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      PSG 2 Arsenal 1 (3-1 agg): Gunners’ season over as Arteta’s side rue missed chances and Donnarumma puts on masterclass

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      NOT for the first time, Mikel Arteta’s failure to do the bloody obvious and sign a no9 properly bit him on the backside.Declan Rice had called on his team to show “big balls” but what they really needed in this semi-final was a big striker.Paris Saint-Germain are into the Champions League finalCredit: ReutersAchraf Hakimi netted the winner in a thrilling game at the Parc des PrincesCredit: AFPArsenal suffered a frustrating evening with missed chances in front of goalCredit: RexArsenal suffer defeat in the semi-final 16 years on from their previous last four knock-outCredit: GettyDeclan Rice glanced an early header narrowly wideCredit: GettyFabian Ruiz scored a superb opener for PSGCredit: ReutersDavid Raya saved a Vitinha penaltyCredit: EPAOllie Watkins, who Arsenal tried to sign in January, would have made a difference. The same goes for Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, a forward they wanted last year and will try and look to bring in again this summer.While swashbuckling PSG continued their emergence as a major European football force, Arsenal will now be left to reflect on what could have been.Fabian Ruiz put PSG ahead and, while Vitinha saw his 69th-minute penalty superbly saved by David Raya, Achraf Hakimi made it 2-0 with a great finish.Bukayo Saka pulled one back and then missed a great chance which, maybe, could have forced a PSG collapse.READ MORE ON ARSENALYet ultimately, Arteta’s team did not really do enough despite a late flourish and can not have too many complaints.Yet had Arsenal scored three times in a terrific early spell when PSG seemed to be doing their best to choke on the big occasion, we would certainly have had a very different semi-final. Maybe one to match the madness of the one 24 hours earlier.While Paris may be known as the city of love, Arsenal fans will not feel that way.It is 19 years since Arsene Wenger’s fine team were beaten in the final by Barcelona at the Stade De France and this latest defeat will be just as painful.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSPSG will fancy their chances against Inter Milan in the final but so would Arsenal and rightly so. This game, but also this season, has been one hell of a missed opportunity for Arsenal.PSG may have reached the final five years ago but it feels as though this could now be their time.French riot police ‘tear gas entire streets’ as fans ‘throw fireworks’ in chaotic scenes before PSG vs ArsenalSaka pulled one backCredit: ReutersThey have now beaten Manchester City this season in the group stages and then dumped Liverpool, Aston Villa and now Arsenal out of the competition.Initially, Arsenal overwhelmed PSG in an absorbing start but they had nothing to show for it.Declan Rice headed Jurrien Timber’s cross wide and Gianluigi Donnarumma used his knee to keep out a volley from Gabriel Martinelli.Donnarumma seems to save his best for English teams as he saved two penalties in the Euro 2020 final shoot-out and was then also the spot-kick hero at Anfield.He was at full stretch to turn around a low, powerful shot from Martin Odegaard with the PSG defence once again struggling with a long throw from Thomas Partey.Donnarumma asked for treatment, claiming to be injured, but he was doing it to waste a bit of time as his team were on the ropes. He tried to take the sting out of Arsenal’s confident, high energy start and it certainly worked.PSG finally found the zip which was lacking in the first 20 minutes and after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia hit the post, Ruiz struck his first ever Champions League goal.Rice picked up a booking for wrapping his legs around Kvaratskhelia but it got much worse from Vitinha’s free-kick.Partey delivered a headed clearance but Ruiz delivered a magnificent first touch with his chest to steer the ball away from Martinelli and then unleashed a fine finish from the edge of the area. It did seem to take a slight touch off William Saliba who turned his back ahead of the shot.Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris.Arteta went crazy in his technical area. He called over Rice for some advice and tried in vain to get a message to Saka but it was too noisy inside the stadium. Martintelli was ordered to the touchline before being dispatched to the other side of the pitch to give Saka instructions.There was a moment when Saka delivered a ball into the area but there was no-one there and he threw his arms in the air with frustration.Saka produced Arsenal’s best chance after the hour but once again, Donnarumma used his huge frame to somehow keep out the effort.A minute later, VAR spotted a handball from Myles Lewis-Skelly which blocked a shot from Hakimi.Raya delivered an excellent save to keep out Vitinha’s penalty, although a super-slow run-up made his spot-kick easy to predict.Defender Hakimi then delivered a striker’s finish after a mistake by Partey to put Enrique’s team in total control.There was some hope for Arsenal when Saka rounded Donnarumma to pull one back while PSG players appealed in vain for a foul from Leandro Trossard on Marquinhos.Read More on The SunAnd the moment which could have maybe changed the tie came when Saka somehow missed from close range but he shinned the ball over from a few yards.Once again, had Arsenal had a No9, it could have been oh so different. 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      PSG vs Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Gunners CRASH OUT of Champions League as Parisians make Arteta’s side pay for missed chances

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      ARSENAL are out of the Champions League following a 3-1 aggregate defeat to PSG in the semi-finals.After a frantic start, the Parisians took total control when Fabian Ruiz’s thunderbolt gave the hosts a 2-0 lead in the tie.In the 69th minute, PSG were handed a controversial penalty, but David Raya came to Arsenal’s rescue as the Spaniard kept out Vitinha’s woeful spot kick.Moments later, the Gunners did fall further behind after Achraf Hakimi slotted home to make it 3-0 on aggregate.Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal hope with more than a quarter of an hour to play, but it wasn’t to be for Mikel Arteta’s side as PSG head to Munich to face Inter Milan in the Champions League final later this month.Match result: PSG 2-1 Arsenal (AGG 3-1)PSG team: Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz, Doue, Barcola, KvaratskheliaArsenal team: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Merino, Saka, MartinelliCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Hakimi hails ‘genius’ EnriqueAchraf Hakimi played another starring role for Paris Saint-Germain, and then paid tribute to the manager who has led them to the final showdown in Munich.The Moroccan right-back scored the important second goal at the Parc des Princes, but was quick to shine the spotlight on his Spanish coach afterwards.Having lost some star individuals, Enrique has rebuilt the club to produce a young, exciting side that play together as a team more than any other PSG outfit in recent memory.Luis Enrique has done an incredible job since he’s arrived. He’s created a fantastic team, and there’s a lot of work that goes into doing that. He’s a master. He’s a genius.Achraf HakimiCanal+Copy linkCopiedGunners starved of semi successAfter elimination in Paris, Arsenal have now failed to progress from each of their last four major cup semi-finals.It is the club’s their longest ever losing run at this stage of competitions, and all four exits have come under the management of Mikel Arteta.3-2 agg defeat v PSG (Champions League, 2024-25)4-0 agg defeat v Newcastle (League Cup, 2024-25)2-0 agg defeat v Liverpool (League Cup, 2021-22)2-1 agg defeat v Villarreal (Europa League, 2020-21)Copy linkCopiedSaka makes mark on biggest stageIt wasn’t to be for Arsenal but Bukayo Saka did at least give the Gunners hope late on – and something to celebrate too.In scoring, Saka brought up his 10th Champions League goal in what is just his 18th appearance in the competition.The only Englishman to reach 10 goals in fewer Champions League games is Harry Kane (12).Copy linkCopiedOdegaard: We gave our allArsenal captain Martin Odegaard believes his side did all they could in the cauldron of the Parc des Princes.Speaking after the Gunners’ Champions League semi-final elimination, the midfielder revealed he was proud of the team’s effort, adding that fine margins at either end were the difference.We gave it a proper go. We started the game really well, were on the front foot, had the momentum and created a few big chances. In the end, it wasn’t enough. I think between the boxes we did well, and then inside the boxes we weren’t good enough over the two legs. Credit to their goalkeeper, who made some great saves.Martin OdegaardTNT SportsCopy linkCopiedDonna go all the wayIt’s been a difficult couple of seasons for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, but performances like tonight will go a long way to restoring his reputation as one of the best in the world.The Italian made superb stops to deny Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, helping to keep a rampant Arsenal at bay in the opening 20 minutes at the Parc des Princes.Copy linkCopiedHistory-making Myles going placesMyles Lewis-Skelly was given a difficult night by PSG’s stellar attack, but that shouldn’t take away from what is a fabulous personal achievement.At 18 years and 223 days, the left-back became the fifth-youngest player, the youngest English player, and the youngest player for an English club, to start both legs of a Champions League semi-final.Copy linkCopiedArteta: Donnarumma was the differenceMikel Arteta believes his Arsenal team would be in the Champions League final had it not been for the heroics of PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.The Italian stopper made a series of fine saves over the two legs, and was at his best when Arsenal started on the front foot at the Parc des Princes.Firstly, congratulations to PSG for reaching the final. The assessment I will make when I am a little cooler. When you look at the two games, the best player on the pitch has been their goalkeeper. He has been the difference for them in the tie. We were very close, much closer than the result showed but unfortunately we are out. I am very proud of the players.Mikel ArtetaTNT SportsCopy linkCopied201 and out for ArsenalSo Paris Saint-Germain have reached just their fourth major European final.The Parisians reached the 1996 and 1997 Cup Winners’ Cup finals, winning the first of those, and then made 2020 Champions League final that they lost behind closed doors in Lisbon to Bayern Munich.As for Arsenal, they have been eliminated at the semi-final stage of Europe’s premier competition for the first time since 2008-09.Tonight was their 201st match in the Champions League, the most of any club who have never lifted the trophy.Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from the Parc des PrincesArsenal produced an xG of 3.14 tonight, the most by a team against Paris SG in a Champions League game this season.Their 19 shots were also their most in a knockout match since having 20 away at Barcelona in March 2016.The Gunners went down fighting.Copy linkCopiedFull time – PSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)It’s all over! Paris Saint-Germain are off to Munich in three weeks to face Inter Milan in the final of the Champions League.As the fireworks begin again, the Arsenal players sink to their knees, but they can at least take solace in a committed second leg performance.”I think Arsenal did enough to get something from tonight,” says Ally McCoist. “But I’m not sure it was enough to win the tie.”PSG will prepare for their second Champions League final, while Arsenal will turn their attentions back to the Premier League and ensuring they finish second so that they can return to the biggest European stage again next term.Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)90+4. Arsenal’s season is close to a conclusion, but they have beaten over two legs by a fabulous football team.PSG will take some stopping in the final.Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)90+2. Trossard makes room for himself in the box after cutting in from the left.For a moment, the path looks clear, but as the Belgian gets his shot away, a sea of PSG defenders dive across to block.Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)90. Five minutes of additional time are signalled by the fourth official.The Gunners now need something remarkable, something of Lucas Moura proportions to progress. Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)88. That man Kvaratskhelia wins a throw-in with a determined tackle, and responds by whipping the crowd up.I’m not sure these home fans need much incentive, mind you. They’re two minutes plus stoppages away from another Champions League final.Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)86. Now Saka goes into the book.The England international isn’t too sure why, but he’s been penalised for a challenge on the halfway line.UEFA and Opta suggest it’s for dissent, but I can’t imagine that – he’s a lovely boy.Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)84. Calafiori and Kvaratskhelia are both booked for a barney off the ball, and it’s exactly the kind of thing that teams trying to run the clock down love to see.More time ticks away, and Munich is in sight for Paris Saint-Germain.Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)82. Mikel Arteta’s lack of attacking options are being highlighted here.Riccardo Calafiori has already been introduced, and now Ben White is on with Arsenal desperate for goals.Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)79. Saka again!! Yes!!No!! It’s over!! Somehow, Bukayo Saka has missed an open goal from 10 yards out!!The Arsenal star gets on the end of a whipped cross from Calafiori on the left, only to steer it over the crossbar with the goal gaping.Whether it was the pace of the delivery, the dive of Donnarumma before him or the fact that he was leaning back, it was a chance you would expect Saka to score every single time.How different this upcoming 10 minutes could have been.Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-1 Arsenal (Agg: 3-1)76. No more than a consolation or the start of something special?!Bukayo Saka has Arsenal on the scoresheet for the first time in the tie, and maybe, just maybe…Substitute Leandro Trossard outmuscles Marquinhos on the left, and with the PSG players appealing for a foul, referee Felix Zwayer waves play on.The Belgian centres for Saka, who gets some good fortune with a kind bounce off Willian Pacho and then Lucas Hernández, allowing him to tap into an empty net.Copy linkCopiedLate hope!Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 3-0)74. “Arsenal are playing for the badge now,” says Martin Keown on TNT Sports commentary.Copy linkCopiedPSG 2-0 Arsenal (Agg: 3-0)72. Achraf Hakimi spells the end of Arsenal’s Champions League campaign!PSG’s marauding right-back makes his mark in the opposition penalty area once again, finishing with the aplomb of a top-level centre-forward time after time.Here he takes advantage of a lacklustre challenge from Thomas Partey to nip, receive a tidy lay-off from substitute Ousmane Dembele, and steers into the far corner beyond David Raya.It’s a goal that almost takes the roof off the Parc des Princes, and has PSG heading to Munich to take on Internazionale.Copy linkCopiedGame over!Copy linkCopiedPSG 1-0 Arsenal (Agg: 2-0)70. Arsenal must take advantage of that Raya save, and they have to do it now.Otherwise, it’s game over.Copy linkCopiedPSG 1-0 Arsenal (Agg: 2-0)69. David Raya saves Vitinha’s penalty!It’s an awful spotkick from the Portuguese midfielder, who stutters in the slowest of run-ups before rolling it softly towards the bottom right corner.That would have sealed this semi-final tie, but the midfielder’s miscue means Arsenal still have hope to cling to.Raya is congratulated by his teammates, but quickly reminds them that they have a huge job to do!Copy linkCopied More

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      PSG given controversial penalty v Arsenal by ref who was banned for match-fixing but Vitinha hits ‘worst spot kick ever’

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      PSG were handed a controversial penalty in their Champions League clash with Arsenal.The Gunners were chasing the game when disaster struck when Felix Zwayer was sent to the monitor in the second half.PSG were given a penalty for a handball by Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: TNT SPORTSVitinha’s effort was appallingCredit: ReutersArsenal were already trailing 2-0 on aggregate as Fabian Ruiz had scored in the first half.It quickly appeared that Mikel Arteta’s side were in trouble as replays showed that Achraf Hakimi’s strike had hit Myles Lewis-Skelly’s outstretched hand.Zwayer had initially waved play on when the incident occurred and only gave a penalty at a second viewing after a VAR referral.The intervention came despite no appeals from the PSG players.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSome even thought it could have been for an earlier challenge on Bukayo Saka.Fans reacted to the bizarre moment on social media as one said it was one of the “worst decisions ever” while another called it “bulls***”.The German is one of Uefa’s top referees but does have a chequered past as he was previously banned for match-fixing.Vitinha stepped up to take the penalty but completely fluffed his lines.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe midfielder took an age to perform his run-up before hitting a tame effort to the right side of the goal.Arsenal stopper David Raya made the save as he stopped the former Wolves star continuing his perfect record from the spot.Arsenal fan Micah Richards MISSING from CBS Sports panel for crunch clash with PSG… as he parties with Gooners in ParisMark Halsey on PSG penaltyPSG’s second-half penalty was absolutely ridiculous.It hardly even touches Myles Lewis-Skelly’s hand from Achraf Hakimi’s shot.The Paris Saint-Germain man did not even appeal and it must have been a feather of a touch on his hand.It was not a clear-and-obvious error, so VAR should never have got involved.The touch did not change the direction of the ball and Lewis-Skelly’s arm was in a natural position for that phase of play.Justice was done as keeper David Raya saved Vitinha’s penalty because it should never have been one in the first place.And fans have hailed the effort as one of the “worst ever”.One posted: “Possibly the worst penalty I’ve ever seen, that ‘run-up’ is ridiculous.”A second wrote: “This is the worst penalty I’ve ever witnessed.”A third commented: “What a terrible penalty by Vitinha.”A fourth said: “That Vitinha penalty run-up was the worst ever.”Another added: “Vitinha taking a penalty that bad to achieve justice in the game. Top class.”PSG did extend their lead just minutes later as Hakimi was able to beat Raya from the edge of the box.Arsenal did force their way back into the match as Saka scored in the 76th minute to get themselves off the mark in the two-legged affair.Read More on The SunThe goal turned out to be just a consolation as the Gunners could not muster another serious attempt on goal.Arteta’s side crashed out at the full-time whistle as PSG progressed to the final to take on Inter Milan in Munich. More

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      ‘Spurs does crazy things to people’ – Postecoglou takes swipe at Wenger as Arsenal legend proposes shock rule change

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU has hit back at Arsene Wenger after he claimed the Europa League winners should NOT get a Champions League spot.Tottenham go into their semi-final second leg against Bodo/Glimt with a 3-1 lead as they look to qualify for Europe’s elite competition next season.Ange Postecoglou has hit back at Arsene Wenger’s remarksCredit: RexWenger said the Europa League winners should not be in the Champions League next seasonCredit: SplashBut ahead of tomorrow’s huge tie, legendary Arsenal boss Wenger said Uefa need to look at ditching the rule that rewards the Europa League champions.Spurs manager Postecoglou hit back when asked about the comments, saying: “Well, that’s a debate that’s been raging for years, mate… at least the last eight days.”I’ve said it before mate, Spurs does crazy things to people, it does.”You put that club into any sentence or any issue, and invariably they all come out to diminish as much as they can.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Why wasn’t it an issue before and it’s an issue now? What’s the difference? I don’t understand what the difference is.”Last year fifth didn’t get you Champions League, this year it does. There are competition rules.“I’ve got a great respect for Arsene but it does crazy things to people – I love it. “But it’s Spurs mate, they love it. They love it.”Most read in Europa LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe rule that the Europa League winners qualify for the Champions League has been around since the 2014-15 campaign.But Wenger is not a fan of it, saying on BeIN Sports: “No – they should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League.Ange Postecoglou gives bleak update on Tottenham future even if he wins Europa League “Especially when you’re in the Premier League where already five teams qualify.”I think it’s something (for Uefa) to think about and to review.”On the other hand people will tell you that to keep the Europa League focused, interesting and motivated you need to give them that prize.” More

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      Arsenal fan Micah Richards MISSING from CBS Sports panel for crunch clash with PSG… as he parties with Gooners in Paris

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      MICAH RICHARDS was MISSING from CBS Sports studio coverage of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final against PSG in Paris.However, he was not out of action, as instead of the broadcaster’s London studio, he was seen partying with Gooners fans in the French capital before the game.Micah Richards was seen in Paris enjoying the pre-match festivities ahead of PSG vs ArsenalCredit: ParamountRichards was seen chowing down on some oysters and snailsCredit: ParamountHe took photos with Arsenal and PSG fansCredit: ParamountFormer Manchester City and England defender Richards is usually seen in the studio alongside presenter Kate Scott, formerly Abdo, and pundits Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher.But instead of prepping notes for the semi-final showdown, the Arsenal fan was seen enjoying an afternoon in France ahead of the game.CBS showed footage of Richards arriving by train before was seen chowing down on oysters and snails, though he did not seem to enjoy the former as he was seen gagging on one.He was later seen taking photos with fans from both teams who recognised him, while he even spotted Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp in town.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCBS famously sent Carragher to Dortmund when the German outfit hosted a semi-final last year, with the ex-Liverpool star left a little worse for wear from his boozy experience.Back in the studio, Carragher joked: “I think Paris is going to outdo Dortmund,” to which Abdo replied: “It’s a high bar, Jamie.”Carragher added: “I think if Arsenal win, he’s going big.”A later clip showed Richards celebrating with PSG fans as he was caught in the middle of a mosh pit before he pushed through the crowd to get in front of the camera.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKOnce there he declared this was their they wanted him as his adventure had been “absolutely oustanding” and was “absolutely loving it”.Richards is not the only CBS face in Paris, with pitchside reporters Peter Schmeichel and Anita Jones at the Parc des Princes.Fans hail ‘incredible’ moment Micah Richards sits on David Beckham’s lap during new show and chats to Hollywood legendThe 1999 Champions League winner Schmeichel revealed his Arsenal-supporting co-host had been incredibly nervous all day.She then revealed a gloomy stat for Arsenal which stated that only twice before had a team who had lost the first leg of a Champions League semi-final managed to go through.Schmeichel responded by explaining Ajax had been involved in both of those clashes, winning one and losing one.Jones then joked: “So that stat doesn’t come in to it? Arsenal have no chance? Essentially that’s what he’s saying, Kate we may as well go home.”Micah and I will get on the next Eurostar.”Elsewhere, Rio Ferdinand is missing from TNT Sports coverage of the match after revealing he was in hospital.The 2008 Champions League winner shared a health update from his bed, saying he was “gutted” to be missing from the event. More

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      ‘Uefa should look into it’ – Watch Barcelona star get bundled over three times in FOUR SECONDS as he demands ref probe

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      PEDRI has urged Uefa to investigate the referee for his performance as Barcelona were dumped out of the Champions League.The Spanish giants were knocked out of Europe’s premier competition by Inter Milan in a thrilling semi-final tie.Francesco Acerbi appeared to push Pedri down three times in four secondsCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaThe Barcelona star repeatedly fell to the groundCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaThe first push was in the penalty areaCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaInter won the tie 7-6 on aggregate following a 4-3 win at the San Siro in the second leg on Tuesday night.Barcelona were minutes from booking their spot in the final after Raphinha put them ahead in the 87th minute.However, the Italians hit back through Francesco Acerbi before Davide Frattesi scored the winner in extra time.After the match, Pedri vented his frustration at the performance from referee Szymon Marciniak.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe claimed that the referee gave every split decision to the hosts.The midfielder claimed: “It’s not the first time this happens to us with this referee, Uefa should look into it.”Every 50-50 for them. There are things that I don’t understand and which are hard to explain.”One moment of the game that left Pedri red in the face was multiple pushes from Acerbi.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA video taken from the stands shows the defender pushing the midfielder to the ground three times in FOUR SECONDS.Marciniak awarded Inter a penalty after he was called to the screen by VAR for a foul by Pau Cubarsí on Lautaro Martinez.Inter Milan hero Frattesi drops F-bomb live on TV after win over Barcelona leaving CBS Sports studio in hystericsPedri has urged Uefa to look into referee Szymon Mariniak’s peformanceCredit: ReutersBarcelona also believed they should have been awarded a free-kick for a foul on Gerard Martín in the build-up to Acerbi’s goal.Marciniak had awarded the LaLiga giants a penalty for a foul on Lamine Yamal before VAR intervened.The Polish official was also in charge when Inter drew 3-3 with Barcelona in the Group Stage of the 2022 edition of the tournament.Barcelona manager Hansi Flick echoed Pedri’s complaints in his post-match press conference.He said: “I don’t want to talk too much about the referee, but every decision that was 50-50 went (Inter’s) way.”I am disappointed, but not with my team. They tried everything. It’s the way it is. We are out, but next year we will try again to make the fans happy.Read More on The Sun”It makes me sad. My team did an excellent job.”I don’t like talking about the referee, I’ve told him what I think, but I’m not going to say it here what I’ve said.”Hansi Flick was not happy with the Polish officialCredit: Reuters More

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      Jack Grealish wanted by Napoli with Man City star open to Italian transfer to link up with Mctominay and Gilmour

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      JACK GREALISH could be the latest star to quit the Premier League for Italy.SunSport can exclusively reveal that Serie A leaders Napoli are tracking the England and Manchester City star amid growing uncertainty over his future.Jack Grealish is open to a move to NapoliCredit: GettyAntonio Conte is an admirer of the Man City aceCredit: GettyScott McTominay has flourished since moving to NapoliCredit: RexAntonio Conte is believed to be a “huge fan” of the talented winger, whose chances for City this year have been limited.It’s also unclear if he forms part of manager Pep Guardiola’s plans as he gets set for a major summer rebuild at the Etihad.Conte, who saw Grealish’s talents first-hand when he coached in England, believes the ex-Aston Villa ace would be a marquee signing for the Italian giants.And he thinks the player could help his side make the next step and become Champions League contenders next season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSources close to Grealish say the player is open-minded to leaving and recognises a move could be the key to refreshing his career and boosting his England chances.And a switch abroad is believed to be Grealish’s preference rather than staying in the Premier League.Spurs and his former club Villa have been previously linked with a move but City are believed to be reluctant to let a Premier League rival have a star who remains unplayable when in top form.Napoli are unlikely to be the only club racing to sign Grealish though.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGerman giants Dortmund have been linked with the player, and Napoli’s Serie A rivals AC Milan are also known admirers.Kyle Walker’s switch to the San Siro could also pave the way for a move.Jack Grealish shows off his singing skills as he meets Rod Stewart in Dortmund with mum and dad on break from Man CityGrealish was recently in Dortmund as SunSport exclusively revealed.He whisked his family and friends away on a private jet to watch a Rob Stewart gig in an extravagant £100,000 splurge.Clubs in America and Saudi Arabia are also monitoring Grealish – but the player believes he can still play at the very highest level and nail down a position as an England starter.If Grealish does make the switch to Napoli he’d follow in the footsteps of Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour who have become massive favourites among fans of Conte’s Napoli side. More

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      Inter Milan hero Lautaro Martinez reveals he ‘sat at home crying for two days’ BEFORE Barcelona clash

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      INTER MILAN hero Lautaro Martinez reveals he was sat at home crying days before the Barcelona clash.Martinez opened the scoring at the San Siro to set up a thrilling Champions League semi-final clash, which Inter won 4-3 (7-6 aggregate).Lautaro Martinez revealed he spent two days crying before the Barcelona clashThe striker opened the scoring in Inter Milan’s 4-3 winCredit: GettyMartinez was taken off in the 71st minuteCredit: RexBut the Argentine talisman was in danger of missing the second leg after feeling a problem in his leg.Martinez, 27, thanked the medical staff for their assistance in ensuring he made the game.He also revealed he had spent days crying before overcoming the issue.Martinez told Sky Italia: “I was struggling, my leg didn’t feel right. I spent two days crying at home, but I couldn’t miss tonight’s game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I had a double session all week, I wasn’t at my best and I put a tight bandage on.“This is how I experience football, you’ve got to give your all in these games. I promised my family that I would get on the pitch today.”Martinez was taken off on 71 minutes, despite the match being delicately poised at 2-2 at the time of his substitution.The striker is now set to feature in his second Champions League final for Inter – two years after his first, which ended in a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe said of reaching the final: “I am so happy, I am so proud of Inter Milan.“I am so grateful to the fans and my family who are here today. I am so glad we are going through.”Rooney reveals sweet thing Inter star Mkhitaryan asked his old Man Utd team-mate after reaching Champions League final More