Sports
Carles Puyol’s Brutal Tackle on Phil Neville in 6-a-Side Match
More often than not, when a footballer retires, the one thing they look forward to more than anything is not having to deal with injuries. After years of pushing their body to the absolute limit, the last thing they need is to be sidelined or to undergo surgery as they enjoy their new relaxing lifestyle.
One man who was ever-so-close to not having that luxury though is ex-England international, Phil Neville. The former Lionesses head coach, who played for Manchester United and Everton during his long career, called time on his playing days in 2013. However, four years later, the ex-defender was on the receiving end of one of the most gruesome tackles ever witnessed – thanks to a Barcelona legend.
Carles Puyol’s Sickening Challenge on Phil Neville
Neville was furious with the tackle
The incident occurred back in 2017 during a six-a-side tournament which mimicked the format of the fan-favourite ‘Masters Football’ on Sky Sports. The competition, known as ‘Star Sixes’, saw 12 countries bring together some of their biggest legends compete in a World Cup-style group stage and knockout championship. Neville was chosen to represent England alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen and David James.
However, the former Inter Miami boss’ time on the pitch was nearly cut short in the very first game. A poor first touch from the 49-year-old saw the ball bounce up, inviting none other than notorious hard man Carles Puyol to come steaming in. Instead of winning the ball though, the Spaniard, who is largely regarded as one of the greatest Barcelona players of all time, took out his opponent with a knee-high challenge which should’ve done far more damage than it did. Watch the incident below:
Miraculously, Neville wasn’t severely injured, but that didn’t stop him from voicing his fury about the challenge. He said:
“It’s the worst tackle I’ve ever seen on a football field. I hope UEFA, FIFA and the FA all have a look at this.
“The thing that upset me more than anything was the referee said he got the ball. Honestly, it was a horrendous tackle.”
The former utility player confirmed that Puyol had apologised for the tackle, but it was only a huge stroke of good fortune that prevented a serious injury. He added at the time: “I’ve just had a word with Paul [Scholes], hopefully he can sort him out.”
Puyol later took to Twitter, posting: “Sorry man!! I hope your knee is fine. I didn’t mean to do it.”
The greatest one-club men in football history, ft Puyol, Scholes, Maldini & Totti
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Star Sixes 2017 Results
England were knocked out at the quarter-final stage
While Neville was able to continue, his tournament would not last as long as the man who attempted to take him out. After losing the opening encounter, the Three Lions roared back with two victories to finish second in their group and qualify for the knockout stages.
There, they would meet 1992 European Champions Denmark. The Danes swept England aside comfortably, sending Neville and co crashing out before reaching the final themselves. They would eventually be undone by France, who would go on to claim the innaugral ‘Star Sixes’ crown.
As for Puyol’s Spain, they would succumb to the French in the semi-finals, but walk away victorious in the third-place play-off thanks to an emphatic 11-3 win over Brazil.
Sports
Disturbing Reason He’s Been Banned From Golf Club
Golf legend Phil Mickelson has reportedly been kicked out of a San Diego golf club following allegations that he made unwanted physical contact with a female employee.
The initial report from Golf Digest came in the spring, when Mickelson had his membership at The Farms terminated due to an alleged incident.
The employee accused the 55-year-old of “nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact” towards her before a game of golf, with Mickelson said to have left the property after being challenged.
While an investigation into the allegation was launched by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, no evidence to show that an assault occurred was found. However, they do insist that they “would absolutely investigate further if provided additional evidence or information.”
Golf Club’s Statement Regarding Phil Mickelson
The Farms confirmed the expulsion without naming Mickelson in their new statement sent to Golf Digest.
“Following a staff member’s report of member misconduct, the club provided immediate and ongoing support to the staff member, conducted a thorough independent investigation of the incident, and took decisive action. This individual is no longer a member of The Farms Golf Club.”
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In addition to this, they further added: “To protect the safety and privacy of our staff and member, we are unable to speak further on the matter.”
The Farms is a private club located in Rancho Santa Fe. It is known for its exclusivity, boasting several well-known attendees such as Annika Sorenstam and Xander Schauffele.
Spokesperson For Mikelson Releases Statement
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Mickelson addressed the allegations with his side of the story.
“Any misunderstanding has been cleared up. Phil continues to attend to a family health matter and is uncertain when he will be able to return to professional golf,” they told Golf Digest.
This isn’t the first controversy that the six-time Major winner has been embroiled in. Back in 2022, he lost major sponsorships and faced backlash after using expletives to describe the Saudi Arabian investment fund. Furthermore, he was involved in an insider training scheme before that, having to repay the almost $1 million sum that he earned from it.
For many, there’s a sense of disappointment regarding Mickelson, especially as these scandals continue to tarnish his legacy. At 50 years old, he became the oldest Major champion in golf history, when he won the 2021 PGA Championship. Once a fan-favourite, now cast away due to more problems.
Sports
Rangers Eye Move For Wantaway Everton Star Nathan Patterson
Rangers need to resolve their lack of depth at right-back ahead of the 2026/27 Scottish Premiership season – and a former player is reportedly on their radar.
James Tavernier has ended his 11-year spell with the club while Max Aarons has returned to Bournemouth after limited minutes during his season-long loan at Ibrox.
Belgium-based defender Bryan Reynolds has emerged as a target with an offer of £2.2million from Rangers already rejected. Reynolds has just one year left on his deal with Pro League side K.V.C. Westerlo, who are willing to sell for the right price.
However, if Rangers have difficulty getting a deal done, there are other options being eyed by the Scottish Premiership giants.
Rangers eye Nathan Patterson move
According to TEAMtalk, Everton are ready to listen to offers for Nathan Patterson. The Toffees value the player at around £12million, with the Scotland international joining the Merseyside club for a fee of £16m back in 2022.
Rangers are described as ‘keeping tabs on the situation’ with Patterson ready to leave Everton after failing to nail down a regular place in the starting XI during his time on Merseyside.
Championship side Sheffield United have emerged as contenders to sign the right-back, who could attract further interest if he performs well for Scotland at the World Cup.
Patterson only started three Premier League games for Everton last term, and played in just seven league games in total. He is set to turn 25 in October and needs to begin playing regularly.
Nathan Patterson return makes sense for Rangers
Signing Patterson would carry less risk for Rangers. Both he and Reynolds are a similar age and while Patterson has struggled with injury and a lack of minutes, he has already proven he can handle the rigours of the Scottish Premiership.
The biggest issue is the steep difference in the duo’s respective valuations. Patterson could cost four times the price of Reynolds if Rangers opted to make the Everton man their priority signing.
While Patterson is keen to leave, the Toffees are only willing to sell him if they sign another right-back this window.
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Several targets have been identified as David Moyes looks to other options.
Patterson has seen moves to Sevilla and Genoa collapse within the last 12 months after Everton were unable to sign a replacement. He has just one year left on his contract the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Rangers might be able to secure him for a lower fee – but only if other clubs are unwilling to do business for less than £12million.
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Sports
Reason Barcelona Have Not Completed Marcus Rashford Signing Yet
Manchester United may yet get the pay day they are hoping for when it comes to Marcus Rashford. The England forward does not appear to have any return route to Old Trafford having spent the last 18 months out on loan, including spells with Aston Villa and Barcelona.
Rashford particularly impressed during his time with the latter, registering 14 goals and as many assists to help the Blaugrana to their second successive LaLiga title.
Barcelona held an option to buy Rashford in the loan deal, which was worth €30million, but while the deadline to activate that option is not until June 15, Barca have already communicated that they will not be doing so. The story may not end there, though.
Barcelona may yet pull the trigger
According to Diario AS, Barcelona may yet move to sign Rashford despite deciding not to execute the option to buy. Reports in England have speculated that Barca’s motive is to further reduce the fee, but that is not the case.
The LaLiga champions decided to sign Anthony Gordon on a deal worth up to €80million, upgrading their wing positions.
But the main reason is that they are fully focusing on landing a new striker to replace Robert Lewandowski, and they are well aware that a new centre-forward could cost them big money. Once that situation is resolved, Barca will revisit the Rashford situation to see whether they feel it is a deal worth doing.
United could theoretically charge more should Barca circle back around, but the Spanish club know the Red Devils want to sell, and they are likely to get a very similar, if not slightly reduced, deal should they decide to go ahead.
As far as Rashford himself is concerned, he may be disappointed that Barca haven’t rewarded him with a permanent deal, but he is not alone in being the subject of the Catalan club’s singular focus.
Reports emerged this week claiming soon-to-be former Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has been offered to Barca, but while they see him as a good option, they are not willing to do any business until they land their priority, which is a striker. Silva will also have to wait if he wants to join Barca this summer.
Cole backs Rashford to Chelsea
In the meantime, former Chelsea winger Joe Cole is backing Rashford for a move to Chelsea as Xabi Alonso looks to upgrade his wing spots this summer. “It’s just a matter of the wages and the valuation,” Cole told the Sun Sport.
“Rashford ticks a lot of boxes, but you don’t want to spend a fortune on him – he’d do a good job for Chelsea. He needs to keep going, Marcus, he needs to keep his confidence up because he rebuilt himself at Barcelona, and there’s still another level for him to jump to. He’s someone Chelsea should inquire about, but it’ll depend on the deal.”
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As things stand, Marcus Rashford is set to return to Manchester United when his loan with Barcelona expires
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