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      Football’s most valuable brothers including Jude and Jobe Bellingham, Man Utd flop and Arsenal star

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      FOOTBALL has its fair share of iconic brothers who have both shone in the beautiful game.Bobby and Jack Charlton teamed up to help win England the World Cup in 1966 while Kolo and Yaya Toure both scored their penalties in the shootout to fire Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2015.Gary and Phil Neville are one of the most famous pairs of footballing brothersCredit: Getty – ContributorJack and Bobby Charlton helped England win the World CupCredit: Getty Images – GettyYaya and Kolo Toure were team-mates for Man City and Ivory CoastCredit: Getty Images – GettyGary and Phil Neville came through at Manchester United together before their infamous awkward tunnel moment when Phil was captain at Everton.They are not the only pair of siblings to play as full-backs for the Red Devils – twins Rafael and Fabio da Silva did so, too.The Premier League has also had Rio and Anton Ferdinand, Jordan and Andre Ayew and Kevin-Prince and Jerome Boateng.Other high-profile duos include Filippo and Simone Inzaghi, Rafinha and Thiago Alcantara, Frank and Ronald de Boer, Michael and Brian Laudrup, Franco and Giuseppe Baresi and Brazilians Socrates and Rai.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere have even been a quadruple portion of Hazards in the shape of Eden, Thorgan, Kylian and Ethan – admittedly to varying degrees of success.And they are not the only famous footballing siblings called Kylian and Ethan.But are they the most valuable in the world?Using Transfermarkt figures, here are the top ten footballing brothers by combined worth right now…Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRafael and Fabio Da Silva are not the only twins to play at full-backCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesEden Hazard had a far more successful career than brother ThorganCredit: Reuters10. Federico & Christian Dimarco: £50m + £185k = £50.2mFederico Dimarco came through the Inter Milan academy and, after leaving for Sion, returned in 2018 and is now one of the best left wing-backs in the world and regular for Italy.His younger brother Christian is also a defender and was developed in the Inter youth set up but is now with Milan outfit Alcione in Serie C and the same emotional comeback looks less likely.Jude Bellingham FaceTimes brother Jobe from Bernabeu pitch before scoring wonder goal for Real MadridFederico Dimarco is said to be worth £50mCredit: GettyHis brother Christian Dimarco is a defender for Alcione in Serie CCredit: Getty9. Rasmus, Oscar & Emile Hojlund: £50m + £1.7m + £400k = £52.1mThe Hojlund family are not far off a decent five-a-side team, spearheaded by Manchester United striker Rasmus who joined the Red Devils in a £72million deal in 2023.Twins Emil and Oscar were born two years later in January 2005.Emil, another forward, is with Schalke while Oscar is a midfielder for Eintracht Frankfurt.All three came through at Copenhagen and have represented Denmark at youth level, although Rasmus is the only one with any senior caps so far.Rasmus Hojlund is the older sibling of twins Emil and Oscar with all three coming through at CopenhagenCredit: FCK.DK8. Jurrien, Quinten & Dylan Timber: £37m + £26m + £165k = £63.2mThe most valuable footballing twins are Jurrien and Quinten Timber, the Dutch duo who played in the academies of Feyenoord and Ajax.The pair shared a bedroom despite playing for rival Eredivisie clubs until Jurrien moved out to join Arsenal in 2023, with Quinten still with Feyenoord.They have three older brothers – Shamier, Chris and Dylan – with Dylan a defender for VVV-Venlo in their homeland.Quinten and Jurrien Timber have been both team-mates and rivals on the pitchCredit: GettyDylan Timber is the middle son of the five boysCredit: Getty7. Theo & Lucas Hernandez: £41m + £26m = £67mTwo of the top full-backs in recent years both come from the Hernandez family in the shape of Theo and Lucas.They developed at Atletico Madrid. Theo went to Real Madrid and now AC Milan whereas Lucas, older by two years, opted for Bayern Munich and PSG.Both men have more than 35 caps – including together for the first time in 2021 – after Lucas starred in the successful 2018 World Cup campaign.And they faced off on opposite sides in the 2023-24 Champions League as Lucas’ PSG beat Theo’s Milan 3-0.Lucas and Theo Hernandez have represented some of Europe’s biggest clubsCredit: Getty6. Luis and Jesus Diaz: £70m + £80k = £70.1mLuis Diaz makes up approximately 99.89 per cent of the combined market value of the Diaz brothers.The Liverpool forward is said to be worth around £70m thanks to his trophy-winning exploits at Anfield and flying the flag for Colombia.Fellow forward Jesus Diaz, seven years younger, plays for second-tier Barranquilla in their homeland and had a loan spell with Porto B when Luis starred for the first team.Luis Diaz is one of the most valuable players in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyHis younger sibling Jesus is a forward with Barranquilla and had a loan with Porto BCredit: Getty5. Alexis, Kevin & Francis Mac Allister: £66m + £5m + £250k = £71.3mLuis Diaz is not the only Liverpool star with a professional footballer brother – with Ryan and Danzell Gravenberch 11th and Diogo Jota and his sibling Andre Silva 14th for joint market value.But in fifth on the global list is Alexis Mac Allister with brothers Kevin and Francis.The ex-Brighton man won the 2022 World Cup for Argentina but the lads have Irish descent and witty Home Alone-loving parents – hence the names.The oldest, Francis, plays in midfield for Instituto on loan from Argentinos Juniors while the middle son, Kevin, is a defender for Union SG, playing against Alexis in the Europa League last season.Alexis Mac Allister alongside his footballer brothers Kevin and FrancisCredit: InstagramKevin and Alexis played against each other in the Europa LeagueCredit: TNT Sports4. Nico & Inaki Williams: £58m + £17m = £75mInaki Williams is a certified Athletic Bilbao legend, making his first-team debut back in 2014 and staying with them ever since.And Nico, eight years his junior, is following in his footsteps, already racking up more than 150 appearances for the club – albeit still 300 behind Inaki.Incredibly, the lightning-quick brothers have represented three different national teams between them: Spain, Ghana and the Basque Country.Nico and Inaki Williams have etched their name into Athletic Bilbao historyCredit: AFPInaki holding his sibling as a baby – they are eight years apartCredit: https://www.instagram.com/williaaaams11/?hl=en3. Marcus & Khephren Thuram: £62m + £29m = £91mThe Thuram footballing genes are very strong. French World Cup winner Lilian has not one but two sons who have represented Les Bleus.Marcus has enjoyed the better career so far, winning Serie A with Inter and reaching the World Cup final.He is four years older than Khephren, who is making a name for himself as a holding midfielder after signing for Juventus from Nice in 2024, the year after making his senior international debut.Marcus and Khephren Thuram play for rival Italian giantsCredit: Getty2. Kylian & Ethan Mbappe: £132m + £1.7m = £133.7mI told you there would be another set of Kylian and Ethan brothers – but the Mbappes are far more valuable than the Hazards.That is almost exclusively down to Real Madrid and France superstar Kylian, worth an estimated £132m thanks to more than 360 career goals, seven Ligue 1 titles and a World Cup by the age of 26.Ethan, eight years Kylian’s junior, moved to PSG in 2017.But while Kylian was a first-team hero, Ethan initially spent his time in the academy and made five first-team appearances before leaving for Lille on a free in the summer when the other Mbappe headed to the Bernabeu.Kylian and Ethan Mbappe were together at PSGCredit: Rex1. Jude & Jobe Bellingham: £149m + £15m = £164mAnd we don’t have to go very far to find the No1 footballing brothers in world football because one of them is a Real Madrid team-mate of Mbappe’s.Yes, that is Jude Bellingham – alongside his younger sibling Jobe.READ MORE SUN STORIESLos Blancos splashed out up to £115m to land England star Jude from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 – and he capped off his debut season by helping them beat Dortmund in the Champions League final.But fellow ex-Birmingham youngster Jobe – still a teenager until September – is showing he has an exciting career ahead of him, shining for Sunderland but already attracting plenty of interest in the Premier League and abroad.Jobe and Jude Bellingham are the most valuable brothers in footballCredit: GettyBoth stars came through at Birmingham and are shining for their clubsCredit: Instagram / @judebellinghamTop 30 most valuable brothers in footballJude & Jobe Bellingham: £149m + £15m = £164mKylian & Ethan Mbappe: £132m + £1.7m = £133.7mMarcus & Khephren Thuram: £62m + £29m = £91mNico & Inaki Williams: £58m + £17m = £75mAlexis, Kevin & Francis Mac Allister: £66m + £5m + £250k = £71.3mLuis and Jesus Diaz: £70m + £80k = £70.1mTheo & Lucas Hernandez: £41m + £26m = £67mJurrien, Quinten & Dylan Timber: £37m + £26m + £165k = £63.2mRasmus, Oscar & Emile Hojlund: £50m + £1.7m + £400k = £52.1mFederico & Christian Dimarco: £50m + £185k = £50.2mRyan & Danzell Gravenberch: £45m + £200k = £45.2mTeun & Peer Koopmeiners: £41m + £4m= £45mTijjani & Eliano Reijnders: £41m + £450k = £41.5mDiogo Jota & Andre Silva: £41m + £290k = £41.3m Desire & Guela Doue: £33m + £7m = £40mNico & Keven Schlotterbeck: £33m + £6m = £39mLeroy & Sidi Sane: £37m + £290k = £37.3mPape & Sambou Sarr: £37m + £80k = £37.1mJacob & Aaron Ramsey: £26m + £10m = £36mRobin & Theo Le Normand: £33m + £125k = £33.1mGianluigi & Antonio Donnarumma: £29m + £250k = £29.3mJulian & Jascha Brandt: £29m + £170k = £29.2mAdam & Scott Wharton: £26m + £2m = £28mJoao & Hugo Felix: £25m + £1.7m = £26.7m Brian Brobbey, Derrick Luckassen & Kevin Brobbey: £25m + £850k + £370k = £26.2mJoe & Chris Willock: £23m + £1.5m = £24.5mSergej & Vanja Milinkovic-Savic: £17m + £7m = £24mBenoit & Loic Badiashile: £23m + £80k = £23.1m Romelu & Jordan Lukaku: £21m + £80k = £21.1m John & Paul McGinn: £19m + £125k = £19.1m More

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      Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: Get £40 in free bets to spend on Champions League football with BetMGM

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      THE Champions League round-of-16 has thrown up a Madrid derby as Real host Atletico in the first leg tonight.It’s always a terrific occasion when these two come together and bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the European clash!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsReal Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach fight result could be OVERTURNED as review into ‘robbery’ is launched

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      GERVONTA DAVIS’ controversial majority draw with Lamont Roach could be overturned following a “technical issue.”Unbeaten Tank, 30, took a voluntary knee during the ninth round of the scrappy fight in New York on Saturday. Gervonta Davis’ controversial fight with Lamont Roach is under reviewCredit: RexTank took a knee in the 9th round but did not receive a count from the refereeCredit: GettyDavis was toweled down after the incident, claiming later he had grease in his eyeCredit: GettyVeteran boxing referee Steve Willis began the count, but then inexplicably stopped.As such, no knockdown was ruled in Roach’s favour – which would have altered the outcome on the cards. One judge scored the fight 115-113 for Davis, with the other two 114-114. Roach raged: “If you voluntarily take a knee and the ref’s not counting, that’s a knockdown.READ MORE ON BOXING”If that’s a knockdown, I win the fight.”The New York State Athletic Commission have now confirmed they are reviewing the fight.They claim tech issues prevented instant replays from being used during the contentious ninth round. A statement read: “During the round in question, following the commission’s request for the replay video, there was a technical issue preventing the commission from receiving it within the allotted time to review. Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Therefore, the referee’s in-ring decision was relied upon and the fight continued.”The commission is dedicated to preserving the integrity of combative sports and is committed to working with all promotions and production teams — on behalf of the athletes, officials, and fans – to ensure technical issues do not occur in the future that prevent the delivery of ringside instant replay feeds to the commission’s officials when needed.”Exhausted Gervonta Davis ‘rolls out of bed’ for open workout ahead of boxing star’s fight with Lamont RoachThere is a possibility that Willis’ call could be retroactively overturned, per Ring Magazine. Following the contest, Davis claims he took a knee because grease from his hair had seeped into his eye.He said to boos from the crowd: “I just got my hair done two days ago and she put grease in my s***.”So the s*** was like sweating and things like that and the grease coming in my my face.”It burned my eyes type s***, yeah. Damn, why y’all booing like I’m saying bulls***?”Like, this is real facts. Come on, man. Look at my hair, I just got my s*** done.”But it’s all cool, man. You know how it get. They love you, then they hate you. Turn around then they love you again.”Despite Davis’ reasoning, four-weight world champion Terence Crawford believes Roach was “robbed”.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe wrote on X: “Roach won and that should have been called a knockdown. “I [have] never seen someone take a knee and they don’t count it as a knockdown.” More

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      Brentford striker Yoane Wissa thought he was destined for career in police before shooting to Premier League stardom

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      YOANE Wissa thought he would be a policeman tackling crime rather than Premier League opponents when he was growing up.The 28-year-old has formed a lethal partnership with Bryan Mbeumo, and together they’ve made up for the loss of England forward Ivan Toney.Yoane Wissa thought he was destined to become a policemanCredit: GettyWissa has scored 14 goals this seasonCredit: GettyWissa while on loan at AC Ajaccio from Angers in 2017Credit: GettyWissa has scored 14 goals for Thomas Frank’s side this season, who are 11th in the table and in with a shout of European football next season.Speaking exclusively to Sun Sport, Wissa said he initially thought he’d be “just another guy on the street”.The Brentford star, who was born in northern France to Congolese parents, said: “When I was growing up, I really just expected to be a random guy, maybe a policeman. Why not?“But once I saw the small light that I could be here, I took it. I know it sounds crazy when I say that to people, but the truth is I’m not the most talented guy. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“What keeps me going is that I love to work hard, and I guess I’m not doing too bad.”Wissa started out as a goalkeeper and progressed into midfield before settling as a forward who can play in various positions across the front line.The striker, who came through the ranks at Chateauroux before moves to Angers and Lorient and eventually Brentford for around £8million in 2022, added: “The first time I really thought I could be good at football was when I was 16.”Then I went to the academy, so you see, I went there at 16, which is considered late because most of the others were around 14. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“But then I started to feel that there could be something for me here.“Some will say it’s a dream come true, but if I’m being honest, it wasn’t even my dream because I didn’t expect to be a footballer.Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo shows his skills on the training pitch “So I don’t take that for granted, if you know what I mean. I didn’t expect to be here, and now I’m here with Thomas and the guys.“I just work hard, and that’s why when I speak, I do so with a smile.”Since the departure of Toney to Saudi Arabia, Wissa and Mbeumo have become the face of Brentford. They are the most lethal duo in the Premier League this season, with a combined 28 top-flight goals for the Bees.Asked what makes playing together with Mbeumo so smooth, he said: “He’s a top player, so that is the first thing that makes it very easy. “What I do is try to help him. I make sure to position myself in a way that if he needs me, I’ll be there. It also helps that we’ve played together for a while.”But it’s not just Mbeumo that Wissa gets along with easily. Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo have become the face of BrentfordCredit: ReutersAs the interview continues, manager Frank comes by to pat him on the back, and I asked what the Brentford manager is like behind the scenes.His response gives an indication of the strong bonds within the club. He said: “Listen, Thomas is a friend. That’s what he’s good at – he’s a guy who is open to talk, and everyone loves him.”He’s always positive, not just in the good times, and this is why it’s very good for us.“But I have to say this, it’s easier to speak to someone who is always playing, but he also likes to make sure people who feel a bit isolated are taken care of.“That, for me, is also very crucial. So, if I can say something about him, Thomas Frank is just a friend to us.”Back in Congo, fans gather around viewing centres to watch Wissa play, and some say they wish he could move to a bigger club and possibly play in some of the top European competitions. They may get their wish as far as Europe is concerned soon, at least.But, he says, even though he’s aware of the perks of doing well, he’s the kind of person who thinks more about the team, given that he didn’t even think getting this far was possible at the beginning.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “Of course, I’m settled in the Premier League, and everyone knows that I can score goals, but also, everyone wants to continue to do better for themselves. “Now I’m in Brentford, and for me, I always think about the team. I’m hoping I can help the team take the next step, and by doing so, I’ll also do well for myself too.”The feeling is good at Brentford at the momentCredit: PA More

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      Tottenham ‘send scouts to watch 19-year-old Fenerbahce star’ – only for Jose Mourinho to leave him on the bench

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      TOTTENHAM reportedly sent scouts to watch Fenerbahce star Yusuf Akcicek in action — only for Jose Mourinho to leave him on the bench.19-year-old wonderkid Akcicek burst onto the scene last season with 15 appearances in all competitions.Tottenham sent scouts to watch Yusuf Akcicek in action for FenerbahceCredit: GettySpurs were left empty-handed as Jose Mourinho benched the youngsterCredit: RexAnd he has added another 14 games to that tally this term after breaking into Mourinho’s Super Lig XI at the start of the year.Akcicek is regarded as one of Turkey’s most promising centre-backs.And he played the full 90 minutes in Fenerbahce’s fiery top-of-the-table derby against Galatasaray, which ended in a 0-0 stalemate and saw Mourinho slapped with a hefty ban and fine for his post-match comments.The ace put in another top performance in his side’s 4-1 Turkish Cup win over Gaziantep last week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootboom claims his recent performances caught the attention of several teams, including Tottenham.And the Londoners decided to send a scout to Istanbul for Fener’s weekend league game against Antalyaspor.However, the Spurs man went home with an empty report after Akcicek was surprisingly left out of the side.Former Tottenham boss Mourinho instead opted for Mert Muldur as one of his three centre-backs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd when he replaced the latter during the match, the Special One sent on Alexander Djiku while Akcicek remained on the bench.It now remains to be seen if he returns to Fener’s side on Thursday.Roy Keane gives savage response to James Maddison’s dig as Ian Wright tells Tottenham star ‘you can’t f***ing win’The Turks take on Scottish side Rangers in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.The return match takes place a week later, with no league match in between.But Tottenham are likely to continue their interest in Akcicek as Ange Postecoglou looks to combat the defensive injury crisis that has plagued his side all season. More

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      Premier League manager wanted by Champions League club despite chairman demanding £86MILLION compensation to let him go

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      BUNDESLIGA and Champions League outfit RB Leipzig are reportedly keen to bring in a new manager from the Premier League.Leipzig, who are currently sixth in the German Bundesliga, are said to be ready to part ways with current boss Marco Rose at the end of the season.RB Leipzig head coach Marco Rose is reportedly set to replaced in the summerCredit: APRose, 48, has been in charge of Leipzig since 2022 and is understood to be under mounting pressure with the club already some 23 points off the top of the table.And according to Sky Germany, that has seen the club’s Red Bull execs – including new addition Jurgen Klopp – draw up a list of potential replacements for the former Borussia Dortmund boss.It’s claimed that top of the list of candidates is Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness, who guided Stuttgart to a second place finish above Bayern Munich last season.While Benfica manager Roger Schmidt is also understood to have been approved by Klopp and his team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is thought to be another top three target for Leipzig following his impressive work with the Eagles.Glasner joined Palace last year, having previously had a successful stint in charge of Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt where he won the Europa League in the 2021/22 season.Leipzig could have to fork out some serious cash to get Glasner though, with Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich reportedly scared off by the mammoth compensation demands of Palace chief Steve Parish.Bayern were huge admirers of Glasner in the summer and had been linked with poaching away the Austrian before settling on the appointment of Vincent Kompany.Most read in FootballCrystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is being considered by LeipzigCredit: GettyOliver Glasner Crystal Palace recordA brief look at the stats behind Oliver Glasner’s time at Crystal Palace…Games in charge: 47Won: 22Draw: 12Lost: 13Goals scored: 80Goals conceded: 53CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut when approaching Palace with a £15.5m compensation offer to prise him out of their grip, the Bavarians were told that Parish was looking for a fee much closer to £86MILLION.For perspective, that fee is four times larger than the record compensation ever paid for a manager – Chelsea’s £21.5m payment to Brighton for the services of Graham Potter.Millwall fan is beaten up by gang of Crystal Palace supporters after confronting rivals in Selhurt Park standsWhile £86m also far eclipses the transfer fees spent on the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Cole Palmer and Rodri.Since his arrival in South London, Glasner has managed a 46.8 per centwin percentage.Glasner helped the Eagles secure a top half Premier League finish for the first time in nine years last season, and currently has the Selhurst Park outfit sitting 12th in the table.Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish reportedly demanded around £86m in compensation to allow Glasner to leave Selhurst Park in the summerCredit: PA More

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      ‘They are always missing something’ – Arsenal taunted by PSV’s ex-Spurs star as Timber urges side to ‘change narrative’

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      TOTTENHAM old boy Ivan Perisic has taunted Arsenal ahead of their “big moment” in the Champions League.The PSV winger claims the modern Gunners are “always missing something” – after going five years without silverware.Ivan Perisic is confident PSV can stun Arsenal in the last 16Credit: RexGunners’ boss Mikel Arteta and defender Jurrien Timber have spoken outCredit: GettyArsenal co-owner Josh Kroenke visited training on the eve of the tripCredit: GettyPerisic’s verdict before Tuesday’s last-16 first leg came as Jurrien Timber urged his Arsenal team-mates to “change the narrative” after a jarring run of poor form and injuries.And boss Mikel Arteta insists “now is the moment to start to make another strong step in the direction that we want”. But with the Gunners still missing big names, the words of Perisic, who was with fierce rivals Spurs from 2022-2024, might hit a nerve.The Croatian legend, 36, said: “It’s going to be tough. They are a really, really good team, a young team with a good coach.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But over the last years they are always missing something to step up to win something. “I know we’re going to have a good chance to beat them.” I really believe in my team. Tactically we have to be at the top level to show something good against them.” Arsenal co-owner Josh Kroenke visited their London Colney training ground on Monday, before the squad flew to Eindhoven for the tie.Most read in Champions LeagueThe Gunners have suffered recent disappointments amid injury woeCredit: PABEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt follows a damaging week in the Prem title race – collecting just one point from games against West Ham and Nottingham Forest to leave the North Londoners 13 points off leaders Liverpool.Asked about Kroenke’s visit, Arteta said: “I am very happy to have him around. He is around a lot of times for big moments.Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘step up’ as focus switches to Champions League “He really wants to be with the team and it is great to have him.“Regardless of where you are in the league, when you come to this stage of the Champions League, it is something else. You feel it in the atmosphere and the energy of the players.“It is something else, in a moment where you are in or you are out. It gives you urgency and gets the best out of you.“It’s a game that really brings a different energy. It’s a competition that puts everybody on their toes.“We’ve done a lot already this season here and now is the moment to start to make another strong step in the direction that we want. I am very excited for the game.”Arsenal are in the middle of a fitness crisis following season-ending knocks to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are targeting returns next month.It has left them incredibly short up top, with midfielder Mikel Merino forced to deputise as a No.9 in the last three league games – scoring twice off the bench in a 2-0 win at Leicester.Mikel Merino was in cheeky spirits before jetting out to EindhovenCredit: GettyTimber says he is fed up with gloomy talk around the clubCredit: GettyBut the past two outings with Merino starting as a striker has seen Arsenal fail to score in a 1-0 loss to the Hammers and a goalless draw at the City Ground – the first time they have failed to find the net in back-to-back league games since May 2023.With the league all but wrapped up for Arne Slot’s Reds, Arsenal must now see the Champions League as their one and only chance to win silverware this term.Arsenal finished the competition’s new 36-team league phase format in third with six wins, one draw and one defeat – just two points off Liverpool in top-spot.And Timber is sick of the negativity around the team. The Dutch defender said: “It is a beautiful game to change the narrative and win.“The motivation is there and it’s an amazing competition to play in. “We showed as well in the group stages that we did really well and we have a good team. We have so much quality in our group.”Arsenal will play Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid should they advance to the quarter finals, but Arteta is not willing to look too far ahead.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Spanish coach added: “The reality is, being a coach, I just look at what is ahead.”It’s an ambition. It’s PSV, being better than them, to have the right to win the game. That’s where we are.”Here’s what comes after Tuesday’s clash for the Gunners More

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      in Soccer

      ‘We’re the laughing stock’ – Ex-referees chief demands Michael Oliver is AXED for ‘missing’ horror challenge on Mateta

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      FORMER refs’ chief Keith Hackett has called for blunder whistler Michael Oliver to be axed and claims English officials “are the laughing stock in Europe.”Hackett also wants a maximum 120-second VAR review introduced following the astonishing 8min 11sec farce to rule out a Milos Kerkez ‘goal’ for offside in Bournemouth’s FA Cup shootout win over Wolves.Michael Oliver has been slammed for not immediately awarding a red card for a horror tackle on Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: RexCrystal Palace star Mateta was taken to hospital after being kicked in the head during the club’s FA Cup clash against MillwallCredit: APEx-ref Keith Hackett wants Oliver axed and a 120-second maximum review time introducedCredit: GettyOliver was slammed by Crystal Palace chief Steve Parish for failing to award even a free-kick after Millwall keeper Liam Roberts’ flying kung fu kick to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s head put the Eagles striker in hospital.It needed VAR Nick Hopton’s intervention in Saturday’s FA Cup fifth round clash before Oliver was persuaded to issue Roberts a red card.And it came on the same day the new Semi-Automated Offside Technology failed at the Vitality Stadium – on the very first weekend of it being used in competitive matches.It prompted ex-PGMOL boss Hackett to launch a blistering attack on his successor Howard Webb, posting: “We are the laughing stock in Europe and the decline continues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I wonder if the PGMOL are capable of delivering top-class officiating.“A challenge that put a player in hospital not recognised by the referee; EIGHT minutes to make an offside call? Time for the players to have afternoon tea! How is that helping?”Angry Parish accused Roberts of endangering Mateta’s life with the “most reckless challenge I’ve ever seen.”Mateta needed 25 stitches in a “serious” gashed ear and also underwent head scans before being released from hospital.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd Parish fumed: “It was a dreadful challenge, but why the ref needed to go to the screen I have no idea.”Oliver, 40, was also widely criticised over his Molineux cock-up in January when he wrongly issued a straight red card to Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly for a trip – overturned on appeal.Listen to Michael Oliver’s conversation with VAR over Lewis-Skelly red card as Howard Webb says referee got it wrongHackett insisted Oliver “needs rest. At least a couple of weeks off.“That was terrible officiating. The referee went missing. The red card should have been issued without hesitation.”Bournemouth and Wolves fans chanted: “F*** VAR,” and “it’s not football any more,” during the Vitality farce.And Hackett posted on X: “This should be a game-changing moment.“Why didn’t the Premier League/PGMOL purchase an SAOS system that is tried and tested.“Why decide to use at this stage of the FA Cup?“We now need to put a time clock on the process. Two minutes max – then revert to the on-field decision.”Hackett, 80, also claims if refs wait for a VAR input before making decisions, “then we might as well use Tarot cards or bingo balls.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSheffield-born Hackett previously accused the £26million PGMOL of “being run by a bunch of amateurs who operate like a Mayfair Gentlemen’s Club.”He added: “VAR is not working, so bin it.” More