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    Birmingham star Jay Stansfield stretchered off in worrying scenes during Bradford clash

    BIRMINGHAM’S Jay Stansfield was carried off on a stretcher in worrying scenes against Bradford.The 27,066 crowd chanted the £10million striker’s name in support as he left the field during Brum’s dramatic 2-1 EFL Trophy semi-final win.Jay Stansfield was taken off during the second halfCredit: RexThe frontman was in obvious pain after being groundedCredit: PAStansfield went down under a challenge from Romoney CrichlowCredit: PAThe former England U-21 ace immediately called for helpCredit: REXTom Brady’s Birmingham will now face Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham or Peterborough at Wembley – but there was concern over Stansfield.The ex-Fulham starlet, 22, appeared to land awkwardly on his foot and needed several minutes of treatment before being lifted away.Stansfield had gone down under a challenge from Bantams defender Romoney Crichlow at St Andrew’s.He looked in severe pain as he grimaced and stayed on the floor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was soon obvious he could not continue, with players from both sides anxious over his condition.Alfie May came off the bench on the hour-mark to replace him.It was Stansfield who had fired the League One leaders in front brilliantly in first-half stoppage time.And it was a major talking point among fans when he went over in the box soon after the break, with no foul being awarded. Most read in FootballBobby Pointon promptly levelled at the other end for League Two promotion hunters Bradford.Lyndon Dykes headed Birmingham’s clincher late on – before 13 MINUTES of time added on, mainly for Stansfield’s injury.And many fans initially focused more on the condition of the former England Under-21 star rather than the achievement of reaching a final. More

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    Lucky mum finds Man Utd ace’s lost dogs and gets tour of club’s training ground in return

    A MUM got a tour of Manchester United’s training ground for finding Alejandro Garnacho’s dogs.United supporter Leah Smith, 26, and her children also got matchday tickets from the grateful Argentina international.Manchester United supporter Leah Smith, 26, and her children got a training ground tour and matchday tickets from grateful Argentina international Alejandro GarnachoMan United ace Garnacho is now happily reunited with his two dogsGarnacho’s two dogsCredit: Instagram @garnacho7Leah was driving with daughter Eliza, ten, when she saw two mutts on the loose near the star’s mansion.She managed to get them in her car and recognised them from pics the winger posted on social media.Leah then drove to United’s Carrington training ground where they let her and her daughter inside to watch the first team going through their paces.An assistant told them the dogs were indeed Freko and Burrows, who live with the star, his partner Eva and their one-year-old son Enzo in Bowdon, Gtr Manchester. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLeah told The Sun: “Once they confirmed the dogs belonged to Garna, they politely asked if I could take them back to his home, which I did. His partner, Eva, was waiting and was very grateful.”The following day the couple phoned Leah to thank her — and gave her tickets in the players’ family area at Old Trafford for their Premier League game against Southampton.Leah, Eliza and her brother Jenson, seven, saw Prem strugglers United win 3-1 on January 16. Leah said: “My children will never forget this day. Thank you Garna & Eva.” Most read in FootballLeah, who lives five minutes from Garnacho’s home, has since bumped into the footy ace while he was walking his dogs.Fans praised Garnacho, 20, for his generous response but one joked: “Nobody should be made to sit and watch a United game.”’That is so disrespectful’ says fans as Alejandro Garnacho snaps back in altercation with Man Utd fanGarnacho joined United’s academy in 2020 from Spanish club Atletico Madrid and made his first-team debut in 2022.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo’s private jet grounded at Manchester airport after crack is discovered in window

    CRISTIANO RONALDO’s multi-million-pound private jet is stranded at Manchester Airport after the discovery of a technical issue.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s £61million Bombardier Global Express 6500 jet touched down in Manchester on Friday and sent footie fans into a frenzy.Cristino Ronaldo’s private jet was spotted at Manchester Aiport last weekCredit: X@MANAIRPORTThe jet won’t be leaving the airport anytime soon as it’s awaiting repairsCredit: EAMONN AND JAMES CLARKEEngineers spotted a cracked window on the £61million jet and are awaiting a replacement partCredit: EAMONN AND JAMES CLARKEThe reason for its arrival in Manchester is currently unknown and still being debated by footie fans.But the luxury aircraft won’t be going anywhere anytime soon as it was spotted with a crack in one of its windows.Engineers discovered the matte black jet, which has an image of Ronaldo’s siu celebration on it and his CR7 logo, had the issue while giving it a once over.It won’t be permitted to leave the airport until the crack has been repaired.READ MORE ON RONALDOIt’s understood engineers are currently waiting for the replacement part to be shipped.The stunning airliner was spotted next to the aircraft Manchester City took to Madrid for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 qualifier against Real Madrid on Wednesday.Ronaldo, 40, reportedly splashed the cash on his luxury airliner last year.It’s not known if Ronaldo was on board the plane when it arrived in Manchester, where he spent several trophy-laden years across two stints with Manchester United.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSInside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar.He was in action for Al-Nassr the evening before in their 3-2 win over Al-Alhi.Ronaldo first joined United in 2003, staying until 2009 when he made a blockbuster switch to Real Madrid.Cristiano Ronaldo wins Best Middle East Player 2024 gong at Globe Soccer AwardsHe made an emotional return to Old Trafford for a short stint between 2021 and 2022, which ended after his explosive interview with Sun columnist Piers Morgan.The footie icon and his Al-Nassr team-mates will return to the pitch on Friday, welcoming Al-Ettifaq to the Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium. More

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    Kyle Walker’s AC Milan loan turns into nightmare after European giants suffer disastrous Champions League exit

    KYLE WALKER’s stint with AC Milan has suffered an unexpected and embarrassing blow.The England international joined the Italian giants on loan last month from Manchester City.Kyle Walker joined AC Milan on loan from Manchester City in JanuaryCredit: GettyMilan having Champions League football likely played a role in his decision to move to the San SiroCredit: GettyBut they won’t be playing in Europe’s elite competition any more after being knocked out by FeyenoordCredit: APKyle Walker and his Milan team-mates let their frustrations get the better of them during the matchCredit: TNT SportsThe prospect of playing Champions League football at the iconic San Siro stadium was no doubt one of the things that attracted Walker to the move.But just 25 days after his arrival, the Rossoneiri are now no longer in Europe’s elite club competition.Milan were dumped out of the prestigious tournament thanks to a 2-1 aggregate defeat in their last-16 qualifier against Feyenoord.Feyenoord, who secured a stunning 3-3 draw with Walker’s parent club last year, went into the second leg leading the tie 1-0. READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERBut Santiago Jiminez cancelled out their lead just 43 seconds into the return leg and laid the foundations for a big comeback. Sergio Conceicao’s troops huffed and puffed but failed to breach the vistors’ goal a second time. And they paid the price in the 73rd minute when Julian Carranza struck to restore the visitor’s advantage and fire them into the last 16.Walker and his Milan team-mates cut frustrated figures after the final whilst.Most read in FootballKyle Walker has enjoyed a mixed start to life with AC MilanCredit: GettyThe visitors, on the other hand, were ecstatic with their famous progression through to the knockout stages.It’s been a rough few days for Walker, who is currently renting a £10,000-a-week apartment in the heart of Milan.Kyle Walker pictured reuniting with wife Annie & four kids over a meal after flying to Italy to watch him play for AC MilanThe former Sheffield United and Spurs ace was hooked at HALF-TIME during AC Milan’s 1-0 win over Hellas Verona last weekend.And to make matters worse, his replacement, Alex Jimenez, went on to help set up the winning goal.Walker has made six appearances for Milan since his temporary transfer. Milan have only won three of those matches, four of which Walker has played the full 90 minutes. Walker and his team-mates will be back in action on Saturday evening, travelling to Turin to take on Torino. More

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    Man Utd in advanced talks for pre-season tournament – but line-up not finalised because club must stay in Premier League

    MANCHESTER UNITED are in advanced talks to play in a pre-season tournament in the US. But the Red Devils have only been pencilled into the line-up as their top-flight status for next season is not yet secured.Man Utd need to secure their Premier League status before their spot is confirmedCredit: RexMan Utd have been invited to feature in the Premier League Summer Series.They are set to come up against West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton in the pre-season event in July.Atlanta, New Jersey and Chicago are all expected to host matches after the conclusion of the revamped Club World Cup.Man Utd will also reportedly play a separate game from the tournament while in the US.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey also plan to head to Malaysia in a money-spinning tour that could see the club earn £7.96m, according to report.Both Bournemouth and West Ham visited the US last summer before this season got underway.The Cherries have heavy American involvement from owner Bill Foley and midfielder Tyler Adams.Meanwhile, the Hammers played in last year’s Stateside Cup against Crystal Palace and Wolves.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Premier League Summer Series was cancelled last year due to complications organising the event.Several sides had already made plans for pre-season when they were invited and broadcaster NBC had their TV schedule full due to the Olympics and Copa America.Man Utd player ratings vs Tottenham: Hojlund arguably worst No9 in club’s history as Dorgu has nightmare debutThe first edition of the tournament in 2023 saw each team play three fixtures.Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton, Chelsea, Fulham and Newcastle were all involved, with the Blues lifting the cup after two wins and a draw. More

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    Is there extra-time in Champions League knockout phase ties?

    THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE knockout phase play-offs are about to claim eight victims – but what happens if scores are level after 90 minutes?Europe’s elite club competition is in the business end of it’s first knockout phase in the new format. Jude Bellingham scored the winning goal of Real Madrid’s first leg game against Man CityCredit: GettyErling Haaland will be hoping to add to his first leg brace to send Man City throughCredit: GettyManchester City have work to do as they travel to the Bernabeu, trailing Real Madrid 3-2 after Jude Bellingham’s late winner in the first leg.Eight teams will miss out on the round of 16 after this round, and SunSport has everything you need to know about extra-time.Is there extra-time in the Champions League knockout phase ties?If the games are level on aggregate after 90 minutes, then yes, there will be extra time and potentially penalties.Where there now is extra-time, there used to be the “away goals” rule, whereas whichever team had scored the most goals away would win if the game was level.Read more FootballHowever, the rule was scrapped ahead of the 2021/22 season, with clubs now having to play extra time if the scores are level.Extra time will be used in every round of the knockout stages in the Champions League if two sides are level after 90 minutes.Should the sides still not be separated in the additional 30 minutes, a penalty shootout will decide which team progresses.Who is playing in the Champions League knockout stage?There are eight games of action over two nights, with half of the pack being eliminated from the Champions League, as part of their new format.Most read in Champions LeagueTuesday, February 17:Milan (0) vs Feyenoord (1) – 5:45pm GMTAtalanta (1) vs Club Brugge (2) – 8pm GMTBayern Munich (2) vs Celtic (1) – 8pm GMTBenfica (1) vs Monaco (0) – 8pm GMTWednesday, February 18:Dortmund (3) vs Sporting (0) – 5:45pm GMTParis (3) vs Brest (0) – 8pm GMTReal Madrid (3) vs Manchester City (2) – 8pm GMTPSV (1) vs Juventus (2) – 8pm GMT More

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    Listen to Michael Oliver’s conversation with VAR over Lewis-Skelly red card as Howard Webb says referee got it wrong

    HOWARD WEBB admits Michael Oliver and VAR were WRONG to send off Myles Lewis-Skelly during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves last month.But the PGMOL chief said the criticism and abuse aimed at under-fire ref Oliver as a result was “wholly unacceptable”.Michael Oliver sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over WolvesCredit: PALewis-Skelly was shown red for a foul on Matt Doherty but the card ended up being overturnedCredit: PAVAR Darren England didn’t advise Oliver to look at the incidentCredit: PAThe conversation that took place between Oliver and England and the assistant VAR has been revealedCredit: Sky SportsOliver told England and his assistant that he’d send off Lewis-Skelly before issuing the redCredit: Sky SportsGunners defender Lewis-Skelly was shown a first half straight red for a cynical trip on Wolves’ Matt Doherty just outside the Arsenal box – sparking widespread outrage from fans and pundits.Oliver claimed it was “serious foul play”, while Sky pundit Micah Richards labelled it “the worst decision I’ve ever seen in Premier League football history”.Three days later, the FA overturned the three-match ban for Lewis-Skelly – but Arsenal were still handed a £65k fine for the on-field reaction to the decision by the players.And Webb said: “From the outset, we would prefer a yellow card in this situation.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“[Oliver] saw the player moving in towards an opponent without any ability or intention of playing the ball. He felt it was serious foul play.“But we know that for serious foul play, we need excessive force or brutality and what we see here is that high contact [just] glancing and coming off the leg quite quickly.“So for that reason, everybody pretty much in the game has formed the same conclusion that this is falling short of serious foul play, because of that glancing contact.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMichael Oliver’s Conversation with VAR After Myles Lewis-Skelly red cardOliver said of the incident: “I’m going to go red card, mate. Red card on the ankle. Red card, serious foul play.”England replied: “Just checking the red card for serious foul play. OK, it’s for serious foul play, not DOGSO (Denying an Obvious Goalscoring Opportunity).“OK, for me the contact’s on the top of the foot.”The assistant VAR chimed in by saying: “I think he catches him on the side of the ankle first. It glances off the side of the ankle down onto the foot. So the first impact is more that Achilles area.”England then said: “So first impact is on the Achilles, on the shin.”The assistant VAR chimed in: “With no chance of playing the ball.”England then stated: “So, it’s high up above the ankle then it comes back down. OK, just get me the number please.”Identifying Lewis-Skelly as the culprit, the assistant said: “It’s number 49, Lewis-Skelly.”England then told Oliver: “Michael, confirming the on-field decision of red card for serious foul play for Myles Lewis-Skelly. Away, 49. Check complete.”“Because the studs don’t really go right into the leg, they glance in before coming down onto the foot.Most read in Football“There are some considerations that might support a red card, but there are a whole host of others that say it is not quite there, so on balance we would rather this had been a yellow card.”Arsenal wonderkid Lewis-Skelly’s mum reveals he’s ‘still on washing-up duty’… and how she nearly missed Man City goalIn the released referee audio from the match, Oliver says straight away to VAR official Darren England after Lewis-Skelly’s challenge: “I’m going to go red card, mate. Red card on the ankle. Red card, serious foul play.”After a back and forth with his VAR assistant, England concludes that the “first impact is on the Achilles, on the shin” and replied: “Confirming the on-field decision of red card for serious foul play”.Webb continued: “We feel the VAR should have been involved, but they didn’t want to re-referee the situation, they were mindful of the referee’s call standing unless it is clearly and obviously wrong.“They felt it wasn’t at that level on the day and decided to leave it as a red card on the field. “I’ve heard this described as a really horrendous officiating decision. It’s not!“I understand why the referee saw this on the day as a serious foul-play action. “It’s an understandable on-field decision.”Darren England didn’t encourage Michael Oliveir to review the incident on the monitorCredit: SKY SPORTSEx-Prem ref Howard Webb believes Michael Oliver made the wrong callCredit: SKY SPORTSArsenal were fined £65,000 for their players’ reaction to Lewis-Skelly’s sending-offCredit: PAIn the days after in the incident, Oliver received social media abuse and threats towards himself and his family and had police protection at his home after the PGMOL reported it.It is one of NINETY cases of abuse towards refs police have assessed since the start of last season.Webb said: “It’s wholly unacceptable. We know criticism comes out way. “It’s part and parcel of the job, but there’s a line, isn’t there?“Nobody should be subject to threats, their families shouldn’t be subject to threats, whether that be officials or players. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We have seen all participants being exposed to those sorts of things.”Arsenal will be back in action Saturday afternoon, welcoming West Ham to the Emirates. More

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    Wayne Rooney offered high-profile TV role as Man Utd legend considers whether to return to management

    WAYNE ROONEY is wanted as a star pundit for Amazon Prime – while deciding whether to return to football.The former England captain, sacked by Plymouth last month, made his Amazon debut in Manchester City’s Champions League play-off first leg with Real Madrid.Wayne Rooney could have a big future as a punditCredit: GettyThe Prem icon has been coaching in Dubai this weekCredit: Instagram / footballescapesRooney, 39, has proved to be a popular pundit with his honest views, and has already worked for Sky Sports and BBC Sport.Amazon, although set to lose Premier League rights at the end of this season, will continue to show Champions League football until 2027.The ex-Manchester United striker will be able to do as much work as he wants for the station.Meanwhile, Rooney is deciding his next steps in the game having also managed Derby, DC United and Birmingham before his stint at Plymouth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told former Red Devils’ team-mate Gary Neville on his YouTube show The Overlap: “I would like to go back in [to management]. But it would have to be the right club.”I’m not in a massive rush to go back in. There’s different things that I’m looking at to try and get involved with… unless something was absolutely the right thing to do.”Every club I’ve been at, I’ve put myself in a really challenging situation.”I’ve had some great experiences, good ones, bad ones (and) you’ve always got that to fall back on.”Most read in FootballRooney poked fun at himself on his Amazon debutCredit: X @primevideosportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThis week, however, Rooney is in Dubai – after accepting a coaching role during the February half-term break. He’s working with Football Escapes, tutoring young children at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.Inside Coleen and Wayne Rooney’s incredible £1k a night Disneyland trip with the kids – and a special birthday surpriseFellow ex-Prem stars Michael Owen and Mark Noble are among other coaches employed by the company. Rooney was a big hit when making his Amazon bow last week at the Etihad – helped by his relaxed joking.Predicting a hostile reception at United’s neighbours City, his first words were: “Obviously a stadium I’ve scored a lot of goals in.”He also trolled HIMSELF during a heavy downpour where he was the only Amazon pundit on the pitch without an umbrella.Rooney, who has had two hair transplants, said: “I hope the rain doesn’t come down any more, my hair will be all over the place!” More