Former Chelsea midfielder, John Obi-Mikel, has criticised Arsenal forward, Kai Havertz, for being disrespectful to Blues’ fans.

The former defensive midfielder was referring to an incident involving the Germany International in the Gunners’ 1-1 Premier League draw at Stamford Bridge at the weekend.

Havertz, a former Chelsea player, thought he had opened the scoring for the Gunners.

The German, who was at the receiving end of boos from Stamford Bridge fans all night, responded by gesturing to the crowd to stay quiet.

Obi-Mikel said no matter what, the player’s action was disrespectful to the fans of the club where he played and won trophies, including the Champions League and Club World Cup.

Obi Mikel said on the Obi One podcast, “Looking back at it, if he wakes up this morning, I think it’s just the adrenaline and passion of the game that made him do that, but I still think it’s a bit disrespectful to a club that you’ve played for and won trophies for.

“When I played for Chelsea, I wasn’t the most liked player. Some of the fans didn’t appreciate me as much as they should. But that didn’t stop me from loving the club and doing my job.

“If you leave the football club and come back, and score, I think you should still show some respect. You can still celebrate, but not shush the fans. I don’t know the reason why that happened, but for me, it was a little bit disrespectful.”

Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has received his first call-up to the Germany squad after coach Julian Nagelsmann named him in the Nations League team on Thursday.

The 32-year-old joins Stuttgart’s Alexander Nübel and Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann as one of three goalkeepers in the 23-man squad.

Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper, Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen, remains sidelined with a serious knee injury.

Borussia Dortmund midfield duo Julian Brandt and Felix Nmecha have also been recalled to the squad.

Brandt last played for Germany in November last year, while Nmecha earned his only international cap under former coach Hansi Flick in March 2023.

Germany will host Bosnia and Herzegovina in Freiburg on 16 November and play away against Hungary in Budapest three days later.

The team has already qualified for the Nations League quarter-finals with three wins and a draw this campaign.

“After securing an early spot in the quarter-finals, we want to top our Nations League group – ideally in front of our home fans in Freiburg,” Nagelsmann said on Thursday.

In addition to Ter Stegen, Nagelsmann is also missing several players due to injuries.

West Ham forward Niclas Füllkrug, Stuttgart’s Jamie Leweling, Bayern midfielder Aleksander Pavlovic, winger Leroy Sané, Dortmund defender David Raum, and RB Leipzig’s David Raum are all unavailable.

“We have a strong squad, even if injuries require some restructuring in certain positions,” added Nagelsmann.

“Leroy Sané needs more match practice and rhythm after his absence. Felix Nmecha has stabilised at BVB and, like Julian Brandt, returns following recent strong performances.”

According to German media reports on Thursday, 18-year-old midfielder Paul Wanner declined a call-up for the matches, opting to remain with the under-21s.

Wanner, who is on loan at Heidenheim from Bayern Munich, is eligible to play for both Austria and Germany but has yet to decide which nation he will represent at senior level.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart), Stefan Ortega (Manchester City/ENG)

Defenders: Robin Gosens (Fiorentina/ITA), Benjamin Henrichs (RB Leipzig), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Robin Koch (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maximilian Mittelstädt (Stuttgart), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid/ESP), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)

Midfielders: Robert Andrich (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund), Chris Führich (Stuttgart), Pascal Groß (Borussia Dortmund), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Forwards: Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich), Kai Havertz (Arsenal/ENG), Tim Kleindienst (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart)

Former Manchester City player Benjamin Mendy has won his legal case against the club to recover a significant portion of his unpaid salary, which had been withheld during his trial on rape charges.

A report by Daily Mail on Wednesday noted that Mendy, who was eventually acquitted, successfully argued for “unauthorised deductions” from his wages in an employment tribunal.

The case centred on City’s decision to halt Mendy’s £500,000-a-month salary in 2021 following his second arrest.

Mendy, who joined Manchester City in 2017 for £49 million from Monaco, had been on full pay after his initial arrest in November 2020.

However, City reportedly informed him after his re-arrest that he would no longer be paid, as he was “not presently ready and able to perform the obligations of his contract.”

During the tribunal, it was revealed that Mendy initially filed a claim for approximately £11 million before tax, covering a 22-month period.

While the tribunal ruled in his favour for most of the claim, the exact amount remains under negotiation. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, a future hearing will determine the final figure.

The tribunal heard that former Manchester City Chief Operating Officer Omar Berrada had allegedly assured Mendy that his wages would resume if he was acquitted.

However, Mendy claimed he received no response from Berrada or Chief Executive Khaldoon Al Mubarak when he sought clarification.

Mendy revealed to the court that his then-City teammates Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez helped him financially while his wages were withheld, and he was forced to sell his Cheshire mansion to cover legal fees, bills, and child support.

City argued in court that Mendy only had himself to blame for acting irresponsibly, following reports that the left-back threw parties at the mansion during lockdown and breached his bail conditions, the report added.

City’s legal representative, Sean Jones KC, argued that Mendy’s behaviour during this time should be taken into account.

Referring to reports that Mendy had held parties during the lockdown and violated his bail conditions, Jones said, “The essence of the submission by Mr Mendy is that his contract creates a moral hazard. He says, ‘I can behave as irresponsibly as I like… there should be no consequences to my behaviour.’”

Following his acquittal last year, Mendy expressed relief in court, reportedly exclaiming “Alhamdulillah,” meaning “Praise be to God” in Arabic.

The case has had a lasting impact on the player, as highlighted by Head of Serious & General Crime at Hickman & Rose, Jenny Wiltshire, who said, “This is the second time that Mr Mendy has been tried and found not guilty by a jury.

He is delighted that both juries reached the correct verdicts.”

Wiltshire added, “It has been almost three years since the police started investigating this matter. Mr Mendy has tried to remain strong, but the process has, inevitably, had a serious impact on him.”

Mendy has since returned to his home country to rebuild his career and now plays for Lorient in France’s Ligue 2.

Premier League side Manchester United have officially announced the appointment of Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim as their new permanent head coach following the dismissal of Erik Ten Hag earlier this week.

“Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as head coach of the men’s first team,” the club said in a statement on Friday.

According to the club, the 39-year-old Portuguese will join the Red Devils until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year, once he has fulfilled his obligations to his current club.

The deal is “subject to work visa requirements.”

Amorim will resume his new job on November 11, and his first game will be against Ipswich Town in the Premier League after the upcoming international break.

“Ruben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football,” the club said.

“Highly decorated as both a player and coach, his titles include winning the Primeira Liga twice in Portugal with Sporting CP, the first of which was the club’s first title in 19 years.”

It is the first time that United have appointed a “head coach” rather than a “manager” which marked a change in the power structure at the club.

Nigeria forward, Peter Olayinka, is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing successful surgery for a Achilles tendon injury.

Olayinka was substituted in Red Star Belgrade’s UEFA Champions League clash with AS Monaco last week after sustaining the injury.

Red Star Belgrade have now confirmed he went under the knife following the setback.

“Peter Olayinka was successfully operated on in Finland by a famous doctor, after an Achilles tendon injury due to a blow he received during a match in Monaco,” the club said in a statement.

“Everything went well and we are waiting for the post-operative period to pass in order to estimate the return time of Zvezda’s football player. We wish him a speedy recovery and return to the field!”

The striker is expected to spend around six to nine months on the sidelines.

He has scored two goals and registered two assists in six league outings for Red Star Belgrade this season.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has announced a new kick-off time for the international friendly between Super Falcons and Algeria.

The game will now commence at 2pm, as against the earlier-advertised 4pm.

The encounter is slated for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos on Tuesday.

According to the NFF, the Algerian delegation has opted to commence their return journey on Tuesday night.

“This has necessitated us moving the match forward to finish the encounter early for them to prepare for their movement to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos for their return trip aboard Qatar Airways,” NFF’s Head of International Competitions, Dayo Enebi Achor, said.

The Super Falcons defeated the Green Ladies 2-0 in their first friendly last Saturday.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade scored both goals for the three-time African champions.

Arsenal have decided not to appeal the red card William Saliba received during their 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth last Saturday.

Saliba was shown a straight red card in the 30th minute of the game at the Vitality Stadium.

The French defender brought down Evanilson, with the Bournemouth striker was set to race through on goal.

Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert then scored in the second half to seal the win for the Cherries.

Saliba’s red was Arsenal’s third of the season following the dismissals of Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard and their 18th since Arteta took charge of the team in December 2019.

And according to The Times, the Gunners have opted not to appeal Saliba’s red card, which means that the defender will miss Sunday’s clash against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.

The Premier League have confirmed that Anthony Taylor will take charge of the Super Sunday clash between Arsenal and Liverpool.

The Gunners go into the game in third place, four points behind Arne Slot’s men who lead the way with 21 points.

Taylor will be officiating the match following a weekend of action that included major controversy over refereeing decisions.

His assistants for the fixture will be Gary Beswick and Adam

Sam Barrott has been appointed as fourth official, while Michael Salisbury will be on VAR duty.

Darren Cann will be Assistant VAR for the match will kicks off 4.30pm at the Emirates.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Monday he wants striker Kylian Mbappe to focus on scoring goals over pressing to help the team.

The Spanish and European champions have not been at their peak this season and are still searching for the best way to incorporate the former Paris Saint-Germain superstar following his arrival this summer.

Madrid lost on the road at Lille in their last Champions League outing and host Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday in a rematch of last season’s final, which they won to earn a record-extending 15th European crown.

“I prefer that (Mbappe) scores goals than he presses,” Ancelotti told a news conference.

“The central striker position in our team has not changed, I ask him the same I asked of Karim (Benzema, who left in 2023).

“To be well positioned and to be ready every time we get the ball back to make a rapid transition.”

Mbappe has scored eight goals for Madrid in 12 games across all competitions this season, compared to Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski’s 14 in 12 appearances.

The forward drew criticism in his homeland for not playing in France’s recent Nations League games after recovering from a thigh injury.

Swedish media reported he is being investigated over an alleged rape in Stockholm following a trip there during the international break, with Mbappe labelling the reports as “fake news”.

One of the knock-on effects of Mbappe’s arrival at Madrid is a more defensive role for Jude Bellingham, who was Los Blancos’ key attacking figure last season.

The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder is yet to score for the club this season in nine games, after netting 10 in his first 10 appearances last year.

“We’re satisfied with his work… because he works a lot on the pitch, he’s always there, he competes, fights, sacrifices himself,” said Ancelotti.

“The truth is he hasn’t scored the goals he did last year, but the surprise isn’t this year, it’s last year, he scored a heap of goals that no-one expected”

Arsenal defender William Saliba will miss next Sunday’s Premier League clash against Liverpool.

Saliba was sent off during the first half of Saturday’s game at Bournemouth.

The France defender was initially shown a yellow card for pulling back Evanilson.

But referee Rob Jones was advised by VAR to check the pitchside monitor.

After reviewing the images, Saliba was then shown a red card for a last-man tackle.

It is the third red card an Arsenal player has received this season, after Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard were sent off against Brighton and Manchester City, respectively.

Al-Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has hailed his teammates for their never-give-up spirit.

The Portugal forward spoke while reacting to Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League 2-1 win against Al-Shabab on Friday.

Ronaldo scored the winning goal as Al-Nassr defeated the hosts.

It was his 55th goal in 54 games since he joined the Saudi Pro League side.

The result leaves Al-Nassr in second position behind leaders Al-Hilal.

Reacting, Ronaldo took to his X account and posted a picture of himself and his teammates with the caption: “We never give up!!”

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has asked the Libyan Football Federation, LFF, to submit documents relating to the cancellation of the 2025 AFCON qualifying Group D fixture against Nigeria.

The Super Eagles pulled out of the game which was scheduled for October 15, after their plane was diverted to Labraq Airport and the players held hostage for 18 hours without Internet, food and water.

According to Libya Al-Ahrar Channel, the Secretary-General and person in charge of running the body, Nasser Al-Suwaie, confirmed in a statement confirmed that CAF has given the Libyan and Nigerian associations until October 20 to submit the documents.

Al-Suwaie confirmed that LFF has assigned a lawyer to provide evidence, adding that there may be collusion from some parties within the CAF, but the position of the Libyan Federation is strong.

He insisted that the Libyan Federation had nothing to do with changing the course of the plane’s landing to Al-Abraq Airport.

According to Al-Suwaie, it was a decision taken by the Libyan state, and that the sovereignty of the Libyan state must be respected by everyone.

Bentford forward, Kevin Schade is no longer eligible to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

This came after Schade featured in a cap-tying game for Germany against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League clash on Monday.

By playing for Germany against the Dutch team at the Allianz Arena, Schade is now cap-tied to the Die Mannschaft.

As a result, the Brentford forward cannot represent Nigeria in the future.

Schade was born in Potsdam, Germany, to a Nigerian father and a German mother.

Before being cap-tied to Germany, the 22-year-old was eligible to play for Nigeria, where his father originally hails from.

Schade was handed a late call-up by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann as a replacement for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Robin Koch who withdrew from the team’s squad due to a hip injury he sustained in the last game before the international break.

Prior to his call-up for the UEFA Nations League matches in October, Schade played in three matches for Germany, but was still eligible to make a switch to Nigeria.

However, after he was not utilized off the bench in Germany’s 2-1 victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina last Friday, Schade became permanently cap-tied to his country of birth after replacing Aleksandar Pavlović in the 77th minute of a 1-0 win against the Netherlands.

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh has welcomed the Super Eagles back to Nigeria after their challenging experience in Libya where they went for a return Group D match for the AFCON 2025 qualifier.

The Minister, who personally received the national team at the Abuja airport on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu last night, told the Super Eagles players that they have gone through a near-death experience in Libya.

Commending their resilience in the face of adversity, Enoh thanked the team for the show of maturity throughout the period.

Addressing the team, Enoh said, “For about 20 hours, you have gone through what I describe as a near-death experience. The entire country was vested in the situation.

“Despite the hardships you experienced in Libya, you stood strong and acted very maturely. On behalf of the President and the good people of Nigeria, I welcome you home as I express profound gratitude for the team’s efforts on and off the field of play.”

“I reaffirm the government’s commitment to keep supporting the national team as they continue their journey for the AFCON 2025 tournament. In this moment, more than anything else,your safety was our priority, and we are glad to see you complete,” he further stated.

The Libyan Football Federation has addressed the circumstances behind the Nigerian Super Eagles’ extended delay at Al Abraq International Airport, attributing the situation to routine air traffic and logistical challenges rather than deliberate foul play.

In a statement on Monday via X, the LFF sought to clarify the events, emphasising that the diversion of the Nigerian team’s flight was not intended as a hostile act.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation,” the LFF said.

They highlighted that just a week earlier, the Libyan national team faced their own challenges upon arriving in Nigeria for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification.

“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities,” the statement added.

According to the LFF, the diversion of the Nigerian delegation’s chartered ValueJet aircraft to Al Abraq International Airport, rather than Benghazi as planned, stemmed from air traffic control protocols and security checks common in international travel.

“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon,” the federation added.

The statement stressed that the LFF respects Nigeria and had no intention of creating difficulties for the Super Eagles, who have been stranded at the airport for over 15 hours. The Libyan FA expressed concern over the situation but noted that such logistical issues are not uncommon.

They also reiterated Libya’s hospitality towards visiting teams, stating, “We have always prioritised treating all visiting teams, including our African brothers and other international delegations, with the respect and dignity they deserve.”

The Libyan FA urged for a resolution through mutual understanding and highlighted football’s role in fostering unity.

“Hosting these events is a great honour for us, and we strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as our guests.

“Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams, and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and friendship in the world of football,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has lodged a formal complaint with the Confederation of African Football over the incident, with plans underway to return the Super Eagles home.

The Nigeria Football Federation has decided to pull the Super Eagles out of Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

This follows a frustrating 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where the team has been stranded since their arrival on Sunday afternoon.

The Nigerian delegation was en route to Benghazi for the crucial qualifier when their chartered aircraft was dangerously diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically reserved for hajj operations.

The unexpected diversion left players and officials stranded without any assistance from the Libyan Football Federation, which failed to provide transportation.

In a statement on Monday, the NFF detailed the chaotic situation, explaining that the team remained at the airport for over 12 hours, unable to reach their hotel in Benghazi, which is three hours away.

“The Nigerian delegation for Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya is still at Al Abraq Airport, 12 hours after landing. The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport just as the pilot was completing his approach to Benghazi Airport,” the NFF stated.

The NFF further noted that the fatigued and frustrated players have now resolved not to play the match.

The NFF, supporting the players’ decision, is currently arranging for the team to fly back to Nigeria, effectively pulling them out of the fixture.

“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer, and NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home,” the statement concluded.

Reacting to the situation, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong condemned the treatment by the Libyan authorities

In a series of tweets early Monday morning, Troost-Ekong described the situation as “disgraceful,” accusing the hosts of playing “mind games.”

He revealed that the team is being kept in an abandoned airport with no access to food, drink, or phone connections.

“12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. The Libyan government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi without reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without a phone connection, food, or drink. All to play mind games.

“I’ve experienced issues before while playing away in Africa, but this is disgraceful behaviour,” he wrote.

Troost-Ekong also mentioned the difficulties faced by the Tunisian pilot, who managed the unexpected change in destination but was subsequently refused accommodation for his crew under government orders.

While the pilot could rest at the airport, Nigerian crew members were not allowed to stay, forcing them to sleep on the plane.

“Even the Tunisian pilot, who thankfully managed to navigate the last-minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land, had never seen anything like this before,” he wrote.

“Upon arrival, he tried to find a nearby hotel to rest with his crew but was denied at every hotel, again under government instruction. He could sleep there, but no Nigerian crew members were allowed. They have now returned to sleep on the plane, which is parked up,” Troost-Ekong added.

The Super Eagles will be without Samuel Chukwueze for Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

Chukwueze sustained a hamstring injury during the first game against the Mediterranean Knights on Friday.

The AC Milan had come off the bench in the second half, as Nigeria searched for a goal at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

He will now return to Milan for assessment on the injury.

Interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, is likely to stick with the duo of Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon again for the reverse fixture.

The three-time African champions are looking to strengthen their grip on Group D.

Super Falcons star, Ashleigh Plumptre is full of excitement after stepping on the pitch again following an injury layoff.

Plumptre was sidelined for around six months after undergoing surgery on the injury.

The 26-year-old returned to action in Al-Ittihad’s 1-0 victory over Al-Ula last weekend.

The defender came on as a second half substitute in the game.

After the match, she took to social media to share her excitement with Al-Ittihad fans.

“Hey, Etihad fans! I’m so happy to be back. Even happier with the win and the clean sheet.

“Thanks for all your support,” Plumptre said in a post-match video.

Lionel Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, has spoken about their “biggest surprise” since her husband signed for Inter Miami.

Messi left European football to continue his career in Major League Soccer, MLS, in the summer of 2023.

Since his arrival, the Argentina captain has made an immediate impact on and off the field in the US.

Messi has added two more trophies to his record-breaking collection with Inter Miami – the Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield – with MLS Cup glory now in his sights.

But off the field, his family are enjoying the warm weather in Miami.

Antonela has told Haute Living: “What I love the most about Miami is the climate, the people, and the landscape. All this makes you feel like you’re living in perpetual summer.

“The biggest surprise for us was the warm welcome we received when we arrived. We knew it would be special, but it exceeded all our expectations.

“It has actually been very easy [adapting to life in Miami], and we’re all happy about it. Our main concern was that the kids might not like it or adjust well, but from day one, they adapted very well.”