SFA bans trans women competing in women's football

From next season, only those born biologically female will be allowed to take part in competitive matches in Scotland.

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Ruben Amorim provides key Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt injury update

Amad Diallo looks set to be named in the squad against Athletic Bilbao (Picture: Getty)

Ruben Amorim has provided a key injury update on Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Athletic Bilbao.

Both United players have been pictured back in training before the Europa League semi-final first leg showdown at the San Mames Stadium.

Amad was struck down by a serious ankle injury in February and the forward has missed United’s last 21 matches in all competitions.

United defender De Ligt, meanwhile, has been absent for the last six games after rolling his ankle in the 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest.

Amorim, United’s head coach, was quizzed about Amad and De Ligt in his Europa League pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

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Asked if the duo were fit to start, Amorim said: ‘To start, no, but they can be in the squad for the game.

‘The rest of the players, we have the game tomorrow and we train here on Friday.

Matthijs de Ligt has missed Man Utd’s last six games (Picture: Getty)

‘We need to prepare for the next game against Brentford [on Sunday]. We have brought young kids to prepare for the next game.’

Ruben Amorim hails ‘special’ Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams

Amorim has also opened up about the threat of Athletic Bilbao ahead of their Europa League semi-final first leg meeting.

Nico Williams is one of Europe’s hottest prospects (Picture: Getty)

‘They are strong, intense and really aggressive in every duel,’ Amorim added. ‘They have great players one-vs-one.

‘Nico Williams is a special player. They have the best defence in Spain in the league. We are not scoring many goals, so it is going to be a tough match for us.

‘They use the crowd to take the game to a different level. We are going to face a very, very strong team.’

Man Utd striker Rasmus Hojlund is ‘working really hard’

Ruben Amorim has once again defended Rasmus Hojlund (Picture: Getty)

United striker Rasmus Hojlund, who has largely struggled this season, scored last time out in a 1-1 draw at AFC Bournemouth on Sunday.

Amorim has once again defended the Dane – who has faced widespread criticism this term – before United take on Athletic Bilbao this week.

‘He is working really hard,’ Amorim told reporters. ‘Some of the goals that we scored, especially in this competition, he has been really important with his movement.

Ruben Amorim says Rasmus Hojlund is ‘in a good moment’ (Picture: Getty)

‘I think he is in a good moment and a good spirit to do a great game tomorrow.

‘Our focus is to help the players that we have. Rasmus [Hojlund] scored one goal in the last game. You can see Rasmus has the talent.

‘Joshua [Zirkzee] has the talent. Chido [Obi] has the talent. We have to improve the players, but to improve the players individually we have to improve the way we perform, the way we play.

‘We are far from being a really consistent team that can help the strikers score goals. We have a lack of goals and that has cost us a lot of points.’

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Burke generations aim for Hampden glory - watch on BBC

Cole and Chris Burke carry Kilmarnock hopes in the Scottish Youth Cup final against Dundee, which is live on BBC Scotland.

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English FA 'carefully reviewing' transgender policy

The English Football Association is "carefully reviewing" the decision made just weeks ago to allow transgender women to continue playing in women's football.

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'I have to think of something special' - the story of Salah's selfie

Mohamed Salah's selfie celebration during Liverpool's Premier League title-clinching win over Tottenham has already become an iconic moment.

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Arsenal star sends transfer message to Mikel Arteta after Liverpool win Premier League

Mikel Artet’s Arsenal are set to finish second in the Premier League for the third season in a row (Photo: Getty)

Gabriel Martinelli says he would welcome a new striker at Arsenal after they missed out on the Premier League title to Liverpool.

The Reds clinched their second Premier League trophy and joint-record 20th English top-flight title with a 5-1 win over Tottenham on Sunday.

Arsenal meanwhile look set to finish runner-up in the table for the third season in a row after narrowly losing to Manchester City twice.

It’s not been a disaster of a campaign however, as the Gunners are just three games away from winning a first ever Champions League, a quest that begins on Tuesday when they host PSG.

Many have put the failure of Arsenal’s latest title challenge down to the lack of an elite No.9, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus missing a large chunk of the season through injury.

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Despite suffering a hamstring in February, Havertz is still the club’s top scorer in the league this season with nine, with forwards Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling not prolific enough, while Bukayo Saka’s lengthy injury did not help matters either.

As such, many strikers and wingers have been linked with a move to the Emirates this summer, and Martinelli says he wants the club to sign the best players possible, even if it means his place in the team is compromised.

Gabriel Martinelli has scored seven goals in the league this season (Photo: Getty)

‘We play for Arsenal, it’s a competition every day,’ the Brazil international said in the pre-PSG press conference on Monday.

‘The club wants to have the best players in the world because it’s one of the biggest in the world. We’re used to it.’

Asked if he felt Arsenal needed to bolster it’s attacking options in the summer, the 23-year-old replied: ‘We’re a big club, we need the biggest players.

Alexander Isak has long been linked with Arsenal (Photo: Getty)

‘We’re really happy when the big players come to the club.’

Among the forwards on Arsenal’s shortlist are Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams and Chelsea wantaway Christopher Nkunku.

Just like teammates Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, Martinelli’s future has also been speculated about with the forward’s contract up in 2027.

But he has dropped a clear hint that he is ready to agree fresh terms, adding: ‘I always said that I’m really happy here. This is my home.

‘I love to be here. I love the club. The club has given me so much, not just on the pitch but off it.’

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Mikel Arteta gives Mikel Merino injury update ahead of Arsenal vs PSG

Mikel Merino was pictured back in training ahead of Arsenal vs PSG (Photo: Getty)

Mikel Arteta has shared an update on Mikel Merino’s fitness ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

While Liverpool have claimed the Premier League title, Arsenal are just three games away from UCL glory.

First up is the first-leg of their semi-final tie against PSG at the Emirates on Tuesday night.

Arteta has had to deal with a number of big injury blows this season, especially up top with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in the treatment room.

In their absence, midfielder Merino has been deployed as a makeshift striker, something that worked to great effect in the quarter-finals against Real Madrid, with the Spaniard scoring in the 3-0 home win.

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The 28-year-old may return to midfield for the PSG game however given Thomas Partey’s suspension and the form of Leandro Trossard who has four goals in as many Premier League games.

Either way, there was concern among fans when Merino missed Arsenal’s last game – a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace – with Arteta revealing that he and Ben White had picked up injuries.

Thomas Partey will miss the Champions League clash through suspension (Photo: Getty)

There was relief when Merino was pictured on training on Monday, but Arteta says he is still not sure whether he will be able to feature against the Ligue 1 champions from the start.

‘We lost Thomas unfortunately very late in the game against Real Madrid,’ the manager said in his pre-match press conference.

‘Ben and Mikel were able to train. Let’s see if they are able to start tomorrow.

‘Ricci [Riccardo Calafiori] is still not fit.’

Arsenal have never won the Champions League and have only reached the final once before in 2006 and Arteta is relish the chance to make history.

‘With the circumstances this season and how we have overcome a lot of issues and challenges as one of the best four teams in Europe. It’s a beautiful story right now but we want more.’

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Monday Night Club

Mark Chapman and guests react to the weekend's football.

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Spurs struggled after 'decent start' - Postecoglou

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou says his team "started decently" but struggled once they went behind as they were well beaten by newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield.

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The ability to sustain a game has been a challenge for us - Potter

West Ham United manager Graham Potter says his side's ability to sustain a game has been a "challenge" after the Hammers conceded more late goals in their 3-2 defeat at Brighton.

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Arsenal to make new approach to sign £52m Chelsea star this summer

Arsenal made a move to sign Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea in January (AP)

Arsenal are expected to reignite their interest in Christopher Nkunku after making an approach for the Chelsea forward in January, according to reports in France.

Nkunku joined Chelsea in a £52 million deal from RB Leipzig in 2023 but his first season at Stamford Bridge was disrupted by knee, hip and hamstring injuries.

The 27-year-old has been fully fit this term, however, he has struggled to secure a regular role under Enzo Maresca, starting just nine games in the Premier League.

According to RMC Sport, Nkunku is now considering his future at Chelsea and is keen to play for a club who are guaranteed to play in the Champions League next season.

The report claims that both Arsenal and Bayern Munich enquired about signing Nkunku in the January transfer window and are expected to make a fresh move for the France international this summer.

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Arsenal were in the market for a new striker but opted not to sign anyone during the January window after their £40m offer for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins was rejected.

Christopher Nkunku has scored 14 goals for Chelsea this season (PA)

It’s understood that the Gunners now have Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko at the top of their striker shortlist ahead of the summer window.

Arsenal are also in pole position to complete a €60 million (£51m) deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Nkunku, meanwhile, was dropped from Chelsea’s squad for their 2-1 win against Fulham last weekend.

‘Since day one, I just tried to do my best for the club and every decision I take is thinking about the best for the club,’ Maresca said this week.

‘I know Christo cost a lot of money and Ty [Tyrique George] is from the academy but I have to make these decisions.’

Asked how Nkunku has responded to that setback, Maresca said: ‘He has been good in the last week when he was out.

‘We need to decide one or two players out and to give some of the young players a chance to be with us. It was just because of that but now he is back in the squad. He is training well.

‘Probably in this moment, if he is in the squad, one offensive player has to be out for the Fulham game and that probably would have been Tyrique.’

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Crews tackle fire at Luton Town laundry room

Luton Town are due to host Coventry in a key Championship match on Saturday.

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Real Madrid threaten to not play Copa del Rey final vs Barcelona over referee comments

Real Madrid are furious over comments made by the Copa del Rey officials (Getty)

Real Madrid are considering the option of not playing their Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on Saturday evening due to comments made by the match referee.

Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea and Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, the on-field and VAR referees for the Copa del Rey final, slammed Madrid’s own TV channel during their pre-match press conference on Friday.

De Burgos Bengoetxea, who broke down in tears, accused Madrid’s TV channel of pressurising officials in Spain.

‘When a child of yours goes to school and there are kids telling him that his father is a ‘thief’ and comes home crying, it’s totally messed up,’ he said.

‘What I do is try to educate my son, to say that his father is honest, above all honest, who can make mistakes, like any sportsperson.’

De Burgos Bengoetxea went on to add: ‘It’s not right what we are going through, many colleagues, and not just in professional football, but also at grassroots level.

‘Everyone should reflect about where we want to go, about what we want from sport and from football.’

Ricardo De Burgos Bengoechea broke down in tears(AFP via Getty)

Fuertes said: ‘Have no doubt that we are going to have to start taking much more serious measures than we are taking.

‘We will not continue to allow what is happening. Soon, you will hear from us.

‘We are going to make history, because we are not going to continue to bear what we are putting up with.’

Ricardo De Burgos Bengoechea and Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes both hit out at Real Madrid’s TV channel (AFP via Getty)

Madrid are furious with the comments made by the two officials and have refused to take part in an open training session and their pre-match press conference.

Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez has also refused to attend the dinner hosted by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Friday night.

Madrid are now demanding that the RFEF change the team of officials for their Copa del Rey final, while Marca and El Mundo report that the Champions League holders are threatening to withdraw from the game altogether.

A statement released by Madrid on Friday read: ‘Real Madrid CF considers the public statements made today by the referees designated for the Copa del Rey Final, scheduled to be held tomorrow, April 26, 2025, to be unacceptable.

‘These protests, which have surprisingly focused attention on videos from a media outlet protected by freedom of expression, such as Real Madrid TV, deliberately carried out 24 hours earlier against one of the final’s participants, demonstrate, once again, the clear and manifest animosity and hostility of these referees toward Real Madrid.

‘Even more surprising statements, in a threatening tone, alluding to the referees’ unity, were used to announce alleged measures or actions that fall far short of the principles of fairness, objectivity, and impartiality that should prevail just hours before a football event that captures the attention of hundreds of millions of people around the world.

‘Given the seriousness of what happened, Real Madrid hopes that those responsible for the RFEF and the refereeing body will act accordingly, adopting the necessary measures to defend the prestige of the institutions they represent.’

When asked about the comments made by the match officials, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick said: ‘For me, it’s only a sport.

‘It’s only a game. It’s only football. It is our responsibility to protect not only the players, but all the people involved in the game.

‘It’s not nice that happened today. Of course, sometimes on the pitch there are some decisions that are about emotion but after the match, we should be done with it. Something must be done.’

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Liverpool one point from title - but when could they clinch it?

Liverpool are on the brink of the Premier League title after their 1-0 win at Leicester on Sunday - but when can they clinch it?

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Classic FA Cup semi-finals of the 21st Century

With the FA Cup semi-finals just around the corner, we take a look at some of the best last-four ties the cup has produced in the 21st century.

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Jamie Vardy next club odds after Leicester City exit

Jamie Vardy is leaving Leicester City at the end of the season (AMA/Getty)

Jamie Vardy has announced he is leaving Leicester City after 13 seasons with the Foxes.

The 38-year-old has played a pivotal role in Leicester’s success following his £1 million move from Fleetwood Town in 2012, helping the club win the Championship on two occasions, the FA Cup in 2021, and the Premier League title in 2016.

Vardy, who has scored seven goals in the Premier League this season, insists he has no plans to retire just yet, which now sparks speculation over his next move once he leaves Leicester at the end of the season.

According to Betfair, a move to Major League Soccer in the United States is Vardy’s most-likely destination at odds of 5/2.

Second in the running is a transfer to the Saudi Pro League where he could join his former Leicester teammates N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez.

The third most-likely destination for Vardy, according to the bookmaker, is Wrexham at odds of 8/1, who could secure promotion from League One to the Championship this weekend.

Up Next

Jamie Vardy next club odds

Any MLS club 5/2

Any Saudi Arabian club 5/1

Wrexham 8/1

Birmingham 10/1

Burnley 20/1

Odds via Betfair

Birmingham City, who have already guaranteed promotion back to the Championship, are fourth-favourite for Vardy’s next move at 10/1.

Meanwhile, Burnley will be a Premier League club once again after they secured automatic promotion from the Championship this week and they are 20/1 to sign Vardy this summer.

Jamie Vardy played a pivotal role in Leicester City’s Premier League title success in 2016 (Getty)

Explaining his decision to leave Leicester this summer, Vardy said: ‘I have been here so long that I truly thought it would never end.

‘This has not only been really difficult for me to write but also a really difficult decision to make. Leicester City has been my second home, my extended family, my life for 13 years.

‘The club, the city, the people, means so much to me and my family.

‘I want to keep playing and doing what I enjoy doing most, scoring goals. Hopefully there is one or two more for Leicester between now and the end of the season, and many more in the future.

‘I might be 38 but I’ve still got the desire and ambition to achieve so much more.’

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Rangers confirm takeover talks with US investors

Reports of interest first surfaced earlier this year but the Ibrox club has now confirmed "productive conversations" are ongoing.

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Chelsea captain Bright makes 200th WSL appearance

Chelsea captain Millie Bright becomes only the second player to make 200 appearances in the Women's Super League.

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Wales' Middleton-Patel grateful for Bronze's autism openness

Manchester United and Wales goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel says she has taken confidence from England and Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze's openness on her autism diagnosis.

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Three Serie A games moved because of Pope's funeral

Saturday's three Serie A matches have been rescheduled to avoid a clash with Pope Francis' funeral.

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SPFL lower league round-up: Falkirk title delayed as Hamilton relegated

Watch BBC Sport's round-up of the action as Falkirk's Scottish Championship title party is delayed, Hamilton Academical are relegated pending an appeal, while there are crucial games in League 1 and League 2.

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World Football: Wissa and Mbuemo chase PL record

John Bennett explores the impact of Brentford pair Bryan Mbuemo and Yoane Wissa.

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Why McGregor is 'glue' that binds Rodgers' Celtic together

Brendan Rodgers pays tribute to captain Callum McGregor, who opened the scoring as Celtic reached yet another Scottish Cup final.

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'Incredible' Mbeumo & Wissa among best striker pairs

Where do Brentford pair Bryan Mbeumo & Yoane Wissa rank among the Premier League's deadliest ever duos?

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‘Worth a gamble’ – Liverpool tipped to make shock transfer move for Man City star

Liverpool have been urged to make a shock move for one of Manchester City’s star players (Picture: Getty)

Lee Sharpe has tipped Liverpool to make a shock transfer move for one of Manchester City’s key players in the summer window.

Leading by 13 points in the Premier League over Arsenal with just six games remaining, Liverpool look set to end Arne Slot’s first season in charge in style.

As such, the Reds will soon turn their attention to the summer transfer window as they plot new signings to improve upon Slot’s squad.

In that regard, there has already been some good news, with key players Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk extending their contracts which were due to expire at the end of this season.

But the Merseyside club will surely have to dip into the market, especially as they look to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who looks destined for a move to Real Madrid on a free transfer.

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And Sharpe would not be surprised if those in charge at Anfield consider a surprise move for City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne to add some much-needed depth and experience to their squad in the middle of the park.

The Belgian is set to leave City at the end of the season, but caught many by surprise when he suggested that he would be open to staying in England and joining a rival Premier League side.

Kevin De Bruyne is set to leave Manchester City on a free transfer this summer (Picture: Getty)

The 33-year-old has started just 14 games in the Premier League this season, largely due to a hernia problem, but Sharpe reckons Liverpool could take a gamble on the midfielder who rolled back the years with a superb performance against Crystal Palace last weekend.

‘I can see him staying in Europe. Over the last couple of weeks, he’s got himself fully fit again, and he’s come out and said he’s playing pain-free for the first time in a while which is a huge thing for any player and I think we’re seeing him at his best,’ the former Manchester United winger told Stadium Asto.

De Bruyne has won six Premier League titles with City (Picture: Getty)

‘He’s got to the age where he’s enjoying every second of it because he knows it’s coming to an end.

‘I think he could be worth a gamble for Liverpool. I remember Gary McAllister going there towards the end of his career and coming on and just dictating things and keeping things calm.

What Kevin De Bruyne has said about joining a rival Premier League club

‘If teams come and they can convince me that something sporting is nice, a nice project, I’m able,’ De Bruyne said.

‘I know, obviously, I’m not the youngest any more but I still feel I’m able to perform at a very high level.

‘I don’t know what teams are interested or what they want to do, but whatever project is available I’m willing to listen.

‘I love football, I love to play football, if a nice project comes and my family is also good with that then we are able to make a decision.’

‘He could get a one-year deal with an extension if he stays fit, and he wouldn’t have to play every game because of the strength of their squad they’ve got there.

‘He could play in certain games and I think that would be a pretty good move for him and it would work out for Liverpool as well.’

Joe Cole, meanwhile, said De Bruyne would be perfect for his former club Chelsea if they can coax the Belgian back for a second stint at Stamford Bridge.

‘If I’m Chelsea and I’m sitting around with them [the board], I’m going, ‘we need experienced players’,’ he said on The Dressing Room Podcast.

‘Kevin De Bruyne, he’s been injured a bit, but what he gives the changing room as a winner, as a leader, we might only need him for 30 games a season, we can manage him.

‘Imagine him walking through the door with those young players and those difficult moments. I would say, ‘whatever you want, we’ll write it off’. Come and play for us for two years.’

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Oliver Glasner explains decision to sub Eberechi Eze in Crystal Palace draw vs Bournemouth

Eberechi Eze was subbed at half time in Crystal Palace’s draw with Bournemouth (Shutterstock)

Oliver Glasner insists his decision to substitute Eberechi Eze at half time in Crystal Palace’s goalless draw with Bournemouth was ‘tactical’.

Palace were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half time as Chris Richards was sent off for a second yellow card despite making minimal contact on Justin Kluivert.

The decision left Glasner and Palace upset as referee Samuel Barrott opted not to give Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott a second yellow card for his push on Ismaila Sarr just a few minutes before.

Palace failed to register a shot on target at Selhurst Park and the draw has left Glasner’s side 12th in the Premier League.

In order to compensate for Richards’ dismissal, Glasner opted to substitute Eze at half time with Jefferson Lerma brought on to solidify Palace’s midfield.

When asked about the decision to replace Eze at half time, Glasner said: ‘Yes, of course it was just a tactical sub at half time.

Crystal Palace were reduced to 10 men shortly before half time due to Chris Richards’ red card (Getty)

‘When you expect to be a little bit deep then you are thinking which players can make these runs also to the back, then of course it’s clear with JP [Mateta], it’s clear with Ismaila, it’s clear with Dani Munoz, we had many of our attacks from the right side.

‘That was the only reason why we made this sub. It was to be compact in our defence but having these players who can also get the game into their half, get the game into their box.

‘Of course, set-plays is a huge topic and with JP’s head, with Ismaila Sarr’s head, we need them on the pitch.’

Speaking about Richards’ red card, Glasner said: ‘When you have consistency in the game, it’s either two red cards or no red cards.

‘The fourth official told me it was not enough for Scott to concede a second yellow, so then I think it’s not enough for Chris Richards to concede a second yellow. 

‘This was the feeling everybody had in the dressing room at half time, not just the players but the whole staff, but the referee decided.’

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Chase for European spots 'super exciting' - Frank

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank says the chase for the European spots will be "super exciting" after his side's 4-2 win over Brighton in the Premier League.

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Harry Redknapp makes bold Harry Maguire claim after Man Utd star’s heroics against Lyon

Harry Maguire scored a dramatic winner to rescue Manchester United against Lyon (Picture: Getty)

Harry Redknapp says Harry Maguire would provide a greater goalscoring threat than Rasmus Hojlund if deployed as a makeshift striker for the rest of the season.

In need of a miracle after falling 6-4 down on aggregate in extra-time against Lyon, Ruben Amorim through Maguire up front to try and salvage Manchester United’s Europa League campaign.

And the move ultimately proved a masterstroke, with the Englishman heading home the winner in the 121st minute after late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo had drawn United level.

With Joshua Zirkzee injured for the rest of the season and Chido Obi unable to play in the Europa League, Amorim will be forced to lean on Hojlund as his side look to secure a route back into the Champions League.

But Redknapp believes the Portuguese coach wouldn’t be foolish to consider deploying Maguire as a makeshift target man instead of the misfiring Dane, who has just one goal in all competitions this calendar year.

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‘Do you know what I would do? I’d stick with Harry Maguire up front,’ Redknapp told talkSPORT.

‘I would, I swear. He gets on the end of things, he’s a target. I’d work with him there for the next couple of weeks.

Maguire was sent up front in the closing stages by Ruben Amorim (Picture: Getty)

‘They haven’t got anybody. The other boy [Hojlund] can’t score a goal.

‘I’d get him on diagonals. I’d get people around him. He’d be like a Crouchy [Peter Crouch] or something.

‘He’s unstoppable in the air. We’ve seen it over the years. I think Maguire could do a job short term. They’ve got nobody else who can score up front.’

‘He knows how to behave in that space’

Amorim resisted calls to play Maguire as a permanent makeshift striker (Picture: Getty)

While praising his centre-back’s instincts as a makeshift striker, Amorim dismissed the idea that Maguire would find himself in that role all too often.

‘To play a normal game, no. In these moments, it is something that is really important,’ the United boss said post-match.

‘When I see Harry Maguire and I put him as a striker, I just see one guy that inside the box. Is he not good inside the box?

‘In the opposite box he is striker, he is not a defender, he knows how to behave in that space and it is just to put those different characteristics in a different moment.’

‘Maddest game I’ve ever played in’

United face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals (Picture: Getty)

Speaking shortly after the game, Maguire was almost at a loss for words for what had just transpired during a remarkable finish at Old Trafford.

‘It was an incredible feeling to score that winner in such an important game, in a game that was full of emotion and the strangest, maddest game I’ve ever played in or witnessed,’ he said.

‘I’ve been here six years now and I’ve had some great times and some bad times as well.

‘I think that game pretty much summed up my time at this club, to be honest.

‘I don’t know how I would have felt if I had come here and been speaking to you after a 4-2 defeat – it’s not even worth trying to think about that.’

Amorim’s side now return to Premier League action against Wolves and Bournemouth before their semi-final first leg in northern Spain against Athletic Bilbao.

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'It's tough', says Cardiff boss Riza after sack chants

Cardiff City boss Omer Riza says he must accept criticism after some travelling fans call for his departure during the Bluebirds' defeat at Sheffield United.

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Man Utd emerge as ‘front-runners’ to sign £70m Chelsea and Liverpool transfer target

Ruben Amorim’s side may have stolen a march (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United are leading the race to sign Chelsea and Liverpool target Antoine Semenyo in the summer transfer window, according to reports.

The Bournemouth forward has enjoyed another productive season in the Premier League, notching up 12 goal involvements in 31 games.

Such form has unsurprisingly seen Semenyo, who can operate on both wings and can also play as a centre-forward, attract interest from a host of top clubs ahead of the summer.

Andoni Iraola’s side, who paid just £10m to sign Semenyo from Bristol City in 2023, are in no rush to sell the Ghanaian international who still has four years left on his current contract.

However, the south coast club are willing to reluctantly cash in on the 25-year-old if their £70million valuation is met.

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While it is still early stages, Sky Sports reports that United are the ‘front-runners’ to sign Semenyo, with Ruben Amorim said to be a big admirer of the versatile forward.

Amorim’s side are in desperate need of wide attacking options, having let Jadon Sancho, Antony and Marcus Rashford all leave the club on loan this season.

Antoine Semenyo is wanted by a host of top clubs (Picture: Getty)

All three are expected to leave the club permanently in the summer, while there could also be renewed interest in Alejandro Garnacho from Napoli and Chelsea.

United, however, will not get a free run at Semenyo, with a host of top Premier League clubs interested in the Bournemouth attacker.

Liverpool are keen to refresh their attacking options, particularly if the misfiring Darwin Nunez is allowed to leave Anfield in the summer.

Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen have also been linked with an exit from Bournemouth in the summer (Picture Getty)

And Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in Semenyo as Enzo Maresca’s side looks to add more goalscoring prowess to their wide options.

Bournemouth, who still remain in the hunt for European football, are set for a busy summer transfer window as they look to hold on to several key players.

Impressive left-back Milos Kerkez has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool as they plot a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson.

And young centre-back Dean Huijsen is widely expected to leave the club in the summer, with a host of top clubs interested in activating his £50m release clause.

‘I’m very calm. I don’t really focus on it, now is not the time, I’m just focused on finishing the season well,’ the 20-year-old recently told Sky Sports.

‘My dad is my agent, he fixes everything. I don’t read anything, I don’t think about it too much, I’m just focusing on my football and working hard.’

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Ups, downs and the race for Europe

All you need to know about promotion, relegation and qualification for Europe in England and Scotland's top men's football leagues, and the Women's Super League.

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Real Madrid out, Inter in with a shout, and Bayern's clout

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Hamilton face relegation to League 1 after 15-point deduction

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Hamilton face relegation to League 1 after 15-point deduction

Hamilton Academical face being relegated from the Scottish Championship this weekend after they were deducted 15 points for breaching league rules.

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Real Madrid vs Arsenal LIVE: Champions League latest score and confirmed lineups as Partey starts

Real Madrid host Arsenal in the second leg of their crunch Champions League quarter-final tie (Picture: Getty)

Real Madrid are looking to overturn a three-goal deficit against Arsenal in tonight’s Champions League quarter-final second leg.

Mikel Arteta’s have one foot in the semi-finals after a scarcely believable display at the Emirates saw them win 3-0 in the first leg last week.

Nevertheless, the Gunners will have to be prepared for a testing second leg as the defending champions seek to summon upon all their European experience to overturn the deficit.

The winners of tonight’s clash will punch their ticket to the last four, where a semi-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain awaits.

Follow all the latest Championd League updates from the Bernabeu with Metro’s matchday live blog below:

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A year on, how does Thelin assess Aberdeen impact?

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A year on, how does Thelin assess Aberdeen impact?

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Marcelo fires warning shot at Arsenal ahead of Champions League second leg with Real Madrid

Real Madrid legend Marcelo has belief that last year’s champions can come back against Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

Marcelo says Real Madrid ‘always come back’ and will be ‘confident’ of completing a stunning three-goal turnaround against Arsenal.

Madrid were blown away by an inspired Arsenal in last week’s absorbing Champions League quarter-final first leg, with Declan Rice scoring two sublime free-kicks before Mikel Merino increased the deficit.

It gives the reigning European champions a mountain to climb at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night, but Carlo Ancelotti’s men have proven time and time again in years gone by that they never should never be written off.

Arsenal have failed to reach the last four of Europe’s premier competition since as far back as 2009, when Manchester United beat Arsene Wenger’s side to a place in the final.

And despite Madrid’s proven pedigree on the grandest stage, the Gunners are the overwhelming favourites to progress given the imperious advantage they take with them to the Spanish capital.

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The visitors have also been boosted by the news that both Thomas Partey and Ben White have shaken off injury concerns and could be in line to feature against the La Liga giants.

But Arteta has repeatedly stressed that it is ‘only half-time’ and Marcelo, a five-time Champions League winner with Madrid, is refusing to rule out Los Blancos’ chances based on the club’s recent history in the competition.

Rice was Arsenal’s unlikely free-kick hero at the Emirates (Picture: Getty)

Arteta has repeatedly underlined that it is ‘only half-time’ (Picture: Getty)

‘You can never write off Real Madrid,’ the former Madrid and Brazil full-back told ESPN.

‘Three goals is a lot of goals, but I am always thinking about Real Madrid and have a lot of faith that they’ll come back.

‘Real Madrid is Real Madrid and they always come back.’

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Marcelo believes Madrid’s home support will be a key factor if they are to do the seemingly impossible against Arsenal.

‘The return leg is at the Bernabeu, the fans will push hard and the players are confident it can happen,’ he added.

‘Of course, we don’t know what will happen, we have faith and Real Madrid will come back.’

Bellingham says Madrid have not given up hope of a fightback (Picture: Getty)

According to Marcelo, it is drilled into every Madrid player that they should ‘never give up’ when they arrive through the doors at the Bernabeu.

‘I think that from the moment we joined Real Madrid, we’re taught to never give up, and that’s always been in our blood,’ he continued.

‘It’s been like this for many years, and apart from the DNA, it’s hard work, humility, daily dedication, and the support of the fans as well. It’s all part of making things work.’

Facing the media this afternoon, Jude Bellingham shed some light on the mood in the Madrid camp heading into what promises to be an intriguing second leg.

Asked which word had been used the most inside the Madrid dressing room, the England midfielder replied: ‘Remontada [Spanish for ‘comeback’].

‘I must have heard it like a million times this past week. I’ve seen a million videos – it’s really motivating stuff.’

Bellingham added: ‘This is a night tailor-made for Real Madrid.

‘A night that would go down in history but also something that people are familiar with around this part of this world. Hopefully we can add another special night.’

Can Real Madrid come back against Arsenal?

• Yes
• No, it's over!

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