Football
Gabriel Martinelli reveals ‘broken leg’ fear ahead of Real Madrid v Arsenal game
Gabriel Martinelli has voiced serious concern over a dangerous challenge he received during Arsenal’s recent 1-1 draw with Brentford in the Premier League, just days before the Gunners are set to face Real Madrid in a high-stakes Champions League clash.
The Brazilian winger was on the receiving end of a reckless scissor tackle by Brentford captain Christian Norgaard in the first half of Saturday’s match, a moment that sparked fury from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

Despite the nature of the challenge, which saw Norgaard fly in and catch Martinelli in what many described as a reckless move, referee Simon Hooper issued only a yellow card.
The decision left Arteta visibly livid, as he protested to the fourth official on the sidelines, firmly believing the tackle deserved a straight red. The incident went to VAR for review, but the on-field decision stood, with no upgrade to a red card being made.
Speaking after the match, Martinelli expressed frustration and concern about the severity of the tackle.
The Arsenal forward told Sky Sports that while he hadn’t yet reviewed the footage, he believed the outcome could have been far worse had his foot been planted at the moment of impact.
He emphasized that the contact could have resulted in a broken leg and, although he believed Norgaard’s claim that there was no malicious intent, Martinelli still considered the challenge dangerous and worthy of a red card.
The moment has sparked widespread debate among pundits and fans alike. While Arteta offered a subtle post-match comment, simply saying, “My reaction says everything,” Brentford manager Thomas Frank dismissed the need for further discipline, stating it was a “strong yellow” but nothing more.
Former Premier League midfielder Jamie Redknapp also weighed in, calling the tackle a poor one that could cause serious injury but noting that historically, such challenges have not warranted a red card.
Redknapp recounted his own experience suffering a similar tackle that led to a severe knee injury and surgery, emphasizing the long-term risk such moves pose to players.

Despite recognizing the danger, Redknapp argued that the precedent in English football doesn’t currently consider scissor tackles as red-card offenses.
He described it as an outdated and desperate kind of challenge that remains in the game, even though other risky tackles have been phased out.
While Redknapp doesn’t believe Norgaard to be a malicious player, he admitted Martinelli was fortunate to walk away unscathed from what could’ve easily been a six-month injury.
The timing of the incident is particularly alarming for Arsenal, who are just days away from their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu.
Arsenal take a commanding 3-0 lead into the tie following a dominant first-leg performance at the Emirates.
Martinelli’s fitness will be crucial as the Gunners aim to complete the job in Spain and book a place in the semifinals of Europe’s most prestigious competition.
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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