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    Iconic Champions League stadium bigger than most Prem grounds shuts down after authorities LOST maintenance manual

    GREECE’S iconic Olympic Stadium has been forced to shut down over grave safety concerns.The Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA) is the country’s biggest sporting complex and hosted the 2004 Olympic Games as well as the Champions League final in 1983, 1994 and 2007.
    Athens’ landmark OAKA Stadium has been forced to shut downCredit: AP
    Greek chiefs lost a manual with detailed instructions regarding OAKA’s maintenanceCredit: AP
    The ground – named after famous 1896 Olympic hero Spiros Louis – holds a capacity of 70,000 and makes it larger than every Premier League stadium bar Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Wembley.
    However, the government decided to close it until further notice due to concerns over the stability of its steel dome.
    All events, including concerts, have been halted indefinitely as the stadium’s roof – as well as that of the cycling track nearby – “did not meet the legally permitted levels of static adequacy”.
    According to journalist Tasos Telloglou, authorities lost a manual with detailed instructions regarding the dome’s maintenance left behind by architect Santiago Calatrava – who built the landmark in 2004.
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    Greek media showed images of the stadium’s crumbling state and claim OAKA had to shut down due to security concerns for fans in attendance.
    According to ERT, prosecutors have already launched a preliminary investigation covering the last five years.
    The government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has faced criticism after promising to revamp it in 2021.
    Sports Minister Yiannis Vroutsis admitted the decision to shut the facilities down was “painful”.
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    Vroutsis added that the government is actively looking for the best solution to resolve the issue, but experts fear it will take a long time until OAKA reopens its doors.
    Panathinaikos used the stadium until very recently but had to move back to Leoforos Alexandras and their historic Apostolos Nikolaidis ground.
    In fact, the Greek giants faced Villarreal in a Europa League clash less than two weeks ago and won 2-1 before heading back to Leoforos. More

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    Liverpool star Cody Gakpo ‘facing WEEKS out’ in huge blow after seeing two key players banned

    LIVERPOOL star Cody Gakpo is set to be sidelined for “several weeks” after injuring himself in the controversial defeat at Tottenham.Jurgen Klopp’s woes are mounting ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Union Saint-Gilloise and the weekend’s Premier League trip to Brighton.
    Jurgen Klopp’s woes are mounting amid injuries and suspensionsCredit: Alamy
    Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo (R) hurt himself while scoring the equaliser at SpursCredit: EPA
    The Netherlands international forward, 24, hurt himself while scoring the equaliser at Spurs on Saturday.
    He was substituted at half-time and was later spotted leaving the ground in a knee brace.
    Now Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink has hinted that he may not be ready to return until after the international break later this month.
    He tweeted: “Cody Gakpo is expected to be out for several weeks at Liverpool. If all goes well, a few weeks. 
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    “The Dutch matches in October do not seem feasible for the former PSV player at the moment.”
    That means that Klopp will be without THREE key men due to injury and suspension for the Brighton game.
    Liverpool suffered a 2-1 loss at Spurs after finishing the game with nine men.
    Curtis Jones was issued a straight red in the first half after his foot slipped on the top of the ball and caught Yves Bissouma.
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    They also had a perfectly good Luis Diaz goal ruled out wrongly for offside after a VAR mix-up.
    That led to the PGMOL issuing a statement admitting that a “significant human error” took place and called the decision “a clear and obvious factual error” by VAR official Darren England.
    It got even worse for Liverpool in the 69th-minute when Portuguese forward Jota, 26, was given his marching orders for a second yellow card.
    That left the Reds hanging on for a draw, but their brave efforts came undone in the final seconds as Joel Matip’s own goal condemned them to defeat.
     Liverpool have broken their silence on the VAR fiasco by slamming those at fault – and promising to “escalate” the issue.
    They released a statement saying they do not accept the explanation given by the PGMOL in their apology.
    It read: “Liverpool Football Club acknowledges PGMOL’s admission of their failures last night. It is clear that the correct application of the laws of the game did not occur, resulting in sporting integrity being undermined.
    “We fully accept the pressures that match officials work under but these pressures are supposed to be alleviated, not exacerbated, by the existence and implementation of VAR.
    “It is therefore unsatisfactory that sufficient time was not afforded to allow the correct decision to be made and that there was no subsequent intervention.
    “That such failings have already been categorised as “significant human error” is also unacceptable. Any and all outcomes should be established only by the review and with full transparency.
    “This is vital for the reliability of future decision-making as it applies to all clubs with learnings being used to make improvements to processes in order to ensure this kind of situation cannot occur again.
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    “In the meantime, we will explore the range of options available, given the clear need for escalation and resolution.”
    Action was taken by the PGMOL on Sunday as they removed VAR England from Nottingham Forest’s draw with Brentford. More

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    Forgotten Premier League star reveals why he dashed off pitch during Europa League clash with hilarious heat map

    MARTEN DE ROON has revealed why he dashed off the pitch during Atalanta’s Europa League clash on Thursday night.The former Middlesbrough midfielder updated fans on social media by sharing a hilarious heat map.
    Marten de Roon shared his hilarious heat map from Thursday nightCredit: twitter @Dirono
    De Roon was forced to leave the pitch to use the bathroomCredit: Rex
    De Roon was seen running off the pitch during his side’s 2-0 win over Rakow Czestochowa.
    He has now revealed that he had to use the bathroom, tweeting out a heat map showing his visit to the loo.
    Alongside the snap, he wrote: “For the people wondering why I ran off the field… Here’s my heat map of the game.”
    Reacting to De Roon’s post, one fan commented: “That’s a very hot bathroom. Vindaloo the night before?”
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    Another added: “Someone ate a hot curry the night before…”
    Meanwhile, a third also wrote: “When you gotta go, you gotta go.”
    De Roon is known for his antics on social media, having trolled his fellow players last summer.
    The Dutch international poked fun at footballers’ typical holidays uploads with his own Photoshopped beach post.
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    Middlesbrough fans will be familiar with De Roon, with the 32-year-old spending the 2016/17 season at the Riverside Stadium.
    He scored four goals in 33 Premier League appearances after signing from Atalanta but was unable to save Boro from the drop.
    After just one season in England he was sold back to Atalanta, where he has remained since.
    De Roon also has one goal in 38 caps for the Netherlands and was a member of their squads for the Euros in 2021 as well as last year’s World Cup. More

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    Shocking moment riot police dodge EXPLOSION as Ajax and Marseille fans clash before Europa League match

    RIOT police were hit with an explosion as they attempted to disperse clashing Ajax and Marseille fans ahead of their Europa League tie.Large numbers of fans from both clubs gathered outside the Johan Cruyff Arena in the build-up to kick-off.
    An explosion was set off next to riot policeCredit: twitter @thecasualultra
    Ajax and Marseille fans clashed ahead of their Europa League matchCredit: twitter @hooliganscz1999
    One fan showed Marseille fans running at Ajax supportersCredit: Twitter @GruppaOF
    Riot police were deployed to separate the two sets of fansCredit: twitter @VoetbalUltras
    One video showed hundreds of Marseille fans, all dressed in black, marching up a street before running at Ajax supporters.
    In another fans could be seen throwing punches next to food stalls outside the stadium.
    Riot police got involved in an attempt to separate the two groups, which resulted in them being the target of violence.
    Police were forced to dodge an explosion that appeared to be a firework, next to a van they had used to create a barrier between fans.

    The NL Times report 12 Marseille fans were arrested – six for carrying a deadly weapon, six others were reportedly arrested for loitering.
    Marseille fans were in the spotlight last year after treating Tottenham to a hostile reception for their Champions League encounter.
    Flares and pyrotechnics were set off outside the Stade Velodrome prior to kick-off, while fireworks exploded near the team hotel during the middle of the night.
    A year before Neymar was pelted by missiles as he went to take a corner at the ground, forcing riot police to shield him from the aggressive Marseille contingent.
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    Marseille fans are set to travel to Brighton in December to take on the Seagulls in the Europa League.
    The match ended 3-3 in a thrilling contest that saw Marseille twice come from behind to level, with former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring twice. More

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    Fans are only just realising Lucas Paqueta’s actual name as he’s subbed off during West Ham’s Europa League clash

    FANS have been left shocked after realising Lucas Paqueta’s actual name.The Brazilian featured during West Ham’s 3-1 win over Backa Topola in their flood-hit Europa League group stage opener.
    Fans were left baffled by TNT Sports substitute graphic for Lucas PaquetaCredit: AP
    But fans are now realising Paqueta’s real nameCredit: Getty
    With the Hammers leading comfortably after late strikes from Mohammed Kudus and Tomas Soucek, West Ham boss David Moyes hooked Paqueta in the 86th minute.
    But fans watching TNT Sports’ coverage of the game were shocked to see a different name come up on the sub graphic.
    Rather than Paqueta, the graphic displayed the name: “Tolentino Coelho de Lima.”
    One baffled fan asked: “[What] The f*** is that name? Why do we call him Lucas Paqueta?”
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    However, the 26-year-old does not actually have Paqueta in his name.
    Instead, his real name is Lucas Tolentino Coelho de Lima.
    So where does Paqueta come from? You may ask.
    Paqueta is in fact the midfielders nickname.
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    It is also a reference to his place of birth on Paqueta Island, located in the Guanabara Bay of Rio de Janeiro.
    Paqueta was the subject of transfer interest from Manchester City before they pulled out of a deal after an FA probe into alleged betting breaches.
    He was seen hugging City boss Pep Guardiola as they played West Ham last weekend. More

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    Rangers 1 Real Betis 0 – Light Blues kickstart Europa League campaign with Ibrox win as Sima goal turns jeers to cheers

    MICHAEL BEALE needed a statement victory.Abdallah Sima delivered it on a night when Rangers turned the jeers to cheers.
    Rabbi Matondo had the best chance of the first halfCredit: PA
    Jack Butland was called into action on several occasionsCredit: Reuters
    Abdallah Sima scores after getting on the end of a scramble in the Betis boxCredit: Reuters
    Life, they say, begins at 40.
    How Beale – who reached that number of games in charge of Gers last night – must hope that rings true.
    Hounded up the tunnel on his last visit home, the embattled Ibrox boss took a huge step on the road to redemption against Real Betis.
    Away wins at Hearts and Hibs last season. Old Firm glory when only pride was at stake.

    It’s been nowhere near good enough.
    But backed into a corner, Beale has come out fighting – masterminding a first win for Rangers over Spanish opposition in 38 years.
    You can only admire the courage he’s shown these past few weeks. 
    In their last Europa League campaign, Gers made it all the way to the final in Seville.
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    On the eve of their latest adventure, Beale claimed his side were “expected” to reach the knockout stages.
    It was a bold statement given his early season woes.
    Just days after being embarrassed in Eindhoven – their Champions League dream ripped apart by PSV – his Rangers side fell four points behind Celtic in the title race.
    Factor in an opening day league defeat at Kilmarnock and Beale is a man with very little credit in the bank.
    He certainly doesn’t have his troubles to seek.
    Danilo, Todd Cantwell and Nico Raskin have all been ruled out until after the international break.
    Had they been fit, all three would surely have started this crucial Group C opener.
    As a result, Beale made four changes to his starting lineup, with Jose Cifuentes, Rabbi Matondo, Sima and Borna Barisic all in from the start.
    Betis left it late before declaring back-up keeper Claudio Bravo fit to face Gers.
    No.1 Rui Silva limped out of the 5-0 hammering against Barcelona at the weekend, with boss Pellegrini fearing he may have to field third choice Fran Vieites.
    With just five minutes gone, Pellegrini had 40-year-old Bravo to thank.
    Kemar Roofe split the Betis defence with a superb pass.
    Rabbi Matondo’s pace took him clear, but he couldn’t find the finish with Bravo getting down well to make the save.
    It was a massive chance – the only real one to speak of for Rangers in a first half largely dominated by the visitors.
    After that early scare, Betis took control of the ball with Isco at the centre of just about everything.
    As his influence on the game grew, so did the Spanish chances.
    With 20 minutes played Borja Iglesias slip a clever ball in behind the Rangers defence.
    Abdessamad Ezzalzouli showed James Tavernier a clean pair of heels, but his effort was well saved by Jack Butland.
    Matondo then inexplicably gave the ball away with Héctor Bellerín latching onto an Iglesias pass.
    He cut back inside Barisic, picking out Isco with the cross.
    You would have backed the former Real Madrid star to at least hit the target, instead he scooped high over the bar.
    On the half hour, Marc Roca picked out Ezzalzouli with another ridiculous pass.
    The winger had a clear sight of Butland’s goal, but he too sent a shot sailing high and wide.
    Four minutes later, the same player once again went close. Cifutenes was robbed of possession in the middle of the park with Betis moving through the gears quickly.
    But once more Ezzalzouli couldn’t hit the target and Gers survived another scare.
    Beale’s men simply couldn’t keep a hold of the ball. 
    Barisic, Tavernier, Matondo, Cifutenes and Lundstram were all guilty of giving it away.
    They did rally towards the end of the half, but other than the save from Matondo, Bravo had had little to do.
    Rangers needed to show more composure in the second half.
    They needed possession of the football.
    Betis hadn’t really been stretched defensively, yet you felt centre half Guido Rodríguez was there to be got at.
    And that’s exactly what Rangers did. On the front foot, they went on the attack.
    Sima got the ball rolling, doing well to pick out Matondo in a crowded Betis box.
    Matondo got his shot away, but Bellerin did just enough to put him off. 
    Moments later Lawrence burst forward, blasting inches past the post from 25 yards out.
    It was better from Rangers. Much more like it.
    Ibrox too was beginning to warm to the occasion.
    Thursday night’s under the lights are always a bit special in this part of the world. 
    Up until now, the home crowd had very little to cheer.
    With 55 minutes on the clock, Barisic almost raised the roof.
    Marc Barta clattered into Roofe right on the edge of the box. 
    Barisic took the free-kick, with Bravo having to tip his curling effort onto the bar.
    It was the closest either side had come to the opening goal.
    A quite sensational run from Matondo then carried Rangers up the length of the park and from the resultant corner Beale’s men snatched the lead.
    It was messy, it was a scramble, but not a single Gers fan inside Ibrox cared.
    Tavernier swung over the corner with sub Sam Lammers heading back across goal. 
    Roofe’s initial point blank effort was superbly saved by Bravo, but Connor Goldson was there to keep the ball alive.
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    As it bobbled around the six yard box, both Ben Davies and Sima went for it – the latter just getting there first.

    Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

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    West Ham’s London Stadium hit by torrential flooding with bars left completely swamped during European fixture

    WEST HAM supporters were left soaked at the London Stadium following a heavy downpour in the East End.The ground’s bars were left completely swamped ahead of their Europa League clash with TSC Backa Topola.
    The weather put a dampener on West Ham’s Europa League clash with TSC Backa TopolaCredit: PA
    The club shared footage of their new ‘waterfall feature’Credit: Twitter
    Water also spilled into the London Stadium’s concourseCredit: Twitter
    The water poured down into the concourse and left some fans soakedCredit: Twitter
    Just as excitement was mounting over their latest European adventure getting underway, the weather put a huge dampening on things.
    Fans were running for cover before the game as heavy rain lashed it down in the capital.
    But even once they were inside the stadium they were still caught up in the eye of the storm.
    West Ham fans shared clips of the conditions on social media.
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    And one video revealed that the torrential rain had caused one of the concourses to flood.
    Luckily, David Moyes’ side were still able to get their Euro campaign up-and-running as the downpour eased off in the lead-up to the 8pm start.
    But as more and more footage from the London Stadium went viral, supporters back in the warmth of their own homes soon took to Twitter to make fun of the situation.
    “A new waterfall feature,” responded one to footage of water pouring into the concourse.
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    Another wrote: “Let’s hope the football is as wet and wild!”
    And even West Ham’s official account got involved, tweeting a clip of water pouring down the side of the stadium and captioning it with: “New waterfall feature now available at the London Stadium.” More

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    Liverpool fans absolutely love Jurgen Klopp’s reaction after Mo Salah scores stunning nutmeg goal in Europa League win

    JURGEN KLOPP was left stunned after Mohamed Salah came off the bench to score a “classy” goal during Liverpool’s Europa League opener against LASK on Thursday.The Reds found themselves 1-0 down just 14 minutes into the clash after Florian Flecker broke the deadlock with an excellent strike.
    Mo Salah scored a late goal as Liverpool claimed a 3-1 winCredit: EPA
    Jurgen Klopp was thrilled after his team clinched a late comebackCredit: PA

    Darwin Nunez levelled the score from the penalty spot in the early stages of the second half following a foul on Luis Diaz, who went on to give Liverpool the lead just seven minutes later.
    And Salah secured the three points with an excellent effort late in the game.
    The winger received the ball from Nunez in the box before running through two defenders and slotting the ball through Tobias Lawal’s legs.
    Fans were quick to notice Klopp’s reaction to the goal after the German manager was spotted with a cheeky grin.
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    One person took to X to write: “Klopp loved that Salah goal.”
    Another added: “Klopp’s face says it all about Salah’s goal. Continues to impress us all every game.”
    While a third fan said: “Klopp’s reaction says it all!”
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    Liverpool supporters were also impressed with Salah’s goal, with one person writing: “That was a classy goal from a tight angle.”
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    The Reds went on to win the game 3-1 to hand Klopp a record-breaking 50th European win with the club. More