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      VAR audio ‘picks up suspicious “thank goodness” after Barcelona goal vs Real Madrid is ruled out for handball’

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      EL CLASICO has been rocked by a VAR controversy after an official appeared to say “thank goodness” during a goal review. Barcelona beat rivals Real Madrid 4-3 in a thrilling LaLiga showdown on Sunday night.Referee Alejandro Jose Hernandez Hernandez disallowed a late goal for Barcelona in El ClasicoCredit: GettyA controversial handball in the build-up saw the goal chalked offCredit: X @rfefThe Catalan giants stretched their lead at the top of the table to seven points with victory at the Nou Camp. But the hosts were denied a fifth goal in stoppage time as Fermin Lopez’s strike was chalked off for a handball in the build-up. Referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández was advised by VAR official Juan Martínez Munuera to review the footage on the pitchside monitor. In audio released by RFEF, Munuera said: “Listen to me, Alex, we’ve just detected a handball, okay? Please come take a look.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAn unknown voice in the VAR room was then heard saying: “Given the height – thank goodness [menos mal]. Yes, yes, totally.”Hernandez replied: “Okay, perfect. Let’s continue. It hits his hand, yes. “The ball’s going out. Now give me a wide angle so I can see the entire action and how it ends. “Okay, perfect. The hand is clearly raised. I’m going to disallow the goal.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMundo Deportivo claim the ‘thank goodness’ comment “was not transcribed or subtitled by the RFEF” in the video released to the public.It followed a match dogged by referee controversy, with Barca feeling stung by the decisions.Injured Barcelona star fails to go incognito as he takes budget flight with fans to Champions League semi-final vs InterKylian Mbappe appeared to be marginally offside before Madrid won a penalty early in the contest.And the league leaders were fuming after Aurelien Tchouameni was not punished for handball in the area moments before Lopez’s strike. Despite the controversy, Barcelona took control of the LaLiga title race with the 4-3 win. Mbappe struck a hat-trick for Los Blancos, who had led 2-0 after just 14 minutes.But Hansi Flick’s side stormed back with four goals before half time from Eric Garcia, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Barcelona will secure top spot as early as Wednesday night if Madrid fail to beat Real Mallorca.Should Madrid win, Barcelona could win LaLiga the following day when they face Espanyol in the Catalan derby. More

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      Man Utd’s horror stats laid bare as Amorim equals record from year club were RELEGATED and on verge of unwanted history

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S nightmare season took yet another blow with Sunday’s defeat to West Ham.And the horror stats mean the Red Devils have now matched their all-time worst-ever tally for home league losses in a single season.Manchester United are setting unwanted records in this nightmare seasonCredit: APRuben Amorim only arrived in November but is already threatening to quitCredit: GettyThe 2-0 nightmare result against the Hammers left United 16th in the Premier League table with two matches to go – and still yet to reach the 40-point mark. It was their record-equalling ninth home defeat of the season.That is the same number as they managed in the 1930-31 relegation season and also in 1962-63.It has never been managed in the Premier League era – with eight league home losses in 1893-94, 1920-21 and 1961-62. READ MORE ON MAN UTDTo make matters worse, Tomas Soucek’s 26th-minute opener yesterday ensured only one team have gone 1-0 down more times at home than United this Prem term.The West Ham game was the 12th time United have conceded first at Old Trafford.That is level with Ipswich in joint-second with Leicester topping the unwanted table with 15.The Foxes famously lost nine home matches in a row without scoring from mid-December until finally scoring against and beating Southampton on May 3.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordEven basement boys Saints have only gone 1-0 down at home 11 times this season – level with Tottenham and West Ham. And Amorim is at risk of setting a new Premier League record for United’s longest winless run.The Red Devils have failed to win any of their last seven league matches.That horror form includes defeats to Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, Wolves, Brentford and West Ham and draws against Manchester City and Bournemouth since beating Leicester on March 16. Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge the only other time United were winless in seven – with that streak ending way back in November 1992. Louis van Gaal went six games without tasting victory up to November 2015 while Ferguson twice (1995 and 2007), Jose Mourinho (2017) and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (2019) each suffered five-match winless runs. United face Chelsea away on Friday night where they could set their new record with eight. And Amorim’s side host Aston Villa on the final day of the season where they will be desperately hoping to not go 1-0 down for a 13th time – and avoid a record-breaking tenth home league defeat of the shocking campaign.Incredibly, either 16th-placed United or 17th-placed Tottenham will play Champions League football next season as they prepare to face off in the Europa League final next Wednesday. But Amorim admitted he may not be in charge at Old Trafford for much longer and is prepared to step down as manager if he cannot turn the disasterclass around. The Portuguese gaffer said: “I don’t want to talk about the players. I’m talking about myself and the culture in the club and the culture in the team. I have that feeling.“We need to change that and we need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave.”Because we cannot have a season like this next year. If the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different persons.”So it’s a big problem that we have here at the club. It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to address that.”We are losing the feeling that we are a massive club and the feeling that it’s not the biggest thing in the world losing a game at home.”We don’t have that fear anymore and that is the most dangerous thing that a big club can have.”I think it’s a concern. It’s not the players’ fault. It’s my fault, I’m responsible.”If we cannot change that really fast we should give our place to different persons.Read More on The Sun”If you look at the goals that we suffer, we can avoid these goals. The lack of energy, of urgency. That is the most dangerous things in this club.”You can feel it at the beginning of the game. Between our box and opponent’s box there is a lack of urgency. That is something we have to change in this club.”United went down 2-0 at home to West Ham on SundayCredit: GettyTomas Soucek’s goal was the 12th time United went 1-0 down at home in the Premier LeagueCredit: ReutersSir Alex Ferguson went seven matches without a win in 1992Credit: GettyMan Utd ratings vs West Ham as Ugarte awful and Mainoo invisible in latest horror showMANCHESTER UNITED dropped to 16th in the Premier League after suffering an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to West Ham at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim named a strong team for United’s return to domestic duty, but not even Amad Diallo could save the day.United gave fans a lively start, but reverted back to factory settings after the visitors took the lead inside 27 minutes.West Ham picked off United against the run of play, before former Man Utd star Aaron Wan-Bissaka came back to haunt his old club.The full-back fed a clever ball through to Mohammed Kudus, who thrashed a low cross into the six yard box for Tomas Soucek to tap home.United got caught cold again and were the masters of their own undoing, after Kudus pounced on Manuel Ugarte’s mess up to set up Jarrod Bowen, who doubled West Ham’s lead in the 58th minute.Apart from some bright moments from Amad, this was another awful performance from the home side, as West Ham became the SIXTH team to the double over United this season.The Red Devils haven’t haven’t won a Prem game since their 3-0 win at Leicester on March 16, which incidentally was the last team West Ham beat in February.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated every Man Utd star’s performance at Old Trafford… More

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      Lamine Yamal destroys Jude Bellingham with four-word Instagram post after firing Barcelona to epic Clasico win

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      LAMINE YAMAL destroyed Jude Bellingham with a four-word Instagram post after firing Barcelona to an epic Clasico win.The teenager sensation, 17, was on target in a 4–3 home victory over Real Madrid on Sunday.Lamine Yamal took aim at Jude Bellingham on InstagramCredit: GettyThe Real Madrid star was on the receiving end of a 4-3 Clasico defeatCredit: GettyYamal’s Insta post went up on Sunday eveningBarcelona were forced to fight back twice from a goal down to secure bragging rights in the derby.But more importantly, it saw Hansi Flick’s men open up a seven-point lead at the top of the table with just three games to play.And Yamal could not resist poking fun at Real Madrid rival Bellingham in an Instagram post on Sunday evening.The winger uploaded a picture of himself celebrating his goal, along with the caption: “Mm, Ryan vaccinated (like this one too).”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe first part of the caption refers to a previous viral encounter with autograph-seeking “fans” who did not actually know Yamal’s name, leading him to tell them it was ‘Ryan’.But the latter half was a clear dig at Bellingham after his Instagram antics last week.The England star, as well as Real legend Sergio Ramos, ‘liked’ a post from Alessandro Bastoni after the Italian defender helped Inter Milan dump Yamal’s Barcelona out of the Champions League in a thrilling semi-final clash.And fans were quick to react to Yamal’s cheeky caption on social media.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSOne said: “Ooh Jude didn’t you like this one?”Another declared: “Ryan putting Madrid on a leash, hell yeah.”’Absolute cinema’ – Kate Abdo dubbed ‘real talent’ after showing off incredible Spanish in Lamine Yamal interviewBellingham and Sergio Ramos both liked a post by Alessandro Bastoni last weekCredit: GettyThe Italian had hailed Inter Milan’s Champions League win over Yamal’s BarcaOne noted: “It would be unfair not to give the Ballon d’Or to this genius.”Another added: “Legend already.”Yamal and Barcelona will now prepare to visit Espanyol on Thursday, where a win will secure the LaLiga title.Flick’s men need just two points from their remaining three games to take Real’s crown.And it will secure the Double for the German in his maiden season, with Barcelona already beating Real 3-2 in last month’s thrilling Copa del Rey final. More

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      ‘Show a little respect’ – David Beckham calls out MLS rival on Instagram after their SAVAGE post about Inter Miami

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      DAVID BECKHAM has lashed out at an MLS rival and demanded the club show a “little respect”.Beckham’s Inter Miami were thrashed 4-1 by Minnesota United on Saturday.David Beckham has hit back at Minnesota UnitedCredit: APLionel Messi was on the scoresheet but Inter Miami were thrashed 4-1 on SaturdayCredit: APInter boss Javier Mascerano is under pressure after four losses in five gamesCredit: GettyIt was the first time Miami have lost by three goals or more since the arrival of Lionel Messi in 2023.The heavy loss was the Herons’ fourth defeat in their last five matches.And Minnesota’s social media team were keen to revel in victory after a dominant performance. Following Saturday’s game, the club posted a picture of dejected Miami players on Instagram with the caption: “Pink Phony Club.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe post referred to Miami’s pink kit and played on singer Chappell Roan’s mega-hit Pink Pony Club. Co-owner Beckham, who helped found the club in 2018, didn’t see the funny side. The England legend wrote in response on Instagram: “Show a little respect @mnufc be elegant in triumph.”Minnesota fans had also taunted Miami before the game with a banner which read: “History over Hype, Culture over Cash”.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAfter the image was shared by Minnesota’s official account, Beckham added: “Respect over everything @mnufc.”Messi, 37, scored in Saturday’s 4-1 loss, his 44th since joining the club almost two years ago. New $1bn stadium in Miami rapidly takes shape and set to open in 2026 But Miami boss Javier Mascherano has now suffered five defeats since taking over in January. And the Argentine admits he needs the club’s form to turn around ahead of June’s Club World Cup.Mascerano said: “It’s a tough loss for us. “We knew Minnesota could hurt us in this way, in transitions, on set pieces, and they hurt us in the way we had prepared for the game.”That’s what worries me the most. “If the players drop their levels, clearly the responsibility falls on me. All on me. “If the coach does not convince them or transmit what he is looking for, all the responsibility falls on the coach.” More

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      ‘It’s fine by me’ – Slot sends message to Liverpool fans who booed Trent Alexander-Arnold but vows to keep playing him

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      ARNE SLOT won’t shy away from playing Trent Alexander-Arnold in Liverpool’s remaining games this season – despite boos from the Anfield faithful. The departing Reds’ full-back was jeered by a portion of the home crowd during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.Arne Slot has backed Trent Alexander-Arnold after boos from some Liverpool fansCredit: APThe full-back is bound for Real Madrid in the summer once his contract expiresCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold replaced Conor Bradley in the 67th minute on Merseyside and received a mixed reception.The England star is set to leave his boyhood club in the summer after 21 years to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.Audible boos were heard every time Alexander-Arnold touched the ball for the remaining 20 minutes of the game.Boss Slot believes fans can “have their opinion” but vowed to back his players “no matter what”.READ MORE IN SPORTHe told Sky Sports: “In general and in life, the good thing about living in Europe is that everybody can have their opinion and that’s the same here in Liverpool.”There were people that were not so happy with him.”There were a lot of people who were happy with him, they clapped for him.”A few of them booed. I think everybody is allowed to have their opinion.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Towards the end, I think more and more people were positive.”But for me, it’s simple. I owe it to the team and to the fans, to everyone, to play a team that can win a game of football.Jamie Carragher ‘shocked’ by Alexander-Arnold boos as he admits ‘most Liverpool players want to play for Real Madrid'”And Trent showed why I brought him in because he had two or three incredible balls.””We were very close to winning it, partly because of him, so for me, it’s not that difficult.”For the fans, they have the reaction they want but I will always back my players.”The one that I lead, the ones that wear a red shirt. I will always back them, no matter what.”For me, I don’t believe any player putting on that red shirt who goes on to win trophies should be being booed.Jamie CarragherSky SportsClub legend Jamie Carragher, working as a pundit for Sky Sports, admitted he was “shocked” by the booing.And the former Reds centre-half claimed that “most players in that Liverpool dressing room probably want to play for Real Madrid.”Speaking on the booing, he said: “That’s the story of the game. “That’s what we will be talking about after the game, and the back pages of every newspaper.”I’m surprised how many [boos]. For me, I don’t believe any player putting on that red shirt who goes on to win trophies should be being booed.”Booing one of your own players while they’re playing is not for me.”That [booing him] was a step too far. That could’ve been his last performance, which might be the right thing as Liverpool don’t need a circus.”Read More on The SunAlexander-Arnold, 26, joined Liverpool’s academy at the age of 6 in 2004.He made his first team debut in 2016 and has since gone on to play over 350 times for his hometown club, winning five major trophies. More

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      Jamie Carragher ‘shocked’ by Alexander-Arnold boos as he admits ‘most Liverpool players want to play for Real Madrid’

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER was shocked at the boos Trent Alexander-Arnold received against Arsenal.And the Reds legend admitted that “most players in that Liverpool dressing room probably want to play for Real Madrid.”Trent Alexander-Arnold was heavily booed against ArsenalCredit: PAJamie Carragher believes the fans were wrong given what he has won with the clubCredit: Sky SportsAlexander-Arnold was roundly booed at Anfield as he replaced Conor Bradley and we then jeered with every touch he made.The Anfield faithful sang Bradley’s name as they made Alexander-Arnold aware of just what they thought about his impending exit, which he announced last week.Carragher believes it was wrong for Liverpool fans to boo the right-back given the honours he has won with the club.The pundit said on Sky Sports: “That’s the story of the game. That’s what we will be talking about after the game, and the back pages of every newspaper.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’m surprised how many [boos]. For me, I don’t believe any player putting on that red shirt who goes on to win trophies should be being booed.”Booing one of your own players while they’re playing is not for me.”That [booing him] was a step too far. That could’ve been his last performance, which might be the right thing as Liverpool don’t need a circus.”If you are frustrated with Trent, sing Conor Bradley or Steven Gerrard’s name. Don’t boo a player as it opens you up to criticism from supporters up and down the land about Liverpool supporters.”Most read in FootballAlexander-Arnold, 26, completed a lap of the pitch at full-time and applauded supporters despite his harsh treatment – which Gary Neville labelled “not pleasant”.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe England star this week confirmed he would be leaving Liverpool upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season, with Real Madrid his destination.And Carragher admitted that, even though fans would not want to hear it, a lot of Reds players would likely do the same given the opportunity.Trent Alexander-Arnold BOOED by Liverpool fans after boyhood fan confirmed he’s leaving in weeksCarragher added: “I think team-mates in this dressing room would normally rally around most people 99 per cent of the time. “Supporters of any football club right now will probably not want to hear this, but most players in that Liverpool dressing room probably want to play for Real Madrid.”I’ve been in a dressing room where players left us to go to Barcelona and Real Madrid. It’s really hard for supporters. You almost feel like they fall for it every time, ‘this player absolutely loves us’. And then they move on and go somewhere else. “Players don’t think like supporters. A lot of those players in the dressing room will think they’d love to play for Real Madrid.”Carragher previously claimed Liverpool fans’ anger towards Alexander-Arnold was “justified” and “bound to stir emotions”. More

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      ‘I was KILLING myself’ – Mikel Arteta launches furious rant at Arsenal players despite second-half Anfield comeback

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      MIKEL ARTETA slammed the performance of his team after coming back from behind to draw with Liverpool.The Gunners conceded two goals in two minutes and found themselves 2-0 down at the break.Mikel Arteta was critical of his side despite coming from bending to draw 2-2Credit: EPAThe Gunners boss was left ‘upset’ by the performance in the first 25 minutesCredit: APThey fought back with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino, who was later sent off after picking up two yellow cards.And although Arteta was pleased with the reaction of his players, he fumed that they gave themselves a mountain to climb.The Gunners boss admitted there were “a lot of parts” of his team’s display which upset him.He said: “A lot of parts, especially defending the standards that we have and the errors after we gave the ball away.READ MORE IN ARSENAL”Very far off it. Really upset, yeah we had a reaction. I hate reaction I like action.”I was really really upset.”What I saw in the first 25 minutes, 35 minutes. Some of the actions…I was killing myself.”Arteta was asked about the psychological impact Arsenal’s mid-week Champions League exit at PSG may have had on his players.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut he sent a message to his squad – telling them they had to prove they are the best of the rest after missing out on the league title to Liverpool.Arteta also refused to put his team’s performance down to fatigue or injuries, which have had a big impact this season.Jamie Carragher in huge row with Gary Neville over Arsenal title prediction and striker claimBut even ahead of the match he admitted his squad was short of the quality necessary to win the Prem.He said: “There are a lot of factors. We knew from the beginning of the season that our squad was super short.”Being super short we had some players that had a high probability of getting injured, because that’s what they had in the last few seasons.”So we knew that and we cannot do anything about it.”But we will do everything that we can to improve the team and especially improve the players that we already have.”Whatever the market offers to give us a better chance to win for sure we will try to do it.” More

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      Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis releases statement after storming onto pitch following catastrophic draw

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST owner Evangelos Marinakis has released a statement after he stormed onto the pitch and appeared to confront boss Nuno Espirito Santo.The shocking incident occurred as Forest’s Champions League hopes suffered a blow with a 2-2 draw to already relegated Leicester.Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis stormed onto the pitch at the end of the gameCredit: AFPHe confronted Nuno and angrily gestured at himCredit: AFPMarinakis claimed his reaction was ‘natural’Credit: PAA raging Marinakis charged onto the pitch at full-time and was seemingly heading past Nuno.But he then stopped and made angry gestures at the manager as the pair exchange words.Marinakis lost his temper over Taiwo Awoniyi being forced to play on while injured.The striker was hurt after clattering into the post while attempting to slide in and score.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMedics checked on Awoniyi and he was initially given the thumbs up to play on before changing their minds.In that time, Nuno had used his final substitute to take off Elliot Anderson.Marinakis addressed the issue in a statement, which read: “Today is a day for celebration, because after 30 years Nottingham Forest is now guaranteed to be competing on the European stage once again – a promise I made to our supporters when we achieved promotion.”With two more games to go in the Premier League, we must keep believing and keep dreaming, right to the final kick in the final game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”We are extremely proud and close to Nuno and the team, and we must all celebrate the historic achievements of this season.”Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgement on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game.“This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club. Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming.”After the game, Nuno said: “It was a tough moment, after the situation with [Taiwo Awoniyi] we had one man less after a misunderstanding.“It’s difficult to control emotions when we had so much expectation on a day like this.”Asked if the Awoniyi situation sparked the Greek chief’s reaction, Nuno confirmed: “Yes, it was because of that. It was a misunderstanding, a miscommunication. I’m sorry, I cannot go much further.“It’s based on emotions, you cannot make a big deal out of it. It happens and it will happen again. With the emotions today, it’s understandable.”Nuno later said in his press conference: “It was a misunderstanding between the coaching and medical department and we were both frustrated.”It is because of the owner’s passion that we are growing as a club. he pushes us. He wants us to do better.Read More on The Sun”If it was the other way round maybe one ago he would say, ‘OK we have the job done that’s normal’.”His desire and passion is to be a big club. Honestly, as a club we owe a lot to the Marinakis family.”Taiwo Awoniyi sustained an injury but was not subbed off due to a ‘miscommunication’Credit: AFP More