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AS ROMA APPOINTS JOSE MOURINHO AS THEIR NEW MANAGER AHEAD FOR 2021/2022 SERIE A SEASON

AS Roma, the Serie A club owned by American businessman Dan Friedkin, announced the appointment of José Mourinho as their new head coach beginning in the 2021/22 Serie A season.

The Portuguese manager, dubbed the “Special One” by the soccer community, will sign a three-year deal with Roma.

“AS Roma are delighted to announce an agreement has been reached with José Mourinho to become the club’s new head coach,” reads the statement on Roma’s official website.

“Mourinho has agreed a three-year contract with the Giallorossi that will run until 30 June 2024.”

Mourinho, who less than three weeks ago was sacked by English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, returns to Serie A 11 years after his successful stint at Inter Milan, when he managed to do what nobody had ever done in Italian soccer – win the treble.

Mourinho has thanked the Friedkins and expressed great enthusiasm about the opportunity to take over as the new Roma boss.

“Thank you to the Friedkin family for choosing me to lead this great club and to be part of their vision,” Mourinho was quoted as saying on Roma’s website.

The appointment of Mourinho as the new Roma manager came just a few hours after the announcement that Paulo Fonseca, Mourinho’s compatriot and incumbent Roma manager, will depart at the end of the 2020/21 Serie A season.

“On behalf of everyone at AS Roma, we would like to thank Paulo Fonseca for his hard work and leadership over the past two years,” reads a statement by Friedkin on Roma’s official website.

“Paulo guided the team through many challenges, including the Covid pandemic and a change of ownership, and did so with selfless integrity and great character. We wish him all the best for his future endeavours and know that he will be a great asset wherever he goes.”

In the summer of 2019, Fonseca signed a two-year deal with the Giallorossi, and now the contract is set to expire on June 30, 2021. In both seasons, Roma have failed to clinch one of Serie A’s top-4 positions, which grant direct access to the UEFA Champions League.

Even though Roma are currently involved in the UEFA Europa League, their odds to access the tournament final are very low, as they would have to come back from a four-goal deficit against Manchester United in the second leg on Thursday at Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

With the appointment of Mourinho, Friedkin intends to bring “tremendous leadership and experience” to Roma’s project, key ingredients for the club’s goal to feature again in the most important competition in European soccer.

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EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL IN GDANSK TO HOST UP TO 9,500 SPECTATORS

The Europa League final in Gdansk on 26 May will be allowed to host up to 9,500 spectators after Europe’s soccer governing body UEFA said it had received approval from the Polish authorities.

The final will be held at Stadion Energa in Gdansk at a stadium capacity of 25 per cent, with both finalists receiving 2,000 tickets each and 2,000 tickets to be offered to the general public.

The remaining tickets will be allocated to the local organising committee, UEFA and national associations, commercial partners and broadcasters.

“The Polish authorities have confirmed a stadium capacity of 25% for the final, amounting to 9,500 spectators,” UEFA said in a statement.

Spectators may be required to show proof of a vaccine or a negative Covid-19 result, UEFA said.

“Supporters travelling from outside of Poland will have to comply with border entry restrictions and requirements that will be in force at the time of the final. No exemptions will be granted to ticket holders,” UEFA added.

Manchester United will play away to AS Roma on Thursday in the second leg of the semi-final, having won 6-2 in the first leg. Villarreal will travel to London to face Arsenal in the second leg after they defeated the English side 2-1 at home.

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MICHAIL ANTONIO HITS BRACE AS WESTHAM HIT BACK TO BEAT BURNLEY

Michail Antonio returned to revive West Ham’s European push as they came from behind to win 2-1 at Burnley on Monday night.

Playing his first game in a month after a hamstring problem, Antonio scored twice in the space of 10 first-half minutes as the Hammers hit back following Chris Wood’s penalty for the hosts.

West Ham’s 17th league win of the season – a club record in the Premier League era – moved them to within three points of the top four as they recovered from back-to-back defeats against Newcastle and Chelsea.

David Moyes’ side made the trip north having lost four of their last eight in the league – as many as they had lost in the previous 23 – and at risk of seeing a promising season unravel.

And they fell behind with 17 minutes gone when Burnley were awarded only their third penalty of the season.

Ashley Westwood’s floated pass forward to Wood flummoxed Issa Diop, who allowed the New Zealand striker to recover the ball on the byline and try to turn back towards goal, up-ended by Tomas Soucek as he did so.

And it was Wood, fresh from his hat-trick in the 4-0 win at Wolves last week, who stepped up to fire home his 11th goal of the season, though the advantage would prove short-lived.

After Dwight McNeil lost possession to Pablo Fornals close to his own area, Jesse Lingard laid the ball off for Vladimir Coufal to cross, and Antonio got between Matt Lowton and James Tarkowski to head home from close range.

The turnaround was complete before the half-hour mark. Lowton had just taken a painful ball to the nether regions but, as he stumbled around the box, Burnley were hit with another blow largely of their own making.

Antonio was the only West Ham player in a penalty area crowded by Burnley defenders, but was somehow allowed to ghost through and flick Said Benrahma’s teasing cross beyond Nick Pope.

West Ham looked in the mood and almost got a third on the break, with Benrahma cutting in from the left and looking to bend a shot across the face of goal, only to see it bounce the wrong side of a post.

But, as the Hammers poured forward, they were nearly undone as Diop failed to deal with another high ball, allowing Matej Vydra to get on the end of Lowton’s pass.

The ball would not sit down for the Czech striker and, as he tried to lift it over Lukasz Fabianski, Craig Dawson got back to head off the line.

Antonio could have been celebrating a hat-trick 10 minutes into the second half when Fornals’ mis-hit shot came his way, but he kicked the ball against his own standing leg as he tried to turn it in.

Sean Dyche sent on Jay Rodriguez just after the hour and it almost paid immediate dividends.

First Fabianski made a superb save to keep out Josh Brownhill’s shot after Diop half-cleared McNeil’s cross before Rodriguez, who has been on 99 career goals since mid-February, blasted narrowly wide on the follow-up.

It was a rare sight of goal for the hosts as West Ham spent the final 20 minutes pushing for a third, Antonio curling wide from Benrahma’s pass and Pope keeping out Lingard’s deflected shot, but they had done enough for the win.

Burnley sent Pope forward in a frantic finale but, although they could not avoid matching an unwanted club record as they made it eight top-flight home games without victory, Premier League safety looks all but assured.

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PREMIER LEAGUE SETS NEW RULES TO PREVENT REPEAT OF EUROPEAN SUPER LEAGUE

The Premier League has taken action to prevent its clubs threatening to break away again in response to the failed European Super League plans.

Six top-flight teams, including Manchester United and Liverpool, announced on April 18th they were joining the newly-formed ESL, only for it to collapse amid intense pressure within 48 hours.

A new set of measures put in place by the Premier League on Monday includes additional rules and regulations and an owners’ charter that all club owners will be required to sign up to – committing them to the core principles of the competition.

“The actions of a few clubs cannot be allowed to create such division and disruption,” a Premier League statement read.

“We are determined to establish the truth of what happened and hold those clubs accountable for their decisions and actions. We and The FA are pursuing these objectives quickly and appropriately, consulting with fans and [UK] government.”

The Premier League insisted events during the last two weeks had “challenged the foundations and resolve of English football”.

Fan protests in the days that followed the ESL announcement, on top of widespread criticism from the footballing world, resulted in most of the 12 European clubs – including all six Premier League sides – involved in the proposed breakaway pulling out.

A statement continued: “The Premier League, supported by The FA, is taking the following actions to protect our game, our clubs and their fans from further disruption and uncertainty.

“Additional rules and regulation to ensure the principles of the Premier League and open competition are protected, a new Owners’ Charter that all club owners will be required to sign up to, committing them to the core principles of the Premier League, (while) breaches of these rules and the Charter will be subject to significant sanctions.

“And we are enlisting the support of government to bring in appropriate legislation to protect football’s open pyramid, principles of sporting merit and the integrity of the football community.”

The Football Association revealed an official inquiry into the formation of the ESL and the involvement of the six English clubs – which also included Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham – got under way last week.

It also reiterated its desire to ensure any return threat of a breakaway division was thwarted.

A spokesperson for the governing body said: “Since we became aware of the European Super League our priority and focus has been on preventing it from happening, both now and in the future.

“Throughout this period, we have been in ongoing discussions with the Government, the Premier League and UEFA.

“In particular, we have been discussing legislation with government that would allow us to prevent any similar threat in the future so that we can protect the English football pyramid.

“Last week, we started an official inquiry into the formation of the European Super League and the involvement of the six English clubs.

“We wrote to all of the clubs to formally request all relevant information and evidence regarding their participation. Once we have the required information, we will consider what appropriate steps to take.”

The fallout of the European Super League boiled over on Sunday when Manchester United supporters broke into Old Trafford to protest against the Glazer family, with their plans to join the competition one source of frustration towards the Red Devils’ ownership.

It resulted in the postponement of United’s home match with Liverpool while two police officers were injured.

“Fans have played a vital and impactful role in helping to stop the European Super League from happening, and we understand their frustrations,” the FA statement continued.

“However, we cannot condone the violent and criminal behaviour that took place before the scheduled Manchester United vs Liverpool match, which The FA is now investigating.”

The Premier League added: “We are committed to maintaining close dialogue with supporters and their representatives, as we work with The FA and Government to identify solutions, but ask that all protests are peaceful.

“The actions of a minority of those present at Old Trafford on Sunday have no justification and will be investigated by the Premier League and The FA as well as by the Greater Manchester Police.”

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WESTBROM HELD BY WOLVES IN TENSE DRAW

Mbaye Diagne’s second-half header grabbed a point for West Bromwich Albion against Wolves in the Black Country derby.

The visitors began strongly and Nelson Semedo’s fierce shot was tipped over the bar by Sam Johnstone before Diagne had a header cleared off the line for the hosts at the other end.

Wolves took the lead in fortunate fashion in first-half stoppage time when Fabio Silva’s deflected effort ballooned up over Johnstone and into the net.

Rui Patricio saved superbly to deny Conor Gallagher but West Brom did level 17 minutes after the break when Conor Townsend swung over a perfect cross for Diagne to head in and secure a point for Sam Allardyce’s men.

Relegation-threatened West Brom stay 19th, on 26 points, 10 behind 17th-placed Newcastle. Wolves stay 12th on 42 points.

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FA LAUNCHES INQUIRY INTO PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS INVOLVED IN EUROPEAN SUPER LEAGUE

England’s Football Association (FA) has launched a formal inquiry into the role played by Premier League clubs in the attempt to create a breakaway European Super League (ESL).

Last month, Premier League clubs Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea, as well as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan, joined forces to create a new-look tournament.

However, the backlash led to all six of the Premier League clubs withdrawing just 48 hours after the original tournament was announced.

“Last week, we started an official inquiry into the formation of the European Super League and the involvement of the six English clubs,” an FA spokesperson said on Monday.

“We wrote to all of the clubs to formally request all relevant information and evidence regarding their participation. Once we have the required information, we will consider what appropriate steps to take. Clearly what happened was unacceptable and could have caused great harm to clubs at every level of English football,” the spokesperson added.

The owners of all six English clubs apologised for the breakaway plans, but supporters have protested at various grounds since the withdrawal. Sunday’s clash between Manchester United and Liverpool was postponed after fans invaded the Old Trafford pitch in a demonstration against the Glazer ownership.

There have also been protests at Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal games since the Super League plan was announced.

“The fans have played a vital and impactful role in helping to stop the European Super League from happening, and we understand their frustrations. However, we cannot condone the violent and criminal behaviour that took place before the scheduled Manchester United vs Liverpool match, which the FA is now investigating,” the spokesperson added.

“Throughout this period, we have been in ongoing discussions with the government, the Premier League and UEFA. In particular, we have been discussing legislation with government that would allow us to prevent any similar threat in the future so that we can protect the English football pyramid.”

According to sources, executives from the clubs involved have stepped down from their posts on the Premier League’s subcommittees.

The Premier League also announced plans to prevent clubs from planning to join breakaway clubs in the future and “ensure the principles” of the league and “open competition are protected.”

A statement on Monday read: “The events of the last two weeks have challenged the foundations and resolve of English football.

“Opposition to the proposed Super League united the whole of football, with the fans’ voice clearly heard,” it added. “The Premier League recognises the strength of feeling and the right of fans to know what is happening. We are committed to maintaining close dialogue with supporters and their representatives, as we work with The FA and Government to identify solutions, but ask that all protests are peaceful.

“The actions of a few clubs cannot be allowed to create such division and disruption. We are determined to establish the truth of what happened and hold those clubs accountable for their decisions and actions. We and The FA are pursuing these objectives quickly and appropriately, consulting with fans and government.”

A new “owners’ charter” will be introduced as part of the league’s governance — all club owners will be required to sign up “committing them to the core principles of the Premier League.”

“Breaches of these rules and the Charter will be subject to significant sanctions,” the league added.

The statement also said the league will “enlist the support of government to bring in appropriate legislation to protect football’s open pyramid, principles of sporting merit and the integrity of the football community.”

The league added that they will work with supporters, UEFA, the FA, English Football League, Professional Footballers’ Association and League Managers Association to “to defend the integrity and future prospects of English football.”

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MANCHESTER UNITED DISMISS REPORTS OF OLD TRAFFORD GATE BEING OPEN DURING FAN PROTEST

Manchester United have dismissed reports that protestors gained entry to Old Trafford through a door deliberately opened by club staff.

A group of United supporters were able to make it inside the stadium and onto the pitch during a demonstration aimed at the team owners, the Glazer family, on Sunday. It led to the postponement of the team’s Premier League clash with Liverpool.

A club statement issued on Monday read. “Following events yesterday, while many fans wanted to exercise their right to protest and express their opinion peacefully, some were intent on disrupting the team’s preparation and the game itself, as evidenced by activity at the Lowry Hotel and at the stadium.

“Reports in mainstream and social media that protesters were able to access the stadium and pitch via a gate opened by club staff are completely incorrect.

“After breaking through barriers and security on the forecourt, some protestors climbed the gates at the end of the Munich tunnel, then forced access to a side door in the stand, before opening an external door that let others through to the concourse area and the pitch.

“A second breach occurred when a protestor smashed the door of a disability access lift, enabling a group to enter the stand.”

Sources say United are not expecting a points deduction for failure to fulfil a fixture because the the Premier League and Greater Manchester Police agreed with the decision to postpone the match.

The violent acts committed by a minority of supporters in the protest were condemned by the UK government. Both the club and the police have launched an investigation into events surrounding the protest, including injuries suffered by two police officers following clashes while protestors were moved away from the stadium.

The statement continued: “The majority of our fans have and will condemn criminal damage, along with any violence towards club staff, police or other fans, and these now become a police matter.

“The club has no desire to see peaceful protestors punished, but will work with the police to identify those involved in criminal activity, and will also issue its own sanctions to any season ticket holder or member identified, per the published sanctions policy. Information on the rescheduling of the game and any possible implication on other fixtures will be announced after discussion and agreement with the Premier League.

“We remain committed to dialogue and engagement with our fans through the fans forum and other appropriate channels.”

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GARETH BALE HAT-TRICK HELPS SPURS BOOST TOP-FOUR HOPES AGAINST SHEFFIELD UTD

Gareth Bale scored a stunning hat-trick as Tottenham kept themselves in the Champions League qualification race with a 4-0 win over Sheffield United.

Bale claimed his first Spurs treble since 2012 with a trio of brilliant finishes to move his side into fifth, five points off Chelsea with four games left to play.

Son Heung-min also scored a fine goal as Ryan Mason’s men ran riot against a Blades side whose relegation fate has already been sealed.

Bale was unplayable and took his Premier League tally to eight goals in the last eight games, but with that must come a sense of what might have been this season.

Bale was alarmingly under-used by former boss Jose Mourinho, even when he had regained peak condition, and playing with freedom in a front four with Harry Kane, Son and Dele Alli, Spurs were a constant threat and a far cry from the pragmatic style that dogged Mourinho’s era.

It may have come too late to gatecrash the top four this season, but playing like this makes them a strong bet to finish in a Europa League spot.

The onslaught started early as Son forced Aaron Ramsdale into a smart stop, with the Blades goalkeeper getting a strong hand to a low shot that was heading into the bottom corner.

Kane, on the march for a third Premier League golden boot, uncharacteristically missed two chances he would normally convert, first seeing a shot blocked after slaloming into the area and then skying Sergio Reguilon’s pull-back embarrassingly over.

But Spurs finally went ahead in the 36th minute with a moment of quality.

Bale broke from deep to latch on to Serge Aurier’s ball over the top and then sent it past Ramsdale with a cute finish with the outside of his boot.

The Wales international was back in the starting line-up after missing out in the Carabao Cup final and delivered his 12th goal in all competitions.

Spurs were cursing VAR twice in the opening seven minutes of the second half.

First Peter Bankes ruled that John Fleck did not commit violent conduct when he appeared to stamp on Giovani Lo Celso’s face and then VAR ruled out a Son goal, judging the South Korean’s armpit to be in an offside position when he ran on to Toby Alderweireld’s long ball.

The hosts were not denied for long, however, as they did double their lead just after the hour with a devastating counter attack.

After clearing a Blades corner, Son evaded two challenges and sent Bale clear on goal, with the Welshman delivering an emphatic finish into the top corner.

Bale, whose future next season remains unclear, then completed his hat-trick with another moment of quality, drilling in a low effort after a fine team move which involved Alli and Aurier.

Bale’s treble was of a high standard, but Son may lay claim to scoring the goal of the night with 13 minutes remaining.

Son received the ball on the left from Steven Bergwijn, cut inside and sent a curling effort from 20 yards in off the far post.

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INTER MILAN WINS FIRST SERIE A TITLE IN ELEVEN YEARS

Inter Milan have won their first Serie A title in 11 years after second-placed Atalanta drew with Sassuolo.

The Milan giants are 13 points clear after Saturday’s win at Crotone with four games to go.

Inter finished second to Juventus by a point last season, but Antonio Conte has ended Juve’s run of nine straight titles in his second season in charge.

It is Inter’s first Scudetto since Jose Mourinho won both Serie A and the Champions League in 2010.

The title is Conte’s fourth Serie A title, after winning the league in three consecutive seasons during his spell as manager of Juventus between 2011 and 2014.

He also won the Premier League in his first season at Chelsea in 2017.

When Inter drew 0-0 at Udinese in January, they were two points behind city rivals AC Milan at the halfway point of the season.

Following that result, they won 11 straight games and cemented their position at the top, comfortably clear of a clutch of other clubs including Conte’s old side Juventus, who were looking for their 10th consecutive title.

With four games to go, they have already matched the number of points (82) that Mourinho needed to win the title in 2010.

Inter’s success has been built on a solid defence with Conte’s favoured 3-5-2 formation leading to just 29 goals conceded in 34 games.

At the top of the pitch, Romelu Lukaku has continued his electric form from last season and his formidable partnership with Lautaro Martinez has delivered 36 league goals so far.

Last summer, Conte splashed £36m on the lightning-quick Achraf Hakimi from Real Madrid and he has chipped in with seven goals and seven assists from right wing-back.

Conte also raided the Premier League for faded superstars Alexis Sanchez and Christian Eriksen, the latter making his mark recently with crucial goals against Napoli and Crotone.

Even forgotten ex-Man Utd full-back Matteo Darmian has played a key part, cropping up to score winners in tight recent games against Cagliari and Hellas Verona.

Famously relentless, Conte has got the small details right this season and capitalised on a Juventus team in transition and flaky form from Napoli, AC Milan and Roma.

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PREMIER LEAGUE RELEASES STATEMENT ON OLD TRAFFORD INCIDENT

Following the security breach at Old Trafford, the Manchester United v Liverpool game has been postponed.

This is a collective decision from the police, both clubs, the Premier League and local authorities.

The security and safety of everyone at Old Trafford remains of paramount importance.

We understand and respect the strength of feeling but condemn all acts of violence, criminal damage and trespass, especially given the associated COVID-19 breaches.

Fans have many channels by which to make their views known, but the actions of a minority seen today have no justification.

We sympathise with the police and stewards who had to deal with a dangerous situation that should have no place in football.

The rearrangement of the fixture will be communicated in due course.

Source: premierleague.com