Sports
Nottingham Forest boss gives referee Tierney ‘hot chase’ in tunnel after Liverpool defeat
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis reportedly chased referee Paul Tierney down the tunnel after the Tricky Trees’ agonising 1-0 loss to Liverpool in the Premier League.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were the victims of the 10th-latest Premier League goal on record at the City Ground, where Darwin Nunez headed home with 99 minutes on the clock to nick a dramatic win for Liverpool.
The hosts were not short of opportunities against the injury-hit Reds, and while Caoimhin Kelleher made a few vital saves, Santo’s men would have been full value for a point or even three on their own turf.
However, with the last chance of the game, Nunez found the bottom corner from Alexis Mac Allister’s delivery, sending Jurgen Klopp’s men four points clear at the summit of the Premier League rankings and leaving their hosts just four clear of the drop zone.
As Liverpool rejoiced in their first-ever Premier League win at the City Ground – where they had tried and failed on six occasions to earn maximum points – furious Forest staff remonstrated with Tierney over the events before Nunez’s last-gasp header.
A Forest attack was stopped in its tracks due to an apparent head injury for Ibrahima Konate, and Liverpool were gifted possession back courtesy of an uncontested drop ball before surging forward and finally breaching Matz Sels’s net.
The heated aftermath saw Forest defender Felipe booked and first-team coach Steven Reid given a red card by Tierney, while a stone-faced Marinakis also made his way onto the City Ground soil.
According to BBC Radio Five Live reporter Rob Schofield, the furore spilled out into the tunnel, where an enraged Marinakis followed referee Tierney and fourth official Graham Scott all the way to their office.
Schofield relayed that Marinakis repeatedly yelled “respect the players” at the officials before being led away by security, while Tricky Trees players also cut incandescent figures behind the scenes.
“You rarely see scenes like that in the tunnel. We saw Steven Reid getting frustrated. He and the Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis pursued referee Paul Tierney and fourth official Graham Scott all the way to referee’s office yelling at them “Respect the players! Respect the players! This happens every week! Respect the players!,” Schofield said.
“Marinakis had to be removed by security at one stage. The Forest players were furious, Nuno looked absolutely crestfallen. Jurgen Klopp stormed past me saying he doesn’t know why he’s getting so much flak. It really was all kicking off down here. Furious scenes.”
The hosts also had a penalty appeal waved away before Nunez struck at the other end of the field, thereby earning Liverpool their first league triumph at the City Ground in almost 40 years.
Forest fans also appeared to take issue with the amount of added time played on Saturday, as a minimum of eight minutes went up on Scott’s board before Konate’s head complaint led to a longer injury-time period.
Santo’s side – who could also land themselves in hot water with the FA owing to the unsavoury scenes at the end of Saturday’s defeat – will now bid to end a three-game losing run across all competitions when they make the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on March 10.
Arsenal drew 1-1 at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final as Julian Alvarez’s penalty cancelled out a spot-kick scored by Viktor Gyokeres.
Premier League leaders Arsenal struck first when Gyokeres won and converted a penalty just before half-time, but Alvarez levelled from the spot on 56 minutes after a handball by Ben White.
AFP
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) produced a dramatic display to defeat Bayern Munich 5-4 in a pulsating UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg encounter on Tuesday night, in one of the most thrilling matches of the season.
The high-octane clash saw both sides exchange goals in a contest filled with momentum swings, VAR drama and moments of individual brilliance, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg.
Bayern struck first through Harry Kane, who calmly converted from the penalty spot in the 17th minute to give the German side an early lead.
However, PSG responded swiftly, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia levelling matters with a composed finish before João Neves headed the hosts in front from a well-delivered corner.
The visitors fought back again, as Michael Olise unleashed a stunning strike from distance to restore parity, ensuring the first half ended in dramatic fashion.
PSG regained the advantage just before the break when Ousmane Dembélé converted from the penalty spot following a VAR review, sending the home side into the interval with a 3-2 lead.
The second half continued in the same frenetic fashion. PSG extended their lead through Kvaratskhelia and later Dembélé, who struck again to make it 5-2, appearing to put the game beyond Bayern’s reach.
But the Bundesliga giants mounted a spirited comeback. Defender Dayot Upamecano rose highest to head home from a set-piece, before late pressure saw Bayern reduce the deficit further, setting up a tense finish in the closing minutes.
Despite the late surge, PSG held on to secure a narrow 5-4 victory in a match that showcased attacking flair and defensive vulnerabilities from both sides.
The encounter was also marked by several contentious moments, including multiple VAR checks, penalty appeals and tactical substitutions, reflecting the intensity and stakes of a Champions League semi-final.
Real Madrid are reportedly assessing their managerial future as speculation grows over a possible return for José Mourinho, who is said to be open to a second spell at the club.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Tuesday, Mourinho has indicated to people close to him that he would welcome the opportunity to return to Madrid, viewing it as a chance for a “second chapter” at the Santiago Bernabéu.
“Real Madrid are now informed about José Mourinho’s desire to return. Mourinho has made it clear to people close to him that he would like to return and have a second chance at the club. Real Madrid will decide on the new manager soon,” Romano posted on X.
The Portuguese coach previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, during which he won La Liga and the Copa del Rey while restoring the club’s competitiveness in European competition.
Real Madrid are understood to be reviewing their long-term coaching plans, with a decision on the club’s next managerial direction expected soon. While no official announcement has been made, internal discussions are believed to be ongoing.
Romano had reported that the Madrid president, Florentino Pérez, will be personally deciding on the Real Madrid manager, adding that he is going to take control of the process.
Mourinho’s name has re-emerged due to his continued presence among Europe’s most experienced managers.
The Spanish giants are expected to clarify their managerial situation in the near future as planning continues for the upcoming seasons.
For now, Mourinho remains one of the names linked with the role as speculation around the Bernabéu continues.
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