Football
Fans cry foul as close-up footage sparks controversy over Inter’s equaliser vs Barcelona
New footage has surfaced from the build-up to Inter Milan’s dramatic equaliser against Barcelona, intensifying the frustration among Blaugrana supporters.
Inter sealed a sensational 7-6 aggregate victory over Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final, knocking the La Liga leaders out of the competition.
The two-legged tie delivered incredible drama, with a 3-3 draw in the first encounter setting the stage for an unforgettable second leg.
Inter surged ahead with goals from Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu, the latter converting a penalty awarded after a VAR intervention confirmed a foul. That gave the Italian giants a 2-0 lead on the night and a 5-3 advantage on aggregate.
But Barcelona roared back in the second half, with quickfire strikes from Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo putting them level before Raphinha seemed to have won it in the 87th minute.
However, with time almost up, Inter pushed everything forward and were rewarded when veteran defender Francesco Acerbi netted a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time, sending the game into extra time.
Davide Frattesi eventually sealed the deal for Inter, propelling them into the final for the second time in three years.
While Inter celebrated, Barcelona were left stunned—particularly due to a controversial moment leading up to Acerbi’s goal. Blaugrana players and fans believed Gerardo Martin had been fouled just seconds before Denzel Dumfries sent in the decisive cross.

Referee Szymon Marciniak allowed play to continue despite protests, and Barcelona manager Hansi Flick received a booking for his reaction on the touchline.
Though the moment wasn’t widely shown in replays during the broadcast, a slow-motion, close-up clip later circulated on X (formerly Twitter), appearing to show clear contact on Martin. The post quickly went viral, amassing over a million views and triggering a wave of outrage among fans.
One supporter posted, “Robbing us was the only way.” Another asked, “How come this foul was not reviewed??” A third fan commented, “It was a blatant foul. There was no live replay. It’s shocking that our players didn’t swarm the referee about it.” A fourth added, “Dumfries prevented Martin from reaching the ball, now the shocking thing is there wasn’t even a reply, nor VAR check like it was nothing.”
Barcelona’s exit means they have now gone a full decade without reaching a Champions League final, their last title coming in 2015 under then-manager Luis Enrique, now in charge of Paris Saint-Germain.
After the final whistle, Hansi Flick addressed the controversial decisions, suggesting Inter had the edge in the “50-50” calls but chose not to blame the referee openly, instead focusing on his team’s performance.
“Some decisions were 50-50 and they have always gone to Inter,” Flick, a Champions League winner with Bayern Munich in 2020, said.
“That’s football. We have to accept it. I’m very proud of my team. Sometimes you think that some of the referee’s decisions are unfair. But we have to accept it and start again next season. Winning the Champions League is one of our objectives and making our fans happy.
“They have supported us very well. We will be back next season. I think about it, about the refereeing decisions but I don’t want to talk about it. It’s not fair to my team, who did a huge job. I don’t like to talk about the referee. I’ve told him what I think but I’m not going to say it here.”
Inter will now prepare to face the winner of the PSG vs Arsenal semi-final clash in the final, while Barcelona must quickly regroup ahead of a vital El Clasico showdown with Real Madrid on Sunday.
VIDEO
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.”
-
Football11 months ago
Antony scores another worldie with stunning free-kick vs ex-Man Utd team-mate
-
Football10 months ago
Guardiola refuses to shake hands with Palace star as Man City boss makes his feelings clear at the final whistle
-
Football10 months ago
Lionel Messi involved in furious argument with referee after Inter Miami game
-
NBA1 year ago
9 Years After ESPN Punishment, Radio Host Reveals Miami Heat’s Role in LeBron James’ Billboard Controversy
-
Football9 months agoDone deal: Details of Paul Pogba’s transfer to Monaco
-
Football11 months ago
Man Utd wonderkid dubbed ‘Next Yamal’ could snub Spain for England
-
Football10 months ago
REVEALRD: Why do Man Utd have (Red) as their shirt sponsor vs West Ham
-
Football11 months ago
Amorim spotted with new plaster on his knuckles after half-time vs Bilbao
