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Sunderland stun Sheffield United in play-offs to secure Premier League promotion

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Sunderland pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat Sheffield United 2-1 in the Championship play-off final, securing a dramatic return to the Premier League.

The Black Cats were trailing until late in the second half, but a thunderous strike from Eliezer Mayenda in the 76th minute brought them level at Wembley.

With the match deep into stoppage time, substitute Tom Watson fired home the winner, sending the Sunderland faithful into wild celebrations and ending an eight-year absence from the top flight.

This victory sees Sunderland join Leeds United, who won the Championship title, and Burnley, the runners-up, as the three promoted clubs. Sheffield United, who had entered the final as clear favorites, took an early lead in the 25th minute when Tyrese Campbell chipped a composed finish over Anthony Patterson following a swift counter-attack.

The Blades thought they had doubled their advantage nine minutes later through Harrison Burrows, but the goal was chalked off after a VAR review spotted an infringement by Vinicius Souza.

Despite their recent poor form—having lost five matches in a row before the play-offs—Sunderland refused to back down.

They pressed relentlessly and were finally rewarded when Patrick Roberts carved open the Sheffield United defense with a perfect pass, allowing Mayenda to slam the ball past goalkeeper Michael Cooper.

The match looked destined for extra time until Watson, who had only come on minutes earlier, struck decisively in the dying seconds.

Watson’s late heroics were all the more poignant as he is set to leave the club this summer to join Brighton, meaning he will face his former teammates next season in the Premier League.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Watson described the moment as surreal and emotionally overwhelming, saying his celebration said everything. He added that he had imagined such a scenario for weeks, calling it a story that felt prewritten.

The Black Cats’ route to the final was anything but straightforward. They required a dramatic 120+2 minute winner to edge past Coventry City, managed by Frank Lampard, in the semi-finals.

Their play-off journey capped a remarkable turnaround for a club that spent four seasons in League One following back-to-back relegations in 2018 before climbing back to the Championship in 2022.

Sheffield United, who finished third with 90 points and had spent the season battling Leeds and Burnley for automatic promotion, were left stunned.

Sunderland’s emotional triumph was reflected in scenes of joy and disbelief among players and supporters alike. Captain Luke O’Nien, sidelined by injury but a key figure during the club’s lowest ebb, expressed immense pride in the team.

He described the first half as tough and credited the side’s belief that once they scored, momentum would shift in their favor.

Former defender Gary Bennett, speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, echoed that sentiment, praising the fans and calling the result monumental for the city of Sunderland.

He highlighted Watson’s impact and hailed the team’s resilience, celebrating what he called a never-say-die attitude that carried them back to the Premier League.

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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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