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Micah Richards tells Mikel Arteta that Arsenal star ‘has to have more minutes’ against PSG

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Micah Richards has called for Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri to receive more game time ahead of their crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal are looking to overturn a narrow 1-0 deficit in Paris after Ousmane Dembele’s goal separated the sides in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium. Despite opportunities for Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, both were denied by PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in what was ultimately a frustrating night for the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta was criticized for his cautious approach to substitutions in the first leg, with his first change coming in the 83rd minute due to an injury to Jurrien Timber.

Nwaneri was brought on in the 89th minute to replace Martin Odegaard but was unable to influence the game with so little time on the pitch.

Richards, a former Manchester City and England defender, believes the 18-year-old has the unpredictability and flair needed to make a difference, especially when Arsenal need a spark from the bench.

Richards stated that Nwaneri has the quality to impact the game and should be trusted with more meaningful minutes, especially in a high-stakes encounter like this.

The second leg in Paris presents an opportunity for Arsenal to respond, and Richards believes that if the game is still goalless after an hour, the Gunners will have a real chance to capitalize—though he acknowledges the quality PSG bring to the table.

One key difference this time will be the return of Thomas Partey, who missed the first leg due to suspension. His presence in midfield could allow Declan Rice to play further forward, a tactic that was effective in Arsenal’s recent domestic outings.

Richards emphasized how important it is for Arsenal to remain patient and not go all-out attack too early in the game. He believes the team functions best in transition, striking with pace and numbers, especially with Rice given the freedom to advance.

Questions remain about Arsenal’s defensive setup. Although Jakub Kiwior has put in solid performances, Richards feels the absence of Gabriel Magalhaes has been significant.

He praised Gabriel’s leadership, presence, and confidence—qualities that are vital in a Champions League semi-final environment. According to Richards, Arsenal have missed his influence badly, and it could prove costly if he remains unavailable.

As the pressure mounts, Richards remains cautiously optimistic. He acknowledges PSG are favorites but sees an opportunity for Arsenal to play with freedom, having nothing to lose.

The outcome will determine who faces Inter Milan in the final, after the Italian side edged Barcelona in a thrilling contest at San Siro.

Inter needed extra-time to secure the win thanks to Francesco Acerbi’s late equalizer and Davide Frattesi’s dramatic winner.

For Arsenal, it all comes down to how they handle the moment. With Partey back, Rice unshackled, and potentially Nwaneri given a bigger role, Arteta’s men have the tools to challenge PSG.

But discipline, timing, and the courage to take calculated risks will be key if they are to book their place in the Champions League final.

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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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