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    ‘Never afraid to bring the smoke’ – Jose Mourinho ruins Mauro Icardi with sarcastic comments and fans love it

    JOSE MOURINHO may have a few grey hairs now, but he still clearly has his trademark silver tongue.It comes after Fenerbahce manager Mourinho hit back in a spat with Galatasaray forward Mauro Icardi.Jose Mourinho gave a sarcastic but sharp reply in a war of words with Mauro IcardiCredit: X/ BBCMOTDIt had come after Icardi labelled him ‘the crying one’Credit: GettyThe Argentine had labelled Mourinho as “the crying one” as a reference to his “special one” nickname coined all those years ago when he first joined Chelsea.Mourinho, 62, gave a sarcastic but sharp reply to the 31-year-old.Speaking to reporters before his side face Anderlecht in the Europa League play-offs, he said: “I show I am a special one, not the special one. “With 25 years of career and 26 titles and not with one match. That is not one match to define my career. My career is a career of 25 years. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”In relation to the comments of Icardi, Icardi is a GOAT and I refuse to comment on a GOAT’s words. He is too big, I won’t comment.”Reacting to the comments on social media, one fan said: “My refusal to accept ‘goat’ in anything other than its traditional footballing definition makes this 100 times funnier.”A second said: “He is never afraid to bring the smoke, Jose. He is Hollywood.”A third added: “You have to love Jose Mourinho.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnother said: “He is just so much fun.”The entire argument started when Mourinho made reference to Galatasaray’s alleged favouritism with referees in Turkey in a post on Instagram.Watch Jose Mourinho slap Fenerbahce translator after comical ‘toilet’ mistake during press conference Galatasaray’s clash with Adana Demirspor was abandoned when Adana’s players walked off the pitch after 30 minutes in protest at a controversial penalty decision.Mourinho then used a picture showing ex-Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez handling the ball in the box in a game against Gaziantep last week, with no penalty being given.He captioned the post: “In the Handball World Cup that ended last Sunday, my Portugal team brilliantly reached the semi-finals and I want to congratulate them for such an achievement and the impact they will have on our country’s youth.”Icardi had then replied by posting a meme of the “crying one” on his Instagram story, thus prompting Mourinho’s next response.Mourinho has been famously outspoken against officials throughout his career, with that trend continuing in Turkey.He was fined more than £20,000 and given a one-match ban for launching a rant against Super Lig and the officiating standard in November.Speaking after a 3-2 win over Trazbonspor, he had said: “Nobody abroad wants to watch the Turkish league. Who wants to watch this Turkish league abroad? “They have the Premier League, they have the French league, they have the German league, they have the Portuguese league, they have the Dutch league. Why would they watch this?”It’s too grey. It’s too dark, smells bad. But that’s my job, and I will give everything to my job, to my club.”He followed up by saying: “We were in good control, winning 1-0 when Atilla woke up because in the first half he was probably having Turkish tea.”The man of the match was Atilla Karaoglan. We didn’t see him but he was the referee.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The referee was just a little boy that was there on the pitch, but the referee was Atilla Karaoglan.”Fenerbahce are three points behind Galatasaray in the league, though the leaders have a game in hand.Furious Jose Mourinho’s CUTTING dig at referee Clement Turpin after red card vs Man UtdJOSE MOURINHO launched a sarcastic blast at ref Clement Turpin after he was red-carded in his clash with former club Manchester United. The Fenerbahce boss saw his side fight back to earn a point as United tossed away the lead for a third successive drawn Europa League match.Mourinho was sent to the stands after raging against Turpin’s failure to award a penalty against Manuel Ugarte for a challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel.And Mourinho scowled: “The referee told me something incredible. He said at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.“I congratulate him because he is absolutely incredible. During the game, 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and one eye on my behaviour on the bench. That’s the explanation he gave me.”That is why he is one of the best referees in the world!” More

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    John Eustace QUITS Blackburn for Derby as club release classy statement and ex-Premier League boss is lined up

    DERBY COUNTY have announced John Eustace as their new manager.The gaffer has linked up with his former playing club after leaving Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers.John Eustace has quit Blackburn for Championship rivals DerbyCredit: PAThe ace enjoyed two spells with Derby as a playerCredit: Action Images – ReutersEustace, who only replaced Jon Dahl Tomasson at Ewood Park a year ago, shocked the play-off hopefuls when he activated a shock release clause in his contract to hold talks with Derby.The Rams targeted Eustace, who made 62 appearances across two spells as a player for them, after sacking Paul Warne last week.And Rovers were forced to release a statement clarifying the situation while also slamming Eustace for forcing through an exit.But a deal taking him to Pride Park has now gone through.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Rams midfielder, who is tasked with saving his new side from relegation, has penned a contract until 2028.And Eustace, who leaves Rovers fifth in the Championship, will be joined in the dugout by assistant boss Matt Gardiner and first-team coach Keith Downing.Derby owner David Clowes said: “I’m excited to welcome John back to Derby County. Fans will remember him for his craft, commitment and intelligence. He was a real leader.“I’ve followed his managerial career with interest, and it’s clear he has the qualities we need to maintain our progress.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“He helped both Queens Park Rangers and Birmingham City avoid relegation, before taking Birmingham to sixth place prior to his departure. He has repeated that achievement at Blackburn Rovers, leaving behind a team in the play-off places.”I am thrilled that he shares our belief in the potential of Derby County and that he wants to play a leading role in our plans.Boy Wonders: Blackburn star Harvey Higgins dubbed the ‘next Vardy'”When we bought the club, I was moved by the passion, solidarity and shared belief that bonded all of us who cared about Derby County. From the players, to the staff and to every single fan, we shared a determination to save the club and drive it forward.”It’s the same bond we need now as we get behind John and the players for these final 14 games. That bond was clear at Norwich last Saturday, a team fighting and refusing to be beaten, urged on by our magnificent support.”This is now a season within a season and it’s time for that passion, solidarity and shared belief again, to show what the Rams mean to us all.”Rovers had initially slammed Eustace’s push to quit for Derby earlier in the week.But a classy statement released in the wake of his exit revealed an apparent change of heart, with Eustace seemingly wanting the move to be closer to his family.And Rovers are now thought to be targeting a move for ex-Wolves boss Gary O’Neil as Eustace’s replacement.Eustace replaces Paul Warne who was sacked last weekCredit: PAGary O’Neill is now being lined up for the Wolves jobCredit: APBlackburn’s message to fans read: “Blackburn Rovers can confirm that John Eustace has left his role as Head Coach to take up a position with another Championship club.“While we are disappointed by his decision to leave at this crucial stage of the season, we fully understand that the opportunity to move closer to his family and return to a former club played a significant role in his choice.“The club had hoped that John would see out the season and continue the fantastic work he has done, particularly after strengthening the squad in January and guiding us into a strong position in the league.“However, with 14 games remaining and a real chance to push for a play-off place, the focus remains on achieving our ambitions.“Football is always evolving, and while we part ways with John Eustace, this also presents an exciting opportunity for the new head coach to build on our current positive position.“We remain in a good place in the league and the togetherness of the players, staff and supporters can all play a huge role in making it a successful end to the season.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We would like to thank John Eustace, along with his assistants Matt Gardiner and Keith Downing, for their dedication and hard work over the past year. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.“David Lowe will continue to take temporary charge of first-team affairs, supported by Damien Johnson, Ben Benson, Mike Sheron and Paul Butler, until a permanent successor is appointed.” More

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    Premier League release VAR statement after Everton’s dramatic equaliser but key omission will anger Liverpool fans

    LIVERPOOL fans have been left fuming with the Premier League’s VAR statement for Everton’s late equaliser in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night.James Tarkowski thundered home a controversial equaliser in the 98th minute of the feisty 2-2 draw, leading to a VAR check.Everton’s James Tarkowski netted a dramatic late leveller in a pulsating derbyCredit: APThe defender netted a thundering strikeCredit: ReutersEverton fans spilled onto the pitch to celebrateCredit: PAA VAR check threatened to spoil the party at Goodison ParkCredit: GettyLiverpool players had complained of a potential offside and foul in the build-up to the goal, but after a lengthy VAR check the goal stood.A statement released on the Premier League’s Match Centre X account cleared up the offside.It read: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR- who established that Doucoure was in an onside position in the build-up.”However, there was no mention of a check for a foul on Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate by Everton’s Beto.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe omission had left the Red half of Merseyside furious, with many Liverpool fans taking to social media to vent their frustrations.One wrote: “Didn’t check for the foul though”.While another added: “We ignoring pushing nowadays? Useless.”A third commented: “What about the blatant foul after the offside?”Most read in FootballThe Premier League shared an image showing the onside callCredit: X @PLmatchcentreLiverpool fans felt that Beto fouled Ibrahima Konate in the build up to the goal tooCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd a fourth fumed: “Yeah, what about the foul? Hmm??? Abolish the PGMOL”.Liverpool fans were hoping that a “push” from Beto into the back of Konate would be seen as a foul and rule the goal out.Rod Stewart steals show as he does duet with Carragher and dances at Celtic v Bayern However, the decision ultimately was’t given in their favour.Tarkowski’s late goal led to drama on the pitch as Toffees supporters spilled onto the playing surface to celebrate a point in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.While tempers flared between players too as Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure came to blows in front of the fans in the stands, leading to a mass brawl involving both sets of players.Both Doucoure and Jones were sent off by referee Michael Oliver for their part in the passionate incident.Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also shown red cards in the aftermath of the fracas. A massive brawl erupted on the field at Goodison Park after the late Everton levellerCredit: GettyCurtis Jones (No. 17) was sent off after a furious confrontation with Abdoulaye DoucoureCredit: GettyStewards and police were tasked with restoring calm after Everton dramatically snatched a pointCredit: AFPLiverpool boss Arne Slot was later sent off after clashing with Michael OliverCredit: Reuters More

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    Man Utd starlet Chido Obi-Martin bags hat-trick against Chelsea U18s as fans say ‘he could’ve been starting for Arsenal’

    MANCHESTER UNITED starlet Chido Obi-Martin scored an incredible hat-trick against Chelsea’s U18s as fans declared “he could have been starting for Arsenal.”The Danish striker used to be on the books of the injury-hit Gunners before sealing a move to United last summer.Chido Obi-Martin netted a hat-trick in the FA Youth Cup against ChelseaCredit: GettyThe Man Utd starlet inspired his side to a 5-1 winCredit: GettyFans reckon Chido-Obi could have solved the attacking injury crisis at former club ArsenalCredit: GettyObi-Martin broke youth league goal records in December after reaching 32 strikes in just 20 outings.And Ruben Amorim has been keeping tabs on the hitman as United struggle for goals.Now, Obi-Martin has taken his scoring to new heights after hitting a treble against Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup.The ace helped mastermind a 5-1 win over the Blues as record holders United booked their place in the quarters.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Obi-Martin now has nine goals in 11 outings for his new side.A first-team opportunity with the Red Devils is likely around the corner.But fans reckon had he stayed at Arsenal, Obi-Martin would have got his chance under Mikel Arteta by now.The Gunners have been hit by an attacking crisis after Kai Havertz was ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe joins Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines.And supporters believe Obi-Martin could have been the answer to Arteta’s prayers.’His finishing is NUTS,’ say Man Utd fans as teen who scored 10 against Liverpool trains alone before joining Red DevilsOne said: “Obi actually would’ve got minutes if he stayed at Arsenal.”Another declared: “He should be getting minutes over Hojlund at United.”One noted: “He needs a chance.”Another added: “Not everyone is ready at 17.”Earlier this month, United boss Amorim teased the possibility of Obi-Martin making his senior Red Devils bow.Amorim said: “He’s doing his job. He’s improving, he’s playing in the youth teams, and also we have other players who can play that position.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Rasmus and Josh are there. We bought these two players, we need to improve them, and sometimes the confidence can change a player. We will see in the end of the season.”But until then we have two strikers who can score goals, they’ve proved in the past, so let’s see if we can improve as a team to help them to score goals.” More

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    Tony Bedeau dead at 45: Torquay United legend who came through Chelsea’s books dies as club left ‘shocked’

    FORMER football star Tony Bedeau has died at the age of just 45.Tributes have poured in for the ex-Chelsea youth player and Torquay United legend from team-mates and fans.Former football star Tony Bedeau has died at the age of just 45Credit: PA:Press AssociationBedeau is most remembered for his two spells with TorquayCredit: GettyBedeau passed away from a medical issue at his home in west London, according to reports.As a mark of respect, Torquay will hold a minute’s applause before kick-off against Hornchurch at Plainmoor on Saturday.A club statement read: “Tony’s passing has shocked all of us, and our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”Co-chairman Michael Westcott said: “Tony was one of the most exciting players to have worn the yellow shirt – and one of my personal favourites. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”His pace and energy brought so much to the team, and he was much loved by our fans.””We are deeply saddened by his passing. He will forever be a part of Torquay United’s legacy, and we offer our sincerest condolences to his family and all those who knew him.”Bedeau started his career with Torquay – making his debut at 16 years old – having previously been on the books at Chelsea. He was born in Hammersmith and represented Grenada – through his father’s birthplace – four times at international level.Most read in FootballThe ex-striker scored 65 goals in 374 appearances during two spells with Torquay.That total places him eighth on United’s all-time appearance list.Bedeau joined the Gulls as an apprentice in 1995 and helped them finish third in what is now League Two in 2004.He left the club in 2006 to join Walsall but returned to Plainmoor a year later before ending his career at non-league Kingstonian.Renowned for his pace and flair, Bedeau was revered as one of the best strikers to play for Torquay.‘Beds’, as he was known at Plainmoor, played in the 1998 Play-Off Final at Wembley and was close to big-money moves to Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday.Tributes have flooded in from fans and retired players.Former semi-pro footballer James Constable – who now works as a player liaison at Oxford United – wrote on X: “Heartbreaking to hear of the passing of ex team-mate and friend Tony Bedeau.”He will be missed by everyone who knew him, honestly one of the nicest guys you could meet. RIP Beds.”One supporter added: “One of the first footballers I remember watching live. Cult hero for Torquay in the late 90s/00s.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile a Walsall fan said: “Tony Bedeau helped give me one of the greatest seasons of my life. It is a sad day.”Walsall stated: “Our thoughts are with Tony’s friends, family and everyone at Torquay.” More

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    Champions League star left stunned after being handed red card… for asking for opponent to be booked

    MONACO were left in disbelief after their player was sent off for asking an opponent to be booked.The Ligue 1 had fallen behind during their Champions League play-off first-leg game against Benfica just after half-time after a sumptuous chip from Vangelis Pavlidis.Referee Maurizio Mariani showed a second yellow to Monaco’s Al-MusratiCredit: ReutersIt came after the midfielder gestured towards the ref that an opponent should be bookedCredit: GettyA challenge from Alvaro Fernandez on Breel Embolo in the 52nd minute then saw things go from bad to worse for the home side.With ex-Manchester United defender Fernandez on a yellow card by this point, Monaco wanted to try and take advantage of the foul by reminding Italian referee, Maurizio Mariani.Midfielder Moatasem Al-Musrati was chief among the culprits to do so as he was shown to be wagging his right hand at the ref in the gesture of showing a card. Mariani then brandished a yellow card but to the 28-year-old instead of the fouling player.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAl-Musrati, who had been booked in the 41st minute, appeared to be baffled by the decision as his Monaco team-mates then protested against it.It was a very unfortunate end to the Libya international’s Champions League debut following a loan transfer from Besiktas to Monaco in the winter transfer window.But IFAB rules state a yellow card can be awarded to a player who: “Argues with the referee or other match official (verbally or by making gestures).”The sending-off meant Monaco failed to get a vital goal back against the visitors to take to the second leg.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMonaco boss Adi Hütter and left-back Krépin Diatta both felt the decision was unfair, with the manager also moaning about a late yellow for Denis Zakaria which rules him out of the second leg.Hütter said: “I didn’t see him walk to the referee. The only thing what he said maybe was ‘It could be a yellow card.’Jose Mourinho ruins Mauro Icardi with sarcastic comments and fans love it “Yes these are the rules we have to accept, but he was not aggressive right?”And when you see the second yellow card of Zakaria, he is suspended. These are harsh yellow cards.”Diatta said: “I think everyone saw for themselves.”He wasn’t angry and he was calm toward the referee. Sometimes it’s too severe.”The second leg will be played on Tuesday 18. More

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    Major change to VAR to be introduced for FA Cup fifth round despite concerns about accuracy

    THE FA CUP fifth round is set to be the testing ground of semi-automated offside technology.The technology, also known as SAOT, is set to be introduced into the fifth round of England’s premier cup competition with a view to a wider introduction to English football later on.Semi-automated offside technology was successfully used at the 2022 World CupCredit: FIFAIt is now set to undergo a live trial during the FA Cup fifth roundCredit: AFPSAOT was successfully used at the 2022 World Cup and was set to be brought to the Premier League in autumn after clubs unanimously voted to bring it in last April.However, officials were not satisfied with its accuracy when testing in stadiums, leading to it being delayed and prompting frustration.According to The Guardian, the technology is now set to be trialled in the FA Cup fifth round.The report says the system has been refined and its effectiveness improved considerably in the past month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPGMOL chief Howard Webb and the Premier League’s chief football officer, Tony Scholes, have both now given their approval.Seven of the eight ties in the fifth round are being played at Premier League grounds, with the exception of Championship side Preston, making it ideal for an extended live-testing stage.Top-flight clubs will be officially informed about the trial by the Premier League at its shareholders’ meeting in London today.SAOT and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) have not been used in any of the previous rounds of the competition to ensure a “consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition”.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis led to several controversial decisions, including Harry Maguire’s last-gasp winner for Manchester United against Leicester in the fourth round which would have been ruled offside with the help of technology.It is hoped the tech will reduce the waiting time for offside decisions to be made if VAR is introduced by more than 30 seconds.VAR ruined Coventry’s iconic FA Cup moment with offside decision in semi-final – but was technically CORRECTCamera footage and special tracking software are used to calculate the position of players at the moment of a potential offside, removing the need for VAR teams to manually add lines to still images.During Everton’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, James Tarkowski’s last-gasp equaliser took four minutes before it came to a decision. Scholes had previously admitted to being sceptical until seeing recent improvements. He said: “I have to confess, given the difficulties that we had over the first few months of the season [with SAOT testing] I had severe doubts.”But the progress made over the last four to six weeks has been significant. “We believe we’re going to be adopting the best system and the most accurate system.”FA Cup fifth round draw in fullHere are all the games from the next round in the FA Cup…Preston North End vs BurnleyAston Villa vs Cardiff CityDoncaster/Crystal Palace vs MillwallManchester United vs FulhamNewcastle vs Brighton and Hove AlbionBournemouth vs Wolverhampton WanderersManchester City vs PlymouthExeter City/Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich Town More

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    New footage shows what Arne Slot did moments before red card as mystery surrounds Liverpool boss’ sending off vs Everton

    NEW footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver has emerged following his red card, with the Liverpool boss also caught berating a linesman beforehand.Slot was given his marching orders after full-time as his side shipped a late goal to Everton in the Merseyside derby.New footage has emerged of Arne Slot’s red card from Michael OliverOliver sent Slot off after the pair shook handsSlot was also caught berating a linesman before approaching OliverSlot appeared to say something to Oliver during the incidentCredit: GettyLiverpool’s boss will miss their next match against WolvesCredit: GettyLiverpool were 2-1 up when James Tarkowski blasted home an equaliser in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Tempers then flared at the final whistle as Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure clashed in front of supporters.The midfielders were both sent off by referee Oliver as teammates attempted to cool things down.And as the referee went off the field, he was approached by Liverpool boss Slot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut as the pair shook hands, Oliver quickly reached into his pocket before producing a red card for the Dutchman.Slot was left shocked by the decision, with his assistant Sipke Hulshoff also receiving his marching orders.The Premier League announced that Slot had been handed a TWO MATCH ban for the incident – but later deleted details of the ban to spark fresh uncertainty.Mystery surrounded the circumstances of Slot’s red card, with the gaffer unable to speak to the press due to Premier League rules.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTwo new sets of footage emerged of the incident.A camera from the side caught the moment Slot approached Oliver, with things appearing innocent on the surface.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntSlot gave the linesman an earful after the final whistleIt is unclear what exactly was said by SlotThe footage showed Slot extending his hand as Oliver walked past him.The referee took it but appeared to continue walking in a straight line.Slot then seemed to momentarily hold on to Oliver’s hand in an attempt to speak to him.But this caused the official to spin around before reaching into his back pocket to brandish the red card.The Premier League have now confirmed that Slot was dismissed for “using offensive, insulting, or abusive language.”Additional footage also caught Slot berating the linesman moments before his clash with Oliver.The Liverpool boss was seen ranting at the official while walking on the pitch.READ MORE SUN STORIESSlot let rip with a verbal volley, although it again was unclear just what the Dutchman said.Despite his outburst, the linesman remained stony-faced as Slot eventually retreated before quickly shaking hands with the other linesman while making his way over to Oliver. More