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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

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      ‘Are you Chelsea in disguise?’ ask baffled fans as Champions League giants line up in almost identical shirt to Blues

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      FANS took a double take at their screens as Atletico Madrid lined up in an almost identical shirt to Chelsea in the Champions League.The LaLiga giants had travelled to the Signal Iduna Park to take on Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the quarter-final.Fans likened Atletico Madrid’s shirt to the Chelsea kitCredit: EPAFormer Blue Alvaro Morata was on the pitchCredit: GettyThe kit has a similar vibe to Chelsea’s 2022/23 shirtCredit: AlamyAtletico won the first leg 2-1, but it was the choice of kit that got fans talking.Los Colchoneros usually wear their strikingly recognisable red and white shirts with blue shorts.The club wore their alternate strip which was predominantly blue but with a white block on the shirt.The club’s traditional badge had also been swapped out as a nod to its 120th anniversary.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe badge had been replaced with the crest that was used until 1917 in a circular shape.This kit choice had fans thinking they had worn a Chelsea kit on social media.One fan posted: “Atletico looks like Chelsea.”A second wrote: “Atletico, what kind of jersey is this, bro, are you Chelsea?”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERA third commented: “These Atlético kits look like Chelsea kits.”A fourth joked: “Are you Chelsea in disguise.”Jude Bellingham gives RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose his shirt after Real Madrid’s Champions League winA fifth said: “Atlético’s shirt looks like Chelsea’s.”Another added: “Why does Atlético Madrid look like Chelsea?”Fans could be forgiven for getting confused, as former Chelsea stars Alvaro Morata and Cesar Azpilicueta both lined up for Atletico on the night.Dortmund won the match on the night 4-2 and 5-4 on aggregate after a thrilling battle and sealed their spot in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 11 years. More

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      Arsenal warned Bayern Munich boast little-known English secret weapon who was non-league star and won Champions League

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      HARRY KANE and Eric Dier will not be the only Englishmen gunning for Arsenal on Wednesday.Anthony Barry, who started his coaching career at Wigan, is Bayern Munich’s assistant manager and one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe.Bayern Munich assistant manager Anthony Barry could cause major issues to ArsenalCredit: GettyThe ex-Accrington, Yeovil and Fleetwood midfielder was brought to Germany from Chelsea by Bayern chief Thomas Tuchel, with the pair having worked together at Stamford BridgeAnd if Bayern score from a corner or a free-kick against Mikel Arteta’s side, that will be down to Barry who is in charge of the team’s set-pieces.Barry will leave the German club with Tuchel at the end of the season and the offers have already come in.He has just turned down a second approach from Ireland to replace boss Stephen Kenny,  who was sacked in November.Read More on FootballBut Barry, who combined his role at Chelsea as a part-time coach for the Irish, will be assisting Roberto Martinez with Portugal at Euro 2024.Barry, who also worked for Martinez with Belgium at the 2022 World Cup, wants to be a manager in his own right so is waiting for the right offer for next season.However, he is not the only Englishman currently coaching in the Bundesliga.Craig Fleming, assistant coach at Southampton for four years under Ralph Hasenhuttl, has linked up with the Austrian to become Wolfsburg’s No 2.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTicket disparityLIVERPOOL have been given just 750 tickets for Thursday’s Europa League tie with Atalanta.To enter the ballot, Reds fans had to have bought tickets for 22 of the previous 24 European away games over the last five seasons.Huge Arsenal concerns as two key stars facing late fitness test before Champions League second leg with BayernThat is some loyalty, whatever team you support.Meanwhile, Arsenal will have just under 3,800 supporters against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday — and they have all paid a relatively affordable £42.80 a ticket.To watch the first leg at the Emirates, supporters had to fork out between £70 and £103.If you needed proof of the disparity between English and German ticket prices, here it is.Broadcaster outsmartedA WELL-KNOWN broadcaster did not see the funny side after a telling off in the posh seats at Chelsea.In an exclusive area behind the home dugout at Stamford Bridge, he caused a bit of a stir by shouting at the home bench during a game.The television and radio presenter was told to calm down by security and during the heated exchange, he trotted out the infamous line: “Do you know who I am?”The unimpressed official pretended to switch on his lapel microphone and shouted: “Can I have the welfare department? There is a Chelsea fan who doesn’t know who he is.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFlying highTOTTENHAM fans were left frustrated by the cost of the £150 train to get to Newcastle for Saturday’s Premier League game.So a few Hertfordshire-based supporters found it cheaper to get a bus to Stansted Airport and take a Ryanair flight to Edinburgh (£70 return) before getting a train from Scotland to Newcastle (£40 return).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, this one 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…?
      Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More

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      Huge Arsenal concerns as two key stars facing late fitness test before Champions League second leg with Bayern

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      MIKEL ARTETA admits Arsenal are sweating on main men Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard for Wednesday’s huge Champions League tie at Bayern Munich.The Gunners’ boss is “hopeful” his two most creative talents overcome knocks for a quarter-final return leg in the balance at 2-2.Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard shared a joke in training on Tuesday despite fitness fears for the crunch second leg at BayernCredit: ReutersArsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen for the duo to recover in timeCredit: GettyWinger Saka was seen limping near the end of Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa – but stayed on.And playmaker Odegaard felt “something” – meaning Emile Smith Rowe had to replace him after 79 minutes.Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins then both netted as Villa snatched a victory that stopped the Gunners moving back to the top of the Premier League.Arteta said on Tuesday: “We had less than 48 hours to recover from the game.READ MORE TOP STORIES”We have done very, very little training – so we will assess them tomorrow and see how they are.”Gunners’ fans will be heartened by a picture of Saka and Odegaard laughing together during light practice at Colney.But the fact their fitness is an issue at all will be a worry for Arteta.However, the Spaniard claims Sunday’s dire display won’t affect their performance at newly-dethroned Bundesliga champions Bayern.Most read in Champions LeagueHe said: “We threw the game away [but] regardless of that result, it’s going to have no impact on what happens tomorrow.”We’ll refocus and start to build the confidence and the trust [to get] the standard of performance we’ll have to put in tomorrow to beat them.”Bayern must be smarting from Bayer Leverkusen wrenching away their 12-year grip on the German crown so easily this season.And manager Thomas Tuchel also has much to prove after already revealing he will depart in the summer.But the ex-Chelsea and PSG manager is quietly confident for Wednesday.He said: “We have a slight advantage when you look at our experience in this competition”But to turn it into a real advantage, you also need a top performance. We’re ready to give it everything we’ve got.”We’ll need everything again. We’ll need passion and the same tactical discipline as in the first leg.”Saka and Odegaard in full flow could be vital to Arsenal’s hopesCredit: Getty More

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      Champions League club’s fans ‘accidentally throw objects at their OWN TEAM’S bus’ after thinking it was rivals

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      BARCELONA fans reportedly threw objects at Paris Saint-Germain’s team bus… before realising it was their own club’s vehicle.The two sides played out a thrilling game in last week’s Champions League quarter-final first leg.Barcelona fans threw objects at PSG’s team bus before realising it was carrying their own playersCredit: APThe red-faced scenes occurred ahead of tonight’s Champions League battleCredit: AP❗️📹 Així ha estat la rebuda de l’afició a l’autocar del Barça amb càntics i bengales. Alguns s’han confós amb el bus del PSG i han llençat objectes. #frac1 pic.twitter.com/zxta7XdcWM— El Barça juga a RAC1 (@FCBRAC1) April 16, 2024

      Barcelona won the first leg 3-2 thanks to a timely winner from ex-Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen.And PSG will be desperate to end their European hoodoo when Luis Enrique steps back out at his old club tonight.Whoever reaches the semis will fancy their chances of progressing past either Atletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund to June’s final.And tensions were high as both teams arrived in the Catalan capital ahead of kick-off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to reports in Spain, some Barcelona fans hurled objects at PSG’s team bus as it arrived at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, which is being used while the Nou Camp undergoes a major renovation.Flares and smoke greeted the bus as it pulled up several hours before the start of the game.And unidentified objects were chucked by some parts of the crowd as the coach came to a standstill.However, the Barcelona fans were left eating humble pie.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAs the doors opened, it became clear it was not PSG on board the bus.Instead, the vehicle was carrying their own players, including superstars Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong.Dramatic moment fuming Barcelona star gets out of car and confronts young fan in middle of roadAnd it made for an awkward entrance as the home side gathered themselves for the test ahead.Speaking ahead of kick-off, Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez declared he wants to pass his way to victory.He explained: “We’re not a team that will sit on our lead, we want to take the ball off PSG and win the game.”It’s the Champions League, it’s Paris, and a game in which no one will be holding back.”But PSG boss Enrique, who won the Champions League as part of 2015’s Treble with Barca, insisted his side can overturn a first-leg European defeat for the first time in their history.He said: “PSG have never come back to win after losing a first leg, but [Tuesday] is the day.”We have a very united group of players, in which there are no egos.” More

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      Jude Bellingham explains why Real Madrid move was ‘no brainer’ despite holding transfer talks with European giants

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM says it was a “no brainer” for him to join Real Madrid over Wednesday’s opponents Manchester City.The treble winners were one of a host of clubs chasing the signature of the England star when it was clear he was leaving Borussia Dortmund last spring.Jude Bellingham insists joining Real Madrid was the best decisionCredit: GettyBellingham was approached by a raft of elite clubs, including Manchester CityCredit: GettyHe admitted he spoke with several teams – but could not resist the lure of the Spanish giants when they came calling.City became aware in May that the former Birmingham midfielder had set his heart on a switch to the Bernabeu rather than the Premier League.The £88.5million signing said: “I had conversations with other teams but when Madrid came in it was a no-brainer really.“The size of the club, the project, the plan going forward, the chance to play with such amazing players.Read More on Football“I just jumped at it. That’s why I made my decision.”Now he hopes to show he made the right call by sending Pep Guardiola’s holders tumbling out of the Champions League at the Etihad.The quarter-final tie is finely poised at 3-3 after a thriller in Spain last week.He said: “I think everyone has spoken about them being favourites – they’re the treble winners and an amazing team.Most read in Football“I’m not a gambler – and I’ve never been to the bookies.“But that’s the impression from the outside. We are Real Madrid – we are pretty good and have some brilliant players.Vinicius Jr appears to ask Bellingham for Premier League star’s shirt as Real Madrid team-mates chat after England loss“Internally we are confident and we trust what we have in the dressing room.“These are the sort of games I joined for. I’m really excited and can’t wait to get out there and play.”Almost a year has passed and Bellingham says he has no regrets over his decision – hoping England will reap the benefits.He also hopes other young talents will follow his path and try their luck abroad.Bellingham said: “I was at Dortmund for three years and I took a path that is unfamiliar but I feel grateful every time I go into training.“It’s a good idea for young players to go abroad and hopefully I’m showing that.“You learn a lot and hopefully I take that with me into the national team.”Bellingham made an explosive start to life in Spain and while the goals have dried up he hopes there are still more to come.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I didn’t expect to score this many goals. People were asking me when I joined and I just wanted one – but I’m up to 20 now.“Hopefully I can get more before the end of the season.”Real Madrid star Bellingham will look to end Man City’s Treble hopes More