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      Atletico vs Real Madrid VAR official replaced for Tottenham clash after Julian Alvarez penalty controversy

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      THE VAR responsible for chalking off Julian Alvarez’s controversial ‘double-kick’ penalty has been axed from his next European game.Tomasz Kwiatkowski, the Polish official, has been removed from the refereeing set-up for Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt. Alvarez was adjudged to have touched the ball twice upon scoring his penaltyCredit: ReutersFootball fans struggled to see the momentCredit: TNT SportsThe penalty was chalked off and Real Madrid advanced in the Champions LeagueCredit: APKwiatkowski fuelled a frenzy during the penalty shoot-out between city rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 at the Estadio Metropolitano, when he disallowed Alvarez’s successful spot-kick in a matter of seconds. Kwiatkowski deemed that the Argentine had touched the ball twice as he slotted past Thibaut Courtois.That sparked outrage amongst Atleti staff and supporters alike. There was such an uproar after the game that Uefa were forced to back the VAR’s decision with an official statement, even releasing a video of the spot kick to demonstrate Kwiatkowski’s thought process.Read More FootballThe incident also prompted Uefa to admit that they were ready to readdress the ‘double-kick’ law. It seemed as though things would return to normal when the fiasco simmered down, but the debate has been reignited by Kwiatkowski’s axing for Spurs’ Europa League tie with Frankfurt.Uefa have not publicly given a reason as to why the change has been made, leaving fans in the dark ahead of tonight’s game.Kwiatkowski has been part of referee Szymon Marciniak’s team since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but he will not be in London as initially planned.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSInstead, he will be replaced by Spaniard Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez in the VAR control room.Tottenham host Frankfurt in tonight’s game, which kicks off at 8pm.About to get sacked on air’ – Micah Richards stuns Kate Abdo into eight-second silence with crude innuendoSzymon Marciniak will be without his usual VAR when he takes charge of Spurs’ encounter against FrankfurtReal came out on top in the shootout, earning them a meeting with Arsenal in the quarter-finalsCredit: Alamy More

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      Man Utd ‘make contact with Brighton over transfer of Bart Verbruggen, 22, with Andre Onana’s long term position at risk’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly eyeing up Bart Verbruggen as a replacement for Andre Onana.Onana has made a series of gaffes since his arrival from Ajax in the summer of 2023 – and has been branded one of the worst United keepers in history by a former player.Andre Onana’s near two-year stint with Manchester United has been littered with mistakesCredit: GETTYThe Red Devils are reportedly keen on replacing Onana with Brighton’s Bart VerbruggenCredit: REXNew Red Devils gaffer Ruben Amorim is said to have concerns over Onana’s inconsistency between the sticks and is weighing up signing a new stopper in the summer.And according to reports, he’s keen on bringing Brighton’s Verbruggen to Old Trafford.That’s according to Gazetta dello Sport, who claim United have contacted the Seagulls over the Dutchman’s availability.United, however, will face stiff competition for the 22-year-old’s services.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSGerman giants Bayern Munich are reportedly keen on signing him.The Telegraph claim the Bundesliga big boys are weighing up a bid to bring the £60million-rated stopper to the Allianz Arena.Verbruggen has made 33 appearances for Brighton in all competitions this season, keeping eight clean sheets in the process.However, the stats below show he has a lower save percentage than Onana and has made more errors leading to goals.Most read in FootballBrighton are ninth in the Premier League table and six points off a Europa League place.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSVerbruggen missed Brighton’s first two league games of the season but has played a major role in the Seagulls being in European contention.He said of being the club’s No1 keeper in an interview with the BBC: “I’m loving it.Wife of Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana ‘robbed of £62K handbag and Rolex’ in horror theft as man, 25, charged”Everybody wants to play every game – same goes for me.”I really love to play every game and develop and help the team.”We have a very strong squad, with a lot of good attacking and defensive options – that’s a big strength of ours.”I’m really happy to be part of it and great things are coming.”Sun Sport exclusively revealed United have two other keepers lined up, with Onana possibly heading to Saudi Arabia.Brighton will be back in action on Saturday, welcoming Leicester to the Amex, while United travel to Newcastle on Sunday. More

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      Premier League cult hero’s son revealed as Reform UK candidate for upcoming election and vows to ‘fix’ local area

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      STILIYAN PETROV impressed the Aston Villa crowd when he stepped on to the pitch.Now his son wants to impress the public as he steps into politics. Stiliyan Petrov’s son – also called Stiliyan – is standing as a Reform UK council candidateCredit: https://x.com/reformparty_ukPetrov is standing in the upcoming election for Nigel Farage’s partyCredit: Facebook/Reform UKEx-Bulgaria international Petrov Sr played for Celtic and Aston VillaCredit: Action Images – ReutersStiliyan Jr is campaigning to be elected on to the Warwickshire County Council.The 105-cap former Bulgarian international’s son has already been revealed as Reform UK’s candidate for the Lapworth & West Kenilworth ward. Reform UK say that he’s “ready to fix his local area by cutting wasteful spending, lowering council tax and ensuring proper funding for key public services”.Speaking in a short video released on the right-wing party’s social media channels in which he does kick-ups with a football, Petrov Jr said: “I decided to stand for election because I think it’s time the working-class people and the youth of this country have a voice.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”We all start somewhere.”When I started my electrical apprenticeship, I didn’t have any idea what I was doing.”I couldn’t tell you even how to wire up a light. As time goes on, you’re getting that experience.”It isn’t going to be an easy journey. It will be hard.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But you have to think on your feet and do what is best in that situation. “I think that’s really what is going to benefit me.”Premier League star Matty Cash interviewed by his reporter sister who tells him ‘I’m proud of you… I love you’ Reform UK are currently second behind Labour but ahead of the Conservatives in the latest YouGov voting intention polls.Farage’s most recent blasts include hitting out at “anti-fun” Labour – and insisting his party are the only one “serious about protecting your right to enjoy a pint, enjoy a cigarette and stick a harmless tenner on a football match”. Petrov Jr – who posed for photos with party leader Nigel Farage – will find out if he has been voted in as a councillor following the elections on May 1.But their latest councillor hopeful insists he is not hoping to spend his entire working life in the political arena.Petrov added: “I’m not looking to be a career politician. I’m looking to help the people of this area and hopefully the country one day and just create real change in this country.NOT STANDING STIL”Look around, this Labour government and the previous Conservative government have constantly been lying to us.”False promises and making us wait – well, I have had enough.”It’s time to step up to the challenge and make real change that matters.”I believe in common-sense politics, I believe we should have lower taxes, safer streets and infrastructure that benefits everyone rather than having potholes everywhere on the roads and everybody getting punctures.”We need to end this wasteful spending on a national and local level.”Reform UK stands for practical people like me and wants change and will ensure change. I am Stiliyan Petrov, I am Reform UK.”Read More on The SunPetrov Sr, 45, moved to the UK in 1999 when he joined Celtic, racking up four league titles in seven seasons at Parkhead, before moving to Villa in 2006.He was part of the Villa side that reached the 2010 League Cup final but was forced to retire in 2013 after being diagnosed with leukaemia – before appearing in Sunday league with Jude Bellingham’s dad. Petrov’s campaign video featured him doing kick-upsCredit: https://x.com/reformparty_ukHe did an apprenticeship as an electricianCredit: https://x.com/reformparty_uk More

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      Raphinha slammed over ‘shameless’ act in Barcelona’s win against Dortmund

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      RAPHINHA has been slammed on social media after a “shameless” act in the Champions League.The Brazilian netted Barcelona’s opening goal in the Catalans’ 4-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.Raphinha prods home from right on the goal lineRaphinha has 12 goals in 11 Champions League games this termCredit: GettyRaphinha’s actions denied Pau Cubarsi his first ever Champions League goalCredit: GettyRobert Lewandowski haunted his former side once again with a brace, before teenage sensation Lamine Yamal completed the rout on 77 minutes. But Raphinha, the former Leeds United winger, was the big talking point as he was slated for perceived selfishness during Barca’s win.The anger comes after he bundled home to break the deadlock in the 25th minute at the Estadi OIympic Lluis Companys, Barca’s temporary home while the Nou Camp gets renovated.The Brazilian earned bucketload of backlash online for “stealing” a goal from Pau Cubarsi, the teenage centre-back who’s never scored in the Champions League.Read more FootballCurbasi, the 18-year-old Spanish defender, turned an Inigo Martinez knockdown from Fermin Lopez’s free kick goalbound, with the ball trickling towards the far corner.However, Raphinha, ghosting in unmarked at the back post, made sure that the ball went in by getting the last touch just before it crossed the line.The incident sparkled a frenzy on social media, with one fan taking to X to comment: “Raphinha having no shame in stealing what would’ve been an 18 year old’s first ever Champions League goal”, while another tweeted: “That was shameless from Raphinha”.Raphinha’s 12th goal in Europe this season really upset one fan, who tweeted: “That’s the sort of stupidity that shouldn’t be rewarded”.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOthers expressed their dismay at Raphinha’s selfishness, saying: “Goal robbed” and “I would be so mad if I was Curbasi…”.Another claimed that Raphinha had “snatched Cubarsi’s goal to boost his Ballon D’Or chances”, but perhaps the most brutal comment was that Raphinha is “a crook” and there was “no way you try stat pad when it was already going in ffs… this Ballon D’or s*** got guys acting outta character.”The result leaves Hansi Flick’s side with one foot in the last four of Europe’s premier competition, and Barca will face the winners of Inter Milan and Bayern Munich, assuming they avoid a sensational comeback in Dortmund next week.Barca are having a strong season, going under the radar of many in Flick’s first term in the hotseat, and the German has them top of LaLiga by four points, en route to taking back the league title that they lost to Real Madrid in the last campaign.Robert Lewandowski was the thorn in his former club’s side, scoring twiceLamine Yamal was also among the goalscorers More

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      Captaincy options for Gameweek 31: A long-awaited opportunity to double Alexander Isak’s points

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      GAMEWEEK 31 features another open-ended captaincy debate.With Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Newcastle set to pull double duty, there are several viable candidates for the all-important armband.Isak has the luxury of two home fixtures this coming GameweekCredit: Dream TeamA rare double Gameweek for the Magpies presents Dream Team managers with a long-awaited opportunity to double Alexander Isak’s (£6.2m) points.The Swedish striker averages 8.4 points-per-game this season, a rate only bettered by three players at this moment in time.Isak has scored 24 goals and provided eight assists in all competitions.The only strikers with more points are Mohamed Salah (declining form) and Erling Haaland (injured).Eddie Howe’s side have the luxury of two home fixtures in Gameweek 31: Manchester United and Crystal Palace.The Toon’s head coach declared that Isak was “100% fit” after his side’s win over Leicester on Monday night so there’s seemingly no need to worry about availability scares.Palmer’s Gameweek 31 appears very favourableCredit: GettyElsewhere, Cole Palmer (£5.4m) should be considered a strong captaincy option.At the time of writing, Chelsea still have to play the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final against Legia Warsaw but, barring an injury to the 22 year-old midfielder, he seems well placed to deliver plentiful returns this coming Gameweek.Most read in FootballLike Newcastle, the Blues have back-to-back home games with Ipswich due at Stamford Bridge before the aforementioned Polish outfit visit London next Thursday.Enzo Maresca rang the changes against Brentford last time out when he dropped Palmer and four others to the bench but his bold selection yielded a dull 0-0 draw.Given Chelsea are still competing for Champions League qualification, it would be a huge surprise if the England international didn’t start against the Tractor Boys this Sunday.And if there’s still a job to do against Legia Warsaw in midweek then Palmer could be looking at two run outs against favourable opposition.A class act but a potential minutes riskCredit: AFPVilla couldn’t have asked for a more friendly league fixture this weekend as they will travel to Southampton, a match-up that usually offers plentiful points for the visiting team.However, with the Villains 3-1 down on aggregate to PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals, Unai Emery may rest key players against Saints.Morgan Rogers (£4.2m) banked 21 points in Gameweek 30 and would probably have a field day against the top flight’s worst defence but the risk of a benching is enough to provoke reluctance.Marco Asensio (£4.1m) and Ollie Watkins (£4.9m) both have a good chance of starting this weekend having only featured as substitutes in Paris.357 points and countingCredit: EPAMany gaffers will stick the armband on Bruno Fernandes (£7m) for Gameweek 31.The Red Devils travel to Newcastle before hosting Lyon in what is a tricky double header on paper.That being said, the Portuguese playmaker is leaps and bounds ahead of his team-mates and has proven himself capable of healthy returns in losing efforts this season.He remains among the game’s most in-form players.Eze is in fine formCredit: AFPThe Eagles’ double header is a tough one as they will travel to Manchester City and Newcastle.However, it’s worth noting that Oliver Glasner’s side have actually performed better on the road this season.Furthermore, only champions elect Liverpool have earned more points than Palace since the turn of year.Read More on The SunDaniel Munoz (£5.4m), Eberechi Eze (£4.7m) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (£4.3m) are all great assets to own in Gameweek 31 but whether any of them are worthy of being captain is another matter.Be sure to select your captain (and vice captain) before Saturday’s 11am deadline!Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Millwall release statement after being charged with rule breaches following FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace

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      MILLWALL released a statement after being charged with rule breaches following the FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace.The fiery South London derby saw the Eagles beat the Lions in the fifth round.Millwall were charged following fan chants during the FA Cup exit to Crystal PalaceCredit: AFPMillwall released a statement in responseCredit: ReutersThe match at Selhurst Park was overshadowed by the horror injury to Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and sickening chants by some Millwall fans. And two of the songs during the first half prompted action from the FA.The football governing body said: “Millwall FC has been charged with misconduct in relation to crowd control following the FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace FC on Saturday 1 March. “It’s alleged that during the 5th and 20th minutes the club failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and don’t use words or behave in an improper, offensive, abusive, indecent, or insulting way with either express or implied reference to sexual orientation.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMillwall have been given until April 16 to respond to the misconduct charge. The Championship club did, though, release their own comment on Thursday morning in response.They said: “Millwall Football Club notes The Football Association’s decision to charge the club with breaches of rule E21 following the Emirates FA Cup fixture away to Crystal Palace on Saturday 1st March 2025.”The chant in question is condemned by Millwall Football Club, and once again it strongly emphasises its zero-tolerance policy against discrimination of all kinds. Most read in FA Cup”The club remains committed to working tirelessly to eradicate homophobic chanting, and any other form of discriminatory abuse, from the sport.”This work will continue under the club’s leading anti-discrimination campaign, All ‘Wall, which is promoted ahead of every fixture and overseen by its industry-leading Equality Steering Committee.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall star”The club is proud to work side-by-side with the Millwall Community Trust to support, and provide, a safe, inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly through its two LGBTQ+ teams, Millwall Romans and Millwall Pride.”Both hugely successful teams, the number of participants continues to grow each day, with everyone brought together into a welcoming environment by a mutual love for football and Millwall. “Everyone associated with Millwall Football Club has a responsibility to act as an ambassador of the club. Passion, loyalty, family, uniqueness defines the support for the club and discrimination of any kind is not tolerated.”Should you hear any racist, homophobic, misogynistic, tragedy chanting or any other discriminatory abuse during Saturday’s home fixture against Middlesbrough, you can use the club’s dedicated ‘Hear Hate? Don’t Hesitate’ reporting service by texting ‘HATE’ and your message to 66777, or by emailing slo@millwallfc.co.uk.”Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts was sent off after his dangerous karate kick on Mateta which saw the French striker suffer a shocking gash behind his ear.Japhet Tanganga’s own goal gave Palace the lead before Daniel Munoz made it 2-0.Wes Harding pulled one back for Millwall in the 13th minute of first-half injury time.Read More on The SunBut Eddie Nketiah rounded off the victory late on.Palace saw off Fulham in the quarter-finals and face Aston Villa at Wembley on April 26 for a place in the final. Eddie Nketiah scored the final goal in the 3-1 win for PalaceCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League star, 27, interviewed by his reporter sister who tells him ‘I’m proud of you… I love you’

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      ASTON VILLA star Matty Cash was interviewed on live TV by his own sister, who declared: “I’m proud of you.”Hannah Cash is a reporter for CBS Sports.Aston Villa star Matty Cash was interviewed by his CBS reporter sister HannahCredit: CBSThe pair hugged after Cash’s Aston Villa lost 3-1 to Paris Saint-GermainCredit: CBSAnd she was on post-match duty after Villa’s Champions League quarter-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain.Right-back Cash started the match in the French capital.But he was taken off at half-time after picking up a yellow against wing wizard Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.Unfortunately for Cash and Villa, the Georgian ended up netting a wonder goal in the second half as PSG won the first leg 3-1.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to his sister Hannah afterwards, Cash admitted Villa were disappointed with the result, yet remained confident in their ability to turn the tide at Villa Park.However, the conversation then took a turn as Hannah told Cash she had remembered to record the game for him back home.As the pair laughed, Hannah then ended the interview by saying: “Give me a hug Matthew.“I’m proud of you. I love you.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThis sparked jubilant applause back in the CBS studio.Kate Abdo, Micah Richards, Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher all congratulated Hannah on her interview with brother Cash.Shock moment Aston Villa and PSG fans brawl ahead of Champions League tie as chairs & punches thrownHannah was congratulated by the CBS Sport studioCredit: CBSHer brother had a tough time against wing wizard Khvicha KvaratskheliaCredit: AlamyExplaining how the Villa star is always missing his own games on telly, she said: “He always forgets to record the game on TV.“He texts me two hours before the match saying please log in and record. It’s one of the biggest game of his life. So I made sure I did that for him.“But it’s got to be in HD. If it’s not in HD he gets fuming with me.”Fans reacted to the heartwarming encounter on social media.One said: “Things you love to see.”Another declared: “Wholesome.”Read More on The SunOne noted: “This is beautiful.”Another added: “Love it.” More

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      Tragedy as footballer, 21, dies after horror collision with goalkeeper ruptures artery in his head

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      A 21-YEAR-OLD footballer died after a horror collision with a goalkeeper.Helar Gonzales Altamirano was rushed to hospital after being knocked out as he went for a long ball – with his dad pitchside watching the game.Footballer Helar Gonzales Altamirano passed away after a collisionHis brother Eliceo, who was still asking people to pray for Helar on Tuesday on social media, confirmed yesterday he had lost his fight for life.He said his sibling’s death was a result of rupturing an artery in his head in Sunday’s incident.The tragic footballer’s club Real Titan Nc said in a statement: “Rest in peace friend.“We will remember you for your love of football and your family. You leave us with great pain.READ MORE IN football “Great strength to your family at this difficult time. They are not alone because Titan is with them and the football family is with them.”The club published live footage of Helar’s coffin being taken to a funeral parlour in a white hearse ahead of the wake and a video of the goals he had scored this year before his untimely death.The fatal collision occurred in the 70th minute of a Copa Peru match between Helar’s team and Defensor Nueva Cajamarca.Footage showed players crowding round him as he was stretchered away unconscious, with a team-mate helping to put him in the ambulance that took him to hospital in the northern Peruvian city of Moyobamba.Most read in FootballA TV commentator said as he was driven away: “We hope he recovers and reacts quickly.”Helar’s dad Jose fought back tears as he told a local TV station: “I would like to thank everyone for their support with this terrible pain that we’re experiencing.“Helar wanted to be a great footballer from a very young age and was always talking about going as far in the sport as he could.“I know his team are going to dedicate all their future achievements to him.“I thought at first when I saw the clash that it was another player and didn’t initially connect that it was Helar.“I wanted to go on to the pitch to be nearer my son when I realised it was him but they wouldn’t let me and I didn’t see him until we got to hospital when he was already critical.”Helar’s funeral will take place on Friday.The Peruvian Football Federation said on X: “We regret the death of Helar Gonzales Altamirano.“Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and Real Titan Club.” More