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      in Soccer

      What did Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta say about VAR?

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      MIKEL ARTETA was ranging in his post-match press conference after Arsenal’s controversial 1-0 defeat at Newcastle last weekend.The Spaniard’s fury was due to Anthony Gordon’s 64th-minute match winner, which survived THREE VAR checks.
      Mikel Arteta was left fuming after Arsenal’s controversial 1-0 loss to NewcastleCredit: GETTY
      The separate checks on the goal lasted a total of four minutes and six seconds – while they were trying to decide if there was an offside or foul involved, as well as seeing if the ball went out in the build up.
      Arteta could be staring at a ban from the FA for his comments about officials after the game on Tyneside – but what did the Gunners boss say?
      What did Mikel Arteta say about VAR?
      Arteta was left fuming with the decisions against his side in Arsenal’s clash with Newcastle at St James’ Park – and he let his feelings be known in his interview with Sky Sports.
      The Gunners boss said: “I have praised my players for the performance and the way that we played – we didn’t deserve to lose the match.
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      “We lost the match because of the clear and obvious decisions. It’s embarrassing. It’s a disgrace. That’s what it is, a disgrace.”
      And when asked if he will be taking up his frustrations with the PGMOL, Arteta made it clear he would be escalating things.
      He said: “Yeah. We will be taking it for many months. There is so much at stake and we put in so many hours.
      “I am here to represent the football club and to get my team to compete at the highest level.
      Most read in Football
      “The margins are so small. It’s a disgrace. It’s embarrassing. That’s how I feel and that’s how everyone feels in that room [the dressing room].
      “You cannot imagine the amount of messages that we’ve got saying ‘this cannot continue’. It’s embarrassing, I’m sorry, embarrassing.”
      What did Arsenal’s official statement say?
      Arsenal issued a statement on November 5 in support of Mikel Arteta following his passionate rant about VAR.
      It read: “Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening.
      “We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James’ Park.
      “The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better.
      “PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies.
      “We support the ongoing efforts of Chief Refereeing Officer, Howard Webb and would welcome working together to achieve the world-class officiating standards our league demands.” More

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      in Soccer

      Copenhagen vs Man Utd: Red Devils in need of a Champions League double on Danish giants – stream, TV channel, team news

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      MANCHESTER UNITED would slump to the bottom of their Champions League Group with a loss against Copenhagen but a win could propel them into a qualifying spot – fine margins.Andre Onana and Harry Maguire were the unlikely heroes when the Red Devils faced their Danish opponents in the reverse fixture.
      Andre Onana and Harry Maguire helped secure three big points for United last time outCredit: Getty
      Maguire’s header followed by Andre Onana’s stoppage-time penalty save fired United to three crucial points at Old Trafford.
      But since then, the Red Devils have suffered two damning 3-0 loses at the hands of noisy neighbours Manchester City and high-flying Newcastle.
      However, Erik ten Hag’s men will be oozing with confidence as they go into this game off the back of a last-ditch win against Fulham.
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      When is Copenhagen vs Man Utd?

      Manchester United’s crucial Champions League match against Copenhagen will take place on Wednesday, November 8.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm GMT.
      Parken Stadium is the allocated arena for this huge encounter and it can host approximately 38,065 fans.
      United escaped with a 1-0 win when the sides met last month.

      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Copenhagen vs Manchester United will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to commence from 7pm GMT – a whole hour before kick-off.
      Fans also have the option to stream the action through Discovery+
      Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.

      What is the team news?
      Copenhagen boss Jacob Neestrup will be forced to face the Manchester giants without forward Mohamed Elyounoussi who recently suffered a muscular injury.
      While William Clem continues on his road to recovery having sustained a broken leg earlier this season.
      Most read in Champions League
      Elsewhere, Erik ten Hag will be sweating over the fitness of Marcus Rashford who was ruled out of the Fulham win after picking up a heavy knock in training.
      Marcus Rashford could miss a second successive match due to a knock in trainingCredit: Getty
      And it could see the English star sit on the sidelines once again with Casemiro (hamstring), Luke Shaw (muscle), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Lisandro Martinez (foot) and Amad Diallo (knee).
      What are the latest odds?

      Copenhagen 13/4
      Draw 27/10
      Man Utd 4/5

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal vs Sevilla: Gunners look to put Toon nightmare behind them in crucial Champions League game – stream, TV, teams

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      ARSENAL return to Champions League action off the back of two consecutive defeats in all competitions – and Spanish giants Sevilla will be hoping to make it three.A chance of the Gunners lifting a League Cup for the first time since 1993 went up in smoke last Wednesday courtesy of West Ham.
      Newcastle controversially beat Arsenal on SaturdayCredit: Alamy
      And the week progressively got worse as a controversial Anthony Gordon goal saw Mikel Arteta’s men suffer a defeat on Tyneside just four days later.
      However, all attention can now be switched to the Champions League where a win would see the Gunners take a massive step in qualifying for the knockout stages.
      Furthermore, Arsenal will be confident that they can bounce back against Sevilla having escaped Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium with a win in the reverse fixture.
      When is Arsenal vs Sevilla?

      Arsenal’s huge Champions League encounter against Sevilla will take place on Wednesday, November 8.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm GMT.
      Emirates Stadium is the allocated arena for this tasty match and it can host around 60,704 roaring fans.
      Goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus inspired the Gunners to a 2-1 win when the sides met last month.

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      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Arsenal vs Sevilla will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 2 in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to commence from 7pm GMT – a whole hour before kick-off.
      Fans also have the option to stream the action through Discovery+
      Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.

      What is the team news?
      The one recent piece of positivity for Mikel Arteta in the last week is not picking too many fresh injury concerns.
      But the Gunners gaffer will still be without the quartet of Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Jurrien Timber.
      While Martin Odegaard is a doubt after missing out on the Newcastle defeat with a hip problem.
      Most read in Champions League
      Martin Odegaard is a doubt for Arsenal’s encounter with SevillaCredit: Alamy
      Elsewhere, Sevilla boss Diego Alonso will be sweating over the fitness of defending veteran Sergio Ramos and Marcao who both were unavailable on the weekend due to muscle injuries.
      What are the latest odds?

      Arsenal to win 3/10
      Draw 17/4
      Sevilla 9/1

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokesare correct at time of publication More

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      in Soccer

      What is Jude Bellingham’s celebration and why does he perform it?

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM is well known for his skills on the football pitch but one move in particular has captured the attention of his supporters.The sportsman, who signed with Real Madrid for £115million in June 2023, has found himself at the centre of an online trend thanks to his legendary celebration.
      Jude Bellingham has become famous for his goal-scoring celebrationCredit: Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
      What is Jude Bellingham’s celebration?
      Midfielder Bellingham has become known for his iconic celebration on the football pitch.
      His trademark move sees him standing with his arms wide open, beckoning for the crowd to cheer him on.
      In late 2023 a trend emerged that saw videos posted online in tribute to Bellingham’s celebration.
      On social media, hundreds of clips of people – and even some animals – imitating his gesture have been posted.
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      One in particular that sent fans into a frenzy was a clip of tennis player Novak Djokovic seemingly imitating Bellingham’s move.
      The Wimbledon winner performed the celebration in Paris, France, in November 2023 after his win against Holger Rune at the Paris Masters.
      When does Jude Bellingham perform his celebration?
      Bellingham can be seen performing his celebration after scoring a goal.
      The star has had plenty of opportunities to celebrate and, as of November 2023, Bellingham had scored 13 goals for Real Madrid in as many games.
      Most read in Football
      The England player, who played in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, made his official debut for Real Madrid in August 2023 and scored a goal to help his team bag a 2–0 win over Athletic Bilbao.
      Before his transfer to Madrid, for a record-breaking fee, Bellingham played for Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund.
      What has Jude Bellingham said about his celebration?
      Bellingham has commented on the furore surrounding his special goal celebration.
      The football star was quizzed on the origins of his trademark move but it doesn’t appear to have any hidden or deeper meaning.
      Speaking to RMTV, Bellingham said: “The truth is that I don’t know exactly where it comes from.
      “I started doing it in Birmingham and from there I have continued it but there is no reason.”
      He added that he appreciates the support and people imitating the now-iconic gesture, especially the younger fans, saying: “It is a pride that children imitate me.”
      While Bellingham admits to not knowing where the celebration came from, fans on social media have offered their theories.
      Some believe he may have picked up the move from Lionel Messi or Wayne Rooney, while others have credited former Arsenal star Tony Adams as being the inspiration. More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua girlfriend: Is the heavyweight boxer dating?

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has attracted plenty of attention for his performances in the ring ever since he made his boxing debut in October 2013.The 6ft 6in boxing star has enjoyed a hugely successful career in the sport, but fans have been equally interested in what’s going on in his personal life.
      Anthony Joshua’s success in his boxing career has left fans curious about his dating life (Credit: Doug Seeburg – The Sun)
      Is Anthony Joshua dating?
      As of November 2023, Joshua doesn’t appear to be in a romantic relationship.
      Fans have continued to be curious over the star’s dating life throughout his career, despite the boxer keeping his private life out of the spotlight.
      In 2022 AJ’s supporters were sent into a frenzy when he made an appearance at a UFC show in London wearing what looked like a wedding ring.
      It was later revealed, however, that the piece of jewellery was actually a £300 Oura Ring – a hi-tech fitness tracker.
      MOST READ IN BOXING
      Who has Anthony Joshua dated?
      AJ has been linked to a number of famous women since embarking on his sporting career, including supermodels Cara Delevingne and Bella Hadid.
      In October 2023 the boxer dismissed rumours of any A-list flings that have hit the headlines, saying: “I haven’t actually been with any of those girls, by the way”.
      He then admitted that he been dating since being in the public eye, but nobody famous.
      He said: “I’ve had girlfriends, but you could be in the local supermarket or in the local petrol station when we meet”.
      One former girlfriend who does play a significant part in AJ’s life is Nicole Osbourne, the mother of his son Joseph Joshua, known as JJ.
      Anthony, who lives with his mum, social worker Yeta, and Nicole first met when they were teenagers and welcomed JJ together on October 6, 2015.
      It was reported at the time that Joshua had bought a £500,000 flat in Finchley, North London for his son and ex-girlfriend.
      Although Anthony and Nicole are not in a relationship, the star has showered the mother of his son with praise.
      Speaking to Louis Theroux in the documentary maker’s BBC Two series, Anthony said: “She’s an amazing woman, you know.
      “We got together in 2005, we were about 15 or 16 years old.
      “I have so much respect for her”.
      Joshua regularly posts adorable pictures of himself and his son on his Instagram account, much to the delight of his social media followers.
      In 2018 the boxer told GQ magazine that he wouldn’t want JJ to follow in his footsteps and step into the ring.
      He explained: “It’s too hard…It’s a dangerous sport.
      “I want my son to be the best man that he can be, but I don’t want him to be compared to me.
      “You’re not going to be a boxing star without going through heaps of pain”.
      Most read in sport
       What has Anthony Joshua said about dating?
      Joshua himself once said he doesn’t have a lot of time for girlfriends, and couldn’t see himself settling down until his boxing career is over.
      He told the Evening Standard in 2017:”If people can ride with me for the next 10 to 12 years I would really appreciate it, but if they can’t foresee the future I’d rather they jump off the boat because I can’t stop for no one right now.
      “I was speaking to my coach, who worked with Carl Froch who had a 12-year career.
      “One day it does finish and now he has all the time in the world to think about business, family.”
      He then reiterated this sentiment in 2020, telling The Sun: “I think you can date and still be a successful sportsman but it’s hard to find a balance and I would have to compromise — which I’ve not felt able to do.”
      Despite these admissions about dating, Joshua has found himself linked to plenty of lovely ladies over the years. More

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      in Soccer

      Borussia Dortmund vs Newcastle: Magpies seek revenge on Germans in huge Champions League clash – stream, TV, team news

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      NEWCASTLE will travel to Germany to take on Borussia Dortmund at the Signal Iduna Park in a huge Champions League clash on Tuesday night.Edin Terzic’s side snatched all three points when the two last met at St James’ Park two weeks ago.
      Borussia Dortmund leapfrogged Newcastle after their 1-0 win at St James’ ParkCredit: GETTY
      It was the first time the Magpies have been beaten in the Champions League since they made their return to Europe’s elite competition after Felix Nmecha’s goal gave Dortmund the spoils on Tyneside.
      Since their defeat in Europe, Newcastle are unbeaten and go into the match on the back of a controversial 1-0 win against Arsenal in the Premier League.
      Meanwhile, Dortmund were on the end of a 4-0 thrashing from rivals Bayern Munich in their last outing.
      When is Borussia Dortmund vs Newcastle?

      Borussia Dortmund vs Newcastle will take place on Tuesday, November 7.
      Kick off will be at 5.45pm GMT.
      Signal Iduna Park will host.

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      What TV channel is Borussia Dortmund vs Newcastle on and can it be live streamed?

      Borussia Dortmund vs Newcastle will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 1.
      TNT Sports customers can live stream all the action via the discovery+ app.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

      Team news
      The hosts will likely be without former Liverpool midfielder Emre Can as he continues to struggle with a hip injury.
      Dortmund’s Julian Duranville and Matu Morey will remain unavailable for the visit of Newcastle on Tuesday night.
      Eddie Howe will be sweating over the fitness of local lad Dan Burn after he went off at halftime against Arsenal with a back injury.
      Most read in Champions League
      Tuesday night’s game is likely to come too soon for forward Alexander Isaka as he continues to recover from a groin problem.
      Long-term absentees Matt Targett, Harvey Barnes and Sven Botman will all miss the trip to Germany.
      What are the odds?

      Borussia Dortmund – 31/20
      Draw – 12/5
      Newcastle – 8/5

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      in Soccer

      What happened to Luis Diaz’s dad?

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      LUIS DIAZ paid tribute to his kidnapped father after his late equaliser against Luton.Heading home in the 95th minute, he lifted his shirt to reveal the words ‘Libertad Para Papa’, ‘Freedom for my father’.
      Luis Diaz dedicated his late equaliser against Luton to his kidnapped fatherCredit: AP
      What happened to Luis Diaz’s dad?
      Luis Manuel Díaz Jimenez, 58, was taken hostage at gunpoint alongside his wife on Saturday, October 28, at a petrol station in Colombia.
      The footballer’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was rescued within hours by police – but Diaz’s father is yet to be found.
      The Colombian government have said that the group Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional, known as ELN, are responsible for the kidnapping.
      A representative of the group confirmed that they will release Diaz’s father imminently after they verified his relation to the Liverpool star.
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      Colombian authorities have offered a reward of $200,000,000 Peso (£40,600) for any information that leads to Luis Manuel Diaz’s return.
      The Liverpool star’s mum, Cilenis Marulanda, held back tears as she demanded her husband’s release.
      Wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with her his face and the message ‘your family is waiting for you’, she told reporters: “I want them to release him now.
      “That the people who are keeping him free him now back to me, because we want to have him back home.”
      Most read in Football
      What did Luis Diaz say in his official statement?
      Following Luis Diaz’s late equaliser against Luton, he released the following statement on his father’s kidnapping, it read: “Today the footballer player is not speaking to you, today Lucho Diaz, the son of Luis Manuel Diaz, is speaking to you. My dad is a tireless worker, our pillar in the family and he is kidnapped.
      “I ask the ELN for the prompt release of my dad, and I ask international organizations to intercede for his freedom. Every second, every minute, our anguish grows.
      “My mother, my brothers and I are desperate, distressed and without words to describe what we are feeling. This suffering will only end when we have him back home.
      “I beg you to release him immediately, respecting his integrity and ending this painful wait as soon as possible. In the name of love and compassion, we ask that you reconsider your actions and allow us to recover him.
      “I thank the Colombians and the international community for the support received, thank you for so many demonstrations of love and solidarity in this difficult time that many families in my country find themselves living.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Who is Fernando Alonso’s rumoured new girlfriend Melissa Jiménez?

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      FERNANDO Alonso separated from long-term girlfriend Andrea Schlager earlier this year, and has since been romantically linked with Taylor Swift.And now rumours abound that the racing Romeo is dating the ex of a former Barcelona star — Melissa Jiménez.
      Melissa Jimenez used to married to Real Betis defender Marc BartraCredit: Refer to Caption
      Who is Melissa Jiménez?
      Melissa María Jiménez Dionisio was born in Lieja, Belgium on June 26, 1987.
      She used to be married to ex-Barca, now Real Betis defender Marc Bartra and has three kids with him.
      The couple announced they had been separated for some time in January 2022.
      Rumours of her dating Fernando Alonso surfaced earlier this year, but both have kept quiet about it and there has been no confirmation so far.
      READ MORE ON FERNANDO ALONSO
      What does Melissa Jiménez do for a living?
      Jimenez is a sports journalist who currently works for DAZN.
      Melissa is a MotoGP nut who covers motorsport specifically and could have found romance with Alonso in the paddock.
      She began her career at the television channel 25TV and has also worked for Sky’s Italian division on the programme Skysprt24h.
      When were Fernando Alonso and Melissa Jiménez first rumoured to be dating?
      In May 2023 Alonso was pictured with a fan and eagle-eyed social media users think sportscaster Melissa is in the background, fuelling rumours of the pair becoming a couple.
      Most read in Motorsport
      The Spaniard shared the news of splitting up with long-term girlfriend Andrea Schlager on Instagram just hours after his podium finish at the Australian Grand Prix on April 2.
      Like Jiménez, Schlager is a sports commentator known for her work in Formula One and MotoGP — she met Fernando through her F1 commitments.
      In a statement he wrote: “We wanted to tell you that our relationship as a couple ended. 
      “We have been lucky enough to share a fantastic time together, and it will continue to be so, but on a different form of affection.
      “As you have probably seen, we have continued working on and off track on various projects together also during this time, and we will keep doing so with deep love and respect for each other.
      “We thought it is appropriate to share this as you have all been very supportive. Thanks for that. Love Fer & Andrea.”
      What other stars has Fernando Alonso been linked to in the past?
      Alonso and singer Raquel Del Rosario — who was lead singer for Spanish rock band El Sueno de Morfeo — met in 2005 after she performed at a concert to mark his first F1 title.
      The couple married secretly in 2006 but only confirmed it publicly two years later, and lived together in Oxford and Switzerland.
      In 2011 they confirmed their break-up in a joint statement: “This has been a very thought about and mutual decision.
      “We are separating from marriage, but never as friends, and there is still a very strong affection and mutual admiration to ensure the happiness of the other.”
      After his split from Raquel, Alonso quickly moved on with former Miss Switzerland runner-up Xenia Tchoumitcheva.
      The talented Russian model, who has a degree in economics, has had an even more colourful career than her ex.
      After bagging an internship at JP Morgan, she was offered roles at Merrill Lynch and Duet Group, but decided to swap the stock market for the pop charts — releasing a rap single.
      In 2012 Alonso found love with another Russian model — Dasha Kapustina.
      The besotted pair were frequently seen together around the paddock, but after two years together their romance quietly fizzled out.
      Alonso quickly fell head over heels after meeting journalist Lara Alvarez in December 2014, but by 2016 the 16-month relationship had come to an end.
      Alonso’s next flame, Viki Odintcova, has no shortage of admirers in the sports world — even claiming she ignored Instagram DMs from Cristiano Ronaldo.
      After being snapped supporting him at races in 2016, Fernando and Italian lingerie model Linda Morselli confirmed their relationship with an Instagram post the following year.
      After half a decade together, the couple went their separate ways last year.
      Alonso’s next relationship was with Andrea Schlager, who he announced his separation from in April 2023.
      Read More on The Sun
      In May Spanish magazines began linking Alonso to pop star Taylor Swift, who was then newly-single.
      The two-time world champion fuelled the flames when he posted a video of himself winking as he listened to her hit song Karma. More