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      Atletico vs Real Madrid VAR official replaced for Tottenham clash after Julian Alvarez penalty controversy

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      THE VAR responsible for chalking off Julian Alvarez’s controversial ‘double-kick’ penalty has been axed from his next European game.Tomasz Kwiatkowski, the Polish official, has been removed from the refereeing set-up for Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt. Alvarez was adjudged to have touched the ball twice upon scoring his penaltyCredit: ReutersFootball fans struggled to see the momentCredit: TNT SportsThe penalty was chalked off and Real Madrid advanced in the Champions LeagueCredit: APKwiatkowski fuelled a frenzy during the penalty shoot-out between city rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 at the Estadio Metropolitano, when he disallowed Alvarez’s successful spot-kick in a matter of seconds. Kwiatkowski deemed that the Argentine had touched the ball twice as he slotted past Thibaut Courtois.That sparked outrage amongst Atleti staff and supporters alike. There was such an uproar after the game that Uefa were forced to back the VAR’s decision with an official statement, even releasing a video of the spot kick to demonstrate Kwiatkowski’s thought process.Read More FootballThe incident also prompted Uefa to admit that they were ready to readdress the ‘double-kick’ law. It seemed as though things would return to normal when the fiasco simmered down, but the debate has been reignited by Kwiatkowski’s axing for Spurs’ Europa League tie with Frankfurt.Uefa have not publicly given a reason as to why the change has been made, leaving fans in the dark ahead of tonight’s game.Kwiatkowski has been part of referee Szymon Marciniak’s team since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but he will not be in London as initially planned.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSInstead, he will be replaced by Spaniard Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez in the VAR control room.Tottenham host Frankfurt in tonight’s game, which kicks off at 8pm.About to get sacked on air’ – Micah Richards stuns Kate Abdo into eight-second silence with crude innuendoSzymon Marciniak will be without his usual VAR when he takes charge of Spurs’ encounter against FrankfurtReal came out on top in the shootout, earning them a meeting with Arsenal in the quarter-finalsCredit: Alamy More

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      Raphinha slammed over ‘shameless’ act in Barcelona’s win against Dortmund

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      RAPHINHA has been slammed on social media after a “shameless” act in the Champions League.The Brazilian netted Barcelona’s opening goal in the Catalans’ 4-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.Raphinha prods home from right on the goal lineRaphinha has 12 goals in 11 Champions League games this termCredit: GettyRaphinha’s actions denied Pau Cubarsi his first ever Champions League goalCredit: GettyRobert Lewandowski haunted his former side once again with a brace, before teenage sensation Lamine Yamal completed the rout on 77 minutes. But Raphinha, the former Leeds United winger, was the big talking point as he was slated for perceived selfishness during Barca’s win.The anger comes after he bundled home to break the deadlock in the 25th minute at the Estadi OIympic Lluis Companys, Barca’s temporary home while the Nou Camp gets renovated.The Brazilian earned bucketload of backlash online for “stealing” a goal from Pau Cubarsi, the teenage centre-back who’s never scored in the Champions League.Read more FootballCurbasi, the 18-year-old Spanish defender, turned an Inigo Martinez knockdown from Fermin Lopez’s free kick goalbound, with the ball trickling towards the far corner.However, Raphinha, ghosting in unmarked at the back post, made sure that the ball went in by getting the last touch just before it crossed the line.The incident sparkled a frenzy on social media, with one fan taking to X to comment: “Raphinha having no shame in stealing what would’ve been an 18 year old’s first ever Champions League goal”, while another tweeted: “That was shameless from Raphinha”.Raphinha’s 12th goal in Europe this season really upset one fan, who tweeted: “That’s the sort of stupidity that shouldn’t be rewarded”.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOthers expressed their dismay at Raphinha’s selfishness, saying: “Goal robbed” and “I would be so mad if I was Curbasi…”.Another claimed that Raphinha had “snatched Cubarsi’s goal to boost his Ballon D’Or chances”, but perhaps the most brutal comment was that Raphinha is “a crook” and there was “no way you try stat pad when it was already going in ffs… this Ballon D’or s*** got guys acting outta character.”The result leaves Hansi Flick’s side with one foot in the last four of Europe’s premier competition, and Barca will face the winners of Inter Milan and Bayern Munich, assuming they avoid a sensational comeback in Dortmund next week.Barca are having a strong season, going under the radar of many in Flick’s first term in the hotseat, and the German has them top of LaLiga by four points, en route to taking back the league title that they lost to Real Madrid in the last campaign.Robert Lewandowski was the thorn in his former club’s side, scoring twiceLamine Yamal was also among the goalscorers More

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      Former Premier League star-turned-manager wears PINK TUXEDO on touchline as he’s compared to Simpsons character

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      FORMER Premier League midfielder Segundo Castillo has combined coaching with the catwalk… by sporting a PINK TUXEDO during a game.The ex-Ecuador international star loan spells with Everton and Wolves between 2008 and 2010.Segundo Castillo explained why we wears such spectacular outfitsCredit: ReutersThe ex-midfielder likes to make his Barcelona SC players ‘smile’Castillo’s tuxedo couldn’t quite inspire his team to victoryCredit: AFPCastillo, nicknamed Sir Second Castle, now manages home-country club Barcelona SC.And the 42-year-old went the extra mile to produce a smile for their Copa Libertadores clash with Argentina’s River Plate in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.Castillo stunned onlookers by wearing a flamboyant pink dinner jacket as he saw his side earn a commendable 0-0 draw.The fashion-loving former footballer has previously donned black and white tuxes for Barcelona games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut his latest sartorial statement drew plenty of derision online – including memes of Marge Simpson, a character from animated TV show The Simpsons, wearing a pink dress.Castillo said: “When I come out of my dressing-room and my players see me like this, it makes them smile and makes them feel more free for a moment.”The players can tell they are being well looked-after.  “There is a good atmosphere between them and the coaching staff.”Most read in FootballThe ex-Everton and Wolves loanee produced a smile as dazzling as his attireCredit: ReutersCastillo believes his outfit helps his players look on the bright sideCredit: GettyCastillo made nine Prem appearances for Everton, and scored a UEFA Cup goal against Standard Liege.The anchorman went on to play eight times for Wolves, this time on loan from Red Star Belgrade.Glamorous Ecuador fan in just bikini and fishnet stockings goes viral as fans ditch Euro 2024 for Copa AmericaHe later played for six clubs in South America, including Barcelona SC, plus Saudi team Al-Hilal.Castillo retired as a player in 2020, taking the permanent Barcelona boss job last year following two spells as interim chief. More

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      William Saliba has warned Arsenal they cannot DEFEND 3-0 lead at Bernabeu and must go for the win against Real Madrid

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      WILLIAM SALIBA has warned Arsenal they would be foolish to try and DEFEND their 3-0 lead against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.The Gunners stunned the reigning and 15-time European champions in their Champions League quarter final first leg thanks to two stunning second half Declan Rice free-kicks.Declan Rice netted two amazing free-kicks to down Real MadridCredit: GettyRice had never previously scored a free-kick in his professional careerCredit: GettyWilliam Saliba has called for Arsenal to attack Madrid again in the second legCredit: GettyMikel Merino’s strike shortly after sees Mikel Arteta’s men go to Madrid next week with a three-goal cushion – something Los Blancos have NEVER overcome in a knock-out first leg.Yet French defender Saliba is wary of Madrid’s status as the crazy comeback kings on their own patch – and told Arsenal to fight fire with fire in one of Europe’s greatest arenas.The 24-year-old said: “We are not scared. We want to go there and win the game.“We cannot defend the whole game. We won 3-0 but we know it is not finished. There are a lot of things that can happen.read more arsenal“It was incredible because to win in a quarter final like this against Madrid, in front of our fans, is amazing. But now we have to do it again next week.“One of the best [nights of my career] and I hope it’s not the last one.”Boss Arteta has been criticised in the past for his tentative approach in big games away from home, preferring to set up not to lose instead of going for the win.In March 2024, Arsenal went to the Etihad needing three points against Manchester City to put them in pole position to win their first Prem title for 20 years.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSInstead, they defended deep and had just 27.5 per cent possession and two shots on target in a 0-0 draw – ultimately being pipped to the title by City on the final day by two points.The Bernabeu clash will be a chance for the Spanish coach to prove he has learned his lessons when it comes to competing for the biggest honours.Paul Merson suffers awkward wardrobe malfunction live on Sky Sports as he jumps up to celebrate Arsenal goalArteta has also spoken in the past about needing “magic moments” to see out tight games, and he got just that with Rice’s world class free-kicks in the 58th and 70th minute against Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid.England midfielder Rice had never scored a free-kick in his professional career, and defied instructions from set-piece coach Nicolas Jover to go for goal instead of crossing.It was also Arsenal’s first goal from a direct free-kick since September 2021 when Martin Odegaard scored against Burnley in a 1-0 win at Turf Moor.Saliba laughed: “I don’t see that! [from Rice in training] It’s the first time I’ve seen a good free kick from Dec. We don’t score a lot of direct free kicks.“I am so proud of him and I’m sure he will score again.”Arsenal remain without a recognised striker with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus out injured, while Saliba’s defensive partner Gabriel was recently ruled out for the season after hamstring surgery.Saliba added: “We don’t want to hide behind the injuries. We know that we haven’t been so lucky this season but we have to keep going.Read More on The Sun“We have a lot of good players who can step up. We did well today and it gave us a lot of confidence for what is coming.“It gives us a lot of confidence for what is coming next. We have to keep going like this, even if we have a young team, we can win.”Arsenal ratings vs Real Madrid as Declan Rice’s free-kick thunderbolts earn him an ELEVEN out of 10BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid – and the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night.Rice’s epic showing was enough to earn him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners… More

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      Shocking moment footballer PUNCHES team-mate in fit of rage before he is restrained by fellow player

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      A LALIGA footballer PUNCHED his team-mate in shocking scenes.The vice-captain then had to be restrained by another colleague as tempers boiled over on the bench.Real Valladolid vice-captain Luis Perez punched Juan Miguel Latasa on the benchCredit: DAZNEray Comert had to step in to restrain his furious team-mateCredit: DAZNLuis Perez was an unused substitute for Real Valladolid in Sunday’s 4-0 home defeat to Getafe.Valladolid – who have Brazilian Ronaldo as owner and chairman – sit ten points adrift at the bottom of the table and look set to be relegated after ten defeats in their last 11 matches. And it is clear not all is well inside the camp.Midway through the second half on Sunday – with Valladolid trailing 3-0 – things got ugly. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSulking striker Juan Miguel Latasa had been subbed off and taken his place on his seat in the dugout.But right-back Luis Perez suddenly launched a furious attack at Latasa – seemingly when the striker ignored his outstretched hand offered for a handshake.Perez, 30, clambered over Eray Comert sat between them and thumped Latasa in the arm with his balled fist. Latasa, 24, gave no reaction as defender Comert – who started but had also been taken off – stepped in to hold fuming Perez back.Most read in FootballPerez continued shouting at Latasa as Comert, 27, attempted to calm him down and even covered his team-mate’s mouth with his hand. As the raging star finally relented, a member of Valladolid staff stepped in before Perez walked away with him. ‘He’s lost it there’ – Huge brawl breaks out during Baller League after shocking challenge from former Man Utd starLatasa and Perez issued a joint statement on Monday to apologise for the unsavoury and heated scenes.They said: “No sporting result or frustration can justify disrespect or the behaviour that we showed yesterday on the bench. “We want to apologise to our team-mates, to the club and to the fans.”We apologise to the fans without any excuse to justify our behaviour and with the humility of those who have made a mistake and seek to repair the damage caused.”The duo added that they have personally apologised to the rest of the squad and will accept any punishment dished out by the club.Real Valladolid condemned the behaviour and are considering disciplinary action. The Spanish side added: “We deeply regret the image presented by our players.”The frustration that the sporting situation has forced upon us all must be transformed into greater commitment, a better attitude, and improved performance, never into division and confrontation.”Read More on The SunValladolid’s squad features ex-Chelsea wonderkid Kenedy and on-loan Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein.Their next LaLiga match is away at Atletico Madrid on Monday night and they still have to play league leaders Barcelona before the end of the season.Brazilian Ronaldo is the majority owner and chairman of Real ValladolidCredit: EPA More

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      Declan Rice reveals he ‘DEFIED’ Arsenal orders by shooting from free-kick against Real Madrid after chat with team-mate

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      DECLAN RICE revealed his stunning free-kick against Real Madrid was not part of the plan – after he defied Arsenal’s set-piece guru. Rice curled a stunner past Thibaut Courtois before matching it moments later with an equally sensational top corner strike.Declan Rice defied Arsenal’s set-piece coach to shoot against Real MadridCredit: EPANicolas Jover urged Rice to crossCredit: YouTube/Amazon Prime Video SportInitially, fans online gave credit to set-piece coach Nicolas Jover – who has played a huge part in Arsenal’s success from corners this season. But Rice revealed it was actually words of wisdom from team-mate Bukayo Saka that inspired the first of his two stunners.The midfielder was given instructions to deliver the ball into the box but thought better of it. Told that he “defied” Jover, Rice said: “Yeah, I know! Bukayo said, the actual words were, ‘If you feel it, go for it.’READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I looked at the wall and looked at the keeper and thought I could bend it and that’s what happened.”As it turns out, Jover was not the only one telling him not to shoot – ignoring even his captain. Rice said: “I don’t know if it will ever sink in. “I fancied both (free-kicks) and to have the confidence, I am a bit speechless. “Martin [Odegaard] was saying to cross, I said it doesn’t make sense to chip it like that. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”We practice them all the time, Jover is telling me to cross and it didn’t make sense.”Rice and Mikel Merino help Arsenal take a commanding 3-0 lead to Madrid in Wednesday’s quarter-final return tie.’Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goalsBefore the game, Rice had only taken 12 free-kicks as a professional without scoring – but two came in one match. Manager Mikel Arteta said: “Declan’s been very determined because we have said in the last few months that we have not scored a direct free-kick in three-and-half years.“So, to score two goals in 12 minutes of that magnitude and of that quality from the same player, a player that has never scored a free-kick before in his career, what are the odds?“This night was all about two factors; one is the atmosphere that we created 15 minutes before kick-off with something I haven’t seen before.”And then the magic, the individual moments that decide all matches. And the first two goals from Declan sums up the night.”Rice revealed Bukayo Saka urged him to shootCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Isn’t she a Liverpool fan?’ – Dua Lipa spotted celebrating Arsenal win over Real Madrid at Emirates to fans’ confusion

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      DUA LIPA was spotted celebrating Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid at the Emirates – to the confusion of fans. The singer joined the Gunners faithful in cheering on Declan Rice’s two stunning free-kicks as well as Mikel Merino’s late strike. Dua Lipa was spotted celebrating Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid at the EmiratesCredit: Premier SportsFans were surprised by her attendanceCredit: ESPNBut Dua – born in London – has shown her allegiance to Liverpool before – posing with Anfield legend Jamie Carragher. And her Grammy-award winning song “One Kiss” has become a staple of Liverpool matches – played before and after games. So it came as a shock to some when Dua was spotted celebrating Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final win from the Emirates stands. One fan said: “One week Liverpool one week Arsenal.”READ MORE ON ARSENALAnother asked: “Isn’t she a Liverpool supporter.”A third joked: “Liverpool fans sorry.”Despite Dua’s history with Liverpool – she has been known to support Arsenal – posing in Arsenal attire in 2023. And she is not the only one. Most read in FootballThe singer has an affiliation with Liverpool, pictured here with Jamie CarragherDua Lipa pictured in 2023 showing her support to ArsenalCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway is a Gooner while Kim Kardashian and her kids also support Arsenal. And YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI even has a box at the Emirates – meeting with Thierry Henry before the Madrid game. KSI was spotted going berserk after Rice’s free-kick heroics.Kim Kardashian is an Arsenal fanCredit: Instagram/@arsenalAnne Hathaway is also a GoonerCredit: Instagram @annehathawayKSI invited Thierry Henry into his box at the Emirates More

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      ‘Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goals

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      DECLAN RICE had injured Arsenal team-mate Gabriel pleading to have his right foot following his pair of stunning free-kicks against Real Madrid. Rice scored two sensational set-pieces at the Emirates to help the Gunners to a 3-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg victory. Gabriel demanded he have Declan Rice’s right footCredit: https://x.com/now_arsenaIIt came after Rice’s two wonder free kicksCredit: https://x.com/now_arsenaIHis first beautifully curled around the wall past keeper Thibaut Courtois while the second rifled into the top corner. Mikel Merino put the game – and possibly the tie – to bed before the end but Rice rightly took all the spoils. And even crocked defender Gabriel – out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury – was left stunned. He told Rice: “Give me your right foot, please, please, please. Come here, Dec. Give me, give me. Unbelievable brother!” READ MORE Arsenal NEWSRice had only taken 12 free-kicks as a professional without scoring – but two came in one match. He said: “I don’t know whether it will ever sink in I’ve gone back to my phone then and it’s gone crazy. “To score my first free-kick in a game is a special one. And then when I got the second one. I just had the confidence. I’m speechless really.”I don’t think it’s going to hit me, what I’ve done tonight. It’s a historic night.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal now travel to the Spanish capital next Wednesday in the return tie with a healthy lead thanks to talisman Rice. Manager Mikel Arteta said: “Declan’s been very determined because we have said in the last few months that we have not scored a direct free-kick in three-and-half years.Declan Rice reveals Arsenal’s set-piece coach told him to CROSS… before firing stunning free-kick“So, to score two goals in 12 minutes of that magnitude and of that quality from the same player, a player that has never scored a free-kick before in his career, what are the odds?“This night was all about two factors; one is the atmosphere that we created 15 minutes before kick-off with something I haven’t seen before. “And then the magic, the individual moments that decide all matches. And the first two goals from Declan sums up the night.”Mikel Arteta hailed Rice after his free-kick heroicsCredit: Getty More