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)

Live Reporting

Harry De Cosemo, Katie Stafford, Sarah Rendell and Tasnim Chowdhury

  1. 'This might be the week where Ten Hag loses his job'

    Erik ten HagGetty Images

    Co-hosts Joe McGrath and Gaz Drinkwater have been discussing a pivotal week for Erik ten Hag's tenure as Manchester United manager on the latest episode of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast.

    Gaz: "Erik ten Hag has to do something phenomenal as Manchester United manager to make up for 4-0 against Brentford, 6-3 at Manchester City, 7-0 at Liverpool and 3-0 against Bournemouth. These are horrifically embarrassing results for United fans. It's humiliating.

    "To make up for that, you have to do something incredible. I would class winning the Carabao Cup and getting top four as pretty good at taping over the cracks of those big losses, but this season he has to do something incredible again."

    Joe: "I think this might be the week where Ten Hag loses his job. This is not me saying this is what I want to happen - but I think there might come a time, [especially] with Sir Jim Ratcliffe coming in to Old Trafford imminently. This is a week that is so crucial in Manchester United's season.

    "They have got a must-win Champions League game and are hoping for a miracle to reach the next round. Then, it's a Liverpool team that beat them 7-0 in this game last year, which was the worst result in club history. If anything mirrors that, then the first thing Ratcliffe might do - as the man who owns 25% of the club and is managing the football side - is sack Ten Hag.

    "If those two games are humiliating defeats, I think we will be doing a podcast talking about the end of Erik ten Hag at United."

    Listen to The Devils' Advocate on BBC Sounds

  2. Late yellow cards are 'not what captains do'

    Man Utd v Bayern Munich (20:00 GMT)

    Manchester United fan voiceBBC Sport

    Alex Turk, Stretford Paddock

    Manchester United have faced a barrage of problems contributing to Erik ten Hag's second-season struggles - some of them out of his control, some not.

    The blatant lack of leadership epidemic within the walls of his dressing room is one of the most troublesome.

    Run through a list of United’s leaders and you'll reach the bottom within seconds, clouded by a lingering sense of disappointment.

    Raphael Varane? Out of favour. Casemiro? Out of form and injured. Lisandro Martinez? Also injured. Marcus Rashford? A shadow of the elite forward who bagged a career-best 30 goals last season.

    Bruno Fernandes stands out from the rest. Always available to play. Always involved in goals, or the few that United have scored this season anyway.

    United's Portuguese magnifico was the obvious candidate to replace Harry Maguire as captain in the summer. Yet, his actions in Saturday's Bournemouth humbling raise serious doubts.

    The handful who braved it until full-time at Old Trafford witnessed Fernandes picking up a late yellow card for arguing, banning him from an already-daunting trip to Liverpool.

    That's not what captains do.

    On Sunday, United enter enemy lines, still licking the wounds from the 7-0 mauling of March, without their general. Bodes well.

  3. Is it the 'perfect time' for Man Utd to play Liverpool?

    Liverpool v Man Utd (Sun, 16:30 GMT)

    The Red Kop podcastBBC Sport

    BBC Radio Merseyside's Paul Salt previewed the weekend's game on BBC Radio Merseyside's The Red Kop podcast: "I'm absolutely devastated that [Bruno] Fernandes is suspended. He lost his head in the 7-0 last year, I'd rather he actually played than didn't.

    "You can never take this game for granted, no matter how bad they've been. They seem really inconsistent.

    "I'd rather Erik ten Hag was still in job. I don't want the new manager bounce. We should beat them, we are a better team but you've still got to be wary because it's a local derby in all but name."

    Giulia Bould added: "It's an odd one. To be honest, this is the perfect game for United. If you want to come back and get up for a game, there isn't anything bigger for them than this. This is bigger to them than the Manchester Derby surely?"

    Listen to the full episode here

  4. Get Involved - Your views on referee abuse

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

    Yes referees make mistakes, but players miss open goals, do stupid tackles in the penalty area and good players only have pass completion rates of 80%. Why do we hold referees to a higher standard than the players?

    Rich, Sussex

    I watched a game at the weekend and the referee made two big mistakes that may have affected the outcome. Also, our centre forward missed an open goal, sliced two shots wide, passed the ball out of play once, to the opposition twice, and strayed offside three times. Guess who received the abuse?

    Chris Smith, Ringwood

  5. 'My first visit to Kenilworth Road did not disappoint'

    Manchester City

    Manchester City fan voiceBBC Sport

    Nigel Rothband, The Man City Show podcast

    Sunday's game was my first visit to Kenilworth Road and it did not disappoint.

    It was like going back in time. The fabulous old turnstiles, the unique view over the gardens as I crossed the narrow bridge into the away section and the unfortunate large steel pillar that I had to negotiate throughout the match if I wanted to see any passages of play down the left wing.

    Despite going 1-0 down before half-time at Luton, City managed to make their superiority pay with two quick goals to seal the victory. With Erling Haaland missing, it gave Phil Foden the opportunity to shine in a more central position.

    Rodri was back and was magnificent in doing so much work - intercepting, creating spaces, never losing possession and in always being available to make a tackle when needed. That is 44 games undefeated for the brilliant Spaniard. We do not seem to lose when he plays, and we do when he does not!

    After four games without a win, it was important for City to get back to winning ways and despite the disappointing run of results, the Blues are only four points off the leaders.

    BBC Sport has a dedicated Manchester City page packed with news, analysis and fan views - get it here

  6. Get Involved - Your views on referee abuse

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

    It's frustrating when refs make mistakes but there is absolutely no excuse for violence. There needs to be a massive shake up. I like the idea that only captains can speak to the ref, anyone else tries to it's an immediate yellow card. People all over the world need to stop using football as an outlet for their anger issues.

    Luke

    A lot of people mentioning how disgusting referee abuse is, which I agree with. But fail to mention how referees make multiple mistakes during a game which could lead to your team missing out on points, promotion, winning cups and so on. I would agree that there is an underlying issue that needs to be resolved. Do referees need more protection? Referees views need to be reviewed by VAR, which we’ve all seen this season has been completely incompetent. Where do we draw the line?

    JC

  7. 'Hard to gauge this team without De Bruyne'

    Kevin de BruyneGetty Images

    Manchester City podcast host Steven McInerney says the club did not plan for the loss of "one of the most beautiful cogs" in Pep Guardiola's "machine" after Kevin de Bruyne's injury.

    The Belgium international has been out of action since he suffered a hamstring injury in August but has returned to light individual training and is expected to be available early next year.

    "This is the injury season," McInerney told BBC Radio Manchester's We're Not Really Here podcast. "I'm finding it hard to judge teams because everyone is missing so many key players.

    "It just so happens that we may not be missing 10, but we are missing a few very key ones which are really directly impacting the quality of our starting XI.

    "It's weird. It's like we sold (Ilkay) Gundogan and (Riyad) Mahrez and then lost De Bruyne as well. Unintentionally but obviously that is something City did just not plan for - they didn't plan for the best creative player in the world to just not be available.

    "It's really hard to gauge this team and judge who they are when a massive part of this machine - one of the most beautiful cogs - just isn't there."

    Listen to We're Not Really Here on BBC Sounds

  8. Get Involved - Your views on referee abuse

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

    It is long overdue that football takes a lesson from rugby and adopts a zero tolerance approach to referee abuse. Any queries should go through the captain alone and any back talk should be an immediate booking. The behaviour of the vast majority of footballers is embarrassing — both in terms referee abuse and the play-acting when they get ‘fouled’ — and something severe has to be done. These people are supposed to be role models.

    Donald

    Taking criticism of VAR out of the equation, I think refereeing this season in the Premier League has moved in the right direction. There have been isolated incidents, but we’ve seen dissent punished, crowding the ref reduced and acts of insolence, like kicking the ball away, rightly dealt with. Empowering respect for the referee is paramount. Assaulting anyone at a football game should be dealt with via bans and possible criminal action — no place for that anywhere.

    Myles

  9. Gossip - Phillips looking to leave Man City

    Kalvin PhillipsGetty Images

    England midfielder Kalvin Phillips has struggled for minutes at manchester City and so it isn't a surprise that he is reportedly seeking a January exit from the club.

    Tottenham and Newcastle are keen on signing the 28-year-old, according to Football Insider.

  10. Get Involved - Your views on referee abuse

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

    Physically assaulting officials goes beyond the unacceptable. However, I’m amazed that referees aren’t more decisive in issuing yellow or red cards for dissent/abuse. While this wouldn’t remove the problem altogether you can guarantee players behaviour would improve as a result.

    Jeff

  11. 'If Villa stay in contention, only a fool would write them off'

    Aston Villa

    Aston Villa fan voiceBBC Sport

    David Michael, My Old Man Said

    While Aston Villa supporters gleefully chanted "we're gonna win the league" on the concourses as they left Villa Park following the completion of their home back-to-back victories over last season’s top two, nobody in the national media gave them a chance. From dismissing the notion as sheer fantasy to downgrading their hopes to a top-four possibility at best.

    In recent decades, however, Midlands clubs never needed the media's support or blessing to snatch English football's top-tier title against their doubters.

    Few could have anticipated Brian Clough would lead Nottingham Forest to their first top division title in 1977–78, just a year after promotion.

    Ron Saunders' Villa also came out of nowhere to win the 1980-81 title - with the boss even challenging a reporter when doubts were raised about being able to finish the task in hand with the words: "Do you want to bet against us?"

    More recently, during the 2015-16 Premier League season, Leicester City - often dismissed by the media in favour of Tottenham- emerged as the unexpected champions.

    Is this Villa team a real title contender? Over the course of this calendar year, under Unai Emery, they have played a full season's worth of 38 league games. In this period, only Manchester City can boast more league wins and points.

    Villa have more squad depth than most outsiders realise and a January transfer window to come. Plus, Emery knows how to get teams over the line, as four Europa League wins testify.

    There is a long way to go yet, but if Villa are still in contention in the final stretch of the season, only a fool would write them off.

    BBC Sport has a dedicated Villa page packed with news, analysis and fan views - get it here

  12. Women's FA Cup final date confirmed

    Chelsea celebrate victoryGetty Images

    The Women's FA Cup final will be played at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 12 May 2024 at 14.30 BST and tickets will go on sale in the new year.

    Last year saw the final sell out for the first time in history, as the record crowd watched Chelsea defeat Manchester United 1-0, with Sam Kerr scoring the only goal.

    The final will also be broadcast on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport.

    The fourth round draw was made earlier today with Chelsea beginning their trophy defence against West Ham.

  13. Get Involved - Your views on referee abuse

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

    I seriously think that referees and officials at all levels need to have a week of action and boycott matches. It will send out a message that without officials there can be NO football

    Kevin, Norfolk

    Like everyone else I'm horrified, but not surprised. Maybe we're lucky this happened in Turkey as it could have easily happened here? Hopefully FIFA/UEFA/FA will take action to protect officials to prevent this happening anywhere again. Protecting refs is paramount. Otherwise the game dies.

    J in Cardiff

  14. Burn expected back from injury ahead of schedule

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

    Harry De Cosemo
    BBC Sport

    Newcastle hope to welcome defender Dan Burn back from injury ahead of schedule, and he could be in the squad for the visit of Fulham on Saturday.

    Burn, 31, has not played since fracturing his back in three places in the win over Arsenal on 4 November, and the initial prognosis was he would be missing for 10 weeks.

    But a source close to the player has confirmed to BBC Sport that he is recovering better than expected and could even return this weekend.

    Although he is not expected to start, his return will be welcomed by Eddie Howe who remains in the midst of an injury crisis.

    Burn will join BBC Radio 5 Live for coverage of Newcastle’s Champions League clash with AC Milan on Wednesday.

    BBC Sport has a dedicated Newcastle page packed with news, analysis and fan views - get it here

  15. Gossip - Gallagher to leave Chelsea?

    Conor GallagherGetty Images

    Chelsea are prepared to consider offers for England midfielder Conor Gallagher, 23, when the transfer window opens next month to raise funds for Mauricio Pochettino, who could make a move for Brentford's England striker Ivan Toney, 27, or Napoli's24-year-old Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen, according to the Mail.

  16. Get Involved - Your views on referee abuse

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

    When players surround referees, they should red card the manager and send them to the stands. Until managers enforce responsibility onto the players, nothing will change. Maybe if managers end up in the stands every week, they’ll see the severity. Also the £75,000 fine for failure to control players is a complete joke and undermines that anybody takes this seriously.

    Damon

    I don't think refereeing standards have decreased in recent years, but the focus on referees certainly has. The insatiable need to grab column inches, hits on websites or views on social media mean people MUST have a view on the referees. The number of times I've seen managers pushed for a view on a decision when they won't want to talk about it is crazy. VAR only makes it more polarising, people expecting perfection in an imperfect game.

    Matt, London

  17. Messi and Ronaldo to renew rivalry in Saudi friendly

    Messi and Ronaldo

    Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to renew their rivalry when Inter Miami face Al-Nassr in a pre-season friendly in Saudi Arabia in February.

    The fixture is part of the Riyadh Season Cup, with Miami also playing Al-Hilal on 29 January.

    Miami had denied they were taking part in the tournament when plans were initially announced in November.

    "These matches will offer important tests for our team," Inter Miami sporting director Chris Henderson said.

    "We're excited for our group to get the chance to go up against teams with as much quality as Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr."

    Widely regarded as all-time greats, forwards Messi, 36, and Ronaldo first met in 2008 when Manchester United beat Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals and have faced each other on a further 34 occasions, with the Argentine winning 16 times and the Portuguese coming out on top in 10 fixtures, while nine have ended in a draw.

    Across those 35 encounters, Messi has scored 21 goals and laid on 12 assists, while Ronaldo, 38, has 20 goals and one assist to his name.

    Read more here.

  18. 'There hasn't been a single moment where we have been shocked'

    BBC Radio 5 Live

    Turkish broadcaster and football expert Bagis Erten spoke on 5 Live about referee Halil Umut Meler being punched. He said: "Maybe it is more shocking to you than us. The problem with this incident is that there hasn't been a single moment where we have been shocked. Many of the supporters, many of the football experts were expecting this kind of thing was going to happen under the circumstances of this violent culture."

    And he added: "The problem is the atmosphere, the cultural atmosphere of football debates. All the presidents of the big clubs, including Galatasaray, are complaining about referees. It's threats, it's sometimes really close to violence. the media is provoking [it] and among the fans it is a different feeling. The other aspect of this violent issue is the social [life] in Turkey. We are becoming much more violent oriented and an unjust society. This is a consequence."

  19. Get Involved - Your views on referee abuse

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

    The assault of a referee in a Turkey is utterly disgraceful. Refereeing is an enormously challenging job, and the pressure they're under has to be respected. But two things can be true at the same time, and it is also clear that refereeing in the Premier League is not up to standard. So implicating exasperated top-flight English managers in the thuggish actions of a Turkish club's president is deeply unhelpful, and will not support the changes need to be made to ensure the standard of officiating keeps up with the pace of the modern elite game.

    Ed

    I think what a lot of people seem to overlook was it wasn’t some mindless thug from the crowd who whacked the ref - which could be seen as par for the course in today’s toxic environment - but THE PRESIDENT of one of the clubs. A rare example to set before players and fans alike. If he and his club only get a ‘slap on the wrist,’ you can throw the rule book away.

    Stephen, Colchester

  20. Haaland absent from City training

    Red Star Belgrade v Man City (Wed, 17:45 GMT)

    Erling HaalandGetty Images

    Manchester City's Erling Haaland was absent from today's open training session in front of the media, before Wednesday's Champions League game against Red Star Belgrade.

    The Norway striker, who had started all of City's 15 Premier League matches this season, missed Sunday's 2-1 win at Luton Town because of a foot injury.

    Pep Guardiola had previously told BBC Sport that he hoped Haaland would be fit in time for their opening Club World Cup match on 19 December.

    He is likely to miss City's home game against Crystal Palace on Saturday too.

    BBC Sport has a dedicated Manchester City page packed with news, analysis and fan views - get it here