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Arsenal legend defends Dembele after Enrique’s furious PSG rant

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Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has come to the defense of Ousmane Dembele amid the PSG star’s recent dip in form.

Dembele has been a key player for Luis Enrique’s side throughout their dominant Ligue 1 campaign, which saw them comfortably secure the title.

PSG have also advanced to the Champions League semi-finals, where they will face Arsenal in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

However, Dembele’s form has dipped just before the first leg at the Emirates, raising concerns ahead of the crucial tie.

During Tuesday’s draw against Nantes, the French winger endured his fourth consecutive match without finding the net.

He registered just one shot on target and made only two touches inside the opposition’s box before being substituted shortly after the hour mark.

This recent scoring drought is Dembele’s worst since December, and its timing couldn’t be worse for PSG as they shift their full focus to securing a long-awaited Champions League title.

Standing in their way is Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side, who have been formidable throughout the competition, suffering only one defeat across both the group and knockout stages.

Despite Dembele’s struggles, Petit—who spent three years at Arsenal—insists there’s no need for alarm.

“There’s no reason for all this criticism,” Petit said on the Rothen s’enflamme podcast. “In the Champions League quarter-finals, he was crucial—providing assists in both legs. What more do you expect from him?

“Does he need to score in every game, assist every goal, and win matches single-handedly? Not even two weeks ago, he was decisive against Aston Villa. Now people are suddenly focusing on the Nantes game… I heard similar things elsewhere, and I honestly couldn’t believe it.”

Petit’s confidence in Dembele seems justified. The winger has racked up 32 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this season, proving his value to the team.

Before traveling to London, PSG will host Nice at the Parc des Princes. It remains to be seen whether Luis Enrique will rotate his squad ahead of the Champions League semi-final.

When questioned about Dembele’s recent form after the Nantes draw, Enrique was quick to shut down criticism of his attacker.

“My job as a coach is to ensure my players perform at their best,” Enrique said. “Sometimes people create narratives. Ask Ousmane yourself.

“Everyone deals with emotions differently—whether a player feels frustrated or not after a match isn’t something I dwell on.

“Playing away is always tough, especially in an atmosphere like Nantes. We’re satisfied with the performance overall, but we did make some mistakes that Nantes capitalized on. Ultimately, it’s a draw, and we move forward.

“Now it’s about rest and focusing on Friday, which will be a completely different challenge.”

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here's why

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.

As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.

Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.

In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.

Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.

The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.

Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.

This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.

The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.

According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.

His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.

Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.

Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.

United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.

De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.

The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.

Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.

“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.

“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.

“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”

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