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      Sivasspor stranded at airport for hours after losing crunch Europa League clash against Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Israel

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      TURKISH side Sivasspor were left stranded at the airport after their 1-0 Europa League defeat to Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Israel.
      The Super Lig side had travelled south in the hope that they could sneak through in Group I.

      Sivasspor’s travelling party were left ‘stranded’ at Ben Gurion AirportCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The frustrated group were made to waitCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The night ended in disappointment, however, after Enric Saborit’s effort gave the home side all three points, dumping Sivasspor out of the competition.
      But that was only the beginning of their woes.
      The understandably frustrated team arrived at Ben Gurion Airport down in the dumps, ahead of their four hour flight home.
      But the disgruntled travelling party were left even more frustrated, as they were made to wait ‘for hours’.

      They took to social media to vent their frustrations, posting a video showing the group shouting and clapping their hands in protest at the slow service.
      They accompanied it with the message: “Our group, preparing to return to Sivas after the Maccabi Tel Aviv match, is stranded in the airport.
      “The Israeli authorities are creating all kinds of difficulties for our group by closing the [electronic] system and crossings.”
      They tagged a number of accounts in their complaint, including that of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the Europa League itself.

      The Turkish Super Lig side crashed out of the Europa League after a 1-0 defeatCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Club chairman Mecnun Otyakmaz explained to Anadolu Agency: “They said the automatic pass system was malfunctioning. They tried to process things manually. There was only one officer.
      “We’ve been stuck here for two hours. The treatment was very uncomfortable.”
      A statement from Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lior Haitat hit back: “The Sivasspor convoy was held in Tel Aviv because it arrived late. The plane will take off at 5:30 (6:30 am).”
      And on the subject of why it had to be so late, he explained: “No flights are made at the airport between 1 and 5am due to noise at night.”
      The Turkish Embassy in Tel Aviv are understood to have contacted Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to resolve the issue, with Sivasspor finally arriving home this morning.

      Sivasspor finally got home on Friday morningCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Arsenal’s Emerick Aubameyang gets stuck at airport while on international duty More

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      Europa League last-32 draw simulated with Arsenal landing tricky clash against Benfica and Man Utd facing Krasnodar

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      ARSENAL potentially face a nightmare draw against Benfica in the Europa League last-32 stage.
      Despite disappointing in the Premier League, the Gunners have been faultless in the second-string European competition this season.

      Arsenal won all six of their group matches in the Europa League

      The North Londoners are the only side in Europe this term to win every group match following their 4-2 victory against Dundalk on Thursday.
      But they may be made to pay for their superb results as they could be pitted against arguably the toughest opponents on offer.
      Benfica finished second behind Rangers in Group D, and they are the club British sides are keen to avoid.
      But in a SunSport mock last-32 draw, it was Arsenal that drew the Portuguese giants.

      Gunners fans will be thankful they avoided bogey team Olympiacos, but the possible tie poses the risk of again crashing out in the first knockout round.
      Manchester United have also been handed a tricky draw after dropping down into the Europa League.
      The simulator predicted them to come up against Chelsea’s Champions League Group E opponents Krasnodar.
      And the Russian outfit have proved to be a tough team having held the Blues to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

      Manchester United dropped down into the Europa League after losing against RB LeipzigCredit: Reuters

      SunSport’s mock Europa League-last 32 draw

      Benfica vs Arsenal
      Young Boys vs Rangers
      Antwerp vs Napoli
      Krasnodar vs Man United
      Molde vs Dinamo Zagreb
      RB Salzburg vs Leicester
      Granada vs Roma
      Braga vs Tottenham
      Real Sociedad vs Club Brugge
      Lille vs PSV
      Maccabi Tel-Aviv vs Hoffenheim
      Red Star vs Bayer Leverkusen
      Slavia Prague vs Shakhtar
      Olympiacosvs Villarreal
      Wolfsberg vs AC Milan
      Dynamo Kiev vs Ajax

      Elsewhere, Leicester have also been drawn against a club that has dropped down from the Champions League.
      They have come up against Red Bull Salzburg – who have showed their class against Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid this term.
      Meanwhile Tottenham were also handed a possible banana skin tie in our simulator, as they were matched against Braga.
      And Rangers will fancy their chances to progress after they were paired with Swiss outfit Young Boys in the mock draw.
      Other standout ties include Lille vs PSV, Olympiacos vs Villarreal and Dynamo Kiev against Ajax.
      The official draw for the Europa League Round of 32 takes place on Monday at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.

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      Lorenzo Insigne shows off new Diego Maradona tattoo in Napoli clash after Argentina legend’s death

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      HOME-GROWN hero Lorenzo Insigne paraded a huge new tribute tattoo of Napoli’s greatest import Diego Maradona – at the stadium the Italians have renamed after the late legend.
      Argentine World Cup winner Maradona, Napoli’s and arguably the world’s best-ever player, died aged 60 on November 25 after a heart attack.

      Naples-born striker Lorenzo Insigne revealed a Diego Maradona tattoo, knowing how much the late Argentina legend meant to the Serie A clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lorenzo Insigne now has a lasting tribute to all-time great Diego Maradona, by far the greatest ever player for NapoliCredit: AFP or licensors

      Diego Maradona, who died last month aged 60, was with Napoli from 1984-91Credit: Hulton Archive – Getty

      And as his home country ponder putting the face of the dazzling dribbler on banknotes, Italy striker Insigne unveiled his own lasting ink tribute – on a suitably dramatic night of Europa League football
      The Naples-born star has been with the Serie A giants a full decade and knows the two-time title-winning influence Maradona had from 1984-91.
      Having already worn a Napoli top with Maradona’s name and No 10 on it against Roma, the 29-year-old revealed a thigh-size inking during a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad.
      The point confirmed Napoli’s status as group winners and squeezed their Spanish visitors through alongside them to the last 32 in remarkable circumstances.

      Dutch side AZ Alkmaar began the night level on points with LaLiga high-fliers Sociedad but with a better goal difference.
      And heading into the final minutes, Napoli and Alkmaar seemed in comfortable command of their own destiny.

      Lorenzo Insigne saw Napoli draw 1-1 with Real Sociedad, putting both sides through to the Europa League last 32Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Insigne and Co led through Piotr Zielinski’s 35th-minute opener.
      And over in Croatia Alkmaar were clinging on for a 1-1 draw at Rijeka despite Jesper Karlsson’s late red card.

      But Willian Jose notched a stoppage-time equaliser for Sociedad.

      And also in added time, thousands of miles away, Ivan Tomecak hit a Rijeka winner.
      That sneaked Sociedad through by a point.
      Maradona was more used to performing miracles on bigger stages, but even he would have struggled to match such drama.

      Diego Maradona’s relatives begin battle over his £37million fortune More

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      Celtic 3 Lille 2: David Turnbull nets his first for club as Lennon picks up much-needed win

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      DAVID TURNBULL grabbed his first goal for Celtic as Neil Lennon picked up a much-needed win at Parkhead.
      The Hoops went into the clash lacking confidence after picking up just two wins in their last 12 outings.

      Turnbull is delighted after netting his first Celtic goal and winner

      Celtic star showed great composure with an excellent goal Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      But they showed great character throughout as goals from Christopher Jullien, a Callum McGregor penalty and a Turnbull strike earned the Hoops all three points in a five-goal thriller.
      Jonathan Ikone and Celtic old boy Timo Weah were on target for the visitors as the hosts picked up their first win of the group stage in the final match.
      With the Europa League campaign already over and just pride at stake Lennon made six changes to the team that drew 1-1 with St Johnstone last time out.

      A first Celtic goal for David Turnbull 👏A smart finish, but just look at the run from Kristoffer Ajer! 😳The footwork on the big Norwegian! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pnZh5dndrY
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 10, 2020

      Conor Hazard was handed his first-team debut in goals with Turnbull, Ismaila Soro, Patryk Kilmala, Shane Duffy and Mohamed Elyounoussi all handed starts.

      The hosts created their first chance of the game through Turnbull but his long-range effort was off target after some positive play.

      Jullien’s header puts Celtic ahead against Lille Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Two minutes later Jeremie Frimpong took a sore one after sliding into the advertising boards but thankfully he got back to his feet and was able to continue but later in the first period he hobbled off to be replaced by Ewan Henderson.
      Hazard had a quiet opening 20 minutes on his home debut with the French side failing to test the youngster. The nearest they came was a free-kick from Yusuf Yazici but it flew over the bar.
      At the other end Patryk Klimala unleashed a powerful drive but Mike Maignan was able to push his effort away as the Hoops started to look a lot more confident.

      And they were rewarded in the 21st minute with a fine goal.

      Lille keeper can’t get near Celtic Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Turnbull’s excellent corner into the six-yard box was just asking to be finished and big Jullien was on hand to head home.
      However, just two minutes later the French outfit were level.
      Conceding goals has been a real issue for Celtic this season, particularly in Europe, and a mistake from McGregor in the midfield was punished in style from the visitors.
      The stand-in skipper hooked the ball into the path of Yazici who played a low ball across the six-yard box and Ikone was on hand to provide a simple finish.

      Weah scores against his former club to make it 2-2 between Celtic and LilleCredit: PA:Press Association
      Despite the setback, Celtic responded brilliantly and were back in front moments later in a crazy five-minute spell in the first half. Turnbull played in Frimpong who was fouled in the box.
      And McGregor made up for his earlier error by smashing the ball beyond Maignan to restore Celtic’s advantage.
      Five minutes from the break Lille’s Jonathan David had a shot blocked before Turnbull again tried his luck from range but he pulled his effort past the post.

      Frimpong took a sore one as he was sent crashing into advertising boardsCredit: Reuters
      The second period started much quieter but Turnbull’s deliveries from set-pieces looked dangerous every time whether it was free-kicks or corners.
      Celtic looked full of confidence with their youngsters impressing on the big stage.
      However, they were breathing a sigh of relief just on the hour as Cheikh Niasse strike across goal came off the stretching McGregor and hit the woodwork before rolling out for a corner.
      Turnbull was then inches away from his first goal for Celtic after collecting a ball from Kristoffer Ajer on the half turn before getting a shot off at goal but it took a nick and just landed on the wrong side of the post.

      McGregor is hailed by his Celtic team-mates after scoring from spot
      With 20 minutes left on the clock, Celtic old boy Weah came back to haunt his old club after firing low beyond Hazard after the ball dropped nicely to him following a clearance from a set play.
      But the Hoops responded once again and an excellent run and ball into the box from Ajer found Turnbull, who expertly stroked the ball into the far corner. The strike brought out a massive cheer from boss Lennon.

      Rookie keeper Hazard was then called upon to make a huge save with his feet as the clock continued to tick towards full-time.
      Lennon will be hoping this win is the start of a positive run as the Scottish champions aim to get back on track.
      The focus now shifts to Sunday’s Premiership clash with Kilmarnock before the Scottish Cup Final showdown with Hearts next weekend.

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      Tottenham 2 Antwerp 0 LIVE REACTION: Vinicius and Lo Celso net as Spurs seal top spot in Europa League group

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      TOTTENHAM sealed top spot in Group J with a comfortable three points over Antwerp in North London.
      Final score: Tottenham 2-0 Antwerp
      Follow all the latest with our blog below…

      THAT’S ALL FOR TONIGHT!
      Spurs are through to the last 32 of the Europa League after a comfortable 2-0 win over Royal Antwerp.
      Two second half strikes courtesy of Vinicius and Lo Celso were the difference.
      The draw for the last 32 will take place on Monday.
      Join us for more live blogs as the Premier League returns this weekend.
      Thanks for joining us and goodnight!

      KANE REACTION

      MORE FROM TANGANGA
      “I’ve been out for quite a long time with loads of injuries, coming back and then getting injured again which was frustrating but I’m just grateful that the manager has put me in, I’m getting my rhythm and fitness back and just happy to help the team whenever called upon.”

      REACTION FROM TANGANGA
      The Spurs defender told BT Sport: “We knew this game was must win and we knew if we won we’d go top of the table and go into the next round playing a lesser team because we’re going to be in a higher pot, so we got the job done, clean sheet as well, happy for the team, well done to everyone.”

      MORE FROM JOSE
      “I am happy but, its the impossible job for every manager to keep every player happy because its impossible, even clubs with less potential than us, people that don’t play are not happy.”

      MOURINHO ON WINKS REACTION TO BEING SUBBED OFF
      “Every player that left the pitch, I told them to go to the shower because with cold weather I always tell the player to go to the shower, some of them decide to go, others they decide to stay but I always tell them if you are substituted with cold weather just go for the shower and stay inside. ”

      JOSE ON KEEPING HIS SQUAD HAPPY
      “How can I keep them happy? I believe all of them are happy because we are winning but I don’t think everybody is happy and that is the nature of football, I cannot make miracles.”

      MORE REACION FROM JOSE
      ” We managed to keep them away from our goal, I don’t remember Joe Hart making a single save, it was a question of trying to kill the game. With us being 0-0 at half time, I had the feeling second half with a bit of intensity and quality they would collapse.”

      REACTION FROM JOSE
      He told BT Sport: “When I thought about the changes the result was 0-0, then we scored the goal but that didn’t change my mind, we needed a little bit more. We needed a little bit more intensity.”

      IMPRESSIVE LO CELSO

      KANE WITH THE ASSIST FOR LO CELSO

      VINICIUS CELEBRATING HIS STRIKE

      ANOTHER EUROPEAN GOAL FOR LO CELSO

      SPURS WIN THE GROUP!

      VINICIUS BACK ON THE SCORESHEET

      ANOTHER ASSIST FOR KANE

      SPURS HEAT MAP

      AVERAGE POSITIONS OF BOTH SIDES

      ACTION AREAS

      FULL TIME

      PEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!!!
      FULL TIME
      TOTTENHAM 2-0 ANTWERP

      TOTTENHAM 2-0 ANTWERP
      90. There will be three minutes of added time.

      TOTTENHAM 2-0 ANTWERP
      88. Antwerp still trying to come forward but that final pass/ball has just not been right all night.
      Spurs look very comfortable as they this out.

      TOTTENHAM 2-0 ANTWERP
      85. Looks like Spurs will avenge their 1-0 defeat in Belgium, they’re in complete control and seeing out the game comfortably.
      Antwerp will see this as a missed opportunity as they will miss out on top spot.

      TOTTENHAM 2-0 ANTWERP
      81. Antwerp still trying to get forward but have lacked a cutting edge all night.
      Spurs look dangerous on the break, particularly Lo Celso who has had an excellent game tonight.

      Load more entries… More

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      Dele Alli walks down tunnel to get warmer coat after Jose Mourinho decides to leave Spurs star as unused sub vs Antwerp

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      DELE ALLI kept it zipped on his latest frustrating night for Tottenham – but popped down the tunnel for a warmer coat when he knew he was not even coming on as a sub.
      The gloved-up England midfielder wrapped up better for the final quarter of an hour after Jose Mourinho made his fifth replacement in the second half as Spurs beat Antwerp 2-0 to top their Europa League group.

      Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli looks relaxed as he keeps warm on the bench despite not coming on against AntwerpCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Dele Alli took the sensible option by wrapping up for the last quarter of an hour as Spurs sealed the win they needed to top their Europa League group

      Unused Tottenham sub Dele Alli put on a thicker coat for the closing stages of the 2-0 victory over Belgians Antwerp

      Alli insists he will fight to regain Mourinho’s faith despite starting just three games this season, sparking interest from PSG.
      But the 24-year-old’s only good news on Thursday came off the pitch when he was named one of Fifa’s top 55 players in the WORLD.
      Fellow players made the FIFPro’s award selections based on last season – also picking his Tottenham team-mates Toby Alderweireld, Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min. 
      Since the last campaign, though, Alli has largely been cast to one side by Mourinho’s Premier League leaders.

      The main exception was a buzzing display in a 4-0 Europa League defeat of  Ludogorets a fortnight ago.
      And Mourinho insists he has no issues with ANY of his players – claiming any exits in the January transfer window would not be up to him.
      He said: “I don’t make decisions about selling a, b or c, or letting d, e or f go on loan.

      “The ones that are not playing enough time in their minds, in their ambitions, they have only one thing to do, which is to use the time they play to show me they are better than the ones having more minutes.

      “I don’t have any problem with Dele. I don’t have any problems with anyone. I’m really happy I don’t have personal issues with any of my players.
      “Players are happier when they play. They’re not happy when they don’t play and I don’t blame them.”

      Spurs dominate Antwerp with a 2-0 result More

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      Leicester 2 AEK 0: Under and Barnes strike as Foxes seal top spot with cruise

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      CENGIZ UNDER scored his first Leicester City goal as Brendan Rodgers’ side comfortably sealed top spot in their group.
      The on-loan Roma winger powered in a spectacular volley to open the scoring after 12 minutes.

      Cengiz Under fired Leicester in front after 14 minutesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And the equally dangerous Harvey Barnes made it two goals in the space of three minutes to all but wrap the game up by the quarter hour mark.
      It means dominant Leicester stayed top of Group G ahead of Sporting Braga and stand the chance of a favourable pairing when the round of 32 is drawn on Monday.
      Turkey International Under caused AEK problems all night as Foxes created a string of chances and should have won by a far more convincing margin.
      Leicester made seven changes from the team that won at Sheffield United on Sunday.

      But Rodgers’ side quickly put to bed any thoughts that they would be going thorough the motions.
      The Foxes back four had a youthful look to it with two 19-year-olds and a 20-year-old joining veteran Jonny Evans.
      But AEK were so ineffective that they rarely tested the Foxes defence.
      Leicester went ahead when Stratos Svarnas failed to deal with Youri Tielemans’ cross and Under smashed his shot home.

      It was a case of job done after 14 minutes when Barnes cut in from the left and found the net at the near post thanks to a deflection off Ionut Nedelcearu,
      Barnes was involved again when he placed an excellent pass for Kelechi Iheanacho who got in a tangle in front of goal and missed a close range chance.
      Wilfred Ndidi’s diving header was just wide of the target from six yards after 43 mnutes.

      Harvey Barnes netted just two minutes later to hand the Foxes a two-goal lead

      And Leicester piled on the pressure with Dennis Praet turning driving from 25 yards – but AEK keeper Panagiotis Tsintotas tipped it over the bar.
      Barnes continued to impress and his solo run after 69 minutes ended with a shot that was inches wide before Sub Ayoze Perez was denied by a scrambling Panagiotis.
      It was Barnes who looked the most likely to score again late on in an outstanding display – but somehow Leicester failed to find the net again. More