Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Police detain SIXTY armed fans with knives and other weapons after trying to avoid escort to Europa League clash

      by

      GERMAN police have detained armed Lazio fans ahead of the Europa League clash with Dynamo Kyiv in Hamburg.About 60 away fans were stopped by the authorities after attempting to avoid a police escort.German police have arrested about 60 armed Lazio fans before the game with Dynamo KievCredit: GettyCops claim the supporters were found to be carrying knives, clubs and other weapons.Those fans were checked late Tuesday and detained until Wednesday.Lazio released a statement which confirmed the fans held overnight have been banned from attending the game at the Volksparkstadion.However, the Serie A giants also announced that there were no arrests.Read More on FootballUkrainian giants Dynamo are playing their home games in Hamburg this season because of the war in their homeland after Russia’s illegal invasion back in 2022.Lazio have been hit with numerous sanctions both in Serie A and Europe because of fan trouble throughout the years.Last March, a Lazio fan was arrested and fined for giving a Nazi salute inside the beer hall where Hitler founded the party before a Champions League match against Bayern Munich.A year earlier, a fan wearing a shirt with a reference to Hitler was slapped with a lifetime ban from attending Lazio matches by the Roman club. Most read in Europa LeagueAuthorities reviewed security camera footage from inside the Olimpico of the fan wearing a Lazio shirt that read “Hitlerson” and the No88, which is a numerical code for “Heil Hitler”.Football hooligans started the SPFL season with a brawl in Paisley as St Mirren met Hibs Two seasons ago, the Laziali were ordered to play a Serie A game with part of their home ground closed to spectators after fans directed racist chants at opposing players. More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Spanish press give verdict on Donny van de Beek after just one start since Man Utd flop’s transfer to Girona

      by

      DONNY VAN DE BEEK has already been rated by the Spanish press despite just one start for new club Girona.Manchester United’s Dutch flop completed an initial £400,000 move to the LaLiga outfit this summer after dud loan spells at Everton and Eintracht Frankurt.Spanish media outlets have already delivered their verdict on Man Utd flop Donny van de BeekCredit: EPAHe made his first start for new club Girona in last week’s defeat to PSGCredit: APVan de Beek was expected to become a key for the Red Devils when he joined from Ajax for £36million in 2020.But he ended up making just 62 appearances in four years at Old Trafford, with 36 of those coming in the first season.Van de Beek’s haul of two goals also came nowhere near the 41 he netted in four terms at Ajax.And he was promptly shipped off to Girona in July for a fresh start.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVan de Beek has so far made three appearances in the league, all of which have come from the bench.But he was handed his first start in last week’s 1-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.And the Spanish press have already delivered their verdict on the midfielder.News of his start came as a shock following reports that he had struggled to settle in Spain.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut despite that, the media say Van de Beek’s performance against PSG shows that he is not finished as a player just yet.Spanish outlet Sport said: “In PSG’s pressure on the ball, he and Ivan [Martin] led the defensive block, high and with the defensive line planted in the centre of the field. Man Utd reveal first pics of redeveloped 100,000-capacity Old Trafford in ‘biggest regeneration scheme ever seen’“He did not spare any effort, which is why he gave the impression that he was ‘there but not there’, or that he was not very involved with the ball.”They continued: “Now, can you ask for more from him ? Yes and no. Yes, because he has the quality and experience to come back and be what he once was. “And no, because, really, Van de Beek is no longer the Van de Beek of Ajax.”Van de Beek will now be hoping to build on his initial appearances, as will United.That’s because his initial £400k move could reach as high as £7.5m if Van de Beek hits a series of clauses.HIs last appearance came from the bench in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Valencia.And the ace will be hoping for his first league start in tonight’s match against Rayo Vallecano.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Rangers Europa League clash intel has Malmo safety chief on security alert as rival fans pose risk ‘in negative way’

      by

      MALMO security chiefs have expressed fears over fan trouble at their Europa League opener against Rangers.They have dubbed the game a ‘high-risk’ fixture – and are concerned visiting fans could link-up with, or even be infiltrated by, Swedish rivals.Malmo are preparing for around 2,000 Rangers fans to travelCredit: SNSThe visitors will be housed in this corner of the Eleda StadionFormer Celtic winger Sead Haksabanovic is now in the Swedish squadCredit: AlamyGers are due to take up around 2,000 of the Eleda Stadion for the 5.15pm kick-off.But officials at Malmo, where ex-Ger Filip Helander is a club favourite and ex-Celtic winger Sead Haksabanovic is in the first-team, are worried about the clash.They fear Helsingborg fans may pile in amongst the crowd and “present themselves in a negative way”.Malmo head of security Peter Narbe has claimed Helsingborgs have links to Rangers and could attend the game leading to a security headache.Speaking to Sydsvenskan, the Swedish safety chief said: “We know there’s a ‘friendship’ there. We are aware of that.“It is likely that there will be HIF supporters who bought tickets in the home section. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re behaving badly; it’s important to point out.”However he added: “There may be a risk that they want to present themselves in a negative way.”Malmo’s main football rivals are IFK Gothenburg but neighbours Helsingborgs are also old foes in the Skanederby – in the Scania region of Sweden.Most read in FootballTrouble flared between the two sets of supporters before a derby two years ago, leading to ugly scenes of running battles on the Helsingborg streets.Ross McCormack on borrowing Michael Mols’ boots for his Rangers debutMalmo have already stoked up the Europa clash by poking fun at their two previous meetings with the Gers saying ‘we’ve missed you’.Their social media video revisited their previous two encounters this century – in 2011-12 before Rangers were plunged into the fourth tier as a result of their financial woes.They also met three seasons ago when Antonio Colak put Steven Gerrard’s side to the sword – the manager left two months later, but under Giovanni van Bronckhorst Rangers reached the Europa League Final.Jon Dahl Tomasson also tried to rile up Rangers by claiming Gers needed the money at the time.Swedes v ScotsRANGERS must make history on Thursday night if they are to get their Europa League group campaign off to the perfect start.by Roger HannahGers have NEVER beaten the Swedes in four previous meetings – and have suffered three damaging defeats to them.Here, SunSport looks back on those games as Philippe Clement prepares to take his squad to Scandinavia for the opener on Thursday evening.Rangers 0 Malmo 1Champions League qualifier – July 26, 2011ALLY McCOIST’S champions suffered a shock home defeat as Daniel Larsson hit the only goal in the first-half at Ibrox.New boss McCoist, who had stepped up to succeed Walter Smith, stuck with the stars who had won the title at Rugby Park just two months earlier.But the loss of captain David Weir to injury shortly after Larsson’s goal was another blow and Gers couldn’t equalise.Malmo 1 Rangers 1Champions League qualifier – August 3, 2011NINE-MAN Gers were dumped out of the Champions League by Malmo in a bad-tempered encounter in Sweden.Nikica Jelavic’s goal had levelled the tie in the 23rd minute but red cards for Steven Whittaker and Madjid Bougherra hit McCoist’s side.The Swedes were reduced to ten men when Ferreira Ricardinho saw red but an 80th minute goal from Jiloan Hamad put the tie out of reach.Malmo 2 Rangers 1Champions League qualifier – August 3, 2021EXACTLY a decade after Gers’ elimination in Sweden, they returned to Malmo and suffered another damaging result.Soren Rieks and Veljko Birmancevic scored two goals in two minutes after the break as Steven Gerrard’s side wobbled.Steven Davis scored in injury-time to give Gers hope for the second leg at Ibrox – but more woe awaited them just days later.Rangers 1 Malmo 2Champions League qualifier – August 10, 2021ALFREDO MORELOS cancelled out Malmo’s first-leg after just 18 minutes and Gers fans believed they were on the way to victory.That feeling was fuelled when Malmo’s Bonke Innocent was sent-off in first-half stoppage time with the tie balanced on a knife-edge.But Gers collapsed in the second half and Croatian striker Antonio Colak – who would later sign for Gers – scored twice inside four minutes to send the Swedes through 4-2 on aggregate.He famously said, with a wry smirk: “Is the pressure on us or them?”Don’t you think that they need the Champions League’s money here? I think so.”I think they need that. I think that’s a good answer, isn’t it?”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League ref Anthony Taylor in firing line AGAIN after Uefa bosses admit he made monumental error during Euro 2024

      by

      PREM ref Anthony Taylor has been hit by another blow – after Uefa bosses said he wrongly denied Germany a penalty during Euro 2024.Taylor was relegated to fourth official duties last weekend after booking a record 14 players in Chelsea’s 1-0 win at Bournemouth.Uefa have confirmed that Anthony Taylor made a monumental mistake at Euro 2024Credit: PAHe did not award a penalty for a handball by Marc CucurellaCredit: ReutersThe Wythenshawe whistler is due to be back in the middle this weekend after being appointed to take charge of Liverpool’s visit to Wolves on Saturday.But a report by Uefa’s referees’ committee, leaked in Spain, castigated Taylor for not awarding Germany a spot kick during extra-time of their last eight defeat by the subsequent champions.And that led to former Germany midfielder Toni Kroos lambasting Taylor for his decision and mockingly asking: “Can I now say that I am a European champion?”Taylor played on after Jamal Musiala’s shot was blocked by the arm of Chelsea defender Marc Cucarella, with his decision not to award a spot kick backed by VAR Stuart Attwell.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLArsenal summer recruit Mikel Merino scored the winning goal for Spain soon afterwards, with the incident leading to Cucarella being jeered mercilessly by German fans in both the semi-final win over France and the Final against England.But the official report of the Uefa body makes clear that Taylor got it wrong.It said: “Following the latest UEFA guidelines, hand-to-ball contact that stops a shot on goal should be punished more strictly, and in most cases a penalty kick should be awarded, unless the defender’s arm is very close to the body or on the body.“In this case, the defender stops the shot on goal with his arm, which is not very close to the body, making itself bigger, so a penalty kick should have been awarded.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTaylor, one of Uefa’s most senior refs,  was surprisingly not appointed to any matches when the new-look expanded Champions League kicked off last week.And the report sparked a backlash from Germany, led by Kroos – who was playing what became the final match of his career.Football analyst bizarrely blames ref Anthony Taylor for ‘hindering Man Utd’s play’ in humiliating loss to LiverpoolToni Kroos led the backlash against the decisionCredit: GettyHe said: “It took them three months to realise that there was a handball, something that almost everyone could see in a second.“That reassures me a lot.”Can I say that I am now European champion because it has been officially confirmed? I don’t think so.”After the game, Cucurella admitted that the ball hit his arm but Taylor “immediately” told him it was not a foul.He said: “The ball hit my hand, but the referee immediately said no, no, no, and that made me feel better.”If the refereeing experts say it’s not a handball, then it’s not a handball”Taylor was also criticised for his role during Nottingham Forest’s defeat to Everton last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe official denied the East Midlands outfit of three penalty decision.He was also involved as the fourth official as three red cards were handed out in Forest’s 2-2 draw against Brighton on Sunday.Official stanceBy Mark HalseyWHEN Morgan Gibbs-White went to ground on Joao Pedro already on a yellow card, I thought he could be in big  trouble.Rob Jones clearly signalled for a throw in to Brighton and then made a gesture that Gibbs-White had clearly won the ball.Therefore, fourth official Anthony Taylor should simply not have got involved.Taylor has refereed that second-half incident. Had he not made the signal for a throw and that he won the ball, then Taylor could have helped Jones.And that incident sparked the managers and saw things boil over on the touchline.Ultimately, the officials caused Fabian Hurzeler and Nuno Espirito Santo to be sent off for their reactions to the decision. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League final to be MOVED as San Siro STRIPPED of hosting privileges with new stadium to take huge game

      by

      THE Champions League final is set to be moved to a new stadium after the San Siro was stripped of its hosting privileges.The iconic Milan ground was set to host the European final in 2027 but now a new venue will be found.The San Siro will no longer be the host of the 2027 Champions League finalCredit: RexThe stadium is the home of AC Milan and Inter MilanCredit: GettyThe decision has been made as the Municipality of Milan was unable to guarantee that the Giuseppe Meazza stadium would not be affected by refurbishment work.A statement read: “Municipality of Milano could not guarantee that the San Siro stadium and its surroundings would not be affected by refurbishment works.”A new venue for the glamour tie is yet to be decided.It could be handed to Wembley Stadium as a result, even though the ground held last season’s final, which Real Madrid won.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUefa know playing their biggest match at a venue with outstanding corporate facilities would make it an even bigger money-spinner for their finances.Uefa bosses also confirmed that the “Big Five” leagues, including the Prem, will only receive £8.3m in “solidarity” cash for the clubs not competing in European competitions this season, worth around £640,000 to each of the 13 top flight outfits.The remaining 50 smaller leagues will share £215m with Uefa believing the new split – no clubs in any of the three European competitions will benefit from the larger fund – will “support the competitive balance across Europe”.Uefa have confirmed that a decision on a new host stadium will be made by June 2025.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe San Siro is set to undergo a massive refurbishment, with both AC Milan and Inter Milan supporting the move.However, it is thought that as a result, the ground would not be able to hold the final of the Champions League in three years’ time.Incredible optical illusion which makes San Siro stadium columns look like they are moving The planned work is part of the preparation to renovate the stadium for Euro 2032.Italy is bidding to co-host the tournament along with Turkey and the San Siro will need modernisation to bring it up to standard.The famous arena has played host to some of football’s biggest games during its 99-year history.The 80,000-capacity stadium was the venue for the Champions League finals in 2001 and 2016.It was also the stage of the European Cup finals in 1965 and 1970, the latter of which saw Inter Milan win the tournament.New Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season. More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      UK pubs set to pour over 23 MILLION extra pints due to controversial football fixture changes

      by

      EUROPEAN football’s new calendar has not proved universally popular among top level players after Manchester City’s Rodri mooted a strike.But controversial changes to the Champions League and Europa League may provide a welcome boost to the UK’s hospitality industry.The new Champions League format has caused a stir among playersCredit: AFPBut pubs are set to benefit from the changesCredit: GettyA TNT Sports press release read: “New research by the TNT Sports commercial team has found that pubs showing European football this season can expect to pour 23m additional pints.”[That’s] a total of 200m pints across European game days, compared to 177m pints poured last season, a result of the new UEFA Champions League format and increased European game days across its club competitions. “TNT Sports has created an xP (expected pints) league table, which shows pint sales for pubs showing the football across the UK on European game days.”With more European football games than ever before, pubs showing TNT Sports can show more live football with venues tipped to sell more pints compared to last season, an approximate boost of £10m in sales across the UK.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe company’s research showed that 93 per cent of pub-goers said they would go to the pub to watch the Champions League.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut more than half stated that they wouldn’t normally go to the pub in midweek unless the Champions League or Europa League was on.TNT Sports added: “Based on data from last season, the research also shows which regions are set to benefit the most from increased beer sales on European game days across the season, with the North West top of the table with an XP of 28.6m pints to be consumed. Serie A clash involving Champions League club POSTPONED after torrential rain as 19-word statement released”The South East is in second with 22.8m pints expected to be pulled, while London will see 19.5m pints served.”Most read in Champions LeagueManchester United host FC Twente tomorrow night in a first ever Europa League-only week of European football.Tottenham will follow on Thursday with a home game against Qarabag.Title-chasing Man City and Arsenal are next in action on Tuesday, October 1.City travel to Slovakia to face Slovan Bratislava while Mikel Arteta’s men face a huge test at home to PSG.On Wednesday, October 2, Liverpool play host to Serie A surprise package Bologna.And the same evening, Aston Villa play their first home Champions League clash in over 41 years as they take on Bayern Munich.With Man City, Man Utd and Liverpool all in Europe this season, the North West is set to sell the most pints of any UK regionCredit: TNT SPORTS More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Pep will rue the day…’ – Man City fans demand return of forgotten Champions League winner after horror Rodri injury

      by

      HE’S a player who splits opinion – but sadly not often defences.Yet he could be a side-splitting answer to Manchester City’s problem of how to replace Rodri.Rodri has suffered a serious knee injury, which prompted many Man City fans into serious thinking over his possible replacementCredit: RexPep Guardiola has tough decisions to make if Rodri is ruled outCredit: GettyThat’s if you believe many fans online, who are mooting the return of a forgotten midfielder, currently loaned out of the Etihad for a second time.Some say he should plug the gap if star anchorman Rodri is ruled out for the season following a knee injury against Arsenal on Sunday.The Spanish Euro 2024 winner is already in Barcelona for tests that could confirm City’s fears he has torn a cruciate ligament.The 28-year-old is as close to irreplaceable as you can get for a club that has won the Premier League four seasons in a row.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSBeing without Rodri for so long would be an unthinkable problem.But fan reckon they’ve got a previously unthinkable answer – in the shape of an unfashionable player now trying to revive his career at the opposite end of the Prem.The same-aged ace in question, Kalvin Phillips, never won a regular place at City after arriving from home-town club Leeds in 2022 for £42million.And he remained on the bench during a 1-0 Champions League final win over Inter Milan the next year as Pep Guardiola’s men sealed the Treble.Most read in FootballKalvin Phillips is on loan with the Tractor Boys but some fans reckon he should be thrown into the mix for a Man City returnCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis England career stuttered, albeit mainly due to injury and then a miserable second half of last term on loan at West Ham.Now Prem new boys Ipswich have borrowed Phillips for the season – with encouraging hints so far he’s rediscovering his prime combative form.Fans all spot Wright’s reaction to Hart screaming in his face after Man City goal against Arsenal And a section of Etihad fans want him back – “pronto”.One posted: “Get Kalvin Phillips recalled, he’s got a title to win us.”Another claimed City chief Guardiola will “rue the day” he let the ball-winner leave once more.”Bring Kalvin Phillips back,” pleaded a third supporter, who added, perhaps mischievously: “Who says no?”A fourth supporter suggested he was “surely almost certain to be recalled?”That sparked the response: “Yeah, he’s definitely making a strong case for it!”   But another group of fans believe that if Phillips is the solution then the champions have really got a problem.A few pointed out ready-made alternatives – reliable Mateo Kovacic, returning legend Ilkay Gundogan, England starlet Rico Lewis and versatile John Stones.So how likely do they rate Phillips’ prospects of an early Etihad comeback?”Zero chance,” said one, with the explanation: “That’s why we recalled Gundogan.”Less tactical verdicts included “Absolutely not” … “Not a prayer” … “I can do a better job”… and “Let’s not lose our heads now”.Meanwhile, several fans suggested Guardiola would revert to the “double pivot” of fielding two No6s – if Rodri’s injury proves as severe as suspected.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs for neutrals, many will hope the likeable Phillips can turn his career around this term wherever he plays,And although he was forgotten by some, he was always remembered by ex-Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate – who insisted England never truly replaced the 31-cap ace at his grafting best.Rodri was helped off after the second of his two injuries on SundayCredit: Rex More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Serie A clash involving Champions League club POSTPONED after torrential rain as 18-word statement released

      by

      ATALANTA’S clash against Como has been postponed due to a torrential downpour.The Serie A clash was set to kick-off at 7.45pm – but everyone now has to come back at the same time tomorrow.Atalanta vs Como has been called off and it was no surprise in the endCredit: EPAThe ball struggled to roll in the grass leaving the officials little choiceCredit: GettyKick-off was delayed by an hour then fans were sent homeCredit: ReutersFans took shelter at the back of the groundCredit: ReutersSme braved the conditions but it was all wasted in the endCredit: ReutersA statement from league chiefs initially confirmed: “Atalanta vs Como has been delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Another pitch inspection will be carried out shortly.”The players from both clubs had gone out onto the pitch to warm-up ahead of kick-off.But the action was compared to “water polo” by one fan watching on.The referee then carried out an inspection of the pitch by rolling the ball on the surface as the two captains watched on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ball struggled to move, getting stuck on the waterlogged grass and huge puddles also began to appear.A second inspection was then carried out 15 minutes later, with the referee deciding the game should go ahead.But Atalanta skipper Maarten De Roon reportedly called the decision “madness” as the rain continued to fall.After another discussion, the ref postponed the game until tomorrow as supporters inside the stadium were sent home.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAtalanta are in this season’s Champions League and drew 0-0 with Arsenal on Thursday last week.As for Como, they are winless in four games since promotion from the second tier.They are managed by Premier League legend Cesc Fabregas.Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini caught throwing SANDWICH out of car at AC Milan fans who were abusing him after game More