“Shambles” – Sutton names the 3 ways Celtic were poor against Hearts

Celtic suffered another damaging defeat in the Scottish Premiership against Heart of Midlothian and Chris Sutton didn’t hold back when assessing their performance at Tynecastle.

Celtic fall eight points behind in Scottish Premiership title race

Continuing a run of poor domestic performances, Celtic endured a second-half collapse in Sunday’s pivotal top-two clash to slip eight points behind Heart of Midlothian in the title race.

After falling behind courtesy of a Dane Murray own goal, Callum McGregor’s equaliser proved to be of scant consolation to a travelling support who were left frustrated as Alexandros Kyziridis and Lawrence Shankland put the seal on a deserved three points for the hosts.

Brendan Rodgers found himself under pressure before kick-off in the capital, and his side succumbed to a second-half collapse that will do little to appease the masses as the Bhoys continued an uncharacteristic start to the campaign, where they have looked out of sorts.

Cameron Carter-Vickers led a lengthy list of Celtic injuries that didn’t help their case at Tynecastle. However, his replacement, Murray, didn’t have a day to remember and may well now be a candidate to come out of the team before Wednesday’s clash with Falkirk at Parkhead.

Ultimately, Hearts sought control in the second 45 minutes and left the reigning champions with no answers, confirming back-to-back league defeats for the first time in almost two years.

Consistency levels at Celtic are usually sky high. Nevertheless, this term has been one of stark contrast, and fan fury at the hierarchy following a dismal summer transfer window will continue to make headlines.

Celtic’s next five fixtures under Brendan Rodgers

Falkirk (H)

Scottish Premiership

Rangers (N)

Premier Sports Cup

Midtjylland (A)

Europa League

Kilmarnock (H)

Scottish Premiership

St Mirren (A)

Scottish Premiership

Collectively, the Bhoys are falling way below expectation at the moment, and Sutton has now pointed out some of the key duties he believes they are simply failing to carry out.

Chris Sutton reacts to Celtic loss at Hearts

Taking to social media platform X after the final whistle, Sutton made clear that Hearts were far more streetwise, organised, and were far more productive in the forward areas, something he believes has been symptomatic of the clubs’ respective seasons.

The former Hoops striker believes that the team need to improve in those three aspects if they want to turn their season around to beat Hearts to the league title.

Making reference to the Irishman’s comments last week after Celtic fell to the hands of Dundee, all is not well at the Scottish champions and being eight points behind at this stage would’ve been unthinkable months ago, though Hearts have taken full advantage of their plight.

Undoubtedly, Derek McInnes and his side were all things that the Bhoys failed to produce at Tynecastle and have continued to generate momentum in an unbeaten start to the league season.

Rodgers could unearth his new Daizen Maeda in Celtic's rarely-seen "animal"

With Daizen Maeda and Kelechi Ịheanachọ injured for Sunday’s top of the table clash with Hearts, Brendan Rodgers should unleash Celtic’s “animal”.

Oct 25, 2025

Celtic need to react swiftly against Falkirk and start to chalk up results on a regular basis. If they don’t, scrutiny on the manager and the boardroom will reach new heights.

Sterling 2.0: Berta flop already looks like he’ll never make it at Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has got a lot right in the almost six years he has spent in the Arsenal dugout.

He has generally got rid of the right players at the right time, he’s changed the culture for the better and reconnected the club with the fans.

However, he has also overseen his fair share of dud signings, with Raheem Sterling’s loan move last season perhaps being the worst.

Arsenal have made more good signings than bad over the last six years, but it looks like new Sporting Director Andrea Berta may have already made his own Sterling-type addition to Arteta’s side.

Sterling's forgettable Arsenal spell

To describe Arsenal’s transfer dealings in the summer of 2024 as disappointing would be an understatement.

Yes, the club did sign two excellent players in Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori, but they also failed to sign the lights-out attacking star the team were so clearly crying out for.

It might have been this lack of forward signings that led the club to go out at the last minute and bring in Sterling on a season-long loan.

During his announcement, the Chelsea loanee told the Emirates faithful they would “see the best” of him, but that was as far from what actually happened as possible.

The former England international certainly tried to make a mark in North London, but he looked miles off the pace and was limited to minor appearances throughout the campaign.

Sterling’s Arsenal record

Competition

EPL

UCL

FA Cup

EFL Cup

Appearances

17

6

1

4

Minutes

496′

297′

80′

270′

Goals

0

0

0

1

Assists

2

2

0

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.11

0.33

0.00

0.50

Minutes per Goal Involvement

248′

148.5′

N/A

135′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In fact, the multiple league winner played just 1134 minutes for the Gunners across 28 appearances, of which only 13 were starts.

The Kingston-born Premier League legend left N5 with a single goal and five assists to his name, and unfortunately, a total, undeniable flop.

Now it looks like Arsenal might have another Sterling situation on their hands with a Berta signing.

Arsenal's new Sterling

Unlike last year, it would be hard to call Arsenal’s summer anything other than a roaring success.

Chalkboard

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

Berta and Co signed the likes of Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie and Viktor Gyokeres.

However, unfortunately, there is one summer addition who could potentially fall into the Sterling category: Christian Nørgaard.

Now, before the pitchforks come out, nobody is saying that the Danish international will be as big a problem for the club as the Englishman was, in terms of wages and blocking a loan slot.

Nor is he likely to be as noticeably off the pace compared to the rest of the team as the Chelsea man was.

However, what is also undeniably true is that at the moment, it’s hard to see where he is going to get any game time at all.

The 31-year-old joined the club in July, and at the time of writing, has made just seven first-team appearances, totalling 302 minutes, of which three have been starts.

Worse still, he has played just 14 minutes of Premier League football this year, with 13 minutes of those coming against Burnley.

It’s a bizarre situation, as the 39-capped international captain of Brentford last season and ended the campaign having made 34 league appearances for them, totalling 2830 minutes.

Now, nobody expected the veteran midfielder to be even a semi-regular starter for the Gunners, but it seems like Arteta has no trust in him whatsoever, refusing to bring him on when Declan Rice came off against his old side.

There may be light at the end of the tunnel in the shape of the FA Cup for the summer signing, but even then, it feels like the manager will turn to someone else.

Ultimately, Nørgaard didn’t cost much, is a consummate professional, isn’t a media focus, and, in that way, isn’t really a problem for Arsenal.

However, it does feel like Arteta doesn’t really fancy him, and, like Sterling last season, his stint in North London will be short-lived.

A Saka & Olise hybrid: Arsenal in contact over signing £70m "superstar"

The incredible talent would be as game-changing for Arsenal as Bukayo Saka has been over the years.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Dec 5, 2025

Texas Rangers’ Special New Era Hat Pulled From Stores for Mistakenly Being Vulgar

New Era released its special new hats for every MLB team and while they aren't the best looking ones you'll ever see, one team's hat had to be pulled from stores because it looked way to much like a vulgar word.

In case you missed the release, New Era, the official hat of MLB, dropped its Overlap 5950 collection on Monday. The hats have the logo of each team over the team's nickname.

Here's what some of them look like:

@NewEra

The Rangers' hat has a big T over Texas, which makes it looks like it spells out a Spanish slang vulgarity.

shared these details:

Not great! It's also not the first time New Era has made a mistake like this, as A's fans surely remember.

Man Utd now advancing in talks to sign "monster" with opening bid in the works

Manchester United are now advancing in talks to sign AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit, with it being revealed that a formal offer is in the works…

With Casemiro’s contract due to expire at the end of the season, and Kobbie Mainoo’s future still in doubt, having already held talks over a January exit, it is little wonder Ruben Amorim is keen to bring in a new central midfielder, and a Premier League player recently joined the shortlist.

With Carlos Baleba Man United’s dream target and an approach recently being made for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, there is no shortage of exciting options to choose from, although it was recently revealed Amorim wants to bring in two midfielders before next season.

Recruiting from the Premier League in the summer has served United well so far this season, with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha becoming key players, but a move for a slightly more left-field central midfielder is now gaining traction.

Man Utd advancing in talks to sign Kees Smit

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Man United are progressing in talks with AZ Alkmaar over a deal for Smit, with an opening bid in the works, and the deal could be finalised when Amorim’s side formalize their ‘definitive’ offer.

The 19-year-old has caught the eye due to his passing and ability in transition, and there is a belief he would be able to adapt to life in the Premier League, despite still being relatively inexperienced.

The midfielder is valued at just €25m (£22m), meaning a deal wouldn’t break the bank, and there could be money left over to pursue the likes of Baleba or Anderson, with Alkmaar also willing to sanction a departure.

Lauded as a “duel monster” by scout Ben Mattinson, the teenager has already established himself as a key player for Alkmaar, amassing two goals and four assists in all competitions this season, while his performances last term indicate he could be the future of the Netherlands national side.

There may be some concern over the fact the Dutchman is yet to prove himself outside his home country, but a deal would be relatively inexpensive at just £22m, so it would certainly be a low-risk move.

Smit is extremely comfortable in possession of the ball, placing in the 90th percentile for both successful take-ons and progressive carries per 90 over the past year, and it would be fantastic if Man United were able to beat the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona to his signature.

Carlos Baleba's stance on leaving Brighton to join Man Utd How £100m Carlos Baleba now feels about leaving Brighton to join Man Utd

Will the Red Devils get their man?

1 ByHenry Jackson Nov 17, 2025

Newcastle teen who's 'like Mbappe' could take the #10 shirt from Gordon

Newcastle United have the welcome distraction of the Champions League in midweek.

In Europe’s elite competition, the Magpies are two wins from three, with eight goals under their belt. In stark contrast, Eddie Howe’s men are struggling badly in the Premier League.

Their horrendous run of form has seen them secure only three victories from ten, leading to Toon icon Alan Shearer labelling the situation at the moment as “rotten.”

While they may now be without Alexander Isak, a number of their key established players are yet to really fire, including the out-of-sorts Anthony Gordon.

Why Anthony Gordon is becoming an issue for Newcastle

Gordon’s topsy-turvy form sums up Newcastle’s current predicament in a nutshell.

Indeed, the England international has hammered home four Champions League strikes this season and has looked at ease on the biggest of club stages. Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel has even selected him to start on a regular basis this term.

That said, domestically, he has been in a horror run of form that stretches back into 2024/25. To date, he has zero goals and assists next to his name from seven Premier League outings. He has also created just two big chances across those fixtures.

Usually so creative, so dynamic and so free-flowing, the winger’s form has totally deserted him in the top-flight.

There is a stale feel in the air regarding Newcastle’s stalwarts, such as the ex-Everton attacker, as they continue to underperform, with Howe perhaps now ready to look at the youth starlets rising through the ranks at St James’ Park to fix a number of his issues.

How Newcastle could solve their Gordon problem

So far this season, Howe has chucked Lewis Miley into the first team mix here and there to freshen things up centrally, with the homegrown prodigy still only 19 years of age.

This surely bodes well for the likes of Sean Neave, who continues to rip up the Premier League 2 with his goalscoring prowess. The Newcastle-born teenager has bagged 29 goals across many different youth teams, yet a senior shot still evades him.

Alfie Harrison – who was previously on the books of Manchester City – will also be hopeful of a senior opportunity shortly, with the tricky 19-year-old maverick already up to four assists for the season in Premier League 2 action, as he continues to stick out as a vibrant Gordon-like talent.

Yet, another youngster is catching Howe’s eye who could really trouble Gordon’s first team security, with the 18-year-old in question even being wildly compared to Kylian Mbappe.

Indeed, the time now feels right to introduce the hotly-tipped Seung Soo-Park to first-team football.

Having joined the Magpies academy ranks from South Korean side Suwon Bluewings earlier this year, with lots of hype attached to his name, he looks ready and raring to make an impact under Howe’s wing.

Park would become the youngest player in the history of Korean league football when he made his senior debut for Suwon, with one goal and two assists coming his way in Korean League 2 action even resulting in his Suwon head coach Byun Sung-hwan lauding him as having the “ability to go to the very top” with his front-foot approach down the left wing.

Further hailed as being “similar to Kylian Mbappe” by Asian football expert John Duerden for his speed and skilful approach down the flanks, the hope will be that Park can explode onto the senior scene much like the world-class Frenchman managed, with promising displays coming his way for Howe and Co in pre-season.

Up against Espanyol, Park ended his bright 63-minute stint with three out of four of his dribbles coming off, leading further to journalist Charlie Bennett lauding him as a “real find” from South Korea.

While Park continues to impress behind the scenes – with two assists also next to his name in the Magpies youth set-up this season – Gordon is deep in a moment of crisis in the Premier League, with his lacklustre showing against West Ham culminating in Howe bringing him off at the half-time mark.

Minutes played

45

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

28

Shots

1

Accurate passes

14/16 (88%)

Accurate crosses

0/3

Successful dribbles

0/2

The previously mentioned Bennett even said at the close of the Hammers’ defeat that Gordon is “not undroppable” – and with Anthony Elanga still without a goal or assist himself in league action after a bumper £55m move – Park might well be the outside-of-the-box answer to their troubling woes.

Gordon may well be in possession of the number 10 shirt right now but this budding Newcastle prodigy looks ready to start his ascent to stardom and swipe it away from him in the coming years.

Newcastle's £100m star in the making is "all over the place" without Isak

This Newcastle United star is seriously struggling at the moment, having once been touted to be worth £100m.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 4, 2025

Marcelo Fernandes pede desculpas e fala que derrota do Santos foi 'atípica'

MatériaMais Notícias

O Santos foi humilhantemente goleado, por 7 a 1, pelo Internacional, pela 28ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Na coletiva depois da partida, o técnico Marcelo Fernandes tentou descrever o que ocorreu na partida.

+ Veja tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro-2023 clicando aqui

– Foi uma tarde atípica. Da mesma forma que não nos empolgamos quando estávamos ganhando, não vamos nos abater. Posso dizer que esses jogadores são dignos de estar aqui, nos últimos quatro jogos eles eram dignos, então eles continuam. Foi uma tarde infeliz, mas vamos levantar a cabeça porque na quinta-feira já temos o jogo contra o Coritiba – declarou o comandante santista.

+ Futebol total! Aposte R$100 e ganhe mais de R$570 com Valencia, Fiorentina e Ponte Preta

+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que formou craques como Pet, Dante e Léo Moura! Cupom: LANCE1000

Além disso, o treinador do Peixe pediu desculpas pela performance em campo e pelo placar vexatório.

– Queria, em nome da comissão técnica e dos atletas, pedir desculpas ao torcedor. Foi um jogo totalmente atípico dentro do que temos feito. Estávamos bem cientes do que precisava fazer, mas não foi uma tarde boa e infelizmente aconteceu isso. A responsabilidade é toda minha. Temos que pedir desculpas, levantar a cabeça e seguir trabalhando. Da mesma forma que não me empolguei nas vitórias, não vou me abalar com esta derrota – disse o técnico.

COMO CONTINUAR?

Marcelo Fernandes fala como prosseguir após um placar tão indesejado e qual é a mensagem que pode passar para o torcedor do Santos.

– O recado que deixo para a torcida é o mesmo desde o primeiro jogo: vamos lutar até o fim. Não está longe das nossas mãos. Temos 10 jogos para fazer cinco vitórias. A nossa projeção está no próximo jogo. Todos estão juntos, sempre, e sabemos do que precisa fazer. Vamos atrás disso, além de pedir desculpas. A torcida sabe que vamos lutar até o fim e fazer o possível e o impossível para tirar o Santos desta situação, e vamos conseguir – concluiu o treinador.

No need for Wissa: Newcastle can unleash "natural #9" over Woltemade

Newcastle United’s Premier League campaign has started with more frustration than fluidity.

A goalless draw with Aston Villa on opening day saw Eddie Howe’s side look the more dangerous outfit, but they lacked the cutting edge to secure three points.

Stalemates against Leeds and Bournemouth then further highlighted the side’s lack of rhythm in the final third. Against Leeds, Newcastle were wasteful despite moments of control, and at Bournemouth, Howe’s decision to trial a more defensive 3-4-2-1 setup blunted their attacking potential even further.

The Magpies have generated just 4.6 expected goals (xG) across their first five league fixtures – a figure better only than the three promoted sides, Wolves, and Aston Villa.

The midweek 4-1 win against Bradford City in the Carabao Cup was a welcome tonic, with a strong XI fielded to sharpen patterns in attack.

Yet with a Champions League trip to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise before facing Arsenal on Sunday, Howe must find a way to get more out of his new-look attack.

The question is whether his summer signing in attack, Nick Woltemade, can be trusted to lead the line consistently so early in his Premier League career.

Why Woltemade needs time to adapt

Newcastle made a statement when they secured Nick Woltemade this summer, fending off Bayern Munich, who had three bids rejected for the striker.

Standing at 1.98m and fresh from a 12-goal Bundesliga season with Werder Bremen, Woltemade brings a blend of aerial presence and technical quality.

He also impressed for Germany at the U21 Euros and earned senior caps in recent international fixtures, including an assist in the 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland.

He introduced himself to the St James’ Park crowd with a debut goal against Wolves, but his performances have shown the reality of adapting to English football.

In the Bundesliga last season, Woltemade was involved in 14 goals across 28 matches, averaging 4.38 shot-creating actions per 90, per FBref.

His ability to progress the ball is also evident, carrying it forward 26 times per 90 minutes and adding 2.89 progressive passes, per FBref.

These numbers highlight a striker who is comfortable linking play rather than just finishing chances. Yet so far in England, those qualities have been less visible.

He also contributes defensively, averaging 0.56 tackles and 1.28 blocks per 90 last season, which shows that he is willing to press. However, Howe will be aware that a club-record signing will be judged primarily on goals, and right now, Woltemade still looks like a player learning the rhythm and relentlessness of the Premier League.

Patience is needed, but Newcastle may not be able to wait if they want results quickly.

Osula can be the difference for Newcastle

That’s where William Osula comes in.

The 22-year-old striker, signed from Sheffield United for £15m, has flown somewhat under the radar since his arrival.

He made 25 appearances across all competitions, scoring five and assisting twice, but crucially showed signs of being the “natural #9” that Newcastle desperately need, as described by U23 scout Antonio Mango.

Osula was nearly allowed to leave on deadline day, with Frankfurt circling, but Newcastle pulled the plug following Yoane Wissa’s injury on international duty. It already looks a shrewd decision.

The Dane scored his first Premier League goal last season against Ipswich last season, and this campaign has already opened his account with a strike in the loss to Liverpool. Midweek against Bradford, he made a statement.

Match Rating

8.2

Goals

2

Shots on Target

4

Dribbles

3 (2 successful)

Touches

39

Passes

16 (15 accurate)

Ground Duels

11 (5 won)

This was a centre-forward performance full of hunger, sharpness, and clinical finishing – precisely what Newcastle have lacked in their league fixtures.

His pressing from the front also allowed the midfield to play higher up, easing pressure on the defence. For a side starved of attacking fluency, Osula represents the kind of direct, instinctive forward who can turn half-chances into goals.

Newcastle striker William Osula

A partnership potential with Woltemade, once the German fully settles, could give Newcastle multiple tactical options.

One towering, playmaking striker alongside a more mobile, poacher-type forward. With tough opponents on the horizon, Howe must balance pragmatism with ambition.

Newcastle: Eddie Howe impressed with £25k-a-week Magpies player in training

He starred in the week against Bradford City.

ByCharlie Smith Sep 25, 2025

Yet if Newcastle truly want to ignite their season, unleashing Osula more consistently might be the spark that transforms their attack.

Outclassed by Odegaard: Arteta must drop Arsenal dud who lost the ball 14x

Wednesday night saw Arsenal pick up their second win in as many Champions League games this season.

Was it the perfect performance? No, probably not, but Mikel Arteta made a slew of changes to the lineup, and on another night, they could have scored a handful more goals.

Moreover, several starters really shone, including David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and, even though he didn’t score, Viktor Gyokeres looked lively.

However, when it comes to the man of the match, it’s hard to look past Martin Odegaard, who, unlike one of his teammates, has undoubtedly played himself into the lineup for West Ham United.

Arsenal's best player vs Olympiacos

It would be fair to say that, following his ankle injury, last season was one to forget for Odegaard.

The Arsenal captain looked a shell of his former self for the best part of a year, so much so that plenty of fans and pundits alike began to doubt his quality and ability to get back to his best.

Now, it’s certainly still early doors in that respect, but the Norwegian looked great in his cameo against Newcastle United on Sunday, and then took things up another level against Olympiacos on Wednesday.

According to content creator Connor Humm, the Gunners’ number eight showed a version of himself that “has been absent too long” and was “sensational.”

It would be hard to disagree, as for much of the first half and moments of the second, he seemed to be constantly playing perfect balls through the Greek side’s defence and got his rewards with an assist for Bukayo Saka’s strike.

The Drammen-born star was so effective that the Standard’s Simon Collings gave him a 9/10 match rating at full-time, writing that he ‘looked so sharp and played some majestic through-balls’.

Such high praise is more than justified by his statistics, as in his 95 minutes of action, the 26-year-old amassed a combined expected goal and assists figure of 1.65, took 86 touches, played four key passes, was accurate in seven of ten long balls, took one shot on target, completed 100% of his dribbles and made one clearance.

Odegaard’s game vs Olympiacos

Minutes

95′

Expected Goals

0.72

Expected Assists

0.93

Assists

1

Key Passes

4

Touches

86

Long Balls (Accurate)

10 (7)

Shots on Target

1

Dribbles (Successful)

1 (1)

Clearances

1

Tackles

1

All Stats via Sofascore

In short, it was the kind of performance that has to see him keep his place for the weekend, which is the opposite for another starter.

Arsenal's worst player vs Olympiacos

While most of the team played well, some starters, such as Ben White and Gabriel Martinelli, were not particularly impressive, despite the latter’s goal.

Chalkboard

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

However, it would be hard to deny that the most disappointing display in red and white on Wednesday night came from Leandro Trossard.

The Belgian international retained his place in the starting lineup from the Newcastle game, but unfortunately, he was even less effective than he had been in that match.

In fact, if there is one word to describe the 30-year-old’s display against the Greek outfit, it would be frustrating.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion star kept finding himself in promising positions, but time and time again, he’d waste the moment, either through a wayward shot or a poor pass.

Collings felt similarly about the winger, giving him a rather generous 6/10 match rating and writing that he ‘wasted’ his fair share of chances.

Unsurprisingly, his statistics tell a similar story: in 73 minutes of action, he amassed a combined expected goal and assists figure of 0.48 but failed to produce either, took 48 touches but completed just 17 passes, lost 50% of his duels, lost the ball 14 times, and was dribbled past twice.

Trossard’s game vs Olympiacos

Minutes

73′

Expected Goals

0.44

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.04

Assists

0

Passes

17/25 (68%)

Touches

48

Long Balls (Accurate)

4 (2)

Shots on Target

1

Lost Possession

14

Duels (Won)

12 (6)

Dribbled Past

2

All Stats via Sofascore

It was a performance that did little to dispel the idea that the 5 foot 8 ace is far better coming off the bench than starting games.

Therefore, while it might seem harsh, Arteta should look to drop Trossard for the upcoming game against West Ham.

Not Mosquera: Arsenal have signed a Gabriel & Saliba hybrid in £45m "beast"

The international star could be a game-changer for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 30, 2025

خاص | اتحاد الكرة يحسم مصير مشاركة دونجا مع الزمالك في السوبر المصري

أنهى الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم حالة الجدل التي تصاعدت خلال الساعات الماضية بشأن موقف نبيل عماد دونجا، لاعب وسط نادي الزمالك، من المشاركة في بطولة السوبر المصري المقبلة، بعد سلسلة من التصريحات المتضاربة حول العقوبات الصادرة بحقه.

تعود تفاصيل الأزمة إلى مباراة السوبر المصري الموسم الماضي، التي شهدت أحداثًا مثيرة للجدل داخل أرض الملعب، أبرزها واقعة اعتداء تورط فيها كل من نبيل عماد دونجا، ومصطفى شلبي (لاعب الزمالك السابق)، وعبد الواحد السيد (مدير الكرة السابق). وانتهت الواقعة حينها بـ احتجاز الثلاثي مؤقتًا في الإمارات قبل الإفراج عنهم بعد تدخل رسمي من مسؤولي البلدين.

وعقب الحادثة مباشرة، أصدرت لجنة المسابقات باتحاد الكرة قرارات انضباطية صارمة، تضمنت إيقاف اللاعبين لمدة أربع مباريات في بطولة السوبر المصري المقبلة، بالإضافة إلى تغريم نادي الزمالك ماليًا على خلفية ما حدث.

ومع مرور الوقت، عاد الملف إلى الواجهة مجددًا، بعدما خرجت تصريحات تفيد بعدم وجود عقوبات رسمية سارية على دونجا، حيث أكد محمد أبو الوفا، عضو مجلس إدارة الاتحاد السابق، أن اللاعب “من حقه المشاركة بشكل طبيعي”، مشيرًا إلى أن الاتحاد الحالي “لا يمتلك قرارات مفعلة تمنع ذلك”.

طالع أيضًا | أول رد رسمي من الزمالك على أزمة مشاركة دونجا في السوبر المصري

لكن في المقابل، رد إيهاب الكومي، عضو الاتحاد السابق، بنفي قاطع لتلك التصريحات، ونشر عبر صفحته الرسمية على موقع “فيس بوك” صورة من البيان الرسمي الصادر في 31 أكتوبر 2024، الذي تضمن تفاصيل العقوبات الموقعة على لاعبي الزمالك في ذلك الوقت.

وفي أحدث تطور، أكد مصدر مسؤول داخل اتحاد الكرة في تصريحات خاصة لموقع بطولات أنه تم الاستقرار بشكل نهائي على استمرار إيقاف نبيل عماد دونجا، وبالتالي غيابه عن بطولة السوبر المصري المقبلة بشكل رسمي.

ومن المقرر أن تنطلق بطولة كأس السوبر المصري يوم 6 نوفمبر 2025 في الإمارات، بمشاركة الأهلي والزمالك وبيراميدز وسيراميكا كليوباترا، وسط ترقب جماهيري كبير لما ستشهده البطولة من مواجهات قوية وأجواء مشتعلة داخل وخارج الملعب.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi takes charge as ACC president

Naqvi who has been PCB chair since February 2024 said that he was “deeply honoured” by the appointment

Danyal Rasool03-Apr-2025Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi is now president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), having formally assumed charge from Sri Lanka’s Shammi Silva. Naqvi, who was elected PCB chairman in February 2024, said he was “deeply honoured” by the appointment.”Asia remains the heartbeat of world cricket, and I am committed to working with all member boards to accelerate the game’s growth and global influence,” Naqvi said in a statement. “Together, we will unlock new opportunities, foster greater collaboration, and take Asian cricket to unprecedented heights. I also extend my sincere thanks to the outgoing ACC President for his leadership and contributions to the ACC during his tenure.”Silva assumed charge only three months ago in December 2024, taking over the role when Jay Shah quit the presidency to take up his position as ICC chair. “It has been a privilege to serve as President of the Asian Cricket Council,” Silva said. “The steadfast commitment of our member boards working together has been pivotal in elevating ACC’s stature across the region.” Silva further thanked Shah and expressed confidence in Naqvi’s “capable leadership”.Related

Hybrid model agreed for Champions Trophy and ICC events from 2024-27

Jay Shah begins term as ICC chair with Champions Trophy venue decision imminent

For Naqvi, it adds another position to an already crowded list of responsibilities. Aside from being PCB chairman, he also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister. He was at the helm when Pakistan took a more forceful position in an attempt to assert the PCB’s right to host the entirety of the 2025 Champions Trophy, awarded to Pakistan, within the country.Ultimately, when the BCCI did not send its team to Pakistan, the PCB and the BCCI worked out a deal which would see all matches involving India in an event hosted in Pakistan being played at a neutral venue, and in return, all matches involving Pakistan in an event hosted by India played at a neutral venue.The most pressing issue for Naqvi in his capacity as ACC president will involve the venue of the T20 Asia Cup later this year. India are the official hosts, but the PCB is expected to demand another venue for Pakistan’s matches.There is precedent for that at the ACC level. When, under Shah’s presidency, Pakistan hosted the tournament in 2023, Sri Lanka was added as the secondary venue for the latter part of the tournament owing to India’s refusal to visit Pakistan.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus