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      Aston Villa RAGING after being denied crucial goal vs Man Utd due to VAR protocol and miss out on Champions League

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      ASTON VILLA are FUMING after missing out on Champions League qualification after they had a goal wrongly disallowed and VAR could not intervene.With their game at Old Trafford goalless, Manchester United keeper Altay Bayindir appeared to get away with a huge error.Aston Villa were denied a goal in controversial circumstancesMorgan Rogers appeared to nick the ball off Altay BayindirCredit: PABut the referee had blown his whistle for a foulCredit: PAThe goal was disallowed and VAR could not interveneCredit: PAMorgan Rogers chased down Harry Maguire’s header back and he nicked the ball out of the Bayindir’s grasp.The Villa man then rolled the ball into an empty net in what looked to be a crucial goal for Villa’s European dreams.But referee Thomas Bramall had blown for a foul by Rogers on Bayindir.Replays showed the United stopper never had full control of the ball and the goal should therefore have stood.But due to the official having already blown his whistle for a free-kick, VAR were unable to overturn the decision.And just minutes later, Amad Diallo scored to make it 1-0 to United before Christian Eriksen doubled their lead.It meant Villa missed out on Champions League qualification as they failed to better Newcastle’s result, who lost to Everton by a goal.Before the controversial refereeing incident, Villa were on course to finish in the top five ahead of the Toon.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut defeat meant they finished on 66 points in sixth place, missing out to Newcastle on goal difference.Villa have instead had to settle for a place in next season’s Europa League.McGinn ragingAston Villa captain John McGinn was raging after the game.He said: “I think everyone wanted the correct decisions when the VAR was implemented. You watch rugby, even if the referee has awarded a try and it’s wrong, its overturned. “It’s so so hard to take especially when the impact it has on us, as a club and a team, is so big. “Its’ really, really tough to take and handle. I don’t think we deserved to win but if you were 1-0 up at that point and all you need is a point to get to the Champions League, it’s costly.”Moving forward, the rule has to be looked at as the correct decisions were not getting made at the end of the day. I think [referee] Thomas [Bramall] knew. It probably wasn’t fair on him at that moment either. The boys are gutted.”Asked if the ref acknowledged his mistake, he said: “He didn’t really know what to say. “Because of the impact it has on us as players and our careers, the club, you are obviously angry. I think he is a young referee who has progressed very quickly. “Maybe we could look at having more experienced referees. I don’t know. It’s just an incredible decision and makes today even worse than it should be.”Manage Unai Emery added: “It was a mistake. A big mistake.”The match we played overall in 90 minutes with the red card and this goal disallowed, it was a key moment. but overall, they did more. Read More on The Sun”But we showed resilience with one player less. We could have scored one goal and it would have been a good opportunity to continue and keep the result. We didn’t perform enough today to get a good result but we could get it, in case some decision weren’t like it was.”Emery revealed he spoke with the referee after the game: “Yes, I told him but he knows it [he made a mistake].” More

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      Bayern Munich ‘turn to England star with £68m release clause’ as they’re set to lose out on Wirtz transfer to Liverpool

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      BAYERN MUNICH have turned their attention to Eberechi Eze with them set to miss out on Florian Wirtz, according to reports.The Bundesliga champions have accepted that the Bayer Leverkusen star is joining Liverpool in a British record £126million deal.Florian Wirtz is heading to LiverpoolCredit: GettyBayern Munich could now target Eberechi EzeCredit: GettyWirtz, 22, has reportedly told Bayern chiefs he is heading to Merseyside and the club are now set to pursue Eze.The Crystal Palace and England midfielder has a release clause said to be worth £60m, plus £8m in add-ons.Bayern are hopeful of getting a deal done as they have a good relationship with the Eagles after the clubs agreed a transfer for Michael Olise last summer.Despite his release clause, Palace want to convince Eze to stay at Selhurst Park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd they will stand firm with their price tag and not accept anything less than the release clause.SunSport understand that both Manchester United and Aston Villa are keen on Eze but the fee may prove too costly for them.Bayern are not thought to have an issue with the price as they were set to splash the cash on Wirtz.But like Manchester City they put off the signing after discovering that the total cost of the move could total £252m.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOn top of the £126m fee, Wirtz is set to pocket £325,000-a-week.Meanwhile, Bayern are also looking at AC Milan winger Rafael Leao and Brighton ace Kaoru Mitoma to bolster their attacking options behind main man Harry Kane.Ebereche Eze wins £15,000 in celebrity online chess tournament – and celebrates more than his Wembley FA Cup goal More

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      Emi Martinez’s Aston Villa ‘farewell’ ends in disgrace as he’s SENT OFF for ‘dumbest ever’ foul on Man Utd’s Hojlund

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      EMI MARTINEZ potentially ended his Aston Villa career with a shocking red card. The keeper brutally wiped out Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund after rushing off his line.Emi Martinez wiped out Rasmus HojlandCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThomas Bramall had no choice but to send him offCredit: GettyIt could be Martinez’s final game for VillaCredit: AFPA weak back pass looked to have put Hojlund through on goal – with Martinez charging out of his box. But Hojlund knocked it past the Villa keeper – who wiped out United’s front man to leave referee Thomas Bramall no choice but to send him off. It was meant to be a farewell match for 2022 World Cup winner Martinez – who already waved goodbye to Villa fans. And as revealed by SunSport, he is also a target for Arsenal who are eyeing a reunion with the Argentine. READ MORE IN football If Martinez is to remain in the Premier League – he will start next season with a three match ban.The Gunners fear their No1 David Raya wants a move back to Spain. Martinez, 32, would jump at a second chance to man the sticks at the Emirates should the deal come round.Spaniard Raya, 29, is being linked with moves to La Liga after establishing himself as the Gunners No .1.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe former Blackburn prospect is short-listed at Real Madrid as a long-term replacement for Thibaut Courtois.While he is also on the radar at neighbours Atletico — who fear Jan Oblak could be tempted by Saudi Arabian cash.Raya has been one of the Premier League’s standout goalkeepers in recent seasons and, should he keep a clean sheet against Southampton on Sunday, will win consecutive Golden Glove awards.Despite his impressive form, Arsenal would be open to selling him if the price was right.The Gunners know that Martinez could be bought, but they will have to be quick with Middle East clubs keen too.Martinez looked as though he waved goodbye to the Villa Park faithful when the Villans played their final home game of the season last weekend.The shot-stopper was in tears as he walked off the pitch following Villa’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.Martinez joined Villa in 2020 following a breakout period of success at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, coming in for the injured Bernd Leno and helping the Gunners win the FA Cup.Since his switch to the Midlands, the former Reading and Rotherham loanee has won the Copa America twice, the World Cup and been named Fifa’s Best Keeper in the World two times.Martinez spent eight years at Arsenal before moving to VillaCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool and Crystal Palace in never-before-seen DOUBLE guard of honour before final day clash

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      LIVERPOOL and Crystal Palace performed a never-before-seen DOUBLE guard of honour on the final day of the season. Arne Slote’s Premier League champions were honoured by Oliver Glasner’s FA Cup-winning Eagles. Liverpool and Crystal Palace performed a never-before-seen double guard of honourLiverpool returned the favour for FA Cup-winners PalaceBut Liverpool then returned the favour with a guard of honour in the wake of Palace’s cup victory against Manchester City earlier in the month. The two teams will play each other again in the season opening Community Shield in August.But for now, it was mutual respect between the two clubs as one said: “Nice gesture from both teams!”Another added: “Mutual respect strong sportsmanship shown.”READ MORE IN football One hailed: “Double guard of honour is f***ing class! Special special day.”Another said: “Love the double guard of honour!”Elsewhere, Tottenham were due to get a guard of honour after ending their 17 YEAR wait for silverware. Their 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao won them the Europa League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNorth London was gridlocked on their Friday bus parade – two days before hosting Brighton. And the Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler planned for his players to give Spurs a guard of honour at Spurs’ stadium. Inside Tottenham’s wild Europa League open-top bus parade as 200,000 fans greet heroesHe said: “Like we did against Liverpool, if great clubs achieve great things then it’s always a positive thing and also if English clubs achieve great things in the international cups.”I’m very happy for them. Of course, they deserve it, so we will do it.”But Spurs were not given the honour before the match. More

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      Man Utd DROP Garnacho and Onana from final day squad vs Aston Villa with both stars linked with transfer exits

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      ANDRE ONANA and Alejandro Garnacho have been DROPPED for Manchester United’s last game of the season against Aston Villa. Altay Bayindir starts between the posts at Old Trafford with Garnacho joining Onana in not even making the bench. Alejandro Garnacho and Andre Onana have been dropped for Manchester United’s last game of the seasonCredit: PAThe winger aired his frustration at being benched in United’s Europa League final loss to Spurs last week. And Ruben Amorim is believed to have told the 20-year-old Argentine to find a new club next season. The under-fire manager offered to walk away without any compensation if the board and fans are no longer behind him.But, the Old Trafford hierarchy are believed to be behind Amorim – who replaced Erik ten Hag in November.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to The Athletic, Amorim addressed players at the club’s Carrington training ground on Saturday to inform them of his own plans.And it was there that Garnacho is said to have been told to find a new team following a period of uncertainty at the club.But despite speculation linking the forward with a move away – Amorim insisted he is still in his plans. He said: “Garnacho is a Manchester United player that is not in the squad today, but he continues to be a Manchester United player.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAsked if he will be on the post-season tour of Asia next week, he said: “Yes. Everybody’s going because we have to go and meet our fans and give something to our fans on the other side of the world.” Garnacho was left out of the starting XI that was beaten by Spurs – despite starting in ten of their matches in the European campaign.Ruben Amorim breaks silence over futures of Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro GarnachoUnited’s defeat in Spain – while sitting 16th in the Premier League – caps off a horror season.And Garnacho told Argentine press in Bilbao: “It’s hard for everyone.”The season was s***, both now losing the final tonight, and in the league, where we didn’t beat anyone, that’s the truth.“Up until the final, I’ve played every round, and today to play 20 minutes… I don’t know. I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens after.”His brother Roberto then caused a stir following the winger’s cryptic message in Bilbao.He posted a picture of a dejected Garnacho and wrote: “Working as no one else, helping every round, coming from two goals in the last two finals, just to be on the pitch for 19 mins and get thrown under the bus.”And now Garnacho’s girlfriend Eva appears to have confirmed his exit by posting their son Enzo’s United kit with the caption: “Last match.”She accompanied it with a crying and love heart emoji.Garnacho’s girlfriend Eva appears to have confirmed his exitCredit: Instagram / @evagarciaGarnacho was benched against Spurs with Mason Mount and Amad Diallo operating as forwards.Amorim was probed on his decision to leave Garnacho out for Mount, to which he replied: “It’s easy to say that now.”Who missed the big opportunity in the first half in the semi-final? Garnacho. Football is like that.”Garnacho, 20, has played 58 times this season across all competitions, more than any other United player.He has 11 goals to his name and remains linked with a move away from Old Trafford, with Chelsea showing interest in January.SunSport revealed how Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are among the most at risk of being sold in the summer.United remain in a financial mess and selling two of the first team’s biggest assets is now a priority to ease the pressure.Bruno Fernandes has also suggested he could leave but United will not want to offload their skipper.Other players such as Marcus Rashford and Antony, who have been on loan at Villa and Real Betis respectively, will also be sold in what is likely to be a turbulent summer at United.Amorim was asked in his final pre-match press conference of the season whether he has sought to clarify Fernandes and Garnacho’s futures.And he said: “I will speak with my players but my focus is the last game. I don’t know what is going to happen.“We have a plan — we were prepared for both situations, with or without Champions League.”We have an idea what type of squad we want. Now we have to focus on the game, we now have the last game and we have time to address those situations.”Onana meanwhile joined in 2023 in a £47.5m deal from Inter Milan after David de Gea left on a free. Read More on The SunBut he has suffered inconsistent form in Manchester with a string of howlers – leaving a move to Saudi Arabia on the cards.Villa stopper Emi Martinez – who starts against United – has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as he looks to leave Villa. Onana could leave UnitedCredit: Reuters More

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      Southampton ANNOUNCE Will Still as new manager one hour before final game of the season vs Arsenal

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      SOUTHAMPTON have tasked Will Still with leading them back to the Premier League.Saints have confirmed their appointment of the Belgian-born English coach, 32, on a three-year deal and the young boss has already targeted promotion.Southampton confirmed Will Still as their new managerCredit: GettySaints put the announcement on the big screen at St Mary’s before facing ArsenalCredit: GettyThe announcement – which included a woman at a bar putting sparkling water away to keep the still out – came just an hour before kick-off in their final game of the dismal season at home to Arsenal. Russell Martin led the south coast side up through the play-offs last year but was dismissed in December, with Southampton going on to be relegated earlier than any club in Premier League history.Southampton had been targeting their former assistant Danny Rohl, who will leave Sheffield Wednesday this summer.But there is competition for the German who is taking time to make a decision on his future, causing Saints to move elsewhere as SunSport revealed the move for Still.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLStill, who wanted to become a coach after playing the videogame Football Manager in his youth, recently announced his decision to leave Lens in France where he also managed Stade de Reims as the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues.He said: “I’m extremely proud and excited to have joined Southampton.”There is huge potential here and we have a great opportunity to do something special.“The project that has been laid out to me is very impressive and, all together, I believe we can build a clear identity and a very positive future for the team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I can’t wait to meet you, the fans. I look forward to hearing you in voice, and feeling the energy and belief at St Mary’s and beyond.“I’m eager to get to work this summer and start building a close-knit group that can make everyone proud and ultimately get us back to where we belong; in the Premier League.”Will Still goes public with Sky Sports girlfriend Emma SaundersStill will be in attendance at St Mary’s for the home clash with the Gunners alongside Sky Sports presenter girlfriend Emma Saunders.Saints’ new technical director, Johannes Spors, said: “Will is a young, innovative manager who has already gained significant experience throughout his career, and we have been extremely impressed both by his track record and our conversations with him.“What was very apparent in our discussions was the clarity of his philosophy and the identity he wants his teams to have, but also his willingness and ability to adapt to different situations as they present themselves, which will be an important quality in the Championship next season.“We were very impressed by his personality and his values, and we feel he will be an excellent fit for the culture we are looking to build at Staplewood.”Still went public with Saunders during Euro 2024 after watching an England game together.But he wanted to move to England to be closer to his girlfriend following her cancer diagnosis.Read More on The SunSaunders was treated for thyroid cancer at the start of the season and also overcame brain infection encephalitis.Still revealed she was in a coma and had to leave her hospital room to manage his team in France. Simon Ruskhas been in interim charge assisted by Adam LallanaCredit: PAStill is dating Sky Sports presenter Emma SaundersCredit: Instagram / @wrstillThe couple were in attendance for the Arsenal match togetherCredit: GettyWill Still’s managerial recordLierse 6 October 2017 to 2 December 2017 – P9 W7 D1 L1 GD+7 Win % 78Beerschot 19 January 2021 to 30 June 2021 – P15 W6 D2 L7 GD+2 Win % 40Reims 13 October 2022 to 2 May 2024 – P65 W25 D19 L21 GD+11 Win % 38Lens 10 June 2024 to 18 May 2025 – P38 W17 D8 L13 GD+6 Win % 45TOTAL P127 W55 D30 L42 GD+26 Win % 43 More

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      Why is Mikel Arteta banned from the touchline for Arsenal’s final Premier League game against Southampton?

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      MIKEL ARTETA is 90 minutes away from leading his Arsenal side to a third successive second-place finish in the Premier League – but the Spaniard is BANNED from the touchline today.Many tipped the Gunners to finally get their hands on the title after Manchester City’s awful start to the 2024/25 campaign.Mikel Arteta has faced disciplinary action beforeCredit: AFPBut instead, it was Dutchman Arne Slot who would capitalise by leading Liverpool to their 20th Prem crown in what turned out to be a sensational debut season.And things could have gone from bad to worse as Arsenal were in danger of slipping out of the top five Champions League spots with a tough schedule ahead of them.However, a hard-fought 2-2 draw with champions Liverpool and a crucial 1-0 win over Newcastle confirmed their spot in club football’s elite competition for next season.Furthermore, barring an absolute travesty, the Gunners will finish second once again but boss Arteta will be gutted that he can’t say goodbye to the fans for this season.Read more on Mikel ArtetaWhy is Mikel Arteta banned from the touchline?Mikel Arteta is banned from the touchline this afternoon as he picked up his third yellow card of the season during last weekend’s win against Newcastle.The Spaniard was booked after kicking the ball away late on.And assistant Albert Stuivenberg will take charge in the Arsenal boss’s absence.Arteta won’t mind too much after his side all-but-sealed a second-place finish.Most read in FootballA super strike from Declan Rice saw the Gunners beat Newcastle to the runners-up spot while also cementing a place in next season’s Champions League.Who is Albert Stuivenberg?Albert Stuivenberg is the current assistant manager of Arsenal, having been at the club since December 2019.Stuivenberg was born in Rotterdam, Holland in August 1970, making him 51 years old.The Dutchman is nicknamed ‘AirPod Albert’ for his wearing of the headphones on the touchline during games.An injury brought his playing career to an early halt after spells at SC Telstar and HFC Haarlem before he moved into coaching with Feyenoord and then the Holland Under-17 and Under-21 teams.Stuivenberg was appointed Louis van Gaal’s assistant coach at Manchester United in 2014 alongside assistant manager Ryan Giggs.After he departed United in 2016 following Van Gaal’s dismissal, Stuivenberg again linked up with Giggs to become Wales’ assistant manager under the former winger in 2018.Stuivenberg was still Wales assistant in addition to his Arsenal role up until July of 2021.But his sole focus is now on the Gunners after leaving the Welsh set-up after their Euro 2020 campaign.Premier League table More

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      When does the 2025/26 Premier League season start?

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      THE 2024/25 Premier League season will come to a conclusion this afternoon.A campaign full of thrills and spills saw Liverpool secure a record-equalling 20th league title in Arne Slot’s first season in the Anfield dugoutLiverpool were crowned Premier League champions with four games to spareCredit: PAManchester United and Tottenham will already be looking ahead to next season after the two English giants both had domestic seasons to forget.Next season’s 20 Premier League clubs have been officially confirmed after Sunderland beat Sheffield United 2-1 in the Championship play-off final to claim the last spot in the top flight.The Black Cats will join the second tier’s top two, Burnley and Leeds, in England’s elite division, replacing Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich.Next season’s Premier League promises to be as electrifying as ever – and SunSport can reveal the all-important dates you need for your calendar.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen does the 2025/26 Premier League season start?The 2025/26 Premier League season will begin on the weekend of August 16/17, 2025.The start date allows for the maximum player rest time available – 83 clear days – from the end of the 2024/25 campaign.33 weekend and five midweek match rounds will make up the 2025/26 season.The Premier League states that the schedule “continues to allow more rest time for players over the festive match-round period”.Most read in FootballNo two rounds of fixtures will take place within 60 hours of each other and there will be no game on Christmas Eve.The fixtures for the Premier League 2025/26 season will be released at 9am BST on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.When does the 2025/26 Premier League season end?The 2025/26 Premier League season will come to a close on Sunday, May 24, 2026.All matches will kick-off simultaneously like normal.The season end date ensures that the Prem season finishes ahead of the 2026 Club World Cup call-up period. More