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    Vinicius Jr hails Sevilla for swiftly kicking out fan who ‘racially abused’ him during Real Madrid draw

    REAL MADRID forward Vinicius Jr has praised Sevilla for removing a fan that allegedly displayed “xenophobic and racist behaviour” on Saturday.The 23-year-old was among a group of Real Madrid players that endured abuse from rival fans during the LaLiga match.
    Vinicius Jr was targetted by Sevilla fans during a LaLiga match on SaturdayCredit: Getty
    The Real Madrid star shared an image of a supporter allegedly racially abusing himCredit: Instagram @vinijr
    Security at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium took action by removing a fan.
    An official statement from Sevilla, which was issued after the match, read: “Sevilla FC condemns all racist and xenophobic behaviour and will work closely with the authorities to ensure that action is taken accordingly. This behaviour does not belong at Sevilla FC.
    “The individual will also be subject to the club’s vigorous internal disciplinary protocols and have their membership revoked.”
    Despite the club’s efforts to prevent fans abusing the Real Madrid players, a video – which emerged on social media hours after the match – appeared to show a child making discriminatory gestures towards Vinicius.
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    The Brazilian winger took to social media to praise Sevilla for attempting to take action, but he also condemned the racism that could be seen in the social media video.
    He took to X to write: “Congratulations to Sevilla for their quick positioning and punishment in yet another sad episode for Spanish football.
    “Unfortunately, I had access to a video of another racist act in this Saturday’s match, this time carried out by a child.
    “I am very sorry that there is no one to educate you. I invest, and I invest a lot, in education in Brazil to form citizens with attitudes different from these.
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    “The face of today’s racist is plastered on websites as on many other occasions.
    “I hope the Spanish authorities do their part and change the legislation once and for all. These people must be criminally punished too.
    “It would be a great first step in preparing for the 2030 World Cup. I’m available to help.
    “Sorry to seem repetitive, but this is isolated episode number 19. And counting…”
    Vinicius has endured horrific racial abuse from rival fans on several occasions in recent years.
    In January, an effigy of the Real Madrid winger was hung from a bridge near the club’s training ground before a Copa del Rey clash with Atletico Madrid.
    And on a separate occasion La Liga said that “intolerable racist behaviour was once again observed against Vinicius” in a game against Barcelona.
    Despite the abuse he has endured, Vinicius has bravely continued to fight for change. More

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    Jude Bellingham scores 11th goal in 11 matches for Real Madrid… then finds out it doesn’t count

    JUDE BELLINGHAM scored his 11th goal in as many matches for Real Madrid.But the England star was left devastated after discovering his latest effort did not count.
    Jude Bellingham netted his 11th goal in as many games for Real MadridCredit: Twitter / @ViaplaySportsUK
    The Real Madrid star was left distraught when he discovered the goal did not countCredit: Getty

    Bellingham, 20, completed a £115million to Real from Borussia Dortmund in June.
    The midfielder rejected a Premier League move to test himself at the highest level in Spain.
    And Bellingham has not looked back since after firing in 10 goals in 10 games for his new club.
    The Birmingham City legend lined up in Saturday’s clash against Sevilla looking to make it 11 from 11.
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    Bellingham was once against deployed as an attacking midfielder, allowing him to burst into the box from deep.
    And Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid tactics worked wonders yet again as Bellingham pounced onto a loose ball outside Sevilla’s area before driving home for 1-0.
    Bellingham toasted his 11th goal in as many games in style, waving his arms outstretched to adoring supporters.
    But the playmaker was left completely deflated as the referee blew his whistle to rule the goal out due to a foul in the build-up.
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    Sevilla’s Lucas Ocampos was left in a heap after being tackled by Dani Carvajal down the other end of the pitch.
    The ref had gone over to sort the mess out without blowing his whistle, allowing Real to break and Bellingham to score.
    The Three Lions hero looked distraught as he realised his latest effort was not going to count.
    Things got worse for Bellingham when Real Madrid went behind in the 74th minute through a David Alaba own-goal.
    But Carvajal made amends with an equaliser in the 78th minute, with the game ending 1-1. More

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    Rafa Benitez turned down more than TWENTY job offers and reveals key reason for taking over at Celta Vigo

    RAFA BENITEZ turned down mega money and more than 20 clubs to be closer to home at Celta Vigo.Spaniard Benitez was unveiled as the LaLiga side’s new boss in the summer.
    Rafa Benitez took charge of Celta Vigo back in the summerCredit: AFP
    It was Benitez’s first job in home country Spain since he coached Real Madrid in 2016Credit: AFP
    Although he’s had a tough start to life with the Galicians, who sit third from bottom after nine games.
    However, the former Everton, Liverpool, Newcastle,  Chelsea and Real Madrid manager revealed when he took the job: “I had more than 20 offers for much more money — but coming to Celta is a source of pride.
    “I wanted to be in a top league, closer to my family and a project that allows me to grow. This offer was the most attractive.”
    The ex-Inter Milan and Napoli chief, 63, has one of the most impressive hauls of silverware for any modern-day boss.
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    He’s racked up triumphs in the Champions League, LaLiga twice, the Europa League, UEFA Cup, Club World Cup, FA Cup and Coppa Italia.
    The former Valencia manager previously bossed in his home country with Real in 2015-16.
    But he was axed halfway through that campaign when Los Blancos dropped to third in LaLiga, amid claims he was unpopular with fans and some players.
    Benitez last won a trophy when Newcastle lifted the Championship crown in 2017.
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    He then oversaw China’s Dalian Pro from July 2019 to January 2021.
    Next came his last job until now, seven months at Everton that began with a winning streak but ended in a dire run and the axe in January 2022.
    Celta were quick to boast of his pedigree when they appointed him back in June.
    When announcing his arrival, they posted: “Rafa Benitez is one of the most successful coaches in the history of our country and has coached world-class teams in the main European leagues.
    “(In) our Centenary season, an unforgettable event for Celta’s fans, (we will have) a formidable leader on the bench.” More

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    Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid team-mate doubling up as his driver after texting him ‘almost every day’ about transfer

    VINICIUS JR’S bromance with Jude Bellingham is so strong he reportedly drives him to training. Bellingham has settled well to life in Spain since his move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer in a deal worth £115million.
    Jude Bellingham in training with Vinicius JrCredit: EPA
    Brazilian Vinicius did his part in convincing the England international over to Madrid having text him several sales pitches.
    And now Bellingham is at the Bernabeu, Vinicius is one of his closest friends.
    According to the Athletic, the winger will drive Bellingham to training when the midfielder’s mum is unable to.
    The pair also go out for dinner together and were recently joined by defender Eder Militao.
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    Bellingham, 20, has got off to a flying start in LaLiga with ten goals in as many matches, with Madrid top of the table.
    But his international form has also been as good having put in a Man of The Match performance against Italy.
    Bellingham helped England secure Euro 2024 qualification and the playmaker revealed plans to commit his future to Madrid.
    He said: “I’ve said since I arrived it’s a club I want to be at for the next 10 to 15 years of my life. I love the club.
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    “When you’re around those types of mentalities and players with that quality every day – you see them in the gym; you see how they prepare for games, the analysis, the physio work they get done.
    “You see the work on the pitch, how competitive some of the training sessions are.
    “it just takes you to a new level technically.”
    Bellingham helped England secure Euro 2024 qualificationCredit: PA More

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    Jose Mourinho lined up for shock return to former club with ex-Chelsea manager set for Roma exit

    JOSE MOURINHO is being lined up for a shock return to Real Madrid, according to reports.The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss, 60, looks set to leave Roma at the end of the season when his contract expires.
    Jose Mourinho is set to leave Roma at the end of the seasonCredit: EPA
    Carlo Ancelotti is expected to depart Real Madrid in the summerCredit: Getty
    It was claimed earlier this week that the Serie A giants have no intention of extending his deal as Antonio Conte seeks to replace him.
    But Mourinho may not be out of work for long as Real Madrid weigh up a possible move for the Portuguese coach.
    Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti is expected to leave the Bernabeu in the summer to become Brazil boss.
    According to Mundo Deportivo, Mourinho could return for a second spell in the Spanish capital as Real consider him as one of three potential candidates.
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    Zinedine Zidane and Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso are the other names in the hat.
    Mourinho spent three seasons at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013.

    He won the Copa del Rey in 2011, before scooping the LaLiga title and Spanish Super Cup the following year.
    Mourinho was linked with a second stint at the club in 2019 after Julen Lopetegui was dismissed.
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    But Real ended up securing the return of Zidane.
    Despite Mourinho being linked with the 14-time European champions, there is still some uncertainty around whether Ancelotti will stick around at the club.
    His deal ends at the end of the season, but it is understood he would accept a contract renewal if it was offered.
    Ancelotti is also yet to officially sign anything with Brazil as he is awaiting a final decision from Real Madrid. More

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    Barcelona set to play in bizarre shirt against Real Madrid as club takes Spotify deal to whole new level

    BARCELONA are getting lippy with a one-off shirt against Real Madrid emblazoned with the Rolling Stones’ iconic logo.The Spanish giants can’t yet be Nou age rockers – as their famous stadium is being redeveloped – so they’ve come up with the next best thing as their sponsorship with Spotify hits a high note.
    Rolling Stones’ legends Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are ‘honoured’ their logo will adorn Barca’s shirt against fierce rivals RealCredit: Reuters
    Lamine Yamal, Jules Kounde and Fermin Lopez show how Barcelona’s Spotify-sponsored shirt normally looksCredit: Getty
    It was less tongue in cheek and more tongue on kit as legendary Stones Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood paraded the special top – complete with the band’s cheeky emblem.
    The rock stars’ logo of big lips with a huge tongue sticking out will take centre stage on the home side’s shirt for El Clasico at Barca’s temporary Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys ground on October 28.
    The latest instalment of the club’s arrangement with streaming service Spotify sees Xavi’s men promote the Stones’ new album.
    In fact, it’s the British group’s first fresh material since 2005.
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    The band said: “We’re huge football fans and honoured that Spotify have brought our Tongue & Lips logo to grace the FC Barcelona shirt to celebrate the release of the Stones’ new ‘Hackney Diamonds’ album.
    “We’ll be cheering on the players on the pitch as well as fans around the world who will be tuning in to watch this iconic match.”
    Supporters will be glued to their screens as third-placed Barca attempt to hunt down LaLiga leaders Real.
    And Barca fans will pray keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has Sticky Fingers too – to keep out Madrid’s prolific summer signing Jude Bellingham plus Vinicius Junior and Co.
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    As Jagger might say, with one eye on the Stones’ own most famous rivals The Beatles: “Hey Jude, don’t make it bad.”
    But whatever happens, El Clasico observers will hope to be as open-mouthed as Barcelona’s one-off logo… with excitement. More

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    Barcelona chief Deco says Lionel Messi will ‘DEFINITELY’ return to Nou Camp and calls old pal ‘greatest idol in history’

    LIONEL MESSI will “definitely” return to the Nou Camp for Barcelona one day.That is according to Barca’s sporting director Deco, who is adamant Messi will come back to his beloved club for a farewell game.
    Barcelona legend Lionel Messi will return to the Nou Camp one dayCredit: Getty
    Deco described former Barcelona team-mate Messi as ‘greatest idol in history’Credit: 2010 AFP
    The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner established himself as arguably the greatest footballer of all time during a glittering 17-year stint with the Blaugrana.
    The star forward scored a staggering total of 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 appearances and won 10 LaLiga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies and four Champions League honours.
    Just when it looked like the Argentina captain would end his career with the Catalan giants, he shocked the world by leaving in 2021 due to the club’s dire financial woes.
    However, Deco insists the Barcelona faithful haven’t seen the last of former team-mate Messi, whom he described as the “greatest idol”.
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    The ex-Chelsea star, though, admits there is no date lined up for the Argentine’s return.
    Deco told Lance: “He [Messi] will definitely play a farewell game at Barcelona, but when that will be, we don’t know.
    “He will always be the greatest idol in the club’s history. The club had great idols, like [Johan] Cruyff, Ronaldo, but he is perhaps the greatest of all.”
    Barcelona president Joan Laporta suggested Messi’s farewell match could take place next year in November.
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    The Spanish champions would like to combine the World Cup winner’s last ever match with the grand opening of their revamped Spotify Camp Nou.
    Laporta told Catalunya Radio: “It would be fantastic if he could be part of the Spotify Camp Nou re-opening.
    “It will be finished in June 2026 but we will be back in November 2024 and that could also be a good date. We’re going to see. We would like it to happen and I hope it does.”
    Messi was keen to return to Barcelona last summer after a turbulent two-year stint at Paris Saint-Germain came to a disappointing end.
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    Barcelona sporting director Deco insists Messi will have a farewell gameCredit: 2023 Alex Caparros
    However, a deal never materialised and he ended up joining Manchester United legend David Beckham’s MLS club Inter Miami, where he has scored 11 goals and five assists in 13 matches.
    The MLS outfit’s managing owner Jorge Mas even admitted that he is open to letting his team play in Barcelona to allow the ex-PSG star to compete one last time in front of his die-hard fans.
    Deco added: “I’ve been friends with Leo for a long time.
    “The issue of him going to the United States was something that had been planned for a long time.
    “He already mentioned this idea way back. What changed were those two years at PSG…
    “I wasn’t in the conversations [about Messi’s return]. Obviously, Messi is one of the greatest idols in the club’s history.
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    “He’s happy now and that’s what I think he had to look for in his career.
    “About returning to Barcelona, it would have been something spectacular, as he is the greatest player in history, but things ended up happening like this and you can see that he is happy. That’s what matters most.” More

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    Football club come up with unique ‘cheat code’ kick-off as fans compare it to ‘FIFA glitch’

    A SPANISH second division side have gone viral for their bizarre approach to taking kick-offs.Racing Santander currently sit eighth in La Liga 2 with 18 points from 11 games.
    Racing Santander have been using a bizarre kick-off methodCredit: reddit
    The ball is passed back to another player, who sends it longCredit: reddit
    Several Racing Santander players then chase it down and put pressure on defendersCredit: reddit
    But the Green and Whites recently became popular among fans for their unorthodox kick-off method.
    Some are even branding it as a “cheat code”.
    Instead of keeping the ball, the player receiving it from the kick-off flicks it up before sending a long pass forward.
    The technique puts the opposition under some early pressure while at least four players press high in a bid to win the ball.
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    Fans were left stunned after noticing the consistent theme, with some taking to social media to have their say.
    One person commented: “Fifa kickoff glitch with a twist.”

    Another added: “Rugby kick. I rate it. It probably works well in lower leagues, but you probably should not do that against City.”
    While a third wrote: “That’s what kick offs used to be like in the early days of Association Football, before passing took over.”
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    Paris Saint-Germain tried a similar trick last season and it resulted in Kylian Mbappe scoring after just eight seconds.
    The PSG stars played three passes between themselves in the centre circle before the ball was sent long to Mbappe, who scored with his first touch of the game. More