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      Rangers star Kemar Roofe slapped with FOUR-GAME ban by Uefa for ‘assaulting’ Slavia Prague keeper in horror challenge

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      UEFA have banned Rangers striker Kemar Roofe for four games after his horror tackle on the Slavia Prague goalkeeper.Steven Gerrard’s side were also hit with a massive fine by the European football chiefs.
      Kemar Roofe catches Ondrej Kolar with his bootCredit: Reuters
      Roofe, 28, clattered into Slavia stopper Ondrej Kolar with an out-of-control high boot in their Europa League clash on March 18.
      The keeper needed a stretcher to take him off the field.
      And it was revealed the 26-year-old had in fact fractured his skull in the process.
      Pictures after the match showed the gruesome cuts to the face sustained in the challenge.
      The Gers striker was found guilty of ‘assault’, being cited under Article 15(1).
      The decision made by the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body said: “To suspend Rangers FC player, Mr. Kemar Roofe, for four (4) Uefa club competition matches for which he would otherwise be eligible, for dangerously assaulting another player.”
      Rangers were stung with a £7,800 fine by European football’s governing body.
      The Ibrox club breached Article 15(4), where five or more players were found to have been guilty of improper conduct.
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      They have 90 days to fulfil the payment.
      Uefa say Rangers must ensure them that Roofe is personally informed of the decision.
      Injured keeper Kolar, who returned to action against Arsenal three weeks on from the incident, will have to wear a head guard for the rest of his career.
      And earlier today, the Slavia ace lashed out at Roofe as he revealed he has yet to receive an apology from the Englishman over the high-boot.
      He also opened up on the messages of hate from Rangers fans on social media.
      Speaking for the first time about the incident, he said: “I read what he said. He said he was first to the ball, but he didn’t add that he kicked it out of my hand, collided with my leg and hit me on the head.
      “He saw me the whole time. Anyone who has ever kicked a ball knows that the foot can always be pulled down. It’s a game of football, it shouldn’t be about my health.
      “If I ever met him again I’d say nothing. I’d wait for him to see if he apologised and asked about my health.
      I was disappointed that Roofe did not apologiseOndrej Kolar
      “I waited for Roofe to write me a message on Instagram for example. Instead, I read hate messages from Rangers fans, ‘he should have kicked your head in’…’he should have broken your spine.’
      “I know things aren’t good between Slavia and Rangers right now, but that?
      “I was disappointed that Roofe did not apologise through the media. I’m not vindictive, I don’t need him to give me something back, but he should think more because maybe the next time, he could ruin someone’s life.”
      Roofe insisted he felt guilty about what happened to Kolar and at the time stressed: “The tackle looks bad, it is bad for the goalkeeper. It hurt him a lot.
      “But it was not on purpose at all. I received a ball over the top from Connor Goldson and with the speed we play at, you can’t move out the way or prevent things from happening. It was literally a bad accident.
      “People that know me, they know I’m not that type of player or person. I never go on the pitch to fight or hurt somebody. All I want to do is play well and help the team win games. That’s what I was trying to do.”

      It’s understood that the Uefa disciplinary panel will meet today to discuss the incidents surrounding Ondrej Kudela and Glen Kamara.
      Kamara claims Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela directed racist language at him during the Light Blues’ second leg loss in the Europa League.
      The Finnish ace alleges that he was branded a “f*****g monkey” by Kudela, with team-mate Bongani Zungu backing up those claims.
      The defender could be seen walking up to Kamara to speak in his ear, sparking a furious reaction from the 25-year-old and his Ibrox team-mates.
      Uefa provisionally suspended the Slavia defender for ONE match as they officially launched proceedings against both him and Rangers midfielder Kamara.
      The Czech international denies the charge and counterclaims that he was assaulted by the Gers midfielder in the tunnel post-match.
      Roofe is shown a straight red card for the tackleCredit: AFP
      Kolar left on the deck after Roofe’s challenge and must now wear a head guardCredit: AFP
      Rangers star Glen Kamara breaks silence on Ondrej Kudela racism allegations as Uefa continue investigation More

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      How Man Utd could line up against Granada with Tuanzebe set to start and Will Fish, 18, promoted to squad

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to ring the changes for the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Granada with a TRIO of starters suspended.Captain Harry Maguire, left-back Luke Shaw and influential midfielder Scott McTominay are all out of Thursday’s game at Old Trafford after picking up yellow cards in the 2-0 win in last week’s first leg.

      Axel Tuanzebe is set for a rare startCredit: Getty
      Teenage defender Will Fish has been called up by Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Getty
      And Axel Tuanzebe could be the beneficiary with the 23-year-old in line for a rare start.
      Youngster Will Fish, 18, has also been promoted to the senior squad for the game with Eric Bailly still unavailable after testing positive for Covid-19.
      Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Tuanzebe can slot into the back four seamlessly despite having seen just 554 minutes of action in all competitions this season.
      The Norwegian said: “Axel has always been a very positive boy and hardworking.
      “Victor and Harry have played, they’ve formed a very good partnership.
      “Eric’s come in and played really well when he’s played so his [Axel’s] chances have been limited, but he’s been training well and he’s ready for this opportunity.”
      Fish is the only other recognised centre-back available and although he is still eligible for the Under-18 side has captained Neil Wood’s Under-23s on several occasions this term.
      He joins fellow unknown quantity Anthony Elanga in the squad after the wideman got the call-up ahead of the first leg.

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      Paul Pogba is set to continue on the left with Marcus Rashford carrying a knock.
      Dan James is set to return after missing the comeback win over Spurs with a blow from the first game against Granada, although he may not be risked from the start.
      Mason Greenwood is set to start on the right after excelling off the bench at the weekend, providing a goal and an assist in a late cameo.
      With Anthony Martial KO’d for the season, Edinson Cavani will continue through the middle.
      Either the experienced Serb Nemanja Matic or Dutchman Donny van de Beek will be given the chance to impress in the absence of Scot McTominay.

      Alex Telles will take Luke Shaw’s spot with Lindelof and Tuanzebe set to form a new partnership with Aaron Wan-Bissaka continuing at right-back.
      David De Gea is likely to get the nod in the Europa League again after starting last week but Solskajer could choose to go with in-form Dean Henderson after he was praised for his performance against Spurs.
      Solskjaer added: “It’s never a positive thing to not have every player available.
      “But we’ve got players ready to deputise and come into the team.
      “Of course, the [bookings] amnesty is after this quarter-final so we hoped to get them through but there are some easy easy yellow cards there that the referee handed out. But we’re ready to deal with that.
      “We have to make sure that we get through. I always pick a team to win a game. There will be a few changes – some of them are forced and some of them are maybe rotation.”
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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says the second goal was so crucial after United’s first-leg victory in Granada More

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      Six Arsenal team dilemmas that fans can’t agree on show just how hard Arteta’s job is ahead of Slavia Prague clash

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      THERE are some huge decisions for Mikel Arteta ahead of Thursday’s Slavia Prague clash but we fickle fans demonstrate it is not easy being the boss.Despite a formidable home record and some notable scalps in Europe, the Czech champions showed little to frighten Arsenal last week.
      Mikel Arteta has some huge dilemmas to work out as Arsenal take on Slavia PragueCredit: AFP
      The home draw was far more about Arteta’s team set-up, the failure to take well-created chances and, of course, the obligatory defensive lapse.
      With the injuries in the squad and the sheer inconsistency of performances, both from individuals and the selected collective, how to approach the Europa League quarter-final second leg is far from straightforward.
      I thought it might be somewhat amusing to run through the inconsistency of our own ‘selections’ and observations as supporters of late.
      If you like, a light-hearted way to highlight the dilemmas…
      PARTEY POOPER
      Apparently, Sunday proved that Thomas Partey has been overshadowed by Granit Xhaka, as all our play comes through the Swiss.
      It is all Xhaka’s fault for limiting the scope of Partey and as soon as he is not alongside him, we see the player we thought we had signed.
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      Thomas Partey is a better player when not alongside Granit Xhaka in midfieldCredit: Reuters

      The same fans were posting and retweeting disparaging observations suggesting that in Partey, we thought we were getting the new Patrick Vieira but instead we got the old Alex Song.
      SAK AT THE BACK
      Without Kieran Tierney, many suggested Arteta should utilise Saka at left-back.
      This was met with many asking, ‘why would we play our best attacking creator at left-back?’
      Debate rages on over who should be playing at left-back in Kieran Tierney’s absenceCredit: Reuters
      Are these the same fans who have watched Tierney being our best attacking threat from left-back all season?
      These same supporters thought it far better to play a natural full-back there in Cedric, even on his ‘wrong’ side, and then cursed the Portuguese international for turning back on to his right foot rather than clearing with his left in injury time.
      THE XHAK CRACK
      Following this logic, perhaps those who have decided after the last two matches that they want a left-footed left-back and do not want Xhaka to play with Partey in central midfield will be delighted if the intelligent Swiss stays at left-back this week?
      GAB-SMACKED
      The same fans lauded Gabriel as the new Sol Campbell last autumn.
      Now they feel he perhaps throws himself to the ground too easily, makes rash decisions.
      Some supporters worry Gabriel is too quick to go to ground and prefer Pablo Mari at centre-backCredit: PA
      It turns out apparently they genuinely always knew that Pablo Mari, who we did not want because of his agent, was a better footballer.
      LACA THE LEADER
      Of course, the biggest U-turn of all from us Gooners is the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette reversal.
      We have gone from waxing lyrical about the bromance and special chemistry that led us all to want both on the pitch, however the manager fudged it.
      And we have gone to demanding one or the other through the middle.
      Alexandre Lacazette may be the option to lead the line rather than Pierre-Emerick AubameyangCredit: PA
      And now we insist Lacazette can play the solo striker role and our skipper cannot.
      The last reversal happened within three days.
      Lacazette was so bad against Prague and we improved when Aubameyang came on, such that we all criticised Arteta for not starting his skipper.
      Followed inevitably by a thought that perhaps Lacazette could be given a new deal to mentor Folarin Balogun and we could sell Auba.
      GET HIM MART-IN-ELLI
      The last excruciating dilemma on Aubameyang and Lacazette is now further complicated by the fact Gabriel Martinelli came through (relatively) unscathed and is fit for this week.
      We have all wanted the young Brazilian to be reintroduced but perhaps we did not envisage this would be at the expense of our captain and, until recently, the team’s talisman and hero.

      Gabriel Martinelli looks like he could be back in the Gunners fold – at the expense of the club captainCredit: EPA
      In short, none of us have consistency of opinions, and recent impressive or poor performances, by the team or individuals easily sway us.
      We even convince ourselves that we had always held that view on occasion but expect Arteta to know and get it right on every occasion.
      Yes, it is why he is in the job and not us, and why he is paid the big salary and we aren’t.
      It is also why he simply must get it right this week and if I were a betting man, I would not put money on Lacazette and Aubameyang both starting.
      A huge call for a young Arsenal manager…

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      How Arsenal could line up against Slavia Prague with Aubameyang and Odegaard doubts for must-win Europa League clash

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      ARSENAL travel to Slavia Prague with injury doubts surrounding their attacking options ahead of their must-win Europa League quarter-final. The Gunners drew 1-1 with the Czech side at the Emirates, as Nicolas Pepe’s opener was cancelled out by an avoidable late Tomas Holes equaliser.
      How Arsenal could line up against Slavia Prague
      Ahead of the return tie, captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Martin Odegaard are both facing fitness tests, and missed the 3-0 Sheffield United win on the weekend.
      At the back, Kieran Tierney and David Luiz are both ruled out but Bukayo Saka is in contention, after he returned against the Blades.
      German Bernd Leno is expected to keep his place in goal, but his backline has chopped and changed as of late.
      Cedric Soares and Hector Bellerin started against Slavia Prague last week and are in line to keep their place at full-back in Europe.
      But Callum Chambers on the right, and Granit Xhaka on the left are also in contention, having featured from the off at Sheffield United.
      At centre-back, Gabriel and Pablo Mari will likely contest to partner Rob Holding.
      Thomas Partey started alongside Dani Ceballos in the defensive midfield pairing at Bramall Lane, with Xhaka in at left-back.
      But the Swiss international could be moved into midfield alongside Partey, with Mohamed Elneny another contender.
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      How Arsenal could alternatively line up against Slavia Prague

      Going forward, manager Mikel Arteta is afforded far more options, despite injuries.
      Gabriel Martinelli returned with a goal against the Blades on the left, while Nicolas Pepe was deployed on the right.
      With the absence of Emile-Smith Rowe and Odegaard, Saka started in the No10, with Alexandre Lacazette up front.
      It is very possible Arteta sticks with the frontline which hammered three past Sheffield United.
      But Willian has been a regular in Europe, and with Aubameyang fighting for a return to the side, they offer alternatives out wide or down the middle.
      So too do Odegaard and Smith-Rowe, who prefer to play in front of the striker, but can shift wide if needed.
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      Arsenal in double injury BOOST with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli set to be fit for crunch Slavia Prague clash

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      ARSENAL have been handed a double injury boost with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli both set to be fit for their Europa League crunch.The Gunners faced an injury crisis ahead of the trip to Slavia Prague this week.
      Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are both set to be fit for the trip to Slavia PragueCredit: Guardian
      Saka hobbled off injured in the 3-0 weekend win at Sheffield United, but the Daily Mail reports that he has only suffered a dead leg.
      And Martinelli, who also came off on Sunday night, said he is fit to play after an ankle knock.
      It’s a massive boost for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta with his side needing a positive result on Thursday night.
      The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw by Slavia Prague in the first leg at the Emirates after conceding a late goal.
      Nicolas Pepe struck in the 86th minutes, but Thomas Holes’ 93rd-minute equaliser gave the Czech side that vital away goal.
      With Arsenal languishing down in ninth place and ten points off fourth-place West Ham, winning the Europa League seems to be their only chance of getting Champions League football next season.
      Speaking after the Sheffield United win, Arteta confirmed left-back Kieran Tierney is ‘probably out for the season’ while David Luiz will also miss the Slavia game.
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      He added: “Emile [Smith Rowe] and Martin [Odegaard], we don’t know yet.
      “Bukayo [Saka], we’ll see how he develops in the next few days.
      “He had discomfort in his thigh and it’s the last thing we need because we are missing some big players at the moment.”
      Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also missed the game at Bramall Lane with a cold, but is expected to return to face Slavia Prague.
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      Arsenal boss Arteta looks ahead to Premier League clash against Sheffield Utd More

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      Determined Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta claims ‘we’re going to beat Prague’ In Europa League after smashing Sheffield Utd

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      MIKEL ARTETA was upbeat about Arsenal’s Europa League chances after Sunday’s victory over Sheffield United.The Gunners head to Slavia Prague on Thursday with the quarter-final tie level at 1-1, although the Czech team hold a key away goal.
      Mikel Arteta praised his Arsenal team for comfortably downing Sheffield UnitedCredit: AFP
      Prague have already beaten Leicester, Bayer Leverkusen and Rangers this season but Arteta was determined to be positive going into the clash.
      The 39-year-old told MOTD: “Overall we had a really good performance – 3-0 away from home is never easy.
      “We had to be fully focused on the league, there is a lot to play for.
      “The best way to prepare for Prague was by winning today.
      “We are going to to win the game at Prague. That’s it, that is our mindset.”
      Alexandre Lacazette struck either side of a Gabriel Martinelli goal in a dominant display in Sheffield.

      Having failed to keep a clean sheet in their previous nine Premier League games, Arsenal jumped to ninth in the table with a shutout.
      And Arteta described the performance as the perfect setup for the huge trip to Prague.
      Speaking to BT Sport, the Spanish coach added: “This is ideal preparation for Thursday.
      “It has been a long run without a clean sheet.
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      “I am really happy with the way we played, we scored some really nice goals and controlled the game the way we wanted.
      “We played at a high level. From the start I felt the boys were at it, we were efficient.
      “We had good distances to play with each other and they understood the space.”
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      Mikel Arteta says Sheffield win is a perfect clean sheet for Arsenal More

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      Bellerin slams Arsenal flops and insists ‘teams are not beating us, it’s us losing games’ after Slavia Prague collapse

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      HECTOR BELLERIN delivered a damning verdict on his Arsenal side and reckons they’re beating themselves.The Gunners right-back, 26, saw his side concede a late equaliser against Slavia Prague in the Europa League on Thursday night.
      Hector Bellerin delivered a damning verdict on his Arsenal team-matesCredit: Rex
      Slavia Prague stunned Arsenal with a late equaliser in their quarter-final first legCredit: The Sun
      Arsenal took the lead in the 86th minute but were undone when their opponents forced in a late corner in the quarter-final first leg.
      The result made it four games without a win in all competitions for Mikel Arteta’s men.
      And after the Slavia draw, Bellerin told BT Sport: “I have to say, I felt like we had the game under control for the whole time but the last five minutes.
      “We had chances to score, we get to 1-0 in the 85th minute, and then it’s about us controlling and managing the game.
      “We put ourselves in situations that we shouldn’t be at that stage and it has happened to us before.
      “It is something that is in our hands and I’ve said it before – teams are not beating us, it’s us losing the games.”
      Arsenal face a tricky task in the second leg next week after the disappointing draw at the Emirates.
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      Bellerin added: “It’s difficult to take, but at the end of the day there’s still everything to play for and it’s 1-1.
      “We know how they play and I think we had really good moments in the game. We broke down their pressure and we created chances, so there’s nothing that worries me for us to go to Prague and do the job there.
      “You can blame it on anything you want, but at the end of the day it comes down to the goals we score and the goals we concede, and I think throughout the game we put ourselves in situations that we could have taken the lead, but this is football.
      “You’ve got to keep trying, you’ve got to keep trying, and in another game we will score them but today wasn’t the day.”
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      Martin Keown says Arsenal need a ‘slap in the face’ after disastrous Slavia Prague draw More

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      Man Utd’s Europa League streaker is local celeb nudist eco-warrior who hid under canvas for 14 HOURS before stunt

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      WHEN Olmo Garcia revealed himself to the world during Manchester United’s Europa League game on Thursday, the people of Granada could be forgiven for having seen it all before.A famous night for the LaLiga club had only reached the sixth minute when the game was interrupted by a streaker.
      Olmo Garcia was arrested after streaking at Manchester United’s game with GranadaCredit: Getty
      The 37-year-old is something of a local celebrity in AndalusiaCredit: Instagram @guerreroolmo
      The man raced across the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes pitch before taking a tumble and being arrested by police.
      But it would not have taken long for the authorities to identify the perpetrator, who has reportedly been arrested 15 TIMES in the last few months alone.
      Garcia, 37, is something of a local celebrity in Granada and is often seen baring all on his walks around the city.
      In the summer of 2016, he was inspired to live life in the buff during a trip across the Americas.
      And this way of life culminated in Thursday’s demonstration that took some time to prepare.
      According to Granada newspaper Ideal, he snuck into the ground at 9am on the day of the game and hid under a tarpaulin for 14 HOURS before emerging once the game had kicked off.
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      Garcia has been seen out and about, in more ways than one, in GranadaCredit: Twitter
      The nudist has spoken of his desire for world peaceCredit: Instagram @guerreroolmo
      The game, played behind closed doors, was briefly paused before Manchester United saw out a 2-0 win.
      Garcia has previously spoken of being met with angry responses from passers-by in the streets, and does occasionally dress up.
      The Europa League outing will have been somewhat familiar territory for the nudist as he runs a sports nutrition business.
      And he explained to Ideal in 2016 his passion for environmentalism, sustainability and world peace.
      Garcia has reportedly been arrested 15 times in recent monthsCredit: Instagram @guerreroolmo

      He said: “I had always thought about doing it, but never had the courage and confidence.
      “Going naked has psychological benefits. It is a way to claim purity, peace, to show that when you take off your clothes you are more sincere with everything that surrounds you.
      “I don’t bother anyone and I think it is good for society.
      “Peace in the world, for me, is harmony, good words, a planet without aging, a world without death.”
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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says the second goal was so crucial after United’s first-leg victory in Granada More