Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: September 14, 2026, 2:20 PM ET

Manchester Derby: VAR Drama Dominates as City Win With 10 Men

Manchester City beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday despite playing most of the match with 10 men after Phil Foden's early red card, but the game was defined by a VAR controversy surrounding Erling Haaland's winning goal. Refereeing body Pro Ref has since admitted an error in awarding the goal, and Manchester United have reportedly received an apology. The decision left United players furious, with Lisandro Martínez branding it an "injustice" while manager Michael Carrick called it an "obvious" mistake. Carrick has told his players they must "move on" quickly despite the frustration, but the questions keep coming. The derby mess shows that VAR's quest for perfection is doomed to fail, and there are still unanswered questions about why the error happened. Gary Neville described the defeat as a "bad day" for Carrick's side, with pressure increasing after failing to beat 10-man City. It is United's joint-worst start to a Premier League season, and fans protested inside and outside Old Trafford before the match. Danny Murphy explained how City produced a statement win despite being down to 10 men for most of the game, while ESPN's analysis noted City's 10-man master class and the broader fallout.

Arsenal to Contact Pro Ref Over Sunderland Penalty Decisions

Arsenal will contact Pro Ref, the body in charge of officiating in English football, over the decision to award Sunderland a penalty in Saturday's Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, according to a source. The club is also seeking an explanation over the incident that saw Ezri Konsa concede a penalty in the same match. Despite the controversy, Arsenal picked up a big win at Sunderland, with David Raya earning a 9/10 rating and Bruno Guimaraes an 8/10 as the Gunners fought off an aggressive effort from the hosts. Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha, monitoring developments between the player and his club.

Chelsea Exposed by Hull as Defensive Woes Continue

Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by Hull City at Stamford Bridge, and the result showed why Chelsea fans are in for a rough ride this season. The Blues have a star-studded attack that has saved them repeatedly, but their defense was exposed again by an impressive Hull side. In the WSL, Chelsea's women's team delivered a 5-0 rout of Manchester United, proving they are back on track after dropping points on the opening weekend. The result is ominous for the rest of the WSL.

Liverpool Held by Fulham as Key Players Struggle

Liverpool were held to a 0-0 draw with struggling Fulham at Anfield, with a host of top players failing to perform. Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch all struggled to make an impact. Bayern Munich are reportedly ready to pounce for Wirtz if there is a chance to sign the Liverpool midfielder. Meanwhile, Bournemouth's Brazil forward Rayan could be a Liverpool target next summer, and Borussia Dortmund have ruled out a move for Jadon Sancho.

LaLiga: Yamal Brace Keeps Barça Perfect, Valencia Sack Corberán

Lamine Yamal fired a double as Barcelona won 4-2 at Levante to extend their 100% start in LaLiga to five matches and move three points clear at the top of the table. Yamal also declared that he and Kylian Mbappé are the best players in the world, but said the Ballon d'Or should be his this year. Real Madrid were booed again by their own fans, adding to the pressure at the Bernabéu. Valencia dismissed coach Carlos Corberán and chief executive Ron Gourlay on Sunday with the side winless and bottom of La Liga. Atlético Madrid's Jonathan David scored his first goal for the club in a 3-0 win at Real Sociedad, with Diego Simeone praising his "calm finishing" and saying he brings something different to the team.

Bundesliga: Kane Winner Sees Bayern Past Elversberg

Harry Kane scored the winner for Bayern Munich to claim a 2-1 win over SV Elversberg in the Bundesliga on Sunday. The result keeps Bayern on track in the early stages of the season. Matchday three highlights are available for Bundesliga viewers.

Premier League: Coventry's Nightmare Return, Leeds-Newcastle History

Coventry City's dream return to the Premier League is beginning to unravel after a fourth consecutive defeat, and questions are mounting over whether Frank Lampard can turn it around. Monday's match between Leeds United and Newcastle United could create Premier League history, as BBC Sport explains why a gameweek with zero home wins is a rare occurrence. Leeds manager Daniel Farke is looking to deliver his side to "fun" new heights as Monday Night Football marks the first managerial meeting between Farke and Matthias Jaissle, two of four German managers currently operating in the Premier League.

Carabao Cup: Third-Round Ties Live on Sky

Every Carabao Cup third-round tie this week will be shown live on Sky Sports, with all 10 ties available to watch. The coverage includes matches across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Scottish Football: Rangers Stun Celtic, Aberdeen Face Discipline

Rangers stormed into the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals at Celtic's expense, with Dan Neil's performance drawing comparisons to Barry Ferguson. Peter Lovenkrands believes there were shades of Ferguson in Neil's display as Rangers ripped through Celtic. Hibs, Hearts and Aberdeen also reached Hampden, with the podcast recap covering all the action. Aberdeen could face disciplinary action after some supporters invaded the pitch following their cup win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. Celtic face competition from Championship clubs for Liverpool left-back Luke Chambers, according to transfer gossip.

International Football: Scotland and Northern Ireland Squad News

Sebastien Pocognoli will name his first Scotland squad on Tuesday, and the new head coach may use the clean slate to call upon new names. Sky Sports asks who Pocognoli will include in his first squad as a new era begins. Northern Ireland will face four Nations League games in 11 days later this month, with injuries, summer switches and individual form all making for an interesting selection when Michael O'Neill names his quadruple-header squad.

Cricket: England Hand Debut to Donald, Pietersen Joins Coaching Staff

England will hand a T20 international debut to Derbyshire batter Aneurin Donald in the series opener against Sri Lanka in Southampton on Tuesday night, live on Sky Sports. Kevin Pietersen is "buzzing" to be back with the England set-up, having joined the white-ball coaching staff for the series against Sri Lanka, according to interim head coach Marcus Trescothick. England coach Brendon McCullum wants to be "challenged" by white-ball mentor Pietersen and has "no problem" with the former batter's previous criticism of the team.

Golf: Nordqvist Hints at Solheim Cup Return, Defends Course Set-Up

Solheim Cup-winning captain Anna Nordqvist has left the door open for a potential return to the role for Team Europe in the future, saying "you're never going to say never". Nordqvist also hit back at suggestions the Bernardus Golf course set-up had been tailored to suit the home team, dismissing the USA's implied "dig" over the course conditions.

Tennis: Zverev Wins US Open, Declares Himself Best in the World

Alexander Zverev believes he is currently the best tennis player in the world following his US Open victory. Zverev overcame Ben Shelton in a four-set battle to claim his maiden US Open title, dashing American dreams on Sunday. Trinity Rodman made it from the soccer pitch to the tennis court in time to watch boyfriend Ben Shelton in the US Open final after her Washington Spirit side lost 3-0.

NWSL: Gotham FC Rise to Top, Houston Dash Fire Coach and Director

Gotham FC are the new leaders in ESPN's NWSL Power Rankings, taking advantage of a shocking 3-0 slip-up from Washington Spirit, according to the latest rankings. The Houston Dash have fired head coach Fabrice Gautrat and technical director Twila Kilgore, the team announced on Sunday amid the club's struggles.

NFL: Giants Beat Cowboys, Josh Allen Delivers Late Drama

The New York Giants opened their season with a 28-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, as Jaxson Dart picked out Isaiah Likely for two touchdowns. In the wider NFL weekend, Josh Allen delivered more late drama for the Buffalo Bills, Derrick Henry starred for the Baltimore Ravens and the Chicago Bears flexed their scoring power on a wild opening Sunday of the 2026 NFL season.

Boxing: Benn Contemplates Future After Garcia Loss

Conor Benn is left contemplating his next options after suffering a heavy stoppage loss to Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas. Asked what comes next, Benn admitted, "I don't have the answer".

Darts: Wade Ends 10-Year Title Drought in Flanders

James Wade ended a decade-long wait for a European Tour title as he beat Ross Smith 8-4 in the final of the Flanders Darts Trophy, claiming victory in Flanders.

Racing: Windsor's Flat Season Finale Headlines Monday Action

The Sky Sports Racing cameras head to Windsor for the track's final flat fixture this season, where Leger hero Saffie Osborne will be in action.

Formula 1: Drivers Want Madring Overtaking Improvements

Formula 1 drivers and team chiefs are hopeful there is scope at the Madring for organisers to make "obvious changes" to the track to aid overtaking for future seasons.

Saudi Pro League: Ronaldo Calls for Lifetime Bans After Jota Chants

Cristiano Ronaldo has called on the Saudi Pro League to issue lifetime stadium bans to any supporter found to have been involved in the taunting of Ruben Neves. Ronaldo demanded lifetime bans after fans repeatedly chanted the name of the late Diogo Jota at his Portugal teammate Neves. Ronaldo reiterated his call for lifetime bans for supporters involved in the chants.

Transfers: Coutinho Set for Santos, Leicester's Descent, More Gossip

Philippe Coutinho is set to play for Santos for the remainder of the year, joining Neymar at the Brazilian club. Leicester City have endured a sad descent to English soccer's third tier, barely a decade after their stunning Premier League win and Champions League debut, and questions remain over whether there is a way out.

Other Football News: Birmingham's Miss, Miklosko Tribute, Jersey Bulls

Birmingham's Luis Vázquez put the ball over the bar from close range on Saturday, but ESPN asks whether it was the worst miss ever. Ludek Miklosko, who has died aged, was a cult figure with West Ham supporters after his move to London in 1990, making almost 400 appearances for the club. A separate tribute noted how fans sang his name long after his exit. Jersey Bulls Women lost a league game for the first time in their history, going down 3-0 at Sutton United Under 23s in their first-ever league defeat.

Women's Football: Man Utd's WSL Struggles Under Olid

Sky Sports columnist Laura Hunter analyses the big talking points from the second round of Women's Super League matches, asking whether Man Utd are spiralling just two weeks into the new season under Eva Olid.

Athlete Advocacy: Hunt Condemns Sweeney Betting Advert

Amy Hunt hit back at Sydney Sweeney's controversial betting advert by telling the US actress that "this is what women in sport look like". Hunt and other sportswomen condemned the advert for its portrayal of female athletes.