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FIFA president slams AFCON final chaos

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned “some Senegal players” for the “unacceptable scenes” which overshadowed their victory in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final when they walked off the pitch in protest at a penalty awarded to Morocco.
“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” said Infantino in a statement sent to AFP.”It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right.”African football’s showpiece event was marred by most of the Senegalese players walking off the pitch when deep into injury time of normal play, with the match all square at 0-0, Morocco were awarded a spot-kick following a VAR check for a challenge on Brahim Diaz.

Senegal’s former Liverpool star Sadio Mane remained on the pitch and urged his teammates to come back onto the pitch for the penalty.

They were already furious at having a goal disallowed at the other end for a soft-looking foul minutes earlier.

Meanwhile, trouble broke out in the stands as some Senegalese fans tried to enter the field of play and became involved in fighting with security personnel.

The game was held up for almost 20 minutes before Diaz could take the penalty, and his weak ‘panenka’ kick was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Pape Gueye then went on to score a brilliant goal in the fourth minute of extra time to give his team a 1-0 win.

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Infantino, while congratulating Morocco on “a fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and exceptional hosts” — a boost ahead of them co-hosting the men’s 2030 World Cup — said teams have to abide by the match officials’ decisions.

“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” he said.

“Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”

Infantino, who will be hoping there are no such scenes in this year’s World Cup finals being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, said images such as those on Sunday sent the wrong message to supporters round the world.

“It is also the responsibility of teams and players to act responsibly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and millions watching around the world,” he said.

“The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated. I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”

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Rooney claims supporter belief key to Arsenal ending 22-year drought in EPL

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Ex-Man United striker Wayne Rooney believes fan support could play a decisive role in the outcome of the Premier League title race, urging Arsenal F.C. supporters to get firmly behind their team during a difficult spell.

The Gunners’ hopes of winning a first league title in 22 years suffered a setback after a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, leaving the defending champions within striking distance with games in hand.

The loss followed a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to AFC Bournemouth, after which some fans booed the players off the pitch.

Rooney questioned that reaction, insisting it could have a negative impact on the squad at a crucial stage of the season.

“I think the Arsenal fans need to be better. They’ve been brilliant all season and they’ve hit a little bad run of form,” Rooney said.

He emphasized how much players rely on backing from the stands, particularly when results dip.

“They need to understand how much the fan support means to the players and how much it can help you. When you lose a game and you get booed off, that can affect player,” he added.

Despite recent setbacks, Arsenal remain firmly in contention with five games left to play, but face intense pressure from City, who could overtake them at the top of the table.

Rooney pointed to the importance of unity between fans and players, especially given the club’s recent history of falling short in title races.

“For Arsenal to win the league, the Arsenal fans need to play their part. The fans need to back the players a little bit more because that will have hurt the Arsenal players, 100%,” he stressed.

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Oleksandr Usyk Backs Joshua To Beat Fury As Talks For Mega Fight Resume

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Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk believes Anthony Joshua has what it takes to defeat Tyson Fury if the long-awaited all-British showdown finally happens.

Negotiations between both camps have restarted after years of failed attempts to stage the fight. Usyk, who has shared the ring with both men and beaten each of them twice, says his recent time in camp with Joshua has left him convinced the former world champion is ready to rise again.

It was reports that Joshua has been training in Spain alongside the unbeaten Ukrainian as he works his way back to full fitness following a December car crash that claimed the lives of two close friends. He suffered minor injuries but has since returned to structured training.

Speaking to The Independent, Usyk said he has been impressed by Joshua’s intensity in camp.

“I believe. I look how Anthony is training. He’s a machine,” Usyk said.

The Ukrainian urged fans to rally behind Joshua during a challenging period in his career. Drawing a comparison with his support for Dynamo Kyiv, he stressed the value of loyalty through setbacks.

“Now I think Anthony needs help. People who support AJ, we must say: ‘Yeah, we do believe!’ Listen. I’m a fan of Dynamo Kyiv. I’m a fan a long time. Sometimes, my team loses but I not say: ‘You’re bad, you’re bad.’,” he added.

“I say, ‘Things happen. You must work, pray. It’s normal because it’s sport. Sometimes people support team or fighter and fighter loses and they’re negative. You are not fan. We must help each other. If we don’t help each other we are not people. We are animals.”

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Usyk admitted Joshua is close to a full return but urged patience as recovery continues.

“I think yes but we need a little bit of time because we know AJ has problem with body after crash but yes, he can return,” he said.

Promoter Eddie Hearn expects Joshua to take another fight before a potential clash with Fury. He confirmed the British star is likely to remain in Usyk’s training environment for at least his next two bouts.

“I think, at the moment, he’s very happy obviously. The plan is those two fights, he’ll certainly be training with Usyk for those two fights,” Hearn said.

“I think when he’s there and he’s focused and he’s got that purpose, I think it’s really good for him.”

Usyk is also preparing for his own blockbuster event. The champion is set to face kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in front of the Pyramids of Giza, with the World Boxing Council heavyweight title at stake.

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Arsenal ex-goalkeeper Manninger dies after car struck by train

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Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who played for Austria at Euro 2008, died on Thursday after his car was hit by a train, his former club Red Bull Salzburg said.

The 48-year-old died when a train hit his car while crossing the tracks in the Salzburg region, the Austrian news agency APA reported.

“We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident,” Red Bull Salzburg posted on its Facebook page.

“Our thoughts are with his family and his friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”

Both the Austrian Football Association and Arsenal also expressed condolences.

“With him, the world of football has lost a very special person,” the Austrian Football Association said on X.

“Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger,” Arsenal posted on X.

The cause of the accident, in which no one else was injured, is still under investigation, according to police.

Manninger made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, winning the Premier League and FA Cup.

He also played 33 times for Austria, including the 2008 Euros which were held on home soil.

Manninger started his career with hometown club Red Bull Salzburg and, in addition to Arsenal, played for teams across Europe, including Sienna, Juventus, Udinese and Augsburg.

Aged 39, he signed a short-term deal with Liverpool in 2016 but did not play.

AFP

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