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      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘looked every one of his 37 years’ in Man Utd defeat to Real Sociedad, claims Steve Nicol

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO looked “every one of his 37 years” in Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad on Thursday night, according to ex-Liverpool star Steve Nicol.The Portuguese superstar, 37, started for just the second time this season but was unable to get off the mark, making it a seven-game drought in front of goal.
      Ronaldo has not yet scored for Manchester United so far this seasonCredit: Getty
      He did have one ruled out for offside and also failed to convert when put clean through as two Sociedad defenders chased back to snuff him out.
      It was a frustrating evening for the Real Madrid legend – who has been benched for United’s four Premier League wins in a row.
      Ronaldo’s two starts have both ended in defeats – to Brentford and Sociedad.
      And he now looks set to be dropped again, with Nicol, who spent more than a decade playing for Liverpool in the 80s and 90s, insisting Ronaldo is looking like an ageing forward.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Speaking to ESPN, he said: “I’ll be honest, when you mention the game, the only thing I have in my head is Ronaldo clean through [on goal] and getting caught by two players.
      “That’s kind of what springs to my mind. And he did have another look.
      He had a couple of other chances, not as good as that one, but there was just something missing.
      “That’s what I think about when I think of this game.
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      “There wasn’t much in it between the two sides, not that many chances in the game.
      “But that’s the only thing I can think of. The fact that Ronaldo was clean through and looked every one of those 36, 37 years.”
      Ronaldo netted 24 times in 38 appearances for United last season.
      He then looked set to depart Old Trafford in the summer but ended up remaining at the club after a long saga came to nothing.
      Since then, he has been out of favour with new boss Erik ten Hag as the Dutch coach has preferred to field a dynamic front three of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga.
      Following £85million man Antony’s arrival, he has also come into the side ahead of Elanga.
      And it seems as though Ronaldo will continue to be on the bench for the foreseeable future.
      Nicol played for Liverpool for 13 years between 1981 and 1994Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Aaron Wan-Bissaka sits in Man Utd directors’ box despite being named on bench for Real Sociedad clash

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      AARON WAN-BISSAKA reportedly appeared in the Manchester United directors’ box last night – despite being named on the bench.The right-back was listed among the substitutes for United’s 1-0 Europa League defeat to Real Sociedad.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka was named on the bench for yesterday’s game, but was reportedly in the directors’ box just before kick-offCredit: Getty
      Wan-Bissaka walked into Old Trafford alongside Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty
      But, according to MEN, the 24-year-old showed up in the directors’ box just before kick-off.
      And he played no part in the game as a controversial Brais Mendez penalty condemned Erik ten Hag’s side to defeat.
      Victor Lindelof was shuffled over to right-back when Lisandro Martinez came on at half-time.
      That’s despite Wan-Bissaka, a natural right-back, being named among the substitutes.
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      The former Crystal Palace man was pictured arriving for the game, but he was not snapped on the bench during the match.
      Wan-Bissaka has also been absent from United’s last two games – victories over Arsenal and Leicester.
      Boss Ten Hag said he missed the Leicester clash with a “small complaint”.
      Wan-Bissaka has played just four minutes of football in all competitions this season.
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      He came on for the closing stages of the 2-1 win over Liverpool, but has fallen behind Diogo Dalot in the pecking order.
      The defender was linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer.
      SunSport exclusively revealed that former club Crystal Palace were keen on his signature, but couldn’t get a deal over the line.
      West Ham were also thought to have had a late bid, but Ten Hag confirmed Wan-Bissaka was part of his plans. More

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      Fan ‘critically injured after 5m fall’ as horror fight delays Cologne vs Nice and star begs supporters to break it up

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      A COLOGNE fan is in a serious condition after being injured in a five metre fall following clashes with Nice supporters.Cologne’s Europa League group D match against Nice was delayed by 55 minutes and kicked off at 6:40pm.
      A fan was treated after falling from the upper tierCredit: AP
      Cologne and Nice fans clashed ahead of kick-offCredit: Reuters
      Kick-off was delayed as a result of the violenceCredit: AFP
      Cologne captain Jonas Hector pleaded with fans to stop the fightingCredit: EPA
      Cologne condemned the violence and issued an apology to peaceful fansCredit: AFP
      Two fans are in a serious conditionCredit: Reuters
      Both sets of supporters threw missiles at each other including flaresCredit: Getty
      The violence erupted after both sets of fans decided to walk across the upper tier to confront one another, with police trying in vain to keep them split.
      Both sets of supporters began throwing missiles including flares and two fans are now in a serious condition, report RMC Sport.
      One of those supporters fell from the upper tier and received immediate medical attention.
      Local authorities said a man was in critical care with head and chest injuries after falling off a stand and 17 others were injured.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera said: “I’m fed up, I’m really fed up that our sport is being sullied in this way, that we can no longer say that we are going to a stadium with our children in a serene and secure manner.”
      Police used tear gas to separate the fans as Nice star Dante and Cologne captain Jonas Hector pleaded for the violence to stop from the pitch.
      In an announcement Hector said: “We’re really keen to play the game with you. We also want the game to happen. But we have to say that we don’t approve of this – we don’t like to see it at all.
      “We worked our ass off on this last year and in the playoff games. And we would love to do that with you, and that’s why I’m asking you: keep your nerve, stay calm, support us as best you can.
      “That’s what the club wants too. That we stand together and in peace just celebrate football and not violence. Thank you.”
      Cologne issued an apology to peaceful fans caught up in the clashes and condemned the violence.
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      A statement from the German club reads: “Unfortunately, the kick-off of the game was delayed due to violent riots between people from both fan camps in the stadium and in the stands.
      “We are currently discussing the background. The Uefa security meeting is currently taking place.
      “Cologne condemns every form of violence. We stand for fair sporting dealings and respectful behavior.
      “We are very sorry for all peaceful fans who have made today a Cologne football festival.”
      The match ended in a 1-1 draw. More

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      Fans are all saying the same thing about ‘cursed’ Cristiano Ronaldo after Man Utd’s Europa League loss to Real Sociedad

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans seem to be in agreement after the Red Devils were beaten by Real Sociedad in the Europa League.Cristiano Ronaldo played his first game in the competition for 20 years – but could not inspire the Red Devils to victory.
      Fans have claimed Cristiano Ronaldo is “cursed”Credit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag put CR7 in from the start after relegating to the bench for United’s last four matches.
      But after winning all four of those games, including one against table-topping Arsenal, United lost as soon as Ronaldo came back into the side.
      The Red Devils also lost the other game Ronaldo has started this season – the 4-0 humiliation at Brentford.
      Read More On Man Utd
      And fans don’t believe it’s a coincidence, joking that Ronaldo is “cursed” as United now seem to lose whenever he starts.
      One wrote on Twitter: “Ronaldo is cursed poor guy.”
      While another joked: “Ronaldo has cursed this team.”
      A third pointed out: “When we start Ronaldo we lose.”
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      Another commented: “We have lost every game this season when we start Ronaldo.”
      Even when Ronaldo came off the bench in the win against Arsenal, the Gunners scored to make it 1-1 just seconds later.
      Fortunately for Ronaldo, the Red Devils went on to win that game 3-1.
      But the Portuguese ace has rotten luck when named among the starting lineup ever since the Premier League restarted.

      After scoring 24 goals in all competitions last campaign, and finishing as club top scorer, Ronaldo is yet to get off the mark for the 2022-23 campaign.
      He has not found the back of the net in SEVEN games so far this season.
      Old Trafford fell silent for a minute before the game to mark the death of Her Majesty Elizabeth II.
      Both sets of players also wore black armbands in tribute. More

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      Watch Arsenal starlet Marquinhos burst into TEARS after netting minutes into Gunners debut in Europa league vs Zurich

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      ARSENAL star Marquinhos burst into tears as he celebrated a debut goal for Arsenal on a sombre night in Zurich.The brilliant Brazilian moved to the Gunners from Sao Paulo in his homeland this summer.
      Marquinhos needed just 16 minutes to get off the mark for ArsenalCredit: Reuters
      The Brazilian teen then burst into tears as he celebrated his strikeCredit: BT Sport

      Despite initially being placed in Arsenal’s youth set-up, the 19-year-old winger has impressed boss Mikel Arteta.
      That led to the teen ace being called up to the senior side to face FC Zurich in the Europa League last night.
      And Marquinhos needed just 16 minutes to make an impression as he fired his team into the lead in Switzerland during their 2-1 win at Zurich.
      He made the perfect run towards the back post to meet and fire home Eddie Nketiah’s cross after a swift counter-attack.
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      Marqunhos raced straight towards the corner flag to celebrate and fell to his knees.
      His team-mates soon swamped him, but the emotional ace could not stop the tears of happiness – before the news of The Queen’s death led to a minute’s silence before the start of the second half.
      Gooners absolutely loved the emotion shown by Marquinhos as they took to social media.
      One wrote: “OMG! What a finish. Marquinhos is crying. Beautiful.”
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      A fellow fan commented: “Marquinhos is crying! LOOK HOW MUCH IT MEANS TO HIM.”
      Another wrote: “Marquinhos is actually crying because he’s scored a belter on his debut.
      “I think I’ve found myself a new favourite here.”
      While another tweeted: “Marquinhos started crying after he scored, I love this boy already.” More

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      Man Utd 0 Real Sociedad 1: Subdued Old Trafford observes minute’s silence as nation mourns death of The Queen

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      A BIZARRE PENALTY decision saw Manchester United beaten in the Europa League by Real Sociedad on a sombre night at Old Trafford.Buckingham Palace announced Queen Elizabeth II had passed away after the Royal family gathered at Balmoral this afternoon.
      A minute’s silence was perfectly observed at Old Trafford after the death of Queen ElizabethCredit: Getty
      Brais Mendez celebrates after firing Real Sociedad ahead at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      Following the Queen’s death, Old Trafford flew their flags at half-mast as the teams wore black armbands and all advertising hoardings around the ground had been blacked out.
      And the minute’s silence was perfectly respected before both teams got their respective Europa campaigns underway.
      It was the 56th minute when Italian referee Marco Di Bello pointed to the spot after the ball hit Lisandro Martinez as he slid in to block David Silva’s effort.
      But replays showed the point-blank shot had hit Martinez on the knee and deflected up onto his elbow.
      READ MORE ON THE QUEEN’S DEATH
      It looked for sure that VAR would overturn the decision but it stood and Brais Mendez made no mistake in beating David de Gea with a powerful kick into the bottom right-hand corner with a goal that was very much against the run of play.
      But penalty aside, United could not have too many complaints in the end after an uninspiring showing.
      With six changes made by Erik Ten Hag from the victory over Arsenal it was a chance for players to stake claims for Premier League action.
      It is fair to say that the boss will be reverting back to ‘team A’ next time out with Cristiano Ronaldo certainly doing little to suggest he should be getting his place back.
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      This was the tournament Cristiano Ronaldo wanted out of Old Trafford to avoid.
      The five-time Champions League winner, even at 37, had his eyes set on the biggest prize once more when he tried to engineer a move away from United this summer.
      But no one with designs on it wanted him and United were not in it.
      So here he was playing in the Europa League for the first time since he turned out for Sporting Lisbon against Partizan Belgrade in the competition 20 years ago.
      He did not look up for the fight.
      Indeed when he did have the ball in the back of the net it was the lackadaisical way in which he had failed to get back onside that turned out costing him.
      It was the 35th minute and Diogo Dalot picked the ball up midway inside the opposition half.
      But Ronaldo had just been walking back from the previous attack and so was a yard offside when he met Dalot’s cross and headed goalwards.
      Alejandro Ramiro got a hand to it but could only palm the ball up onto the underside of the bar and in.
      Cristiano Ronaldo blew his big chance to get off the mark for the seasonCredit: Reuters
      The result ends the four-match winning run for Erik ten Hag’s sideCredit: Reuters
      Ronaldo did not even have time to celebrate before the flag went up for a clear offside and his body language suggested he knew it was the right decision.
      Earlier he failed to reach a Christian Eriksen cross with his head but did not look to be stretching every sinew to reach it either.
      When Eriksen slid another pass through the middle, Ronaldo’s first touch was awful, the ball looping in the air and possession gone. More

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      Man Utd vs Real Sociedad LIVE: Latest updates from Europa League clash at Old Trafford

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are returning to European action TONIGHT against Real Sociedad – but its not a Champions League fixture.The Red Devils’ seventh place finish last season has resulted in them featuring in the 2022/23 Europa League campaign.
      But they’ll believe that they can go all the way having already beaten the other favourites in this competition Arsenal on the weekend.
      And Erik Ten Hag’s new methods seem to be clicking with the team as United have now won their last four consecutive games after such a dreadful start.
      However, United need to get through their group first and stubborn Spanish outfit Real Sociedad could prove to be tricky customers.

      Kick-off: 8pm
      TV/live stream: BT Sport 1
      Man Utd XI: De Gea, Dalot, Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia, Eriksen, Casemiro, Fred, Antony, Elanga, Ronaldo
      Real Sociedad XI: Remiro, Gorosabel, Pacheco, Elustondo, Munoz, Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino, Kubo, D Silva, Umar

      That’s all from us
      Thank you all for tuning in for our coverage of tonight’s game.
      Premier League to announce fixture decision tomorrow
      Premier League chiefs will decide on Friday whether to cancel this weekend’s fixtures following the death of The Queen.
      But while there will be no order banning sport, it is thought likely League bosses will agree calling off matches is the right decision.
      It comes after the EFL announced Friday’s fixtures would be postponed.
      Friday’s racing programme, the second day of England’s final Test against South Africa, and the Premiership Cup match between Northampton and Saracens were also postponed.
      Other English results
      Elsewhere in Europe tonight West Ham and Arsenal both won their respective games.
      The Gunners ran out 2-1 winners against FC Zurich while David Moyes’ side pulled off a late comeback to win 3-1 against FCSB.
      Group E outlook
      United may have lost tonight, but they will not be bottom of Group E.
      This is due to the other result tonight seeing FC Sheriff – who beat Real Madrid and Inter in the Champions League last season – winning 3-0 against Omonia Nicosia.
      The game is in the 10th minute of injury time.
      Full-time: Manchester United 0-1 Real Sociedad
      United fall to defeat for the first time ever against Real Sociedad.
      It ends a run of four straight games where they had won.
      However, the decision to award a penalty for handball was controversial at best and United paid dearly for it.
      They had chances to score goals but lacked composure and quality in the final third on too many occasions.
      It’s a big blow to United but one they will need to bounce back from quickly to avoid more poor results.
      Manchester United 0-1 Real Sociedad
      90. Ronaldo hits the wall with his free-kick.
      Three minutes added on now.
      Manchester United 0-1 Real Sociedad
      89. Free-kick for United just outside the area.
      Ronaldo skips past one player and is then fouled.
      He will step up to take the free-kick.
      Manchester United 0-1 Real Sociedad
      85. Another effort is squandered by Ronaldo.
      More good play down the wing sees a cross eventually played into the area where Ronaldo meets the ball.
      But a defender gets in the way again and thwarts the effort.
      United pressing for an equaliser here.
      Manchester United 0-1 Real Sociedad
      81. Garnacho with some lovely wing-play down the left flank to drive United forward.
      He gives the ball back to Fred, who whips a cross to the far post where players are queueing up.
      It’s too high for Ronaldo but Sancho swings his leg at the ball and miscues his effort with the ball going out for a goal kick.
      United make another sub a couple of minutes later too.
      Charlie McNeil makes his debut for The Red Devils replacing Malacia.
      Manchester United 0-1 Real Sociedad
      77. Casemiro fires a venomous shot at goal.
      The Brazilian works the goalkeeper from outside the area but goalkeeper Remiro is equal to it and pushes it away.
      Manchester United 0-1 Real Sociedad
      71. United make some more subs.
      Sancho and youngster Garnacho are on for Antony and Elanga.
      Ten Hag will be hoping they can provide an impact to turn this game back in United’s favour.
      Manchester United 0-1 Real Sociedad
      68. United have a handball appeal turned down amid some intense pressure on the Sociedad defence.
      However the ref waves the appeal away, and in fairness it appears the ball did hit the defenders chest.
      United are having some success getting into the half spaces though. 20 to go.
      Manchester United 0-1 Real Sociedad
      65. Casemiro slams a header into the ground from a set-piece and sees the ball bounce over the goalkeeper and just over the bar.
      It was likely intended to be a hit back across to the far post but the header wasn’t directed well enough.
      Manchester United 0-1 Real Sociedad
      63. On another note that is the first time Sociedad have ever scored against United.
      But De Gea has just been tested again by Take Kubo who has been having a great time this second half.
      Mendez slots the ball into the right side of the goal
      58. It’s controversial, but United are now a goal behind and will need to react accordingly.
      Silva has just been booked as well for a crunching challenge on Casemiro.
      Manchester United 0-1 Real Sociedad
      GOALLLL
      Mendez converts into the bottom corner.
      PENALTY TO SOCIEDAD.
      57. The referee has deemed Martinez to have handled the ball.
      However, the shot he blocked was deflected from his body onto his arm.
      VAR have checked it and it stands.
      Chance for the visitors to take the lead.
      Manchester United 0-0 Real Sociedad
      56. Great wing play from Socieded again from the exact same side.
      Martinez manages to just about clear the ball with an outstretched leg.
      Manchester United 0-0 Real Sociedad
      53. Sorloth with a big chance.
      Sorloth catches Martinez isolated at the back post and manages to outmuscle him at the back post and direct a header at goal.
      But De Gea is left untroubled by the effort which goes over the bar.
      Manchester United 0-0 Real Sociedad
      48. Another effort from United, and once again Ronaldo is the final man.
      Malacia plays a nice curved pass into Elanga’s path but the Englishman catches the ball under his feet.
      However, he manages to play the ball to Ronaldo who fires at shot at goal from outside the area.
      His effort goes sailing over the bar though.
      Manchester United 0-0 Real Sociedad
      46. Ronaldo close again.
      United have come out the blocks quickly here and Fernandes is involved straight away.
      He whips a cross into a dangerous area and Ronaldo is close to meeting it but once again his final contact lets him down.
      Lindelof is now at right-back as well after Martinez’s introduction.
      Half-time subs
      Former Crystal Palace striker Alexander Sorloth is set to come on for Sociedad, while Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez and coming on for United.
      Eriksen and Dalot have been taken off.
      Half-time: Manchester United 0-0 Real Sociedad
      United with the better chances and control so far.
      But the atmosphere and resultant intensity of the game is understandably a bit subdued.
      Ronaldo had it in the net at one point but his goal was correctly ruled out for offside.
      Elanga has been the most threatening player but he has lacked quality end product.
      Meanwhile, Eriksen has been pulling the strings once again, while Antony has seen limited action once again.
      Manchester United 0-0 Real Sociedad
      38. Fred plays a poor pass back towards the goal and the ball is intercepted in front of Maguire.
      Casemiro gets back to make a block after the captain held his ground to deny Umar Sadiq a clear run at goal.
      United deal with the subsequent corner and win a foul on the edge of their area to nullify any prolonged threat.
      Manchester United 0-0 Real Sociedad
      36. UNITED GET THE BALL IN THE BACK OF THE NET, BUT THE GOAL IS RULED OUT FOR OFFSIDE.
      Dalot whips a dangerous cross to the back post where Ronaldo climbs highest to head into the net despite the goalkeeper pushing it onto the bar.
      However, the goal is ruled out for offside.
      United need to keep this up – it is sure to pay dividends soon if they carry on with this pressure.
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      Man Utd and West Ham pay emotional tribute to The Queen with minute’s silence and black armbands before European games

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      FOOTBALL paid tribute to The Queen on Thursday night with a minute’s silence and black armbands in memory of Her Majesty.Buckingham Palace announced Queen Elizabeth II had passed away after the Royal family gathered at Balmoral.
      Manchester United flew their flag at half-mastCredit: Sportimage
      Fans listened to the television as coverage of the Queen’s deathCredit: AFP
      All advertising was blacked out at the London StadiumCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Old Trafford fell silent to remember The QueenCredit: AFP
      Both sets of players gathered in the middle of the pitch as players wore black armbandsCredit: EPA
      Players at the London Stadium wore black armbandsCredit: Getty
      A picture of the Queen was projected on the screens ahead of kick-off in East LondonCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Sociedad supporters held their flags aloft in tributeCredit: Getty
      Later in the evening, Manchester United lost 1-0 to Real Sociedad at Old Trafford and West Ham beat FCSB 3-1 at the London Stadium.
      And both matches saw fitting tributes paid to The Queen after it was confirmed the games would go ahead.
      A statement from Man Utd read: “Following direction from the FA and UEFA, tonight’s UEFA Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad will take place as planned at Old Trafford.
      “A minute’s silence will be held before kick-off which will allow the teams, match officials and everyone in attendance to pay their respects to Her Majesty, The Queen.
      Read More On The Queen’s Death
      Man Utd’s players and staff wore black armbands in memory of the QueenCredit: Sportimage
      Fans perfectly respected the minute’s silence before kick-offCredit: BT Sport
      Supporters looked very emotional as they took in the pre-match silenceCredit: BT Sport
      The Queen’s death has been felt around the worldCredit: BT Sport
      A moment of silence was carried out before the second half of Arsenal’s game in ZurichCredit: Getty
      The Queen was saluted at games across Europe including in Rome before Lazio vs FeyenoordCredit: EPA
      “Both teams will wear black armbands and the flags at Old Trafford will fly at half-mast as a sign of our utmost respect.”
      Following the Queen’s death, Old Trafford flew their flags at half-mast as fans arrived to the ground.
      And supporters already in the stadium watched the coverage on screens in the concourse.
      When the teams came out ahead of the game, the black armbands were visible on both sets of players.

      The Queen’s passing comes as…

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      And all advertising hoardings around the ground had been blacked out.
      At the London Stadium, West Ham adopted the same measures for their match.
      And the minute’s silence at both stadiums was perfectly respected before kick-off.
      Then at half-time, BT Sport decided against showing any ads as they simply broadcast a black screen with “BT Sport” written across it until the coverage returned.
      Earlier in the evening, a moment of silence was carried out before the second half of Arsenal’s game against FC Zurich in Switzerland.
      That came just minutes after her tragic death had been announced. More