Georgina have been together since 2016 and have two daughters together, Alana, seven, and Bella, two, while she is also the stepmother of the Al-Nassr star’s other three kids.Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez shared a stunning ring to her Instagram pageCredit: instagram @georginagioThe couple have been dating since 2016 and have two children togetherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/?hl=enRonaldo has previously referred to Georgina as his ‘wife’ but the couple are not marriedCredit: GettyBut taking to Instagram, where she has just shy of 66 million followers, she showed off a rectangular, translucent stone.She captioned the picture with the words: “And keep evil away from us, Amen,” in Arabic, while the 31-year-old also appears to have the same line tattooed on her.Despite the glamorous ring on her finger, Georgina and Ronaldo are not officially married.Former Real Madrid and Manchester United star Ronaldo, 40, has previously appeared to hint that the couple are hitched.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAt the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai in December, he said: “‘It’s a big pleasure to win this trophy. My oldest son is here, my wife [Georgina] is here.”Meanwhile, during a game of Mr and Mrs on his YouTube channel, Ronaldo also referenced Georgina by the same title.Indeed, on her reality TV Show, I Am Georgina, the 31-year-old revealed how her friends often tease her about her and Ronaldo’s relationship status.She said: “They’re always joking about the wedding. ‘When is the wedding?’ Most read in Football”Since Jennifer Lopez’s song ‘The Ring Or When’ came out, they started singing it to me. And well, this is not up to me.”However, officially they remain long-term partners rather than husband and wife.Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he is a playable character in new Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves game Speaking in March, Ronaldo revealed the reason why he and Georgina have not officially tied the knot, though admitted he is sure it will happen eventually.He told Netflix: “I always tell her, ‘when we get that click.’ Like everything with our life, and she knows what I’m talking about.”It could be in a year or it could be in six months or it could be in a month. I’m 1,000 per cent sure that it’ll happen.”Ronaldo and Georgina have both been busy pursuing business ventures away from the pitch.Georgina headed to Paris Fashion Week in March as she stepped out for the Ludovic de Saint Sernin Fall RTW 2025 fashion show.Meanwhile, Ronaldo bizarrely revealed himself to be in a new street fighter style fighting game, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.Inside the glamorous world of Georgina Rodriguez…Georgina lives a life to be enviedCredit: InstagramThe stunning partner of Cristiano Ronaldo offers insights into her world using her social channelsCredit: instagram @georginagioShe has over 65 million followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramShe met Ronaldo whilst working as a shop girl at DiorCredit: The Mega AgencyShe is now the mother to his five children, two of which Georgina is the maternal motherCredit: EPAGeorgina now resides in Saudi Arabia follower her partner’s move to the countryCredit: Georgina Rodriguez/instagramGeorgina loves luxury holidays and can often be seen on mega yachtsCredit: Instagram @georginagioBoats are a big love of hersCredit: Refer to CaptionShe travels almost exclusively by private jetCredit: Georgina RodríguezThe Argentine beauty is a regularly at the Venice film festival where she can be seen turning headsCredit: GettyGeorgina is loved by fashion magazines for her sense of styleCredit: AlamyShe models for a range of companiesCredit: georginagio/InstagramRodríguez has modelled for PrettyLittleThing lingerieCredit: InstagramGeorgina’s love of travel is something she regularly shares on her social channels, including this trip to IbizaCredit: Instagram, @georginagio More

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      Bruno Fernandes takes out Man Utd employee who was made redundant by Sir Jim Ratcliffe for lunch

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      CLASSY Bruno Fernandes has been spotted taking an ex-Manchester United employee out for lunch.Former communications officer, John Allen, was made by redundant last summer amid a brutal wave of job cuts that saw 250 people lose their jobs.Bruno Fernandes was seen going out for lunch with John Allen, Man Utd’s former press officerCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe duo headed to Juniper in Wilmslow on Monday afternoonCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAllen, who worked at the club for 25 years, was one of 250 staff made redundant during last summer’s brutal 250 job cutsCredit: SuppliedSir Jim Ratcliffe has been wielding the axe since arriving at Old Trafford as the part-owner makes swinging cuts to the club’s budget. Despite being forced out, Allen has not lost contact with senior figures at the club, as shown by him joining Red Devils captain Fernandes for lunch.The pair were seen heading to Juniper in Wilmslow, a hotspot for Man Utd players to enjoy a spot of lunch.Allen had worked at Man Utd for 25 years, starting in the ticket office before moving into the media department in 2011, before he lost his job under Ratcliffe’s Ineos regime.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPaying tribute to his two-and-a-half decades of service at Old Trafford in September, then manager Erik ten Hag presented a special Man Utd shirt with the No25 to him during Allen’s final press conference.Ten Hag, himself sacked by Man Utd a month later, said in a speech: “John, 25 years is a very long time. You are proud of this club and proud that you worked here. “You feel so connected with this club. It is a difficult moment to say goodbye.“I know you as a good colleague and a very good support for me.Most read in Football“I wish you all the best for what is coming, it will be great for you because you are so competent.“I wish you all the best in your work but also for your family, too.”’As a player yeah but…’ – Luke Littler forces Roy Keane to agree on Bruno Fernandes but Man Utd legend still makes digSunSport’s Neil Custis wrote at the time: “The regular United press pack also gave him a present. It all had the air of a happy retirement but it wasn’t, this bloke was getting the shove and he didn’t want to go.”Pausing to hold back the tears, John said: “It has been the biggest honour coming from Manchester to work with all these managers.“This is my club and to be able to do this, I am very lucky.”In February of this year, months after the first round of cuts, it was confirmed by the club that as many as 200 more jobs would be lost.A club statement said: “Manchester United is to transform its corporate structure as part of a series of additional measures to improve the club’s financial sustainability and enhance operational efficiency.”The transformation plan aims to return the club to profitability after five consecutive years of losses since 2019.”This will create a more solid financial platform from which the club can invest in men’s and women’s football success and improved infrastructure.”As part of these measures, the club anticipates that approximately 150-200 jobs may be made redundant, subject to a consultation process with employees.”These would be in addition to the 250 roles removed last year.”Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Zirkzee does well before injury but dropped Onana’s stand-in has a shockerMANCHESTER UNITED’S worst ever Premier League season was confirmed with a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.The Red Devils are now guaranteed to finish on less than 56 points, which is their lowest ever Prem total.And they can only get that high if they win ALL of their last six games.If they’re not careful, they could even finish 17th – just one spot above the marooned bottom three.It was another dark day that reflects a poor campaign for United as Newcastle carved them open with ease in the second-half.Ruben Amorim dropped keeper Andre Onana after his horror show against Lyon midweek.But stand-in Altay Bayindir had a game to forget too.Sandro Tonali’s volley, a double by Harvey Barnes and a Bruno Guimaraes finish cancelled out Alejandro Garnacho’s goal.Here is how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the United performances…SunSport exclusively revealed how lunches for all but the first team had been reduced to soup and sandwiches — and that includes coaches and analysts, with a later report from The Guardian revealing the staff canteen was set to CLOSE altogether.Ending free lunches for staff is estimated to be saving the club £1million a year, while the club will also be scaling back its London presence, according to BBC Sport.The situation is no better on the pitch, with Man Utd 14th in the Premier League after a heavy 4-1 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday.Fernandes and co face a make-or-break Europa League second leg clash against Lyon at Old Trafford this Thursday.Read More on The SunFailing to win the game, and being eliminated from any chance of winning qualifying for the Champions League by winning the competition, would deal further damage to the club’s already disastrously low coffers.Although an FA report published yesterday revealed Man Utd spent £33m on agent fees between February 2024 and February 2025, the third highest in the division behind Chelsea (£60m) and Man City (£52m).Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      Sentimental Dream Team managers gearing up for one last ride with Kevin De Bruyne

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE (£5.4m) rolled back the years to inspire Manchester City to a remarkable comeback victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend.The mood threatened to turn toxic at the Etihad when the Eagles went 2-0 up in the 21st minute but the hosts’ Belgian talisman, on his farewell tour after ten years at the club, played a pivotal role in what ended up being one of the best wins of the season for Pep Guardiola’s side.Few would begrudge De Bruyne a points-laden farewell tourCredit: Dream TeamDe Bruyne scored his 107th goal for Man City with a direct free-kick before he was involved in the build-up to Omar Marmoush’s (£4.8m) equaliser just three minutes later.Soon after the restart, the 33-year-old provided an assist with a composed lay-off for Mateo Kovacic (£2.6m) as the home side took full control against one of the Premier League’s most in-form sides.Academy products James McAtee (£0.9m) and Nico O’Reilly (£2.5m) completed the 5-2 rout but when all was said and done, De Bruyne was the big winner from a Dream Team perspective having banked 17 points.At the time of writing, only two players have performed better in Gameweek 31 – Joao Pedro (£3.4m) and Harvey Barnes (£2.9m) – who notched 19 points each over the weekend.De Bruyne picked Crystal Palace apart on SaturdayCredit: GettyDe Bruyne’s sizeable haul comes at a good time with Man City among the select group of just four teams set to fulfil two fixtures in Gameweek 32.The eight-time Premier League champions will travel to Everton this coming Saturday before hosting Aston Villa the following Tuesday.With double headers in short supply next Gameweek, Dream Team bosses should weigh up the prospect of one last ride with De Bruyne before he sails into the sunset.Generally speaking, gaffers should endeavour to make strategic decisions with their head rather than their heart but this approach may tick both boxes.Most read in FootballMan City have two fixtures in Gameweek 32Credit: AFPDe Bruyne has been among the most selected players in the game throughout the last decade; a premium midfielder who has justified his popularity and price with lorry-loads of points time and time again.For many, one final Gameweek with the gifted playmaker in tow will provide a welcome dose of nostalgia.And it may be the case that De Bruyne is more than a short-term punt as Man City will gain an additional fixture if they beat Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 33 to reach the FA Cup final.De Bruyne has not been at his best this season with significant injuries having taken their toll but it’s a measure of his extraordinary ability that he averages a goal involvement (five goals, ten assists) every 125 minutes in 2024/25.Strip all sentimentality away and he still appears to be a viable option for Gameweek 32.A welcome addition to Dream TeamCredit: ReutersAlternatively, gaffers may prefer to look to the future by recruiting Marmoush before Saturday’s 1:30pm deadline.The Egyptian forward has hit the ground running on English shores with seven goals and two assists since his January transfer from Frankfurt.He averages 7.7 points-per-game and is among the most in-form players in his position right now having banked 55 points from his last five outings via four goals.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Newcastle’s St James’ Park stadium deemed to be ‘at risk’ amid fears over ‘unusual and historic’ stand

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      NEWCASTLE’S St James’ Park stadium has been deemed to be “at risk” amid fears over an “unusual and historic” stand.The Magpies have been playing at their 52,000-seater home for the last 133 years.Newcastle’s East Stand at St James’ Park has been deemed ‘at risk’Credit: AFPIt remains unclear whether Toon will develop St James’ or move to a new arenaCredit: GettyBut it’s understood the club are eyeing up leaving St James’ for a new 65,000-seater arena worth £3billion.There remains the option that Newcastle instead redevelop their current home instead as they look to boost their income levels.And now, part of St James’ Park has made its way onto a list of buildings deemed to be “at risk.”The East Stand was listed by The 20th Century Society as a vulnerable piece of architecture which could eventually be the subject of “neglect, dereliction or demolition.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe famous rise is described as a “finely-detailed stand” featuring “brutalist credentials.”And it was also deemed a “striking urban set-piece” of architecture from the past two centuries.The 20th Century Society decided to include the East Stand on its list due to question marks over the future of St James’ Park.Campaign director Oli Marshall told the BBC: “This is an exciting new era for Newcastle and the club have to look to the future.Most read in FootballThe East Stand, the smallest of the four sides, is flanked by Georgian townhousesCredit: AlamyNewcastle are desperate to boost the stadium capacity and hospitality offeringsCredit: GettyBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“But we included the East Stand on this year’s Risk List to highlight what an unusual and historic brutalist structure this is.“If the plan is to stay put, we hope it will be retained and made a feature of.”Newcastle United take possession of brand new touring coach with tailor-made interior Should Newcastle end up leaving St James’ Park, it’s reckoned they will move into nearby Leazes Park.It will apparently boast a “parkland-style approach” similar to Wembley Way.While the new stadium could also have a stylish “bubble-wrap” design like Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.Newcastle’s proposed new stadium could be built at Leazes parkSunSport imagined how the new arena could look More

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      Fans demand Scott McTominay wins Ballon d’Or after Napoli wondergoal as ex-Man Utd star shows up Amorim’s flops

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      SCOTT McTOMINAY continued his sensational campaign with Napoli with a wondergoal on Monday night.McTominay bagged a brace as Napoli beat Empoli 3-0 to put themselves within three points of Serie A leaders Inter Milan.Scott McTominay continued his blistering form with Napoli by scoring twice in their win over Empoli on MondayCredit: GettyThe former Man Utd man opened the scoring with a long-range effortCredit: RexA wonderful header doubled his tally and put Napoli out of sight of their oppositionCredit: GettyThe former Manchester United midfielder has been tearing it up since his £25.7m move to the Italian giants in the summer.And his performance against Empoli was yet another example of why Man Utd should have kept hold of the 28-year-old amid their turgid campaign.The 6ft 3in powerhouse – who has been learning Italian since the move – opened the scoring for Napoli with a surging run through midfield and a long-range drilled effort that rippled into the bottom corner.Before adding his second, and Napoli’s third, with a superb header that gave Empoli goalkeeper Devis Vasquez no chance at keeping it out.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe finishes were McTominay’s seventh and eighth Serie A goals of the season – meaning no Man Utd player has scored more league goals than the Scotland international this season.His overall performance was borderline flawless too, as he boasted 100 per cent success rate on long balls and tackles, as well as 89 percent pass accuracy.His display was so impressive it had fans calling for him to be awarded football’s most prestigious individual prize.One wrote: “Ballon d’Or for McTominay”.Most read in FootballMcTominay has been on fire for Napoli this seasonNo Manchester United player has scored more league goals than McTominay this seasonJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordWhile another added: “McTominay and Lukaku literally deserve a Ballon d’Or shout.”But it’s not just football fans that have been singing the praises of the former Premier League star.Inside Scott McTominay and Cam Reading’s glam life in NaplesEx-Napoli and West Ham hero Paolo Di Canio said earlier this season: “I would go to Manchester United to arrest all the directors – how do you give McTominay away?”And AC Milan legend Joe Jordan reckons McTominay is on course to become one of Britian’s greatest ever exports to the Serie A.He told SunSport: “I was really surprised United let Scott go during the summer. I don’t know all the circumstances but I thought he was doing OK at United. But, at Napoli, he’s lifted his game to another level.”His form is consistent, his front play is good, he’s scoring goals and providing assists.”Even Napoli boss Antonio Conte has publicly praised the recruitment team in Naples for swooping up McTominay.”We did well with Scott because he was not a starter at Manchester United, but I already knew him very well and we worked under the radar to bring him here,” he said.”Of course, everyone is eager to prove themselves and I am glad that we got it right choosing McTominay.”Read More on The SunMcTominay’s eight goals and four assists in Serie A this season have helped propel Napoli into a title race.While Man Utd are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League in his absence, having won just 10 of their 32 league games so far this season. Antonio Conte has been full of praise for the midfielderCredit: Getty More

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      Crazy goalkeeper ‘plays real life FIFA pro clubs’ for some reason and it ends in total disaster

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      A GOALKEEPER had an unbelievable moment of madness after “playing pro clubs in real life”.In the Argentinian Premier League, Ignacio “Nacho” Arce was playing in goal for Deportivo Riestra in an away game against his former club Instituto on Sunday.Deportivo Riestra goalkeeper Ignacio Arce dribbled the ball outside the box during an Argentina first division gameCredit: YouTube/FanatizArce was blocked by the referee in trying to move the ball onCredit: YouTube/FanatizHe was then tackled by an Instituto defender way outside his boxCredit: YouTube/FanatizThe ball fell with Gaston Lodico who then chipped the ball into the net from 30 yards awayCredit: YouTube/FanatizArce trudged back to goal with his head down and hands on his headCredit: YouTube/FanatizWith the score 1-0 in the 61st minute and, Riestra a player down after defender Facundo Mino was sent off moments before, a ball was lifted forward into the penalty area.Following a couple of loose touches by both attackers and defenders the ball found its way to Arce on his goal line, who then gratefully picked up the ball.However, in a moment of sheer madness, he decided to run to the edge of the area before rolling the ball out and starting to dribble with it up the pitch.The 33-year-old got almost as far as the centre-circle before disaster struck.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArce was closed down by opposition players before he attempted to play the ball to his right.But with the referee unfortunately standing in the way his passing lane was cut off.He then attempted to dribble even further up the pitch but failed to spot incoming Instituto star, Jeremias Lazaro, over his shoulder who then tackled him by poking the ball away and to a team-mate.The ball ended up at the feet of, Gaston Lodico, who had scored the opener in the game just after half-time.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWith Arce miles out of his net, Lodico, 26, then chipped the ball towards goal from 30 yards away.And back-pedalling Riestra defenders were powerless to stop the ball sailing into the goal to make it 2-0.Ruben Amorim responds to question about dropping Andre Onana after disasterclass against LyonArce trudged back to goal with his head down and scratching his head as he realised what he’d done.Fans seeing the clip on social media were stunned at what he was doing, with one saying: “Bro thought he is the main character.”A second said: “He’s made right Arce of that.”A third added: “The fact he had to dribble around the ref didn’t help but this is otherwise ridiculous.”Another said: “Arce is playing real-life pro clubs.”While one just asked: “What is he doing??!”Arce addressed his actions after the game, saying it was his style to play bravely before putting some of the blame for the mistake on referee, Andres Merlos.He said: “It’s my style, and mistakes can happen. Even the best make errors. I’ve had unforgettable moments and today was just a learning experience.”Look at Merlos. When I lifted my head, I saw a light blue body. They had a clear advantage in that situation.”Read More on The SunResponding to the stunning claim, Merlos joked: “Is it my fault now? That’s classic Nacho, but I love him. “He’s a talent who wanted to make a brave play, sometimes those plays backfire. Such is football.” More

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      Barcelona star slapped with ban for ‘prodding opponent’s genitals’ and asking ‘do you have a d***’ mid-match

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      A BARCELONA Women’s star has been banned for allegedly touching an opponent’s private parts.The incident happened in February during a match between Barcelona and Espanyol Femení.Barcelona Mapi Leon has been suspended for touching an opponent’s genitaliaShe is alleged to have asked Daniel Caracas if she ‘has a d***’Mapi Leon has received a two-match suspension after being found to have deliberately touched Espanyol footballer Daniela Caracas’ genitalia.TV cameras picked up the moment the pair had a coming together at a corner, with Leon also accused of asking her opponent ‘have you got a d***’.Leon, 29, denies any wrongdoing, instead claiming she merely touched Caracas’ leg.The defender said in a statement: “At no time did I, nor was it my intention, infringe upon the intimacy of my fellow professional Daniela Caracas.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“There is no contact with her private parts, and certainly no intention. “I insist, it was just part of the game that does not warrant the importance that has been attached to it.”Leon was charged with unsportsmanlike conduct despite her claim of innocence and will miss matches against Atletico Madrid and Sevilla.The Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected her appeal.Most read in FootballEspanyol condemned Leon’s actions and called for it the incident to be addressed seriously.A statement read: “We would like to express our total discontent and condemnation of the events that took place yesterday during the derby match between RCD Espanyol and Barcelona FC at the Dani Jarque stadium.Barcelona forced into major stadium decision as Nou Camp reopening delayed AGAIN“It is an action that we consider unacceptable and that should not go unnoticed.“During the match, the FC Barcelona player María Pilar Leon, in the middle of a struggle with our player, Daniela Caracas, made a gesture that violated the player’s intimacy.“RCD Espanyol defends our player and condemns any act that threatens the integrity of the players on the pitch.“We firmly believe in respect and sportsmanship as fundamental values in football and we hope that this type of situation will be treated with the seriousness it deserves.“Furthermore, we have made the club’s legal services available to our player should she wish to take legal action.”Mapi Leon has denied the accusationsCredit: Alamy More

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      Newcastle complete Antonio Cordero transfer as Spain wonderkid, 18, picks Toon over Real Madrid and Barcelona

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      NEWCASTLE have beaten Real Madrid and Barcelona to the signing of Antonio Cordero, according to reports.The 18-year-old prodigy has caught the eye with his performances for Malaga this season.Newcastle have agreed a deal to sign Malaga winger Antonio CorderoCredit: GettyReal Madrid and Barcelona were believed to be monitoring the winger.But according to Fabrizio Romano he picked Newcastle over the Spanish giants and has agreed a move to St James’ Park.The deal will be announced by the club in the coming weeks and will be completed once the transfer window opens this summer.Cordero is out of contract at the end of the season so has been free to talk to other clubs since the start of the year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he visited Newcastle with his family in January ahead of the switch.Cordero has featured regularly for Malaga since breaking into the side last season.He helped his side win promotion in his debut campaign, with Malaga now 17th in LaLiga 2.Cordero has made 32 appearances this season, scoring five goals and assisting six.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe has also created six big chances and made 22 key passes in 1690 minutes of football.Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell has prioritised signing young players, with Cordero fitting into the club’s transfer criteria.Eddie Howe ‘hungry for more’ silverware as he celebrates Newcastle’s success He said of their transfer strategy: “Scouting and recruiting emerging talent is an essential part of building a sustainable future, particularly within the current PSR framework, so the market is fiercely competitive.”We continue to scout extensively, both domestically and overseas, with a view to securing players who can come through our talent pathway and, ideally, become part of the first team in future.” More