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      Champions League matches have been using incredible hidden technology all season… have you noticed it?

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE matches have been using incredible hidden technology all season long.But have you noticed it?This was the angle fans watching Viktor Gyokeres’ second penalty on TNT Sports sawCredit: TNT SportsViktor Gyokeres fired home his second penalty of the game to round off the emphatic 4-1 victory in Ruben Amorim’s final home game as Sporting boss.After blasting to Ederson’s left with his first penalty, he switched it up and opted to go low to the Manchester City goalkeeper’s right and completed his Champions League hat-trick.With the regular TV camera angle, the advertising hoardings around the pitch all showed Qatar Airways on a purple background as the striker stepped up and fired home.However, replays of the goal shown on TNT Sports, photographers’ snaps and videos taken inside the stadium did not show the Qatar Airways advertising.READ MORE ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUEInstead, the screens displayed adverts for FedEx with the iconic blue and orange writing on a plain white background.And that meant the adverts on the boards showing the goal live on TV were different from what was actually in the stadium.The discrepancy was clear to see in a video uploaded from Gyokeres’ Portuguese actress girlfriend Ines Aguiar, who filmed the goal and put it on her Instagram story. The time, 21:38, was consistent across both her footage and the TV footage – but the adverts were not the same.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhen the TV feed cut back from a fan in the crowd, there appeared to be a brief flash of white at the top of the advertising screen – possibly covering the FedEx ad.And Uefa confirmed to SunSport the adverts were indeed being changed for the main broadcast feed.’Referee had no choice but to award a penalty after Tyrone Mings’ schoolboy error – he’s absolutely spot on’The ‘camera one’ view had Qatar Airways around the pitch but inside the ground, there was a different advertCredit: TNT Sports / InstagramPhotos from the stadium also showed the FedEx brandingCredit: ReutersThe hoardings can be remotely edited to suit various broadcast regionsCredit: TNT SportsThis screenshot appears to show the Qatar Airways advert covering the FedEx oneCredit: TNT SportsExplaining the phenomenon, a spokesperson said: “Uefa’s virtual board replacement (VBR) concept has been implemented at selected men’s club competition matches across the 2024-25 season. “VBR replaces advertisements displayed on the in-stadium LED boards in selected markets with alternative advertisements and messaging on the main global broadcast feed. “This approach ensures compliance with local advertising regulations while maintaining visibility for sponsors on the global broadcast feed.”This replacement is visible only on the main broadcast camera (camera one) during live play. “No replacements are made on any other camera during the live match feed or on any camera, including camera one, during replays.”VBR can be implemented either remotely or on-site and can be implemented over any LED boards. “Uefa has appointed several VBR suppliers to manage this process and produce the dedicated feeds.”Uefa has been testing VBR technology for the past six years, with its first official implementation during the 2021–24 cycle of Uefa men’s club competitions, starting with the 2021 Uefa Super Cup in Belfast.”VBR was also used throughout Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.”Supponor is one company that offers VBR services, using “the world’s leading AI software delivering supercharged virtual advertising in live broadcast sports”.The firm specialises in using AI to transform live feeds and adapt advertising for different languages and broadcast regions.Their website says: “Supponor provide a virtual advertising technology solution that replaces and creates in-venue brand placements with real time authentic digital overlays. Developed for any sport, any surface, from anywhere in the world with infinite possibilities.”That can include editing the pitchside advertising hoardings, virtual carpet-style banners next to goals, tunnel coverings and other LED screens around stadiums. This can often be used to exclude betting adverts where gambling is prohibited.The FA, Bayern Munich, LaLiga, Argentina, France, Borussia Dortmund, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Germany, Serie A, the Rugby World Cup and the NHL are all clients of Supponor.READ MORE SUN STORIESTennis’ cinch Championships – aka Queen’s – also used the tech during the 2024 tournament to change up the screens behind the court for various TV viewers.SunSport reported in 2018 that Southampton were planning to become the tenth Premier League side to launch the new augmented reality hoardings at St Mary’s.This demonstrates how the tech can make changes for viewersCredit: SupponorSupponor are one of the companies who specialise in virtual advertisingCredit: SupponorThe AI can include elements such as virtual carpets beside the goalCredit: SupponorTennis also uses the system and was used at Queen’s to cover up betting logosCredit: TGI Sports More

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      Uefa make final decision over England punishment after fans’ controversial act during Ireland clash

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      BOTH the FA and the Football Association of Ireland have been fined following England’s Nations League clash with Ireland.The Three Lions won the match 2-0 in September thanks to goals from Jack Grealish and Declan Rice.The FA and FAI have both been hit with fines after Ireland’s game with EnglandCredit: GettySeptember’s game in Dublin was marred by several fan incidentsCredit: GettySupporters from both nations also booed the national anthemsCredit: GettyUefa have dished out fines after fans from both teams booed the national anthems at the Aviva Stadium.England supporters were deemed to have jeered throughout Amhran na bhFiann.The FA has been slapped with a £10,500 fine as a result. Ireland fans drowned out God Save The King, with the FAI being told to pay £8,400.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEngland’s fine was greater because the booing was deemed a repeat offence.Both associations were also hit with further fines after disorder plagued the fixture in Dublin.Uefa hit the FAI with bills of £7,800 for lighting flares and £5,000 after a fan ran on to the field of play.The FA was also fined £4,150 after an England fan dashed onto the pitch. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEngland’s win was their first under interim boss Lee Carsley.Irish fans had prepared a hostile welcome for the returning Rice and Grealish.Jack Grealish opens up on ‘one of the worst summers of my life’ after scoring against England over former side IrelandThe £100m stars had played for the country before switching allegiance to England.A banner at the Irish end of the ground proclaimed “The snakes are back” alongside pictures of the pair.Jack Grealish and Declan Rice both found the net in DublinCredit: GettyCarsley is set to take charge of the Three Lions’ games with Greece and Ireland later this month.He will then finish his interim job and return to his former role with the England under-21s.Thomas Tuchel has been hired as a full-time replacement for Gareth Southgate and will start his new role in January. More

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      Uefa issue two referees with huge bans after drunkenly taking road sign before Champions League clash

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      UEFA have banned two referees for drunkenly taking a road sign before a Champions League clash.Bartosz Frankowski and Tomasz Musial were arrested in the Polish city of Lubin back in August.Uefa have banned Polish referee Bartosz Frankowski after he drunkenly took a signCredit: GettyTomasz Musial has also been suspended following the incident in Lubin back in AugustCredit: GettyThe pair had been appointed as VAR and AVAR officials for the third qualifying round tie between Dynamo Kyiv and Rangers.However, they were replaced by the Polish FA following their drunken antics the night before the match.Police caught the two referees on CCTV before arresting them, with Uefa fining them at the time.Frankowski and Musial have now both been handed lengthy bans for their behaviour.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey have been suspended until June 30, 2025 by Uefa’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body.Their punishment is for breaking “basic rules of decent conduct”, the governing body confirmed.In a statement, Frankowski said: “I am still trying to find words that will sufficiently express how much I regret this incident and how sorry I am.”I realise that with one such violation, I ruined 22 years of refereeing, ruined my entire career. I should have calmly prepared for the match and not gone anywhere.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”As one of the police officers later told me, our prank was spotted by CCTV cameras and they intervened. I would like to clarify that we were in no way aggressive. These were stupid jokes.”We did not suspect that it would be perceived this way. We had no bad intentions. It was stupidity, an idiotic fantasy, I don’t even know what to call it.”Furious former Champions League finalists’ fans protest against club owner He also claimed the incident was simply a “prank” and had been a “stupid game” that went wrong.The 38-year-old, who is a Fifa referee, added: “Now, looking back, I understand that it was not a very smart idea.”It was a sign that was lying next to where road works were being carried out and we were passing by.”I am very sorry that this happened. And on a purely human level, it was stupid, because I know that my unfortunate behaviour will cast a shadow on many years of hard work.”What happened was irresponsible and unprofessional on my part, and I am fully aware of that.”I would just like to emphasise that there were no acts of aggression in my behaviour, I did not break the law and there was no unlawful behaviour on my part towards police officers or anyone.”Frankowski admits the incident was a ‘stupid game’ which went wrongCredit: Getty More

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      Man City break Man Utd’s impressive Champions League record due to Uefa loophole as fans left fuming

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      MANCHESTER CITY have set a new record for the longest Champions League unbeaten streak… despite going out of the competition to Real Madrid last season.Pep Guardiola’s side sealed the impressive feat by trouncing Sparta Prague 5-0 at the Etihad last night.Man City trounced Sparta Prague at the EtihadCredit: RexThe win made it 26 “unbeaten” in the Champions League for City.They won the competition in the 2023-24 season to achieve a remarkable Treble.City’s Champions League defence came to an end in the quarter-finals last term, when they were knocked out by Real Madrid.The first leg in Madrid finished 3-3, before the Spanish giants triumphed on penalties in Manchester following a 1-1 draw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs both games finished level within regulation time, Uefa view them as draws – despite City losing the tie.This means that in Uefa’s eyes, Guardiola’s men have broken the record of 25 Champions League games unbeaten previously set by Manchester United.Sir Alex Ferguson’s side achieved the feat between 2007 and 2009, winning the 2007-08 competition in Moscow before finally losing to Barcelona in the following year’s Rome final.City’s win last night also saw them claim the unbeaten run record across all Uefa tournaments, taking into account their Super Cup win in 2023.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUefa’s report read: “With tonight’s victory, Manchester City have set a new Uefa competition matches record of 27 games unbeaten.”This passes Espanyol’s previous mark of 26, achieved between 2006 and 2019, with City having last been beaten in a Uefa fixture by Real Madrid in May 2022.”Pep Guardiola says part of him will leave Man City when Txiki Begiristain goes Man Utd fans on social media were left unhappy with Uefa’s verdict.One wrote on X: “Wrong !!!! They lost to real madrid in the champions league last season hahaha community note incoming.”While a posted: “Can’t accept stats like this when they didn’t win the competition last season. They lost in a penalty shootout. Yes, technically not a match lost but they went out. Knock out football has to have a winner and a loser. That’s the game.”A third blasted it as “a nonsense stat”.And another added: “They haven’t. Stop this rubbish. They lost in the UCL semi final last season.”City’s last recognised defeat in Uefa competitions came in their dramatic 2021-22 semi-final against Real Madrid.Riyad Mahrez’s goal had given them a 5-3 lead on aggregate, before Rodrygo’s double in the 90th and 91st minutes stunned City and took the tie to extra time.Karim Benzema then scored a penalty five minutes into extra time to consign City to a 6-5 aggregate defeat.City have so far gathered seven points from nine available during this year’s revamped League Phase.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey drew 0-0 with Inter Milan at home on matchday one, in a repeat of the 2023 final.Goals by Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and James McAtee saw them trounce Slovan Bratislava 4-0 on matchday two, prior to last night’s 5-0 thumping of Sparta Prague.Man City ratings vs Sparta PragueBy Ken LawrenceMANCHESTER CITY put in a five star performance as they romped to victory over Sparta Prague.The Citizens ran out 5-0 winners at the Etihad with Pep Guardiola’s side bagging four goals in the second half.Phil Foden gave the hosts the perfect start as he fired in the opener inside just three minutes.Erling Haaland also got himself on the scoresheet in the second half.The Norweigian striker had plenty of attempts to score, but it was his improvised finish in the 58th minute that found its way past Peter Vindahl Jensen.John Stones made it three with a brilliant looping header to add to his solid performance at the back.Haaland got his second in the 67th minute to make it 44 in the Champions League.Matheus Nunes was also impressed as he netted from the spot in the closing stages, which added to his two assists.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of Pep Guardiola’s side…Stefan Ortega – 5Almost a spectator, but at least it wasn’t cold or pouring down.Nathan Ake – 5Back after injury and unlucky to have City’s second chalked off.Manuel Akanji – 5Training games against his own team-mates are far harder than this was.John Stones – 7Followed his winner against Wolves with another towering header.Rico Lewis – 6The young multi-tasker produced a typical all-action displayMatheus Nunes – 7He claimed two assists and bagged his first-ever Champions League goal from the spot late on.Savinho – 5Supposed to be the new Samba man but didn’t dance that great.Ilkay Gundogan – 7The midfielder cruised through the 100th Champions League game of his career.Bernardo Silva – 6Quiet, effective and a non-stop cog spinning the City wheel.Phil Foden – 7It was a slick early finish in only his fourth start of the season, but the spark faded.Erling Haaland – 9Even Pep Guardiola couldn’t quite believe his amazing airborne strike before he added his second.SubsMateo Kovacic (for Bernardo Silva 69) – 5Couldn’t have had an easier task by the time he emerged.James McAtee (for Gundogan 69) – 5A few minutes of Champions League experience with no strain.Josko Gvardiol (for Ake 74) – 5Just a pleasant walk in the park….Ruben Dias (for Stones 74) – 5He won’t have minded stretching his legs for a bit.Nico O’Reilly (for Haaland 81) – 5The young attacker replaced a living legend. 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      Premier League chiefs fear ‘unprecedented and untested powers’ for regulator risks wrecking English football

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs fear “unprecedented and untested powers” given to the new independent regulator could wreck English football.The government’s Football Governance Bill will be introduced in the House of Lords today.Premier League chiefs have concerns about the new regulatorCredit: GettyA clause requiring the regulator to consider government “foreign and trade policy” when approving club takeovers — which threatened to see Uefa boot England out of the Euros over political interference — has been withdrawn.Prem bigwigs still fear “rigid, banking-style regulation could have a negative impact on the league’s competitiveness and the aspiration that drives our global appeal and growth.”But the regulator has been backed by EFL chief Rick Parry.He said: “The bill has been framed in a way that will enable the new regulator to protect and achieve the sustainability of clubs across the entire football pyramid.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNew regulator powers in the bill include parachute payments for relegated clubs, consulting fans on ticket pricing and home stadium relocations, plus ­supporter representation at clubs.Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy declared: “English football is one of our greatest exports and a source of ­national pride.“But for too long financial instability meant loyal fans risked losing their cherished clubs as a result of mismanagement and reckless spending.“This bill seeks to redress the balance, putting fans back at the heart of the game, taking on rogue owners and crucially helping put clubs up and down the country on a sound financial footing.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSports Minister Stephanie Peacock added: “This strengthened bill puts fans firmly back at the centre of the game.”More than 200 fan groups signed an open letter from the Football Supporters’ Association earlier this year, calling on all parties to back  the new bill.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanUefa general secretary Theodore Theodoridis had said the “foreign policy” clause would amount to government interference — risking the “ultimate sanction” of excluding teams from their competitions.England are due to co-host the Euro 2028 with the other home nations and Ireland. More

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      PSG accused of BANNING away fans for Champions League clash over ‘past disturbances’ despite club facing no Uefa action

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      PSV EINDHOVEN claim that their fans have been banned from attending their clash with Paris Saint-Germain next week by French authorities.The two sides are set to meet at Parc des Princes on October 22 in the Champions League.Parc des Princes will not host PSV fans next weekCredit: Getty – ContributorThe Dutch side had already sold tickets for the matchCredit: Willie VassAround 2,000 PSV supporters have bought tickets to attend the match and support their team.But the Eredivisie side have now revealed that this will not be possible, due to a ruling by French police.In an official club statement, they confirmed: “PSV is not allowed to bring supporters to the away match in the UEFA Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain on 22 October, by order of the French authorities.”In addition, there is a general travel ban for PSV supporters to and within Paris. The decision of the French came as a complete surprise.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Despite the fact that PSV had no outstanding penalties, the French police are citing unrest with supporters from the past, in particular around the match against RC Lens a year ago.”In addition, there are some internal security matters at play.”During the Champions League match between RC Lens and PSV one year ago at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, opposition supporters were found to have thrown objects at each other.The Dutch side’s fans were also previously banned for a game, with their club fined £35,000, following crowd trouble during a match against Arsenal at the Emirates in 2022.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTheir club statement went on to reveal that they attempted to overturn the decision.It continued: “PSV and other parties involved have contested the decision where possible and at all levels, within the short time frame that the club was given.Fans in hysterics as they spot PSG president’s reaction to brutal Champions League draw on live TV”PSV also offered to take extra measures to prevent problems. Both have not produced the desired result, much to the disappointment of the club. “PSV regrets not only the decision of the French authorities, but also the timing of it.”All preparations had already been made and a lot of costs had been incurred.”Moreover, Peter Bosz’s selection counted on the support of the loyal supporters.”PSV then concluded their statement by revealing that they will refund fans for their match tickets.But supporters will NOT be reimbursed for travel and accommodation expenses.Their statement finished: “The two thousand supporters who have obtained a ticket for this match via PSV will have the full purchase price refunded to the bank account of the booker within a few days.”Any other costs, such as travel and accommodation, will not be compensated by PSV.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Dutch side have so far lost 3-1 at Juventus and drawn 1-1 at home to Sporting Lisbon during this season’s competition – while PSG beat Girona 1-0 at Parc des Princes before losing 2-0 at Arsenal.Paris Saint-Germain and Uefa have been contacted for comment. More

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      George Baldock: Greek PFA slam Uefa in damning statement for refusing to postpone England game after star’s tragic death

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      ENGLAND’S match against Greece will go ahead despite Premier League and EFL hero George Baldock’s tragic death.Baldock was found dead at the age of 31 in his home in Athens on Wednesday night, plunging the entire Greek football community into mourning.Greece’s PFA lambasted Uefa’s decision not to postpone the match with England after George Baldock’s deathCredit: APSheffield United legend Baldock was found dead in his home at the age of 31Credit: GettyThe Greek football association [EPO] held talks with Uefa in their bid to reschedule the fixture after their beloved player’s shock passing.However, the football governing body refused to postpone tonight’s Nations League clash due to scheduling conflicts.That led to a furious reaction from Greece’s professional footballers’ association, the Panhellenic Association of Paid [Male] Footballers [and Female] Footballers [PSAPP], who lambasted Uefa.The association didn’t hold back on their criticism with a damning post on social media berating football bosses for disregarding the game’s “human” aspect.Read More on FootballThey even described Uefa’s reasoning behind their decision as a “pretext”.The union also took aim at the “inhumane” schedule, which bloated after the introduction of the controversially repackaged Club World Cup.The 32-team tournament takes place this summer in the US and sparked global outrage, especially from players who even hinted at a strike.PSAPP posted on Facebook: “The game of our National team against England will take place as scheduled despite the Greek federation’s attempt to postpone it, with the pretext of not being able to find an alternative date in an already inhumane – in terms of work – calendar. Most read in Football”Once again those who make the decisions did not have time to think about our internationals. “The need to finally understand that the person should always be placed above all else.”Greece boss Poyet reveals Sheff Utd ace Baldock played through ‘unimaginable’ injury when he silenced France’s MbappeGeorge Baldock career statsGeorge Baldock has tragically died aged 312009-2017 – MK Dons 125 games (2 goals)2011 – Tamworth (loan) 3 (0)2012 – IBV (loan) 18 (1)2012 – Tamworth (loan) 15 (1)2015-16 – Oxford United (loan) 47 (3)2017-2024 – Sheffield United 219 (6)2024 – Panathinaikos 4 (0)Uefa confirmed that both sets of players will wear black armbands and there will be a minute’s silence at Wembley.The same is set to take place at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on Sunday when Greece host the Republic of Ireland.Buckingham-born Baldock switched to Greece in 2022 following a series of stunning performances with Sheffield United, whom he helped achieve two Premier League promotions.The ex-MK Dons star, who qualified through his Greek grandmother, quickly became Ethniki’s starting right-back and earned immense praise after picking up his first caps.The full-back amassed a staggering 125 appearances during an eight-year stint with MK Dons and a whopping 219 with Sheffield United.After seven years with the Blades, the Greece international moved to Panathinaikos last summer, where he played four times.The defender’s last ever game saw him competing against eternal rivals Olympiacos on Sunday at the Olympic Stadium where he helped his team pick up a brave goalless draw.Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to. More

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      Barcelona slapped with Uefa ban after fans show Nazi banner in Champions League clash against Monaco

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      BARCELONA have been slapped with a Uefa ban and fine after fans displayed a Nazi-inspired banner during their Champions League opener against Monaco.Barca suffered a 2-1 defeat during their their first European match of the season last week at Stade Louis II.Barcelona were slapped with a fine and ban due to fans displaying a Nazi bannerThe racist banner appeared to be addressing Barcelona boss Hansi FlickCredit: RexThe Blaugrana sustained an even bigger blow as some of their travelling supporters unfurled a racist sign that read: “Flick Heil (Hail Flick)”.That was of course a play on words referring to the infamous “Sieg Heil (Hail victory)” statement used by the Nazis during Adolf Hitler’s dictatorship in Germany.And those yobs seemed to be addressing that sickening banner towards Barcelona’s German manager Hansi Flick.The sign managed to get through security but was swiftly removed after being spotted and reported to Uefa.Read More on FootballThe incident caught the attention of Uefa’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) who who issued swift penalties.As a result, the Catalan giants have been fined €10,000 (£8,332) and prevented from selling tickets for their away game against Red Star Belgrade on November 6.UEFA has also issued the LaLiga outfit a one-year suspended ban, which will be triggered in the event of any further breaches within the next 12 months.This comes after Barcelona were handed a suspended ban following racist behaviour by their fans during a Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain in April.Most read in Champions LeagueBarca fans caused damage and let off fireworks inside the Parc des Princes five months ago, which led to a €32,000 fine (£26,673) and a suspended ban on selling away tickets.The CEDB cited Article 14 of the UEFA disciplinary regulations reads: “Any entity or person subject to these regulations who insults the human dignity of a person or group of persons on whatever grounds, including skin colour, race, religion, ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation, incurs a suspension lasting at least ten matches or a specified period of time, or any other appropriate sanction.”Barcelona had even more problems on the pitch against Monaco as they lost Eric Garcia to a straight red card just ten minutes after kick-off.Maghnes Akliouche opened the scoring for the hosts just six minutes later before Lamine Yamal’s equaliser on 28 minutes.But Adi Hutter’s side completed a famous victory against Barcelona in the 71st minute with George Ilenikhena’s winner. More