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Liam Rosenior has publicly apologised for his comments on Lyon winger Malick Fofana's injury after initially defending Ismael Doukoure following his red card in Strasbourg’s defeat to Lyon. The Strasbourg coach admitted he “reacted in the heat of the moment” after reviewing footage of the heavy tackle that left Fofana stretchered off with a serious ankle injury that could rule him out for months.

Rosenior admits mistake over Doukoure red card

Strasbourg head coach Rosenior has issued an apology after retracting his earlier criticism of referee Eric Wattellier’s decision to send off Doukoure during the 2-1 defeat to Lyon on Sunday. The defender was dismissed in the 67th minute for a late and dangerous challenge on Lyon winger Fofana, who was forced off on a stretcher with a serious ankle injury.

Rosenior had initially protested the decision, suggesting that the red card was excessive and that Wattellier had “judged based on the injury, not the play.” The incident, which occurred just moments after Strasbourg had fought to regain control of the match, ultimately shifted momentum as Afonso Moreira struck late to secure victory for Lyon at the Groupama Stadium.

After reviewing the footage post-match, Rosenior reversed his stance. “We all make mistakes,” he admitted at his Tuesday press conference. “I reacted in the heat of the moment. I was wrong about the red card. I apologise. I hope Malick Fofana recovers quickly.”

AdvertisementGetty ImagesStrasbourg boss slammed referee before Fofana ruled out for months

Rosenior’s initial anger was rooted in the belief that Doukoure’s dismissal was influenced more by the aftermath than the action itself. Speaking immediately after the match, the English coach had said, “There were two fairly clear decisions that put us in a difficult situation. I don’t think there was a red card. For me, it was an unlucky play. I don’t want to see injured players on the pitch, but the referee judged based on the injury, not the play. It wasn’t a dangerous tackle.”

The aftermath of the incident brought grim news for Lyon as Fofana, one of the side’s brightest attacking talents, has been ruled out for at least three months after scans revealed a serious right ankle sprain. Further tests have indicated additional ligament damage that could require surgery, according to reports.

The 20-year-old Belgian, who has two goals and one assist this season, has been one of Paulo Fonseca’s key players. His absence comes at a difficult time for Lyon, who are already missing Ghanaian winger Ernest Nuamah until 2026 following an ACL injury.

Costly dismissal and Strasbourg’s setback

Doukoure’s sending off proved crucial in the match’s outcome, as the defender had earlier scored an own goal that brought Lyon level after Joaquin Panichelli’s opener for Strasbourg. Reduced to 10 men, Rosenior’s side conceded a stoppage-time goal to lose 2-1, a result that extended their winless run to three matches across all competitions.

The red card not only cost Strasbourg crucial points but also exposed their vulnerability when forced to defend deep. “It was a harsh moment for the team,” Rosenior said. “We played well, but when you’re down to 10 men, it’s always difficult.” Strasbourg dropped from third to seventh in the Ligue 1 standings as a result, though their solid home record offers hope of a quick response.

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AFPWhat next for Strasbourg and Lyon?

Strasbourg return to action on Wednesday with a crucial home fixture against struggling Auxerre. The Alsace side will look to bounce back at the Stade de la Meinau, where they have won 10 of their last 15 top-flight games. Rosenior’s men remain seventh in Ligue 1 with 16 points from nine matches, three more points than they had at the same stage last season.

Auxerre, meanwhile, visit on the back of four consecutive winless games and sit in the relegation zone with just seven points. For Lyon, the focus will shift to their midweek clash against Paris FC as they cope with the loss of Fofana. Paulo Fonseca’s men are expected to reshuffle their attack, likely to share responsibilities on the flanks in the coming weeks.

With Rosenior’s apology drawing a line under the controversy, attention now turns back to the pitch, where both clubs face defining fixtures amid mounting injury and form challenges.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made his feelings clear behind-the-scenes about the potential departure of a big-name player in January.

Arsenal make key decisions on player futures amid Premier League title race

The Gunners are moving to lock down squad members who they view as pivotal for the long-term.

Sporting director Andrea Berta, in a major boost for the Premier League title chasers, convinced star defender William Saliba to commit his long-term future to the club, with the Frenchman signing a new deal until 2030.

The move reflects Saliba’s importance to Arsenal as a cornerstone of their defence for years to come, rewarding his consistent performances and growth, whilst also thwarting Real Madrid’s interest in the 24-year-old as Xabi Alonso’s side are forced to look elsewhere.

In addition to Saliba, goalkeeper David Raya has also agreed to improved terms, reinforcing Arsenal’s commitment to keeping a strong and reliable last line of defence.

Raya’s improved terms with no actual extension, while not announced by the club, highlights Arteta’s desire to reward his players for their excellent form, with the Spaniard proving invaluable between Arsenal’s sticks after back-to-back Golden Glove awards.

The former Brentford shot-stopper has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world since joining the North Londoners, and it is vital he maintains this level if Arsenal are to win their first Premier League title in over 20 years.

Rank

Player

Age

Club

Nation

1

Gianluigi Donnarumma

26

Man City

Italy

2

Alisson

33

Liverpool

Brazil

3

David Raya

30

Arsenal

Spain

4

Jan Oblak

32

Atletico Madrid

Slovenia

5

Diogo Costa

25

FC Porto

Portugal

Beyond those deals, Arsenal are currently engaged in ongoing talks with several other vital squad members.

Bukayo Saka remains a high priority, as the club looks to secure the long-term future of their talismanic winger who has become central to their attacking threat.

Similarly, discussions are underway with defensive stalwart Jurrien Timber, who has impressed with his versatility, defensive solidity and consistency since recovering from his debut season ACL injury.

Midfield maestros Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice have also held talks with Berta over new deals, with Arsenal eager to keep both big names at the heart of their team.

However, the long-term future of £265,000-per-week striker Gabriel Jesus remains far more uncertain.

Arsenal tell Gabriel Jesus he could leave with Mikel Arteta feelings clear

The Brazil international suffered an ACL rupture just as he was enjoying a real purple patch of form midway through 2024/2025, but with his own terms expiring in under two years, Arsenal have told Jesus his January exit is a real possibility.

The former Man City star, once back to full fitness, will have to contend with the likes of Kai Havertz and summer signing Viktor Gyokeres for a place in Arteta’s starting eleven.

Jesus can play on the wing, but Arsenal are also looking pretty strong out wide, so doubts surround whether he really has a place in the team anymore.

The ex-Palmeiras sensation has bagged 26 goals and 20 assists in just under a century of appearances for Arsenal and showcased his worth to Arteta on more than one occasion, but he was never the reliable scorer that they craved up top.

Despite being called a “frightening” player by those who’ve trained alongside him, like Jack Grealish, the writing appears on the wall for Jesus.

As interested sides stand up and take note of his availability, it is believed that his preference is to remain in Europe despite reports linking the forward with a return to Brazil.

“Naturally we are worried. In Anrich’s case this is the second or third stress reaction in his back,” coach Shuki Conrad said

Firdose Moonda26-Jun-2025South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje has suffered a “stress reaction” that will keep him out of action for an unknown period of time. Nortje was not considered for South Africa’s T20I squad to play a tri-series in Zimbabwe next month and did not travel to MLC 2025, where he was due to play for Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR). Nortje has only played two games this year, at the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).South Africa coach Shukri Conrad confirmed that Nortje’s injury will be assessed and as things stand, CSA is unaware of how long he will be out of action for.The injury is the latest in a long line of setbacks for Nortje, who is no longer centrally contracted with CSA and last played international cricket at the T20 World Cup in 2024. He was then not considered for the Test side for focusing primarily on T20s by opting out of the central contract. But a fractured toe then ruled him out of the home T20Is against Pakistan before a back injury sidelined him from the 2025 Champions Trophy. He then flew to India for the IPL to join KKR but played only two games for them.Related

Nortje injured again, Van der Dussen to lead newish-looking South Africa T20I side

Nortje has spent significant time on the sidelines in the past. He did not play any cricket between November 2013 and November 2015, November 2018 and February 2019 and then between November 2021 and April 2022 with a range of injuries relating to his back and hip.It is not known yet which formats Nortje will avail himself for when he returns to fitness.”We will have to see the length of the time that he will be out and the extent of the injury. I really feel for him,” Conrad said. “He is a superstar fast bowler and having to deal with setback after setback can’t be easy. We will wait to see how serious it is.”Naturally we are worried. In Anrich’s case this is the second or third stress reaction in his back. It is too early to make a diagnosis and we are definitely not drawing a line through this name. He is 31 years old and we are going to give him every chance to come back. We will have to see what the medical team think is the best way forward.”

Paris Saint-Germain are exploring a potential move for Barcelona defender Eric Garcia, with Luis Enrique keen on a reunion with his former Spain international. The 24-year-old centre-back has been a standout performer under Hansi Flick this season, and PSG’s growing injury list has accelerated their search for a versatile defensive addition.

PSG weigh up winter move for in-form Barcelona defender

With injuries piling up across their backline, Les Parisiens are assessing defensive reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window, and Eric Garcia has emerged as a leading target. According to , Luis Enrique is pushing to reunite with the defender, whom he coached during his tenure with the Spain national team. The PSG boss is said to admire Garcia’s composure, ball distribution, and tactical intelligence, traits he believes fit perfectly into the club’s high-possession style.

The French champions are reportedly exploring a deal that could see the 24-year-old arrive in January, either through a negotiated fee or a pre-contract agreement for next summer, when he enters the final six months of his Barcelona contract. Enrique’s side were already monitoring versatile defenders before Achraf Hakimi’s ankle injury against Bayern Munich, but the Moroccan’s absence has increased the urgency for a flexible signing capable of operating both centrally and on the right.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesGarcia's resurgence under Flick draws attention

After struggling for consistency in previous campaigns, Garcia has enjoyed a revival under Hansi Flick, becoming one of Barca’s most reliable performers this season. 

Initially used as a makeshift midfielder and occasional right-back, he has since reclaimed his preferred centre-back role forming a strong partnership with Pau Cubarsi following Inigo Martinez’s departure. Garcia has already made 15 appearances this season, accumulating over 1,100 minutes of action, more than any other outfield player in the squad. Flick has repeatedly praised his tactical awareness and discipline, viewing him as an example of professionalism for the younger defenders.

That consistency has reignited interest from Europe’s elite, with PSG, AC Milan and Napoli all monitoring his situation. For Enrique, however, the interest is personal, he views the ex-Manchester City man as a system-ready player capable of immediately strengthening PSG’s defensive transitions and build-up play. Garcia made his debut for the Spanish national team under the coach in September 2020 and made 19 appearances under him. The defender has not been back in the squad since Enrique's departure after the 2022 World Cup.

Barcelona reluctant to sell despite PSG interest

While the Spaniard's growing profile has made him an attractive target, the Catalan giants have no intention of sanctioning a sale, particularly to a Champions League rival. Club sources insist that Flick and sporting director Deco both consider him part of the long-term defensive rebuild.

The Blaugrana club are also optimistic about extending Garcia’s contract beyond 2026, with initial terms discussed earlier this year. Talks have slowed since September, but the club remain confident that his resurgence and regular playing time will convince him to commit. 

That said, PSG’s approach could test Barcelona’s resolve. The Parisian club have proven adept at prising away high-profile talent in the past, and with Garcia’s stock rising, they may see a window of opportunity before the renewal is finalised.

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Getty Images SportLuis Enrique’s plan and PSG’s defensive dilemma

The European champions' pursuit of Garcia fits a broader strategy to add tactical balance across the backline. Lucas Hernandez provides depth on the left, but Enrique wants a similarly reliable option on the right to support Marquinhos. The Spaniard’s ability to switch seamlessly between centre-back and full-back positions makes him an ideal candidate especially given PSG’s demanding schedule and defensive vulnerabilities exposed in recent weeks.

However, much will depend on Barcelona’s stance and Garcia’s own willingness to consider a move mid-season. Despite PSG’s growing interest, sources close to the player suggest he remains focused on maintaining his form under Flick.

With Hakimi sidelined and fixture congestion looming, the Ligue 1 giants may yet accelerate their efforts. But for now, Garcia’s name remains firmly on Enrique’s wishlist – a potential reunion that could reshape the French champions’ defensive outlook heading into 2026.

It has been nearly ten years since Manchester United last won a game of football at Anfield. You have to travel back in time to 2016 when a sole goal from the great Wayne Rooney won them the match.

A lot is different since then. As Ruben Amorim’s men defeated Arne Slot’s charges 2-1 on Sunday, it signified the first back-to-back league wins of the Portuguese’s rather dreary tenure in charge.

Perhaps the winds of change are among us. Is this the beginning of Amorim’s charge towards glory? Remarkably, United are now just two points shy of fourth place. They are only six points off the Premier League leaders.

For all of the negativity, for all of the criticism, this was a mammoth win. They deserve their plaudits this time around.

So, how did it happen?

How Man United ended their Anfield curse

This was as far from an Amorim performance as one can imagine. Yes, it’s a good time to play Liverpool, but arguably it’s always a good time to face Man United right now.

They changed the narrative around them on Sunday, however, and they did it in dramatic fashion.

The Red Devils came out of the gates firing when, with barely a minute on the clock, Bryan Mbeumo fired the visitors in front. It was poor defending from Virgil van Dijk who failed to track the winger and he then fired past the goalkeeper at the near post.

Mbeumo hasn’t been his rip-roaring best since trading London for Manchester, leaving Brentford behind in the summer, but he is a talisman United can build their team around. He was hailed as “one of the best in the world” during the game by BBC Sport’s Umir Irfan.

The big-money summer arrival wasn’t the only player Amorim had to thank. New goalkeeper Senne Lammens – an understated and quiet figure – looks an instant upgrade on Andre Onana. He claims crosses, looks assured and simply goes about his business without making a fuss. What a world of difference that makes.

However, the most telling story from a Man United persuasion was the way in which they responded to Cody Gakpo’s late equaliser.

When that goal went in, the game could have changed. Liverpool have made a habit of scoring late winners this term and they had the wind in their sails during that part of the clash.

United have usually wilted under pressure during the Amorim era and could have done here. This time it was different. Liverpool wilted instead and the visitors, in a big test of their mental resolve, stood up to the test.

Bruno Fernandes, always the main talisman of the club, hooked a ball into the box and there was man of the hour, Mr Harry Maguire, rolling back the clock and firing a bullet header into the net. Gary Neville cried tears of joy on commentary, Peter Drury roared and Jamie Carragher sat in silence. It was an iconic moment and one that could turn the tide of Amorim’s tenureship.

Yet, while Lammens, Mbeumo, Fernandes and Maguire came up with big moments, an ounce of praise should be fired in the direction of United’s new Carlos Tevez.

Manchester United's new Tevez has arrived

While the Argentine ultimately left United in controversial circumstances, heading to rivals Manchester City, his time at Old Trafford was something to savour.

A South American maverick, a player who’d run himself into the ground and, principally, a player who knew where the back of the net was, he was a workhorse for United.

A slender figure at 5 feet 7, his game was certainly bigger than that. He ultimately won two Premier League titles during the Sir Alex Ferguson era, played 99 games and scored 34 goals in the process. Tevez also registered 14 assists. He was a genuine all-rounder.

Well, in the present day, summer arrival Matheus Cunha looks like he’s cut from a similar cloth.

Another South American and a maverick sort of player, it’s easy to see where the comparisons stem from but, pivotally, he is actually yet to score in United colours.

His contributions have been first-class, however, and that was in evidence against Liverpool on Sunday. Like Tevez, he ran himself into the ground with a dogged performance on the road.

Scouted Football’s Jake Entwistle encapsulated things perfectly, writing on social media: The fitness of Cunha to scrap for that many duels throughout the game and drag a team up the pitch consistently is absurd. He should be absolutely gassed but he still looks able to do 90 yards with five hand-offs along the way.”

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That certainly sounds Tevez-esque, doesn’t it? During the game, the lively Brazilian only had two shots but he was also able to win four of his nine ground duels, making an interception and two clearances along the way. He also completed both of his dribble attempts and was fouled twice. Talk about offering a lot to the team.

Minutes played

90

Touches

55

Unsuccessful touches

4

Accurate passes

24/29 (83%)

Dribbles

2/2

Fouled

2x

Shots

2

Key passes

0

Interceptions

1

Clearances

2

Duels won

5/10

A goal or assist did not come the 26-year-old’s way but journalist Chris Winterburn suggested that “once Cunha starts finding the net, he’s going to be as popular as Tevez.”

Football writer for Forbes and FourFourTwo, Sam Pilger, was equally as impressed with Cunha, noting that he looks like an “incredible signing.” Quite.

United invested heavily in the frontline over the summer and while things didn’t click immediately, they certainly look as though they are now. Mbeumo is in form, Benjamin Sesko has scored twice in his last three outings and Cunha looks just as spritely.

Positives for United? What a shock. Pigs will fly next.

Hain, Davies also make half-centuries as contest peters out at Hove

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay02-Jul-2025 Warwickshire 415 (Yates 93, Hain 87, Barnard 66, Crocombe 3-82) and 260 for 4 dec (Latham 69, Davies 58, Hain 53) drew with Sussex 533 (Hughes 151, Coles 150, Rocchiccioli 6-173)Warwickshire batted through a rain-affected final day to draw their Rothesay County Championship match with Sussex at Hove.Tom Latham led the way with 69 and there were half-centuries for skipper Alex Davies and Sam Hain with Warwickshire on 260 for four, a lead of 142, when the players shook hands at 4.50pm. Sussex took 14 points, Warwickshire 13.After only 21 wickets had fallen on the first three days there was little likelihood of a clatter on day four, and the already slim odds on Sussex forcing a victory lengthened when 18 overs were lost to rain and bad light before lunch.Sussex employed spin for most of the day with Ollie Robinson even bowling two overs of off-breaks to support the efforts of off-spinner Jack Carson and slow left-armer James Coles, who bowled 53.3 overs between them.There was some occasionally sharp turn out of the rough and with men clustered around the bat Warwickshire’s batters needed to be diligent and they were. The only disappointment was that neither Davies nor Latham, who were well set, could convert their hard work into a century. Hain’s unbeaten 53 came off 170 balls and he didn’t hit a single boundary.Warwickshire began on 88 for one, still 30 runs behind, and they knocked off 20 of that deficit in the 25 minutes before bad light followed by rain forced the players off.When they returned Coles struck with his third ball, which spun a little and Davies edged it to slip where Tom Haines held a reflex catch to his left. Davies’ 58 – his fifth fifty of the season – included nine fours.Carson had been expected to bowl from the sea end, where Warwickshire’s off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli had taken his six wickets, but it was Coles who settled into a long spell up the slope instead. Robinson, hoping his higher release point might disconcert the batters, gave him a brief respite before Coles returned in the 58th over to pick up a second wicket with his third ball back.Latham, having played well for 69, clipped a ball to short leg and Dan Ibrahim clung on to the ball at chest height. The New Zealander had batted for more than three hours and looked good for a few more.At one stage Coles bowled to a ring of four fielders 15 yards from the bat on the off side before going off halfway through his 21st over. Carson, meanwhile, was into his 31st over before getting a belated reward for his efforts when Zen Malik (44) was caught at leg slip off bat and pad.When Carson came off Fynn Hudson-Prentice bowled some off breaks of his own and even opener Dan Hughes turned his arm over before a halt was called.

The Los Angeles Dodgers started their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks with back-to-back-to-back home runs. And they trailed by the time the first inning was over. But they still won.

Shohei Ohtani led off the game with his 44th home run. He was followed by Mookie Betts two pitches later and then Freddie Freeman one pitch after Betts touched home.

For Ohtani it was his 12th home run of August, which meant he hit the most home runs in the National League in August. He also stole the most bases in the NL in August with nine. This was the first time anyone has lead a league in both stolen bases and home runs since Willie Mays in 1956.

Mays finished the season leading baseball with 40 stolen bases. He also hit a modest 36 home runs that year. Ohtani has already surpassed both those numbers and has his sights set on a 50/50 season, which no one has ever done. The only thing keeping him from stealing enough bases is the fact that he hits so many home runs.