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Saul Niguez’s horror Chelsea loan takes bizarre twist with Thomas Tuchel looking at playing flop star as a wing-back

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THOMAS TUCHEL revealed struggling Saul Niguez has been used as a wing-back in Chelsea training. The midfielder signed on loan this summer from Atletico Madrid but after seven games he has struggled.
Thomas Tuchel revealed struggling Saul Niguez has been used as a wing-back in trainingCredit: Getty
On his debut against Aston Villa in September and in his most recent game at Watford, Niguez was hooked at half-time.
But with Ben Chilwell, 24, out injured and Marcos Alonso, 30, Chelsea’s only other recognised wing-back, Tuchel said the Spaniard has been tested in defence.
He said: “I think he could play in a wing-back role.
“We sometimes do this in training, that’s why we have the impression he could be a good fit. Maybe in the next games, we have to try it.”
Niguez, 27, has played on the left side of midfield before, but never in the backline.
He was subbed off for Thiago Silva, 37, at Vicarage Road with centre-back Trevoh Chalobah, 22, moved to midfield as Chelsea eventually won 2-1.

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But afterwards, his performance came under question by boss Tuchel.
He said: “I don’t know where he goes from this performance but he was on a yellow card so we had two options.
“We could have taken Marcos off who also had a yellow card and try Saul as a wing-back.
“I had this in my mind before the game, if something happened to Marcos.
“But I thought maybe it was not the right match to try things with new positions so it was [subbing] him to change the shape a little bit and have Thiago on the pitch with his organising.
“Having Trevoh on the number six who is more physical – unfortunately Trevoh injured himself and we ended up with Ruben on the single six.
“But it was a tactical decision.”
Saul Niguez was taken off at half-time against WatfordCredit: Getty More

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    Saul Niguez’s horror Chelsea loan takes bizarre twist with Thomas Tuchel looking at playing flop star as a wing-back

    THOMAS TUCHEL revealed struggling Saul Niguez has been used as a wing-back in Chelsea training. The midfielder signed on loan this summer from Atletico Madrid but after seven games he has struggled.
    Thomas Tuchel revealed struggling Saul Niguez has been used as a wing-back in trainingCredit: Getty
    On his debut against Aston Villa in September and in his most recent game at Watford, Niguez was hooked at half-time.
    But with Ben Chilwell, 24, out injured and Marcos Alonso, 30, Chelsea’s only other recognised wing-back, Tuchel said the Spaniard has been tested in defence.
    He said: “I think he could play in a wing-back role.
    “We sometimes do this in training, that’s why we have the impression he could be a good fit. Maybe in the next games, we have to try it.”
    Niguez, 27, has played on the left side of midfield before, but never in the backline.
    He was subbed off for Thiago Silva, 37, at Vicarage Road with centre-back Trevoh Chalobah, 22, moved to midfield as Chelsea eventually won 2-1.

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    But afterwards, his performance came under question by boss Tuchel.
    He said: “I don’t know where he goes from this performance but he was on a yellow card so we had two options.
    “We could have taken Marcos off who also had a yellow card and try Saul as a wing-back.
    “I had this in my mind before the game, if something happened to Marcos.
    “But I thought maybe it was not the right match to try things with new positions so it was [subbing] him to change the shape a little bit and have Thiago on the pitch with his organising.
    “Having Trevoh on the number six who is more physical – unfortunately Trevoh injured himself and we ended up with Ruben on the single six.
    “But it was a tactical decision.”
    Saul Niguez was taken off at half-time against WatfordCredit: Getty More

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    Devin Haney vs JoJo Diaz: Date, UK start time, live stream, TV channel and undercard for massive lightweight title fight

    DEVIN HANEY defends his WBC lightweight world title against JoJo Diaz in a huge Las Vegas main event next month. Haney last overcame seasoned veteran Jorge Linares in May, while Diaz beat Javier Fortuna on points soon after.

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    Devin Haney takes on JoJo Diaz in a huge lightweight title fightCredit: Getty
    Diaz was touted to be fighting Ryan Garcia at the end of this year, but the 23-year-old injured his shoulder, leaving a space open for Haney.
    The 135lb champ jumped at the chance to challenge Diaz, who signed on the dotted line just two weeks after Garcia’s withdrawal.
    Haney will have a huge undisputed title fight with George Kambosos Jr on his mind after the Australian’s big win over Teofimo Lopez last weekend.
    But The Dream will need to stay focussed on Diaz, or he could suffer the same fate his rival Lopez did, putting a clash with Kambosos at risk.
    When is Haney vs Diaz?

    Devin Haney’s massive clash with JoJo Diaz will take place on Saturday, December 4.
    The fight will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
    There will be a full capacity crowd in attendance at the event.
    For UK fans, you can expect ring-walks to begin at around 4am GMT in the early hours of Sunday, December 5.

    What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

    Lopez vs Kambosos Jr will be shown live on DAZN in the UK.
    You can live stream the action from the DAZN app, which is available for
    download onto your mobile device, tablet or Smart TV.
    To subscribe to DAZN, head to their website and sign-up for £7.99 a month.

    Haney vs Diaz FULL CARD

    Devin Haney vs JoJo Diaz Jr (12 rounds – lightweight, WBC title)
    Jessica McCaskill vs Victoria Bustos (10 rounds – welterweight, WBC/WBO/IBF/WBA titles)
    Filip Hrgovic vs Scott Alexander (10 rounds – heavyweight)
    Montana Love vs Carlos Diaz (10 rounds – super-lightweight)
    Austin Willams vs Quatavious Cash (8 rounds – middleweight)

    What have they said?
    “JoJo wasn’t in a rush to fight me, I feel like we had to corner him to make him take the fight, all these other guys it’s the same thing,” Haney said.
    “They know my skills set, how much I bring to the table, if JoJo didn’t take this fight the world would have known what it really was. December 4, they’re going to see.
    “I do feel like his [Joseph Diaz Jr.] style will be tailor made for me, there’s nothing that he can do to win.
    “He can’t outbox me, I’ll show him he can’t out bang me, I have the size advantage, all the tools to win.”
    Diaz said: “If he wants to try and box, I’m just going to hunt his a** down,” Diaz said.
    “If he wants to come and bang, I’m just going to bang it out as well. Whatever he wants to bring to the table I’m going to bring it.
    “I feel like I’m at my prime, I feel like I’ve already took all the steps I needed to take to be at this point in my life and my career. As far as taking fights with Jesús Rojas, Tevin Farmer, Gary Russell Jr., Javier Fortuna, I’ve already fought those top tier contenders.” More

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    F1 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix practice LIVE RESULT: Hamilton fastest in FP2 with Bottas second and Verstappen only FOURTH

    THE final two races of the season are upon you, F1 fans. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen go at it in Saudi Arabia this weekend, before finishing up the season in Abu Dhabi next week – and both should be absolute crackers.
    F1 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix: UK Start time, TV channel and live stream for practice, qualifying and race

    Follow all the action with SunSport’s live blog below…
    KENDRA SPARKS BEN RUMOURS
    Model Camila Kendra appears to be in the lap of luxury after moving on from F1 ace Lewis Hamilton — and putting Chelsea star Ben Chilwell in pole position.
    Camila, 27, shared snaps from plush surroundings, and eagle-eyed fans recognised them as the England full-back’s home.
    Camila Kendra looks sizzlingly hot as she takes a dip in the ocean
    Chilwell, 24, has also been quick to like her pics. One pal said: “Ben thinks they get on swimmingly.”
    Camilo was also seen at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge ground after their 4-0 demolition of Juventus in the Champions League last month.
    The Sun told earlier this year how Camila posted a photo from the home of race ace Hamilton, 36, and was seen in some of his clothes.
    Camila – born in the Dominican Republic – recently split up with Tyler Cameron, from US reality show The Bachelor, after eight months.
    The Sun has approached Chilwell for a comment.

    BRUNDLE PREDICTS ALMIGHTY RUMBLE
    Martin Brundle is predicting a thrilling finale to the F1 title race.
    The Sky F1 pundit said: “This place will bite. In a way this is brilliant towards the end of the season but if I was Red Bull and Mercedes I would be thinking ‘I don’t need the extra jeopardy of this place right now’.
    “These guys live off data. They thrive on it and they hate uncertainty. They want to turn up here, having done 1000 laps on the sim, with the right set-up and the right strategy.
    “But we want all the jeopardy and the surprise and I think that is what has made it such a great year  – we’ve had that jeopardy this season.”
    And of hamilton’s title chances, he added: “A good football analogy is you’d rather have the points than the games in hand.
    “If Lewis carries on at that rate of knots and if Valtteri Bottas can get involved and have one of his on-form days, then who knows?
    “We’ve seen some good wheel-to-wheel action. We’ve seen some shooting from the hip and shooting from the lip from the team bosses.
    “We’ve had it all. The high drama, the massive accidents, Max parked on Lewis’ head at Monza. It’s had everything; the brilliant moments, the scary moments, but it has to end somewhere.”
    LEWIS ‘NOT COMFORTABLE’ IN SAUDI ARABIA
    Lewis Hamilton admits he is in uncomfortable racing in Saudi Arabia but promised to try to ‘raise awareness’ of human rights concerns.
    Britain’s world champion needs victory and ideally a poor performance from title leader Max Verstappen to leave him well placed for an eighth crown.
    And Hamilton said: “Do I feel comfortable here? I wouldn’t say I do.
    “But it’s not my choice to be here. The sport has taken a choice to be here.
    “And whether it’s right or wrong, while we are here, it’s important we do try to raise awareness.”
    Credit: AFP
    LECLERC’S AMAZING ESCAPE
    Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc miraculously walked away from a 150mph crash as Lewis Hamilton finished second practice fastest at the Saudi Arabian GP.
    Leclerc lost control at the notorious Turn 22 on the new Jeddah street circuit.
    The crash badly smashed Leclerc’s car and ended the session five minutes early.
    Hamilton beat fourth-placed title-rival Max Verstappen by 0.195 seconds.
    Credit: EPA
    Credit: EPA
    SCORCHING GAS
    Alpha Tauri are clearly delighted with Frenchman Pierre Gasly’s showing in second practice…

    WOLFF’S STATEMENT ON KINGSPAN DEAL
    Toto Wolff responded to anger over Mercedes agreeing a deal with the heavily-criticised Kingspan company with an open letter.
    It read: “The tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire was beyond imaginable to me, and it should never have happened.
    “On behalf of our team, I would sincerely like to apologise to you for the additional hurt that this announcement has caused. It was never our intention to do so.
    “The work of the public inquiry to establish the full causes of the tragedy is crucially important. Prior to concluding our partnership, we engaged with Kingspan in depth to understand what role their products played in what happened at Grenfell.
    “Kingspan have stated that they played no role in the design or construction of the cladding system on Grenfell Tower, and that a small percentage of their product was used as a substitute without their knowledge in part of the system which was not compliant with building regulations and was unsafe.
    “I know that this does not change in any way the awful tragedy you suffered, or the deep and ongoing pain felt in your community, and I would like to thank Grenfell United for the offer to meet in person for me to learn and understand better.
    “I look forward to coming together as soon as we can.”
    TOTO OFFRS TO MEET GRENFELL FAMILIES
    Toto Wolff has offered to meet the survivors and bereaved families of the Grenfell tragedy after a backlash over a sponsorship deal with Kingspan, writes BEN HUNT.
    Merc confirmed a partnership with the insulation and building firm ahead of this weekend’s Saudi Arabian GP.
    However, there was heavy criticism from survivors and those families impacted by the fire in the tower block in 2017, which killed 72 people.
    The Grenfell United group sought to speak to Merc while Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, also said he would write to the Brackley-based F1 team.
    WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE TITLE RACE
    Lewis Hamilton heading big rival Max Verstappen in first practice at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is the first step towards a victory that Britain’s world champ surely needs to stay in the title pursuit.
    If Red Bull’s Verstappen beats Hamilton on Sunday, the Mercedes star would need the Dutchman to have a disastrous final GP at Abu Dhabi.
    In contrast, should Verstappen finish second behind Hamilton this weekend then the title fight will be neck and neck.
    FULL CLASSIFICATION
    Here are the results in full.
    Feast your eyes over these!

    P1 RESULTS
    Here’s your full top ten times from P1.

    Hamilton 1:29.786
    Verstappen 1:29.842
    Bottas 1:30.009
    Gasly 1:30.263
    Giovinazzi 1:30.318
    Sainz 1:30.564
    Leclerc 1:30.600
    Ricciardo 1:30.608
    Alonso 1:30.842
    Vettel 1:30.886

    P1 FINISHED
    That’s it from P1, we’ll have full results to come.

    CHEQUERED FLAG
    That’s it from P1!
    In their first drive around the new Jeddah track, it’s Lewis Hamilton that posted the quickest time.
    Team-mate Valtteri Bottas was third, while early pace-setter Max Verstappen was between the two in second.
    FINAL FIVE
    We’re into the final five minutes of P1.
    And it remains a familiar looking top three, with Lewis Hamilton ahead of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas – and Max Verstappen in third.
    TOTO-LLY BRILLIANT
    Toto Wolff’s smiling.
    And no wonder, as it’s currently a Mercedes one-two at the top of the leaderboard – ahead of Max Verstappen.

    Hamilton 1:29.786
    Bottas 1:30.009
    Verstappen 1:30.014

    NEW FASTEST LAP
    We have a new fastest lap… and it’s that man Lewis Hamilton!
    He’s gone and posted a stunning time of 1:29.786.
    We have just under 15 minutes left of P1.
    BOTT THE HELL?
    Valtteri Bottas is having such a good time, in fact, that he’s overtaken Max Verstappen’s best lap time.
    The Finn posted a time of 1:30.009, which currently leads the field.
    Team-mate Lewis Hamilton is currently sixth with 1:30.678.
    VALT ON EARTH
    Saudi Arabia’s quick track could lead to chaos this weekend.
    Mercedes No2 Valtteri Bottas put it best.
    The 32-year-old said: “It’s a new track and it’s going to be messy at times.”
    He appears to like it that way, however, adding: “This track is cool!”
    WALLED IN
    The tight walls will leave little room for error on Sunday.
    Here’s a few snaps from the picturesque settling in Saudi Arabia.
    Credit: AP
    Credit: Reuters
    Credit: Getty
    TIME TO SPEED UP
    The quicker times are starting to pour in as drivers get more confident in their unfamiliar surroundings.
    Here are how the top ten looks so far.

    Verstappen 1:30.014
    Hamilton 1:30.678
    Bottas 1:30.949
    Norris 1:31.155
    Leclerc 1:31.258
    Gasly 1:31.281
    Vettel 1:31.574
    Russell 1:31.698
    Ricciardo 1:31.759
    Ocon 1:31.797

    TYRE-SOME
    Here’s a little look at what kind of tyres our main contenders have decided to use in P1.
    A wide variety of tyre compounds seen at the start of this exploratory session. @Max33Verstappen goes quickest straight away on the hard tyres. @MercedesAMGF1 so far behind them on the soft – but these are very early days at this brand new street circuit. #SaudiGP— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) December 3, 2021

    FAMOUS FIVE
    Lewis Hamilton is taking it easy so far, as he gets to grips with the track.
    The Brit is up to fifth, however, having now posted a time of 1:31.478.
    Max Verstappen’s best lap time of 1:30.354 is still quickest so far.
    GETTING YOUR FEL
    There’s a legend in the house.
    Brazilian Felipe Massa is in Saudi Arabia taking in the action.

    AROUND THE CORNER
    There could be danger around every corner this weekend… and there are 27 of them!
    Jeddah’s circuit boasts more corners than any other track this season.
    And with the race set to be contested at brutally high speed, drivers will have to be even more alert than usual as the season prepares to reach its exciting climax.
    LEW WHAT
    Lewis Hamilton has posted an early time of 1:33.241.
    Max Verstappen, meanwhile, is down to 1:30.920.
    Lando Norris is next fastest with 1:31.417
    While Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas is third quickest so far with 1:31.712.
    MAX POWER
    Man Verstappen, unsurprisingly, has posted the quickest lap so far in Jeddah.
    Having been round five times, 1:31.7365 is his best so far.
    Lewis Hamilton has now entered proceedings, having been last out the garage.
    Load more entries… More

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    West Ham vs Chelsea FREE: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Premier League match

    CHELSEA head to West Ham as they look to keep their title campaign on track.The Blues have had an excellent campaign so far as they vie with Man City and Liverpool for top spot in the Premier League.
    Declan Rice and West Ham are making a surprise push for Champions League footballCredit: EPA
    Chelsea are looking to continue their title pushCredit: AP
    Hosts West Ham meanwhile are currently battling for a shock Champions League place under David Moyes.
    The Hammers did brilliantly to finish in sixth position last season and could even be set to do better this term.
    And they have already breezed through their Europa League group as they wage a successful fight across all fronts.
    What time does West Ham vs Chelsea kick off?

    West Ham take on Chelsea on Saturday, December 4.
    The match kicks off at 12.30pm.
    It takes place at the London Stadium.
    The sides last met in April when Timo Werner scored the only goal to secure a 1-0 Blues win at the same venue.

    What TV channel is West Ham vs Chelsea on and can I live stream it?

    West Ham vs Chelsea is live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate.
    Coverage commences at 11.30am – one hour before kick-off.
    To stream the game live, head to the BT Sport website or app.

    Team news
    Angelo Ogbonna is out with a knee injury for the Hammers. The Italian has missed the last four games for David Moyes’ side.
    Meanwhile Aaron Cresswell is fighting to be back after a lower back problem that forced him to miss the 1-1 draw with Brighton.
    For Chelsea, Ben Chilwell remains out long term after picking up a knee injury, N’Golo Kante is not expected to play with a similar problem and Mateo Kovacic is also likely to be out.
    That means Saul Niguez might be relied upon again after drawing criticism from fans during the win at Watford.
    Reece James is questionable after picking up a minor injury that forced him to miss the victory at Vicarage Road.
    Latest odds
    West Ham 7/2
    Draw 13/5
    Chelsea 3/4
    *Odds from Betfair correct as of Monday, November 29 More

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    Inside England football’s day of shame as report reveals appalling behaviour before Euro 2020 final

    A YOB hijacked a disabled child in a wheelchair to get into Wembley for the Euro 2020 Final amid violence and chaos which “could have cost many lives”, a report revealed yesterday.The heartless moron donned a hi-viz jacket to impersonate a steward and wheel the youngster away from his dad through a disabled entrance.
    England fans without tickets gathered outside Wembley StadiumCredit: Reuters
    A drunk fan was pictured with a flare in his bottom before the gameCredit: Elliott Franks
    A probe led by Baroness Casey of Blackstock highlighted the horrific ruse among a string of “appalling” incidents on a day of “national shame” at the England v Italy game.
    The dossier condemned the Football Association, the Metropolitan Police and local authorities over blunders which resulted in a “perfect storm” of lawlessness.
    The damning report states: “That it should happen at our national stadium and on the day of our biggest game of football for 55 years is a source of national shame.”
    Huge crowds of rowdy troublemakers had thronged the showpiece venue for hours before the 8pm kick-off on July 11, boozing wildly and openly snorting cocaine after Covid restrictions eased.
    And 2,000 ticketless yobs stormed through security cordons before and during the match as police and security staff lost control.
    Baroness Casey wrote of the wheelchair stunt: “In one appalling incident, a ticketless fan tried to impersonate a steward and hijack a disabled child and separated him from his father, in order to trick his way through a pass gate.”

    Describing the incident, the boy’s dad told the review: “He’s then taken my son’s wheelchair and pushed it towards the door.
    “Just as we got to the door, we twigged what was going on and it turned out he’s just an England fan in a hi-viz jacket that was literally hijacking a wheelchair to get into the stadium.”
    Baroness Casey added: “Disturbingly, it is clear that ticketless fans targeted disabled supporters in a predatory fashion near the turnstiles.”
    The inquiry heard that concerns about supporters were raised by a Brent Council official who alerted colleagues, the FA, Wembley bosses and police as early as 9.02am.
    His WhatsApp message read: “Talking to fans . . . none with tickets, just here for the occasion. Might be a big feature of the day.”
    By noon, 10,000 fans had arrived around Wembley hoping to cheer Harry Kane and the England stars to a historic victory.
    But transport staff were shocked by the drunken behaviour of some.
    A London Underground official said: “I’ve been doing this for over a decade and have worked on various other celebratory events, including New Year’s Eve.
    “I have never seen drunkenness like this so early on in the day.
    “I remember walking into the control room at about 9am and there were England fans drinking as I walked in.
    I have never seen drunkenness like this so early on in the day.London Underground official
    “The alcohol was flowing. And I thought, ‘This is going to be a hard day’. I felt it was going to be really challenging.”
    A probe by The Sun had exposed two Wembley ­stewards who attempted to sell their hi-viz bibs and security passes for £4,500 in a worrying security lapse.
    The pair sauntered away from their posts at 4pm to meet a Sun investigator who tipped off police, leading to their arrest and prosecution.
    Mounted police charged crowds soon afterwards in a vain bid to stop ­hundreds of fans storming and swarming through barriers.
    An official at Brent Council — which was also criticised in the report — said at its height, the disorder resembled a “medieval siege”.
    One witness told the review: “I saw bottles and cans being thrown at people, children cowering behind parents, trees being ripped up and thrown, people climbing on roofs and throwing things into crowds.”
    Analysis showed 17 mass breaches as yobs gained entry by “tailgating” fans with tickets or forcing their way through disabled access gates and emergency fire doors.
    The breaches stretched from 90 minutes before kick-off up to the penalty shoot-out at the end.
    All agencies responsible for ­staging the final had been caught off-guard, the review found, with police deployed too late at 3pm — when crowds were already beginning to run riot.
    Almost half of respondents to a fan survey detailed in the report saw drug-taking in and around the ground.
    That this should happen anywhere in 21st-century Britain is a source of concern.Baroness Casey
    Baroness Casey said the authorities’ “collective failure to foresee risk” turned the landmark event into a virtual war zone.
    She added: “I am clear we were close to fatalities and life-changing injuries for some, potentially many, in attendance. That this should happen anywhere in 21st-century Britain is a source of concern.”
    The report warned the chaos came close to causing a repeat of the 1989 Hillsborough Disaster which cost the lives of 97 Liverpool fans after a security breakdown.
    Baroness Casey said: “Some of what happened was sadly foreseeable, even if the scale of it was not. The events at Hillsborough in 1989 have weighed heavily on my mind.”
    She added after the report was published yesterday: “Our team of role models were in our first major final for 55 years.
    “However they were let down by a horde of ticketless, drunken and drugged-up thugs who chose to abuse innocent, vulnerable and disabled people, as well as police, volunteers and Wembley staff, creating an appalling scene of disorder.
    “We are genuinely lucky that there was not much more serious injury or worse.
    “No one was fully prepared for what happened that day and it can’t be allowed to happen again.
    Our team were let down by a horde of ticketless, drunken and drugged-up thugs who chose to abuse innocent, vulnerable and disabled people creating an appalling scene of disorder.Baroness Casey
    “Law-abiding fans, our national team and our national game deserve better.”
    FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “The FA apologises for the terrible experience that many suffered within Wembley on what should have been a historic night for the game.
    “The review makes clear that the circumstances leading up to the match led to a perfect storm of lawlessness.
    “No event is set up to deal with such disgraceful behaviour from thousands of ticketless fans.
    “Collectively, we must never allow this to happen again.”
    The Met Police said yesterday it was “deeply sorry” so many people faced “unacceptable scenes of disorder”.
    Commander Rachel Williams said the final was “tarnished by groups of ticketless, anti-social and thuggish football fans”.
    She added: “We regret that we were not able to do more to prevent those scenes unfolding.”
    Yobs attempt to get through a door meant for disabled access at Wembley StadiumCredit: Reuters
    Security meltdown at Wembley as groups of thugs breach barriers and staff watch helplessly
    England skipper Harry Kane applauds fans during the Euro 2020 final against ItalyCredit: AP
    England boss Gareth Southgate consoles Bukayo Saka after his penalty miss in the finalCredit: Getty
    ITV reveal fans without tickets did manage to break into Wembley before England’s huge Euro 2020 final game against ItalyWe pay for your stories!Do you have a story for The Sun news desk? More

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    New interim boss Ralf Rangnick wants Man Utd to play with more ‘balance and control’ after shipping too many goals

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans might have been thrilled by the 3-2 win over Arsenal but Ralf Rangnick winced.Thursday’s Old Trafford game summed up the rollercoaster the club has been on — now Rangnick believes it is time for calm and control.
    Ralf Rangnick has taken over as interim boss at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    The new interim chief said: “Against Arsenal we conceded two goals, we needed three to win the game.
    “If you look at the total number of goals conceded, it averages almost two per game. This is just too much.
    “My approach is to help the team to get more balance, more control of the game.
    “The Arsenal match was exciting for the fans but, even for myself as the future coach, those are not the kind of games that we need every day.
    “Football, for me, is to minimise the coincidence factor and have control in order to gain control of a game.
    “This is football, what it’s about. This is my approach and I’m out to help these outstanding, talented players try to keep away from their own goal.”

    FREE BETS: GET THE LATEST BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS AND FREE BETS
    He was in the stands for 3-2 victory over Arsenal on ThursdayCredit: EPA
    Rangnick has been watching United from afar for some weeks now and can see the glaring deficiencies in the team and what he has to do to put things right.
    The German said: “Obviously, I have watched the latest games.
    “I watched not only the Arsenal game but also the games against Watford and against Chelsea on TV, when I didn’t know when I would be contacted in the next days.
    “I watched, out of interest, the games against Liverpool and Manchester City.
    “I’m pretty well aware and acquainted with what is happening here with the club and in the Premier League.
    “I think it’s pretty obvious the team have an abundance of talent, young, talented players but enough experienced players in the squad too.
    Rangnick said he watched United’s humiliation by LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The Red Devils were schooled 5-0 by their rivals at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    “The major target for me in the next couple of days and weeks is to bring more balance into the team.
    “I think to gain control of games in the future has got to do with playing proactively, no matter if we have the ball ourselves or if the other team is in possession of the ball.
    “It’s about helping the team to play together. It’s about togetherness, it’s also about team spirit.
    “We saw it against Arsenal. If we compare the two halves, the first half and the second half, against Arsenal they were completely different.
    “Obviously it’s not easy, I cannot do that in one or two training sessions, not even in one or two weeks.
    “It’s not about playing pressing or counter-pressing for pressing’s sake, it’s about control.
    United made a shaky start against Arsenal and conceded a controversial goalCredit: Getty
    But talisman Cristiano Ronaldo came to their rescue once againCredit: EPA
    “This is the major target.
    “The players have to go together with me, they have to follow not only my instructions but they have to buy into the idea that I can offer them how we should want to play in the future. That is what it’s all about.
    “It has to happen step by step. It cannot be done within one or two days like this.
    “It will not work like that.”
    Rangnick believes United are still struggling with the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson 8½ years on and need more stability.
    He added: “Having had Sir Alex for 27 years, winning numerous titles, I don’t think there was any other club like that — maybe Guy Roux with Auxerre — like that.
    “Having had the same manager for 27 years is unique and exceptional.
    Former Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was given the sack last monthCredit: EPA
    He was replaced by his assistant Michael Carrick as caretakerCredit: EPA
    “For me it’s not that unusual that after such a long and successful spell the club needs to find the new pathway. There have been changes in management — five managers since Sir Alex left.
    “Therefore it was also difficult to gain continuity in regard to signing new players and sticking to the DNA of the club.
    “And I think this is vital in modern football that you do that.
    “For me it is not that unusual that there were so many changes.
    “And I think the board members and myself have the same opinion for the future.
    “That it’s important we develop and there will not be that many changes in management.”
    Rangnick admitted Chelsea and Manchester City are streaks aheadCredit: Reuters
    City overcame a tough Aston Villa side on WednesdayCredit: Getty
    Rangnick, 63, is convinced United have the squad to compete for the top four in the Premier League.
    But he accepts Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool are more than a few steps ahead of them right now.
    The former Schalke, Hoffenheim and Leipzig boss said: “If you look at the top three teams currently, they seem to be very stable and have top coaches, probably some of the best coaches in the world.
    “And if you see how they play and how they win in style, controlling the games, this is something we have to develop. But when Jurgen came to Liverpool, the squad he inherited at the time was definitely not a better squad than the one I inherit here now at United.
    “I am more than happy with the quality of the players we have here and I am sure — if we can help them to get better in those areas that brought us into the position we are currently in — that we can take the next possible steps.
    “That is what it’s all about.”
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
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    Chelsea boss Hayes says FA Cup prize money for women’s teams isn’t ‘where it should be’ ahead of historic final

    EMMA HAYES reckons Women’s FA Cup prize money is nowhere near what ‘it needs to be’ as Chelsea gear up to battle Arsenal for the trophy.And the Blues boss wants more attention paid to equal access to football and the struggles of the game’s pioneers.
    Emma Hayes and her Chelsea side hope to win their third FA Cup on SundayCredit: Reuters
    Chelsea take on Arsenal at Wembley with Jonas Eidevall hoping to win his first major trophy with the GunnersCredit: Getty
    Hayes was speaking before the delayed finale of this year’s contest – which comes just over 50 years on from the first one in 1971 when Southampton Ladies defeated Stewarton Thistle.
    Covid restrictions saw the showdown between the Gunners and Blues moved to this Sunday with a record crowd of between 45,000 and 47,000 expected at Wembley.
    Hayes, 44, said: “Why is it we don’t get more prize money? We need more being invested so it can trickle all the way down.
    “We need more prize money for everyone, not just the winning team.
    “I don’t think the prize money is anywhere near where it needs to be.
    “It’s the same with TV money that journey has begun but when it comes to prize money, I don’t think it’s anywhere near what it should be.
    “It is nowhere near what the men’s game is.”
    Hayes’s comments come in a week in which Clapton FC resorted to launching a Crowdfunder to cover travel and accommodation costs for their players in the third round of this season’s FA Cup.

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    The team became the first ever seventh tier women’s side to reach this stage of the contest in November.
    However mounting costs for the club – who say they receive no financial support – have proved to be a concern.
    On their Crowdfunder page, the team say they have earned £2,900 for their four wins in the contest with the club set to play Plymouth Argyle next.
    This is in stark contrast to the £65,629 a team would earn when reaching the third round of the men’s competition.
    Hayes added: “If we want to invest in our game further down, we need that money need that money to provide more opportunity at a grassroots level.”
    Chelsea will take on Arsenal at Wembley precisely 100 years on from the day the FA banned women’s football at its grounds in the belief the game was ‘quite unsuitable for females.’ 
    To have the game on a poignant date in the women’s football calendar will serve as a reminder that this game won’t be banned again. Never.Emma Hayes
    Before that, the game was becoming increasingly popular amongst fans.
    On Boxing Day in 1920 more than 53,000 crammed into Goodison to see Dick, Kerr Ladies take on St Helen’s Ladies in a charity match for soldiers wounded during World War One.
    Hayes hopes the anniversary of the ban which put the brakes on the game’s development, will lead to greater recognition of the work of the sport’s pioneers.
    The Kingsmeadow boss added: “It’s about the recognition of everybody that’s come before.
    “I think to have the game on a poignant date in the women’s football calendar will serve as a reminder that this game won’t be banned again. Never.
    “We’re two fabulous teams both vying to win, but the FA Cup final is about history.”
    Hayes team could seal a belated treble should they win on Sunday.
    But while Pernille Harder is fit the Blues chief revealed she is not expecting Maren Mjelde to feature in the final.
    Hayes said: “I think we will continue to bring her back slowly. She still needs a little bit more time.
    “But Maren for the long term is far more valuable than Maren immediately.”
    Pernille Harder could make a return to Chelsea against Arsenal in the FA Cup finalCredit: Getty
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    Lewis Hamilton’s ex shares pictures of Chelsea ace Ben Chilwell’s plush pad sparking dating rumours

    MODEL Camila Kendra appears to be in the lap of luxury after moving on from F1 ace Lewis Hamilton — and putting Chelsea star Ben Chilwell in pole position.Camila, 27, shared snaps from plush surroundings, and eagle-eyed fans recognised them as the England full-back’s home.
    Model Camila Kendra appears to be in the lap of luxury after moving on from F1 ace Lewis Hamilton — and putting Chelsea star Ben Chilwell in pole positionCredit: INSTAGRAM/CAMILA KENDRA
    Camila, 27, shared snaps from plush surroundings, and eagle-eyed fans recognised them as the England full-back Ben Chilwell’s homeCredit: INSTAGRAM/CAMILA KENDRA
    Chilwell, 24, has also been quick to like her pics. One pal said: “Ben thinks they get on swimmingly.”
    Camilo was also seen at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge ground after their 4-0 demolition of Juventus in the Champions League last month.
    The Sun told earlier this year how Camila posted a photo from the home of race ace Hamilton, 36, and was seen in some of his clothes.
    Camila – born in the Dominican Republic – recently split up with Tyler Cameron, from US reality show The Bachelor, after eight months.
    The Sun has approached Chilwell for a comment.
    Chilwell, 24, has also been quick to like the model’s picCredit: PA
    The Sun told earlier this year how Camila posted a photo from the home of race ace Hamilton, 36, and was seen in some of his clothesCredit: Getty

    Model Camila Kendra frolics in the sea
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