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Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour stop in Kolkata descended into chaos as overcrowding, security breaches, and pitch invasions left the Argentina icon "visibly uncomfortable" before he exited the Salt Lake Stadium after less than 20 minutes. Fans who had paid hefty prices were left furious as mismanagement plunged the event into disorder.

• Messi's GOAT Tour turns sour in Kolkata

  Chaos engulfed Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on December 13 as Messi’s much-anticipated appearance lasted barely 20 to 25 minutes before he was escorted away amid local politicians swarming the pitch for photos with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. Over 85,000 fans had arrived for a glimpse of the football legend, but more than 100 individuals, politicians, officials, celebrities, and security staff swarmed the pitch as soon as Messi entered, obstructing visibility and disrupting the schedule. As frustration grew and fans realised they could hardly see the Argentine superstar, the atmosphere shifted rapidly from euphoria to anger.

  Stadium unrest escalated when groups of supporters began ripping out seats and hurling objects onto the pitch after Messi left the field. Videos showed fans climbing over barriers and jeering officials as the event collapsed under mismanagement. Reports confirmed that Messi, along with Inter Miami team-mates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, were rushed out of the venue due to immediate safety concerns as organisers lost control of the situation.

  Former India midfielder Lalkamal Bhowmick, who participated in the exhibition match planned as part of the programme, later revealed to Sports Now that Messi had become "visibly uncomfortable" once the crowd began encroaching on him. The celebrity presence on the pitch, combined with an overwhelmed security apparatus, left the event in disarray. By the end of the night, Messi’s first Indian appearance of the tour had turned into a public-relations disaster, overshadowing the footballing spectacle.

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• AFP
  

  Kolkata event organizer Dutta arrested after celebs and politicians storm the field

  The fallout from the Kolkata chaos has spiralled into a significant controversy, prompting the arrest of lead organiser Shatadru Dutta and the launch of two police cases under multiple stringent legal sections. Authorities allege severe lapses in crowd management, public-order violations, and endangerment, leading to Dutta reportedly being denied bail and placed in 14-day police custody.

  West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and issued a public apology, acknowledging the failure to manage an event hosting a global icon. An inquiry committee comprising senior officials has already begun an investigation into the causes, with initial inspections suggesting that access control, security perimeter planning, and VIP coordination had collapsed simultaneously. The committee will assess accountability and recommend structural reforms to prevent such lapses at future large-scale events.

  Fan anger has continued to grow, with many supporters demanding refunds after paying high ticket prices only to be unable to see Messi during his rushed, heavily obstructed lap. Some accused organisers of prioritising dignitaries over genuine supporters, while others criticised the chaotic execution that turned a once-in-a-lifetime moment into disappointment. 

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Former Indian midfielder reveals Messi was 'visibly uncomfortable'

  Bhowmick’s account shed further light on Messi’s discomfort, describing how his demeanour changed as uncontrolled crowds converged on him for selfies and photos. He revealed that Messi initially appeared relaxed, signing autographs and greeting players, but quickly grew irritated when dozens of unplanned politicians and dignitaries flooded the pitch. According to Bhowmick, both Messi’s own security team and teammates Suarez and De Paul were visibly unhappy with how rapidly the environment deteriorated.

  Bhowmick told Sports Now: "Everything was going fine at the start as Messi walked into the stadium. He seemed relaxed, smiling, and shaking hands with all of us. He even gave autographs without hesitation. The moment too many people rushed onto the field and started clicking pictures, he became visibly uncomfortable. It got overcrowded very quickly, and we could see his reaction change as everyone around him started clicking pictures. He began showing signs of irritation, lost his cool, and everything went out of control."

  The mismanagement not only affected the fans but also deeply impacted the athletes involved in the exhibition match, which was meant to celebrate Messi’s presence in India. With officials and politicians crowding the field, players were unable to proceed with the programme as planned, creating confusion about whether the exhibition match would begin at all. The decision to cut the event short, Bhowmick confirmed, was driven by security concerns rather than Messi’s unwillingness to engage with supporters.

  The reaction in Kolkata contrasted sharply with Messi’s warm reception later in the day in Hyderabad, where he finally played with local youth players and addressed an appreciative crowd. The difference in experiences only intensified scrutiny of Kolkata's failed organisational effort.

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• AFP
  

  Messi's tour continues in Mumbai and Delhi after Hyderabad success

  Messi’s tour will continue as planned, with stops scheduled in Mumbai and New Delhi after the successful Hyderabad leg restored a sense of normalcy to the India visit.  Even so, Kolkata’s events will remain under investigation as authorities attempt to determine the scale of lapses and whether refunds or additional sanctions will follow.

  For organisers, the priority now is damage control as the inquiry committee prepares its findings and outlines responsibility for the widespread mismanagement. The repercussions could influence future international sporting events in the region, as stakeholders re-evaluate safety protocols and VIP handling procedures. Balancing crowd enthusiasm with proper infrastructure planning will be essential to rebuilding credibility.

  Meanwhile, Messi, Suarez, and De Paul are expected to proceed with engagements in a more controlled environment, with security teams implementing stricter procedures after Kolkata’s breakdown. With thousands of fans still eager to see the World Cup winner, ensuring smooth execution in the remaining cities will be crucial to salvaging the GOAT Tour’s legacy in India. The hope now is that Messi’s remaining appearances unfold in celebration, not controversy.

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O Palmeiras tem jogo contra o Cuiabá neste domingo (5), pela quinta rodada do Brasileirão. A bola vai rolar a partir das 18h30 (de Brasília), na Arena Pantanal (Mato Grosso), com transmissão do Premiere.

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CUIABÁ X PALMEIRAS
BRASILEIRÃO – 5ª RODADA

🗓️ Data e horário: domingo, 5 de maio de 2024, às 18h30 (de Brasília)
📍 Local: Arena Pantanal, no Mato Grosso (MT)
📺 Onde assistir: Premiere
🟨 Árbitro: Bruno Arleu de Araújo
🚩 Assistentes: Thiago Henrique Neto Correa Farinha e Luiz Cláudio Regazone
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CUIABÁ (Técnico: Petit)
Walter; Matheus Alexandre, Gabriel, Bruno Alves, Alan Empereur e Ramon; Derik Lacerda, Fernando Sobral, Denílson e Clayson; Isidro Pitta.

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PALMEIRAS (Técnico: Abel Ferreira)
Weverton, Mayke, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo e Piquerez; Aníbal Moreno, Zé Rafael (Richard Ríos) e Raphael Veiga; Estêvão, Endrick e Flaco López.

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تحدث عبد الحليم علي نجم الزمالك ومنتخب مصر السابق، عن فوز الأبيض على زيسكو يونايتد الزامبي، في دور المجموعات من بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية. 

وكان الزمالك قد حقق الفوز على فريق زيسكو الزامبي بهدف دون رد، في المباراة التي جمعت بين الفريقين، ضمن منافسات الجولة الأولى من دور المجموعات من بطولة الكونفدرالية.

طالع.. سيف الجزيري: لم نقدم أداء جيدًا أمام زيسكو.. واعتدنا على صعوبة أجواء إفريقيا

وقال عبد الحليم في تصريحات على قناة “الزمالك”: “الزمالك لم يعط إنذارًا للمنافسين ولكن أعطى جرس إنذار أن الفريق ليس قويًا، وسهل على أي فريق يأتي لمواجهة الزمالك في مصر ويحصل على نقطة”. 

وأضاف: “لدي تحفظ على الشوط الثاني للزمالك أمام زيسكو في إدارته، وتحفظ شديد على اللاعبين، المباراة كان من الوارد أن تخرج بشكل أسوأ على الزمالك، تشعر أن الفريق عشوائي”. 

وتابع: “الزمالك بدنيًا منهار، وأعطى المساحة لفريق زيسكو يونايتد في مباراة اليوم وتفوقوا عليه”.

Ruben Amorim says Manchester United must start playing better on the road as they head to Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest seeking only their second away victory of the season.

The Red Devils arrive at the City Ground buoyed by a three-match winning run, with Old Trafford triumphs against Sunderland and Brighton bookending a first victory at Liverpool since 2016.

But that memorable Anfield triumph represents United’s only away win of a season that has seen defeats at Manchester City and Brentford compound a humiliating Carabao Cup exit away to Grimsby.

Amorim's comments ahead of Nottingham Forest trip

Amorim says United need to be better in a variety of aspects as they prepare to head to Forest, who have won the sides’ last three Premier League meetings and recently appointed their third manager of the campaign.

The Portuguese collected his first Premier League win when overcoming new boss Dyche’s Everton outfit 4-0 last December and says he “more or less” knows what lies ahead as he seeks an away upturn.

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“I watched the last game (back),” Amorim said of facing Forest on the one-year anniversary of his appointment as United manager.

“It was one of the first ones here that we won and we were so lucky in that game. You look at the result and it was not that result. It should not be that result.

“I watched (Forest) against Porto, against Bournemouth. The style of play is similar, different characteristics.

“I watched one game we did in pre-season with Sporting to try and understand how we played in that game, and it’s similar.

“He can change some characteristics of the players with the talent that they have, especially with (Morgan) Gibbs-White, (Elliot) Anderson, (Callum) Hudson-Odoi. Very good players.

“So, we need to be prepared for a different game. Against Brighton we had space to play. We are not going to have that space.

“We need to understand we are not being the same team away and at home, so we need to improve the way we control the environment.

“Every tackle is a big moment for the opponents’ fans, so we need to play better away. We are prepared for a very tough match.”

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Amorim may well be tempted to stick with the same side that beat bogey team Brighton last weekend, when Bryan Mbeumo’s second of the day wrapped up a 4-2 victory.

Man Utd to "suffer" without Mbeumo and Diallo

The summer signing linked up well with Amad Diallo down the right and that bond extends off the field, but the pair are soon set to miss a chunk of time due to the Africa Cup of Nations, possibly missing up to seven Red Devils fixtures.

It might be early, but momentum is starting to grow and Arsenal are well and truly on a roll at the moment.

In the Premier League, Mikel Arteta’s side are three points clear of Manchester City in second place, and in the Champions League, they are undefeated.

More than that, they are thriving on the biggest stage, thrashing Spanish giants Atlético Madrid 4-0 on Tuesday night in a game Viktor Gyokeres came to life in.

The Swedish international is starting to silence the critics, and if he keeps it up, he could help another of Arteta’s signings reach the levels of Mesut Özil by season’s end.

Gyokeres' start to life at Arsenal

There was an awful lot of pressure placed on Gyokeres coming into this season, as rightly or wrongly, one of the most prominent narratives around Arsenal over the last year or so is that they are a prolific forward away from glory.

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

So when he looked completely off the pace in the opening game against Manchester United, there was plenty of discussion over whether he was the right signing.

Fortunately, he would score a brace in the next league game against Leeds United, and while he once again blanked against Liverpool, he got another in gameweek four, against Nottingham Forest.

These three goals kept the heat off the former Sporting CP star’s back for a period, but a total lack of goals or assists across his subsequent seven appearances – nine if you include Sweden – saw him come back into the firing line.

However, while critics were certainly right to point out his lack of goals, he wasn’t a passenger in those matches and still very much contributed to the team.

For example, he continued to make penetrative runs in behind, which not only gave defenders more space to Bukayo Saka on the right but also opened up more opportunities for other players to get into goalscoring positions.

Moreover, as he’s built up his fitness, he’s been able to make more use of his physicality, which was on full display against Atleti and Olympiacos.

Against both teams, the 6-foot-2 “steam train,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, constantly bullied and barged his way past their backline.

Finally, according to FBref, he ranks in the top 9% of forwards in the Premier League this season for touches in the penalty area.

In other words, while his finishing hasn’t been ideal, the 27-year-old “powerhouse,” as dubbed by Mattinson, is now consistently getting into the areas a top-quality striker should be.

This was also on display on Wednesday, as while neither one of his goals was aesthetically pleasing, they came from him being in the right place at the right time – a fox in the box.

In all, it’s not been the easiest of introductions for Gyokeres so far this season, but with each game, he has become more of a threat, and now that he has rediscovered his finishing ability, he could help another Arsenal star reach Ozil levels.

The Arsenal star who could reach Ozil levels

Now, when it comes to what made Ozil such an incredible player for Arsenal, there really are countless things you could talk about.

While things didn’t end in the best way, the German international was a world-class creator on his day, and his impressive tally of 77 assists in 254 games for the club proves as much.

So, when it comes to a player who could reach those levels under Gyokeres, there are a few possible options.

However, with Martin Odegaard suffering injury after injury at the moment and Saka ideally becoming more of a goalscorer this term, that leaves Eberechi Eze.

After all, even though the former Crystal Palace star is no stranger to scoring goals himself, it’s no secret that Arteta and Co signed him to bring even more creativity to the side as he did for the South Londoners.

Appearances

43

Starts

40

Minutes

3303′

Goals

14

Assists

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.12′

For example, in 34 league games last season, he provided eight assists alongside his eight goals.

Moreover, according to FBref, he was in the top 11% of attacking midfielders and wingers for shot-creating actions in the competition.

So, while he is still getting up to speed with life at the Emirates, there is no denying that the 27-year-old “magician,” as dubbed by Micah Richards, is someone who will end up creating plenty of chances this season.

Therefore, if Gyokeres continues to show the improvements he has over the last few games, and starts putting chances away like he did on Wednesday, then there is no telling just how many assists the “unbelievable” Englishman, as dubbed by Oliver Glasner, will end up with this season.

Ultimately, nobody is going to claim Eze is as talented a footballer as Ozil was at his peak, but in this current Arsenal team, with the Stockholm-born monster up top, he could start producing the numbers he once did.

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Looking to spend big once again, Liverpool are reportedly going head-to-head with Paris Saint-Germain to sign an £80m talent who’s been compared to the French club’s own young superstar Desire Doue.

Liverpool international round-up

For a set of players that entered the international break off the back of three straight defeats in all competitions, Liverpool’s stars have enjoyed an impressive couple of weeks away with their nations.

Just last night, Dominik Szoboszlai found himself in the right place at the perfect time to tap home a last-gasp equaliser for Hungary against Portugal. Meanwhile, Alexis Mac Allister also found the back of the net for Argentina, and Cody Gakpo has also been in free-scoring form for the Netherlands.

In fact, almost every Liverpool star has enjoyed at least one moment to savour for their nations during the break. Virgil van Dijk found the back of the net, Giorgi Mamardashvili saved a penalty for Georgia and Mohamed Salah scored as Egypt qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

Those moments should act as the perfect antidote to Liverpool’s recent form as they prepare to welcome rivals Manchester United to Anfield this weekend. It’s a game that the Reds must win as they look to regain some composure in the early days of their Premier League title defence.

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The international break may have also allowed Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards to plan ahead. They already smashed Liverpool’s transfer record twice in the summer to sign Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, but are now going head-to-head with PSG to sign an £80m star.

Liverpool racing PSG to sign Rogers

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now racing PSG to sign Morgan Rogers, who Aston Villa value at as much as £80m ahead of next summer.

Whilst the England international still has five years left on his current deal, those at Villa Park still have plenty of PSR concerns to think about and may not have any choice but to accept a big-money offer if it arrives.

For a player of Rogers’ talent, that £80m fee could prove to be worth every penny for Liverpool, who have lacked a missing piece to their title-defending puzzle so far this season.

Compared to PSG star Doue for his unpredictability, dribbling and directness, Rogers has every chance of reaching the same level as the Frenchman with a move to Anfield.

Whether Unai Emery is keen to let his star man go is another question, however. Described as “excellent” by England boss Thomas Tuchel, Rogers is vital to any ambitions that those in the Midlands have already set their sights on.

There is no getting away from the fact that it’s been a horror start to the season for West Ham United this year.

The East Londoners were knocked out of the League Cup at the first time of asking by Wolverhampton Wanderers and have lost four of their five Premier League games, scoring just five goals and conceding 13.

So, when taking this into account, plus last season’s dire form, which saw his side lose nine of 19 games, it was no surprise to see Graham Potter finally given the sack on Saturday.

Potter’s West Ham record

Matches

25

Wins

6

Draws

5

Losses

14

Points

23

Points per Game

0.92

Goals For

30

Goals Against

41

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In his place, the Hammers have hired Nuno Espírito Santo, who recently enjoyed a brilliant stint with Nottingham Forest, taking them from relegation candidates to European football in a season and a half.

The Portuguese manager is known for playing slightly more defensive football than the Englishman, but his ability to turn his teams into counter-attacking machines could bring some real excitement – and success – back to the London Stadium.

However, before Nuno has a chance to greet the home fans, he faces the daunting task of taking on Everton at their brand-new stadium, which will be no easy task given their current form.

West Ham and Nuno's record vs Everton

Since their first competitive encounter all the way back in February 1907, West Ham have played Everton a whopping 153 times. Unfortunately, the Hammers have won just 45 of those games, drawn 33, and lost the other 75.

However, their recent record against the Toffees has been far more encouraging, with just one loss in their last five games, two wins and two draws.

Those two draws came last season, with ex-boss Julen Lopetegui overseeing a drab 0-0 draw at home in November, and then Potter leading his side to a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park courtesy of a 67th-minute strike from Tomáš Souček, which was matched by a 91st-minute strike from Jake O’Brien.

West Ham’s recent record vs Everton

Date

Venue

Result

03/25

Away

1-1 Draw

11/24

Home

0-0 Draw

03/24

Away

3-1 Win

10/23

Home

1-0 Loss

01/23

Home

2-0 Win

Unfortunately, while the Irons’ overall record against West Ham is far from ideal, Nuno’s isn’t any better.

Across his time with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Forest, the São Tomé-born tactician has overseen nine matches against the Merseysiders, winning three, drawing one and losing the other five.

Now, his teams have scored 13 goals and conceded just 12 in those games, but it’s still a worrying record, especially when taking into account the fact that the Tricky Trees lost at home to David Moyes’ side in April this year.

However, today is the start of a new project for Nuno and West Ham, and there is every chance the former Forest boss can pick up all three points, and this is the line-up he could do that with.

West Ham's predicted line-up

Souček is still out due to the straight red card he picked up against Tottenham Hotspur, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is still out with a stomach issue.

However, apart from them, Nuno should have a full contingent of players to pick from to fill out his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation for tonight’s hugely important game.

Starting between the sticks has to be Alphonse Areola. The Frenchman wasn’t great against Crystal Palace last week, but Mads Hermansen has had a horror start to his Irons career, and the new boss won’t want a goalkeeping error to cost him in his first game.

The full-back pairing has to be Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadji Malick Diouf. The former has to start due to Wan-Bissaka’s stomach issue, and the latter has been one of the few players who have looked good this season, already providing three assists in five league games.

Things could change quickly under the new regime, but for the game tonight, Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos will likely keep their places in the team as they’ve started the last three games together.

Now, we get to the first significant change to the team in the midfield, with the “average” James Ward-Prowse, as dubbed by one analyst, being left on the bench for summer signings Matues Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa to come in as the deeper midfield two.

The former Southampton star barely got any game time when he was on loan with Forest last season, and considering his truly dreadful start to the campaign, it would be baffling to see him start tonight.

Moreover, the former AS Monaco gem possesses the tenacity, energy, and mentality to do the necessary dirty work. At the same time, the Portuguese ace can bring more ball quality from deep, helping to create a wonderfully balanced double pivot.

Starting in attacking midfield will undoubtedly be the mercurial Lucas Paqueta. The Brazilian hasn’t been at his best so far this season, but he’s still been able to score three goals in five games.

Moreover, the manager helped Morgan Gibbs-White rack up 17 goal involvements in 38 games last year, so there is no telling what he’ll be able to do with the former Lyon star.

It’ll come as no surprise to anyone to see Jarrod Bowen out on the right this evening, as even though the rest of the team have struggled this season, the former Hull City star has scored two goals and provided an assist in his six appearances.

Furthermore, the 28-year-old game-changer was able to rack up a sensational haul of 24 goal involvements in just 36 appearances last year, so he is going nowhere.

Bowen’s 24/25

Appearances

36

Minutes

3138′

Goals

14

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.66

Minutes per Goal Involvement

130.75

All Stats via Transfermarkt

On the opposite flank, it’ll probably be another start for Crysencio Summerville. The former Leeds United gem certainly needs to work on his output, but there is no denying that he makes things happen off the left, and his rapid pace could be perfect for the counter-attacking football the new boss is known for.

Finally, while some might want to see Niclas Füllkrug return to the team, it will likely be Callum Wilson who starts up top. The former Newcastle United star certainly has his drawbacks, but unlike the German, he has a goal to his name this season and a track record of scoring when fit.

Ultimately, it may well still be incredibly early on in the season, but West Ham’s game against Everton tonight feels like a massive one, not just because it’s a chance for the team to put a stop to their downward slide, but also because it’s a chance for Nuno to properly introduce himself to the fans and show them what he’s about.

Robert Lewandowski’s future at Barcelona has once again come under the spotlight after his agent, Pini Zahavi, refused to rule out a possible departure. With the veteran striker entering the final months of his contract, the club are reportedly assessing long-term replacements. Despite his experience and past success, doubts persist over his role in Hansi Flick’s plans.

Uncertain future for Lewandowski as Barcelona hesitate over new deal

It was recently reported that Barcelona are leaning towards letting the 37-year-old when his contract runs out at the end of the season, with no sign of the club offering him an extension. His agent, however, insists a decision on his future has not yet been made on the fate of the striker, who has scored 105 goals in 156 appearances since joining in 2022. While Lewandowski has been vital to Barca’s recent domestic success, his playing time has been reduced this season, sparking suggestions his importance to the Catalan club is waning. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAgent Pini Zahavi denies decision has been made

Speaking to ,Zahavi refused to commit to any outcome, saying: "Lewandowski's contract with Barcelona expires in the summer of 2026, and no decisions have been made yet. We'll have to wait and see what happens in the coming days." 

His remarks have only fuelled speculation about a potential exit, especially amid rumours of interest from Saudi clubs.

Barcelona weigh next steps as striker succession plans begin

The Catalan giants appear to be preparing for life beyond their star striker, with Ferran Torres adapting to a central role under Flick this season. Deco recently stated that Barcelona will not immediately pursue a replacement, yet names like Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez and Etta Eyong continue to surface in reports. 

Zahavi, meanwhile, dismissed speculation linking his client to Saudi Arabia, insisting: "There's nothing official regarding negotiations with Saudi Arabian teams. There are no offers at this time."

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Lewandowski hits back at critics and addresses age debate

Speaking to after Poland's 2-0 win over Lithuania Lewandowski rejected claims that his age has limited his performance and said: "When someone looks for something negative about me, they always say that I'm old, that I can't run, that I don't feel like running, or that I don't work. That's nonsense. Just look at the distance I've covered and how much I've run, so it's not like that. Of course, I'm aware that at my age, playing fewer minutes could benefit me throughout the season."

He added: “I don't want to say I'm a victim of my age, but there are people who know how to take advantage of it, but I feel very good. Obviously, I don't expect to play 90 minutes in every game. I'm still physically fit in training, I'm still excelling. It's not like I disappear in training, so in that sense, I feel like I still have a lot to give."

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, now Sky Sports pundit, has decided between Celtic or Rangers for “the best” stadium atmosphere.

Regarded as one of the Premier League’s best-ever right-backs, Neville spent just under 20 years as a Red Devils professional and was an ever-present figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side at Old Trafford.

Gary Neville’s Man Utd honours

Year

Premier League

1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2009

Champions League

1999, 2008

FA Cup

1994, 1996, 1999, 2004

League Cup

2006, 2009, 2010

Community Shield

1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2007, 2008

Club World Cup

2009

Intercontinental Cup

1999

Coming through as part of the famous Class of 92’ at Carrington alongside David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes, Neville is now best known for his work with Sky Sports as a pundit, analyst and podcast host.

During his playing days, he played at Celtic Park and Ibrox once in the Champions League. Against the Hoops, Neville captained Man Utd as they lost 1-0 at Parkhead in 2006, with Shunsuke Nakamura’s late free kick proving to be the difference.

At Ibrox three years prior, Neville won 1-0 at Rangers thanks to an early goal from brother Phil.

Neville chooses between Celtic and Rangers for “best atmosphere”

Previously talking on the Stick to Football Podcast, Neville said that Rangers and Ibrox was the “best atmosphere” ahead of Celtic Park, describing it as “staggering”.

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Former Hoops midfielder Roy Keane, who also appears on the Stick to Football Podcast, didn’t agree with Neville.

“Celtic Park’s a better atmosphere, anyway.”

تعقدت آمال منتخب السويد في التأهل إلى بطولة كأس العالم، نسخة 2026، بعدما تعرض للهزيمة على يد منتخب كوسوفو، مساء يوم الإثنين، في إطار التصفيات المؤهلة إلى المنافسة المرموقة.

واستضاف ملعب “أوليفي” في السويد مباراة المنتخبين مساء الإثنين، في خضم تصفيات في قارة أوروبا المؤهلة إلى بطولة كأس العالم العام المقبل، حيث تعرض أصحاب الأرض للخسارة بهدف دون رد.

جاء هدف المباراة الوحيد عن طريق اللاعب فيسنيك أسلاني، في الدقيقة 32 من عمر الشوط الأول، ليمنح كوسوفو 3 نقاط ويزيد الضغوط على السويد.

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بتلك النتيجة، تجمد رصيد منتخب السويد عند نقطة واحدة فقط في المركز الرابع والأخير في المجموعة الثانية، بينما ارتفع رصيد كوسوفو إلى 7 نقاط في المركز الثاني.

جاءت خسارة السويد رغم مشاركة نجم ليفربول، ألكسندر إيزاك، في المباراة حيث خاضها بأكملها، بجوار نجم آرسنال فيكتور جيوكيريس، ولكن لم يتمكن أي منهما من إحداث فارق لصالح منتخب بلاده.

وتتبقى مباراتين فقط أمام السويد قبل نهاية التصفيات حيث تواجه كل من سويسرا وسلوفينيا، في شهر نوفمبر المقبل.

ولم يحقق منتخب السويد أي فوز طوال مشواره في التصفيات حتى الآن، حيث تعرض للهزيمة في 3 مباريات وتعادل في واحدة فقط.