Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe fires back at Mikel Arteta’s explosive VAR rant

A solitary Anthony Gordon goal was the difference as the Magpies beat the Gunners to close the gap in the Premier League top four. And while it was no day for footballing brilliance — it was definitely one for the purists — refereeing calls dominated the post-match talk, particularly for Spaniard Arteta. (AFP)
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Updated 05 November 2023
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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe fires back at Mikel Arteta’s explosive VAR rant

NEWCASTLE: Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has fired back at Mikel Arteta over his astonishing VAR rant at St. James’ Park.

A solitary Anthony Gordon goal was the difference as the Magpies beat the Gunners to close the gap in the Premier League top four. And while it was no day for footballing brilliance — it was definitely one for the purists — refereeing calls dominated the post-match talk, particularly for Spaniard Arteta.

A potential red card for Kai Havertz was the first major talking point, as referee Stuart Atwell reached for yellow and even booked Sean Longstaff for dissent, despite the Newcastle midfielder almost being on the end of a leg-breaker from the German. The second big call was overlooking a potential Bruno Guimaraes red card for violent conduct, and then the goal itself was checked for three possible infringements — out of play, foul and offside — before eventually being given.

Arteta raged: “You look at the images, and I don’t know how to feel. I am wasting my time. We are wasting our time. I don’t want to be in the hands of people. It is difficult enough to compete against this really good team. The way we play, the way we compete, it is embarrassing. There is too much at stake.

“We have to talk about the result and talk about how the hell this goal stands. I feel embarrassed, I have to be the one to come in here and defend the club and ask for help because it is a disgrace that this goal is allowed.”

Howe preferred to focus on the Havertz red card as he followed enraged Arteta into the Newcastle press room.

He said: “We were close to the incident. I thought it was high and potentially dangerous. He was lucky to get a yellow. There (were) a lot of yellow cards, and I don’t think there needed to be. It wasn’t a dirty game, but there were a few flashpoints.

“Keep 11 players on the pitch was the message at half time but not lose fighting spirit and desire. We kept our heads really well in the game.”

On the VAR decision for the goal: “We’re in the dark, we’re stood by the side of the pitch seeing VAR on the screen but with no pictures. I haven’t seen anything other than what I saw at the time. It looked a good goal to me.”

Having secured a last-eight Carabao Cup place with a dazzling midweek 3-0 win at Manchester United, the Magpies followed it up with another clean sheet against the Gunners, who were previously unbeaten in the Premier League this season. Howe prefers to point to the positives from his side, rather than any ref call.

He said: “Tough game. Massive win. Full credit to players for what they gave today. It was a battling performance … Thankfully, we came out on top.

“Our open play shape defensively was good and has to be against Arsenal. We nullified them and didn’t give them clear-cut chances. I always felt we were in the game the other way, we had to stay in the game, and we did and then got the goal.

“Maybe (it was) not the game we expected it to be in terms of style from both teams. Midfield battle was important. We had to try and stay in the game in that way and Joelinton was huge and all three midfielders really helped us. When you don’t concede, you're always in a game. It wasn’t the game we prepared for, but you have to show different sides of your game to win and I think we have that in the group at the moment.”

Goalscorer Gordon, in front of the watching England boss Gareth Southgate, again impressed, netting his fourth of the campaign. The player’s versatility greatly impresses Howe.

“He’s got used to what’s expected of him. He had sight of it at the end of last season. He came back fitter from the Euros. That was successful for him. That helped his confidence and he’s been brilliant for us this season. And he’s shown versatility,” Howe said.

“There was a good feeling in the stadium. The crowd (was) responding to us, and the players understood how important every tackle and duel was. You don’t win these games unless you compete. Really proud. We’re stretched at the moment, but the players have stepped up.

“We have a group of level-headed players. The injury situation is a concern. It’s a worry when you’re competing on lots of fronts. At the moment, we seem to be losing a player a game, which is the big negative today. We’ll let the dust settle on today’s game and see what we’ve got for Dortmund.”


Guardiola clarifies comments about taking a break from managing football

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Guardiola clarifies comments about taking a break from managing football

The 54-year-old clarified the comments ahead of City’s Premier League match against Wolverhampton
“Nooo! No, no, no I didn’t say I’m leaving now or at the end of the season. Well, if they sack me, yes,” Guardiola told Sky Sports

MANCHESTER: Pep Guardiola has vowed to take a break from football when his time at Manchester City is over, but stifled speculation that he is leaving the club any time soon in a pre-game interview on Friday.
Guardiola, who signed a two-year contract extension with City in November, raised eyebrows when he told ESPN Brasil: “I want people to remember me however they want. After my contract with City, I’m going to stop. I’m sure. I don’t know if I’m going to retire, but I’m going to take a break.”
The 54-year-old clarified the comments ahead of City’s Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday.
“Nooo! No, no, no I didn’t say I’m leaving now or at the end of the season. Well, if they sack me, yes,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.
“But I’m saying when I finish my time here, I don’t know in one year, two years, three years, four years, five years, six years — I don’t know — I will take a break. I won’t retire but I will take a break, for sure.”
City had kicked off the season hoping to win a record-fifth successive Premier League title, but the team has had a rough season and were fourth in the table before Friday night’s game, 21 points behind Liverpool who clinched the title last weekend.
“Do you know what it means in football to have a two-year contract for managers? It’s an eternity!” Guardiola told Sky at Etihad Stadium.
“What I’m saying is when I finish here, I will take a break. I need to make a stop, that’s all. But still we are here to beat Wolves.”

Kovac sets sights on Champions League spot as Dortmund welcome Wolfsburg

Updated 02 May 2025
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Kovac sets sights on Champions League spot as Dortmund welcome Wolfsburg

  • Dortmund, who were 11th earlier this year, have turned their season around after Kovac took charge in February and now sit sixth
  • “We’re within striking distance again,” Kovac said

BERLIN: Resurgent Borussia Dortmund will seek the help of their crowd as the 12th man when they host mid-table Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga with a Champions League spot within reach after a difficult campaign, manager Niko Kovac said on Friday.
Dortmund, who were 11th earlier this year, have turned their season around after Kovac took charge in February and now sit sixth, three points behind Freiburg who occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualifying spot.
“We’re within striking distance again,” Kovac said ahead of Saturday’s match at the 81,365-capacity Westfalenstadion.
“The game is very important. We’re focusing on our opponents, because we’re dependent on the other teams and we have to do our homework ... It’s about showing the same energy as in the last few games.
“If we play our game like we have in recent weeks, I’m convinced that we can unleash a force with the crowd that Wolfsburg will find difficult to counter.”
Dortmund have taken 13 points from their last five games to climb the table and have three games left to salvage their campaign.
If not the Champions League, they can still qualify for the Europa League, with RB Leipzig in fifth — a point above Dortmund.
Kovac also managed Wolfsburg between 2022 and 2024 and the Croatian is wary of the Lower Saxony side, even though Dortmund have a superb record against them at home.
Dortmund have not lost in their last 11 Bundesliga home games against Wolfsburg, winning nine. Wolfsburg have scored just one goal at Westfalenstadion since the 2016-17 season.
“They’re dangerous from set pieces and in transition. We have to be careful there,” Kovac said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone (at Wolfsburg) again but we also know the importance of the game. Friendships will be put aside for 90 minutes.”


PSG’s injured Dembele to miss Strasbourg trip, eyeing return for Arsenal

Updated 02 May 2025
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PSG’s injured Dembele to miss Strasbourg trip, eyeing return for Arsenal

  • Dembele is PSG’s top scorer this season with 33 goals in all competitions
  • “Tomorrow he won’t play, that’s for sure,” Luis Enrique told reporters

PARIS: Paris St. Germain forward Ousmane Dembele will miss their Ligue 1 trip to Strasbourg with a hamstring strain, manager Luis Enrique said on Friday as the French side look to have him back for next week’s Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal.
Dembele is PSG’s top scorer this season with 33 goals in all competitions and also netted the winner in their 1-0 first leg victory at Arsenal, but the 27-year-old came off in the 70th minute, going straight down the tunnel with an apparent injury.
PSG confirmed he had a hamstring strain and that his “condition is progressing well,” with further assessments to be conducted in the coming days.
“Tomorrow he won’t play, that’s for sure,” Luis Enrique told reporters, while also declining to confirm if he will rotate his squad with the Ligue 1 title already in the bag.
“We’re going to do what we’ve been doing up to now, with the same idea. Nothing has changed.
“The most important thing is that every minute spent wearing the PSG jersey is useful for matches in other competitions.”
PSG lost their chance to go an entire league season unbeaten when they suffered a 3-1 defeat by Nice last weekend.
Luis Enrique’s side can still finish the season unbeaten on the road but the Spaniard has no interest in that record as they prepare to face Arsenal on Wednesday and Reims in the French Cup final later this month.
“It’s a match we’re preparing for in the Champions League, in the Coupe de France, not for the unbeaten record,” he said.
“It would be great to win the match in Strasbourg, but the motivation is to prepare for the Champions League match, not to break an unbeaten record.”
PSG have fallen in the Champions League knockout stages in recent years and have the opportunity to return to the final for only the second time as they chase a treble.
“We want to achieve this objective of playing this final, but there is still the semifinal second leg,” said Luis Enrique, who previously won the treble coaching Barcelona.
“There is not much time to rest, you have to manage all of this. We, the coaches, go for the best. I’ve been a top-level coach for several years and it’s part of the job.”


Malaysia triumph in Quadrangular series final with gritty 18-run win over Saudi Arabia

Updated 02 May 2025
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Malaysia triumph in Quadrangular series final with gritty 18-run win over Saudi Arabia

  • Malaysia successfully defended a total of 135 for 7, bowling Saudi Arabia out for 117 in 19.2 overs

KUALA LUMPUR: Saudi Arabia faced Malaysia in the final of the Malaysia Quadrangular at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, and it was a surprise when the hosts chose to bat first, given that both previous encounters between the two strongest teams in the tournament had been convincingly won by the side chasing.

But the decision proved inspired, as Malaysia successfully defended a total of 135 for 7, bowling Saudi Arabia out for 117 in 19.2 overs to secure an 18-run victory.

Honors had been even in the earlier meetings between the sides. In the first match, Malaysia defeated Saudi Arabia by five wickets, thanks largely to an unbeaten 93 from Virandeep Singh. But Saudi Arabia hit back in the second encounter, chasing down their target with a seven-wicket win driven by a brilliant opening stand of 100 in 9.1 overs from Faisal Khan and Abdul Waheed.

In the final, Saudi Arabia’s opening bowlers quickly put their side in control with a superb burst using the new ball. Ishtiaq Ahmad brought his experience, while his partner Imtiaz Khan, playing just his third T20I, struck with the final ball of his first over to bowl Aslam Khan and claim his maiden international wicket.

Malaysia were 13 for 1 after two overs when Ishtiaq removed Syed Aziz, caught by Faisal Khan. Imtiaz then took the key wicket of Virandeep Singh, who was caught behind for just one off five balls, leaving Malaysia struggling at 21 for 3 in the fourth over.

Amir Khan and Ahmed Aqeel led a steady recovery, guiding the hosts to 62 for 3 at the halfway stage. The fourth wicket fell at 97 in the 15th over when Amir was dismissed by Zain Ul Abidin for 38, ending a 76-run partnership spanning 11.1 overs. Zain struck again, bowling Sharvin Muniady for a dangerous 20 off nine balls.

Imtiaz returned to bowl the 19th over and took his third wicket by dismissing Vijay Unni, finishing with figures of 3 for 26. Ishtiaq delivered an excellent final over, removing Ahmed Aqeel for a vital 44 off 42 balls and returning 2 for 18 from his four overs, as Malaysia closed on 135 for 7.

Despite the strong bowling performance, the match was finely poised. Aqeel and Amir’s stand had given Malaysia something to defend, and early wickets would be key.

Perhaps it was the modest target of 136 that led to a cautious start from the Saudi openers, though Abdul Waheed did strike a six to end the second over. Faisal Khan managed only two singles from seven deliveries before being bowled by Syed Aziz.

Waheed launched into a flurry of boundaries while his partner Waji Ul Hassan remained scoreless. Waji was the third wicket to fall, lbw to Virandeep Singh, and Saudi Arabia found themselves in deep trouble when Waheed was also trapped lbw for 44 off 26 balls, leaving the score at 50 for 4.

Saudi Arabia slumped further to 71 for 7 in the 13th over, with Pavandeep Singh and Vijay Unni taking two wickets apiece. However, Zain Ul Abidin and Nawazish Akhtar revived hopes with an eighth-wicket stand of 43 in 5.3 overs.

With 23 runs needed from the final two overs, Ishtiaq Ahmed joined Zain at the crease.

But Virandeep Singh bowled a brilliant 19th over, conceding just three runs, leaving 20 required from the final six balls.

Ishtiaq was run out from the first ball of Rizwan Haider’s over as he ensured Zain retained the strike. But Zain was caught by Virandeep next ball for 32 off 30, and Saudi Arabia were bowled out for 117 in 19.2 overs.

The hosts claimed the Malaysia Quadrangular title by 18 runs in a tournament marked by eye-catching batting displays but ultimately decided by quality bowling. Rizwan Haider finished with 2 for 11 as Saudi Arabia lost their final three wickets for just three runs.

Ahmed Aqeel was named Player of the Match for anchoring Malaysia’s innings from a perilous 21 for 3, scoring 44 off 42 with two fours and a six. In the end, the hosts edged Saudi Arabia, who had pushed them hard across all three contests.

Both sides proved far too strong for Singapore and Thailand, with the former finishing third after beating Thailand by 30 runs in the play-off.


Mahrez calls on Al-Ahli to embrace opportunity in Asian Champions League final

Updated 02 May 2025
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Mahrez calls on Al-Ahli to embrace opportunity in Asian Champions League final

  • “When you play in this type of competition you are ready to win, especially when you play at home,” said Mahrez
  • “We have a good opportunity to bring the first Champions League to Al-Ahli”

JEDDAH: Al-Ahli winger Riyad Mahrez has called on his teammates to avoid complacency as the Saudi Pro League side look to win the Asian Champions League Elite title for the first time on Saturday with victory over Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale.
The Jeddah-based club, who have the advantage of playing the final in front of their own fans at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, will be making a third attempt to lift the trophy after final defeats in 1986 and 2012.
But while a squad boasting high-profile signings such as Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Ivan Toney and Franck Kessie will go into the decider as favorites, the Algeria winger emphasized the need to embrace the opportunity provided by the occasion.


“When you play in this type of competition you are ready to win, especially when you play at home,” said Mahrez.
“We have a good opportunity to bring the first Champions League to Al-Ahli and we will give everything.
“Of course the opponent is not an opponent that we play every week, it’s from Japan and it’s a different team. We have seen them play and we know what approach we can have.
“The most important is to give everything and to enjoy it because maybe some people think finals are every season, but some people might only play one final in their career. So we have to give everything to win the trophy for Al-Ahli.”
Mahrez, 34, is no stranger to success, having been part of the Manchester City side that won the treble of UEFA Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup in 2023 as well as four other English league titles, including with Leicester City in 2016.
He was also a key part of Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations success in 2019 but is looking to claim his first silverware since switching to Al-Ahli from City last year.
“This is a trophy in another continent, in Asia,” said Mahrez, who has scored nine times in the competition so far.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play in teams that have won a lot of trophies with big players. When you play, any trophy, any cup you play for is always exciting.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I really want to win a trophy with this team, this club and I’ll give everything tomorrow.”