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‘It would be unfair’ – Premier League legend says Man Utd and Tottenham ‘don’t deserve’ to play in Champions League

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Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are on the brink of reaching the UEFA Europa League final, but not everyone believes they deserve the prize that comes with it.

According to former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit, it would be unfair for either side to secure a place in next season’s Champions League through this route, given the dismal state of their domestic campaigns.

Manchester United recently swept aside Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in Spain, virtually guaranteeing their place in the final scheduled for May 21 at San Mames.

Meanwhile, Tottenham overcame Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in London, setting themselves up to progress if they can withstand the challenges of the return leg on the Norwegian side’s notorious artificial turf.

Despite these strong performances in Europe, both teams are enduring disastrous Premier League seasons. Manchester United sit in 15th place while Spurs languish just below them in the table.

Their struggles have raised questions about the merit of using European shttps://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/34691694/athletic-bilbao-man-utd-live-score-europa-league-updates/uccess as a backdoor entry into Europe’s elite competition.

Petit, speaking with FastSlots, didn’t hold back in his assessment. He stated that neither Manchester United nor Tottenham should be rewarded with Champions League football next season. In his view, their overall performances have fallen far short of what is expected from clubs competing at the highest level. He acknowledged the possibility of either club saving face with European silverware but insisted that doing so would not reflect the reality of their season-long failures.

The Frenchman referenced United’s earlier tie with Lyon, suggesting the English side were fortunate to advance and that Lyon should have finished them off in the second leg. He also expressed skepticism about Spurs’ potential to surprise in the competition, stating that he doesn’t expect much from either team going forward.

While Petit wished both sides luck in the second leg of the semi-finals, he remained firm in his opinion. For him, a Champions League spot is something to be earned through consistent excellence, not salvaged at the end of a poor campaign. As the decisive matches approach, the debate over who deserves Europe’s top stage continues to intensify.

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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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