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    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Atletico Madrid suffer ‘worst VAR decision ever’ as fans fume at ‘robbery of the highest degree’ in Champions League

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      ATLETICO MADRID fans and boss Diego Simeone have been left fuming after they conceded a harsh-looking penalty during their Champions League clash with Lille.Madrid were looking to get back to winning ways in the competition after suffering a huge 4-0 defeat to Benfica last time out.Atletico Madrid fans and players were left fuming that Marco Guida had awarded a penaltyCredit: EPAJonathan David converted the penalty to make it 2-1 to LilleCredit: AFPDiego Simeone received a yellow card for his protestsCredit: GettyHowever, they ended up falling to a 3-1 defeat at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday night.They had taken the lead after eight minutes through Julian Alvarez.However, the French outfit managed to equalise with super-sub Edon Zhegrova in the 61st minute.With the balance of the game on a knife edge, referee Marco Guida then awarded a penalty to the visitors.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was initially assumed that this was given for an alleged handball by Koke.But it was later revealed that the spot kick was awarded for a trip by the Atletico Madrid captain immediately afterwards.And replays showed that the ball never touched Koke’s arm but that of a Lille player.The footage also revealed that Koke made only minimal contact with his opponent during the incident immediately afterwards which saw the penalty awarded.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVAR reviewed the incident and after several moments ruled that the on-field decision should stand, though Guida did not go to the monitor to check. Jonathan David stepped up to slot home the subsequent penalty in the 74th minute, before later adding Lille’s third goal of the night in the 89th minute.’Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark HalseySimeone, 54, was furious at the decision and received a yellow card for his protests. Speaking after the game, he said: “It wasn’t a penalty.”We’ve been watching the replays, the referee must have made a mistake about what he saw, and those on the VAR weren’t able to help him.”Fans echoed the emotive Argentine’s sentiment on social media, with one saying: “VAR did NOT overturn Lille’s penalty???????????? This may be the worst VAR decision I have ever seen.”Lille’s had handball, not Atletico’s player. Madness. Maybe I’m blind, someone explain.”A second said: “Lille is robbing you at home. Zero respect for this team in this competition of the f***ing devil. “They have whistled for a penalty for Koke’s touch on the boot of a guy who was falling to the ground.”Another said: “Keep rewatching this Lille penalty, and there’s no explanation as to why this was given. “There was no foul. There’s a Lille handball in the box before the call. There’s no handball by anyone from Atleti. So what exactly is the decision for? A robbery of the highest degree.”And former Champions League final referee Mateu Lahoz said: “It is possible that the referee makes a mistake and sees Koke’s handball. But VAR is a tool that has to help. “The VAR referee had no experience, he was not given the opportunity, he was not invited to see it. It is impossible to explain what he called.”He added: “It’s a black night for refereeing. The VAR came in for plays like these.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe result leaves the Spanish side down in 27th in the table, with their next game seeing them take a trip to Paris Saint-Germain.Meanwhile, Lille are 15th in the table and firmly in the play-off spots, with their next game seeing them host Juventus.New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink. More

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      in Soccer

      ‘This guy isn’t real,’ say Chelsea fans as new signing breaks Neymar’s record in Brazil

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      CHELSEA fans have been left gushing over new signing Estevao Willian after he broke a record held by Neymar.The teen sensation has earned the nickname “Messinho”, and it appears to be with good reason.Estevao Willian has left fans stunned ahead of his transfer to ChelseaCredit: GettyHe has broken a record held by NeymarCredit: GettyThe Brazilian winger has been in impressive form for Palmeiras, with 16 goals to his name this season in all competitions.But a goal and assist in his most recent Brazilian Série A game against Juventude has seen him eclipse Neymar’s record for most goal contributions in the competition for an under-17.He now has a total of 18, made up of ten goals and eight assists.Neymar’s record was set back in 2009, and saw him contribute a total of 16 goals and assists.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAhead of completing his transfer to Chelsea next summer, worth up to £53million, fans have been left stunned by his talent, and a clip showing he maybe won’t stay down as often as Neymar either.Reacting on social media, one fan said: “This Estevao guy isn’t real.”Being able to be that good on the ball and make the right decisions almost every time, having the burst to go past players on the wing and having the awareness to do it centrally and make runs in behind and finish too.”A second said: “Estêvão Willian is a warrior.”Most read in FootballNeymar breaks down in tears and reveals ‘each day I am away is a day of suffering’ after injury hellA third said: “The talent of this guy is crazy.”Another said: “Defenders will suffer next season.”Neymar has also heaped praise on the prodigy, saying: “Congratulations Estêvão Willian for breaking the record!” He continued: “I hope you continue shining & enchanting people with your football.”Neymar, 32, achieved his record with Santos before joining Barcelona in 2013. He later moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he had an underwhelming spell, before joining Al Hilal where he has struggled with injury. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Boxer facing lifetime ban for knocking out opponent with illegal HEAD KICK as fans demand ‘he should be arrested’

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      AN MMA fighter is facing a lifetime ban from boxing for an illegal head kick that knocked out his opponent.Undefeated Russian fighter Idris Abdurashidov made his boxing debut against Bagher Faraji in Phuket, Thailand on Saturday.Idris Abdurashidov pulled off an illegal kick in his boxing debutCredit: Instagram @idris_abdurashidovHis kick knocked out Bagher Faraji and he was disqualified from the fightCredit: Instagram @idris_abdurashidovAbdurashidov, 21, struggled in the early stages of the fight against the Iranian.Faraji was heading for a points win as the fight entered into the fourth and final round at the Ali Boxing Club.However, with just seconds left, the Russian hit him with a devasting kick to the head, which was an illegal move.As a result, Abdurashidov was disqualified from the fight but still boasted about it on social media.READ MORE ON SPORTHe wrote: “So I debuted in professional boxing.”And disqualification for life, that kick with the leg I threw away with a machine gun!”The post was filled with comments from fans demanding that he be “arrested” for the heinous act.One posted: “He should be arrested for assault and battery, and banned from doing any combat sports ever again. That is so low.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second wrote: “He has to be banned from all the sports.”A third commented: “Tell us you suck at boxing without actually telling us that you suck at boxing.”‘Referee’s got a chin on him’ say shocked fans after official accidentally whacked in face during heavyweight clashThe two fighters have ‘made up’Credit: Instagram @idris_abdurashidovA fourth said: “Assault and banned for life is my vote.”Another added: “Should put him in jail for that.”He is facing a lifetime ban from boxing to bring his time in the sport to an abrupt end.Abdurashidov has posted again on Instagram to confirm that he has made amends with Faraji.He shared a picture of the two shaking hands and posing for a picture together.He wrote: “We shock hands between us.”Everything is fine, we made up.”Abdurashidov is a professional in MMA and currently has a record of 4-0.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe fights in the Asian promotion ONE Championship.It is not yet known if his illegal kick will have an impact on his future MMA career. More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans puzzled as former Man Utd star from David Moyes era links up with football royalty for legends game

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      FOUR Ballon d’Or winners, countless World Cup League heroes, and Marouane Fellaini teamed up in a star-studded legends super-side.But fans have been left puzzled after spotting former Manchester United star Fellaini playing in a clash of the titans exhibition tie in South Korea.Football legends from around the world gathered for a game in South KoreaBut a group of harsh fans have questioned why Marouane Fellaini was involved after spotting him pictured next to Brazilian Ballon d’Or winner KakaThe game saw a unique game of teams made up of attackers vs defenders, including Clarence Seedorf and Thierry HenryRetired football royalty from around the world assembled in South Korea for a spectacular attack-vs-defence showdown on Saturday.The aptly named FC Spear was made up of some of the best former forwards the game has ever seen.While Shield United featured some of the most prominent defenders and holding midfielders to have ever played the beautiful game.But it was the latter defensive outfit who emerged victorious, after thumping the attacking team 4-1.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe winning outfit was made up of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic Yaya Toure, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Carles Puyol and former Man Utd keeper Edwin van der Sar.While 2007 Ballon d’Or winner Kaka, Eden Hazard, Carlos Tevez, Michael Owen made up their ‘attacking’ competition captained by Didier Drogba and managed by Thierry Henry. But the biggest shock for many fans was the presence of ex-United and Everton midfielder Fellaini for the glittering attacking side.Football lovers were quick to call out Fellaini’s shock inclusion after spotting Alessandro Del Piero’s Instagram post.Most read in FootballEdwin van der Sar played in goal for the winning side FC SpearFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne user wrote: “Why on earth is Fellaini there?🤣”A second said: “Wow, all those legends…and Fellaini😶.”Rio Ferdinand and Man Utd legends dress up in traditional South Korean robes While another added: “I’m sorry but how was Fellaini asked? He was good but not on their level.😂”Fellaini starred for the Red Devils between 2013 and 2019, making 177 appearances having travelled with former boss David Moyes from Everton.Before that he made the exact same appearances for the Toffees, scoring 33 goals during five years in the Merseyside, where he was a crucial leader in the team.Former United star Berbatov also appeared for FC Spear in front of 64,000 excited fans in Seoul.The winning goals came from Toure, Seedorf, Park Joo-ho and Javier Mascherano.While the only consolation FC Spear came from United legend Park Ji-Sung’s penalty.Three former Korean internationals filled in the gaps where necessary, including goalkeeper Kim Byung-ji.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe legends also participated in preliminary events that pitted players to see who is better at shooting and one-on-one situations.The game has been described as an exhibition and was organised by South Korean game company Nexon.The legends match occurred in Seoul, South Korea in front of some 64,000 fansRio Ferdinand, Carles Puyol and Ricardo Carvalho played for the defensive side Shield United More

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      in Soccer

      Football club president sacks manager on live TV in astonishing post-game interview before blaming PLAYERS for decision

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      THIS is the shocking moment a top football club president sacked his manager LIVE on TV after seeing his side lose 5-0.The chief of Ligue 1 side Montpellier shocked viewers by publicly announcing that Michel Der Zakarian had been given the boot.Montpellier president publicly announced the club’s decision to sack the managerBoss Michel Der Zakarian was axed after a disastrous run of formLaurent Nicollin blamed the PLAYERS in his astonishing post-game interview after Sunday’s 5-0 pummelling against Marseille.Montpellier are languishing at rock bottom of the French top flight.The French side have lot six of their opening eight matches, taking just four points so far this term.And the club have conceded a staggering 26 goals since the opening day of the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMontpellier’s latest nightmare struck on Sunday as Marseille ran riot to move three points behind league leaders Paris Saint-Germain.But the biggest fireworks went off after full-time at Stade de la Mosson as club president Nicollin SACKED the club’s manager on live TV.Nicollin, 51, told DAZN France: “We can’t change 25 players, so, unfortunately, I’ve taken the initiative to stop Michel tonight.”We talked in the locker room after the game. I told him it was over tonight.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”And I said to the players that, thanks to their great job, they had fired the coach and that they need to take their responsibilities next week against Toulouse.”Der Zakarian’s public departure brings an end to the Armenian’s second spell in charge of Montpellier, whom he initially took charge of for four years between 2017 and 2021 before leaving for Brest.Mason Greenwood SIGNS for Marseille as Man Utd release brief statement after transferElye Wahi’s first-minute strike set the tone before Amine Harit and ex-Spurs loanee Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg made it three before half-time.And former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood rounded off a stunning counter attack to make it 4-0 in the 58th minute.Greenwood ended his four game streak without a goal to leave a timely reminder to new England boss Thomas Tuchel.Luis Henrique concluded the scoring, adding a fifth in the 73rd minute, which spelt doom in bold for Der Zakarian.The 61-year-old – who also represented Montpellier as a player from 1988 to 1997 – becomes the first manager to lose his job in Ligue 1 this term. More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Is Fabrizio Romano a time traveller? Fans spot his eerie sub ‘leak’ during Liverpool’s win over Chelsea

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      FORGET mystic meerkats, uncanny octopuses and even good old-fashioned crystal balls – this eerie Anfield tale might freak you out.Fans reckon Fabrizio Romano metamorphosed from transfer guru to “time traveller” – as he spooked them out with his mid-match messages in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Chelsea.Liverpool’s Diogo Jota was at the centre of a fun ‘time-travel’ conundrum after he got injured in the 2-1 victory over ChelseaCredit: APJota had to be replaced by Darwin Nunez after just 30 minutesCredit: RexThe journalist’s millions of followers already believe he is in the loop with his transfer insights – but never before in a TIME loop.Romano saw the Reds return top of the Premier League with Arne Slot’s 10th victory in 11 matches since his summer arrival as boss.But amid a new blitz of VAR dramas, the Italian sparked a conspiracy – with the mysterious timing of his posts about Diogo Jota.The Liverpool winger was caught up in a major first-half talking point.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith the score goalless, the Portuguese hero escaped through the middle but was hauled down by Tosin Adarabioyo.The Chelsea centre-back was only booked, leaving Arsenal fans furious as they claimed William Saliba’s red-card foul 24 hours earlier was identical.Jota never fully recovered from the knock, meaning he was replaced by Darwin Nunez on the half-hour.Unfortunate, you might think, but nothing untoward.Most read in FootballHere’s how Fabrizio Romano sparked a mystical mysteryFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSExcept, as one fan posted: “16:43pm: Fabrizio Romano tweets Diogo Jota has left the pitch with an injury despite him not.”17:02pm: Diogo Jota leaves the pitch with an injury. Is this brother a time traveller…?”Watch Wolves’ incredible player announcement video that savages both Chelsea and Fabrizio Romano in single strokeA second observer added: “At least now we know why he knows all the transfer news? He’s a time traveller.”A third supporter noted: “He also got the replacement correct.”And a few went even further down the “sub leak” rabbit hole with suggestions like: “This just proves that football is scripted.”But others attempted to ease the conundrum by pointing out: “He left the pitch for a few minutes earlier and Nunez was warming up.”At least Romano didn’t share extra-early details of how Jota suffered his blow.Otherwise it might have been a case of Whack to the Future.Romano baffled his millions of followers by posting as fact something that only happened 19 minutes laterCredit: Sportsfile More

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      in Soccer

      Steve Bruce’s four-month old grandson Madison tragically passes away as Blackpool release heartfelt statement

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      STEVE BRUCE’s fourth-month old grandson Madison has tragically passed away.The heartbreaking news was confirmed by the manager’s club, Blackpool, on social media.Steve Bruce’s four-month old grandson has diedCredit: GettySteve Bruce’s son and Madison’s uncle, Alex Bruce, will miss Salford’s clash against CreweCredit: GettyThe club announced that Bruce will miss the clash against Barnsley following Madison’s passing.A statement read: “The club can announce that Head Coach Steve Bruce will not be in attendance at tomorrow’s fixture against Barnsley due to the tragic passing of his four-month old grandson, Madison.”Everyone at the football club send their love to Steve and his family.”We ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this sudden and unexpected loss in their family.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBruce’s son Alex, who is currently working as the assistant manager at Salford City, will also miss his game against Crewe.Salford released their own statement sending support to the family.A statement read: “Salford City announces that Assistant Manager Alex Bruce will not be in attendance at tomorrow’s fixture away at Crewe Alexandra due to the tragic passing of his four-month old nephew, Madison.”All at the football club send our love and full support to Alex, Matt Smith and the family.Most read in FootballWhat tributes clubs have madeClubs up and down the country have sent their condolences…Preston North End”Devastating news. Sending our thoughts and condolences to Steve and his family at this incredibly difficult time.”West Bromwich Albion”Everybody at West Bromwich Albion sends their condolences, thoughts and love to Steve Bruce’s family at this desperately sad time.”Norwich City”Heartbreaking news. We’re sending our love and support to Steve and his family at this difficult time”Birmingham City”Everyone at Blues sends their love and support to our former boss and his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”Bristol City”Everybody at Bristol City sends their condolences, thoughts and love to the family at this tragic time.”Lincoln City”Deepest condolences from everyone at the Imps to Steve and his family.”Northampton Town”Sending the condolences of everyone at Sixfields to Steve and his family.”Leeds United”Everybody at Leeds United sends their condolences and thoughts to Steve’s family at this tragic time.”Bristol Rovers”Everyone at Bristol Rovers sends our condolences, thoughts and love to Steve and the Bruce family.”Barnsley”Incredibly sad news. The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected to Barnsley Football Club are with Steve and his family.””We request that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this sudden and unexpected loss in their family.”Tributes have flooded in for Maddison, with the footballing world in mourning.One person posted: “Horrible. We’re all with you Steve.”A second wrote: “Jesus, prayers with Steve Bruce and his family.”A third commented: “Thoughts are with Brucey and his family.”A fourth said: “Many many heartfelt condolences Steve our thoughts are with you and the family.”Another added: “Absolutely tragic, thoughts with everyone in the family.”Bruce was named Blackpool manager in September but has had a long career in management.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has taken charge of the likes of West Brom, Newcastle United, Sheffield Wednesday, Aston Villa, Hull City, Sunderland, Wigan Athletic, Birmingham City, Crystal Palace, Huddersfield Town and Sheffield United.As a player, he made 309 league appearances for Manchester United and won the Premier League three times between 1993 and 1996. More

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      in Soccer

      Bayern Munich make TWO subtle changes to iconic badge but can you spot it?

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      BAYERN MUNICH have changed their iconic badge, but traditional fans will be happy to know it’s nothing major.Bayern are one of the greatest football clubs in the history of the game having won a staggering 33 Bundesliga titles and six Champions League trophies.Bayern Munich have made changes to their iconic badge – with this the version they had been usingThis is the NEW version – can you spot the two changes?Harry Kane and his Bayern team-mates are embarking on a ‘new era’Credit: RexHowever, Harry Kane and co are set to embark on a new era with a new logo.But the Bavarians look set for a very smooth transition as the two changes imposed on their popular badge are so subtle fans can barely notice.Can you tell by looking at the before and after badges above?Spoiler: Bayern officials basically maintained the same design but adjusted the colours with the blue and red shades getting brighter and lighter respectively.Read More on FootballFans stormed social media immediately after the grand unveiling and of course many of them can’t spot any major difference.And that of course led to a series of sarcastic comments on Instagram.One fan posted: “A new era.”Another commented: “NGL, even though there’s barely a difference the new one looks worse.”Most read in BundesligaA third wrote: “Bro just turned the brightness up on his device.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis one said: “The designer took 3 months to create this!”That one stated: “Someone got paid a lot of money for this.”Bayern Munich kick off pre-season with huge 14-1 victory – but German giants beat same team 27-0 last yearAnd another fan used the popular meme from The Office’s US version where Jenna Fischer’s character Pam Beesly says: “They’re the same picture”.Harry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.” More