Newcastle interested in tough tackling midfielder who Roy Keane loves

Newcastle United are believed to be interested in signing a "very good" Premier League player who Roy Keane has praised for his ability to dictate games from midfield.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies are eyeing further business ahead of the summer transfer window, at which point Eddie Howe will understandably want to bolster his squad options.

One player who has been linked with a move to Newcastle is Arsenal attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, who could look to leave this summer after struggling for minutes at the Emirates this season. He is seen as an alternative to Aston Villa ace Jacob Ramsey, who the Magpies made an approach for in January.

The Magpies are also reportedly the front-runners to sign teenage Sunderland star Chris Rigg, seeing him as a hugely exciting long-term candidate who could develop into a special player over time.

Newcastle now winning the race to sign “wonderful” in-demand gem for Howe

This would be some coup…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 14, 2024

Howe could also look to improve his attack moving forward, not least because Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson struggle to stay fit for long periods, and Lille forward Jonathan David has been backed to seal a move to Newcastle at the end of the season.

Another attacking player who could move to St James' is Albert Gudmundsson, who is currently plying his trade at Genoa, scoring nine goals in Serie A this season.

Newcastle want James Garner

According to a new update from TEAMtalk, Newcastle are keen on signing Everton midfielder James Garner, being joined by a number of other Premier League clubs in showing an interest.

James Garner.

"Garner has emerged on the radar of Spurs and several other Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, after catching the eye at Goodison Park over the last 18 months."

Garner may not necessarily be the elite midfielder that some Newcastle fans crave this summer, but he could still be a shrewd addition, boosting Howe's squad depth and acting as a long-term addition who should only improve.

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The fact that the Englishman spent so many years at Manchester United as a youth team player says a lot about his potential – he also made seven appearances for the Red Devils' first team – and Roy Keane has lauded him in the past during a spell at Nottingham Forest, saying:

"He’s very good technically and he likes to dictate the play, sit a little bit more than Yates. Tough game for him today, but this game is good for those young players to experience playing top teams like Liverpool. It’s a great way to learn."

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Garner would add to the homegrown quota at Newcastle, which would be an added bonus, and Howe could feel that he could develop an exciting young player into an even more formidable figure as the years pass, ensuring he reaches his potential.

Another Rangers star now expected to leave Ibrox; he’s on big money

It would be an understatement to say that Philippe Clement has made his mark since arriving at Rangers, with the club already winning the Scottish League Cup while level on points at the top of the Scottish Premiership and only behind on goals scored. And now, he is reportedly set to shake things up with a number of departures in the summer transfer window.

Rangers transfer news

Clement's first transfer window in Scotland last month could prove to make all the difference in the title race, with the likes of Fabio Silva, Mohamed Diomande and Oscar Cortes all coming in on loan. Cortes could reportedly turn his loan move permanent this summer.

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It's not all good news on the transfer front, however, with Borna Barisic set to leave Rangers upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season alongside goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin, who will also become a free agent. Meanwhile, Ridvan Yilmaz's future remains a constant doubt, which would leave the Gers without a left-back to call on altogether next season, as things stand.

Glasgow Rangers defender Borna Barisic.

Even if they begin the summer window as champions, those at Ibrox look set to content with a number of departures. According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Kemar Roofe is another player expected to leave Rangers this summer following the Gers' decision not to offer the forward a new contract, allowing him to leave as a free agent alongside Barisic and McLaughlin.

The decision brings to an end an inconsistent spell in Scotland for Roofe, who struggled with injuries at times. What's more, the Scottish giants will be able to clear Roofe's reported salary of £26k per week off their wage bill, which makes him one of Rangers' highest earners. When the summer arrives, it certainly looks as though change is afoot at Ibrox, with a number of players reportedly set to depart.

"Important" Roofe needs Rangers exit

With just five starts to his name in the Scottish Premiership so far this season, Roofe may need to leave Ibrox if he is to gain consistent game time and rediscover his best form. His time at Rangers will be looked back on as inconsistent and that's mostly thanks to Roofe's injury record.

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Rangers fans have still seen glimpses of what the experienced forward can do, however, including under former manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Van Bronckhorst praised Roofe after he scored a winner on his comeback from injury against Aberdeen back in 2022, saying:

“Kemar is very important. In the last months he has struggled a little bit with some injuries but he is still working hard on the training ground to be ready.

“I gave him a compliment in the locker room because it is not easy, especially for the players who haven’t played a lot in recent weeks, to keep training hard and wait for your chance.

“His chance came against Aberdeen and he made the difference so I am really pleased for him. Not only for him but he represents the players who haven’t played a lot. In the coming weeks, when we will also play again in Europe, there are a lot of games to be played and we need to use everyone in that moment.”

'My reaction wasn't justifiable' – Diego Simeone explains altercation with Liverpool fans as Atletico Madrid says he was 'insulted all game' before being sent red card in Champions League loss at Anfield

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone was sent off for his involvement in an altercation with Liverpool fans after his side fell to a 3-2 loss in the dying minutes of the Champions League clash. The Argentine admitted that his reaction was not justifiable, even though he claimed to have been on the receiving end of insults throughout the match at Anfield.

Simeone shown red card against Liverpool

Simeone was sent off in the penultimate minute of the game after an altercation with a group of Liverpool fans. Earlier, Virgil van Dijk had headed in from a corner to give Liverpool the lead against Atletico. Simeone was then seen protesting to the fourth official about insults he claimed to have received from the fans, and despite continuing his protests, he was eventually shown a red card.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSimeone reacts to Liverpool fans

Simeone however downplayed the incident in the post match interview saying he should have kept his cool and his actions weren't justified: "Let's start with my part. We're in a position where we don't have the right to react. It's not right when we react, because we're the protagonists."

He then spoke about the insults he received: "I'm not going to go into detail about the insults. But in the same way we fight against racism and insults directed at players, the benches are packed, and it's not easy to take insults all game. The third goal came, and besides the insults, there was a gesture, and I'm a person.

"From my perspective, I have to maintain my position, deal with everything that happens behind the bench, and until society can resolve it, any coach has to live with it because it happens all the time."

Liverpool get the job done after losing two-goal lead

Liverpool raced into a 2-0 lead through goals from Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah. Atletico, however, refused to give in and fought back with Marcos Llorente netting twice, including an 81st minute equaliser to make it 2-2. But Van Dijk struck deep into added time to restore Liverpool’s advantage and seal the win.

Simeone reacted to the narrow defeat saying that he was proud of the team after coming back from 2-0 down, saying: "The spirit was what we needed. There are a lot of new players adapting. We played on a difficult pitch, against a brave opponent, with a 2-0 lead at the start. It wasn't a good sign, but we were able to work, fight, and take the game to the limit. If we have to lose, let's lose like this."

Getty Images SportBack to La Liga action for Atletico

Simeone and Atletico will be back in action on Sunday as they travel to face 19th-placed Mallorca.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni handed one-match ban and fined after halftime antics in Copa America

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has been suspended and fined by CONMEBOL and Copa America after his halftime antics earlier this week.

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Argentina boss Scaloni suspended and finedCopa America crack-down on halftime anticsPeru suffer same fateWHAT HAPPENED?

Argentina's failure to comply with CONMEBOL rules regarding re-entering the pitch in a timely manner after halftime has seen them hit with a hammer blow. Manager Scaloni has been fined and suspended for their final group stage match against Peru Saturday evening.

La Albiceleste were warned by Copa America officials after their first offense in their opening match against Canada, but after they followed-suit with a delay once again against Chile on Tuesday, CONMEBOL put their foot down.

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Canada's Jesse Marsch delivered a damning statement following their loss to La Albiceleste, calling for consequences for their actions that he claims handed Argentina a seemingly unfair advantage.

“When they were waiting, I knew that they were looking at video and they were analyzing how they wanted to play against us,” Marsch said. “Now, I wish again the referees would manage that. If we were five minutes late, we’d get a fine. There’d be a big problem. Let’s see what happens with Argentina. I think they have to be fined.”

Marsch added: "They had that time to prepare how they wanted to play against us in the second half, which if we would have known ahead of time that we could have an extra 10 minutes then we could have prepared some things more. Argentina should be fined. They should be fined for coming out 20 minutes late for the second half.”

CONMEBOL themselves took the criticism seriously it seems, and now La Albiceleste will face the consequences. Their opponent Saturday, Peru, will too suffer the same fate. La Blanquirroja manager Ricardo Gareca will also miss the match for the same double-offense.

WHAT ARGENTINA SAID

Assistant coach Walter Samuel, a former Argentina international himself, will take control of the squad at Hard Rock Stadium Saturday evening.

“Lionel is upset about this,” Samuel told reporters. “We consider ourselves to be staff with a lot of professionalism. We found out today. It was a blow. Sometimes you’re talking about a small detail. We weren’t trying to find an advantage. Now we have to focus on the next match and move forward.”

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ARGENTINA?

Argentina will round-out their group stage Saturday evening against Peru. With both head coaches suspended, and the defending champions already through to the knockout round, it will be a highly-contested match as Peru look to pull off a shocking result.

Low-stakes domestic cricket leaves South Africa short on death-bowling nous – Charl Langeveldt

Only two Mzansi Super League games have seen a bowling team close out a close game in the final over

Firdose Moonda19-Feb-2020The absence of proper pressure in South Africa’s domestic competitions is leaving bowlers ill-equipped to handle similar situations on the international stage, according to bowling coach Charl Langeveldt.Speaking three days after Mark Boucher assessed his bowlers’ skill levels as not being good enough following South Africa’s failure to defend totals in two out of the three T20 matches in the recently completed England series, Langeveldt said more practice at franchise level is essential for his young pack.ALSO READ: Hamstrung Bavuma out of first T20I”It was disappointing, especially with the scores we had. I thought we could have defended that but in saying that, not a lot of guys get into that position in domestic cricket,” Langeveldt said. “It’s a concern for me. It’s not good enough. In World Cups, you are going to get a lot of games like that. And if I look around the country, domestic cricket, the close games aren’t like it used to be.”The evidence from the Mzansi Super League (MSL), South Africa’s flagship T20 competition, supports Langeveldt’s claim. In 54 completed matches across two editions of the tournament, only three matches have reached their stage where the fielding team needed to defend fewer than 15 runs to win off the last over. On two occasions, they were successful, once in 2018 when Andrew Birch of the Tshwane Spartans ensured they beat the Paarl Rocks and then in 2019, when Sri Lanka’s Isuru Udana gave Paarl Rocks victory over the Cape Town Blitz. While Udana has been in action against India recently, Birch has never played for South Africa despite a strong domestic record.Instead, it is a new crop of quicks that Langeveldt has been tasked with moulding into death bowlers and the one he sees as best-placed to do the job is no longer in the squad. “A guy like [Sisanda] Magala, from seeing him in the nets, he is the most confident,” Langeveldt said. But uncapped Magala was dropped from the squad having spent the England series working to pass a fitness test that would see him debut. He has returned to his franchise, the Warriors, and was named in their team to play a domestic one-day cup match on Tuesday, which was rained off.Magala is due to continue working with South Africa’s fitness trainer to meet the team’s requirements and remains a candidate for the T20 World Cup but for now, Langeveldt is looking at Lungi Ngidi and Andile Phehlukwayo to do the job and the latter, specifically. “has gone a bit backwards.” Phehluwayo’s changes of pace used to be key to South Africa’s ability to contain but he has struggled with his consistency.One of the only ways to improve on that is repetition and Langeveldt is trying to emphasis that. “It’s training. The same way you train bowling length every day, with yorkers you have to train it,” he said. “It’s when to release the ball.”But even then, bowling in the nets is entirely different to pulling it off in a match, when eyes and expectation are on you and that is something Langeveldt can’t teach. “The big thing is to land it under pressure. You can execute it in the nets but it’s when you are in the game, you need to be able to,” he said. “It’s sometimes difficult to coach that to a guy because he needs to figure it out for himself, once he is out in the middle. You can give him the tools, it’s what he does with them.”Dale Steyn celebrates dismissing Jos Buttler•Getty ImagesWhile Langeveldt’s focus is on “mentally preparing” his bowlers, he also hopes the inclusion of experienced players like Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada will bring belief into group. Rabada was rested for the white-ball games against England, after being suspended from the final Test, and spent his time at NBA All-Star game in Chicago. He arrived in Johannesburg on Wednesday, “refreshed and ready to get straight back to work,” which is exactly what Langeveldt hoped would happen.”Renewed focus is a good thing. As 24-year-old playing for your country all the time, you’re always under pressure,” Langeveldt said. “He was our leading bowler for a couple of years and probably still is so hopefully he brings that energy back.”One thing that is certain is that Rabada will bring intent, especially against Australia. His most recent history with them involved a shoulder-brush with Steve Smith which almost saw him banned for a match in the 2018 Tests series but he successfully appealed the charge. He has since earned a further demerit point for an aggressive send-off which included screaming at Joe Root and entering his space during the Port Elizabeth Test and has promised to contain his passions for the good of the team in future.But Langeveldt hopes not too much. “KG will always bring that competitiveness. He is competitive by nature. He wants to take wickets and we will definitely use our bumpers,” Langeveldt warned. “But he also needs to control the aggression. Be controlled with your lines, lengths and your bouncer.”

Man Utd could axe Ten Hag for “one of the greatest tactical minds”

Manchester United need to win only one more of their matches during the 2023/24 campaign to secure silverware for the second year running and salvage a route into European competition next season.

It's been a chequered time for the Red Devils since Sir Alex Ferguson stood down from his legendary place in the dugout way back in 2013, with the Premier League or Champions League not conquered since and the club falling far from their one-time position of power at the summit of English and European football.

Managers have come and gone like the seasons and Erik ten Hag faces the very real prospect of joining a lengthy list of dismissed bosses after a calamitous campaign.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag

While the eighth-place Premier League side have struggled for form throughout an injury-ravaged year, they will clash against imperious neighbours Manchester City in the FA Cup final later this month for the second season running.

It won't be easy: United have lost six of the last seven fixtures against their rivals. Regardless of the outcome, Ten Hag might find himself out of a job, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe scouring the market for a new head coach.

Man Utd eyeing Erik Ten Hag replacement

According to a report this week from The Telegraph, Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel – who is set to depart the club this summer – is in contention to replace Ten Hag, should the United boss be dismissed.

There is an understanding that Tuchel would relish the chance to move to Old Trafford after recently expressing his desire to return to the Premier League.

Encompassing the ambit of qualities needed from a top-class head coach, the German would prove to be a major upgrade on Ten Hag and, moreover, his unattached status swerves the need for a transfer outlay.

Why Man Utd should appoint Thomas Tuchel

Well-known presenter Mark Goldbridge has remarked that he believes Tuchel is a "destructive and power-hungry coach" who has fallen out with sporting directors at numerous former clubs – including Chelsea.

But be that as it may, Tuchel is one of the most intelligent and tactically fluid managers around, with a strong and convincing philosophy and a proven track record on the trophy front, having notably won the Champions League with Chelsea, defeating Manchester City in the final.

Bayern Munich

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1.97

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2.08

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127

2.35

6

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107

2.12

1

The 50-year-old might have a diversified approach to his team but he principally operates with a 4-2-3-1 formation and this could be perfect for Man United, who field a relatively similar style under Ten Hag and would find themselves able to adapt to the new way of life.

However, United have been outfought and outthought on countless occasions this season and Ten Hag appears to be out of his depth, injuries or no. Tuchel, conversely, has proved himself "one of the greatest tactical minds" of the modern game, as per one analyst and he would fix this part of the club's game.

Man United might have reached the FA Cup final for the second season in a row but it was hard work to get there, almost suffering an incredible collapse in the semi-finals against Championship side Coventry City, who recovered a three-goal deficit only to lose on penalties.

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Pundit Alan Shearer did not hold back in his post-match assessment, stating that he thinks Ten Hag's future is "already determined" and that winning the prestigious competition "is not going to be enough" to save his job.

Time will tell, but if Tuchel confirms to Ratcliffe and co that he wishes to take the job, it would seem like something of a no-brainer. Unlike Ten Hag, the Bayern boss has truly proven himself at the elite level of the game.

Crucial days loom in Warner leadership ban

The new TV rights deal and the status of bilateral matches against Afghanistan will be on the agenda across two days of meetings

AAP11-Oct-2022David Warner could learn this week if he stands any chance of overturning his leadership ban as two days of meetings between cricket’s powerbrokers loom.Warner’s ban is likely to be discussed at Thursday’s annual general meeting with the states, and is again expected to be a talking point at a Cricket Australia (CA) board meeting on Friday.His leadership status will be one of several talking points, in tandem with Australia’s next men’s ODI captain following Aaron Finch’s retirement.TV rights negotiations are also likely to be on the agenda, with the current deal up after the 2023-24 summer, while a new pay deal for players is also due next year.In addition, officials must determine whether Australia will play Afghanistan in three ODIs next March, after CA last year made their concerns clear about facing the nation while it remains under Taliban rule.Related

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Two vacancies must also be filled on the CA board. Cricket Victoria chairman David Maddocks is favoured to replace the outgoing Mel Jones, while Michelle Tredenick has also resigned.But it is the status of Warner and his lifetime leadership ban that will draw the most attention out of the high-powered Hobart meetings.Warner has repeatedly stated this year that he wants to talk with CA over the matter, after he was handed the ban in the wake of the 2018 ball-tampering affair.Only one director, John Harnden, remains from that time. He is up for re-election this week.Finch and Test captain Pat Cummins have voiced their opinion that Warner should be able to hold a leadership position again, while his case will also be helped by his return to the Big Bash with Sydney Thunder.Players have said Warner remains an informal leader in the national set-up, with Mitchell Marsh declaring as much earlier this week.”I love Davey, certainly batting with him over the last 18 months, spending a lot of time with him, we’ve become great mates off the field,” Marsh said on Tuesday. “He’s certainly got a lot of energy around our team, brings everyone together, books golf for everyone.”He’s actually our team manager, people probably don’t know that. He’s a great leader among our group. As far as all the [Cricket Australia] decisions go, I certainly steer clear of all those conversations. But he’s a great man to have in the squad.”Warner would shape as a potential option for the one-day captaincy or vice-captaincy if his ban is lifted, but the process would not be straightforward before the next game in the format against England on November 17.If CA’s board do opt to consider going down that path, they will need to rewrite their own code of conduct which does not allow for a player to appeal a punishment once it has been handed down.Consultation would also be required with newly appointed ethics commissioner Dr Simon Longstaff, who led the cultural review into CA following the sandpaper-gate scandal.

Club have told Chelsea they want to send £23m player back to Enzo Maresca

Chelsea have been contacted by a club who wish to send their £23 million player back to Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Maresca and co dealt a potential transfer headache by this situation.

Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei could leave Chelsea soon

The January transfer window is fast approaching, and BlueCo will have a few key decisions to make on fringe players who are no longer in Maresca’s long-term plans.

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Despite reports in September that Maresca was under pressure to play Ben Chilwell more often, thereby increasing his chances of finding a suitor in the next transfer window, the Englishman has been reduced to just 45 minutes in all competitions this season.

The £200,000-per-week defender, it is safe to say, remains out of Maresca’s thinking, and it is widely believed that Chilwell is one of the main contenders to depart west London in January.

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Chelsea have held exit talks with numerous clubs regarding Chilwell already, according to reliable media sources, and the Englishman is apparently a man in demand across the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga heading into next month.

Midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is also looking to leave Chelsea ahead of January, with the 20-year-old failing to make a single Premier League appearance this season and playing just 63 minutes in total.

Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka.

Cesare Casadei finds himself in a similar situation, and reports in Italy are linking the midfielder with high-profile moves to the likes of AC Milan and Juventus in his homeland.

This is despite some praise from Maresca earlier this season, who previously expressed happiness over his countryman’s role.

“I am very happy with the way he is playing. I had Cesare last year, and he was playing a little bit in different position,” said Maresca on Casadei in October.

“This year, we are using him like a holding midfielder. The reason why is because I think we go in the direction where the middle you need physical players. Cesare is very big, physically strong and helps us when we want to press. On the ball, he is improving a lot. Tonight he played one touch, so we are very happy. For him, it’s the same as the rest; many things he can do better but he is in the right direction.”

Southampton tell Chelsea they want to send Lesley Ugochukwu back from loan

Now, according to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea may now have to find another new home for midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu – who is currently on loan at Southampton.

The Frenchman, who cost BlueCo around £23 million to sign from Rennes on a seven-year deal, has struggled for game time under Russell Martin – leaving him in limbo as he seeks to properly kickstart his career in England.

Southampton have told Chelsea they want to send Ugochukwu back and terminate his loan early, and the Blues are also eager for him to rack up more minutes elsewhere.

Maresca’s side are now working to find him a new club behind the scenes as a result, so this could be one to watch in January.

Lionel Messi recognises the tennis GOAT: Argentina superstar exchanges shirts with Novak Djokovic after watching Serbian reach Miami Open final with quick victory over Grigor Dimitrov

Argentina legend Lionel Messi attended the Miami Open semi-finals with his family as Novak Djokovic beat Grigor Dimitrov.

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Messi attended Miami Open semi-finalsDjokovic beat Dimitrov to reach finalArgentine working way back from injuryFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Messi and his family were in attendance at the Hard Rock Stadium on Friday as Djokovic comfortably beat Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3 in straight sets to reach the final of Miami Open 2025. After the game, the two icons caught up in the dressing room and exchanged each others' signed jerseys.

AdvertisementWHAT NOVAK DJOKOVIC SAID

Following his victory, the tennis legend acknowledged Messi's presence at the venue as he said: "Amazing to have him. It is a great honour to play, probably for the first time, in front of him live. I am really grateful he was here with his son and the family. I admired him, of course, as most of the world did for most of his career, and it is amazing he still keeps going. We are actually the same age, born in 1987, so it is nice to have him around."

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After missing Argentina's World Cup qualifiers during the international window due to an injury, Messi is set to return to the pitch for the Herons on Saturday, as confirmed by Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano: "Leo is good, God willing, and if nothing weird happens, he will be named to the matchday roster."

WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

The David Beckham co-owned side, who are currently third in the Eastern Conference table, will face Philadelphia Union in MLS on Saturday at home.

Investigation launched into James McClean incident after Stockport fan 'tried to punch' Wrexham star in ugly confrontation

An investigation has reportedly been launched after a Stockport fan allegedly attempted to punch Wrexham captain James McClean.

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Irishman won game-changing penaltyConfronted by supporter at half-timeFA will be looking into the incidentFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The incident in question took place during a League One fixture at SToK Racecourse. The home side scored the only goal in that contest just before the half-hour mark, as one-cap England international striker Jay Rodriguez opened his account for the Red Dragons.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Rodriguez found the net after initially seeing a tame penalty saved, with the ball being bundled home on the rebound. McClean formed part of wild celebrations, having led arguments for the award of a spot-kick after seeing his header strike the arm of County defender Ibou Touray.

DID YOU KNOW?

Away supporters did not take kindly to those protests, which led to an ugly confrontation at half-time. As McClean made his way down the tunnel, which is housed next to where the visiting fans sit, claims that a punch was aimed in the Irishman’s direction.

Getty Images SportTELL ME MORE

Security staff quickly intervened, with the culprit said to have been escorted off the premises, but North Wales Police are yet to comment on the incident. are, however, reporting that the FA has been made aware of an alleged altercation, and 'the incident will be looked at over the coming days'.

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