https://www.irishexaminer.com/IrishExaminer.comWed, 25 Feb 2026 01:25:23 +0000Examiner GroupIreland's premier breaking news website providing up to the minute news and sports reports. With e-mail news releases following breaking stories throughout the day.https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41799662.htmlChampions League: Newcastle through to last 16, Bodo/Glimt shock Inter Milan2026-02-24T22:01:00+00:002026-02-24T22:01:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth scored a hat-trick as the Spanish side saw off Belgium’s Club Brugge to advance to the last 16 with a 7-4 aggregate triumph.Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth scored a hat-trick as the Spanish side saw off Belgium’s Club Brugge to advance to the last 16 with a 7-4 aggregate triumph.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41799626.htmlSnoop Dogg welcomed in style on first visit to Swansea2026-02-24T19:52:00+00:002026-02-24T19:52:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Snoop Dogg was greeted with twirling towels and a guard of honour on his first visit to the Welsh club.Snoop Dogg was greeted with twirling towels and a guard of honour on his first visit to the Welsh club.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41799590.htmlMexico president says there are 'all guarantees' for 2026 World Cup2026-02-24T16:37:00+00:002026-02-24T16:37:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Asked if the top international soccer tournament, which is expected to draw crowds of fans from around the world to matches in Mexico City, Monterrey and Jalisco's capital Guadalajara, would pose a risk to visitors, Sheinbaum said there was "no risk".Asked if the top international soccer tournament, which is expected to draw crowds of fans from around the world to matches in Mexico City, Monterrey and Jalisco's capital Guadalajara, would pose a risk to visitors, Sheinbaum said there was "no risk".Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41799596.htmlVinicius Junior incident is opportunity in fight against racism – Alvaro Arbeloa2026-02-24T16:30:00+00:002026-02-24T16:30:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Real forward Vinicius claimed he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni last week.Real forward Vinicius claimed he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni last week.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41799467.htmlArbeloa and Courtois call on Uefa to take stand against racism after Vinícius incident2026-02-24T16:30:00+00:002026-02-24T16:30:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Last Tuesday’s game at the Estádio da Luz was delayed for 10 minutes after Vinícius informed the referee, François Letexier, that Prestianni had racially abused him.Last Tuesday’s game at the Estádio da Luz was delayed for 10 minutes after Vinícius informed the referee, François Letexier, that Prestianni had racially abused him.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41799323.htmlMechanics of 'concealed' Michael Noonan deal left Stephen Bradley 'shocked'2026-02-24T13:01:00+00:002026-02-24T13:01:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Last weekend’s Sunday Times, followed by confirmation by the club, confirmed that the teenager’s family lodged a complaint with the English FA about the player’s agent.Last weekend’s Sunday Times, followed by confirmation by the club, confirmed that the teenager’s family lodged a complaint with the English FA about the player’s agent.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41799302.htmlMan Utd’s Benjamin Sesko not worried about lack of starts under Michael Carrick2026-02-24T12:35:00+00:002026-02-24T12:35:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/The Slovenia international came off the bench to great effect for the third time in four matches by scoring the only goal in Monday’s victory at Everton.The Slovenia international came off the bench to great effect for the third time in four matches by scoring the only goal in Monday’s victory at Everton.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41799197.html'This cannot ever happen again' - Dundalk boss bemoans damage to Oriel Park pitch2026-02-24T10:23:00+00:002026-02-24T10:23:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Sports Minister Patrick O’Donovan has suspended State aid for astro pitches and summoned the FAI top brass to his department in a bid to avoid the ugly scenes that marred the Louth derby.Sports Minister Patrick O’Donovan has suspended State aid for astro pitches and summoned the FAI top brass to his department in a bid to avoid the ugly scenes that marred the Louth derby.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41798924.htmlKieran Shannon: If Patrick O’Donovan wants people to be quiet, the government must make some noise2026-02-24T06:40:00+00:002026-02-24T06:40:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/O’Donovan’s statement is also a bit of a rebuke to those that came before them and in whose steps they are trying to follow, highlighting certain political situations and boycotting certain sporting eventsO’Donovan’s statement is also a bit of a rebuke to those that came before them and in whose steps they are trying to follow, highlighting certain political situations and boycotting certain sporting eventsExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41799068.htmlSuper sub Sesko strikes for Manchester United victory over Everton2026-02-23T21:57:00+00:002026-02-23T21:57:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Benjamin Sesko finished off a clinical Manchester United counter-attacking move to earn three points against Everton and move them back up to fourth in the Premier LeagueBenjamin Sesko finished off a clinical Manchester United counter-attacking move to earn three points against Everton and move them back up to fourth in the Premier LeagueExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41799071.htmlMullen grabs late point for 10-man Dundalk against Shamrock Rovers2026-02-23T21:56:00+00:002026-02-23T21:56:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Pico Lopes gave Rovers a 19th minute lead, and Dundalk had Vinnie Leonard sent off in the second half, but the Louth side found a way to earn a point against the championsPico Lopes gave Rovers a 19th minute lead, and Dundalk had Vinnie Leonard sent off in the second half, but the Louth side found a way to earn a point against the championsExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41799053.htmlMichael Noonan saga centres on third-party cut of potential transfer fee2026-02-23T21:30:00+00:002026-02-23T21:30:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Michael Noonan looked to be heading to Germany earlier in February after TSG Hoffenheim brokered a transfer fee of €1.8m but the player opted to stay at Shamrock RoversMichael Noonan looked to be heading to Germany earlier in February after TSG Hoffenheim brokered a transfer fee of €1.8m but the player opted to stay at Shamrock RoversExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41798870.htmlStamina and nerve key for Arsenal and City in this tired, flawed title race2026-02-23T15:17:00+00:002026-02-23T15:17:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/The reason this is such a competitive season is that everybody is flawed.The reason this is such a competitive season is that everybody is flawed.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41798804.htmlPrestianni suspended by Uefa for Real Madrid return2026-02-23T14:25:00+00:002026-02-23T14:25:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/The one-game ban has been put in place pending the findings of the UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector's investigation.The one-game ban has been put in place pending the findings of the UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector's investigation.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41798723.htmlPremier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action2026-02-23T13:30:00+00:002026-02-23T13:30:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Rio Ngumoha lifts Liverpool, the tussle to be Harry Kane’s England deputy and Chelsea self-destructRio Ngumoha lifts Liverpool, the tussle to be Harry Kane’s England deputy and Chelsea self-destructExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41798732.htmlDick Advocaat resigns as Curaçao head coach before country’s first World Cup campaign2026-02-23T13:25:00+00:002026-02-23T13:25:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/The Dutchman steps down from his position as head coach of the national team for personal reasonsThe Dutchman steps down from his position as head coach of the national team for personal reasonsExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41798567.htmlArne Slot believes Alexis Mac Allister is rediscovering his best form2026-02-23T09:27:00+00:002026-02-23T09:27:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Mac Allister struck at the death at the City Ground as Liverpool survived what Slot felt was their worst performance of the season.Mac Allister struck at the death at the City Ground as Liverpool survived what Slot felt was their worst performance of the season.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41798537.htmlIreland's potential World Cup venue in Mexico under siege2026-02-23T08:50:00+00:002026-02-23T08:50:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Should Ireland hurdle two playoff games on March 26 and 31, they will qualify for a first World Cup since 2002. The European playoff winner's opening game in Group A against South Korea will be held in Guadalajara on June 11.Should Ireland hurdle two playoff games on March 26 and 31, they will qualify for a first World Cup since 2002. The European playoff winner's opening game in Group A against South Korea will be held in Guadalajara on June 11.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41798426.html'What we love doing' - Arteta revels as Arsenal find the perfect riposte by pasting Spurs2026-02-22T20:40:00+00:002026-02-22T20:40:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Eberechi Eze – who else – scored twice, as did man-of-the-match Viktor Gyokeres, as the Gunners blew struggling Tottenham away once againEberechi Eze – who else – scored twice, as did man-of-the-match Viktor Gyokeres, as the Gunners blew struggling Tottenham away once againExaminer Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41798399.htmlArne Slot admits Liverpool ‘got more than we deserved’ in win over Forest2026-02-22T20:03:00+00:002026-02-22T20:03:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Slot’s men were woefully out of sorts at the City Ground, with former captain Jamie Carragher describing their first-half display as a “horror show”.Slot’s men were woefully out of sorts at the City Ground, with former captain Jamie Carragher describing their first-half display as a “horror show”.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41798378.htmlGyokeres and Eze torment Tottenham again as Arsenal rebound in emphatic fashion2026-02-22T18:58:00+00:002026-02-22T18:58:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/The Gunners blew struggling Tottenham away once again, by the same score as in the reverse fixture last November.The Gunners blew struggling Tottenham away once again, by the same score as in the reverse fixture last November.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41798297.htmlKai Andrews' late winner sees Hibs dent 10-man Celtic's title hopes2026-02-22T17:29:00+00:002026-02-22T17:29:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/The Hibernian substitute guided a composed finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box in the 87th minute in what was a rare second-half attack for the visitors.The Hibernian substitute guided a composed finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box in the 87th minute in what was a rare second-half attack for the visitors.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41798285.htmlEvann Guessand’s last-gasp effort enough as Crystal Palace defeat 10-man Wolves2026-02-22T17:21:00+00:002026-02-22T17:21:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Palace came into the contest having won just one of their previous 15 matches across all competitions. Palace came into the contest having won just one of their previous 15 matches across all competitions. Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41798267.htmlJimenez's rapid-fire double downs Black Cats to snap Fulham out of slump 2026-02-22T16:43:00+00:002026-02-22T16:43:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/The game burst into life after the break when Jimenez's header broke the deadlock, and seven minutes later he doubled the visitors' advantage from a penalty.The game burst into life after the break when Jimenez's header broke the deadlock, and seven minutes later he doubled the visitors' advantage from a penalty.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41798261.htmlMac Allister hits winner at death to lift patchy Pool past Forest 2026-02-22T16:35:00+00:002026-02-22T16:35:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Arne Slot's side left with the three points after Alexis Mac Allister pounced deep into stoppage time, minutes after he had a goal controversially ruled out by VAR.Arne Slot's side left with the three points after Alexis Mac Allister pounced deep into stoppage time, minutes after he had a goal controversially ruled out by VAR.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41798195.htmlDundalk and Drogheda United condemn damage 'deliberately caused' to Oriel Park pitch2026-02-22T15:01:00+00:002026-02-22T15:01:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/“During the same incident, flares thrown in the crowd resulted in an injury to a 12-year-old supporter, who sustained burns to his face."“During the same incident, flares thrown in the crowd resulted in an injury to a 12-year-old supporter, who sustained burns to his face."Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41798012.htmlIf you can't handle 'noise and bullets' then leave, Arteta warns misfiring stars2026-02-21T22:45:00+00:002026-02-21T22:45:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Arsenal face arch-rivals Tottenham on Sunday with their championship credentials on the line after they surrendered a two-goal lead to draw with bottom-of-the-table Wolves.Arsenal face arch-rivals Tottenham on Sunday with their championship credentials on the line after they surrendered a two-goal lead to draw with bottom-of-the-table Wolves.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41798000.htmlO'Reilly double helps City cut Arsenal's lead to two and pile on pressure ahead of derby2026-02-21T22:13:00+00:002026-02-21T22:13:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Pep Guardiola's side made it 17-straight Premier League wins over Newcastle to move to within two points of the Gunners ahead of Sunday's North London showdown with Spurs.Pep Guardiola's side made it 17-straight Premier League wins over Newcastle to move to within two points of the Gunners ahead of Sunday's North London showdown with Spurs.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41797967.htmlEuro round-up: Real stunned by Osasuna as Kane double helps Bayern beat Frankfurt2026-02-21T20:38:00+00:002026-02-21T20:38:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Álvaro Arbeloa’s Madrid were below par in Pamplona and fell behind to an Ante Budimir penalty, before Vinícius Júnior pulled the visitors level.Álvaro Arbeloa’s Madrid were below par in Pamplona and fell behind to an Ante Budimir penalty, before Vinícius Júnior pulled the visitors level.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41797949.htmlRosenior 'learning about the people you can lean on' after Chelsea slip up again2026-02-21T20:07:00+00:002026-02-21T20:07:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/The Blues had dominated once Joao Pedro put them in front in the fourth minute at Stamford Bridge, but after going down to 10 men in the second half they retreated.The Blues had dominated once Joao Pedro put them in front in the fourth minute at Stamford Bridge, but after going down to 10 men in the second half they retreated.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41797946.htmlHammers lament Bowen's late miss as they miss chance to ease relegation fears2026-02-21T19:56:00+00:002026-02-21T19:56:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/But despite dominating for large parts against below-par Bournemouth, they were unable to eke out a goal with captain Jarrod Bowen firing a glorious stoppage-time opportunity over.But despite dominating for large parts against below-par Bournemouth, they were unable to eke out a goal with captain Jarrod Bowen firing a glorious stoppage-time opportunity over.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41797922.htmlRecord-breaker James Milner happy to be able to ‘still contribute’ for Brighton2026-02-21T18:34:00+00:002026-02-21T18:34:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Milner’s inclusion at Gtech Community Stadium meant he moved past Gareth Barry’s previous record tally in the competition.Milner’s inclusion at Gtech Community Stadium meant he moved past Gareth Barry’s previous record tally in the competition.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41797895.htmlHearts bounce back to open up five-point lead at top of table 2026-02-21T17:35:00+00:002026-02-21T17:35:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Islam Chesnokov's first goal for the Edinburgh club, at the end of the first half, proved decisive on what was a nervy afternoon for the home support at Tynecastle.Islam Chesnokov's first goal for the Edinburgh club, at the end of the first half, proved decisive on what was a nervy afternoon for the home support at Tynecastle.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41797883.htmlTammy Abraham strikes late to snatch point for Aston Villa against Leeds2026-02-21T17:19:00+00:002026-02-21T17:19:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Daniel Farke thought his side had picked up a precious three points to further strengthen their bid to stay in the league.Daniel Farke thought his side had picked up a precious three points to further strengthen their bid to stay in the league.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41797877.htmlBrighton mark James Milner’s record-breaking appearance with win at Brentford2026-02-21T17:18:00+00:002026-02-21T17:18:00+00:00Irishexaminer.comdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/Milner’s inclusion meant he moved past Gareth Barry’s previous record of 653 appearances.Milner’s inclusion meant he moved past Gareth Barry’s previous record of 653 appearances.Examiner Groupdigitaldesk@irishexaminer.comhttps://www.irishexaminer.com/