Connect with us

Football

UEFA run out of medals for Spurs players after Europa League final win

Published

on

UEFA came under heavy scrutiny after a significant oversight during the Europa League final medal ceremony, leaving key Tottenham Hotspur players without winners’ medals despite their victory over Manchester United.

Tottenham ended a 17-year trophy drought with a 1-0 win in Bilbao, thanks to Brennan Johnson’s decisive goal in the first half. The historic moment was supposed to be a full celebration, but confusion unfolded as the squad collected their medals.

As players stepped forward to receive their medals from UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, it quickly became apparent that the box of medals was insufficient for the entire team. The handout came to a halt when midfielder Yves Bissouma accepted his medal.

Ceferin was then seen conferring with a UEFA official, seemingly addressing the issue of the now-empty box. Rodrigo Bentancur, next in line, received only a handshake.

Defender Cristian Romero, who had been named Player of the Match for his commanding performance, was also left without a medal. Son Heung-min, Tottenham’s captain, had a short exchange with Ceferin before finally receiving the trophy—but no medal.

The bizarre moment forced Son, Bentancur, and Romero to pose on the pitch with the Europa League trophy without gold medals around their necks. The scene didn’t go unnoticed by fans and media, prompting criticism of UEFA’s logistics during such a high-profile event.

Romero, despite the snub, expressed immense pride in the team’s achievement. Speaking after the final whistle, he reflected on the journey to the title.

“We were fair winners and we’re very happy. We deserved to finish like this. There was bad talk about this club and our coach, but we silenced a lot of people today,” Romero said.

“We ended a season that many thought was going downhill, but we finished it as European champions and we’ve qualified for the Champions League.

I always give everything for this club. I came here to win and make history with Tottenham. Now it’s time to celebrate with my family, who mean everything to me.”

Son Heung-min also spoke after lifting the trophy, sharing his emotional response to finally achieving his dream. “This is what I’ve always dreamed of. Today is the day it came true. I am the happiest man in the world,” said the South Korean forward.

“There are always tough moments in a season, but we stayed united. I felt so much pressure. I wanted this more than anything. I’ve been dreaming about this match every night for a week. Now it’s finally done, and I can sleep peacefully. Tonight, we celebrate—maybe I’ll even miss the flight tomorrow.”

The match, held at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao on May 21, 2025, capped off a dramatic campaign for Tottenham under manager Ange Postecoglou.

While the medal mix-up created an awkward scene, the triumph itself secured Spurs’ return to the Champions League and ended a nearly two-decade-long wait for silverware. Despite the blunder, the victory stands as one of the club’s most significant European moments.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Football

FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Football

New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

Published

on

By

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.

Continue Reading

Football

Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Published

on

By

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.”

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2026 Alpays Media.

News
Live Scores
Live TV
App