Antony in contention for Manchester United return against Galatasaray
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag confirmed Antony could return in the Champions League clash against Galatasaray amid police inquiries into allegations of abuse against him. The 23-year-old was given a leave of absence by the club last month to deal with the allegations that the winger has always strongly denied. Antony returned to the UK from Brazil last week and attended a voluntary interview with Greater Manchester Police, with United saying on Friday that he was back available for selection. The winger returned to training on Saturday and could feature against Turkish champions Galatasaray at Old Trafford, a month on from his last appearance at Arsenal. “Antony will be in consideration, but yesterday was his first time back in team training,” United boss Ten Hag said. “We have a final training (session) and then we make a decision, but he will be in consideration, yeah.” Antony is facing several accusations of physical aggression towards his former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, who spoke to Brazilian outlet UOL earlier this month. The winger has denied those allegations, as well as further assault claims made by Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana. Antony will be in consideration, but yesterday was his first time back in team training Erik ten Hag Cavallin is reportedly set to speak to police later this week and Ten Hag was asked what Antony’s return to the squad says to victims of domestic violence. “So, he cooperated fully,” the United boss said, having not heard the initial question. “It came out he’s not charged, so…” Antony is back involved, but fellow attacker Jadon Sancho remains banished from a first-team squad beset by injuries. Full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Sergio Reguilon are out, while Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo have been unable to feature this season. Now key centre-back Lisandro Martinez is facing up to three months on the sidelines. The Argentina international underwent surgery after sustaining a fractured metatarsal in April’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Sevilla. Martinez returned to action this term, but an aggravation of that foot injury means he again has to go under the knife at a key point of the season. “I can confirm Licha Martinez will have to undergo surgery,” Ten Hag said. “So, the team news is probably Antony dos Santos can return.” United head into Tuesday’s match in desperate need of a win, not only due to losing their Champions League opener 4-3 at Bayern Munich but because of Saturday’s meek 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace. That Old Trafford defeat brought them back down to earth with a bump after much-needed back-to-back wins, putting them under intense pressure and scrutiny once again. “Of course we are disappointed about the result,” Ten Hag said. “Then you have to analyse the game, where were the problems, then you have to move forward, but also give solutions for the problems.” Ten Hag believes “the team is moving forward” despite the results, saying there are positives among the negatives. Marcus Rashford’s performances have been among United’s issues, having scored just once after a campaign in which he plundered 30 goals in all competitions. “The facts are that he is not scoring in this moment, but also he had the opportunities,” Ten Hag said of the misfiring England international. “I think, for instance, in the game against Brighton, there were five or six occasions when he was in a very good spot. “If he works hard and if he invests every day, goes into every game with the right focus and if the team also around him supply him, help him and support him with movement then it will come. “Then Marcus Rashford is a player who is capable of always scoring goals in every game and when he’s coming in the right spots he will score.”
2023-10-02 20:52
Rangers next manager: Ralph Hasenhuttl and three other candidates to replace Michael Beale
Rangers are searching for a new manager following the sacking of Michael Beale on Sunday. Here the PA news agency takes a look at some of the candidates who may be given consideration by the Ibrox hierarchy: Kevin Muscat The 50-year-old former Australia defender - who played for Rangers in the 2002-03 season - is currently flourishing in charge of Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos after succeeding the Celtic-bound Ange Postecoglou in the role in the summer of 2021. Won the Japanese league title last year and his team are currently second, four points off the top with five games to play. Jesse Marsch As part of the Red Bull group, the 49-year-old American came to prominence when he led Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg - who had Erling Haaland in attack in his first season in charge - to two consecutive league and cup doubles. Renowned for his high-intensity approach, Marsch earned a crack at the Leeds job in February 2022 following the sacking of Marcelo Bielsa and ensured they stayed in the Premier League, but a poor start to his first full season at Elland Road led to him being sacked back in February. Was interviewed about vacancies at Southampton and Leicester earlier this year but remains out of work. Kjetil Knutsen The 54-year-old Norwegian has made a name for himself after establishing Bodo/Glimt as one of the top teams in Norway since taking charge in 2018. Led them to their first-ever title win in 2020 and followed up the feat a year later. Currently a point clear at the top of the Eliteserien after 23 games. Has also overseen some impressive European runs over the past three seasons, most notably in the 2021/22 campaign when Bodo/Glimt reached the quarter-finals of the Conference League after defeating Postecoglou’s Celtic 5-1 on aggregate. Ralph Hasenhuttl The Austrian, 56, is still out of work after losing his job at Southampton a year ago following a poor start to last season. Landing the highly-regarded former RB Leipzig manager would be viewed as something of a coup for Rangers. Derek McInnes The 52-year-old former Rangers midfielder turned down the Ibrox job in 2017 while he was on a long and fruitful stint in charge of Aberdeen. Following his departure from Pittodrie, McInnes has done an impressive job with Kilmarnock, leading them from the Championship and re-establishing them in the top flight. He has already overseen victories over both Glasgow sides this season. Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers endorsed him as a potential Ibrox boss in August. “He was very close to getting the Rangers job a few years ago and why couldn’t he manage Rangers?” said Rodgers. “He’s a former player there, a very good player, who was part of a successful era for the club so there’s no doubt that could be one for him in the future because he’s an outstanding manager.” PA Read More Rangers sack Michael Beale following home defeat to Aberdeen Tottenham ‘disgusted’ as Destiny Udogie racially abused after Liverpool game Antony could return to Manchester United squad despite assault investigations Tottenham ‘disgusted’ as Destiny Udogie racially abused after Liverpool game Antony could return to Manchester United squad despite assault investigations Every VAR apology so far: From Liverpool offside to Man City handball
2023-10-02 20:29
Tottenham ‘disgusted’ by online racist abuse of defender Destiny Udogie
Tottenham have condemned the racist abuse received by defender Destiny Udogie following Saturday’s home Premier League win against Liverpool. Udogie, 20, was the target of several racist slurs on social media following Tottenham’s controversial 2-1 home victory after being involved in Liverpool forward Diogo Jota’s dismissal. Jota was shown two yellow cards for two separate second-half challenges on the Tottenham left-back within the space of a minute. Tottenham said on their official website: “We are disgusted at the racist messages directed towards Destiny Udogie on social media following Saturday’s game against Liverpool. “We will work with the Premier League and, where possible, take action against any individual we are able to identify. We stand with you, Destiny.” Tottenham won the game 2-1 thanks to Joel Matip’s stoppage-time own goal after Cody Gakpo had cancelled out Son Heung-min’s first-half opener. Liverpool defender Curtis Jones was shown a straight red in the first half after VAR intervention for a foul on Yves Bissouma and the visitors were incensed when Luis Diaz’s opening goal was incorrectly ruled out for offside. PGMOL later issued a statement admitting that a “significant human error” had taken place by VAR officials in their decision not to award the goal. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-10-02 20:28
Tottenham ‘disgusted’ as Destiny Udogie racially abused after Liverpool game
Tottenham have condemned the racist abuse received by defender Destiny Udogie following Saturday’s home Premier League win against Liverpool. Udogie, 20, was the target of several racist slurs on social media following Tottenham’s controversial 2-1 home victory after being involved in Liverpool forward Diogo Jota’s dismissal. Jota was shown two yellow cards for two separate second-half challenges on the Tottenham left-back within the space of a minute. Tottenham said on their official website: “We are disgusted at the racist messages directed towards Destiny Udogie on social media following Saturday’s game against Liverpool. “We will work with the Premier League and, where possible, take action against any individual we are able to identify. We stand with you, Destiny.” Tottenham won the game 2-1 thanks to Joel Matip’s stoppage-time own goal after Cody Gakpo had cancelled out Son Heung-min’s first-half opener. Liverpool defender Curtis Jones was shown a straight red in the first half after VAR intervention for a foul on Yves Bissouma and the visitors were incensed when Luis Diaz’s opening goal was incorrectly ruled out for offside. PGMOL later issued a statement admitting that a “significant human error” had taken place by VAR officials in their decision not to award the goal. Read More Liverpool to ‘explore options’ in response to ‘unacceptable’ VAR error
2023-10-02 20:25
Who is playing Monday Night Football, Week 4?
After two consecutive weeks of doubleheaders, Monday Night Football is back to just one game in Week 4.
2023-10-02 19:28
Every VAR apology so far: From Liverpool offside to Man City handball
Liverpool have vowed to “explore every option available” after VAR failed to overturn Luis Diaz’s wrongly disallowed goal in Saturday’s defeat to Tottenham, in what the club described as an “unacceptable” error. The referees’ body PGMOL admitted VAR officials Darren England and Dan Cook failed to act after Diaz’s 34th-minute strike at Tottenham was wrongly ruled out for offside, with chief Howard Webb later apologising to Liverpool after the match. England and Cook were then stood down from duty from the rest of the weekend’s fixtures, while questions have also been asked after the pair took charge of a league match in the United Arab Emirates in midweek. A statement from Liverpool later read: “It is clear that the correct application of the laws of the game did not occur, resulting in sporting integrity being undermined.” While the “significant human error” was undoubtedly the biggest mistake VAR has made since its introduction to the Premier League in 2019, it was not the first time a club have received an apology from PGMOL after a game. Here’s a run-through of every major incident that has led to an apology in the past two seasons. Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool Luis Diaz’s goal for Liverpool at Tottenham was incorrectly ruled out for offside because the VAR checking the decision mistakenly thought that the on-field decision was onside. The referees’ body, PGMOL, admitted after the match that a “significant human error” was made when checking Diaz’s goal. VAR official Darren England drew the lines to check for offside and followed the process correctly to determine Diaz was onside for the goal. But in reaching their decision, the VAR team failed to realise that on-field referee Simon Hooper and his assistant officials had initially ruled the goal out for offside. Therefore, when the VAR relayed a message of “check complete” to the on-field referee, Hooper and his team disallowed Diaz’s goal and awarded a free-kick to Tottenham. Howard Webb spoke to Liverpool after the match and there was an apology from the referees’ chief. Manchester United 1-0 Wolves Wolves manager Gary O’Neil received an apology from the Premier League after his team were denied a stoppage-time penalty in their 1-0 defeat to Manchester United. Andre Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic deep into time added on, but Simon Hooper did not react and VAR Michael Salisbury deemed there was no foul. Tottenham 2-1 Brighton Brighton received an apology from PGMOL due to the failure to award a spot-kick following Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s foul on Kaoru Mitoma. VAR official Michael Salisbury was dropped from the next round of Premier League fixtures. Brighton also had two goals disallowed in the defeat. Everton 0-1 Man City Referees’ chief Mike Riley personally apologised to Everton manager Frank Lampard for mistakes made in a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in February 2023. Lampard blasted VAR official Chris Kavanagh for being a “professional who cannot do his job right” after the loss to the Premier League champions. Kavanagh failed to advise referee Paul Tierney over a handball by Rodri which would have given the Toffees a late chance of a penalty equaliser. Arsenal 1-1 Brentford Arsenal received an apology after Ivan Toney’s equaliser was not fully checked by VAR. Lee Mason did not fully investigate an offside call against Christian Norgaard, who provided the assist for Toney’s leveller, with no lines drawn on the screen to determine whether the Denmark international should have been penalised. Mason left PGMOL by “mutual consent” the following week. Crystal Palace 1-1 Brighton VAR John Brooks wrongly ruled out Pervis Estupinan’s opening goal after drawing the offside lines in the wrong place. The referee was then dropped from the next two Premier League fixtures. Brighton 2-1 Liverpool PGMOL accepted Fabinho should have been sent off for a challenge from behind on Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, which was only given as a yellow card despite a VAR review. Aston Villa 3-1 Manchester United A review into Lucas Digne’s free kick in Aston Villa’s win against Manchester United concluded that the defending team’s wall was positioned too far back by referee Anthony Taylor. After the defeat, Erik ten Hag said: “I think the free-kick is stoppable because the wall is too far. Okay, a small detail but details make the difference in top football.” Newcastle 0-0 Crystal Palace The PGMOL accepted Newcastle had an own goal by Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchel wrongly disallowed after Joe Willock was determined to have impeded goalkeeper Vicente Guaita. Chelsea 2-1 West Ham On the same weekend, West Ham were denied a late equaliser at Stamford Bridge when Maxwel Cornet’s goal was ruled out, with Jarrod Bowen said to be impeding Edouard Mendy. PGMOL accepted the VAR had made an error - with Declan Rice saying it was “one of the worst VAR decisions since it came into the game”. Read More The Premier League now faces a credibility ‘crisis’ — and latest VAR farce is just the tip VAR officials who made Liverpool error took charge of UAE match just 48 hours before Liverpool to ‘explore options’ in response to ‘unacceptable’ VAR error More VAR disapproval as Nottingham Forest and Brentford both berate decisions Liverpool to ‘explore options’ in response to ‘unacceptable’ VAR error VAR officials who made Liverpool error took charge of UAE match just 48 hours before
2023-10-02 19:16
FPL Gameweek 8: Micky van de Ven, Darwin Nunez and five players to consider for transfers
Fantasy Premier League managers will have experienced another weekend of frustration or elation after some surprise results, plenty of red cards and controversial moments - so this week is another opportunity to reset in some cases or make the tweak to your team to bring success next gameweek. Here are five players we think could impress in gameweek 8, with managers needing to decide whether using a transfer or two earlier in the week is a gamble worth taking, or if waiting until midweek European action is finished with will aid the search for starters in their FPL teams. Note: Our FPL tips come out every Monday but this week there are still two matches to play in GW7, with Fulham vs Chelsea on Monday night and Luton vs Burnley on Tuesday. Micky van de Ven - Tottenham, defender (4.5m) Spurs remain unbeaten after their crazy and contentious weekend win over Liverpool and have a favourable run coming up against Luton, Fulham, Palace and an out-of-form Chelsea. While they haven’t been super tight defensively so far, we fancy there are a couple of clean sheets on offer here and new centre-back signing Micky van de Ven is quickly proving a big part of the team. He has the lowest tally of points of their regular back four so far, but he’s also cheapest - and is less of a yellow card hazard than partner Cristian Romero. If you have a spare 0.3m extra you could go for left-back teammate Destiny Udogie for potential assist points, but we like the look of Van de Ven as a low-cost pillar at the back for a few weeks. Darwin Nunez - Liverpool, forward (7.4m) Jurgen Klopp has rotated his attack this season but there’s not much scope for that right now: Diogo Jota will be suspended for the next match, Cody Gakpo is likely to be out for a few weeks injured - possibly until after the international break - and even potential midfield options being pushed forward is unlikely given Curtis Jones will also be missing after a red card. As such, Darwin Nunez should return to the lineup as long as a knee issue doesn’t sideline him; the Uruguayan has been in good scoring form and would have already been in the XI against Spurs if not for a bone around his knee causing pain. Brighton and Everton have both looked leaky - two of the six worst defences in the league right now - and the powerful attacker and add to their woes if he’s restored to centre forward. Moussa Diaby - Aston Villa, midfielder (6.7m) If you’ve been considering the speedy, forward-thinking Aston Villa man early on this term, now is perhaps the time to dive in. He’ll likely be rested for a midweek Europa Conference League clash with Zrinjski, but then it’s Wolves, West Ham, Luton, Forest and Fulham in a very nice looking run for the Villains - three of those matches at home. Diaby, whether central or from the flank, is a real threat with his ball-carrying and desire to get shots away, and only Ollie Watkins has a better goals-plus-assists tally than him in the Villa team in the Premier League. Diaby has already picked up bonus points twice this season too and he’s a big candidate to add to that in the coming gameweeks if Villa keep performing. Bernd Leno - Fulham, goalkeeper (4.7m) Slightly expensive as far as players at non-elite clubs go, but there’s a reason many FPL managers have selected Bernd Leno and his price has risen accordingly. He’s the top-scoring goalkepeer in the game so far, 35 points to his name, and that’s on the back of three clean sheets - but also three occasions where he has picked up bonus points on account of his shot-stopping antics. He’s averaging 4.5 saves per game and has kept the actual goals conceded by Fulham below the expected goals tally in every match except against Man City, which is forgiveable. Fulham face Sheffield United at home next time out, who haven’t scored in their last two, so further points for the German could be on the board. Callum Hudson-Odoi - Nottingham Forest, midfielder (4.9m) For our final choice we’ve decided on a potential differential gamble for the next couple of gameweeks up to the international break. Nottingham Forest have a lot of attacking options for Steve Cooper to choose between but Callum Hudson-Odoi has started two of the last three and has had seven shots or key passes across those two starts, scoring once. Away to Palace and home to Luton, the expectation will be on Forest to be on the front foot whether countering or dominating play in spells and Hudson-Odoi’s speed and ability to get into dangerous final-third areas will be paramount to both. It is a bit of a risk to start him and he hasn’t had a full 90-minute run-out yet, but it could have a big short-term pay-off if injuries and rotations in your squad are starting to hit elsewhere. Read More Jarrod Bowen, Carlton Morris and 5 players to target for FPL Gameweek 7 Mohamed Salah, Sven Botman and 5 players to target for FPL Gameweek 6 Michael Beale calls for Rangers unity as he wishes club the best after sacking Michael Beale calls for Rangers unity as he wishes club the best after sacking David Beckham reveals pain of World Cup red card: ‘I was a mess’ Marcus Rashford’s form has become the latest symptom of Manchester United’s struggles
2023-10-02 18:45
Michael Beale calls for Rangers unity as he wishes club the best after sacking
Michael Beale wished Rangers well for the future as he issued a social media post within hours of his sacking backing the Ibrox club to get back on track. The 43-year-old was relieved of his duties as Rangers boss late on Sunday evening following a dismal start to the season. Three defeats in seven cinch Premiership matches left them third in the league – behind St Mirren – and seven points adrift of city rivals Celtic before the axe fell on the Englishman. A 7-3 aggregate defeat by PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League play-off round in August also helped heighten the pressure on Beale, whose summer rebuild has been widely criticised with a raft of new signings failing to have the desired impact. Beale was swift to pay tribute to the club despite his sacking, as he took to Instagram in the early hours of Monday morning to wish new caretaker Steven Davis all the best. “Thank you @RangersFC to everyone behind the scenes at the training ground and Ibrox, to the board, staff, fans and all the players,” he wrote. “I will always follow and support the club from afar and wish you every success. “Now is the time for everyone to unite fully behind Steven Davis and the team in the coming games. “There is still so much to play for this season and I have a strong belief in this group of players. Thank you and good luck.” Beale’s backroom team of Neil Banfield, Damian Matthew, Harry Watling and Jack Ade have also left the club. Davis, the long-serving former Rangers midfielder, has been placed in interim charge and will assisted be another couple of ex-Gers players in Alex Rae and Steven Smith, as well as coach Brian Gilmour and goalkeeping coach Colin Stewart. Their first task is to rouse the team following Saturday’s humiliating 3-1 defeat at home to Aberdeen as they prepare to head to Cyprus to face Aris Limassol in the Europa League on Thursday. Rangers’ next league match is away to second-placed St Mirren on Sunday before the international break brings a fortnight in which they can try to regroup and bed in a new manager. Kevin Muscat, the former Rangers defender who is currently in charge of Japanese side Yokohama F Marinos, is the early bookmakers’ favourite for the role. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Luke Donald ‘would consider’ continuing as Europe captain for 2025 Ryder Cup Football rumours: Juventus seeking new long-term deal for Adrien Rabiot Late field goal lifts Kansas City Chiefs over brave New York Jets
2023-10-02 17:49
Football rumours: Juventus seeking new long-term deal for Adrien Rabiot
What the papers say Juventus are reportedly working on a new long-term deal for midfielder Adrien Rabiot. The Daily Mail, citing Tuttosport, says the Italian giant is looking to tie the 28-year-old down for a further three years, after he turned down an approach from Manchester United during the summer in favour of extending his time in Turin. Chelsea are believed to be gearing up for an expensive January. According to The Guardian, the Blues are set to target Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Brentford forward Ivan Toney, after already spending £1billion on new signings in a year. And the Daily Mirror, via Cadena SER, says Luka Modric is on radar of multiple MLS teams, with Inter Miami believed to be especially keen on the Real Madrid midfielder. Social media round-up Players to watch Kalvin Phillips: Arsenal will chase the Manchester City midfielder in January, according to Fichajes. Lamine Yamal: The Daily Mail, citing Fabrizio Romano, says Barcelona are eager to sign the 16-year-old winger to a further three-year deal. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-10-02 14:58
Is Fulham vs Chelsea on TV? How to watch, channel and live stream online today
Chelsea returned to winning ways in the Carabao Cup but Mauricio Pochettino remains under pressure to get a Premier League victory as the Blues travel to Fulham in the west London derby tonight. Chelsea have won just once in the Premier League this season and last weekend’s defeat to Aston Villa left Pochettino’s side with just five points from their opening six fixtures, despite another window of heavy spending. Fulham, who finished above Chelsea last season for the first time in 40 years, will be looking to pile the misery back on their neighbours after Wednesday’s victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge brought an end to their winless run. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Premier League fixture. When is Fulham vs Chelsea? The match will kick off at 8pm BST on Monday 2 October at Craven Cottage. How can I watch Fulham vs Chelsea? It will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with build-up only being shown as part of Monday Night Football from 6:30pm. If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best 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. What is the team news? Fulham are set to be without Kenny Tete and Calvin Bassey, while Willian is in line to start against his former club. Ben Chilwell is the latest Chelsea player to join the club’s long injury list after Mauricio Pochetinno confirmed the left-back had suffered a hamstring injury in the win over Brighton. Reece James is also out, with his replacement Malo Gusto suspended after his red card in the defeat to Aston Villa last weekend. Nicolas Jackson is also suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season. Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke could return. Predicted line-ups Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Diop, Ream, Robinson; Decordova-Reid, Reed, Palhinha, Pereira, Willian; Jimenez Chelsea: Sanchez; Disasi, Silva, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Gallagher, Fernandez; Palmer, Sterling, Mudryk Read More Mykhailo Mudryk trying hard to adapt to Chelsea culture after difficult start Fulham boss Marco Silva warns Chelsea ‘tough’ opponents despite recent form The Premier League now faces a credibility ‘crisis’ — and latest VAR farce is just the tip VAR officials who made Liverpool error took charge of UAE match just 48 hours before Bizarre reason why Liverpool goal wrongly ruled out by VAR revealed Football rumours: Juventus seeking new long-term deal for Adrien Rabiot
2023-10-02 14:46
Robert Saleh Flipped Out on Officials After Controversial Defensive Holding Call
Robert Saleh was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct for arguing with officials.
2023-10-02 11:45
Robert Saleh's Jets Escort Shoved Metlife Stadium Security on the Way to the Locker Room
The New York Jets were able to keep it close in the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football in front of Taylor Swift at the Meadowlan
2023-10-02 10:53