List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

Erik ten Hag has urged Manchester United to keep their heads in the intense atmosphere of Istanbul to prevent Galatasaray from knocking his side out of the Champions League. Defeat would mean United are eliminated before their last group game and Ten Hag, who should welcome back Rasmus Hojlund and Antony from injury, believes his team cannot afford to lose their cool. United have had two red cards already in the Champions League with Casemiro sent off in the 3-2 home defeat to Galatasaray and Marcus Rashford in the 4-3 loss to FC Copenhagen, meaning the Englishman is suspended for Wednesday’s game. United led in both matches before losing and Ten Hag does not want a repeat. He said: “You have to stay calm in your head and don’t get too emotional. Control your emotion, don’t give them anything - the referee as well, don’t give them a moment they can take - so you have to stay away from such moments.” Hojlund and Antony both missed Sunday’s 3-0 win over Everton but have trained and are in contention to return. “They are in the squad,” Ten Hag confirmed. However, United will be without a host of injured players, including Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans. Ten Hag said he had no fears about picking the 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo for such a high-pressure game after the midfielder excelled on his Premier League debut at Goodison Park. “We don’t have that,” he said. “If players are good enough, they are old enough.” Ten Hag believes United are a better team than they were when they lost to the Turkish champions in September. He added: “It will probably will be the same for Galatasaray but I think we have improved. It is good progress, you see we are stepping up. We are more stable and winning games so definitely there is progress from the first game.” United have lost their last three games in Turkey and have never won or scored in three away matches against Galatasaray. They exited the Champions League in 1993 with a 0-0 draw at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium but Ten Hag was unworried by their poor record. He said: “We have to make our game. We have to make our own history.” Read More Champions League: What do Newcastle, Man United and Arsenal need to reach last 16? Bruno Fernandes excited for ‘amazing’ atmosphere at Galatasaray Roy Keane derides ‘absolute rubbish’ from Erik ten Hag after Man United win

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United must keep calm and in control of their emotions if they are to emerge from their ‘Welcome to Hell’ experience at Galatasaray with their Champions League hopes alive. It is 30 years since the Red Devils’ first trip to the Istanbul giants, who progressed on away goals from that highly-charged encounter punctuated by hostility and intimidation. United have visited Galatasaray twice in the Champions League since then and are now preparing for a huge clash for both sides amid an ear-splitting backdrop at Rams Park on Wednesday. The Turkish champions are well placed to qualify having won the reverse fixture 3-2 and Ten Hag knows his side will be unable to reach the knockout phase if they lose the Group A encounter. “We know we can (win away in Europe) and we are confident,” Ten Hag said. “The last games away from home in the league were also very hostile environments. We played very well. We were very calm and composed. “This team also last year in Barcelona (in the Europa League did well), so we know how to deal with it and I’m sure it will be tomorrow a confident team on the pitch.” Asked if he will stress to his players to keep their heads and remain disciplined, Ten Hag said: “Absolutely. You have to stay calm in your head and don’t get too emotional. You need the emotions but you have to control it. “That you don’t give them anything, that you don’t give the referee as well at that moment that they’re going to take, so you have to stay away from such moments. “We know how to deal with it. You have to play confident and you have to make it your game, so it’s not that important how the opponent is playing. “It’s important how we are playing, how we are dealing with possession, how we are dealing with out of possession, so normal stuff. We will make a good plan but then, at the end of day, the players have to decide, they have to manage the game.” United have failed to so much as score in their three visits to Galatasaray, who have embraced the ‘Welcome to Hell’ phase made famous in their 1993 meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. There are few more hostile environments in European football and Ten Hag was asked by a Turkish journalist what his plans were “to get out of hell” on Wednesday. “We have to make it our game and it’s the history,” the Dutchman said. “Obviously Manchester United has a great history, but you can’t take any guarantee from it in the future, so we have to make our own future. It’s the past, so tomorrow, it’s about the future, so we have to make it our game. It’s on us.” The last games away from home in the league were also very hostile environments. We played very well. We were very calm and composed Erik ten Hag United head to Istanbul without a variety of first-team players, with Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen among those injured. Jonny Evans, Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia and Amad Diallo are also sidelined, while Jadon Sancho remains banished from the squad and Donny van de Beek was not registered for the Champions League. Marcus Rashford serves a one-match ban for his sending off in the 4-3 loss at Copenhagen earlier this month, but striker Rasmus Hojlund and winger Antony are available. Ten Hag confirmed “they are in the squad” after missing Sunday’s 3-0 win at Everton through injury – a match in which Kobbie Mainoo shone on his first Premier League start. The highly-rated 18-year-old put in an eye-catching display at Goodison Park and Ten Hag would have no hesitation throwing him in again. “No, we don’t have fear (of starting Mainoo again),” Ten Hag said. “If players are good enough, then they are old enough.” Read More ECB boss admits challenges remain for cricket after positive impact report Former Sheffield United and Everton defender Phil Jagielka announces retirement Bruno Fernandes excited for ‘amazing’ atmosphere at Galatasaray 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

Former England defender Phil Jagielka has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 41. Jagielka has decided the bring the curtain down on his career after making over 800 appearances across 23 years. Jagielka started his career with Sheffield United and spent eight season with the Blades before moving to Everton in 2007. He would go on to spend 12 years at Goodison Park and became club captain in 2013, but returned to the Blades after being released by the Toffees in 2019. Jagielka spent two seasons back at Bramall Lane following the club’s promotion to the Premier League before spending six months at Derby, while he finished his career with Stoke. Jagielka won 40 caps for England between 2008 and 2016 and featured at Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. It's been an absolute honour to step onto the grass for every match Phil Jagielka Announcing his retirement on Instagram, Jagielka wrote: “All good things come to an end and after just over 800 appearances my playing career is done. “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would get to play football at the highest level for some amazing clubs as well as my country. “It’s been an absolute honour to step onto the grass for every match and I have so many people to thank for that.” Read More Bruno Fernandes excited for ‘amazing’ atmosphere at Galatasaray Man City unveil statue of club greats Mike Summerbee, Colin Bell and Francis Lee Football rumours: Juventus eyeing swoop for Thomas Partey

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United must keep calm and in control of their emotions if they are to emerge from their ‘Welcome to Hell’ experience at Galatasaray with their Champions League hopes alive. It is 30 years since the Red Devils’ first trip to the Istanbul giants, who progressed on away goals from that highly-charged encounter punctuated by hostility and intimidation. United have visited Galatasaray twice in the Champions League since then and are now preparing for a huge clash for both sides amid an ear-splitting backdrop at Rams Park on Wednesday. The Turkish champions are well placed to qualify having won the reverse fixture 3-2 and Ten Hag knows his side will be unable to reach the knockout phase if they lose the Group A encounter. “We know we can (win away in Europe) and we are confident,” Ten Hag said. “The last games away from home in the league were also very hostile environments. We played very well. We were very calm and composed. “This team also last year in Barcelona (in the Europa League did well), so we know how to deal with it and I’m sure it will be tomorrow a confident team on the pitch.” Asked if he will stress to his players to keep their heads and remain disciplined, Ten Hag said: “Absolutely. You have to stay calm in your head and don’t get too emotional. You need the emotions but you have to control it. “That you don’t give them anything, that you don’t give the referee as well at that moment that they’re going to take, so you have to stay away from such moments. “We know how to deal with it. You have to play confident and you have to make it your game, so it’s not that important how the opponent is playing. “It’s important how we are playing, how we are dealing with possession, how we are dealing with out of possession, so normal stuff. We will make a good plan but then, at the end of day, the players have to decide, they have to manage the game.” United have failed to so much as score in their three visits to Galatasaray, who have embraced the ‘Welcome to Hell’ phase made famous in their 1993 meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. There are few more hostile environments in European football and Ten Hag was asked by a Turkish journalist what his plans were “to get out of hell” on Wednesday. “We have to make it our game and it’s the history,” the Dutchman said. “Obviously Manchester United has a great history, but you can’t take any guarantee from it in the future, so we have to make our own future. It’s the past, so tomorrow, it’s about the future, so we have to make it our game. It’s on us.” The last games away from home in the league were also very hostile environments. We played very well. We were very calm and composed Erik ten Hag United head to Istanbul without a variety of first-team players, with Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen among those injured. Jonny Evans, Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia and Amad Diallo are also sidelined, while Jadon Sancho remains banished from the squad and Donny van de Beek was not registered for the Champions League. Marcus Rashford serves a one-match ban for his sending off in the 4-3 loss at Copenhagen earlier this month, but striker Rasmus Hojlund and winger Antony are available. Ten Hag confirmed “they are in the squad” after missing Sunday’s 3-0 win at Everton through injury – a match in which Kobbie Mainoo shone on his first Premier League start. The highly-rated 18-year-old put in an eye-catching display at Goodison Park and Ten Hag would have no hesitation throwing him in again. “No, we don’t have fear (of starting Mainoo again),” Ten Hag said. “If players are good enough, then they are old enough.” Read More Former Sheffield United and Everton defender Phil Jagielka announces retirement Bruno Fernandes excited for ‘amazing’ atmosphere at Galatasaray 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

The family of Maddy Cusack say a “thorough external investigation” has been launched into the death of the Sheffield United midfielder after claiming her spirit “was allowed to be broken” by football. Cusack died at her home address in Derbyshire on September 20, aged 27. Derbyshire Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. On Monday night the Maddy Cusack Foundation, launched by the footballer’s family, shared a speech on Instagram and X attributed to Cusack’s mother, Deborah, originally spoken at a memorial service for the former Blades vice-captain in late October. It read: “The saddest and most utterly heartbreaking reason why I am having to stand here and speak to you today is because of football. “From February this year, the indomitable, irrepressible spirit, the spirit called Maddy, the spirit that I had so fearlessly protected was allowed to be broken. Taking her away from me.” The foundation’s post continued: “Those who knew Maddy well will be aware that she had no long-standing mental health issues or troubles. Not that there would be anything to be ashamed of if there were, but there were not. Those that didn’t know her need to know that. “Maddy was a happy-go-lucky, carefree girl with everything to live for and by last Christmas could be described as being at her happiest. This all changed gradually from February this year. “It is no secret, nor should it be, that Sheffield United Football Club have agreed at the request of Maddy’s family to carry out a thorough external investigation into the events that her family believe contributed significantly to her passing at the tender age of 27.” Sheffield United declined to comment when approached by the PA news agency. Prior to her death, Cusack had just started her sixth season with the Blades in the Women’s Championship and was the longest-serving player in their squad, with over 100 appearances, and also worked as a marketing executive for the club. The former England youth international signed a new contract extension with the Blades in July. Read More Sheffield United probe alleged racist incident during home loss to Bournemouth Brighton boss explains ‘big, big celebration’ and says no disrespect was meant Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola full of praise for two-goal Marcus Tavernier

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’