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      Who is Bakary Sako? Ex-Premier League winger playing in Baller League

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      MALI international Bakary Sako joins Gary Linekar, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards’s Deportrio for the huge Baller League tournament. SunSport brings you the lowdown on the former Crystal Palace and Wolves winger.Bakary Sako scored five times for Crystal Palace during his time at Selhurst ParkCredit: PA:Press AssociationWho is Bakary Sako?Making 21 appearances for Mali, Sako is an established star for his country.The tricky winger, who heavily featured for St-Etienne and Wolves at the beginning of his career in troubling periods for both clubs. Coming through the ranks of La Chateauroux of the Chamionnat National, Sako earned a transfer to St-Etienne where he featured 113 times in Ligue 1.24 goal contributions in that period caught the eyes of Wolves, who picked him up for €3.80m after three years at Les Verts.READ MORE IN BALLER LEAGUEImpressively netting 24 times, combined with 20 assists in 78 games, in what was a very turbulent time for Wolves, he joined Crystal Palace on a free transfer, where he scored on his debut in a win over Aston Villa.Fleeting opportunities at West Brom and Pafos, he returned to St-Etienne, where he once started, ahead of transfers to APO Levadiakos and FC 93 Bobigny, who both sit in the lower tiers of Greek and French football respectively. With a dazzling 1.2million followers on Instagram, Sako looks to take centre stage in the new Baller League tournament beginning on March 24.What are the Baller League rules?Matches will be played in a six-a-side format on an smaller indoor pitch.Each half set to last 15 minutes.Shock rule twists to be introduced for the final three minutes of each half including a three vs three format, long-range goals counting as double, and goalkeepers not allowed to use their hands.These rule twists for the final three minutes will be randomised.MLS style one-vs-one penalties to be used.12 teams in the league with the top four going through to the playoffs.The league starts in March 2025, with the final four playoff in May to crown the winner.Most read in FootballBaller League squads in FULL26ers – J’ardell Stirling, Bilal Sayoud, Sak Hassan, Kojo Apenteng, Marcel Lewis, Jordon Ibe, Matt Chizzum, Emmanuel Rowe, Justin Dass, Spike Stegel, Vladislav Platinov, Jack Crook.Deportrio – Bakary Sako, Adam Dawson, Francis Gerald Mapolo, Zach Fagan, Marvin Sordell, Charlie Kuehn, Tommy Scott, Raphael Gas, Alex Dyer, Ruben Singale, Tristan Goodridge, Leo Serri.FC Rules the World – Michael Ndiweni, Josh Harrop, Tareiq Holmes-Dennis, Kevin Gonzalez, Oliver Bosworth, Karim Kamhouri, Erghis Pepy, Onuchi Oki, Yusuf Shentu, Alamiji Oluma, Sandro Kamara, Festus Chalet.M7 FC – Jesse Waller-Lassen, Femi Akinwande, Stefan Ilic, Jean Belehouan, Toby Bull, Sam Fitzgerald, Arjun Young, Ramez Gonzalo, Arin Zaha, Lewis Garcia, Henry Wise, Zion Nditi.MVPs United – Lorenzo Spinelli, Ashton Peltier, Jake Chambers Shaw, Ross Derham, Josh Misoki, James Canton, Alfie Matthew, Declan McCarthy, Jay Beckford, Joe Edwards, Dwayne Suel, Esteban Salgado.N5 FC – Owen Locke, Adrian Mariappa, Brian Ly, Charlie Wakefield, Dayo Adekayo, Chris Arba, Imran Kahani, Michael Class, James Alabi, Troy Molunda, Freddie Berrati, Callum Charlton.Santan FC – Michael Hill, Richard Kesey, Dominic Voss, Erick Kenco, Ranell McKenzie Lowes, Jamell Abou-Bakare, Rico Okinari, David Upu, Abdullah Gervardi, Jack Wilson, David Solidemi, Luka Valentine.SDS FC – Bruno Andrade, Bayley Brown, Ody Alfa, Cole Da Silva, David Marques Castanho, Calvin Dickson, Big John, Camillo Astreppo, Finley Chadwick, Michael Felibe, Hussein Mahdi, Tyler Edmundson.Trebol FC – Montel McKenzie, Vani Da Silva, Ciaran Clark, Isaac Modi, Ethan Oke, Reggie, Emi, Ryan Gorwell, Jordan Brown, Shani Omed, Aaron Steven, Nathan Bowen.VZN FC – Henri Lansbury, Kurtice Herbert, Jerome Sinclair, Remy Mitchell, Montel McKenzie, Florian Kastrati, Michael Olive-Wigan, Barrell Mensah, Ethan McClear, Diego Dombaboni, Jami Kheresi, Luka Barusic.READ MORE SUN STORIESWembley Rangers – Domingos Pires, Check Fayum, Ben Long, Stuart Cook, Oliver Cannon, Juan Pablo, Ruben Junior, Luke Gambin, Kaylen Kofi, Braden Shaw, Joseph Diomande, Nabid Eshari.Yanited – Kadell Daniel, Michael Hector, Mohammed Mahyoub, Remy Clerima, Percy Kiangebeni, Medy Elito, Max Pitman, Harry Cain, Henry O’Shea, Daniel Thompson, Daniel Woods, Pharrel Mensah. More

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      Jamal Musiala shows ‘500 IQ’ to score tap-in for Germany without opponents Italy noticing

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      GERMANY star Jamal Musiala scored a “genius” goal against Italy without them even noticing.The German national team played out an entertaining 3-3 draw against the Azzurri in the quarter-finals of the Nations League on Sunday at the Signal Iduna Park.Jamal Musiala scored a ‘genius’ goal for Germany against ItalyGermany star Musiala caught Italy napping and scored in front of open goalItaly didn’t know what hit them after Musiala scored Germany’s secondCredit: GettyJulian Nagelsmann’s men, who were leading 2-1 from the first leg, had opened the scoring with Joshua Kimmich’s penalty kick in the half-hour mark.And the hosts doubled their lead just six minutes later with a smart corner-kick that caught Italy napping.Paris Saint-Germain star goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had earlier denied a header by Borussia Monchengladbach ace Tim Kleindienst with a stunning save that led to a corner down the right.Donnarumma was incensed with his defence following Germany’s earlier effort and tore into his team-mates.Read More on FootballThey then got into a heated exchange inside the box while Kimmich, who’s been linked with a move to Arsenal and Liverpool, was getting ready to take on the spot-kick.Bayern Munich star Musiala, 22, noticed how distracted his opponents were and positioned himself in front of goal.Kimmich saw his Bayern team-mate and delivered a quick cross that allowed the playmaker to finish in front of open goal with Donnarumma away as he was still yelling at his defenders.Fans were left absolutely stunned with Germany’s incredible awareness and Italy’s “laziness”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne fan tweeted: “500 IQ by Musiala to stand there and actually demand the ball while everyone else just stood there and waited for Donnarumma to stop crying.”Another reminisced on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s genius corner-kick against Barcelona that completed Liverpool’s stunning Champions League comeback in 2019: “Barcelona fans having nostalgic feelings rn.”I played with Bellingham, Musiala and Palmer – England star blew me awayA third wrote: “That was a lesson for all players and trainers. Good material. Embarrassing though, very…for Italy defence.”This fan said: “That was pure genius, Kimmich really saw the moment.”And that one commented: “That’s how you punish laziness!”Kleindienst scored Germany’s third just before half-time and appeared to have completed an absolute triumph for the hosts.But Italy fought back and saved their dignity with a brace by Moise Kean and a last-gasp equaliser by Giacomo Raspadori.However, the Germans went through to the semi-finals thanks to a 5-4 win on aggregate and will face Portugal in June, with the winner taking on either Spain or France in the final. More

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      Inside Dominik Szoboszlai and Arda Guler’s furious row as Real Madrid star brands Liverpool rival a ‘joke’

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      LIVERPOOL star Dominik Szoboszlai hit out at Arda Guler with a creative comment after the pair clashed on the pitch.The midfielder had an altercation with the Turkey midfielder while featuring for Hungary in a Nations League clash.Arda Guler shushed Dominik Szoboszlai during Turkey’s win over HungarySzoboszlai hit back with a clever cryptic messageIt is not the first time the pair have had an altercationGuler later hit back branding Szoboszlai a ‘joke’Turkey came out on top 3-0 to win 6-1 on aggregate, with Guler grabbing the second goal.The Real Madrid youngster provoked Szoboszlai by putting his finger to his lips to tell the Liverpool star to be quiet.Szoboszlai then hit back with a cryptic comment on social media in response to an account that shared a photo of their coming together.Referencing the amount of minutes Guler has played this season, he wrote: “1088’.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGuler later responded on social media by sharing a mock-up of the scoreline, adding “Szoboszlai one Instagram comment” as if it was worth a goal.He added the caption: “This guy is a joke. Isn’t six goals enough to shut you up?”Fans love the petulance on show from Szoboszlai, and his creative way of getting back at his opponent.One fan reacted saying: “Szoboszlai got straight into the dressing room and googled how many minutes Arda Guler has played this season, this is the level of hater I aspire to be.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “This is so petty 😂😂😭”A third wrote: “Nah this is some next level hate 😂🤣”Fans convinced Frimpong will join Liverpool after spotting his Holland camp antics And another commented: “Szobo cooked him with that one 😂”It is not the first time Szoboszlai and Guler have had a coming together either, with the pair exchanging heated words during a friendly in March 2024. More

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      Bruno Fernandes left red-faced after antics just seconds before Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘worst penalty ever’

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has been mocked after appearing to celebrate BEFORE Cristiano Ronaldo hit the “worst penalty ever”. The Manchester United midfielder starred alongside CR7 for Portugal in Sunday’s dramatic Nations League clash with Denmark.Eagle-eyed fans spotted Bruno Fernandes’ ill-fated moment before Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penaltyCredit: APCR7 stepped up to take an early spot-kick against Denmark on SundayCredit: ReutersFernandes was seen celebrating before Ronaldo had even struck the ballBut the 40-year-old’s feeble penalty was easily saved by Kasper SchmeichelCredit: ReutersRonaldo scored and missed a penalty in the thrilling contest, which ended 3-2 to the hosts after 90 minutes.Portugal eventually ran out 5-2 winners on the night, scoring twice in extra time to progress to the semi-finals.But it was a penalty miss by the 40-year-old that got social media talking on Sunday. Ronaldo stepped up to take the spot-kick just five minutes into the contest at Lisbon’s Estadio Jose Alvalade.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEagle-eyed fans spotted Fernandes raising his arms aloft in celebration as Ronaldo began his run-up.However, the Man Utd and Real Madrid legend, after stuttering in his run-up, hit a feeble spot-kick low to Kasper Schmeichel’s left, which was easily saved.One fan laughed on X: “The biggest jinx smh.”Another said: “Ronaldo fumbled the bag, Fernandes knew it all along.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile a third added: “He thinks he’s still that guy.” And a fourth claimed: “Bruno wasn’t celebrating. He was thinking I should have taken the PK, he was right.”Cristiano Ronaldo explodes in fit of fury after £64million signing Jhon Duran gets sent off for SLAPPING rivalRonaldo hit back at “disrespectful” reporters prior to the clash in Lisbon.The Al Nassr forward had not scored in the Nations League before Sunday and was asked about his potential retirement from international football.Ronaldo responded: “I feel like there’s a lot of negativity around the national team.”I’ve watched some of the press conferences over the last few days – I didn’t like what I saw, I don’t like it.Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar.”And honestly, some of the questions you’ve asked were just disrespectful.”If you want answers from me, look me in the eyes when you ask.”There’s no point asking me something and then looking down at your computer.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You’ll have time for that later. If necessary, I will say it ten times.”Portugal will now face Germany in the semi-finals of the competition, with the first leg on June 4. More

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      Who is Bruno Andrade? Baller League No 1 pick and QPR youth graduate with a lengthy Football League resume

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      THE No1 pick in the newly-formed UK Baller League comes with pedigree.Bruno Andrade is set to garner a lot of attention when he suits up for SDS FC, managed by YouTuber and Sky Sports regular Sharky.Bruno Andrade (right) was part of the Lincoln side that got promoted to the Sky Bet League One.Andrade was in the same academy as Raheem SterlingCredit: QPRThe Football League journeyman was the first pick in the newly-formed UK version Baller LeagueCredit: X: @SDSFootballClub
      Not only because he was the league’s first pick in a draft selection sprinkled with former Premier League players but also because of the numerous teams he has played for in the past.Andrade, 31, has a lengthy resume in various leagues across the English football league pyramid.So, who is the newest Baller League recruit?Former Queens Park Rangers player Born and raised in Viseu, a small city located in the heart of Portugal, Andrade joined the Queens Park Rangers’ development teams upon arriving in the UK. READ MORE IN BALLER LEAGUEThe Portuguese forward was attempting to establish himself at Loftus Road during a time when the team was investing heavily in an effort to succeed in the Premier League.He would proceed to play in the club’s first team four times during his nine-year association with the West London side.”I’m not trying to sound big-headed but I 100 per cent think I would be playing there if I was coming through now,” he said in a sit-down interview with Sky Sports in 2019. “But at the time it was hectic because QPR were signing players left, right and centre and it made it really hard for youngsters like myself trying to come through. Most read in Football”I had players like Park Ji-Sung, Adel Taarabt, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Junior Hoilett in front of me so it was hard to make an impact.”One local Portugese paper at the time earmarked Andrade as someone to watch in regards to the national team during the time.”The year after I left things starting changing and there has been a bit more stability with youngsters getting a chance. For me the timing was all wrong, but everything happens for a reason.”Football League journeyman During his time with the R’s, Andrade went on a series of loans that would make him known in the lower league circles. In 2015, eager for first-team experience, Andrade joined Woking in the National League. A year later, he moved to Boreham Wood in the same tier.He had a breakthrough season in 2017–18, scoring 22 goals, which earned him a return to the Football League with Lincoln in the summer of 2018. Lincoln City and the Cowley brothers gave him an opportunity following Danny and Nick’s promotion from the National League in the season prior. However, upon the Cowley brother’s departure in 2019, Andrade would be on the move again in January 2020 as he joined the Class of ’92-owned Salford City.An underwhelming stint at the Manchester-based club would see the former teammate of Raheem Sterling tumble down the leagues with Bedford Town in level 7 of the national football pyramid, providing a new hunting ground for the 17-club man at the start of the year.Personal life José, Andrade’s father, played football professionally as well. He was a particularly prodigious striker in the 90s for local side Académico de Viseu and earned a move to English football with Stoke City in 1997.The career climax was followed by a move to various clubs across Europe before retiring in 2010 as a two-capped man for Cape Verde. Baller League managersLuis Figo – Trebol FCTBJZL – VZN FCAlan Shearer, Gary Lineker, Micah Richards – DeportrioSharky – SDS FCJohn Terry – 26ersAngry Ginge – YanitedJens Lehmann, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg – N5 FCMiniminter – M7 FCDave – Santan FCClint 419 – FC Rules the WorldIan Wright and Chloe Kelly – Wembley Rangers AFCMaya Jama and Alisha Lehmann – MVPs UnitedWhat is the Baller League?Youtube sensation and boxer KSI will be the president of the Baller League.Games will consist of two 15 minute halves.After 11 games, the top four placed teams will meet in the play-offs to determine the winner of the competition.Games will be played weekly every Monday from March 24, and will stream live on YouTube and Twitch, as well as be shown on Sky Sports in the UK.READ MORE SUN STORIESFootball icon Luis Figo is one of the star-studded names involved in the event.Credit: Getty
      Celebrities, futsal players, and former players will compete in the indoor football tournament. Premier League legends such as John Terry, Alan Shearer, Robert Pires and Ian Wright are all managers in the Baller League with the likes of Luis Figo, Alisha Lehmann, Chloe Kelly, r More

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      Thomas Tuchel axes two stars from England squad to face Latvia but Morgan Gibbs-White and Jarrell Quansah included

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      MORGAN GIBBS-WHITE and Jarrell Quansah have been included in England’s matchday squad to face Latvia after two team-mates were left out.Thomas Tuchel has named his 23-man group for the World Cup qualifier.Thomas Tuchel has named his 23-man squad to face LatviaCredit: GettyMorgan Gibbs-White has been included in tonight’s matchday squadCredit: GettyJarrell Quansah could earn his first England capCredit: GettyTino Livramento and Anthony Gordon won’t feature tonightCredit: GettyUefa rules mean Tuchel had to cut three players from the 26-strong pool he selected for this international weekend.Gibbs-White, Quansah and Aaron Ramsdale were left out against Albania, with the latter once again excluded.However for Latvia’s visit to Wembley tonight Ramsdale is joined by Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon on the list of stars who miss out.Gordon withdrew from the England camp after suffering a hip injury on Friday which forced him to limp down the tunnel after the final whistle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLivramento was an unused substitute in the 2-0 victory over Albania and will now have to wait to add to the solitary cap he won against Ireland last year.His absence means Quansah has a chance to earn his first England cap.The Liverpool star is a natural centre-back but has filled in at right-back on occasion, so could get minutes tonight.Tuchel appears willing to hand opportunities to a number of players as he searches for the right balance in his squad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe said: “We have to get the process right to find the best group.”If that means we leave very good and talented players out of the squad this can happen. In the next 16 months it is important we find the right team and not the most talented 26 players.’That was missing’ – Brutally blunt Thomas Tuchel reveals disappointment in Rashford and Foden’s England performances”We need to get the team right. We need to get the team spirit right because it’s one thing to play qualifiers, it’s another thing to play tournament football.”Aaron Ramsdale has failed to make the matchday squad againCredit: Getty More

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      ‘So unfair’ – Only way Chelsea can get out of £25m Jadon Sancho buy obligation revealed after loan transfer from Man Utd

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      CHELSEA can still opt out of their obligation-to-buy loan deal for Manchester United flop Jadon Sancho.The Blues signed United outcast Sancho, 24, last summer following an agreement with their Premier League foes.Chelsea can still opt out of their obligation-to-buy loan deal for Man Utd flop Jadon SanchoCredit: GettyChelsea will have to pay Man Utd £5m if they do not complete the £25m signing of SanchoCredit: GettyThe winger moved to Stamford Bridge on a season-long loan – but included in the deal was an obligation to buy the winger for £25million this coming June.The England international started well as he registered an assist in each of his first three Premier League matches with the West Londoners.However, Sancho’s form has since dipped and he currently tallies only two goals and six assists in 28 appearances with Enzo Maresca’s side.Therefore, Chelsea may not be too keen to splash the cash for the ex-Borussia Dortmund star this summer.Read More on ChelseaAccording to The Athletic, however, there may be a way out for Chelsea after all – but it comes with a catch.The Blues will have to pay Man Utd £5m if they do NOT complete the signing of Sancho permanently.That means the forward may return to Old Trafford after all amid reports suggesting United manager Ruben Amorim is planning a mass summer clearout.And the Red Devils don’t seem too keen to welcome the ex-Manchester City youngster back.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeThat is after Man Utd minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s damning assessment of Sancho and four other players who never lived up to expectations.Ratcliffe recently said: “If you look at the players we are buying this summer, that we didn’t buy, we’re buying Antony.’Reminded me of Gerrard at Liverpool’ – Cole Palmer told he needs to LEAVE Chelsea and has outgrown the club already”We’re buying Casemiro, we’re buying [Andre] Onana, we’re buying [Rasmus] Hojlund, we’re buying Sancho.”These are all things from the past, whether we like it or not, we’ve inherited those things and have to sort that out.”For Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea and we pay half his wages, we’re paying £17million to buy him in the summer.”United fans didn’t seem too pleased with that new piece of information following Sancho’s struggles in Manchester.One supporter tweeted: “This is so unfair. So obligatory loans are essentially useless. This is not a significant penalty.”Another commented: “Since when did they change the definition of obligation?”A third wrote: “What a joke. So it basically wasn’t an obligation. It was essentially a straight loan with a fee, and not even a high fee at that. That’s us stuck with him next season then.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan said: “Whoever negotiated this kind of deal should be top of Manchester United’s sack list if not sacked already.”And that one wondered: “What’s the point of an obligation to buy if they don’t buy?” More

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      Footie star dangerously kicks TWO fans in astonishing cup final rampage after being sent off as hundreds invade pitch

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      A WILD brawl involving players and supporters has marred a cup final in Brazil – with one star seen kicking out at rival fans. The Santa Catarina State Championship final between Avai and Chapecoense descended into chaos on Saturday night.There was chaos following a cup final in Brazil over the weekendCredit: https://x.com/TNTSportsBRChapecoense star Jorge Jimenez was seen kicking a rival fan after a pitch invasionCredit: https://x.com/TNTSportsBRThe supporter had been taunting away fans after Avai triumphedCredit: https://x.com/TNTSportsBRThe club have since condemned Jimenez’s actions after he was seen kicking out at the downed supporterCredit: https://x.com/TNTSportsBRThe opening leg between the two sides finished 2-2 last week, setting up a tense finale at the Ressacada in Florianopolis.Bruno Matias gave Chapecoense a second-half lead, only for Avai to hit back through a controversial penalty from Eduardo Brock.Giovanni Augusto saw red for the visitors in a bad-tempered game, with FOUR players on the benches also given an early shower after clashing over the penalty decision. Avai ultimately took the title after the 1-1 draw because they finished higher in the league stage.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd their delighted supporters invaded the pitch to celebrate at full time.One fan made a beeline towards the travelling Chapecoense contingent, taunting them over the loss.Video circulated on social media showed fuming midfielder Jorge Jimenez launching into a wild attack on the supporter.He leapt into the air, kicking the fan hard in the back and knocking him to the floor. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJimenez appeared to aim another kick towards the fan while he was on the ground.And as he walked off the pitch, he kicked out hard at another Avai fan who had come onto the field.Benfica fans furiously brawl with Barcelona stewards with limbs everywhere during Champions League KOFollowing the fracas, the club released a statement, saying: “Chapecoense wishes to publicly state that it does not condone any type of violence or aggression. “Aware of the facts, the club promptly contacted [Jimenez], who expressed regret for his conduct. “Since the incident, he has reflected on his actions and understands that impulsive reactions are not in keeping with the responsibility he carries as a professional footballer.”He reiterated his commitment to learning from this episode and avoiding any similar situation in the future.”Jimenez had started the game for Chapecoense but was subbed off at halftime.He was left incensed after referee Gustavo Ervino Bauermann sent off Augusto for complaining about the second-half penalty.Santa Catarina Military Police were needed to remove Augusto from the field, per Globo. And in their statement, Chapecoense slammed the refereeing performance as “biased” and “full of flaws”.Jimenez was also given a red card by Bauermann amid the crazy scenes, with the penalty delayed by almost 10 minutes. Augusto complained after the match: “I didn’t say anything. If I said anything, it was ‘You’re kidding me’.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He gave me a yellow card and then a red card. He’s been acting maliciously since the beginning of the game. “Only we know what’s going on, and he’s simply doing this out of ego and vanity.” More