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    Eagle-eyed fans spot raging Roy Hodgson’s disgusted reaction to VAR ruling out Crystal Palace penalty vs Liverpool

    FOOTBALL fans spotted Roy Hodgson spitting on the sidelines after a VAR decision went against Crystal Palace during their Premier League clash with Liverpool.The Palace boss was left fuming after his team were denied a penalty in the 29th minute.
    Roy Hodgson was spotted spitting on the sidelinesCredit: TNT
    Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk was shown a yellow card after fouling Odsonne Edouard in the box.
    However, Andy Madley’s decision to award the spot-kick was overturned after a VAR intervention.
    Will Hughes was deemed to have fouled Wataru Endo in the build-up, so Liverpool were instead awarded a free kick and Van Dijk’s booking was overturned.
    Hodgson was then spotted spitting next to the dugout in frustration.
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    Some fans picked up on it, with one person tweeting: “Not sure what’s more shocking: the fact Andy Madley didn’t think that was a foul initially or the fact Roy Hodgson just SPAT on the floor in his technical area.”
    While another wrote: “He just did WHAT in his technical area?”
    However, VAR did come to the rescue for Palace during the second half.
    Jean-Philippe Mateta went down following a challenge from Jarell Quansah in the Liverpool box, with Madley initially dismissing his concerns.
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    But after taking another look, Madley reversed the call to give Palace the penalty and Mateta fired his team into a 1-0 lead.
    Palace striker Jordan Ayew was then sent off after receiving two yellow cards and Liverpool went on to complete a comeback, winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Mo Salah and Harvey Elliott. More

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    Aston Villa vs Arsenal LIVE: Gunners look to reclaim top spot from Liverpool but face tricky Villans test – latest

    ARSENAL travel to the fortress that is Villa Park for a thrilling Premier League encounterThe Gunners will be determined to reclaim top spot from Liverpool who snatched all three points from Crystal Palace in the early kick-off.
    But with Mikel Arteta banned from the touchline and Villa unbeaten in 14 games at home, this promises to be tough.

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    Gunners toughest test lies ahead
    Given the run that Aston Villa are on at home, today offers a stern test of Mikel Arteta’s side.
    Previously, their trip to Newcastle offered their hardest trip on the road so far this season, a game that they lost.
    Today has the potential that an old manager could come back to haunt The Gunners.
    Welcome to Aston Villa vs Arsenal
    Fresh off the back of a huge win against Man City in midweek, Unai Emery welcomes his old employers to Villa Park as they look to cement their place in the top four.
    Leon Bailey is a doubt for Villa today as he seemed to be struggling with fitness as he trudged off the pitch after their victory over Man City.
    Aston Villa have the option to play Moussa Diaby in the hole he may leave, while Bertrand Traore, Emiliano Buendia and Tyrone Mings all remain long term injury casualties for the hosts.
    Matty Cash was on the bench for the midweek win and it is unlikely that the manager will change his defensive formula after keeping a clean sheet against the champions.
    Arsenal will be without Takehiro Tomiyasu who will be out for a while after he picked up a calf injury against Wolves on the weekend.
    Arteta will also be without Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Viera, Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber who all remain out injured.
    The Arsenal manager will not be seen in the dugout this evening as he picked up his third yellow card of the season against Luton Town in midweek for ‘excessive celebrating’ after their 97th minute winner.
    It will be down to the assistant manager, Albert Stuivenberg, to get Mikel Arteta’s visions across to the players this afternoon. More

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    Man Utd 0 Bournemouth 1 LIVE SCORE: Latest Premier League updates as Dominic Solanke gives Cherries a SHOCK lead

    MANCHESTER UNITED host Bournemouth in a tasty Premier League clash at Old Trafford – and the Red Devils have gone a goal down!Harry Maguire was hoping to build on his Player of the Month award with another fine performance at home.
    However, Dominic Solanke slipped it through the Englishman’s legs before firing it past Andre Onana in the United net.

    Live stream/TV: Not available in the UK due to 3pm blackout rule.
    Man Utd XI: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Shaw, Reguilon; Amrabat, McTominay; Fernandes, Antony, Garnacho; Martial
    Bournemouth XI: Neto; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Kluivert, Tavernier, Semenyo; Solanke

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    Kick-off: Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    We are back underway at Old Trafford.
    Man Utd have it all to do, trailing Bournemouth by a goal.
    The Red Devils get the second half started.
    HT: Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    Man Utd have it all to do in the second half at Old Trafford.
    If they can not overturn this score, they will fall foul to the ‘curse of manager of the month’.
    Ten Hag will have to work his magic to get his side firing on all cylinders to comeback and win this game.
    HT: Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    Man Utd have dominated possession in the first half.
    In terms of shots, it is quite an even game.
    However, The Cherries have the all important goal that separates the sides at the break.

    HT: Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    The half time whistle is met by boos from the home fans.
    Bournemouth go into the break leading.
    Two big team talks required from both managers at the interval.
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    45+3. The Cherries are looking dangerous on the break.
    Fernandes goes down, looking for free kick, but it was a perfectly timed sliding challenge.
    Martial tries to slide it into McTominay but the players do not seem to be on the same wavelength as Neto comes to collect.
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    45+1. We are going to have four additional minutes added.
    Time for Man Utd to try and create something to find a way back into this game.
    Reguilon lofts a cross into the box but it is easily caught by Neto.
    Credit: Getty
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    44. Play restarts and Garnacho is back to his feet.
    Antony clips a ball towards the box but it is headed clear.
    That pretty sums up the first half for the hosts.
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    42. Play is held up as Garnacho receives some treatment.
    He was caught by a stray arm in the face.
    The winger seems to be in some pain with his jaw.
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    40. Bournemouth are so close to doubling their lead.
    As they break, the ball is played to Solanke who has a shot at goal.
    He beats Onana as his effort comes thundering back off the post.
    Big let off for Erik ten Hag’s side.
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    38. The travelling fans have started singing ‘is this a library?’
    Amrabat is penalised for a foul on Solanke.
    It gives Bournemouth a chance to slow the game down.
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    36. Fernandes has been very quiet for Man Utd today.
    Without him linking up play between the midfield and attack, they are struggling to create opportunities.
    Martial tries his luck from distance but it is an easy save for Neto.
    Credit: Getty
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    34. The Man Utd fans are beginning to get frustrated.
    In all fairness, since going behind, they have not really tested Neto at all apart from that Maguire looping header.
    Ten Hag’s side are seeing a lot of possession but seem to be lacking ideas on how to unlock this Bournemouth defence.
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    32. As Bournemouth burst forward once again, Maguire puts two sliding challenges in to block their progress.
    Man Utd break at pace and Antony tries to cut inside before going to ground, looking for a free kick.
    The referee is not interested and waves his protests away.
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    30. Erik ten Hag’s side will be focussed on trying to get an equaliser before the interval.
    The longer the score stays like this, Bournemouth will grow in confidence.
    Dalot plays the ball forward, looking for Fernandes, but on the wet surface he cannot get there before it runs through to Neto.
    Both Reguilon and Tavernier have both been booked in the first half so far.
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    28. Garnacho looks to pass it to Reguilon but he was not expecting it at all.
    As a result, the ball goes out for a Bournemouth corner.
    Chance to put Onana under some pressure in the Man Utd goal.
    Zabarnyi flicks the ball towards goal but Dalot heads behind for another corner.
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    26. It is still hammering down with rain here.
    The pitch is very greasy and could make for some errors at some points in the game.
    Reguilon bursts forward and finds Garnacho who looks to cut it back from the byline.
    He cannot beat the first man as the visitors clear once again.
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    24. Bournemouth have the ball in the back of the net once again.
    Solanke’s header was saved by Onana but Tavernier headed in the rebound.
    The assistant immediately raises his flag as The Cherries’ striker was in an offside position.
    Credit: Getty
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    22. Bournemouth come forward and Semenyo is chopped down on the edge of the box.
    Fortunately for the hosts, the referee did not see it as a foul.
    Man Utd look to counter but Neto collects the ball before Martial can get there.
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    20. United are struggling to break down Iraola’s side in the final third.
    They are getting bodies behind the ball and closing down the space.
    Fernandes looks for Martial but his first touch is heavy and allows the visitors to clear.
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    18. You can always tell when it is getting close to Christmas and Man Utd are playing.
    They start singing their song about Eric Cantona.
    He last played for the Red Devils 26 years ago, not living in the past at all.
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    16. Bournemouth are closing down Man Utd whenever they are in possession of the ball.
    The visitors break with pace and manage to get a shot away from just inside the box.
    Tavernier’s shot is straight at Onana and no problem for the keeper.
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    14. Considering his aerial ability, Maguire is all hands and arms when the ball comes to him.
    You wonder if he does score from one of these chances whether VAR will rule it out as he is all over the defender each time.
    Antony cuts inside and threads it to McTominay but the visitors manage to clear their lines.
    Credit: AP
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    12. Garnacho is seeing more of the ball now.
    He finds McTominay on the edge of the box who tries his luck.
    Bournemouth manage to get a block on the shot at the expense of a corner.
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    10. Man Utd are piling the pressure on Bournemouth.
    Iraola would have expected to have to play on the counter attack today.
    They need to stay resolute at the back and prevent shots at Neto in The Cherries’ goal.
    Man Utd 0-1 Bournemouth
    8. Cross comes in from out wide and Maguire heads the ball towards goal.
    His looping header it turned over the crossbar by Neto.
    Positive play from the hosts as they search for an equaliser. More

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    Football stadium DJ forced to apologise over playing classic track at match and ‘ruining Christmas’ for 7,000 fans

    A FOOTBALL stadium DJ was forced to apologise for playing Last Christmas by Wham! in front of 7,000 fans.The DJ played the classic track at Northampton vs Portsmouth.
    Players of Whamageddon try to avoid the classic hit for as long as possible
    The song was played at half-time during Northampton vs PortsmouthCredit: Rex
    But fans were not happy due to him breaking the rules of a game named “Whamageddon”.
    Players in the game try to avoid George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s 1984 hit for as long as possible before Christmas Eve and are eliminated once they hear it.
    Matt Facer, who was the DJ at the match said: “I never knew people took it so seriously.”
    The game started ten years ago but has gained traction on social media with many ‘fans’ now playing it.
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    It has even an official website and sells merchandise.
    The game’s rules say: “While we can’t stop you from deliberately sending your friends to Whamhalla, the intention is that this is a survival game. Not a Battle Royale.”
    The DJ admitted he was aware of the game and thought it would be funny to wipe players out of the game.
    He said: “I gave it a spin, thinking it would be quite funny to wipe out 7,000 people who couldn’t avoid it, but clearly it isn’t funny.
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    “I had a bit of an insult on Twitter, light-hearted, [saying] it was not a nice thing to do, and apparently that was quite tame to what was being said in the stadium.
    “So I officially apologise to everybody whose Christmas I’ve ruined.”
    The DJ has now promised not to play the song again in the lead up to Christmas.
    He told BBC Radio Northampton: “I can take on the chin with my home fans and Portsmouth, but I don’t think I’ll be playing it again.
    “I think it’s a shame people in professions like mine can’t play Wham! until [late] December, but it’s a game and we all have to jump on board.”
    What is Whamageddon?
    Whamageddon is a game that sees players try to avoid Last Christmas by Wham! from December 1st UNTIL THE 24TH. Once you hear the song, you lose. It was created in 2013 but has risen in popularity sue to social media. More

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    Man Utd ‘targeting £34million swoop for Valencia wonderkid, 20, but LaLiga side could hold out for £86m release clause’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are targeting a £34million move for Valencia’s Javi Guerra, according to reports.However, the La Liga side could force the Red Devils to pay the 20-year-old’s £86million release clause.
    Manchester United are eyeing a £34million move for Javi GuerraCredit: Alamy
    Guerra has been a standout performer for Valencia so far this season after breaking into the team in the second half of last term.
    His performances have now caught the eye of Erik ten Hag ahead of the January transfer window.
    According to reports in Spain, it will take a fee of at least £34million to sign Guerra from Valencia.
    Italian giants Juventus have already had a £22million bid rejected by Valencia.
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    With Valencia in no rush to sell, though, it is understood they could demand clubs pay his £86million release clause if Guerra’s stock continues to rise.
    The midfielder has won six caps for Spain at under-21 level since making his debut in September.
    Meanwhile, he has scored three goals and added an assist in 16 La Liga appearances this season.
    A move for Guerra would see Ten Hag continue his midfield overhaul at Old Trafford.
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    Guerra is also attracting interest from JuventusCredit: Getty
    The United boss signed both Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat in the summer.
    He could also let players leave to make room for Guerra, with Casemiro, Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen all linked with moves away from the club. More

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    Man Utd legend Gary Neville films Paul Scholes’ awkward X-rated reaction after he’s serenaded at Christmas meal out

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes was left seething after being serenaded while out for dinner with Gary Neville on Friday.The two former team-mates were out for a Christmas meal when a band began serenading Scholes with Frankie Valli’s ‘Can’t take my eyes off you’.
    Paul Scholes was serenaded while out for dinner with Gary NevilleCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gneville2/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=42ab5022-17f6-4040-8d6c-40d275f807e2
    The United legend was far from impressedCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gneville2/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=42ab5022-17f6-4040-8d6c-40d275f807e2
    He showed his middle finger to the cameraCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gneville2/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=42ab5022-17f6-4040-8d6c-40d275f807e2
    The former United midfielder sat awkwardly while a singer, cello player and saxophonist stood next to him playing the iconic song.
    And when he realised that Neville was filming, he put his middle finger up to the camera.
    Fans found it hilarious, with one person commenting: “Hahaha if awkwardness had a face! Poor guy.”
    Another added: “Brother was embarrassed and happy at the same time 😂.”
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    A third fan wrote: “I can feel the discomfort through the screen.”
    While a fourth quipped: “Waited for: ‘I love you Scholesy’ 😂.”
    Neville and Scholes were team-mates at Man Utd for around 20 years.
    They were both members of the iconic Class of ’92 and went on to win 12 Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two Champions League titles.
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    They are also co-owners of League Two side Salford City.
    Neville and Scholes invested in the club in 2014 with Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, and David Beckham. More

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    Crystal Palace 1 Liverpool 2: Harvey Elliott nets 91st-minute worldie to send Reds top in controversial clash

    HARVEY ELLIOTT fired Liverpool to the top of the League ahead of leaders Arsenal’s trip to Aston Villa later this afternoon.The England Under-21 international became the 11th substitute to score for Jurgen Klopp’s team this season with a stoppage time winner to sink ten-man Palace.
    Harvey Elliott’s 91st minute scorcher fired Liverpool to a late victory at Crystal PalaceCredit: PA
    The midfielder came off the bench as Liverpool moved top of the tableCredit: Reuters
    Mo Salah had hauled the visitors back into contention with his 200th goal for the club just seconds after Palace winger Jordan Ayew had been dismissed for a second yellow card.
    It means Liverpool have now taken a remarkable 18 points from losing positions this season.
    Yet even Klopp would have to admit that his team dodged a bullet after stinking the place out for most of this match.
    Klopp’s dislike for early kick-offs is clearly shared by his players and they started this game without any sense of energy or urgency.
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    For the best part of half an hour they played as though they never thought Palace could score in a month of Sundays and that it was just a matter of time before they made a breakthrough.
    But when the first shot on target finally arrived in the 28th minute, it was Alisson who was forced into action to push Jefferson Lerma’s shot against a post before Trent Alexander-Arnold hoofed clear.
    Yet even that narrow escape did not serve as a wake-up call for the dozy visitors and a minute later ref Andy Madley pointed to the spot when Virgil van Dijk brought down Odsonne Edouard with a clumsy tackle from behind.
    But before Palace had the chance to convert the penalty, Madley was sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR John Brooks to confirm that Wataru Endo had been fouled by Will Hughes in the build-up.
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    Virgil van Dijk gave away a penalty in the first halfCredit: PA
    VAR ruled it out for a foul by Palace earlier in the build-upCredit: TNT
    Palace did eventually get another penalty following more action from VARCredit: Rex
    Jean-Philippe Mateta fired home to give Palace a 57th minute leadCredit: EPA
    It was not the first time that Endo had been dispossessed in his own half and though this one was judged to be a foul it summed up Liverpool’s curiously casual approach.
    Their first meaningful effort did not arrive until first-half stoppage time when Dominik Szoboszlai’s shot was deflected over off Hughes.
    But it was still no surprise when Endo failed to appear for the second-half as Joe Gomez was introduced at right-back and Alexander-Arnold moved into midfield.
    Yet whatever reaction Klopp was hoping for failed to materialise and 12 minutes after the restart Palace were deservedly ahead.
    The game was turned on its head when Jordan Ayew saw redCredit: Reuters
    He was handed a second yellow card for a nudge on ElliottCredit: Reuters
    Mo Salah equalised for Liverpool in the 76th minute… moments after Ayew’s exitCredit: AFP
    The Egyptian fired his team-mates upCredit: Rex
    And this time they were beneficiaries of the men in Stockley Park as Madley was again told to look at the TV to check on Jarrell Quansah’s challenge on substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta.
    Once again the video evidence was clear and there was to be no second reprieve for Liverpool, with Qansah immediately hauled off by Klopp before Mateta even had the chance to send Alisson the wrong way from the penalty spot.
    But just when it was beginning to look as though struggling Palace were going to claim a famous victory, they were undone by Ayew’s early departure.
    And before they had the chance to regroup, Curtis Jones pounced on Michael Olise’s weak clearance to tee up Salah for his 75th minute equaliser.
    Read more on The Sun
    Poor old Roy Hodgson was so incensed by the injustice of it all that he was shown a rare yellow card.
    But much worse was soon to follow as Sam Johnstone was forced off by an 86th injury and four minutes later Elliott was allowed to run unchallenged before lashing past sub keeper Remi Matthews from the edge of the area.
    Elliott came through in the first minute of extra time with a howitzerCredit: AP
    Liverpool are top of the table as they await Arsenal’s result against Aston VillaCredit: EPA More

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    Fans reckon ref blunder vs Spurs ‘best thing that’s ever happened to Liverpool’ after yet more VAR controversy at Palace

    FOOTBALL fans reckon Liverpool are getting the rub of the green with VAR ever since their controversial defeat to Tottenham.That’s after Virgil van Dijk escaped giving away a penalty at Crystal Palace due to a foul in the build-up.
    Some fans reckon Liverpool are getting VAR decisions ever since their defeat to SpursCredit: Alamy
    Virgil van Dijk gave away a penalty before VAR intervenedCredit: PA
    The penalty was eventually ruled out for a foul on Wataru Endo earlier in the build-upCredit: TNT
    VAR made the huge call during Saturday’s Premier League clash at Selhurst Park.
    Van Dijk was penalised for a foul in Liverpool’s box on Palace striker Odsonne Edouard.
    The Dutchman looked distraught as referee Andy Madley pointed to the spot.
    However, the official was instructed by VAR to check the pitch-side monitor as there may have been a foul on a Liverpool player in the build-up.
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    Wataru Endo collided with Will Hughes earlier on, conceding possession which eventually resulted in Palace’s penalty.
    But VAR and Madley agreed it was a pertinent issue in play.
    And to the jeers of the Selhurst Park crowd, the penalty was overturned.
    Fans at home were certainly unimpressed, with many feeling that Liverpool have been getting most VAR calls ever since a shocking call went against them in September’s defeat at Spurs.
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    Luis Diaz’s perfectly legal goal was ruled out for offside as the Reds lost 2-1 while also having two players sent off.
    But some supporters reckon Liverpool are now reaping the benefits.
    One said: “Liverpool ever since the Spurs game has had every decision go in favour of them. VAR is a joke.”
    Another declared: “Absolutely insane that the on-field call doesn’t stand there. It’s a foul, but the ref didn’t think it was. If that’s most other teams, VAR doesn’t intervene.”
    One added: “Ruling that goal out against Spurs is the best thing to ever happen to Liverpool.”
    However, VAR did come to the rescue for Palace during the second half.
    Jean-Philippe Mateta went down from a foul by Jarell Quansah in the Liverpool box, with Madley initially waving away his concerns.
    But VAR had a check and informed the ref that his decision needed checking on the screen.
    And after taking a look, Madley reversed the call to give Palace the penalty.
    Mateta then slammed home his effort to put the Eagles ahead at Selhurst Park.
    Read more on The Sun
    However, goals from Mo Salah and Harvey Elliott helped Liverpool come back to take all three points and take over from Arsenal, who play on Saturday night, at the top of table. More