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    Jamie Carragher rushes to Kate Abdo’s rescue after CBS Sports host starts choking live on TV

    JAMIE CARRAGHER rushed to Kate Abdo’s rescue after she started choking live on TV. During CBS Sports coverage of the Champions League clash between Inter and AC Milan, Abdo introduced the show but soon found herself in a spot of bother.
    Kate Abdo started choking live on TVCredit: @CBSSportsGolazo/Twitter
    But Jamie Carragher was on hand to give her some waterCredit: @CBSSportsGolazo/Twitter
    The host seemed to catch a lump in her throat, stuttering briefly as she struggled to finish her sentence.
    After valiantly soldiering on to complete the sentence, she was then forced to pause and catch a second wind as she started coughing while covering her mouth to clear her throat.
    Fortunately, Carragher was on hand as he rushed over to hand her a bottle of water.
    Afterwards, Abdo joked she had “killed” the intro, while Micah Richards and Thierry Henry could be heard making jokes about the incident in the background.
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    Fans online rushed to the comments reacting to the turn of events.
    One fan wrote: “The way they care for this woman ehn🤣.”
    Others highlighted the reaction of Henry, who could be seen watching almost with a hint of a smirk as Abdo drank the water Carragher had provided.
    One typed: “Henry’s face 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣.”
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    A second said: “Henry’s look😂😂😂.”
    While a third joked: “Jamie with the save but Titi was straight up in trance watching her drink water 😂.”
    The CBS panel has drawn widespread praise from fans for the infectious chemistry it is able to generate between its pundits and host.
    However, it does not stop them from providing analysis on more serious matters.
    Last night’s show saw Carragher stun his colleagues after calling Rio Ferdinand “a clown”, while also taking a swipe at ex-team-mate Steven Gerrard. More

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    Jude Bellingham ‘has ACCEPTED Real Madrid’s contract offer’ in huge transfer blow to Man Utd and City

    JUDE BELLINGHAM has reportedly accepted all of the details in his contract to join Real Madrid.The England international is said to be “excited” by the project at the LaLiga giants.
    Jude Bellingham has reportedly accepted a contract at Real MadridCredit: Getty
    According to Fabrizio Romano, Bellingham’s deal now hinges on Real Madrid’s meeting with Borussia Dortmund in May.
    The two clubs will discuss the final fee for the player.
    Romano tweeted: “Jude Bellingham has accepted all the details of Real Madrid contract proposal already 10 days ago.
    “He’s excited by Madrid project.
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    “Real Madrid want to meet with Borussia Dortmund in May in order to agree on the final package/fee.”
    It comes as a major blow to Manchester City and Manchester United who had been interested in signing.
    Liverpool were also a touted destination, but they dropped out of the race last month after discovering that a transfer would be too expensive.
    It was reported at the start of the month that Bellingham would be offered a contract worth £12million-a-year.
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    The length of the deal is believed to be until 2029.
    The fee Madrid will have to pay for Bellingham was thought to be £124million, however, the club are hoping to negotiate it lower.
    Should the transfer go through it would be a major coup for Madrid.
    Bellingham will be hoped to ease the loss of veterans Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, who are both approaching the end of their careers.
    He is seen as the long-term successor for the latter.
    And it’s reckoned Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni have both spoken to Bellingham about joining them in Spain. More

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    Hilarious video of Rudiger marking Haaland emerges as fans laugh ‘he is CRAZY’

    ANTONIO RUDIGER has left football fans in stitches after footage emerged of him marking Erling Haaland in bizarre fashion.The German defender, 30, produced an impressive display at the Bernabeu on Tuesday evening as Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
    Antonio Rudiger nestled his head under the arm of Erling HaalandCredit: Twitter / MiIitao
    Haaland patted Rudiger on the back before trying to find space againCredit: https://twitter.com/MiIitao
    Rudiger then proceeded to put his head under the arm of Haaland’s other armCredit: Twitter / MiIitao
    The stats showed Rudiger got the better of Haaland as he restricted the Norwegian striker to just 21 touches – the fewest of any player that started the game.
    And the ex-Borussia Dortmund man failed to add to his 51 goals so far this season.
    But new footage that has emerged of Rudiger marking Haaland shows the unorthdox methods the former Chelsea man went to in order to keep the Man City attacker quiet.
    In the clip, the centre-back is crouching under the arms of Haaland as he stalks him from point blank range.
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    And while it did end up working, the antics still left social media in hysterics.
    Reacting on Twitter, one person said: “He is crazy fr.”
    Another replied: “His passion and aggression in defending is always up there . Such a performer 🤣.”
    A third added: “Rudiger can be dramatic 😂.”
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    And a fourth responded: “He was trying to make sure Haaland fitted well in his pocket.”
    Rudiger is known for his strange behaviour, with the former Blues defender getting involved in music videos and hilarious post-match interviews in the past.
    Yet despite his impressive display against Haaland, it remains to be seen whether he will keep his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s team for the second leg at the Etihad on Wednesday.
    The German international came in for the suspended Eder Militao.
    But the Brazilian is expected to return to the side to partner David Alaba in Manchester.
    Rudiger and Haaland showed respect for one another during the gameCredit: Getty More

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    Micah Richards not happy with the way Inter celebrated Champions League win over rivals AC Milan

    MICAH RICHARDS was not impressed with Inter Milan’s celebrations following their 2-0 win over AC Milan. Inter stormed into a two-goal lead inside 11 minutes after goals from ex-Premier League stars Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
    Edin Dzeko got Inter off to a flyer as they beat AC Milan 2-0Credit: Getty
    But Micah Richards took issue with the celebrations after the gameCredit: Twitter
    A dominant Nerazzurri threatened to blow the Champions League semi-final away, carving out chance after chance against their same-stadium rivals.
    But some profligate finishing ensured the score remained 2-0 going into the second leg of the tie.
    Following the game, Inter players lined up together and run over to celebrate with the fans who had packed out the San Siro, receiving serenading chants from the supporters.
    However, speaking over footage of the celebrations, both Jamie Carragher and Richards were not impressed.
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    Speaking on CBS Sports coverage of the game, UCL winner Carragher jokingly questioned whether there was a second leg, before emploring Inter to “relax”.
    Richards, meanwhile, offered more analysis of the celebrations.
    He said: “They’ve gone very early.”
    Richards admitted they were more than entitled to celebrate the first-leg win, before host Kate Abdo asked whether Inter had set themselves up well for the second leg.
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    Richards replied: “Of course they have.
    “I thought Inter were outstanding, it could have been five. [But] AC Milan are still in the tie.
    “I thought [Denzel] Dumfries was excellent today. His work rate down that right-hand side, up and down, up and down, decision making, defending when he needed to [and] attacking when he needed to.
    “My man Dzeko gets a goal.
    “I thought the game was going to be very tight today. I said before the game I just fancied Inter a little bit.
    “But I didn’t expect them to blow [Milan] away like that.”
    Some fans took issue with Richards’ comments, with one responding: “Tell me you don’t watch anything outside of the PL without telling me you don’t watch anything outside of the PL.”
    A second said: “This is standard practice after every Inter game.”
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    While a third added: “Mate, this is normal in every match after they win the game.. the players celebrated in order to appreciate the fans who always support them.”
    The second leg will commence on Tuesday, May 16 back at the San Siro. More

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    Jamie Carragher slams ‘CLOWN’ Rio Ferdinand and even takes dig at Steven Gerrard as he savages BT Sport punditry

    CBS SPORTS pundit Jamie Carragher brutally savaged his BT Sport rivals last night.That’s by branding Rio Ferdinand a “clown” while also aiming a dig at ex-Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard.
    Jamie Carragher savaged BT Sport duo Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard last nightCredit: Twitter
    Carragher stunned CBS pals like Thierry Henry following Inter Milan’s 2-0 win over ACCredit: Twitter
    Carragher was adamant Inter Milan should not have had a penalty for a challenge on Lautaro MartinezCredit: Getty
    The trio were all on punditry duty for their respective outlets in yesterday’s Champions League semi-final between AC and Inter Milan.
    Two early goals from the Nerazzurri saw them secure a 2-0 advantage in the first leg.
    It could and should have been more as they ended up having 16 shots at goal in a dominant performance.
    But Inter felt they were wrongly denied a penalty in the first half when Lautaro Martinez went down following contact from Simon Kjaer.
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    The referee initially blew for a spot-kick and even proceeded to book the Dane.
    But VAR advised him to check a replay, and after consulting the pitch-side monitor he reversed his decision.
    Footage suggested there had been some contact on Martinez, albeit he had made the most of it.
    BT Sport duo Ferdinand and Gerrard were livid at the ref’s decision to overturn the penalty.
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    Simon Kjaer was initially penalised for the slight contact before VAR overturned the decisionCredit: Getty
    Carragher said ex-Liverpool teammate Gerrard used to go down easily for penaltiesCredit: Getty
    Carragher called Ferdinand a ‘clown’ for thinking Inter should have won a penaltyCredit: Getty
    But Carragher was adamant that, especially after watching the replay, it was the right call.
    And he left fellow CBS pundits Thierry Henry and Micah Richards stunned with his comments.
    Carragher said: “I think anyone out there who is watching the replay and seeing what VAR do and still believe that is a penalty, they must be a clown.”
    When shown a tweet revealing Gerrard’s thoughts, Carragher continued: “He was an attacking player, wasn’t he?
    “He was liable a little bit himself under a little bit of contact — always contact, never a dive. I understand where he is coming from.
    “It’s just when players in my position who are defenders, English defenders who are commentating on the game…
    “I understand attackers thinking it was a penalty if you (Henry) did, and Steve was an attacker. Maybe he felt there was a little bit of contact.
    Rio Ferdinand! I’m happy to call him a clownJamie Carragher
    “But as a defender we have to stick together, don’t we, and I just felt people were getting a little bit carried away.”
    Pal Richards then chirped: “Name names!”
    To which Carragher replied: “Rio Ferdinand! I’m happy to call him a clown.”
    But Ferdinand doubled down as he tweeted: “Still think it’s a penalty…”
    Ferdinand and Carragher famously clashed on Twitter in October after the latter was snubbed pitch-side by ex-Man Utd striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Responding to Ferdinand joking he was upset, Carragher said: “No I’m delighted it went viral. 
    “Rio I know how it works, he’s your mate and you/Evra and the rest are on the group Whatsap and he asks you to come out and defend him.
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    “Don’t be his fan boy you’re Rio Ferdinand FFS!”
    This saw Ferdinand reply: “What Whatsapp group? Leave off lad… I want this same energy with Roy Keane when you’re next in the studio ffs. Stop getting bullied.” More

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    Fans beg for BT Sport to be stripped of Champions League coverage for ‘making a mockery’ of monster Milan derby

    BT SPORT suffered a major Twitter backlash for their coverage of Inter Milan’s clash with AC Milan.The two Italian sides came face-to-face in the first-leg of the Champions League semi-final at the San Siro.
    Fans blasted BT Sport for their major own goal in the coverage of the Milan derbyCredit: Getty
    Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s early strikes stunned AC Milan and sealed Inter a 2-0 advantage ahead of next week’s return match.
    BT Sport have been highly praised for their broadcasts of the Italian top-flight this term with James Richardson and James Horncastle leading the show.
    But the channel opted against using their Italian football experts this evening to go with their usual Premier League crew as pundits tonight.
    And the inclusion of Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard plus the choice of Steve McManaman, who screamed out “bloody hell” after an explosion in the crowd, on commentary frustrated viewers.
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    Journalist Colin Millar started the debate by tweeting: “BT Sport cover every Serie A match with specialist commentators, pundits, presenters.
    “Ignoring all that to end up with this standard of coverage for one of the biggest games of the season is desperately selling viewers short.
    “Their coverage of the Champions League is generally atrocious. Absolutely miles off the standard it should be and comfortably the biggest underperformer of football TV coverage in the UK.”
    And it seemed many echoed his sentiments, with another tweeting: “BT Sport have fantastic Serie A commentators as well James Horncastle and James Richardson who specialise in Italian football.
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    “So why pay for 7 clueless numpties to have a Jolly for Inter V AC Milan Champions League semi final.”
    Another wrote: “More shoddy UEFA Champions League coverage from BT Sport tonight. A wasted opportunity… James Richardson & Co. are 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆.”
    A fellow viewer said: “Champions League coverage on BT Sport is absolutely shocking.”
    Another said: “BT Sport are so weird, their Serie A and National League coverage is great, but Premier League and Champions League is f***ing horrendous!”
    “Someone needs to take Champions League coverage off BT Sport, they’re making a mockery out of this competition,” blasted another.
    While a fellow fan said: “Absolutely nothing unites football fans quite like their dislike for BT Sport Champions League coverage.” More

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    Man City set to rake in outrageous £300MILLION in prize money if they complete historic Treble

    MANCHESTER CITY will bank almost £300MILLION in prize money if they clinch the Treble.Pep Guardiola’s men are just seven games away from completing the dream Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup haul.
    Kevin De Bruyne celebrates a superb leveller in a 1-1 first-leg draw at Real that leaves Man City well placed to reach the Champions League finalCredit: Rex
    A fifth Premier League crown in six years is likely to be worth around £164m, similar to the figure they landed last season.
    SunSport revealed last month that a first Champions League trophy would earn the Etihad outfit £117.2m.
    Guardiola’s side are favourites to reach the final next month following Tuesday’s 1-1 semi-final first-leg draw at Real Madrid.
    And if City beat neighbours Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley on June 3, that would see them trouser £3.9m — taking the total to a staggering £285.1m.
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    City have four league matches left, starting at Everton on Sunday and need nine more points to officially win the title.
    Then Guardiola and his Treble-chasers will switch their attention back to Europe’s biggest prize for the return leg against Real on Wednesday.
    Kevin De Bruyne’s stunning second-half equaliser in the Bernabeu has given City a golden chance of making the Istanbul final.
    The glitzy showpiece in Turkey is on June 10 — so the blue half of Manchester could already have two trophies in the cabinet and be looking to make it three.
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    Lifting an elusive first European Cup would guarantee them entry into the new-look Fifa Club World Cup in 2025 — which is worth an estimated £50m.
    City’s group stage winnings this season, including the coefficient and initial prize money, saw them bank £69.6m.
    As Premier League champions, Guardiola’s men also took a 40 per cent share of the initial £28.8m market pool fund.
    Their victories in the last 16 and quarter-final have been worth a further £20.37m to the Abu Dhabi-owned club.
    And reaching the final would see City taking £9.6m of the remaining half of the market pool — as they would have played 13 of the total 39 matches involving English teams.
    Winning the European Cup in Istanbul next month would mean a further £17.63m, taking their potential total earnings to £117.2m.
    City defender Manuel Akanji said: “We’ve been working all season long to be in a position like this.
    “We just take it the way it is — be in the moment, think about the next action and be ready for it.” More

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    AC Milan 0 Inter 2: Dzeko & Mkhitaryan stun rivals in derby with early double to put one foot in Champions League final

    MANCHESTER CITY could find a familiar face standing in the way of their Champions League dream.Two Premier League castaways dominated the Milan derby in this semi-final first-leg as ex-City man Edin Dzeko and former Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan stunned AC Milan and left Inter on the brink of a first final since 2010.
    Edin Dzeko hooked a left-footed shot into the back of the netCredit: Reuters
    Henrikh Mkhitaryan made it 2-0 after 11 minutesCredit: Getty
    This famous old stadium was literally shaking with deafening noise from both sides of the Milanese support over an hour before this city’s biggest game in two decades.
    Milan’s ultras unveiled a shimmering tifo of Satan and a sign warning: ‘Hell is empty, all the devils are here.’
    The devil may have been here but Rafael Leao wasn’t, not in the XI or on the bench. The first of Milan’s many problems.
    Milan’s ferocious support had been building up to this since meeting in the city’s Piazza del Duomo yesterday morning, only to have their dreams shattered inside ten minutes by Dzeko.
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    With Leao not fit and another Premier League outcast in Romelu Lukaku left on the bench for Inter, these two were spearheaded by European veterans in Dzeko, 37, and 36-year-old Olivier Giroud.
    And it was Dzeko using every ounce of his experience to carve a superb opener on eight minutes, drifting towards the back post to meet Hakan Calhanoglu’s corner and hooking his leg around marker Davide Calabria to divert it in.
    Giroud barely had a kick, isolated and ineffective up top.
    Milan were shocked and the back four were still reeling when 34-year-old Mkhitaryan strolled through and smashed home a second three minutes later as they watched on standing stock still.
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    Dzeko celebrates his early openerCredit: Getty
    Mkhitaryan wheels away after scoring Inter’s secondCredit: Getty
    In a theatre of thunderous support for two teams desperately fearing the horror of losing to one another, this was expected to be a cagey affair.
    But Inter are in a fine vein of form, having won five on the bounce and climbed above Milan in Serie A at the weekend, and were having none of it.
    Milan were terrified and chaotic, Inter rampant and ruthless.
    Across six previous Champions League semi-finals at San Siro, Milan had conceded just one goal. Now they’d shipped two in 11 minutes.
    It could have been three five minutes later when Calhanoglu crashed an effort against the inside of the post from 25-yards before Mkhitaryan’s follow-up was stopped by Mike Maignan.
    Fikayo Tomori and Simon Kjaer were spared more embarrassment when, after Lautaro Martinez wriggled between them and hit the deck, the Spanish referee overturned his decision to award a penalty following a VAR review.
    But Milan did not take the chance handed to them, and waves of Inter chances continued largely unchallenged.
    Dimarco, Martinez and Denzel Dumfries all had chances to make it three before the break.
    Leao, watching from the stands alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic, buried his head in his hands.
    Ibrahimovic was doing much the same late in the second half.
    Substitute Junior Messias sent one shot wide but it was still all blue and black after immediately after the restart.
    Milan’s tremendous support refused to give up, filling San Siro with red smoke and letting off two ear-splitting fire-crackers to try and spark their side into life.
    It almost worked too, with Sandro Tonali clipping the post with a low shot as they looked more threatening.
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    If Stefano Pioli’s side had offered half the ferocity of those in the Curva Sud this would have been a very different tie – but their slight second half improvement was never enough.
    Having never beaten Milan in a European tie before this, it was Inter’s night and a shot at immortality is theirs to claim in next week’s return leg.
    Lautaro Martinez thought he’d won a first-half penaltyCredit: Getty
    Rafael Leao had to watch on from the standsCredit: Getty More