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.

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.

Vázquez says goodbye to Real Madrid: 'A lifelong dream fulfilled'

The Lucas Vázquez era at Real Madrid has come to an end. On Thursday, the player bid an emotional farewell to the club he served for sixteen years, winning 23 trophies along the way.

Top Countries

Around the web

Villarreal, one of the clubs interested in Sidiki Cherif

Villarreal are linked with Angers forward Sidiki Cherif ahead of the winter transfer window, with reports of a 20 million euro bid and Angers holding out for at least 25 million amid interest from other European clubs.

Inter win away at Genoa and move up to first place in Serie A

Inter won 2-1 away at Genoa to move top of Serie A, with Lautaro Martinez decisive again, while AC Milan drew with Sassuolo and Napoli lost at Udinese in a table-shifting Sunday.

Bissouma suspended by Tottenham

Tottenham suspend Yves Bissouma after a second nitrous oxide incident as the Mali midfielder apologises to fans, opens up about trauma from a major home robbery, and describes ongoing mental health struggles and therapy.

FC Bayern report Neuer injury

Manuel Neuer will miss Bayern’s year-ending match away at Heidenheim. The goalkeeper picked up an injury on Sunday against Mainz.

Gravenberch earns praise in England and addresses the situation with Salah

Ryan Gravenberch made a strong impression on the English media on Tuesday night during Liverpool’s win over Internazionale. The midfielder was also chosen by UEFA as Man of the Match in Milan, where he was asked about the saga surrounding Mohamed Salah.

Klopp speaks out on Salah dispute at Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp comments on Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool controversy after three straight benchings, a heated reaction toward Arne Slot, and Salah’s Champions League omission, stressing that Salah’s drive is both his strength and a potential source of tension.

Juventus family rejects bid of over €1 billion for the Old Lady

A huge bid has been made for Juventus, according to various sources in Italy. A minority shareholder is said to have offered more than one billion euros to obtain a majority stake. However, the Agnelli family has no intention of selling the Old Lady.

Dortmund captain Schlotterbeck launches a scathing attack on his teammates

After Borussia Dortmund’s draw against FK Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League, Nico Schlotterbeck gave a scathing interview. The captain of Die Schwarzgelben felt that everyone was playing their own game and that the substitutes lost every ball.

Spanish media see in Vinícius’ embrace much more than just a gesture

The win over Alavés has given Xabi Alonso some breathing room. After Rodrygo’s winning goal, the embattled Real Madrid coach was hugged by Vinícius Júnior, who had been at odds with him earlier this season.

Relief at Bayer: Tella will not go to the Africa Cup of Nations

Bayer 04’s personnel shortage for next week’s year-end match in Leipzig has been eased somewhat. The Werkself will have to release “only” four players for the Africa Cup of Nations, because candidate number five, forward Nathan Tella, is not included in Nigeria’s final squad.