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      Jose Mourinho was fined and assistant slapped with huge stadium ban after iconic sarcastic rant at Chelsea

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      JOSE MOURINHO constantly made headlines during his time in the Premier League.The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss was no stranger to controversy in the top flight.
      Jose Mourinho and Rui Faria got in huge trouble after Chelsea’s loss to Sunderland in 2014Credit: Reuters
      Mourinho delivered one of his most famous post-match rants
      But one of the now-Roma gaffer’s most famous incidents occurred this time nine years ago.
      Mourinho was given a huge fine and saw assistant Rui Faria slapped with a stadium ban.
      That’s after going on a massive rant following Chelsea’s shock home defeat to Sunderland in 2014.
      The Blues had gone a record 77 games unbeaten at Stamford Bridge under Mourinho.
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      And a routine task was predicted when they welcomed relegation-fighting Sunderland to London in a Premier League clash.
      Indeed, things started well for Chelsea as Samuel Eto’o fired them ahead after just 12 minutes.
      But Sunderland levelled through Conor Wickham six minutes later before Chelsea had a goal ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
      The Blues felt they were denied two stonewall penalties by Mike Dean before the half-time whistle blew.
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      And they struggled to find a way past Black Cats goalie Vito Mannone before Cesar Azpilicueta gave away a penalty eight minutes from time.
      Ex-Chelsea youngster Fabio Borini fired home the spotkick to seal a famous win for Sunderland.
      And Mourinho’s No2 Faria was sent to the stands as he tried to confront match official Dean.
      The Portuguese coach was eventually handed a six-match ban for his antics.
      But Mourinho didn’t escape either, receiving a hefty £10,000 fine for his now-iconic post-match interview.
      The Special One said: “I only have four things to say. Congratulations to my players because they gave what they have and what they don’t have. Congratulations to Sunderland because they won.
      I want to congratulate again, but this time it’s Mike Dean. His performance was unbelievableJose Mourinho
      “Congratulations to Mike Dean because he made a fantastic performance. And congratulations to Mike Riley because what they did during the season was fantastic for the way the championship is going.
      “So congratulations to all of them and I have nothing more to say. I’m sorry. It doesn’t matter, how why or which was they won, but they won the three points so congratulations to them.
      “I want to congratulate again, but this time it’s Mike Dean. His performance was unbelievable.
      “When referees have an unbelievable performance, it is fair also that as managers we give them this, so fantastic performance.
      “He came with one objective, to make a fantastic performance and he did that. Congratulations to Mike Riley.
      “What they have done all season is fantastic, especially in the last couple of months, especially with the teams involved in the title race.”
      The result had major repercussions, with Chelsea eventually finishing third after seeing their title push fall away late on.
      Sunderland also managed to beat the drop that season.

      But the FA were left far from impressed with Mourinho’s behaviour, and even released a statement condemning his language.
      It read: “While the commission did not find that Mourinho’s post-match comments called into question the integrity of the referee appointed to the above fixture and/or the integrity of Mike Riley, general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, they did find that the comments brought the game into disrepute and the charge for improper conduct was found proven.” More

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      Arsenal stars break down on pitch with fans fearing they’ve ‘given up on title’ – but Arteta refusing to throw in towel

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      MIKEL ARTETA roared the title is still on despite his Arsenal players breaking down on the pitch and some fans “giving up” on the dream.The Gunners stormed back late on from 3-1 down but the 3-3 home draw with Southampton means the Premier League leaders have picked up just three points from their last three games.
      Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey find even a comeback draw hard to stomachCredit: EPA
      Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes can’t hide the pain after bottom side Southampton held the Prem leaders to a draw at the EmiratesCredit: EPA
      Gunners’ sub Reiss Nelson slumps to the ground in frustration afterwardsCredit: AFP
      But Arteta said the amazing finale shows why he “loves” his players and he “can’t wait” for their Prem humdinger at Manchester City next Wednesday.
      Arsenal are now just five points clear of City, who have two games in hand.
      And Gunners’ sub Reiss Nelson collapsed to the ground in despair at the final whistle on Friday night, while Gabriel Magalhaes and Martin Odegaard were amongst team-mates on their knees in frustration.
      Boss Arteta told Sky Sports: “We made it very difficult again for ourselves but mistakes are part of football but the way we reacted I love my players more than ever.
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      “It is incredible, we were on the way back, we conceded again with a sloppy goal but in the end we should have won the game. 
      “You can’t concede three goals in this league. If you concede three like we did in a sloppy way it is very difficult to win matches.
      “This young team reacts in a way that is incredible, when it is against the odds but the chances they created and the spirit they had it was a joy to watch. The message is clear that I love them.
      “We are down and they are more willing than anybody to win it. You can see that spirit and fight in the dressing room but it is clear we have to do defensively things better.”  
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      And of a potential Etihad epic next week, Arteta told the BBC: “I cannot wait, these are the games you want to play. 
      “When everything is at stake you have to go there to win. The game will be prepared to that, that is for sure.”
      Star striker Gabriel Jesus was equally defiant.
      He said: “This season is not over. We are five points clear and there are still a lot of things we can do.
      “Manchester City have two games in hand but if we want to be champions we have to go there to win the game – that is all.
      “We don’t want to talk negatively because what we are doing this season is amazing…. now is the time to stick together.”
      But some supporters fear the worst.
      One posted: “As an Arsenal fan I’ve given up” and another wrote: “Don’t expect us to win it, we are good just not City good.”
      This fan was concerned by the players: “The reaction of Arsenal players at full time was appalling. Almost like they’ve given up already. The title is still possible!”
      Mikel Arteta insists his Arsenal team have not given their title dream the boot More

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      ‘Shame on them’ – Arsenal fans SLATED after huge number leave early and miss incredible late comeback vs Southampton

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      ARSENAL fans turned on “disgraceful” fellow supporters for leaving early in the astonishing 3-3 comeback draw with Southampton.Many home followers departed before Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka netted on 88 and 90 minutes – let alone the nine minutes of pulsating stoppage time.
      Big gaps emerged in the seats as Arsenal trailed Southampton 3-1 late onCredit: Sky Sports
      Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta was also in a dark place – before the late fightback
      Arsenal kept plugging away, meaning a rapid about-turn for some of those supporters who had left early in the 3-3 Premier League drawCredit: Sky Sports
      Some streamed back as Premier League leaders Arsenal could only move five points clear of Manchester City, who have two games in hand.
      But amid a thrilling night fans vented their anger on social media.
      One said: “This is why you never ever leave the stadium. Shame on them Arsenal fans who left.”
      Another wrote: “The Arsenal fans that left their seat should be made to leave…. disgraceful! I see most of them are back now.”
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      A third put it even more strongly.
      He posted: “How the f**k do you leave the ground on the 85th minute. Arsenal fans are ridiculous.”
      And the supporters scrambling back were labelled “clowns”.
      Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville noticed the increasing spaces in the crowd towards the end after Southampton went 3-1 up on 66 minutes.
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      The Manchester United legend said: “Those Arsenal fans are beginning to exit. Quite a few empty seats.
      As the comeback looked to be on, Nev quipped: “Those fans who left might just be finding their way back to their seats.”
      In the end those supporters will certainly regret Sak-ing off – as their star performer Bukayo sealed a rousing revival.
      Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale’s blunder had gifted Carlos Alcaraz an opener inside 27 seconds before the Saints midfielder teed up ex-Gunner Theo Walcott for a fine second 13 minutes later.
      Gabriel Martinelli soon volleyed a reply but all the home pressure seemingly went to waste when unmarked Duje Caleta-Car headed home at a corner to make it 3-1.
      But Odegaard’s lethal left-footer and Saka’s rebound effort following a shot by lively sub Reiss Nelson rescued a draw. More

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      Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino ‘has agreed free transfer to Barcelona’ with contract expiring this summer

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      ROBERTO FIRMINO has agreed to join Barcelona in the summer, reports claim.The Brazilian’s Liverpool contract expires at the end of the campaign.
      Roberto Firmino is reportedly set to join Barcelona in the summerCredit: Getty
      It was confirmed last month that Firmino will leave the Reds after eight years at Anfield.
      And the 31-year-old has now agreed to join Barcelona on a free transfer, according to the Daily Mail.
      He had previously been linked with the likes of Roma and Real Madrid.
      But reports suggest Firmino will join cash-strapped Barca when his Anfield contract expires at the end of the campaign.
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      Firmino joined Liverpool in a £29million deal from German side Hoffenheim in 2015.
      In his time at the club Firmino has helped the Reds to Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Club World Cup glory.
      The forward made up one third of a formidable forward line alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
      However, Firmino has seen his game time reduced this season as Jurgen Klopp overhauls his ageing squad.
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      The arrivals of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo mean he has started just 12 games in the Premier League this term.
      A hamstring injury means Firmino is reportedly set to miss the next three games, but Liverpool are hopeful that he can return before the campaign comes to an end.
      Boss Klopp was claimed to have been keen for Firmino to extend his stay at Anfield, but the forward is eager to pursue a new challenge.
      In total Firmino has played 360 games for Liverpool, scoring 109 goals and providing 79 assists. More

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      Gabriel Jesus lists two reasons why Arsenal are stuttering in Prem title bid after dropping points in Southampton draw

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      GABRIEL JESUS has revealed two reasons why Arsenal have stuttered in their title bid.The Gunners have drawn their last three games, including most recently against Southampton at the Emirates Stadium.
      Gabriel Jesus has given two reasons why Arsenal’s title bid has stutteredCredit: Sky Sports
      He has suggested that the squad lacks experienceCredit: Getty
      The hosts had a disastrous start as they found themselves 2-0 down after 14 minutes.
      Gabriel Martinelli got Arsenal back in the clash before Duje Caleta-Car restored the Saints’ two lead.
      But the Gunners managed to salvage a draw after Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka’s late goals, however, the result is still less than what was desired with Manchester City breathing down their necks.
      The Citizens have two games in hand on the Gunners and will go top of the Premier League if they beat them at the Etihad next week.
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      And Jesus believes the reasons behind Arsenal’s recent struggles are down to the youthfulness of the squad.
      He also admitted that the squad is lacking experience from championship winners, despite himself and team-mate Oleksandr Zinchenko winning titles at Man City.
      He told Sky Sports: “A lot of things is going on now. We don’t want to come here and talk negative because we are very positive, what we are doing this season is amazing. The Premier League is tough.
      “Now is the difficult moment. It is time now to stick together until the end. We still have a lot of things to do this season, it is not over, we are still five points clear.
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      “Manchester City have two games in hand but if we want to be champions we have to go there to win the game – that is all.
      “We are the youngest team in the league, not making excuses. Sometimes we do right and sometimes we do wrong, everyone can make mistakes that is why it is so important to stick together.
      “Everything can happen. Obviously we are not happy with the last three games, we dropped points and we know this is true, no one has to tell us.
      “We dropped a little bit of our level and focus, this is the Premier League, it is so difficult to win this competition.
      “We are still there, we are still fighting and we will fight until the end.”
      Arsenal will remain at least five points clear of Man City until the clash between the two next week as the current champions are in FA Cup action against Sheffield United this weekend. More

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      Raging Man Utd boss Erik Ten Hag warns his players that they are ‘fighting for their futures’ after horror Sevilla show

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      ERIK TEN HAG told his Manchester United ­players they are fighting for their futures in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Brighton.Asked if his team understand the expectation of playing for the club, following their shambolic Europa League KO to Sevilla, United’s boss said: “If not, it’s  time to be aware of it.
      Erik ten Hag looked unusually nervous when he spoke ahead of the Brighton tieCredit: Getty
      Marcel Sabitzer and Co show the pain of Man Utd’s Europa League humiliationCredit: PA
      “You need to be prepared for the battle. We are always playing for our futures. You have to earn the right to wear the shirt. You have to prove yourself every game from the start.”
      Ten Hag looked  a bag of nerves ahead of his FA Cup press conference ­yesterday.
      The normally straight-face boss broke a microphone and flapped about trying to fix it before talking about the huge tie.
      You cannot blame him given how United’s players had fumbled the club’s treble dreams only the night before with an embarrassing European exit to Sevilla.
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      Goalkeeper David de Gea and captain Harry Maguire were at the heart of another defensive horror show  as United lost the quarter-final second leg 3-0 to go out 5-2 on aggregate.
      Ten Hag has, at least, lifted the Carabao Cup at Wembley  this term.But he warned that tomorrow’s date under the Arch could be s*** or bust for a number of players.
      Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial, Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Scott McTominay and Fred feature on a list of at least 15 whose futures are under threat.
      When asked if his team understands the expectation that comes with representing the club, Ten Hag said: “It’s great to be part of United, a global football club but the flipside is you have to prove yourself every game from the start.
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      “You have to step up and the good thing is Sunday is a great opportunity. This group of players has to prove it.
      “We know we didn’t meet the standards. The expectations on the team, the players and on the manager of United are higher. We have to do better on Sunday.”
      It was telling that Ten Hag did not get stuck into Maguire, despite the defender’s nightmare performance in Seville.
      He is suspended tomorrow but the United boss chose only to compliment his broken captain, knowing all too well he will be under the microscope for the rest of the season.
      Ten Hag said: “He has an important role in the fact that he is the captain, he leads, he communicates with the manager.
      “He motivates the team and is an example on the training pitch. He always has good sessions.”
      Other players Ten Hag is considering allowing to leave include Donny van de Beek, Anthony Elanga, Dean Henderson and Brandon Williams.
      What this team does well is bounce back inbetween games. But what they do less, is bounce back during a game.Erik ten Hag
      Alex Telles, Hannibal Mejbri and Eric Bailly, who are out on loan, are almost certain to depart and the out-of-contract Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are definitely on their way.
      The amount Ten Hag is able to spend will be shaped by whether there is a takeover or a cash injection from groups working alongside the Glazers.
      When the Dutch boss was asked if he has faith he will be backed by the club’s board in the summer, he replied: “Yes I have. But I am here to get the best out of this group of players before Brighton and that’s why I’m here.
      “We have to acknowledge it’s a mental thing. We have to learn that you keep going, you carry on.
      “What this team does well is bounce back inbetween games. But what they do less, is bounce back during a game when there is a setback.

      “That is what we have to improve.”
       MAN UTD (likely): De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Shaw, Malacia, Casemiro, Eriksen, Antony, Fernandes, Rashford, Martial. More

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      Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui fires brutal warning to striker Raul Jimenez after dropping him for last two games

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI has told Wolves’ out-of-contract stars to put the club’s future first and warned Raul Jimenez can’t live on past glories.Golden oldies Joao Moutinho, 36, and Diego Costa, 34, along with Adama Traore can walk away for nothing this summer.
      Julen Lopetegui has warned out-of-contract stars to start playing for the badgeCredit: Rex
      Raul Jimenez can leave the club for free this summerCredit: Getty
      Adama Traore and Diego Costa are also out of contract this summerCredit: Getty
      Silence is golden regarding talks with the trio, while discussions stalled with speedster Traore, 27, as he wants more minutes on the pitch.
      “It’s not the moment to talk about the future of any player – we’re in the middle of the battle,” said boss Lopetegui.
      “The only important thing is the future of the club.
      “The only future I know is to compete at Leicester as a final and we have to be ready.
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      “The focus and all our spirit has to go into the match.”
      Wolves are seven points clear of the drop zone before today’s relegation crunch derby at second-bottom Leicester.
      Asked if talks would take place when the team is safe, the head coach said: “Maybe it is going to be a different moment.
      “We can’t spend all time and energy talking about the future of anyone.”
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      Much-improved Costa finally got off the mark at the 19th time of asking in last week’s 2-0 win against Brentford and has looked a mean machine in recent weeks.
      “He’s worked a lot,” added the head coach. “He doesn’t take any short cuts for his future.
      “What he’s done has been normal, working with the nutritionist and our fitness coaches. Why can’t he get sharper?”
      Jimenez, 31, has been frozen out of the squad for the last two games which Wolves have won.
      The Mexico striker, 31, is the club’s record Premier League scorer with 40 goals in 133 games but hasn’t netted in the top flight since March 2022.
      “In football, for any player or coach you cannot live on the past,” said Lopetegui.
      “He’s been our first choice in a lot of matches and he has to continue working and being ready to again be the first choice of his coach.” More

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      Under-fire Leeds boss Javi Gracia insists he has NOT lost the dressing room with Whites in desperate relegation battle

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      UNDER-FIRE Javi Gracia insists he has not lost the Leeds dressing room.The softly-spoken Spaniard demanded a reaction after the 5-1 humiliation at home to Crystal Palace — but his rallying call rang horribly hollow as his troubled troops were hit for six by Jekyll and Hyde Liverpool on Monday.
      Javi Gracia is confident he still has the backing of his squad despite heavy lossesCredit: AFP
      Rasmus Kristensen and Co are dejected after the 6-1 home thumping by LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      After such a poor reaction, fans fear the players may have downed tools as Gracia struggles to get his message across in the desperate fight for Premier League survival.
      But the defiant Whites boss is confident he still has the full backing of his players as they head to Fulham on Saturday lunchtime looking to increase their slender two-point gap on the bottom three.
      Gracia said: “My team is alive and we’ll show it in the next game because the desire and positive attitude is inside all of my players.
      “I expect for sure a good reaction against Fulham. It’s not a time for words — it’s a time for actions.
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      “A bad result doesn’t change my opinion about my players and I’m sure they still have the desire to play for their manager.
      “They want it because they love the club, they love all the people here and they are good professionals.”
      Gracia insists Leeds have not  become a bad team  overnight — despite shipping 11 goals in back-to-back home games to leave them with the worst defence in the top flight.
      And the former Watford boss has refused to throw his players under the bus despite two high-profile no-shows that have left supporters questioning their stomach for the relegation dogfight.
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      Today’s trip to Craven  Cottage is followed by Tuesday’s crunch six-pointer with second-bottom Leicester at Elland Road.
      Gracia said: “Sometimes you can have a bad day or a bad performance, and something that’s difficult to explain.
      “We accept the criticism that’s come our way.
      “But I believe in my players and in this crucial moment of the season I want to support them.
      “Providing that kind of support is often most important when we are  in the worst moment.
      “From my first day here they showed me their quality and the way they compete.
      “These last two bad games did not  change that for me.”
      “I’ve thought a lot about the team I’ll send out on Saturday because we need to change something.Javi Gracia
      Skipper Liam Cooper and Austria centre-back Max Wober are likely to return to central defence after injury.
      Italy’s exiting 19-year-old winger Willy Gnonto is set for a first Prem start since last month’s win at Wolves.
      Injury-hit midfielder Adam Forshaw is pushing for a start but striker Patrick Bamford is a doubt with a calf problem that ruled him out against the Reds.
      Illan Meslier will keep  his place in goal after Gracia backed the shell-shocked France Under-21 star.
      He added: “We have  conceded 11 goals in two games but it’s not down to him. When we concede — as when we score — it’s down to all of the team.
      “I’ve thought a lot about the team I’ll send out on Saturday because we need to change something.

      “We need to give something to the team at this moment and we’ve spent time considering that in these last few days.”
        LEEDS (likely): Meslier, Ayling, Wober, Cooper, Firpo, Forshaw, Roca, Sinisterra, Harrison, Gnonto, Rodrigo. More