Football never sleeps. During any of the 86400 seconds in a 24-hour day, somewhere in the world someone is doing something related to the beautiful game, whether that’s scoring a last-minute winner in a high-profile match, posting their expert take on social media or simply booting a ball against a wall with their mates.
It’s therefore impossible for any human being to keep up with everything that’s going on in the game, and it’s often those little yet most intriguing moments, like a fan’s alternative viewpoint of a penalty save, or a three-second yet incredibly telling interaction between two arch-rivals, or thread on X explaining why N’Golo Kante is the nicest man in professional sport, which make football so great.
GIVEMESPORT have created our live blog to help solve that problem, providing the best social media has to offer and the greatest football mini-stories from the last 24 hours.
18th March: Awful pitch for Real Madrid women’s vs Arsenal
Ian Wright slams the quality of the Champions League venue
Real Madrid hosted Arsenal in the first leg of the women’s Champions League quarterfinal stage, with the home team picking up a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Linda Caicedo and Athensea del Castillo. However, the main talking point was unfortunately the poor quality of the pitch.
Playing at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium, but both sides struggled to get any fluid football going, with the muddy and sodden surface impacting the game significantly. Former Arsenal icon Ian Wright slammed the situation, saying: “Watching the Champions League quarter-final Real Madrid pitch, this is worse than Derby’s pitch the other day. This is a f******* disgrace the pitches these girls have to play on.”
He was referring too another women’s game, at Derby’s Pride Park, which had been heavily criticised after Chelsea beat Manchester City in Saturday’s League Cup final. Wright evidently felt this was worse and he wasn’t alone with other fans noting: “No way in 2025 would the men be expected to play on the equivalent.”
And: “This is so disrespectful to the woman’s game.”
18th March: Club Holds Silence For Player Who Hasn’t Died
Arda Kardzhali release statement after their mistake
Arda Kardzhali have issued an apology after holding a minute’s silence for a former player they incorrectly believed had died. Players of the Bulgarian top-flight side, and their opponents Levski Sofia, fell silent shortly before kick-off to mark the passing of Petko Ganchev.
However, before the game had even finished, Arda posted a statement via their Facebook page to announce they had received wrong information about Ganchev’s death. “The management of PFC Arda would like to express its deepest apologies to the team’s former footballer, Petko Ganchev, and his loved ones, after the club received incorrect information regarding his death,” the club wrote.
“We wish Petko Ganchev many years of health and to enjoy Arda’s successes.”
17th March: Postecoglou confronts Spurs fan after Fulham loss
The Australian couldn’t resists firing back at criticism
Ange Postecoglou was involved in another furious altercation with a Tottenham fan after his side’s 2-0 loss to Fulham on Sunday afternoon. Late goals from Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon condemned Spurs to another defeat, their 15th of the Premier League campaign.
As the Australian boss was making his way down the tunnel and to the dressing room following the match, an aggrieved Spurs fan asked him multiple times “what was that?”. Postecoglou couldn’t resist firing back and retorted “Behave yourself” before telling the fan to “learn some manners.” After Postecoglou removed himself from the situation, Mathys Tel got involved and told the supporter to show some respect.
16th March: Rangers Forward Vaclav Cerny Incites Celtic Fans
The Czech Republic man got Hoops supporters raging with his actions
Rangers forward Vaclav Cerny nearly sparked a riot at Celtic Park after throwing water onto Celtic fans during Sunday’s Old Firm Derby. The blue side of Glasgow let a two-goal lead slip against their rivals but netted an 88th-minute winner to secure all three points against their biggest rivals.
The result gave caretaker manager Barry Ferguson his first win against Celtic as Rangers boss, but he had to contend with one of his players almost causing havoc after his side had scored what turned out to be the winner. Footage showed Cerny spraying water over a section of the home fans, who reacted angrily and had to be barricaded from the Rangers bench by local police who were at the stadium.
Further footage showed Cerny laughing at the situation, seemingly proud of the angry reaction that he had provoked.
14th March: Peter Crouch Loses Expensive Cheltenham Bet
Retired striker forced to fork out almost £8k on 1,000 pints of Guinness
Peter Crouch was forced to cough up almost £8,000 after losing a costly bet at the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday. “Basically, myself or Crouchy will be buying 1,000 pints of Guinness after the Stayer’s Hurdle,” bookmaker Paddy Power explained, per talkSPORT. “If an Irish horse wins, Crouchy’s buying the pints, if an English horse wins, I’m buying the pints. I think I got the better of this one.”
Former England international Crouch said: “That’s outrageous really, isn’t it? Also, I don’t know loads about horse racing. I woke up, I had a look at it and I was like, ‘we ain’t got any chance’ and now he’s (Power) upped it.”
Sadly for Crouchy, it was Paddy Power who prevailed after the Grade 1 race was won by the Henry De Bromhead-trained Bob Olinger. This meant that the retired striker, 44, had to shell out an eye-watering £7,800 to pay for 1000 punters’ Guinness. Ouch.
13th March: Jude Bellingham’s Passionate Reaction to Vinicius Junior’s Work Rate
Footage has emerged of Jude Bellingham giving teammate Vinicius Junior an earful during Real Madrid’s Champions League round of 16 second leg against local rivals Atletico on Wednesday night. Los Blancos were able to progress to the last eight thanks to a controversial penalty shootout, having been beaten over the 120 minutes by a goal to nil.
As the game entered extra time, naturally, players began to fatigue, and the work ethic and quality from both sets of teams began to dwindle. However, one man who was still putting himself about in the additional period was Bellingham, who produced a lung-busting tackle to spare Vinicius’ blushes.
The Brazilian was knocked off the ball far too easily and took an age to get back to his feet before the Englishman made an incredible sliding challenge while his teammate was still picking himself up. In response, Bellingham could be spotted screaming at the Madrid number seven as he and other members of Carlo Ancelotti’s bench criticised the forward for his lack of effort.
13th March: Vinicius Junior Rubs Salt in Atletico Madrid Wounds
Real Madrid star’s tweet goes viral after Champions League tie
Vinicius Junior rubbed salt in Atletico Madrid’s wounds after Real Madrid’s controversial Champions League Round of 16 victory on Wednesday night. Vini and his Los Blancos teammates advanced to the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout, which saw VAR intervene and cancel Julian Alvarez’s converted penalty after the Atletico striker inadvertently struck the ball twice.
Vinicius, who blazed a penalty over the ball during normal time and was subbed off in the 115th minute for Endrick, posted on X (Twitter) after the match: “Oh my god!!! THERE’S ONLY ONE MADRID!!!! But we all know that. Let’s improve next time!!!”. The Brazilian also responded to Atletico Madrid fans who were giving him stick after being subbed off, reminding them that Real Madrid have won the European Cup 15 times, compared to Atleti’s tally of zero. Watch the footage below:
12th March: Salah’s Eye-Opening Reaction to Nunez’s Penalty Miss
Van Dijk, Gakpo and Endo were quick to console the striker
The penalties from the Paris Saint-Germain players were faultless, but Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez both missed as the French side booked a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals against one of Club Brugge or Aston Villa. In terms of Nunez, he was the first to miss for the hosts as his tame effort – one saved easily by Gianluigi Donnarumma – gave their opponents the advantage.
The Uruguayan has become a divisive figure among the Anfield faithful and kickstarting his side’s defeat hasn’t helped his case, especially as Mohamed Salah completely ignored him as he returned following his miss. The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Wataru Endo and Cody Gakpo were quick to console the 25-year-old, who understandably cut a frustrated figure. Salah, however, stayed on the half-line in the eye-opening footage.
‘Just when we need him the most’
Liverpool supporters have been left heartbroken after footage of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s reaction to his injury has emerged. The Englishman, during the second half of his side’s eventual loss against Paris Saint-Germain, seemingly twisted his ankle.
While attempting to make a tackle, the right-back’s ankle twisted in an odd motion – and he was, as a result, replaced by Jarell Quansah. Footage of his reaction has been released, and it shows Alexander-Arnold cutting a distraught figure on the ground.
After wincing in pain, the Real Madrid-linked 26-year-old pulled his shirt over his head as he awaited medical assistance. Fans have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to share their disappointment. On Liverpool’s upcoming schedule, one fan insinuated that his crucial presence would be missed. They wrote:
“Hate to see this. Trent was devastated after his injury against PSG. Just when we need him the most as the most crucial games are up ahead too.”
“If this is the last we see of Trent, there should be riots to get Hughes out of that football club,” another commented as a final fan wished that it was not his final outing for the club amid concerns over his future. “Really do hope this isn’t the last time we see Trent in a Liverpool shirt.”
Peter Schmeichel filmed speaking with out-of-form striker outside Old Trafford
Manchester United fans have expressed their sympathy for Rasmus Hojlund after the out-of-sorts striker was filmed having a chat with club legend Peter Schmeichel outside Old Trafford following Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal. The 22-year-old centre-forward, who joined United in a £72 million deal from Atalanta in August 2023, has now gone 20 games without a goal after failing to score during Sunday’s Premier League encounter.
Named among the substitutes by Ruben Amorim, Hojlund came on for the final 15 minutes but was once again unable to find the back of the net. Schmeichel appeared to be offering the Denmark international some words of encouragement after the match. But United fans couldn’t help but notice how dejected he looked. One supporter wrote on X (Twitter): “I feel awful for him,” while another commented: “The lad looks shot.” A third added: “The guy is broken,” while a fourth said: “I feel for him, honestly.”
9th March: Mr Beast ‘Airs’ Emile Heskey
Awkward moment after Sidemen charity match causes a stir
YouTube superstar Mr Beast has been criticised for ‘airing’ former Premier League striker Emile Heskey while receiving his medal following Saturday’s Sidemen charity match at Wembley. The 26-year-old American, whose YouTube channel has the most subscribers (371 million) on the platform, shook hands with referee Mark Clattenburg and even handed the official one of his Feastables chocolates.
Heskey waited patiently to shake hands with the YouTube sensation, but was unexpectedly left hanging. As Mr Beast showed his medal to the crowd and walked off, Heskey’s reaction suggested he was left bemused by the incident. Heskey was part of the punditry channel for the Sidemen vs YouTube All-Stars match at Wembley, which ended in a 9-9 draw and raised over £4 million for charity.
8th March: Cristiano Ronaldo Absolutely Savages His Lookalike
The Portuguese star’s reaction went viral immediately
Cristiano Ronaldo is the most recognisable footballer in the world today. The Portuguese icon is known across the globe, with millions of loyal fans following his career. To class yourself as a Ronaldo ‘lookalike’ is a brave claim to make, and one that didn’t work out particularly well for one supporter.
Ahead of CR7 taking to the field for Al-Nassr in Saudi Pro League action vs Al-Shabab, footage captured his reaction to seeing said ‘lookalike’. During his warm-up before the game, Ronaldo was spotted shouting jokingly towards the fan: “You don’t look like me, you’re very ugly.” Brutal.
The age-defying superstar then proved there’s no one quite like him as he scored his 463rd goal since turning 30. He had managed as many strikes before reaching that landmark birthday.
6th March: Jamie Carragher Races YouTuber Speed
Liverpool legend, 47, faced 20-year-old YouTube sensation
Jamie Carragher went head-to-head in a sprint against YouTuber Speed inside the CBS Studio after Wednesday night’s Champions League matches. Speed, real name Darren Watkins who only turned 20 in January, was the clear favourite against former Liverpool star Carragher, who celebrated his 47th birthday in the same month.
Carragher cheated by shoving Speed at the start of the race, but the YouTube sensation recovered and still managed to cross the line first. “You cheated and you still lost!” Speed shouted at the retired defender-turned-pundit. “I’m disappointed, I thought I had him,” Carragher told Micah Richards. “The race was too long!” Watch the funny clip in full below:
4th March: Tyrone Mings’ Incredible Goal-Line Clearance
The Aston Villa man denied Club Brugge with an incredible stop
Aston Villa overcame Club Brugge in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie, winning 3-1 via goals from Leon Bailey, Marco Asensio and an own goal from Brandon Mechele. It’s Tyrone Mings they’ll be crediting for the result, though, after he pulled off a remarkable goal-line clearance to keep his side in the contest. With the score tied at 1-1 in the second half, Hans Vanaken looked destined to give Brugge the lead, but the defender denied him with an incredible lunge and the slightest deflection which took the ball just inches past the post.
From there, Unai Emery’s men scored twice and they have taken a solid two-goal advantage into the second leg when the two sides meet again at Villa Park next week.
4th March: Besiktas Change Badge
The changes are so subtle that fans are struggling to see the difference
Turkish giants Besiktas have released a new club badge ahead of their 122nd anniversary, but the changes are so subtle that many fans are struggling to spot the difference between the new and previous versions. How many can you spot on first glance?
Still struggling? Well, the red in the logo has been adjusted to match the exact shade of red found on the Turkish flag. Secondly, the black outline is now the same thickness as the white one for stronger contrast. And finally, the ‘B’, ‘J’ and ‘K’ letters, along with the 1, 9, 0 and 3 numbers, have been aligned to the same thickness. Why change a winning formula, eh?
3rd March: Vinicius Junior Reveals Whose Decision It Was to Snub Ballon d’Or
The Brazilian missed the event after finding out he wasn’t going to win the award
Vinicius Junior has claimed it was Real Madrid’s decision for him to snub the Ballon d’Or ceremony after finding out he wasn’t going to win the award, not his own. The Brazilian winger was the heavy favourite to win the award, but it was revealed hours before the gala that Manchester City midfielder Rodri had instead been voted for by journalists to take the prize.
Despite having already arranged a celebratory party on the basis that he was winning, Vinicius, nor any Real Madrid representatives, appeared in protest of the decision and the perceived treatment the club has received by the French Football Federation.
“I didn’t feel betrayed [by not winning],” the winger stated as per GOAL. “There are people who vote for what they believe. I have my thoughts, my teammates too.
“I have never dreamed of winning the Ballon d’Or. Of course, when you’re close to winning it, you want to win it, but I’ll have options to win other awards. I’ve already won two Champions Leagues and I’m here to win a lot more.”
When asked who made the call to snub the ceremony, the 24-year-old replied:
“Always the club’s [decision]. I do what the club tells me to do. They asked me to stay in Madrid and I did it calmly.”
3rd March: Fowler Refuses to Sign Young Fan’s Man Utd Shirt
Fans have called him out for his ‘petty’ behaviour
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has been called out by fans after refusing to sign a young Manchester United fan’s shirt. On the weekend, a number of the beautiful game’s top stars of yesteryear gathered in Bangkok to participate in the Reignwood Icons of Football golf tournament.
Fans turned up in their droves to watch Fowler – alongside Paul Scholes and John Terry – form Team England who were taking on Team World, two teams captained by two Ryder Cup giants.
Fowler, during a period where players met fans, took time to sign a plethora of hats and went to approach an eagerly waiting youngster before realising that he was holding a Manchester United shirt – he quickly ignored him and continued to greet others.
“I think he is being petty here.” one fan said as another supporter wrote: “Pathetic, it’s a kid. Come on, what’s wrong with him?” A third said: “Very poor on his part… grow up!”
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