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For the last eight years, Monty Desai has been ever present at domestic matches, watching intently and identifying players who have gone on to play key roles in the IPL

Nagraj Gollapudi20-Jan-2016He sneaks in quietly. He prefers to stay invisible. But he is always on the lookout. There is a black book tucked under his right arm. A pen clipped to the book. Club cricketers come and say hello. Monty Desai acknowledges them quietly and shifts his focus immediately to the match he has come to watch at the Wankhede Stadium.Desai was one of the main talent scouts at Rajasthan Royals, one of the two IPL franchises suspended by the Lodha Committee for two years as a fallout of the probe into the 2013 IPL corruption scandal. Desai’s contract expired on December 31, 2015. Even so, over the past week, he has been shuttling between the two grounds in Mumbai hosting the Syed Mushtaq Ali Twenty20 tournament. Doing what he likes and cannot stop liking: hunting for talent.As he watches Monday’s Super League match between Mumbai and Baroda, Desai wears a happy expression as he spots various former Royals players: Munaf Patel, Yusuf Pathan, Deepak Hooda, Dhawal Kulkarni, Abhishek Nayar. He is proud he was able to play a role in the growth of these players, and cannot be content merely with running two cricket academies in the northern suburbs of Mumbai.Desai’s database is a black A4-size diary in which he has noted down names since 2008, when he joined Royals. Although he is on the lookout for all kind of players, Desai confesses he has a soft corner for bowlers. What he is looking at, more than anything else, is how the player reacts to different situations. “Bowling is something which has always been taken as labour class in our game,” he says. “But if somebody has the courage, after being hit for a six, to come back and bowl a beautiful yorker and get a dot ball, I don’t know how many people are able to watch and store that data. The bowler’s figures could read four overs for 40 but out of that there might have been only two or three bad balls. So that is what I am looking for.”A thorough Mumbaikar, Desai graduated as a mechanical engineer, and is a Level 3 certified coach who was involved for three years as an assistant coach with the World Cricket Academy. There, he met the likes of Andy Flower, a “dear friend and mentor”, who was then the Essex coach.”I enjoy the fact that my eyes have seen everything: from grassroots cricket to the pathways of somebody who has represented the country like Ajinkya Rahane, Stuart Binny, Ravindra Jadeja. Players who were with Royals before ending up with the Indian team.”Obviously Desai is figuring out what to do next. At the moment he is doing the scouting job independently. He believes it is just a “phase” and continues to be in close touch with the Royals top management. He wants to remain part of the franchise in some way. He is waiting to hear from Manoj Badale, one of the owners of the Royals, before he takes a final decision.Desai knows his experience as a scout with Royals will not go to waste. Already two franchises have expressed their interest in him. But he wants a long-term role that will allow him to “build” teams, which remains his primary goal and desire. The franchises also want to know about the unknown players signed up by Royals and want Desai to help them identify names that can fill gaps in their squads. “Clearly I know the player’s strengths and weakness and where exactly he can play a role and the new franchises are asking me that.”The two franchises have asked Desai to attend their trials and help them shortlist players whom they can target at the player auction, scheduled for February 6.”It is a bits-and-pieces role,” Desai says. “Come and do the trials, give us the names after that.”Desai says he is proud to have been part of the scouting team that identified unknown and little-known names such as Pravin Tambe, Dinesh Salunkhe and Sanju Samson and offered them a platform. He considers himself just another cricket fan who is interested in watching the game. The only difference is, he is on the lookout for talent.”It keeps you in touch,” he says. “It keeps you not rusty. And it is a good way to keep on adding to my database. Never know when I can use it.”

An update has emerged on Rangers and their attempts to bolster Michael Beale's attacking options ahead of the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership campaign…

What's the latest on Danilo to Rangers?

According to the Daily Record, Danilo has told his club that he wants to join the Light Blues before the end of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Brazilian attacker informed Feyenoord of his decision over the weekend as he would like to make the move to Ibrox in the coming weeks.

This should come as a big boost to Beale in his attempts to land the attacker as it could put pressure on the Dutch side to be accommodating in negotiations in order to prevent them from ending up with an unhappy player for the rest of the season.

It states that the Gers have already had an offer of £3.5m turned down and that it will take a fee in the region of £5m to secure his services.

This comes as the club are closing in on the signing of Nigeria international forward Cyriel Dessers from Cremonese for a total package of €6.5m (£5.6m).

How did Danilo perform last season?

The 24-year-old number nine enjoyed a strong campaign with Feyenoord in spite of his limited game time as he showcased his impressive finishing ability domestically and in Europe.

His form in the Netherlands suggests that there is an exciting player for Beale to unearth and the English head coach could excite Rangers supporters by pairing him with current Ibrox star Todd Cantwell.

Danilo, who was once praised by Erik ten Hag as the manager's best "finisher" at Ajax, plundered an outstanding ten goals and three assists in 14 Eredivisie starts,

This shows that the right-footed dynamo often took his chances when given an opportunity on the pitch. Meanwhile, no Gers player with fewer than 15 Premiership starts hit double figures for goals last term.

He also found the back of the net twice in six Europa League starts, which means that the former Ajax prospect also has experience playing and scoring in European competitions.

His superb performances in front of goal are not a flash in the pan, either, as the 6-foot hotshot produced an eye-catching 17 goals and five assists in 31 Eredivisie starts on loan at FC Twente during the 2020/21 campaign, one more strike than any Rangers player managed last season.

Cantwell, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.36 – a score no other attacker or midfielder matched – across 16 Premiership outings in 2022/23. The Englishman scored six goals to go along with his five assists.

The former Norwich ace caught the eye with his silky ability on the ball, which was combined with a quality end product, proviing himself capable of making a big impact in the final third.

This means that Beale could pair an outstanding number ten with the ability to be a scorer and a creator with a Brazilian striker who has the potential to be a lethal attacker, something that would no doubt get fans excited ahead of next season.

Bowlers and records were all over the place in Greater Noida as Afghanistan trumped Ireland by 28 runs to seal a 3-0 whitewash in a 438-run slugfest

The Report by Nikhil Kalro12-Mar-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsAfghanistan recorded their second 3-0 whitewash in T20Is•PTI Bowlers and records were all over the place in Greater Noida as Afghanistan trumped Ireland by 28 runs to seal a 3-0 whitewash in a 438-run slugfest, taking their unbeaten streak to a record 11 games in T20Is. Two of Afghanistan’s most destructive batsmen, Mohammad Shahzad and Mohammad Nabi, thrashed scintillating fifties to set up Afghanistan’s 233 for 8, their highest T20 total. Ireland scrapped and fought their way back but in the end, found themselves short of firepower and the target.Shahzad set the ball rolling, getting to his fifty one ball after the Powerplay, off just 27 balls. The bowlers’ lines were far too wide, but the strength of his bottom hand didn’t leave them much choice. Shahzad struck six fours and five sixes, but his first boundary – a cut through backward point – may have been the sweetest for it took him past Virat Kohli as the format’s fourth-highest run-scorer.By the time he was dismissed in the 13th over, Ireland’s bowlers found their rhythm, reducing Afghanistan from 97 for 1 to 121 for 5. Legspinner Jacob Mulder earned two wickets in three balls. A cameo, at best, would take Afghanistan close to 200. The 14th over went for seven runs, and that worst-case total lowered.In the next over, Nabi stepped out and skewed a mow that just cleared long-on. If the boundary was a metre longer, Nabi was undone by flight. But, the small dimensions meant Nabi had the security of productive mis-hits. He hardly mis-timed a ball thereafter though. Bowlers repeatedly missing their yorkers played into his strengths, and his confidence, power and timing did the rest. When he was done clobbering them, with 89 off 30, he had the highest score by a No. 6 or lower in T20Is.Afghanistan plundered 104 with at least two boundaries in each of the last six overs. Barry McCarthy conceded 69 runs in his four overs, the most expensive figures in T20Is. Even though Kevin O’Brien returned 4 for 45 to control some of the damage, it seemed like Ireland’s house had blown away.It hadn’t yet. Paul Stirling and then Stuart Thompson broke the game open with the joint-highest Powerplay score in T20Is, as Ireland scored 91 to equal Netherlands’ total against them during the World T20 in 2014. Apart from abetting Ireland by overstepping, Shapoor Zadran’s lines were wayward and his variations were predictable. Stirling was dropped twice off consecutive deliveries, and had scurried to 49 off 19 before flicking Zadran to deep square leg.Thompson struck two fours and five sixes in his 43, but was bowled off left-arm spinner Amir Hamza in his bid to keep Ireland’s momentum going. A few tidy subsequent overs meant Ireland were always behind the required rate, with the opposition’s best bowler still unused.Gary Wilson kept Ireland interested with a quickfire fifty; so much so that at the end of 18 overs, Ireland were four runs ahead of where Afghanistan were. However, Rashid Khan, bowling the 19th over, took three wickets to end Ireland’s spirited fight.

Chelsea and Lionesses star Lucy Bronze has spoken out about her diagnosis with autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

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Bronze talks about life with autism and ADHDSays diagnosis has helped her footballing careerDescribes autism as her 'superpower'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Bronze has described her autism and ADHD diagnosis as her "superpower" after revealing she was first diagnosed four years ago. The 33-year-old says the diagnosis was not a surprise as she "always knew about in a way" and believes her autism has helped her footballing career.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT BRONZE SAID

She told : "How I process things, being super-focused. People always say, 'Oh, you're so passionate about football.' I don't know if I'd say I'm passionate, I'm obsessed. That's my autism, it's my hyper-focus on football. Something that is really good for ADHD and autism is exercise. Having that focus, something to do, keeping moving. Training every day is amazing for me. Some of the other girls will be like: 'Are you sure you're 33 because you don't stop?' All the things I have because of autism have worked in my advantage."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Bronze has enjoyed phenomenal success throughout her career. She has won titles with club sides Liverpool, Manchester City, Lyon, Barcelona and Chelsea, claimed victory at Euro 2022 with England and made it to the World Cup final with the Lionesses in 2024. Bronze also finished as runner-up at the 2019 Women's Ballon d'Or. She has inspired millions through her exploits on the pitch and is now hoping to make a difference away from football by raising awareness and trying to remove the stigma around autism and ADHD.

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BRONZE

Bronze's Chelsea are currently in the middle of a run of four games against Manchester City. The two teams face off again in the Women's Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday and then meet again in the WSL on Sunday. The Blues were victorious in the Women's League Cup final on Saturday.

GOAL selected the 50 best footballing talents from around the world born on or after January 1, 2005 – but are they living up to their potential?

Since NXGN's launch in 2016, GOAL has profiled the 50 best footballing wonderkids on the planet on an annual basis. Some of those recognised for their talent as teenagers are now household names, but others have not yet realised their potential.

So, after the NXGN 2025 list was revealed, check out where the stars of 2024 are now:

Every NXGN list

Dembele, Tielemans & 2016's best wonderkids

Mbappe, Donnarumma & 2017's best wonderkids

De Ligt, Kluivert & 2018's best wonderkids

Haaland, Sancho & 2019's best wonderkids

Saka, Rodrygo & 2020's best wonderkids

James, Oberdorf & 2020's best women's wonderkids

Pedri, Ansu Fati & 2021's best wonderkids

Le Tissier, Bennison & 2021's best women's wonderkids

Bellingham, Musiala & 2022's best wonderkids

Dumornay, Fowler & 2022's best women's wonderkids

Gavi, Garnacho & 2023's best wonderkids

Shaw, Thompson & 2023's best women's wonderkids

Caicedo, Moultrie & 2024's best women's wonderkids

Getty Images Sport50Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland)

2024: The young brother of Real Madrid star Jude, Bellingham was enjoying an eye-catching first season at Sunderland in the Championship having departed boyhood club Birmingham City the previous summer.

2025: Having been moved back into midfield after playing much of last season as a forward, Bellingham has taken his game to new levels in 2024-25 as the Black Cats chase promotion to the Premier League. Top clubs in England and around Europe continue to keep tabs on his progress.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport49Nestory Irankunda (Adelaide United)

2024: Having emerged as the top talent within Australia's A-League thanks to his powerful attacking play and rocket-launcher of a left foot, Irankunda had already agreed a record-breaking transfer to Bayern Munich and earned a first international call-up from the Socceroos.

2025: Irankunda spent his first six months in Germany playing for Bayern's reserve side in the third tier before completing a loan move to FC Zurich in January as he looks to gain experience of top-flight European football.

Getty Images Sport48Benjamin Cremaschi (Inter Miami)

2024: Cremaschi had emerged as one of the best young players in MLS after striking up a strong on-field relationship with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, with his form having earned him a first call-up to the senior United States squad.

2025: The midfielder was a rotational member of the Miami squad in 2024 as they won the MLS Supporters Shield but is expected to take on an even bigger role under new coach Javier Mascherano.

Getty Images47Sverre Nypan (Rosenborg)

2024: Having been dubbed 'the next Martin Odegaard' within Norway, Nypan was already a regular in the Rosenborg line-up, and was just beginning a campaign that would end with him providing 15 combined league goals and assists from midfield in just 28 appearances.

2025: Arsenal and Manchester City were among the clubs who attempted to sign Nypan during the January transfer window but he has instead opted to stay with Rosenborg until the summer before considering his next move.

Crystal Palace are now keen on signing a “brilliant” attacker who is available on a free transfer, according to a report.

Palace improving

After a concerning start to their Premier League campaign, Palace’s results have picked up in recent weeks, collecting eight points from their last four outings.

Most recently, the Eagles played out a 2-2 draw with reigning champions Manchester City, indicating they have turned the corner under the helm of Oliver Glasner. However, the manager may still be keen to strengthen his squad this January.

As it stands, Glasner’s side are only just above the bottom three, meaning their improved form will need to continue if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle towards the back end of the season.

Crystal Palace in talks to sign "talented" Championship ace in Eze repeat

The Eagles are looking to repeat their transfer genius.

1 ByTom Cunningham Dec 6, 2024

To make sure they avoid the dreaded drop, Palace have started to run the rule over potential January signings, and it was recently reported that they believe Man City’s James McAtee will be available this winter, most likely for a fee of around £20m.

McAtee is not the only player on the shortlist, as the Eagles are said to have made an approach to sign Chesterfield striker James Berry-McNally, who is valued at around £5m by his current employers.

Brighton (a)

December 15

Arsenal (h)

December 22

Bournemouth (a)

December 27

Southampton (h)

December 30

Chelsea (h)

January 5

Palace targeting Ryan Kent

It is clear that Glasner is looking to strengthen his attacking options this winter, and another target has now entered the frame, with reports from Spain detailing that Palace are among the teams interested in signing free agent Ryan Kent.

However, there is set to be stiff competition for Kent’s signature, as Ipswich Town and Leicester City are also said to be keen on the winger, who most recently played for Fenerbahce.

Given the Englishman’s contract status, he is available on a free transfer, which makes him an attractive option for the three Premier League clubs, who are all looking to add depth to their squads.

The 28-year-old is also well-liked due to his versatility in attack, which allows him to play on the wing and in more central roles.

It is fair to say the winger was unimpressive during his time in Turkey, picking up just one goal and two assists in 19 appearances in all competitions, but he could yet be a decent signing for Palace.

The former Rangers man was exceptional during his time north of the border, weighing in with 33 goals and 56 assists in 218 appearances, so if he is able to get back to that level, he will almost certainly improve the Eagles.

Once hailed as “brilliant” by journalist Josh Bunting, Kent has proven he is capable of making the step up to the Premier League in the past, so it is exciting news that Palace are in the race for his signature, particularly considering it is a low-risk move.

One team has the best scoring rate in the powerplay; the other has the best bowling average in the same phase

Himanshu Agrawal07-Apr-20222:06

Do Gujarat need an extra spinner? Does Odean Smith keep his place?

Big pictureOn the one side is the muscle of Liam Livingstone, Shahrukh Khan, Odean Smith and Bhanuka Rajapaksa, on the other the precision and reliability of Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan and Lockie Ferguson.Welcome to Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans, a battle that could, even with more than three-fourths of the season still remaining, turn out to be the tastiest of this IPL – a proper T20 side full of big hitters against an attack boasting pace, seam, swing, spin and variations.Live in the USA

You can watch the match live on ESPN+ in English and in Hindi.

Kings boast the highest powerplay run rate of all teams this season – 10.94 – and Titans the best bowling average – 10.71 – and the second-best economy rate – 6.25 – in the same phase.Titans are unbeaten after two matches, having won their first game while chasing and the second while defending a total. Both wins were both hard-fought, and they’ve found a different hero every time they’ve needed one so far.Kings have endured a more eventful ride – they hunted down 206 with an over to spare against Royal Challengers Bangalore; then their ultra-aggressive batting approach came unstuck against Kolkata Knight Riders; and then they defended 181 Chennai Super Kings at the Brabourne Stadium, where they play Titans in their fourth fixture.Friday’s clash, then, might pit the most fearsome hitting team in the league against its most incisive bowling attack. Who will come out of it unscathed?In the newsA niggle restricted Varun Aaron to just one over in Titans’ last match against Delhi Capitals. In case he hasn’t recovered, the team could replace him with Darshan Nalkande, Yash Dayal or Pradeep Sangwan, the latter two of whom offer a left-arm option.Rashid Khan belts out an appeal•BCCILikely XIsPunjab Kings: 1 Mayank Agarwal (capt), 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 4 Liam Livingstone, 5 Shahrukh Khan, 6 Jitesh Sharma (wk), 7 Odean Smith, 8 Arshdeep Singh, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Rahul Chahar, 11 Vaibhav Arora.Gujarat Titans: 1 Shubman Gill, 2 Matthew Wade (wk), 3 Vijay Shankar, 4 Abhinav Manohar, 5 Hardik Pandya (capt), 6 David Miller, 7 Rahul Tewatia, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Varun Aaron/Yash Dayal/Darshan Nalkande/Pradeep Sangwan, 10 Lockie Ferguson, 11 Mohammed Shami.Strategy punt Titans’ new-ball spearhead Shami has had a difficult time against Kings opener Shikhar Dhawan in T20s. Across 11 innings and 66 balls, Dhawan has taken him for 103 runs without being dismissed. Mayank Agarwal, meanwhile, has only ever faced three balls from Shami. Agarwal has taken first strike in all three of Kings’ matches so far; on Friday, there might be a case for Dhawan to take strike instead, assuming Shami bowls the first over, to try and maximise his favourable match-up. Shubman Gill has faced 21 balls of spin this season, and scored 45 runs off them, without being dismissed – which translates to a strike rate of 214.28. Three are three spinners who have got him out twice each – the most – in IPL. Rahul Chahar, however, has dismissed Gill twice in three innings in the IPL, so there could still be a case for Kings to use their legspinner early on as an attacking gamble.Stats that matter Kings have smashed 33 sixes so far this season, the second-most behind Rajasthan Royals’ 36. Meanwhile, the opposition captain Hardik Pandya is just one away from 100 IPL sixes. Shami will be up against one of his former IPL sides, having represented Kings for three seasons from 2019 onwards, when he took 58 wickets at 22.82 for them. From IPL 2017-20, Ferguson managed only three wickets in 83 balls while conceding 10.98 runs an over at the death. Since 2021, his record in the last four overs has improved dramatically: five wickets in 60 balls and an economy rate of 8.70.

Over the last couple of years, Manchester United’s transfer business has left a lot to be desired, often seeing them waste a huge amount of money on players who have failed to impress in the Premier League.

The club’s top five additions have all each set them back upwards of £75m, but not one of the big-money signings now appears to be worth the fees splashed out for their respective services.

Paul Pogba still remains as the Red Devils’ record signing, costing £89m during the summer of 2016, just a handful of years after being released by the club after coming through the academy.

The Frenchman made another 226 appearances during his second spell at Old Trafford before once again being let go at the end of his deal, rejoining the Italian side on a free in 2022.

However, the transfer window in January 2020 allowed for needed incomings and outgoings, with one player starring at the club after his big-money move that winter.

Manchester United’s transfer window in January 2020

The aforementioned window saw the £68m arrival of midfielder Bruno Fernandes from Portuguese side Sporting CP, with the hope of transforming the heart of the side.

Nearly five years on, it’s safe to say that the 30-year-old has exceeded expectations, registering over 250 appearances, becoming the captain under various managers at the Theatre of Dreams.

The Portuguese has achieved a total of 83 goals and 73 assists in the process – an average of a contribution every 1.6 appearances he’s played in Manchester.

Fernandes has often been the constant source of attacking quality over the last couple of years, undoubtedly cementing himself as one of the best attacking midfielders in world football.

He wasn’t the only arrival that window, with Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo on loan for 12 months from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua – looking to provide that added quality in attacking areas.

The former Watford ace scored five times in his 19 appearances between January and the end of the campaign, fulfilling his dream of featuring for the club he supported as a boy.

However, despite the arrivals, numerous players also departed Old Trafford during that period, including one player who has impressed since being given the boot by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The player who has matched Fernandes in 2024/25

Ashley Young was often a utility man during his time at United, starring in attacking and defensive areas during his nine-year spell in the North West.

He featured over 250 times in the process after joining from Aston Villa in the summer of 2011, originally as a left-winger – notably demonstrating his talents in the meeting with Arsenal in which they won 8-2.

However, given his age, he ended up dropping further back into a full-back position, before being sold for just £1.2m to join Italian side Inter Milan during the aforementioned window.

Fast-forward nearly five years, the former England international now plies his trade for Sean Dyche’s Everton, making ten league appearances in 2024/25 despite being 39 years of age.

Despite his age, he’s still managed to impress, registering three assists in the Premier League, the same tally as Fernandes – with the Portugal international failing to meet expectations in recent weeks.

Games played

10

12

Minutes played

875

1019

Assists

3

3

Assists per 90

0.31

0.27

Short pass accuracy

89%

88%

Take-on success

50%

45%

The former Red Devil star has also registered a higher pass completion rate than the attacking midfielder, whilst completing more of the take-ons he’s attempted – showcasing his attacking nature despite his defensive role.

There’s no denying that the club made the right call in allowing Young to depart given his age, but it’s a signal as to how disappointing the club captain has been since the start of the campaign.

New boss Ruben Amorim will be hoping to get the most out of his compatriot, looking to surpass Young’s tally in the process and allow the 30-year-old to be at the forefront of the club’s revival.

Man Utd may regret losing "magic" PL star who's now outperforming Fernandes

The Premier League ace didn’t make a single appearance for Manchester United.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 25, 2024

Victorian premier Andrews said there will be no crowd cap at the venue, which can hold up to 100,000 spectators

AAP09-Mar-2022Shane Warne will be publicly farewelled at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, home to many of his greatest sports moments, later this month.Victorian premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed the MCG as the venue for a state memorial service on March 30 to honour the Australian legend, who died suddenly due to heart attack in Thailand last week.Related

Shane Warne – 1969 to 2022: full coverage

Shane Warne gave us so much and he had so much more to give

'Dad, this doesn't feel real' – Warne's family's pain and loss

“There’s nowhere in the world more appropriate to farewell Warnie than the ‘G,” Andrews tweeted on Wednesday.The MCG was the stage of the legspinner’s famous Ashes hat-trick in 1994 and the 700th Test wicket on Boxing Day in 2006, his final series before he retired from international cricket.Ticket information for the evening event is yet to be released, but the premier said there will be no crowd cap at the venue, which can hold up to 100,000 spectators.”It’ll be a very big event. It will be a celebration of his life as it should be,” Andrews said.Autopsy results showed that Warne died from a suspected heart attack, confirming the death was due to natural causes with no signs of foul play.Deputy director of Samui Hospital Songyot Chayaninporamet said the autopsy showed Warne, 52, died of a “congenital disease”.Following his death on the Thai resort island of Koh Samui, Warne’s body was taken by ferry to the mainland city of Surat Thani on Sunday. It was transported to Bangkok on Monday night and was being prepared to fly home to Melbourne, according to media reports.Warne’s family issued a statement on Monday describing the night of his death on March 4 as the beginning of “a never-ending nightmare”.

In a case of the pot calling the kettle black, Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois has blasted Atletico Madrid for complaining about referees after loss.

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Real Madrid win after controversial Alvarez callSimeone complains about the referee's decisionCourtois 'fed up of victimhood' by Atletico MadridFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Real Madrid have done what they do best in the Champions League: persevere. Los Blancos survived city rivals Atletico Madrid's onslaught at Wanda Metropolitano as the hosts took an early lead via Conor Gallagher and dominated the clash. However, Carlo Ancelotti's side were able to drag the game into a penalty shootout, which Los Blancos won as Julian Alvarez saw his spot kick disallowed for a 'double kick'.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone later criticised the referee's decision to review Alvarez's penalty and claimed that his Argentinian striker did not initiate double contact with the ball during his spot kick. Real Madrid keeper Cortouis has now hypocritically claimed that he is 'fed up' with the Rojiblancos' 'victimhood', just weeks after his side launched a campaign against La Liga referees for not giving decisions in their favour.

Getty Images SportWHAT COURTOIS SAID

Speaking to the media, Courtois said: "I'm always fed up with that victimhood, always crying over things like that. Referees don't want to benefit a team, neither in Spain nor in Europe; they saw it clearly, and they called it that way. They're human, and with technology, they saw it clearly. If you're winning 1-0 in the first minute and don't go for the second, that's the fault of their game.

"In the end, it was a lottery. I felt like it was a double, and I told the referee. It's not easy to see, and it's bad luck for them. Then it was bad luck for me that Correa didn't get it out. We didn't play our best game, but we got through, and that's what matters."

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WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

Ancelotti's side have now booked their place in the Champions League quarterfinal, and they will now take on Mikel Arteta's Arsenal on April 8. However, before that, they will have to contend with the challenges of La Liga as they remain second on the table despite Barcelona having played one game fewer than them.