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    Surprising reason why tall footballer are more likely to receive yellow cards, according to experts

    REFEREES are more likely to dish out yellow cards to footie players who are taller than them, experts have found.And they reckon it is a classic case of “short man syndrome”.Referees are more likely to dish out yellow cards to footie players who are taller than them, experts revealedCredit: GettyPlayers taller than the referee have 9.4 per cent more fouls given against them and are 7.2 per cent more likely to get a card.Players who are shorter are 12.3 per cent less likely to be done for a foul and 16.5 per cent less likely to get a yellow.The team at Germany’s University of Hagen ­analysed 2,340 games in the Bundesliga.They said: “This bias is consistent with the ­Napoleon complex, where shorter individuals show compensatory behaviours for lacking social dominance through height.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFrench general ­Napoleon, only 5ft 6in, told a rival: “You may be taller, but I am greater.”Earlier in the week Premier League referees’ huge pay packets were revealed – and it showed they are among the country’s top earners.Their salaries appeared to reflect their growing status in the game and the increasing pressure they are under every week as billions watch worldwide.Figures provided by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb in a meeting of the 72 EFL clubs revealed what kind of money the Prem’s officials are pocketing, as reported by The Times.Most read in FootballThey showed that the average salary for a Premier League referee is between £170,000 and £180,000.While the top referees are earning around £250,000 per year.Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs LiverpoolOfficials are paid their salary at a base rate, which is then boosted by performance bonuses and match fees.That base rate ranges between £72,000 and £148,000, and varies according to experience and seniority in the role.Senior officials, such as Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver, are likely to earn around £250,000 a year from their Premier League roles.6ft7inch striker Peter Crouch, pictured with Stephen Gerrard, would be more likely to get booked than a smaller player, experts say More

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    Arsenal to battle Man Utd for £50m Viktor Gyokeres transfer as new chief Andrea Berta compiles four-man striker wishlist

    ARSENAL’s new sporting director Andrea Berta has added Manchester United target Viktor Gyokeres to his four-man striker wishlist ahead of a huge summer rebuild.And the former Atletico Madrid chief has vowed he will help bring “major trophies” to the Emirates.Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta (left) is already getting to workCredit: GettyThe Italian helped turn Atletico Madrid into LaLiga title contendersCredit: GettyViktor Gyokeres is a target for the Gunners in the summerCredit: GettyBenjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig is also on Berta’s radarCredit: GettyBerta, 53, replaces Edu following his resignation last November.He is expected to attend the Gunners’ Premier League clash at home to Fulham on Tuesday. The Italian, who left his role at Atletico in January, will be tasked with bringing in an elite No 9.There’s a crucial summer ahead for Mikel Arteta’s men as Arsenal try to win a first Prem title since 2003-04.READ MORE ON ARSENALSunSport revealed last week that Arsenal are eyeing up Eintracht Frankfurt hitman Hugo Ekitike as an alternative to £150m-rated Newcastle star Alexander Isak.Isak has enjoyed a stunning season in the North East, netting in the Carabao Cup final and scoring 19 times in the league.The Swede, 25, remains contracted to Newcastle until 2028 with no release clause in his current deal.But the Toon have no intention of selling Isak and want to build a team around him. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKEkitike has caught the eye of a number of Prem clubs, with the Gunners at the head of the queue. Frankfurt are expected to demand around £60m for the striker, who boasts 19 goals this season.’Captain on and off the pitch’ – Fans love Arsenal star Martin Odegaard’s classy gesture on international dutyThe Gunners have also been linked with Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig but now Sporting’s Gyokeres is in their sights too.Slovenian international Sesko has a £59m release clause in his contract, while Gyokeres remains one of Europe’s hottest properties.The ex-Coventry striker has 85 goals and 26 assists in 92 games for Sporting Lisbon.But there could be competition from Manchester United for his signature, where he would enjoy a reunion with ex-Sporting boss Ruben Amorim.Gyokeres is understood to have a release clause in the region of £50m.Berta could try and raise funds for a summer spree by offloading squad players like Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko.Arsenal announce Andrea Berta appointmentARSENAL unveiled Andrea Berta as their new sporting director with the Italian vowing to “shape a successful future with a great team” at the Gunners.Berta, 53, replaces former sporting director Edu following his resignation last November, with the Brazilian set to take up a new role in Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ multi-club model.Ahead of a crucial summer for Mikel Arteta’s men, Berta is now tasked with bringing an elite No.9 to the Emirates, as well as negotiating contract renewals for key stars as Arsenal bid to win a first Prem title since 2004.And Berta – who left a similar post at Atletico Madrid in January – said: “I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club.“I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone into reestablishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.“The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team.“I cannot wait to get started in my new role and I am really looking forward to experiencing my first game at Emirates Stadium together with our supporters.”Co-owner Josh Kroenke added: “Anyone who knows football knows Andrea is an impressive figure. He has vast knowledge of the game, a great track record, a strong network and an insatiable desire to build winning teams.“Andrea will be a great addition to our club. He understands our values and what we stand for and we have no doubt he will help us push on and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies.“We undertook a thorough recruitment process and we were hugely impressed with the level of all the other candidates, but it was Andrea’s experience and the success he has enjoyed that stood out.“We are really looking forward to working together and welcoming him into the Arsenal family.”Arsenal’s co-chairman Josh Kroenke said: “Andrea will help us push on  and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies.”He has vast knowledge, a great track record, a strong network and a desire to build winning teams.”Berta will also target contract renewals for stars Bukayo Saka, William  Saliba, Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli, whose deals expire in June 2027.The Gunners’ new man said: “I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club.”He arrives after the departure of Brazilian Edu, who is ready to take up a new role in Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ multi-club model.READ MORE SUN STORIESBerta spent 12 years with Atletico in the Spanish capital. He played a key role in building squads that won La Liga in 2014 and 2021 and the 2018 Europa League.Newcastle have no intention of selling star man Alexander IsakCredit: GettyHugo Ekitike is also being monitored by the GunnersCredit: AFP More

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    ‘I’ve made it clear’ – Matheus Cunha confirms plan to leave Wolves with Arsenal and Man Utd circling

    MATHEUS  CUNHA  confirmed he wants to quit Wolves so he can “take the next step and fight for big titles”.The Brazil forward, 25, was the subject of strong January interest from Arsenal.Matheus Cunha revealed he wants to leave Wolves in the summerCredit: GettyChelsea, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest also wanted to sign the star while Manchester United are interested, too.However, not only did he stay put at Molineux – but he also signed a new contract.The fresh four-and-a-half deal tied Cunha down in the West Midlands until 2029. However, it also reportedly included a £62.5million release clause. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd now Cunha has openly confessed what SunSport reported in January – that he wants out of the club when the transfer market reopens in the summer.Cunha’s 13 Premier League goals look set to be enough to help keep Wolves in the division – unless Leicester or Ipswich can produce a remarkable turnaround to avoid relegation.And with his work all-but complete, the Selecao star is ready to start challenging at the right end of the table – after staying put in January.He told the Guardian: “I had a lot of offers but I wouldn’t feel well if I had done it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Some things you can’t control but I couldn’t leave the club in the middle of the season, in a difficult situation, in the relegation zone.”Now, we’re close to achieving our goal [of staying up]. Wolves forward Matheus Cunha faces trial over ‘driving blunder'”But I’ve made it clear that I need to take the next step. “I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.”Cunha arrived at Wolves from Atletico Madrid in 2023, initially on loan before securing a £44m transfer. The former Sion, RB Leipzig and Hertha Berlin attacker is yet to win a trophy in club football.However, with Brazil, he did win the 2019 Toulon Tournament and then secure an Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021. But his incredible talent is not limited to the football pitch – for Cunha can speak six languages fluently: Portuguese, English, Italian, French, German and Spanish. ‘WOLVES GAVE ME JOY’And despite his clear ability, Cunha is candid in his acknowledgement he – like all young men – needs a loving, supportive environment in order to thrive. He added: “Sometimes all we want in life is affection. “People think we have everything, but we’re human beings, too. We need a bit of understanding – we have our difficulties. “Wolves gave me that joy back. The fans [have given] me a lot. “The status I have today, the player I am now and the happiness I’m feeling, it’s because of them. I’m really grateful to Wolves.”I love learning, but I don’t like the football life. The football life deprives you of a lot. “I left home and have been living off football since I was 13. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Maybe when I stop, I’ll be a bit calmer and can think about coaching. “But I’ll need to take a few years off to rest, get my head round it and live like a normal person for a while. I need to live a different life.”The Brazil international speaks six languages fluentlyCredit: AFP More

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    Man Utd slash ticket prices for Manchester derby after fans refused to pay top dollar to watch Ruben Amorim’s flops

    MANCHESTER UNITED have slashed ticket prices for next Sunday’s derby against City at Old Trafford after fans refused to pay to watch Ruben Amorim’s struggling side.United were lashed by fans’ groups earlier this season for hiking prices for members to attend home games to a minimum of £66 — and removing all concessions for kids and OAPs.Man Utd have slashed ticket prices for Manchester derby next weekendCredit: PAFans’ group 1958 have arranged a protest at the price hikes at next week’s derbyCredit: RexFans have been urged to stage a “sit-in” by staying in their seats following the final whistle against Pep Guardiola’s sideUnited fans remain deeply unhappy with the club for increasing tickets prices since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took charge of football operationsCredit: PATickets for the City game did not sell out at those prices, so United reverted to the cheaper rate.United – 13th in the Prem – put tickets back on sale last week.Members able to buy seats at the reduced rate of £40 – and £25 for concessions.And the game is now expected to be a sell-out.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFuture home Prem matches are also available to members on the club’s website for less than the minimum £66 price.United fans remain deeply unhappy with the club for increasing tickets prices since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took charge of the football operation at Old Trafford last year.As well as increasing the price of match-day tickets for fans during the season the cost of season tickets for next year has also gone up.And to make matters worse long-standing season-ticket holders have been kicked out of their prime spots on the halfway line so the club can charge more for hospitality tickets.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordFans’ group 1958 have arranged a protest at the price hikes at next week’s derby.Supporters have been urged to stage a “sit-in” by staying in their seats following the final whistle against Pep Guardiola’s side.’Silence is deafening’ – Man Utd fans ready to protest at Arsenal clash and vow to ‘rise again to defend our club’Steve Crompton, a spokesman for The 1958, said: “I think probably one of the most impactful [protests] we’ve done was the sit-in.”We will be running another one of those against City next weekend.”The last Old Trafford sit-in was in August 2023, when thousands of fans stayed behind in the stadium following a comeback win against Nottingham Forest.Thousands of United fans protested ahead of Arsenal’s visit to Old Trafford earlier this month.And members of the 1958 joined forces with FC United fans at the club’s Broadhurst Park on Saturday.The Glazer family takeover was the catalyst for the foundation of FC United in 2005, with disgruntled fans leaving Old Trafford behind to form a new club.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 1958 joined FCUM in their stand against the ownership and current situation around United as part of the first ‘United United Day’ in six years.Fans linked up in the stands at a Northern Premier League match against Stockton Town.Man Utd ratings vs LeicesterMANCHESTER UNITED leapfrogged Tottenham into 13th in the Premier League by beating Leicester.Rasmus Hojlund was left to run in behind and shoot low into the bottom corner from an angle to open the scoring on 28 minutes.The Danish striker had not found the net since December 12 – a run of 21 matches.Alejandro Garnacho saw a goal chalked off for offside but there was no taking his snap-shot finish off him on 67 minutes.And skipper Bruno Fernandes rounded off the comfortable 3-0 win in style in the closing stages.Here’s how SunSport’s Graham Hill rated the Man Utd stars. More

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    Erling Haaland leaves Bournemouth in protective boot and on crutches in major scare for Man City after FA Cup injury

    ERLING HAALAND has sparked injury concern after leaving the Vitality Stadium in a protective boot.The Manchester City superstar was on target as Pep Guardiola’s men booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals.Erling Haaland was forced off with an injury against BournemouthCredit: GettyThe City superstar was later snapped leaving the Vitality Stadium in a protective bootCredit: TikTokThe striker had earlier netted levelled the scores in a 2-1 winCredit: TikTokHaaland, 24, netted early in the second half after missing a penalty during the opening 45 minutes.He limped out of the game on the hour mark after appearing to suffer an ankle injury.The Norweigan attempted to play on through the knock. But he was in too much discomfort to continue, with Omar Marmoush replacing him from the bench. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHaaland was later pictured leaving the stadium with a large protective boot over his left leg.He needed crutches to reach the team bus, casting doubt on his fitness ahead of the run-in.When asked about the seriousness of the injury, Guardiola said: “I don’t know yet.”I saw him on the massage table but I didn’t speak with him or the doctors. We will have to see.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHaaland missed two games with a knee injury earlier this campaign but has otherwise been in lethal goal-scoring form.He has 21 goals in 28 Premier League games, along with 8 in 9 in European competition. Inside Man City’s £300MILLION new stadium upgrade with futuristic Etihad project to rival AnfieldCity’s 2-1 comeback win kept their season alive with the FA Cup still up for grabs as potential silverware. Guardiola’s side have endured a miserable campaign, failing to defend their Premier League title and already out of the Champions League. January signing Marmoush proved to be the match-winner on Sunday, netting with his first touch off the bench. The Egpytian bundled in to complete a spirited comeback for City, who had gone behind thanks to a strike from Evanilson. City are heading to the revamped Club World Cup this summer, with Guardiola hoping to put a 2024/25 firmly behind him.Haaland was replaced in the 61st minute by Omar MarmoushCredit: APThe Egyptian netted the winner with his first touchCredit: GettyAnd the Spaniard claims his squad wouldn’t deserve the £100million prize money on offer – after their dismal Premier League title defence.Pep said: “We don’t deserve it this season.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We don’t deserve a bonus this season. The bonus, if you win, I don’t know how much.”You go there, (winning) it’s for the club. The managers, the backroom staff, the players we don’t deserve, not even a watch.” More

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    Jurgen Klopp makes first sacking in Red Bull job and could turn old Premier League rival for vacant role

    RED BULL LEIPZIG are searching for a new manager after Jurgen Klopp gave Marco Rose the boot. Klopp began his role as Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull on New Year’s Day. Jurgen Klopp has made his first sacking since being named Red Bull’s Global Head of SoccerCredit: AFPLeipzig coach Marco Rose was given his marching orders on SundayCredit: RexThe popular German left his role as Liverpool boss last summer after nine years on Merseyside.He won the Premier League and Champions League with the Reds, as well as two League Cups and an FA Cup. But it hasn’t been an easy first months for the 57-year-old back in his native Germany.Leipzig sacked head coach Rose after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Borussia Moenchengladbach.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe loss left RB sixth in the Bundesliga and three points outside of the Champions League places. Rose had been in the role since September 2022.He twice qualified for the Champions League and won the German Cup.But a run of just two wins in 10 games meant he was shown the door by Klopp. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMarcel Schafer, Leipzig’s managing director for sport, said: “We have believed in our co-operation with Marco and his team for a very long time and, up to now, tried everything to turn things around together.”Given the development and the continued lack of results, we’re all firmly convinced that we need new impetus for the remainder of the campaign in order to achieve our aims for the season. Moment Jurgen Klopp had penalty meltdown at David Coote before video that’s likely to KO referee’s career”We’d like to thank Marco and his coaching team for the past two and a half years, the success we enjoyed together and their commitment to the club.”Leipzig could now target Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, according to The Mirror. Klopp is a big fan of the Austrian, but will likely have to wait until the summer to make an approach. His role with Red Bull sees him oversee the management of Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, two clubs in Brazil and a third-tier Japanese side.But he has all but ruled out a return to the dugout, claiming he is “done” with management.Klopp said last October: “I will not be the coach of a Red Bull team. That is a clear commitment.”As much as you can give a guarantee, I will not be a coach at all. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I am probably the only person in this room who will be asked, ‘Where are you in five years?’ I don’t have a clue.””But I will not be a replacement of one of the Red Bull coaches. I hope we can create a structure where these questions will not come up at all.” More

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    ‘Didn’t even have time to get to the TV’ – Goalkeeper makes awful howler less than one minute into huge European derby

    PANATHINAIKOS goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski was left with egg on his face against rivals Olympiacos as he conceded an embarrassing goal during the massive Greek derby.Dragowski, 27, and co are taking on the Super League leaders at Georgios Karaiskakis and got off to the worst possible start.Panathinaikos goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski committed an embarrassing gaffe against OlympiacosDragowski got the ball at the back just 47 seconds after kick-offDragowski tried to clear the ball while under pressure from Olympiacos star Roman YaremchukYaremchuk blocked the clearance and the ball ended up behind Dragowski’s netDragowski’s blunder led to the fastest ever goal in the history of the ‘Greek El Clasico’It was just after kick-off when the hosts applied their manager Jose Luis Mendilibar’s high press to force the visitors to a mistake in defence.Sverrir Ingason passed the ball back to the PAO keeper who got a soft touch on the ball.But the Poland international quickly found himself under immense pressure from Olympiacos star Roman Yaremchuk.Dragowski tried to clear but Yaremchuk read the situation very well and blocked the ball, which then ended up behind the net just 47 seconds into the match.Read More on FootballThe Karaiskakis Stadium erupted in loud celebrations while the Polish keeper cut an inconsolable figure.The ex-Spezia ace’s team-mates quickly rallied around him to raise his spirits.However, many fans were left absolutely stunned with Dragowski’s gaffe, which has led to the fastest ever goal in the history of the “Greek El Clasico”.Thrylos 7 International host Martial Debeaux tweeted: “I didn’t even have time to get in front of the TV before Yaremchuk scored by blocking the goalkeeper’s clearance.Most read in Football”Well done to him, his impeccable mentality throughout the season is paying off.”Another fan commented: “I would easily take Dragowski off after that error.”Fans hail ‘pure class’ Nottingham Forest owner Marinakis for what he did after Forest keep dream title hopes aliveA third complained: “What are you doing Dragowski?!”This fan said: “Rip his contract up now.”And that one wrote: “What an assist by Dragowski.”Olympiacos, who are owned by Nottingham Forest supremo Evangelos Marinakis, extended their lead in the 16th minute with a stunning shot by Chiquinho – with Dragowski bearing no responsibility this time around.However, Panathinaikos hit back just nine minutes later with Filip Mladenovic to rekindle the visitors’ hopes in their first Superleague play-off encounter of the season. More

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    Roy Keane shakes head and gives brutal side-eye at Ian Wright’s antics live on ITV during FA Cup coverage

    ROY KEANE was left unimpressed after his live TV segment was interrupted by Ian Wright.The Manchester United legend was pitchside for the FA Cup showdown between Bournemouth and Man City on Sunday. Roy Keane was on punditry duty for ITV as Man City took on BournemouthCredit: ITVThe United legend gave Ian Wright a death stare after being interrupted mid-flowCredit: ITVKeane was giving his thoughts on the game for ITV during the warm-ups on the South Coast. The 53-year-old was in full flow as colleague Wrighty spotted a ball rolling towards the panel. Wright rushed over to kick it back, only to give Keane a sharp nudge from behind in the process.Keane shot Wright a long stare as the ex-England striker burst into hysterical laughter.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Irishman composed himself and joked: “He’s done my ankle!”A laughing Wrighty hit back: “You didn’t even flinch!”Host Mark Pougatch quipped that the “tackle” reminded him of David Beckham’s infamous red card kick on Diego Simeone in 1998. Keane, known for his hardman persona on the field during his playing days, responded: “I’ve had that before, don’t worry.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe ex-United midfielder recently won Pundit of the Year at the Sports Journalism Awards.And he didn’t miss a beat as he returned to talk about Man City’s chances in the quarterfinal.Pep Guardiola suggests Man City trophy bonuses should be scrapped as stars ‘don’t deserve even a watch’ this seasonPep Guardiola’s men arrived on the South Coast knowing the FA Cup remains their only chance at silverware.Things looked bleak as Erling Haaland missed a first half penalty, with Evanilson giving the hosts a shock lead.But the Norweigan redeemed himself after half time, before Omar Marmoush came off the bench to grab the winner.City now progress to the semi-finals as they look to reach the final for a third-straight season.They will face Nottingham Forest at Wembley after Nuno Santo’s side won a tense penalty shootout with Brighton on Saturday.In the other last-four clash, Crystal Palace face Aston Villa. More