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Notts County were left frustrated after an equaliser against Wrexham was controversially disallowed out for handball, cost them invaluable points.

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Wrexham beat Notts CountyDisallowed goal frustrates Notts CountyDragons back into top threeWHAT HAPPENED?

Wrexham secured a 1-0 win against Notts County to climb back into League Two's three automatic promotion places. But it could have been very different had David McGoldrick's would-be equaliser in the 70th minute not been ruled out for an apparent handball, which on reflection seemed harsh. Notts boss Stuart Maynard was asked about the flashpoint afterwards.

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Maynard told: "The real frustration is that we probably deserve a point, minimum.

"We have watched the video back on Didzy's goal, it's a clear goal so we have scored a legitimate goal that should have stood, and it's frustrating because we go away with nothing.

"It hits his chest around the stomach area, it's as clean as you can see, I don't see where he sees the handball from. If you look at the reaction, in football, we always look at the reaction of the opposition players. They are all going back to the halfway line, the players are already thinking that the goal has been given.

"That is how you judge it a lot of the time and that's how you should as a referee. If you have that little grey area as a referee on whether it should be or shouldn't be, you have just got to look at the opposition reaction. It's hugely frustrating, but there were loads of positives."

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With Steven Fletcher's first-half goal enough for the win and three points, Wrexham took advantage of Crewe drawing at home to Harrogate to leapfrog them into third place. But it was a missed opportunity for Notts County, who were pipped to automatic National League promotion into the EFL by Wrexham last season, as they would have gone into the play-off positions had they come away from north Wales with at least a draw.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Notts County are the oldest professional football club anywhere in the world, having been formed in November 1862. But Crystal Palace made a contested claim for that title in 2020 after alleging that they can trace their history as a club back to 1861 when a football team called Crystal Palace first existed. Yet that club was dissolved 15 years later, before today's Crystal Palace with no known ties to the previous iteration was later formed in 1905.

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Tottenham Hotspur have refused to follow up on interest in Hull City midfielder Jarrod Bowen, according to Football.London’s Alasdair Gold (4.19pm).

Gold claims that Spurs decided at an internal meeting not to pursue a deal for the 22-year-old. He added that the club watched him in every game he played over the past month, as Spurs look to return to a transfer model of signing English players.

CheekySport’s Joel claims Spurs badly need to invest in January after not having “the balls” to beat Arsenal. Check out his uncensored opinion in the video below…

Bowen has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Hull, per Transfermarkt, scoring 14 goals and providing three assists in 29 Championship appearances thus far this season.

Tottenham appear set, however, to again fail to make a signing in this transfer window.

Chairman Daniel Levy also failed to sign a single player in the summer, leaving Lucas Moura as the last player to move to Spurs, when he joined from PSG in January 2018.

And Spurs fans have been left fuming as they face up to another transfer window of disappointment.

Erling Haaland thanked his fans for their support after becoming the youngest and fastest player to score 40 goals in the Champions League.

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Haaland scored his 40th Champions League goalNeeded just 35 games to reach milestoneSent message of thanks to his supportersWHAT HAPPENED?

Haaland helped inspire City to a comeback win against RB Leipzig on Tuesday. The reigning European champions were 2-0 down before the Norwegian pulled one back early in the second half and both Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez struck to secure the win. The 23-year-old needed just 35 games to score his 40 goals in the competition – making him the quickest to do so as well as the youngest.

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The striker celebrated the record with a post on social media, writing in the caption: "I've said it before. I'll say it again. Nothing happens without you all. Thank you for the endless support! We keep working."

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The European record is the second one Haaland has broken in a matter of days. The ex-Borussia Dortmund star opened the scoring as City drew 1-1 with Liverpool on Saturday. That was his 50th goal in the Premier League and he reached that milestone in just 48 matches.

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(C)Getty imagesWHAT NEXT FOR HAALAND?

Haaland will aim to continue his goalscoring exploits this weekend when City take on Tottenham in the Premier League. The English champions will hope to keep the pressure on league leaders Arsenal, who are a point ahead of them.

Jurgen Klopp continues to ignore the transfer “fuss” raging around Mohamed Salah, with Liverpool still confident that he will stay.

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Reds reluctant to part with talismanHave him tied to a contractRumours of move to Middle East ignoredWHAT HAPPENED?

The Egypt international continues to see questions asked of his future at Anfield as clubs in Saudi Arabia remain in a position to keep spending. Al-Ittihad are said to be keen on Salah, with talk of big-money offers and record-breaking contracts doing the rounds.

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Liverpool have turned a deaf ear to the gossip, with there no need for them to consider parting with a player that is tied to terms through to 2025. Klopp has batted away all questions on the subject and remains adamant that a key part of his plans will be hanging around on Merseyside.

WHAT THEY SAID

Klopp told when quizzed on the subject of Salah’s future once again: “I never had any doubt about his commitment to this club. You can’t imagine how much fuss the world has made but how calm we are with it. He is our player and wants to play here.”

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Salah scored his 188th goal for Liverpool in their 3-0 win over Aston Villa, doubling his tally for the season, and could make even more history on Merseyside before the day comes for him to bid farewell.

Alejandro Garnacho followed up his wondergoal against Everton with a brilliant opener for Manchester United in the Champions League.

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Garnacho bags opener at GalatasarayPulls out another Ronaldo celebrationScores first Champions League goalWHAT HAPPENED?

Garnacho needed just 11 minutes to break the deadlock in United's must-win clash. The Argentine finished off a slick team move involving Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes by smashing the ball high past goalkeeper Fernando Muslera at his near post to make it 1-0. Garnacho then pulled out Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic 'calma, calma' celebration.

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Garnacho's goal comes after his eye-catching overhead kick against Everton last time out. However, he was criticised for his Ronaldo-style 'Siuuu' celebration afterwards by Arturo Vidal. The former Barcelona and Bayern midfielder says Garnacho must "make his own name." The United youngster certainly seems to be doing that with his goalscoring exploits. His latest effort gave the Red Devils the perfect start in a must-win game for Ten Hag's side.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR GARNACHO?

Garnacho is making himself undroppable on current form and will expect to be in the starting XI again on Saturday when Manchester United take on Newcastle in the Premier League at St James' Park.

Jurgen Klopp surprisingly believes Sunday's Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea is comfortably the 'most special trophy' of his Liverpool tenure.

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Klopp says cup is 'most special'Liverpool beat Chelsea 1-0Reds aiming to win fourWHAT HAPPENED?

Given he has won both the Premier League and Champions League with the Reds, the Liverpool boss may have raised a few eyebrows with his claim. However, considering Klopp has announced he is leaving the club at the end of the season, he truly savoured the special moment with the adoring Liverpool faithful.

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Speaking after the game, Klopp said: "In my more than 20 years, it was easily the most special trophy I have ever won. It is absolutely exceptional. I wish I could feel proud more often. Tonight that is the overwhelming feeling. I was proud of our people for the way they pushed us. It was nothing to do with it maybe being my last game at Wembley. It was about how everybody contributed with the kids."

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Klopp was quick to point out the role of his youth players as several academy players came off the bench to freshen up the side. The Liverpool boss was full of praise for the youngsters who saw off pressure from Chelsea to win the Carabao Cup. It may be Klopp's final time at Wembley and he made sure he treasured each moment.

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One down, three to go? Klopp will be certainly hoping so as his side chase down the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup. They face Southampton next week in the latter competition.

The MLS referees' labor union has turned down a new CBA offer and is now set to strike just four days before the start of the 2024 season.

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MLS to begin 2024 with replacement refsPSRA rejects latest CBA offer from PROReferees set to strikeWHAT HAPPENED?

The Professional Referees Organization (PRO) and Professional Soccer Referees Association (PRSA) have failed to agree a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) ahead of the 2024 season. Now, as a result, PRO and MLS are set to begin the 2024 season with replacement referees on every level. PRO is the organization that employs referees for the league.

Their previous CBA expired on January 15, and they have been at the negotiating table since. Over a month's time, they came to a tentative agreement last week. However, when the PSRA members voted over the offer on the table, 95.8% of voters said "NO."

Starting February 18 at 12:01 AM, PSRA officials will be locked out and PRO will begin preparations for the first week of the season without their core officiating group.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT MLS SAID

"It's extremely disappointing that the officials have voted against the tentative agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement reached by the Professional Soccer Referees Association and the Professional Referee Organization," Major League Soccer executive vice-president of sporting product & competition Nelson Rodriguez said.

"PRO worked for months and addressed all the issues that were raised by PSRA’s bargaining unit. It is also unfortunate that the PSRA rejected PRO’s offer for a mutual no strike – no lockout commitment, which would have allowed all match officials to continue working during ongoing negotiations. PRO has informed us of its contingency plan for the upcoming MLS season, which includes utilizing experienced professional match referees supported by veteran VAR officials. We are confident in the comprehensive plan they have put in place."

WHAT PRO GM MARK GEIGER SAID

PRO general manager Mark Geiger said: "Time has been of the essence to conclude a fair deal and move forward together with renewed positivity ahead of our 12th year of supporting the growth of the professional game in the United States and Canada.

"We made meaningful progress during recent bargaining, agreeing to fair pay increases, and addressing many of the PSRA's concerns with respect to non-economic items. This represented approximately a 25 percent overall increase over 2023 when comparing salary, retainers, game fees, and benefits plus the addition of business class travel for the MLS Cup Playoffs. The result of the membership vote is disappointing.

"The PSRA has rejected a no strike/no lockout proposal from PRO through the 2024 MLS Cup, which, along with their public strike authorization, has created significant risk as the 2024 season begins. We are left with no choice but to institute a lockout and use qualified non-bargaining unit officials so that games can go ahead as scheduled."

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Getty ImagesWHAT THE PSRA SAID

“We live for this game, giving it 100 percent of our dedication, experience, fitness and ability,” Peter Manikowski, president and lead negotiator for PSRA, said. “The skyrocketing growth of MLS has significantly increased demands on officials mentally and physically, and as such has increased demands on both our professional and personal time. Our members are asking not only for fair compensation at a time when the league is reporting record growth, but also for the ability to take care of themselves on the road and at home to continue officiating at the highest level that this sport demands.”

Manikowski also revealed that it is the belief of the PSRA that replacement referees do not have the qualifications to perform at the highest level of the game in North America.

“This game evolves rapidly and play happens quickly,” Manikowski said. “We think replacement officials generally do not have the current experience and level of fitness required to do our jobs. The sport and everyone involved — players, coaches and fans — deserve referees who are the best in North America at knowing the MLS game and its current rules and applications.”

Kylian Mbappe has been mocked by Greggs after being accused of daydreaming about steak bakes, with the PSG star told he is “welcome to come 4-1”.

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World Cup winner flopped at St James' ParkSuffered humbling defeatHas become an easy target for criticsWHAT HAPPENED?

The World Cup-wining forward endured a rare off day alongside the rest of his Paris Saint-Germain colleagues as they suffered a humbling defeat to Newcastle in the Champions League. Mbappe never got going in that contest, with the 24-year-old failing to sparkle on a European stage.

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Newcastle had no complaints about that, with Eddie Howe’s side claiming a notable scalp. Their supporters have been revelling in a memorable triumph, while also poking fun at continental rivals. One Magpies fan posted on social media when reflecting on Mbappe’s performance: “I was confident about a win, as I went with a predicted 2-1. The team was just showing off last night though. This fella was just thinking about Greggs steak bakes all night. Right there, he was caught licking his lips thinking of his next one.”

DID YOU KNOW?

It did not take long for bakery chain Greggs to respond to that post, with another cheeky jibe aimed in the direction of Mbappe. They said when being made aware of the steak bake claims: “He’s welcome to come 4-1 this morning…”

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Mbappe looked stunned at times as PSG collapsed in dramatic fashion at St James’ Park, with a disasterclass from Luis Enrique’s side leaving them with work to do in order to make the Champions League last-16 as they are in the so-called ‘Group of Death’ with Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.

England captain Harry Kane was denied a penalty against Malta on Friday, and was booked for diving after a challenge from goalkeeper Henry Bonello.

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Kane brought down in the boxAppealed immediately for a penaltyBooked by official, with VAR not interveningWHAT HAPPENED?

Kane interecepted a pass from goalkeeper Bonello in the Malta penalty area and appeared to be nicked on his ankle by the shot stopper's trailing arm as he dived for the ball. The referee, though, saw it differently and booked Kane for diving, much to the bemusement of the Bayern forward. VAR opted against intervening.

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Replays showed that Bonello made contact with Kane's ankle, so there should have been a VAR review at the very least, although the decision was not deemed to be a clear and obvious error. Kane and his team-mates were particularly aghast, and manager Gareth Southgate was also seen questioning the decision with the fourth official.

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England took a 1-0 lead through an own goal from Enrico Pepe and will hope to see the victory out. Given Malta's standing in the international game, one has to think that Kane will be out to boost his own goal tally.

Phil Parkinson has revealed the touching text message he received from Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney following a 5-0 thrashing against Stockport.

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Dragons secured promotion last seasonHollywood stars boast big ambitionFull support of playing & coaching staffWHAT HAPPENED?

The Dragons suffered a humbling reversal away at fellow League Two promotion hopefuls on September 23, with that contest seeing them concede five goals for the third time in the 2023-24 campaign. There was to be no emotional reaction to that drubbing, though, with the Welsh outfit retaining full confidence in their playing and coaching staff.

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Wrexham have gone nine games unbeaten since that painful setback, winning six across all competitions, and remain among the fourth tier frontrunners following their record-breaking promotion back into the Football League last season.

WHAT THEY SAID

McElhenney, along with fellow co-chairman Ryan Reynolds, continues to deliver financial and emotional support to Parkinson and his players, with the Wrexham boss saying at the FWA Northern Writers Awards: “Every promotion or title or cup you win as a manager is hard. It's really, really, really tough. There are tight dividing lines all the time and you need really good people alongside you. And with the glitz and the glamour of the Hollywood owners, that's great. But Rob and Ryan are really genuine people and have been so supportive to me and Steve. Not just financially, if we need to get a player in, but moral support, every time they come over or if we have a bad result. We got beat 5-0 at Stockport a few months ago, the first text was from McElhenney – ‘Phil we're right behind you, we're right with you’ and that means a much as being supported financially.”

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Getty/GOALWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Wrexham have moved into the second round of the FA Cup this season, are set to progress from their group in the Football League Trophy, and sit third in the League Two table after 16 games – five points back on leaders Stockport.