Jose Mourinho has broken his silence after being hit with a three-match ban for pinching the nose of Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk.

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Mourinho opens up on suspensionTook a dig at Buruk with 'Hollywood' remarkFenerbache face Sivasspor nextFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Mourinho was handed a three-match suspension by the Turkish Football Federation for his physical altercation with the Galatasaray head coach. After Fenerbahce's Turkish Super Cup loss to their rivals, the veteran manager had walked up behind Buruk and grabbed his nose, sending him to the floor, apparently in agony.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

After learning his punishment, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid boss has now opened up on the incident as he took a dig at Buruk while making a 'Hollywood' claim. The Turkish Football Federation were reportedly exploring a potential five to 10 match ban for the 62-year-old but opted to reduce the punishment after accepting that he was initially provoked by the Galatasaray boss at full-time.

WHAT JOSE MOURINHO SAID

Speaking to reporters, the Fenerbahce manager said: "A picture is worth a thousand words. If I were to tell what happened, it would be my version, but the Galatasaray coach has his own. Words don't mean much and the pictures speak for themselves. I'm sure Hollywood saw what happened."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR FENERBAHCE?

Fenerbahce will be back in action in the Turkish Super Lig on April 13 as they take on Sivasspor away from home.

أجرت لجنة الحكام الرئيسية بـ الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم برئاسة أوسكار رويز، تحليلا فنيا بالفيديو، اليوم الثلاثاء، لأداء بعض الحكام الذين أداروا المباريات الأخيرة من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

شارك في التحليل أوسكار رويز رئيس لجنة الحكام، وجيه أحمد، جهاد جريشة، وفهيم عمر أعضاء اللجنة.

وجاءت الحالات التحكمية، التي تمت مناقشتها وتحليلها لـ 6 حكام ساحة، وهم أحمد الغندور، محمود دسوقي، محمد الغازي، أمين عمر، سيد منير، حمادة القلاوي.

وكانت آخر مباريات قادها سداسي الحكام المتواجدين، على النحو التالي، أمين عمر في مباراة الأهلي وحرس الحدود بالجولة الرابعة.

وفي نفس الجولة أدار حمادة القلاوي مباراة بتروجيت وسيراميكا كليوباترا، أيضًا محمود دسوقي كان في نفس الجولة لمباراة إنبي والجونة.

طالع | تفاصيل اجتماع اتحاد الكرة مع أحمد الكأس بشأن استعدادات منتخب مصر للناشئين لـ كأس العالم

وسيد منير كان حكمًا لمباراة زد وطلائع الجيش، في الجولة 4 أيضًا، بينما أحمد الغندور ومحمد الغازي كانا أدارا مبارتا سموحة والإسماعيلي وسيراميكا كليوباترا والجونة على الترتيب في الجولة الثالثة من عمر منافسات الدوري المصري الممتاز للموسم الحالي.

ويتصدر بيراميدز، جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز، برصيد 47 نقطة، يأتي الأهلي في المركز الثاني برصيد 46 نقطة، الزمالك يتواجد ثالثًا بـ 40 نقطة.

Arsenal have submitted an opening January bid for one highly-rated forward, as manager Mikel Arteta “actively” scours the market for new attacking options, following what could be a very serious injury for Gabriel Jesus.

Arsenal pursue January signings amid Gabriel Jesus injury fears

The Gunners were knocked out of the FA Cup third round by Manchester United last weekend, and to make matters worse, in-form forward Jesus picked up a potential ACL injury which could keep him sidelined for a lengthy period.

Arsenal now want to sign "unique" £165k-p/w forward who Mikel Arteta loves

He has been a long term target but they may now be forced to act.

1 ByBen Browning Jan 13, 2025

Arsenal fear Jesus could be out for the rest of this season (The Mail), after the Brazilian with six goals from his last seven matches was forced off against United on 41 minutes.

Arteta, speaking to the media ahead of their North London Derby clash with Tottenham on Wednesday, confirmed that Jesus’ problem is “not looking good” – but refused to predict a timeline for the ex-Man City star’s return.

Tottenham (home)

January 15

Aston Villa (home)

January 18

Wolves (away)

January 25

Man City (home)

February 2

Leicester City (away)

February 1

“We know more now. It is not looking good at all,” said Arteta on Jesus’ injury.

“We need to review with one more specialist and will have better information this afternoon. I don’t want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. We were very worried after the game, and we are very worried today.”

When asked about the club’s January transfer activity, Arteta also confirmed that his Premier League title chasers are actively in the market for potential upgrades.

“We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s January transfer window.

“We would be naive not to do that. There is an opportunity to improve the squad. We are looking and trying. Let’s see what we are able to do. When you recruit a player, there are three parties. We also have our limitations, we can do what we can do.”

It is worth noting that Arsenal are already closing in on Martin Zubimendi’s signing for the summer, but amidst Jesus’ blow, reports will flood in linking Arteta’s side with an astute goalscorer for this month.

Arsenal are in pursuit of Sporting Lisbon sensation Viktor Gyokeres, according to some reports, while others state that they’re in the race for Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic.

Arsenal submit opening offer for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic

According to Football Transfers, Arsenal have already submitted their first January bid for Vlahovic.

The Serbian’s 12 goals in all competitions so far this season appears to have alerted Emirates Stadium transfer chiefs, and Arteta is a real admirer of the player he once attempted to sign before Juve won the race for him.

Arteta’s side have made an offer to take Vlahovic on loan, but their initial approach has been knocked back by the Old Lady, who agreed a £71 million deal with Fiorentina for his services all the way back in 2021.

Juve wish to either sell him permanently or agree an obligation to buy clause in any temporary deal, prompting them to snub Arsenal’s advances at the end of last week.

While they’ve faced rejection this time round, it is believed that Arsenal could come back in for the £360,000-per-week hitman later this month.

Barcelona's top scorer was a virtual bystander while the midfielder pulled the strings, but it wasn't enough against a dogged Betis side

Barcelona missed the chance to go six points clear of second-placed Real Madrid after a 1-1 draw with a battling Real Betis side in La Liga. After Real's shock loss to Valencia earlier on Saturday, the Blaugrana had the opportunity to take a huge stride towards the league title, but they passed it up.

Barca seemed intent to take full advantage as Pedri tested the hands of goalkeeper Adrian early on. The hosts, who rested captain Raphinha initially, then took the lead in the seventh minute when Ferran Torres' beautiful first-time assist was tucked home by Gavi.

But Betis were not going down without a fight and equalised 10 minutes later when Natan powered in Giovani Lo Celso's corner. Ferran Torres perhaps should have restored the Blaugrana's advantage but he could only arrow Alejandro Balde's incisive cutback wide.

Betis were keeping the home team at bay with some last-ditch defending, while still providing a threat on the counter-attack – particularly through Manchester United loanee Antony.

Jules Kounde was brilliantly denied by Adriano's quick reflexes shortly after half-time and then Gavi's fierce strike deflected into the side netting as Barca pushed for their second.

The Catalan outfit, who may have had an eye on their midweek Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund, were grateful for Wojciech Szczesny late on as Betis claimed a deserved point. In the end, Barcelona had to settle for a four-point lead over bitter rivals Madrid with eight games to go.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Wojciech Szczesny (6/10):

  Maybe could have done a bit better for Betis' equaliser as he was beaten for pace by the header. But made an important stop late on.

  Jules Kounde (6/10):

  Some of his decision making was a bit questionable but was competent enough on the night.

  Pau Cubarsi (7/10):

  Struggled at times with the pacy Antony but largely dealt with most of what came his way.

  Ronald Araujo (6/10):

  Was beaten in the air for Betis' goal but other than that was fairly composed at the back.

  Alejandro Balde (7/10):

  Created a number of good chances and looked a quality performer in attack and defence.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Pedri (6/10):

  Was not quite as on-song as he has been for much of the season but didn't stop running all game.

  Frenkie de Jong (7/10):

  Didn't seem to put a foot wrong and did his defensive duties, in particular, well. But was, perhaps, harshly withdrawn before the hour mark.

  Gavi (8/10):

  Scored his first goal of the season with a composed finish and was busy all night with an enterprising display.

• AFP
  

  Attack

  Lamine Yamal (6/10):

  Showed flashes of brilliance but the 17-year-old was a bit more inconsistent than we have become accustomed to.

  Robert Lewandowski (5/10):

  The arch poacher had precious few chances and was at times a passenger against Betis.

  Ferran Torres (5/10):

  Has been in a rich vein of form but missed a big chance and did not offer a great deal on the left.

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• AFP
  

  Subs & Manager

  Raphinha (7/10):

  Added an extra level of threat with his crosses and set pieces.

  Eric Garcia (5/10):

  Maybe his most telling contribution off the bench was when he picked up a booking for a late challenge.

  Fermin Lopez (7/10):

  Was a real livewire off the bench.

  Gerard Martin (N/A):

  Had too little time to make an impact.

  Hansi Flick (6/10):

  Decided to rest Raphinha after a busy run of games and it seemed they missed the captain for the first 50 minutes or so of the contest. His team created enough chances to win the game but there wasn't quite enough quality and energy to get the win.

Everton once again frustrated a team near the top of the Premier League this weekend as Chelsea became the latest title chaser to fail to find the back of the net against a dogged Toffees outfit.

This isn’t even Everton’s first victim when it comes to high-flying teams from London either, as Sean Dyche’s men travelled to Arsenal last time out and shut up shop at the Emirates Stadium in a very similar fashion, before then getting under Chelsea’s skin back on their own turf.

Dyche would have loved the resilience on display from his side, with Enzo Maresca left to curse how well-drilled the hosts were defensively at the full-time whistle.

Everton's defensive heroics vs Chelsea

Whilst the likes of Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers have shipped goals for fun near the foot of the league, leaking 37 and 40 strikes respectively, the constantly switched-on Toffees have only given up 21.

Jordan Pickford is already up to seven clean sheets for the season as his reputation for being a dependable option between the sticks only increases in strength, with his showing against the unusually goal-shy Blues seeing him make four saves, which included an expert denial of Nicolas Jackson from point-blank range during the first 45 minutes.

Moreover, the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitaliy Mykolenko stood out across the back four, with the Ukranian full-back lively throughout by winning seven duels, whilst his partner in crime in Branthwaite won 100% of his own duels alongside registering four tackles.

Dyche’s side would have definitely trudged off at the end happier with the final scoreline, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin would have been left frustrated by his individual showing once more regardless of the points being shared, as another league game without a goal rudely greeted him.

Calvert-Lewin's performance in numbers

Not finding the back of the net in the Premier League since the middle of September, it’s fair to say Calvert-Lewin isn’t loving his football at the moment.

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In truth, this hasn’t just been a sharp decline in form that’s come out of nowhere this campaign, with his numbers gradually dwindling over the years amidst recurring injury problems.

Calvert-Lewin’s PL goal numbers for Everton – last 5 seasons
Season	Games	Goals
24/25	16	2
23/24	32	7
22/23	17	2
21/22	17	5
20/21	33	16
Sourced by Transfermarkt

The Sheffield-born striker will desperately want to reach his 2020-21 peak again, but even as he is now relatively injury-free, the 27-year-old looks completely short of confidence.

That was definitely the case against Maresca’s visitors, as the anonymous Everton number nine failed to register a single shot all game before being hooked off the pitch on the 73rd-minute mark.

Other worrying numbers from the goalless affair saw Calvert-Lewin complete just seven accurate passes from his minimal 24 touches of the ball (fewer than Pickford’s 45), alongside only winning two of his 11 duels on the day, meaning he lost 81% of his duels whilst Chelsea number four Tosin Adarabioyo showed off his prowess in the air.

Dyche could be prepared to roll the dice and drop his misfiring striker for the trip to Manchester City on Boxing Day, therefore, with Beto perhaps preferred as the lone attacker at the Etihad.

That might well be a personnel switch that catches a lacklustre Man City off-guard, with Liverpool Echo journalist Paul Wheelock handing out a mediocre 6/10 rating to Calvert-Lewin after the dust had settled on the uneventful contest, stating that he had ‘no chance’ of breaking his goal drought.

An absolute stalwart of Everton XIs over recent years when fit, Dyche will just want his team to be more of a threat going forward in games to come, which could result in Calvert-Lewin having to become more familiar with a spot on the substitutes bench.

Everton now want new Calvert-Lewin replacement who is wowing their scouts

It comes with the Englishman set to leave at the end of the season.

By
Ben Browning

Dec 18, 2024

Arsenal are in ongoing discussions with the representatives of a Barcelona forward ahead of the looming January transfer window, and he could prove an extremely viable alternative to both Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling.

Mikel Arteta hints at possibility of new winger for Arsenal in January

The Gunners have been dealt multiple injury blows in a key area of the pitch over these last few days, with Sterling and Saka now confirmed to be out for weeks through injury, as manager Mikel Arteta is handed a major selection headache.

"Extraordinary" player "top" Arsenal target to replace £200k-per-week star

The Gunners are putting plans in motion.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Dec 24, 2024

Things were just beginning to look far more productive in the final third, after their brief struggle to score from open play in the Premier League, having just battered Crystal Palace 5-1 at Selhurst Park – with the resurgent Gabriel Jesus making it five goals in two games against the Eagles.

The result has unfortunately been overshadowed by Saka’s injury, with the England star forced off on 24 minutes with a hamstring problem, and reports suggest that he could be facing a very lengthy lay-off – beyond Arteta’s confirmation.

Ipswich Town (home)

December 27

Brentford (away)

January 1

Brighton (away)

January 4

Tottenham (home)

January 15

Aston Villa (home)

January 18

Indeed, it has been reported since Arteta’s latest update that Arsenal fear Saka could be out until March (The Daily Mail), and that would be a seismic blow to their title hopes considering just how pivotal the £195,000-per-week winger is to their system.

Sterling’s knee injury means that the north Londoners cannot call upon the loanee summer signing to fill in for Saka, prompting rumours that Arsenal could bring forward their plans to sign a new winger in time for January.

Arteta, speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of Ipswich, refuses to rule out the possibility of a new emergency wide option – despite prioritising the use of his current resources.

“The preparation is done,” said Arteta on Arsenal bringing in January reinforcements.

“We are ready if something happens. Obviously we didn’t predict the situation with Bukayo and Raheem at the same time. We predicted more if something has happened, for example, in the defensive line. But the job is done. Then, okay, if something has to happen we will be open. But the main focus is now how we should strive to distil the potential that there is in this squad.”

Arsenal in "positive" talks with Dani Olmo's representatives ahead of January

Now, according to Sky Sports reporter and Belgian transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri, a very intriguing option has surfaced in Barcelona playmaker Dani Olmo.

The 41-cap Spain international only joined Hansi Flick’s side for an initial £46 million in the summer, but Barca’s financial problems, combined with an overall lack of opportunities as a mainstay starter, means he could depart this winter.

Catalans president Joan Laporta needs to rejig the club’s books to pay his £149,000-per-week salary for the second half of 24/25, and their trouble with affording Olmo’s wages means he could leave the Camp Nou “free of any contract” next month.

That is according to Tavolieri, who writes in a column for Sky, that Arsenal are in “positive contacts” with Olmo’s representatives ahead of January, and it is believed Barca’s versatile attacker could be one of the “big” talking points of the next transfer window.

The 26-year-old, who’s operated both out wide and through the centre of attacking midfield this season, has registered six goals and an assist in all competitions over 15 total appearances so far.

Gregg Berhalter's side shattered their home attendance record as fans flocked to Soldier Field

• 62,358 fans attend Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami match
• Surpasses previous high of 62,124 set in 2023
• Messi's presence continues to drive MLS attendance

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED

  Lionel Messi’s arrival in the MLS and the United States has transformed and sparked a surge of interest in the MLS and soccer. The league has witnessed a surge in attendances across Inter Miami games, with Chicago Fire the latest to reap the benefits.

  The Fire hosted Inter Miami at Solider Park Sunday and set a new home attendance record, as 62,358 fans packed Soldier Field for what ended as a 0-0 draw.

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• WHAT THE CHICAGO FIRE POSTED

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The match between Chicago and Miami ended went scoreless. Messi who played the full 90 minutes and had five shots with two on target – a pair of free-kicks hit the woodwork. But neither team managed to find the back of the net.

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  WHAT’S NEXT?

  Following their draw with Miami, Chicago remain in eighth place with 12 points and are six points behind Eastern Conference leaders Columbus Crew. They host FC Cincinnati next on April 19 and then go on the road to face Nashville SC on April 26.

كشف بيب جوارديولا، المدير الفني لفريق مانشستر سيتي، عن رأيه تجاه إمكانية انتقال النجم كيفين دي بروين إلى نادِ منافس في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ومن المقرر أن ينتهي العقد الحالي للاعب الوسط البلجيكي مع مانشستر سيتي في يونيو المقبل.

وأعلن كيفين دي بروين، قبل فترة، أنه سيغادر صفوف مانشستر سيتي بمجرد انتهاء عقده مع النادي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. جوارديولا يتغزل في المدرب المرتقب لـ ريال مدريد: تأثيره مذهل وما فعله يدعو للفخر

وظهرت تقارير صحفية في الأيام القليلة الماضية تفيد أن دي بروين مطلوب لدى نادي ليفربول، وكذلك من قِبل الدوري الإيطالي وتحديدًا نابولي.

وظهر بيب جوارديولا في مؤتمر صحفي اليوم، للحديث عن مباراة مانشستر سيتي وساوثهامبتون في الدوري الإنجليزي، مساء السبت.

وسُئل جوارديولا عما إذا كان سينزعج حال انضمام دي بروين إلى نادِ آخر في الدوري الإنجليزي، عند رحيله عن مانشستر سيتي.

ورد الإسباني بشكل مقتضب، حسبما ذكرت شبكة “سيتي إكسترا” الإنجليزية: “لا أعرف، أريد الأفضل لـ دي بروين ولعائله، أتمنى الأفضل له”.

Queens Park Rangers are now chasing a “brilliant” forward who wants to leave his club during the January transfer window, according to a report.

QPR pushing for the play-offs

QPR’s fortunes have been on the up in 2025, winning all four of their Championship fixtures this month, with their only defeat coming in a 6-2 defeat away at Leicester City in the FA Cup.

As a result, Marti Cifuentes’ side are making an unlikely push for the play-offs, now sitting just four points behind sixth-placed Blackburn Rovers, so there are plenty of reasons for optimism at Loftus Road heading into the second half of the season.

That said, the heavy defeat at Leicester is a stark reminder of the expanding gulf in class between the Premier League and the Championship these days, so Cifuentes may feel some new additions to the squad may be needed this month.

The only business QPR have done so far is signing young defender Ronnie Edwards on loan from Southampton for the remainder of the campaign, but it appears as though Cifuentes may also be keen to strengthen in attacking positions, having identified a new target.

According to a report from Football Insider, the Hoops are now chasing Celtic winger Luis Palma, who is attracting the interest of a number of clubs this month. Within the Championship, Sunderland, Stoke City and Swansea City have all registered their interest, while there are also several unnamed potential suitors from across Europe.

The winger wants to secure a move away from Parkhead this month, as he has struggled for game time in the Scottish Premiership, and the likelihood of him signing for another club is now growing.

Queens Park Rangers’ upcoming Championship fixtures

Date

Sheffield Wednesday (h)

January 25th

Millwall (a)

February 1st

Blackburn Rovers (h)

February 4th

Coventry City (a)

February 11th

Derby County (h)

February 14th

Portsmouth (a)

February 22nd

Luis Palma could be a top signing for QPR

Although the Honduras international has fallen down the pecking order at Celtic Park this season, he has previously impressed with the Scottish champions, scoring two goals in five Champions League outings last season.

Moreover, the 25-year-old was one of the Hoops’ best players in the Scottish Premiership last term, averaging a Sofascore match rating of 7.61, the second-highest of any player to feature in at least 50% of the matches.

The former Aris man reached double figures for goals and assists in all competitions, playing a key role in Celtic winning the Scottish Premiership title, so it is clear he has bags of quality in the attacking third.

Spanish agent Paulo Hernandez lauded the forward as “brilliant” during his time in Greece, and his performances north of the border last season indicate he could be capable of adjusting to life in the Championship relatively quickly.

QPR’s recent run of form leaves them just outside the play-off places, but if they are able to win the race for Palma’s signature this month, their hopes of finishing inside the top six could be seriously boosted.

Durham’s lead trimmed to just four runs as Middlesex dig in at Riverside

ECB Reporters Network27-Jul-2022

John Simpson made another brilliant hundred•Getty Images

John Simpson defied Durham with a brilliant century to steer Middlesex to near parity on day three of the LV= Insurance County Championship Division Two clash at Seat Unique Riverside.The 34-year-old continued his impressive Championship form, scoring an unbeaten hundred to guide the visitors out of potential trouble at 201 for five. Simpson was dropped on 33, and duly capitalised with his third ton of the season, and was ably supported by the lower order after inroads from Stanley McAlindon and Chris Rushworth had threatened to allow Durham to take control.Middlesex ended the day on 417 for 7 at the close, trailing the home side’s first-innings total by four runs with Simpson positioned on 132 and Tom Helm on 43 ahead of the final day.Durham began the day in miserly fashion, bowling six maidens on the bounce before Middlesex finally got off the mark as Mark Stoneman worked the ball off his legs. There was no respite from the Durham bowlers in the opening 45 minutes, conceding only three runs. Frustration eventually cost Stoneman his wicket, cutting a wide ball from Ben Raine into the hands of Tom Mackintosh.Middlesex continued to struggle amid tight bowling from the hosts and McAlindon kept up the pressure on Sam Robson and Steve Eskinazi. The youngster found Robson’s outside edge and Eskinazi then presented Nic Maddinson with a simple catch at cover for 18, reducing the visitors to 72 for 3. Pieter Malan and Max Holden steered the visitors into lunch without further damage, although the morning session was not an overly productive one for Middlesex adding only 46 for the cost of three wickets.Malan seemed poised for a substantial knock, but he gave his wicket away playing a loose pull shot straight to Maddinson at square leg, ending a stand of fifty for the fourth wicket. Holden and Simpson took advantage of the softening ball and the flat wicket at the Riverside, mustering quick runs in the afternoon session.There were few chances, but Borthwick spurned an opening when he put down Simpson for 33 off his own bowling. The Durham skipper returned to prise out Holden for 47 to halt the partnership for the fifth wicket on 79, although Simpson made the most of his life after passing fifty. Luke Hollman looked extremely fluent in the middle with four blistering strikes to the fence, but he fell on the stroke of lunch to the new ball and Potts, losing his off stump for 25.Toby Roland-Jones provided a more than useful cameo with a 34-ball innings of 35 to push the Middlesex score beyond 300 before he became Rushworth’s 599th first-class victim. Sensing that he was running out of partners, Simpson pressed on with his innings and reached his third century of the campaign from 138 balls, striking Raine through the covers to the boundary.Simpson and Tom Helm made a surge in an attempt to bring up maximum batting points for the visitors, but fell narrowly short. The two players reached their century stand for the eighth wicket as the Durham bowlers toiled late in the day, with the contest seemingly heading towards a draw at Chester-le-Street.