Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Shocking moment footballer KOs opponent and leaves him sprawled on floor with sick punch as cup final turns ugly

      by

      THIS is the mad moment a match in Uruguay got out-of-hand over the weekend.Paysandú Interior faced off against rivals Mercedes in the OFI National Selection Cup.A Uruguayan match between Paysandú Interior and Mercedes got out of hand at the deathThe home team prevailed in the first leg – beating the current champions 1-0.But, the game won’t be remembered for Kevin Guinco’s goal halfway through the second half.With two minutes remaining, tempers flared in the tight contest.A foul by the visitors’ player Mario Gonzalez led to a melee involving Enzo Echeveste, who charged towards his opponent.Read more football newsEcheveste grabbed Gonzalez from behind by his neck as Paysandú Interior players surrounded him.Unperturbed, Gonzalez swung a right hook towards Echeveste – connecting with his chin.The punch knocked the player out – leaving him motionless on the pitch as the perpetrator walked off.Unsurprisingly, Gonzalez was shown a red card for the act of violent conduct.Most read in FootballLast month, a similar incident happened on our shores when a frustrated coach hit out at a linesman.Football match descends into chaos with huge brawl and players punching each other Robert Williams-Jones was managing Amlwch Town FC when he grew frustrated at his team’s 8-0 scoreline.Just 15 minutes into the match, the 43-year-old was filmed landing a blow on the linesman – leaving him sprawled on the ground.Footage then showed spectators and staff rushing over to the dugout to help the official, whose age hasn’t been released.Williams-Jones pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm but avoided a prison term.The thug was instead handed a 24 week sentence suspended for 12 months at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court. More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Mo Salah breaks SIX records as Liverpool easily dismantle Man City and Reds star could beat Messi’s best ever season

      by

      MO SALAH’s record-breaking season continued in style as Liverpool saw off Manchester City at the Etihad. The Egyptian forward, 32, scored and assisted as the Reds ran out comfortable 2-0 winners in the Premier League champions’ backyard. Mo Salah broke another six remarkable records on Sunday afternoonCredit: PAThe Liverpool superstar notched another goal and assist as the Reds beat Man CityCredit: GettySalah has now contributed more than 50 goals and assists combined this seasonCredit: GettySalah has now racked up an incredible 51 combined goals and assists this season across all competitions.He has now reached 25 goals and 16 assists in the Premier League alone – with 11 top-flight games still to go. The remarkable season comes as the 32-year-old’s contract future at Anfield remains uncertain. But fans were left in awe as he put in a world-class performance to shatter SIX more records in a single evening. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSalah swept in Liverpool’s opener at Eastlands, finding the top corner as City’s defenders gave him far too much space from an early set-piece. He later laid on the second goal for Dominik Szoboszlai, cutting in from the left before the Hungarian lashed past Ederson. Salah’s goal and assist make him the first player in Premier League history to register over 40 goal involvements in TWO different seasons, per Squawka. He is also the first player in Europe’s top five leagues to be directly involved in 50 goals across all competitions this season. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSalah has now scored AND assisted in 11 different Premier League games this season.That’s the most since a certain Lionel Messi achieved the same feat for Barcelona in 2014/15.Liverpool star Mo Salah enjoys casual stroll down Blackpool Pier on rare day off Former England midfielder Steve McManaman had long held the assist record at Anfield, grabbing 15 in the 1995/96 season. But Salah has now taken that record as well, with his 16 assists this season more than any other Liverpool player ever in Premier League history. And Salah’s record-breaking day didn’t end there. His goal and assist made him the first player in Premier League history to score AND assist in both games against the reigning champions in a single season.Salah’s six new recordsMo Salah’s heroics against Manchester City saw him smash a number of club and Premier League records.Salah is now the first player in Premier League history to register 40-plus goal involvements in TWO different seasons.He’s the first player across Europe’s top five leagues in 2024/25 to be directly involved in 50 goals across all competitions.Salah has now scored and assisted in 11 Premier League games this season, the most in a single season in one of Europe’s big five leagues since Barcelona’s Lionel Messi in 2014/15. The Egyptian has provided more assists in 2024/25 than any other Liverpool player in a single Prem campaign. The first player in Premier League history to score AND assist in both games against the reigning champions in a single season. First Prem player to score 25 plus goals and register over 15 assists in a season. To top things off, Salah is now the first player to score over 25 goals and register more than 15 assists in a single Prem season. He is also closing in on Messi’s all-time greatest LaLiga season, which saw the Argentine rack up 61 combined goals and assists, per StatMuse. Liverpool fans were also keen to compare Salah’s heroics with Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the same age. Aged 32 in 2019/20, Messi made 58 goal contributions during his time at Barcelona. READ MORE SUN STORIESRonaldo was at Real Madrid in 2017/18 when the same age, securing 52 goals and assists.Salah has 51 contributions as of February 23 – and still has at least 14 games left to go. More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal are more mentality muppets than monsters and you can see why fans have major reservations over Mikel Arteta

      by

      JURGEN KLOPP described his never-say-die Liverpool team as mentality monsters.So what are Arsenal under Mikel Arteta?Mikel Arteta’s side appear to be out of the title raceArsenal lost 1-0 to West Ham when it mattered most on SaturdayOn the back of this latest title collapse, they are English football’s mentality muppets.Saturday’s abject display at the Emirates was surely confirmation the club’s wait for a title, which now stands at 21 years, will continue.It is Arsenal’s longest gap for a title post-war and you have to wonder if Arteta is actually capable of getting them over the line.This was their first Premier League defeat in 16 matches and only the third of the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut this was an absolute must-win and Arsenal bottled it just when they needed to show some b******s. You can see why Arteta was so angry afterwards. Conspiracy theorists — and there are certainly a few of them about — will complain about Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card, their fifth of the season, with the team dropping ten points in those games.Incredibly, this was the 20th sending-off in the top flight under Arteta, so it is absurd to blame the officials for all of them.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal have had some bad decisions go against them this term and Lewis-Skelly’s foul on Mohammed Kudus was on the halfway line.But it was still a red card.  Arteta has spent over £600million, so he has been backed heavily by the club.Arsenal player ratings vs West Ham (1)The decision not to sign a No 9 in the summer — or in January — was obviously ludicrous.It would have helped. But looking at this current team, you have to wonder whether that will have solved all their problems because there are just so many flaky  players in this squad.Due to the spectacular fall of Manchester City, this season was a great opportunity for Arteta.You can see why some of the club’s fans are now having major reservations over their manager.He will be given even more cash next summer. But if Arsenal find themselves in a similar situation in 12 months’ time, then the club may consider a change – even though it would break  hearts.Arteta has been hit badly by injuries this season which is why the team have gone backwards.And maybe they can still deliver something magical in the Champions League.Yet Liverpool suffered unbelievably bad luck last term with  injuries and, while they fell away in the league, Klopp’s team somehow managed to win the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea — even though they ended the game with a bunch of teenagers.Jarrod Bowen’s goal all but ended Arsenal’s title dreamsJurgen Klopp described his never-say-die Liverpool team as mentality monstersArsenal’s approach to the West Ham game was completely wrong. There was a lack of belief, desire and intensity, as well as quality.Equally, the visitors defended superbly and new boss Graham Potter seems a perfect fit.Over the last couple of seasons, the atmosphere at the Emirates has been superb, the best since the move to the stadium in 2006.Yet there was no buzz before or during this game. And it seemed as though the supporters were resigned to their team’s fate.Mikel Merino was the two-goal hero against Leicester a week earlier in his first ever-game as a central striker.You can see why Arteta started him in this position owing to the lack of options but the Spaniard looked lost up front.The defending for the opening goal from Jarrod Bowen before half-time was embarrassing, with Riccardo Calafiori deciding not to bother to stop a cross from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.Calafiori, a £42m summer buy from Bologna, is still adjusting to the Prem but this display was just not good enough.Arteta’s decision to relegate Lewis-Skelly to the bench was curious, particularly as he was also substituted at Leicester just minutes after he delivered a stunning goal-saving intervention.The one positive was the sight of defender Ben White returning to action after three months out.READ MORE SUN STORIESNow Arteta must lift his team for Wednesday’s tricky trip to Nottingham Forest.And at the very least, Arsenal’s players need to start showing that they actually care.Arsenal player ratings vs West HamMYLES Lewis-Skelly’s second red card of 2025 appeared to put the final nail in Arsenal’s title dreams and any chances of them catching Liverpool.The Gunners lost 1-0 to West Ham and failed to respond to Jarrod Bowen’s opener on the brink of half-time.The Hammers’ wall stood firm as Arsenal registered just two shots on target before Lewis-Skelly’s last-man foul on Mohammed Kudus was upgraded to a red after ref Craig Pawson went to the monitor.And Liverpool fans will breathe a sigh of relief given their recent dip in form as Arsenal remain EIGHT points behind Arne Slot’s men.Here SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rates every Arsenal player from the Emirates Stadium.DAVID RAYA – 5Declan Rice indicated to Raya that he expected him to come off his line to deal with the cross for the goal.Maybe he had a point but ultimately, Raya was let down by his defenders.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6West Ham did not offer much of a threat down their left so Timber had a reasonably comfortable game while he did try and get forward. WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Was ordered by Mikel Arteta to push forward more in the second half when Arsenal had possession and in the closing stages, seemed to spend more of his time in West Ham’s area.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Switched off for the Bowen goal but he was not the only one. Also found the impressive Kudus tough to handle when he cut inside.Guilty of delivering an abysmal cross late in the game when Arsenal needed a bit of quality.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 4A poor performance. Given the nod ahead of Lewis-Skelly but badly at fault for the opening goal as he did not get close enough to Aaron Wan-Bissaka who delivered the cross to Bowen.Was replaced after he kept losing the ball.DECLAN RICE – 5Not a day he will want to remember against his former club and he got plenty of stick from West Ham’s fans, as you would expect.Wasted one chance before the break and failed to track Bowen for the goal. Substituted shortly into the second half which was a surprise.THOMAS PARTEY – 5A sluggish performance from Partey whose passing was also poor. Lucky not to be replaced.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Had a fascinating battle with West Ham teenager Ollie Scaries, who  was making his first Premier League start.Nwaneri was excellent at Leicester but had less success against his fellow youngster although still had some bright moments.But, at least he has a bit of a spark unlike some of his more experienced team-mates. The 17-year-old sparked concern when he came off injured in the final 10.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5Not having his best season at Arsenal. This was the sort of game Arsenal needed their captain to deliver a moment of inspiration but he failed to do so. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5Not a surprise that he was not used as a false nine like that disastrous experiment against Leicester.But he had no joy against the impressive Wan-Bissaka.MIKEL MERINO – 5Was the two-goal hero in his first ever appearance as a substitute striker at Leicester but had no success against West Ham’s well-drilled defence.He looked lost out there as the makeshift No 9.SUBS:Myles Lewis-Skelly (for Calafiori 56 minutes) – 4Got a red card – Arsenal’s fifth of the campaign – and although he was a long way out could have no complaints.Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Rice 56 minutes) – 6Raheem Sterling (for Nwaneri 81 minutes) – N/ABen White (for Saliba 87 minutes) – 5Was handed his first Premier League minutes since returning to the squad for last week’s Leicester win. Subs not used: Neto, Tierney, Kiwior, Jorginho, Butler-Oyedeji. More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Forgotten former £17million Arsenal striker joins PSV on free transfer just weeks before Champions League tie

      by

      EX-ARSENAL ace Lucas Perez has made the 14th transfer of his career to the 12th different club after signing for PSV Eindhoven.The 36-year-old sealed a free transfer to the Eredivisie giants just weeks before the two sides face off in the last-16 of the Champions League.Lucas Perez has sealed the 14th transfer of his career by signing for PSVIt comes weeks before Arsenal are due to play the Dutch club, though he cannot be registered to face his old clubCredit: PA:Empics SportHe has signed for PSV after unexpectedly terminating his contract at Deportivo La Coruna in JanuaryCredit: GettyArsenal secured their passage after finishing in the top eight of the new league phase of the competition, while PSV stunned Juventus with a 4-3 aggregate victory in the knockout play-offs.The first leg of the clash will be played in the Netherlands on March 4, with the Emirates playing host to the second leg on March 12.And just weeks before the tie the Dutch club have brought in a familiar face for Arsenal fans.However, Perez will not be eligible to play against the Gunners due to the registration date for the competition passing on February 6.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPerez had been a free agent after unexpectedly ripping up his Deportivo La Coruna contract in January for personal reasons.The Spanish striker has now signed a short-term contract to the end of the season to sign with PSV, where he will wear the No.27 shirt.In a statement, he said: “I can’t wait to show myself to the fans and my new team-mates. “I am very ambitious and am looking forward to delivering many goals and assists. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”My first impression of the club is very good, I get energy from the people I have already met.”PSV were on top of it right away and did everything they could to bring me to Eindhoven.‘Second again, ole ole’ – Brutal West Ham fans taunt Arsenal with three cheeky chants after stunning the Emirates”That did me a lot of good. Unfortunately, it took a bit longer than planned before a final agreement was reached, due to personal reasons on my part. “I found a solution for that and I am very grateful for the fact that the PSV management remained so patient.”He will join the team’s training group on Monday to work under Peter Bosz.The veteran added: “I am extremely driven to help this club achieve its other objectives, including winning the national title and national cup.””I have worked very hard in recent weeks, both on and off the field. I am more than ready to prove myself here.”Perez originally joined Arsenal in 2016 in a £17million transfer from Deportivo.But he never managed to truly settle in North London despite having a solid record when playing, with seven goals and five assists in 21 games in all competitions.Arsenal loaned Perez back to his hometown club, Deportivo in August 2017 before they sold him to West Ham the following summer.He scored six goals in 19 appearances for the Hammers before they sold him a summer later to Spanish side Alaves.Perez then bounced around from Elche to Cadiz and back to Deportivo for the fourth time in his career.READ MORE SUN STORIESOverall he has scored 62 goals and added 53 assists in 172 games for the Spanish side.His other clubs include Atletico Madrid C, Rayo Vallecano B, Rayo Vallecano, Karpaty Lviv, Dynamo Kyiv (where he never made an appearance), and PAOK Saloniki before signing for Deportivo.Perez also played for West Ham during his time in EnglandCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

    • 150 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil makes shock career change after retiring from football

      by

      FORMER Arsenal star Mesut Ozil has made a shock career change after retiring from football.The German-born Wold Cup winner has entered the world of POLITICS.Mesut Ozil has made a shock career change after retiring from footballOzil  made 244 appearances for the Gunners between 2013 and 2021Ozil has been a longtime supporter of Turkish president Recep Tayyip ErdoganOzil has become a member of Turkey’s ruling AK Party’s central council at a congress meeting in Ankara.The legendary midfielder was one of 39 new appointees into a key decision-making body called the Central Decision and Executive Board (MKYK).Ozil, who ended his club career in 2023 with Istanbul Basaksehir, has been a longtime supporter of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.Tens of thousands gathered in a sports hall congress as Erdogan secured his ninth re-election as AKP’s leader.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe congress was attended by 31 representatives from 16 political parties across 13 countries, along with 62 ambassadors and 34 mission representativesIn 2019, Ozil chose Conservative leader Erdogan as the best man at his wedding to Amine Gulse, a former Miss Turkey.But his association with Erdogan has previously sparked controversy.A 2018 photo of Ozil and fellow German star Ilkay Gundogan alongside Erdogan triggered a political backlash in Germany.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOzil, previously held up as a symbol of a multicultural Germany, retired from the German national team soon after.He said: “I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose.”Mesut Ozil shows off incredible body transformation in new video as ex-Arsenal star takes fans inside insane workoutsThe third-generation Turkish-German was born in Gelsenkirchen and was a key member of his country’s 2014 World Cup-winning side.He won 92 caps and was voted the national team’s player of the year five times since 2011 by fans.Now, with his political career taking shape, Ozil is set to play a new role within Turkish politics under Erdogan’s leadership.But in his prime, he was regarded as one of football’s best playmakers.Ozil scooped trophies with Werder Bremen, Madrid and Arsenal during a glittering club career.His incredible body transformation made headlines last September.He wowed fans when he lifted up his top to show his ripped six-pack, captioning an Instagram post: “1 year very hard work.”READ MORE SUN STORIESReacting to the body transformation, one follower wrote: “Animal.”Another added: “Bro is going to WWE.”Ozil’s sensational body transformation made headlines last SeptemberThe German has undergone a crazy body transformation More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd flop Antony gets straight red card for moment of madness in Real Betis clash… after sublime first half assist

      by

      ANTONY went from Real Betis hero to zero after a moment of madness against Getafe.The on-loan Brazilian, 24, notched up another assist as Betis beat the hosts 2-1 on Sunday. Antony has bagged another assist for Real BetisCredit: GettyThe on-loan Manchester United forward broke away after beating two men for paceAntony took his team down the field before cutting inside onto his left footThe Brazilian found Isco in the box, who bundled into the bottom cornerAntony’s day took a turn after he was sent off late in the contestCredit: GettyHe was given his marching orders for a late, reckless lunge on Juan IglesiasAntony joined the Spanish side last month on loan from the Red Devils. The £85million flop infamously left Old Trafford after clocking up more yellow cards than goals over the past three seasons. But he looks like a player reborn under Manuel Pelligrini at Betis. Antony has netted three times since heading to Spain on loan, bagging three Player of the Match awards in the process. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd he turned provider for pal Isco during Sunday’s contest at Getafe’s Coliseum.Antony picked up the ball well inside his own half, beating two men for pace as he burst forward.The Brazilian cut back onto his left foot, before finding Isco in the box with a perfect pass.Former Real Madrid star Isco did the rest, giving Antony his second assist since leaving Old Trafford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne Man Utd fan raged: “This is getting out of hand, Antony is actually cooking in La Liga.”Another said: “Antony deserves an apology. My man is on fire. POTM for sure atm.”Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers everWhile a third claimed: “Something must be in the waters in Old Trafford.”And a fourth joked: “Love the look of this Antony, we should sign him!”But the tide turned against the Brazilian in the second half, despite Betis doubling their lead through Isco. Getafe halved the deficit through Borja Mayoral and pushed for a late equaliser. Antony lost out in a foot race with Juan Iglesias in the 94th minute.And he recklessly decided to leap into a wild tackle from behind, scything down the 26-year-old Spaniard. Antony was shown a straight red – and will now miss the visit of Real Madrid on March 1. Man Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure.The winger now has more goals and assists for Betis in six games than he managed in his last 41 for United.The 24-year-old appears to have immediately settled in Spain.And he puts his success down to being happy, suggesting he feels more calm and at ease in Betis.Antony told AS: “I’ve had a great time in Manchester too, I won two titles and I’m very grateful.“But when I say that I’ve found myself here, I’m happy, the people are like us in Brazil. The sun helps a lot.“I’m very happy here. I wake up every day with a smile and that’s very important.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I have a lot of friends who played here and they left me very calm so that I could sign here. “I was sure in my heart that coming here was the best decision for me. I hope to continue like this.” More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Daniel Sturridge makes embarrassing blunder live on Sky Sports during Man City vs Liverpool as presenter corrects him

      by

      DANIEL STURRIDGE made an embarrassing gaffe on pundit duty for Sky Sports.The former Man City and Liverpool star was on duty at the Etihad for Super Sunday, as his ex-clubs faced off against each other.Daniel Sturridge made an embarrassing blunder on Sky SportsSturridge called on City to introduce Haaland into the game who wasn’t even fit to playCredit: GettyCity trailed at the break 2-0, as presenter David Jones asked if he could see them getting back into the game.He said: “They’ve been prying away and giving themselves opportunities.”But when they’re getting crosses in the box, there’s not that presence in the box to get on the end of it.”So, we might end up seeing Haaland at some stage in the game.”Read more football news Norwegian hotshot Erling Haaland – who Sturridge referred to – was deemed unfit to be included in City’s squad before the clash.That prompted Sky Sports presenter David Jones to interrupt.Jones said: “Not Haaland today because he’s, of course, missing. But maybe there might be one or two options they can turn to.”Fans online couldn’t help but notice Sturridge’s mistake.Most read in FootballOne wrote on X: “Sturridge had a stinker there.”Daniel Sturridge suffers wardrobe malfunction live on Sky Sports during Chelsea’s defeat to Man City A second posted: “Sturridge has just been embarrassed there.”While a third added: “Someone give Daniel Sturridge a team sheet.”Sturridge is used to getting some attention on punditry duty for Sky Sports.On his debut in 2023, he showed his flamboyant side by singing an initiation song alongside Micah Richards and Roy Keane.While back in August last year, he suffered a wardrobe malfunction when one of the buttons on a shirt had broken.Without Haaland, Man City struggled to find the net in a one-sided contest.The Reds took the lead in the 14th minute through Mo Salah.Dominik Szoboszlai scored Liverpool’s second before half-time to give the away side a comfortable lead.Liverpool’s win has given them an 11 point lead at the top, following second-placed Arsenal’s defeat to West Ham on Saturday.Meanwhile, fellow Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher continued his row with Pep Guardiola over Erling Haaland’s absense.Jamie Carragher continued his row with Pep Guardiola over Haaland’s fitnessCredit: GettyMidweek, Carragher joked Haaland was suffering with “Rudigeritis” while working as a pundit on CBS Sports.When asked about the comments, Guardiola said: “Oh, God. Did he say that? Jamie Carragher said that? Oh God. Don’t laugh. I don’t know why he makes that suspicious, you know that?”Did he say that Haaland didn’t want to play the game? It’s not nice — and it’s not true.“He was crazy to play the game but had a problem with his knee and could not play.”Carragher responded on social media by clarifying the comment was a joke made at the expense of fellow pundit and ex-Man City star Micah Richards.During Sky Sports Super Sunday, Carragher was asked again about the comments.Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool and Erling Haaland come togetherCredit: GettyThe 47-year-old said while smirking: “Listen that illness may have carried over and could be Van Dijkitis.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter a few jokes among the panel, including presenter Jones, Micah Richards, Sturridge and Keane, Carragher added: “Listen there’s no doubt, I think I said in this fixture at Anfield, I think [Virgil] Van Dijk has the edge in terms of being slightly better in his position than Haaland is.”But that is a brilliant match up.” More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Scandalous’ – Roberto De Zerbi vows to NEVER manage in France again after Marseille chief declared Ligue 1 is ‘rigged’

      by

      MARSEILLE boss Roberto De Zerbi has been left so furious with Ligue 1 referees that he vowed to never manage in France again.De Zerbi, 45, saw his team lose 3-0 to Auxerre on Saturday at Stade de l’Abbe Deschamps.Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has been left furious with Ligue 1 refereesCredit: RexDe Zerbi is so angry that he vowed to never manage in France againCredit: AFPL’OM were fuming at full-time as they were very unhapy with the red card at Derek Cornelius, who was booked twice.The ex-Brighton manager was so incensed that he described the officiating as “scandalous” when he spoke to the media after the final whistle.The Italian tactician claims he has had enough and will never work in France again once he leaves Marseille, where his contract runs out in 2027.De Zerbi told Telefoot: “I’m Italian, and after OM I’m not going to coach in France again. Read More on Football”There’s a problem in the French championship, if French people are happy with this level of decision making, then good for them. “But today it was scandalous. The referee was not in a serene position to referee this match because of all the controversy surrounding him.”Marseille raised concerns with the board of arbitration of referees before the match following the appointment of Jeremy Stinat as the match official.Stinat was the fourth official when the French giants were eliminated from the Cup against Lille last month.Most read in FootballThat was when sporting director Medhi Benatia was handed a three-month suspension for incidents on the touchline.According to La Provence, Marseille president Pablo Longoria also “flew into a fit of rage” in front of journalists after the match.Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey gives verdict on Everton’s overturned penalty against Man UtdLongoria alleged that everything was “organised” against his team and it all started in the build-up to the match with Leonardo Balerdi’s booking, which led to his suspension for the game at Auxerre.The Spanish football executive was also angry about a penalty he claims should have been awarded to Quentin Merlin as well as Cornelius’ red card.The club chief went as far as to urge the reporters to quote him saying the league is “corrupt” as well as “rigged” and he would happily join the European Super League rebels if they approached him.Longoria reportedly shouted: “This is corruption! I’ve never seen anything like it. You can write it down: Pablo Longoria says it’s corruption. “Everything has been organised since the third yellow given to Balerdi. It’s planned, it’s rigged. “There’s a penalty on Merlin, four European referees have told me so by message, and the most scandalous thing is the red card to Cornelius.“This is a s***** championship, If the Super League comes to see us, we’ll go right away.” More