Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior says defender Wesley Fofana is “absolutely fine” despite being subjected to racist abuse online following his red card against Burnley.
The centre-back shared the hateful messages he received in the hours following his dismissal during the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge last Saturday.
The UK Football Policing Unit has confirmed it is investigating the incident alongside several other reports of abuse within the game over the past week.
Rosenior addressed the situation ahead of his side’s Premier League fixture against Arsenal on Sunday.
‘We have to try our best to eradicate it’
Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri also highlighted abuse he received on Saturday, while Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland winger Romaine Mundle were targeted the following day.
The Premier League and all four clubs involved have unequivocally condemned the behaviour.
Rosenior, who recently spoke on the issue after Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior reported abuse, reiterated the need for change.
“It was a tough day for Wes, firstly what happened in the game, secondly the fallout and racist abuse that he got online,” Rosenior stated.
“Wes is a tough guy, he’s a good guy.”
The Chelsea boss expressed his frustration that the issue remains pervasive in the sport.
“It’s amazing, we spoke about racism last week. It affects you,” he added.
“It shouldn’t exist, whether it’s online, verbal, in person. It’s something we have to try our best to eradicate from life.”
Despite the off-field distractions, Rosenior confirmed the player has not let it impact his preparation.
“Wes is absolutely fine, he trained well this week.”
Record financial losses
Away from the pitch, Chelsea’s latest financial results have revealed a significant pre-tax loss of £355m for the 2024-25 period.
This figure sets a new record for an English club and is second in Europe only to Barcelona’s £484m loss in 2021.
The substantial deficit could lead to sanctions from Uefa if the governing body determines the club has breached financial sustainability regulations.
However, Rosenior insisted the boardroom figures would not distract him from his duties with the squad.
“My job is to focus on the team, to try and make the squad as strong as possible to eventually win things,” he said.
“That’s why I’m here.”
The manager acknowledged he would speak with the ownership but maintained his focus remains on results.
“It’s something that’s not at the forefront of my mind. I just want make sure on the pitch we’re as successful as possible.”
Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is reportedly considering requesting a loan move this summer after growing frustrated with his limited opportunities at Anfield.
The Georgia international has found regular minutes hard to come by since linking up with the Reds, serving primarily as the understudy to Alisson.
Reports suggest the 25-year-old is now exploring options to secure consistent first-team football for the upcoming campaign.
Mamardashvili has made just 11 appearances across all competitions for Arne Slot’s side this season.
His most recent outing came on 12 January during the FA Cup third-round victory over Barnsley.
Struggle for minutes
The shot-stopper joined Liverpool from Valencia in a deal agreed in the summer of 2024, spending the subsequent season on loan in Spain before moving to Merseyside.
He arrived with a strong reputation, having kept 39 clean sheets in 134 appearances during his time in La Liga.
However, the former Valencia number one has been unable to displace Alisson, who remains the first choice between the posts.
Mamardashvili’s frustration was reportedly compounded when he was left on the bench for the FA Cup fourth-round tie against Brighton earlier this month.
Summer overhaul expected
A potential exit for the goalkeeper comes amidst a wider period of transition for Liverpool following a challenging second season under Slot.
The club is expected to be active in the transfer market again after previously investing heavily in the squad.
Defensive reinforcements appear to be a priority, with the club already agreeing a deal for Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet.
Uncertainty also surrounds the left-back position as Andy Robertson approaches the expiry of his contract in June.
Reports indicate the Reds are monitoring Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso as a potential competitor for Milos Kerkez on the left flank.
Danny Rohl demands ‘hot heart and smart mind’ for Rangers in Celtic clash
Rangers manager Danny Rohl has challenged his players to approach Sunday’s pivotal Scottish Premiership derby against Celtic with a mix of passion and tactical intelligence.
The Ibrox club are currently locked in a three-way title battle involving league leaders Hearts and their upcoming opponents.
Derek McInnes’ side currently sit four points clear at the summit of the table, intensifying the pressure on the chasing Glasgow giants.
Rangers occupy second place with a slender two-point cushion over Celtic, though the defending champions possess a game in hand against Aberdeen.
Tactical balance required
The German head coach, who successfully oversaw a 3-1 victory at Celtic Park in January, is confident his squad is prepared for the occasion.
Rohl believes maintaining composure is just as vital as aggression in the heated atmosphere of the derby.
“We are ready. Do it with a hot heart and a smart mind,” said Rohl.
“If we do this then we have a big chance, we have a clear idea of what we want to do.”
The Rangers boss insists his side have identified specific tactical solutions to hurt their city rivals.
Resilience and recent form
While the Parkhead outfit have struggled recently, suffering a home defeat by Hibernian, the hosts have displayed significant character.
Rohl’s men recovered from a two-goal deficit to salvage a 2-2 draw at Livingston last week, following a 4-2 comeback victory over Hearts the previous weekend.
“My team showed character, big personality in the last couple of weeks,” Rohl added.
“I feel the confidence, I feel the belief. It’s not just about the shape and the tactic, but it’s also about how we go in duels.”
The manager emphasized that the spirited reaction to falling behind at Livingston has kept the squad’s momentum “on fire” heading into Sunday.
The title race picture
Sunday’s fixture marks the third league meeting between the sides this season, with a Scottish Cup clash also looming at Ibrox the following week.
Despite the magnitude of the game, Rohl was keen to stress that the result will not be mathematically decisive.
“It’s a crucial game, but no team will be out after this game because there are still 27 points you can take,” the German explained.
“It’s a crucial one because when you come closer and closer to the end of the season and there is more and more in, then you know every game is important.”
Manchester City could face a deduction of up to 60 points if found guilty of the 115 financial charges brought against them, according to a leading football finance expert.
The Premier League champions have been awaiting a verdict since a 10-week hearing into the historical accusations concluded in December 2024.
Pep Guardiola’s side were first accused of serious financial breaches in February 2023, initiating a complex legal process that could reshape English football.
While the Etihad club strenuously deny all charges, speculation regarding potential punishments continues to mount pending the decision of the Independent Commission.
Projected sanctions
Kieran Maguire, a specialist in football finance, believes the scale of the alleged offences suggests a punishment far exceeding recent precedents.
Speaking on The Overlap, Maguire referenced the deductions handed to Everton and Nottingham Forest for profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) breaches.
He noted that those sanctions covered a three-year period, whereas the case against the treble winners spans nine years.
“I think you have to add a zero to what we’ve seen in terms of Forest and Everton, so somewhere between a 40 and 60-point deduction would be, on merit to be consistent with what we’ve seen with other decisions, would make a lot of logic.”
Kieran Maguire, Football Finance Expert
Maguire indicated that the sheer volume of evidence presented by both prosecution and defence likely amounts to “half a million pieces”.
Relegation restrictions
Despite the severity of the potential points loss, the Premier League does not hold the authority to directly relegate a club to the English Football League (EFL).
Maguire explained that relegation to League One or League Two requires an EFL decision, and the organisation has not proven any charges against the Manchester club.
Consequently, any sporting sanction applied by the Premier League must come in the form of a points deduction within the current division.
Impact on the table
A deduction of this magnitude would have immediate and drastic consequences for the current league standings.
Based on a current total of 56 points, a 60-point penalty would drop Guardiola’s team to minus four points.
Such a ruling would leave the reigning champions bottom of the table, facing a distinct battle against relegation.
The shift would significantly alter the title race, potentially allowing Arsenal to open a substantial lead over challengers such as Aston Villa and Liverpool.
Arsenal could owe Sporting CP an additional six-figure sum if Viktor Gyokeres reaches a goal involvement milestone against Chelsea on Sunday.
The Sweden international has triggered several performance-related add-ons since his arrival, with another potential payment looming for the Gunners.
Gyokeres currently sits on 17 goal involvements for the club, comprising 15 goals and two assists across all competitions.
His former club are reportedly due £437,000 for every 20 goal contributions he registers.
A hat-trick of goals or assists at the Emirates Stadium this weekend would see the forward hit that mark.
While three goal contributions in a single match is a significant demand, the striker has already achieved the feat against the Blues this season.
He scored twice and provided an assist in a 3-2 Carabao Cup semi-final victory earlier in the campaign.
Contract clauses and bonuses
The deal bringing the prolific scorer to north London included various structured payments beyond the initial transfer fee.
Arsenal have already paid out £1.1m after the forward reached 20 appearances lasting at least 45 minutes.
Sporting will continue to receive this amount for every block of 20 games up to his 80th appearance.
However, the payments regarding his direct output in front of goal are capped.
There is only one further instalment available beyond the upcoming milestone, should he reach 40 combined goals and assists.
European qualification costs
Further financial implications are tied to the club’s standing in European competition.
Sporting are set to receive approximately £874,000 for each season Arsenal qualify for the Champions League.
This specific clause remains active until the total accumulated bonus reaches £3.5m.
Gyokeres enters Sunday’s fixture in fine form, having recently scored a brace against Tottenham in the north London derby.
Mikel Arteta has reset Arsenal’s psychological approach for the Premier League title run-in as the Gunners prepare to hold off Manchester City in a defining period of the season.
The campaign has reached a pivotal moment following a brief pause in the schedule.
Both title contenders have utilised the break differently as tension begins to escalate at the summit of the table.
Contrasting preparations
Pep Guardiola spent his rare time off visiting his former club Brescia in Italy.
Despite the change of scenery, the Manchester City manager remained fully apprised of developments in north London.
Mikel Arteta, conversely, entered the break buoyed by the euphoria of a significant victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
The Spaniard faced questions on whether he would follow Guardiola’s tongue-in-cheek advice regarding squad relaxation.
The City boss had previously joked after beating Newcastle that his players should consume "caipirinhas and daiquiris" during their time off.
Modern professionalism
Following Arsenal’s tense 2-2 draw at Wolves, suggestions arose that the squad needed a traditional bonding session to release pressure.
Observers noted the team appeared to require a release from the mounting intensity of the title charge.
However, the drinking culture of the past has largely evaporated from the modern game.
Few players in the current Arsenal setup consume alcohol, with many preferring to focus on faith and recovery rather than nightlife.
Psychological reset
Arteta has successfully navigated the potential fallout from the dropped points at Molineux.
The draw had initially caused friction, with arguments reported among the squad in the immediate aftermath.
The Gunners manager moved quickly to shift the collective mentality back to the positives.
He reminded his players that being five points clear in February is a position they would have dreamed of as youngsters.
This reframing proved effective, resulting in a focused and intense performance in the north London derby.
The run-in begins
The narrative of the season now shifts from a race to the final run-in.
Manchester City face a trip to Leeds United on Saturday as they look to apply pressure.
Arsenal must negotiate a challenging home fixture against Chelsea shortly after.
With the brief lull in fixtures over, the margins for error have effectively disappeared for both sides.
Liverpool have posted a pre-tax profit of £8m and record revenues exceeding £700m following their Premier League title triumph and return to the Champions League.
The Anfield club’s latest accounts reveal a surge in overall revenue by £89m to a total of £703m.
This figure represents the highest revenue generated by any side in the English top flight.
It marks a significant financial turnaround for the Reds, who had reported a pre-tax loss of £57m in the previous financial year.
Broadcast and prize money boost
Media revenue climbed by £60m to £264m, largely driven by the club’s participation in Europe’s elite competition.
The Merseyside club were eliminated in the last 16 by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain but still banked nearly £84m from the tournament.
Domestic success proved equally lucrative, with the team earning just under £175m for securing their 20th league crown.
This prize money comprised UK and international broadcast payments, reflecting the fact that 30 of their 38 league matches were televised.
Anfield expansion drives growth
Matchday income rose by £14m to £116m despite the team playing two fewer fixtures than in the 2023-24 campaign.
This increase is attributed to the first full season of the completed Anfield Road stand, which allowed crowds to consistently exceed 60,000.
Commercial revenue also saw an uplift of £15m, taking the total for that division to £322m.
Non-football events played a crucial role, with Taylor Swift and Pink performing concerts at the stadium during the accounting period.
Rising administrative costs
While income soared, the champions also faced rising expenditures.
Staff costs jumped by £42m to £428m, a figure that has reportedly doubled in less than a decade.
Administrative costs rose to £657m, while utility bills at the stadium have surged by more than 100% over the last four years.
The financial report also noted the impact of new commercial partnerships, including agreements with Japan Airlines and Husqvarna, alongside a long-term extension with Carlsberg.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler believes James Milner has “no limits” as the veteran midfielder prepares to make the 900th club appearance of his career.
The 40-year-old recently became the Premier League’s all-time record appearance holder, surpassing Gareth Barry during a 2-0 victory over Brentford.
Having reached 654 outings in the top flight, the former England international is set for another major landmark when Nottingham Forest visit the Amex Stadium on Sunday.
Hurzeler praises ‘remarkable’ mindset
Milner’s professional journey began at Leeds United in November 2002 at the age of just 16.
He has since accumulated 899 appearances across spells with Swindon, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool.
When asked if the midfielder could eventually reach 1,000 club matches, Hurzeler insisted nothing should be ruled out.
“You have to ask him but nothing is impossible. I think he has no limits,” said the Brighton boss.
“The mindset is such an important part in a football career that if you have the right mindset of always keep pushing, of never being satisfied, of always trying to reach the next level, then your body will follow.”
“He is a prime example for having the right mindset and therefore everything is possible for him.”
Guinness World Records recognition
The utility player was recently presented with three Guinness World Record titles to acknowledge his longevity.
In addition to the appearance record, he holds the benchmark for the longest gap between his first and last Premier League goals at over 22 years.
He has also competed in the English top tier for 24 consecutive seasons, another unparalleled feat.
Contract situation
Milner’s current deal on the south coast is set to expire at the conclusion of the current campaign.
However, he retains the option to negotiate an extension should he wish to continue his playing career.
Since arriving from Anfield in 2023, he has featured 42 times for the Seagulls, including 16 league outings this term.