Gabriel Martinelli
January 2026
Martinelli will not face further FA punishment after a late flashpoint in Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool, where he pushed Bradley while Bradley was down injured. The referee booked Martinelli during the match and logged it in his report, which normally closes the case for retrospective action. Martinelli later apologised, saying he misread the situation.
Steve Kerr
January 2026
Kerr said his 91-year-old mother was upset by his ejection after he received two technicals during a one-point loss to the Clippers. Kerr explained the scene looked worse than it was, with players holding him back. Curry backed the spark it gave the team, while Rivers joked Kerr acted badly and shared a similar story.
Kyle Walker
January 2026
United supporters want action after Walker appeared to stamp on Dorgu during the 2-2 draw at Turf Moor, with no red card shown. The flashpoint came late in the match as United also complained about a disallowed Martinez goal. Fans argue VAR should have reviewed the stamp and are calling for FA intervention.
Cristiano Ronaldo
January 2026
Al-Nassr fell four points off the top after losing 2-1 to Al Qadsiah, despite Ronaldo scoring a penalty, increasing pressure on their title chase. Ronaldo framed the slump as normal in football, urged professionalism and belief, and posted that the fight is not over, insisting Al-Nassr will keep pushing for trophies.
Vinicius Jr
January 2026
Vinicius and Simeone exchanged words on the touchline when the Real forward was substituted during Madrid’s Super Cup semi-final win over Atletico in Saudi Arabia. TV audio captured Simeone taunting Vinicius about Florentino Perez. Simeone later downplayed it, saying what happens on the pitch stays there while stressing respect for Madrid players.
Ruben Amorim
January 2026
Ruben Amorim is being linked with a fast move into another high-level job after United dismissed him, with reports suggesting a prominent replacement role is already being lined up. His exit followed a public rant after the Leeds draw, where he demanded authority as “manager” and criticised internal departments. United acted within 24 hours, ending his 14-month spell despite sixth place.
Trae Young
January 2026
Reports say Trae Young is heading to Washington in a major trade, with CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert moving to Atlanta as both teams reshuffle early in 2026. Young and the Wizards’ incoming players were held out as reports emerged. Atlanta officials avoided details postgame. The move follows heavy trade chatter, with Young’s contract situation and Atlanta’s record without him adding context.
Nico Schlotterbeck
January 2026
Real Madrid are reportedly stepping up interest in Nico Schlotterbeck after their priority target Dayot Upamecano moved closer to a new Bayern contract, forcing a change of plan for centre-back recruitment. With a free-transfer route fading, Madrid have turned to Schlotterbeck despite his 2027 contract. Dortmund are said to want at least €50m, with some reports pushing the price nearer €70m.
