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Suspensions changing the Premier League title race
When you’re in a tight and historical title race, don’t abuse referees or punch people.
Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Leicester City could run away with the Premier League title easily after Tottenham Hotspur failed to win on Monday, but it’s not over yet. And before it’s done, it could be affected by some suspensions to key players.
Jamie Vardy’s has already been handed down. He missed last weekend’s game against Swansea for a sending off and will serve another ban against Manchester United for improper conduct towards an official.
But something worse might be coming down the pipeline for PFA Young Player of the Year Dele Alli of Tottenham. He was caught punching Claudio Yacob on camera on Monday, something the referee didn’t see during the game. If that’s deemed to be an act of violent conduct -- and it probably should be -- Alli will be suspended for the remainder of the season.
Goal of the day
This stoppage time goalie goal from Poland. (r/soccer)
In the news
The Hillsbrough inquest has found that the 96 victims of the disaster were unlawfully killed as the result of negligence on the part of police, first responders and event organizers.
USWNT star Carli Lloyd is out 3-6 weeks with a sprained MCL. (SI)
Bayern Munich have confirmed talks with Dortmund defender Mats Hummels. (Guardian)
Riyad Mahrez says he isn’t interested in going to PSG. (ESPN FC)
Bayern’s Juan Bernat says that referees allow Atlético Madrid to get away with dirty play. (AS)
No reports from the most reliable news outlets yet, but some reports are coming out that Michel Platini’s corruption charges have been dropped. (Football Italia)
You should be reading
Rikita Bhasker on your favorite players letting you down. (Unusual Efforts)
Mike Goodman on how Man City vs. Real Madrid might play out tactically. (ESPN FC)
Make your high school math teachers proud and dive into Michael Bertin on improving soccer’s version of the Bill James Pythagorean. (Stats Bomb)
What happened on Monday
Spurs drew West Brom, crippling their title chances. (Cartilage Free Captain)
What to watch on Tuesday (click for listings, all times ET)
Champions League: Manchester City vs. Real Madrid (2:45 p.m.) -- Schedule a fake doctor’s appointment and get out of work early.
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