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      Referee forced to deny explosive claims he arrived for match DRUNK and fought with fans after he is replaced for game

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      A REFEREE denied “fake news” claiming he and three other officials arrived drunk and fought other passengers before officiating a match in Greece.First official Pawel Raczkowski, his assistants Radoslaw Siejka as well as Adam Kupcik and VAR ref Krzysztof Jakubik have categorically denied those reports and stated they were in fact the ones assaulted.
      Referees deny reports claiming they showed up drunk before officiating in GreeceCredit: Reuters
      According to Sport24, the four refs landed in an intoxicated state at Athens International Airport on Saturday, something that was “confirmed” by AEK Athens who were set to face Aris with the Polish refs officiating tonight at OPAP Arena.
      There were also claims the referee didn’t communicate with Greece’s football governing body EPO and “disappeared” after the alleged incident.
      However, Raczkowski immediately slammed those reports and insists he and his associates met with the body’s chief referee and former Premier League official Steve Bennett soon after.
      The Polish referee added that he and his colleagues were actually the ones who were threatened and assaulted by two people claiming to be Panathinaikos fans.
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      He added that he was “spat” at in the face and “pushed” by the alleged assailants until security intervened.
      Raczkowski issued the following statement: “In relation to the news bulletin about the purported situation at Athens International Airport from the 8th of April 2023, I want to categorically deny being intoxicated or exhibiting aggressive behaviour.
      “I was attacked by two Greek speaking Polish men. They identified themselves as Panathinaikos supporters and attacked me first, verbally accusing me of match-fixing, secondly physically by spitting on me an [sic] then pushing me.
      “I reported the situation to airport security who calmed the aggressive individuals down.
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      Referees met with Superleague chief ref Steve Bennett after the incidentCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      “After this I went directly to the hotel where I stayed all night. I deny all fake news about myself and the whole referee team.”
      According to Sport.pl, PZPN Referees Board chairman Tomasz Mikulski backed Raczkowski’s version of events.
      EPO made the decision to replace the four refs with Greek counterparts, led by Aristotelis Diamantopoulos, even though it was decided only international officials would oversee the play-offs.
      That led to a fiery response from Olympiacos, who are owned by Nottingham Forest supremo Evangelos Marinakis.
      The reigning Greek champions described the “made up” incident as a “coup”, a “disgrace” as well as “badly written show” and labelled EPO chiefs as a “gang”. More

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      Gary Neville questions Aaron Ramsdale ‘injury’ against Liverpool – and even Arsenal fans aren’t convinced

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      GARY NEVILLE appeared to question Aaron Ramsdale after the Arsenal goalkeeper was tended to by physios at Liverpool.The Gunners stopper went down just before the 20 minute mark after Andy Robertson missed a glorious chance for the hosts.
      Aaron Ramsdale received medical attention just before the midway point of the first-halfCredit: AFP
      Ramsdale appeared to pick up an eye injuryCredit: AFP
      The break in play allowed Mikel Arteta to speak to his playersCredit: Sky Sports
      Physios were called onto the field to tend to the stricken stopper, while the rest of the Gunners team gathered in a huddle to get instructions from boss Mikel Arteta.
      And Neville suggested all wasn’t as it seemed as the Arsenal players were quick to head over to Arteta, with Ramsdale eventually OK to continue.
      Around 15 minutes later another Arsenal player also went down, with Neville saying it was “clever” if it was a tactic to kill the game.
      Some football fans on social media also picked up on the Ramsdale injury.
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      One Arsenal fan wrote on Twitter: “Customary Ramsdale ‘injury’ on 20 so the team can meet.”
      Another said: “Ramsdale going down with an ‘eye injury’ straight after Liverpool’s first chance at goal. These are the kind of tactics Mourinho was famous for during his first title win. It’s all planned. It’s all on purpose.”
      Fans of other clubs also picked up on it.
      One said on Twitter: “I noticed this is one of Arsenal’s tactics, Ramsdale goes down like 20-25 mins into the 1st half so Arteta can have a team talk.”
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      And another quipped: “Arteta uses a fake Ramsdale injury every game to give pep talks.”
      In a pulsating first-half at Anfield, Gabriel Martinelli gave Arsenal the lead after just eight minutes before Gabriel Jesus made it two 20 minutes later.
      Mohamed Salah pulled one back for the hosts just before the break, as tempers flared in a breathless 45 minutes of action.
      And the action was even more frantic after the break as Salah missed a penalty before the Red eventually netted a last-gasp equaliser through Roberto Firmino in an end-to-end thriller.
      And there was controversy off the pitch as Andy Robertson claimed he was ELBOWED by linesman Constantine Hatzidakis. More

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      Man Utd boss Ten Hag plots transfer raid on former rivals Feyenoord after sending scouts to watch two stars

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      MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag sent scouts to watch two Feyenoord players in action earlier this week, according to reports.The Dutchman is expected to continue his squad rebuild when the summer transfer window opens.
      United target Gimenez scored for Feyenoord on WednesdayCredit: Getty
      Scouts were also in attendance to watch KokcuCredit: Getty
      And according to The Mirror, he has his sights set on Feyenoord duo Orkun Kokcu and Santiago Gimenez.
      Man Utd representatives were in Rotterdam on Wednesday for the KNVB Cup semi-final clash between Ten Hag’s former club Ajax and Feyenoord.
      It is understood that they were there to watch Kokcu and Gimenez in action.
      Scouts from Tottenham, Brighton, Leicester, West Ham and Brentford were also in attendance as Ajax progressed to the final with a 2-1 win.
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      Former Premier League stars Dusan Tadic and Davy Klaassen got on the scoresheet for Ajax while United target Gimenez netted Feyenoord’s only goal.
      The 21-year-old forward has scored 23 goals across all competitions this season and he is currently valued at £18million.
      Meanwhile, United face competition from Benfica for former Arsenal target Kokcu.
      The Portuguese giants are already lining up a £31m bid for the midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window.
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      Man Utd are expected to spend big this summer ahead of an expected return to the Champions League.
      Harry Kane recently emerged as a top transfer target, but he will likely cost upwards of £100m.
      Victor Osimhen and Goncalo Ramos are also said to be on the shortlist, but both strikers come with a potentially record-breaking price tag. More

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      Liverpool 0 Arsenal 2 LIVE SCORE: Gunners DOUBLE their LEAD as Jesus strikes in HUGE Premier League clash – latest

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      ARSENAL have doubled their lead against Liverpool at Anfield as Gabriel Jesus heads passed Alisson.Fellow Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli put Mikel Arteta’s side ahead with just EIGHT minutes on the clock in Merseyside.
      The Gunners are in a fantastic position to re-instate their eight-point gap on City, who demolished relegation-battling Southampton yesterday.

      Kick-off time: 4:30pm BST
      Live stream: NOW TV
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League
      Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Jones, Salah, Jota, Gakpo
      Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, White, Holding, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Partey, Xhaka, Ødegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Jesus

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      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal
      35. For Liverpool to turn this game around now, this would be the greatest comeback since Rob Holding’s hair.
      It looks less likely as well.
      Arsenal are continuing to press, they can smell blood now.
      Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal
      33. Arsenal are growing in confidence now.
      They are winning every single battle all over the park.
      Henderson wins the ball back and gives the ball to Salah but he pokes the ball wide as Ramsdale advances towards him.
      Credit: Reuters
      Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal
      31. Alisson plays the ball long, straight to the feet of Salah.
      He loses the ball and Arsenal look to turn defence into attack.
      With Alexander-Arnold nowhere to be seen, van Dijk has to come across and commits a blatant foul.
      Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal
      29. Liverpool’s defending is shambolic.
      Alexander-Arnold goes to sleep once again and allows Martinelli to break clear down the left.
      He looks to pick out Jesus who is marked by van Dijk and Robertson and the Brazilian heads home under no challenge whatsoever.
      Goal – Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
      Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
      27. There just seems to be a lack of creative ideas amongst these Liverpool players.
      Playing simple passes with no urgency to try and break the Arsenal lines.
      It is looking all too scrappy from Jurgen Klopp’s side in all areas of the pitch.
      Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
      25. Odegaard makes a run out to the right flank.
      He looks to take it passed Curtis Jones but wins a throw in.
      As Liverpool win the ball back and look to come forward, Arsenal get numbers behind the ball.
      Credit: Getty

      Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal

      23. It must be worrying for Liverpool fans to see how easy sides are now able to walk through the heart of their midfield and defence.
      Some have said this side needs an overhaul but it is hard to see what players deserve to stay there currently.
      Jurgen Klopp’s side seem like they need bigger investment than the HS2 rail project.
      Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
      21. Liverpool have their first real chance of the game.
      Robertson gets clear of White and has a clear sight of goal.
      He looks to hit it with power and ball fizzes passed the far post.
      Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
      19. Jurgen Klopp was known for his ‘heavy-metal’ football which involved a high press.
      This is more ‘soft chill’ from his side now.
      The passion seems lacking from this group of players.
      Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
      17. The Gunners have found the best way to silence the crowd here.
      Martinelli’s goal has stunned them into silence.
      Liverpool are looking a shadow of their former selves in these opening stages of the game.
      Saka clips a ball into the back post, over the head of Alisson but Jesus cannot steer the ball towards goal.
      Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
      15. Liverpool are looking lethargic in defence.
      Arsenal look quicker and the more hungry of the two sides.
      This could be a long afternoon for the Liverpool faithful unless their side wake up and smell the coffee.
      Credit: Reuters
      Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
      13. Arsenal come forward once again down the left.
      The ball is worked inside to Zinchenko who gets off a shot.
      Easy save for Alisson as he tips it wide for a corner.
      Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
      11. What a start for Mikel Arteta’s side.
      Gone are the days where Liverpool were a solid defensive unit.
      They gift more chances than a Monopoly board of late.
      Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
      9. Saka cuts inside from Robertson to receive the ball.
      He feeds it to Odegaard who finds Martinelli.
      Liverpool’s soft underbelly is exposed as no one gets a telling challenge in and Martinelli pokes it passed Alisson.
      Goal – Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
      Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
      7. Liverpool try to turn the screw once again.
      The ball drops to Jones in the middle of the park but he dwells on it too much and is tackled.
      Jota tries a shot but it is not troubling Ramsdale.
      Credit: Reuters
      Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
      5. Both sides are passing it around, trying to get a feel for the ball.
      Arsenal seem keen to get the ball to Martinelli so he can get himself one on one with Alexander-Arnold.
      Liverpool seem happy to absorb it and hit the visitors on the counter-attack with slick passing and pace.
      Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
      3. Liverpool manage to clear the ball and hit Arsenal on the counter.
      They stream forward and the visitors look stretched.
      Salah cannot take the ball passed the defence as he is crowded out.
      Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
      1. Konate is penalised for a foul on Xhaka after a heavy first touch.
      Chance for the visitors to get the ball into the box.
      Martinelli skips passed Alexander-Arnold and wins a corner.
      Kick-off: Liverpool vs Arsenal
      We are underway at Anfield.
      As ever, it is an electric atmosphere.
      Arsenal get the game started.
      Gunners need to show title credentials
      In previous seasons, teams who have gone on to win the Premier League have struggled to get results here.
      Arsenal will be hoping to show they are the real deal today and answer some of their critics.
      Victory over Jurgen Klopp’s side would make a massive statement for the North London outfit.
      Pressure on German to succeed
      This season has been the biggest test of Jurgen Klopp and his coaching staff during their time at Anfield.
      With their chances of finishing in the top four slipping away game by game, they need to go on a run between now and the end of the season.
      Failure to secure Champions League football could have huge knock-on effects to the club, especially in the summer transfer window.
      Credit: Reuters
      Klopp looking for Anfield X-Factor
      Victory today would make it seven successive home wins in the league for The Reds, making them the first side to do so since 1928 in the top flight.
      Liverpool haven’t conceded at home in 7 hours and 26 minutes of football, since Leicester scored here in December.
      Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to continue their recent home form against in-form Arsenal today.
      Gunners need Jesus to rise to occasion
      Arsenal need Gabriel Jesus to continue the scoring form he showed in their last game against Leeds Utd.
      Mikel Arteta will know that their best form of defence is attack against this Liverpool team who have given the opposition for too many clean-cut chances this season.
      Taking their chances will be key if The Gunners want to put Liverpool to the sword this afternoon.
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      Jamie Carragher points out Jurgen Klopp’s tactical tweak against Arsenal with Liverpool fans left baffled

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER identified that Trent Alexander-Arnold was being used as a midfielder when Liverpool were in possession during their clash with Arsenal on Sunday.The Reds star, 24, lined up for the game in his usual right-back position as Jurgen Klopp’s men prepared to host the Premier League leaders.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold was pushing into midfield when Liverpool had the ballCredit: Sky Sports
      Alexander-Arnold was being used as a midfielderCredit: Getty
      But it was evident in the opening minutes of the match that he was moving into midfield when they regained the ball.
      And commentator Carragher pointed out the little tactical tweak in the opening stages of the coverage.
      But Liverpool fans were not happy with the decision to move Alexander-Arnold into midfield – before he was caught for Arsenal’s second goal.
      One said: “Trent in CM?! Klopp has lost the plot 🤣🤣🤣 or he’s sending the owners a message!
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      “The guy has no positional sense, so let’s play him somewhere in the middle so he don’t get lost 🤦‍♂️👏.”
      Another added: Why would you put Trent Alexander-Arnold in central midfield vs the league leaders when you’ve never done it.”
      And a third responded: “What formation are we playing??? Trent being made to play RB & CM…”
      Alexander-Arnold’s foray into midfield has not come out of nowhere.
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      Many people have called for him to be pushed further forward because of his attacking attributes.
      However, when asked in 2021 about a possible positional switch for Alexander-Arnold, Klopp said: “Why would you make the best right-back in the world a midfielder? I don’t understand that really.
      “As if the right-back position is not as important as the others. People who say that, I struggle to understand how you could think that.”
      Alexander-Arnold’s tactical change mirrored that of John Stones for Manchester City in recent weeks.
      A centre-back by trade and a right-back for Pep Guardiola’s side, Stones has been marauding into the centre to become an extra midfield option when Man City have possession.
      It is a transition Guardiola insists fellow right-back Kyle Walker is unable to perform.
      Ahead of Man City’s win over Southampton, the Spaniard said: “He cannot do it. Kyle will always have pace – he will be the fastest in this room at 60.
      “But to play inside you have to make some educated movements and he doesn’t have all the characteristics.
      “I’m not going to ask someone who has done what he has done to change.
      “He has played as a full-back coming inside with four in the back and has done it really well.
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      “But with this shape of three in the back and two in the middle he cannot do it.
      “He will maybe need time to do it and we don’t have time.” More

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      Abbey Clancy compares naked Peter Crouch to ‘a giraffe from the back’ and says ‘every girl’ would love it

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      ABBEY CLANCY compared husband and Premier League legend Peter Crouch to a giraffe when he’s naked.The married couple recalled their time away on safari when Abbey, 37, likened 6ft 7in ex-England striker Crouch, 42, to the animal.
      Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy first met in 2006Credit: Getty
      Abbey joked that Crouch looks like a giraffe when he’s nakedCredit: Twitter / @petercrouch
      Abbey and Crouch tied the knot in 2006Credit: Getty
      Crouch and Abbey tied the knot in 2011 and now host their own podcast, The Therapy Crouch.
      Speaking in an episode about their holiday, Crouch said: “We walked into an enclosure, and all of them were like when you walk into a saloon bar and it all goes quiet.
      “Like in a cowboy film when they walk through the doors and everyone stops and looks and you can hear a pin drop.
      “They were probably unnerved by me. Like, ‘How’s he got out?'”
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      Abbey then joked: “A giraffe from the back does look like you naked.
      “Like, the long legs, the tiny arse and the balls just dangling down in the middle.
      “It’s like Pete naked. You know when I’m lying in bed and I see him drying himself in the shower?
      “I’m like that looking at him going, ‘Oh, that’s attractive!’
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      “You are like a giraffe, because of the bum-leg ratio.
      “Because you’re supposed to have a bigger bum than your legs, and you’ve got a smaller bum, yours.”
      The model went on to add: “I love it. Every girl would be made up with that ratio.”
      Abbey and Crouch first met in 2006 before tying the knot five years later.
      They have four children together. More

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      Ipswich set to spend big if they win promotion to Championship with Southampton ace Adam Armstrong top transfer target

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      IPSWICH will spend big if they win promotion.Southampton striker Adam Armstrong is one of the ambitious targets being discussed as their American backers prepare to splash the cash if they get out of League One.
      Ipswich want to sign Armstrong if they earn promotionCredit: Getty
      Armstrong, 26, has made 61 appearances for the Saints since joining the club for £15million in 2021.
      And his recent performances have impressed newly-appointed manager Ruben Selles.
      When speaking to The Daily Echo last month, the Saints boss said: “I think Adam is very robust in his work and he’s a player that every other player trusts.
      “We know what his strengths are and for those last minutes he always brings exactly what we need.
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      “Usually it’s his pace into the space, final third situations. But he’s also very very generous defensively-wise.
      “So either from the start or when he comes into the pitch, I have no doubt about him. He’s a great boy so I’m very very pleased with his performance and the way that he’s performing for us.”
      Armstrong’s influence at St Mary’s has made him a target for several EFL clubs.
      Watford and Middlesbrough were both interested in signing him last summer.
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      And now Ipswich are keen to negotiate a deal if they secure promotion to the Championship.
      Armstrong enjoyed a prolific season in the second tier with Blackburn before joining Southampton.
      During the 2020-21 campaign he scored 28 goals in 40 Championship appearances for the Blue and Whites. More

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      Roy Keane destroys Jamie Carragher with one word as Micah Richards digs out embarrassing clip of Liverpool legend

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      ROY KEANE had one word to describe Jamie Carragher’s defending after Micah Richards showed a clip of the Liverpool legend in action.With Liverpool and Arsenal facing off on Sunday in a crunch clash, Richards dug up old footage of Carragher playing in the fixture.
      Roy Keane brutally trolled Jamie Carragher ahead of Liverpool vs ArsenalCredit: Sky Sports
      Micah Richards dug out an old clip of Carragher in action against the GunnersCredit: Alamy
      The Anfield icon was bamboozled by Thierry Henry as the Arsenal hero netted a stunning solo goal in a 4-2 win over the Reds at Highbury in 2004.
      Henry left Carragher tripping up over his own feet before coolly slotting into the back of the net.
      Showing the clip on Sky Sports, Richards brutally joked: “Jamie’s always talking about body positions, and I just want to look at your body position here.
      “Because I don’t know if you was dancing, or you was twisting. You twist one way, you twist the other, and you take [Igor] Biscan out of the game as well!”
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      Carragher then replied: “My only defence is it was against the greatest player to ever play in the Premier League.”
      Manchester United legend Keane then chimed in, joking: “Did you just come back from injury Jamie?”
      And when asked how he would describe the defending, Keane simply said: “Shocking.”
      Keane’s brutal one-word put down left Richards and Carragher in stitches.
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      Football fans were also left chuckling at Carragher’s expense.
      Reacting to the clip, one wrote on Twitter: “These are the best together.”
      Another said with laughing emojis: “Love Roy Keane.”
      And a third added: “You can’t not enjoy the hop ball between the pundits.” More