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      Footballer, 20, rushed to hospital after smashing head on pitch-side wall in horror collision

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      THIS is the horror moment a Brazilian footballer smashes his head on a pitch-side wall after going to ground as he competes for the ball with a rival.Defender Melkzedeck de Sousa Fernandes cheated death after careering face-first into the concrete structure following a tackle as he neared the opposing team’s goal area.Melk required treatment following the worrying collisionCredit: .There was plenty of concern about his wellbeingCredit: .An ambulance was called to the sceneCredit: .The match was stopped as players rushed to his aid fearing he had suffered serious injury and things could turn worse.The footballer, better known by his shortened name of Melk, was stretchered away and taken to hospital in an ambulance.His club Atletico Piauiense went on to reveal the 20-year-old’s facial wound had required stitches but medics had told them after tests they couldn’t see any evidence pointing to him suffering any serious lasting effects.The drama happened during the team’s away match yesterday against Parnahyba Sport Club in Brazil’s Serie D league.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootage of the horror incident showed Melk, wearing the number 22 shirt, bringing his right hand to his head as he lay semi-conscious on the ground after his brutal collision.Rivals including the defender who had beaten him to the ball as he neared the opposing team’s goal joined in the urgent calls for an ambulance, which drove onto the pitch moments later so it could stretcher the injured player away.Melk was clearly conscious but dazed as he was put into the back of the ambulance with blood coming from a wound to the side of his head.Atletico Piauiense, who won the match 3-1, said in a statement on their social media overnight: “Melk was admitted to the Dirceu Arcoverde Hospital where he was treated and given stitches.Most read in Football“He is conscious and doing okay.“We’re continuing to monitor his evolution and giving him all the support he needs.”’That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueFans and well-wishers reacted by offering the player their support.While another added: “That wall needs to be removed from where it is.”In 2015 an Argentinian footballer died after crashing into a pitch-side wall during a game.The Argentinian FA began demanding walls by pitches were covered with cushioned protective sheeting after the tragedy involving Emanuel Ortega.The 21-year-old footballer, who was playing for fourth-tier side San Martin de Burzaco in the north-west Argentina region of Jujuy, lost his fight for life in May 2015 after 11 days in hospital.He was in an induced coma at the time after surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain.The wall he smashed into divided the pitch from the stands. He hit the back of his head as he lost his balance and went to ground following a tackle from a rival player who was the first to react and call for help for the unconscious footballer. More

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      Famous European stadium named after football legend could be DESTROYED with 10,000 seats too dangerous to use

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      A FAMOUS European stadium named after a football legend could be destroyed after 10,000 seats were deemed too dangerous to use.The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona was known as the San Paolo before being renamed in honour of Argentina legend Diego Maradona in December 2020.The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona could be destroyed with 10,000 seats unsafe to useCredit: GettyThe famous arena plays host to Italian giants NapoliCredit: GettyAnd after building work first started in 1948, it has been the home of Italian giants Napoli since 1959.The stadium has since undergone several renovations, first in 1990 and again in 2019.The Stadio Maradona now holds 54,725 supporters.But before the last renovation, it held even more with a capacity of 64,000.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn entire ‘ring’ of 10,000 seats had to be closed off from supporters due to vibrational problems when metal fencing was replaced by glass.And Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis is now reportedly looking to increase numbers to boost income.The Serie A giants will look at ways they can fix the closed ring.But De Laurentiis’ real dream is said to be the construction of an entirely new stadium.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt could go hand-in-hand with several other sporting upgrades in the area, including a new sports hall and improved public transport.But that would mean the Stadio Maradona would be demolished entirely.Inside Man City’s £300MILLION new stadium upgrade with futuristic Etihad project to rival AnfieldThe space would then be used for a new arena plus various area upgrades.And Gaetano Manfredi, the mayor of Naples, has already given the green light if De Laurentiis opts for a demolition job. More

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      Chido Obi vs Rasmus Hojlund: How Man Utd teen compares to £72m flop as damning stat emerges after Fulham defeat

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      DAMNING stats have emerged after £72million striker Rasmus Hojlund was hauled off for academy whizz Chido Obi in Manchester United’s FA Cup exit to Fulham.The Red Devils, who won last year’s final against rivals Man City, were sent packing on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford last night.Damning stats have emerged regarding Rasmus Hojlund’s performance against FulhamCredit: AlamyChido Obi put in an impressive performance despite Man Utd’s FA Cup exitCredit: GettyVictor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee fluffed their lines as goalie Bernd Leno produced two fine saves to send Fulham to the quarters.And United were once more left to ponder their lack of potency in the final third.Danish striker Hojlund, 22, started the match as he looked to end his barren run in front of goal.The former Atalanta man, signed for £72m in 2023, has just seven goals this term – including only two in the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHojlund has not scored since netting a brace in United’s 2-1 Europa League group stage win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12.But he failed to break his duck after being hauled off the 68th minute with United chasing a goal.Frustrated boss Ruben Amorim instead preferred to take his chances with Obi, who is just 17 years old and only joined United’s academy from Arsenal last summer.The teen also failed to net as Bruno Fernandes eventually secured an equaliser for the hosts.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut Obi looked extremely lively as Fulham’s defence came under some real pressure.And his stats from last night’s match make for damning reading as far as Hojlund is concerned.Joshua Zirkzee breaks down in tears and is consoled by Man Utd and Fulham stars after penalty shootout missThe latter played for 68 minutes, while Obi – who also featured throughout the additional 30 minutes of extra time – was on the field for 52 minutes.But despite Hojlund getting a longer chance to showcase his abilities, the Dane had just one shot at goal.In comparison, Obi Martin enjoyed three shots in his shorter time.All three were deemed to be “big chances”, showing that he was getting himself in the right positions.And incredibly, that’s the exact same amount of “big chances” that Hojlund has had in ALL 22 of his Premier League matches so far this season.Going back to last night’s match, there were more unfortunate stats for Hojlund.He only completed four passes to Obi’s five.And he was less involved in build-up play with just nine touches to Obi’s 18.Both men lost four of their duels on the ball.But Hojlund could only win one in return, with Obi battling for four successful duels.Their heat maps also make for interesting reading, with Hojlund’s performance barely registering and Obi clearly getting stuck in across several areas of the field.Indeed, former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer felt Obi put himself on the map last night and will now give Amorim a real headache when it comes to selecting the team for United’s next game against Real Sociedad on Thursday.Shearer said: “He’s been a real handful in there you know. He’s certainly offered a lot more than Hojlund has when he was on the pitch.“He’s been a nuisance and tough to play against. I like what I see from Obi, I really do. He’s certainly given them a different option to play with.”Man United legend Wayne Rooney also hailed Obi, adding: “What I’ve really liked about him is that he’s put himself in some really good positions.“I’ve been really impressed by him. He looked like the one who could go on and nick it.”However, Rooney felt that Hojlund’s poor performance was mainly down to a lack of support from teammates.Urging United’s playmakers to create more opportunities, Wazza continued: “With myself, I had good senior players around me.“Sometimes I made mistakes and had a bad game but I had good players around me. Hojlund is getting no help.“I think United play too slow, the ball speed is too slow, and for the centre-forwards they are just waiting around.“Hojlund’s movement here is really good and he’s unlucky with this one. He has tried and is making runs in behind but United aren’t getting close to help.“He’s trying to hold the ball and use his body, he is a little isolated. He needs someone he can lay the ball off too and he can then get back in the box.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Not just Hojlund but Joshua Zirkzee has given up the ball too many times. “There is not enough creativity and they are not holding up the ball for the midfielders and defenders to support them, it’s a bit of both.” More

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      England manager Thomas Tuchel parties with ex-Chelsea stars including Mason Mount, Jorginho and Reece James in reunion

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      THOMAS TUCHEL reunited with his Chelsea Champions League winning squad including Mason Mount and Jorginho. The German famously led the Blues to their second European cup in 2021 before leaving the club just a year later. England manager Thomas Tuchel reuniting with JorginhoCredit: InstagramMason Mount and ex-Chelsea team-mate JorginhoCredit: InstagramMount, Trevoh Chalobah, Jorginho, Reece James and Ben Chilwell reuniteCredit: InstagramJorginho with fiancee Catherine HardingCredit: InstagramJorginho lets out a big grinCredit: InstagramThe couple pose with some friendsCredit: InstagramCatherine shared the snaps onlineCredit: InstagramBut now he is back in England as Three Lions boss where he prepares to work under some of the same stars again. And Tuchel was pictured linking up with his former players in a social media post shared by Jorginho’s fiancee Catherine Harding. In one snap, Jorginho has his arms around former manager Tuchel, who is posing in a navy outfit and a cap on. Other photos show Jorginho with James, Ben Chilwell, Mount and Trevoh Chalobah in a reunion picture that sent Chelsea fans wild. READ MORE ON CHELSEA One said: “Tears in my eyes man.”Another added: “I miss this squad!”One beamed: “This is a beautiful sight.”Another said: “We miss them.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTuchel has visited several stadiums in England ahead of his first set of official games in charge – against Albania and Latvia in March.And as revealed by SunSport, he held talks with exiled Arsenal defender Ben White over a return to international football. ‘I’m getting emotional’ – England manager Thomas Tuchel’s comments on Cole Palmer leave Chelsea fans close to tearsChelsea skipper James is currently fit after lengthy spells on the sidelines this season amid a hamstring injury. And Chilwell could now fight for a place in Tuchel’s squad after securing a loan from Stamford Bridge to Crystal Palace.Chalobah is also back at Chelsea after his loan to Palace was cut short – but the centre-back is only now returning from a slight back problem. Mount meanwhile has been out since December after suffering a thigh injury with his England hopes taking a huge blow. Tuchel is preparing for life as England managerCredit: Getty More

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      MLS side offer free tickets to every fan because Lionel Messi didn’t play against them

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      HOUSTON DYNAMO are giving their fans free tickets – after Lionel Messi wasn’t selected to play against them.The MLS side welcomed Inter Miami to Texas for an early-season fixture on Sunday night.Lionel Messi didn’t play in Inter Miami’s 4-1 win over Houston DynamoCredit: ReutersHouston fans have been offered a refund because the Argentinian star was not involvedCredit: GettyDespite no Messi, Miami cruised to a comfortable victoryCredit: GettyMessi, 37, was left out of the Inter starting XI by boss Javier Mascherano. The Argentinian legend didn’t travel with the squad and was rested following a packed schedule to begin the new season. That decision came as a huge disappointment to the thousands who packed out the Shell Energy Stadium.Ahead of the game, Houston took the unusual step of offering free tickets to all home fans after it was revealed Messi would not feature. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe club wrote on X: “The Houston Dynamo are excited to host Inter Miami CF at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday evening.”The recently shared player status report for the match did not include forward Lionel Messi, but it has been reported he did not make the trip to Houston. “Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent.”We look forward to hosting everyone tomorrow for what will be an incredible atmosphere and celebration of soccer for the city of Houston. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”To show our appreciation, fans who attend tomorrow night’s match can claim a complimentary ticket to a future Dynamo match this season. Additional details will be provided early next week.”One grateful fan responded: “Disappointing children (my nephews included). But it teaches them a lesson. Team before individuals.”Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 degrees temperatures Another said: “Why were tickets so expensive? Y’all could have sold out the stadium and made more money.”But a third countered: “This parody? You’re apologizing for someone in the opposing team not showing up?”And a fourth added: “Is the @MLS completely dependent on Messi? If so, it’s not a serious league.”While a fifth joked: “Messi ducking the Houston test? Could never be my GOAT.Mascherano made the decision to rest his fellow Argentine after Miami’s busy start to the new campaign. The reigning Eastern Conference winners have played three times over the past 10 days. Mascerano explained: “Leo is fine, he is normal and he will train normally like all his teammates.”The World Cup winner is expected to feature this weekend as Miami host Charlotte.Despite not having the 37-year-old in the lineup, Mascerano’s side breezed past a tepid Dynamo on Sunday night.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey led 3-0 at the break thanks to goals from Telasco Segovia and Tadeo Allende.And they eventually ran out 4-1 winners, with Luis Suarez completing the rout in the second half. More

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      Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca faces SEVEN-MONTH ban after squaring up to referee in incredible meltdown

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      LYON manager Paulo Fonseca faces a SEVEN-MONTH ban after squaring up to referee Benoit Millot. The French side actually beat Brest 2-1 in Ligue 1 but drama unfolded in the dying moments of the game. Paulo Fonseca faces a seven-month ban after squaring up to referee Benoit MillotCredit: AFPFonseca went head to head with ref MillotCredit: AFPFonseca was previously shown yellow earlier in the game but he was sent off after Millot went over to the VAR screen to check for a Brest penalty. The ex-Porto defender was livid with Millot, who then brandished the red card to send Fonseca off. Fonseca squared up to the official in wild scenes and now faces a suspension over seven months, per the league’s rules. His outburst falls under LFP’s Article 8 regarding “intimidating or threatening behaviour.”READ MORE IN footballThe rulebook states his behaviour was “intimidating, all words, gesture and/or attitude that could inspire fear. “Is threatening, all words, gesture and/or attitude expressing the idea of ​​prejudice to the physical integrity of a person.” Any head coach or club executive found guilty of this towards an official during a game faces a seven-match ban, as per the ruleset.Fonseca, who joined Lyon in January after being sacked by AC Milan, apologised for his outburst. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “I apologise for this gesture. I shouldn’t do that. Football makes us do bad gestures. The match was very difficult.”Playing against Brest is always difficult, they are a physical team, they defended a lot. These are very important points.”‘That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueLyon captain Alexandre Lacazette added: “It’s part of football. “I think he’ll regret this gesture but we’ll see what the disciplinary committee says.”It’s tension. There are a lot of questionable choices. When you live the match, sometimes you can do things. We’re all behind the coach.”Lyon are now sixth in the table with PSG leading second-place Marseille by 13 points. Fonseca had to apologise for his outburstCredit: Getty More

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      ‘That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier League

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      RUBEN AMORIM hit back at Wayne Rooney for branding his Prem title ambitions as ‘naive’.Fulham dumped out FA Cup holders Manchester United as keeper Bernd Leno saved penalties from Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee in a shootout.Ruben Amorim believes it’s never too early to mention his title dreamCredit: PAEx-Man Utd striker Wayne Rooney fears stars might be reluctant to join Man Utd because they want Champions League footballCredit: X formerly Twitter / @BBCMOTDFulham relished their FA Cup shootout victory over the Red Devils at Old Trafford, with a quarter-final against Crystal Palace the rewardCredit: PABut United boss Amorim says his real goal is to become league champions.The Red Devils’ 253-goal top scorer Rooney, who turns 40 in October, claims that will not happen until top players want to sign for the club.In a dig at Rooney, who was axed as Plymouth boss in December, Amorim blasted: “I’m not naive. We know we are in a difficult time.” I knew that before I came and I know that now – maybe that’s why I am the manager of Manchester United at 40 years of age.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“It’s really easy to be a pundit. I was a pundit for a time in Portugal and I know it’s easy and everybody knows everything.“Winning the league again at this club is the goal.“Being ‘naive’ is thinking we are going to do it this season or being the best contender next season.”Amorim’s blast at Rooney is the second time in three days that he has called out a club icon.Most read in FootballThe next three matches might be especially crucial to the mood around the clubBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Portuguese bit back at Roy Keane on Friday over the former Red Devils skipper’s criticism of current captain Bruno Fernandes, saying “my opinion is more important”.TV pundit Rooney took aim at Amorim for earlier saying in a post-match ITV interview that “the goal is to win the Premier League”.Joshua Zirkzee breaks down in tears and is consoled by Man Utd and Fulham stars after penalty shootout missRooney said: “It’s a little naive to say they’re looking to win the Premier League because from where they are now, they’re a long way off that.“If I’m a player at a different club and Manchester United try to sign me, I’m thinking ‘I’m not sure’. The top players want Champions League.“United were in transition when I signed and a big reason I signed was Sir Alex Ferguson because you knew he’d get it right and build that team again. It’s hard to see that now.”Amorim was appointed United boss on November 1 after Erik ten Hag was sacked — five months after the Dutchman won the FA Cup.The former Sporting Lisbon manager has lost ten of 24 matches across all competitions since taking over. Ten Hag took 55 matches to lose ten games.This defeat — earning Fulham a home quarter-final with Crystal Palace — came in a shootout after Fernandes levelled Calvin Bassey’s opener.Rooney added: “He’ll get time but it’s not a free hit and managers aren’t getting that time over the last ten to 15 years.“You have to be selfish as a manager and say ‘okay, if I don’t do it now I might not get that time’.Amorim says he always knew bossing the Red Devils would be ‘difficult’Credit: Rex“There has been a slow decline of the club. They need to get some consistency and then they will move forward.”Fernandes suggested his team were not fit enough to see off Fulham in extra-time.He said: “We were out of legs and we couldn’t keep the ball. It’s just tiredness.“It’s very disappointing. We’ve been struggling in the Premier League so this was one of our aims, getting to Wembley again like last season and two seasons before.“Fulham were more relaxed on the ball with more patience.”Fulham have never won a major trophy but qualified for the quarter-finals for the second season in three.Boss Marco Silva said: “We were brave and we were the better team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It was a moment for Bernd Leno to show that he is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.“We really want to get to Wembley this time – this competition is so important to this club.”Amorim must lift Joshua Zirkzee & Co after penalties woeCredit: PA More

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      ‘Excited’ Pep Guardiola reveals potential Rodri injury return date with Man City star progressing quicker than expected

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is ‘excited’ by Rodri’s progress — and now believes the Ballon d’Or winner could return THIS season.And that means Manchester City may have their man for the big  occasion back if they secure a return to Wembley in May’s FA Cup final.Man City midfielder Rodri is now tipped to play this seasonCredit: ReutersBoss Pep Guardiola knows how much City have missed RodriCredit: GettyThe Spaniard has been sidelined since he ruptured a cruciate ligament in September  against Arsenal in his first Prem game of the season.Guardiola initially ruled the midfielder out for the rest of the campaign — and suggested he would struggle to make the expanded Club World Cup in June and July. But City posted footage of Rodri going through individual training on Friday. And he was in the dressing room for Saturday’s win over Plymouth.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSThat had supporters anticipating the ex-Atletico Madrid man’s return, and Guardiola admitted his progress has been quicker than expected.He said: “The fans must know they are not the only ones excited.It’s been 5½ months, six months, so after the international break it could be. But one step at a time — we don’t have to make stupid decisions for him to come back weeks earlier.“It’s good — although he’s not close to coming back, I’d say. But he’s been touching the ball, he’s been in the locker room. He feels confident, he’s more happy.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“I could not expect before for him to return before even the Club World Cup.“But now in the Premier League season, maybe it’s going to happen.”Inside Man City’s £300MILLION new stadium upgrade with futuristic Etihad project to rival AnfieldRodri has made a habit of scoring key goals for City, none more than the winner in the 2023 Champions League final.He has a month before the international break and after that there will be nine games left of City’s Prem campaign.Their only hope of domestic silverware this term is the FA Cup — with the  semi-finals on the weekend of April 28 and the final three weeks after that.That gives midfield linchpin Rodri, 28,  something to aim for  in his recovery.The Prem ends on May 25 but City’s stars will  be back  around June 12 to head to the US for the Club World Cup. More