MADRID: Real Madrid rejected UEFA’s “insufficient” and “restricted” offer of compensation for supporters affected by trouble outside the Stade de France in Paris at last season’s Champions League final on Thursday.
The European champions, who won the trophy in the chaos-hit final against Liverpool on May 28, 2022, which saw fans funnelled by police into overcrowded bottlenecks and hit with tear gas, said they would not cooperate with the European football governing body’s plan.
UEFA said Tuesday they will reimburse all Liverpool supporters — as well as other spectators who were affected by trouble, with the game kicking off 37 minutes late in the French capital as fans struggled to enter the stadium.
“Regrettably, our club believes that UEFA’s proposal, officially announced last Tuesday, is insufficient,” said Madrid in a statement.
“It merely consists of the reimbursement of the ticket price, which is also subject to the fulfilment of a series of requirements, including providing proof of the time of access to the stadium.”
An independent report heavily criticized UEFA for the events that occurred outside the stadium.
Madrid said “given the conclusiveness of the experts’ findings” they had expected compensation in line with the seriousness of the events and UEFA’s culpability.
“All the fans experienced an unacceptable delay at the start of the match,” continued Madrid.
“In addition, there was unacceptable insecurity both in accessing and leaving the stadium, as well as additional harm such as theft, assaults and threats.
“For this reason, Real Madrid has decided not to cooperate in the restricted compensation procedure proposed by UEFA, which we ask to redress the situation and assume its full responsibility.”
Madrid said they would provide assistance to supporters “who experienced any kind of harm” at the game to make appropriate claims against UEFA.
UEFA initially tried to pin the blame for the chaos on Liverpool fans arriving late despite thousands having been held for hours outside the stadium before kick-off.
A Liverpool fans’ group, Spirit of Shankly, later said fans were left “fearing for their life” in a “maelstrom of chaos and alarm.”
The Spirit of Shankly and the Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association hailed the decision to reimburse supporters but said it did not go far enough.
Lawyers for hundreds of Liverpool fans also said they would continue to pursue legal action against UEFA.
Real Madrid reject UEFA compensation for Champions League final chaos
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Real Madrid reject UEFA compensation for Champions League final chaos
- UEFA said Tuesday they will reimburse all Liverpool supporters -- as well as other spectators who were affected by trouble
- "Regrettably, our club believes that UEFA's proposal, officially announced last Tuesday, is insufficient," said Madrid in a statement
Liverpool spend big to hold off Arsenal, City in Premier League title fight
- Tributes to Jota will continue throughout the season with “Forever 20” — his shirt number, which the club have now retired — printed on Liverpool’s jerseys
LIVERPOOL: Liverpool have splashed out to defend their Premier League title as champions but face stiff competition from an Arsenal side desperate to shake off their tag as nearly men and a rejuvenated Manchester City.
After storming to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title in Arne Slot’s first season in charge, Liverpool have looked to build from a position of strength during a summer marked by tragedy.
Portuguese forward Diogo Jota was killed in a car accident alongside his brother last month, plunging the club into mourning.
Tributes to Jota will continue throughout the season with “Forever 20” — his shirt number, which the club have now retired — printed on Liverpool’s jerseys.
The Reds have already spent £260 million ($350 million) on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.
However, after the departures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, they are not yet done in strengthening their forward line and are expected to launch a fresh bid for Alexander Isak, with Newcastle demanding a British transfer record fee for the Swedish striker.
Liverpool’s rivals will hope Wirtz and Ekitike take time to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League after shining in Germany’s Bundesliga, while there are defensive doubts for Slot’s men to answer.
The Dutch coach said his side need to defend better after leaky performances in pre-season were followed by defeat in the Community Shield to Crystal Palace on Sunday after twice blowing the lead.
After finishing second for the past three seasons, Arsenal are longing for their first title in 22 years and have backed Mikel Arteta with another near £200 million investment in the transfer market.
Spanish international Martin Zubimendi will be the new anchor of the midfield, while the signings of Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga add depth to the squad.
But Arsenal’s season is likely to be defined by whether Viktor Gyokeres proves to be the answer to their need for a prolific striker.
The Swede struck 97 times in 102 games during two years at Sporting Lisbon, but the 27-year-old failed to make a breakthrough in the Premier League during his previous experience in England.
After coming up short at Brighton, Gyokeres scored 41 goals in 121 games in England’s second tier with Coventry and Swansea.
“He’s a player that, when you leave him with the space one against one, he’s going to destroy you,” said Arteta of his new striker.
City were dethroned last season after an unprecedented run of four consecutive titles as the wheels came off for Pep Guardiola’s men without Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.
The Spaniard has been ruled out till September due to a setback in his return from a serious knee injury, but City have refreshed their squad with the additions of Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki.
After a first trophyless season since 2016/17, City expect to be back in the fight for the title.
Chelsea were the last side other than City and Liverpool to lift the title back in 2017 and showed they are a coming force once more by winning the Club World Cup in the US last month.
The Blues finished fourth, 15 points behind Liverpool last season, but their transfer policy of investing heavily in scores of young prospects is beginning to bear fruit.
Joao Pedro made an instant impact with three goals in three games at the Club World Cup after a £55 million move from Brighton and could solve Chelsea’s need for a world class goalscorer.
Manchester United have transformed their forward line with the signings of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo after finishing 15th last season.
Beating United in the Europa League final was not enough for Ange Postecoglou to keep his job as Tottenham manager and former Brentford boss Thomas Frank has taken over in north London.
Promoted trio Leeds, Sunderland and Burnley are aiming to avoid a worrying trend for the competitive balance.
For the past two seasons all three promoted clubs have gone straight back down as the gap between the riches of the Premier League and the second tier continues to grow.
New-look Liverpool humbled by Palace in Community Shield final
- New signings Hugo and Frimpong scored for the Reds, but Palace responded via Mateta and Sarr before winning a shootout 3-2
LONDON: Crystal Palace twice came from behind to stun a new-look Liverpool and win the Community Shield for the first time on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Wembley on Sunday.
New signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong scored for the Premier League champions, but Palace responded through Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr before winning an error-strewn shootout 3-2.
Mohamed Salah blazed over from the spot, while Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott were denied by an inspired Dean Henderson as Palace built on winning their first ever major trophy by beating Manchester City in May’s FA Cup final.
The traditional curtain-raiser to the English football season was given extra significance after a summer marked by tragedy for Liverpool.
Forward Diogo Jota was killed in a car accident alongside his brother Andre Silva.
Reds legend Ian Rush and Palace chairman Steve Parish laid wreaths on the side of the pitch before kick-off, while the Liverpool end was awash with banners and flags paying tribute to the Portuguese international.
A minute’s silence, however, had to be cut short due to disturbances in the crowd.
Jota’s death has dampened the excitement over Liverpool’s transfer spending spree to build on a squad that romped to a record-equaling 20th league title last season.
All four of their new signings at a cost of £260 million ($350 million) — Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Frimpong and Milos Kerkez — started.
Ekitike’s role this season could depend on whether Liverpool are successful in their pursuit of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
But the Frenchman — signed from Eintracht Frankfurt last month for an initial £69 million — did his case to be Slot’s preferred No. 9 no harm at all.
Wirtz also bagged his first assist for the Reds when Ekitike spun onto the German’s pass and fired into the far corner just four minutes.
Palace were making their first ever appearance in the fixture but the Eagles again showed their ability to match one of the Premier League’s giants over 90 minutes.
Mateta missed a glorious chance to level when he failed to beat Alisson Becker when one-on-one.
But from the rebound Sarr charged into the box and was tripped by an out-of-sorts Virgil van Dijk.
Mateta coolly sent Alisson the wrong way from the penalty spot to equalize.
Liverpool’s players were sporting a “Forever 20” emblem, referencing Jota’s now-retired shirt number, that they will wear all season.
The Liverpool fans had risen to chant Jota’s name as the game entered the 20th minute when their side retook the lead
Frimpong’s chipped cross caught out Henderson and flew into the far corner.
Ekitike wasted a great chance for his second early in the second half from another Wirtz pass as this time he fired over.
However, Slot’s new-look side are still to find the right balance between attack and defense as has been evidenced during pre-season.
Palace were a constant threat with balls in behind the Reds defense and levelled again 13 minutes from time.
Sarr sped onto Adam Wharton’s through ball and calmly slotted past Alisson for his fourth goal in seven games against Liverpool.
Liverpool also survived a VAR review for a penalty against Mac Allister for handball before the match went to a shootout without extra-time.
Youngster Justin Devenny was the unlikely hero as he blasted the winning spot-kick high past Alisson, showing Salah, Mac Allister and Elliott how it is done.
Mohamed Salah slams UEFA over ‘Palestinian Pele’ tribute
- European governing body posts short tribute to Suleiman Al-Obeid who was killed in Gaza awaiting aid
- Egypt, Liverpool forward responds: ‘Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?’
LONDON: Egypt and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has called out UEFA for omitting the circumstances surrounding the killing in Gaza of a footballer known as the “Palestinian Pele.”
Suleiman Al-Obeid, a former Palestine national team star, was killed on Wednesday when Israeli forces opened fire on a group of people waiting to access humanitarian aid in southern Gaza, the Palestinian Football Association said.
On Friday, European football’s governing body posted a two-sentence tribute to the midfielder on X that said: “Farewell to Suleiman Al-Obeid, the ‘Palestinian Pele.’ A talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times.”
Salah replied to UEFA’s post on Saturday saying: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”
Al-Obeid played 24 international matches for Palestine, scoring more than 100 goals. The PFA said his long career, which included playing for Khadamat Al-Shati club in Gaza and Al-Amari Youth Center Club in the occupied West Bank, made him one of the brightest stars of Palestinian football.
UEFA’s post sparked a largely angry reaction, with many among the 12,000 comments questioning why the tribute appeared to play down Israel’s role in Al-Obeid’s death.
The BBC’s former “Match of the Day” presenter Gary Lineker shared Salah’s message and said: “We can’t hear you UEFA.”
Salah has made large financial donations toward aid efforts in Gaza, and in 2023 urged world leaders to ensure enough aid could reach the Palestinian territory.
Speaking shortly after Israel began its devastating military campaign, Salah said: “All lives are sacred and must be protected. The massacres need to stop. Families are being torn apart.”
Al-Obeid, who was born in Gaza City, was married and had five children, AFP reported. The midfielder was among the more than 1,300 Palestinians killed near aid distribution points since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is backed by the US and Israel, took over aid operations in the territory earlier this year.
Israel’s invasion has killed more than 61,000 people in Gaza, including more than 600 from the sport and scouting sector, the PFA said.
Lionel Messi ruled out of Inter Miami’s next fixture
- Messi sustained the injury during last weekend’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa
- “No, Leo will not be available tomorrow,” Mascherano said Saturday, per ESPN
FLORIDA: Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi will not travel for Sunday’s match at Orlando City due to a “minor” muscle injury in his right leg, coach Javier Mascherano said Saturday.
Messi sustained the injury during last weekend’s Leagues Cup match against Necaxa. There is no timeline for the forward’s return.
“No, Leo will not be available tomorrow,” Mascherano said Saturday, per ESPN. “Leo is OK, but obviously it would be crazy to take the risk of taking him to Orlando because of all that is ahead. We are optimistic that he will soon return with us.”
Messi, 38, entered this weekend with 18 goals, tied with Sam Surridge of Nashville SC for the lead in the chase for the Golden Boot. The Argentina native also has nine assists in 18 MLS matches (17 starts) this season.
After visiting Orlando City, the Herons will host Los Angeles FC next Saturday before facing Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals on Aug. 20 in Fort Lauderdale.
Barcelona say Ter Stegen is back as captain after medical report is sent to Spanish league
- The announcement came as Ter Stegen talked of how “especially difficult” the past few months have been
- The disagreement led to the 33-year-old Ter Stegen being stripped of the club’s captaincy on Thursday. But that changed Friday
MADRID: Barcelona say Marc-Andre ter Stegen will return as first-team captain after announcing on Friday that the goalkeeper had authorized the club to send his medical report to the Spanish league.
The announcement came as Ter Stegen talked of how “especially difficult” the past few months have been, and he criticized suggestions he was to blame for Barcelona’s inability to register new players, insisting that his back surgery and recovery timeline were fully approved by the club.
The disagreement led to the 33-year-old Ter Stegen being stripped of the club’s captaincy on Thursday. But that changed Friday.
“The club announces that the player Marc-Andre ter Stegen has signed the authorization necessary for the club to send La Liga the medical report relating to his surgery,” Barcelona said in a statement. “The disciplinary case has been closed and the player is captain of the first team once again with immediate effect.”
The club had opened a disciplinary proceeding against the goalkeeper on Tuesday after discrepancies about the recovery time for the lower back surgery that Ter Stegen successfully underwent last week.
Barcelona needed him to sign the injury report so it could be sent to the Spanish league in order to clear some salary-cap space and allow the club to more easily register other players without breaching financial fair play rules.
“These past few months have been especially difficult for me, both physically and personally,” Ter Stegen said in a statement on social media. “Like any player, after suffering an injury, my only priority has always been to return to the field as soon as possible, motivated solely by the desire to help the team and do what I love most: compete.”
He added that “completely unfounded” things were said about him in recent weeks, so he felt it was “necessary to express my version of events with respect, but also with clarity.”
“The decision to undergo surgery was made after consulting with medical professionals and was fully approved by the club,” he said. “I publicly announced the estimated recovery period, which was given to me by top medical experts and always in coordination with the club.”
Ter Stegen said ahead of the surgery that the recovery time would be about three months. The club did not give an official timetable for the recovery process, saying only that the operation was “successful” and that “his recovery will determine when he can return.”
“At no point could I have thought that my unfortunate situation — having to undergo another operation — was necessary to register other teammates whom I deeply respect and am looking forward to sharing the locker room with for many seasons,” he said. “Any other interpretation seems to me both unfair and inaccurate.”
The club signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García in June. Their other goalkeepers are veteran Wojciech Szczęsny and Iñaki Peña.
“Throughout my career, I have always tried to conduct myself with professionalism, respect, and commitment to the crests I’ve represented,” he said. “I have deep affection for FC Barcelona, this city, and its people, who have supported me over so many years. My commitment to these colors remains absolute.”
Ter Stegen missed nearly all of last season because of a ruptured tendon in his knee, and in 2023 he missed about two months because of another back operation. Peña and the 35-year-old Szczęsny started in place of Ter Stegen last season.
Barcelona, the defending Spanish league champion, arrived back in Spain on Tuesday after completing a preseason tour in Asia. They will face Italian club Como in their final preseason match on Sunday in Barcelona. Their league debut is at Mallorca next Saturday.
