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      Fans fear conspiracy after Ukraine vs Italy clash as Uefa president’s comments re-emerge

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      FANS have concocted wild conspiracy theories in the wake of Italy’s Euro 2024 qualification at the expense of Ukraine yesterday.The two nations met in a winner-takes-all clash in Leverkusen.
      Mykhailo Mudryk appeared to be tripped in the boxCredit: viaplay
      The Ukraine star went down under the challengeCredit: viaplay
      No penalty was awarded for the incidentCredit: viaplay
      The match was played in Germany due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
      But Sergei Rebrov’s side still received fervent support from the crowd.
      Italy went into the match only needing a draw to join Group winners England at Euro 2024.
      While for Ukraine only a win would do.
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      The tense match remained goalless, although there was a huge flashpoint in stoppage time.
      Chelsea ace Mykhailo Mudryk appeared to be tripped in the box by Bryan Cristante.
      Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano opted against pointing the spot, with VAR not deciding to intervene and the match subsequently finishing 0-0.
      Prior to the game, Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin had declared his desire for reigning champions Italy to qualify in order to defend their title in Germany next summer.
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      Mudryk could not believe that he wasn’t awarded a penaltyCredit: Reuters
      He told Italian outlet La Presse: “Italy must qualify for Euro 2024. Otherwise it would be a disaster. Italy is too important.”
      The 56-year-old then predicted: “I think Italy will win against Ukraine.”
      Ahead of the game, Ukraine boss Rebrov was unimpressed with Ceferin, saying: “We’re not interested in what he has to say. It’s not our job to focus on such comments.
      “But all that they can really do is have an impact on my players to make them more angry and motivated to qualify.”
      After Ukraine’s controversial non-award of a penalty, fans were left spouting wild conspiracy theories online.
      One social media user alleged: “UEFA are corrupt to the core. The reffing committee is run by Italians as well.”
      While a second moaned: “The whole thing is corrupt these days to much money in it I’m going off football fast.”
      A third fumed: “What an embarrassing & shameful way to qualify. Italy should be in the playoffs again.”
      While another added: “Ceferin is a disgrace. @UEFA your president is cheat.”
      There is no serious suggestion of corruption against Uefa.
      And other fans accused Mudryk of taking a “dive”.
      Ukraine could still qualify for Euro 2024 via the play-offs.
      They will learn their opponents during Thursday’s draw in Nyon.
      Aleksander Ceferin upset Ukraine coach Sergei Rebrov with his commentsCredit: PA More

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      Kyle Walker ‘broke’ unofficial England rule in first game as captain after taking over from Harry Kane

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      MANCHESTER CITY star Kyle Walker “broke” an unwritten rule while captaining England.Walker wore the Three Lions’ armband on Monday for the national team’s final Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia in Skopje, with Harry Kane on the bench.
      Kyle Walker was England captain in North Macedonia and carried the team pennantCredit: Getty
      Walker ‘broke’ an unofficial England rule by handing the pennant to Rico LewisCredit: EPA
      Harry Kane would often pose with the England pennant during the team photoCredit: Rex
      Walker filled in for Kane as England captain against North MacedoniaCredit: Getty
      As skipper, the full-back was responsible for the team’s pennant flag as he carried it out to the pitch while the two teams made their way out from the tunnel.
      Kane would also pose with the pennant during the team’s pre-match photo before swapping it with the opposing captain.
      However, Walker opted for something different as he decided to instead hand it over to City team-mate Rico Lewis, who was making his England debut.
      The 33-year-old stood behind Lewis and looked quite proud of his 19-year-old team-mate.
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      That proved to be a good luck charm for the versatile ace, who started at left-back.
      That is because the youngster’s first ever senior cap ended with him being voted Player of the Match.

      Lewis was hard done by a harsh penalty decision as a VAR check determined he fouled Bojan Miovski by simply tapping his face as he headed the ball away.
      That led to a spot-kick that saw Enis Bardhi opening the scoring after getting the rebound from Jordan Pickford who saved his first effort.
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      However, Lewis fought back and helped England pick up a 1-1 draw thanks to an own goal by Jani Atanasov.
      Walker played on the other side at right-back and played the full 90 minutes.
      Kane came on from the bench on 58 minutes as he replaced Ollie Watkins and contributed to Atanasov’s own goal. More

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      England could face group of death at Euro 2024 as best and worst case scenarios are revealed

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      ENGLAND could face a NIGHTMARE Euro 2024 group despite securing a spot in Pot 1.Gareth Southgate’s men laboured to a 1-1 draw away in North Macedonia on Monday night.
      England are one of the favourites to win the Euros in Germany next summerCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate will lead England at a fourth major tournamentCredit: Reuters
      But the point did clinch their place as top seeds for the finals next summer.
      England join hosts Germany, Portugal, France, Spain and Belgium in Pot 1.
      But there is still a huge disparity in the quality of group the Three Lions could be handed when the draw is made on December 2.
      Here are the best and worst-case scenarios for Southgate’s side as they attempt to seal a first major trophy in 58 years.
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      Best possible draw
      The best group England could get when the draw is made on December 2
      England have not been dumped out of the Euros in the group stage since 2000 when they were drawn alongside Portugal, Romania and Germany.
      And this potential foursome would almost certainly eradicate fears of an early exit.

      England could be drawn with 59th ranked Albania as their Pot 2 side, despite the nation’s only Euros qualification coming back in 2016 when they won one of their three matches.
      They secured a spot in Pot 2 after winning their qualification group, although it was a weaker set of teams that included Czech Republic and Poland.
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      The perfect draw from Pot 3 would be the 54th ranked Slovenia.
      They have only qualified for the finals once – in 2000 – and have never won a match at the Euros.
      Then in Pot 4, World No98 Kazakhstan are the lowest ranked side confirmed in the play-offs.
      They will have to beat Greece and then either Georgia or Luxembourg in order to secure qualification.
      But if they do make it, they would be a welcome draw for England.
      Worst possible draw
      England could also be drawn against three former champions in their Euros group
      Given England are seeds for the Euros, they could still receive a remarkably tough draw.
      In fact, there is the possibility of them coming up against THREE former winners in the group stage.
      Denmark, who Southgate’s men beat 2-1 in the semi-finals of Euro 2020, could be England’s nightmare Pot 2 draw.
      The Danes topped their qualification group with seven wins from 10 games and boast stars such as Christian Eriksen, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rasmus Hojlund.
      Meanwhile, Netherlands are in Pot 3 – another potential banana skin for England.
      Ronald Koeman’s side were beaten twice by France in qualification, but contain a host of talent including Virgil van Dijk, Denzel Dumfries, Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen.
      Finally, perhaps the most extraordinary draw would be Italy in Pot 4.
      The reigning European champions beat England on penalties in the final at Wembley two years ago.
      But, after failing to qualify for the World Cup, they suffered successive losses to England during qualification for the upcoming Euros.
      As a result, they will be placed into Pot 4 if Croatia defeat Armenia or if Croatia draw and Wales fail to defeat Turkey on Tuesday. More

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      Manager who sent home three players in disgrace stuns nation by QUITTING just minutes after securing spot at Euro 2024

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      CZECH REPUBLIC boss Jaroslav Silhavy sensationally quit his role just moments after securing a spot at Euro 2024.The tactician resigned after a 3-0 win over Moldova yesterday which sent Czech Republic to next summer’s finals.
      Jaroslav Silhavy quit as Czech Republic boss just moments after sealing a Euro 2024 spotCredit: AP
      They finished runners-up in Group E to Albania on goal difference, and ended above Poland in the process.
      Silhavy became national team boss in 2018 after winning the domestic title with Slavia Prague.
      But he faced criticism for his style of play, which resulted in just 29 wins from 60 matches.
      Silhavy also ran a tight ship with his players behind the scenes.
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      He dropped not one but THREE stars before last night’s win for “seriously breaking team rules.”
      West Ham star Vladimir Coufal joined Jakub Brabec and Jan Kuchta in being sent home after clubbing until the early hours.
      And Silhavy did not hesitate to let the Czech public know he would not be guiding them at Euro 2024.
      Speaking straight after the Moldova win, he said: “Even though we are happy now, we had already decided before the game not to continue.
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      “I informed the president (of the Czech FA) Petr Fouska about it.
      “The pressure was already enormous – sometimes I didn’t even understand it. This also contributed to our decision.
      “It’s not just about me, but I have the entire implementation team behind me.
      “I am convinced that we have done the job and we are leaving behind good results.” More

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      Italy fortunate to qualify for Euro 2024 as Mykhailo Mudryk denied last-gasp penalty and fans slam ‘ludicrous’ decision

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      ITALY have qualified for Euro 2024 – but only after Mykhailo Mudryk was denied a late “stonewall” penalty for Ukraine.The reigning European champions secured the point they needed as they held Ukraine to a goalless draw.
      Italy were celebrating after they secured their place at Euro 2024Credit: Getty
      Ukraine were furious after Mykhailo Mudryk was denied a late penaltyCredit: Reuters
      He appeared to be fouled by Italy’s Bryan Cristante inside the box in additional timeCredit: viaplay
      A VAR check ruled that the challenge on the Ukraine winger was fair as Italy held onCredit: Viaplay

      That result was enough to finish Group C as runners-up behind England – who drew 1-1 in North Macedonia.
      Ukraine were controversially denied a penalty against Italy following a VAR check in the 92nd minute, meaning they will have to qualify for Euro 2024 through the play-offs.
      The Three Lions topped the group with 20 points while Italy ended up ahead of tonight’s opponents, who ended up on the same points tally of 14.
      But the Azzurri’s spot at next summer’s showpiece in Germany was secured based on their head-to-head record.
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      However, Ukraine believe they should have had the opportunity to win the game.
      They were denied a spot-kick in the 93rd minute following a VAR review after Italy’s Bryan Cristante appeared to have fouled Chelsea winger Mudryk inside the box.
      The Ukrainians were naturally furious at the decision. But a host of football fans across the world were as well after viewing the footage of the challenge and soon showed their anger on social media.
      “Terrible decision making here,” declared one furious supporter.
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      Another asked: “How have VAR not given that?”
      “That’s a terrible decision. Ukraine have been done there by VAR,” blasted another viewer.
      A fellow fan declared it “shocking” and claimed it was “100 per cent a penalty”.
      “Absolute stonewaller,” said another fan, while the decision was called “shambolic” by another supporter on social media.
      Another raged: “Football really is rotten. Absolutely ridiculous decision.”
      And another viewer added: “That is completely scandalous.” More

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      Mark Halsey: North Macedonia penalty vs England shockingly harsh – what on earth was VAR doing getting involved?

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      NORTH MACEDONIA’S first-half penalty against England was a shockingly harsh decision.I was astounded that VAR Michal Ocenas intervened and then Slovakia referee Filip Glova awarded a spot-kick against full-back Rico Lewis.
      North Macedonia were awarded a penalty for a foul on Bojan MiovskiCredit: Channel 4
      The teenage Manchester City debutant, who had his eyes on the ball, had his arms in a natural position as he jumped before heading it away from the hosts’ Bojan Miovski.
      Yes, Lewis caught Miovski with a flailing arm to the face but it was never a penalty. What on earth was Ocenas doing?
      Ref Glova must have seen it in real-time and correctly waved play on because it wasn’t even a foul.
      When he went over to the pitchside monitor, Glova needed to show more mental toughness to back his own call but he didn’t.
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      To compound Lewis’ misery, he was also booked.
      Enis Bardhi scored at the second attempt following the spot-kick but Macedonia should have had an earlier first-half penalty.
      Harry Maguire brought down Elif Elmas and I was surprised Ocenas did not recommend a review for Glova.
      Jack Grealish had a goal ruled out for offside but why did it take three minutes to chalk it off?
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      Harry Maguire was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty earlier in the gameCredit: Channel 4
      The game ended 1-1 after a second-half own goal from Jani Atanasov.
      Fans and former players were baffled with some of the decisions made during the match, particularly the one to award the penalty.
      England icon Gary Lineker tweeted: “It’s not important in the slightest, but that’s the most ridiculous penalty decision.”
      While Chelsea legend John Terry questioned: “Oh my word… How is that a penalty?” More

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      North Macedonia 1-1 England LIVE RESULT: Three Lions go unbeaten in Euro 2024 qualifiers despite lacklustre performance

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      ENGLAND have gone unbeaten in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign after drawing 1-1 away at North Macedonia in their final Group C match.The hosts took a shock lead in the first half as Enis Bardhi slammed home the rebound after his controversial penalty was saved by Jordan Pickford.
      Seconds after Harry Kane was introduced in the second half, the England skipper challenged Jani Atanasov during a Three Lions corner, which resulted in the Macedonian midfielder putting the ball in his own net.
      Attention now turns to the highly anticipated Euro 2024 draw on December 2nd.

      Match result: North Macedonia 1-1 England
      FREE live stream: All 4
      North Macedonia team: Dimitrievski, Manev, Serafimov, Musliu, Dimoski, Bardhi, Atanasov, Alimi, Alioski, Miovski, Elmas
      England team: Pickford; Walker, Guehi, Maguire, Lewis; Rice, Alexander-Arnold, Foden; Saka, Watkins, Grealish

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      Thank you for joining our coverage of England’s clash against North Macedonia.
      The Uefa Euro 2024 final tournament draw takes place on December 2. 
      Kane on debutant Lewis
      Harry Kane was also left impressed by England debutant Rico Lewis.
      I thought he was really good with and without the ball.
      A shame for the penalty but he can be proud, I thought he was fantastic.
      He just needs to keep working hard and I’m sure he will be back with us.Harry KaneChannel 4
      Kane ‘proud’ of qualifying campaign
      Despite lacklustre results against Malta and now North Macedonia, Harry Kane has insisted that he is “proud” of England’s unbeaten qualifying campaign.
      Difficult game, we knew it would be and it was tough against a decent side playing on a pitch that’s difficult to play our style of football.
      We went 1-0 behind against the run of play with a soft penalty. It was good to get on the pitch, I’m always trying to help the team whether it is 90 minutes or 10 minutes. It was important for us to get a goal back and a shame we couldn’t get a second.
      I think it was an own goal, pretty sure. If anyone was going to get a second it was us.
      Against Malta we were sloppy on the ball, today we got a bit of a sucker-punch with the counter-attack and a soft penalty. We were playing against a team that people expected us to beat five or six nil, but they did a job on Italy in the World Cup qualifiers to knock them out.
      We can be really proud of how the qualifying campaign has gone.Harry KaneChannel 4
      ‘A great birthday present’ – Lewis
      Rico Lewis was left smiling after making his England debut just hours before his 19th birthday.
      He told Channel 4: “Overall I am very happy. The result was unfortunate and the decision that went against me.
      “I am so happy to have made my debut before my birthday it is a lovely present.”
      Walker on result
      Kyle Walker has claimed that Rico Lewis was on the end of an “unfair” decision.
      He told Channel 4: “It was always going to be tough to come here.
      “We dug in and we got a point. We wanted three but things happen in football that I don’t think are fair.
      “I think Rico got an unfair decision tonight.”
      ‘Lack of options for Southgate’ – Upson
      Matthew Upson has claimed that Gareth Southgate was left with little option but to bring on Harry Kane against North Macedonia.
      He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Gareth Southgate would have been looking at the game at one nil down and thinking ‘I don’t want a loss on our qualifying record’, certainly not in this game.
      “The one obvious switch is Harry Kane. Can you bring him on in another role to accomodate others such as Ollie Watkins for him to have more game time?
      “Well then you would be watering down the effectiveness of the best striker in the world.
      “I don’t think he had much of an option.”
      Credit: Reuters
      More reaction to the penalty call
      Former England players commented on the controversial decision.
      Chelsea legend John Terry wrote: “Oh my word… How is that a penalty?”
      England icon Gary Lineker said: “It’s not important in the slightest, but that’s the most ridiculous penalty decision.”
      While ex-Liverpool star Jamie Carragher said: “Bizarre these VAR penalties that get given in Europe. What’s more bizarre is they didn’t give the one against Maguire 😂.”
      England player ratings
      Check out our player ratings here.
      Harry Kane scored the highest marks thanks to his instant impact in the match.
      However, Ollie Watkins was the lowest scorer as he struggled to flourish.

      Elsewhere in Group C
      Italy have qualified for Euro 2024 thanks to their record against Ukraine.
      The holders could only manage a 0-0 draw against Ukraine but it is enough to get them on the plane to Germany.
      FT – North Macedonia 1 England 1
      Indeed it was as the referee blows for full time.
      Another uninspiring performance from England, but they made sure to finish as top seeds for the draw for Euro 2024 and unbeaten in qualifying.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      95. Chance for Kane, but he can not get any accuracy on his header as it goes for a goal kick.
      Probably the last chance in the match.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      93. England hurrying North Macedonia along as they try to get the ball back and find the winner.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      90. Marcus Rashford flashes a free-kick wide. Looked better before the replays.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      90. There will be six added minutes, can England find a winner?
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      85. Awkward moment for Pickford as Maguire’s backpass has plenty on it.
      The goalkeeper is able to boot it clear, just about.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      83. Triple change for England, Phillips, Palmer and Rashford are on.
      Grealish, Saka and Alexander-Arnold are off.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      81. England have a free kick in the attacking half after Grealish was fouled.
      Maguire gets on the cross from Foden and heads goalwards, but the whistle is blown for a push.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      77. England struggling to break down the hosts at the moment.
      The frustration almost cost the Three Lions as Guehi tried forcing a ball only for it to get intercepted.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      70. 20 minutes to go and England are looking more likely to get a winner.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      68. Confirmation has come through that the goal has been credited as an own goal by Atanasov.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      66. The hosts are not done yet as they are still looking to hurt England on the break.
      So far Southgate’s men have dealt with them, but they can’t switch off if they want to maintain an unbeaten 2023.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      61. Bit of handbags between Grealish and Elmas after the Englishman was fouled on the edge of the box.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      60. England have looked a lot more fluid this half and are putting on pressure as they search for the go-ahead goal.
      GOAL – North Macedonia 1 England 1
      58. GOALLLLLLLLLLL HARRY KANE!
      Kane scores with his first touch of the ball to drag England level.
      North Macedonia 1 England 0
      57. England get a corner after Alexandre-Arnold has a shot deflected.
      Kane comes on before the set-piece for Watkins. More

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      Sweet moment ex-Premier League star gives Cristiano Ronaldo his jacket as fans praise him for ‘keeping the GOAT safe’

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      FORMER Wolves star Rui Patricio kindly gifted his coat to a shirtless Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of Portugal’s clash with Iceland.Portugal defeated Iceland 2-0 in the Euro 2024 qualifier with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Ricardo Horta.
      Rui Patricio handed a shirtless Cristiano Ronaldo his coat after the game
      Fans appreciated Patricio’s gesture which helped Ronaldo stay warmCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo, 38, started the match and played the full 90 minutes before giving away his shirt at full-time.
      The shirtless superstar then shook hands with his team-mates before substitute goalkeeper Patricio handed him his coat to keep warm.
      Fans loved the exchange and the respect Patricio showed for CR7.
      One reacted saying: “Now that is a legend.”
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      Another added: “Look at the love and respect of Rui Patricio towards Cristiano Ronaldo.
      “This is what today’s young generations are missing in the squad.”
      A third wrote: “One of the most underrated goalkeeper showing love and keeping the GOAT safe.”
      And another commented: “Amazing.”
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      Ronaldo took his total caps to 204 against Iceland, and the superstar has scored a record 128 goals for his country.
      He helped Portugal win all ten of their qualifying games and he is set to feature at the Euros next summer. More