Football
Maresca gives Chelsea stars furious dressing down after gifting Brighton win
Enzo Maresca has warned Chelsea to stop handing out easy points after another costly collapse in the Premier League.
The Blues boss admitted his side fell apart following Trevoh Chalobah’s red card in the 53rd minute, their second dismissal in as many league games. Tempers flared late on as Chelsea’s frustrated players became involved in a mass confrontation in the penalty area just moments before conceding twice to lose the match.
Maresca said his team is effectively “giving away presents” with these mistakes. “The message inside the dressing room was clear, we cannot keep gifting opportunities in this league. Red cards change games completely, and that’s what we’re doing,” he explained.
“We were in control, we scored first, we didn’t concede chances. The data shows we had plenty of shots, about 70 percent possession everything was fine.
“Then one mistake and the red card completely changed the plan. For me, it felt like two different games: the first half, and then everything after the sending off.
“You cannot keep making these errors, especially when they alter the match so dramatically, like the red card at Manchester United and now again today.”
Chelsea now turn their attention to Tuesday’s Champions League clash with former manager Jose Mourinho, who brings Benfica to Stamford Bridge looking to heap further pressure on his old club.
Last week, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was dismissed for a professional foul on Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo, and now Chalobah will miss next weekend’s showdown with defending champions Liverpool. Injuries are adding to the strain, forcing Maresca to deploy left-back Jorrel Hato as a centre-half against Brighton.
“We need to learn quickly,” Maresca said. “Maybe it’s down to inexperience or simple mistakes. But if you watched the first half, you wouldn’t even think about injuries, we were dominating. Unfortunately, the reality of the last two games is that red cards have completely changed everything. We tried to adjust, bringing on Josh Acheampong even though he’d been ill all week. By the end our two centre-backs were Josh and Jorrel, both fantastic young talents but short on Premier League experience. Playing with ten men, it’s a situation you have to manage carefully.”
Tensions boiled over as stoppage time approached when Malo Gusto accidentally kicked Yankuba Minteh in the face, sparking a melee in the Chelsea box.
Substitute Benoit Badiashile was fortunate to avoid a red card after grappling with Brighton captain Lewis Dunk. Chelsea conceded twice moments later to seal their defeat.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler downplayed the flashpoint. “That’s not something we want to see, but we should focus on football and being the best we can be,” he said.
“My captain stood up for the team at the right moment. I didn’t see every detail, but the important thing is we kept calm, stayed well-organised, and created good opportunities. We attacked the box with belief and structure and felt we could score at any moment.”
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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