Philippa Kaur

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    Plans to install new football regulator would destroy the Premier League, warns Reform MP Rupert Lowe

    A NEW football regulator would destroy the Premier League, ministers have been warned.Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe said a quango would strangle the competitiveness of one of Britain’s best assets.Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, former chairman of Southampton FC and FA Board member, said setting up a regulator could see the Premier League destroyedCredit: PAHe insisted the league had built itself up without “interference from government or the state” and did not need it now. Mr Lowe — former chairman of Southampton FC and FA Board member — said setting up any regulator would be an own goal.Speaking to The Sun’s Never Mind The Ballots show, he said: “The Premier League’s an unbelievable success.“It brings huge soft power to Britain, it brings huge amounts of tax revenue to the Exchequer.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe then warned that London’s once world-beating financial centre was “destroyed by regulation”.He asked: ““Will the Government take responsibility if football goes the same way as our financial markets after they introduce a regulator?“Light touch self-regulation built the Premier League. Regulation will destroy it.”Mr Lowe also called for the lifting of the 3pm blackout, which forbids matches being shown live on UK television at the traditional kick-off time on Saturdays. Most read in FootballThe regulator would have powers to force Premier League sides to bail out cash-strapped lower-tier teams, clamp down on dodgy owners and ban clubs joining breakaway “super leagues”.The Tories introduced the Football Governance Bill but have since pulled their support.Unify League explained after European Super League launches again in new format Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is battling to get the legislation through the Lords where a cabal of peers is trying to sink it.Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is fighting to push the legislation through the Lords, where a group of peers is trying to block itCredit: GettyA new football regulator planned by Labour would destroy the Premier League, ministers have been warnedCredit: AFP More

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    Chelsea facing striker crisis with Nicolas Jackson ruled out for six weeks as Enzo Maresca dealt injury blow

    ENZO MARESCA has been dealt a blow with Nicolas Jackson ruled out for around six weeks.Chelsea’s main striker has suffered a significant hamstring injury and is unlikely to play again before April.Nicolas Jackson sustained an injury against West HamCredit: AlamyJackson was forced off early in the 2-1 win over West Ham on February 3.He missed last weekend’s FA Cup defeat at Brighton, although boss Maresca claimed beforehand that the problem was not too bad.But a scan this week has shown it to be more serious than first thought and nine-goal Jackson now faces a spell on the sidelines.Chelsea are due back at Brighton on Friday for a Premier League game.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSAfter the recent FA Cup clash with the Seagulls, Maresca admitted that Jackson’s absence severely hampered his team.Fellow striker Marc Guiu is also out for some time with a muscle problem, leaving Maresca facing a crisis up front.Christopher Nkunku deputised last weekend. He has scored 13 times this season but only two of those have come in the Premier League due to limited appearances.Chelsea are fourth in the table and are hopeful of securing a top four finish to guarantee a return to the Champions League next season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey also resume European competition in the Conference League next month, which is the club’s last remaining hope of silverware this seasonBut they will have to do so with their main striker on the treatment table.Cole Palmer shows off his goal scoring skills at Chelsea Training More

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    ‘Obsessed’ – Fans baffled as Rio Ferdinand takes issue with Virgil van Dijk’s HAIR during Everton vs Liverpool clash

    RIO FERDINAND left fans baffled during the Merseyside derby – by obsessing over Virgil van Dijk’s flowing locks.The ex-England defender, 46, joined the TNT Sports commentary crew for the thrilling 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.Rio Ferdinand’s bizarre moment on commentary baffled TNT viewersCredit: AlamyThe ex-England defender singled out Virgil van Dijk and his hairCredit: ReutersFerdinand wanted Everton striker Beto to make life harder for the Liverpool skipperCredit: AlamyFerdinand was alongside Ally McCoist and Darren Fletcher in the TV gantry on co-comms duty. The 46-year-old urged Everton forward Beto to get more aggressive on Liverpool skipper Van Dijk during a pulsating first half.Van Dijk sported his usual locks, gelling back his long hair into a bun.But Ferdinand indicated he wanted Beto to “ruffle him up” and get more involved in a physical battle. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe former Man Utd defender then bizarrely said: “I don’t want Van Dijk’s hair all pristine and nicely gelled. “I want it ruffled and over his face.”Ferdinand would go on to mention the Dutchman’s hair again before the half-time whistle – prompting a flood of comments on social media. One fan responded on X: “Rio’s obsession with Virgil’s hair is concerning.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother said: “The main thing I’ve learnt so far is that Rio Ferdinand has a weird obsession with Van Dijk’s hair.”While a third joked: “Can you sack Rio Ferdinand mid game please lads? If he mentions Van Dijk’s hair one more time I’ll scream.”Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntA fourth laughed: “This has to be the weirdest commentary ever.”And a fifth drily added: “And people say punditry is dead?”On the field, it was a feisty affair at Goodison during a frantic first 45 minutes.Beto put the Toffees into an early lead, finishing brilliantly after Liverpool fell asleep at a freekick.But a teasing Mo Salah cross was headed in by Alexis Macallister to level the scores at the break. Referee Michael Oliver was kept busy as both sides launched themselves into tackles.There were five bookings in the first half alone as tempers flared under the lights.Liverpool looked set to win the contest when Salah netted midway through the second period.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut James Tarkowski equalised with a banging goal at the death.And the action didn’t finish with the final whistle, as a huge brawl broke out after the game and Arne Slot was sent off. More

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    Former Liverpool Champions League winner, 44, completes incredible 24-hour treadmill run covering 106 miles

    JOHN ARNE RIISE has completed an incredible 24-hour treadmill run.The former Liverpool star covered an astonishing 106 miles during the daring challenge.John Arne Riise took a gruelling running challenge in NorwayCredit: InstagramHe covered 106 miles in a 24-hour running stintCredit: InstagramRiise, 44, is a cult hero at Anfield and was a part of the side that won the Champions League in 2005.He retired from playing back in 2023 and has now completed his toughest challenge.The Norweigian took part in a charity running event at Toppform Fitness in the town of Moss in his homeland.The challenge saw runners take on a day’s worth of running on an indoor treadmill.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey raised money for a mental health charity.Most runners only completed segments of the 24 hours, while Riise ran for the full day.His spectacular efforts drew in large crowds as he helped the event raise £17,850 for charity.After completing the mega run, Riise admitted that it was evidently exhausted.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “It’s the toughest and most intense thing I’ve ever been through, physically and mentally.”(The money raised) makes it worth it, even though it was incredibly tough at times.”Miron Muslic ‘very emotional’ after Plymouth knock Liverpool out of FA Cup Riise spent seven years at Liverpool during his careerCredit: PA:Press AssociationRiise also revealed his brilliant plans to start his recovery after putting his body through the gruelling challenge.He proclaimed: “I’m going home, shower, put my feet on the couch, order the biggest kebab ever with hot sauce, Pepsi Max, candy.”Then I’m not going to move for two days.”He also posted a message to his fans on Instagram.He wrote: “This is the moment I finished 24 hours on the treadmill.”Proud of my achievement and especially where I was physically and mentally four months ago.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Did this for a great cause, mental health! I ended up with 172km, in a run I didn’t think I could do.”Thanks for all the support and everyone that participated and ran during this very hard 24 hours.”He won the Champions League 2005 with the RedsCredit: Getty More

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    Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘fears Man Utd could go BUST without Ineos’ chief’s unpopular spree of cost-cutting measures’

    MANCHESTER UNITED co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly fears the club could go BUST – unless he radically cuts costs.SunSport revealed on Tuesday the United chief is set to axe up between 100-200 more staff at Old Trafford. Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly fears Man Utd could go bust unless he cuts costsCredit: AlamyMore than 100 jobs are set to go at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersRatcliffe paid £1billion to acquire 27.7 per cent of the Premier League club last year.The 72-year-old has since taken a sledgehammer to United’s finances.He made 250 of the 1,150 workforce redundant last July and has incensed fans by cutting pay to club ambassadors, including ex-boss Sir Alex Ferguson.According to the Guardian, Ratcliffe has indicated he “has little choice” but to cut costs considerably across the club.READ MORE ON MAN UTD NEWSUnited lost £300m over the past three years – but the United co-owner is confident he can turn things around in two seasons. Insiders told the outlet United would have “run out of cash” had Ratcliffe not injected £240m last year.And Ratcliffe is prepared to keep going with his cost-cutting – despite knowing it is hugely unpopular with fans.Almost EVERY United player could be up for sale this summer at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt’s been a dismal season on the field, with the Red Devils currently languishing in the bottom half of the top flight. Manager Ruben Amorim admitted relegation was a “possibility” and called his side the “worst United team in history”.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmerTo get around PSR rules, homegrown stars such as Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo look set to be sold before investment can begin on the team. United were quiet in the January window, bringing in Patrick Dorgu for £25m from Lecce and youngster Ayden Heaven from Arsenal. Ratcliffe has ambitious plans for Old Trafford and the surrounding area. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charityHe wants to build a “Wembley of the North” on the current site – at a cost of nearly £2bn. The club are still deliberating whether to invest in Old Trafford or move to a new 100,000-seater stadium.A decision is expected on the Government-backed plans before the summer. More

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    Liverpool fans troll Everton in last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park with cheeky banner about moving ground

    LIVERPOOL fans poked fun at Everton with a cheeky away end banner.The Toffees welcomed their Merseyside rivals to Goodison Park for the final time ahead of their departure for Bramley Moore Dock at the end of the season.Liverpool supporters held up a cheeky bannerCredit: AFPFans held up balloons depicting the last year that the Toffees won a trophyCredit: AFPA cheeky banner held up by away fans pointed to Everton’s lack of silverware in recent years.It read: “At least an empty cabinet is easier to move.”Fans also held up balloons with the numbers 30 and 1995, depicting how many years it’s been since Everton’s last trophy.The Toffees’ most recent silverware was the 1995 FA Cup, with Paul Rideout scoring the winner in the final against Manchester United.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEverton fans held up banners of their own, with one reading: “We built this city – since 1878.”It ended up being a fitting final Merseyside derby at Goodison with the thrilling contest ending 2-2.All hell broke loose after the final whistle as well, with Arne Slot being sent off and a huge brawl involving police breaking out.The Toffees have been based at Goodison Park since 1892, having previously played at Anfield.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEverton held up a banner of their ownCredit: AFPThey will move to their new £760million Bramley Moore Dock home at the start of next season.The stadium is set to hold 52,888 fans.ITV forced to apologise as Plymouth hero says ‘I f—ing love it’ TWICE live on air after shocking LiverpoolA “Farewell to Goodison” festival is set to take place between May 30 and June 1.The event is set to feature appearances from club legends, as well as live music.Goodison changeMeanwhile, the site of Goodison Park is set to be turned into 10 new development blocks featuring 173 residential units and affordable housing.A new health centre is also set to be built, in addition to residential care facilities and an education facility.The Goodison Legacy Project commits to building a park, providing new green spaces for local residents.While new office spaces could provide job opportunities for locals.Beto celebrates firing Everton into the leadCredit: PA More

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    Everton star Iliman Ndiaye leaves pitch in tears after suffering horror injury against Liverpool

    EVERTON star Iliman Ndiaye left the field in tears after picking up an injury in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool.The 24-year-old appeared to hurt his knee after accidentally booting the ground before making contact with the ball.Iliman Ndiaye seemed to injure his knee after kicking the floorCredit: GettyNdiaye looked in severe pain as he received treatmentCredit: ReutersThe Everton star left the field in tearsCredit: GettyIdrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure consoled their team mateCredit: GettyNdiaye immediately fell to the ground and medics rushed on to the pitch to attend to him.There was a four-minute delay to the game as the attacking midfielder received treatment.A devastated Ndiaye trudged off the field then burst into tears and hid his face in his shirt.Team-mates Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure, as well as Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk, rushed over to console him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNdiaye was also applauded by Everton fans as he limped down the tunnel.The Senegalese ace was eventually replaced by Jack Harrison 25 minutes into the Merseyside derby with the score 1-1.There was concern for Ndiaye from the TNT Sports commentary box, with Ally McCoist saying: “I think Dominik Szoboszlai might have caught Ndiaye and that is what knocks him off balance.”He kicks the floor. He looks like he may just have tweaked his knee.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSRio Ferdinand was equally worried, adding: “Sometimes you just know the severity of the injury when it is your own body. “You just hope the injury isn’t as bad as it seems right now.”It was a thrilling final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park which ultimately ended 2-2.After the full-time whistle all hell broke loose as a huge brawl broke out and Arne Slot was shown a red card.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stunt More

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    Infamous Man Utd kit which saw Sir Alex Ferguson fined £10,000 set to lose embarrassing record after 29 years

    MANCHESTER UNITED’s infamous kit is set to lose its embarrassing record after 29 years.In 1996, Southampton triumphed 3-0 over the Red Devils after netting all three goals in the first half.Manchester United’s infamous grey kit was only worn for 45 minutesCredit: AlamyThe team changed to another shirt after falling 3-0 down to SouthamptonCredit: Getty Images – GettyGalatasaray’s special shirt was only worn for 34 minutesCredit: GettyTheir game against Adana Demispor was suspended after a ‘walk out’Credit: GettySir Alex Ferguson’s side were wearing the now infamous grey kit.The team opted to change the shirts at the break for a blue and white third kit.The change was done in the hope of switching up the team’s fortunes on the pitch – with the Manchester United players claiming they were struggling to see each other in the grey strip.However, they were unable to get back into the contest and were instead fined £10,000 for the change of shirts.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThis means that the original grey kit was only worn for 45 minutes and is the least work kit.That record has now finally been broken due to Turkish giants Galatasaray.The club wore a special Puma kit in their clash against Adana Demispor.However, their rivals walked out in protest because of the referee’s decisions during the game.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe walkout occurred in the 34th minute of the match, beating Man United’s record by 11 minutes.The match was suspended with the score 1-0 to Galatasaray thanks to a penalty goal from Alvaro Morata. ‘He’s got a pair of b——s,’ says Rio Ferdinand as he hits back at Roy Keane’s criticism of Man Utd star GarnachoAs a result, it could now go down as the kit worn for the fewest minutes in history unless it is used again.Ferguson revealed that the grey kit his team used led to them having trouble seeing each other on the pitch.This theory was eventually proven right by a vision specialist in 2018.The legendary manager also insisted that the fine was the “best £10,000 he ever spent”.Who are these famous footballers? More