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Whilst Chelsea have progressed through to the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League, the Blues lost 2-1 to Legia Warsaw at home, in a game that will have many fans worried about the fate of the team at the back end of this season.

Enzo Maresca’s men held 70% of the ball, generated 2.00 xG, created five “big chances” and took 16 shots in the match. But Legia, with just 30% of the ball, managed to fashion 13 shots of their own, creating four “big chances” and generating 2.22 xG.

There were no real good performances from the Blues, if anyone it would have been Chelsea’s youngster Tyrique George, who came from the bench. One of the worst performers was their star man, Cole Palmer, who is struggling for form and confidence at the moment.

Cole Palmer's woes continue

Palmer’s last goal came against Bournemouth back in January, with the 22-year-old looking cold in front of goal recently – and no, not his type of cold. The Chelsea star looks off the pace in attacking areas, taking too long to make decisions and becoming visibly frustrated.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

He managed two shots against Legia Warsaw, both of which could have resulted in goals, given his red-hot finishing last season and what many fans have come to expect. However, one shot was easily saved and the other missed the target.

Palmer also lost possession six times in his 58 minutes played, only managed 31 touches in the game and only won two of his five ground duels.

But Chelsea fans will be much more worried about another forward who started the game, whose time may just have run out.

Chelsea's 3/10 dud is now out of time

Christopher Nkunku has struggled all season for the Blues, often being used out of position, having to fill in as a striker or off the left, whilst Palmer starts in attacking midfield. And it was yet another poor display from the Frenchman, earning him a 3/10 match rating from GOAL.

Minutes

90

Touches

51

Accurate Passes

38/40

Key Passes

2

Shots

1

Ground Duels Won

4/6

Aerial Duels Won

0/2

Possession Lost

6

Tackles

2

The 27-year-old only managed one shot in the entire game, which was on target, but was also easily saved. He also lost possession six times, lost both of his aerial duels but did win four of his six ground duels and made two key passes.

Whilst Nkunku has had many more stand-out poor performances than this one, it’s more what this one represented. 3-0 up playing against Legia Warsaw at Stamford Bridge, space to attack in behind and chances to make things happen, but still looking off the pace and disinterested.

It seems like it could be the end of the road for Nkunku at Chelsea, with fans losing their patience with the Frenchman and clubs already registering interest in the forward ahead of the summer window.

It could be the best time for the Blues to cash in and cut their losses.

Best signing since Palmer: Chelsea now favourites to sign £85m "diamond"

Chelsea can seal their best signing since Palmer with this “English diamond”

ByConnor Holden Apr 17, 2025

David Moyes has turned Goodison Park into a fortress, with Everton’s hard-fought draw against Arsenal marking the sixth Premier League game in a row that defeat has been avoided on home turf.

Everton were breached after a prickly opening half hour when Raheem Sterling played Leandro Trossard into space and the Belgian dispatched a cool finish past Jordan Pickford.

However, this new version of Everton has confidence in abundance, and Moyes’ half-time team talk appeared to stir his squad into life, for Iliman Ndiaye slotted home from the spot after Myles Lewis-Skelly brought Jack Harrison down in the box.

Ndiaye’s return is significant, sparking attacking zest back into the Toffees team.

Why Iliman Ndiaye's return was important

Ndiaye has probably been Everton’s standout player this season, but he’s missed the past month-and-a-half of action due to injury and has been sorely missed, even though Moyes’ side have done alright.

However, his return to the starting line-up today reminded the Blues of the quality of player they have in their midst, with Ndiaye’s coolly-taken penalty marking his ninth goal of the season.

However, his second-half spot-kick didn’t tell the full tale of the tape, with the Senegal winger also winning six duels and making two tackles, as per Sofascore, to help his team go punch for punch with a combative Arsenal side.

The balance and electricity that he brings to the table will help Moyes’ side to no end over the closing weeks of the campaign.

However, not all of Ndiaye’s teammates can say they matched his levels on Saturday afternoon, with Abdoulaye Doucoure in particular beginning to look like a man playing on borrowed time.

Abdoulaye Doucoure needs to go

Everton are changing scenery this summer, and Doucoure needs to be part of the exodus. Moyes has surprised even himself with the incredible turnaround on Merseyside since he replaced Sean Dyche in January, but with so many first-team players out of contract this summer, there’s plenty to do in the transfer market.

The anticipated returns of Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil, who came on for Jack Harrison in the closing stages this afternoon, suggest that Doucoure, who is 32, seemingly declining and entering the last few months of his contract, is set to depart.

Couple that with the winter loan signing of Charly Alcaraz, who will sign on a permanent deal if he features across three of Everton’s last seven games of the season, and it’s clear that Moyes must ensure the veteran is not playing at Bramley Moore.

Minutes played

90′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

22

Shots (on target)

1 (1)

Accurate passes

6/9 (67%)

Key passes

0

Dribbles

0/0

Tackles + interceptions

2

Duels won

3/12

Dribbled past

2x

Against Arsenal, he brought his usual huff and puff and forced David Raya into one second-half save, but it wasn’t enough to suggest he’s got enough left in the tank to play an important part over the coming campaign.

It was a flat and uninspiring performance, Doucoure only completing six passes all game, losing nine of his 12 contested duels and failing to even attempt a dribble.

Given that the Malian midfielder is currently Everton’s highest-paid player at £130k per week, it feels like a no-brainer that he should be cut loose this summer.

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There’s a nostalgic feel to David Moyes’ new Everton unit.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 4, 2025

كسر ديكو، المدير الرياضي لنادي برشلونة، صمته وتحدث عن إمكانية عودة الأسطورة ليونيل ميسي من جديد إلى صفوف الفريق الكتالوني خلال الفترة المقبلة.

ميسي يلعب في صفوف إنتر ميامي في الوقت الحالي، وقد جدد الدولي الأرجنتيني عقده مع النادي الأمريكي في وقت سابق من هذا العام، وذلك إلى نهاية موسم 2028 المقبل.

ولكن ميسي قد ارتبط في أكثر من مناسبة بالعودة من جديد إلى صفوف برشلونة، قبل أن ينهي ديكو الجدل بشكل رسمي حول تلك الأخبار اليوم.

واعترف ديكو في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة موندو ديبورتيفو، أنه من المستبعد بشكل واضح أن يعود ميسي مرة أخرى إلى برشلونة، ولا حتى على سبيل الإعارة.

وقال ديكو ردًا على فكرة ضم ميسي على سبيل الإعارة من إنتر ميامي: “لا أعتقد أن ذلك ممكن لأن ليو مرتبط بعقد ولم يطرح الأمر أصلًا، ليو هو ليو دائمًا ولا يزال بإمكانه المساهمة، إنه لاعب رائع لكننا لن نتحدث عن هذا الأمر، الوضع الحالي مجرد تكهنات”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ديكو يوضح موقف برشلونة من ضم صفقات جديدة في يناير كما أبدى ديكو حبه وتقديره الكبير لميسي، حيث أضاف الدولي البرتغالي السابق: ”بالنسبة لي، ليو هو أفضل لاعب في تاريخ النادي إلى جانب يوهان كرويف ورونالدينيو، من الطبيعي كوني من هذا الجيل ألا أنسى ليو”.

وعن المقارنة بين ميسي ونجم برشلونة الحالي، لامين يامال، أوضح ديكو: “إنهما في مرحلتين مختلفتين ولاعبان مختلفان، كلاهما يتفوق على البقية من حيث إدراكهما للأمور”.

واختتم: ”نشأ ليو في بيئة لم يكن فيها تحت ضغط أو حاجة للأضواء لأنه لم يكن وقته بينما نشأ لامين في بيئة مختلفة، في برشلونة في مرحلة إعادة الإعمار بينما نشأ ليو في فريق راسخ، بمتوسط ​​أعمار 26-27 عامًا، شق ميسي طريقه تدريجيًا، لقد أثار ليو فضولي وذهبت لمشاهدة الفريق الرديف لأراه يلعب، كانت جودته رائعة”.

Four match referees and 14 umpires form the 18-member group that will officiate in India and Sri Lanka

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Sep-2025The upcoming women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka will feature an all-female line-up of match officials. On Thursday, the ICC announced the panel of four match referees and 14 umpires, featuring women from nine countries for the tournament that runs from September 30 to November 2.The match referees are Trudy Anderson (New Zealand), Shandre Fritz (South Africa), GS Lakshmi (India) and Michell Pereira (Sri Lanka).The on-field and TV umpires are Sue Redfern (England), Claire Polosak and Eloise Sheridan (Australia), Candace la Borde and Jacqueline Williams (West Indies), Kim Cotton (New Zealand), Sarah Dambanevana (Zimbabwe), Shathira Jakir Jesy (Bangladesh), Kerrin Klaaste and Lauren Agenbag (South Africa), N Janani, Vrinda Rathi and Gayathri Venugopalan (India) and Nimali Perera (Sri Lanka).Related

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Among them, Polosak, Williams and Redfern will be appearing in their third women’s ODI World Cups, while Agenbag and Cotton will be at their second.Three recent events – the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the two most recent women’s T20 World Cups – also featured all-female panels of match officials.

Panel of match officials

Match referees: Trudy Anderson, Shandre Fritz, GS Lakshmi, Michelle Pereira
Umpires: Lauren Agenbag, Candace la Borde, Kim Cotton, Sarah Dambanevana, Shathira Jakir Jesy, Kerrin Klaaste, Janani N, Nimali Perera, Claire Polosak, Vrinda Rathi, Sue Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Gayathri Venugopalan, Jacquline Williams

“This marks a defining moment in the journey of women’s cricket, one that we hope will pave the way for many more trailblazing stories across all facets of the sport,” ICC president Jay Shah said in a statement. “The inclusion of an all-women panel of match officials is not only a major milestone but also a powerful reflection of the ICC’s unwavering commitment to advancing gender equity across cricket.”This development goes beyond symbolic value. It is about visibility, opportunity, and the creation of meaningful role models who can inspire future generations. By highlighting excellence in officiating on the global stage, we aim to spark aspiration and reinforce that leadership and impact in cricket know no gender.”We are honoured to recognise a new chapter in the growth of the women’s game. We believe the influence of this initiative will resonate far beyond this tournament, motivating more women worldwide to pursue officiating careers and helping redefine what’s possible within the game.”The 13th women’s ODI World Cup begins with hosts India and Sri Lanka facing off on September 30. Defending champions Australia will take on New Zealand on October 1. Each team will play the other seven teams once with the top four moving into the semi-finals.The matches will be played in Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam, Navi Mumbai and Colombo with the final scheduled for November 2.

Tottenham have been given some encouragement over the prospect of signing a Brazil international as his agents work to find him a new club.

Tottenham targeting new attacker in January amid creativity issue

Thomas Frank faces mounting pressure at Tottenham just six months into his tenure, with serious questions surrounding the Dane’s future.

Spurs sit 11th in the table with just 19 points from 13 games, and their home record tells a catastrophic story.

With only one Premier League win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium all season, not to mention 10 home defeats this calendar year, they currently boast the joint-worst record in that regard in the club’s history.

Winless in five matches across all competitions, including losses to Arsenal, PSG and Fulham, their controversial 2-2 draw at Newcastle on Monday evening prevented a fourth straight defeat.

Cristian Romero rescued Frank with a dramatic stoppage-time overhead kick. The Argentine scored twice at St James’ Park, his header and acrobatic finish earning a vital point, and his heroics seriously spared Frank’s blushes.

Dressing room unrest is reportedly growing, with reports suggesting players are confused by Frank’s constant tactical tinkering.

Fabrizio Romano shares Thomas Frank update amid mounting Tottenham pressure

The reliable journalist has some information.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 4, 2025

Summer signing Xavi Simons symbolises Frank’s struggles. The £55 million playmaker has started just six league games, relegated to the bench for crucial fixtures despite Spurs’ creative drought, and former defender Ramon Vega has accused Frank of “changing his mind every two seconds.”

Frank apparently retains board backing until at least new year, but improvement must arrive quickly.

January reinforcements remain crucial, with FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa heavily linked alongside Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, who has a tantalising £65 million release clause in his contract which will be active next month.

If Spurs cannot win the race for Semenyo amid interest from Man City, then RB Leizpig’s Yan Diomande is believed to be an alternative, with Sky Switzerland’s Sacha Tavolieri reporting they’ve already held advanced discussions on the player’s side.

Tottenham given Rodrygo boost as agents work on Real Madrid exit

Now, according to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, the north Londoners have been given a boost in their pursuit of Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

It is believed that Tottenham have emerged among the Premier League clubs that Rodrygo would consider joining, with his representatives actively working to secure a January departure from the Bernabeu.

The Brazilian has seen his situation deteriorate dramatically since Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti over the summer, becoming the most high-profile casualty.

Only four of his 15 appearances this season have exceeded 45 minutes, with Rodrygo regularly deployed as an impact substitute and falling behind Arda Güler in the pecking order.

Intermediaries representing the 24-year-old are working diligently to identify potential destinations, with Arsenal and Liverpool already engaged in discussions.

Rodrygo himself has made clear he would welcome moves to Man City, Man United, Chelsea or Tottenham too, though currently only Arsenal, Liverpool, City and Spurs are actively monitoring his availability.

Real value him between £70-79 million, and the Spanish giants ideally want to retain Rodrygo until the summer, when Nico Paz’s expected return will likely accelerate his departure.

It isn’t an easy deal to do by any means, with Spurs potentially needing to break their transfer record whilst fending off elite competition from their rivals.

However, there is little doubt this would be a statement move by the Lewis family as they look to usher in a new era post-Daniel Levy.

It looked like a Cubs fan was taking "working remotely" to the next level at Wrigley Field on Tuesday afternoon.

During Chicago's matinee contest against the Milwaukee Brewers, cameras panned to a fan with a laptop—and a mouse—on his lap. Jon Sciambi and Jim Deshaies were on the call for Marquee Sports Network, and had a hilarious reaction:

"How badly did you want it? Did you bring your mouse? You better bring your mouse! … There's only one question: Is this guy doing work? Or, my other thought is, he's doing a fantasy football draft."

Check out the hilarious clip here:

Naturally, the fan sparked a social media frenzy, with fellow baseball fans cracking plenty of jokes about the hard worker. Check out some of the best reactions across X (formerly Twitter):

ITV presenter Laura Woods was taken ill during ITV's broadcast of England Women's friendly against Ghana on Tuesday. While speaking with Ian Wright and Anita Asante, Woods fell forward, and the Arsenal legend appeared to try to catch her. The broadcaster then cut to an extended break, with Woods replaced by Katie Shanahan ahead of kick-off.

• Woods falls ill on air

  Woods is one of ITV's flagship presenters and was working alongside Asante and Wright while presenting the opening moments of the broadcast of England's friendly against Ghana. While introducing the game, she was speaking with Asante and Wright, and appeared to fall forward, before hitting the ground. Wright attempted to catch her, and a hot microphone revealed that he asked if she was okay, before ITV cut to a lengthy advertising break. 

  Woods was replaced after the advertising break by Katie Shanahan, who said the popular host was "taken ill" and that "she's in really good hands and we're wishing her a speedy recovery." At half-time, she gave a further update, adding: "Laura Woods fell ill at the start of the programme but we want to reassure you that she's doing okay and we all send her our love."

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  Tsunami of love sent to Woods

  Shanahan has stepped in at short notice to take Woods' place, having previously been expected to work as the pitch-side reporter for the fixture. The Lionesses will hope to put on a glittering performance to distract fans from the scary scenes, which saw Woods lurch forward and attempt to catch herself, before being held up by her presenting colleagues. 

  Fans on social media have been quick to send their best wishes to Woods, who works primarily for TNT Sports, presenting the Champions League, but has frequently fronted ITV's coverage of the England Women's team.

• Woods' impressive CV

  Woods has blazed a trail in sports broadcasting, and has twice been voted the Sports Journalists' Association Presenter of the Year. She began her career as a runner on Sky Sports before working her way up to present some of the biggest fixtures in world football.

  In 2022, she encouraged young women to be themselves, as they aspire to follow in her footsteps in an interview with The Guardian.

  She said: “When you look at broadcasting from the outside in it can look quite daunting and as if it is a very difficult nut to crack, and it is. You have to be in the right place at the right time but you also have to be ready for it and be confident as well. And confidence comes from practice, it really does. You are never going to wake up one day and be very, very good at something straight away.

  “The one thing I learned is that a listener or a reader or a viewer can all smell any inauthenticity and I figured that out really quickly. It wasn’t that I wasn’t trying to be me; it was more that I was struggling with the confidence a bit. But eventually I kept doing it over and over again and I got much more comfortable in my own skin. And that is the only thing you have got that no one else has – your own personality, your own way of doing things. It sounds like a cliche – just be yourself – but you really have to do that.”

  On potential criticism, she added: “I used to read all my tweets, when I had much fewer followers, and I used that for instant feedback, whether it was good or bad, and I found it addictive. I went on it straight away after I had done something and it became a bit like a sounding board for whether or not I had made a mistake. But I once interviewed a football manager who said: ‘You can’t get too high with the highs and you can’t get too low with the lows’ and I now use social media in that way too.

  “You know, let it be. If someone has something bad to say about you, you don’t actually have to let it in. I take time away from it, I don’t read all of it. I find myself typing a response and then I delete it and go: ‘Why get involved in this now?’ It is a bit like seeing a fight or an argument and you don’t need to get involved. You can just walk away and have a great day.”

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  What next?

  Woods will hope to make a swift recovery to our screens. First, the Lionesses face Ghana in a friendly, fresh from a thumping 8-0 win over China in their most recent outing. Another result of that calibre would surely make Woods feel better.

Arne Slot eased the pressure when he led his Liverpool side to victory over West Ham United at the weekend, but in a matter of days, the Reds will have hosted Sunderland and travelled to Elland Road to face Leeds United, and that will make a more accurate barometer of this squad’s level.

The pressure has cranked up in recent weeks, and who of a red persuasion could contest the scrutiny? The Premier League champions had lost nine of 12 matches in all competitions before arresting the slump, and after the November international break, Anfield has been left reeling after successive drubbings dished out by Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven.

It’s clear that Liverpool have lost their way, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get back on track. A summer of record-breaking spending has packaged the Reds team with so much quality, but it’s true that Liverpool are an imbalanced outfit.

Sporting director Richard Hughes may need to dig back into the transfer market, which will be upon us in less than a month.

Liverpool's January transfer plans

It’s incredible that after spending more than £400m this summer, Liverpool still need to address a number of areas across Slot’s squad. Namely, Liverpool need a centre-back, and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has emerged as a leading contender to strengthen the frontline this January.

But with Marc Guehi out of contract at the end of the season and Manchester City also holding talks for Semenyo’s services, FSG may be tempted to look elsewhere.

And according to Caught Offside, Juventus’ rising star Kenan Yildiz has been shortlisted as a Semenyo alternative, having enjoyed a rip-roaring start to the campaign in Italy.

The 20-year-old certainly wouldn’t come cheap. Viewed as one of Serie A’s brightest young stars, Juventus do not want to sell the attacking midfielder, but a concerted approach from FSG could help shift some weight.

With Chelsea also interested, the Old Lady are looking to bank a €100m cheque (translating to £88m) for their prized player.

Why Liverpool want Kenan Yildiz

Yildiz might be young, but he is “already one of the best left wingers in the world”, according to one Serie A scout, and has a far higher ceiling than the 25-year-old Semenyo besides.

Semenyo is the talk of the town in the Premier League, but he’s gone five matches without a goal involvement after such a prolific start to the campaign.

Yildiz, by contrast, is spreading out his output, notching both strikes in Juve’s recent 2-1 league win over Cagliari.

He is a ferocious runner and he is sharp with his playmaking. As per data-driven site FBref, Yildiz ranks among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90.

In this he has what it takes to match Semenyo’s athleticism and dynamism. In this he can become one of the Premier League’s finest.

Moreover, Yildiz has only missed one big chance in the Italian top flight, scoring four times.

Matches (starts)

12 (11)

12 (12)

Goals

4

6

Assists

3

3

Touches*

52.4

49.6

Shots (on target)*

2.4 (1.1)

2.2 (1.2)

Accurate passes*

27.1 (85%)

19.9 (77%)

Chances created*

2.3

1.3

Dribbles*

1.5

1.8

Recoveries*

3.7

5.2

Tackles + interceptions*

0.9

1.8

Duels won*

4.2

6.3

From a statistical standpoint, Semenyo has probably enjoyed the better season so far, but data only tells so much of a story in football, and Yildiz is clearly making startling progress at such a young age, close now to establishing himself as one of the best in the business.

He is “100% a superstar”, in the eyes of analyst Ben Mattinson, so dynamic and electric down the left flank. His duelling success doesn’t yet match Semenyo, who is one of the Premier League’s most combative wide forwards, and in just a few years, he could be far outstripping the Ghana international.

Whether Liverpool opt to fork out close to £100m for an up-and-coming talent remains to be seen, but Yildiz has already proven that he belongs on the world stage.

Semenyo would be a terrific signing, but the Turkish winger has that special something that suggests he could become one of the very best in the business.

Better move than Semenyo: Liverpool set to table bid to sign £53m "machine"

Liverpool and FSG are considering a host of positions ahead of the January transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 1, 2025

Idrissa Gueye was shockingly sent off for Everton after striking the face of team-mate Michael Keane in their Premier League game at Manchester United. Seconds after the Red Devils shot narrowly wide, the veteran angrily confronted the defender, before appearing to hit out at him. Referee Tony Harrington immediately issued a red card as the Toffees went down to 10 men after just 13 minutes.

• Early drama at Old Trafford

  In shades of Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dier for Newcastle United in 2005, Gueye clashed with Everton team-mate Keane on Monday night. The former was soon giving his marching orders, with the Premier League quickly moving to explain the decision.

  The Premier League match centre posted on X: "The referee’s call of red card to Gueye for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the action deemed to be a clear strike to the face of Keane."

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  On Sky Sports' commentary, United legend Gary Neville expressed his shock at what he had just seen, while praising Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for trying to diffuse the situation.

  He said: "There's a coming together between him and Michael Keane. It always looks unsavoury when it is team-mate on team-mate. Idrissa Gueye has gone towards Michael Keane, who hasn't really reacted. He just pushes them, and then there is not much in it. I think Jordan Pickford does a very good job, to be fair to him."

• 'Game's gone'

  @agbnufc_ wrote on X: "Shades of Bowyer vs Dyer you love to see it."

  @ChelsChris03 tweeted: "That is the softest red card I’ve ever seen. Let’s just say if that was 2 united players it’d never be a red card."

  @0xJonnyDee commented: "What a moron. Slapping your own teammate and getting sent off for it. Not seen that in a long time."

  @ViscogliosiLuca mused: "Is that really worthy of a red card?. A bit of handbags, nothing more than that."

  @brxdzQPR quipped: "Get a camera in that half time dressing room and interview Gueye at half time immediately. Only time I’ll advocate a half time interview."

  @Alexander_divi exclaimed: "MICHAEL KEANE CAN'T BELIEVE WHAT HE JUST WITNESSED. HE GOT SLAPPED IN THE FACE BY HIS OWN TEAMMATE WHO THEN GOT SEND OFF."

  @mevans_11 agreed with Neville, writing: "Think a yellow would’ve been fine. If that’s against an opponent, I think it’s a yellow 50% of the time. The fact that it’s his own teammate should see it even more likely to be a yellow."

  @ftbIdxniel put: "Game's gone," and @Ash_LFC7 added: "So pushing your own team mate gives you a red card now. Honestly the PGMOL are an utter embarrassment. Football is a dying sport."

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  Everton make unwanted history

  According to BBC Sport, Arsenal, and now Everton, have been shown more red cards than any other side in Premier League history at 110. Moreover, Gueye became the first player to be red carded in the division for fighting with a team-mate since Stoke City duo Ricardo Fuller and Andy Griffin in December 2008.

  Incidentally, the laws around 'violent conduct' state: 'Sending off offence – Striking an opponent or any other person on the head or face with their hand or arm, unless the force used was negligible."

  And according to Neville, it could have easily been avoided if the correct card was dished out. 

  "Was it negligible? That's the question. I think it was negligible. I don't think there was much in that at all," he said. "They were not fighting, it wasn't a scrap. It could have been dealt with by a yellow. I don't think it needed to be a red. I'm now trying to imagine what Gueye and Keane say when they get to the dressing room. How is that one going to go?"

The Detroit Tigers have been the best team in baseball for most of the season but reverted back to the pack over the past few weeks thanks to a brutal slump. Entering last Sunday's game they had dropped 12 of 13 games and fallen out of position for one of the byes in the American League playoff picture. So Riley Greene took the drastic step of turning his beard into a mustache, hoping the change in facial hair could be the thing that finally turned things around.

And it has.

The Tigers drubbed the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night for their third consecutive victory in the 'stache era. Greene himself homered and had two doubles for his first three extra-base hit game in his already impressive career. Gleyber Torres, who was seen rubbing the lip fuzz for luck, blasted an opposite-field home run. Wencel Perez was a homer shy of the cycle and stole two bases.

"It's not a good look," Greene said after the game. "It's not a good look. But if it means winning, then I’ll keep it."

"We've all touched it," Tigers A.J. Hinch said. "I'm not sure how that's going to go over with quotes around it. Then in the handshake line, he said, 'We're 3-0 with it.'"

Detroit goes for the sweep against Arizona on Wednesday afternoon. Greene is now forced to keep the look until they lose. He knows it doesn't look good but it's a small sacrifice to pull everyone out of a dreadful quagmire.

If the Tigers keep playing well you can rest assured the crowd is going to have more mustaches in solidarity. Something to look forward to.