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      Why was Emi Martinez not sent off after being shown two yellow cards during Lille vs Aston Villa?

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      ASTON VILLA booked their place in the Europa Conference League semi-finals after beating Lille over two legs.The tie was decided by a penalty shootout – but there was some drama before the decisive penalty…Martinez was the hero in the shootoutCredit: APWhy was Emi Martinez not sent off after being shown two yellow cards?Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez avoided being sent off during Villa’s dramatic win at Lille despite being booked twice by the referee.The Argentine was first shown a yellow card in the 39th minute for timewasting and then was shown another during the penalty shootout.The second booking was for goading the crowd after Martinez saved Lille’s first spot kick from former Tottenham star Nabil Bentaleb – and in celebration, he turned to the French fans, and hit them with a ‘shush signal’.However, the World Cup winner remained on the pitch because yellow cards collected during normal time and extra time do not carry over to the penalty shootout.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIFAB law 10 states that: “Warnings and cautions (YCs) issued during the match (including during extra time) are not carried forward into kicks from the penalty mark (KFPM).”A player who receives a YC during both the match and the KFPM is not sent off.”Martinez went on to save the decisive penalty from Andre to send Villa through to the semi-finals.What’s been said?Speaking post-match, Martinez said: “It’s been hell of a ride all my career. I’m a believer and I’m a hard worker and it was my destiny to win here again.Most read in Football”I’ve got a reputation for time wasting but the other goalkeeper was doing the same but I got booked. There was no ball on the penalty spot so I was asking the ball boy for one. I don’t understand the rules.”I always say all in my career, I owe my team-mates in those moments, even when we were watching Real Madrid last night the manager was saying we might go to penalties and in those moments I own my box.”This group of players and the managers are special, the owners get involved as well, they are always behind us. It feels like we are going to do something special.”I don’t know if it’s Champions League or if it’s Conference League but we try to do everything we can to push the football club.” More

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      Wolves vs Arsenal: Gunners face crucial Prem clash after suffering Champions League heartbreak – stream, TV team news

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      ARSENAL will have to go all out for the Premier League now after suffering European heartbreak – and up next is a tricky test against Wolves.Joshua Kimmich’s powerful header sent the Gunners crashing out of the Champions League, losing 3-2 on aggregate to Bayern Munich.Arsenal got knocked out of the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyOllie Watkins scored a sublime goal against ArsenalCredit: GettyAnd it was a result that meant Mikel Arteta’s side suffered two crucial defeats in four days after losing to Aston Villa at the Emirates last Sunday.Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey both scored past Arsenal’s shaky defence putting a huge dent in the Gunners’ title aspirations.However, Arsenal will be hoping for a quick recovery and they’ll be encouraged by the fact they have scored twelve goals in their last five matches against Wolves – only shipping two in that time.But Gary O’Neil’s men will be determined to get their first win against the Gunners since 2021.Read more on ArsenalWhen is Wolves vs Arsenal?
      Wolves vs Arsenal will take place this Saturday – April 20 in the premier league.
      Kick off is scheduled for 19:30 BST.
      With Wolves being at home, the game will take place at the Molineux which can host 31,500 fans.
      Earlier on in the season Arsenal took all three points with a 2-1 win at home.
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      Wolves vs Arsenal will be broadcast LIVE on SKY Sports Main Events in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to take place at 19:15 BST.
      Any fans not at the game can stream the game on SKY Go.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have coverage of the whole match through our live blog.
      What is the team news?Gary O’Neil’s side will be hoping for the return of Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri to boost their side’s chances.Pedro Neto (Thigh), Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Knee) and Craig Dawson (Groin/Hip/Pelvic) are all confirmed to be out for O’Neil’s Wolves side. Most read in FootballRayan Ait-Nouri (Calf/Shin/Heel) and Nelson Semedo (Thigh) are hoping to travel and play for Wolves.Jurrien Timber seen back in training for their Champions League Semi-Final matchup vs Bayern MunichCredit: GettyElsewhere, Jurrien Timber is hoping to still make a full recovery before coming back into the arsenal squad after injuring his knee/What are the odds?
      Wolverhampton Wanderers to win 7/1
      Draw 4/1
      Arsenal 1/3
      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication More

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      Champions League semi-finals: Dates, CONFIRMED teams and kick off times for last-4 stage

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      WE are heading into the business end of this season’s Champions League.Manchester City are the current holders after they capped off their Treble-winning campaign with the biggest European trophy in football.Manchester City won the Champions League last seasonCredit: GETTYRodri’s 68th-minute strike secured the 1-0 win for Pep Guardiola’s side against Inter Milan in last season’s final.But before we reach this year’s final, four teams will battle it out in the semi-finals – SunSport has all the details below…Which teams are in the Champions League semi-finals?PSG confirmed their spot in the final four after they turned their quarter-final tie against Barcelona around at the Camp Nou.The French giants were beaten 2-1 in the first leg but thrashed the La Liga champions 4-1 in the return leg to book their place in the semi-finals.READ MORE IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUELuis Enrique’s side will face Borussia Dortmund in the final four after the Germans narrowly beat Atletico Madrid 5-4 over two legs.Bayern Munich will face Real Madrid in the other semi-final, following their wins against Arsenal and Manchester City respectively in the quarter-finals.When will the Champions League semi-finals take place?The opening legs of the Champions League semi-finals will take place on April 30 and May 1.While, the second legs are scheduled for a week later on May 7 and May 8.Most read in Champions LeagueAnd the winners of the semi-finals will go head-to-head in the Champions League final on June 1. More

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      Is Sir Jim Ratcliffe running the London Marathon 2024?

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      THE London Marathon is back THIS MONTH and around 50,000 runners are expected to take part.Among the thousands taking to the streets of England’s capital on April 21 will be a host of famous faces, including actors, comedians and TV presenters.The London Marathon is set for April 21Credit: ReutersSir Jim Ratcliffe is set to runCredit: PATed Lasso star Phil Dunster is set to run, as well as Golden Globe winning actress Ruth Wilson.Comedian Romesh Ranganathan and Sky Sports presenter Natalie Pinkham are also set to take part.But Manchester United fans will want to keep an eye out for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s new partial owner.Is Sir Jim Ratcliffe running the London Marathon?The 71-year-old IS set to take part in the marathon this year.Read More on Man UtdSir Jim Ratcliffe will have to beat his PB to make it to WembleyCredit: PAHowever, the big event is on the same day as Manchester United’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Coventry at Wembley.That means he would have to smash last year’s time of 4 hours 30 minutes in order to make it for kick-off.Britain’s richest man recently discussed his love of distance running while appearing on Geraint Thomas’ podcast.Asked how many marathons he has completed in his life, Ratcliffe said: “It’s somewhere approaching 40. My project certainly doesn’t have a one in it!Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I did London last year. I did four and a half. I’m doing London again this year. It’s only six weeks away.”I trained for London last year and I had a hamstring issue. I was out for five weeks and I didn’t have much time to retrain. I went to Africa, it was quite warm and I had a go. It was okay.”Exactly the same thing has happened this year. I’ve had five weeks out with a hamstring so I only started training a week ago for London. It’s not very long. I need to get going.”The Marathon starts in Greenwich, East London and then snakes around the capital before reaching the finishing line in Westminster.From there he would be looking at an hour’s journey at the very least, by car or public transport, to reach Wembley for the match. More

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      in Boxing

      Vasiliy Lomachenko vs George Kambosos Jr: UK start time, live stream, TV channel, undercard for vacant lightweight title

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      VASILIY LOMACHENKO is back in another world title fight as he faces George Kambosos Jr next month. The Ukrainian hasn’t been in the ring since he lost his big undisputed title clash against Devin Haney last summer.Vasiliy Lomachenko lost by the narrowest of margins to Devin HaneyCredit: GettyDevin Haney dominated George Kambosos Jr twice to win his world titlesCredit: GettyBefore that, Haney also beat Kambosos Jr twice but has since vacated his lightweight belts. The IBF strap is up for grabs here with Lomachenko looking to become world champion once again.Kambosos Jr eked out a razor-thin decision over Brit Maxi Hughes in his last fight, with fans and pundits alike favouring the latter on the judges’ scorecards. If he’s to become champ once again, he’ll have to be on top of his game against one of the best fighters of his generation in Loma. When is Lomachenko vs Kambosos Jr?
      Lomachenko’s big clash against Kambosos will take place on Saturday, May 11.
      The bout will be held at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
      The three-fight main card will start at 3am BST, with the main event expected at around 5am BST on Sunday, May 12.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      Lomachenko vs Kambosos Jr will be shown live on Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Main Event in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Lomahenko vs Kambosos Jr full card
      George Kambosos vs. Vasiliy Lomachenko for the vacant IBF lightweight title
      Andrew Moloney vs. Pedro Guevara for the interim WBC super flyweight title
      Nina Hughes vs. Cherneka Johnson for the WBA bantamweight title
      Imam Khataev vs. Ricards Bolotniks; light heavyweight
      Faiga Opelu vs. Joe Goodall; heavyweight
      Lucas Browne vs. Hemi Ahio; heavyweight More

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      Naoya Inoue vs Luis Nery: UK start time, live stream, TV channel, undercard for undisputed super-bantamweight title

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      NAOYA INOUE returns to the ring to defend his undisputed titles against Luis Nery next month. ‘The Monster’ hasn’t been in action since a dominant stoppage win over Marlon Tapales back in December. Naoya Inoue beat Marlon Tapales by KO at the end of 2023Credit: GettyNow he returns to face former two-weight world champion Nery, who was once a highly-touted fighter. Nery has previously fought in Japan against Shinsuke Yamanaka, beating him via TKO in the fourth round.The Mexican failed a drug test after the fight but was later ruled to be due to contaminated food. Nery re-matched and beat Yamanaka but failed to make weight for the bout and was subsequently banned from fighting in Japan.He’s now back to fight in the Land of the Rising Sun, however, but this time he’s up against arguably their greatest ever fighter in Inoue. When is Inoue vs Nery?
      Inoue’s big clash against Nery will take place on Monday, May 6.
      The bout will be held at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan.
      Inoue’s fights usually begin at around 11am in the UK, so you can expect the same here.
      But ring-walks are yet to be confirmed, so check back at SunSport for all the latest updates.
      What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      Inoue vs Nery will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Inoue vs Nery full card
      Naoya Inoue vs Luis Nery – IBF, WBA, WBC & WBO super-bantamweight titles
      Jason Moloney vs Yoshiki Takei
      Takuma Inoue vs Sho Ishida
      Seigo Yuri Akui vs Taku Kuwahara More

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      Coventry vs Man Utd – FA Cup semi-final: United hope to avoid Wembley upset in huge last-4 tie – FREE stream, team news

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Coventry will leave it all on the Wembley pitch as both sides look to book their spot in the FA Cup final.The Red Devils’ inconsistency this season continued when they were held to a controversial draw by Bournemouth last weekend.Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw by BournemouthCredit: GettyCoventry stunned Wolves in the previous roundCredit: PABut Erik ten Hag’s side has shown that they are capable of putting in some incredible performances – most notably the 4-3 thrilling win against Liverpool which earned them a place in the FA Cup semis.And United will be expecting to progress to a second successive FA Cup final following last year’s defeat to noisy neighbours Manchester City.However, with Coventry having already pulled off one upset against Wolves in the last-8, the Championship outfit will have the appetite for another shock win.Furthermore, two Michael Mifsud goals saw the Sky Blues secure a historic victory when the sides last met.Read more on FA CupWhen is Coventry vs Man Utd?
      Coventry and Manchester United’s huge FA Cup semi-final will take place on Sunday, April 21.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 3:30pm BST
      Wembley Stadium is the allocated arena for this encounter and it can host approximately 90,000 passionate fans.
      The Sky Blues pulled off a sensational 2-0 win against United when the sides last met in a 2007 League Cup clash.
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      Coventry vs Manchester United will be broadcast LIVE on ITV1 in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to commence from 2:30pm BST – a whole hour before kick-off.
      Fans can stream the action on the ITV X app or ITV Sport website.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the whole match.
      Can I watch it for FREE?YES!Coventry vs Manchester United will be available to watch for FREE in the UK as long as you have a valid TV license.Most read in FA CupWhat is the team news?Erik ten Hag will have several key players missing for the Wembley day out against Coventry.Raphael Varane (muscular), Victor Lindelof (hamstring), Jonny Evans (muscular), Lisandro Martinez (calf), Luke Shaw (thigh), Anthony Martial (groin) and Tyrell Malacia (knee).However, Scott McTominay could return after suffering a knee injury which ruled him out of the Bournemouth draw. Scott McTominay could return for the FA Cup semi against CoventryCredit: AFPElsewhere, Coventry manager Mark Robbins will have to continue without Tatsuhiro Sakamoto who sustained a back issue in February.What are the odds?
      Coventry to win 11/2
      Draw 4/1
      Man Utd to win 2/5
      To progress to the final
      Coventry 7/2
      Man Utd 1/5
      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication More

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      Man City vs Chelsea: Poch takes on Pep in massive FA Cup semi-final at Wembley – start time, team news, stream

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      CHELSEA thriving off triumph from their Monday night fixture vs Everton will be looking too make it a second consecutive final this season.The Blues had a massive victory in their 6-0 win to struggling Everton, pushing themselves up to 9th in the table.Cole Palmer picked up his 2nd hattrick of his debut season for ChelseaCredit: PAManchester City progressed to 1st in the table over a 5-1 victory over Luton TownCredit: GettyCole Palmer thrived with four goals with Nicholas Jackson and Alfie Gilchrist also contributing to the score.Pochettino will be hoping to get a win over Guardiola after drawing twice vs Guardiola’s men this season.Chelsea have held an impressive record over Man City this season with two draws.With both teams having fanatic wins, who will win this important matchup?When is Manchester City vs Chelsea?
      Man City and Chelsea will take place THIS Saturday – April 20 for their all important FA Cup Semi-Final tie.
      The kick off is scheduled for 17:15 BST.
      Wembley will be the venue for this huge clash and can host up to 90,000 fans.
      In their last matchup Man City fought back for a 1-1 draw after a first half goal from Raheem Sterling.
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      Man City vs Chelsea will be broadcast LIVE on BBC ONE in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to take place at 16:45 BST.
      Fans not at the game can stream the game on BBC iPlayer for free.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have coverage of the whole match through our live blog. 
      What is the team news?Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping for star midfielder Enzo Fernandez to be back for this mammoth tie.Wesley Fofana (Knee), Romeo Lavia (Thigh), Lesley Ugochuckwu (Thigh), Reece James (Thigh) and Christopher Nkunku (Thigh) are all confirmed out with injury.Most read in FootballAxel Disasi (Other), Enzo Fernandez (Other), Raheem Sterling (Illness), Levi Colwill (Toe) and Robert Sanchez (Illness) will be hoping to make an appearance for their Chelsea side.Whereas Pep Guardiola will be looking for John Stones to make a return to his side since he was out with injury. John Stones was last seen in the 1st leg of the Champions league Semi-Final vs Real Madrid at the Bernabéu.Credit: RexWhat are the odds?Manchester City to win 4/9Draw 7/2Chelsea 11/2To reach the finalManchester City 1/5Chelsea 7/2*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication More