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      Salt Bae shows off table permanently reserved for late Maradona at his Dubai restaurant in latest bizarre stunt

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      SALT Bae shows off a table “permanently reserved” as a shrine to the late Diego Maradona in his latest desperate publicity stunt.Cringey video resurfaced after the fame hungry chef was slammed for pestering Lionel Messi in embarrassing scenes following Argentina’s World Cup win.
      Salt Bae has created a mawkish shrine to Diego Maradona in his restaurantCredit: Instagram
      He says the table is permanently reservedCredit: Instagram
      A garish painting of them together sits on the tableCredit: Instagram
      Maradona mocked Salt Bae’s sprinkling gimmick when he dined there in 2018Credit: YouTube
      The Turkish cook and Instagram star – real name Nusret Gökçe – posted a short clip of an outside table at his Dubai steakhouse.
      Two seats are pulled up, but it is laid with only one plate and one set of cutlery – and a brass “reserved” sign.
      Also on the table are a bunch of flowers, a lit candle and a garish painting of Salt Bae with soccer legend Maradona, who died in 2020.
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      He captioned the video: “Forever reserve.”
      The painting appears to be based on a photo as the Argentina icon is wearing the same outfit as when he visited the restaurant in 2018.
      Salt Bae’s mawkish tribute came despite Maradona hilariously mocking the chef’s “sprinkle” gimmick to his face.
      Video from the time shows the star’s reaction after being invited to mimic Gökçe’s trademark salt gesture.
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      Instead he takes a pinch of salt and disdainfully dabs in the air with his fingers right under the chef’s nose.
      Earlier this week Salt Bae shared an old video of him hugging Lionel Messi after being trolled over the footballer’s snub on the pitch.
      Messi and his wife visited the same Dubai steakhouse in 2018.
      France ace Paul Pogba was also there and the chef made sure he got in between the two footballers for a photo.
      Gökçe’s throwback video shows him shaking Messi’s hand and giving him a bear hug, then talking animatedly while wagging his finger at the Barcelona forward.
      His self-promoting video was captioned simply: “The champion”.
      Followers said it was “cringe” and accused him of a desperate attempt to prove he is pals with Messi after getting the cold shoulder days earlier.
      After the world cup final, Gökçe was filmed grabbing the Argentina captain by the shoulder at least twice.
      Messi tried to shrug him off before finally agreeing to pose for an awkward picture.
      The fame-hungry chef was shot down by his own fans for his desperate attempts to get close to the footballing star.
      One said: “This is embarrassing.”
      Another said: “He wanna prove that he wasn’t ghosted by Messi.”
      As well as badgering Messi, he was filmed muscling in on the Argentina squad’s celebrations and snatching the trophy from one winner’s baby.
      Gökçe also pretended to do his trademark salt-sprinkling trick over the £17million gold trophy as irritated players stood by.
      And boastful pics on his Insta page showed his kissing the trophy and holding it aloft like a champion.
      The disgraceful spectacle reportedly broke Fifa’s rules, which say only former winners and heads of state can handle it.
      BBC host Gary Lineker shared footage of his attention-seeking antics, saying: “He’s such a pest.”
      And former FA chairman Greg Dyke said: “I don’t think Fifa and Infantino have come out of this very well.”
      Fifa has reportedly refused to say if Salt Bae was granted access to the pitch.
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      It did not respond to The Sun Online’s request for comment.
      The celeb chef has been slammed for pestering Messi after Argentina’s World Cup winCredit: instagram
      Salt Bae has been panned by his own fansCredit: instagram More

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      Poland boss Czeslaw Michniewicz becomes ninth World Cup chief to leave job after last-16 exit to France

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      POLAND manager Czeslaw Michniewicz will leave his post as national team coach at the end of the year, it has been confirmed.He becomes the ninth World Cup manager to leave his job.
      Czeslaw Michniewicz took charge of Poland at the start of the yearCredit: Reuters
      The 52-year-old only took over his country in January following the departure of Paulo Sousa.
      And he led Poland beyond the World Cup group stage for the first time since 1986.
      A goalless draw with Mexico was followed up by a 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, before a 2-0 loss to Argentina saw them finish runners-up in Group C.
      They then came up against defending champions France in the last-16 and were comfortably beaten 3-1 as their Qatar journey came to an end.
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      Now Polish FA president Cezary Kulesza has revealed Michniewicz’s contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of 2022.
      In a statement, Kulesza said: “On behalf of the board of PZPN, we would like to thank Czeslaw Michniewicz for 11 months of work as a coach.
      “As we know, the coach took over the team at a very difficult time.
      “Despite these circumstances, he managed to win qualification for the World Cup, and also kept our place in the Nations League elite.
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      “He also led the national team to their first World Cup knockout stage in 36 years. For this, Czeslaw Michniewicz deserves thanks.”
      Michniewicz’s departure comes after the exit of several high-profile World Cup managers.
      Luis Enrique left Spain following their last-16 defeat to Morocco.
      Portugal boss Fernando Santos was then sacked after their quarter-final defeat.
      Brazil head coach Tite left following the pre-tournament favourites’ last-eight exit at the hands of Croatia, while Belgium’s group-stage departure ended Roberto Martinez’s national team reign.
      Holland boss Louis van Gaal, Mexico’s Gerardo Martino, Ghana’s Otto Addo and South Korea’s Paulo Bento are the others to have relinquished their positions since the end of their World Cup campaigns. More

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      Salt Bae BANNED from major sports event after World Cup final antics and Lionel Messi snub

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      SALT BAE has been banned from attending a US sporting event after his behavior at the World Cup final.The celebrity chef and restaurant mogul sparked outrage with his antics in Qatar on Sunday.
      Salt Bae has been banned from a US sporting eventCredit: Getty
      The celebrity chef was on the pitch after the World Cup final trying to take photos with players and get his hands on the trophyCredit: Twitter – @@JCUStreaks10
      Salt Bae also badgered Lionel Messi after the gameCredit: Twitter
      Salt Bae, whose real name is Nusret Gokce, begged Lionel Messi for a selfie after Argentina’s win.
      He also held the World Cup trophy – which is a no-go.
      And soccer chiefs in the US are keen to avoid a repeat if the Turkish chef ever decides to attend.
      The US Open Cup tweeted: “Salt Bae is hereby banned from the 2023 US Open Cup final.”

      The US Open Cup is a knockout competition featuring teams from the MLS as well as other domestic tournaments.
      It’s not known whether Salt Bae had the 2023 event on his radar.
      But now the decision has been taken out of his hands by the tournament chiefs.
      Salt Bae was slammed for his “pathetic” pestering of Messi and for holding the World Cup.
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      One Twitter user said: “The man’s just won the World Cup literally minutes prior and this ‘celebrity’ is feeling he’s entitled to get his attention.”
      Another wrote: “You shouldn’t touch the Cup. You’re not a champion.”
      And one more said: “You shouldn’t have touched that trophy only the players and staff who worked their asses off to become champions have that right.” More

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      Croatia star Josko Gvardiol arrives for World Cup celebrations in banged out old Fiat Punto and fans are LOVING it

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      CROATIA defender Josko Gvardiol turned up to his local World Cup celebrations in an old Fiat Punto.The 20-year-old RB Leipzig centre-back had a sensational tournament as the 2018 runners-up enjoyed another superb journey to the semi-finals before being beaten by Argentina.
      Josko Gvardiol was one of the standout performers in QatarCredit: Getty
      Gvardiol arrived for the World Cup celebrations in an old Fiat PuntoCredit: u_ludi_antisa
      Zlatko Dalic’s side then finished their Qatar campaign with a 2-1 win over Morocco to clinch the bronze medal.
      Upon his return to Croatia, Gvardiol quickly headed to his father’s native village on the Dalmatian coast to celebrate their run to the last four.
      And fans were loving the fact that he rocked up in a tiny Fiat Punto.
      Reacting on social media, one person said: “I’m liking this guy more and more.”
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      Another added: “I have the same car as Gvardiol!”
      A third said: “My dad has had that same car for 18 years. And he is also still waiting for it to move.”
      And a fourth responded: “Is Josko the new favourite humble boy?”
      Gvardiol, who played every minute of Croatia’s World Cup, made most people’s teams of the tournament following his superb displays.
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      And his step up to the biggest stage has subsequently seen him linked with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United.
      Gvardiol was recently quizzed on the speculation surrounding his future and told The Athletic: “My agent is taking care of this and we will see.
      “Right now, I’m happy in Leipzig. I don’t know, we will see – you never know.

      “You know the stories and these things, but all I can say is that I’m happy in Leipzig and right now I’m going to stay there and perform for them.”
      Gvardiol only signed a new deal with the Bundesliga side three months ago to keep him under contact until 2027. More

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      Lewis Hamilton slams racist trolls who targeted France’s World Cup stars after heartbreaking final loss to Argentina

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      SIR LEWIS HAMILTON has slammed the internet trolls who targeted members of the French national team with sickening racist abuse after the World Cup final.France suffered a devastating World Cup final defeat to Argentina on Sunday.
      Some France stars including Kolo Muani and Tchouameni were subjected to racist abuseCredit: Rex
      Hamilton has slammed the racist trollsCredit: Getty
      Hamilton spoke out on social mediaCredit: @lewishamilton
      With the score tied at 3-3 after extra time, the match was decided on penalties and Argentina eventually lifted the trophy after winning the shootout 4-2.
      However, after the game some members of the French national team – including Aurelien Tchouameni, Randal Kolo Muani and Kingsley Coman – received vile racist abuse from social media trolls.
      Tchouameni has since limited the comments on his Instagram, while Kolo Muani has turned them off completely.
      Formula One superstar Hamilton has criticised the racist trolls in a passionate statement on social media.
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      In an Instagram story post, he wrote: “Disgusted but not surprised. @Aurelientchm and @R_kolomuani gave it everything.
      “They’re heroes to so many and deserve nothing but respect.”
      Hamilton also spoke out about the horrific racist abuse suffered by England stars Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho after last summer’s Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.
      In an Instagram post last July, he wrote: “We saw the racial abuse online of the football players, which was devastating to see.
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      “It shows that the nation still has a long, long way to go. In my personal opinion it stems from education.
      “We also need more support from social media platforms. We had that blackout earlier in the year but it is not enough.
      “We need to stop that abuse that happens online. And this commission highlights one of the areas we can improve and I hope it starts a ripple effect of more change going forwards.”
      He also wrote: “This sort of ignorance has to be stopped. Tolerance and respect for players of colour should not be conditional. Our humanity should not be conditional.
      “Please call out those you see posting hatred online. Challenge them to see the humanity in everyone regardless of their colour.
      “Super proud of how far the England team were able to go. Super proud of Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and the entire team.” More

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      Topless Argentina fan says she’s fled to Europe as she posts new Insta updates after cheeky Qatar World Cup stunt

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      THE Argentina fan who risked jail by going topless at the World Cup final has revealed she has safely fled to Europe.Noemi Gomez sparked fears for her safety after she was spotted on live TV stripping off to celebrate Argentina’s dramatic penalty shootout win over France.
      Noemi Gomez posted a cheeky update as she assured fans she is safeCredit: Instagram
      Noe, left, and her pal Milu stripped off after the World Cup finalCredit: Instagram – @ noe.dreams1
      The two women risked jail by going topless in strict QatarCredit: Instagram – @ noe.dreams1
      Noe and her pal Milu Barbiie – who also flashed her bare boobs – were reportedly escorted from the stadium.
      Their antics broke strict laws in Qatar and there were fears they had both been thrown in jail.
      However it emerged both women were able to board planes to leave the Gulf state.
      Noe assured fans she was safe as she posted updates on Instagram last night.
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      She said: “I managed to escape Qatar and find refuge in the European Union.”
      Her latest post shows her poolside in a thong bikini with the cheeky caption “Hola campeones” – hello champions.
      It is not clear which country she is in, but her pal Milu filmed herself walking in Madrid yesterday.
      Noe appears to be revelling in her newfound fame and has renamed herself “La chica del topless” on social media – The Topless Girl.
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      She and Milu each has more than 100,000 followers thanks to their Cup final stunt.
      Millions watching around the world saw them flashing their chests as fans celebrated the winning penalty on Sunday night.
      Noe also shared more topless clips from celebrations inside the Lusail stadium.
      The two women are seen facing the cheering crowds and celebrating with their tops off.
      And another clip showed her and her pal whipping their tops off outside in the street while having a photo with grinning fans.
      In another video, Noe and her pal can be seen getting ready before the game.
      Two men can be seen painting the blue and white Argentina flag over their nipples.
      Noe revealed they had agreed to go topless if Argentina won and “had to keep our promise” despite the risk of jail.
      She said they were not arrested by authorities in Qatar – even after flashing fans outside the stadium.
      Noe later posted a photo of her boarding a plane – and wrote: “Start the ship at once before they come pick me up.”
      In another post commenting on the World Cup, she wrote: “Finished the best trip of my life.”
      Glam footie fans risk being slapped with huge fines – or even put behind bars if they flash too much flesh in Qatar.

      Non-Qatari women don’t need to wear the abaya – the long, black robe-like dress worn by women in parts of the Muslim world.
      But they must cover their their midriff and shoulders, and skirts, dresses and trousers must cover the knees.
      Women travelling in to the Arab nation are also banned from wearing any tight clothing, or flashing any cleavage.
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      Fotball Wags were advised to wear a scarf to help cover their busts.
      The World Cup’s “hottest fan”, former Miss Croatia Ivana Knoll, previously flouted strict rules as she appeared at games in skimpy outfits.
      The pair even flashed fans outside the stadiumCredit: Instagram – @ noe.dreams1
      Noe, right, and her pal posed with the Argentina flag painted over their nipplesCredit: Instagram – @ noe.dreams1
      Noe showed off the work in progress on her topless paint job before the gameCredit: Instagram – @ noe.dreams1
      Noe posted a picture of her and her friend Milu on her Instagram after the gameCredit: Instagram – @noe.dreams1
      Fears were growing over Noe’s safety after she was filmed flashing fansCredit: Canalpais
      Noe and Milu were spotted on TV during the finalCredit: BBC More

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      Emmanuel Petit reveals Cristiano Ronaldo trait Olivier Giroud possesses and slams Arsenal and Chelsea hero’s critics

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      ARSENAL legend Emmanuel Petit insists Olivier Giroud has the “same mentality” as Cristiano Ronaldo as he slammed his Premier League critics.Giroud shone bright with France during the 2022 World Cup as he became his country’s record goalscorer with 53 goals and surpassed Gunners legend Thierry Henry in the process.
      Emmanuel Petit slammed France star Olivier Giroud’s Premier League criticsCredit: Rex
      The AC Milan star’s World Cup run ended in a sour note as Les Bleus lost the final to Argentina on penalties after a stunning 3-3 draw but he still carved his name in the history books.
      The striker didn’t have it easy as he received plenty of criticism during his nine-year stint in the Premier League despite his success with Arsenal and Chelsea.
      The 36-year-old joined the Gunners in 2012 and registered 105 goals as well as 41 assists in 253 appearances, which led to three FA Cup honours and as many Community Shields.
      The Frenchman moved to Chelsea in 2018 where he amassed 39 goals as well as 14 assists in 119 matches and won the FA Cup, Europa League as well as the Champions League.
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      Petit always believed in Giroud and insists he has proven his “disrespectful” critics wrong thanks to his resolve and work ethic.
      The former Arsenal and Chelsea star added that the reason he got so much stick is because he wasn’t a “romantic” on the pitch like Ronaldo.
      But the France legend is adamant that Giroud still has the same character as the Manchester United legend because he never gave up and always delivered.
      Speaking to Mega Casino, Petit said: “For Giroud, nothing has been given to him. Everything that he has achieved in his career is because of his work, his mental strength and his resilience.
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      “Every time you try to show him the door, he will go to the window. If you show him the window, he will come back to the garage, he will always find a way to come back and to prove you wrong.
      “For me, [Kylian] Mbappe, [Lionel] Messi, Ronaldo, they are amazing players and a big example for everyone, but being a sportsman is not all about having extraordinary ability, being a sportsman is about showing different qualities as well, qualities Giroud has in abundance.
      “Humility, hard work, he doesn’t speak out or cause problems. He doesn’t harass people on the pitch. He keeps himself to himself and is very humble.
      “When you speak to people about Giroud, even his friends, they all say the same thing about him – he will surprise you. He keeps going and going and going.
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      Emmanuel Petit claims Olivier Giroud has the same mentality as Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Reuters
      “Last year, he wasn’t picked for the France team for months because [Karim] Benzema was back and there were problems within the camp after the European Championships; egos, family.
      “All of a sudden he was shown the door by France, but because of all of the injuries that happened before the World Cup, [Didier] Deschamps had no choice but to put him in the squad.
      “What he has done, where he is fighting against almost everyone and constantly proving to people that he is good enough – the career he has had, it’s amazing. He deserves everything that has come his way.
      “It was not so long ago that I could hear people saying he doesn’t deserve the medals he has won in his career. What!? Why?
      “I heard that in England too from former players, pundits on TV. I thought that was so disrespectful to Giroud. Have these guys forgotten what it means to be a professional footballer?
      “It’s not all about skills on the ball, scoring spectacular goals, it’s the resolve as well. Giroud is an example for everyone that wants to be a professional footballer.
      Emmanuel Petit insists Olivier Giroud was successful at Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: Rex
      “I’ve always supported him, even in the middle of a storm, when he wasn’t playing, wasn’t scoring because I knew the guy. I knew his mentality and his quality.
      “He will never give up. Never. He will do whatever it takes to reach his targets. For me, this is the definition of a professional sportsman.
      “Can you imagine if Giroud had the quality of Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? I think he has the same mentality as Ronaldo – Giroud is so strong in his mind – he is almost like a robot because he has so much belief and determination. You have to show respect to Giroud.
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      “He wasn’t a romantic on the pitch, that is why [he was criticised]. Sometimes he would miss big chances, but he kept going. I remember when he went to Chelsea, [Frank] Lampard was in charge and he had spent most of his time on the bench, but he decided to bring him back in for the last seven or eight games. He saved Chelsea’s season.
      “Then he went to Milan, where he won the title. Now he is at the World Cup and he has just become France’s record goalscorer. If that’s not enough to convince you that he doesn’t deserve all the success he has had, then I have nothing to say to you.” More

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      Man Utd and Liverpool must SMASH transfer record to land Enzo Fernandez as Benfica name their price for World Cup star

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      BENFICA have reportedly slapped a whopping £105million price tag on Enzo Fernandez.The midfielder was one of Argentina’s standout performers in their triumphant World Cup campaign, catching the eye of many with a string of solid performances.
      Enzo Fernandez was one of Argentina’s star performers at the World CupCredit: GETTY
      But Benfica reportedly won’t let him go for anything less than his £105million release clauseCredit: GETTY
      Premier League big boys Liverpool were understood to be admirers of Fernandez before his stellar Qatar 2022 displays, which have reportedly piqued the interest of Manchester United.
      But it’s claimed the duo will have to shatter the Prem’s record transfer fee to acquire his services as Benfica have no intention of selling him for a penny less than his mammoth £105m release clause.
      If Liverpool were to push through for a deal to sign Fernandez, it would shatter the club record £85m fee they paid Benfica for Darwin Nunez last summer.
      United, meanwhile, would top their former world-record £89million fee for the recently-departed Paul Pogba.
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      The reported interest in Fernandez, who scooped the World Cup’s Young Player of the Tournament award, hasn’t shocked his international skippe Lionel Messi.

      The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner said of 21-year-old: “I’m not surprised by Enzo.
      “I know him and I see him train every day.
      “He deserves it because he’s a spectacular player.”
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      Newcastle United are also said to hold an interest in signing Fernandez, although manager Eddie Hearn recently suggested a swoop for the Argentine might be too pricey.
      He said: “I apologise to Alan [Shearer], I think I was on the other channel. I’m aware of and I know him, but I think the transfer fee might be quite lumpy.
      “From a recruitment perspective, I don’t think you ever just analyse the World Cup and sign a player off the back of those performances.
      “There’s a huge body of work that goes into signing a player, so it’s never off four weeks.
      “There will be a period of work that goes into that.
      Enzo Fernandez scooped the Young Player of the Tournament award in QatarCredit: Rex
      “That’s not to say we won’t use the World Cup as a recruitment tool to look at those players, but just solely on those games? No, we wouldn’t do that.”
      Fernandez joined Benfica from River Plate in the summer for £9million plus add-ons, although he could’ve found himself playing for Manchester City.
      City Football Group director Joan Patsy told: Què T’hi Jugues: “Manchester City could’ve signed Enzo Fernandez.
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      “But what do we do if we have Gundogan, Bernardo and Rodri in the squad?
      “He would’ve cost us less than he did Benfica. But we didn’t have a place and we knew he wouldn’t play.” More