Ten Hag demands an apology from Fulham after mocking video about Fernandes

Erik ten Hag expressed his disapproval and demanded an apology from Fulham following a mocking video about Bruno Fernandes.

The Dutch manager emphasized the inappropriateness of such actions by football clubs, highlighting the incident during a press conference in anticipation of the upcoming Manchester City derby on Sunday. Ten Hag, taking a firm stand in defense of his player, underscored the importance of maintaining respect and propriety within the football community.

Additionally, Ten Hag reiterated his unwavering support for Fernandes, praising the Portuguese midfielder's passion, creativity, and significant contributions to the team. He pointed out Fernandes' status as one of the Premier League's most creative forces and expressed concern over the targeting Fernandes faces from opponents, advocating for more protective measures from referees.

On the injury front, Ten Hag provided an update regarding the team's health and availability for the highly anticipated city derby. He confirmed that the squad for Sunday's match would be the same as the one that secured a victory in the cup match against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night. This update included positive news about Bruno Fernandes and Raphaël Varane, who both came through the midweek game without any issues, indicating their expected participation in the derby. However, Ten Hag also noted the absence of several key players due to injuries, including Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mason Mount, Rasmus Højlund, Tyrell Malacia, Anthony Martial, Lisandro Martínez, and Luke Shaw, suggesting that the team would have to navigate the upcoming challenges without these individuals.

This situation sets the stage for a Manchester derby that not only holds significance in terms of local bragging rights but also comes amid controversies and challenges off the pitch, highlighting the complexities of managing team dynamics, player welfare, and inter-club relations in the high-stakes environment of professional football.

Alavés pay a very high price for reaching the round of sixteen

Alavés beat Sevilla to reach the Copa del Rey round of sixteen, but injuries to Jonny Otto and Lucas Boyé threaten their plans ahead of the Osasuna clash.

Benzema praises Sergio Conceicao

Karim Benzema reflects on his progression at Al Ittihad, admits his first season was average, praises Sergio Conceicao’s training intensity, and argues Saudi football is improving fast and is closer to Europe’s level than many believe.

Flamengo win the Brazilian title after winning the Libertadores

Flamengo crowned an historic season by clinching the Brazilian league title with a 1-0 win over Ceará, just four days after lifting their fourth Copa Libertadores.

Mbappé goes after reporter after four goal haul in the Champions League

Real Madrid’s forward scored four goals in a win over Olympiacos and, at the end of the game, was asked whether his team depends too much on him. Mbappé did not like the question.

Which players will Kompany be without in Berlin?

After the exhausting match in Paris, Bayern continue against Union Berlin. And Vincent Kompany once again has to find solutions.

French club emerges as the favorite for the loan

Real Madrid are preparing to loan out Endrick in January, with Lyon emerging as the frontrunner. The striker seeks regular minutes to regain form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Kimmich on a BVB quality that has been added

In the top match between Bayern and Borussia Dortmund, Joshua Kimmich would like to make a statement, but he also highlights a new quality in the opponent.

Athletic find in Adama Boiro a full-back with hunger and patience

Adama Boiro, the young Senegalese full-back who grew up in Pamplona, is steadily making his mark at Athletic Club.

FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the organization “cannot solve geopolitical problems” amid growing calls for Israel to be suspended from international football due to the Gaza conflict. While the UN and several federations demand action, Infantino insists FIFA’s mission is to unite people through football, leaving responsibility to UEFA.

'Mister Bundesliga' Gouweleeuw misses a match again after two years

Jeffrey Gouweleeuw will have to watch from the sidelines at FC Augsburg for the time being. A knee injury forces the Dutch captain of the German club to take a break for now.

The question for Werner: Who will replace Schlager and Nusa?

On Saturday, RB Leipzig will host 1. FC Köln and aim for a third consecutive victory. However, the Saxons will have to replace two key players. Timo Werner is likely to be in the squad.

Haaland can’t sleep because of former club

Erling Haaland is deeply unhappy with the current situation at Bryne FK, the first club of the Norwegian striker. On social media, Haaland criticized the present state of his former team, where he spent his entire youth development.

Tottenham Hotspur disgusted by online racism after Tel miss: ‘Anonymous cowards’

Tottenham Hotspur have spoken out, a day after the UEFA Super Cup, against the racist abuse directed at Mathys Tel on social media. The forward, like Micky van de Ven, missed a penalty in the shootout.

Darwin moves to Saudi Arabia for half of what he cost

Darwin Núñez is set to join Al Hilal for €53 million, just three years after Liverpool paid up to €100 million for the striker. The transfer marks a financial loss for the Premier League champions, while Benfica receives €530,000 through FIFA’s solidarity mechanism.

Bozeník finds shelter in the Championship after Boavista's downfall

Róbert Bozeník continues his career in the Championship. The former Feyenoord striker has signed a three-year deal with Stoke City, which is taking the 25-year-old Slovak over from Boavista.

Top Countries

Around the web

FC Porto is backing Pal after Farioli: This is a crisis of confidence

FC Porto has issued a statement about the quality of refereeing in Portugal. Earlier, head coach Francesco Farioli strongly criticised the referee in the match between FC Porto and Famalicão. Porto fully supports his view and believes there is a bigger problem.

The El Khannouss problem at Stuttgart

It is the Africa Cup rather than the Bundesliga for Bilal El Khannouss now. The ambition and hunger for success of the Morocco international also have drawbacks for VfB Stuttgart.

Reijnders opens his account at the Etihad Stadium

Tijjani Reijnders played an important role on Saturday in Manchester City’s home win over West Ham United and scored his first goal at the Etihad Stadium. The Netherlands international was in high spirits after the match, although his manager Pep Guardiola added a note of caution.

Barcelona win away at Guadalajara and advance in the Copa del Rey

Barcelona needed a late breakthrough to beat third tier Guadalajara 2–0 in the Copa del Rey, with Christensen and Rashford scoring after a De Jong assist, as other ties saw late drama and notable upsets.

Salah is a grown man and can say whatever he wants

Mohamed Salah apologised to Liverpool team-mates after publicly criticising the club and head coach Arne Slot, with Curtis Jones describing the apology and Liverpool managing the fallout through a short omission and swift reintegration before Salah joins Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Napoli condemns Allegri for an uncontrolled assault in the Italian Super Cup

Napoli’s two to nil Italian Super Cup win over AC Milan was overshadowed by a club statement accusing Massimiliano Allegri of repeated insults toward sporting coordinator Gabriele Oriali, raising the prospect of scrutiny from match officials and disciplinary authorities.

Argentina faces Spain in the run-up to the World Cup on historic ground

Argentina and Spain will meet in the run-up to the World Cup as part of the Finalissima. The match will take place on March 27 in Qatar, a special location for the world champions.

Giménez and Baena, in their countdown

Baena and José María Giménez completed individual ball work at Cerro del Espino as they enter the final phase of their recoveries, set to miss Girona but aiming to return for Real Sociedad and reach peak form for the Saudi Super Cup.

Brilliant goals from Rogers send Man United packing: Villa close in on the league leaders

Aston Villa are in blistering form. On Sunday evening, the Birmingham side secured their seventh consecutive Premier League victory against Manchester United. In an entertaining match at Villa Park, two incredible goals from Morgan Rogers proved decisive.

This is how Mainz will go straight into the round of 16 on Thursday

Mainz 05 have already secured a place in the Conference League play-offs ahead of the final matchday of the league phase. But the Bundesliga bottom side would like to avoid the extra round and knows what scenarios would make that possible.