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      Manuel Neuer’s leg ‘held together by ski boot after horror injury with Germany icon lucky a rescue helicopter was near’

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      MANUEL NEUER is “lucky” his skiing accident did not have far worse consequences, it has been claimed. Germany icon Neuer had an accident while skiing last month following his nation’s early elimination from the World Cup.
      Manuel Neuer was ruled out for the season following his injuryCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl_DMxLILNZ/
      But it has been revealed that the boot he wore proved pivotal in avoiding an even worse situationCredit: Getty
      It left him with a broken leg which has ruled him out for the rest of the season.
      However, the consequences of the trip could have been far worse if the emergency services were not on hand close by.
      BILD report that had a “rescue helicopter” not been nearby when the accident happened then he would have been out for far longer.
      Neuer’s ski boot has also been credited as holding his foot together, with the compression the boot provided limiting the swelling around the injury on his leg caused by severe bleeding.
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      Had the boot and swift services not been factors, the swelling around the leg would have meant doctors could not operate straight away.
      Fortunately, Neuer was able to undergo surgery straight away and immediately start the recovery process.
      Furthermore, doctors are expecting “no further complications” following the surgery.
      The Bayern Munich captain’s recovery will see him not allowed to “move his leg until the end of February” at the earliest.
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      The German champions’ will take care of his rehab girlfriend Anika Bissel helps out by driving him to and from the training ground.
      Neuer had played 16 times for the Bavarians this season before the World Cup break.
      However, the Bundesliga champions have a number of talented players to make up for Neuer’s loss, including Joshua Kimmich, who scored a screamer against Cologne. More

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      Lionel Messi takes break from PSG to whisk family off on stunning ski holiday as he posts loved up pic in pool

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      LIONEL MESSI has whisked his family off for a break in the Alps. The Argentine superstar, 35, only recently returned from International duty after winning the World Cup.
      Lionel Messi wore a woolly hat for the trip to the AlpsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn1XcUAtiSP/
      He shared a photo of himself and the family enjoying the tripCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn1XcUAtiSP/
      Messi took his three children on the breakCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn1XcUAtiSP/
      And also shared a loved-up pic of him with wife Antonela RoccuzzoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn1XcUAtiSP/
      The post has gained over six million likes in three hoursCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn1XcUAtiSP/
      The compilation of photos ended with Messi and Co with some picturesque sceneryCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn1XcUAtiSP/
      This included him featuring in Paris Saint-Germain’s exhibition match against a Cristiano Ronaldo-led All-Star team comprised of players from Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.
      Messi scored inside three minutes during the 5-4 thriller, but was later absent for PSG’s 7-0 thrashing of non-league side Pays de Cassel – a game which saw Kylian Mbappe score FIVE.
      And it appears in his time off, he instead spent some family time with wife Antonela Roccuzzo and his three children.
      The ex-Barcelona star posted a compilation to his Instagram page, a page which boasts the “most liked post” on the social media site.
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      The photos showed Messi clad in warm winter clothing with a woolly hat and thick coat to ward off the chilly weather.
      Other photos showed him in a hot spring pool as he kept warm alongside his family.
      He even shared an intimate snap of just himself and Antonela in the pool together.
      The post ended with the family all posing for a photo in front of a picturesque background with the snowy tops of the Alps.
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      The family holiday comes amid fresh reports claiming Messi has turned down an extension at PSG following a change of mindset he has had after the World Cup.
      Consequently, this has led to speculation that Messi could end up with a staggering record-breaking deal of £306million-a-new-year. More

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      Punters visiting black market online gambling sites tripled during the World Cup

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      THE number of punters visiting black market online gambling sites tripled during the World Cup, research shows.A total of 250,000 used unregulated overseas firms during the tournament — up from 80,000 in the same period in 2021.
      The number of visitors to black market gambling sites tripled during the World CupCredit: Getty
      The betting industry says it takes under 30 seconds to sign up to a black market site compared to 12 minutes for a regulated UK operator.
      It comes as ministers prepare to publish a gambling white paper.
      Michael Dugher, CEO at the Betting and Gaming Council, said punters face a “dire threat” from “the growing unsafe, unregulated black market”.
      He said the regulated industry worked hard to protect young people during the World Cup by adhering to strict regulations while black market operators “preyed on the vulnerable”.
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      He added: “While the regulated industry was going to great lengths to protect young people during the World Cup and adhering to strict regulations and promoting safer gambling, black market operators were preying on the vulnerable.
      “These unlicensed sites offer none of the safer gambling tools promoted by our members, they pay no tax and employ no one, they do not contribute a penny to sport or services tackling gambling harm.
      “Rather than dismissing the problem, the regulator and the Government need to tread extremely carefully and resist blanket intrusive affordability checks at low levels that push even more punters to these dangerous sites.”
      He praised the research by Yield Sec, a US-based licensed gaming marketplace.
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      Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ ball up for auction just months after shirt from same game sold for £7MILLION

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      DIEGO-ING, going, gone! Memorabilia fans are pumped up for the sale of a deflated ball – the one netted by Maradona’s “Hand of God” .The legend’s shirt from Argentina’s infamous 2-1 World Cup quarter-final win over England in 1986 has already sold for £7million last May.
      Nostalgic football followers could buy this 1986 ball for a seven-figure sumCredit: AFP
      England were stunned and stung twice by Maradona in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final – by this ‘Hand of God’ goal and then his amazing solo effortCredit: PA:Press Association
      Now the ball will be up for sale in the USA on February 8 after failing to sell in London two months, despite a £2m bid.
      Previously owned by match referee Ali Bin Nasser, its starting price is $600,000 dollars (£485k).
      Diego Maradona, who died aged 60 just over two years ago, notoriously handled the opening goal of the Mexico City showpiece.
      He jumped and bent his arm to flick the ball in when Three Lions’ keeper Peter Shilton seemed sure to meet it first.
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      Shilton never forgave Maradona – not helped by the wizard then weaving through from halfway to make it 2-0 with one of the greatest goals ever.
      Gary Lineker replied in vain for England, before the South Americans went on to win the tournament, beating West Germany 3-2 in the final.
      The adidas ball, which is now deflated, was held by controversial ref Bin Nasser from the date of the game, June 22 1986.
      But it’s now going on display for an auction by Goldin.
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      The company’s founder Ken Goldin said: “This ball is central to arguably the most iconic moment in sports history
      “With Lionel Messi heroically leading Argentina to its latest World Cup triumph, we anticipate renewed interest in the legend of Maradona and of the ball that changed soccer forever.”
      Maradona’s match top sold for $9.3million eight months ago – a record for sporting memorabilia.
      The ball has “Official World Cup Ball 1986 Ballon Officiel Coupe du Monde 1986” stamped in black on one pentagonal panel.
      On another panel is the name of the match venue – “Azteca Mexico”. More

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      Ronald Koeman named Holland manager for second time in three years as he replaces Louis van Gaal after World Cup

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      RONALD KOEMAN has been confirmed as the new head coach of the Netherlands national side.The Dutch boss has taken over the role from Louis van Gaal.
      Ronald Koeman is the new boss of the Netherlands national sideCredit: Reuters
      Van Gaal stepped down from the role following the country’s exit from the World Cup in Qatar.
      More to follow… More

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      Watch Man Utd and Liverpool transfer target Bellingham score wondergoal in first game back for Dortmund after World Cup

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM scored a brilliant goal for Borussia Dortmund in his first match since the World Cup.The England international, 19, has been enjoying some downtime following the Three Lions’ quarter-final exit in Qatar last month.
      Jude Bellingham’s strike put Borussia Dortmund in front on SundayCredit: Getty

      Bellingham has now scored 10 goals for Dortmund this seasonCredit: AP
      Unlike English football, domestic action in Germany did not return until this weekend.
      And Bellingham’s first game back for Dortmund came against 15th place Augsburg on Sunday.
      It was thrilling encounter which ended with the Champions League outfit winning 4-3 in a topsy-turvy clash.
      But it was Bellingham who caught the eye once more when he broke the deadlock in the 29th minute.
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      The superstar midfielder, who SunSport exclusively revealed is set to snub a new deal with Dortmund, clipped a delightful pass with the outside of his boot onto the chest of Karim Adeyemi.
      Adeyemi then played a neat one-two and laid it into the path of Bellingham, before the ex-Birmingham man feinted to go one way, went the other, and found the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
      Reacting on social media, one person said: “That drop of the shoulder was special”.
      Another added: “This Bellingham goal is worth watching solely for the noise it makes 😍. Words cannot describe his footballing ability”.
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      A third said: “Liverpool need a player who can score this type of goal”.
      And a fourth replied: “What a goal from Bellingham, the trivela pass, the body feint, the finish, MODRIC-ESQUE 🎩”.
      Bellingham now has 10 goals for Dortmund this season, along with three assists.
      Despite his youthfulness, he has already been handed the armband by the German giants.
      And his superb performances – for both club and country – have seen him attract interest from Europe’s biggest sides including Man Utd, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Man City and Paris Saint-Germain. More

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      Watch referee show WHITE CARD to Sporting Lisbon and Benfica medics after Portugal introduces new rule

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      SPORTING LISBON and Benfica were shown a white card by the referee after Portugal introduced a new rule. Football fans are used to see yellow and red cards dished out with regularity to punish players who overstep the line.

      But they won’t be accustomed to officials using a white card – which has the complete opposite effect.
      Supporters in Portugal got a glimpse of the new card as Sporting Lisbon and Benfica’s women met in a cup match.
      With Benfica leading 3-0, someone on the bench in the dugouts reportedly felt ill at the end of the first-half.
      Medical staff from both sides rushed to the person’s aid.
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      After the issue was dealt with, the referee can be seen brandishing the white card.
      Fans responded with big cheers at the appearance of the rare colour.
      White cards are part of a new initiative in Portugal.
      Unlike the yellow and red cards which are meant to punish teams, the white card instead is shown to recognise and praise clubs for fair play.
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      The new idea was started to encourage ethical values in sport.
      Benfica would go on to win 5-0 in the cup quarter-final.
      While not yet widespread, the white card is just the latest new rule change that has come to football.
      Concussion substitutions and longer stoppage time – as seen in the Qatar World Cup – are some of the other ideas that could become the norm to try and shake up the game for safety and entertainment purposes. More

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      Under-fire Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris reveals he’s suffering from World Cup hangover after number of blunders

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      UNDER-FIRE keeper Hugo Lloris admits he is suffering from a World Cup hangover.The Tottenham skipper confessed to suffering a lack of “mental freshness” after leading France all the way to the World Cup final only for it to end in defeat to Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
      Hugo Lloris has been out of sorts for Tottenham as of lateCredit: PA
      Lloris was beaten at his near-post in Spurs’ capitulation at Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
      The Frenchman admits he’s suffering from a World Cup hangoverCredit: Getty
      Since his return, he has been criticised for a number of clangers.
      He fumbled Bukayo Saka’s shot into his own net to give Arsenal the opener in Spurs’ 2-0 North London derby defeat at home last Sunday.
      And at the Etihad on Thursday he flapped at a loose ball for Manchester City’s first goal then was beaten at his near post by Riyad Mahrez’s deflected shot as the hosts came from two down to win 4-2.
      He also made another gaffe on New Year’s Day during Aston Villa’s shock 2-0 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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      And the French stopper, 36, said: “You have to take into consideration that it’s not a normal season.
      “From the beginning of September, we played every three days until the World Cup.
      “Then when you finish the World Cup, for the players who reached the final, in one week’s time you have to go back to your club and again repeat every three or four days.
      “So it’s very difficult mentally but also physically to stay at your best.
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      “But that’s the demand of the competition this year.
      “Even if sometimes you can face difficulties you just won’t give up, you want to continue, you want to push and you want to be ready for the important period of the season.
      “We know that from March until June is the moment you win or you lose places in the table.
      “But we know also that we have a deficit of points and we have to run after the others to get into the top four.
      “But there are plenty of games and we have to stay confident and positive — and also we really want to reach the level that should be ours.
      “Hopefully it will come soon and maybe it will happen for the most important moment of the season.”
      But Tottenham need results to come sooner rather than later.
      Tomorrow’s trip to high-flying Fulham will be another big test of their resolve.
      Lloris said: “They have good players, a very good manager and at the moment they have found consistency in their performances and results.
      Tottenham have lost six of their last ten Premier League gamesCredit: REX
      “But we know in football and especially in the Premier League that the truth of today will probably be different in six months’ time.
      “I don’t know where Fulham will finish the season but at the moment they are performing at their best and it’s very open — and when you face them you have to prepare yourself to be at your best, especially away from home.”
      Tottenham have had little time to prepare but need a win after losing six of their last ten games in the Premier League.
      Lloris said: “When you play many games in a short period, you don’t really have time to work deeply.
      “You are more focused on the recovery. You just try to improve some aspects of the game and to prepare tactically for the next match.
      “Especially after a defeat, it’s always better to play sooner.
      “Whoever you play, whoever you face, the demands are very high.
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      “You always need to be at your best as on a bad day you can lose to any team.
      “The most important thing is to look forward, to keep your chin up and be ready to compete.” More