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      Liverpool’s Naby Keita ‘boards flight out of Guinea’ after attempted coup and hours of heavy gunfire in capital Conakry

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      NABY KEITA has reportedly boarded a flight out of Guinea following a attempted military coup and hours of heavy gunfire in capital city Conakry.The Liverpool star and his international team-mates were caught up in the incident ahead of Guinea’s World Cup qualifier against Morocco on Monday.
      Naby Keita is on a plane back to Europe following a military coup in GuineaCredit: EPA
      Soldiers appeared on state TV claiming they had dissolved the country’s government and shut the borders.
      Heavy gunfire was heard for hours in Conakry, where Guinea’s game against Morocco was due to be played.
      The match was eventually postponed as players holed up in hotels waiting to be safely escorted to the airport.
      Now, PA journalist Carl Markham claims Keita has boarded a flight back to Europe.
      And Liverpool have assured fans that the midfielder is ‘safe and well’.
      A spokesman said: “We have had regular communication via his national team management.

      “We are satisfied that he is safe and well cared for.
      “Obviously the situation is fluid and we will maintain regular dialogue with the relevant authorities as we work to get Naby back to Liverpool in a timely and secure manner.”
      Guinea’s defence ministry now claim the attempted takeover has been stopped.
      But it was still a nervous time for visitors Morocco, who have also made it out of Guinea.
      Boss Vahid Halilhodzic told L’Equipe yesterday: “We’re at the hotel, gunshots can be heard nearby all day.
      “We’re waiting for permission to leave for the airport but we’re stranded for now.
      “A plane is waiting for us, but we are not allowed to leave. And to get to the airport, it takes between 45 minutes to an hour.
      “When you hear gunshots outside, safety is not 100 per cent guaranteed.”
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      Watch Erling Haaland score insane rocket volley in Norway training with fans in awe of Borussia Dortmund superstar

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      ERLING HAALAND has reminded fans of his incredible power after hammering home an incredible volley during Norway training.The Borussia Dortmund striker has started the season in fine form having chipped in with six goals and three assists from five games.
      Erling Haaland shared a clip of himself scoring a superb volley during Norway trainingCredit: Fotballandslaget
      Borussia Dortmund ace Haaland has scored six goals in five games for the German outfit this season
      He has also found the back of the net in both of Norway’s World Cup qualifiers this international break against Holland and Latvia.
      And he has shown Gibraltar what to expect of him on Tuesday night ahead of their clash after sharing a clip of him from a training shooting drill.
      In a clip tweeted to his 1.1 million followers, Haaland can be seen smashing in a volley just under the crossbar after a coach threw the ball in the air.
      The ex-Red Bull Salzburg ace simply walked off laughing, leaving his supporters in awe.
      Commenting on the video, one user said: “I’ve never seen anyone hit a ball harder.”
      Another remarked: “99 shot power this lad is from a different planet.”
      BVB ace Haaland has left his fans in awe with his stunning volleyed finishCredit: Fotballandslaget

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      A third added: “That f****** sound man. No keeper in the world stops that it just takes their hands clean off and into the goal.”
      Meanwhile one stated: “How do you generate that much power without the ball going to Row Z man this guy is the definition of generational.”
      Another wrote: “This lad is going to break all records , can’t wait to see him in the Prem and hitting rockets like this.”

      Despite the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain all keen to sign Haaland in 2022 for £64million, Arsene Wenger believes he is destined to play in England.
      He told Bild: “I think that will happen [a move to England]. The economic power of the Premier League is too strong.
      “English football is dominant because it is where the most money is. The best players always go the best way to make the most money.
      Haaland has scored in both of Norway’s World Cup qualifiers this international break

      “Haaland is likely to be the next high-profile goalscorer after [Kylian] Mbappe. He’s a super talent.
      “His ambition, his will to score goals and the ability to fight in a duel [set him apart].
      “He’s there and wants to win, there is something in him that is great for a striker.”
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      Tottenham set to FINE Cristian Romero and Lo Celso for defying orders and flying to play for Argentina against Brazil

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      TOTTENHAM are set to fine their three South American stars who disobeyed orders NOT to return home on international duty.The club told Argentina pair Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero, and Colombia defender Davinson Sanchez they were not to travel.
      Buendia, Romero, Lo Celso and Martinez pictured on a private jet en route to ArgentinaCredit: Instagram @cutiromero2
      Lo Celso featured in Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Venezuela on FridayCredit: Reuters
      Romero in action for ArgentinaCredit: Reuters
      There were chaotic scenes as Argentina’s Premier League players were forced off the pitch in their game against BrazilCredit: Getty
      But the trio ignored their orders and broke Premier League guidelines by going to play in their countries’ World Cup qualifiers.
      And one of those was against Brazil on Sunday, which was halted in incredible fashion in the sixth minute as the Argentine Premier League stars were accused of breaking Covid quarantine rules and falsifying documents to enter Brazil illegally.
      Both Lo Celso and Romero started the game, which was eventually suspended by local health officials who stormed the pitch in Sao Paulo.
      Lo Celso, Romero and Sanchez are now likely to face hefty financial penalties when they eventually return to Spurs from their unauthorised trips – which will see all three have to quarantine and miss up to three matches following their arrivals back in the UK.
      The Premier League told clubs they were not to release players for international matches played in red list countries.
      This was due to FIFA not extending its temporary release exception for players required to quarantine on their return from international duty.

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      Tottenham insist they were powerless to prevent the trio from travelling and will ask the Prem, FIFA and Foreign Office chiefs to implement stronger rules to stop stars from going away on international breaks in the future.
      With more breaks scheduled for October and November, the North Londoners fear quarantine rules could result in their South American contingent missing at least NINE MATCHES between now and Christmas.
      Spurs were furious their three players ignored their orders not to travel this month.
      And that anger was compounded by Lo Celso and Romero being at the centre of the storm which led to Argentina’s clash away to Brazil in Sao Paulo getting abandoned after just five minutes on Sunday evening.

      Officials from ANVISA – Brazil’s national health surveillance agency – walked on to the pitch, claiming that the four Premier League players involved in Argentina’s squad – Lo Celso, Romero and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia and Emiliano Martinez – had entered the country without declaring that they had arrived from the UK, a country which requires isolation upon arrival in Brazil for 14 days.
      At one stage the quartet feared they would be detained and made to isolate in Brazil.
      But all four players were allowed to fly back to Argentina with their team-mates on Sunday night.
      It is not known if they will play in their World Cup qualifier against Bolivia or return back to England.
      It is thought they could come back to the UK via another European country on the green list such as Croatia.
      While Villa granted their duo permission to travel, Tottenham did not and are now expected to punish them with fines of up to two weeks’ wages, along with centre-back Sanchez who collected a yellow card in Colombia’s 1-1 draw in Paraguay on Sunday.
      Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was angry their match was abandoned so soon after kick off.
      He said: “It should have been a party for everyone, to enjoy the best players in the world. I would like the people of Argentina to understand that as a coach I have to defend my players.
      “At no time were we notified that they couldn’t play the match. We wanted to play the match, the Brazilian footballers too.”
      Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentinean FA, added: “What happened today is unfortunate for football, it is a very bad image.
      “It should have been a party for everyone, to enjoy the best players in the world. I would like the people of Argentina to understand that as a coach I have to defend my players.Lionel Scaloni, Argentina head coach
      “Four people entered to interrupt the game to make a notification and Conmebol asked the players to go to the locker room.
      “Here you cannot talk about any lie because there is a sanitary legislation under which all South American tournaments are played.
      “The sanitary authorities of each country approved a protocol that we have been complying to the maximum.”
      Brazil vs Argentina in Covid-19 chaos as local health chiefs stop game after six minutes to deport Premier League stars More

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      Romelu Lukaku continues scoring start to season as he nets on 100 Belgium appearance in 3-0 win over Czech Republic

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      ROMELU LUKAKU took just eight minutes to find the back of the net on his 100th appearance for his country. The 28-year-old striker netted his 67th international goal in Belgium’s 3-0 win over the Czech Republic on Sunday.
      Lukaku makes it three goals in two games so far this international breakCredit: AFP
      And before kick off Lukaku was recognised for his achievement of 100 games for his country since making his international debut in 2010Credit: Getty
      It follows the two goals that he bagged in the 5-2 thumping of Estonia on Thursday, and his goal on his second debut for Chelsea against Arsenal last month.
      He has shown no signs of pressure since his £97.5million move from Inter in August.
      Lukaku’s goals for his country have helped the world’s no1 ranked side ease to the top of Group E in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.
      Roberto Martinez’s side have picked up 13 points from five games, and are six points clear of the Czech Republic in second.

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      And Sunday’s win against the Czechs means Belgium are now unbeaten in 29 home games.
      Lukaku opened the scoring on his 100th appearance for his country, latching on to a Hans Vanaken pass to fire home from just inside the area.
      Former Chelsea man Eden Hazard added the second, before substitute Alexis Saelemaekers netted the third.
      Lukaku himself could have had a hat-trick, but substitute goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek made two saves from the £97.5million man to restrict him to just the one goal on the night.
      Belarus are Belgium’s next opponents in World Cup qualifying on Wednesday, before Lukaku switches his attention back to the Premier League.
      He has made an instant impact since returning to Stamford Bridge after netting against Arsenal in his first game back for the Blues.
      The striker is aiming to right some wrongs after a dismal first spell for Chelsea between 2011 and 2014.
      In twelve games for the club Lukaku failed to score and after loan spells with West Brom and Everton he was shipped off permanently to the Toffees.

      But Lukaku has started well on his return to the club and he will be looking to maintain Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the season as Thomas Tuchel’s side welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
      It’s the start of a mouthwatering run of games for the Blues who kick off their Champions League defence against Zenit St. Petersburg after the Aston Villa clash, before facing bitter rivals Tottenham.
      A Carabao Cup clash against Aston Villa follows, prior to huge games against Manchester City in the Premier League and Juventus in the Champions League.
      Lukaku says returning to Chelsea was a ‘chance of a lifetime’ More

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      Gareth Bale says countries with racist fans should be kicked out by Uefa and ‘they’ll learn their lesson that way’

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      WALES winger Gareth Bale believes countries with racist fans should be booted out of competitions in a bid to kick out abuse.The Real Madrid forward, 32, was giving his views on what action governing bodies need to make to combat racism from supporters in stadiums.
      Gareth Bale has hit out at racist fans and claimed that countries should be kicked out of tournamentsCredit: Reuters
      England star Raheem Sterling had abuse hurled at him after scoring against HungaryCredit: PA
      Bale has been speaking on the matter after Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham were subject to abuse during England’s 4-0 win against Hungary on Thursday.
      Fifa have subsequently launched an investigation after the Three Lions stars were targeted by vile yobs.
      Commenting on the situation prior to Wales’ World Cup qualifier against Belarus on Sunday, Bale said: “It is frustrating.
      “I don’t know why they launch these investigations that take so long. It is clear to see.
      “It has been picked up on camera, by journalists, I really don’t get why there needs to be such a big investigation. It is clear that it happened.
      “It does not matter if it happened a little or a lot. The action needs to be taken to stop it.

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      “Whether you ban the fans from the stadium or if they keep repeatedly doing it, which seems to be what is happening, then you ban the country from the competition.
      “I think it kicks it out straight away. If that country keeps making these horrible gestures, then maybe the best thing to do is to get rid of them, give them a suspension and hopefully they will learn their lesson that way.”
      Bale also went on to say how he would be prepared to walk off the pitch should a team-mate be subject to racist abuse.
      He added: “If it happened to any of our players and they wanted to walk off the pitch I’d be fully for it.

      “At the end of the day, football qualifiers are important but these matters come way above football.
      “If it happened to any of us and we decided to leave the pitch because we feel we weren’t getting the protection or being treated the right way – if the only way to get a response was to walk off then yes I’d be fully for it.
      “At the end of the day it’s the right thing to do and it’s more important than football.”
      Southgate reacts to England’s win and the racism faced after their World Cup qualifier against Hungary More

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      Gareth Southgate and Rio Ferdinand lead angry response after Hungary yobs’ ‘unacceptable’ racism towards England stars

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      ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate slammed Hungary’s fans for racially abusing his players as Rio Ferdinand hit out at their ‘unacceptable’ behaviour.Three Lions stars Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham were subject to vile monkey chants in Budapest during Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier.
      England star Raheem Sterling was subject to racist abuse during the 4-0 win against HungaryCredit: AFP
      Southgate’s men were booed prior to kick-off following England’s decision to take the knee before thrashing Hungary 4-0.
      Manchester City winger Sterling was even pelted with missiles after breaking the deadlock at the Ferenc Puskas Stadium.
      Following the clash, Southgate hit out at Hungary’s supporters, as he said: “We were aware of booing but weren’t aware of anything else but I need to speak to the players and if that’s the case it’s very disappointing.
      “As a team we have dealt with a very difficult atmosphere in a football sense. It’s not acceptable. Everyone knows, I’ve said enough about racism over the last two years, you know where I stand on it.
      “But we also have to look at ourselves, we haven’t got our own house in order. I don’t want to come here and make a big fuss about Hungary but if it’s happened action should be taken.
      “At any level it’s not acceptable whether it’s one person or an entire stand. It was definitely an incredible atmosphere and in a football sense the players kept the crowd quiet.
      Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate hit out at the racist abuse aimed at his playersCredit: Getty

      “I have heard reports of racism and we were not aware of that during the game.”
      Meanwhile Rio Ferdinand posed a question to European football’s governing body to ask them what action they intend to take.
      He tweeted: “UEFA, interested to see what your response/sanctions will be to the racism the England players received in Hungary last night. Totally unacceptable.”
      Prime Minister Boris Johnson also took to social media to blast the disgusting behaviour from the home fans.
      He said: “It is completely unacceptable that England players were racially abused in Hungary last night.
      “I urge FIFA to take strong action against those responsible to ensure that this kind of disgraceful behaviour is eradicated from the game for good.”
      Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand is demanding Uefa to take action following the unacceptable behaviour from Hungary fansCredit: PA
      Labour Party leader Keir Starmer was equally as critical, as he remarked: “Another dominant England performance and a great result.
      “But once again, our England team are subjected to disgusting racist abuse. Completely unacceptable behaviour.
      “Strong action must be taken against Hungary to protect players and show racism has no place in football.”
      The FA condemned the abuse in a statement which read: “It is extremely disappointing to hear reports of discriminatory actions towards some of our England players.
      “We will be asking FIFA to investigate the matter. We continue to support the players and staff in our collective determination to highlight and tackle discrimination in all its forms.”
      England remain on course to qualify for next year’s World Cup after winning their opening four qualifying matchesCredit: Reuters
      Arsenal legend Ian Wright also took aim at football’s governing bodies for not doing enough to tackle racism.
      Meanwhile England skipper Harry Kane commented on the racist chants, as he said: “I didn’t hear that. I will talk to the boys and see if they heard any of it or not.
      “Look, we will report it to Uefa as the rules permit and if it is the case then Uefa can come down strong.”
      Southgate reacts to England’s win and the racism faced after their World Cup qualifier against Hungary More

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      England player ratings: Harry Maguire picked up where he left off at Euro 2020 while Raheem Sterling ran Hungary ragged

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      ENGLAND put four past Hungary in a dynamic second-half display across the pitch from Gareth Southgate’s stars.Raheem Sterling slotted home the first before Harry Kane, Harry Maguire and Declan Rice got in on the act.
      England romped past Hungary after Raheem Sterling opened the scoringCredit: Getty
      For a first outing since the Euro 2020 final, it was a very convincing evening for the Three Lions.
      Here, SunSport’s Duncan Wright gives his verdict on the players in Budapest.
      Jordan Pickford – 6
      Only noticeable action in first-half was collecting a low cross and starting a quick counter-attack. At least had a save to make late on but the quietest of nights for the England keeper.
      Kyle Walker – 7
      Sloppy in possession early on but soon settled down and made more adventurous runs as the match went on. Brilliant pass released Kane to miss a sitter.

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      John Stones – 6
      Heart in mouth when misjudging a long ball which almost let Hungary in on goal. But soon found the pace of the game on first a run-out since the Euro 2020 final.
      Harry Maguire – 8
      Continued where he left off in the summer as he quickly became the dominant figure at the back. Capped a fine display off as he powered in header for the third.
      Luke Shaw – 6
      Steady but not the overlapping force of the Euros, and delayed playing key passes to halt attacks when in good positions. Good delivery from the corner set up the third goal.
      England came through the Budapest gauntlet in fine styleCredit: Reuters
      Declan Rice – 7
      Disciplined to stay deep rather than push forward like his club displays. Booked for lunging foul, but quickly back involved to win possession and start move for opener. Belted home the fourth, with help from the keeper.
      Kalvin Phillips – 7
      Buzzed round the midfield playing more advanced than Rice, but lacked the creative edge needed to open Hungary up. Vital interception sprang attack for England’s second and had far more impact in the second-half.
      Raheem Sterling – 9
      Looked to get on the front foot every time he gained possession knowing his pace was a real threat down the right. Did what he does best for England, scoring again and then setting up Kane for the second.
      Sterling calmly finished a swift move to put England aheadCredit: Reuters
      Mason Mount – 6
      Did everything asked of him as per usual, but with Hungary sat deep he struggled to make his trademark runs in behind. But he timed his run to perfection to overlap and cross for Sterling’s goal, then released the winger to create the second.
      Jack Grealish – 7
      Keen to get on the ball and create, but received plenty of attention from the Hungary defenders. Finally found the space to release Mount to deliver the key cross for the opening goal.
      Harry Kane – 7
      Blazed first chance high and wide when well placed, then completely fluffed great chance when clean through just after the break. Made it third time lucky with a diving header but should have had a hat-trick.
      Harry Kane got his goal but could have had a hat-trickCredit: Getty
      Substitutes
      Jordan Henderson – N/A
      Late replacement for Rice.
      Bukayo Saka – N/A
      Like Henderson, given a couple of minutes in a rest for Grealish.
      Jesse Lingard – N/A
      Introduced after 84 minutes for Mount.

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      England players booed in Hungary as they take knee in anti-racism message before World Cup qualifier More

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      Declan Rice drinks from cup thrown on pitch by Hungary fans as England stars pelted while celebrating Sterling goal

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      DECLAN RICE claimed before Euro 2020 that he had never drunk a single pint of beer — but would sink one if England won the tournament.It came agonisingly close but, as Hungary’s home fans vented their anger at Raheem Sterling’s opening goal last night, Rice gave us all a glimpse of what it may have looked like.
      Declan Rice pretended to drink from a cup thrown on the pitchCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Hungary fans lobbed several missiles at Raheem Sterling after his goalCredit: PA

      Sterling finished off a swift move and unveiled a tribute to Steffie Gregg, a friend and young Twitch streamer who died from Covid-19 complications.
      With no away fans in the Puskas Arena, England’s goal was met with silence before a hail of missiles rained down from the home end.
      Several cups were launched onto the pitch, at least one of which appeared to hit Sterling.
      Rather than allow themselves to become agitated by the petty scenes, the visiting players continued celebrating.
      Rice picked up one of the plastic cups of beer and pretended to neck whatever was left.
      It was Rice, 22, who started the move for the goal, cleanly winning the ball back despite being booked only moments earlier.

      England stars celebrated under a hail of missiles after the openerCredit: Reuters
      A flare was also thrown on the pitch by the Budapest crowdCredit: PA
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      After Sterling’s opener, England added to their advantage through goals from Harry Kane, Harry Maguire.
      Rice then got one himself, his first for the Three Lions, albeit with a little help from the Hungarian keeper.
      Hungary fans continued to disrupt their team’s chances by throwing a flare onto the pitch later in the half, having earlier booed the Three Lions players taking a knee in a demonstration against racism.
      ITV Sport also reported of alleged monkey chants aimed at Sterling and substitute Jude Bellingham from behind the goal.

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      England players booed in Hungary as they take knee in anti-racism message before World Cup qualifier More