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      Barcelona knocked out of TWO competitions in one night after controversial Champions League loss to PSG

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      BARCELONA have been knocked out of two competitions in one night following their defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.The Spanish giants went into the second leg leading 3-2 on aggregate and got off to a perfect start when Raphinha poked them in front.Barcelona were dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-GermainCredit: RexRonald Araujo’s red card turned the tie on its headCredit: AFPBut the tie was turned on its head when defender Ronald Araujo was sent off for a last-man foul on Bradley Barcola.Former Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele equalised before half-time and PSG levelled the tie after the break through Vitinha’s long-range effort.Kylian Mbappe then scored twice to give his side a 6-4 aggregate win and set up a semi-final clash against Borussia Dortmund.And the result means Barcelona will miss out on the expanded Club World Cup next year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe competition will include 12 teams from Europe in 2025 rather than the usual one, and will involve the Champions League winners between 2021-2024.The Uefa club coefficients decide the other eight places, although seventh-placed Barca are still set to miss out.That is because they rank lower than Atletico Madrid, who will enter the Club World Cup along with 2022 Champions League winners Real Madrid.And since no more than two clubs from the same country can qualify, there will be no place for Barcelona.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFans claimed Barca were robbed by the referee as manager Xavi also hit out over Araujo’s red card.Xavi himself was sent off during the match and afterwards he raged: “It’s a pity, our Champions League is over due to the referee’s mistake.“I just told the referee that he’s been a disaster. It’s the reality.”Dramatic moment fuming Barcelona star gets out of car and confronts young fan in middle of road More

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      Premier League club’s fans say ‘bring him home’ after Borussia Dortmund manager’s Champions League heroics

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      WEST HAM fans have called for Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic to return to the London Stadium after his Champions League heroics.Terzic led Dortmund to the semi-finals after eliminating Atletico Madrid with a stunning 4-2 victory at the Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday.West Ham fans want Edin Terzic to return after his success at Borussia DortmundCredit: RexTerzic led Dortmund to the Champions League semi-finals after beating Atletico MadridCredit: RexThe German tactician has come a long way since his various spells as assistant manager for the likes of BVB as well as Besiktas.But the Hammers’ faithful haven’t forgotten his two-year spell in east London where he worked under former boss Slaven Bilic.The two coaches linked up in 2015 after working together at Besiktas two years earlier.However, Terzic left West Ham in 2017 when Bilic got sacked following a run of poor results.Read More on FootballFans watched in awe at the the 41-year-old’s success and some even claimed he should take over the East Londoners’ dugout amid David Moyes’ continuous struggles this season.One fan tweeted: “ET come home?”Another commented: “Bring him home! Romford is lovely this time of year.”A third wrote: “He needs to come to West Ham.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThis Dortmund fan advised West Ham supporters: “Y’all should offer him a job, like as soon as the season ends, he would be so good for you guys.”And that one posted: “Edin Terzic is a very good manager.”Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotWest Ham will be looking to salvage their own European campaign on Thursday by doing what Dortmund and everyone else couldn’t.And that is beating undefeated Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday at the London Stadium after losing 2-0 in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals. More

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      Xavi launches stinging attack on referee after Barcelona knocked out of Champions League thanks to ‘mistake’

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      BARCELONA manager Xavi lashed out at the referee following his team’s heartbreaking Champions League elimination.Barca hosted Paris Saint-Germain at the Nou Camp in the quarter-finals with a 3-2 advantage following last week’s victory in the first leg at Parc des Princes.Barcelona boss Xavi lashed out at the referee after the elimination by Paris Saint-GermainCredit: EPAXavi was furious with the referee, who sent him and Ronaldo Araujo offCredit: APThe Blaugrana opened the scoring after just 12 minutes to extend their lead but it all went downhill after that as they lost Ronald Araujo to a controversial red card after he tripped Bradley Barcola.PSG went on to punch their ticket to the semi-finals with a 4-1 victory thanks to goals by ex-Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha as well as a brace by Real Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe.Xavi’s evening got even worse after he was also sent off for angrily kicking Champions League padding around the VAR monitor near his dugout.As he walked away from the touchline, the ex-midfield maestro could be seen taking off his coat and having a quick chat with assistant Oscar Hernandez.Read More on FootballThe Spaniard was left fuming and confronted referee Istvan Kovacs at full-time, calling him a “disaster before giving him both barrels during his post-match interview.Xavi said: “It’s a pity, our Champions League is over due to referee’s mistake.“I just told the referee that he’s been a disaster. It’s the reality”.This officially marks Xavi’s last Champions League match as Barcelona manager.Most read in Champions LeagueThe Catalan tactician confirmed earlier this season that he will be leaving his beloved club after three years in charge.The 44-year-old head coach missed the chance of leaving the Catalan giants with silverware as his team are eight points behind LaLiga leaders Real Madrid in the table.Football icons’ strange hobbiesPSG are now set to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-finals.Dortmund made it to the final four after knocking Atletico Madrid out with an aggregate of 5-4. More

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      Chelsea fans demand forgotten star ‘we’re crying out for’ returns after booking place in Champions League semi-final

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      CHELSEA fans are demanding the club bring back Ian Maatsen after he clinched a spot in the Champions League semi-final.The full-back played a starring role as Borussia Dortmund overcame Atletico Madrid in a thrilling quarter-final clash.Ian Maatsen starred against Atletico MadridCredit: TNT SPORTSChelsea fan have called on the club to bring him backCredit: ReutersDortmund went into the second leg trailing after leaving Madrid 2-1 down.However, the Bundesliga giants fought back to win a topsy-turvy tie 5-4 on aggregate.Julian Brandt netted the opener, but it was Dortmund’s second goal that got Blues supporters talking.Maatsen, 22, drove up from his defensive role and fired past Jan Oblak with a powerful drive into the far corner.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFans responded by flocking to social media to beg the club to make sure he returns to Stamford Bridge for next season.One fan posted: “Ian Maatsen what a goal. Don’t sell him Chelsea.”A second wrote: “Chelsea are going to sell Ian Maatsen to Borussia Dortmund for £35m when we’re crying out for a player like him.”A third commented: “Maatsen is into the semi-finals as a starting LB in the competition we can’t get into.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERA fourth said: “Ian Maatsen wasn’t given a chance by Chelsea this season and now he is scoring CL quarter final goals.”A fifth joked: “That Ian Maatsen fella looks good – we should consider buying him.”Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen looks back at his beginnings in football Another added: “Fair play to him, talented player.”Maatsen spent the first half of the season at Chelsea but struggled to break into Mauricio Pochettino’s side.This was after the club rejected a £30million offer from Burnley to sign him in the summer transfer window.The 22-year-old spent the 2022-23 season on loan at the Clarets and was a crucial cog in the machine that won promotion to the Premier League.After a lack of playing time in the first half of the season, Maatsen joined Dortmund on loan in January.Reports have already claimed that the German outfit are keen to make the move permanent in the summer. More

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      Awkward moment Micah Richards leaves Kate Abdo looking sheepish live on TV after ‘ignoring CBS chiefs’ instructions’

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      MICAH RICHARDS left Kate Abdo looking sheepish live on TV after ignoring instructions from CBS Sports chiefs.Richards joined Abdo, Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher for Tuesday’s round of Champions League fixtures.Kate Abdo was left looking sheepish after a faux-pas from Micah RichardsThe ex-Man City ace broke a rule laid down by CBS Sports chiefsThe popular quartet ran the rule over Barcelona vs PSG, as well as Atletico Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund.But before kick-off, talks took a turn as Abdo and Co began talking about their contracts.The funny chat saw some great back-and-forths take place.However, as Richards asked Henry a very personal question, he was quickly interrupted by Abdo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd she reminded him that as a group, they had been specifically told to not talk about contracts live on air.This left Richards squirming as Abdo looked sheepish.But the former Man City man could not resist getting the final word in.The conversation started when Carragher asked: “Do you do Thursday nights?”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAbdo replied: “I don’t believe it’s in the contract.”This caused Carragher, Henry and Richards to guffaw.’We’re going’, say Thierry Henry and Micah Richards as CBS Sports duo walk off set live on TVAbdo and Thierry Henry looked awkward as the crew talked about contractsJamie Carragher bantered Abdo over her dealCarragher then said: “Always takes it back to the contract.”Abdo rebutted: “Am I the one that always takes it back to the contract?”Henry, pointing to Richards, gasped: “Why are you looking at me?!”Richards answered: “Are you signed and sealed?”Abdo then said: “They specifically asked us to steer clear of the contract talk on air.”Richards looked awkward as he hilariously replied: “Uh oh… moving on swiftly!”The former Man City defender also had the team in stitches as he appeared to drift off during a video montage celebrating Henry’s career. More

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      Man Utd outcast Anthony Martial ‘thrown Premier League transfer lifeline’ but could join former Champions League winners

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      ANTHONY MARTIAL could reportedly be thrown a Premier League lifeline this summer.The Manchester United forward is set to leave the club at the end of the season with his contract expiring.Tottenham are reportedly interested in signing Anthony MartialCredit: AlamyMartial, 28, is on the lookout for his next club and has been linked with the likes of Inter Milan and Fenerbahce.The Frenchman could also have more options on the table as Tottenham Hotspur have been credited with an interest.Italian outlet Tuttosport have claimed that the North London outfit are looking at the forward.Spurs will have to fight off interest from Serie A giants Juventus.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Bianconeri are also said to be considering a move for Martial to strengthen their attacking options.The club had wanted to sign former West Ham star Felipe Anderson once his contract expired at Lazio.However, they missed out as he confirmed that his new club will be Brazilian side Palmeiras.Tottenham could have the edge over Juventus as the Italians may struggle to afford Martial’s wages.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe is said to be on £240,000-a-week which could be too much for Juventus.The forward could get Ange Postecoglou a more direct option in his attack should he move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.The manager currently has Heung-min Son, Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski in his attack.Martial could take up a spot as a more traditional striker but would also be another option on the wing.He has struggled this season at Man United for fitness and has only featured 13 times in the Premier League.In total, Martial has played 19 times in all competitions, scoring two goals. More

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      Xavi sent off for Barcelona after lashing out moments after PSG levelled tense Champions League tie

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      XAVI was sent off for kicking out during Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.The Barcelona boss lost his cool on the touchline as he booted padding around the VAR monitor.Xavi lashed out on the touchlineCredit: TNT SPORTSThe manager was not impressed with the refereeCredit: TNT SPORTSReferee Istvan Kovacs showed the Spaniard a straight red cardCredit: GettyXavi, 44, was given a straight red card for his outburst by Romanian international referee Istvan Kovacs.The Spaniard was clearly frustrated after signing his side lose a 4-2 aggregate lead on the night.As he walked away from the touchline, Xavi could be seen taking off his coat and having a quick chat with assistant Oscar Hernandez.Fans reacted to the moment as they flooded social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne commented: “So stupid from Xavi!”A second wrote: “Poor Xavi.”A third posted: “Xavi is a crybaby.”A fourth said: “Please Xavi, leave now.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “Xavi really leaves our club.”Raphinha had scored the opening goal before Paris Saint-Germain hit back with goals from Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersRonald Araujo was also shown a straight red card earlier in the match for a last-man challenge.To make matters worse, moments later, the Ligue 1 side were awarded a penalty as Dembele was fouled by Joao Cancelo.Kylian Mbappe converted from the sport to put PSG 5-4 ahead in the tie.Barcelona then had another blow as Hernandez was given a second yellow card and also handed his marching orders, leaving the team two coaches down.Mbappe sealed the win in the 89th minute as he fired in after a swift counter-attack.Barcelona had gone into the second leg 3-2 up, having won a thrilling first leg at the Parc des Princes. More

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      Furious fans say Barcelona ‘robbed’ by controversial red card in PSG clash as Ronald Araujo sent off

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      FURIOUS fans reckon Barcelona were “robbed” after Ronald Araujo was sent off in their dismal defeat Paris Saint-Germain.The defender received his marching orders around the half hour mark with Barcelona leading 1-0 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate before a stunning PSG turnaround.Ronaldo Araujo saw red in Barcelona’s Champions League clash against PSGCredit: APHe was sent off for fouling Bradley Barcola as the last man – but fans felt it was harshThe hosts went ahead through Raphinha’s 12th-minute strike to double their advantage following last week’s 3-2 win in Paris.But despite cruising, Barca had a moment of madness as their high line allowed PSG star Barcola to charge down on goal.Araujo gave chase and eventually caught the winger on the edge of his box.The Uruguayan tugged on Barcola’s shoulder, bringing the French winger down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe foul saw the ref immediately blow his whistle, albeit for a free-kick and not a penalty.But what happened next left Araujo and his Barca team-mates shocked as the referee produced a red card.He deemed the centre-back to be the last man when fouling Barcola, despite Araujo being adamant Pau Cubarsi was rushing in to cover from the other side of the box.However, Barcelona’s protests fell on deaf ears as Araujo was ordered off the field, leaving Xavi Hernandez’s men facing a tough task against speedsters Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSome fans certainly felt the red card shown was harsh, especially with the argument for Cubarsi as the final man.One said: “That’s not a red card for me, so soft.”Dramatic moment fuming Barcelona star gets out of car and confronts young fan in middle of roadAraujo’s foul occurred just outside the boxCredit: AFPThe ref did not change his mind despite the defender’s protestsCredit: GettyAnother declared: “That’s harsh, Barca can feel hard done by.”One noted: “That’s never a red card, Barcelona have been robbed.”But one fan felt it was the right decision to send Araujo off, adding: “Correct call, it’s a last man foul, no defender is getting there in time.”Araujo’s red card left PSG chasing a two-goal deficit against 10 men.And they soon made their advantage count as Dembele struck against his old club with just minutes of the first half remaining.Xavi Hernandez was soon sent off for Barca after suffering a fit of rage.And PSG only twisted the knife as they eventually levelled the tie thanks to a long-range strike from Vitinha.READ MORE SUN STORIESKylian Mbappe then gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot.And he put the game to bed late on as he pounced on a goal-line scramble to set up a semi-final tie against Borussia Dortmund. More