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UEFA urged to investigate ref after Inter vs Barcelona controversy

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Barcelona’s dramatic Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan ended in heartbreak, but much of the post-match conversation has centered around the officiating.

The Spanish side, eliminated in extra time after a 5-4 aggregate loss, voiced frustration with Polish referee Szymon Marciniak and his crew over a series of key decisions.

In a tense second leg that mirrored the first 3-3 draw, Inter surged ahead 2-0 before Barcelona staged a comeback, with goals from Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo and Raphinha. Just when it seemed Barca had sealed a trip to the final, Francesco Acerbi equalized in stoppage time. Inter’s Davide Frattesi later netted the winner in extra time.

After the match, Barcelona midfielder Pedri urged UEFA to investigate the refereeing, suggesting a pattern of questionable decisions linked to Marciniak. Coach Hansi Flick echoed the sentiment, pointing to the 50-50 calls consistently going against his team.

Several moments from the match drew scrutiny. One came early, when Pau Cubarsi appeared to make a last-ditch tackle on Lautaro Martinez. Replays revealed the young defender had clipped the striker without touching the ball, and VAR correctly awarded a penalty.

On another occasion, Lamine Yamal was initially granted a penalty after Henrikh Mkhitaryan brought him down, but the foul was judged to have occurred outside the box upon VAR review.

The decision to overturn the penalty was in line with the rules, though there was debate over whether Mkhitaryan should have received a second yellow.

The officiating was not one-sided. Inter were also frustrated when Marciniak blew the whistle for half-time in extra time just as they launched a promising counterattack. Coach Simone Inzaghi was visibly furious as his team was denied a potential goal-scoring opportunity.

In this case, the referee should likely have allowed the move to play out before signaling the break.

Barcelona’s appeal for a handball by Acerbi in the first half was denied after VAR ruled the contact unintentional, the ball having ricocheted off the defender’s body onto his arm.

This was deemed a natural movement and thus not punishable, aligning with recent interpretations of handball regulations.

Arguably the most controversial decision came during Acerbi’s stoppage-time equalizer. Denzel Dumfries appeared to foul Gerard Martin in the build-up, but Marciniak allowed play to continue and there was no significant VAR intervention.

Video footage later suggested there was contact that may have warranted a foul and nullified the goal.

Adding to the drama, Inigo Martinez was caught on camera appearing to spit in Acerbi’s direction during a goal celebration. VAR reviewed the incident for a potential red card, but no action was taken as footage was inconclusive.

Martinez later admitted to spitting, but denied it was aimed at the Inter defender.

In the aftermath of this high-stakes clash, pressure is mounting on UEFA to review the officiating.

While some calls were supported by clear evidence, others were more contentious, feeding into a narrative that officiating inconsistencies played a decisive role in a match that could have gone either way.

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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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