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    Watch Antony score goal so good even opposition pay their respect as Man Utd loanee stars against Fiorentina

    ANTONY continued to mock his Manchester United plight with a real belter for Real Betis – and even the opposition agreed.The revitalised Betis loanee is scenting a Conference League final with Chelsea after his half-volley humdinger against Fiorentina.Antony lasered home an unstoppable goalThe Brazil winger added to a thunderbolt opener from Abde Ezzalzouli to double the Spaniards’ lead.Luca Ranieri gave Fiorentina hope for the return leg in Italy by slamming a 73rd-minute reply.But the Serie A club were so awed by Antony’s strike that they made their feelings official!Fiorentina’s media team posted a picture of the 25-year-old celebrating and added: “A great goal by Antony.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDFans loved that response almost as much as they appreciated the former Ajax hero’s net-buster.One said: “This is how sport should look like.”Another wrote: “Respect between clubs is underrated. That was a great goal, no denying it.”And a third posted: “When you recognize greatness.”Most read in FootballBetis team-mates rushed to mob scorer AntonyCredit: EPABEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA fourth added: “Such a beautiful moment.”And one viewer even suggested that Antony’s form, since switching from Old Trafford, is up there with the best players in the world.He commented: “No breathing space for Vini, Mbappe, and Lamine.”Meanwhile, fans of his current team are hoping he stays permanently.One posted: “He is at home, Betis make a good offer.”Antony will hope to end the season by showing Prem stars what they might be missing – by reaching the Conference League final.Chelsea seem assured of reaching that stage after outclassing Djurgarden 4-1 during Thursday’s first leg in Sweden. But Antony and Co have a far tougher task, taking just a 2-1 lead to Florence next week.Antony’s miserable Man Utd spell came to a temporary end in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

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    Nottingham Forest 0 Brentford 2: Nuno’s Champions League hopes take huge hit as they crumble at home to Bees

    MAYDAY MAYDAY is the internationally recognised distress signal for someone in trouble.And boy are Nottingham Forest in trouble after goals from Kevin Schade and Yoane Wissa dealt their Champions League hopes a savage blow.Nottingham Forest have been handed a huge blow to their Champions League qualification hopesCredit: RexBrentford beat Forest 2-0 at the City GroundCredit: GettyIt was on May day, 32 years ago to the day since Brian Clough bid a tearful farewell to management, that Forest were relegated after losing 2-0 to Sheffield United.And this was to be a painful anniversary at the same City Ground as Forest fans watched their side implode in front of their eyes.Nuno Espirito’s team has been built on a rock-solid defence all season.But the usually reliable Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic were culpable as two long balls out of defence caught them napping as the Bees cashed in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe second goal which put them to the sword was a real comedy of errors – although no-one in Forest colours was laughing.Mark Flekken launched the ball forward, Murillo allowed it to sail over his head and fatally let the ball bounce over Milenkovic.And Wissa – the man Nuno tried and failed to buy in January – nipped in to clip the ball beyond Matz Sels to complete Forest’s miserable week.Their fans had flocked to the City Ground hoping to see their side climb to third in the table.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKevin Schade capitalised on a defensive disaster-class to open the scoringCredit: GettyInstead they remain sixth after four defeats in their last five games and look to be running out of steam in the final run-in.Forest would have still been hurting from their FA Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester City at Wembley.Nottingham Forest star Harry Toffolo reveals ‘I might go throw up’ after downing six pickle juices during Tottenham clashBut there was no time to feel sorry for themselves against an in-form Brentford who were clearly in no mood to show them any sympathy.Thomas Frank’s Bees were buzzing after recent draws with Chelsea and Arsenal and an impressive 4-2 win over Brighton.And they flew at Forest from the start as they attempted to put together a four-match unbeaten run for the first time this season.It was high-octane stuff as this pair went at it hammer and tongs.Murillo had to hook a Schade header for a corner inside two minutes.And from the resulting flag-kick Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic teamed up to clear Christian Norgaard’s header off the line as Forest wobbled.Morgan Gibbs-White responded with a shot which was headed to safety by Nathan Collins on the six yard line.There were plenty of tasty tackles flying around and there was a hat-trick of early bookings for Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson, along with Brentford’s Keane Lewis-Potter.Lewis-Potter was lucky to remain on the pitch when he cynically took out Ola Aina with a bodycheck, shortly after being booked.Yoane Wissa doubled the Bees’ lead with a delightful chipCredit: GettyThomas Frank wisely withdrew his combative left-back at half-time and replaced him with Rico Henry as flying-machines Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga were tag-teaming him.But Brentford were bossing proceedings and it took a fine reflex save from Matz Sels to keep out a point-blank header from Sepp Van de Berg.However the Belgian goalie was helpless to prevent the Bees taking a deserved lead one minute before the half-time break.It was a goal which left Forest’s usually reliable defenders’ faces as red as their shirts.Nathan Collins launched a long ball out from the back which completely caught out Murillo and Milenkovic who watched it sail over their heads.Schade cleverly bent his run to stay onside and capitalised on an untimely slip by Ola Aina to poke the ball beyond Matz Sels for his ninth Premier League goal of the season.It was by no means against the run of play.And things worsened for Nuno Espirito Santo when Callum-Hudson Odoi limped off with a thigh strain and had to be replaced by Nicolas Dominguez at the break.Forest tried to force their way back into the game and Anthony Elanga cut inside Michael Kayode and drilled in a low shot from 22 yards.But Flekken got down sharply to palm the ball away one-handed at full-stretch.Read More on The SunThat was as good as it got for Nuno’s team who conceded a second to Wissa which was a carbon copy of Brentford’s first goal.Forest are stumbling and appear to have dipped way too early with the finishing line in sight.Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have now lost four of their last five games in all competitionsCredit: PACallum Hudson-Odoi picked up an injuryCredit: PA More

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    Arsenal investigating after video of PSG stars being ‘racially abused’ after Champions League clash emerges

    ARSENAL vowed to take the “strongest possible action” after a video emerged of a group of fans appearing to racially abuse Paris Saint-Germain players.PSG earned a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.A video of fans racially abusing PSG players after the win over Arsenal has emergedCredit: GettyIt is claimed the five individuals targeted black members of the PSG squadCredit: GettyHowever, after the game, a small section of supporters seemingly targeted some PSG players with monkey noises and gestures. A video, first reported by RMC Sport, showed five men standing behind a fence overlooking the car park where the French side’s bus was parked.The report claims the men made the vile racist actions when a black PSG player walked past, prompting a member of the team’s delegation to record the shocking incident. And Arsenal released a strongly-worded statement in response to the video.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe Premier League club said: “We strongly condemn all forms of racism and discrimination. “We are working to identify the individuals in the video and we will take the strongest possible action.”Le Parisien state PSG are planning to trigger legal proceedings.Hermann Ebongue, secretary general of SOS Racisme, confirmed the anti-racism group in France will assist PSG.Most read in Champions LeagueEbongue said: “The club does not intend to let this slide.”We will contact the English authorities and the Arsenal club to identify the perpetrators. How PSG tricked Arsenal to gain Champions League semi-final advantage”And we will initiate legal proceedings with PSG.”PSG host the second leg at the Parc des Princes next Wednesday with a place in this month’s Munich final up for grabs. Last year, that was the site of Barcelona fans making Nazi salutes and monkey chants towards PSG supporters.Uefa hit the Spanish side with a £21,250 fine for “racist behaviour by its fans”.And Arsenal could be slapped with a similar charge if found guilty. The Gunners banned 24 supporters last season for committing discriminatory behaviour. SunSport has contacted the Metropolitan Police for comment. More

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    ‘Proud’ Adam Collard shows support for Laura Woods from hospital bed as fiancee makes TNT Sports return

    ADAM COLLARD supported fiancee Laura Woods from his hospital bed as she made her TNT Sports return.The presenter was back on our screens for Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan after giving birth to the pair’s first child.Laura Woods returned to TNT Sports for Barcelona vs Inter Milan after her maternity leaveCredit: TNT SportsAdam Collard showed support for his fiance from his hospital bedCredit: Instagram @adamcollardCollard underwent back surgeryCredit: Instagram @adamcollardHe thanked Woods for the support she has given him during his health strugglesCredit: InstagramThe pair welcomed baby Leo into the world in JanuaryCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Woods, 37, had spent the previous 13 weeks on maternity leave since welcoming baby Leo in January as she settled into life as a mum.She has also been busy supporting Collard, who has struggled with a back problem in the last few months.The former Love Island star underwent surgery on Wednesday before offering support to his partner after watching Woods on TNT Sports.He shared a photo from his hospital bed of him watching Woods in action.READ MORE ON LAURA WOODSHe wrote: “Now watching my girl from the bed on her first day back.”Proud of her after only 13 weeks getting back into the mix and I can’t tell you how much she’s been my rock throughout this whole injury, process and the last six months in general on all fronts.”Collard, 29, also shared some pre and post-surgery snaps of himself in a hospital gown.He captioned the two Instagram stories: “Back surgery…completed it mate.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWoods watched her beloved Arsenal in action against PSG on Tuesday with Collard and Leo.She kicked off her return with a pre-recorded monologue setting the scene for the semi-final clash.Laura Woods gives birth to first child with Adam Collard as couple reveal sweet name in adorable post And later quipped that every English person is an Arsenal fan because they are the only Premier League team left in the Champions League – prompting sniggers from her colleagues.Close pal Ally McCoist could not resist a cheeky dig at Woods’ expense by referencing PSG’s victory over the Gunners with a wry smile. More

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    Thierry Henry calls for dramatic Champions League rule change after Barcelona and Inter Milan’s six-goal thriller

    THIERRY HENRY has claimed he’d like to see the away goals rule return after Barcelona and Inter Milan’s goal-laden Champions League semi-final.Inter Milan were millimetres away from securing an historic win in the first leg after former Arsenal and Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan was flagged offside after scoring late in the second half.Thierry Henry has called for the away goal rule to be reinstatedThuram’s clever flick gave Inter Milan the lead after just 30 secondsCredit: GettyThe semi-automated offside showed just how close Mkhitaryan came to giving the visitors the lead going into the second leg at the San Siro next week. Barcelona twice fought back to restore parity in the match and were behind within the first minute after Marcus Thuram’s clever back-heeled flick left Wojciech Szczesny rooted.Then Denzel Dumfries doubled the visitor’s lead with an acrobatic overhead kick following a corner. But only minutes later Lamine Yamal came to life and pulled one back for Barcelona. Read more football newsThe 17-year-old Yamal was electric all match, and Ferran Torres pulled Barcelona level before half-time. Against the run of play, Dumfries scored his second to put Inter ahead once more, but a thunderous strike from Raphinha pegged back the visitors once more.After a breathless display from both sides, Henry suggested that Inter Milan should have perhaps deserved more for their effort.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSpeaking about the away goals rule, Henry said: “I know it’s been like that for a very [long] time, and we have to accept it.Most read in Football”But off air I was talking to Jamie [Carragher], and I was like, ‘how can you score three goals away from home and you don’t have an advantage?”Absolute cinema’ – Kate Abdo dubbed ‘real talent’ after showing off incredible Spanish in Lamine Yamal interviewBut Yamal’s strike brought the hosts back into the gameCredit: Alamy”Away goals for me were massive, you score three goals away and you still don’t have an advantage 0-0 at home.”The rule was scrapped by Uefa in 2021, but gave added weight to goals scored by visiting teams, acting as a tiebreaker in the case that knockout ties ended level on aggregate.During his time as Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger argued that the away goals rule had too much weight and it encouraged the home team to take fewer risks.Without the rule, this semi-final will go to extra-time and penalties if the teams cannot be separated, meaning Inter’s three away goals go unrewarded. The winner will proceed to the Champions League final, with Henry admitting he was surprised by this Inter Milan performance.The French icon said: “I didn’t think that Inter Milan was going to perform how they did for how they played recently.”You have to give them a lot of credit for matching up what Barcelona gave them, coming strong in the game. To be honest, I didn’t expect that.” More

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    ‘He does things nobody else does’ – Man who discovered Thomas Partey reveals how Arsenal ace would’ve prevented PSG loss

    ARSENAL midfield machine Thomas Partey could’ve saved the club from a Champions League disasterclass.That’s according to the man who discovered him, Wilfred Osei Kwaku Palmer.Thomas Partey picked up a needless second yellow card against MadridCredit: ReutersPartey was on his way out but his form could prompt a new dealCredit: GettyArsenal will hope Partey can inspire a win next weekCredit: GettyPalmer, who owns Tema Youth football club in Ghana, gave a young Partey his first opportunity in football, long before the former Atletico Madrid star was tearing up La Liga and the Premier League.The Gunners paid dearly for his absence in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to PSG in their semi-final first leg, after his needless yellow card against Real Madrid.The talent-spotter and club owner believes the Ghanaian midfielder would’ve prevented PSG from dismantling Arsenal at the Emirates.Speaking to The Sun from his base in Ghana, Palmer said: “He does things nobody else does. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”If you look at the goal Arsenal conceded against PSG that’s normally where he dominates. “His importance is quite clear, he does things in that team that nobody else does.”Partey was expected to leave Arsenal at the end of this season, but a rich vein of form has prompted the Gunners to consider offering him a new two-year deal.There are also reports linking him with a move back to Spain to join Barcelona.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut Palmer says Partey should seize the opportunity to become an Arsenal legend.He added: “This is probably his best season since he went there, and if there’s a chance for him to stay, then that should be his home.How PSG tricked Arsenal to gain Champions League semi-final advantage”The fans love him, and I know he could make more money elsewhere, but I know him and he’s got it in him to play at the highest level for the next five years. “So why not do that at one of the best clubs in the world?”Partey has featured in 31 league games for the Gunners this season, scoring four goals. But it’s his overall impact, breaking lines with his passing and press resistance that has made him such a key member of the team. More

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    Xavi new favourite to replace Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham tipped to make stunning swoop for ex-Barcelona manager

    BARCELONA legend Xavi is the new favourite to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham should he leave at the end of this season. Postecoglou, 59, has spoken of feeling like he is in “parallel worlds” as Spurs simultaneously sit 16th in the Premier League whilst also being in the final four of the Europa League.Barcelona legend Xavi is the new favourite to take over from Ange PostecoglouCredit: GettyPostecoglou could be relying on Europa League glory to save his jobCredit: RexBut, despite the prospect of European glory, their terrible form domestically has caused many Spurs fans to call for him to be sacked.Postecoglou’s side face Bodo/Glimt in their semi-final first leg tonight and have the chance to win a first trophy since the League Cup in 2008.With the prospect of a ‘back door’ route into the Champions League, this competition is a lifeline for Postecoglou to save his job.However, it would not be a surprise if he were to leave anyway come the end of this season after a tumultuous campaign.Read more footballThere are a substantial list of potential suitors if Postecoglou gets the boot including Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola (6/1) and Fulham’s Marco Silva (6/1) who have both enjoyed successful seasons.Brentford manager Thomas Frank is also short in the market at 5/1 after yet another impressive season in west London. But the former Barcelona boss Xavi, 45,  has had his odds slashed with BetVictor into 2/1 from 33/1 to be appointed.Former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is second favourite at 11/4 to return to the club after being sacked in 2019, the season after he took Spurs to a Champions League final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Pochettino only took over the USA national team last year and will be hoping to lead them into a home World Cup next summer.Xavi won four Champions League titles and eight La Liga crowns as a player with Barcelona and returned to the club as a manager in 2021. Tottenham fans fume at Spurs flops as Ange Postecoglou ‘stays out firing line’ after GOADING them during loss at ChelseaMauricio Pochettino is currently in charge of the USA national team but could be tempted by a returnCredit: ReutersAfter retiring as a player in 2019, Xavi managed Al Saad in the Qatar Stars League before his move back to his boyhood club.He guided Barcelona to a league title in 2022-23, but was sacked by the Catalan giants in 2023 following a disappointing run of results.  More

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    ‘Absolute cinema’ – Kate Abdo dubbed ‘real talent’ after showing off incredible Spanish in Lamine Yamal interview

    FANS have praised Kate Abdo for her incredible Spanish skills during an interview with Lamine Yamal.The 17-year-old scored and put in a stunning performance as Barcelona were held 3-3 by Inter Milan in a thrilling Champions League first leg semi-final last night.Kate Abdo stunned viewers with her brilliant Spanish translationCredit: @CBSSportsGolazoThierry Henry asked the questions as Abdo converted the chat to EnglishCredit: @CBSSportsGolazoLamine Yamal was the star of the show in the thrilling first leg semi-final tieCredit: AlamyAfter the game, wonderkid Yamal joined the CBS Sports studio via video link from the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.Presenter Abdo asked Yamal if he could speak English, but he replied just Spanish.She therefore handed the questioning over to Thierry Henry, who is fluent in the language having spent three years at Barca as a player.Abdo took the role as translator and she perfectly relayed what Yamal and Henry were saying for five minutes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans were left stunned by the hidden talent, with one saying: “Abdo is a legend for this. So hard to translate when you were not expecting it. Well done.”Another added: “Real talent, absolute cinema.”A third said: “Henry can speak three languages fluently? French, English and Spanish? Wow!”Jamie Carragher had a go at Spanish and said to Yamal “enhorabuena”, which means congratulations.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe winger began to giggle before replying in English: “Thank you.”Co-pundit Micah Richards then claimed that he would consider dying his hair blonde like Yamal if he fires Barca to Champions League glory this season.’The girls don’t like it’ – Kate Abdo tells Micah Richards off on live TV for using WRONG toilets at CBS studiosOn CBS’ banter-filled show last night, Abdo gave Richards a telling off live on air for his use of the women’s toilets.She said: “The ladies of the building would like me to request that you kindly stop using the ladies’ toilets. I saw you sneaking in there before.”There were gasps from his colleagues as Richards hit back: “Oh did you? Because the mens’ were occupied. Let’s not turn this into something it’s not Jamie.”You know why, because the boys’ ones are disgusting.”Meanwhile, SunSport has looked behind the staggering stats that show Yamal is already miles ahead of two of the game’s greats. More