Summary

  • Manchester United face Bayern Munich in the Champions League needing a win (20:00)

  • Arsenal travel to PSV Eindhoven (17:45)

  • Turkish club president apologises

  • Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler punched by KE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca

  • Football in Turkey suspended after incident in Super Lig match against Caykur Rizespor

  • Women's FA Cup fourth round draw - defending champions Chelsea to host West Ham

  • Get Involved: #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

  1. Thank you and goodbyepublished at 16:34 GMT 12 December 2023

    That's all from us for today, as always thank you for your company and for all of your contributions.

    Before we go, here's a reminder of today's top stories:

    Manchester United and Arsenal are in action tonight in the Champions League and you can follow live text commentary of those games on the BBC Sport website and app here.

    We'll be back tomorrow morning to unpack all of that action and more, so see you then!

  2. Koca apologises for punchpublished at 16:32 GMT 12 December 2023

    Faruk KocaImage source, Getty Images

    KE Ankaragucu President Faruk Koca has apologised for punching referee Halil Umut Meler in the face.

    The incident has led to Koca being arrested and all football in Turkey being suspended.

    He is quoted saying on the club website: "I apologise to the Turkish referee community, sports public and our nation.

    "No matter how great injustice or wrong it is, nothing can legitimize or explain the violence that I committed, which I definitely did not desire."

  3. 'We have to get our focus right'published at 16:30 GMT 12 December 2023

    Newcastle v AC Milan (Weds, 20:00 GMT)

    Newcastle United

    On how he has enjoyed the Champions League, Eddie Howe said: "I've really enjoyed it, there's a slight but, because we haven’t had the freedom to attack the competition in the way we could have done. That’s the only feeling I'm left with that’s negative. The tournament is special, we have one more game and we want to make it as memorable as possible."

    On what the fans can do: "I think to make it a magical European night, they can only do so much, we have to do our bit too.

    "I want to focus on what's ahead. The character is there, the spirit, the intention is there. Tomorrow we have to focus on our home form and a game against Milan."

    On getting past the group stages: "I think it would be an incredible achievement if we could do it, we can't transport ourselves there. We can only look to do it. We have to get our focus right, we can't be distracted by what’s done elsewhere."

  4. 'Destiny' in Newcastle's handspublished at 16:26 GMT 12 December 2023

    Newcastle v AC Milan (Weds, 20:00 GMT)

    Newcastle United

    Newcastle manager Eddie Howe on whether he will rotate goalkeepers: "That is not a position I want to rotate. Every team benefits from a settled goalkeeper and settled back four."

    On Newcastle's journey to the Champions League: "We have worked so hard to be in this position in the first place. Our intention, myself, the players, the coaching staff is to win the match.

    "I think probably to be here with some kind of destiny in our hands, with European football in our hands. We can control what we can control."

    On how the team has developed in the Champions League: "Maybe the team and squad hasn’t progressed mainly because we haven’t seen players since [due to injuries]. We are not moaning about the situation we are in. It's great to have two players back, gave us a huge lift. We're going into the game confident."

  5. 'Something to play for and everything to gain'published at 16:22 GMT 12 December 2023

    Newcastle v AC Milan (Weds, 20:00 GMT)

    Newcastle United

    Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before his side face AC Milan in the Champions League: "I think we are very positive going into the game. It's got all the hallmarks of being a special game. All we can do is try and give our best performance, we will try everything."

    On fans support at home, Howe said: "Well they have been for sure [supportive]. We're going to need every voice, everyone can make a difference for us.

    "That’s been the fitting for our home form, the fans have driven us on and they’ve given us the ability to keep going, so we're going to need that tomorrow.

    "Being under the lights here is very special with something to play for and everything to gain. I think were looking forward to try and prove ourselves in our performances."

    On team news, Howe added: "We’re two days after a game, we're obviously trying to manage players and see who is fit for tomorrow."

  6. Howe up nextpublished at 16:19 GMT 12 December 2023

    Newcastle United

    We'll shortly be hearing from Newcastle boss Eddie Howe who will be giving his media conference before Wednesday's Champions League game against AC Milan.

    Newcastle must beat AC Milan at St James' Park and hope Paris St-Germain do not beat already qualified Borussia Dortmund.

    If PSG win, they will top the group and Newcastle are out.

  7. Chelsea condemns James abusepublished at 16:18 GMT 12 December 2023

    Lauren JamesImage source, Getty Images

    Chelsea have condemned online abuse aimed at Lauren James following the club's 4-1 loss to Arsenal on Sunday.

    There has been debate around whether James should have received a red card for a challenge on Lia Walti.

    The club said: "Chelsea Football Club condemns the online abuse directed towards Lauren James following Sunday’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Arsenal.

    "The club stands strongly against any form of abuse and discriminatory behaviour. Discrimination has no place at Chelsea Football Club or in any of our communities. We will take action against any individual that we can identify. We stand with you, Lauren."

  8. PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal: Pick of the statspublished at 16:15 GMT 12 December 2023

    PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal (17:45 GMT)

    • Arsenal have failed to win in their past three European visits to Dutch sides (D1 L2), since a 2-1 victory at Ajax in September 2005 in the Champions League.
    • PSV have won their past two Champions League matches, as many as they had in their previous 22 (D9 L11).
    • Arsenal have already won the group, with four victories in five matches so far. The only other time they won five of their group games in a campaign was in 2005-06, when they went on to reach the final.
  9. 'Wasn't worth exposing' Saka against PSVpublished at 16:11 GMT 12 December 2023

    PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal (17:45 GMT)

    Arsenal

    On Bukayo Saka, who has not travelled to the Netherlands, Mikel Arteta said: "He is fine.

    "With a few of them we decided to have another day recovery just 48 hours before and he has played a lot of minutes so it wasn't worth exposing him.

    "We have five or six big injuries so we are already a bit thin."

  10. 'Our duty as representatives of Arsenal is to win'published at 16:06 GMT 12 December 2023

    PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal (17:45 GMT)

    Arsenal

    On there being less pressure on Arsenal tonight as they've already qualified from the group stages, Mikel Arteta said: "I want everyone together with the mentality to win.

    "I want to see in the tummy of the players tomorrow that although the job technically is done, it is not completely done. Our duty as representatives of Arsenal is to win every game."

    On opponents PSV, Arteta added: "It is really impressive how they play, their consistency and the way they are winning football matches. They have been extremely dominant, not only this season but last season as well."

  11. Smith Rowe set for Gunners returnpublished at 16:00 GMT 12 December 2023

    PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal (17:45 GMT)

    Arsenal

    Emile Smith RoweImage source, Getty Images

    Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe could make his first appearance since October in Tuesday's Champions League tie at PSV Eindhoven.

    The England international, 23, returned to full training on Monday after recovering from a knee injury.

    "The more we can give him chances to play, the better we will be," Mikel Arteta said.

    Smith Rowe has struggled with injuries and missed almost all of last season after having groin surgery.

    Arteta says he has been impressed with how Smith Rowe has responded to his latest setback and backed him to return an even better player.

    "What he has been through is part of the experience that 95% of footballers have to go through," he added.

    "That's difficulties, injuries, setbacks and different kind of performances too. He's back now and he can use that in a very powerful way, he will be a much better player.

    "I think he's on the right path, the way he's done his rehab. I haven't seen it like he's done it this time."

  12. Man Utd v Bayern Munich: Pick of the statspublished at 15:55 GMT 12 December 2023

    Man Utd v Bayern Munich (20:00 GMT)

    Manchester United

    • Manchester United have won just two of their 12 Champions League matches against Bayern Munich (D5 L5).
    • Only Royal Antwerp (15) have conceded more goals in the Champions League than United this season (14). No Premier League side has ever conceded 15+ goals in a single group stage of the competition before.
  13. Will Kane break another record?published at 15:50 GMT 12 December 2023

    Man Utd v Bayern Munich (20:00 GMT)

    Harry KaneImage source, Getty Images

    Harry Kane could become the first Englishman to score in the Champions League at at Old Trafford tonight (for anyone other than United).

    The Bayern Munich striker has been involved in nine goals in his past 11 appearances against Manchester United, scoring five goals and registering four assists.

  14. 'We behave like champions every day' - Tuchelpublished at 15:45 GMT 12 December 2023

    Man Utd v Bayern Munich (20:00 GMT)

    Thomas TuchelImage source, Getty Images

    If Manchester United want to progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League, then they will have to end Bayern Munich's defend 39-game unbeaten run in the competition.

    The German Giants have already qualified as group winners, but manager Thomas Tuchel told the media that his side won't go easy on United as they want to keep their momentum going.

    "If you sign up for one of these clubs you sign up for 100% every day otherwise it’s not possible," said Tuchel. "When you wear the Bayern Munich shirt we behave like champions every day otherwise we cannot be champions.

    "Everyone knows we don’t have the full pressure of the table but we make our own pressure, have our own demands and we want to keep the momentum going. I hope we can match the mentality, enthusiasm and hunger Manchester United will show tomorrow."

  15. get involved

    Get Involved - Your views on referee abusepublished at 15:40 GMT 12 December 2023

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    There is only one way to stop the continual spiral of football related abuse against refs in particular, which is to draw a line in the sand. Immediate life ban for the person assaulting the ref, with reporting to police and criminal charges to follow. Plus, if the offender is a member of the club (not just a fan), expulsion from the league for the club they represent. Any staff member is a representative for the club. This will force clubs to self-police and therefore mean that they will work to improve their own behaviour, not just carry on, awaiting the next punishment. Might be harsh to do the latter for the 'first offender', but this has been at risk for a while at all levels of the game. If I was a ref, I'd be getting the refs' union to suspend all refereeing of games until this is done (to effect these changes now, and not just hope they are done in the future).

    David, Leicestershire.

  16. 'We'll never die'published at 15:35 GMT 12 December 2023

    Man Utd v Bayern Munich (20:00 GMT)

    Simon Stone
    BBC Sport

    Man Utd flagImage source, Stretford End Flags

    The Manchester United fans' group 'Stretford End Flags' will unfurl their 'We'll Never Die' banner as the teams come out before kick-off in the crucial Champions League group game.

    Evidently, there is poignancy around the move given it was in the Munich air crash that eight players died in February 1958.

    The spirit of the rebuild is needed tonight when United have to win to stand any chance of reaching the last 16.

    Bayern have not lost a group game since 2017.

  17. 'We don't know what Man Utd team will show up'published at 15:30 GMT 12 December 2023

    Man Utd v Bayern Munich (20:00 GMT)

    BBC Radio 5 Live

    Bruno FernandesImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester United fan Kim Burdett has been speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live before tonight's Champions League game against Bayern Munich.

    On midfielder Scott McTominay saying the players are "firmly behind" Erik ten Hag, Burder said: "It's positive to hear that he think there's a supportive environment in the dressing room. The leaks coming out of the club seem to contradict that though and it doesn't feel very harmonious at the minute.

    "Obviously United know what their part of the bargain is tonight, but when you're relying on other teams to do you a favour, it's never a good scenario.

    "It would be the writing in the stars for Harry Kane to come back to England and score at Old Trafford. There will be many fans in the stands tonight wishing that he was in a Manchester United shirt.

    "We don't know what Manchester United team will show up tonight. I'm hoping that because they know what they need to do they do their part of the bargain."

  18. 'This guy has got to be banned for life from football'published at 15:25 GMT 12 December 2023

    Former Premier League and Fifa referee Keith Hackett has been speaking about the the Turkish football club president that punched a match official Halil Umut in Turkey on Monday: "I was really, really shocked.

    "This is a FIFA referee, this is a game at the elite level where you would expect some modicum of security that would prevent this. Watching the brutality you would have to say this is not anything to do with football, not anything to do with a refereeing decision, this guy has got to be banned for life from football.

    “You are mindful that you’ve got to take care but it shouldn’t influence the decisions, you have to be tough at times. The real fear here is that we’ve seen this type of assault at grassroots level in England and everyone is trying to avoid it and trying to make certain that referees can enjoy officiating.

    "The FA have taken the lead by introducing body cameras to certain match officials, which has proven to be very successful but really at the elite level we know that in a Premier League or EFL ground there’s security, what was happening here?

    "No wonder FIFA and the Turkish FA must be hanging their head in shame. This is a president of a football club, not a fan. He’s someone in authority who should be setting an example."

  19. get involved

    Get Involved - Your views on referee abusepublished at 15:20 GMT 12 December 2023

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    Fining rich, people like footballers and owners, means nothing. Hit clubs and players hard with points deductions and long term bans for abuse of officials. Then the message may then start to get through when they aren't able to play and the clubs are finishing further and further down the league table.

    Johnny

    The events in Turkey are outrageous and if it happened in a 6 week tournament, the team would be disqualified. I see no difference here, they should be automatically disqualified and all future fixtures forfeited as a loss. Football needs to come down extremely hard on this and send a message out not just in Turkey but to the rest of the footballing world.

    Guy, Malvern

  20. What do Man Utd need to qualify for last 16?published at 15:15 GMT 12 December 2023

    Man Utd v Bayern Munich (20:00 GMT)

    Manchester United

    Let's remind ourselves of what's at stake for Manchester United tonight.

    Erik ten Hag's side must beat Bayern Munich at Old Trafford and hope Copenhagen and Galatasaray draw in order to progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

    Should United beat Bayern and there is a winner in the other match, Ten Hag's side will finish third.

    Bayern reached the last 16 as group winners with two matches to spare.

    Copenhagen will progress with victory over Galatasaray or if they draw and United fail to beat Bayern.

    Galatasaray must beat Copenhagen to go through at their expense because of an inferior goal difference.