Football
Mikel Arteta urged to drop Arsenal star for huge second leg against PSG
Mikel Arteta is under pressure to make a bold tactical decision ahead of Arsenal’s crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners travel to the Parc des Princes next Wednesday needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit to secure a place in the 2025 Champions League final.
Hopes were high after Arsenal eliminated reigning champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, but the performance against PSG in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium fell short of expectations.
Ousmane Dembélé’s early strike gave the French champions the edge, and Arsenal were unable to recover despite dominating possession for large portions of the match.

PSG, who have already knocked out Premier League rivals Liverpool and Aston Villa on their way to the semi-finals, are now seen as favourites to reach the final. However, Arsenal could be boosted by the return of Thomas Partey, who missed the first leg through suspension.
His comeback is likely to allow Mikel Merino to move back into a more advanced role, a position in which he has impressed in recent weeks. Yet, it’s another potential change that has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike.
Former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has called for Arteta to hand 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri a starting role in place of Gabriel Martinelli.
Nwaneri, who has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Arsenal, was only brought on during injury time in the first leg. Reo-Coker believes the teenager’s fearless approach and confidence make him the ideal player for such a high-stakes encounter.
He argued that in games of this magnitude, it’s often the uninhibited nature of young talents that can make the difference. Reo-Coker emphasized that age should not be a limiting factor when ability is evident, and he urged Arteta to trust Nwaneri’s instincts in a pressure-filled environment.

The call for Nwaneri to start has sparked debate among fans, especially as Martinelli has been a key figure in Arteta’s plans over the past two seasons. Still, the Brazilian has struggled to hit peak form lately, leading some to question whether a tactical shake-up could inject fresh energy into Arsenal’s attack.
Reo-Coker insisted that even if Nwaneri is not a natural fit for the role Martinelli plays, modern football is fluid enough for players to adapt and interchange positions.
Speaking after the first-leg defeat, Arteta expressed disappointment with the result but maintained that the tie is far from over. He noted that the team took time to settle but improved after the opening phase.
Despite the loss, Arteta remains confident that Arsenal can mount a comeback in Paris. On the other side, PSG boss Luis Enrique praised his team’s performance at the Emirates and acknowledged that the second leg would be a stern test.
He emphasized the importance of staying focused, knowing that the narrow lead leaves no room for complacency.
While PSG enjoy a slight advantage going into the second leg, Arsenal’s potential changes—both in personnel and approach—could prove decisive.
With Barcelona and Inter Milan battling in the other semi-final, all eyes will be on whether Arsenal can rise to the occasion and secure a place in the biggest match in European football.
Football
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.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
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.
Football
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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