<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> has once again reminded the soccer world that age is just a number. The&nbsp;<strong>40-year-old Portuguese icon</strong>&nbsp;made a strong return to the scoresheet, netting&nbsp;<strong>his first goal of the pre-season for Al-Nassr</strong>&nbsp;in a 2-1 win over French side Toulouse. The friendly, held at&nbsp;<strong>Untersberg-Arena</strong>, served as the Saudi club’s opening match of their 2025-26 preparation, and Ronaldo’s performance stole the spotlight.</p>



<p>While most headlines would normally center on his performance, it was what came&nbsp;<strong>after the match</strong>&nbsp;that truly turned heads. Ronaldo, known as much for his mentality as for his finishing, took to social media to deliver a&nbsp;<strong>cryptic but emphatic four-word message</strong>&nbsp;— one that sent a clear warning to fans, rivals, and pundits alike.</p>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/al-nassr/">Al-Nassr</a> had to work for their win against Toulouse.&nbsp;<strong>Yan Gboho gave the French side a surprise lead in the 25th minute</strong>, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from the Saudi team. But it didn’t take long for Ronaldo to make his mark.</p>



<p>Just eight minutes later,&nbsp;<strong>in the 33rd minute</strong>, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner found space in the box and finished clinically past the Toulouse goalkeeper to make it 1-1. It was vintage Ronaldo: composed, decisive, and perfectly timed. He celebrated the goal surrounded by teammates, including&nbsp;<strong>Sadio Mane, Joao Felix, and Gabriel</strong>, all of whom featured in the starting XI.</p>



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">⚽ | What a comeback! 🤩<br>Our captain Cristiano Ronaldo levels it for AlNassr!<br>⏱️ | 32’ <a href="https://t.co/yYjvHfh4qL">pic.twitter.com/yYjvHfh4qL</a></p>— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlNassrFC_EN/status/1950591141604430278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<p>Al-Nassr eventually sealed the win when&nbsp;<strong>Mohammed Maran scored the match-winner in the 76th minute</strong>, ensuring <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/jorge-jesus/">Jorge Jesus</a>’ men kicked off their pre-season on a high note.</p>



<h2>What did Ronaldo say after the game?</h2>



<p>After being substituted at halftime — a planned move as part of squad rotation — Ronaldo took to social media to reflect on the performance and send a pointed message. <em>“The hunger never fades. Still work to do and we’re just getting started,”</em>&nbsp;Ronaldo wrote on his official accounts.</p>



<div class="ck-instagram"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMvYmtPIMkI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;margin: 1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:99.375%;width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px);width:calc(100% - 2px)"><div style="padding:16px"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMvYmtPIMkI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style="flex-direction: row;align-items: center"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 40px;margin-right: 14px;width: 40px"></div> <div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 100px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 60px"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0"></div> <div style="height:50px;margin:0 auto 12px;width:50px"></div><div style="padding-top: 8px"> <div style="color:#3897f0;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:550;line-height:18px">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0"></div> <div style="flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px;flex-grow: 0;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 20px;width: 20px"></div> <div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto"> <div style="width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px"></div> <div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent"></div></div></div> <div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center;margin-bottom: 24px"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 144px"></div></div></a><p style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:17px;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:8px;overflow:hidden;padding:8px 0 7px;text-align:center"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMvYmtPIMkI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)</a></p></div></blockquote></div>




<p><strong>These four words — “The hunger never fades” — were interpreted as a direct statement of intent.</strong>&nbsp;At 40, he remains as driven as ever to compete at the highest level, prove doubters wrong, and lead Al-Nassr both domestically and in continental competitions.</p>



<h2>What’s next for CR7?</h2>



<p>The win over Toulouse was just the beginning. Al-Nassr’s pre-season schedule will next take them to Spain, where they are set to face&nbsp;<strong>La Liga side Almeria at the Estadio Mediterraneo on August 10</strong>. That match will offer another chance for Ronaldo to sharpen his fitness and form ahead of competitive action.</p>



<p>Then comes one of the first true tests of the season: a&nbsp;<strong>Saudi Super Cup showdown against arch-rivals Al-Ittihad on August 19</strong>. A fierce encounter is expected as both sides battle for early bragging rights and momentum.</p>


Cristiano Ronaldo makes statement in pre-season return under Jorge Jesus: Al-Nassr star sends clear four-word warning after scoring vs. Toulouse

Cristiano Ronaldo makes statement in pre-season return under Jorge Jesus: Al-Nassr star sends clear four-word warning after scoring vs. Toulouse - World Soccer Talk

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<p><strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/al-nassr/">Al Nassr</a> </strong>and <strong>Toulouse </strong>are set to square off in a high-profile preseason clash as both clubs sharpen their edge ahead of the 2025 campaign. After a trophyless year, <strong>Al Nassr</strong>—powered by the legendary <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/">Cristiano Ronaldo</a></strong>—enters this matchup with renewed hunger and the clear intention of turning promise into silverware.</p>



<p>This could be one of <strong>Ronaldo’s</strong> final runs at glory, adding extra weight to every outing. <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/toulouse/">Toulouse</a></strong>, meanwhile, looks to build on a solid if unspectacular 2024 season and prove they’re ready to rise in the European ranks. Don’t miss this exciting preview of what’s to come—tune in and catch all the action.</p>



<div>
<strong>Here are all of the details of where you can watch Al Nassr vs Toulouse on US television and via legal streaming:</strong>
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<table class="table6">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="magenta" width="20%"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHO</strong></span></td>
<td width="70%">Al Nassr vs Toulouse</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td id="green"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHAT</strong></span></td>
<td>Club Friendly</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td id="sky"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHEN</strong></span></td>
<td>11:30am ET / 8:30am PT • Wednesday, July 30, 2025</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td id="red"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHERE</strong></span></td>
<td>Fox Deportes, <em><a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a></em></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td id="yellow"><span style="color: #e04403"><strong>FREE TRIAL</strong></span></td>
<td><strong><a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">WATCH NOW</a></strong></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div>
<h2>More details on how to watch</h2>
With <a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a>, you can watch Al Nassr vs Toulouse and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
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Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Universo and Galavision.
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Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
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The <a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a> app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
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If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/channels/fubotv-soccer-schedule/">Fubo soccer schedule</a> to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
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<strong>Here are the steps to take to watch with your free Fubo trial:</strong>
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<strong>1. Click on this link for the <a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fubo 7-day trial</a>.</strong>
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<strong>2. Click on the red ‘Start for free’ button (see screengrab below)</strong>

<a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-223328" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2017/10/fubo-lp-660x324.webp" alt="" width="660" height="324" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px"></figure></div></a>
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<strong>3. On the login page, enter your e-mail address to sign up (or you can use your Facebook or Google logins) (see screengrab below)</strong>

<a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-223329" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2017/10/fubo-login-page-660x276.webp" alt="" width="660" height="276" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px"></figure></div></a>
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<strong>4. After entering your login details and signing up for the free trial, you’ll be taken to the Fubo main screen (see screengrab below)</strong>

<a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-223330" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2017/10/fubo-main-screen-660x338.webp" alt="" width="660" height="338" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px"></figure></div></a>
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<strong>5. From here, you can either scroll down the page to see the TV listings (see screengrab below)</strong>

<a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-223331" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2017/10/fubo-tv-listings-660x355.webp" alt="" width="660" height="355" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px"></figure></div></a>
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<strong>6. Or you can click on the ‘Guide’ button at the top to see all of the channels available to you (see screengrab below)</strong>

<a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-223332" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2017/10/fubo-tv-guide-660x312.webp" alt="" width="660" height="312" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px"></figure></div></a>
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<h2>How to watch anywhere with VPN</h2>

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as <a href="https://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=93006&amp;url_id=902" target="blank" rel="noopener">NordVPN</a>, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/vpn-soccer/">guide to the best VPNs</a> for streaming soccer.

</div>
<div>
<h2>Free resources available to you</h2>
Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ultimate-soccer-tv-streaming-guide/">download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide</a>, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.
</div><div>
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2020/12/26/soccer-tv-schedules-app-making-it-easier-to-watch-soccer-games-on-tv/">Soccer TV Schedules App</a> which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soccer-tv-schedules/id1543713555" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apple iOS devices</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.worldsoccertalk.SoccerTV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Android devices</a>).
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How to watch Al Nassr vs Toulouse in the USA: Live Stream and TV for 2025 International Friendly game

How to watch Al Nassr vs Toulouse in the USA: Live Stream and TV for 2025 International Friendly game - World Soccer Talk

<p>In January, Kylian Mbappe and his Paris Saint-Germain teammates might find themselves embarking on an unforeseen journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo.</p>



<p>To defend their title as Ligue 1 champions, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">PSG</a> will face off against last year’s Coupe de France champions, Toulouse, in the Trophée des Champions. However, the game has not yet taken place, despite having been planned for the month of August before being suddenly postponed.</p>



<p>The initial idea was to relocate the match to Qatar or Saudi Arabia, but it has now been delayed until January 3. As reported by <a href="https://www.leparisien.fr/sports/football/psg/psg-et-si-le-trophee-des-champions-se-jouait-finalement-a-kinshasa-13-11-2023-ZETE5VQIJVE47EKJOHQKKN5OBA.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Le Parisien</a>, the matchup between PSG and Toulouse is likely destined for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.</p>



<p>Because of the present situation, offers from Qatar and Saudi Arabia were rejected, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which had previously been ruled out, is now being considered. The Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecote in Kinshasa, which now has synthetic grass, might have a hybrid pitch for the tournament, giving the Congolese bid some credence despite Vincent Labrune’s initial rejection.</p>



<h2>When and where will Trophée des Champions take place?</h2>



<p>PSG are reportedly trying to host the match against Toulouse at the Parc des Princes. Due to preparations for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/biggest-soccer-events-in-2024-mark-your-calendars-20231025-WST-464504.html">2024 Olympic Games</a>, the Stade de France will be closed for soccer action until September.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, the match’s location is still up in the air, although it’s possible that France may play host. This battle was previously supposed to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, in August. There were allegations that the cancellation was made out of concerns for the health of King Rama X’s daughter, but the event was ultimately scrapped.</p>



<p>While Bangkok dropped out of the running, Toulouse have also lately shown fresh enthusiasm for hosting the competition. It is thus likely that the two French sides will play each other at the start of January.</p>



<h2>History of French Super Cup</h2>



<p>The origin of the tournament dates back to the 20th century when, in 1949, two teams, Reims and Racing Paris, engaged in an ‘unofficial game’ for the cup. In 1995, the Trophée des Champions was officially established, and the inaugural team to claim the trophy under its new name were Paris Saint-Germain.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="426" height="645" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/16052943/image-9-426x645.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-471419" sizes="(max-width: 426px) 100vw, 426px"></figure></div><figcaption>The venue for the game has yet to be announced</figcaption></figure>



<p>They secured victory against Nantes in a match ultimately decided by penalty kicks. In fact, the Parisians stand as the club with the most French Super Cup wins since 1995.</p>



<p>Starting in 2013, they have been dominating the competition, maintaining a firm grip on the trophy until their winning streak was disrupted by a 1-0 loss to Lille in 2021. In that particular year, although they didn’t clinch Ligue 1, PSG secured the Coupe de France.</p>



<p>The past decade highlights PSG’s unparalleled success, and it appears improbable that any other French team will match their achievements. Winning two French Super Cups consecutively in the next five years seems particularly challenging for any contender.</p>



<p>Lyon won six straight championships from 2002 to 2007, but it was a different era and they had superstars like Juninho on the roster back then.&nbsp; Both Bordeaux and Marseille have accomplished back-to-back cup victories, but before 1995, only Saint-Etienne (1967–1969) won the French Super Cup more than twice in succession.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto</p>


Congo likely to play host to French Super Cup and welcome PSG

Possible travel plans for Kylian Mbappe and the rest of the PSG squad in January include a trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Congo likely to play host to French Super Cup and welcome PSG - World Soccer Talk

<p>Several Toulouse players were left out of the squad for their Ligue 1 encounter against Nantes on Sunday.</p>



<p> It is believed that the players refused to have their names associated with a league-wide gesture against homophobia.</p>



<h5>Rainbow colors to support campaign</h5>



<p>All the fixtures this weekend were dedicated to the Ligue 1’s campaign to combat homophobia with numbers on the back of players’ shirts marked in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/rainbow-captain-armbands-expected-at-womens-world-cup-20230513-WST-432811.html">rainbow</a> colors. </p>



<p>This was a gesture of support for the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia on Wednesday.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12081785/Five-Toulouse-players-REFUSE-play-protest-Ligue-1s-campaign-against-homophobia.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daily Mail</a> has reported that five Toulouse players namely Zakaria Aboukhlal, Moussa Diarra, Fares Chaibi, Logan Costa, and Said Hamulic expressed their disapproval against the campaign to manager Phillpe Montanier and didn’t want to take part in the game. </p>



<h5>Players refuse to wear shirts</h5>



<p>The report also states that Aboukhlal and Hamulic outright refused to wear the shirts.</p>



<p>A statement from the club read, “Some players from the professional squad have expressed their disagreement with the association of their image with the rainbow colors representing the LGBT movement. While respecting the individual choices of its players, and after numerous exchanges, Toulouse Football Club has chosen to leave the said players out of the match.”</p>



<p>The match ended 0-0 as both sides shared the spoils.</p>



<p>Aboukhlal took to his Twitter account making his intentions clear, “I have made the decision not to take part in today’s game. Respect is a value that I hold in great esteem. It extends to others, but it also encompasses respect for my own personal beliefs. Hence, I don’t believe I am the most suitable person to participate in this campaign.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/japB7HyKwT">pic.twitter.com/japB7HyKwT</a></p>— Zakaria Aboukhlal (@ZAboukhlal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZAboukhlal/status/1657787149700268036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>This is not the first time that a player has refused to take part in a league game. Last year Idrissa Gueye refused to feature in an encounter while at PSG in order to avoid wearing the anti-homophobic shirt.</p>



<p>Stade Brest manager Eric Roy also disapproved of the campaign saying with some players not taking part could play a decisive role in any of the club’s fortunes as we enter the business end of the season.</p>



<p>He said, “The programming of this day against homophobia is catastrophic.”</p>



<p>” You can see that there are players who have a problem with it. Everyone is free to express their opinions. Personally, I have no problem with it. But there are players who may have a problem with it. Then you should not schedule this campaign at that time when you know some players are fighting to avoid relegation. You could do it in December, September.”</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / PanoramiC</p>


Toulouse players axed as Ligue 1 stands against homophobia

Several Toulouse players were axed from the Ligue 1 game against Nantes after refusing to take part in a league stand against homophobia.

Toulouse players axed as Ligue 1 stands against homophobia - World Soccer Talk

<p>The upcoming <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/coupe-de-france-tv-schedule/">Coupe de France</a> Final will feature spiked fences protecting the pitch inside the stadium. French police requested the fences be erected in order to prevent a pitch invasion by fans. Along with the fences, 3,000 additional police are to be drafted in for the game. Nantes play Toulouse for the trophy on Saturday evening at the Stade de France.</p>



<p>A <a href="https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/coupe-de-france/coupe-de-france-des-grilles-avec-des-piques-devant-les-virages-l-image-qui-choque-au-stade-de-france-avant-la-finale_AV-202304280845.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a> by police claims that they asked the French Football Federation (FFF) to build the fence for “security reasons.” Nantes fans stormed the pitch following their semi-final victory over Olympique Lyonnais earlier in the month. However, this pitch invasion was not hostile in nature.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Les fameuses grilles installées devant chaque virage du Stade de France <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCNTFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCNTFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/fQ43SpSgr9">pic.twitter.com/fQ43SpSgr9</a></p>— Julien Balidas (@JulienBalidas) <a href="https://twitter.com/JulienBalidas/status/1651951461662597121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>French police worry over President Macron’s safety</h2>



<p>Protests aimed at President Macron are a particular point of concern for French police. Macron infuriated many inside his own country when he created a plan to increase the official retirement age to 64. Following the move, protests have essentially followed Macron throughout the nation. As president, he will attend at the Coupe de France Final on Saturday.</p>



<p>The FFF has made some changes to their typical postgame schedule because of these protests. France’s president typically hands out the trophy on the pitch to the cup winners. However, Macron will apparently not enter the field to shake hands with the two teams before the game nor congratulate the winning team afterwards.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">29.04.2023🇫🇷Nantes – Toulouse, 6:30: More than 20,000 Toulouse supporters leave in around fifty buses for the stadedefrance for the Coupe de France (Today final cup France) <a href="https://t.co/Fjy3xrlEmQ">https://t.co/Fjy3xrlEmQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/WAawcWva1t">pic.twitter.com/WAawcWva1t</a></p>— Hooligans.cz Official (@hooliganscz1999) <a href="https://twitter.com/hooliganscz1999/status/1652274505182597120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Liverpool fan group voice concerns over fencing</h2>



<p>While making adjustments to Macon’s postgame appearance may be the correct call, many fans around the world are not happy about the inclusion of the spiked fences. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool’s</a> Association of Disabled Supporters have specifically <a href="https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2023/liverpool-supporter-groups-criticise-anti-pitch-invasion-fence-constructed-for-coupe-de-france-final/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised issues</a> with the decision.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> club previously suffered serious loss during the Hillsborough disaster 34 years ago. Crushing against perimeter fencing inside the ground led to the death of 97 Liverpool fans. This forced significant structural change to football stadia in the United Kingdom, with fences such as these prohibited.</p>



<p>Nantes are looking for their second consecutive success in the competition after beating Nice in last year’s final. Toulouse, on the other hand, are on the quest for their first ever cup title. FOX Soccer Plus and Fubo are broadcasting the match in the United States.</p>



<p>Photo credit: <strong>IMAGO / ZUMA Wire</strong></p>


French stadium installs metal fences amid fear of Macron protests

French President's presence at Coupe de France final is causing concerns for authorities amidst ongoing political protests in the country

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