Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

Following violent incidents after last Thursday’s Europa League match between Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, Dutch authorities arrested five more individuals on Monday, bringing the total number of suspects detained to 68. The men, aged 18 to 37, were charged with “public violence against persons” amid escalating unrest. The recent arrests follow initial violence where Maccabi supporters were reportedly targeted in “hit-and-run” attacks by youths on scooters, leaving five injured and sparking wider concerns over antisemitism. On Monday evening, an empty tram and a police car were set on fire in Amsterdam, with rioters reportedly shouting “Free Palestine.”…

The integrity of English football’s officiating system is under fire after a leaked video allegedly captures Premier League referee David Coote using profane language about Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which governs match officials in English football, has suspended Coote pending an investigation. The Football Association (FA) has also launched its own probe. The video, widely circulated on social media, has not been independently verified. However, sources close to the investigation have indicated that PGMOL is treating the footage as legitimate. Coote has yet to issue a statement, leaving both the FA…

Howard Webb, the chief of English football’s refereeing body (PGMOL), has publicly acknowledged that West Ham’s controversial penalty during their 2-1 win over Manchester United on October 27 was an error by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The decision, which contributed to Erik ten Hag’s dismissal as United’s manager the following day, has sparked fresh debates over VAR’s role in the Premier League. During the match, referee David Coote initially waved play on following Matthijs de Ligt’s challenge on Danny Ings. However, VAR official Michael Oliver advised Coote to review the incident, leading to a penalty awarded after Coote checked…

The investigation into a Premier League footballer, referred to as *Player X*, has intensified following accusations of sexual misconduct from multiple women. Despite allegations from four women and police questioning on three separate occasions, *Player X* has continued playing for his club, prompting scrutiny of the Football Association (FA) and Premier League’s handling of such cases. *Player X* was initially arrested in July 2022 on suspicion of rape following a complaint by one woman. Since then, three more women have come forward with similar allegations, with one reporting her case in November 2023. The footballer has denied any wrongdoing. One…

BBC broadcaster and former football star Gary Lineker is expected to step down as the host of *Match of the Day*, the iconic BBC football highlights show, at the end of this Premier League season in May 2025. According to reports, the BBC is preparing to announce his departure officially on Tuesday. This exit will mark the end of an era for the 63-year-old Lineker, who has hosted *Match of the Day* since 1999, making him one of the BBC’s longest-running and most recognizable sports presenters. His contract is reportedly set to conclude after he leads the BBC’s coverage of…

Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers has earned his first call-up to the England senior squad for the upcoming Nations League games after eight players, including key stars from Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, were forced to withdraw due to injuries. Rogers, 22, was initially slated to represent England Under-21s but was promoted by interim manager Lee Carsley following an impressive season start at Aston Villa, where he has scored three goals and recorded two assists in 11 appearances. Joining him are new additions to the squad: West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, and Burnley goalkeeper James…

Ruud van Nistelrooy, Manchester United’s interim head coach, has left the club following the decision by newly appointed manager Ruben Amorim not to retain him on the coaching staff. Van Nistelrooy, who joined as an assistant in July on a two-year contract, briefly stepped up as caretaker boss after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, leading the team to three wins and a draw in his four matches in charge. The former Netherlands international and United goal-scoring legend, who netted 150 goals in 219 appearances between 2001 and 2006, was a fan favorite during his playing days at Old Trafford. His recent…

The Premier League refereeing body, PGMOL, has suspended top-flight referee David Coote after a video allegedly showing him making disparaging remarks about Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp circulated widely on social media. The video, which has not been verified, features a man believed to be Coote criticizing Klopp’s behavior and using profane language in reference to the German coach. PGMOL, which oversees Premier League referees, confirmed the suspension would take effect immediately, pending a full investigation into the video. While the authenticity and timing of the footage remain uncertain, a source from PGMOL indicated that officials are treating the…

Formula 1 drivers have called on the sport’s governing body, the FIA, to treat them with more respect and maturity after a series of punishments for swearing, with the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) speaking out in a rare collective statement. The drivers, including current world champion Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, have expressed frustration over fines imposed for using swear words in public settings, and have taken issue with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s language and tone when addressing the issue. The GPDA’s open letter, which was made public recently, asks the FIA to reconsider its stance on…

England will face Spain in a highly anticipated rematch at the 2025 Women’s Nations League after the two sides were drawn into the same group. The draw, held today, placed Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses in Group A3 alongside the world champions from Spain, Belgium, and Portugal. The match-up sets the stage for a thrilling encounter between the two teams, who recently met in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in Sydney. Spain triumphed 1-0 in that final, securing their first-ever major women’s tournament victory, with Olga Carmona’s stunning goal proving the difference. Now, less than five months later, England will have…