Philippa Kaur

A VAR official has landed in hot water after appearing to scroll through a betting site on live TV.A Bulgarian official is alleged to have been spotted using the site moments before kick-off between CSKA Sofia and Lokomotiv Sofia.A VAR official appeared to scroll a betting site before a matchHe was suspended after footage of the incident began to circulate on social media.Hawk-Eye Innovations, which is responsible for the VAR system in the Bulgarian First League, explained the decision in a letter to the Bulgarian Football Union.It said: “Hawk-Eye Innovations acknowledges with regret an incident involving one of its VAR operators during the Parva Liga match between PFC CSKA-Sofia and PFC Lokomotiv Sofia yesterday evening (2nd April 2025).“Live footage from the camera situation in the VAR operations room documented the individual utilising a personal smartphone during the match and appearing to engage in inappropriate activities which would constitute gross misconduct in relation to the responsibilities of their assigned role.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe company said it would investigate the official during his suspension, as reported by NeedToKnow.It added: “If the individual has been found to have been engaging in such inappropriate activity, we will look to dismiss the individual in accordance with their contractual terms.”Fans were shocked by the revelation with one saying: “Lol that’s wild.”Another added: “Everything you need to know about VAR…”Most read in FootballA third wrote: “Nah this is some nasty business.”And another commented: “We are in a very bad situation…”‘People like you will be happy’ – Postecoglou snaps at Sky Sports reporter in ‘generational meltdown’ after Chelsea loss More

MANCHESTER UNITED winger Alejandro Garnacho has dropped the biggest hint yet he is thinking of leaving Old Trafford – after “discreetly” putting his house up for sale.The Argentinian winger paid £3.804m in April last year for the seven-bedroom mansion in Bowdon, Greater Manchester.Alejandro Garnacho has provided the biggest hint yet that he will quit Man UtdCredit: AlamyGarnacho has asked estate agents to offer the mansion on the market for £3.85mCredit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enThe home is ‘exclusively and discreetly marketed’Credit: (@garnacho7)The listing went live on March 28Credit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enGarnacho moved into the home in April of last yearCredit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enHe lives at home with partner Eva and their one-year-old son, EnzoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enGarnacho also shares the home with his two dogsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/garnacho7/?hl=enBut the 20-year-old has now asked estate agents to offer it on the market at £3.85m – just £45,000 more than he paid for it.The agent appears to have been instructed to try and keep the attempt to sell quiet by posting just one picture online explaining that the home is “exclusively and discreetly marketed”.But the listing, which went live on 28 March, was spotted by an eagle-eyed fan who fears the sale shows Garnacho has no plans to settle in Manchester and is preparing to leave Old Trafford.Garnacho, who joined United’s academy in 2020 from Spanish club Atletico Madrid and made his first team debut in 2022, lives at the property with his partner Eva and their one-year-old son Enzo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fan said: “It’s not unusual for a footballer to put their house up for sale. But it is unusual to try and sell a property less than 12 months after buying it, and for just £45,000 more than he paid for it.“The fact he has asked for it to be listed discreetly is worrying for United fans who like him as a player as it looks like he’s on the move in more ways than one.”Garnacho has made 29 Premier League appearances for United this season, scoring four goals.Despite his directness often being a positive on the pitch, frustrating performances like those against Nottingham Forest have become more commonplace this season.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe club’s perilous financial situation has seen him linked with a move away from Old Trafford as any sale would be regarded as “pure profit” as he is regarded as an academy product.He has attracted interest from Chelsea and Napoli and would command a fee of around £50million.Alejandro Garnacho’s punishment for Man Utd tunnel strop revealed as Ruben Amorim sheds light on controversyIn February we told how Garnacho treated mum Leah Smith and her kids to a behind the scenes tour of Manchester United’s training ground after she found his dogs on the loose near his home.Leah, 26, was driving home from a shopping trip when she saw the two mutts on the loose close to Garnacho’s mansion.She realised the dogs belonged to Garnacho and took them to United’s Carrington training ground before returning them to his home.The following day, Garnacho telephoned Leah and thanked her for returning the dogs.He then provided Leah, Eliza and her brother Jenson, seven, with tickets for United’s 3-1 win over Southampton in the player’s family area at Old Trafford for the Premier League game on January 16.United was contacted for comment.Man Utd player ratings vs Nottingham ForestMANCHESTER UNITED’S woes continue after another disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest.Forest picked up a 1-0 victory at the City Ground thanks to ex-United ace Anthony Elanga’s winner after just five minutes.United remain 13th in the Premier League table and look set for their worst ever Premier League finish.That is at least what their performance at Forest showed, as Ruben Amorim’s men don’t show signs of really understanding the Portuguese tactician’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.But who stood out for a poor United’s side? And who was the biggest disappointment?Check out Kostas Lianos’ players ratings below and find out…Andre Onana – 5Can’t blame him for Nottingham Forest’s winner as Anthony Elanga’s shot was too good. Made a stunning save to deny Ryan Yates’ header without knowing the Forest ace was offside.Leny Yoro – 5Should have been more aware before Elanga’s goal that came straight after a Man Utd corner-kick in which he had moved forward.One could argue Yoro made up for it when he stopped a fine run by Elanga in the second half with an amazing and well-timed challenge to save United from a second.Matthijs de Ligt – 4The centre-back was also nowhere to be seen before Elanga’s goal. No other major errors but should have done better on the rebound after Diogo Dalot’s header hit the crossbar.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Completely hopeless during Elanga’s run that led to the goal and struggled in his defensive duties, especially in the first half. Not sure if the full-back fits in a defensive trio as part of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation…Diogo Dalot – 6A strong performance down the right wing with some fine runs and good crosses. Registered United’s best chance in the first half when his header rattled Forest’s crossbar.Casemiro – 4At fault for Elanga’s goal as there was absolutely no midfield presence during Forest’s counter.Loads of inaccurate passes and got booked for a reckless challenge on Yates before complaining in a very unjust way. Registered three shots but didn’t cause concern for Matz Sels.Manuel Ugarte – 4Cut a rather anonymous figure, among the guilty parties for Elanga’s goal as Man Utd’s midfield was caught sleeping. Rightly substituted at half-time.Patrick Dorgu – 5A fine display during the first half as he cut a strong presence down the left flank, even though he was completely outrun by Elanga before the goal.But the versatile full-back was the complete opposite in the second half with a series of errors against a stunning Neco Williams.Bruno Fernandes – 6Registered the game’s first shot on target with a powerful effort that required a lunge from Sels, and that was basically United’s best shot throughout the entire match.Fernandes produced some fine long balls and upgraded Man Utd’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exits.Alejandro Garnacho – 2Very disappointing performance from the winger. Completely hopeless before Elanga’s goal with a desperate tackle and was lucky to avoid a booking for a ridiculous challenge on Yates while the Argentina international was on the attack.A game riddled with heavy touches, failed dribbles, wrong passes, blocked shots and a silly yellow card as he kicked the ball away in frustration. Had a good shot on 69 minutes as a saving grace.Joshua Zirkzee – 3Was supposed to be a striker but was often seen playing too deep and didn’t register a chance in front of Forest’s goal. Didn’t inspire any danger even after Rasmus Hojlund came on to help him up front.SUBSRasmus Hojlund – 5Was much better than a woeful Zirkzee up front for Man Utd. But didn’t cause any significant danger and never looked like a goalscoring threat. Harry Maguire looked far more lethal as a false nine after he entered the pitch with a lot more presence inside the box.Christian Eriksen – 4Didn’t really elevate United’s midfield after Ugarte and Casemiro’s exit. The sort of performance that makes one wonder about his Old Trafford future…Harry Maguire – 5Only played nine minutes as a false nine and was by far Man Utd’s best forward. Brought on as a desperation move that almost paid off with the best chance of the match as his last-gasp effort was cleared by Murillo just off the line.Mason Mount – N/A More

ROBERTO DE ZERBI has faced a player mutiny at Marseille, according to reports.The Italian, 45, took charge of the Ligue 1 giants after leaving Brighton last summer.Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille have endured an awful run of formCredit: SplashMarseille have lost four of their last five gamesCredit: GettyMarseille have experienced a turbulent first season under De Zerbi, going through brilliant highs and extreme lows.And in recent weeks, they have gone way off the boil.Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at relegation-battling Reims made it four losses in five for Marseille.Reports in France claim that Marseille players were subsequently made to stay the night at the club’s training ground, such was their manager’s disgust.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt then emerged that rest days scheduled for Sunday and Monday had also been cancelled.And things reached a boiling point on Monday, when De Zerbi reportedly told the players that he would not be taking training.According to L’Equipe, players were left feeling let down by their coach and refused to train if he was not leading the sessions.This led director of football and former centre-back Medhi Benatia to step in.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe 37-year-old is claimed to have told the squad to “justify the club’s financial investment in them”.Players are said to have not bought Benatia’s reasoning – pointing to his former clubs Bayern Munich and Juventus and asking whether De Zerbi’s antics would be put up with by those European giants.’People like you will be happy’ – Postecoglou snaps at Sky Sports reporter in ‘generational meltdown’ after Chelsea lossThe Marseille boss is also said to have made a brutal jibe at defender Pol Lirola after last Saturday’s match.Lirola, 27, has been at Marseille since 2021 but prior to this season had spent the last two years out on loan.Following the defeat at Reims, during which Lirola was hooked at half-time, De Zerbi is claimed to have said to him: “Nobody wanted you at this club last summer, I was the only one to believe in you, and you thank me by defending like that?”Having entered the season with lofty ambitions Marseille have fallen to third in the Ligue 1 table, a staggering 22 points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.They are now just four points above seventh and could face missing out on European football, should their recent slump continue.Marseille will host mid-table Toulouse this Sunday, desperate for three points to get back on track.Speaking in his pre-match press conference, De Zerbi said: “I am very happy to be manager of Marseille, because I love controversy.”Read More on The SunForward Neal Maupay added: “It was never a question of not training. We cleared the air.”Sometimes it’s good to take a slap in the face and wake up.”Marseille have a huge game against Toulouse on SundayCredit: Rex More

KEVIN DE BRUYNE has announced he’s LEAVING Manchester City at the end of the season.The Belgium international’s future at the Etihad has been the subject of intense speculation for several months.Kevin De Bruyne has announced he’ll leave Manchester City at the end of the seasonCredit: REXThe midfielder will leave the Etihad after ten years as a Sky BlueCredit: PAThe 33-year-old announced his imminent departure in an emotional social media statementCredit: INSTAGRAM@KEVINDEBRUYNEHis £375,000-a-week contract with the Premier League champions expires at the end of the season.And in an emotional statement on social media, the club legend has confirmed his trophy packed ten-year love affair with the Sky Blues will end in the summer.The 33-year-old said: “Dear Manchester. Seeing this, you’ll probably realise where this is heading. “So I’ll get straight to it and let you know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player.READ MORE ON DE BRUYNE”Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. “That day is here – and you deserve to hear it from me first. Football led me to all of you – and to this city. “Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This city, this club, these people… gave me EVERYTHING. “I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what – we won EVERYTHING.Most read in FootballKevin De Bruyne played a huge role in Manchester City becoming a global forceCredit: AFPHe’s considered by many to be the greatest Premier League midfielder of all timeCredit: PADe Bruyne has won the lot with Manchester CityCredit: GETTYJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye. Suri Rome, Mason, Michele and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family. “Manchester will forever be home on our kids’ passports – and more importantly, in each of our hearts. This will always be our HOME.Watch Kevin De Bruyne STORM OUT of live interview after ‘stupid’ question following Belgium’s defeat to France” We cannot thank the city, club staff, team-mates, friends and family enough for this ten-year ride. “Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter.”Let’s enjoy these last moments together! Much love, KDB.”De Bruyne – who is considered by many to be the greatest Premier League midfielder of all-time – has been linked with a move to several clubs.A move to the MLS with San Diego FC has been mooted, although the American club recently distanced itself from the proposed transfer.KDB has attracted interest from a number of Saudi Pro League clubs – including second-division side Neom SC – over the last year.The midfielder opened the door to a move to The Kingdom last summer, saying: “At my age, you have to be open to everything. “You’re talking about incredible amounts of money in what may be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that. Kevin de Bruyne has racked up 106 goals and 174 assists during his time at the EtihadCredit: GETTYThe Belgian will go down as one of City’s greatest-ever playersCredit: GETTY”If I play there for two years, I will be able to earn an incredible amount of money. “Before that, I had to play football for 15 years. I may not even reach that amount yet. “Then you have to think about what that could mean next. But at the moment I haven’t had to think about that yet.”Merson jibeDe Bruyne joined City from Wolfsburg, who he got his career back on track with following a torrid spell with Chelsea, in the summer of 2015. City splashed out a then club-record fee of £55million to acquire his services, a figure many – most notably Paul Merson – baulked at.But that financial outlay proved to be worth its weight in gold, and then some, as De Bruyne would go on to establish himself as a Prem great.In 413 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s troops, the Belgian has scored an impressive 106 goals. But more impressively, he’s racked up a whopping 174 assists – the SECOND-MOST in Premier League history – behind only Ryan Giggs.De Bruyne will leave the Etihad having won everything the English top flight has to offer.He’s lifted the Premier League trophy six times, the FA Cup twice and the Carabo Cup five times. But perhaps the achievement he’ll be most proud of when he looks back on his time at Eastlands will be his lifting of the Champions League trophy in the 2022/23 season, in which City won a historic treble.Speaking today, City boss Guardiola called him one of the greatest to ever player for Man City. He said: “A sad day. A happy day for the fact that the pleasure personally that I lived this time with him. What he gave all of us, his humanity and of course I don’t have to say his influence on our success in the last decade. “It would be impossible to imagine that without him. A sad day because a part of us is leaving.”I read he’s been involved in 180 goals in terms of goals and assists. He’s one of the greatest midfielders that have ever played in this country. “You always have to be careful because of respect for the players who were at Maine Road and the last 20-30 years but come on, there’s no doubt he’s one of the greatest. He had injury problems for the last year and a half but his consistency in important games being there every three days.”Club World Cup confusionGuardiola also revealed there is uncertainty over whether De Bruyne will play in this summer’s Club World Cup.He revealed:  “I don’t know. We have to talk, the Club World Cup we have to extend the contract. He has to decide. “Hopefully he can continue playing football in another place, but I don’t know. The club has to talk to him and he has to say what he wants to do.”Read More on The SunThe tournament, which runs from mid June to mid July will see KdB’s contract expire half way through as things stand.Guardiola added: “It’s the first time he plays this competition and at the end of the first three games he is still under contract but after that if we go through I don’t know. Kevin has to tell and after that for the fact that the future can it be legally possible or not.” More

ARSENAL are set to be the BUSIEST team in the summer transfer window, it’s been claimed.The Gunners’ title charge has fallen short this season due to their lack of an out-and-out striker.Arsenal title charge has fallen flat on its face this seasonCredit: AlamyIt’s claimed Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will go hell for leather in the summer transfer marketCredit: RexMikel Arteta is understood to be keen on signing a new frontman in the summer along with an additional defensive midfielder.And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Gunners are set to be the most active club in the fast-approaching window.When asked which club will be the busiest in the summer, the Italian told GiveMeSport: “I’d say Arsenal, for sure.”But Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City will also be really busy this summer.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS”Chelsea will be there with some signings, as usual.”Arsenal are understood to be considering acquiring the services of either Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko.Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams is also said to be on Arteta’s summer wishlist, which he’ll undoubtedly have passed on to the Gunners’ new Sporting Director Andrea Berta.Arteta has already teased several arrivals this summer, saying: “It’s going to be a big one and we are very excited about it.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“The way we planned the five first summers, they were going to be very big and they were going to have different objectives.“In the beginning, there were a lot of players with three, four or five-year contracts, so the turnaround of the squad and how you visualise the next five years was very dependent on that.Arteta gives worrying Gabriel injury update as Arsenal sweat on four defenders ahead of Real Madrid clash“There are certain positions we didn’t expect to have someone like Ethan Nwaneri or Myles Lewis-Skelly contributing to, which has been great.“The way you start to evolve, you start to master certain things then the changes cannot be that much. That’s where we are.“The line now is thinner, the margins are smaller. But the cost of that, as well, increases. So it goes a little bit in a different direction.“We want to increase the depth of the squad, but as well, we want to increase the quality and the skills we need to go to the next step.“It’s a big summer for many things because first of all we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team.”Arsenal will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, travelling to Goodison Park to take on Everton. More

DREAM TEAM managers must remember to select a captain for Gameweek 30 before Saturday’s 11am deadline.Thanks to Mohamed Salah’s (£7.7m) supremacy and Erling Haaland’s (£7.8m) relentless hunger for goals, this task has been a relatively straightforward one for much of the season but this week’s decision is arguably the most difficult of 2024/25 so far.Salah has been quiet in his last three outingsCredit: GettyWith Liverpool out of the Champions League, their prolific No11 has just one fixture this coming Gameweek in the form of Fulham away.And whisper it quietly but Salah’s level has dropped of late as he’s returned just nine points from his last three outings.As for Manchester City’s No9, he’s facing several weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury.His replacement, Omar Marmoush (£4.6m), appears to be the real deal but again, Pep Guardiola’s side do not have a midweek Champions League fixture to enhance their schedule.The best captain is likely to come from the clubs still active in Europe: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea.But who?Over his slump?Credit: GettyCole Palmer (£5.4m) looked refreshed against Spurs in Gameweek 29 when he provided a sumptuous cross for what proved to be Enzo Fernandez’s (£3.9m) winner.The 22-year-old’s first goal involvement since early February helped him claim eight points, enough for him to regain his place as Dream Team’s second-best midfielder overall.Most read in FootballThe Blues haven’t fully recaptured the impressive form they exhibited throughout the first third of the campaign but five wins from their last six games in all competitions represents an encouraging upturn.Gameweek 30 brings a double header against Brentford (h) and Legia Warsaw (a), the latter being a Conference League quarter-final first leg.Palmer featured in both legs of the last 16 tie with Copenhagen and so his owners should be hopeful of substantial minutes against the Polish side on Thursday evening.The England international averages 8.6 points-per-game in 2024/25 and his showing against Spurs hinted that his slump may be behind him.Captain material?Credit: GettyBruno Fernandes (£7m) remains Dream Team’s most in-form player and must therefore be considered a viable captaincy option once again.The Red Devils are due to face Man City on Sunday before travelling to Lyon in the Europa League in midweek.Truth be told, that’s a relatively tricky double header given Ruben Amorim’s side currently sit 13th in the Premier League but the Portuguese playmaker has proven himself capable of healthy returns in losing efforts.Elsewhere, might Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) be the answer to this week’s captaincy conundrum?Arsenal’s No7 marked his return from injury in fine style when he scored against Fulham seven minutes after coming off the bench in Gameweek 29.Saka is the most popular recruit ahead of Gameweek 30Credit: GettyOnly Salah averages more points-per-game than Saka this season; his output is not an issue.It’s just whether his surgically-repaired hamstring is up to starting two games in the space of four days.The Gunners will visit Everton before welcoming Real Madrid to the Emirates.Tottenham’s double header of Southampton and Frankfurt looks inviting on paper but Ange Postecoglou appears increasingly frazzled and so Dream Team bosses will be reluctant to go there.Thinking outside the box, gaffers could ignore the European fixtures altogether and select a captain with an ultra favourable league opponent.This strategy seemingly points directly at Alexander Isak (£6.2m), who has racked up 291 points via 24 goals, ahead of Newcastle trip to Leicester.Isak could feast against Leicester… if availableCredit: ReutersThe Foxes are statistically the most out-of-form team in the top flight right now having lost seven in a row.However, this ploy may be scuppered by the fact the Magpies’ top scorer is considered a minor doubt for Gameweek 30.Eddie Howe told reporters that he would wait to see how Isak came through Friday’s training session before making a final decision, which doesn’t help Dream Team managers.Theoretically, one could captain Isak and then lean on their vice captain if the Swedish striker didn’t feature at the King Power.Read More on The SunAlthough this approach risks a situation in which Isak plays a handful of minutes without adding meaningful points.Palmer, Fernandes and Saka appear to be the frontrunners but this may be the most open captaincy conversation of the entire season.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More