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    Fans claim Champions League is ‘FIXED’ as Real Madrid vs Bayern ends in major controversy with Germans denied goal

    FANS fumed that the Champions League is “FIXED” after Bayern Munich were denied a late leveller against Real Madrid in bizarre circumstances.Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel raged that the “disaster” decision was “against the rules”.Fans fumed after this was given offside without a VAR checkMatthijs de Ligt thought he scored a late levellerHarry Kane & Co were left fumingFans took to social media to voice ‘fix’ and ‘rigged’ allegationsThe Bundesliga giants looked to be on the way to an all-German final at Wembley after Alphonso Davies had made it 1-0 on the night and 3-3 on aggregate. But a late double from super-sub Joselu turned the tie on its head in the space of three minutes. But the drama did not end there as Bayern launched one last attack in the 12th MINUTE of added time and found the back of the net.A ball was launched into the Madrid box and headed down to centre-back Matthijs de Ligt. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut just before the Dutchman hammered home, the whistle was blown after the offside flag had been raised.Bayern players on the pitch and dugout fumed at the officials, in disbelief that play had not been allowed to continue before being reviewed.Harry Kane was among those raging over the rapid whistle blowing with the England captain seen screaming at officials.And replays revealed it would have been a super-tight offside decision had it gone to VAR.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTuchel said after the game: “We scored one and there was a disastrous decision from the linesman and the referee. It feels like a betrayal in the end.”The linesman says sorry but that does not help. To raise the flag in a moment like this… The referee sees we get the second ball and we get the shot – it’s a very, very bad decision. Moment riot cop hits fan with baton as police and supporters clash in Madrid ahead of Real’s clash with Bayern Munich”It’s against the rules. It’s a disaster. It’s hard to swallow but that’s the way it is.”Disappointed De Ligt told Movistar: “I don’t want to say that Real Madrid always has the referees with them but that made the difference today.“Real, when you think they are dead, have a last breath… that is why they have 14 Champions Leagues.”He later added: “The linesman told me: sorry, I made a mistake.”Fans reactIt was not only the Bayern staff that were unhappy as fans let their anger out online with one saying: “Champions league is fixed.”Another added: “That was onside!!! Why would a ref raise his flag that quickly when you have VAR? Another UCL rigged for Madrid to win.”One fumed: “How wasn’t that a goal for Bayern at the end? Ridiculous! They will rightly be outraged.”READ MORE SUN STORIESManchester United legend Paul Scholes believed the officials were too quick to call offside. He said: “I’m not sure he’s offside. So the linesman is too hasty. He’s got to wait. Those are the rules.” De Ligt and Kane look on in shock after the gameCredit: Reuters More

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    Armando Broja could be first Chelsea star to leave this summer with Champions League giants in advanced transfer talks

    ARMANDO BROJA could be the first Chelsea star through the exit door this summer – with Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund hoping to snap up the striker.Talks between the two clubs are at an advanced stage and Broja is also believed to be keen on the deal.Armando Broja is expected to leave Chelsea this summerCredit: GettyThe striker has barely featured for Fulham since joining on loanCredit: PAThe player has been on loan at Fulham since January but has barely featured, with just three sub appearances.Chelsea have been trying to offload the Albania centre forward permanently but their price tag of £50million has been rebuffed by potential customers.Dortmund want Broja but won’t pay anywhere near that fee and are set to pay around half that.But they believe he can do the business for them next season. He is under contract until 2028.READ MORE ON CHELSEABy finishing fifth in Germany’s Bundesliga they have secured Champions League football for next season, even if they fail to win the competition this season.Germany has been awarded an extra place by UEFA in next season’s tournament following the success of their teams in Europe.Dortmund have shown interest in Broja before but no deal materialised.It now looks as if the one-time Chelsea academy graduate will finally be on his way.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBroja spent the first half of the season with Chelsea before being loaned outThe Blues also need to start offloading players to comply with Profit & Sustainability Rules.They posted a loss of £90million for 2023 to go with a £121m loss the year before.Chelseas midfield struggles with Moises Caicedo and Enzo FernandezSporting director Paul Winstanley is now tasked with flogging £100m worth of talent to bring the figures back into line.Being home grown, Broja is considered pure profit in accounting terms because technically he cost nothing to buy as a one-time youth team player.He has scored only two goals this season – one in the Premier League for Chelsea and one in the FA Cup. But he also spent nine months out previously with a serious knee injury. More

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    Man Utd set to pocket major cash windfall thanks to Jadon Sancho after outcast led Dortmund to Champions League final

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set for a significant financial boost thanks to Jadon Sancho’s Champions League exploits for Borussia Dortmund.The German side claimed a 1-0 win against Paris Saint Germain in Tuesday’s semi-final, clinching their place in the final at Wembley with a 2-0 aggregate triumph.Jadon Sancho helped fire Dortmund into the Champions League finalCredit: RexSir Jim Ratcliffe will pocket bonus cash after Dortmund’s successCredit: PASancho joined Dortmund in January on loan until the end of the season after a public fallout with Erik ten Hag.In the deal that saw the 24-year-old return to his former club, Man Utd inserted clauses dependent on appearances and achievements.As part of the loan deal, United received a £3m sum up front from Dortmund, with the possibility of a further £3.4m in add-ons.The BBC report that most of the add-ons have now been met as a result of Sancho helping Dortmund to their first Champions League final since 2013.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOther clauses in the contract are based on Dortmund’s qualification for next season’s Champions League.With two games left to play, they sit fifth in the table and are three points behind RB Leipzig.But Dortmund are cushioned by the fact that the Bundesliga earned a bonus sport in next year’s Champions League via the Uefa coefficient.Both the German league and Serie A were awarded an extra place in the competition based on performances in Europe this season. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDespite failing to fire at Old Trafford, Sancho is rekindling the form that led to the Red Devils forking out £73 million to sign him from the German giants in 2021.Speculation suggests both them and Man Utd are helping cover his £290,000-a-week salary.Jadon Sancho belts out Adele as he leads Dortmund’s Champions League dressing room celebrations Sancho has not played for the Red Devils since September.The exiled winger claimed he was made a “scapegoat” after being left out the squad for the trip to Arsenal, which ended in a 3-1 defeat.He has since refused to apologise to Ten Hag and been banned from training and all first-team facilities.But the door could now be open for his return after the boss: “There was a conflict and let’s first finish the season so stay away from this issue, now it is not important.”We have important games in the league and the FA Cup final and then we will see.”Before the second leg in Paris, Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl revealed talks will be held over the possibility of re-signing Sancho.Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
    Michael Owen – He has to go
    “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
    Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
    “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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    World Cup winner’s glamorous ex-wife ‘swaps him for Bundesliga star who’s 18 years his junior’

    WORLD CUP winner Roman Weidenfeller’s glamorous ex-wife has found a new boyfriend 18 years his junior.The goalkeeper was part of the Germany squad that achieved World Cup glory in Brazil in 2014.Roman Weidenfeller split with his ex-wife Lisa Rossenbach last yearCredit: GettyLisa is now dating another footballer 12 years her juniorCredit: Instagram @aboutlisa_New boyfriend Arne Maier dedicated a goal to his girlfriendCredit: GettyWeidenfeller, 43, married Lisa Rossenbach a year later but the pair separated and divorced in November 2023.The ex-couple split up once before, in 2018, before re-uniting two years later – but they now appear to be over for good.That is because Lisa has found a new partner according to Bild – Augsburg star Arne Maier who is 25-years-old.Maier is 12 years younger than Lisa but their relationship seems to have got off to a good start, with the midfielder dedicating a goal to his beloved by making an ‘L’ gesture with his hands.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pair reportedly met in November before making things official at the beginning of this year.That came after Lisa’s amicable split from Weidenfeller, who announced the news on social media.He wrote: “It’s true, Lisa and I are no longer a couple. We have separated amicably.”We unfortunately had to realise that it (their marriage) wasn’t going to work in the long term. For us, our two children come first. As parents, we will of course look after their welfare together.”Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWeidenfeller and Lisa have two children together – Leonard, 8, and Luna, 1.The former goalkeeper retired from playing in 2018 after making 453 appearances for Borussia Dortmund, winning the Bundesliga twice as well as the German Cup.Playboy model and daughter of LaLiga legend banned from dating footballers More

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    Julen Lopetegui ‘SNUBS Bayern Munich’ as he closes in on West Ham jobs as baffled fans say ‘have I read this correctly?’

    FOOTBALL fans are baffled after learning Julen Lopetegui reportedly turned down Bayern Munich because he wants to join West Ham.The ex-Real Madrid and Wolves boss, 57, has agreed terms to join the Hammers in the summer when David Moyes’ contract expires.Julen Lopetegui is poised to succeed David Moyes at West HamCredit: PAHe was understood to be in the frame for the Bayern Munich job as they search for a successor to Thomas Tuchel – who will depart at the end of the campaign.According to The Athletic, the Bundesliga giants enquired about Lopetegui on Monday.However, he is said to want to join West Ham over the Champions League semi-finalists.And a lot of people on social media cannot believe he is rejecting Bayern for the East London club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan said: “I never thought I’d hear someone preferring West Ham over Bayern.”Another added: “Have I read this correctly?”A third replied: “Turning down Bayern for West Ham isn’t something I thought I’d ever read.”A fourth responded: “Everyone running away from Bayern Munich job, what is happening over there.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWho is Julen Lopetegui?Julen Lopetegui enjoyed a 17-year career as a goalkeeper for the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
    He won the LaLiga title with Real Madrid in 1990 and two Spanish Super Cups with Barcelona, before stepping into management in 2003.
    He began coaching as an assistant for Spain’s U17s side, before stints with Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid’s B team.
    Lopetegui then returned to the Spain set-up to manage their various age group teams, leaving in 2014 for the Porto job.
    He landed Spain’s top job in 2016 and spent two years at the helm of the national team, but was dismissed before the 2018 World Cup after it was announced he would become Real Madrid boss after the tournament.
    The Spaniard was sacked after just two months at the Bernabeu following a dismal spell.
    He joined Sevilla in 2019 and won the Europa League with them the following year.
    Lopetegui departed Sevilla in 2022 and joined Wolves in the November, guiding them to a 13th place finish.
    He left in August of last year, shortly before the start of the season, before Gary O’Neil replaced him.

    And a fifth said: “He chose West Ham over Bayern Munich? 😭😭😭. I’m am laughing wayyyy too much. Bayern are an embarrassment.”Bayern have already had failed conversations with a number of managers including Julian Nagelsmann and Ralf Rangnick.David Moyes reveals why Declan Rice is behind West Ham’s horror run of formBrighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is now the favourite for the vacancy, despite him insisting last week that he wants to stay with the South Coast side.He said: “We’re going to speak with Tony [Bloom, Brighton owner].”I think I would like to stay in Brighton because I love my players. I love this city. I love my club, my fans.”I said in the meeting with the fans, if I’m happy, there isn’t any club can bring myself to change a team but I want to keep my passion always. More

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    Bayern Munich ‘make contact with Erik ten Hag’s agent’ in shock bid to end Dutchman’s Man Utd misery

    BAYERN MUNICH have “made contact with Erik ten Hag’s agent”, according to reports.The Dutchman, 54, is coming under huge pressure at Old Trafford and is in danger of being sacked at the end of the season.Erik ten Hag could be set to land another huge job if he is sacked by Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyBut he could walk straight into another top job as Bundesliga giants Bayern consider him for their top job.It has already been revealed that Ten Hag is one of the names on a three-man shortlist alongside ex-Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui and Benfica’s Roger Schmidt.But now Sky Sports understand Bayern have “made contact” with Ten Hag’s agent, Kees Vos, to see if he would be open to the move.No formal talks have taken place, but the Man Utd boss is said to be aware of the interest.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes after ex-Red Devils boss Ralf Rangnick rejected Bayern last month to stay on as Austria head coach.The German side are looking for a new manager after it was confirmed Thomas Tuchel will be leaving at the end of the season.Bayern have failed to win the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012 as Bayer Leverkusen cantered to the crown.However, Tuchel’s men are still in with a chance of winning the Champions League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBayern drew 2-2 at home in the first leg of their semi-final tie against Real Madrid on Tuesday.If they make it through, it will be Tuchel’s third Champions League final in four years – after his defeat with Paris Saint-Germain in 2020 and triumph with Chelsea in 2021.Three key things Ten Hag is getting wrong at Man UnitedMeanwhile, Ten Hag’s final game as Man Utd boss could be the FA Cup final on May 25 if he is dismissed at the end of the season.He will be determined to avenge last season’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at Wembley. More

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    Everton out to beat Newcastle to German midfielder Merlin Rohl as they prepare to sell Amadou Onana in £50m transfer

    EVERTON lead the race for German midfielder Merlin Rohl as they look for extra magic.The Toffees have been to see the Freiburg player, 21.Merlin Rohl has impressed for Freiburg in the BundesligaCredit: GettyEverton could cash in on Amadou OnanaCredit: GettyNewcastle and Crystal Palace are also on Rohl’s trail — but Everton seem to be at the front of the queue.Rohl is a key part of the Bundesliga side who have done well at home and in Europe, where their Europa League campaign was ended by West Ham.Goodison chiefs hope to sell Amadou Onana overseas for big money to balance their books, possibly picking up a fee in excess of £50million.Rohl is similar to Onana in size and style and a player on the rise for both club and country.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe came from the lower divisions in Germany and has played for his country at all levels up to the Under-21s.And Rohl would only cost about £12m.There could also be interest in Toffees winger Dwight McNeil after a strong finish to the campaign, so the club are aware of the need for new faces.Meanwhile American baseball guru Kevin Malone is in England, ready to make a rescue move for Everton.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMalone ran the LA Dodgers for many years and is head of a consortium who will step in if problems continue with current bidders 777 Partners.Everton drew 1-1 at Luton Town on Friday night.Arne Slot to make 3 key changes at LiverpoolThe Toffees went ahead from the penalty spot as Dominic Calvert-Lewin made no mistake following a foul on Jarrad Branthwaite at a set piece.Sean Dyche’s side were pegged back on the half hour mark after a brilliant finish by Elijah Adebayo.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Eric Dier left with blood pouring out of his head after blocking shot with his FACE after Bayern fans love it

    ERIC DIER was left with blood pouring down his face after an incredible goal-saving header.The defender made a vital stop near the goal line in Bayern Munich’s shock Bundesliga loss to Stuttgart.Eric Dier was left covered in blood after a goal-line blockCredit: ReutersThe Bayern defender opened his nasty head gash with a goal-saving headerHe played on with a bandaged headCredit: GettyBut it came at a price as Serhou Guirassy’s ferocious strike opened up a huge gash on Dier’s forehead.And Bayern fans loved the former Spurs defender’s commitment.Posting a video of the incident, one fan wrote: “This is exactly what you’ve always wanted in a defender, isn’t it?”A second replied: “I’m sorry for everything bad I’ve ever said about him. Man is a professional.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third added: “Bro is cut from a different cloth.”While another stunned watcher wrote: “What a comeback. From Tottenham bench to Bayern starter.”Dier, 30, had already injured his head a couple of minutes prior, but still used it for his brave goal line clearance.And that’s why he soon found himself covered in red.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans were even more impressed when Dier carried on after receiving treatment, with his head heavily bandaged.A minute after Dier’s heroic effort Leonidas Stergiou gave Stuttgart the lead from Deniz Undav’s assist. Arsenal fans trolled over ‘terrifying hostility’ as video of Harry Kane and Eric Dier arriving at Emirates emerges Bayern then evened the scoreline in the 37th minute through Harry Kane’s strike from a spot-kick, after Serge Gnabry was brought down inside the penalty box.The strike against Stuttgart was Kane’s 36th league goal of the season and 44th overall. The England captain is now six goals away from breaking Robert Lewandowski’s Bundesliga record.But Bayern failed to secure a win as two late goals from Jeong Woo-Yeng and Silas Katompa Mvumpa secured the home side all three points.Now Stuttgart sit just two points behind Bayern with only two games to go in the season.That means Thomas Tuchel’s side – who have already lost their 11-year Bundesliga winning streak to Bayer Leverkusen – may even end up finishing third this term.But the German giants’ season could still end in glory as they take on Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final clash.This one will have stung Kane the most… what’s the German for schadenfreude?, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    OF all the trophies Harry Kane has missed out on, the Bundesliga will have stung the most.
    This was supposed to have been a dead cert. This was nailed-on.
    Bayern Munich had won 11 successive Bundesliga titles, so when the England captain signed for the great Bavarian powerhouse last summer, we all said: “Well, at least he’ll finally win something.”
    Yet on Sunday evening, there were Bayer Leverkusen — known in Germany as ‘Neverkusen’ because they hadn’t previously won the league thanks to several late implosions — cavorting around, 16 points clear, unbeaten in all competitions and confirmed as champions with five games to spare.
    And so the greatest trophy curse in footballing history continues.
    And this one really is freakish because Leverkusen’s story is almost as extraordinary as Leicester City’s miracle title in 2015-16 — the season when Kane won his first Premier League Golden Boot and Tottenham ended up ‘third in a two-horse race’ behind Arsenal.
    Kane is always the runner-up, always the nearly man, always the fall guy, too often a figure of fun for those taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.
    Does anyone know the German word for schadenfreude…?
    Read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
    Or read more from Dave Kidd. More