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      France goalkeeper fumes at new ‘anti-Emi Martinez’ penalty rules as he ironically claims saves are banned

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      FRANCE goalkeeper Mike Maignan has mocked the IFAB’s decision to introduce new penalty rules.Earlier this week, the football lawmakers announced that a new set of rules – which will aid penalty takers – will come into play from July 1.
      The IFAB have introduced new penalty rules following Martinez’s World Cup final anticsCredit: Getty
      The Argentina goalkeeper employed various tactics to gain a psychological edgeCredit: Getty
      The changes will prevent goalkeepers from taunting and disrupting penalty takers.
      And they have been introduced in the wake of Emiliano Martinez’s controversial World Cup final antics.
      During the penalty shootout against France, the Argentina goalkeeper employed tactics such as throwing the ball away in an attempt to gain a psychological advantage.
      The mind games worked as Argentina went on to lift the trophy, however, from July they will no longer be permitted.
      Read More on FootballNew Penalty Rules to be Introduced from July

      Goalkeepers must not touch either posts, the crossbar or the goal net before a penalty is taken.
      Goalkeepers must not delay the execution of a penalty.
      Goalkeepers must not unfairly distract the taker.
      Goalkeepers must not show behaviours that fail to show respect.

      New rules state that goalkeepers cannot touch either posts, the crossbar or the net of the goal before kicks.
      They will also not be allowed to delay the execution of the penalty by throwing or kicking the ball away.
      Furthermore, goalkeepers must not unfairly distract the taker by speaking or gesturing to them.
      And finally, they must not show behaviours that fail to show respect to the taker such as over-the-top celebrations.
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      Maignan has mocked the new rulesCredit: Getty
      The France keeper saved a penalty on FridayCredit: Getty
      Many fans have since criticised the new set of rules with some even suggesting that they are ‘ruining’ the game.
      France goalkeeper Maignan has also expressed his disapproval.
      In a sarcastic tweet, he wrote: “New IFAB penalty rules 2026: Goalkeepers must have their backs to the shot. If the penalty is saved, the opposition gets an indirect freekick.”
      Ironically, Maignan saved a penalty while on international duty for France on Friday.
      In the 95th minute of the Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands he stepped up to save Memphis Depay’s spot-kick.
      France went on to win the match 4-0 thanks to goals from Antoine Griezmann, Dayot Upamecano and Kylian Mbappe. More

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      Mitrovic ‘cost himself big money move to MAN UTD as club shelve plans to sign him’ after Old Trafford red card shame

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      ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC has reportedly cost himself a big-money move to Manchester United.That’s after being charged by the FA for shoving a referee while playing the Red Devils.
      Man Utd have ended interest in Aleksandar Mitrovic after his red card at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      Mitrovic, 28, lost his head in Fulham’s 3-1 FA Cup defeat to United at Old Trafford earlier this month.
      The Serbian reacted furiously when teammate Willian was sent off for a penalty handball.
      Mitrovic was shown a straight red card for shoving Chris Kavanagh before aggressively shouting in his face.
      And the striker now faces a 10-match ban after being pulled up by FA chiefs.
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      However, Mitrovic’s implosion could cost him a whole lot more.
      The Daily Star claims he was being lined up by Man United for a big-money move this summer.
      Erik ten Hag had been left impressed by Mitrovic’s impressive haul of 11 strikes – not to mention last season’s record-breaking 43 goals in the Championship.
      And Mitro was seen as an alternative to loanee Wout Weghorst, who could return to Burnley this summer.
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      But Ten Hag and fellow United transfer gurus have now struck Mitrovic off their list after his total lack of discipline on the field.
      It’s reckoned Chelsea, Tottenham and Barcelona were also keeping tabs on the hitman.
      And they too may now look elsewhere as Mitrovic prepares to serve a lengthy ban.
      The 80-cap Serbia international has been at Fulham since 2018 following an initial loan move from Newcastle.
      Mitrovic has 94 goals in 169 games for the Cottagers and has twice been crowned Club Player of the Year. More

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      ‘Didn’t see him’ – Zlatan Ibrahimovic reignites feud with ex-team-mate Lukaku as they face off after fiery Milan bust-up

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE admits it was  special sharing the pitch with two of the game’s greatest goalscorers on Friday.But one of them, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, clearly still cannot stand the other, former Manchester United team-mate Romelu Lukaku.
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic reignited his feud with Romelu Lukaku during Sweden vs BelgiumCredit: AFP
      Inter Milan star Romelu Lukaku and AC Milan legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic first clashed in Serie ACredit: Getty
      Sweden star Ibra got a hero’s ovation from the Stockholm crowd as he returned to international football, aged 41, after 12 months out.
      But he was upstaged by Lukaku, who grabbed a hat-trick in Belgium’s 3-0 win in the Group F opener to make it 71 goals for his country.
      Manchester City playmaker De Bruyne, 31, is a huge fan of both.
      But a  feud between the pair that broke out in an Italian Cup quarter-final between AC Milan and Inter Milan in 2021 — when they headbutted each other and exchanged vile insults — is still simmering.
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      Asked about Lukaku’s treble, a sniffy Ibrahimovic could not bring himself to mention his rival’s name, let alone praise him.
      He said: “I didn’t see him. I didn’t get close to him here. He got situations where he should score.
      “He gets his goals, so he is happy. He wasn’t in the game much.”
      Lukaku, still on loan at Inter from Chelsea, was far more generous and conciliatory.
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      He said: “He  is a warrior. That he does what he does at his age . . . hats off. No hard feelings — just respect.”
      Red Devils captain De Bruyne is also impressed by Ibrahimovic’s 62 international goals  and 11 club league titles.
      He said: “There are only good things to say about Ibra. What he has done in his career is unbelievable.
      “But then we have Rom and he does the same things. He has 71 goals and is only 29 — where that total ends up depends on how long he wants to keep playing.”
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      Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku played together at Manchester UnitedCredit: Reuters
      KDB, leading the ‘Next Generation’ with Belgium’s Golden Generation now making way, added: “I may be the new captain but we have also a new system and new players.
      “On Monday it was like everything had changed for us. There were a lot of new young guys but we played really well.”
      Belgium travel to Germany for a  friendly on Tuesday, while Sweden host Azerbaijan in a qualifier tomorrow.
      Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic just missed on becoming the oldest player to feature in a Euros qualifier on Friday.
      At 41 years and 176 days — four days older than Ibra — Gibraltar’s Lee Casciaro passed the mark set by Italy legend Dino Zoff (41y 90d) in his side’s 3-0 loss to Greece. More

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      ‘Better than Haaland’ – Fans stunned as Premier League flop scores a brace in two minutes after breaking 17-year record

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      FANS have been left stunned after a Premier League flop scored a brace in minutes on his Spain debut – and broke a 17-year record. It was quite the evening for the forward who has managed to completely turn his career around after leaving England in 2019.
      A striker who could not cut it in the Premier League became Spain’s star last nightCredit: Alamy
      Joselu could never quite going and endured two unconvincing years at Stoke City before once again struggling at Newcastle.
      But he has managed to find form at club level in Spain and has been performing at such a high level that he received his first call-up at the age of 32.
      After replacing Alvaro Morata off the bench, he made Spanish history as he became the oldest debutant for Spain since September 2006.
      But Joselu was not content to rest on that fact and made even further headlines by scoring twice after being subbed on in the 81st minute in the Euros qualification game against Norway.
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      With Spain already leading 1-0 thanks to Dani Olmo, Joselu needed just minutes to score his first senior international goal as he latched onto a cross and converted a brilliant back post header.
      He was mobbed by his teammates after his goal.
      But things would get better just two minutes later as fellow sub Mikel Oyarzabal was released and had his shot saved by Norway’s keeper.
      There again was Joselu to jump onto the loose ball and complete his dream debut.
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      Fans were left in awe of a man who could not cut it in the Premier League but now appears to be a star of club and country.
      One said: “This guy couldn’t even pass the ball into a wide open net at Newcastle. What a turnaround.”
      Another added: “Age is just a number btw.”
      While one Newcastle fan said: ” Literally one of the most limited, inept strikers I’ve seen play. Some turn around, fair play.”
      Others could not help but compare the under-appreciated Joselu to Norway’s main man Erling Haaland, who was forced to withdraw from the squad with injury.
      One joked that Joselu was “better than Haaland”.
      While another said simply: “Joselu > Haaland”.
      Now the first-choice striker for Spanish side Espanyol, Joselu has 12 goals in 23 La Liga games this season. More

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      Aubameyang ‘willing to accept a minimum salary’ to end Chelsea nightmare and return to cash-strapped Barcelona

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      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG is reportedly willing to accept a huge wage cut to return to Barcelona.The striker is under contract with Chelsea until 2024 but the Blues are believed to be open to terminating his contract.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is happy to accept a massive wage cut to join BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      Aubameyang has played just 18 games since arriving from Barca for £10million last summer.
      A return of three goals has led to the 33-year-old being frozen out, and he could return to the Nou Camp at the end of the season.
      According to Sport, Aubameyang is willing to accept a minimum salary at Barcelona, who are still in financial difficulty.
      The cash-strapped club were fined £700,000 for breaching Financial Fair Play rules after exceeding salary limits for the free signings of Dani Alves and Andreas Christensen, plus Ronald Araujo’s contract extension.
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      That means they may not be able to get anywhere close to the reported £160,000 a week Aubameyang earns at Chelsea.
      But Aubameyang appears to have an affinity to the club and was warmly welcomed back into the dressing room after he watched Barca beat Real Madrid 2-1 in El Classico last week.
      He posed for photos with a delighted Ferran Torres and would likely be a welcome signing after he scored 13 goals in 23 games for the Blaugurana last season.
      Manager Xavi admitted he was sad to see Aubameyang leave after he helped his side qualify for the Champions League.
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      He said: “I feel bad because he helped us a lot. He was an example on and off the pitch.”
      Barcelona reportedly tried to re-sign the Gabon international in January but LaLiga rules prevent a player being registered three different times in one season. More

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      Pregnant Wag Diletta Leotta channels Pamela Anderson in red swimsuit as she shows off small bump on holiday

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      NEWCASTLE goalkeeper Loris Karius’ girlfriend Diletta Leotta channelled her inner Pamela Anderson with a stunning pic on social media.TV presenter Leotta posed in a red swimsuit on the beach with her small baby bump as she expects a child with Karius and shared the image on her Instagram account.
      Diletta Leotta channelled her inner Pamela Anderson on the beachCredit: instagram
      Diletta Leotta reminded fans of Pamela Anderson from BaywatchCredit: Rex
      Diletta Leotta is a TV presenter for DAZN and dates Newcastle’s Loris KariusCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta
      Diletta Leotta and Newcastle goalkeeper Loris Karius are expecting a childCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta
      The 31-year-old looked very much like famous actress Anderson on her role as CJ Parker on Baywatch.
      The American sex symbol won the hearts of millions of fans across the world as part of the famous TV series where she played the iconic bombshell lifeguard.
      This comes after fans compared the Italian presenter to Anderson on social media following some pics she shared during her time in Naples.
      Fans took to the comments’ section to compliment Leotta amid her ongoing pregnancy.
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      One supporter commented: “What a beauty.”
      Another wrote: “Another curve has been added… the most beautiful!”
      A third said: “Love for children will make u more beautiful than ever.”
      This fan posted: “Karius you are my hero.”
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      And that one commented: “Excellent quality, you are beautiful beyond perfect.”
      Leotta currently covers Serie A for DAZN, while Karius plays for Newcastle in the Premier League.
      The ex-Liverpool goalkeeper has played once for the Magpies since joining the club in September.
      The 29-year-old stepped in for the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United last month with Nick Pope suspended and Martin Dubravka cup-tied.
      Leotta jetted into London to watch the German keeper in action at Wembley.
      Diletta Leotta flew to London to watch Loris Karius in action at WembleyCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta
      Diletta Leotta received a lot of compliments on Instagram from her fansCredit: Instagram / @dilettaleotta
      Diletta Leotta and Loris Karius will soon become parentsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/ More

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      Dejan Kulusevski can join Tottenham for just £31m transfer fee from Juventus as long as Spurs meet one condition

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      TOTTENHAM star Dejan Kulusevski is set to join the club permanently providing they qualify for the Champions League, according to reports.The winger joined Spurs in January 2021 on an 18-month loan deal from Juventus that expires at the end of the season.
      Dejan Kulusevski could join Spurs permanently this summerCredit: Getty
      Tottenham paid £9million to have him temporarily and they already have an agreement in place to sign him for £31million.
      However, the deal only becomes possible providing Spurs finish in the top four this term, claim Calciomercato.
      The club currently sit fourth in the Premier League table but face a battle with Newcastle for the position.
      Eddie Howe’s men are just two points behind and have two games in hand.
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      There is also concern regarding Spurs’ current form as they have won just one of their last five matches.
      Additionally, the future of manager Antonio Conte is uncertain, which could prevent the team enjoying a strong finish to the campaign.
      Kulusevksi also reportedly needs to feature in at least 50 per cent of Tottenham games for the agreement to be in place come the summer, which he is set to do having played 27 games this season.
      The Swede has only found the back of the net twice this term.
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      However, he is supposedly still happy at the club and is open to staying.
      Juventus could also need to balance the books this summer amid financial pressure and Kulusevski is likely to be sold. More

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      ‘Difference is he meant it’ – Fans in meltdown as Martinique star ‘does a Bergkamp’ to score sensational goal

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      FOOTBALL fans have gone wild after a Martinique striker scored a Dennis Bergkamp-style goal against Costa Rica. The two nations were meeting in a CONCACAF Nations League game in a match that would not usually attract too much attention.
      Mickael Biron scored his fifth goal for Martinque and this one is almost certainly the best of the bunch
      After leaving the defender for dead with wonderful skill, Biron finishes off his perfect goal

      But the game was lit up after 18 minutes by a truly extraordinary goal by Mickael Biron, who plays his club football in the Belgian second division.
      The 25-year-old had the ball played to him as he darted towards the edge of the penalty box.
      The speed on the ball left him to backheel it around the defender, leaving him for dead, before spinning to meet it again.
      He then thundered the shot past the keeper to complete the wonderful goal.
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      The moment had clear parallels with Bergkamp’s famous goal at Newcastle in 2002.
      The former Arsenal striker’s unique flick, swivel and finish left the Magpies’ defence totally bamboozled and produced one of the Premier League’s most iconic goals.
      But to this day some supporters are still convinced the Dutchman got lucky and did not intend to flick the ball around Nikos Dabizas in the way he did.
      Fans on Twitter were left marvelling at the similarities between Biron and Bergkamp’s strikes.
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      Bergkamp did many mesmeric things at Arsenal but his famous goal against Newcastle may top the lotCredit: Getty
      One said: “No waaay he hit the Bergkamp.”
      While another cheekily added: “Difference is [unlike Bergkamp] he meant that one.”
      Another stunned fan said: “Left that defender in a coma hahaha.”
      And another said simply: “No f***ing way.”
      Despite Biron’s heroics, Martinique would lose the game after two very late goals from Costa Rica. More