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    Liverpool star Diogo Jota’s Wag brands Tottenham clash ‘rigged’ and rages at ‘clown’ VAR officials

    LIVERPOOL star Diogo Jota’s wife has unleashed a furious blast at VAR “clowns” and claims the clash with Tottenham was “rigged”.Rute Cardoso lashed out at Premier League officials following the Reds’ controversial defeat on Saturday.
    Diogo Jota was sent off as Liverpool went down to nine men against TottenhamCredit: Getty
    His wife Rute Cardoso launched a fierce attack on the officials after the controversial defeat at SpursCredit: instagram @rutecfcardoso14
    Liverpool suffered a 2-1 loss at Spurs after finishing the game with nine men.
    Curtis Jones was issued a straight red in the first half after his foot slipped on the top of the ball and caught Yves Bissouma.
    They also had a perfectly good Luis Diaz goal ruled out wrongly for offside after a VAR mix-up.
    That led to the PGMOL issuing a statement admitting that a “significant human error” took place and called the decision “a clear and obvious factual error” by VAR official Darren England.
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    Things got even worse for Liverpool in the 69th-minute when Portuguese forward Jota, 26, was given his marching orders for a second yellow card.
    That left the Reds hanging on for a draw, but their brave efforts came undone in the final seconds as Joel Matip’s own goal condemned them to defeat.
    And Rute was in no mood to forgive and forget afterwards as she took to social media to vent her fury.
    She posted the PGMOL statement on her Instagram story along with the caption: “Rigged game.”
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    She then went on to add a clip of Jota’s first yellow card, which came after Spurs ace Destiny Udogie went down after minimal contact from Jota.
    Rute added a clown emoji to the footage, which had been posted by Liverpool fan page with: “This was given as a yellow card.”
    Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was also fuming after the game, and in response to Jota’s dismissal he said: “The two situations, the first I think is clear not a yellow. The second I didn’t see actually back but it’s not important.
    “If the first is not a yellow then we still play with 10 men.”
    Jota, who will now miss the upcoming Premier League trip to Brighton, and Rute moved to England in 2017 when he joined Wolves from Atletico Madrid.
    He signed for Liverpool in 2020 and the following year the couple welcomed their first child into the world.
    Rute is no stranger to showing her support for her man on social media and regularly keeps fans updated with snippets from their personal life on there.
    Pretty brunette Rute and Jota met when they were just 13, and have been together ever since.
    Like any footballers’ Wag, Rute has taken to a glam lifestyle with ease and she has even settled into UK-living watching her favourite TV show Peaky Blinders.
    They began dating in 2013, when they got together at high-school in Porto.
    Rute often shares snaps of her and Jota’s adventures on social media
    She appears to be a big fan of travelling, often joining Jota on holidays of a lifetime.
    Over recent years she has shared Instagram stories and photos on the beaches of the likes of Mauritius, Marbella and the Maldives.
    Meanwhile, Liverpool have broken their silence on the VAR fiasco by slamming those at fault – and promising to “escalate” the issue.
    They released a statement saying they do not accept the explanation given by the PGMOL in their apology.
    It read: “Liverpool Football Club acknowledges PGMOL’s admission of their failures last night. It is clear that the correct application of the laws of the game did not occur, resulting in sporting integrity being undermined.
    “We fully accept the pressures that match officials work under but these pressures are supposed to be alleviated, not exacerbated, by the existence and implementation of VAR.
    “It is therefore unsatisfactory that sufficient time was not afforded to allow the correct decision to be made and that there was no subsequent intervention.
    “That such failings have already been categorised as “significant human error” is also unacceptable. Any and all outcomes should be established only by the review and with full transparency.
    “This is vital for the reliability of future decision-making as it applies to all clubs with learnings being used to make improvements to processes in order to ensure this kind of situation cannot occur again.
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    “In the meantime, we will explore the range of options available, given the clear need for escalation and resolution.”
    Action was taken by the PGMOL on Sunday as they removed VAR England from Nottingham Forest’s draw with Brentford.
    Liverpool have been left furious after Luis Diaz was wrongly ruled to be offsideCredit: Sky Sports More

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    Boxer Nick Blackwell shares inspirational message with throwback video to his recovery after ‘nearly dying in the ring’

    NICK BLACKWELL’s recovery from his traumatic brain injury continues to serve as an inspiration.The former British middleweight champion was placed in a medically induced coma after suffering a brain bleed in his 2016 defeat to Chris Eubank Jr.
    Nick Blackwell suffered two brain injuries in 2016, the first of which occurred during his clash with Chris Eubank JrCredit: REUTERS
    Blackwell had part of his skull removed during emergency surgery after his second brain injuryCredit: TWITTER@BJSAUNDERS_
    The 32-year-old has thankfully made a miraculous recoveryCredit: TWITTER@NICKBLACKWELL02
    The former British middleweight champion recently shared footage of his recovery on TwitterCredit: TWITTER@NICKBLACKWELL02
    Blackwell recovered from the life-threatening injury and promptly announced his retirement, but he put himself back in harm’s way just a few months later.
    Against medical advice, Blackwell took part in a sparring session which resulted in severe brain swelling.
    Blackwell had part of his skull removed during emergency surgery and ended up being in a coma for a month.
    The 32-year-old had to relearn several basic motor skills but defied doctors’ initial assessment that he’d never walk again.
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    Blackwell documented his long and arduous road to recovery and has regularly shared footage of his journey on social media over the years.
    And last weekend, he shared video a clip of himself throwing punches during the early stages of his rebab to Twitter.
    His accompanying caption read: “Boxing never left me, it never will.
    “The fighter in me never gave up.
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    Nick Blackwell’s road to recovery was a long and arduous oneCredit: TWITTER@NICKBLACKWELL02
    “I used my boxing moves for physio some days I couldn’t do them as my brain kept giving up and I was looking through people.
    “Every day is still a struggle now but no matter how I feel I keep soldiering on.
    “I’m showing these videos to help and Inspire others during their darker days. If I can do it so can you.”
    Boxing fans were quick to comment on the heartwarming video, with one saying: “Well done Nick you’ve done so well mate.”
    Another said: “You are amazing Nick.”
    And another said: “Keep fighting the fight. You got this mate.”
    One remarked: “Keep going you are doing amazing.”
    Another chimed in: “Truly inspirational. What an amazing work ethic and most importantly your will to overcome such adversity.”
    Blackwell’s inspirational post came just days after he shared a video of himself walking down the street with Michael Watson, who suffered a brain injury in his 1991 super-middleweight clash with Chris Eubank Sr.
    His accompanying caption read: “They said we would NEVER walk again.
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    “We had our skulls removed. Small chance of survival.
    “Me and Micheal Watson defied all odds we proved the specialists wrong… now we’re walking side by side.”
    Nick Blackwell recently shared an inspirational video with Michael WatsonCredit: TWITTER@NICKBLACKWELL02 More

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    Former Premier League Wag and ‘world’s hottest woman’ stuns in barely-there bikini as fans praise her ‘infinite beauty’

    VIKTORIA VARGA stunned fans by posing in a barely-there bikini while in Dubai.The model, who has been labelled the ‘world’s hottest woman’, is no stranger to sharing saucy snaps on social media.
    Viktoria Varga showed off in a barely-there bikini
    She also modelled some of her Vama Swim clothes
    Fans went wild for the lookCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Viktoria boasts 610,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @vikyvarga
    The model recently dazzled in a satin dressCredit: Instagram
    She also uses her platform to show off items from her Vama Swim fashion brand, which she founded in 2022.
    Viktoria is something of a jet-setter and after waving goodbye to summer in Italy last month, she has now touched down in the Gulf.
    The Hungarian showed off her body in a barely-there bikini and also posed in a matching Vama Swim top and skirt.
    Viktoria shared the photos on Instagram alongside the caption: “Back in town.”
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    Many of her 610,000 followers went mad for the look and showered Viktoria with compliments.
    One said: “So gorgeous ❤️”
    Another added: “Always beautiful ❤️”
    A third wrote: “Infinite beauty ❤️”
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    Viktoria is married to former Prem star Graziano PelleCredit: Instagram @vikyvarga
    She has been dubbed the ‘world’s hottest woman’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CvXNgYttTqp/
    And another commented: “Wow… Spectacular 😍😍you are so beautiful.”
    Viktoria, who is married to former Premier League star Graziano Pelle, recently sent fans wild wearing a satin pink dress.
    She also showed off in a barely-there bikini to once again model her swimwear range. More

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    Victor Osimhen releases emotional statement as he finally breaks silence after being mocked by Napoli’s official TikTok

    VICTOR OSIMHEN has broken his silence after being the subject of mockery from Napoli’s TikTok account.He was derided for missing a penalty before being labelled a “coconut” – widely viewed as a racial slur.
    Victor Osimhen called for unity after the TikTok sagaCredit: Getty
    His agent threatened to sue the club – Napoli responded by stating no offence was intended.
    Osimhen has now spoken out by calling for unity while thanking fans for the love and kindness they have shown him.
    A statement read: “Coming to the city of Naples in 2020 was a wonderful decision for me. The people of Napoli have shown me so much love and kindness, and I will not allow anyone to come between us”.
    “The passion of the people of Naples fuels my fire to always play with my heart and soul, and the love for the badge is unwavering as I wear it with pride”.
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    “The accusations against people of Naples are untrue. I have a lot of friends that are Napolitans and have become part of my family and everyday life. I appreciate Nigerians and everyone for leading their voices to support and reach out to me”.
    “I’m forever grateful. Let’s support unity, respect and understanding. FORZA NAPOLI SEMPRE ⚪️🔵”
    Osimhen, 24, initially reacted by deleting all but one reference to Napoli on his social media account.
    He also refused to take a penalty against Udinese in mid-week and was benched against Lecce on Saturday.
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    But it appears he has agreed with the club to put the saga behind them, with Napoli social media executive Alessio Fortino departing the club for his role in the controversy. More

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    Napoli social media executive QUITS after Victor Osimhen mocked in two separate TikTok videos

    NAPOLI’S social media executive has quit after Victor Osimhen was mocked in two separate club TikTok videos.The striker was ridiculed for missing a penalty against Bologna before being called a “coconut” – widely viewed as a racial slur.
    Victor Osimhen was the subject of mockery from the Napoli’s TikTok accountCredit: Reuters
    Napoli added the caption “Gimme penalty please” to his spot-kick miss, plus a whining voice-over appearing to make fun of the ex-Lille star.
    Osimhen’s agent responded by threatening to sue the club, while the Nigerian refused to take a penalty against Udinese in mid-week.
    Napoli responded by stating no offence was intended but social media executive Alessio Fortino has now left the club.
    Fortino announced the news on Instagram, writing in a short statement: “Today, after 805 days, my professional adventure with Napoli ends.
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    “For many this job would be comparable to a dream, for me it was simple daily reality: a reality built on commitment and fueled by the constant desire to learn and play.
    “I cannot help but express my deepest gratitude to all the colleagues, collaborators, partners and supporters I’ve met along this long journey for making this experience so special.
    “Leaving the company with a baggage of great memories and an excitement for the new adventures that lie ahead.
    “Thanks again for everything and see you soon! Alessio’.”
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    Osimhen was benched against Lecce on Saturday but scored in a substitute appearance.
    Napoli boss Rudi Garcia claimed he was rested, rather than dropped, but the TikTok controversy has sparked speculation Osimhen could leave the club.
    Osimhen has since released a statement – breaking his silence on the matter. More

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    Mac Allister risks wrath of FA with ’12 players’ social media post as Liverpool ace gets in spat with Spurs rival Romero

    ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER could face an FA wrap for suggesting referee Simon Hooper was against Liverpool in their defeat to Tottenham.The Reds had a perfectly legal goal ruled out in the first half of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to the North Londoners, which they finished with nine men.
    Liverpool suffered a controversial 2-1 defeat to Tottenham on SaturdayCredit: REX
    The Merseysiders had a perfectly good goal chalked off in the 34th minuteCredit: REX
    Kop star Alexis Mac Allister suggested referee Simon Hooper was on Spurs’ sideCredit: ALAMY
    Argentina international Mac Allister vented his frustrations on social media after seeing countryman and Spurs defender Cristian Romero’s Instagram post praising the win.
    He commented: “Normal when you have 12 players.”
    Romero quickly got wind of his international team-mate’s suggestion that Spurs were aided by the ref, snapping back by saying: “Cry at home.”
    FA chiefs could potentially charge Mac Allister for questioning the integrity of referee Hooper.
    READ MORE ON VAR BLUNDER
    Kop chief Jurgen Klopp was slapped with a two-match ban last season for improper conduct after accusing referee of Paul Tierney of bias during their 4-3 win over Spurs.
    Liverpool could very well lodge a complaint over the VAR shambles which overshadowed Saturday’s defeat to Spurs.
    On-the-field ref and VAR Darren England wrongly ruled out Luis Diaz’s 34th minute strike for offside.
    The Merseysiders’ misery was compounded a mere two minutes later with Son Heung-Min fired Spurs into the lead.
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    The Professional Game Match Officials Limited acknowledged the clanger and have axed England from his VAR duties for today’s match between Nottingham Forest and Brentford.
    A statement read: “PGMOL can confirm the following match official appointment changes for the remaining fixtures in match round 7 in the Premier League.
    “Darren England, VAR on the Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool fixture, and Dan Cook, AVAR on the same game, have been replaced for the Nottingham Forest v Brentford and Fulham v Chelsea matches today and tomorrow night respectively.
    “Craig Pawson will now assume England’s duties as fourth official at the City Ground while Eddie Smart will take over from Cook as assistant referee at Craven Cottage.”
    A disappointed Klopp said of the decision to rule out Diaz’s goal: “I don’t think there is anything to say about the offside goal.
    “I knew about it at half-time. In the first moment, I thought it was clearly onside but you think they have a better view.
    “I am pretty sure whoever made the decision didn’t do it on purpose. It didn’t take extremely long to come to the conclusion.
    “That’s a bit strange but someone else has to explain.
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    “The linesman thought it was worth watching again – that’s why he raised the flag.
    “In the good old times, the linesman should have seen it was not offside because we had these situations quite frequently and when you see it back it is pretty clear.”
    Darren England has been axed for his VAR gaffeCredit: REX More

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    Napoli striker Victor Osimhen BENCHED for Serie A clash amid TikTok mocking storm… but comes on to score in Lecce win

    NAPOLI benched Victor Osimhen against Lecce amid the controversial TikTok mocking of the striker.But he came off the bench to score with the Serie A champions winning 4-0 away from home.
    Victor Osimhen scored after coming off the benchCredit: Reuters
    Osimhen was subject to mockery from his own club as Napoli’s social media team called him a “coconut” in a TikTok video – widely seen as a racial slur.
    They taunted the Nigerian after he missed a penalty against Bologna – leading his agent to threaten legal action against the club.
    Osimhen then refused to take a penalty against Udinese and did not celebrate after scoring in the clash.
    Napoli boss Rudi Garcia decided to drop the forward against Lecce but insisted it was not because of the ongoing controversy.
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    He told DAZN: “There has to be squad rotation, it is almost a third of the team that changed since the game with Udinese, so it’s natural to look to everyone, including those who come off the bench.
    “The extra-sport issue is not important, I prefer to talk about what happens on the field and Osimhen has scored four goals in six games. The rest will take care of itself.”
    Napoli responded to the threats of legal action by stating “no offence was intended” and the bizarre clips were meant to be “light-hearted”.
    A statement read: “Calcio Napoli, wishing to avoid any exploitation of the issue, point out that we never wanted to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a treasure of this club.
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    “As proof of that, during the summer training retreat, the Club firmly rebuffed every offer that was received for the striker’s transfer abroad.
    “Social media, in particular TikTok, has always used an expressive form of language with a light heart and creativity, without wanting to, as in the case with Osimhen as protagonist, have any intention of insult or derision.
    “In any case, if Victor perceived any offence towards him, this was not what the club intended.” More

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    Vile football fans laugh as they taunt Sunderland supporters with tragic Bradley Lowery pic – as cops launch probe

    SHEFFIELD Wednesday has slammed fans for vile Bradley Lowery taunts at last night’s game against Sunderland. Shocking photos have surfaced of two men laughing as one holds up a photo of the youngster, who tragically died of cancer in 2017.
    Sheffield Wednesday is investigating after vile fans held up a photo of late Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery at last night’s matchCredit: Twitter/@sheffield wednesday
    Bradley tragically died in 2017 after battling cancer his whole lifeCredit: Twiter / @Sheffield wednesday
    The youngster struck up a friendship with Jermain Defoe when he played for SunderlandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The club today said it was probing the incident, and apologised to Sunderland fans and Bradley’s loved ones.
    The six-year-old Sunderland lover struck up a close bond with Jermain Defoe while the England international played for the club. 
    The youngster captured the hearts of Brits on and off the field, as he had battled cancer most of his short life before losing the fight six years ago.
    The photos circulating of the men online have today been slammed by dozens, calling for the vile pair to be banned from matches.
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    In response, Sheffield Wednesday said it was looking into the “outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour”.
    The club said on social media: “We are aware of the images circulating and have launched an immediate investigation together with South Yorkshire Police.
    “We roundly condemn this outrageous and utterly deplorable behaviour.
    “We can only apologise for the undoubted distress caused to Bradley’s family and friends.”
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    The Sun has approached South Yorkshire Police for comment.
    Young Bradley was a regular Sunderland mascot, holding the hand of his idol Defoe.
    In June 2017, he penned an emotional tribute to his “best pal” Bradley – saying his favourite part of playing for Sunderland was walking onto the pitch with the brave youngster.
    Defoe said he was heartbroken when he discovered the brave child could only have weeks to live.
    In the wake of Bradley’s death social media became flooded with messages filled with blue heart emojis in a show of support for him.
    The Bradley Lowery Foundation was also set up to support other families going though a similar ordeal.
    Fans have now called for the vile pair to be banned
    The football-mad six-year-old captured the hearts of BritsCredit: Twiter / @Sheffield wednesday
    Sheffield Wednesdays apologised to Bradley’s friends and family – including mum GemmaCredit: Getty – Contributor More