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    Real Madrid demand probe into ‘outrageous’ scenes at Champions League final vs Liverpool as fans ‘assaulted and robbed’

    REAL MADRID have demanded “answers and explanations” as to who was at fault for the shocking scenes outside the Stade de France before and after the Champions League final last weekend.Liverpool fans peacefully trying to enter the stadium were tear-gassed by French police.
    Liverpool fans were tear-gassed outside the Stade de FranceCredit: Getty
    French ministers have blamed Liverpool fans for the shocking scenesCredit: AP
    Real Madrid have now called for a statement after claiming their fans were ‘assaulted and robbed’Credit: PA
    Club CEO Billy Hogan admitted he was “in complete disbelief” after French ministers blamed Liverpool fans for the chaos outside the ground.
    Interior minister Gerald Darmanin blamed an “industrial level” of fake tickets for the scenes of carnage outside the Stade de France.
    French chiefs also claimed there had been no trouble at all in the Real Madrid end of the ground.
    But now Real Madrid have released a statement confirming their fans were in fact “assaulted and robbed” outside the stadium.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BAY BYE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Mane ‘agrees Bayern Munich transfer as talks over fee with Liverpool begin’
    Real, who won the game 1-0 after kick-off was delayed by 36 minutes, called for an explanation as to why Paris was chosen for the final and what safety measures were put in place for the game.
    Russia’s invasion of Ukraine prompted the Champions League final to be moved from St. Petersburg to the French capital in February.
    A strongly worded Real statement said: “Given the unfortunate events that took place on May 28 in the vicinity and entrances to the Stade de France, including inside the stadium itself, Real Madrid CF would like to state the following in defence of our supporters who were victims of these events.
    “We want to know what were the reasons that motivated that designation of the venue of the final and what criteria were taken into consideration taking into account what happened that day.
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    “We ask for answers and explanations that determine who was responsible for leaving the fans helpless and defenceless. Some followers whose general behaviour was at all times exemplary.
    “We understand that what should have been a great celebration of football for all the fans who attended the game turned into unfortunate events that have caused deep outrage around the world.”
    Real referenced the social media footage, plus eyewitness accounts, that suggested their fans also encountered problems.
    They claimed some supporters even had to spend the night in hospital after suffering injuries.
    Real Madrid’s statement continued: “As has been clearly seen in the revealing images offered by the media, many of the fans were violently assaulted, harassed and robbed. 
    “Some events that also took place when they were driving in their cars or buses fearing for their physical integrity. 
    “Some of them even had to spend the night in the hospital for injuries received.
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    “Football has transmitted to the world an image far removed from the values ​​and objectives that it must always pursue.
    “Our followers and fans deserve a response and that the relevant responsibilities be cleared up so that situations like the ones experienced are eradicated forever from football and sport.”
    Uefa have launched their own independent investigation into the events that occurred outside the Stade de France. More

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    I’m still scratching my head at how Benzema’s goal wasn’t given in Champions League final – and Peter Walton never helps

    AS Boris Johnson struggles to convince us that partying during lockdown didn’t actually break any rules, maybe he should call in Peter Walton to clear things up.Because if anyone can defend the indefensible, it’s BT Sport’s refereeing expert.
    No clear reason has been given for Karim Benzema’s disallowed goal against LiverpoolCredit: Reuters
    Former ref Peter Walton couldn’t explain clearly why it was the right decisionCredit: Free for editorial use
    I am still scratching my head to understand how Karim Benzema’s Champions League final ‘goal’ was ruled out for offside.
    And once Walton had been called in to clarify matters for TV viewers, everything was as clear as mud.
    “It’s actually an easy one,” insisted the former Premier League official before giving the most complicated explanation imaginable.
    And after listening to him wittering away about Fabinho’s tackle being an accidental backwards deflection rather than a deliberate attempt to play the ball, I understood only one thing.
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    I don’t know the rules of football any more.
    After the best part of 40 years watching and reporting on the sport, that is quite some confession.
    But I’m certain I’m not the only one who is struggling to comprehend laws which are making a simple game as incomprehensible as cricket and Rugby Union.
    Confirmation of those suspicions arrived the day after the Champions League final, when Huddersfield were denied two penalties during their Championship play-off defeat by Nottingham Forest.
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Their first claim was open to debate because Harry Toffolo went down very easily when he brushed the outstretched leg of Jack Colback.
    But there was absolutely no doubt that Lewis O’Brien was fouled by Max Lowe as Huddersfield pressed for a late Wembley equaliser.
    Yet VAR Paul Tierney refused to get involved and I can only assume he didn’t want to embarrass Jon Moss in his final match before retirement.
    So now Moss has seen his record shop trashed and suffered online death threats while Huddersfield are left to complain about missing out on the £200million jackpot that comes with promotion to the Premier League.
    Burnley know exactly how they feel after the ridiculous penalty awarded against Ashley Barnes which condemned them to defeat by Spurs and took the wind out of their sales as they battled to beat the drop.
    RULES DON’T APPLY?
    It was another decision that was justified on a technicality by the rulebook aficionados but one that left the rest of us gobsmacked.
    So now there is talk of the Premier League clubs contemplating a move to oust referees’ chief Mike Riley from his position as general manager of the PGMOL.
    But Riley, as useless as he is, doesn’t make the changes to the rules which leave so many decisions open to interpretation.
    That’s down to the International Football Board, who meet again in two weeks’ time to decide how they’re next going to bugger things up.
    And the fact that they’re convening in Doha suggests it will be something that none of realises is an actual thing until it wins the World Cup for Qatar.
    Gareth Bale’s been clocking up some air miles this weekCredit: Getty
    PLANE SAILING FOR GARETH
    HAD to laugh when I read about Gareth Bale’s gruelling week of flying first class between Madrid, Paris, Wroclaw and Cardiff.
    Because let’s be honest, he can’t exactly be knackered by the 20 minutes of football he has played for club and country in the last two months.
    Maybe it’s the strain of lugging his £650,000-a-week salary around which has proved such a strain.
    It still hasn’t prevented him from being awarded an MBE in this week’s Jubilee Honours list, though.
    Presumably for his services to the banking sector.
    Trent Alexander-Arnold’s words came back to haunt him against Real MadridCredit: AFP
    EYE DON’T SPY
    IN an interview to preview the Champions League final, Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold declared: “I can see things others can’t see.”
    What a pity he couldn’t see Vinicius Junior sneaking in behind him to score Real Madrid’s winning goal.
    But he wasn’t the only one at the Parc des Princes suffering from blurred vision.
    The French interior minister who blamed the shambolic handling of the match on ticketless Liverpool supporters was even more blind to reality.
    The organisation was so bad that even Boris Johnson is now calling for an investigation. And we all know how seriously he takes official inquiries.
    But I’m guessing that the King of Spain and Rafa Nadal weren’t kettled and tear gassed by le Parisian riot police as they made their way to their posh seats. Odd that.
    The Monaco Grand Prix fell flat thanks to a mix of rain and a safety carCredit: Getty
    WATER WAY TO GO
    THE only thing that could possibly make the Monaco Grand Prix interesting is a spot of Riviera rain to test the skill of the drivers.
    But when the heavens opened up in Monte Carlo on Sunday, race officials delayed the start until the track had dried out and still went off behind a safety car.
    The inevitable outcome was less of a race and more of a procession, free from overtaking and decided by the quickest pit crews.
    It is hard to think of any other sport which shoots itself in the foot more regularly than Formula One.
    DEAL ME IN
    WITH no major tournament to distract us, it’s going to be a very long summer of transfer speculation.
    The good news is that every foreign player who says they won’t sign a new contract with their club will be a transfer boost for Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.
    And every player who joins someone will be a transfer blow.
    TECH NOT NEEDED
    YOU almost have to admire the obstinacy of the French Open refusing to use Hawkeye to settle disputed line calls.
    Why use modern technology when you can rely on the umpire jumping down from his chair to examine scuff marks in the clay?
    Especially when TV then uses that technology to show viewers where the ball actually landed.
    AIR WE GO
    IT’S good to see head of world athletics Lord Coe signing the sport up to the declaration for clean air campaign.
    Because with so many of the world’s best athletes taking asthma medication, it’s easy to understand why the IAAF are so concerned about pollution levels. More

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    Federico Valverde jokes it’s ‘harder watching his son’ than marking Liverpool star Robertson in Real Madrid’s final win

    REAL MADRID star Federico Valverde poked fun at Liverpool’s Andy Robertson after the Champions League final – suggesting he was an easy opponent.The Spanish giants secured a 14th Champions League triumph thanks to a 1-0 win in Paris.
    Federico Valverde got the better of Andy Robertson in the Champions League finalCredit: Getty
    Valverde provided an excellent assist for Vinicius Jr to score the winner and the Spaniard had an excellent game.
    He not only helped in attack but kept Reds left-back Robertson quiet all game, despite the threat the Scot poses going forward.
    And after the match Valverde was asked about Robertson as his young son hassled him on top of his shoulders.
    The midfielder joked, saying: “Taking care of my son is harder than Robertson.”
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}EURO TRASHED .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Champions League team of season announced by Uefa… and fans are FUMING
    Robertson had a dreadful European final – not only losing the match but also having a friend who was denied access to the stadium with turnstiles failing to read some tickets.
    The Scotland captain revealed: “One of my mates got told it was a fake which I assure you it wasn’t.
    “It was a shambles really. To be honest people were just making it up at times and panicking. Tear gas getting thrown at people was unacceptable.
    “It was horrendous for our fans and all families that have been through it as well. It wasn’t a nice experience, not a nice final to come to.
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    “The Champions League should be a celebration but it wasn’t that.
    “Obviously the final wasn’t meant to be here and whether the preparations were not as good as maybe they should have been but I am sure in the coming days an inquest will go into that.” More

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    Gareth Bale posts emotional goodbye statement thanking the Real Madrid fans ‘that supported me’ as nine-year spell ends

    GARETH BALE has penned an emotional farewell thank you message to Real Madrid – in both English and Spanish – and said it was an honour to play for the 14-time European kings.The Wales captain, 32, leaves the Bernabeu when his contract expires next month after winning the Champions League five times and winning 16 trophies.
    Gareth Bale’s nine year spell ended with another Champions League trophyCredit: Getty
    It all started nine years ago when he arrived from TottenhamCredit: Reuters
    Departing Bale has had a roller coaster ride and mixed time with Real fans but finished on a high with his Euro title number five after an unused substitute appearance against Liverpool in Paris last Saturday.
    And he received respect and affection from the Bernabeu as he was given a standing ovation at the club’s trophy parade the following day.
    Bale, often criticised in Spain for not speaking the native language during his nine-year stint in Madrid, wrote a touching leaving post after revealing he has achieved his dream in an incredible time with Real.
    The ex-Tottenham star tweeted: “I write this message to say thank you to all my team mates, past and present, my managers, the back room staff and to the fans that supported me.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More In Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FANDEMONIUM .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Gareth Bale receives standing ovation from jubilant Real Madrid fans
    “I arrived here nine years ago as a young man who wanted to realise my dream of playing for Real Madrid.
    “To wear the pristine white kit, to wear the crest on my chest, to play at the Santiago Bernabeu, to win titles and to be part of what it’s so famous for, to win the Champions League.
    “I can now look back, reflect and say with honesty that this dream became a reality and much, much more.
    “To be part of this club’s history and to achieve what we achieved while I was a Real Madrid player, has been an incredible experience and one I will never forget.
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    “I also want to thank president Florentino Perez Jose Angel Sanchez, and the board for giving me the opportunity to play for this club. 
    “Together we were able to create some moments that will live forever in the history of this club and football. It has been an honour. Thank you! HALA MADRID!”
    Bale is with the Wales squad in Poland preparing for tonight’s Nations League fixture in Wroclaw.
    He flew straight to Portugal to link up with his national team colleagues after Real’s Champions League victory parade.
    From there the squad then jetted to Poland.
    Wales will then face the winners of this evening’s play-off between Scotland and Ukraine on Sunday for a place at this year’s World Cup. More

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    ‘What’s he doing there’ – Champions League team of season announced by Uefa leaving fans FUMING with controversial picks

    FOOTBALL fans have been left stunned after UEFA announced their Champions League Team of the Season.Europe’s premier competition concluded on Saturday night as Real Madrid claimed a record-extending 14th title with a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in Paris.
    Uefa’s Champions League Team of the Season
    And four Madrid players have made it into the tournament’s best XI in the form of keeper Thibaut Courtois, midfielder Luka Modric, forward Vinicius Junior and top scorer Karim Benzema.
    Despite their final heartbreak, Liverpool have four players in the team of the season – Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fabinho.
    The other spot in the defence is filled by Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger – who was integral in the Blues’ run to the quarter-finals before they were eliminated by winners Madrid.
    And the final two places in the team have been given to Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne and Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.
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15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}EUR JOKING .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Champions League seedings CONFIRMED with Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs in Pot 2
    Man City were knocked out in the dying moments of their semi-final tie with Madrid, while PSG also came up short against the LaLiga champions in the last 16.
    It means the entire XI is made up of either Real Madrid players or players who were eliminated by Los Blancos.
    However, some fans were left utterly raging at the selections made by Uefa.
    Some were confused by the selection of Mbappe – who scored six goals and provided six assists in eight matches before PSG were knocked out in the second round.
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    One baffled fan said: “What the hell is Mbappe doing there?”
    Another added: “Mbappe went out in last 16. Salah got more goals than him and reached the final. But yeah makes sense.”
    And a third said: “Mbappe over Robert Lewandowski!!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂.
    “Lewandowski had twice as many goals as Mbappe in the Champions League!! Only two fewer goals & one fewer goals/assists than Benzema. Lmao!”
    Meanwhile, other supporters had various issues with the team selected.
    One said: “Vinicius didn’t deserve it even though he scored in final.
    “Trent Alexander-Arnold didn’t deserve to be there either. Cancelo over Robertson anyday.”
    Another added: “Fabinho over Casemiro is laughable. Virgil van Dijk over Alaba is even more funny.”
    And yet another critic said: “Sebastian Haller didn’t make it. How come?”
    Ajax forward Haller scored 11 goals in eight matches, with only Lewandowski and Benzema netting more times in the competition this season. More

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    Gareth Bale flew straight to Portugal after winning fifth Champions League title to link up with Wales squad

    GARETH BALE has been hailed for his ‘phenomenal’ five-time Champions League success.The Real Madrid superstar, 32, is with the Wales squad preparing for the Nations League clash in Poland tomorrow, fresh from Saturday’s final triumph over Liverpool.
    Gareth Bale headed straight for Welsh duty after his latest Champions League joyCredit: Instagram @garethbale11
    Bale was an unused substitute in Paris but continued his love affair with the European Cup by collecting another medal to follow on from victories in 2014. 2016, 2017 and 2018.
    As SunSport revealed on Monday, Wales captain Bale attended Real’s victory parade in the Spanish capital and then linked up with his international team-mates in Portugal before the flight to Wroclaw. 
    Wales boss Robert Page said: “He’s in good spirits as he always is. He was adamant he was meeting the players in Portugal to fly to Poland with them, which speaks volumes. He wanted to be with the squad as soon as possible.
    “What an achievement for him personally to be a part of that group of people, that team that’s achieved that, is phenomenal.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}POLE POSITION .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Is Poland vs Wales on TV? Channel, live stream, team news and kick-off time
    “Not many players can say they’ve done that, so credit to him for that. He’s as humble as ever, he’s met up with the group and he’s been first class right away.”
    Bale received a standing ovation from Real fans on his Bernabeu farewell on Sunday night.
    The forward, who will leave the Spanish giants when his contract expires next month, has had a turbulent relationship with the Madrid supporters but he ended on a high and signed autographs, shirts and scarves.
    And Bale’s national manager Page felt his talisman got the reception he deserved.
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    Page added: “Rightly so. I thought they showed class and rightly so for what he’s achieved for that football club.
    “You look back to what he’s done, scoring winners in Champions League finals and in the manner in which he’s done it, he deserves all the plaudits, absolutely.”
    Wales have one eye on Sunday’s World Cup play-off final against Scotland or Ukraine so Bale and star midfielder Aaron Ramsey are expected to start on the bench against Robert Lewandowski’s Poland.
    Page said: “Like I always do with senior players, we’ll have individual plans.
    “We’ll sit down, have a conversation with him and it’s about getting him in the best physical condition and mental condition for Wednesday and Sunday.
    “It’s risk and reward. The biggest game we’ve got is on Sunday and that’s no disrespect to Poland whatsoever.
    “We’re going to show them complete respect but we’d be mad to jeopardise our top, top players so, without answering it directly, you know where I’m going with it.”
    Brennan Johnson has been given a few days off following promotion with Nottingham Forest to the Premier League.
    But Huddersfield’s Sorba Thomas, who was on the losing side in Sunday’s play-off final against Forest, has joined Page’s squad for their Nations League A opener.
    Page added: “It’s the highs and lows of football, isn’t it? You’ve got one that’s absolutely elated with the result of the game and is now going to be playing Premier League football, and one that’s going to be bitterly disappointed that he’s not got his dream.
    “Sorba is slightly different to Brennan, he’s not played as many minutes and had as much football.
    “Credit to him, he flew out yesterday and got here this morning and he is with the boys for breakfast today, showing that commitment to be with the group right away.
    “Brennan’s slightly different. I’ve given him a few days off after the final. He’s played a lot of football this season so he won’t be part of Wednesday’s group, but he’ll be there at the hotel waiting for us on Wednesday night in Wales when we fly back, ready for Sunday’s game.” More

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    How Tottenham lined up in their first ever Champions League game with Bale on the wing and Crouch up top

    TOTTENHAM are back in the Champions League for the 2022-23 season.After an horrendous start to the most-recent Premier League season, Antonio Conte masterminded a late charge up the standings.

    Peter Crouch and Gareth Bale both started in Tottenham’s first-ever Champions League match – a 2-2 draw away to Werder Bremen in 2010Credit: AP:Associated Press
    Spurs overtook West Ham, Manchester United and fierce rivals Arsenal to snatch the fourth and final Champions League spot for next term.
    It ends a two-year absence for Tottenham after a year apiece in the Europa League and Europa Conference League.
    Last term, Spurs incredibly crashed out of Europe’s third tier competition after an abysmal group stage campaign.
    But now they’re back in the big time – and have been confirmed in the SECOND pot of seeds in a major boost to their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}EUR JOKING .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Champions League seedings CONFIRMED with Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs in Pot 2
    Most-recently, Spurs lost 4-0 on aggregate in the last 16 of Europe’s elite competition at the hands of RB Leipzig the season after their final defeat against Liverpool.
    But their FIRST-EVER season in the Champions League came back in the 2010-11.
    That year, Tottenham joined Inter Milan, Werder Bremen and FC Twente in the group stages.
    Their first match came against Bremen, with Spurs throwing away a two-goal lead in Germany to draw 2-2.
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    And it’s fair to say a lot has changed in their starting team in the 12 years since.
    Ex-Chelsea star Carlo Cudicini played between the sticks behind club legend Ledley King.
    Vedran Corluka, Younes Kaboul and Benoit Assou-Ekotto joined King in a back four.
    Jermaine Jenas and Tom Huddlestone patrolled the pitch just in front of the defenders with Rafael van der Vaart playing in a roaming No10 role.
    Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale – fresh from his FIFTH Champions League trophy victory – occupied the two wing spots with Peter Crouch leading the line in attack.
    A Petri Pasanen own goal gave Spurs a dream start to their debut Champions League campaign before Crouch made it 2-0 just seven minutes later.
    But Bremen – featuring ex-West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic – brought Tottenham back down to earth with a bump.
    The Bundesliga side scored two goals in four minutes either side of half time to peg Spurs back.
    Harry Redknapp brought on Robbie Keane for Van der Vaart and Wilson Palacios for Lennon in a bid to snatch all three points, but the game ended as a draw.
    Tottenham won all three of their home matches in the group – including a 3-0 win over Bremen in the return fixture – but failed to win away.
    But it was still enough to finish top of Group A ahead of Inter Milan to reach the last 16.
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    Spurs won a nervy last 16 clash with AC Milan 1-0 on aggregate but were thumped 5-0 against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals to crash out of the competition.
    Tottenham wouldn’t return to the competition for another six years. More

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    ‘I had a f***ing fun time!’ – Isco leaves Real Madrid on free transfer after nine-years and takes swipe at Kylian Mbappe

    ISCO has posted an emotional farewell to Real Madrid – and also used it to take a shot at Kylian Mbappe.The Spanish winger ended his time at the Bernabeu in brilliant fashion as he collected a fifth Champions League winners medal on Saturday.
    Isco has posted an emotional farewell to Real Madrid after nine yearsCredit: Getty
    He also used it to take a shot at Kylian Mbappe after the Frenchman’s snubbed RealCredit: PA
    The 1-0 victory over Liverpool in Paris came on the back of Madrid also lifting the LaLiga title for a record 35th time.
    Despite failing to be a regular over recent years, with just 17 appearances this term, the 30-year-old could not hide his love for the club as he prepares to depart after nine years.
    Isco, who becomes a free agent next month, wrote: “I was in Malaga and I knew I had to go. I got engaged to another team. But Real Madrid knocked on my door and Real Madrid cannot and should not be told no, although there are always exceptions.
    “I remember telling my people ‘f*** Madrid haven’t won the Champions League for many years and I have a feeling that it’s about to fall’ and LA DECIMA arrived, everything that comes after is already history.
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    “Nine years later, my time at the club that has made it possible for me to fulfill all the dreams I had when I was little comes to an end.
    “Apart from fulfilling dreams, winning more titles than I had imagined, playing with the greatest, meeting incredible people: I HAVE HAD A F****** TIME AND THEY CAN’T TAKE MY DANCING OUT OF ME.”
    Isco then claimed that “there are always exceptions” to Madrid’s call and proceeded to post a turtle emoji in reference to Mbappe.
    That was after the French striker performed a stunning U-turn to snub Madrid and sign a new contract at PSG.
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    His post attracted plenty of love from current and former stars.
    Luka Modric replied with a heart emoji while Manchester United defender Raphael Varane, who left Madrid last summer, commented: “Magia !!”
    Isco won three LaLiga titles, five Champions League crowns and the Club World Cup on four occasions following his move from Malaga in 2013.  More