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      ‘That’s a Keane Haaland tackle’ – Kylian Mbappe SENT OFF for sickening challenge days before Arsenal clash

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE was sent off for a horror tackle just days before Real Madrid face Arsenal.The striker picked up the fifth red card of his career against Alaves — but his first in six years.Kylian Mbappe was sent off for a horror lungeCredit: EPAIt is the fifth red card of his careerCredit: AFPOne fan likened it to Roy Keane’s ‘tackle’ on Alfe Inge HaalandFortunately for Mbappe his side were 1-0 up at the time of the incident with Eduardo Camavinga on the scoresheet.And that is how the match ended, with Alaves also going down to ten men when Manu Sanchez was dismissed in the 70th minute.Mbappe, 26, will now serve a three-match suspension after he was sent off for serious foul play, which means he will crucially miss the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.The Frenchman was given his marching orders for a shocking tackle that left his opponent in a heap on the ground.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMbappe went diving in with his studs raised and caught Antonio Blanco high on his shin.He was initially shown a yellow card before the referee increased his punishment following a VAR review.Fans were left shocked by the aggressive nature of the challenge, with one comparing it to Roy Keane’s infamous ‘tackle’ on Alfe-Inge Haaland.A fan reacted saying: “Proper grim challenge.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnother added: “Disgusting tackle.”A third wrote: “That’s a Keane-Haaland tackle that bad bad stuff.”Newly-emerged footage shows ‘disgusting act’ Kylian Mbappe did that could see him BANNED for Arsenal vs Real MadridAnd another commented: “They should ban him from all football for that! 🤷‍♂️”Mbappe’s red card comes days before Real Madrid face Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final, with the Spanish side trailing 3-0. More

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      Arsenal receive major transfer boost as Real Madrid ‘make decision over top target’

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      REAL MADRID are “highly unlikely” to sign William Saliba from Arsenal this summer, according to reports.The Spanish giants are eager to recruit a new centre-back ahead of next season.William Saliba was in action for Arsenal against Real MadridCredit: RexSaliba, 24, is a player that Real Madrid have admired for several years, having considered recruiting him from St-Etienne in 2019.But despite the Frenchman being among their top choices, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are unlikely to fork out the fee that it would take for Arsenal to sell Saliba this summer.The commanding defender’s Gunners contract is set to run until 2027.According to The Athletic, Real Madrid chiefs would rather Saliba run down his contract than pay big money to sign him sooner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe LaLiga champions are keen to either swoop for Saliba on a free transfer in 2027, or in a cut-price deal 12 months earlier.It’s claimed that Real Madrid chiefs have a very good relationship with the Arsenal star’s team of representatives.Ancelotti’s men are also interested in Bournemouth ace Dean Huijsen, although the Spain international is more likely to move to another Premier League side as Real do not want to pay his £50million release clause.Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah could be a more experienced option.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKDean Huijsen has been linked with several clubsCredit: RexSaliba helped Arsenal to a 3-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg win over Real Madrid in mid-week.Following the match, the centre-back vowed that the Gunners cannot go the Bernabeu next week simply to defend their lead.Arsenal’s Kai Havertz hits the gym as he continues his recovery from injury He 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.“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.” More

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      Pilar Rubio stuns in stripes but draws the line at moving home after footie ace hubby Ramos signs for Mexico’s Monterrey

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      MODEL Pilar Rubio draws the line at moving home after Spanish centre-back partner Sergio Ramos signs with Mexico’s Monterrey.Pals say Pilar, 47, who recently wore a striped dress to launch Selmark Mare’s new swimwear collection, is settled in Madrid and doesn’t want to relocate.Pilar Rubio, 47, stuns in stripes as pals say she’s staying put in MadridCredit: GettyFormer Real Madrid and Sevilla centre-back Ramos signed a one-year deal with Mexican club Monterrey in FebruaryCredit: GettyPals say Pilar can not ‘bear the thought of moving again’Credit: GettyFormer Real Madrid and Sevilla centre-back Ramos signed a one-year deal with Monterrey in February.A friend revealed: “She went to Paris with him, then Ramos moved to Seville. Later, she decided to settle in Madrid for professional reasons.“She can no longer bear the thought of moving again.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRamos was without a club after leaving Sevilla over the summer before penning the surprise one-year deal with the Liga MX outfit.The ace has opted to wear the No. 93 shirt during his time in Mexico.The 38-year-old married Rubio, a popular TV presenter and model in Spain, in 2019.Ramos left Real Madrid to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before moving back to La Liga with Sevilla in 2023.”Most read in FootballSergio Ramos’s wife Pilar Rubio wows as she poses in a red swimsuit for her second collection with Selmark More

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      Leo Beenhakker dead at 82: Legendary manager who almost shocked England in World Cup dies as Koeman pays tribute

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      LEGENDARY Real Madrid and Ajax manager Leo Beenhakker has died at the age of 82.The Dutchman’s career spanned over five decades and saw him win three La Liga titles with Los Blancos.Leo Beenhakker has passed away at the age of 82Credit: EPAThe former Real Madrid and Ajax coach also took charge of Poland and Trinidad & TobagoCredit: AP:Associated PressA native of Rotterham, Beenhakker served as Ajax head coach in two separate spells. Beenhakker won the Dutch Eredivisie title with the club in 1980 and 1990. News of his passing was announced by the club on Thursday.An Ajax statement read: “Ajax extends heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Leo Beenhakker.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Beenhakker was a coaching icon and a truly unique figure at Ajax.”Beenhakker was a winger during his playing days but found his calling in coaching. He began his career way back in 1965 at SV Epe, before serving as a youth coach at both Ajax and Feyenoord.Beenhakker twice took charge of the Dutch national team as his star power rose.Most read in FootballAnd he enjoyed a hugely successful period during the 1980s and 1990s.Beenhakker won six trophies during his time with Real Madrid.Moment ITV are forced to censor Ronald Koeman’s interview after England’s Euro 2024 win over NetherlandsThat included three consecutive league titles between 1987 and 1989.The Spanish club wrote on X: “Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and sympathy to his family, his clubs, and all his loved ones.”Beenhakker’s Trinidad & Tobago also gave England a huge scare at the 2006 World Cup.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Three Lions looked to be heading to an embarrassing 0-0 draw before late goals from Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard.Since leaving the Poland national team job in 2009, Beenhakker served as a technical advisor at various clubs.His last role was at Sparta Rotterham, where he retired in 2018.Beenhakker was a proud advocate of “total football”, the mantra followed by Johan Cruyff and Ronald Koeman for Holland.Ronald Koeman (centre) has paid tribute to his former coachCredit: ReutersHe famously said: “Football should excite. It’s not just about winning, but about how you win.”Koeman wrote in tribute on X: “A great loss for Dutch football.”Leo was a coach with an unparalleled passion and vision, who knew how to touch not only matches, but also people. Read More on The Sun”Leo appointed me as coach of Ajax, I am grateful to him for this. “My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Leo!” More

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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