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      Stoke flop lined up for sensational Real Madrid transfer as club look for Benzema competition

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      STOKE reject Joselu is reportedly being eyed up for a sensational return to Real Madrid.The Spanish forward, 33, has enjoyed a superb few years back in Spain after a difficult time in the Premier League.
      Joselu has been superb for a struggling Espanyol side this seasonCredit: EPA
      During his stint in England, he registered just four goals in 27 games for Stoke, before he joined Newcastle where he hit the back of the net on seven occasions across two seasons.
      But since heading back to his home country, Joselu has impressed in LaLiga.
      His 36 goals in 113 appearances for Alaves earned him a move to Espanyol.
      And while the Catalan club are battling relegation, he has still managed to net 16 times in 34 appearances this season.
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      Joselu, who scored twice in two appearances for Real Madrid in 2011, was also called up to the Spain squad in March – where he netted twice on his debut against Norway.
      According to Relevo, he is now the subject of interest from Real Madrid as they seek competition for star striker Karim Benzema.
      Carlo Ancelotti’s men are set for a disappointing season after being beaten to the league title by Barcelona and suffering a Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Manchester City.
      They did win the Copa del Rey, but that is not expected to satisfy Real bosses.
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      Benzema, 35, has enjoyed another strong season with 29 goals – albeit 15 fewer than his 2021/22 campaign.
      And Los Blancos bosses are discussing the idea of bringing Joselu in to support the talismanic Frenchman.
      The Spanish international’s contract with Espanyol runs until 2025.
      He was signed on a free transfer last summer after his Alaves deal expired.
      Meanwhile, three defeats in five LaLiga games have seen Real Madrid drop below Atletico Madrid to third in the table. More

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      Shocking moment VAR officials appear NOT TO SHOW ref key Vinicius Jr footage as star sent off after racial abuse

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      FOOTBALL fans have speculated that VAR officials did not show key sections of footage to show the referee as Vinicius Jr was sent off in Real Madrid’s clash with Valencia.The Brazilian winger was handed a red card after a brawl broke out in the game in which it was claimed he was racially abused by the Valencia fans.
      Absolute chaos! 😬Vini Jr. is now SENT OFF! 🟥Minutes after it seemed like he was the subject of abuse, the Real Madrid star sees red pic.twitter.com/4dXlvESrQ0— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) May 21, 2023

      Vinicius Jr was sent off against ValenciaCredit: AFP
      He was shown red for his swipe at Hugo DuroCredit: Viaplay Sports UK
      But the Valencia man was not punished for holding Vini by his neckCredit: Viaplay Sports UK
      Fans have claimed the referee was not shown that moment on the monitorCredit: Viaplay Sports UK
      The dismissal came in the closing stages of the second half after Toni Kroos went close to scoring from a free kick.
      Players from both sides collided and TV replays showed Valencia’s Hugo Duro put his arm around Vinicius Jr’s neck.
      The Madrid star then managed to get out of the hold and caught the striker’s head with his arm.
      Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea was advised to go to the monitor to review the scuffle.
      READ MORE ON VINICIUS JR
      However, some fans have claimed that the footage shown to the Spanish official appears to have missed the part in which Vinicius Jr has Duro’s arm around his neck.
      Viewers of the stream suggested that the referee was only shown the arm hitting Duro, leading to the red card of Vinicius Jr.
      The moment has been slammed by viewers online as one tweeted: “This whole situation is ludicrous.
      “Vinicius Jr was the subject of racial abuse, he’s then been put in a chokehold, VAR have told the referee to look at it, the footage shown to the ref didn’t show the choke and Vinicius Jr has been sent off.”
      Most read in Football
      A second wrote: “With the ref being shown that portion of play the player that Vini raises his hands to even has his arm around Vinis neck so how has that been missed also. The Spanish refereeing makes our lot look amazing.”
      A third said: “One of the worst decisions of the season! Utterly shocking!”
      A fourth added: “How on earth hasn’t Hugo Duro been sent off there.”
      A fifth defended Vinicius, by saying: “That is unbelievable, he had every right to raise his arm there to shake him off.”
      After the game, the Real Madrid star claimed Spain is a “country of racists”.
      He reported abuse from home supporters during his team’s 1-0 defeat at the Mestalla Stadium.
      Vinicius pointed out the alleged offenders to the referee, with the match temporarily halted for around nine minutes.
      Los Blancos’ star winger sarcastically applauded and gave a peace sign to the home crowd as he left the field.
      Real Madrid later published an angry statement condemning the lack of “decisiveness” among referees in Spain and the “inaction” of the Spanish FA.
      It went on to say: “Yesterday, the referee and those in charge of the VAR evaded their responsibilities and made unfair decisions based on incomplete images, which were not seen completely, which were biased and which resulted in the direct sending off of our player Vinicius Júnior.
      “Unfortunately, what happened yesterday and the handling of it by the referees and the VAR is not perceived as an isolated incident, but as something that has been happening in many of our matches.
      “The victim who experiences the crime can never be held responsible for the offence.”
      La Liga meanwhile have published a list of seven complaints of offensive chants they have sent to the Spanish FA and Anti-violence Commission, detailing offensive chants by Valencia fans.
      Neither La Liga or the Spanish FA have yet commented on the VAR footage that was used for the red card decision.
      Read More on The Sun
      Reports from Spain claim that the Spanish FA and the Referees’ Committee have taken action and sacked the game’s VAR official Nacho Iglesias Villanueva.
      However, those reports state that the sacking will only come into effect after this weekend as Iglesias Villanueva has already been appointed to a match. More

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      Premier League clubs on red alert over Vinicius Jr after hinting he is ready to quit Spain over racist abuse

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      PREMIER LEAGUE giants are on high alert to launch a summer raid on Brazilian superstar Vinicius Jr after he hinted he is ready to quit Spain.The South American ace became embroiled in a war of words with LaLiga chief Javier Tebas following the racism storm and red card in Real Madrid’s defeat at Valencia.
      Vinicius Jr pointed out racist abuse from the standsCredit: Getty
      Vinicius Jr, who had demanded action from the referee after pointing out one alleged racist in the Mestalla crowd, was later dismissed despite appearing to be the victim of an assault by opponents.
      The incidents – angrily condemned by Real boss Carlo Ancelotti – left the 22-year-old publicly throwing his LaLiga future into doubt.
      He wrote on Twitter: “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. 
      “Racism is normal in LaLiga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the Federation does too and the opponents encourage it. 
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “I’m so sorry but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. Unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I agree. 
      “But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.”
      That last comment suggested the Brazilian is ready to force a move from Madrid – with only Prem clubs able to afford his likely £100m fee and £360,000 per week current salary.
      Yet the chances of Madrid placating the player seemed to have lessened after Tebas’ intervention.
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      Instead of defending the player and condemning the racists – videos showed the chants of “monkey” were not confined to a handful of Valencia fans – Tebas appeared determined to bring him down.
      The LaLiga boss wrote: “Since those who should not explain to you what it is and what LaLiga can do in cases of racism, we have tried to explain it to you.
      “But you have not shown up for either of the two agreed dates that you requested yourself. 
      “Before criticising and insulting LaLiga, it is necessary that you inform yourself properly. 
      “Do not let yourself be manipulated and make sure you fully understand each other’s competencies and the work we have been doing together.”
      That, unsurprisingly, brought an even more aggressive response, as Vinicius Junior blasted back: “Once again, instead of criticising racists, the president of LaLiga appears on social media to attack me.
      “As much as you talk and pretend not to read, the image of your championship is shaken. See the responses to your posts and have a surprise.
      “Omitting yourself only makes you equal to racists. I’m not your friend to talk about racism. I want actions and punishments. Your hashtag doesn’t move me.”
      Fifa responded by a statement from President Gianni Infantino which offered “full solidarity” to the player, adding: “There is no place for racism in football or society and Fifa stands with by players who have found themselves in such a situation.”
      Infantino then criticised the Spanish authorities for not following Fifa’s controversial “three-step process” in which fans are warned the match will be abandoned if racist chants continues.
      But there was full-throated backing for the player from Kick It Out, whose head of player engagement Troy Townsend said: “Vinicius Jr has now been subjected to racism numerous times this season while simply playing football for Real Madrid, and it has clearly taken its toll. 
      “How could it not? And yet the response from the Spanish football authorities has been to criticise him.
      “Perpetrators of this shocking and continued racism need to be punished and banned by clubs. 
      Read More on The Sun
      “Clubs need to be held accountable and be sanctioned by LaLiga. Spanish authorities need to take further action against this problem. So far, it is not working.
      “Currently, the welfare of Vinicius Jr is not being protected, and that needs to change. This behaviour should not be tolerated by anyone involved in football.”
      Vinicius, 22, alerted the referee to the situationCredit: Rex More

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      Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool handed transfer update as Barcelona star Gavi reveals future plans

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      BARCELONA midfielder Gavi insists he wants to stay at the club despite interest from the Premier League.Several teams were put on high alert earlier this year when Barcelona’s attempt to register the 18-year-old as a first team player was rejected by LaLiga.
      Gavi has revealed he wants to stay at BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Gavi had just signed a new long-term contract – which includes a £870million release clause.
      However, rules mean he will be be available on a free transfer until cash-strapped Barcelona resolve the issue.
      Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool have all expressed an interest in signing the Spain starlet, but his head has yet to be turned.
      Gavi told Movistar: “I want all of you to be calm on my future… I’m very calm.
      Read More on Chelsea
      “Since I was little I’ve wanted to stay at Barca. It’s my dream club, I always say it.
      “Don’t worry, let everyone be calm.”
      Last month, Barcelona boss Xavi admitted he is desperate for Gavi to remain at the club.
      He also suggested that the teenager wouldn’t be as happy elsewhere.
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      When asked about Gavi leaving, he said: “I don’t think Gavi would be happy at another club.
      “He has everything here. He is 18 years old. He’s a key player of our team.
      “For me, he’s a footballer that is outstanding.
      “I don’t know what he’ll decide but I think his future is here at the club.”
      Gavi joined Barcelona’s world renowned La Masia academy at the age of 11 in 2015.
      He signed his first professional contract in 2020 and was promoted to the senior squad ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.
      The Spaniard made his first team debut in August 2021 and has since scored four goals in 93 appearances for the La Liga giants. More

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      Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr breaks silence after claiming he was racially abused and says racism ‘is normal in LaLiga’

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      REAL MADRID star Vinicius Jr claimed Spain is “a country of racists” after allegedly being abused by Valencia fans.The Brazilian reported abuse from home supporters during his team’s 1-0 defeat at the Mestalla earlier today.
      Vinicius Jr was allegedly racially abused by Valencia fansCredit: Getty
      Vinicius pointed out the offenders to the refereeCredit: Getty
      Vinicius pointed out the alleged offenders to the referee, with the match temporarily halted for around nine minutes.
      The 22-year-old was later sent off for striking out at Hugo Duro… despite the Spanish youth international NOT receiving a red card for having him in a headlock.
      Real Madrid’s star winger sarcastically applauded and gave a peace sign to the home crowd as he left the field.
      Taking to Twitter after the match, he powerfully wrote: “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “Racism is normal in LaLiga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the Federation does too and the opponents encourage it.
      “I’m so sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi today belongs to racists.
      “A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world.
      “I’m sorry for the Spaniards who don’t agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists.
      Most read in Football
      “And unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defence. I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.”
      Carlo Ancelotti also had strong words to say about the unsavoury scenes.
      After the match, he said: “You can’t play football like this.
      “This is too serious, they throw a ball on the field, they insult Vinicius all the time, and they take the red card from him.
      “What are we talking about? We are in 2023, there can be no racism We have to go home.”
      MORE RACISM SHAME
      Tensions had already been boiling between players on the pitch earlier in the match, with Valencia defender Eray Comert having kicked a stray ball at Vinicius as the winger had attempted to run in behind with the actual ball.
      The incident sparked a melee between players from both teams.
      Valencia then released an official statement.
      It read: “Valencia CF wish to publicly condemn insults and attacks of all kinds in football.
      “The club have a firm commitment to the values of respect and sportsmanship, and reiterate our position against physical and verbal violence in stadiums. Thus, we are saddened by the events that occurred during the LaLiga Matchday 35 match against Real Madrid.
      “Although this is an isolated episode, insults to any opposing player have no place in football and do not fit with the values and identity of Valencia CF.
      “The club are investigating what occurred and will take the most severe measures against the perpetrators. Valencia CF also condemn any offence and request the utmost respect for our fans.
      “Whilst strongly denouncing these isolated incidents, Valencia CF would like to thank the more than 46,000 fans in attendance for their support for the team.”
      Vinicius has repeatedly been the victim of vile racist abuse in recent seasons.

      He was racially abused by Atletico Madrid fans earlier in this campaign.
      While he also danced in front of the crowd after allegedly receiving similar abuse from Mallorca supporters last term.
      Hugo Duro was somehow not sent off for putting Vinicius Jr in a headlockCredit: VIAPLAY
      Vinicius received a red card after pushing Duro awayCredit: VIAPLAY More

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      Watch Valencia defender stop Vinicius Jr run with ‘elite s***housery’ leaving fans divided

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      FOOTBALL fans split opinion on Sunday evening after a Valencia defender produced an astonishing piece of gamesmanship against Vinicius Jr.The Real Madrid superstar, 22, was the subject of alleged racial abuse from a Valencia fan during the second half of Los Blancos’ 1-0 defeat.
      Valencia defender Eray Comert kicked a second ball at Vinicius Jr
      The dead ball knocked the active ball out of play
      After the incident with the two balls, Vinicius pointed out a Valencia fan that had allegedly racially abused himCredit: Reuters
      Moments earlier, the Brazilian was left baffled when attacking down the left flank.
      The South American forward flew down the wing and looked set to beat right-back Dimitri Foulquie for pace.
      But as he approached the edge of the box, Valencia centre-back Eray Comert spotted a second ball on the pitch – which was sat in the penalty area.
      Noticing the danger of the flying Real man, Comert kicked the dead ball at Vinicius, knocking the active ball out of play.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The incident also sent the Brazilian star tumbling, before he got back up to remonstrate with the referee.
      And fans on social media were divided by Comert’s unsporting act.
      One said: “Elite s***housery.”
      But another user offered a differing view, saying: “The way the whole situation was handled was a joke, not surprised he ended up getting sent off.”
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      Shortly after the incident with the two balls, Vinicius pointed to a fan behind the goal after he was allegedly the victim of racist abuse.
      The game was temporarily suspended, before a chaotic brawl in stoppage time led to Vinicius Jr being sent off after a VAR review.
      And Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was furious with the whole handling of the situation.
      He said: “You can’t play football like this. This is too serious, they throw a ball on the field, they insult Vinicius all the time, and they take the red card from him.”
      He then went on to add: “What are we talking about? We are in 2023, there can be no racism. We have to go home.” More

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      Real Madrid clash suspended as fuming Vinicius Jr points out Valencia fan accused of racial abuse to referee

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      REAL MADRID’S 1-0 defeat to Valencia was temporarily paused when Vinicius Jr accused members of the crowd of racially abusing him.The Brazilian alerted the referee, before specifically pointing members of the crowd out.
      Vinicius Jr alleged to have received racist abuse from the crowdCredit: Getty
      The Brazilian alerted the referee to the situationCredit: Getty
      Vinicius, 22, pointed out the alleged offenderCredit: Reuters
      His team-mates appeared to be fuming with the incident, with many backing Vinicius up.
      The match was temporarily halted as the referee attempted to assess the situation – speaking to Vinicius as well as manager Carlo Ancelotti.
      Tensions had already been boiling between players on the pitch, with Valencia defender Eray Comert having kicked a stray ball at Vinicius as the winger had attempted to run in behind with the actual ball.
      The incident sparked a melee between players from both teams.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Eventually the game was set to continue with an indirect free-kick, only for Vinicius to take issue with the crowd.
      At this point the 22-yeart-old alerted the referee, going right up to the stands to point out the alleged offenders.
      Valencia’s Jose Gaya attempted to pull Vinicius away from the crowd, but the Real Madrid star was backed up by Karim Benzema, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eder Militao and Lucas Vazquez.
      As the officials assessed the situation, Ancelotti spoke to Vinicius.
      Most read in Football
      Carlo Ancelotti spoke to his star wingerCredit: Rex
      Vinicius imitates what the crowd were doing to himCredit: Reuters
      The game eventually resumed around nine minutes after the initial stoppage.
      After the match entered additional time, players from both teams were involved in another furious confrontation.
      Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was booked for squaring up to Vinicius.
      The referee was then advised to view the incident again by VAR.
      TV footage showed Vinicius to have struck out at Hugo Duro, after being grabbed around the neck from behind by the Spanish youth international.
      After viewing several replays, the referee opted to send Vinicius off, but NOT Duro.
      Rudiger then held Vinicius back, with the winger sarcastically applauding the officials and flashing a peace sign to the crowd as he left the field.
      You can’t play football like thisCarlo Ancelotti
      After the match, Ancelotti had strong words to say about the various incidents.
      He blasted: “You can’t play football like this.
      “This is too serious, they throw a ball on the field, they insult Vinicius all the time, and they take the red card from him.
      “What are we talking about? We are in 2023, there can be no racism We have to go home.”
      Vinicius himself then tweeted: “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga.
      “The competition thinks it’s normal, the Federation does too and the opponents encourage it. I’m so sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi today belongs to racists.
      Spain is known as a country of racistsVinicius Jr
      “A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world.
      “I’m sorry for the Spaniards who don’t agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. And unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defense.
      “I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.”
      Vinicius has repeatedly been the victim of vile racist abuse in recent seasons.

      He was racially abused by Atletico Madrid fans earlier in this campaign.
      While he also danced in front of the crowd after allegedly receiving similar abuse from Mallorca supporters last term.
      Hugo Duro was somehow not sent off for putting Vinicius Jr in a headlockCredit: VIAPLAY
      Vinicius received a red card after pushing Duro awayCredit: VIAPLAY
      Giorgi Mamardashvili was booked after angrily squaring up to Vinicius JrCredit: Getty More

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      Ruben Neves ‘agrees four-year Barcelona deal as he rejects Arsenal and Man Utd transfer… but Wolves won’t get a penny’

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      WOLVES midfielder Ruben Neves has reportedly agreed to join Barcelona at the end of the season.The Portuguese star, 26, has been heavily linked with Manchester United and Arsenal during the last several transfer windows.
      Ruben Neves appeared to say goodbye to the Wolves crowd on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      But he is now understood to be closing in on a deal that would see him grace the Nou Camp turf.
      According to Sport, Neves’ agent Jorge Mendes has struck an agreement with Barcelona.
      It will involve Wolves paying £26million and Neves in a part-exchange deal for Ansu Fati.
      However, Fati, 20, is yet to give the go-ahead for the switch to be completed.
      READ MORE ON TRANSFERS
      The Barca forward has contributed 26 goals and 10 assists in 106 matches, but has started just 11 LaLiga games this season.
      There is pressure from all parties to complete the transfer before June 30.
      Neves joined Wolves when they were in the Championship back in 2017 for £15.8m from Porto.
      Helping Wanderers to secure promotion in his first season, he has gone on to register 30 goals and 13 assists in 251 appearances.
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      But it appears his time in the Black Country is coming to an end – with his contract up at the end of next season.
      Neves brought his wife and kids onto the Molineux pitch following their final home game of the campaign.
      Julen Lopetegui’s side conceded a last-gasp equaliser to draw 1-1 with Everton.
      But that did not stop Neves from being all smiles as he received applause from the supporters after the final whistle. More