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    Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez fined for ‘violating’ MLS rules in opening match of Inter Miami’s season

    LIONEL Messi and Luis Suarez have both been FINED for “violating” a little known MLS rule.The Inter Miami duo were hit with an undisclosed fine for their actions during a 2-2 draw with New York City FC in Saturday’s season opener.Messi has been fined for grabbing the neck of a New York City assistant coachTeam-mate Luis Suarez has also been fined for violating the same MLS policy earlier in the matchMessi has been punished for grabbing the neck of a New York City assistant coach during a post-match war of words.The World Cup winner was heading off the pitch before turning to confront coach Mehdi Ballouchy after the final whistle.Messi appeared agitated as the pair went back and forth, before the Argentine briefly rested his hand on Ballouchy’s neck, who pulled away from the superstar.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner began walking away, before turning around to hold onto the back of Ballouchy’s neck for a second time.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMessi had initially fumed at referee Rosendo Mendoza at full-time, and was handed a post-match yellow card on his way down the tunnel for his outburst. Ballouchy then appeared to say something to the Inter Miami captain, sparking to a fiery exchange between the pair.Team-mate Luis Suarez has also been fined for violating the same MLS policy earlier in the match.Suarez pinched the back of Norwegian defender Birk Risa’s neck in an incident at half-time. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe precise amount each player was fined is unclear.The MLS said in a statement that their disciplinary committee had ruled that the former Barcelona stars had violated the league’s “hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy.”Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 degrees temperatures Messi had just set-up a stoppage time equaliser for team-mate Telasco Segovia in the 2-2 draw at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadim.He also assisted Tomas Aviles’ early goal before the latter was sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Aviles dragged down NYC FC forward Alonso Martinez from behind as he was in on the goalkeeper.It comes after a referee in charge of Inter Miami’s Concacaf Champions League opener was disciplined after asking for Messi’s shirt after their game against Sporting KC.Messi scored the winning goal in their first leg, a 1-0 win that was played in frigid, single-digit temperatures in Kansas City.Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava was reportedly slapped with a six-month ban after asking Messi for his autograph, according to The Mail. More

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    Controversial moment Euro giants ‘give away penalty by throwing second ball on to pitch’ in never-before-seen blunder

    PANATHINAIKOS ace Daniel Mancini may have committed the biggest blunder of the year, and ended his team’s title hopes.Mancini, 28, and his team-mates visited bottom-of-the-league Lamia on Sunday in a match where the Greek giants needed the three points to maintain pressure on bitter rivals Olympiacos at the top.Panathinaikos ace Daniel Mancini may have committed the biggest gaffe of the yearCredit: RexMancini thought the ball went out for a throw-in against LamiaBut it was still in play as it never went over the line so Gustavo Furtado chased after itThe Panathinaikos ace Mancini kicked another ball onto the pitchAs per a rather unknown rule, that led to a penalty for Lamia who sealed a 3-1 winRui Vitoria’s side endured a horrendous start that saw them conceding after just four minutes by ex-Reading and Aston Villa ace Aaron Tshibola.Panathinaikos equalised on 72 minutes with Filip Djuricic but Lamia fought back and regained the lead just six minutes later with Gustavo Furtado, who used to play for the visitors.The Athens outfit pushed hard for another equaliser but disaster struck three minutes before full-time.Ex-Grimsby Town ace Sebastian Ring tried to find Furtado with a through ball.Read More on FootballMancini, who was playing out of position at right-back thought the ball went out for a free throw.But Ring signalled towards Furtado that the ball was surprisingly still in play as it never went over the line, while the Panathinaikos ace was getting ready for the throw-in the referee never awarded.Furtado gained possession and broke into the box with his marker completely oblivious to what was happening.The Lamia star tried to beat goalkeeper Bartlomiej Drągowski from a tight angle but the Poland international denied him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, Mancini’s woes were about to become much worse as, for some reason, he decided to kick another ball into play before Furtado’s shot.Referee Angelos Evangelou stopped the match and awarded the hosts a penalty, as per the rules, before booking the winger.EFL goalkeeper concedes ‘most embarrassing goal ever seen’ as fans fume ‘get him off that pitch now’ Furtado took spot kick and beat Dragowski to seal only Lamia’s second win of the season.The rules state that if another ball or object is thrown onto the pitch by another player then the referee awards a set piece for the opposing team at the spot where it landed.Because the ball was thrown inside the Panathinaikos area, where the action was taking place, the ref awarded a penalty.Two years ago, Valencia got away with a similar piece of ‘s***housery’ against Real Madrid.As Vinicius Jr approached the hosts’ penalty area, a defender kicked a second ball against the one he was dribbling with before the Brazilian could enter the box.Furtado enjoyed quite the redemption as he was offloaded by Panathinaikos last year after going viral in a clip showing him chasing after the B team’s bus, which forgot about him and almost left him behind.PAO are now third in the table with eight points separating them from the top. More

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    Why VAR was CORRECT to overturn controversial Everton penalty against Man Utd due to little-known protocol

    VAR was CORRECT to overturn Everton’s controversial late penalty against Manchester United.The Toffees were denied a chance to win the clash in the dying moments at Goodison Park.Everton were denied a late penalty against Manchester UnitedCredit: TNT SportsAndy Madley had initially given a penalty but was sent to the screenCredit: GettyAfter a second look, he decided to change the decisionCredit: GettyThe review centred on the challenge from Harry Maguire as that was what Madley gave the penalty forCredit: RexDavid Moyes’ side had thrown away a two-goal lead in the second half against the Red Devils.But they believed they had the opportunity to claim three points after Ashley Young went down in the Man Utd box in injury time.The former Red Devil fell theatrically after contact with Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, with the Dutchman grabbing his shirt.But Referee Andy Madley pointed the spot as he judged MAGUIRE to have fouled the full-back.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis decision was checked by VAR Matt Donohue.Maguire had placed a hand on Young’s hip but there was no obvious tug or pull to cause Young’s fall, meaning VAR believed it was a clear and obvious error to award the penalty. Madley was called to the monitor to look at the incident involving Maguire and changed his decision. Everton fans were up in arms that the penalty was overturned despite De Ligt clearly having a hold of Young’s shirt, but while the VAR did review that, he decided there was not enough to give a penalty.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat’s because the penalty wasn’t originally given against De Ligt and therefore it couldn’t be deemed a clear and obvious error. It’s the same as if the referee had waved play on – the threshold wouldn’t have been high enough to overturn the decision and give a penalty for the Dutchman’s shirt pull. However if Madley had given the penalty due to De Ligt’s actions, then there would have been no intervention from VAR.In that scenario it would not have been a clear and obvious error because De Ligt did grab Young’s shirt. Ruben Amorim admits Man Utd were invisible in first half at Everton The threshold for this kind of decision has been risen this season.Donohue decided that the holding of Young’s shirt was “fleeting” and not enough to cause him to fall in his exaggerated manner.Therefore, Madley was shown angles of the Maguire incident and decided to rescind his original decision of a penalty.He would have seen the two shirt pulls by De Ligt as he was shown a “high behind” camera angle.The Premier League addressed the situation at full-time with a statement on social media.It read: “VAR checked the referee’s call of penalty to Everton for a challenge by Maguire on Young and deemed that no foul had been committed and recommended an on-field review.”The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with an indirect free-kick.”Meanwhile, the Red Devils were slammed by their performance by club legend Rio Ferdinand.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe retired defender insisted that he had never seen the club play that badly before.Sir Alex Ferguson was also in attendance and looked disgusted at the team’s first-half efforts.Man Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure. More

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    Jose Mourinho gets huge pre-derby win after Champions League final ref is airlifted in for title clash with rivals

    A CHAMPIONS League final referee has been airlifted in for Fenerbahce’s derby clash against Galatasaray.Jose Mourinho will be thrilled with the decision for Slavko Vincic to be given control of the potential title decider.Jose Mourinho will be happy with the referee appointment for Fenerbahce’s next gameCredit: ReutersSlavko Vincic has been airlifted in for the derby game against GalatasarayCredit: GettyThe Portuguese manager has made no secret of his disgruntlement with the level of officiating in the Turkish Super Lig.The arrival of the Slovenian referee should be a relief to Mourinho as he officiated last season’s Champions League final.The referee is deemed a complete outsider to the context of the match.It is not the first time a foreign referee has been brought in for a one-off game in Turkey.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLast year, the VAR was often manned by referees from abroad for Super Lig matches.The match between the fierce rivals is TONIGHT at Galatasaray’s RAMS Park stadium.Mourinho will be desperate for his side to win in order to close the gap to their rivals to just three points at the top of the table.He will also be hoping that there are no controversial decisions called against his team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has addressed the appointment of Vincic ahead of the match.He said: “He’s a top European referee.Jose Mourinho booked after putting his laptop in front of TV camera to highlight referee’s wrong decisionMourinho put a laptop in front of a TV camera after disagreeing with one decision”That’s important for the credibility, for the image of this match.”I’m happy.”The former Premier League manager has often called out decisions after games in classic theatrical fashion.In one rant, he exploded and accused a referee of “drinking Turkish tea” and NAPPING during a match.It came after VAR failed to award Fenerbahce a penalty for a blatant handball against Trabzonspor.He was booked in September for putting his laptop in front of a TV camera to highlight a wrong decision as his side beat Antalyaspor 2-0.Mourinho believes that decisions against his team have cost them up to 15 points across the season.He said: “Normally, we should be eight or nine points ahead.”Mourinho’s gripes have not solely been in the domestic game as he was sent off in the Europa League clash against former club Manchester United.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was incensed after Bright Osayi-Samuel went down in the box under a challenge from Manuel Ugarte.His post-match rant saw him “congratulate” referee Clement Turpin for being able to see him on the touchline and the incident at the same time.Mourinho was sent off against Manchester United in the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Scandalous’ – Roberto De Zerbi vows to NEVER manage in France again after Marseille chief declared Ligue 1 is ‘rigged’

    MARSEILLE boss Roberto De Zerbi has been left so furious with Ligue 1 referees that he vowed to never manage in France again.De Zerbi, 45, saw his team lose 3-0 to Auxerre on Saturday at Stade de l’Abbe Deschamps.Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has been left furious with Ligue 1 refereesCredit: RexDe Zerbi is so angry that he vowed to never manage in France againCredit: AFPL’OM were fuming at full-time as they were very unhapy with the red card at Derek Cornelius, who was booked twice.The ex-Brighton manager was so incensed that he described the officiating as “scandalous” when he spoke to the media after the final whistle.The Italian tactician claims he has had enough and will never work in France again once he leaves Marseille, where his contract runs out in 2027.De Zerbi told Telefoot: “I’m Italian, and after OM I’m not going to coach in France again. Read More on Football”There’s a problem in the French championship, if French people are happy with this level of decision making, then good for them. “But today it was scandalous. The referee was not in a serene position to referee this match because of all the controversy surrounding him.”Marseille raised concerns with the board of arbitration of referees before the match following the appointment of Jeremy Stinat as the match official.Stinat was the fourth official when the French giants were eliminated from the Cup against Lille last month.Most read in FootballThat was when sporting director Medhi Benatia was handed a three-month suspension for incidents on the touchline.According to La Provence, Marseille president Pablo Longoria also “flew into a fit of rage” in front of journalists after the match.Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey gives verdict on Everton’s overturned penalty against Man UtdLongoria alleged that everything was “organised” against his team and it all started in the build-up to the match with Leonardo Balerdi’s booking, which led to his suspension for the game at Auxerre.The Spanish football executive was also angry about a penalty he claims should have been awarded to Quentin Merlin as well as Cornelius’ red card.The club chief went as far as to urge the reporters to quote him saying the league is “corrupt” as well as “rigged” and he would happily join the European Super League rebels if they approached him.Longoria reportedly shouted: “This is corruption! I’ve never seen anything like it. You can write it down: Pablo Longoria says it’s corruption. “Everything has been organised since the third yellow given to Balerdi. It’s planned, it’s rigged. “There’s a penalty on Merlin, four European referees have told me so by message, and the most scandalous thing is the red card to Cornelius.“This is a s***** championship, If the Super League comes to see us, we’ll go right away.” More

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    Man Utd got lucky against Everton after major VAR blunder meant referee saw WRONG footage of Everton penalty claim

    FORMER Premier League whistler Mark Halsey has branded VAR “embarrassing” following Everton’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United. The Toffees were denied a last-gasp penalty after a controversial VAR intervention on Saturday afternoon.Everton were given a penalty late on against Man Utd – only for the decision to be overturnedCredit: AFPReferee Andy Madley was shown incorrect footage on the pitchside monitorCredit: RexEx-referee Mark Halsey has slammed VAR for the mistakeCredit: AFPAshley Young went down in the box following a shirt pull from Matthijs De Ligt, with referee Andy Madley initially pointing to the spot.VAR Matt Donohue recommended Madley review his decision – before the WRONG footage was shown on the pitchside monitor. Former Prem ref Halsey told SunSport: “The decision to overturn a penalty awarded to Everton near the end of their 2-2 draw with Manchester United was clearly wrong.”VAR Matt Donohue should NOT have got involved because referee Andy Madley’s on-field call was in no way a clear and obvious error.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Ashley Young’s shirt was pulled – and when an opponent does that in the penalty area he is asking for trouble.”When Madley went to the monitor on the advice of VAR he was then shown the wrong footage.”The Premier League Match Centre posted on social media that Harry Maguire’s challenge on Young had been checked and that no foul had been committed.”But they failed to take into account that Matthijs de Ligt had pulled Young back by the shirt.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And had Madley been shown footage filmed from behind the goal he would have seen this.”The incident was embarrassing.”Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey slams decision not to overturn Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card in Arsenal’s win over WolvesEverton led 2-0 at half-time thanks to goals by Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.But United fought back after the break and levelled through Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.Relieved Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim claimed the decision not to award a penalty was fair.Amorim said: “No, I think it’s a soft touch, it was not [a penalty] from what I saw. “I think it was a soft penalty, that was clear. “If you start the game without the first half, it was a good point, but we needed the three points.”The VAR footage centered on Harry Maguire impeding Ashley Young, rather than focusing on Mattjis De Ligt’s shirt pullBut fuming Everton manager David Moyes hit out at the officials after his side were denied back-to-back Premier League wins.Moyes fumed: “I can’t understand. [De Ligt] pulled his jersey.”I just thought the referee made the correct decision at the time and he should stick with it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think everybody who watches football, we’re all looking forward to seeing a referee saying ‘No, no I’m sticking with it’.’If it’s absolutely clear and obvious that’s what we’ve got VAR for, but I didn’t think it needed to get involved.Man Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure. More

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    Premier League release statement on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card vs West Ham as Arsenal’s title hopes collapse

    ARSENAL ace Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off once more following another VAR review.Lewis-Skelly, 18, and the rest of Mikel Arteta’s men endured a miserable afternoon at the Emirates as they lost 1-0 to London rivals West Ham following Jarrod Bowen’s winner.Arsenal ace Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off against West HamCredit: GettyArsenal’s Lewis-Skelly fouled West Ham star Mohammed KudusCredit: Premier LeagueLewis-Skelly was initially shown a yellow card for that foulCredit: Premier LeagueLewis-Skelly was then sent off after a VAR reviewCredit: Premier LeagueThat shocking loss dealt a major blow to the Gunners’ Premier League title hopes as a victory would have seen them cut down the deficit with leaders Liverpool to five points.And things got worse for the North Londoners in the 73rd minute when their teenage defender fouled Mohammed Kudus.The Arsenal academy graduate was caught in possession on the halfway line, with the hosts pushing for an equaliser.Kudus nicked the ball off the youngster, with Arteta’s goalkeeper David Raya miles off his line.Read More on ArsenalWith the forward in the clear, Lewis-Skelly lunged in to try and poke the ball away.The versatile defender made limited contact with the ball, bringing the West Ham star down, and after an initial yellow card referee Craig Pawson upgraded it to red following a VAR review.The Premier League addressed that decision deeming the Ghana international was denied an “obvious goal-scoring opportunity”.The Prem explained: “VAR checked the referee’s call of yellow card to Lewis-Skelly for a challenge on Kudus – deeming it denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity due to the goalkeeper’s position and there being no covering defender, therefore recommended an on-field review. Most read in Football”The referee then upgraded the yellow to a red card.”This isn’t the first time Lewis-Skelly has been sent off in the Premier League.Mikel Arteta gives his reaction to Arsenal’s Champions League draw against PSV The Arsenal ace was controversially sent off against Wolves last month.He received a straight red at Molineux for a cynical foul on Matt Doherty.On that occasion, Lewis-Skelly made the tackle on the edge of the Wolves area as the hosts attempted to counter.But Arsenal later launched an appeal and the FA subsequently lifted Lewis-Skelly’s suspension. More

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    Premier League release statement as Everton’s last-gasp penalty vs Man Utd is controversially ruled out after VAR review

    THE PREMIER LEAGUE addressed VAR’s controversial decision to deny Everton a late penalty against Manchester United.The Toffees thought they got a last-gasp spot kick at the death of stoppage time when the score was 2-2 at Goodison Park.Everton thought they got a late penalty against Manchester UnitedThe referee pointed at the penalty spot in the third minute of stoppage timeEverton ace Ashley Young appeared to have been fouled by Man Utd’s Harry MaguireHowever, VAR intervened and the decision was overturned after a lengthy reviewThe Merseysiders saw themselves leading 2-0 at half-time thanks to goals by Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.However, United fought back in the second half and levelled the score with Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.But David Moyes’ men thought they would redeem themselves in the third minute of stoppage time after throwing away a two-goal lead.That was when Man Utd star Harry Maguire appeared to have pulled down Ashley Young in the area.Read More on Man UtdThe referee pointed straight at the spot but VAR felt differently and advised him to check the pitchside monitor.After a lengthy review, the hosts were denied a late penalty and the Red Devils found themselves breathing a sigh of relief.The Premier League addressed the situation at full-time with a statement on social media.It read: “VAR checked the referee’s call of penalty to Everton for a challenge by Maguire on Young and deemed that no foul had been committed and recommended an on-field review. Most read in Football”The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with an indirect free-kick.”Man Utd also had a penalty kick denied in the closing stages of the match.Gary Neville says he’s seen ‘nothing’ from Man Utd under Ruben Amorim Joshua Zirkzee’s header hit Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite in the face and then possibly his arm in the 83rd minute.But VAR concluded there was no handball and the ref waived play on.Nevertheless, it could have been worse for Man Utd if the referee’s penalty decision stood.Sir Alex Ferguson attended the match and was spotted at the stands looking disgusted before half-time when Everton were 2-0 up, but appeared happier when his former club hit back. More