List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

Gareth Southgate has named Bukayo Saka in his England squad, despite the Arsenal winger being an injury doubt ahead of his side’s Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday. The England manager has also recalled Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen ahead of upcoming matches against Australia and Italy during October’s international break. Saka came off in the first half of the Gunners’ 2-1 Champions League defeat at Lens on Tuesday night and manager Mikel Arteta said he had suffered a hamstring injury, admitting it was a concern ahead of the match against Manchester City this weekend. Among the other key calls from this announcement is Southgate’s decision to stick with Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson, while there is no place for Raheem Sterling, James Ward-Prowse or Anthony Gordon. Follow along for all the updates as England’s latest squad is announced: Read More Ollie Watkins and Jarrod Bowen make England return but Raheem Sterling left out

The PGMOL has rejected Ben Foster’s claim that Premier League match officials conspired with Sky Sports to cover up the VAR mistake during Liverpool’s defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. The referees’ body has faced severe criticism over the error, in which VAR Darren England misunderstood an on-field decision and allowed a legitimate goal by Liverpool’s Luis Diaz to be chalked off for offside. He failed to alert his colleagues on the pitch, telling his replay operator “there’s nothing I can do” as the match continued. The incident sparked online conspiracy theories around football’s governance plotting against Liverpool. And Foster weighed in when he accused both the PGMOL and its VAR team at Premier League headquarters of putting direct pressure on Sky Sports not to broadcast replays of the incident. Speaking on his YouTube channel Ben Foster - The Cycling GK which has 1.4 million subscribers, the former Premier League goalkeeper said there was only one replay shown of the offside goal in its immediate aftermath, and his suspicions were further raised when the incident was only briefly discussed by Sky Sports’ pundits at half-time. “That tells me Sky are in bed with the people at VAR and [the PGMOL],” he claimed. “Because they must have got straight on the phone and said ‘do not highlight the fact that we’ve cocked up here, do not show it, do not bad-mouth us, do not nothing’. “I guarantee you that’s what’s happened. So that’s why Sky were under direct orders to not say a single word about it.” The Independent understands that the PGMOL feels Foster’s allegations are unfounded and completely untrue. The Premier League’s match centre, rather than the PGMOL, communicates only factual information to broadcasters, and it is understood that the referees’ body has no say or sway in what TV companies show. Indeed Sky Sports would have leapt at the chance to highlight a major VAR mistake, and did so once it had clarification of the error. Sky Sports did not want to comment on Foster’s claims, but sources pointed out that the half-time segment of the programme needed to cover two goals and a red card in an action-packed first half. The broadcaster later read out a PGMOL statement live on air and has since delved into extensive coverage of the incident, unpicking the moment in detail both on its Sky Sports News programmes and during Monday Night Football. Analyst Jamie Carragher criticised the decision by England not to intervene and halt the game once he understood that the wrong decision had been taken. “The bit where I’m really struggling is that they [VAR officials] must know within two seconds because Tottenham have taken a free-kick,” Carragher said. “I’d be screaming at the referee that a mistake has been made but maybe they’re saying they have to wait until the ball goes out of play. They’re saying they stayed with protocol, that they’re not allowed to stop [the match] but I don’t believe that. They panicked, they froze. “I know that’s the rule but that’s a red-tape rule. If they had reversed it, we’d have been praising their leadership. “There’s talk that the officials didn’t know until half-time that a mistake had been made but when that ball goes out of play [after the incident] the look on that referee’s face... it’s a look of something has gone wrong.” The Independent has contacted Foster’s representatives for comment. Read More Man United and Tottenham eye move for Atletico Madrid’s transfer guru Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall signs new long-term contract Manchester City can put a stamp on the season with Arsenal win – Rico Lewis Man United and Tottenham eye move for Atletico Madrid’s transfer guru Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall signs new long-term contract Manchester City can put a stamp on the season with Arsenal win – Rico Lewis

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall has signed a new “long-term” deal, the Women’s Super League side have announced. The PA news agency understands the Swedish head coach, who was first appointed in June 2021, has agreed to a three-year contract with the Gunners. Last season, the 40-year-old led Arsenal to the Continental Cup trophy and steered his side to the Champions League semi-finals. He said: “I’m full of pride to have signed a new contract with this football club. “I’m aware of the huge privilege and responsibility that comes along with my role at Arsenal. This is a special place with a special group of players and staff and we all believe there is a great future ahead of us here, so I am delighted to have agreed a new deal. “We’ve made great progress on and off the pitch over the last couple of years and we are all working hard to continue that growth every single day. Our ambition is to be competing for the highest honours in women’s football consistently and we all believe we are capable of achieving that. “I’d also like to say a special thank you to our supporters. From the moment I arrived, I’ve felt your warm support and it means the world. Home or away, our supporters never fall short – to represent this club, this community, is an honour. Together, we can achieve so much.” Arsenal, who finished third in the WSL last season, have already been eliminated from the Champions League after suffering a shock defeat to Paris FC in the qualifying stages last month. That result led some to wonder if that result could threaten Eidevall’s future in north London, speculation swiftly silenced by the announcement of his extension. Arsenal sporting director Edu said: “We’re delighted to have agreed a new contract with Jonas. This is an exciting time for our women’s first team as we approach a new season and this announcement is an important sign of our renewed commitment to the journey ahead. As a club, our aim is to be challenging at the top of the game and Jonas will play a key role in us achieving that.” Arsenal head of women’s football Clare Wheatley added: “Jonas is a crucial part of what we are building here at Arsenal and we’re very pleased to say he has signed a new deal with us. He has overseen real progress since joining us in 2021, winning his first silverware and guiding us to the semi-finals of the Champions League last year. “Jonas shares our ambitions for our club and we are looking forward to working towards them together over the coming years.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Rico Lewis believes Manchester City are ready to put a marker down at Arsenal this weekend after getting their campaign back on track in Leipzig. City returned to winning ways after successive defeats with a 3-1 triumph in a hard-fought Champions League encounter at the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday. The treble winners’ focus now shifts to Sunday’s trip to the Emirates Stadium and a clash with their closest challengers in last season’s title race. Lewis, who shone in a central midfield role in the German success, said: “After a couple of poor performances and results we’ve now got the ball rolling again and hopefully we carry on from here. “It (Sunday’s game) is a way we can put a stamp on the season and really make sure the rest of the league knows we’re aiming to do the same as last season. “Obviously we were a bit unlucky with the results and performances so we were a bit down, but it’s never down for too long. There’s always another game and everyone is always up for it.” Lewis, 18, produced one of the best performances of his fledgling career as City continued their winning start to their European title defence. Manager Pep Guardiola later described the youngster as one of the best players he has ever trained. Playing alongside Rodri, Lewis brought tenacity and dynamism as he combined tireless defensive work with driving runs. He created the opening goal for fellow Academy graduate Phil Foden in the 25th minute after playing a one-two with Bernardo Silva. He was a constant handful for RB Leipzig although, after a Lois Openda equaliser, it took late goals from substitutes Julian Alvarez and Jeremy Doku to settle the Group G encounter. “I do my best,” said Lewis, who first broke into the side as a right-back, rather modestly. “I think it’s just all about patience for myself. There are so many world-class players in that dressing room so all I can do is my best and learn. “The opportunities will come and when they do I’ve got to take them. “That’s my favourite position I think, even (more than) coming inside from full-back. I think playing a bit higher up then defending as a two with Rodri is my favourite.” With Rodri completing a three-match domestic ban this weekend, it seems likely Lewis will be given another opportunity on the big stage, although he has not yet been told. He said: “I don’t have any hopes or anything. I do my best and we’ll see what happens on Sunday. It’s all about what the manager chooses and decides is right.” Foden echoed Guardiola’s praise of Lewis when asked for his assessment of his young team-mate. “He’s one of the best young players I’ve seen,” said the England international. “He seems to up our tempo and makes us play a bit quicker. “The performances he’s putting in at such a young age is great to see. He’s only going to get better with this coach, how he improves players. He just has to pay attention and want to get better. “Normally when you’re 18 you’re a bit shy in these big games. He’s the total opposite. He wants the ball, wants to impress. “I like his determination. He’s going to be a quality player, he just needs the game time. “I’m delighted to have another Academy player playing in these big games. It’s a dream come true for me.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall signs new long-term contract Wales World Cup experience surpassing expectations for Nick Tompkins James McClean announces plan to retire from Republic of Ireland duty

What the papers say Kaoru Mitoma is reportedly set to rebuff massive interest to remain at Brighton. According to London World, the 26-year-old winger is eager to sign a new long-term contract with the Seagulls. This comes despite Mitoma believed to be high on the wishlist for both Manchester United and Manchester City. The Daily Express says Chelsea are growing increasingly unhappy with Nottingham Forest loanee Andrey Santos. Citing The Athletic, the Express reports Chelsea could recall the 19-year-old midfielder from his loan spell if he does not start getting substantial first-team football. The Evening Standard reports a host of European clubs are tracking New York Red Bulls’ 15-year-old American winger Julian Hall, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich all believed to be keen on the highly rated prospect. Social media round-up Players to watch Michael Kayode: Fiorentina are set to offer a new contract to the 19-year-old defender, according to Calcio Mercato. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: Gazzetta reports the Denmark midfielder wants to leave Tottenham if he cannot be guaranteed first-team football. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Liverpool return to Europa League action against Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise tonight after a controversial week of VAR fallout. The Reds saw their winning run come to an end in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, but Jurgen Klopp’s side were furious after the VAR failed to overturn Luis Diaz’s wrongly disallowed opener and finished the match with nine men after Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota were sent off. After a contentious week that has seen Liverpool receive the VAR audio from the Tottenham defeat, Klopp’s side will look to make it two wins from two in Europa League Group E following their opening victory at Austrian side LASK. Liverpool have never played Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in a competitive match. The Belgian side, who reached the Europa League quarter-finals last season, drew 1-1 in their opening match against Toulouse. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the fixture. When is Liverpool vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise? The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Thursday 5 October at Anfield. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage on the channel from 7:45pm BST. Subscribers can also stream the action via discovery+. 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 Liverpool team news? Despite their red cards against Tottenham, Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota are available to play in the Europa League. Cody Gakpo came off at half time against Tottenham with what appeared to be a leg injury and is a doubt. Trent Alexander-Arnold is fit again and could start but with Liverpool facing a tricky trip to Brighton on Sunday, Jurgen Klopp could also rotate his side and keep his squad fresh. Predicted Liverpool line-up Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Konate, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Jones, Gravenberch; Jota, Nunez, Doak Prediction Liverpool 3-1 Union SG Read More The Premier League now faces a credibility ‘crisis’ – and latest VAR farce is just the tip VAR audio of Liverpool offside error to be released to public Jamie Carragher believes VAR at ‘crisis point’ in Premier League Liverpool-Tottenham replay possible under Uefa rules loophole Gary Neville responds after Jurgen Klopp calls for Liverpool replay: ‘That’s madness’ Jurgen Klopp calls for Liverpool’s match at Tottenham to be replayed over VAR blunder

Brighton go in search of a famous European win as they travel to French giants Marseille in the Europa League. The Seagulls were beaten 3-2 by AEK Athens in their opening match of Group B, in what was also the club’s first-ever European fixture. Roberto de Zerbi’s side are also looking to respond to a horror 6-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday as they head to the famous Stade Velodrome. Marseille, who drew 3-3 with Ajax in what is a heavyweight group, currently sit 12th in Ligue 1 after an underwhelming start to the season. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the fixture. When is Marseille vs Brighton? The match will kick off at 5:45pm BST on Thursday 5 October at the Stade Velodrome. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage on the channel from 5:00pm BST. Subscribers can also stream the action via discovery+. 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? Brighton lost Pervis Estupinan to injury on Saturday and could be out for a “long time”, according to De Zerbi. Pascal Gross, James Milner and Adam Lallana are all doubts. Marseille are hopeful Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr recover from illness in time to join former Arsenal and Chelsea strike Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in attack. Prediction Marseille 2-1 Brighton Read More Ollie Watkins scores hat-trick as rampant Aston Villa hit Brighton for six Roberto De Zerbi happy with Brighton players despite defeat to AEK Athens Brighton suffer late defeat to AEK Athens in first-ever European match Why Europa League offers unmissable opportunity to Premier League sides On this day in 2006: France’s former Man Utd goalkeeper Fabien Barthez retires

Former France and Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez announced his retirement from football, on this day in 2006. The 1998 World Cup winner made his announcement on French television channel TF1, three months after appearing in the 2006 World Cup final. Barthez, aged 35 at the time, said: “I am quitting the French team, I am quitting club football. I am going to continue enjoying myself without football.” The mercurial Frenchman, who also helped his country win Euro 2000, initially quit soon after being released by Marseille at the end of the 2005-06 season. He had been France’s first-choice keeper in the 2006 World Cup, with his last match being the penalty shoot-out loss to Italy in the final. Barthez was with United for four years between 2000 and 2004, winning two Premier League titles in the process. The only club I wanted to go to was not so happy to have me. It happens and you have to live with it. I needed an adventure Fabien Barthez But his erratic displays saw Sir Alex Ferguson lose patience with him and he spent the final season on loan back at former club Marseille, who he subsequently joined on a two-year permanent deal. Shortly before he announced his retirement, Barthez had been trying to agree a deal with first club Toulouse, but it did not work out. “The only club I wanted to go to was not so happy to have me,” he said. “It happens and you have to live with it. I needed an adventure and I have only done things that I want to.” Barthez’s club retirement did not last long though, with the keeper announcing in December 2006 that he had signed a deal with Nantes. But the following April, after an altercation with a Nantes fan, Barthez left the club and, although he stated his intention to carry on playing, he did not make another appearance. In 2008, Barthez switched sports and began a successful motorsport career. He won the 2013 French GT Championship alongside Morgan Moullin-Traffort and competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 2014, 2016 and 2017. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live England waiting on fitness of Ben Stokes ahead of World Cup opener Tadhg Furlong believes pressure of Scotland game will bring best out of Ireland Eddie Howe staying grounded after Newcastle’s ‘amazing night’ against PSG

Louisiana State University Tigers football player Greg Brooks Jr. has been diagnosed with a rare type of cancerous brain tumor, his family, the athletics department and a Baton Rouge hospital announced Wednesday.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will not allow Newcastle to get ahead of themselves despite seeing them dismantle Champions League giants Paris St Germain. The 4-1 victory over the 2020 runners-up at St James’ Park took the Magpies – playing in the competition for the first time in 20 years – to the top of Group F after two games. However, head coach Howe was refusing to be carried away by a performance and a result which brought back memories of the club’s 3-2 Champions League win over Barcelona 26 years ago. Howe, who inherited a Newcastle side seemingly heading for the Sky Bet Championship less than two years ago, said: “Going from the difficult moment we were in to now, it’s a great lesson for us not to get ahead of ourselves. “We’ve come a long way in a short period of time, but we want to keep going and we take nothing for granted. Amazing night, but we’ve got to continue to work hard from here. “It goes without saying we hope that gives us that belief that we need to be successful in this competition. Against Milan in our first game, there was an element of us not quite hitting the levels that we expected of ourselves. “But I think it’s only by doing that you can truly prove to yourself that you can do it consistently, and I think today will go a long way towards proving that. It's a small step forward, but there's still a long, long way to go Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe “But as I said, there are so many difficult games to come in this competition. It’s a small step forward, but there’s still a long, long way to go. “The next game in this competition will be hugely important, but that goes to the back of our minds now as we focus back on to the Premier League and West Ham.” The Magpies got off to a dream start when Bruno Guimaraes picked off Marquinhos’ ill-judged ball out of defence and although Gianluigi Donnarumma saved Alexander Isak’s initial shot, Miguel Almiron followed up to score. Dan Burn made it 2-0 with a towering header six minutes before the break, after a lengthy VAR check, and Sean Longstaff put the Magpies in dreamland five minutes after the restart. Lucas Hernandez’s 56th-minute header sparked something of a fightback, but ultimately it amounted to little and Fabian Schar smashed home a fourth in stoppage time to cement a remarkable win. Howe was particularly pleased for Geordies Burn and Longstaff, lifelong supporters of the club they now represent with such distinction. He said: “I really do respect the Geordies who have had life-long associations with the club and understand what it means to play for Newcastle and have a unique experience, really, so for Sean to score and play how he did and for Dan, they’re amazing moments in their careers.” A crowd of 52,009 witnessed a remarkable night on Tyneside, although the visiting fans, some of whom briefly caused troubled as they were escorted to the stadium by police, left less than impressed by what superstar Kylian Mbappe and his team-mates produced on the pitch. Asked if he took responsibility for the performance, PSG boss Luis Enrique said: “Yes absolutely, there’s no doubt about that, I’m the first person to be responsible for what happened this evening. Of course I’m responsible for it. “I think the outcome of the game was fair, although the scoreline was perhaps a little bit too much in their favour, not really a fair reflection. “But of course we made such careless mistakes which led to their goals and when you play at this level, you can’t afford to do that.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Rico Lewis is one of best players I have ever coached – Pep Guardiola Newcastle stun PSG as Manchester City, Lazio, Barcelona and Atletico all win Simone Biles wins 20th World Gymnastics gold by leading USA to team title

The College Football Playoff will expand to 12 teams in the 2024 season, and two streaming giants are looking to get their piece of the pie in the soon-after future.

Pep Guardiola hailed Rico Lewis as one of the best players he has ever coached after his starring role in Manchester City’s hard-fought win at RB Leipzig. The 18-year-old produced a commanding display as the holders maintained the winning start to their Champions League defence with a 3-1 success at the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday. Lewis, who made his first-team breakthrough as a right-back last season, had a hand in Phil Foden’s opening goal and proved City’s main driving force throughout. City manager Guardiola, the former Barcelona boss whose past players have included Lionel Messi, said: “What a player! What a player! “I’ve been a manager for 14, 15, years and lucky to train one of the best players in the world in Barcelona. “To find a player like him playing in the pockets, how he has to move as a holding midfielder, moving in the spaces, he is one of the best I’ve ever trained by far. “He’s a humble guy, doesn’t talk much. He didn’t play much this season but he is going to play a lot.” Despite Lewis’ contributions, it took the introduction of substitutes Julian Alvarez and Jeremy Doku to secure a hard-fought victory. City controlled the first half and led at the break through Foden’s 25th-minute strike but they were pegged back after the restart by Lois Openda. The second half was a frustrating affair with Erling Haaland missing several chances and Foden hitting the bar but Alvarez made the breakthrough with a stunning effort on 84 minutes. Doku wrapped up a second successive win in Group G in injury time. After back-to-back defeats domestically, Guardiola was pleased to get back to winning ways. He said: “Three or four days ago it was no progress because we lost in Wolves. It was important to break that. “We played a fantastic game in all departments. We conceded two or three transitions in the second half but it’s normal. When a team is able to make a lot of passes early on, very nice things are going to happen in the game. “The guys who came from the bench, the contribution they have done is the key point. Everyone helped each other. I am really satisfied. It was a tough game.” Leipzig coach Marco Rose was pleased with the effort of his side but had no complaints about the result. Rose said: “Manchester City deserved to win, even if it was 1-1 in the 83rd minute and we had hoped to hold on until the end. “We did well after the break and got our equaliser. It was then an open game then but City put us under pressure at the death again. We are learning from the best.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Newcastle stun PSG as Manchester City, Lazio, Barcelona and Atletico all win Simone Biles wins 20th World Gymnastics gold by leading USA to team title Bill Sweeney believes English rugby is ‘on cusp of something quite spectacular’