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Tottenham fans are all saying the same thing as unaired footage of Ange Postecoglou's gesture to booing supporters emerges

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Tottenham fans are all saying the same thing as unaired footage of Ange Postecoglou's gesture to booing suppor - Daily Mail
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Ange Postecoglou defended himself for cupping his ear towards the Spurs fans

New footage has emerged of the controversial incident at Stamford Bridge

LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! The signs that Ruben Amorim's Man United side are getting there

Tottenham fans have reacted to new footage emerging of Ange Postecoglou appearing to cup his ear towards the travelling supporters during Thursday's 1-0 defeat at Chelsea.

Spurs fell a goal behind early in the second half when Enzo Fernandez headed home Cole Palmer's cross, and the mood in the away end did not improve when Postecoglou made a double substitution just after the hour mark that saw Pape Matar Sarr and Brennan Johnson come on for Lucas Bergvall and Wilson Odobert.

Fans could be heard chanting 'you don't know what you're doing', but Sarr then scored from long range just five minutes later.

As the ball hit the back of the net, Postecoglou was spotted turning to the away fans and cupping his ear, only for the goal to subsequently be disallowed for a foul in the build-up.

Pressed on the incident after the game, Postecoglou defended himself by claiming he was just trying to get the supporters to cheer louder after admitting his team have been going through a difficult period.

However, previously unaired footage has now emerged online showing Postecoglou cupping his ear and then waving at the supporters, seemingly trying to get their attention to make sure they saw his gesture.

The new clip has not gone down well with fans who have lashed out at Postecoglou for his behaviour on social media.

'He knows EXACTLY what he's doing,' one X user wrote.

'It's the wave that's worse,' another added.

One supporter simply branded the gesture a 'disgrace', while another accused the Australian of 'arrogance'.

Another fan hit out at Postecoglou for denying he had been trying to rile the crowd in the media, as they wrote: 'Makes his excuse in the interview sound even more pitiful now!'

Postecoglou had attempted to explain his gesture to Sky Sports in a prickly interview as he told the broadcaster: 'I wanted them (the fans) to be happy, mate. We'd just scored a cracking goal. So I wanted them to cheer – because they haven't had a lot to cheer about.'

He added: 'It's not the first time my substitutions have been booed. If you followed my tenure, it's not the first time. They're allowed to boo. But I wanted them to cheer – because I thought it was a cracking goal.'

Spurs midfielder James Maddison admitted in his own interview with Sky Sports that fans have every right to be angry with the team right now following a 16th league defeat that leaves Tottenham down in 14th.

'It hurts a lot. It’s been one too many times this season. Our fans are rightly disappointed. We’re disappointed.

'We’re just trying hard to search for the answers of why, in the league, we’re not getting the results in the tight games. We’ve lost so many games this year by one-goal margins.

'So, I don’t really want to be out here talking out of nowhere. Our fans don’t even want to hear what we’ve got to say, do they? So, it’s about just trying to be better going forward.

'To be fair, they’re rightly angry. I think it’s still important that we go over and show our appreciation for them, even though we’re not getting a nice reception, let’s put it that way.

'So that’s why I still walk over there. I think they deserve that, even though it’s not easy to go over and get pelted right in your face.

'But, like I said, they pay their money, they travel all over for us. And we’re just as disappointed as they are, but we’re trying to put it right.'

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Jamie Redknapp rips into Ange Postecoglou after Tottenham's loss at Chelsea - and insists he will be sacked if Spurs fail to win the Europa League

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Jamie Redknapp rips into Ange Postecoglou after Tottenham's loss at Chelsea - and insists he will be sacked if - Daily Mail
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Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp believes Ange Postecoglou is on borrowed time after Spurs were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea on Thursday night.

Enzo Fernandez scored the only goal of the game as Tottenham slipped to their sixteenth league defeat of the season to remain 14th in the Premier League table.

Spurs still have a chance of ending their 17-year wait for silverware after reaching the Europa League quarter-finals, and Redknapp believes European glory could save Postecoglou, but he insists their cup run should not paper over the cracks following a dismal league campaign.

'If they weren't still in Europe, I don't think he'd still be the manager,' Redknapp told Sky Sports. 'They've been that poor.

'He knows the price of the ticket. You don't lose 16 games at a club like Tottenham. Yes, they've had injuries but that's not good enough.

'He's got to win the cup. If they win the cup, they're creating history. If they don't win it, they will be history. It's all or nothing for Ange Postecoglou. They are capable because they've got the players to do it, but they need the spirit.'

Postecoglou was jeered by the travelling fans when he replaced Lucas Bergvall and Wilson Odobert with Pape Matar Sarr and Brennan Johnson just after the hour mark at Stamford Bridge.

He was then seen cupping his ear in the direction of the supporters when Sarr scored shortly afterwards, only for the goal to subsequently be disallowed for a foul in the build-up.

Redknapp's fellow pundit Gary Cahill admitted he was 'baffled' by Postecoglou's tactics, but did concede that winning a trophy would change the mood at Spurs.

'Their season can be saved in a massive way,' Cahill said. 'They probably can't wait for the Premier League season to be over. The Europa League is a distraction. It will save their season (if they win).

'Tottenham, I was baffled with their tactics and how they were trying to play out. Chelsea, you can see a method.'

Tottenham host rock-bottom Southampton on Sunday, and will be looking for a confidence boost ahead of the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt next Thursday.

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Ange Postecoglou feels the heat in prickly interview with Sky Sports reporter as he goes on VAR rant and is asked about his gesture to Spurs fans in defeat at Chelsea

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Ange Postecoglou feels the heat in prickly interview with Sky Sports reporter as he goes on VAR rant and is as - Daily Mail
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Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham Hotspur lost 1-0 at Chelsea on Thursday night

Postecoglou appeared to aim a gesture at Spurs fans before later avoiding them

LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! The signs that Ruben Amorim's Man United side are getting there

Ange Postecoglou was left fielding uncomfortable questions and accusations of disconnect with Tottenham supporters on Thursday night after his side slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Chelsea.

The Australian was involved in a frosty post-match interview with Sky Sports and attempted to downplay a moment during the second half when he appeared to cup his ear in the direction of the away end at Stamford Bridge.

The gesture came in the immediate aftermath of Pape Matar Sarr's long-range strike in the 69th minute, which looked to have brought Spurs level until a lengthy VAR review ruled it out for a foul by Sarr on Moises Caicedo in the build-up.

Just moments before that, Postecoglou had substituted Sarr on for Lucas Bergvall - a decision that was met with boos from the travelling fans, some of whom also chanted: 'You don't know what you're doing.'

Seemingly in response, Postecoglou turned toward the away section and cupped his ear. But when questioned about the gesture by Sky Sports' Patrick Davison, he insisted it had been misinterpreted.

'Yeah, I wanted them to be happy, mate,' Postecoglou said. 'We'd just scored a cracking goal. So I wanted them to cheer – because they haven't had a lot to cheer about.'

Asked whether the gesture was a direct reaction to his substitutions being booed, Postecoglou replied: 'It's not the first time my substitutions have been booed. If you followed my tenure, it's not the first time. They're allowed to boo. But I wanted them to cheer – because I thought it was a cracking goal.'

Davison pressed again: 'You said in the week – in your interview with Mark Schwarzer – that you felt you'd lost a portion of the fans. Is that what we saw tonight?'

Postecoglou bristled: 'I get it, Pat. You're trying really hard. That's fine. You've already decided what the outcome is.'

Davison later attempted to keep Postecoglou on side by telling him: 'There's no agenda.'

The interview also saw Postecoglou reiterate his distain for VAR.

'It's killing the game, mate. It's not the same game it used to be,' he said. 'We all sat on our couches last night and watched TV – I guarantee you, if [Thursday's VAR] Jarred Gillett was the VAR last night, we'd have got a different outcome.'

The 'last night' Postecoglou referred to was Wednesday's Merseyside derby at Anfield, where Liverpool beat Everton 1-0. During that match, a dangerous challenge by James Tarkowski on Alexis Mac Allister only resulted in a yellow card, despite VAR briefly checking whether the on-field official had been too lenient.

The lack of VAR intervention shocked pundits and fans alike, while the PGMOL even later admitted that Tarkowski should have been sent off.

'You just don't know what you're going to get,' Postecoglou continued, still fuming at Sarr's disallowed goal. 'We waited for six minutes for something that apparently the VAR thought was clear and obvious. It's madness, mate.'

Davison asked if he believed the VAR decision to disallow Sarr's goal was wrong. Postecoglou pushed back: 'Look, Pat, you can try and force me into a corner.'

Davison: 'I'm not trying to force you into anything.'

Postecoglou replied: 'Did you think last night was clear and obvious? How many minutes did it take this referee to figure out whether it was clear and obvious? In your basic knowledge of human vocabulary – "clear and obvious" – what does that suggest to you?'

Davison admitted: 'No, it's maybe not clear and obvious. I do think it's a foul [by Sarr], if I'm honest.'

Postecoglou: 'OK. Right. Well, there you go. So the referee didn't see it. He then needs to see it for six minutes, but you get the right outcome so you're happy – and that's why the game's going the way it is. And I guess people like you will continue to be happy sitting on your couches waiting for six minutes for clear and obvious stuff. That's fine. I don't agree with that, but that's fine.'

Davison attempted to finish on a positive note by looking forward to next week's Europa League quarter-final first leg against Frankfurt: 'You saw enough for Thursday? Because the season hinges on that ultimately, doesn't it?'

Postecoglou shook his head: 'No, no. We've got to get Sunday first [against Southampton in the Premier League]. We've got to go ahead on Sunday. I think it's important that we continue to play.'

Former Spurs captain Jamie Redknapp, working as a pundit for Sky, said there was no doubt the ear-cupping gesture signalled tension between Postecoglou and the club's fanbase.

'He made a couple of substitutions and I don't think it went down too well with the Tottenham fans,' Redknapp said. 'And I think when they scored, it looked like he cupped his hands to the Spurs fans as if to say, "Well, listen, I know better."'

On the post-game scenes, Redknapp added: 'Normally, he'd be over there clapping them. There's a disconnect between the two at the moment.

'It's not ideal for the manager. But he's got some big games ahead. He's just got to keep his head up.'

Former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill also sensed serious strain.

'There's certainly a frustration with the manager and the fans,' Cahill said.

'Honestly, I have to be honest: they were dreadful today. I didn't see a clear game plan. No shots on target by half-time. He's got to be disappointed.

'There's clear friction there, you can see.'

Spurs have now lost 16 of their 30 Premier League games this season. The most defeats they have ever suffered in a single Premier League campaign is 19.

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Tottenham fans are RIGHT to be angry, admits James Maddison - as Spurs star acknowledges supporters 'don't even want to hear what we've got to say' after suffering a 16th league loss

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Tottenham fans are RIGHT to be angry, admits James Maddison - as Spurs star acknowledges supporters 'don't eve - Daily Mail
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Tottenham were criticised for their performance in their 1-0 defeat by Chelsea

Supporters showed their anger towards the players and Postecoglou at the end

LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! The signs that Ruben Amorim's Man United side are getting there

Tottenham fans' fury is justified, James Maddison admitted after their 1-0 loss at Chelsea.

Spurs fell to a 16th defeat in 30 Premier League games - their most in any entire campaign since 2003-04 - and were second-best in the London derby at Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Fernandez's header was enough to secure the three points for Chelsea, with Moises Caicedo and Pape Matar Sarr both having goals ruled out after VAR checks.

Ange Postecoglou did not clap the fans at full time while supporters gave the players an earful.

They had booed Postecoglou's decision to bring on Sarr and Brennan Johnson (for Lucas Bergvall and Wilson Odobert), and the Spurs boss appeared to cup his ears at them when he thought the former had scored, though he later insisted he just wanted them to cheer.

'It hurts a lot. It’s been one too many times this season. Our fans are rightly disappointed. We’re disappointed,' Maddison told Sky Sports.

'We’re just trying hard to search for the answers of why, in the league, we’re not getting the results in the tight games. We’ve lost so many games this year by one-goal margins.

'So, I don’t really want to be out here talking out of nowhere. Our fans don’t even want to hear what we’ve got to say, do they? So, it’s about just trying to be better going forward.

'To be fair, they’re rightly angry. I think it’s still important that we go over and show our appreciation for them, even though we’re not getting a nice reception, let’s put it that way.

'So that’s why I still walk over there. I think they deserve that, even though it’s not easy to go over and get pelted right in your face.

'But, like I said, they pay their money, they travel all over for us. And we’re just as disappointed as they are, but we’re trying to put it right.

'It can still be a super special season if we lift silverware. We’re in the quarter-final. We’re two fixtures away from a European final. So it can still be a very special season.

'The message would be, just stick with us. We need them as much as they need us, you know. And again, they probably don’t want to be listening to me right now after another defeat in the league. That’s fine, but I have to come out, I have to answer your questions. So, just try and stick together, I guess.'

The feeling between supporters and the team became tense when fans began chanting 'you don't know what you're doing' at Postecoglou due to some of his subsitutions.

When sub Sarr finished from outside the box minutes later, then, Postecoglou took the chance to cup his ears at the travelling fans.

Unfortunately for Spurs, that goal was ruled out after lenghty VAR consideration due to Sarr's foul on Moises Caicedo.

But Postecoglou's gesture remained a talking point after the game.

'When they scored, it looked like he cupped his hands to the Spurs fans as if to say, listen, I know better,' Jamie Redknapp told Sky Sports in the aftermath.

'Normally he'd be over there clapping them. There's a disconnect between the two at the moment. It's not ideal. He's got to keep his head up, keep working hard, believing what he's trying to do. It was a tough night for them.'

But Postecoglou insisted he had not meant to taunt the fans, and instead just wanted to encourage them.

'Jeez, mate. It’s incredible how things get interpreted. We'd just scored. I just wanted to hear them cheer,' he said in his press conference.

'Because we’ve been through a tough time, and I thought it was a cracking goal. I just wanted them to get really excited. I felt at that point we could potentially go on and win the game. I just felt momentum was on our way.

'It doesn’t bother me. It’s not the first time they’ve booed my substitutions or my decisions. That’s fine. They’re allowed to do that. But we just scored a goal. We just scored an equaliser. I was just hoping that we could get some excitement.

'People want to read into that — that somehow I’m trying to make a point about something. I said I felt we’ve been through a tough time. But I just felt there was a bit of a momentum shift there. If they can get really behind the lads, I thought we had the momentum to finish on top of them.'

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Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham PLAYER RATINGS: Who was 'very sloppy' for Spurs? Which Blues star needs to offer more in the final third? And who impressed with a 8/10 display?

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Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham PLAYER RATINGS: Who was 'very sloppy' for Spurs? Which Blues star needs to offer more in - Daily Mail
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Enzo Fernandez scored his fifth Premier League goal of the season to hand Chelsea a narrow 1-0 win over London rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.

The Argentine's 50th minute header restored Chelsea's place inside the Premier League top four, moving a point ahead of reigning champions Manchester City, who won 2-0 over Leicester on Wednesday.

Moises Caicedo thought he had doubled Chelsea's lead in sensational fashion midway through the second half, but his stunning volley was chalked off following a lengthy VAR review after Levi Colwill was found to be in an offside position.

Spurs substitute Pape Matar Sarr also found the back of Robert Sanchez's net with a speculative strike from distance, but referee Craig Pawson penalised the midfielder for a foul on Caicedo after a second look at the incident on the pitchside monitor.

Tottenham remained rooted in 14th place after the disappointing defeat at Stamford Bridge, three points behind Manchester United above them.

Mail Sport's AADAM PATEL was at Stamford Bridge on the night to assess the players' performances in the London derby.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1)

Robert Sanchez 6

Was spared his blushes when Pape Sarr’s goal was controversially disallowed. The most relieved man inside Stamford Bridge. Then made a superb save late on to deny Son.

Malo Gusto 7.5

Preferred ahead of Reece James and was brilliant, keeping Son quiet for most of the evening. Came close to scoring too but his effort went into the side-netting.

Trevoh Chalobah 6.5

Played a brilliant long ball to Nicolas Jackson in the first minute and was defensively sound, though survived a handball shout in the second half.

Levi Colwill 6.5

Did well alongside Chalobah as Chelsea kept a clean sheet but was the reason why Caicedo’s brilliant volley was disallowed as he was marginally offside.

Marc Cucurella 7

A typically reliable display, up and down the left flank. Made sure he had the right boots on after his horror show last time against Spurs.

Moises Caicedo 7

Took an early blow but fought through it and scored a brilliant volley, only for it to be ruled out by VAR. Perhaps lucky to be awarded the foul for Sarr’s disallowed goal though.

Enzo Fernandez 7.5

Was comfortable in possession and timed his run to perfection for the opening goal with a bullet header. The match-winner.

Pedro Neto 6

Like Jadon Sancho, had some decent moments with the ball but needs to offer more in the final third.

Cole Palmer 8

Back from injury and looked refreshed, constantly getting on the ball and posing a threat. Played a lovely ball too to get the assist for Fernandez’s goal and was a class apart.

Jadon Sancho 6

Told by Enzo Maresca that he needed more goal invovlements and was denied by a brilliant stop from Vicario. Struggled to get the better of Spence and was replaced for Noni Madueke.

Nicolas Jackson 6.5

Another player back from injury and he bullied the Spurs defenders throughout but lacked that composure in front of goal, missing an early chance then blazing over.

Substitutes

Noni Madueke 6

Returned from injury and replaced Sancho in the 68th minute.

Reece James N/A

On for Jackson in the 82nd minute.

Tosin Adarabioyo N/A

Replaced Palmer in added time.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall N/A

Came on for Fernandez in injury time.

Tottenham (4-3-3)

Guglielmo Vicario 6

Had a very shaky start, with some questionable distribution but made some good saves to keep Spurs in the game. Could do nothing to keep out Fernandez’s goal.

Djed Spence 6.5

Was very impressive down the right hand side and made it difficult for Sancho to have any real influence on the game. A rare positive for Spurs.

Cristian Romero 5.5

Struggled with the highline initially and was booked for shoving Colwill in the first half, which sparked a melee between both sets of players. Improved in the second-half.

Micky van de Ven 5.5

Returned from injury and was instantly involved, with his attempted clearance going off Jackson and crashing into the post. In no man’s land for Chelsea’s goal.

Destiny Udogie 5

Very sloppy and failed to track Fernandez’s run for the goal. Failed to link up at all with Son down the left flank too. A poor evening for the 22-year-old

Rodrigo Bentancur 6

Another one who battled well defensively but hardly offered anything going forward, with Chelsea’s midfield so much more cohesive.

Lucas Bergvall 6

Battled but failed to really have any real say on the contest and was replaced for Pape Sarr just after the hour mark.

James Maddison 5.5

Back in the starting eleven and part of a Spurs midfield trio that simply couldn’t cope with Chelsea’s relentless pressure. Arguably should have been taken off instead of Bergvall.

Wilson Odobert 5.5

A bit of a nothing performance and replaced by Brennan Johnson in the 64th minute, who asked so much more questions of Chelsea.

Son Heung-min 6

Back in the starting eleven and largely quiet until his golden opportunity late on, when he was denied by a brilliant stop from Sanchez.

Dominic Solanke 6

Just the 21 touches across 90 minutes but in fairness, he had minimal service all evening.

Substitutes

Brennan Johnson 6.5

Replaced Odobert in the 64th minute.

Pape Matar Sarr 6

Came on for Bergvall and so unlucky not to get the leveller.

Pedro Porro N/A

Came on in the 88th minute for Van de Ven.

Mathys Tel N/A

Replaced Maddison in the 88th minute.

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Chelsea vs Tottenham - Premier League: Live score and updates as Blues earn deserved narrow win in London derby as VAR rules out TWO goals

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Follow Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Chelsea welcome Tottenham to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

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Newcastle eye Spurs clash in South Korea, why parade stage-show was nearly cancelled at last minute and inside the after-party that could influence stadium move: NEWCASTLE CONFIDENTIAL

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EXCLUSIVE: Why Newcastle parade show was nearly cancelled last minute - Daily Mail
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Newcastle are in talks over a lucrative pre-season friendly against Tottenham at what would be a sold-out stadium in the South Korean capital of Seoul, Confidential can reveal.

Given the presence of Spurs and South Korea captain Son Heung-min, a capacity crowd of 66,000 would be expected at the World Cup Stadium, which hosted the country’s semi-final defeat by Germany in 2002.

We understand Spurs are in discussions over a return to Korea and a game against Newcastle is now a strong possibility.

The Magpies were in talks with organisers in Hong Kong over playing matches at the new Kai Tak Stadium this summer. Staff visited Hong Kong to check out facilities on more than one occasion.

However, it was confirmed this week that Liverpool, AC Milan, Spurs and Arsenal will feature instead, meaning Newcastle have re-routed to South Korea and Singapore in late July.

It is thought they will play two matches in Korea, most likely versus Spurs and an All-Star XI. They will play one game in Singapore, with Arsenal in the frame, but confirmation is still awaited on all fixture.

HURRICANE PARTY!

Newcastle’s Town Moor on-stage party was in danger of being scrapped right up until 3pm on Saturday because of high winds, Confidential can reveal.

With the players due to leave St James’ Park on their open-top bus at 4.30pm, officials and safety staff on the Moor were concerned about the gusts that were battering the stage area, where Eddie Howe and his team were due to appear after 6pm. I can vouch for this, because my laptop was blown straight off the stool that doubled as my desk!

The contingency plan was for the bus to drive onto the Moor and for Ant and Dec to deliver the show from the top deck - and that was in play until late in the day.

But, as it was, the winds eased - even if only ever so slightly - and that allowed the team to present the trophy to 150,000 fans on the Moor from the main stage.

The lights show organised by front-of-shirt sponsor Sela was also at risk of cancellation, given that drones cannot fly in extremely high winds. But, again, organisers found a way around a series of issues presented to them on the day, and what played out was a truly memorable occasion.

ROOFTOP PARTY!

Saturday’s after-show celebration took place at Above, the trendy rooftop bar at the Vermont Hotel on Newcastle’s Quayside.

But it did so without the stars of the show, for Newcastle’s players had training the following day and were told that alcohol and partying were off limits.

Given the non-internationals had a fair crack at all of that in Dubai in the days after the cup final, there were very few complaints.

But it did make me smile this week when I was told that, upon his later arrival in Dubai, Eddie Howe very quickly made his players swap their dancing shoes for football boots!

PARTY POLITICS!

It did not go unnoticed that some key political figures were enjoying themselves alongside Newcastle chiefs and club legends at the parade party - for they will be needed in getting plans for a new stadium signed off.

Confidential exclusively reported last month how the Saudi owners, hierarchy and some stakeholders had seen plans for a new build on Leazes Park. The capacity proposed then was 65,000.

This presentation included a video of how the stadium and surrounding area would look, and club chiefs are said to be super excited by the vision they have seen for a new home.

To that end, they know the importance of local political support and, as one source said: ‘This will be about the community working together.’

So, to see North East mayor Kim McGuinness and Labour MP Chi Onwurah backstage and in VIP areas with the club’s top brass - including those driving the move to Leazes Park - was not lost on some observers.

Chief executive Darren Eales is said to be among the key players proposing the capacity does not go much beyond 65,000, given the need to maintain demand and protect the pricing model. He has experience of launching football teams in new stadiums from his time in MLS with Atlanta United.

Club sources insist PIF are yet to sign off on final plans, but developments of the past few weeks tell us that all roads currently lead towards a new build on Leazes Park.

NO PADEL PARTY!

The squad’s plans for a padel tournament in Dubai were scuppered at the last minute - because the courts were under renovation!

Instead, padel enthusiasts among the group - and that is most of them - had to settle for what they consider second best, a more traditional game of tennis.

A PARTY TOO FAR…

I have seen quite a bit of young midfielder Travis Hernes for the Under 21s and have always been impressed.

However, reports from Denmark this week would suggest the 19-year-old has not done himself any favours during his loan stay with Aalborg.

They were beaten 4-0 at home last weekend and Hernes was among a group of three players who then made an ill-advised visit to a local nightclub.

The Norwegian and his team-mates have since issued a public apology and will be disciplined by the club.

PROMOTION PARTY?

Finally, the ambition of Newcastle United Women’s boss, Becky Langley, appears to be limitless, writes Tara Anson-Walsh.

Langley says she is desperate for the team to reach the WSL ‘as quickly as possible’. Since being promoted last season, Newcastle have gone from strength to strength under Langley’s leadership and at just 29, she is the youngest coach in the second tier.

This growth included victory in the Tyne-Wear derby in front of a record Championship crowd last month. The team sit sixth in the league, comfortably clear of relegation, with a promotion push for next season looking increasingly likely.

Langley told Confidential: ‘A safe answer for me could be that I'd like a couple of seasons in the Championship to adjust and grow as a coach, because if we get there too quickly, it puts me in a position of vulnerability, but I'm probably the absolute polar opposite.

‘I want to get there now. I’m desperately disappointed that it’s not going to be this season because there’s been a lot of hard work to ensure that we are pushing into the top three and competing with the likes of London City and Birmingham.

‘I think the bit that gives me a bit of perspective is that we're competing against teams that have played 11, 12 years in the Championship.

'But we know we've got the potential to do it. We’ve beaten Sunderland twice in our derbies in front of huge crowds, so we know about the potential it's just showing that consistency every day.’

TOON TEASER

It’s Toon Teaser time.

Our last puzzler was a little complicated. We had previously asked you to name the 10 England internationals that Newcastle used across four Wembley appearances between 1996 and 2000 (Charity Shield, two FA Cup finals and one FA Cup semi-final).

The answers were; Alan Shearer, Rob Lee, David Batty, Peter Beardsley, Warren Barton, Steve Howey, Stuart Pearce, John Barnes, Kieron Dyer and Les Ferdinand.

Since then, 14 Newcastle players had appeared for England… and the answers were; Jermaine Jenas, Jonathan Woodgate, Nicky Butt, Michael Owen, Scott Parker, Alan Smith, Andy Carroll, Andros Townsend, Kieran Trippier, Nick Pope, Callum Wilson, Anthony Gordon, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento.

However, 14 became 15 when Dan Burn made his debut the day after we posed our Teaser!

This week’s question is (and this is the last one on this theme)… There you have every Newcastle player who has appeared for England since 1996.

Remarkably, between winning the FA Cup in 1955 and 1996, only four others who aren’t listed above were capped by the Three Lions while a Newcastle player. Name them!

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The Battle of the Bridge, a nine-man high line and THAT Thomas Tuchel-Antonio Conte handshake... the craziest moments between Chelsea and Tottenham as rivals meet tonight

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The Battle of the Bridge, a nine-man high line and THAT Thomas Tuchel-Antonio Conte handshake... the craziest - Daily Mail
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Chelsea entertain Tottenham in the Premier League on Thursday evening

The London rivals have been involved in several iconic moments over the years

LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off!, available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday

Tottenham take on Chelsea in the last match of the Premier League game week on Thursday night at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea sit in sixth chasing Champions League football whilst visitors Spurs languish in 14th after a bad second season under Ange Postecoglou.

The international break has been kind to Chelsea with the likes of Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer and Nicholas Jackson back in contention to start, according to Enzo Maresca.

For Spurs, only Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski and recent Ballers League feature commentator Kevin Danso are set to miss out as the Lilywhites have seemingly shrugged off most of their fitness woes.

Ange Postecoglou's job is still on the line after poor performances in the league with the Australian hoping for glory in the Europa League.

Former Chelsea and Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino's comments on a return to Tottenham will have only put more pressure on the Australian who may be sacked in the summer if results don't improve.

This London derby is steeped in history and drama, producing some of the most exciting and intense moments the Premier League has ever seen.

Prior to the game under the lights at Stamford Bridge, it's worth going down memory lane to see some of the craziest games and incidents between the two sides.

From off the pitch brawls to peculiar tactics, this famous all-London affair has had some memorable moments throughout the years.

Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham (2022) – Tuchel and Conte's fierce handshake

Now England manager Thomas Tuchel and current Napoli boss Antonio Conte were locked in an infamous moment during a hotly contested London derby in August 2022.

Tuchel's Chelsea went ahead first through Kalidou Koulibaly before Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg equalised just after the hour mark.

Things began to get heated when Conte and Tuchel were booked following a disagreement over Rodrigo Bentancur's tackle on Kai Havertz before the equaliser which didn't result in a free kick.

Then, when Reece James put the ball in the back of the net, the German set off down the touchline running past Conte in celebration, infuriating the Italian.

Harry Kane's 96th minute equaliser added to the drama before the match culminated in a gripping handshake.

The clash was provoked by Tuchel and captured Conte's open-mouthed reaction, as the German appeared to hold onto his rival's hand for a second too long.

The two coaches went head-to-head, sparking a mass brawl among both sets of players before referee Anthony Taylor handed out a red card to both of them.

Tottenham 1-4 Chelsea (2023) – the nine-men high line

Monday night football served up a treat as Spurs and Chelsea engaged in a bizarre encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in November 2023 that left both sets of fans perplexed over proceedings.

The Lilywhites raced into an early lead after Dejan Kulusevski's effort found the back of the net, but it all went downhill from there.

There were numerous goals ruled out by VAR but when Raheem Sterling's goal was disallowed, replays showed Cristian Romero's reckless and stupid penalty-area tackle on Enzo Fernandez.

Chelsea were awarded with a penalty that was converted by ice cold Cole Palmer with Spurs down to 10 men following Romero's dismissal.

A flurry of injuries to James Maddison and Micky van de Ven saw Spurs without their first choice back centre back pairing and caution should have been urged for Spurs who were holding on for dear life.

In the second half, Tottenham then went down to nine men when Destiny Udogie's second yellow card.

Yet, in bold fashion, Postecoglou opted for his nine men of Spurs to hold a ludicrously high line on the halfway line.

Inevitably, Chelsea began to break the high line with runs from their own half, culminating in a first Nicholas Jackson hat-trick for the Blues, sealing the win.

Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham (2016) – Battle of the Bridge

The 2015-16 season was a year that nobody could have predicted as Leicester City lifted the Premier League title after an incredible campaign.

Yet, Tottenham were chasing down Leicester for the title with the contest against Chelsea in May of 2016 a pivotal moment that could end their title dreams.

The now coined 'Battle of the Bridge' took place at Stamford Bridge and featured 12 yellow cards and both teams engaging in scraps all over the pitch.

Spurs were much the better side, racing into a 2-0 lead through Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son before half time.

Superb sub Eden Hazard came on to produce a masterclass, grabbing a stunning 83rd minute equaliser which secured a point for the Blues and destroyed Tottenham's title hopes.

On the full-time whistle, emotions spilled onto the pitch as players, managers and coaching staff alike were reeled into brawls including renowned Chelsea troublemaker Diego Costa.

It was an iconic match that the Premier League hadn't seen for years and was a joy to behold for the neutral – the same cannot be said for Spurs fans.

Tottenham 1-5 Chelsea (2012) – Goal-line technology drama

After Frank Lampard's long-range effort against Germany in the 2010 World Cup that crossed the line but didn't count, a huge debate over goal-line technology ensued.

This discussion continued in the 2011-12 season during Spurs and Chelsea' semi final clash in the FA Cup.

It was a dominant display from Chelsea nonetheless as Juan Mata notched their second goal of the game just after half time.

However, replays showed the ball hadn't crossed the line despite Martin Atkinson awarding the goal, putting the hot topic of goal line technology back on the menu.

Chelsea, who were then coached by Roberto Di Matteo, went onto win 5-1 against Harry Redknapp's side, but their passage to the final was not without controversy.

Chelsea 1-2 Tottenham (2008) – Spurs win a trophy

Life as a Spurs fan has usually been a painful affair with heartbreak.

But back in 2008 Spurs did the unthinkable, they won the EFL Cup, beating Chelsea in an emphatic final.

Striker Didier Drogba put Chelsea in the lead as his free kick took advantage of a poorly positioned Paul Robinson in goal.

Dimitar Berbatov levelled from the spot for the Lilywhites as Wayne Bridge had been adjudged to have handled the ball.

In disastrous fashion, Jonathan Woodgate sealed Spurs' victory in extra-time after Petr Cech punched the ball on to his head.

The victory was Spurs' first since 1999 and 17 arduous later it still remains their only major trophy win.

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Brutally honest Ange Postecoglou pinpoints shocking mistake behind Tottenham's awful run of form

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Brutally honest Ange Postecoglou pinpoints shocking mistake behind Tottenham's awful run of form - Daily Mail
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'Aussie Ange' will reportedly battle to keep his job beyond May

Opened up about Spurs' horrible season in chat with fellow Aussie

Under-pressure Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has outlined why his team has failed to fire this season in the Premier League - and accepts some long-suffering fans have 'lost faith' in his squad.

Spurs sit 14th on the table after 15 defeats from 29 games - a far cry from last season, when 'Aussie Ange' guided his team to fifth spot.

And while Tottenham reached the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and are into the quarter-finals of the Europa League, the playing group are clearly fatigued.

Injuries have also played their part in the series of poor domestic results, but Postecoglou, 59, believes the seemingly never-ending fixture list has seen his players take their eyes off the main prize - performing across 38 games in the Premier League.

He faces an uphill battle to keep his job in north London beyond next month, with Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola the rumoured first-choice target to take over.

Postecoglou told Socceroos great and former Middlesborough and Fulham goalie Mark Schwarzer he understands why many rusted-on supporters are frustrated.

'It's been a tough season. There's no hiding from it. It hasn't gone anywhere near the levels we wanted,' he told Optus Sport.

'There's frustration in that we've seen glimpses of what we want, but then [there have been] enormous setbacks.

'But in the league, we have been nowhere near it, it has been disappointing.'

The former Celtic boss added the football schedule for players - many of whom also play international football for their nations - is far too draining.

Asked to name the biggest challenge his team has faced this season, he went back to the very beginning of their campaign.

'I think we got the start of the year wrong,' Postecoglou admitted.

'It's become increasingly challenging for footballers, they don't get the traditional break.

'I think we went into the season really hard and underestimated the challenges of Europe with the two extra games, having a cup run... all those things.'

The 59-year-old remains 'bullish' about his team, but given Spurs must win the Europa League to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, Postecoglou appears to be on borrowed time.

Postecoglou's declaration he always wins silverware in his second season at the helm will also more than likely come back to haunt him.

But as always, Postecoglou remains defiant.

'Surviving tough times can often unite people,' he said.

'Because you think there's nothing down the track which will be anywhere near as bad as what we've gone through. We've survived and we've stuck together.

'I guess the biggest way we can influence our fans is by giving them hope, I know some have lost faith in what we are trying to do.

'We have still got things to play for in Europe and we've got to try and finish the season off in a positive way.'

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Richarlison to return to Tottenham action next week in boost to Ange Postecoglou after club turned down January approach from Brazil

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Richarlison to return to Tottenham action next week in boost to Ange Postecoglou after club turned down Januar - Daily Mail
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Richarlison will give Ange Postecoglou a boost by returning to action next week - as it emerged Tottenham have turned down an approach for the striker from Brazilian side Flamengo.

The 27-year-old has been absent since limping off in the Carabao Cup semi-final defeat by Liverpool in February. He cut a dejected figure as he was forced off only weeks after returning from a hamstring injury that had kept him out since November.

He has managed just 14 appearances for Spurs this season but manager Postecoglou should have him available for the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt a week on Thursday.

Spurs were approached in the January window by Flamengo, who were keen to take the injury-hit striker in a permanent £16million deal or on loan.

Tottenham would only consider a permanent deal, and wanted around double the money they were offered.

Richarlison's former club, Fluminense, were interested, too, but the forward is reluctant to go home to Brazil, believing it would make it hard to return to any of Europe's big five leagues.

He wants another chance to fulfil his potential at Spurs, where he is under contract until June 2027.

Richarlison is desperate to return from injury to help his club finish the season strongly - as well as boosting his prospects of returning to the Brazil national team, for whom he has not featured since October 2023.

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