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      ‘Should be hauled straight off’ – Fans furious at Crystal Palace star Ebere Eze’s penalty in Newcastle clash

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      EBERECHI EZE was blasted by footie fans after taking one of the “worst” penalties ever against Newcastle.The England international had the chance to draw Crystal Palace level from the spot in the first half of their St James’ Park showdown.Eberechi Eze spurned a golden chance to draw Crystal Palace level from the penalty spotCredit: GETTYHe tamely fired his spot kick at Nick Pope after an exaggerated run-upCredit: AFPThe Toon Army created a cauldron of atmosphere to try to put off the winger as he weighed up which direction to shoot.And he tried to silence them with a multiple-step stutter spot kick.But he was embarrassed himself with the tamest of finishes straight at Nick Pope.Fans couldn’t quite believe their eyes, with one saying: “ONE OF THE WORST PENALTIES EVER.”Another said: “I’ll defend Eze to the end of the earth, but that is awful. What on earth are you thinking there?”And another said: “Utterly, utterly, utterly [and] embarrassingly poor penalty from Eze.”One remarked: “Should be hauled straight off.”Another chimed in: “That Eze pen was one of the worst I’ve ever seen. Most read in FootballEberechi Eze was left embarrassed by his poor attempt of a spot kickCredit: GETTY”Also embarrassing to do that after taking it from Mateta.”Eze paid the price two minutes later as an own goal from Marc Guehi doubled the Magpies’ advantage in the 38th minute.Harvey Barnes killed off the game with a neat finish in first-half stoppage time to put Eddie Howe’s troops 3-0 up.And Fabian Schar fired the Toon into a stunning 4-0 lead with a beautiful near-post header a few moments later.Isak added some serious gloss to the scoreline with a fifth, to leave the Magpies in third in the Premier League. More

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      Arsenal awarded controversial penalty minutes into crunch Real Madrid clash… but Saka fluffs spot kick

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      REAL MADRID players were left furious when Arsenal were awarded a controversial penalty during the Champions League quarter-final second leg.A VAR intervention was required in the 10th minute when Mikel Merino was dragged down by Raul Asencio in the box – even though both players were nowhere near the ball.Mikel Merino was dragged down by Raul Asencio in the box – but both players were far from the ballReal Madrid players were furiousCredit: ReutersBukayo Saka’s penalty was savedCredit: ReutersPlay initially resumed as normal before referee Francois Letexier was called to the monitor to review the incident.And it didn’t take him long to overturn his original decision.Real Madrid players immediately ran to the referee to appeal while Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the fourth official.But the penalty call stood.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal forward Bukayo Saka stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois and parried behind for a corner.Fans on social media fumed about the incident, with one person writing: “Football is finished.”Another commented: “Give me a f***ing break.”While a third said: “Bro a mile from the ball though…”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second penalty incident was overturned at the other end of the pitch just a few minutes later.Kylian Mbappe went to ground in the Arsenal box following a tussle with Declan Rice.Real Madrid fire ominous eight-word warning to Arsenal in 20 LANGUAGES as they plot historic Champions League winThe referee immediately gave the penalty, but a five-minute VAR intervention resulted in no foul.Rice’s yellow card was also rescinded which means he will be able to play in the semi-final against PSG.Saka bounced back to break the deadlock in the 65th minute with a beautiful dinked finish following a stunning move.But a clanger from William Saliba two minutes later would tee up Vinicius Jr to reduce the deficit back to three goals.But Gabriel Martinelli wrapped up safe progression, and a 2-1 away win, with a cool as you like injury-time strike. More

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      ‘I couldn’t care less’ – Ange Postecoglou has no idea where his future lies ahead of do-or-die Tottenham clash

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU is in the dark over his future as he prepares for his do-or-die clash in Germany.The Tottenham boss will be in danger of the sack if his team lose their Europa League quarter-final second leg at Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night – where they are without injured captain Son Heung-min.Ange Postecoglou spoke on the eve of his side’s crucial Europa League clashCredit: GettyThe Aussie oversaw training at Eintracht Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank ParkCredit: GettyThat is because it would extinguish any chance of salvaging what has been a miserable campaign in the league where Spurs are out of both cups and down to 15th in the league.There have been some suggestions his job would be under threat even if he went all the way in Europe this term given how badly the Prem form has been.Asked if he knew what his future holds whatever happens this term, the Aussie replied: “Do I know? No, I’ve got no idea.“We’ve got a game tomorrow night… but it’s not something I need to think about.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I’ve never thought about those kind of things in terms of what’s important.“What’s important is we have a game tomorrow night that’s a massive opportunity for this group of players, for us as a team, for this football club to get closer to achieving what everyone wants to achieve.“Anything else other than that, and particularly in terms of me, I don’t have much thought process that thinks about life or my career or what I’m doing in that way.”Postecoglou has lost 17 games in the league this season and went out of the Carabao Cup at the semi-final stage as well as the FA Cup in round four.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTottenham have trained in Frankfurt ahead of their huge Europa League clashCredit: GettyIt heaps the pressure on Thursday night’s trip to a hostile Deutsche Bank Stadium, where the scores are tied 1-1 after last week’s first leg in North London.But the ex-Celtic boss, 59, insisted he was not being weighed down by the occasion.’Turning gold into c–p’ – Ange Postecoglou kicks off again over criticism of Tottenham penalty farceHe said: “No, not at all, mate, because I don’t define my career and me as a person by what people think about me. I never have. Never will.“You either think I’m capable of doing the job now or you don’t. That’s where I sit with these things.“If people think that us winning tomorrow all of a sudden makes me a better manager than what I am today or us losing tomorrow somehow makes me a worse manager, I guess that’s their burden, not mine.“I don’t think that way and I don’t think most people think that way. Or I’d like to think they don’t, in terms of their own sort of self esteem and who they are as people.“I couldn’t care less. Really. I couldn’t care less.“There’s no burden on me, there’s no anxiety on me. What I’m sitting here doing is thinking we’ve got a great opportunity to get to the final four of a major tournament.“Mate, I’m not going to let that slip by without fighting tooth and nail for it irrespective of what may come the day after.”Skipper Son, 32, did not travel due to a foot injury which kept him out of Sunday’s 4-2 loss at Wolves – though Kevin Danso is available following five weeks out with a hamstring issue.Read More on The SunThe South Korean’s absence is just the latest in a string of crock problems that have dogged the Spurs squad all season long.Postecoglou added: “It’s a blow but it’s consistent with everything else that’s happened this year, so it’s just another challenge for us to overcome.”Son Heung-min is OUT of tomorrow night’s huge matchCredit: Reuters More

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      Leo Beenhakker, Winning Soccer Coach Without Borders, Dies at 82

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      Among many other accomplishments, he led tiny Trinidad and Tobago to the World Cup and Poland to its first appearance in the European championships.Leo Beenhakker, a globe-trotting soccer coach who managed his native Netherlands during the 1990 World Cup, won three Spanish League titles with Real Madrid in the 1980s and, perhaps most impressively and improbably, guided Trinidad and Tobago to the 2006 World Cup as the smallest nation at the time ever to compete in soccer’s global championship, died on April 10. He was 82.His death was announced by the Dutch soccer federation and by Ajax, the powerful Amsterdam club that Beenhakker coached to two Dutch League titles. The announcement did not cite a cause or say where he died.His own playing career, as a winger, did not carry him beyond the amateur level. But neither did it prevent him from achieving national and international success as a coach.In that role, Beenhakker displayed wit and charm as well as the ability to engage with and inspire his players and to immerse himself in various cultures in the soccer diaspora. One of his accomplishments was to coach Poland to its first appearance in the European championships, in 2008.He dismissed the idea that to coach at a high level, one needed to have played at a high level. “You can be a very good milkman,” he once said, “without having ever been a cow.”Beenhakker (pronounced bin-HACK-er) never possessed the authority or standing of Johan Cruyff, who captained the Netherlands to second place at the 1974 World Cup and is considered one of the greatest players of all time. Nor did he have the tactical skill of Guus Hiddink, who in 1988 coached PSV Eindhoven to both the Dutch League title and the European Cup, the forerunner of the European Champions League title.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

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      Inter vs Bayern (agg 4-3) LIVE RESULT: Inter book place in final four after NARROW aggregate victory over Bayern

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      INTER Milan booked their place in the final four of the Champions League in Italy.Bayern’s Harry Kane is chasing a first career trophy, but it will need to come in the Bundesliga if he is to win it this season. Inter Milan were pegged back to 2-2 on the aggregate after Kane’s strike in the second half, but they had a huge counter punch for Bayern.Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard scored to put PSG 4-2 up on aggregate, and Eric Dier’s late strike could not inspire a late Bayern comeback.Match result: Inter Milan 2-2 Bayern MunichCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below… More

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      Jordan Pickford becomes father for third time as England goalkeeper and wife Megan welcome baby girl

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      JORDAN PICKFORD and wife Megan have welcomed their third child. The Everton and England goalkeeper and his partner took to Instagram with a joint post on Wednesday evening to reveal the happy news – nine months and two days after the Euro 2024 final.Jordan Pickford has become a dad for the third timeCredit: InstagramWife Megan smiled for selfies with the newbornCredit: InstagramMegan and Jordan embraced after the exhausting arrivalCredit: InstagramThe Pickfords are now a family of fiveCredit: InstagramThe couple shared a series of snaps of their newborn baby daughter, Misty Celine Pickford.The pics included adorable pictures of Megan, 29, and Jordan, 31, holding the baby, her older siblings meeting her and the celebrations at home. The Pickfords wrote: “And just like that Ostara has been promoted to Queen.”Welcome to the world our new little princess, Misty Celine Pickford – our hearts just doubled in size.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHollyoaks actress and Strictly Come Dancing star Chelsee Healey was among the first to comment on the post.She wrote: “Beautiful and lil princess’ name.”Megan’s fellow England Wag Dani Dyer added: “Oh how perfect!!! Congratulations to you both.”Harry Kane’s wife Kate replied: “Beautiful,” followed by a string of love hearts.Most read in FootballErin Borini, wife of Pickford’s ex-Sunderland team-mate Fabio Borini, typed: “Can’t wait to meet her. So happy for you all.”Conor Coady’s wife Amie responded: “Beautiful pictures, so happy for you all! Congratulations.”Watch Jordan Pickford’s hilarious expression in tunnel as England emerge for Euro 2024 finalAnd Everton’s official account posted: “Congratulations to you all.”Jordan and Megan had their first child, a son called Arlo, in 2019.They then welcomed daughter Ostara in 2023. Jordan and Megan married each other in 2020, after meeting as teenagers.The wedding was a low-key affair because of the coronavirus pandemic, with the Everton star sporting a baseball cap and ripped jeans.However, when restrictions lifted, they flew to the Maldives and tied the knot for a second time.The two admitted it was “worth the wait” as they shared pics of the luxurious occasion.No expense was spared, as Jordan and Megan stood on a white podium filled with pink roses as they said their ‘I dos’ in front of 13 guests for their beach wedding.The newlyweds then enjoyed a dance together on the beach, before they were seen cradling Arlo in their arms and serenading him with kisses.Read More on The SunPickford played the full 90 minutes of Everton’s 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The Toffees take on Manchester City this weekend at home, their third-from-last match at Goodison Park. Misty is in safe hands were her goalkeeper dadCredit: InstagramOstara is getting used to life as a big sisterCredit: InstagramTheir son Arlo was born in 2019Credit: InstagramComments flooded in from friendsCredit: InstagramThe news was posted nine months and two days after the Euro 2024 finalCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Megan was in attendance at the Euros cheering on her manCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)They announced news of their second pregnancy on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @meganpickford_ More

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      Newcastle vs Crystal Palace LIVE RESULT: Newcastle DOMINATE at St James Park as they hit Eagles for FIVE

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      NEWCASTLE were DOMINANT as they thrashed Crystal Palace 5-0 at St. James Park.Newcastle further cemented their place in the Champions League spots with a huge win over Crystal Palace.The Toon continued their fine form, and extended their winning run to six games.Jason Tindall’s side hammered the Eagles 5-0 with goals from Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, Fabian Schar and Alexander Isak. Match result: Newcastle 5-0 Crystal PalaceCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below… More

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      Which Arsenal players are one yellow card away from Champions League suspension?

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      IN tonight’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid, Arsenal have numerous players who are balancing disciplinary issues.According to Uefa regulations, players will be suspended for one match if they collect three bookings before tallies are reset after the quarter-finals.Mikel Arteta will be sweating the availability of some of his key players should Arsenal progressCredit: GettyOn-pitch general Declan Rice is one of those players tetering on the edgeCredit: GettyIf Mikel Arteta’s players are issued a yellow card at the Santiago Bernabeu, they risk missing a potential semi-final first leg dust-up with Paris Saint-Germain.Discipline has already been a concern for the Gunners this season, as loanee forward Raheem Sterling was suspended for the first leg victory against the Spanish giants.Which Arsenal players are one yellow card away from Champions League suspension?Declan Rice, who scored two stunners in the first leg, is among those who might face a suspension after being booked in a league phase match against Girona and an overwhelming round of 16 victory against PSV Eindhoven.Similarly, Jurrien Timber, a key defensive cog, must exercise caution after receiving cards against Dinamo Zagreb and PSV. READ MORE IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUEWorryingly, the Dutch international has received more yellow cards this season than any other Arsenal player, with nine in 44 appearances.Gabriel Martinelli is the third Gunner on a tightrope. This season, the winger has flattered, scoring only seven goals in 42 appearances and providing one assist in nine Champions League games.He had two bookings during the league round, in a 1-0 win over Shakhtar and a 3-0 win over Monaco.Most read in Champions LeagueThomas Partey, an injury doubt for tonight’s game, is the fourth and final Arsenal player who might miss a Champions League semi-final first leg after receiving a yellow card early in the second half last week. More