“It took them four attempts across three competitions, and there will be concern in the aftermath over a hamstring injury that forced Mohamed Salah off, but Liverpool can at least finally celebrate a win against Crystal Palace this season. After defeat on penalties in August’s Community Shield, then 2-1 and 3-0 losses in the Premier League and Carabao Cup in the autumn, Arne Slot’s team found life more to their liking in Saturday’s spring sunshine. A pair of first-half goals set them on their way and, despite the visitors halving the deficit in controversial fashion and a frantic finale, Florian Wirtz added a third in stoppage time to prompt relief. Now Slot and his staff must assess the niggle picked up by Salah, who made a point of waving to all sides of the ground as he departed just before the hour, to determine whether this was the Egyptian striker’s fond farewell in what he has already said will be his last Liverpool season. …”
NY Times/The Athletic (Video)
NY Times/The Athletic: Liverpool fans turn Anfield crowd yellow with protest against rising ticket prices
Liverpool 3 Crystal Palace 1 – The Kop hails Woodman, but was this injured Salah’s Anfield farewell?
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“Ever wondered what it is like to be a Premier League referee? The ref cam, attached to the match official’s right ear, showing their point of view, has given a new insight into a referee’s perspective in the top flight this season. After trials in pre-season friendlies during the United States-staged Summer Series two years ago, and a league match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace in May 2024, this campaign’s rollout has been more comprehensive. 
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“Domestic leagues would be limited to staging one game a season in foreign countries under 
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“In October 2025, the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) flagged five suspicious bets placed on Burundian league matches between June and September of the previous year. These were the first such alerts the organization had recorded in the country since 2020. FIFA had already been in contact with the Burundi Football Federation (FFB) earlier that year over suspected manipulation in the top flight. Alexandre Muyenge, the President of the FFB, and also a police brigadier general, moved quickly, notifying national authorities and stepping up surveillance efforts. All coaches, players, officials and independent observers contacted during this investigation maintain that match-fixing has become routine in Burundi’s top division. One club, in particular, Deira Academy, stands out to investigators above all others. …”
Scissors Kick 