TalkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan has revealed that he spoke to Daniel Levy in the summer and urged the former Tottenham chairman to hire an alternative to Thomas Frank.

Tottenham braced for Champions League reunion with Bodo/Glimt

Spurs take on last season’s Europa League semi-final opponents, Bodo/Glimt, in the Champions League group phase this evening as Frank looks to build upon their 1-0 win against Villarreal last time out.

At the end of 2024/2025, The Lilywhites ran out 5-1 winners on aggregate over Bodo/Glimt to reach their first European final since their Champions League loss to Liverpool in 2019 — beating tonight’s opponents 2-0 the last time they travelled to the Aspmyra Stadion in May.

Bodo/Glimt’s journey to the Champions League phase comes as historic for both the club and the country they hail from, as they’re the first team from Norway to reach this stage of the competition for two decades.

Frank is no stranger to Scandinavian football and will be aware of the threat they pose this evening, according to Bodo/Glimt chief executive Frode Thomassen, who hailed the 51-year-old in an interview with GiveMeSport.

Thus far, ex-chair Levy and the board’s decision to appoint Frank looks like the right one.

Matches

9

Wins

5

Draws

2

Losses

2

Points

14

Points per game

1.89

He’s overseen five victories from nine of his first games in charge, with Tottenham also displaying a real grit to come back from losing positions to snatch dramatic draws in their last two Premier League outings.

Joao Palhinha’s expertly taken side-footed half-volley ensured Spurs avoided a humbling defeat at home to Wolves on Saturday, yet again proving the case that Tottenham should activate the £27 million buy-option at the end of the midfielder’s loan deal.

Despite their bad luck at the Amex in recent seasons, Tottenham also came back from 2-0 down to 2-2 against Brighton a fortnight ago, with signs suggesting that Spurs are already a far more robust outfit than under Ange Postecoglou.

Simon Jordan urged Daniel Levy to hire Oliver Glasner instead of Thomas Frank

Tottenham had other options on their managerial shortlist to replace Postecoglou.

According to reports, before the club announced Frank as their latest new manager, Tottenham did consider a move for Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner.

The Austrian is working wonders at Selhurst Park right now, despite losing a succession of star players in the last two summer windows, with Michael Olise joining Bayern Munich in 2024 and Eberechi Eze signing for boyhood club Arsenal last summer.

They also face the looming threat of Marc Guehi’s departure as his contract winds down towards expiry, but for now, Glasner’s Palace are unbeaten in their last 18 games across all competitions.

Now, pundit and ex-Palace chairman Jordan has told talkSPORT that he urged Levy to go for Glasner before Tottenham eventually hired Frank, calling the tactician a “top, top manager”.

The 51-year-old’s contract currently expires next summer, so if things don’t work out with Frank, the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss will be readily available in 2026 as things stand.

Of course, this is presuming another top side doesn’t come in for Glasner, which may be wishful thinking considering just how fine of a job he’s done in South London over the last 12 months.

Celtic return to Scottish Premiership action on Sunday as they welcome Motherwell to Parkhead after suffering the disappointment of a defeat at the hands of Braga in the Europa League.

In what turned out to be a bleak night, the Bhoys failed to turn up and Brendan Rodgers will feel a sense of frustration at the way matters panned out, especially after Kelechi Iheanacho’s controversial disallowed goal that was overturned by VAR.

Celtic’s last five results – a cause for concern?

Celtic 0-2 Braga

Celtic 0-0 Hibernian

Crvena Zvedza 1-1 Celtic

Partick Thistle 0-4 Celtic

Kilmarnock 1-2 Celtic

Either way, the focus turns back to league duty and even at an early stage, their encounter against the Steelmen feels like a match that will arrive in must-win territory as a disgruntled fanbase continue to vocalise their discontent with matters on and off the field.

Claiming three points will be the only option to quell some of that anger, so with that in mind, who could Rodgers look to start at home to Motherwell?

GK – Kasper Schmeichel

Veteran Denmark international Kasper Schmeichel’s error meant Ricardo Horta opened the scoring for Braga with a long-range strike in Thursday night’s Europa League, leaving some supporters wondering if it is time to grant Viljami Sinisalo a run in the side.

Truthfully, the 38-year-old looked shaky against the Primeira Liga outfit and not for the first time this season. However, Rodgers has always been a big advocate for his talent and experience. He will likely allow the former Leicester City goalkeeper a chance to atone on Sunday.

RB – Anthony Ralston

Colby Donovan started at home to Braga on Thursday in light of his positive emergence from the academy. Nevertheless, he failed to shine on a night where the Hoops were second best.

Anthony Ralston was preferred against Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership last weekend after returning from injury and helped to keep a clean sheet, offering Rodgers a straight swap that may make a degree of sense heading into a must-win fixture.

CB – Cameron Carter-Vickers

Uncharacteristically, Cameron Carter-Vickers was another who fell below his usual lofty standards earlier in the week, though he is too important to drop at an early stage in the season where Celtic are fighting Heart of Midlothian for top spot. Expect him to start.

CB – Liam Scales

Partnering Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales has arguably been Celtic’s best player of the season so far and has barely put a foot wrong in spite of deficiences elsewhere on the pitch.

The Bhoys have only conceded a solitary goal in the Scottish Premiership this campaign, illustrating their resilience, so it feels unlikely that the Irishman would be rested against Motherwell.

Related Chris Sutton named Celtic legend his "best" ever teammate and as good as Shearer

He was full of praise…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Oct 2, 2025 LB – Marcelo Saracchi

Left-back will be a toss-up between Marcelo Saracchi and Kieran Tierney, and it may be more prudent for the former to start as Rodgers looks to manage Tierney’s fitness.

Coming in on loan from Boca Juniors, Saracchi has been continually impressive when called upon and is establishing himself as a favourite among supporters.

CDM – Callum McGregor

Looking at his performances, Celtic captain Callum McGregor has some room for improvement as the Bhoys’ engine room struggles to find their best collective form. Still, he will be present and is someone you write off at your peril.

CM – Reo Hatate

Reo Hatate is another who has endured an inconsistent start to the season. Putting that aside, his defence-splitting qualities may be needed against an unbeaten Motherwell side on Sunday afternoon.

The Japan international is capable of playing line-breaking passes and takes on an average of 1.3 shots per league game, according to Sofascore, which is something Rodgers will hope to see in action as his side aim to take all three points.

CM – Benjamin Nygren

Luke McCowan, Arne Engels and Paulo Bernardo may be players some supporters will make a case for starting, albeit Benjamin Nygren is hard to look past due to his encouraging numbers from midfield.

Three goals and four assists in his first 12 matches across all competitions is a decent tally, and the Swede will hope to do the damage as Celtic return to domestic endeavours.

RW – Hyunjun Yang

Daizen Maeda has recently featured on the right wing for Celtic, but Rodgers may opt to grant the Japan international a rest in favour of counterpart Hyunjun Yang. With a lack of options at his disposal on that side, the South Korean may be more of a natural fix.

LW – Sebastian Tounekti

The star of the show for Celtic this season, Sebastian Tounekti is someone that Rodgers can’t afford to drop, even if Michel-Ange Balikwisha is waiting in the wings for an opportunity.

Capped three times by Tunisia, he has created six chances in 162 minutes of Scottish Premiership football, making him a nailed-on starter.

ST – Kelechi Iheanacho

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho has had the ball in the net four times in his opening five games for Celtic. Only two of which have counted, though he has impressed with his link-up play and ability to sniff out opportunities.

With the correct support, he could be the man to seperate the sides at Parkhead and appears to be finding his feet under a familiar face in Rodgers.

Barcelona say they "accept and respect" La Liga's decision to cancel their proposed fixture against Villarreal in Miami. The game was set to be the first-ever La Liga match played outside Spain, but growing backlash from players, clubs and officials has forced organisers to scrap the plan just weeks before tickets were due to go on sale.

• Barcelona respond to cancelled Miami showdown

  Barcelona acknowledged La Liga and Relevent Sports’ decision to cancel the league fixture planned for December 20 in Miami. The Catalan club expressed its disappointment but also made it clear that it respects the decision made by the competition organisers following weeks of uncertainty and controversy surrounding the plan.

  "FC Barcelona respects and accepts the decision to cancel the game against Villarreal in Miami corresponding to the week 17 of La Liga, in the same way that the Club accepted and respected the decision taken in the past to play the game in the US," the club said in a statement.

  "FC Barcelona regret the missed opportunity to expand the competition's image in a strategic market with a great capacity for growth and generation of resources for everyone.

  "The Club is grateful for the unconditional support and affection of our fans in the USA and regrets deeply that they are denied the opportunity to see an official game in their country," Barca statement reads.

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• AFP
  

  La Liga doubles down on global ambition despite backlash

  La Liga released a detailed statement confirming the cancellation and emphasising its disappointment over the lost opportunity to expand Spanish football internationally. Organisers Relevent had advised against proceeding, citing growing unrest in Spain and insufficient planning time.

  La Liga said the decision to scrap the event was down to "the uncertainty that has arisen in Spain over the past few weeks", and expressed its regret at missing an "unparalleled opportunity for the international expansion of Spanish soccer", that will now not be able to advance.

  "Holding an official match outside our borders would have been a decisive step in the global growth of the competition, strengthening the international presence of clubs, the positioning of players, and the visibility of Spanish soccer in a strategic market such as the United States," a statement read. "The project fully complied with all federative regulations and did not affect the integrity of the competition, as confirmed by the competent institutions responsible for ensuring compliance, which opposed it for other reasons.

  "In an increasingly competitive global landscape, where leagues such as the Premier League or competitions like the UEFA Champions League continue to expand their reach and ability to generate revenue, initiatives like this are essential to ensure the sustainability and growth of Spanish soccer. Renouncing such opportunities hinders the generation of new income, limits clubs’ capacity to invest and compete, and reduces the international projection of the entire Spanish soccer ecosystem."

• Player protests, club complaints and global football debate intensify

  The fallout reached new heights when players across every La Liga game staged a coordinated 15-second silent protest at kick-off last weekend. Organised by players’ union AFE, the gesture was aimed at criticising the lack of transparency and consultation over the Miami fixture. Broadcasters initially avoided showing the protests, which only fuelled the controversy further.

  Real Madrid also stepped in formally, filing two complaints to Spain’s Sports Ministry. Their stance was clear: moving a domestic fixture abroad mid-season would compromise the league’s competitive integrity. Thibaut Courtois echoed this view, saying it would “totally affect the competition,” while Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong insisted the plan was “not good for the players” due to travel demands and fairness concerns. Hansi Flick added that his squad were “not happy” with how the announcement was handled.

  As La Liga’s plan crumbled, attention turned to others in Europe. Italy’s Serie A confirmed that AC Milan will face Como in Perth, Australia, in February becoming the first major European league to officially take a competitive fixture abroad. The contrast has reopened the debate over whether leagues should prioritise global expansion or protect domestic traditions and player welfare.

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• AFP
  

  Villarreal left frustrated by timing and communication

  Villarreal, who were set to face Barcelona in Miami, criticised the league’s handling of the situation. Coach Marcelino Garcia Toral was left stunned after La Liga made the cancellation public after their 2-0 defeat against Manchester City in the Champions League.

  "For me, it shows an absolute lack of respect to put out a statement at half-time of our game about something that was planned but will not happen," Marcelino told reporters. "It's a lack of respect to the directors of this club, the club itself, the professionals and the fans. Tomorrow the club will make a statement about what they think, but those are my thoughts right now."

  Following the cancellation, Villarreal will now host Barcelona at the Estadio de la Ceramica on December 21 instead of travelling to the United States. The club is expected to release its own official statement shortly, while internally, frustration remains over commercial decisions being announced without proper coordination with sporting schedules.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has set his sights on achieving "what every Brazilian dreams of: winning the World Cup after 24 years." The Italian manager spoke about next year's tournament and explained the reasons behind accepting such a high-profile international job. Ancelotti spent four years at Real Madrid before calling curtains on his chapter in Spain at the end of last season.

Ancelotti leading Brazil's next generation

Brazil have ushered into a new era with Ancelotti at the helm. The veteran manager delivered 11 titles during his second spell at Real Madrid, which lasted for four years between 2021 and 2025. However, after failing to lift major silverware in the 2024-25 season, he opted to join the Brazil national team on a one-year contract that expires after next year's World Cup. His first four months in charge have been promising, if not spectacular. Brazil have won three games, drawn once, and lost thrice under Ancelotti so far. 

AdvertisementGetty ImagesAncelotti wants to end Brazil's 24-year barren World Cup run

Speaking in an interview with , Ancelotti spoke about his ambition to guide Brazil to World Cup glory next year. "The same thing we always hope for!", said Ancelotti when asked what he is hoping for from the Brazilian faithful at the World Cup. "They’ll show us great support. I think it’s our responsibility, in the Selecao, to give Brazilians what they want: to win the World Cup for the first time in 24 years."

Ancelotti joined Brazil national team because it was 'exciting'

Asked why he accepted the offer to take over the South American side, he added: "Because I thought that managing the Brazilian national team – the most successful national team in history, with more World Cup trophies than any other nation – would be a great opportunity. 

"The thought of coaching the Brazil team was exciting. The opportunity came up and I went for it. I also have to thank Real Madrid, of course, for allowing me the chance to enjoy this new experience.

I already knew about the passion here, but it is on another level, especially when it comes to the national team. The people have a deep love for that Brazil shirt. When Brazil play, the country comes to a standstill. Everyone is focused on the match. It will come as no surprise, but Brazilian players are generally very talented. It seems to be in their DNA."

He added: "Everything has gone well so far. We’ve already qualified, so we have the time we need to prepare well for the FIFA World Cup. I’ve been really enjoying this spell. Living in Rio is, as they say in Portuguese, ‘muito bonito’."

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AFPCould Ancelotti stay with Brazil until the 2030 World Cup?

In an interview with last month, the five-time Champions League-winning coach kept doors open to a renewal with Brazil, stating that it would be "nice" to remain in charge until the 2030 World Cup. 

"Yes, I wanted to coach the Brazilian national team (since 2023)," he claimed. "Preparing for the World Cup for Brazil is something special. I signed a one-year contract. After the World Cup, everything is open. I think it was right at that time to sign a one-year contract. I have no problem if the Brazilian Football Federation wants to continue. There's no problem. As I said, I'm very happy here, my family is happy too. We can think about it. We have time to talk about it, I have no problem continuing. It would be nice [to stay until 2030]."

MatériaMais Notícias

O Ministério Público do Rio de Janeiro pediu punição para duas torcidas organizadas do Flamengo e uma do Botafogo após as brigas que realizadas no sábado, dia 2 de setembro, dia do clássico entre as equipes. Segundo o órgão, as ocorrências foram registradas nos bairros da Taquara e Penha.

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+ Copa do Brasil: Procon-RJ notifica Flamengo sobre preço dos ingressos da final contra o São Paulo

O Ministério Público pede uma punição de cinco anos de afastamento da Raça Rubro-Negra, Torcida Jovem do Flamengo e Fúria Jovem do Botafogo, a partir da data da ocorrência. Após as brigas, 12 pessoas foram presas e três ficaram feridas.

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VEJA A NOTA DO MINISTÉRIO PÚBLICO:

“A 4ª Promotoria de Justiça de Tutela Coletiva de Defesa do Consumidor e do Contribuinte da Capital peticiou nesta terça-feira (05/09), junto ao Juizado Especial e dos Grandes Eventos, para que duas torcidas organizadas do Clube de Regatas do Flamengo e uma do Botafogo Futebol e Regatas sejam punidas, após a ocorrência de episódios de violência antes da partida entre as duas equipes, realizada no último dia 02/09. Na ocasião, torcedores se enfrentaram nas ruas dos bairros da Penha e Taquara, descumprindo Termo de Ajustamento de Conduta assinado junto ao Ministério Público do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (MPRJ).

A petição requer que o prazo para que as torcidas Raça Rubro-Negro, Jovem do Flamengo e Fúria Jovem do Botafogo retornem aos estádios, de cinco anos, seja contado a parti do dia 02/09, e não mais a partir da data da sentença, uma vez que houve descumprimento do disposto na cláusula sexta do Termo celebrado com as torcidas organizadas.

De acordo como a cláusula sexta do documento, “na hipótese de a torcida organizada se envolver em quaisquer atos de violência, como brigas, tumultos, ou em atos que, de qualquer maneira, coloquem em risco a ordem pública, bem como proceda à realização de concentração de seus membros em violação ao acordado na cláusula anterior, independentemente de na data houver realização de evento esportivo, serão aplicadas as medidas educativas de advertência ou suspensão de comparecimento aos estádios que sediem eventos esportivos de futebol”.

A petição foi formulada após o Batalhão Especializado de Policiamento em Estádios (Bepe) encaminhar um ofício à Promotoria de Justiça, dando notícia do descumprimento do TAC. O MPRJ também solicitou ao Juízo o afastamento individual dos torcedores envolvidos nas ocorrências e identificados pelo órgão policial”.

He says he is wary of the challenge of switching to Test cricket from T20s

ESPNcricinfo staff24-May-20252:24

Sai Sudharsan: The ultimate goal is to play Test cricket

B Sai Sudharsan has said that it feels “surreal” to receive his maiden Test call-up for India’s upcoming five-match series in England.”It obviously feels great. Feels very special to be honest, and surreal also. Any cricketer, any young cricketer who starts playing cricket, wants to play Test cricket, wants to play for the country,” he said on the eve of Gujarat Titans’ match against Chennai Super Kings, a few hours after the India Test squad was announced. “The ultimate goal is always to play Test cricket. So really happy for that.”Following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Sai Sudharsan is set to be a part of India’s new-look top four. Sai Sudharsan usually opens the batting for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy, India’s domestic first-class tournament, but he is ready to bat at any position for India.He has batted in the middle order for Surrey in county cricket and overall has scored 1957 runs in 29 first-class games at an average of just under 40, including seven hundreds and five fifties. The most recent hundred came at No.3 for India A against Australia A in Mackay in November last year.Related

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“Sir, I think playing for the country itself is a very big privilege for a cricketer. So I don’t think I am in a position to choose where I want to play,” Sai Sudharsan said when asked about his preference in the batting line-up. “Wherever the coaches tell me to play, I think I will be mentally and obviously skillfully, you know, try and be ready for the opportunity.”I have a lot of likings. I think I will have to be ready for whichever [position] the team gives me. I will be ready for that.”His first Test call-up coincides with Shubman Gill, his skipper at GT, being named India’s new red-ball captain.”I mean, Shubhi is, over the years, I have been a part of his growth as well,” Sai Sudharsan said. “I have seen him for the last four years. Such a talented batsman, such a skillful batsman, anybody can see.”So I feel he will definitely do laurels and great things for the country and I am grateful and I am very happy to play under him in my first Test series.”4:48

Agarkar explains the all-important selection calls for India’s tour to England

The five-match series against England starts on June 20, and before that both Sai Sudharsan and Gill will join the India A side for the second four-dayer against England Lions, which starts on on June 6 in Northampton. Sudharsan, however, said that his immediate focus is on the IPL, where GT have qualified for the knockouts.”I always feel finish the first story, then go to the next one because now the IPL is also most important when we are in IPL,” he said. “So I think it is also most important of finishing this and then obviously we will have time to prepare. So I will use that bracket of days so that we will be ready for the Test series.”Sudharsan is also mindful of the challenge of switching from T20s to Test cricket.”Transitioning from white ball to red ball takes a bit of time,” he said. “I think I focus a lot more on my basics. I focus a lot more on my patience even outside the field.”The more patient you are, the more it reflects inside the field. So Test cricket is all about patience and longevity. So I feel the more I focus on that, the more I be aware of it, I think it will be a great experience.”

خسر الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي نانت أمام نظيره موناكو في المباراة التي جمعتهما مساء أمس، الأربعاء، ضمن منافسات الدوري الفرنسي.

واكتسح موناكو نظيره نانت بخماسية مقابل ثلاثة أهداف في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الفرنسي.

وحل الدولي المصري مصطفى محمد، مهاجم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي نانت بديلًا في الدقيقة 71 بدلًا من يوسف العربي. ملخص لمسات مصطفى محمد في مباراة نانت وموناكو 

واستطاع مصطفى محمد أن يسجل هدفًا رائعًا في الدقيقة 80 لصالح نانت، ليجعل النتيجة 4/3 ويقرب فريقه من التعادل لكن المحاولات بات جميعها بالفشل.

وجاء هدف مصطفى محمد الثالث بعد محاولة فردية من الناحية اليسرى لنانت، لتصل الكرة أمام المهاجم المصري الذي يسددها في شباك موناكو.

اقرأ أيضًا | إنريكي يستهدف صفقة من برشلونة لـ باريس سان جيرمان

افتتح مامادو كوليبالي أهداف المباراة لصالح موناكو في الدقيقة 6، ثم تعادل جوراسي في الدقيقة 19، بعد ذلك أضاف فولارين بالوجون الهدف الثاني لصالح موناكو.

وتعادل جوراسي في الدقيقة السادسة من الوقت محتسب بدلًا من الضائع في الشوط الأول لينتهي بالتعادل 2/2.

وسجل ماجني أكليوش الهدف الثالث لصالح موناكو في الدقيقة 55 ليكتب التقدم مرة أخرى لصالح فريقه، وأضاف جلوفين الهدف الرابع لصالح موناكو في الدقيقة 75.

وجاء هدف مصطفى محمد الثالث في الدقيقة 80، فيما قضى جلوفين على آمال نانت تمامًا في العودة للمباراة وسجل الهدف الثاني له والخامس في اللقاء في الدقيقة 96. أهداف مباراة نانت وموناكو اليوم في الدوري الفرنسي

Is there anything more exciting than the long ball in baseball? 

I may have something – betting on a player to hit a home run, and it actually comes through!

That’s what our team attempts to do every day by picking the best home run prop bets in Major League Baseball, and there are two players that I’m eyeing for Sunday, June 9. 

Can these two American League sluggers close out the weekend strong?

Best MLB Home Run Picks Today, Sunday June 9Jose Ramirez to Hit a Home Run (+450)Gunnar Henderson to Hit a Home Run (+265)

Jose Ramirez to Hit a Home Run (+450)

Jose Ramirez has a great matchup on Sunday against struggling Miami Marlins lefty Trevor Rogers, who has allowed seven homers on the season, including at least one in six of his last eight starts.

The Cleveland Guardians All-Star is having a great series, homering on Saturday – his second long ball in three games. Can he do it again today?

I love taking Ramirez against any left-handed pitcher, as he’s destroyed them in 2024. The switch hitter is posting an impressive .320/.381/.587 slash line against lefties with five homers in just 75 at bats. 

With 18 home runs already in 2024, I love taking Ramirez in this favorable spot on Sunday. 

Gunnar Henderson to Hit a Home Run (+265)

This home run prop isn’t going to bring the greatest return, but I can’t pass it up in this matchup. 

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson has Tampa Bay Rays starter Zack Littell in his MLB career, going 4-for-7 with two homers against him. 

Littell allowed 11 hits the last time he played the O’s and Henderson (20 homers on the season) has been red hot as of late, picking up a hit in 10 of his last 11 games.

Henderson – like Ramirez – also homered on Saturday, but I expect him to stay hot against Littell. The Rays starter has allowed at least one long ball in four straight starts.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Russell Martin will have been delighted that his side picked up their first win of the Scottish Premiership season last weekend.

The Gers had failed to win any of their opening five matches in the division, their worst start to a league campaign in 47 years, but picked up a last-gasp winner on Sunday thanks to Max Aarons.

His excellent finish, as shown in the clip above, won the match for the Ibrox giants after they found themselves drawing 1-1 heading into stoppage time.

It was Aarons’ first minutes on the pitch for Rangers since he was shown a straight red card against Club Brugge in the 6-0 loss in Belgium back in August, and what a return to action it was for the full-back.

Whilst the Bournemouth loanee was finally brought back into the fold after being an unused substitute for three successive matches, there was another player who was suffering a similar fate on the bench.

Mohamed Diomande was an unused substitute against Livingston after he was shown a straight red card in the 1-0 defeat to Genk in the Europa League at Ibrox last week.

Why Mohamed Diomande was rightfully dropped

Even taking the red card out of the equation, the Ivorian midfielder was rightfully dropped from the starting line-up for that Premiership clash because his performances in the league have not been up to scratch this season.

The left-footed star may have been punished against Livingston because of his red card in Europe, but his league form overall this season warranted him being left out of the side regardless of what happened against Genk.

Diomande had caught the eye in the Premiership last season with a return of four goals and seven assists, per Sofascore, which led to a bid from Besiktas in the summer transfer window.

The central midfielder put in impressive performances on a consistent basis, delivering quality in the final third, which is why he had interest from elsewhere.

Unfortunately, Diomande’s form since Martin came through the door at Ibrox has nosedived to the point where it was justified to leave him out on Sunday.

Mohamed Diomande (Premiership)	24/25	25/26
Appearances	36	5
Sofascore rating	7.19	6.38
Goals	4	0
Assists	7	0
Dribbled past per game	0.5x	0.6
Ground duel success rate	57%	49%
Aerial duel success rate	48%	17%
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Ivorian lightweight has been dominated in duels on the deck and in the air in the Premiership this season, without making up for it with any goals or assists for the team.

Given his dismal start to the season in the Premiership and in the Europa League, Diomande should now be worried that the club are reportedly looking at a free agent midfielder.

Rangers considering free agent swoop

According to journalist Mark Hendry, via his Substack, Glasgow Rangers have been offered the chance to sign free agent central midfielder Pierre Ekwah after his exit from Saint-Etienne.

The former West Ham United and Sunderland midfield whiz ripped up his contract with the Ligue 2 club on deadline day at the start of September, which means that he is now free to discuss a move elsewhere and can be registered before the January window.

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Hendry’s report adds that Ekwah has been offered to both Celtic and Rangers in a bid to find a new club after his ext from the French team, but it remains to be seen whether either of the Scottish giants are willing to take a punt on him.

The Gers are considering whether or not to make a move for the midfield star, but they were linked with a move for the Frenchman towards the end of the summer transfer window.

This suggests that the recruitment team at Ibrox and Martin are well aware of the 23-year-old and his talents, which is why they should push to get a deal done for him as a free agent in the coming days or weeks.

Why Rangers should sign Pierre Ekwah

The Ibrox giants should swoop to sign Ekwah ahead of Celtic to bolster their options in the middle of the park because he could come in as an immediate and instant upgrade on Diomande.

As aforementioned, the Rangers central midfielder’s levels have dropped off this season, which has left a gap to fill in midfield for Martin because the Ivorian was such an important player for Philippe Clement and Barry Ferguson in the 2024/25 campaign.

Ekwah’s performances in Ligue 1, one of Europe’s major leagues, last season suggest that he has the quality to come in and hit the ground running as a key player for the Gers if he is fit and ready to go.

The left-footed central midfielder left Saint-Etienne after they were relegated to Ligue 2, but his displays in their relegation campaign showed that he was good enough to play at the top level.

24/25 Ligue 1	Pierre Ekwah	Percentile rank vs CMs
Tackles	57	Top 17%
Duels won	145	Top 11%
Duel success rate	57%	Top 14%
Aerial duel success rate	71%	Top 7%
Interceptions	47	Top 3%
Blocks	12	Top 6%
Ball recoveries	157	Top 8%
Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, the 23-year-old star was one of the most effective defensive midfielders in Ligue 1, as he ranked very highly among his positional peers in a host of statistics.

Ekwah, who former manager Tony Mowbray claimed could do “amazing” things with his feet, is a powerful and combative central midfielder who has shown that he can compete physically in a major European league, whilst Diomande has struggled badly with the physicality in the Premiership this season.

Along with his defensive attributes, the former Saint-Etienne star also completed 88% of his passes in Ligue 1 last season, per Sofascore, whilst Diomande has completed 84% of his attempted passes in the Premiership this term.

Therefore, Rangers and Martin could land an instant upgrade on the struggling Ivorian midfielder by swooping to sign a free agent star who excelled in Ligue 1 in the 2024/25 campaign.

Rangers star was "like the best of Zidane", now he's worse than Barron

This Rangers star who was once compared to Zinedine Zidane is now even worse than Connor Barron.

1

By
Dan Emery

Sep 30, 2025

Lucas Paqueta has been sanctioned by the Football Association (FA) for "two proven breaches" following their investigation into alleged spot-fixing. The West Ham United and Brazil midfielder was cleared of four spot-fixing charges by an independent commission in July – almost two years after English football's governing body launched their investigation.

Paqueta was cleared of four spot-fixing charges in July

The FA began their investigation in August 2023 and Paqueta was charged in May 2024 for allegedly getting booked deliberately "for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market".

The four charges against the 28-year-old related to a Premier League game against Leicester City on 12 November 2022, alongside 2023 fixtures against Aston Villa on 12 March, Leeds United on 21 May and Bournemouth on 12 August.

Former Lyon midfielder Paqueta was faced with the prospect of a lifetime ban if found guilty. However, the regulatory commission found the four charges to be "not proven" following the hearing.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBrazil midfielder thanked West Ham after he was cleared

After the verdict in July, Paqueta said: ”Since the first day of this investigation, I have maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations.

"I can't say anything more at this time, but I would like to express how grateful I am to God and how eager I am to return to playing football with a smile on my face.

"To my wife who never let go of my hand, to West Ham United, to the fans who always cheered me on, and to my family, friends and the legal team who have supported me – thank you for everything.”

Paqueta has now been sanctioned by FA for 'two breaches'

But Paqueta has now been sanctioned for "failing to comply with a requirement to answer questions and provide information to The FA’s investigation into breaches of the Rules". 

Paqueta had denied the two charges, however both breaches of FA Rule F3 were found proven following a hearing. The regulatory commission has imposed a reprimand and a warning over Paqueta’s future conduct.

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West Ham say they are pleased the case 'is finally closed'

Following the news, West Ham said they were pleased the investigation "is now finally closed".

A statement on the club's official website reads: "West Ham United acknowledges the statement published by the Football Association today, confirming that Lucas Paqueta has received a warning as to his future conduct, following two proven breaches of FA rule F3, after he was cleared of misconduct charges made against him for alleged breaches of FA rule E5.

"West Ham United and Lucas Paqueta are pleased that this matter is now finally closed. The Club will be making no further comment."