Bruno Fernandes is relishing the hostile atmosphere at Galatasaray as Manchester United look to keep their Champions League hopes alive. Erik ten Hag’s side look unlikely to be playing at European football’s top table in the new year after defeats in three of their four Group A matches left them rooted to the bottom of the table. United have lost away to Bayern Munich and Copenhagen and at home to Galatasaray, meaning another defeat in Istanbul on Wednesday would end their Champions League dreams with a match to spare. “In the (playing) group the feeling is that we have to win both games we have ahead to hope to go through,” United captain Fernandes said ahead of the trip to Galatasaray and home game against already-qualified Bayern. “We know that’s going to be tough, it’s going to be difficult but we have to think that we can do it because we have done it in the past in difficult situations. “We get through some difficult periods, so we just have to do it again.” Asked about the boost that United will get having won 3-0 at Everton before heading out to Turkey, he said: “We always feel confident because we know the qualities we have on the team. “Obviously sometimes you don’t get the results you want but we feel confident because we have confidence in the team we have, in the players we have, in the process we are (going) through. “We know that it’s already the second year with this manager, so some of the things have to be better and we have to improve that on the road to win games.” I think when you are a kid you want to play in this kind of atmosphere Bruno Fernandes United lost to Galatasaray 3-2 in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford last month and now face one of the most intimidating atmospheres in Europe – something Fernandes believes will help his performance rather than hinder it. “We prepare for that,” the Portugal international said. “I think when you are a kid you want to play in this kind of atmosphere. “You know that Galatasaray away is going to be great, is going to be an amazing atmosphere. “I think, me as a player I love playing (in these) kind of stadiums because it’s a big boost for you. “I know it’s going to come against you, but it has to be a big boost playing in stadiums with a crowd like that. “We’re pretty sure that our away fans will really give us something too.” United will need to dig deep and stick together if they are to leave Istanbul with the victory they require. Beyond the difficulties presented by the host team and fans, Ten Hag’s side will also be without the suspended Marcus Rashford and a string of a first-team players in Istanbul. “The other ones have to step (up),” Fernandes said. “They have to step like Kobbie (Mainoo) did (at Everton). “Everyone else that gets the chance, they have to make a big step and make a statement to be in the squad.” Read More Man City unveil statue of club greats Mike Summerbee, Colin Bell and Francis Lee Football rumours: Juventus eyeing swoop for Thomas Partey On this day in 2015: Jamie Vardy scores in 11th game in a row Chicago Bears end their losing run against Minnesota Vikings Carolina Panthers sack head coach Frank Reich after one win in 11 games Mike Phelan warns Man Utd not to get distracted by fierce Galatasaray atmosphere

As the Saudi money rolled in, some might have thought Eddie Howe’s days were numbered. With big-money, marquee player signings coming through the door, an elite, high-profile coach would surely not be too far behind. At the start of this season, it appeared Howe had reached his limitations. Three defeats in Newcastle United’s opening four league games gave credence to claims all that was missing from the PIF Toon revolution was a new figurehead. However, despite having to work with a squad so injury-ravaged, Howe has Newcastle buzzing again. His lack of willingness to be drawn on Newcastle’s Middle Eastern overlords does not make him universally popular, but what Howe is doing with his team, a threadbare one at that, is nothing short of remarkable. A recent uptick in results is no fluke – Howe has accepted having to work with 14 fit players and academy kids as backups and is getting on with it, eking every inch out from his shell of a side, with some innovative thinking and a gameplan his players need not stray too far from. “The gaffer, that’s it. The gaffer,” defender Jamaal Lascelles insisted after Saturday’s win over Chelsea, when asked what the difference between playing for Newcastle before the takeover compared to now was. “Everything he’s done, the philosophy, the culture, the way he gets us working. I could stand here all day and talk about it. He’s improved everyone as a player, he’s improved us as a team, everyone knows what they have to do on the pitch.” That last point was illustrated perfectly in Saturday’s encounter with Chelsea. Newcastle had no right to win that game – against a Blues team on the up, with three goalkeepers and four academy players on the bench – and after Raheem Sterling equalised in the first half, there appeared likely to be only one winner. Yet, somehow, with Mauricio Pochettino able to turn to £300m worth of cavalry, Newcastle dug deep, stuck to their jobs, and ran out rampant 4-1 winners. One was a collection of individuals, the other was a team. And that is down to Howe. He is really trying everything possible to gain an advantage. The full-to-bursting St. James’ treatment room and a crucial clash in Paris leaves him with no alternative. One look at Newcastle’s set pieces tells you all you need to know about the work that is going on at the training ground. The scene is more akin to the NFL. The majority of black and white shirts in the box are “blockers” creating plenty of space for their most lethal options from Kieran Trippier’s excellent deliveries into the penalty area. One particular routine worked out perfectly on Saturday, but Joelinton still somehow headed wide with the goal at his mercy. The results are startling, nonetheless. Having been one of the least threatening teams from set plays previously, Since the start of the 2022-23 Premier League season, no club have a better expected goal (xG) difference per 100 set pieces than Newcastle. No stone is left unturned as Howe tries to find an edge to revive his side’s Champions League campaign. “A change of feel, just a different routine, you never know how these things affect your performance,” Howe said of his side’s decision to train on the Parc des Princes pitch ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain, as opposed to remaining at home on the day of the game as they did in their previous two away group games. “The results you can never guarantee, but performance, we’re looking for an improvement from our two away games. So that’s why we’ve done what we’ve done today.” PSG come into the contest as favourites having hit five past Monaco at the weekend, and a defeat would end Newcastle’s Champions League hopes. Without half of his squad, against one of the best sides in the world, Howe and his side really shouldn’t stand a chance. As Chelsea will testify to, however, count them out at your peril.

Manchester City take on RB Leipzig hoping to secure top spot in Champions League Group G. Pep Guardiola’s side are unbeaten so far in their European campaign and are averaging three goals per game in European competition. Their opponents are also already sure of a place in the knockout stages with their defeat in the reverse fixture the sole blemish thus far for the German club. Marco Rose knows his side will face a tough task at the home of the defending champions, though. Here’s everything you need to know. Get the latest Champions League odds and tips here. When is Manchester City vs RB Leipzig? Manchester City vs RB Leipzig is due to kick off at . How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage on the channel from 7.45pm GMT. Subscribers can stream the action via discovery+. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider. Team news John Stones was back on the bench for a depleted Manchester City at the weekend, though Pep Guardiola suggested before kick off that the England international might not yet be quite ready to play. Jack Grealish missed the encounter with Liverpool due to illness and may be back amongst things here, which may be necessary with Kevin de Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes all seemingly still absent. Timo Werner and Dani Olmo are among those currently sidelined at RB Leipzig, who were beaten by Wolfsburg in their weekend league action. Emil Forsberg started that Bundesliga encounter on the bench and may be promoted into the starting side. Predicted line-ups Manchester City XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Akanji; Foden, Alvarez, Silva, Doku; Haaland. RB Leipzig XI: Blaswich; Henrichs, Simakan, Lukeba, Raum; Schlager, Haidara; Simons, Forsberg; Openda, Poulsen. Odds Manchester City win 1/3 Draw 9/2 RB Leipzig win 15/2 Get all the latest football betting sites offers here. Prediction A comfortable home win. Manchester City 3-1 RB Leipzig Read More Football rumours: Juventus eyeing swoop for Thomas Partey Gvardiol’s reminder of how far he’s come - and what he needs to succeed at City Pep Guardiola provides Kevin De Bruyne injury update Guardiola describes ‘incredible’ impact of Venables at Barcelona Guardiola makes plea to Man City fans in pursuit of continued success Pep Guardiola pays tribute to Terry Venables: ‘A true gentleman’

What the papers say Juventus have emerged as potential suitors for Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, 30, according to the Daily Mirror. The Gunners have been linked with Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, 25. Chelsea are streamlining their transfer policy with a “one in, one out” approach. The Daily Telegraph says the move could see a number of players making way for new signings. Among those who could leave the Blues are 39-year-old Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, whose contract is set to expire next summer, according to the Evening Standard. England Under-21 defender Trevoh Chalobah, 24, who is up for sale is another who coule be on the way out. Social media round-up Players to watch Tristan Aldcroft Panduro: Manchester City and Arsenal have sent scouts to watch the 15-year-old FC Copenhagen midfielder, reports the Daily Mail. Marc Guehi: Manchester United have made Crystal Palace’s 23-year-old centre-back their primary January target, according to Football Insider. Read More On this day in 2015: Jamie Vardy scores in 11th game in a row Chicago Bears end their losing run against Minnesota Vikings ‘What is the point of VAR?’ asks angry Gary O’Neil as Wolves lose at Fulham

Jamie Vardy scored for the 11th match in a row on this day in 2015 to break Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Premier League record and earn Leicester a 1-1 draw with Manchester United. The England forward opened the scoring against Manchester United in the 24th minute to surpass Van Nistelrooy’s 10-game mark, which had stood since 2003. Vardy found his 14th goal of the season when he got on the end of Christian Fuchs’ pass and rifled past David De Gea from close range and become the first player to score in 11 consecutive games in the Premier League era. Manchester United managed to find an equaliser when Bastian Schweinsteiger cancelled out Vardy’s opener with a powerful header from close range to make it 1-1. The 28-year-old started the run of consecutive games with a late penalty in a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth three months earlier in August which included doubles against Arsenal and Southampton, a winner against Watford and the record-equalling strike in a 3-0 win at Newcastle the week before. Vardy’s incredible run came after he was made an England international in June, just three years after becoming non-league football’s first £1million player following a move to the King Power Stadium from Fleetwood in 2012. After breaking the record, Vardy said: “It’s unbelievable. I think I got a bit carried away with myself. “Obviously we’ve got a lot of pace in the team and I think counter-attacking is a big advantage for us. “If we can break as quick we have, then obviously it is going to benefit the team.” Vardy’s goals helped power the Foxes to the Premier League crown under Claudio Ranieri and he finished the season as the league’s second top scorer behind Golden Boot winner Sergio Aguero. No player has yet to break Vardy’s record which still stands and he went on to win more silverware with Leicester, lifting the FA Cup trophy in 2021 before being relegated with the club in 2023. Read More Chicago Bears end their losing run against Minnesota Vikings ‘What is the point of VAR?’ asks angry Gary O’Neil as Wolves lose at Fulham Gary O’Neil says Wolves loss at Fulham may have ‘finally turned him against VAR’

Gary O’Neil asked “what is the point in VAR?” after his Wolves side conceded a controversial late penalty during a 3-2 defeat at Craven Cottage. VAR sent referee Michael Salisbury to the screen to award a penalty after Joao Gomes brought Harry Wilson down in the box, Willian scoring his second spot kick of the game to seal all three points for Fulham. O’Neil highlighted the decisions involving the late penalty, Carlos Vinicius’ alleged headbutt on Max Kilman and why Tim Ream did not receive a second yellow for a foul on Hwang Hee-Chan. The Wolves boss criticised the decisions during the game and believes VAR has not helped the referee. I think the ref would have done a better job on his own. I don't think VAR helped him but in fact it hindered him Gary O'Neil O’Neil said: “I don’t think it’s helped the game, “I think the ref would have done a better job on his own. I don’t think VAR helped him but in fact it hindered him. “Sending him to the screen for one and not to the other, not advising him there is a headbutt or that Tim Ream should receive a red card. What is the point in VAR? “They said they got the Harry Wilson one right (last penalty decision). There’s minimal contact and I don’t think there’s enough.” O’Neil, who spoke to the referee after the match, also felt aggrieved about Fulham’s first penalty awarded for a foul by Nelson Semedo on Tom Cairney. He told Sky Sports: “Nelson plays the ball, doesn’t touch Tom Cairney. I watched it back with the referee, and to be fair to him he says he thinks they’ve got that wrong and he should have been sent to the monitor.” Fulham boss Marco Silva lauded his side’s mentality to end a run of four games without a win and to go ahead in the game on three separate occasions. He said: “We knew Wolves would show resilience tonight again and they brought it back twice and we showed team spirit and I really believed we deserved three points. “It is important to express ourselves on the pitch. We had some very good spells in some times in the game. “But the mentality, team spirit and it was a game we had to win and we did it.” Willian scored his second and third of the season from the spot and Silva praised the experienced 35-year-old. “He is really important for us and we know the quality of Willian,” Silva added. “My decision last season to change the taker because he is a player who needs more importance and confidence and it was nice to see him take responsibility with two very good moments from him. “Overall his performance was very good. Two chances he must score and he did it in very good style, I must say.” Read More Gary O’Neil says Wolves loss at Fulham may have ‘finally turned him against VAR’ Carolina Panthers sack head coach Frank Reich after one win in 11 games Mike Phelan warns Man Utd not to get distracted by fierce Galatasaray atmosphere Late Willian penalty earns Fulham victory in five-goal thriller against Wolves RB Leipzig hoping to restore some pride at Man City after 7-0 loss – Marco Rose Forest investigating allegations of homophobic abuse by fans at Brighton game

Gary O’Neil admitted Wolves’ 3-2 defeat at Fulham may have ‘finally turned him against VAR’ following a number of controversial calls. Willian scored two penalties – including a stoppage-time winner – at Craven Cottage, while Alex Iwobi’s early strike was cancelled out by Matheus Cunha and Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan also scored from the spot. The Cottagers won their first penalty after Tom Cairney beat Nelson Semedo to the ball and was brought down in the box, and a VAR check ruled the incident to have happened inside the area, with Willian stuttering in his run-up and sending Jose Sa the wrong way After reviewing the decision with referee Michael Salisbury after the match, O’Neil told Sky Sports: “Nelson plays the ball, doesn’t touch Tom Cairney. I watched it back with the referee, and to be fair to him he says he thinks they’ve got that wrong and he should have been sent to the monitor. “Doesn’t help me. It doesn’t help all the fans that have travelled all this way to watch the team. Doesn’t help the players who are feeling frustrated again. The Nelson one has pretty much been admitted by the referee that (there was) a mistake.” Willian’s winner sparked more debate, O’Neil maintaining the second penalty, issued after Joao Gomes was deemed to have brought down Harry Wilson in the box, was “soft”, but Salisbury in that case stood by his decision to ultimately award the penalty – the result of VAR Stuart Attwell encouraging him to check the pitchside monitor. O’Neil, who has seen his side emerge on the wrong end of decisions before, said: “It’s bad luck that it keeps going against us, but there are bad refereeing decisions in there. “I’ve had a real grown-up conversation in there with him, I’m trying to remain calm. I’m not angry with anybody. I’m not in there abusing people. It’s literally a conversation around, ‘come on, guys, it’s six, seven points now that have gone against us, I’m managing a big football club here, and the difference that you’re making to my reputation, to the club’s progression up the league, to people’s livelihoods is huge’. “It can’t be that with all the technology and all the time and the biggest league in the world that we’re getting so many wrong. It can’t be OK. “I’ve always been for VAR but I think it’s causing a big problem at the moment. Maybe tonight has finally turned me against VAR when I thought it would probably help, but it doesn’t seem to be.” Fulham boss Marco Silva, meanwhile, was relieved to have secured a first victory in five matches. He told Sky Sports: “It’s a really important win for us. We wanted a reaction from the last, back-to-back defeats. Of course it is always tough for us. It is something that we are not used to. “I really wanted to see that quality, that intensity, the pace, the will to go. The team showed very good spirit. Overall it was a balanced game but we were always trying to do more to win than Wolves, I believe.” Read More Carolina Panthers sack head coach Frank Reich after one win in 11 games Mike Phelan warns Man Utd not to get distracted by fierce Galatasaray atmosphere Late Willian penalty earns Fulham victory in five-goal thriller against Wolves RB Leipzig hoping to restore some pride at Man City after 7-0 loss – Marco Rose Forest investigating allegations of homophobic abuse by fans at Brighton game Former England rugby captain Sarah Hunter enjoying ‘not feeling beaten up’

Willian completed his brace with a dramatic stoppage-time winner from the penalty spot as Fulham held off Wolves to claim all three points in a thrilling 3-2 victory at Craven Cottage. The experienced 35-year-old scored two penalties, while Alex Iwobi’s early strike was cancelled out by Matheus Cunha and Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan also netted from the spot.The winger’s double took his tally to three for the season as the Cottagers claimed their first victory in four games.A golden chance was presented to the hosts after 40 seconds. The creative Andreas Pereira whipped a dangerous ball into the box and Fulham striker Raul Jimenez swung his boot but failed to convert his second in as many games. But Pereira’s efforts were rewarded in the seventh minute when he set up the opening goal of the game. The Brazilian was everywhere. He drifted onto the left before he beat his marker and delivered another perfect drilled low pass, this time to the alert Iwobi who gave Fulham a deserved 1-0 lead. The Cottagers looked to strike again through Jimenez, who failed to tap home before Wolves keeper Jose Sa denied Tom Cairney’s powerful effort moments later. Wolves grew into the game and were unfortunate not to score a goal of their own.Mario Lemina started positively against his old side and drove forward before unleashing Korean striker Hwang, who was denied by the crossbar. And Wolves got the goal they needed in the 22nd minute through Cunha after a magical moment of individual play in the build-up. It started through tricky Frenchman Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, who toyed with Antonee Robinson on the left flank, before he jinked outside and delivered a delightful cross to the head of Cunha in front of the empty net. The minutes before the goal suggested it was coming and Marco Silva’s side yet again paid the price for not taking their chances.Individual mistakes were a big theme of the first half and goalkeeper Bernd Leno was called into action after a defensive error in the 36th minute where Timothy Castagne dealt with a cross which would have seen Cunha claim his second at the back post. Cunha started Wolves’ first big chance in the second half when he slipped strike partner Hwang wide but his cross to Matt Doherty was kept out of danger by Castagne, who replicated his earlier heroics.But typical of the end-to-end game, Fulham won a penalty after Cairney beat Nelson Semedo to the ball and was brought down in the box. A VAR check ruled the incident to have happened inside the area and Willian stuttered in his run-up and sent Sa the wrong way, stroking his effort into the bottom right corner to restore Fulham’s lead. A deft flick on from Jimenez set Iwobi through but the Nigeria international was denied his brace by Sa who tipped his effort over before the Wolves keeper stopped another effort not long after to keep his side in the contest with 20 to go. And Wolves converted a penalty of their own in the 75th minute through Hwang. Fulham skipper Tim Ream bundled Hwang to the ground and the striker stepped up and blasted his effort down the middle to make it 2-2 in front of Wolves’ travelling supporters. In dramatic fashion Fulham won another penalty in added time after Joao Gomes was deemed to have brought down Harry Wilson in the box. The clinical Willian calmly stepped up and buried his effort past Sa to give the hosts an important 3-2 win. Read More RB Leipzig hoping to restore some pride at Man City after 7-0 loss – Marco Rose Forest investigating allegations of homophobic abuse from fans at Brighton game Former England rugby captain Sarah Hunter enjoying ‘not feeling beaten up’ Player behaviour towards referees tops agenda at meeting of game’s lawmakers Bruno Fernandes talks up Alejandro Garnacho after stunning goal at Everton Son Heung-min hurt by defeats but ‘very pleased’ with way Tottenham are playing

Mike Phelan has warned Manchester United not to get distracted by Galatasaray’s fierce atmosphere or any pre-match hostility 30 years on from his ‘Welcome to Hell’ experience. Three losses in four Group A matches means defeat in Istanbul on Wednesday night will end the Red Devils’ hopes of making the Champions League knockout phase with a game to spare. Galatasaray won last month’s reverse fixture 3-2 at Old Trafford and are sure to make life tough for Erik ten Hag’s visitors at what is set to be a rocking Rams Park. The encounter brings back memories of United’s famous visit to the Turkish giants’ hostile old ground in November 1993, when Phelan started a wild second round second-leg clash. “We arrived and they allowed everybody into the airport,” the former midfielder said. “There was a fair few there. “I think they blocked it off with some glass, Perspex, something like that. “There was a lot of police there, but they were just all shouting, jeering and holding these placards that we’re going to die over there. “An unusual welcome, put it that way. But there was a lot of intimidation really in the atmosphere at the airport. When we got to the hotel, exactly the same.” Gary Pallister was part of the travelling party and remembers the ‘Welcome to Hell’ placards, as well as the intimidation extending to their plush hotel. “I was walking past this bellboy, he’s pushing one of the trolley things that you hang your suit on and carries suitcases,” Pallister said. “As I’m walking past him, I just went ‘afternoon’ or whatever and he just went like that (makes a slit throat gesture) and I just carried on walking. “I was like ‘wow, this is a bit different’. But I mean that’s what we faced most of the trip I would suggest.” The air of intimidation continued throughout a trip that ended in United’s Champions League exit, with a 3-3 draw at Old Trafford followed by a 0-0 at the rickety Ali Sami Yen Stadium. Eric Cantona was sent off towards the conclusion of a game that ended with the forward and Bryan Robson furious at having been attacked as they left the field. United have made two less chaotic Champions League visits to Galatasaray since then and Phelan says cool heads are required in what is a huge game for both teams. “Just play the game,” Phelan said. “The best place to be is on the pitch. “Off the pitch is where frustrations are but on the pitch you are in control. I think you've got to control the game because you can't control the atmosphere Mike Phelan “On the pitch it is up to what you do, not necessarily what Galatasaray do. It’s what you do. “What is your game plan? Can you execute your game plan? Have you got the confidence to go there to get the result that you need? “Can your big players turn up? Because you need your big players. In big games and occasions, you need your big players. “I think you’ve got to control the game because you can’t control the atmosphere. “You might be able to, in a little way, if your retention of the ball is good and you’re not making mistakes, then you control the game, control the ball, and that can silence the crowd – don’t encourage the crowd.” Victory on Wednesday would be United’s most important Champions League away win since their stunning 3-1 last 16 second-leg triumph at Paris St Germain in 2019. Phelan was assistant to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back then and says they just need to keep the mentality that “it’s a game of football”. “Galatasaray are in a fantastic position, being at home and knowing they can go through with a win, so their team talk will be slightly different to United’s,” he said. “But United know the task ahead – they have to win two games. But you can only play one at a time, so win the first one, then take up the challenge of playing Bayern.” Read More Late Willian penalty earns Fulham victory in five-goal thriller against Wolves RB Leipzig hoping to restore some pride at Man City after 7-0 loss – Marco Rose Forest investigating allegations of homophobic abuse from fans at Brighton game Former England rugby captain Sarah Hunter enjoying ‘not feeling beaten up’ Player behaviour towards referees tops agenda at meeting of game’s lawmakers Bruno Fernandes talks up Alejandro Garnacho after stunning goal at Everton

RB Leipzig are hoping to restore some pride as they return to the scene of last season’s thrashing by Manchester City, coach Marco Rose has said. The German side were crushed 7-0 by the eventual Champions League winners when they visited the Etihad Stadium in the last-16 stage of the competition in March. The two sides meet again at the same venue for a group match on Tuesday, with both having already secured their places in the knockout stages. Rose said at a press conference: “Last year with the 7-0 thrashing, it put us down, it knocked us down. We haven’t spoken about it but it was not a good feeling after the game. “But we became cup champions in Germany after the game and we qualified for the Champions League, so it didn’t destroy us as a team. “Tomorrow we want to do better for sure. We want to compete with one of the best teams in the world. We want to show that we can make it better, that we are better. “It’s difficult. We will have to suffer tomorrow. I didn’t see a team here that had much possession. Even Liverpool I think had just 40 per cent ball possession. “So we know what we’ll get but we are here to try again.” Erling Haaland scored five goals for City in that last meeting and Rose knows all about the threat the Norwegian poses having managed him at his former club Borussia Dortmund. He said: “I hope the relationship is as good as it always was but obviously he has to do his job tomorrow. We have to try and suppress him if we can. “We’ll enjoy watching him play but hopefully we’ll be able to stifle him.” Leipzig go into what is their penultimate game in Group G trailing City by three points. Top spot is still to be finalised but the Germans need to win to have any hope of overhauling the English outfit. Read More Forest investigating allegations of homophobic abuse from fans at Brighton game Former England rugby captain Sarah Hunter enjoying ‘not feeling beaten up’ Player behaviour towards referees tops agenda at meeting of game’s lawmakers

Nottingham Forest are working with the police to identify fans who are believed to have directed homophobic abuse at Brighton players and supporters on Saturday. The behaviour under investigation took place during a 3-2 victory for 10-man Brighton, who had Lewis Dunk sent off late in the second half at the City Ground. Forest condemned the alleged conduct and assured there would be consequences for those involved. A statement on the club’s official account on X, formerly Twitter, read: “Following Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion, we have been made aware of some homophobic language aimed towards Brighton players and supporters from a minority of our fans. “Homophobia, like all other forms of discrimination, has no place in football or society, and anyone engaging in discriminatory behaviour is committing a criminal offence. We are actively working with Nottinghamshire Police to identify the individuals involved, and they will be dealt with appropriately. “We would like to thank all our supporters who reported incidents. Nottingham Forest is committed to creating an inclusive environment which embraces and celebrates our differences. We want everyone who attends our stadium to have a positive experience.” Read More Former England rugby captain Sarah Hunter enjoying ‘not feeling beaten up’ Player behaviour towards referees tops agenda at meeting of game’s lawmakers Bruno Fernandes talks up Alejandro Garnacho after stunning goal at Everton

Nick Pope has told Newcastle they have to believe they can win every game if they are to be thought of as a top team. The Magpies head into Tuesday night’s crunch Champions League clash with Paris St Germain knowing their first campaign in two decades could be over if they lose. Memories of October’s 4-1 demolition of the French champions at St James’ Park, which took Eddie Howe’s men to the top of Group F after two rounds of fixtures, have faded after back-to-back defeats by Borussia Dortmund left them at the foot of the table. However, asked what they need at the Parc des Princes, Pope said: “A win would be nice. That’s not going to do any harm in any group at any stage. “It obviously keeps it in our hands as well, which is something that would be nice going into the Milan at home game. But the full focus has got to be on tomorrow night and taking it one game at a time. “Every game we go into, we’ve got to look to win, whether that’s League Cup, Champions League, league. “I believe we’re a top team and top team behaviours and top team attitudes, that’s what it is. Whoever the opponent may be, however good they are, we have to have the belief and the attitude that we want to win the game.” Newcastle managed to keep PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe and his team-mates quiet on Tyneside, but the France international has been in lethal form since, scoring 14 goals in his last 11 games for club and country. Another clean sheet in Paris would do Pope’s chances of winning back a place in the England set-up no harm and, although he insists he has no problem with manager Gareth Southgate’s decision to leave him out of recent squads, he knows what he needs to do to stand a chance of returning. He said: “You can always do more. There’s more clean sheets to be had, more saves, better performances. I’ve got to look inwardly at that. Gareth’s decision to leave me out, I’ve got to make it that he can’t leave me out.” Pope may not be the only Magpie whose form Southgate is monitoring, with Anthony Gordon staking his claim for an elevation from the under-21 ranks with a series of high-octane performances amid a crippling injury crisis. Howe was without 13 senior players for Saturday’s 4-1 league win over Chelsea, in which the former Everton man scored the final goal, and will have to play a key role in the French capital if his side is to prosper. The Magpies head coach, who may have to include 17-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley in his starting line-up once again after a hugely impressive display against the Blues, knows just how high the stakes are, but is not cowed by the pressure. Howe, who put his players through their paces at the Parc des Princes on Monday evening having trained back in Newcastle for the previous two away games, said: “It’s difficult to predict football matches and what the results may be and the permutations of others’ games. We try not to lose energy doing that. “From our side, we prepare to try to win this game, that’s all we can do and then worry about Milan afterwards. “We’re certainly not in a strong position, we’re not in the position that we wanted to be, but we are where we are and we have to just focus on this game, and I think it’s imperative we don’t lose.” Howe confirmed midfielder Joe Willock is to see a specialist on Tuesday over his Achilles injury. Read More Rumours: Sancho and Antony head up Man Utd’s 15-player sale list Newcastle face ‘defining’ clash as Howe demands team ‘play on the edge’ Gvardiol’s reminder of how far he’s come - and what he needs to succeed at City Newcastle face ‘defining’ clash as Howe demands team ‘play on the edge’ Gvardiol’s reminder of how far he’s come - and what he needs to succeed at City Player behaviour towards referees tops agenda at meeting of game’s lawmakers