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      ‘A brilliant failure’ – Incredible footage of Arne Slot’s craziest coaching idea resurfaces from his playing days

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      ARNE SLOT has taken the Premier League by storm in his debut season as Liverpool manager.The Dutchman, 46, looks on course to win the title – just the Reds’ second in the Prem era – ahead of Arsenal. Arne Slot’s bizarre kick-off technique has resurfacedCredit: XThe Dutchman flicked the ball up and booted it in the airCredit: XThe idea was to kick it high and into the opposition half to cause chaos for the defendersCredit: XThe ball ended up bouncing on the centre circle in his own halfCredit: XSlot’s experiment was dubbed a ‘brilliant failure’Credit: GettyBut this is not the first time he has caused a stir and sent shockwaves around football with his tactical revolution.Although, his never-seen-before-or-since idea from 2011 did not quite have the same success.In fact, it was branded “een briljante mislukking” – “a brilliant failure”.Because what Slot did was utterly baffling. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPlaying as a midfielder for PEC Zwolle in the Dutch second tier, he got permission from his coaches to try something new in an attempt to bamboozle the opposition.He certainly did that – and no doubt his own team-mates and fans, too.Playmaker Slot took kick-off with Joey van den Berg, flicked the ball up and then booted it as high as possible into the air in barely believable scenes. The original idea was to try and kick the ball high into the opposition half – even into the penalty area – and for Slot’s Zwolle team-mates to chase it down and cause chaos in the hope of taking advantage of the defence’s confusion and scoring. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe idea was done in training – and to good enough effect to give the experiment a go in a match.But when it came to the crunch moment, Slot got the kick all wrong as he sent the football almost directly vertically upwards – actually slightly backwards – rather than towards the goal. Arne Slot makes embarrassing blunder in Liverpool press conference as he ‘forgets Cristiano Ronaldo played for Man Utd’ It bounced in his own half just inside the centre circle between a bunch of very confused footballers amid ironic cheers from the crowd – while the commentator described the unfathomable start to the match as “extraordinarily strange”. Slot’s embarrassing blunder is still remembered fondly in Dutch football, regularly shown on TV and those involved can’t help but laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of it all. Slot’s manager at the time, Art Langeler, told the De Stentor newspaper: “By firing the ball as high as possible into the penalty area, the idea was our three strikers would run forward and be there (for when it dropped) on the edge of the area. And who knows what would come of that?”[We tried it in training] three times even. That’s why [assistant] Jaap Stam and I said to each other, ‘Let’s try it’. ‘MADE HIMSELF LOOK RIDICULOUS'”But it needed the right execution, of course.”It looked funny. And if you didn’t know the background, you’d think, ‘What on earth are they doing? They just shoot the ball into the air.’ “No, this was a brilliant failure, let’s leave it at that.”Another Zwolle coach Jan Everse added to The Athletic: “It was still a ridiculous idea. Arne has a lot of ideas — this, unfortunately, was one of his worst ones.”The kick was not what he wanted. He got it totally wrong.”He made himself look ridiculous — it was unbelievable.”Read More on The SunIncredibly, Slot was determined to try the tactic again and did so later the same year – again against Cambuur – and again it went horribly wrong. Safe to say, we won’t expect the likes of Mo Salah or Dominik Szoboszlai to introduce the hoof-it-really-high-in-the-air-and-hope-it-causes-chaos play in the Premier League anytime soon…Liverpool fans won’t be expecting any similar experimentsCredit: Getty More

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      ‘They had their chances’ – Ruben Amorim hits back over Anthony Elanga claims after star comes back to bite Man Utd

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      RUBEN AMORIM has hit back over claims that Manchester United made a mistake by selling Anthony Elanga.Elanga, 22, was the match-winner on Tuesday as Nottingham Forest beat Man Utd 1-0.Ruben Amorim has hit back at claims Man Utd made a mistake by selling Anthony ElangaCredit: PAElanga came back to haunt his old club as he scored the winner for Nottingham Forest against themCredit: RexElanga was sold by United in 2023 for £15m and has a better record than winger at the club in the last two seasonsCredit: GettyThe former Red Devils star, sold in 2023 for £15million, dribbled with the ball from well inside his own half after getting on to the end of a header away at a corner by Ryan Yates.Elanga brushed off a tackle from Alejandro Garnacho with Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu unable to get the ball off him before he shot the ball into the bottom right corner past Andre Onana.He has been in stunning form for Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest this season, scoring six goals and adding nine assists in all 34 appearances.Speaking after the match at the City Ground, Amorim was asked whether the club had made a mistake in selling the winger.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss dismissed those claims and insisted he had his chance to prove himself at United before he was sold, although he did admit there is often not enough time to succeed at the Old Trafford club.Amorim said: “We are talking about a lot of front players for Manchester United that are doing right but they had the chance here.”At Manchester United you don’t have the time. I will not have the time. We have to get it right fast.Elanga is one of a number of former United stars who have left the club before going on to thrive elsewhere, with Scott McTominay and loanees Antony and Marcus Rashford examples coming from this season.Most read in FootballAmorim added: “You are not talking about players that didn’t play for Manchester United. They were here playing for Manchester United. “In here the pressure is too big sometimes and sometimes you don’t get time and you should have time for these kids to develop.’Leaving Man Utd works wonders’ – Fans love Antony’s wild Real Betis celebrations as he goes topless and waves huge flag”But for that you need a strong base to support all these kids and if you don’t have strong base we are not going to help our kids. “They had their chances and sometimes football is like that and the pressure of playing for Manchester United is really big.”Elanga’s goal against his former club means he now has 28 Premier League goal contributions in his Forest career, better than any Man Utd winger over the last two seasons.The Swede had originally joined United at the age of 12 before going on to make his debut aged 19 in 2021 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.He became a more regular player under interim boss Ralf Rangnick in 2022, but ultimately became frustrated by the lack of opportunities then presented to him under Erik ten Hag.On leaving the club, he told The Times in 2024: “It was difficult [to leave] but it was needed because I wanted to play and I didn’t want to spend another season just playing 10 minutes or not playing for 10 games,’ he explained.”I wanted a fresh start but I knew it wouldn’t be easy leaving a club that I had been at for nine years.”Sometimes football is like that, it might not always work somewhere.”I had seen what he (Erik ten Hag) did at Ajax (with young players) so I was looking forward to it but I just didn’t get the opportunities.”Elanga’s winner strengthened his club’s position in terms of qualifying for the Champions League next season.Assuming the Premier League is handed a fifth Champions League spot due to good performances from teams in Europe this season, Forest currently have a 10-point advantage to falling out of the qualifying spots this season with eight games to go.Meanwhile, Man Utd remain on the hunt for back-to-back league wins this season.Read More on The SunThey had more of the ball and had more than 20 shots at goal but struggled to create clear-cut chances other than a goal-line clearance at the end of the game.Forest travel to Aston Villa in their next league game, while United host Manchester City in the Manchester Derby.Man Utd player ratings vs Nottingham ForestMANCHESTER UNITED’S woes continue after another disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest.Forest picked up a 1-0 victory at the City Ground thanks to ex-United ace Anthony Elanga’s winner after just five minutes.United remain 13th in the Premier League table and look set for their worst ever Premier League finish.That is at least what their performance at Forest showed, as Ruben Amorim’s men don’t show signs of really understanding the Portuguese tactician’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.But who stood out for a poor United’s side? And who was the biggest disappointment?Check out Kostas Lianos’ players ratings below and find out…Andre Onana – 5Can’t blame him for Nottingham Forest’s winner as Anthony Elanga’s shot was too good. Made a stunning save to deny Ryan Yates’ header without knowing the Forest ace was offside.Leny Yoro – 5Should have been more aware before Elanga’s goal that came straight after a Man Utd corner-kick in which he had moved forward.One could argue Yoro made up for it when he stopped a fine run by Elanga in the second half with an amazing and well-timed challenge to save United from a second.Matthijs de Ligt – 4The centre-back was also nowhere to be seen before Elanga’s goal. No other major errors but should have done better on the rebound after Diogo Dalot’s header hit the crossbar.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Completely hopeless during Elanga’s run that led to the goal and struggled in his defensive duties, especially in the first half. Not sure if the full-back fits in a defensive trio as part of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation…Diogo Dalot – 6A strong performance down the right wing with some fine runs and good crosses. Registered United’s best chance in the first half when his header rattled Forest’s crossbar.Casemiro – 4At fault for Elanga’s goal as there was absolutely no midfield presence during Forest’s counter.Loads of inaccurate passes and got booked for a reckless challenge on Yates before complaining in a very unjust way. Registered three shots but didn’t cause concern for Matz Sels.Manuel Ugarte – 4Cut a rather anonymous figure, among the guilty parties for Elanga’s goal as Man Utd’s midfield was caught sleeping. Rightly substituted at half-time.Patrick Dorgu – 5A fine display during the first half as he cut a strong presence down the left flank, even though he was completely outrun by Elanga before the goal.But the versatile full-back was the complete opposite in the second half with a series of errors against a stunning Neco Williams.Bruno Fernandes – 6Registered the game’s first shot on target with a powerful effort that required a lunge from Sels, and that was basically United’s best shot throughout the entire match.Fernandes produced some fine long balls and upgraded Man Utd’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exits.Alejandro Garnacho – 2Very disappointing performance from the winger. Completely hopeless before Elanga’s goal with a desperate tackle and was lucky to avoid a booking for a ridiculous challenge on Yates while the Argentina international was on the attack.A game riddled with heavy touches, failed dribbles, wrong passes, blocked shots and a silly yellow card as he kicked the ball away in frustration. Had a good shot on 69 minutes as a saving grace.Joshua Zirkzee – 3Was supposed to be a striker but was often seen playing too deep and didn’t register a chance in front of Forest’s goal. Didn’t inspire any danger even after Rasmus Hojlund came on to help him up front.SUBSRasmus Hojlund – 5Was much better than a woeful Zirkzee up front for Man Utd. But didn’t cause any significant danger and never looked like a goalscoring threat. Harry Maguire looked far more lethal as a false nine after he entered the pitch with a lot more presence inside the box.Christian Eriksen – 4Didn’t really elevate United’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exit. The sort of performance that makes one wonder about his Old Trafford future…Harry Maguire – 5Only played nine minutes as a false nine and was by far Man Utd’s best forward. Brought on as a desperation move that almost paid off with the best chance of the match as his last-gasp effort was cleared by Murillo just off the line.Mason Mount – N/A More

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      Man Utd ‘in talks to sign Ipswich star Liam Delap but face FIVE-WAY fight’ for former City ace dubbed ‘Kane’s heir’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly held internal talks over a potential move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.The 22-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Portman Road following his £20million move from Manchester City in July.Man Utd are reportedly targeting a move for Liam DelapCredit: ReutersIn 28 Premier League appearances, Delap has scored 10 goals and provided two assists.And with Ipswich facing relegation back to the Championship at the end of the campaign, he is being tipped for a move away.The Daily Mail claims that Man Utd are among the clubs interested.United officials held internal discussions over the potential transfer in recent weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDelap is also being monitored by the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Man City, his former club.The reigning Prem champions allegedly have a buy-back clause for the striker, while United technical director Jason Wilcox knows him from his time at City’s academy.Delap, the son of Stoke City icon Rory Delap, joined Derby County’s academy at the age of six and spent 10 years at the club before moving to Man City.He made his first team debut in a Carabao Cup clash with Bournemouth in September 2020 and received praise from Pep Guardiola.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordBut the striker struggled to nail down a regular spot in the starting line-up and was sent on loan to Stoke, Preston and Hull before joining Ipswich permanently.He is now being lined up for another transfer.Amorim says Man Utd ‘need to be better’ after 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest Man Utd are expected to prioritise signing new forward this summer.Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled to meet expectations this season.Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford could make his Aston Villa loan permanent for £40m at the end of the campaign.The Red Devils could also find themselves in a tricky situation with Jadon Sancho, who is currently on loan at Chelsea until June.The Blues have an obligation to buy the winger but could pay a fee of £5m to back out of the deal. More

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      Former Premier League defender jailed after being found guilty of fraud – but fumes ‘I never robbed anyone’

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      A FORMER Premier League defender has been sent to prison after being found guilty of fraud.Lucien Aubey spent four months at Portsmouth in early 2008 on loan from French club Lens.Ex-Portsmouth defender Lucien Aubey has been jailed for fraudCredit: AFPThe five-cap Congo international made three top-flight appearances for Harry Redknapp’s side – but missed out on Pompey’s FA Cup-winning campaign.Aubey, 40, also played for Toulouse, Rennes and Reims as well as clubs in Turkey and Cyprus.But a court in Toulouse handed him a two-year jail term, with 12 months suspended.The trial heard he conned a pal out of more than £120,000 in 2015 after persuading him to invest in founding a record label.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAubey and co-accused Mohamed Dia allegedly told the man he would earn £1million in three years’ time.The friend, named only as Sebastien, had previously landed a £170,000 payout following a road accident.However, Aubey had previously been declared bankrupt and disqualified from setting up a company.Shoe repairer Sebastien went to the police after never seeing his money again. Most read in FootballHe accused Aubey of threatening to harm his children after seeking repayment.Sebastien, 42, said: “I lost everything, and my wife wanted to commit suicide.  “I had to give up work.”We split up, and those two [Aubey and Dia] just had a good laugh about it all.”Aubey told the court: “My money was tied up in Cyprus, held by my club Olympiakos Nicosia.”This wasn’t a fraud – I never robbed anyone.”However, prosecutors revealed tapped phone conversations between the ex-footballer and Dia, which showed their intent to defraud Sebastien.On Monday, the court ordered Aubey to repay the 145,000 euros, and to not contact his victim.Clothes designer Dia, meanwhile, received a one-year suspended jail term for his part in the scam. More

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      Carlo Ancelotti pictured in the dock in court as Real Madrid manager faces five years in prison for alleged tax evasion

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      REAL MADRID manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted ahead of his tax fraud trial he is “innocent” and has “no worries.”The 65-year-old Italian looked relaxed as he arrived at court in the Spanish capital this morning for the start of his much-anticipated trial the night after his team reached the Copa del Rey final after a thrilling comeback.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted he is ‘innocent’ ahead of his tax fraud trialCredit: APThe Italian arrived in court to start his trialCredit: ReutersHe faces almost five years in jail if found guiltyCredit: GettyDespite the threat of a five-year prison sentence hanging over his head if convicted he replied ‘No’ when asked by waiting reporters outside the Audiencia Provincial court in Madrid if he was concerned.He also dismissed suggestions he would try to strike a last-minute plea bargain deal by confirming he would take the stand and plead not guilty to allegations he defrauded the Spanish Treasury out of just over €1m (£835,000) in tax.Ancelotti was accompanied when he arrived at court by his ex-footballer son Davide, who works under his father at Real Madrid, and his wife Mariann Barrena.Public prosecutors announced in March last year they were seeking a four-year, nine-month jail term for the former Everton manager for two counts of tax fraud.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey accused him at the time of failing to declare image rights earnings to the Spanish Treasury in 2014 and 2015 during his first spell in charge of Real Madrid through the use of shell companies outside Spain.Public prosecutors alleged in a pre-trial indictment he only declared his earnings as Real Madrid manager despite registering as a tax resident in Spain for the two years under the spotlight with an address in Madrid.Although his first spell at the Spanish giants came to a premature end in May 2015, public prosecutors say he rented his Madrid home until October that year which meant Spain was “his principal centre of personal relations and economic interests” in 2015 as well as the previous year.The accusation made public in March last year alleged Ancelotti channelled his image right earnings “with the aim of evading tax” on them through trusts and intermediary companies.Most read in FootballPublic prosecutors say the football boss earned more than €4m (more than £3.5m) in image rights in 2014 and 2015.The amount of tax they allege he defrauded amounts to just over €1m. Fans convinced Carlo Ancelotti has had lip fillers as reason for Real Madrid manager’s swollen mouth is revealedSpanish Treasury officials have recovered the money but are demanding Ancelotti pays triple the amount they accuse him of defrauding in fines.Lionel Messi received a 21-month prison sentence for tax fraud in July 2016. It was later changed to a €252,000 (£223,000) fine.Cristiano Ronaldo avoided prison in Spain by admitting tax fraud in January 2019.He was fined almost £16.6m and given a suspended jail sentence.Former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso, seen as a future Real Madrid manager, was acquitted of tax fraud in November 2019 after turning 38.He had been warned he could be jailed for two and a half years if convicted after Spanish public prosecutors lowered their initial prison demand at the end of his trial in Madrid.Ancelotti left Everton in June 2021 to take up the position of head coach at Real Madrid.Last Friday at a press conference he said: “I’m not worried but I am obviously annoyed if they say that I’ve committed fraud, but, once again, I have total confidence in justice. “I’m really looking forward to testifying next Wednesday.”Read More on The SunReal Madrid booked their place in the Copa del Rey final last night with an incredible comeback against Real Sociedad.Substitute Antonio Rudiger scored a dramatic goal just five minutes from the end of extra-time to put the Spanish giants through as 5-4 aggregate winners. More

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      ‘I was on the point of doing something crazy’ – Liverpool legend admits VAR would have changed history in Everton clash

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      LIVERPOOL icon Dirk Kuyt has admitted his infamous Merseyside derby tackle was “crazy” and he should have been sent off.The shocking challenge was made during an ill-tempered fixture in 2007.Dirk Kuyt avoided a red card for a reckless tackle on Phil NevilleCredit: Sky SportsKuyt then stepped up and scored a late winner from the spotCredit: PA:Press AssociationLiverpool beat Everton 2-1 as David Moyes’ side went down to nine-men after red cards to Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville.Kuyt scored both goals for the Reds, including a dramatic 92nd minute penalty to win it.The strike was highly controversial as the Dutchman somehow escaped an early bath for a reckless and wild lunge on Neville.Kuyt went in two-footed above the Everton skipper’s knee but was given just a yellow by referee Mark Clattenburg.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOpening up on the moment, Kuyt told The Telegraph: “I was very lucky to come away from that because if I had a red card, I would not have managed to score the winning goal. “It’s crazy when you play these kinds of games because there’s a lot of adrenaline, a lot of emotion.“I flew through the air and thank God there was no VAR there at the time. “When I was in the air, I knew I was way too late and I was on the point of doing something crazy. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I tried to hold my legs inside me just to be lucky not to touch him. I think I was very lucky not to get the red card.”Liverpool face Everton tonight and tempers could flare again after a huge bust-up at the end of their 2-2 thriller just seven weeks ago.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntKuyt, 44, is currently the manager of Belgian side Beerschot and it is his “dream” to one day fill Arne Slot’s shoes as Liverpool boss.Kuyt is now manager of Belgian outfit BeerschotCredit: AFP More

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      Inside Europe’s biggest giant killers with third tier side in major cup final after shocking FOUR Bundesliga teams

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      YOU might not be aware of German third-tier side Arminia Bielefeld.But the minnows have certainly made themselves known to the top dogs.Arminia Bielefeld beat Bayer Leverkusen to reach the final of the DFB Pokal on TuesdayCredit: EPAIt was the fourth time the third-tier side beat a Bundesliga club in the competition this seasonCredit: EPAArminia currently play in the third tier of German footballCredit: AFPBayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso was left furiousCredit: GettyArminia booked a spot in the DFB Pokal final on Tuesday after beating reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen at SchücoArena.The third tier outfit stunned Xabi Alonso and Co with a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Marius Worl and Maximilian Grosser.It was the third top-tier team Arminia had beat in the competition.They defeated Union Berlin 2-0 in the second round before seeing off SC Freiburg in the last-16 in December.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Blues went on to beat Werder Bremen in the quarter-finals to secure a semi-final meeting with Bayer Leverkusen.They will now face either Stuttgart or RB Leipzig in the final of the competition.Third-tier outfit Arminia have become the first team outside the top two divisions to knock four Bundesliga sides out of the German Cup in one season.WHO ARE ARMINIA BIELEFELD?Established in 1905, Arminia are based in the city of Bielefeld in northwestern Germany.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Blues have participated in the Bundesliga for a total of 19 seasons so far since being founded.They last found themselves in the league during the 2021-22 campaign.Bundesliga match suspended after goalkeeper struck by lighter thrown from crowdArminia were relegated to the 2. Bundesliga – the second tier of German football – at the end of that season after finishing 17th in the table.They subsequently finished 16th the following term and lost the relegation playoff to Wehen Wiesbaden.It meant the Blues dropped down to the 3. Liga – the third tier of German football – in back-to-back relegations.And they have not been promoted since.Arminia play their home games at the SchücoArena, a 27,000-seater stadium in Bielefeld.Arminia have suffered back-to-back relegations in recent yearsCredit: EPAWHO IS THE MANAGER?Michel Kniat is the manager of Arminia Bielefeld.The 39-year-old played as a centre-back in Germany before becoming a coach.He took over at Arminia back in 2023.After the semi-final win, Kniat said: “I am so proud of the team.”The whole region is feeling this. No one will be sleeping tonight.”We defended with a lot of passion and that was the key. We worked extremely hard.”Read More on The SunArminia have become the fourth team from the third division to reach the German Cup final. Hertha Berlin’s reserve team achieved the feat in 1993, followed by Energie Cottbus in 1997 and Union Berlin in 2001.Michel Kniat has led the team to the historic achievementCredit: Reuters More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka in heated confrontation with Bayer Leverkusen ultras after humiliating defeat to minnows

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      GRANIT XHAKA clashed with his own fans in a heated confrontation following a humiliating defeat. Xhaka, 32, played the full 90 minutes as Bayer Leverkusen were dumped out of the DFB-Pokal German Cup semi-finals by third-tier Arminia.Granit Xhaka got into a heated row with Bayer Leverkusen fansCredit: Sky SportsThe midfielder angrily gesticulated towards a man in the front rowCredit: Sky SportsA member of staff tried to calm things downCredit: Sky SportsThe reigning Bundesliga champions became the FOURTH top-flight side to be dumped out of this season’s competition by the minnows.Leverkusen took the lead through Jonathan Tah on 17 minutes.The hosts equalised three minutes later then took a surprise lead just before half-time – and managed to hold on for another famous victory. But while Arminia celebrated booking their place in next month’s final – where they will face Stuttgart or RB Leipzig – the anger among Leverkusen fans threatened to boil over.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLXhaka went over to the away section to address the travelling supporters after full-time. But the conversation soon turned angry, with the former Arsenal skipper furious gesticulating towards one man in particular. As he demonstrated during his time at the Emirates with his infamous outburst where he told his own fans to “f*** off”, the combative Swiss star is never one to shy away from a blazing row. A Bayer member of staff tried to calm the raging fan down but Xhaka continued the intense exchange as another man joined the fiery debate. Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSXhaka’s Bayer Leverkusen were dumped out of the German Cup by ArminiaCredit: ReutersThe third-tier side have knocked out four Bundesliga teams during their incredible runCredit: EPALeverkusen won the DFB-Pokal last season as part of their record-breaking campaign which saw them go unbeaten in domestic football and win the double – including their first-ever Bundesliga title.They missed out on the Treble when Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick for Atalanta in the Europa League final. Xhaka tells Arsenal fans to ‘f*** off’ as captain is booed off pitch vs PalaceThe shock defeat to Arminia means Xabi Alonso’s side will not retain the cup this season.And they sit in second, six points behind Bayern Munich, with seven games to go in the league campaign. They will play either Stuttgart or RB Leizpig in the finalCredit: AFPXhaka has history clashing with his own fans – with the infamous incident against Crystal PalaceCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Swiss midfielder cupped his ears to the Arsenal fans before ripping his shirt offCredit: Reuters More