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      Bundesliga clash delayed by nearly an HOUR in row over ultras’ banners as stadium announcer begs for help

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      EINTRACHT FRANKFURT’s Bundesliga clash with VfL Bochum was delayed by 50 minutes following a dispute between ultras and security staff.The Europa League quarter-finalists were due to take on hosts VfL Bochum at 2:30pm UK time.Eintracht Frankfurt banners were deemed to cover emergency exitsCredit: ReutersOfficials pleaded with the Eintracht supportersCredit: APThe match was delayed, however, due to an issue with the Eintracht Frankfurt fans’ banners.Stadium security determined that the banners were blocking emergency exits.This was therefore deemed a safety hazard, thus preventing the game from being able to kick-off.Players were sent back to their dressing rooms as staff pleaded with fans to take the banners down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA stadium announcement warned supporters that the game would not be able to take place if the banners remained in place.The tannoy announcer stressed: “That isn’t in your interests or ours.”Following extensive talks the banners were finally taken down.Players were then able to re-emerge for a second full warm-up, with the game finally kicking off 50 minutes late.Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIn December, VfL Bochum’s clash with Union Berlin was mired with controversy.The game initially finished 1-1, with outfielder Philipp Hofmann having to go in goal after stopper Patrick Drewes felt unable to continue after being struck by a lighter from the crowd.Cologne star Anthony Ujah celebrates goal by grabbing horns of goat mascot Bochum chiefs opted to appeal the referee’s decision to resume the match.The German football federation’s sports court accepted their case and awarded them a 2-0 victory.Head of the court Stefan Oberholz claimed that they had “no other choice”.Eintracht raced into a 2-0 half-time lead in today’s match.Rasmus Kristensen put them one up in the 27th minute, with Jean-Matteo Bahoya doubling their advantage shortly after the half hour.Bochum then pulled one back but ex-Chelsea star Michy Batshuayi clinched a 3-1 victory for the visitors with a goal in stoppage time.Eintracht Frankfurt raced into a 2-0 lead at VfL BochumCredit: Rex More

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      ‘True legend’ – Boris Becker leads tributes as German football icon and winner of four Euros Doris Fitschen dies aged 56

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      BORIS BECKER has led the tributes to German football legend Doris Fitschen, who has tragically passed away aged 56.Fitschen, who is one of German sport’s most iconic figures, has sadly lost her battle with cancer. German football legend Doris Fitschen has tragically passed away aged 56Credit: GETTYFitschen passed away following a battle with cancerCredit: RETROCON SPORTS FOOTBALLTennis icon Boris Becker has led the tributes to the late FitschenCredit: GETTYThe midfielder’s passing has rocked the German sports world, with several prominent figures paying their respects on social media.Tennis icon Becker wrote on X: “A true legend in German sports has sadly passed away. “Rest in peace, Doris Fitschen.”Fitschen was one of the most successful players in the history of German football.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSShe won seven Bundesliga titles and six German Cups during her stints with TSV Siegen and Eintracht Frankfurt. And she won a whopping FOUR STRAIGHT Uefa Women’s Championships with Germany, lifting the trophy in 1989, 1991, 1995 and 2001.Fitschen made 114 appearances for her country from 1986 to 2001, scoring 16 goals in the process.Injury forced her to hang up her boots at the end of 2001, aged 32.Most read in FootballEintracht Frankfurt paid a touching tribute to the late Doris Fitschen on XBernd Neuendorf – the President of the German FA – also paid tribute to the late Fitschen, who was regarded by many to be one of Germany’s greatest-ever players.He said: “I am shocked and very sad about Doris’ death.”Our thoughts are with her family, all relatives, and her close friends.”Doris was one of the defining figures in football.”As a player, she was a leader, a strategist, and had a presence, dominance, and aura that others could look up to.”Fitschen’s former club, Eintracht Frankfurt, also put out a heartfelt statement upon learning of her death.It read: “We mourn the loss of a former FFC player and a key figure in German women’s football: Doris Fitschen died yesterday after a long and serious illness at the age of 56″Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBianca Rech – the director of Women’s Football at Bayern Munich – wrote: “It is with great sorrow that I bid farewell to a valued team-mate and an outstanding role model.”Her dedication, professionalism, and tireless commitment on and off the field were always a source of inspiration to all of us.” More

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      Arsenal ‘interested in signing Leroy Sane’ in free transfer with ex-Man City yet to be offered new contract

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      ARSENAL are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is in desperate need of some attacking reinforcements.Arsenal are interested in Leroy SaneCredit: GettyThe club’s recent injury crisis has highlighted the lack of squad depth at the Emirates, with 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard and on-loan winger Raheem Sterling the only available options in attack.Arteta is determined to strengthen his squad when the summer transfer window opens.And German outlet Bild has claimed that Sane could be a top pick.The 29-year-old’s Bayern Munich contract is set to expire at the end of the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is yet to agree terms for a new deal so could become available on a free transfer come July.Arteta is understood to be keen on the prospect of signing Sane.The German winger joined Bayern from Manchester City for around £55million in July 2020 and has since managed 106 goal contributions in 209 appearances.Prior to his time in Munich, Sane spent four years with Man City and won two Premier League titles.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsArsenal are also interested in signing Joshua Kimmich in a free transfer from Bayern.The German side allegedly withdrew his contract offer last month.Leroy Sane PUNCHES TV camera after Bayern Munich concede third goal in devastating defeat to Bayer Leverkusen More

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      Real Madrid and Germany legend Toni Kroos ready to come out of retirement to play for his brother’s team

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      TONI KROOS is set to return to football for a special match just eight months after his retirement.Toni, 35, rolled credits on a glittering 17-year career that saw him win almost everything with the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Germany.Toni Kroos is set to return to football just eight months after his retirementCredit: GettyToni will be playing for his brother Felix’s team Two Stripes United in the ICON LeagueCredit: GettyThe midfielder’s last game took place at Euro 2024 in his homeland when his national team was eliminated by eventual European champions Spain in a controversial quarter-final.According to Marca, however, the German legend is set to lace up his boots for just one more match.But it won’t be for a top-tier competition or an elite club, like everyone is used to seeing him.Instead, Toni will play for his brother Felix’s team named Two Stripes United in the ICON League.Read More on FootballThe competition is mostly consisted of streamers, content creators and footballers – similar to the Kings League in Spain.The six-time Champions League winner agreed to cross over to the non-pro competition, but he had one demand.And that was to play side by side with Felix, 34, with whom he started his professional career.The Kroos brothers cut their teeth together at Hansa Rostock but their paths were separated in 2006 when Bayern came knocking for Toni.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsFelix stayed in Germany where he played for the likes of Werder Bremen, Union Berlin and Eintracht Braunschweig until his retirement in 2021.Toni’s addition to Two Stripes United works as a major boost for the younger brother.Toni Kroos shows his skills at Real Madrid training Felix’s team only managed six points out of 13 matches last season.Toni will be the most successful and experienced player in the league after 465 appearances with Real, 205 games with Bayern and 114 caps with Germany. More

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      Harry Kane can return to Premier League to make history, so could Man Utd, Chelsea, Spurs or ARSENAL move be on cards?

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      ALL English eyes were on Harry Kane this week as he bagged a brace in Bayern Munich’s Champions League grudge match against Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen.Xabi Alonso’s side were the latest ones to make Kane wait for that elusive first major title of his career when they ended Munich’s decade of domestic supremacy last term.Harry Kane scored a brace as Bayern Munich beat Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clashCredit: GettyKane’s double on Wednesday night inspired Bayern Munich to a 3-0 win in the Champions League last 16, putting them in good stead for advancing past their German counterparts in Europe’s elite competition. But irrespective of what happens in next week’s second leg, there seems nothing that can prevent that German title medal going round his neck within a few weeks.Bayern are eight points – effectively nine given their hugely better goal difference – clear of Leverkusen with ten games to play.And their remaining opponents including six of the bottom eight and only Mainz and Leipzig in the top six.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt means Kane is on course to lay that bogey to rest – and think about the OTHER main club goal of his career.That would be for him to overhaul Alan Shearer’s Prem record tally of 260 goals – and potentially set a mark that might NEVER be broken.Kane scored 213 goals in 320 top flight games for Spurs before his £100m move to Bavaria in 2023, meaning he is just 47 goals behind Shearer’s tally – set in 441 appearances for Blackburn and Newcastle.Despite his impressive stats at Bayern, with 57 goals in 58 Bundesliga appearances and 73 in 78 matches in all competitions, Kane is not universally popular, being questioned over his contribution outside the 18-yard box and in the “big” games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLast month, claims that he might be available this summer if a club matched his £67m release clause were not denied.That looked to open the door to a Prem return. So where could Kane, who turns 32 in July, go?Harry Kane’s ‘fugly’ £7,200 statue branded ‘stuff of nightmares’ finally unveiled after sitting in storage for almost five years TOTTENHAMA return to N17 would be the dream of Spurs fans – even if the club splashed out £65m to land Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth last summer.Kane became Tottenham’s all-time record scorer in his final season at the Lane, ending on 280 goals from 435 games as he went past Jimmy Greaves’ mark.Many Spurs fans remain convinced they would have been playing Champions League football this season if the club had put faith in Ange Postecoglou working his magic with Kane in the side – even if that would have risked him leaving for nothing last summer.Kane was desperate to land silverware with Tottenham – he spent nearly two decades at the club and will always be “one of our own”.But Kane also felt let down by Daniel Levy when his proposed move to Manchester City fell through in 2021 and it is unclear if he would consider a return to the club while the current hierarchy are in place.Or if Spurs would be willing to meet that asking price.Kane is Tottenham’s all-time top goalscorerCredit: GettyHe never managed to lift a trophy in North LondonCredit: GettyARSENALUnthinkable, surely.Kane knows how Sol Campbell is remembered by Tottenham fans after he walked out on the club to join the Gunners in 2001 – and even if it was not a direct swap he would risk destroying his reputation.But one of the most famous pictures of the young Kane was him wearing an Arsenal shirt and celebrating the “Invincibles” and their 2004 triumph – when the Prem was won at White Hart Lane.He was also on Arsenal’s books as a youngster, released after a year in their academy at the age of nine and who was then picked up by Watford before joining Spurs in 2004. Despite that, Kane has always insisted he grew up as a Spurs fan in a Spurs-supporting family.And Arsenal supporters loathed him with a passion when he scored goal after goal against them – accusing him of all sorts of nefarious activities because he was so streetwise on top.Yet Arsenal’s need for a proper No 9 has become a running joke in the game – even more than previously this season.There is no better authentic line leader than Kane, even into his early 30s. Can you imagine how much delight there would be from the Gooners if that happened?No player has scored more North London Derby goals than Harry KaneCredit: AFP or licensorsKane (left) celebrated Arsenal’s invincible season dressed in full kitKane (front row, far left) also spent a year on the books at Arsenal as a kidCHELSEAWhen Mauricio Pochettino was unveiled as Chelsea boss in 2023, the spectre of Kane following him into Stamford Bridge left many Spurs fans suffering nightmares.Barely 18 months on and Pochettino is long gone.But Chelsea’s need for a totemic central striker who can also be a creator supreme has not gone away.The new Chelsea transfer approach under Todd Boehly has been focused on young players, long-term deals and potential future sales value.That would not be a situation with Kane, who has maybe four seasons at the top level left in his locker, with little or no sell-on value even after a couple of campaigns.While it is hard to envisage Kane wearing Arsenal’s red shirt, the animosity towards Chelsea from Spurs fans is nowhere near as strong – even if it is arguably even deeper the other way, with many Blues supporters viewing Tottenham as their REAL rival.Todd Boehly would have to switch up his transfer strategy to sign KaneCredit: GettyMANCHESTER UNITEDUnited wheeled out the big guns to try to lure Kane on at least two occasions in the past.Gary Neville’s infamous golf course video interview caused major issues at boardroom level in N17, with anger through the roof. Both times, despite the opportunities, Kane refused the invitation – making it clear that he was committed to Tottenham first time round and then effectively choosing City on the next occasion.That Kane would consider going to a United in a state of utter flux now, if he does want to leave Germany, is even harder to imagine.But United’s need for someone who really could make a difference is unquestioned, with fans looking at Rasmus Hojlund’s statistics and shaking their heads at the Dane.Likewise for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, landing Kane would be a game-changer.READ MORE SUN STORIESRemember how Robin van Persie was signed as Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season “present” to fire United to the title.They have not won it since but if Kane has got the silverware monkey off his back at Bayern, he might be able to work a miracle at Old Trafford.Man Utd are in dire need for a new striker given the form of Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus HojlundCredit: GettyKane’s interview with Gary Neville in 2021 caused issues in the Spurs boardroomCredit: Sky Sports More

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      Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer ‘out for the forseeable future’ after suffering freak injury celebrating goal

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      MANUEL NEUER has been ruled out for the “foreseeable future” – after injuring his calf celebrating a goal.The Bayern Munich goalkeeper, 38, hobbled off soon after Jamal Musiala’s goal in their 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last-16.Manuel Neuer was forced off with a calf injury in Bayern Munich’s 3-0 win over Bayer LeverkusenCredit: GettyThe club have now confirmed Neuer is out for the ‘foreseeable future’Credit: RexNeuer, who was replaced by debutant Jonas Urbig, is set to be sidelined until after the international break – and will definitely miss Tuesday’s return leg.Bayern said: “Manuel Neuer suffered a torn muscle fibre in his right calf. “The diagnosis was confirmed by the medical unit. “He will be out for the foreseeable future.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoss Vincent Kompany said: “It happens sometimes. “It’s a pity, but we’ve always talked about the squad.“That’s how we’ve come so far, in the league and where we are, and that’s how it’s going to stay.”Fans called on Neuer to retire following the injury, with one saying: “He’s 39 in 3 weeks time surely this is going to be a career ending injury.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA second said: “Time for retirement.”A third added: “Time to retire buddy.”Harry Kane scores from a distance in Bayern Munich training Neuer’s replacement on the night, 21-year-old Urbig, was making his debut for the Bavarians.Urbig was signed from Cologne in January for £5.9million, though that could rise depending on performances.Prior to last night he had never played in the Champions League before, but had experience in the Uefa Youth League with Cologne.Bayern won the game thanks to a Harry Kane brace sandwiching a Jamal Musiala tap-in.Kompany’s side were by far the better team even before Nordi Mukiele was sent off, managing 17 shots to Leverkusen’s three. More

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      Joshua Kimmich ‘set to SNUB Arsenal free transfer’ as Bayern Munich star ‘has concrete offer from Champions League club’

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      JOSHUA KIMMICH is not interested in joining Arsenal, according to reports.The Bayern Munich star, 30, is set to be out of contract this summer.Joshua Kimmich remains a key man at Bayern MunichCredit: GettyKimmich’s impending free agency has attracted plenty of transfer interest, including from North London.Arsenal are said to be keen on bringing the midfielder to the Emirates.But according to German outlet Bild, Kimmich is not enthusiastic about a potential move to the Gunners.They add that Bayern remain hopeful of keeping their stalwart at Allianz Arena.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClub chiefs have offered Kimmich a new contract, but have not been impressed with his response.It’s said that staying at Bayern is a more likely outcome than moving to Arsenal, however.Liverpool are also said to have taken a look at Kimmich.But the most concrete interest has come from Paris Saint-Germain.Most read in BundesligaJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe French champions have tabled a serious offer for the German international.Despite interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, as it stands Kimmich’s future appears to lie either in Paris or Munich.Harry Kane scores from a distance in Bayern Munich training The 97-cap star has remained an important player for Vincent Kompany despite his contract status.He has started all but one match in all competitions this season, including last night’s 3-0 drubbing of Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.Kimmich has made 427 appearances for Bayern since joining from RB Leipzig in 2015.The all-action midfielder has won eight Bundesliga titles, three German domestic cups and the Champions League. More

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      Ex-Man Utd keeper makes horror blunder to gift Musiala goal as Bayern Munich thrash Leverkusen 3-0 in Champions League

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      BAYER LEVERKUSEN goalkeeper Matej Kovar made a horror blunder to gift Bayern Munich the edge in their Champions League crunch clash.Jamal Musiala capitalised when Kovar – who spent three years at Manchester United between 2020 and 2023 – dropped Joshua Kimmich’s simple cross in the 55th minute.Former Manchester United keeper Matej Kovar made a horror blunder against Bayern MunichKovar failed to collect Joshua Kimmich’s cross in the 55th minuteCredit: GettyKovar never made a first-team appearance for the Red Devils, but did play 53 times for their under-21s.With Bayern 1-0 up at the time, Arsenal and Liverpool target Kimmich’s lofty long cross should’ve been a simple catch for the Czech Republic Euro 2024 stopper. But Kovar, 24, jumped and somehow let the ball slip through his fingers in the 55th minute, to double the home side’s lead.Musiala, who was lingering underneath Kovar, pounced on the mistake and tapped home his third Champions League goal of the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe camera turned to a devastated Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso on the touchline.During his three year stint at United, Kovar was shipped out on loan to Swindon Town, Burton Albion and Sparta Prague, before joining Leverkusen on a permanent basis in 2023.Things went from bad to worse for the visitors after Kovar’s howler when Nordi Mukiele was sent off for a second booking for a foul on Kingsley Coman in the 62nd minute.Meanwhile, Harry Kane marked his reunion with blunder referee Michael Oliver, with two goals – his 53rd and 54th in the competition.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKane got Bayern off to a dream start after just nine minutes, with a high back-post header over Leverkusen’s Mukiele.The England captain met former Crystal Palace star and countryman Michael Olise’s blistering pristine cross. Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich shows off his skills on the training pitch Kovar spent three years with Manchester UnitedJamal Musiala was behind Kovar and capitalised on his faux-pas to put his 2-0 upCredit: GettyBlunder ref Michael Oliver was kept busy on Wednesday nightCredit: AFPKane then won a foul from Edmond Tapsoba inside the box and scored a penalty in the 71st minute to secure a 3-0 win for the Bundesliga leaders.The former Spurs star has now scored 30-plus goals in a season for the seventh time in his club career, since the first season he did so in 2014-15.Only Robert Lewandowski has more 30 goal campaigns (nine) for clubs in Europe’s big-five leagues.Olise looked at home in the Champions League and was a menace throughout.But it took just 16 minutes, for under-fire Prem ref Oliver to be sucked into his first bit of drama.Bayern stars crowded him when Kane’s free-kick, won by Olise, struck Mukiele’s arm, who was standing in the wall inside the box inside 15 minutes.Oliver waved on before a standard VAR check confirmed no penalty.The biggest controversy came when Kane escaped a red card after a David Beckham-style kick out at Granit Xhaka.Oliver was reunited with former Tottenham star Harry KaneCredit: AFPKane lashed out at Granit Xhaka with an apparent kickXhaka shoved Kane in the back, causing the striker to fall.The England captain then lashed out at Xhaka and appeared to throw out his leg as the ex-Arsenal star fell to the turf.Team-mates and the referee had to intervene to separate the former North London derby rivals, though neither were booked.Oliver was kept busy on Wednesday night after two red card checks across the 90 minutes.He might welcome a weekend off after being kept off the Prem schedule.It comes after Oliver’s stunning initial decision not to send off a Millwall player for a kung-fu kick on Saturday.Oliver, 40, needed a VAR intervention to persuade him to issue a red card to Lions keeper Liam Roberts for his outrageous challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.Meanwhile, 10-man Barcelona beat Benfica 1-0 away from home in their first-leg tie in Lisbon.Former Leeds star Raphinha broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, with a stunning low corner finish past Anatoliy Trubin.Barca star Pau Cubarsi showed his age when he was given a straight red for a last-man challenge on Vangelis Pavlidis in the 22nd minute.Cubarsi, 18, was hoping to execute the perfect challenge, but caught Pavlidis on the edge of the box.READ MORE SUN STORIESInsodoing, he became the the second youngest player to be sent off in Champions League history after Celestine Babayaro in 1994 (16 years and 86 days).Benfica keeper Trubin had been forced into a sensational triple save just moments before the red card.Pau Cubarsi was given a straight red for a last-man challenge on Vangelis PavlidisCredit: EPA More