There is probably never a good time for your centre back and goalkeeper to turn into the Dutch version of the Chuckle Brothers, doing a passable 'To Me, To You' impression with a horrific attempt at a blind back pass to gift the opposition a winning goal. Defeat at Elland Road means that whilst Brighton still have their fate in their own hands, finishing in the top eight now looks much more difficult with a resurgent Manchester United coming to Sussex on Sunday. Collectively, the Albion were not good enough.
Former England captain Alan Shearer says as a neutral he could not accept the decision which he felt cost Hearts in their failed Premiership title push. Hearts were beaten 3-1 by Celtic on the final day of the league season, a result which took the Parkhead side above Hearts at the top. Had that game finished 2-2, Hearts would have only needed to avoid a three-goal defeat against Celtic.
It should be Martin O'Neill's decision whether he stays on as Celtic manager, according to the club's former midfielder Paul Lambert. O'Neill masterminded Celtic's dramatic title triumph - his fourth with the club, 22 years on from his third. The 74-year-old said after the final-day win over Hearts that there had been no talks regarding his future, but Lambert believes it would be "great" for the club if O'Neill were to stay on.
Club demand action over scenes at end of title-deciderHearts say authorities must protect ‘integrity of the game’Hearts have issued a statement castigating the “shameful” and “disgraceful” scenes which marred the conclusion to the Scottish Premiership’s title race at Celtic Park. The Edinburgh club has emphasised “deeply disturbing” treatment of players and staff. Celtic’s last-day victory had secured their fifth title in succession.Callum Osmand’s goal for Celtic, the third in a 3-1 win, fuelled a mass pitch invasion which saw Hearts players antagonised and confronted. Those who entered the pitch were audibly booed by those in the stands. Continue reading...
Manuel Neuer could be heading to a fifth FIFA World Cup after reports claimed Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has decided to bring the veteran goalkeeper back for the 2026 tournament. Manuel Neuer could be heading to a fifth FIFA World Cup after reports claimed Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has decided to bring the veteran goalkeeper back for the 2026 tournament. The Bayern Munich captain had previously stepped away from international soccer after EURO 2024, but the situation appears to have dramatically changed ahead of Germany’s trip to North America. The development has quickly become one of the biggest talking points in German soccer. Nagelsmann reportedly views Neuer as Germany’s number one goalkeeper again, despite the 40-year-old initially bringing his international career to an end less than two years ago. Speculation intensified following Bayern Munich’s final Bundesliga match against Cologne. Neuer started the match as Bayern cruised to a 5-1 victory, but his afternoon suddenly took an unexpected turn when he signaled toward the bench before being substituted shortly after the hour mark. The veteran goalkeeper attempted to calm fears after the final whistle. “I felt a slight twinge in my calf; I didn’t want to take any risks with next week in mind,” Neuer explained after the match. Even with questions surrounding his Germany future continuing to grow, the shot-stopper avoided giving direct answers. “Ask the coach. For me, this is not a topic right now,” he said when asked about a possible return to the national team. Manuel Neuer of FC Bayern Munich lifts the Bundesliga trophy The Bayern captain repeatedly shifted attention toward the upcoming DFB-Pokal final instead. His refusal to deny the reports, however, only fueled further speculation that discussions behind the scenes had already taken place. Julian Nagelsmann reportedly makes his decision According to reports from Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Julian Nagelsmann has already decided to bring Neuer back as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup. Plettenberg wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “World Cup return decided: Julian Nagelsmann brings Manuel Neuer back as Germany’s No.1 – DONE.” The report also claimed that positive talks between Neuer, Nagelsmann, and sporting director Rudi Voller convinced the goalkeeper to reverse his retirement decision. The DFB-Team is expected to announce its final World Cup squad next week, with the veteran reportedly already included in the preliminary selection. 🚨💣 EXCLUSIVE | World Cup return decided: Julian Nagelsmann brings Manuel Neuer back as Germany’s No. 1 – DONE DEAL ✔️Unless something extraordinary happens and provided his substitution against Köln (calf) has no serious consequences, 40 y/o Neuer will return to the Germany… pic.twitter.com/LwdsIIqvWe— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 16, 2026 That decision would represent a remarkable comeback story. Neuer retired from international soccer in August 2024 after another major tournament with Germany, but the door now appears wide open once again. The one issue that could change everything Despite the growing confidence surrounding his return, one concern still threatens to derail Germany’s plan: Neuer’s calf problem suffered against Cologne. The goalkeeper pointed toward his left leg before leaving the field and later walked toward the dressing room alongside Bayern doctor Peter Ueblacker. Reports in Germany suggested immediate concern because Neuer has dealt with recurring calf problems throughout the season. Manuel Neuer retired from the Germany national team in 2024. Florian Plettenberg’s report specifically stated that Neuer’s return would happen “provided his substitution against Cologne has no serious consequences.” That detail has suddenly become the key issue hanging over Germany’s preparations. For now, Bayern and Germany both appear hopeful that the problem is only minor. Neuer was later seen celebrating Bayern’s Bundesliga title
