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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has urged midfielder Bruno Guimaraes to learn a lesson after hitting back at “stupid” criticism on social media. The 25-year-old Brazil international has become something of a cult hero at St James’ Park since his £35million arrival from Lyon in January last year and has established an online following with his regular posts. However, he felt moved to mount a staunch defence of his team after Saturday evening’s 1-0 defeat at Manchester City, who he described as “maybe one of the best teams in the world”, accusing some detractors of having “short stupid memories” in a message since deleted. Asked about Guimaraes’ response, head coach Howe said: “I’m certainly not going to criticise the supporters here. I think it’s more a lesson for us. “I choose not to be on social media for that exact reason, because I want a clear thought process. I don’t want to pollute my thoughts with things that I read and avoid certain situations, so I take myself out of that environment. “The players can choose to be on it, that’s absolutely fine because that’s their individual choice, but I think it’s important that we don’t overly react emotionally to certain things. “Now, Bruno is a very emotional person and I think you’ve seen on the pitch, it’s so positive for us, that emotion. He uses it brilliantly, he has used it brilliantly to not just perform well, but build a feeling with the supporters because I think the supporters see how much it means to him. It's all positive in terms of that feeling that Bruno has, but this is just maybe a little lesson for him. Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe “It’s all positive in terms of that feeling that Bruno has, but this is just maybe a little lesson for him.” Howe admitted that the advent of social media has brought a new element to the lives of players which can have an impact, both positively and negatively. Asked how that can be managed, he said: “A lot of the young players now will have been on social media all of their lives or from a certain age, so it just becomes part of their daily routines, potentially, to look and to read and to be in that world. “Once you’re in it, it’s slightly more difficult to come away from it, whereas when I was growing up, it wasn’t there.” Guimaraes and his team-mates will hope to do their talking on the pitch on Sunday, when they return to action against Liverpool, the only side to beat them home and away in last season’s Premier League. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has aimed a series of barbs at the newly-enriched Tyneside club and, asked if he had a relationship with the German, Howe said: “I don’t really have a relationship with any manager. “I’m competing against them, I find it very difficult to have personal relationships with competitors. “I respect Jurgen a lot. I think he’s done an incredible job. He’s an unbelievable football manager, but I draw the line at friendships because they don’t exist for me.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Steve Borthwick has work to do – England v Fiji talking points He’s essential to Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp dismisses Mohamed Salah transfer talk Football rumours: Arsenal and Tottenham eye Ivan Toney once betting ban ends

A defiant Luis Rubiales has said he will not resign as president of the Spanish football federation despite facing widespread criticism and disciplinary proceedings over his behaviour at last Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final. The 46-year-old kissed midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy and medals presentation after Spain’s victory over England in Sydney. He had earlier grabbed his crotch in celebration while stood metres away from Spain’s Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter in the stadium’s VIP area. Football’s world governing body FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales on Thursday over his conduct, but he told an extraordinary general assembly of Spain’s football federation, the RFEF, on Friday, that he would not step down. “I will not resign,” he said multiple times. “I apologise for my mistakes. I’m going to continue fighting as my parents and my coaches taught me. Those who know me, know that we are going to get to the end.” Rubiales issued an apology via video message on Monday, but Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez described that as “insufficient”. Hermoso’s interests in the case are being managed by the FUTPRO union, which expressed its “firm and resounding condemnation” for behaviour “which violates the dignity of women” in its own statement issued on Wednesday. Rubiales is a member of UEFA’s ruling executive committee and a vice-president of European football’s governing body, and is also leading a Spanish bid to co-host the 2030 men’s World Cup finals. FIFA Congress is expected to appoint the hosts of the centenary tournament late next year. FIFA, in opening proceedings against Rubiales on Thursday, said it remained committed to “respecting the integrity of all individuals, and strongly condemns any behaviour to the contrary”. It said Rubiales’ conduct may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs one and two of the FIFA disciplinary code. That section of the code covers “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play”. The code cites examples of behaviour which could lead to disciplinary measures being taken, including “insulting a natural or legal person in any way, especially by using offensive gestures, signs or language” and “behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute”. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Underdog Daniel Dubois looks back in a bid to take a big step forward Iain Henderson wants Ireland team-mates to prove they deserve World Cup spot Eddie Howe urges Bruno Guimaraes to learn from social media criticism

After Chelsea experienced their worst season since the establishment of the Premier League, American owner Todd Boehly has taken significant measures to bring about change at Stamford Bridge. The Blues went through a revolving door of three managers last season, including Thomas Tuchel (now at Bayern Munich), Graham Potter, and interim manager and club legend Frank Lampard. Now, Mauricio Pochettino, who previously led London rivals Tottenham to a Champions League final, will take over the reins and attempt to restore stability to a club that won the Champions League as recently as 2021. This summer, the club has witnessed an astonishing number of departures already, with several key players leaving who played pivotal roles at Stamford Bridge over the past few seasons. Among those having exited are Edouard Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, N’Golo Kante, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, and Christian Pulisic. These departures mark the beginning of a new era at Chelsea and may be the transformative change required for the club to regain its place in Europe. Here are the latest transfer rumours regarding the Blues: Moises Caicedo With Kovacic, Kante and Mount departing, Chelsea will look to bring in some central midfield replacements. One such player that the Blues may target is Brighton’s Moises Caicedo. The Ecuadorian was a key player as Brighton finished sixth but has been the subject of much interest from the league’s biggest club. Chelsea’s latest bid of £80m bid has been rejected, with Brighton holding firm on their £100m valuation. It is thought that Brighton would have been willing to accept a deal that also involves Levi Colwill returning to the Amex on a permanent basis after his successful loan spell last year, but that appears unlikely with The Guardian reporting that the 21-year-old is ready to sign a six-year-deal to stay at the London club. Michael Olise After a summer of outgoings so far for the west London club, Chelsea now appear to be turning their focus to incomings as they look to assemble a squad that can improve on last season’s miserable campaign. One player reportedly being eyed up is Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, with RMC Sport suggesting that the Blues have tabled a bid for the French winger. Olise is said to have a £35m release clause in his contract, which runs until 2026, with Chelsea willing to pay above the buyout clause to secure preferable terms of payment for the 21-year-old. Chelsea are not alone in their interest in the playmaker, with Arsenal, Manchester City and PSG also said to be interested in Olise. Romelu Lukaku The Belgian has endured a torrid spell at the club since returning in 2021 and now looks set to leave the club for the second time this summer. The 30-year-old is unlikely to return to Inter, where he spent last season on loan, but could be staying in the Serie A with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Juventus are interested in the striker and a swap deal with Dusan Vlahovic. Chelsea turned down a similar deal in July but are said to be re-considering the deal now. Trevor Chalobah Wesley Fofana’s second long-term knee injury had meant that Trevor Chalobah was likely to stay at Stamford Bridge to provide cover at centre-back. However, with the imminent arrival of Axel Disasi, the Englishman now looks to have his eyes set on leaving this window to ensure playing time next season. The Evening Standard are reporting that the Blues would be willing to accept a bid of £45million for the 25-year-old with Inter one of the clubs with a long-standing interest in the centre-back. Robert Sanchez With Edouard Mendy leaving for the Saudi Pro League, Chelsea look set to dip into the market as they search for a replacement to provide competition to Kepa Arrizabalaga. That man could be Brighton’s Robert Sanchez who lost his place in the team to Jason Steele last season and did not travel to the US for Brighton’s pre-season tour. According to The Athletic, Chelsea have made an offer for the Spaniard but have yet to receive a response from Brighton. Mohammed Kudus Playing for Ajax, Kudus can play in a more attacking central midfield role as well as out on the right wing and could be the latest player to leave the Dutch club as they continue their cost-cutting measures having failed to qualify for the Champions League. The Ghanaian international could cost up to £40m and has attracted interest from Arsenal, according to The Daily Mail. Despite this, Chelsea are also said to be interested in the player with David Ornstein reporting that Chelsea have made contact with the Dutch side about a move for the 22-year-old. Callum Hudson-Odoi Chelsea’s outgoings are not done for the summer, however, with Callum Hudson-Odoi the latest to be linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old had an unsuccessful loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen last season and is reportedly training with the Under-21’s currently. Hudson-Odoi only has one year left on his contract with The Evening Standard reporting that the winger has agreed personal terms with Fulham ahead of a move to the Premier League side. Lazio are another team said to be interested in the winger but the Serie A club are yet to table a formal bid. Conor Gallagher The Chelsea midfielder has featured during the club’s pre-season tour to America but reportedly is being offered out to clubs as the west London outfit continue their clearout after a hugely disappointing season last year. Gallagher has been at Chelsea since he was six but has just two years left on his current deal. Tottenham are said to be interested but they will also face competition from West Ham who have made a move for the Englishman as they look to fill the void left by Declan Rice’s record-breaking move to Arsenal. According to Sky Sports, the Hammers’ initial bid of £40m has been rejected with Chelsea wanting £50m for their 23-year-old midfielder. Read More ‘I felt free’: Lauren James explains starring role to inspire England at World Cup Chelsea agree fee with Monaco for France international defender Axel Disasi Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaves for Marseille as Chelsea exodus gathers pace Chelsea transfer news: Balogun, Olise, Lukaku, Chalobah and more Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink calls for patience at Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino Chelsea suffer blow with Carney Chukwuemeka injury update

Mike Dean has admitted he failed to correct a mistake in a Chelsea-Tottenham match last season to prevent his friend Anthony Taylor receiving extra “grief”. Former Premier League referee Dean was on VAR duty at Stamford Bridge in August 2022 when Chelsea wanted Spurs defender Cristian Romero sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella to the floor by his hair. Dean says he made a “really bad call” in not sending Taylor to review his decision. Harry Kane equalised for Spurs from the following stoppage-time corner and the game finished 2-2. Both managers – Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel and Tottenham’s Antonio Conte – received red cards from Taylor following an angry exchange at the end of the match. “I missed the stupid hair pull at Chelsea versus Tottenham which was pathetic from my point of view,” Dean told Simon Jordan’s Up Front podcast. “It’s one of them where if I had my time again, what would I do? I’d send Anthony (Taylor) to the screen. “I think I knew if I did send him to the screen…he’s cautioned both managers. “I said to Anthony afterwards: ‘I just didn’t want to send you to the screen after what has gone on in the game’. “I didn’t want to send him up because he is a mate as well as a referee and I think I didn’t want to send him up because I didn’t want any more grief than he already had.” Wirral-born Dean started his career as a top-flight referee in 2000 and went on to take charge of 553 Premier League matches. Dean retired from refereeing at the end of the 2021-22 campaign and became a dedicated Premier League VAR last season. But he was stood down from VAR duty for two months after the Stamford Bridge incident and admitted the role was something he ended up “dreading”. Dean said: “That was a major error. If they don’t score from the corner it is not as big an issue. “But I knew full well then I would be stood down the week after. I asked to take a bit of time off because it wasn’t for me. “I used to get in the car on a Friday and was dreading Saturday. I was thinking, ‘I hope nothing happens’. I used to be petrified sitting in the (VAR) chair.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Football rumours: Arsenal and Tottenham eye Ivan Toney once betting ban ends On this day in 2019: Ben Stokes seals an Ashes win for the ages Rory McIlroy three behind lead despite muscle spasms leading into tournament

Luke Shaw has been ruled out for several weeks in an injury blow to Manchester United and England. United are still waiting to assess the severity of the left-back’s muscle problem but he is certain to miss next season Sunday’s pivotal clash away at Arsenal and this weekend’s home game against Nottingham Forest. Shaw could also sit out the start of United’s Champions League campaign as well as an Old Trafford meeting with early season leaders Brighton. With his deputy Tyrell Malacia also injured, it means manager Erik ten Hag does not have a senior specialist left-back, with right-back Diogo Dalot perhaps the likeliest candidate to slot in as United look for their first win of the season. Ten Hag has lost a second England international this week, with Mason Mount also out with a hamstring strain he sustained in Saturday’s defeat to Tottenham. England manager Gareth Southgate will probably have to be without Shaw, and perhaps Mount, for the September games against Ukraine and Scotland. Shaw represents another defensive concern for Southgate for the two matches, with Reece James and Tyrone Mings definitely out and John Stones a doubt. Ben Chilwell would be the likeliest beneficiary of Shaw’s absence. Read More Why Manchester United are no longer big spenders in the transfer market Would a transfer to Man United or Liverpool suit Ryan Gravenberch most? Welcome to the remodelling of Mason Mount

Chelsea take on Luton hoping to bounce back from defeat to West Ham in their last Premier League game. Mauricio Pochettino’s side were unable to make their possession count at the London Stadium, with the 3-1 loss continuing a difficult start to the season that has also seen Reece James, newly installed as captain, lost to injury. Luton, meanwhile, enjoyed a weekend off, with their fixture against Burnley postponed while Kenilworth Road is brought up to Premier League standard. A fortnight between fixtures could be valuable to Rob Edwards and his team, who will arrive at Stamford Bridge hoping to cause an early shock in their first season in the English top flight for more than three decades. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the fixture, and you can get all the latest football betting sites offers here. When is Chelsea vs Luton? Chelsea vs Luton is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Friday 25 August at Stamford Bridge in London. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage on the channels from 7pm BST. Subscribers can stream the game via Sky Go. Team news Chelsea remain without captain Reece James, who is set to miss a few weeks of action with a hamstring injury. Christopher Nkunku is a longer term absentee after undergoing knee surgery, while Carney Chukwuemeka will also reportedly miss about six weeks of football after sustaining a knee injury against West Ham. Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana and Armando Broja are also sidelined. Ankle injuries continue to keep Jordan Clark and Dan Potts out of Luton’s squad, while Gabriel Osho and Reece Burke are also absent. Veteran goalkeeper Tim Krul could figure for the first time after completing his move from Norwich. Predicted line-ups Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Gusto, Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher, Chilwell; Sterling, Jackson. Luton XI: Kaminski; Andersen, Lockyer, Bell; Kabore, Mpanzu, Nakamba, Chong, Giles; Morris, Adebayo. Odds Chelsea win 2/9 Draw 6/1 Luton win 14/1 Prediction Chelsea emerge relatively comfortable winners. Chelsea 3-1 Luton Read More Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink calls for patience at Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino Would a transfer to Man United or Liverpool suit Ryan Gravenberch most? Workmanlike James Ward-Prowse was the summer’s safest – and shrewdest – bet Manchester City secure winger Jeremy Doku from Rennes on five-year deal Aymeric Laporte completes move from Manchester City to Saudi side Al-Nassr Manchester City ready to walk away as Wolves dig in over Matheus Nunes transfer fee

What the papers say Arsenal and Tottenham are both keen on signing England striker Ivan Toney in the winter transfer window, according to The Times. Brentford have placed an £80million price tag on the 27-year-old, whose eight-month ban for breaching gambling rules ends on January 16. Tottenham are also chasing Wales and Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson, according to the Independent. Forest are reportedly seeking at least £40m for the 22-year-old, who has also been linked with Chelsea. Manchester City are continuing their pursuit of Wolves’ Portugal midfielder Matheus Nunes, according to the Telegraph. But the Independent says City are prepared to ditch a move for the 24-year-old if they feel it does not provide value for money, having already had an initial £47m bid rejected. Defender Jonny Evans, 35, is close to agreeing a one-year contract to return to Manchester United, reports the Telegraph. The move could cast more doubts over Harry Maguire’s future at Old Trafford. Social media round-up Players to watch Sofyan Amrabat: The Morocco midfielder, 27, has been left out of Fiorentina’s squad to face Rapid Vienna after interest from Manchester United and Liverpool. Eric Dier: Fulham are reportedly keen on the England defender, 29, after he was not included in Tottenham’s opening two Premier League squads.

Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales is set to step down on Friday after heavy criticism of his behaviour at the World Cup final in Sydney on Sunday, according to reports in Spain. Rubiales’ expected resignation will come one day after FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the 46-year-old, who grabbed his crotch in celebration of Spain’s victory over England, then kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy celebration. FIFA said in a statement issued on Thursday afternoon: “The FIFA disciplinary committee informed Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Association, today that it is opening disciplinary proceedings against him based on the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ on August 20, 2023.” FIFA’s statement added: “The events may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. “The FIFA disciplinary committee will only provide further information on these disciplinary proceedings once it has issued a final decision on the matter. “FIFA reiterates its unwavering commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behaviour to the contrary.” The sections of the disciplinary code referenced in the FIFA statement cover “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play”. The code cites examples of behaviour which could lead to disciplinary measures being taken, including “insulting a natural or legal person in any way, especially by using offensive gestures, signs or language” and “behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute”. Rubiales issued an apology via video on Monday for the Hermoso kiss, but Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez described the apology as “insufficient”. The Spanish FA has called an extraordinary general assembly on Friday in response to the matter, while confirming it has opened internal proceedings. Rubiales is a UEFA vice-president and a member of its ruling executive committee, and the PA news agency understands if the Spanish federation was to dismiss Rubiales it could ask UEFA for the right to nominate a replacement. If FIFA suspended him, Rubiales’ seat on the ExCo would remain vacant until the next UEFA Congress, when a replacement would be elected. The FIFA proceedings could also hamper Spain’s bid to co-host the 2030 men’s World Cup finals, which Rubiales is helping to lead. Spain is bidding alongside Portugal, Ukraine and Morocco for the centenary finals, with a decision on who will host due to be taken at an extraordinary FIFA Congress in the final quarter of next year. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Shock Daniel Dubois win is only chance of possible undisputed fight – David Haye Brave Matt Hudson-Smith struggles to hide frustration despite silver in Budapest Matt Hudson-Smith claims silver medal for Great Britain in Budapest

The college football rankings feature teams with highly inequal strength of schedule. Some Top 25 teams have a tougher road than others.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are playing in Ireland in Week 0, but why exactly is the Catholic university tied to the European country?

Tottenham have allowed young forward Troy Parrott to join Excelsior Rotterdam on a season-long loan. The 21-year-old Republic of Ireland international spent the 2022-23 campaign at Preston, where he scored four goals in 34 appearances for the Sky Bet Championship club. A groin injury prevented Parrott from joining the Spurs squad on their Asia-Pacific pre-season tour under new boss Ange Postecoglou and he will now continue his develop in the Eredivisie. Parrott made his Tottenham debut in 2019 but has only appeared a further three times for his boyhood club and now follows in the footsteps of another academy graduate in playing for Excelsior. Ex-Spurs youngster Marcus Edwards spent the 2018-19 season in Rotterdam, while former Ireland forward David Connolly scored 42 goals for Excelsior during two loan spells. “Last week I had discussions with trainer Marinus Dijkhuizen and technical manager Niels Van Duinen. The story they told appealed to me,” Parrott told the official Excelsior website. I think that way of playing football suits me and that's why I think Excelsior is the right choice for me now Troy Parrott on Excelsior “The way Excelsior play football and the ambitions of the club suit me. I have also obtained information from others and I think football in the Netherlands is more technical than in the English Championship. “I think that way of playing football suits me and that’s why I think Excelsior is the right choice for me now.” After allowing Parrott to leave on loan, Tottenham now turn their attention to further trimming their squad and will listen to offers for Hugo Lloris, Djed Spence, Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez, Japhet Tanganga, Sergio Reguilon, Tanguy Ndombele, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Bryan Gil during the final days of the summer transfer window.

Manchester City have completed the £55.5million signing of Belgium winger Jeremy Doku from Rennes, the Premier League champions have announced. The 21-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the treble winners to become their third major signing of the summer transfer window. City had an offer for the player accepted earlier this week and formalities have been completed over the past couple of days. Doku said: “This is a great day for me, both personally and professionally. Manchester City are the best team in world football, so to be joining them is something very special for me and my family. “I am a young player with so much learning and improving to do. Working with (manager) Pep (Guardiola) and his staff, and playing alongside these world-class players, will make me a much better player. I feel sure of that. “Watching City last season was amazing. To win the treble is the hardest thing in football and they did it. You cannot imagine how exciting it is to be joining this team. I cannot wait to get started. Hopefully I can make the fans happy.” Doku came through the youth ranks at Anderlecht before joining Rennes in 2020. Noted for his pace, he made his international debut in 2018 and featured at both Euro 2020 and last year’s World Cup. He said: “I am quick, I am strong, I like to dribble. Those are my abilities that I like to rely on. “I think the way I dribble, my speed – those are things that I can add to the group. “Of course, the group is already a top group with a lot of top players, but I think that I can add that to the group.” Doku’s arrival follows those of Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic earlier in the summer. The club have also been linked with moves for midfielders Matheus Nunes and Eberechi Eze, of Wolves and Crystal Palace respectively, but have not commented on the speculation. Guardiola’s midfield resources have been depleted following the departures of Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez this summer and with Doku’s international team-mate, Kevin De Bruyne, likely to be out injured for several months. City director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “Jeremy is a very exciting young player and I’m so pleased he’s joining us. “In terms of raw attributes, he has everything a winger needs. He has outstanding pace and he is exceptional in one-on-one situations. “I honestly believe working with Pep and the technical staff here at City will see him develop into a world-class attacking talent.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live England reeling from loss of Anthony Watson in troubled World Cup build-up Marriage proposal at World Championships – Thursday’s sporting social Geraint Thomas happy to compete in two grand tours as retirement looms