Yash Dayal, who was in the squad for Bangladesh series, misses out

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Oct-20242:16

Bangar: If Shami is unfit for Aus tour, there could be space for Mayank

India will go into the home Test series against New Zealand with pretty much the same squad that took on Bangladesh in September – that means Mohammed Shami hasn’t recovered in time for what will be India’s last red-ball action ahead of the five-Test series in Australia to close out this year. Yash Dayal, who had received his maiden Test call-up for the Bangladesh series, also missed out.Jasprit Bumrah has been named vice-captain for the three Tests against New Zealand. With Rohit Sharma in doubt for the first Test against Australia, which begins in Perth on November 22, there is now more focus on India’s vice-captain.ESPNcricinfo LtdIndia did not have a designated vice-captain for their most recent Test series against Bangladesh but Bumrah has performed the role for India in the past when he was the vice-captain in the two-Test home series against Sri Lanka in March 2022. Later, he served in the position in the two-Test tour of South Africa in 2023-24 and then in the five-Test series earlier this year against England.Bumrah has also led India once in the one-off Test in England in 2022, when Rohit was forced to sit out after having tested positive for Covid-19.Related

Rohit wants to expand India's fast-bowling bench strength

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As for Shami, he is working his way back from an ankle injury for which he required surgery. He last played a competitive match in November 2023 – the ODI World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad. It was hoped he would return to full match fitness during India’s ongoing home season, ahead of the marquee series in Australia.Tearaway Mayank Yadav, who made his T20I debut for India earlier this month against Bangladesh, will join the squad as a travelling reserve along with Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Kumar Reddy.India play three Tests against New Zealand, the first of which begins on October 16 in Bengaluru. That’s followed by Tests in Pune and Mumbai. New Zealand have a major injury concern going into the series, with Kane Williamson picking up a groin issue.India are currently on top of the World Test Championship (WTC) points table, with 74.24 percentage points from 11 Test matches. Wins in each of their remaining eight Tests (three against New Zealand at home and five away against Australia) will take them to 85.09%, but the more realistic aim for them will be to make sure that they get enough points to seal their place in the WTC final regardless of other results.India Test squad for the New Zealand seriesRohit Sharma (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah (vice-capt)Travelling reserves: Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mayank Yadav and Prasidh Krishna

Leeds United certainly had no problem in front of goal in the 2024/25 Championship season. It was a fantastic campaign for the Whites, who reached 100 points and won the league title on goal difference, which perhaps hints at just how clinical they were.

According to FBref, the 95 goals which Daniel Farke’s side scored last term was better than any other side in the division, smashing second-place Norwich’s tally of 71. Leeds overachieved when it came to goals scored, too. Their expected goals tally was 89.1xG, highlighting just how deadly they were in front of goal.

Incredibly, it seems like they will add to the firepower of that attack, but looking to sign a striker this summer.

The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of a striker

It has already been a busy summer at Elland Road when it comes to new signings. Jaka Bijol joined from Udinese as the most costly addition. Fellow centre-back Sebastiaan Bornauw and Gabriel Gudmundsson, a left-back, have also signed. Lukas Nmecha has joined the club on a free transfer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Next up for the Yorkshire outfit could well be someone on a temporary deal, rather than a permanent signing. A report from journalist Graeme Bailey claims the Whites ‘have now registered their interest in signing’ Real Madrid starlet Gonzalo Garcia this summer.

It has been a whirlwind month or so for the striker, who burst onto the scene in the Club World Cup for Los Blancos. However, Leeds, along with Sunderland, Brentford and West Ham United, are plotting an ambitious loan move for the attacker this summer.

The striker ‘is believed to be keen to play regular first-team football’, with Leeds one of the sides who could pounce, although they could reportedly face competition from Chelsea, who were said to be ready to pay €40m (£34m) for his signature.

Why Garcia would be a good signing

It was certainly a breakout tournament in the recent Club World Cup for Garcia. Journalist Zach Lowy was full of praise for the youngster and described his efforts as “world class” during the competition, which Chelsea went on to win.

In total, the 21-year-old, who was born in Madrid, has played 12 times for the first team at the Santiago Bernabeu. He’s managed five goals and two assists in those few appearances, which included one strike in three games during 2023/24.

However, it was the recent Club World Cup where Garcia rose to stardom. He scored four goals in six games, grabbing one assist, too. Despite Madrid getting eliminated by PSG in the semi-final, Garcia took the Golden Boot home with him.

Some of his stats from the competition, courtesy of Sofascore, show just what Leeds see in him, to help add to the masses of goals already in their attack. For example, the Spaniard averaged 1.4 shots on target and 0.8 goals per 90 minutes. He certainly knows where to find the back of the net.

If Farke’s side are successful in bringing Garcia to Elland Road, he could be the biggest talent they’ve had since Archie Gray left the club. The 19-year-old joined Tottenham Hotspur last summer, ending a lifelong association with his boyhood club.

He made 52 appearances in that famous White shirt, at both right-back and his natural position in the centre of midfield. His contributions in 2023/24 helped Leeds reach the Championship playoff final, where they ultimately lost to Southampton.

It certainly feels like Garcia could be the best talent Elland Road has had since their homegrown star departed. Gray has been highly rated across the footballing world for some time. Last year, he was named 43rd on Goal’s NXGN list, which included Lamine Yamal, Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro.

It might be too soon for the Los Blancos youngster to be there, given the fact he hasn’t played much football, but just look at how he lit up the Club World Cup. This seems to be a player destined for the top.

He is a player who has already starred on the world stage, so it would be a huge coup for Leeds if they pull it off.

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By
Dan Emery

Jul 15, 2025

As Unai Emery builds towards his third full season in charge of Aston Villa, the future of Ollie Watkins looms large.

With Manchester United heavily linked with a move for the England international and Villa walking a tightrope with Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR), the club may be forced into tough decisions this summer.

Watkins, fresh off the back of a third straight Premier League season with 15 or more goals, has become an indispensable figure at Villa Park.

However, the lure of a new challenge could test both his loyalty and the club’s resolve.

To keep their accounts in order, Villa have already sanctioned the €77m (£64m) sale of Jhon Durán and are now weighing up offers for Emiliano Martínez.

Yet any replacement for Watkins would need to be more than a stopgap – they’d need to match his work rate, creativity, and eye for goal.

As Villa look to avoid a post-Watkins drop-off, attention has turned to one of the Bundesliga’s brightest talents, a striker whose profile mirrors that of Watkins in both style and output.

Aston Villa seeking Watkins successor

According to German outlet BILD Aston Villa have identified RB Leipzig’s Loïs Openda as a key target should Watkins leave this summer.

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported that Villa are monitoring the Belgian striker closely, and Openda is understood to be open to a move to the Premier League – though no formal talks have taken place.

The 25-year-old is under contract at Leipzig until 2028 and has a release clause of €80m.

However, BILD reports that a fee of around €70m (£60m) could be enough to tempt the Bundesliga side into selling, if Villa were to lodge a bid, particularly in light of their disappointing 2023/24 campaign.

While Openda has not formally asked to leave, sources close to the club suggest he has expressed frustration behind the scenes – especially as key teammates Xavi Simons and Benjamin Šeško are also linked with summer exits.

Phillipe Clement, who managed Openda at Club Brugge, has no doubts about the striker’s suitability for top-level football.

“He’s super-fast but he also has an eye for goal and will be decisive,” he said. “In difficult times, he’s someone who remains combative. That’s an important quality in life and as a player.”

With Openda valued highly by Leipzig, who paid €40m (£34m) to sign him from Lens in 2023, any move would depend heavily on Watkins’ future.

Why Openda could be the perfect Watkins successor

According to FBref, Openda is one of the most statistically similar players to Watkins in Europe’s top five leagues. On closer inspection, the comparison holds up well.

Goals

16

9

Assists

8

5

Total

24

14

Openda’s non-penalty expected goals (8.2) were not far off Watkins’ (13.2), and both maintained strong conversion rates – Openda netting nine non-penalty goals to Watkins’ 14.

The Belgian also excels in areas that Villa fans have grown to expect from their lead striker. His progressive carries per 90 minutes (2.12) edge Watkins’ (1.90), and he creates more shot-creating actions (2.42 vs. 1.84).

He also attempts and completes more passes per 90 (13.8 vs. 10.6), though Watkins boasts the better pass completion rate (72.4% to 63.8%).

In front of goal, the differences are subtle.

Watkins slightly edges Openda in shots per 90 (2.84 vs. 2.82) and shots on target per 90 (1.25 vs. 1.14), but both players hover around the same shot-on-target percentage — 43.9% for Watkins, 40.3% for Openda.

Perhaps most intriguing is Openda’s dribbling output. He completes 0.81 successful take-ons per 90 compared to Watkins’ 0.35, with a higher success rate (29.7% to 24.4%).

While not elite figures, they show Openda’s willingness to beat defenders, an attribute Emery may want more of from his next No.9.

There are areas where Watkins still holds the edge. He wins the ball more in the attacking third (0.14 tackles per 90 compared to Openda’s 0.07) and has better discipline and decision-making in link-up play.

But Openda’s progressive passing distance (36.5 yards per 90) compared to Watkins’ 22.7 suggests greater vertical intent, something Emery’s side could lean into more, especially in Europe.

With 27 Belgium caps to his name, Openda isn’t just a runner or a poacher.

He’s a complete modern forward.

Dynamic, intelligent, and tactically flexible enough to play wide if needed.

If Watkins were to leave, replacing him would be no easy task. But in Loïs Openda, Villa may have found the closest thing to a like-for-like successor.

A forward who mirrors Watkins’ strengths but brings additional tools that Emery could sharpen even further.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Villa have proved savvy in the market under Emery, blending data-led recruitment with tactical clarity.

Should they pull off a deal for Openda, it could prove one of the most pivotal transfers of their Europa League campaign and another sign of the club’s growing ambition.

Duran 2.0: Aston Villa in contact with “one of the best strikers in the PL”

Aston Villa have an opportunity to land their next Jhon Duran by signing this attacking menace.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 1, 2025

Following their dominant start to the Scottish Premiership season, one Celtic target now reportedly wants to complete a move to the Bhoys this summer with negotiations already taking place.

Celtic ease to victory in Scottish League Cup

Of course, it’s not just the Scottish Premiership that Celtic are looking to retain this season. Brendan Rodgers’ side also won the Scottish League Cup last time out and have already taken their first positive step towards winning the trophy once again – defeating Falkirk 4-1 on Friday evening.

Goals from Daizen Maeda, Dane Murray, Alistair Johnston and an own goal from Keelan Adams saw Celtic ease past Falkirk and stretch their unbeaten start to the season in all competitions to three games.

Rogers was left pleased with the way in which his Celtic side secured their place in the next round, telling reporters: “I thought the performance was very, very good from the first whistle,” he said. “You’ve seen the hunger in the team and the intensity in the team.

“The first half we were good with the ball but not so good without it. It gave Falkirk a couple of wee opportunities to break through. We weren’t aggressive enough and tight enough. When we corrected that at half-time, we really dominated the second half.

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The Argentine icon has played at both Parkhead and Ibrox.

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“The goals were excellent and I thought we played really, really well. Overall really pleased. A lot of the players who hadn’t played came in and gave great value to the team. We had good variety in attack tonight. We were precise around the box when we needed to be.”

It’s the type of dominance that is likely to attract several targets, and that includes one long-term candidate who now reportedly wants to complete a move to the Scottish champions this summer.

Balikwisha now wants Celtic move

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Michel-Ange Balikwisha now wants to complete a move to Celtic this summer after Parkhead chiefs commenced “negotiations” to sign the talented winger earlier on in the window.

A long-term target, the Belgian would likely be a Celtic player already if it wasn’t for his untimely injury last summer. It was undoubtedly a cruel twist that took place 12 months ago, but whether the Bhoys make up for it and finally get their man remains to be seen.

Dubbed “direct” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Celtic have just a couple of weeks left to get their deal to sign Balikwisha sealed and delivered at long last.

It’s hardly been a summer transfer window to write home about for West Ham United supporters so far.

The main talking point still hanging in the air is the disappointing £55m sale of Mohammed Kudus to arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, with the recent free transfer purchase of Kyle Walker-Peters from Southampton at least offering a slight ray of positivity amidst a gloomy window to date.

There will surely be a desire on the part of Graham Potter to push on with more signings, as the list of strikers being linked with a move to the London Stadium increases.

West Ham considering move for £26m forward

Indeed, it does appear as if the Irons are hunting down reinforcements up top.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

One target in this department is FC Metz hotshot Idrissa Gueye, who is a far cry from the other name constantly circling in Callum Wilson – a player who has reportedly even agreed personal terms with the Hammers.

The 18-year-old hotshot is an up-and-coming talent in France, contrasted with the ageing 33-year-old now searching for a fresh club as a declining free agent.

West Ham might well meet in the middle, instead, with another centre-forward target in the form of Cagliari star Roberto Piccoli, with Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari taking to X recently to reveal that the Hammers are considering a move for the €30m (£26m) attacker.

He might well be a better option to go after than settling for the ex-AFC Bournemouth veteran, with Piccoli just fresh off a goal-laden season in Serie A, whilst Wilson faded into the background on Tyneside.

How Piccoli compares to Wilson

Wilson hadn’t always found himself stuck on the periphery at St James’ Park, however.

At one point in time, the Coventry-born marksman was Newcastle’s leading man – before Alexander Isak stormed onto the scene – with a hefty 35 of his Premier League collection of 88 strikes coming for the Toon.

Unfortunately for Wilson, only nine of those efforts have fallen across his last two seasons, and whilst the 33-year-old’s game has noticeably waned for Eddie Howe’s Magpies, Piccoli was coming into his own for his employers in Italy.

Last campaign, the Cagliari number 91 would play a key role in his lowly Serie A side beating the drop, with ten goals being powered home from 37 games.

In a Hammers environment where he has the likes of Jarrod Bowen to bounce off, he could well live up to his “prolific” billing even more, as he was once labelled by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Of course, Piccoli isn’t the finished article – as seen in his glaring 26 big chances missed last season in Serie A action – but his aggressiveness to throw himself into duels, which saw him 5.2 duels on average across that same span, should stand him in good stead for the challenges ahead, away from just being viewed as a promising, centre-forward figure with room to grow and develop.

On the flip side, Wilson has been deep in the twilight of his playing days for some time now.

Worryingly, Jamie Carragher way back in 2023 had highlighted that the Premier League regular had just “not been the same” amid concerns about his sluggish displays for the Magpies. Wilson himself has even been critical of his drop-off in form, too, having noted the 2024/25 season as being “one of my worst.”

That has now culminated in him drawing consistent blanks, with West Ham far better placed to go after the services of Piccoli, over hoping that the 33-year-old reaches his peak again.

Perfect Paqueta replacement: West Ham target move for "exquisite" £34m star

With Lucas Paquetá likely to leave West Ham United this summer, the Irons are interested in sign an “exquisite” talent who once cost as much as £32m.

By
Ben Gray

Jul 30, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are now expected to make a “first official approach” to sign a £43m “monster”, journalist Sebastien Vidal has revealed.

Spurs looking to sign new centre-back after Vuskovic decision

Luke Vuskovic has caught the eye of former Tottenham centre-back Ledley King courtesy of his performances, with the 44-year-old saying: “The little I’ve seen, I’ve been impressed but for any young players, it’s about learning as much as you can, taking on board what the coaching staff are trying to teach, learning from the players around you.”

However, it now appears as though Vuskovic may have to undergo a learning curve elsewhere, as widespread reports suggest the 18-year-old could be sent out on loan, with the likes of Bestikas and Hamburg named among the potential suitors.

Should the teenager be shipped out, there may be space in the squad to bring in one more centre-back this summer, with it recently being revealed that Thomas Frank views bringing in another experienced defender as a priority.

As such, in a recent update on X, Vidal has now revealed that Tottenham have “earmarked” Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo as a target, with the Uruguayan defender valued at £43m.

Such is their level of interest, Spurs are expected to make a “first official approach” for Araujo soon, but there could be competition for his signature, with Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea also keen.

The Lilywhites have already held talks with Barcelona over a potential deal for the centre-back, with the La Liga champions seemingly eager to get him off the books, having lowered their asking price.

"Monster" Araujo could be solid signing for Spurs

Tottenham already have some fantastic options at centre-back, namely Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, with the overwhelming majority of fans keen to retain the services of both defenders this summer.

Related Tottenham eye £212k-a-week PSG ace with Enrique "more than open" to deal

Spurs could battle Newcastle for his signature.

Posts 3 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 9, 2025

However, strength in depth will be needed, with Spurs set to embark on a Champions League campaign next season, and their 2024-25 campaign will serve as a reminder of the importance of having a big squad.

Indeed, the Lilywhites endured a well-documented injury crisis last term, which meant the likes of Radu Dragusin and the inexperienced Archie Gray were often given the nod at centre-back, arguably contributing to the 17th-placed finish.

As such, Araujo could be a solid addition to the squad, with the 26-year-old held in very high regard by journalist Raj Chohan.

Not only that, but the Uruguay international is vastly experienced at the top level, winning six trophies during his time with Barcelona, which could be useful for Tottenham ahead of their return to the Champions League.

“Probably his best Test innings because he left the ball well,” Bumrah said of Jaiswal

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Nov-20246:04

Bumrah: ‘Whenever tough scenarios come, I look at how I can contribute’

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 161 in the second innings of the first Test against Australia in Perth was “probably his best Test innings”, captain Jasprit Bumrah said after India’s 295-run win. Bumrah was also all praise for Virat Kohli for his unbeaten 100, saying he had never looked “out of form” despite having endured a run of low scores heading into the series.”Out of all these innings, he [Jaiswal] had a great start to his career,” Bumrah told the host broadcaster. “But the way he played in the last innings was probably his best Test innings so far because he left the ball. He has an attacking nature, but he left the ball well and played long. That really helped us.”Jaiswal broke several records on his way to 161, one of which was becoming the second player to convert his first four centuries into 150-plus scores. He bounced back after a duck in the first innings, playing a patient innings in tricky conditions, putting up a 201-run opening stand with KL Rahul. Jaiswal is just 15 Tests into his career and averages 58.07.Related

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Stats – Jaiswal converts yet another ton into a 150-plus score

Jaiswal raises a ceiling that was already sky high

Kohli, coming into this series on the back of averaging 15.50 over three home Tests against New Zealand, brought up his century in 143 balls to lift India’s total to 487 for 6 declared, setting Australia a massive 534 target.”I have said this before, Virat Kohli doesn’t need us, we need him,” Bumrah said at the press conference. “He is an experienced player. This is his fourth or fifth tour. So he knows his cricket better than anyone else. He looked in good shape, he was mentally switched on. Sometimes when you have such a long career, you bat in tough conditions and he has batted in tough scenarios for a long time, but it’s difficult to do that all the time in every match.”But he looked to be in a good space and obviously, he got a good delivery in the first innings, but he was still in a great space and he capitalised in the second innings. We needed an experienced batter then. He also played well, and helped his partners play well as well. So obviously, when he gets confidence at the start of the series, you can’t ask for more than that.”After being bowled out for 150 on day one, India came back strongly with the ball thanks in particular to an excellent bowling display from their captain. Bumrah revealed what he said to his team at the end of their first innings.”We were put under pressure in the first innings, but the way we responded after that, I’m really very proud of the team,” Bumrah said.”I played here in 2018, so I remember that when you start here, the wicket is a little soft and then becomes quicker and quicker. So I was relying on that experience. Obviously this wicket was a little less spicy than the last one that I played here, but we were really well prepared.”So I was just telling everyone to have faith in their process and ability because over here at this moment you have an opportunity to do something special. So on a given day, experience does matter, but if you have faith in your ability, you can do something special.”

Thiago Alcantara has started his new role as Barcelona assistant coach under Hansi Flick, bringing his vision and experience to the first-team setup.

• Thiago confirmed as Barca coach
• La Masia graduate returns
• Work already underway with Flick

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Thiago has officially began work at Barcelona as a first-team assistant coach to Flick. The 34-year-old, who previously starred for Barca before winning titles with Bayern Munich and Liverpool, was spotted at the club’s facilities earlier this week and joined the players on the pitch in his new role. He will be responsible for tactical preparation, planning training sessions and providing his vision to support the squad’s daily work. His first day back at the club coincided with the return of the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jules Kounde, Raphinha, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo and Roony Bardghji from international duty.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT BARCELONA SAID

  The Catalan giants officially welcomed Thiago back into the fold with a statement confirming his new role on Flick’s coaching staff. 

  "First official day on the job for Thiago Alcántara as a member of the coaching staff. The former blaugrana player started work on the grass today as a member of the first team coaching staff as an assistant coach to Hansi Flick. His role will involve helping with tactical aspects and preparing training sessions, among other things, bringing his experience and vision of the game to enrich the squad's day to day work," the club announced.

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Spaniard's return is a symbolic and strategic move as Barca undergo a rebuild under Flick. A La Masia product with Champions League pedigree, he blends deep knowledge of the club’s style with an understanding of Flick’s high-pressing system, having worked with him at Bayern during their historic sextuple campaign in 2019-20. His presence also serves as a bridge for younger talents like Pedri and Gavi, who have previously praised his guidance, while his fluency in German strengthens communication across the squad.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

  With Thiago now embedded in the coaching staff, Barcelona shift focus to Sunday’s home clash against Valencia at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. Flick will use the remaining sessions this week to fine-tune tactics, with Thiago actively involved in preparations as the club aim to secure their first home win of the new campaign and bounce back from their 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano.

A Real Oviedo fan was arrested after directing racist gestures at Kylian Mbappe during Real Madrid’s clash at the Carlos Tartiere.

Racist gestures after Mbappe’s opening goalPolice charge supporter with hate crimeFaces fines, stadium ban and prison termFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

An Oviedo supporter was arrested after directing racist abuse at France captain Mbappe during Real Madrid’s clash with Real Oviedo on August 24 at the Carlos Tartiere stadium, according to . In the 37th minute, just after Mbappe scored the opening goal, the fan was seen making monkey gestures and noises from the home stand. The National Police confirmed that the individual was identified through images and videos broadcast on television and circulated across social media. He now faces charges for a crime against moral integrity and a hate crime. Following his arrest, the man was brought before Oviedo’s Court of Instruction No. 1.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE

This case adds to the growing scrutiny on Spanish football’s handling of racism inside stadiums. High-profile players such as Vinicius Junior have repeatedly been subjected to racist abuse in recent seasons, while Athletic Club striker Inaki Williams was targeted in a case that ended with a prison sentence for the offender. La Liga, meanwhile, continues to face criticism for reacting too slowly and inconsistently to such episodes.

Beyond the individual arrest, the recent incident highlights both the persistence of racism in Spanish football and the institutional push to make examples of offenders through legal and financial punishment.

TELL ME MORE

The Professional Football League reported this particular incident immediately after the match, noting that the footage gained wider attention because of its spread on television and social media. Police analysis of those images and recordings made the swift arrest possible.

The fan not only faces criminal charges but also an administrative sanction under Spain’s Law against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport. The penalties are severe, fines ranging from €60,000 to €650,000, along with stadium bans. Additionally, the case has been referred to the Delegate Prosecutor’s Office for Criminal Protection for Equality and Against Discrimination, which specialises in hate crimes. According to Spain’s Penal Code, the offence could carry a prison sentence of up to three years.

This incident has arrived at a sensitive moment for Spanish football. La Liga has promised a “zero tolerance” approach, but cases continue to surface, sparking questions over whether punishments are effective enough to deter future offenders. For Mbappe, who is one of world football’s most prominent stars, it also echoes a troubling pattern seen with other Black players in Spain.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

The case will now move through the Spanish courts, with the possibility of both criminal sentencing and heavy financial sanctions. If convicted, the fan could serve up to three years in prison and be barred from attending sporting events. For La Liga and Spanish authorities, the pressure is mounting to demonstrate that tackling racism is more than symbolic, concrete measures, consistent enforcement, and stronger deterrents will be required to restore credibility.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Fortaleza quase venceu o Corinthians como visitante pela primeira vez, mas Yuri Alberto salvou o Alvinegro da terceira derrota consecutiva, quebrou o jejum de nove jogos sem marcar e sacramentou o empate por 1 a 1 entre as equipes, em duelo válido pela 4ª rodada do Brasileirão, na Neo Química Arena.

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+ ATUAÇÕES: Yuri Alberto entra no segundo tempo e impede derrota do Corinthians para o Fortaleza

Com o empate, o Timão chega aos quatro pontos, deixa a zona de rebaixamento e ultrapassa Flamengo e Atlético-MG, alcançando a 15ª posição na tabela. Já o Leão do Pici permanece dentro do G4, em 4° lugar, com oito pontos.

A equipe de Vanderlei Luxemburgo volta a campo na quinta-feira (11), às 19h30, contra o líder Botafogo, no Nilton Santos. No mesmo dia, às 20h, os comandados de Vojvoda recebem o São Paulo.

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+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

TIMÃO PARA NA TRAVE NO PRIMEIRO TEMPO

Vanderlei Luxemburgo armou o Corinthians no 4-3-3, com Róger Guedes centralizado e Pedro e Adson pelas pontas. A equipe da casa iniciou a partida com marcação em bloco médio, sem pressionar a saída do Fortaleza. A equipe visitante controlava a posse de bola, mas encontrava dificuldades para furar a defesa corintiana.

As melhores chances no primeiro tempo foram do Timão. Roni e Fausto Vera assustaram Fernando Miguel com chutes de fora da área, mas a melhor oportunidade veio dos pés de Fagner. Nos acréscimos da etapa final, o lateral-direito recebeu de Fausto Vera e chutou forte no gol, e a bola carimbou a trave do Leão do Pici.

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GUEDES PERDE GOL INCRÍVEL

O Corinthians voltou com uma mudança após o intervalo: Guilherme Biro na vaga de Pedro. Em apenas quatro minutos, o garoto entortou Tinga e achou Róger Guedes na entrada da área. Livre, o camisa 10 chutou fraco, nas mãos de Fernando Miguel.

VAR EM AÇÃO

O Fortaleza não se intimidou, cresceu no segundo tempo com as alterações de Vojvoda e chegou a abrir o placar aos 24 minutos do segundo tempo. Caio Alexandre tabelou com Yago Pikachu e recebeu dentro da área. Ele cruzou rasteiro e Silvio Romero, com o gol escancarado, empurrou para as redes. Porém, o VAR checou e flagrou impedimento do centroavante no lance.

DE TANTO MARTELAR, FORTALEZA ABRE O PLACAR

O Leão do Pici aproveitou as fragilidades defensivas do Timão no segundo tempo, aumentou a pressão na equipe de Luxemburgo e abriu o placar aos 33 minutos do segundo tempo. Romarinho tabelou com Pacheco, que achou Silvio Romero na entrada da área. Ele toca de calcanhar para Caio Alexandre, que bateu de primeira, da entrada da área. A bola foi no cantinho e Cássio não conseguiu evitar o gol.

ACABOU O JEJUM DE YURI ALBERTO

A queda física abalou o plano tático de Vanderlei Luxemburgo, mas na raça o Corinthians conseguiu o empate, aos 43 minutos. O camisa 9 recebeu pelo centro e tocou para Róger Guedes. O camisa 10 cruzou na área, o goleiro Fernando Miguel trombou com Bruno Pacheco e a bola sobrou para Yuri Alberto, que mandou para as redes. Yuri Alberto vivia não marcava há nove jogos, seu maior jejum no Timão.

Nos acréscimos, Róger Guedes teve a chance da virada em chute colocado, mas Fernando Miguel conseguiu agarrar a bola.

+ Veja tabela e a situação do Timão no Brasileirão

CORINTHIANS 1 x 1 FORTALEZA – BRASILEIRÃO – 4ª RODADA

Local:Neo Química Arena, em São Paulo (SP)

Data e hora:08/05/2023, às 20h (de Brasília)

Árbitro:Ramon Abatti Abel-SC (FIFA)

Assistentes:Guilherme Dias Camilo-MG (FIFA) e Rafael da Silva Alves-RS (FIFA)

VAR:Rafael Traci-SC

Público/renda: 36.512 / R$2.128.014,50

Cartões amarelos: Fausto Vera e Murillo (COR) / Bruno Pacheco (FOR)

Cartões vermelhos: –

Gols: Caio Alexandre (33’/2ºT) (0-1) e Yuri Alberto (43’/2ºT) (1-1)

CORINTHIANS- Cássio; Fagner, Gil Murillo e Fábio Santos (Bidu, 19/2ºT); Roni, Fausto Vera (Romero, 36/2ºT), Adson (Romero, 24/2ºT), Matheus Araújo (Yuri Alberto, 19/2ºT) e Pedro (Biro, após o intervalo); Róger Guedes.Técnico:Vanderlei Luxemburgo

FORTALEZA- Fernando Miguel, Tinga, Brítez, Titi e Bruno Pacheco; Lucas Sasha (Vinícius Zanocelo, 17/2ºT), Hércules (Yago Pikachu, 17/2ºT), Caio Alexandre, Calebe (Pochettino, 38/2ºT)e Moisés (Romarinho, 37/1ºT); Thiago Galhardo (Silvio Romero, após o intervalo). Técnico: Juan Pablo Vojvoda

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