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    Former Chelsea star Joao Felix spotted ‘making obscene gesture’ after scoring for Barcelona against his parent club

    JOAO FELIX has been caught on camera appearing to make a crude gesture towards his parent club Atletico Madrid.The former Chelsea star is on loan at Barcelona from Atletico.Joao Felix appeared to make an obscene gesture in Barcelona’s win over Atletico MadridCredit: RexFelix appeared to grab the area around his crotch before rubbingCredit: el GOLAZO de GOLOn Sunday, Atletico took on Barcelona in LaLiga at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.Goals from Felix, Robert Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez saw Xavi’s side ran out 3-0 winners before Nahuel Molina was sent off in injury time for the hosts.However, following Felix’s 38th-minute opener, TV cameras from Gol Play appeared to catch the Portuguese making a crude gesture.It came as he was surrounded by Barca team-mates while celebrating in a huddle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 24-year-old then appeared to put his hand on his crotch area before rubbing it.Felix had received a hostile reception from the home fans in the ground. Chants against him could be heard before the game had even started, with a T-Shirt of his also being burned next to a his plaque outside the stadium.Felix had the last laugh on the pitch, with Barcelona firming up their spot in second ahead of Girona but still eight points behind league leaders Real Madrid.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMeanwhile, Diego Simeone’s Atletico remain a point outside of the top four behind Athletic Bilbao.Simeone and Felix fell out last season which prompted the former Benfica star’s loan transfer to Chelsea. Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024After the game on Sunday, Felix told ESPN: “Atlético fans do not know the things that happened here during the time I’ve been here.”The fans don’t know what happened here inside, I understand them but I shouldn’t be seen as the bad guy. “Even my relationship with Atléti players is very good.”Felix joined Atletico for a club record £113million in 2019.He has gone on to score 34 goals in 131 games since then.This season he has scored eight times in 34 games for Barcelona. More

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    Joao Cancelo pulls out of Barcelona clash due to ‘serious personal problem’ as team-mates dedicate win to Man City star

    JOAO CANCELO was forced to miss Barcelona’s clash at Atletico Madrid last night due to a reported “serious personal problem”.Barca loanee Joao Felix scored the opener against his parent club to inflict a first LaLiga home loss of the campaign of Diego Simeone’s side.Scorer Fermin Lopez dedicated Barcelona’s win to an absent team-mateCredit: GettyOn-loan Joao Cancelo reportedly missed out due to a ‘serious personal issue’Credit: APHe gave the visitors the lead on 38 minutes, just before his manager Xavi was sent to the stands for dissent. Robert Lewandowski doubled the advantage in the second half before Fermin Lopez ensured the 3-0 victory to move Barcelona above Girona into second in LaLiga.Before the game, it was revealed that defender Cancelo was ruled out due to an injury.However, several outlets then reported that the 29-year-old Portuguese star, who is on loan from Man City, did not in fact travel due to a personal issue.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd he was in Lopez’s thoughts after the final whistle as he dedicated the win in the Spanish capital to his colleague.The goalscorer, who was due to start on the bench until Andreas Christensen was hurt in the warm-up, said: “I wanted to dedicate this victory to Cancelo, who is having a hard time.“We’ve got second place back, we now need to close the gap to Madrid and fight for the title.“I was a bit surprised starting, despite not being in the original XI but I did my best from the first kick.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“We are on a great run and want to continue it for as long as possible.”Meanwhile, manager Xavi added: “Joao Cancelo is a very sensitive boy, an extraordinary person with a very big heart.Fans fear Joao Cancelo has been ‘possessed’ after ‘terrifying’ interview of Barcelona star emerges – laliga“Not being able to be with the team today has affected him a lot.”Cancelo moved to the Premier League in 2019 and has tasted three title triumphs but he had a major bust-up with boss Pep Guardiola at the start of 2023.He spent the final six months of last season on loan at Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga to go with his Premier League crown, but they opted not to pay the £61.5m option to make the deal permanent, leading to his switch to Barca last summer. More

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    Mason Greenwood could be forced to stay at Man Utd with Barcelona ‘unable to meet transfer valuation’

    BARCELONA will refuse to match Manchester United’s asking price for Mason Greenwood, according to reports.Greenwood has been on loan from Man Utd at LaLiga side Getafe this season.Barcelona will not meet Man Utd’s asking price for Mason GreenwoodCredit: GettyThe 22-year-old was sent on loan to Spain after Old Trafford chiefs deemed it best for him to move abroad when charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour against him were dropped.It was reported earlier this week that Greenwood’s chances of staying at Getafe beyond the summer were “impossible” despite Man Utd allegedly deciding to sell him.And Greenwood’s future is believed to have been discussed at a meeting between Man Utd chiefs John Murtough and Matt Hargreaves and Barcelona executive Deco earlier this week.Footage captured by Spanish outlet Jijantes shows Murtough and his chief negotiator meeting with Barca director Deco.READ MORE ON MAN UTDTwo CAA Base agents, Frank Tramboli and Fede Massa also tagged along.The day after the executives are said to have gone to watch Greenwood play at Getafe.However, Barcelona will reportedly not be willing to meet the Red Devils’ asking price to sell Greenwood.Mundo Deportivo report this figure to be between £51m and £34m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThis is said to be out of the Spanish giants budget given the crippling financial issues which are currently impacting its operations.Greenwood has appeared in 27 games this season, scoring eight goals and adding five assists.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’ More

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    Tragic legacy of forgotten Man Utd star at centre of scandal that rocked football before going on to manage Barcelona

    A FORGOTTEN Man United star who found himself caught up in one of football’s biggest scandals lay in unmarked grave for half a century.Patrick O’Connell came from Ireland and after stints at Sheffield Wednesday and Hull, joined United for a fee of £1,000 in 1914.Patrick O’Connell found himself caught up in one of football’s biggest scandalsHe lay forgotten in an unmarked grave for half a century until he was properly commemoratedCredit: MirorrpixHe was capped 24 times and captained the side in what would become the infamous 1914-15 season.Not only was it the last before a five year football hiatus as WW1 raged, but the season would usher in a scandal that brought the game to its knees.On April 2, 1915, Manchester United faced Liverpool in what appeared to be a normal league game at Old Trafford.But there was a catch – the Good Friday game had been fixed in United’s favour and all the players were in on it.Read More football storiesPlayers from both sides believed the war would leave them unemployed and penniless so placed bets on the game and were set to make a killing.But their plan fell apart when seven players were found to be in the illegal ring.They were: Sandy Turnbull, Arthur Whalley and Enoch West of United, and Jackie Sheldon, Tom Miller, Bob Pursell and Thomas Fairfoul of Liverpool.All were subsequently banned for life, but most had them overturned.Most read in FootballO’Connell was not found to have taken part but his wide penalty during the match saw him caught up in the scandal.The Irishman stayed with United throughout the war and played as a guest at Clapton Orient (now Leyton Orient), Rochdale and Chesterfield.O’Connell moved to Dunbarton FC before leaving Ashington FC in 1922 for a managerial career in Spain.He went on to manage Barcelona, whom he saved from ruin, and Sevilla.But it was at Real Betis where he took the team to their only ever La Liga title in 1935.His exploits at at the club earned him the nickname “Don Patricio”.After 35-years in Spain, which included a 27-year managerial stint which overlapped with the Spanish Civil War, O’Connell returned to the UK and died in 1959.He lay in an unmarked grave at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in North London until May 2016 when it was given the attention it needed.A headstone was put up, which reads: “Remembered by many in Ireland, England and Spain.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2017, a bust was put up in his honour at Betis’s Estadio Benito Villamarín stadium.A mural commemorating the legend later appeared in West Belfast A mural commemorating the legend later appeared in West BelfastCredit: Alamy More

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    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta one of two ‘obvious’ candidates to replace Xavi at Barcelona, claims Gerard Pique

    GERARD PIQUE has named Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as one of two “obvious” candidates to take over at Barcelona.Current Barca boss Xavi Hernandez is leaving the club in the summer with the team struggling in LaLiga.Mikel Arteta has been named as one of two obvious candidates for BarcelonaCredit: APGerard Pique believes Arteta understands the Barcelona DNACredit: GettyThis coming summer represents a pivotal moment for the Spanish giants owing to their crippling financial situation.However, in an interview with The Times, former Barcelona and Manchester United defender Pique has revealed who he believes to be the best candidates to steer the ship next.The 37-year-old said: “To manage Barça you need to be a specific type of coach and to understand the way Barça play, so the options are much less.”The obvious ones are [Pep] Guardiola, because he had his past here, and he is the best coach right now, and [Arsenal’s Mikel] Arteta. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He would be a good one also. He understands Barcelona and played for Barça in the past.”Arteta, 41, and Arsenal categorically denied reports in January which claimed he had decided to quit the Gunners to head to Spain. Indeed, Arteta said in a press conference following the news: “That’s totally fake news what you read yesterday.”I don’t know where it’s coming from and it’s totally untrue. I’m really upset about it…Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”I could not believe [it] (the reports). I don’t know where it’s coming from.”I think we have to be very cautious when you talk about personal things.”The Premier League’s Top 10 sexiest managers according to AIHowever, Pique also believes that Xavi’s decision could still be reversed.He added: “I don’t think it’s a decision that is 100 per cent. “Let’s see how the season ends. I think maybe he will stay.” More

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    Pep Guardiola facing huge Jude Bellingham dilemma as Man City boss devises plan to ‘control’ Real Madrid star

    PEP GUARDIOLA admits he faces a massive headache over how to stop Jude Bellingham.Manchester City and Real Madrid square up for the third year running, this time in the Champions League last eight. Pep Guardiola admits he faces a massive headache over how to stop Jude BellinghamCredit: RexBellingham’s Real Madrid face Man City in the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: GettyBut this time City must deal with Bellingham. Asked about the Three Lions star, Guardiola said: “The impact has been massive. “It’s a different team from last season. His influence is obvious, we have to try to discover what he does and control it.”The Euro heavyweights met in the semi-finals in the previous two years.Madrid went on to win the competition in 2022 with City finally lifting the trophy for the first time last season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBellingham brings a new dimension though — the England ace has netted 20 goals in 31 games for Madrid since joining them from Borussia Dortmund last summer.The first leg will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 9, the same night that Arsenal host Bayern Munich.The second legs are on April 17. And there is no respite for the winners — they will play each other in the semi-finals!While Guardiola’s men are defending champions, the City boss knows they are still rookies compared to their Spanish rivals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReal have won the Champions League in five of the last ten seasons.Guardiola added: “It looks like a little bit of a tradition, three years in a row playing the kings of the competition.Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024“With them winning 14 Champions Leagues, it’s not necessary to say what Real Madrid are in this competition.“For us, it’s a little bit new. For Real Madrid, it’s not special to play quarter-finals of the Champions League.“The last years we have been consistent — many times semi-finals, final, now quarter-final again — and we start to be in this routine to play in the latter stages.“And when you play latter stages you play against the best teams in Europe, Real Madrid are totally there.“This one is special and makes you feel like you go to Europe and play your best football. It’s so nice.”In the other half of the draw, Jadon Sancho’s Borussia Dortmund landed Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals while Paris Saint-Germain will face Barcelona. More

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    Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois publicly calls out Belgium manager and accuses him of lying

    THIBAUT COURTOIS has thrown his Belgium future into major doubt after branding manager Domenico Tedesco a liar.The Real Madrid stopper has been at loggerheads with his international gaffer after being snubbed of the captaincy for their matches against Austria and Estonia last June.Thibaut Courtois’ Belgium future is up in the air due to a spat with manager Domenico TedescoCredit: GETTTTedesco recently claimed he’s doing everything in his power to bring Courtois back into the foldCredit: EPAThe Real Madrid stopper has accused his international gaffer of lyingCredit: XCourtois has accused both the Belgian Football Federation and Tedesco of not appreciating him.He’s even claimed Tedesco hasn’t given him a straight answer for the captaincy snub.Tedesco claimed this week that he’s done everything in his power to ensure the crocked Courtois plays for the Red Devils again.But the former Chelsea stopper has publicly taken umbrage to the claim on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn response to the clip of Tedesco discussing his future on X, Courtois commented with three Pinnochio emojis.Courtois’ legion of followers were quick to defend him, with one saying: “Real Belgium fans support you, legend.”Another said: “Yeah, Tedesco out, please!And another said: “Hala Tibo.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROne remarked: “Own this fraud.”Another chimed in: “I would also feel the same if somebody tried to make [Romelu] Lukaku and [Kevin] De Bruyne captain over me.”Thibaut Courtois inspired into Champions League heroics… after being upset by top ten keepers in world omission Courtois will likely find himself out in the cold should he not patch things up with Todesco, who has just been given a new two-year contract.So it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that he may very well have played his last game for the Red Devils.Courtois made his Belgium debut back in 2011 aged 19 and has gone on to make a further 101 appearances for his country.The 31-year-old will miss this summer’s European Championships through injury and is targetting a return to action with Real early next season. More

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    Shocking moment Marcus Thuram ‘goes full Vinnie Jones’ in Inter Milan’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid

    INTER MILAN striker Marcus Thuram narrowly avoided a red card against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday after grabbing Stefan Savic’s privates.With the score level at 2-2 on aggregate, the Champions League last-16 clash went to extra time.Marcus Thuram grabbed Stefan Savic’s privates during the matchCredit: GettyThe incident was reviewed by VAR but Thuram avoided punishmentCredit: EPAAnd just 10 minutes after the restart, Atletico defender Savic received a shock from his opponent.The Montenegro international attempted to get tight to his man ahead of a throw-in, but Thuram hit back by grabbing his private parts.Savic immediately went down in agony before VAR reviewed the incident, but the Inter Milan striker avoided punishment.Fans on social media likened it to when Vinnie Jones did the same to Paul Gascoigne in 1988.Read More in SportOne person took to X to write: “Thuram doing a ‘Vinnie Jones’ 😂.”Another commented: “Thuram channeling his inner Vinnie Jones.”A third wrote: “Marcus Thuram has just gone full Vinnie Jones on Savic 😂🍒.”While a fourth added: “WTF, Thuram has just gone full Vinnie Jones on Savic. And nothing was given. Hilarious.”Most read in Champions LeagueCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Inter boss Simone Inzaghi quickly substituted Thuram after the incident.However, the Serie A side went on to lose 3-2 on penalties.’Why would you even say that’ says Kate Abdo after Jamie Carragher’s most awkward joke ever on live TVAfter the match, Savic said: “It is. dream night for us. If I wasn’t on the pitch I’d have loved to be in the stands to watch this game. It was an incredible game, almost like a final.”I’m so happy because we were in a difficult situation and no one believed in us except for the fans.”The boss said before the game that we needed to be ready because it would be a long night.”Fans likened it to when Paul Gascoigne was grabbed by Vinnie JonesCredit: Action Images/MSI More