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    ‘It is not how we act’ – Mo Salah says Liverpool fans were WRONG to boo Trent Alexander-Arnold in ‘harsh’ statement

    MO SALAH says Liverpool fans were wrong to boo Trent Alexander-Arnold after he decided to quit the Prem champions.The Real Madrid-bound right-back was targeted by the home crowd when he came on against Arsenal at Anfield last Sunday.Mo Salah has backed his pal Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: PAWhen asked if Liverpool talisman Salah was saddened by the reception Alexander-Arnold received from his boyhood club, he replied: “Absolutely. I was surprised because it is not how we act as Liverpool fans.“The fans have been harsh with him. He didn’t deserve that because he gave it all to the fans.“We always appreciate the people who came here, even if it was for six months.“Imagine someone who gave his all for 20 years. It shouldn’t be like this and I hope it will change in the next game – Brighton or the last game of the season – because he deserves the best farewell leaving the club.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“He has done a lot for the city and a lot for the club.”Liverpool boss Arne Slot also called on fans to lay off Alexander-Arnold following the abuse in the 2-2 draw with the Gunners.Slot, who takes his side to Brighton on Monday night, said: “We saw the reaction to Trent – positive as well as negative. Now we need to draw a line under the situation and not let it be a distraction any more.”Slot’s players will face the Seagulls having had three days off for a squad trip to Dubai while the Dutchman headed to Ibiza and the Spanish hot spot’s famous O beach club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut he insists nobody will be on the beach on the South Coast, saying: “Of course if we lose people will say it our fault for letting the players take a break.“But we will also have had three days’ training by the time we play Brighton and we know that physically the players always give everything. Andy Robertson pays tribute to ‘best friend’ Trent Alexander-Arnold after he is booed by Liverpool fans“And mentally, they are always there – as they have shown in winning the league this season.”Slot is understood to be poised to trigger the £30m release clause in right back Jeremie Frimpong’s Bayern Leverkusen that will take him to Anfield.But he stressed : “If I was to say I was bringing in a lot of new players this summer it would seem like I am not happy with some of the ones I already have.“Yet we won the league with very good players and because of that it is difficult to find others just like them.“You assume we need to bring in new players but we are very happy with the ones we have got.”Arne Slot will take his side to Brighton on MondayCredit: PA More

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    Man Utd legend releases EIGHT players including Newcastle fans’ favourite, 33, after EFL relegation

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Mark Hughes has released eight players at Carlisle including a former Newcastle star.Hughes was appointed manager of the Cumbrians in February but was unable to prevent them being relegated from League Two.Mark Hughes has released eight players at CarlisleCredit: GettyPaul Dummett is among the players let goCredit: GettyThe veteran boss penned a rolling contract and is in talks to stay on for next season.And he has overseen the departure of eight players as Carlisle look to start afresh in the National League.The biggest name to be let go is Paul Dummett, who joined Carlisle in January and played three games.Dummett, 33, left Newcastle last summer after making 213 appearances for the Magpies.READ MORE ON MAN UTDCarlisle have released seven other players – Ben Barclay, Taylor Charters, Anton Dudik, Callum Guy, Sam Lavelle, Dylan McGeouch and Josh Vela.While two players have been offered new deals – Matthew Dennis and Kadeem Harris.SunSport exclusively revealed in April that Hughes would be open to sticking with Carlisle in the fifth tier.Hughes couldn’t prevent relegation but oversaw a huge upturn in form.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe won the same number of matches in his 18 in charge as Carlisle did in their 32 games previous this season.Carlisle is Wrexham-born Hughes’ ninth managerial stint, having bossed clubs such as Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and most recently Bradford. More

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    lan Pardew to SKIP Crystal Palace’s FA Cup final – because he doesn’t want to be asked about Wembley ‘dad dance’

    ALAN PARDEW is skipping the FA Cup Final to spare his beloved Crystal Palace any more questions about his infamous Wembley dad dancing.Former Eagles boss Pardew cannot escape Mickey taking over his impromptu touchline jig in celebration of Jason Puncheon’s 78th-minute goal against Manchester United in the 2016 final.Alan Pardew guided Crystal Palace to the 2015/16 FA Cup finalCredit: ACTION IMAGESPardew’s dancing after Jason Puncheon’s opener went viralCredit: BBCSo he has declined an invitation from chairman Steve Parish to go to the game and will instead stay home and cheer on the team from his living room.Pardew, 63, said: “I told Steve that this team deserves so much credit. “The problem with 2016 is that the team didn’t get enough.“Every time it comes up in conversation, my dance comes up with it. READ MORE CRYSTAL PALACE NEWS”And I don’t want there to be even the slightest chance of that happening this time.“I don’t mind talking about it. It was just an off-the-cuff reaction to a goal. No shame. “But this Cup final should be about this Palace team.“I’ve told Steve that if they win, I will celebrate with him at the Wolves game next Tuesday instead. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAlan Pardew will celebrate with Palace chief Steve Parish if they pip City to the trophyCredit: AFP”But I’ll be watching from home for sure.”Palace gaffer Oliver Glasner is determined to make it third-time lucky for The Eagles at FA Cup finals with a shock win over City.WILD De Bruyne & Martinelli stats set to shape FA Cup final weekend | Experts’ bets – Weekend WagerThe Austrian said: “It feels like more than a normal game. There’s much more attention and much more interviews to do during the week.”But our preparation was more or less the same as in the Premier League games and before the semi-final or the quarter-final and all the other games.”We focused on what we want to do tomorrow at Wembley. We analysed Manchester City, but 90% of the time we were talking about us.”Because this is what we can influence, we can influence our performance, we can influence what we want to do in and out of possession and so the focus was on our game.”Also we just made one or two small adjustments, because the players especially did very well in the last couple of weeks and so we’re up with a lot of confidence and looking forward to the final.” More

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    England’s biggest crisis club relegated THREE divisions after being left with no pitch and playing 70 miles away

    NO senior football club in England has gone from nightmare to nightmare like debt-riddled Farsley Celtic.But it’s somehow got worse – AFTER the season finished.Farsley Celtic hope to set up a new groundshare for next seasonCredit: RexCeltic were not able to use their ground this seasonCredit: RexFans blasted an “absolutely crazy” situation as Celtic have been relegated THREE DIVISIONS.Crisis upon crisis has descended upon the semi-professional Yorkshire club following a failed decision to put in an artificial pitch at their Throstle Nest ground last year.It never got built – so Celtic played most of their 2024-25 ‘home’ games 70 miles away in Buxton, Derbyshire.They famously lost ex-Leeds star Neil Redfearn as manager in February after just three weeks in charge.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSControversial chairman Paul Barthorpe then departed – with Celtic forced to field youngsters on the way to finishing bottom of the National League North.But instead of dropping into the Northern Premier League, they have been booted all the way down to the ninth tier – the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.Low points of the season included a 6-1 defeat to then-bottom Needham Market – when Redfearn was absent without explanation.Women’s team manager Izzy Roads and youth coach Phil Lake took the reins, with Redfearn later revealing he had resigned days earlier.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKUnder-fire Barthorpe soon quit too after six years steering a club that had went bust in 2010 but reformed in 2015.Now homeless Celtic have been denied a licence to play in Steps 1-4 – the four highest levels below the EFL.The club said: “As a board we recognise this will be as disappointing for our fans as it is for us. It’s not what we wanted. “But sometimes you need to take a step backwards in order to move forwards, and pragmatically we believe this move to be necessary to protect the long-term financial future of our club.”One fan responded: “It’s absolutely crazy that Farsley Celtic has dropped three divisions to now the 9th tier of the English football pyramid. “It’s an absolute joke, should never have got this far out of hand.”Another wrote: “Triple relegation to Step 5… what a mess!”However, a third supporter took a longer-term view.He posted: “Like any fan I want to get back up ASAP but we need time to stabilise behind the scenes and then get back up where we belong. “I’d say 2-3 seasons hopefully then we go back up with a sustainable model.” While we could have appealed against this decision, the long-term future of the club remains our priority Club statementCeltic issued a lengthy statement on being booted down the leagues – insisting a groundsharing deal has already nearly been sorted for next term as they rebuild gradually.They said: “At the end of the last season we said our efforts would be concentrated around ensuring the financial stability of the club. “A season playing all our games away from The Citadel was always going to leave us with a financially challenging summer.”The debts facing the club have continued to mount in recent weeks.”We are in a situation where we have to be pragmatic. NCEL offers us significantly lower travelling costs and running costs in general as we seek to stabilise the club.”Celtic are finally hoping to get a new surface so they can return home.Their statement added: “Our funding bid for a new pitch will be decided by the Football Foundation next month. “Our planning application for new energy efficient and reliable floodlights is being considered by the council and is subject to a funding bid. “A ground share for the start of next season is almost agreed, and we are still working on securing a lease for the ground.Read More on The Sun”While we could have appealed against this decision, the long-term future of the club remains our priority and a lot of work is being put in by the board and others to ensure Farsley continues to have a semi professional football club. “The long-term future of our first team, Deaf, Junior and Women’s sides continues to be our priority.” More

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    Inside Jason Puncheon’s new life as manager in Cyprus nine years after ex-Crystal Palace ace, 38, netted in FA Cup final

    JASON PUNCHEON could enjoy a double celebration this season.In his first season as a manager in Cyprus he led Akritas Chlorakas to promotion to the top tier.Jason Puncheon is forging his path as a manager in CyrpusCredit: INSTAGRAMPuncheon put Palace 1-0 up in the 2016 FA Cup finalCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAnd on Saturday his ‘team’ Crystal Palace will make their first FA Cup final appearance since he scored but Palace lost 2-1 against Manchester United in 2016.The 38-year-old has been based on the Mediterranean island for five years as a player and now manager, and is enjoying a contented but hard-working life 2,000 miles from his old home in  London.The former midfielder made a life-changing decision about his career while playing at Huddersfield in the Prem in 2019. But it was more or less made for him, following a remark by one of his daughters.He explained: “I was travelling up and down the country because my family were still living in London and I was in Yorkshire at Huddersfield for most of the week.READ MORE CRYSTAL PALACE NEWS“My second-youngest daughter provided a wake-up call one day when she said to me, ‘Daddy, why are you away all the time?’“It really struck a chord with me and I couldn’t get it out of my head as I was travelling back to Huddersfield.“I knew that whatever move I made next, it would have to be for the whole family, not just me.“When the idea of  joining Cypriot top-flight club Pafos came up in 2019, the idea of moving here to build a new life with my family  appealed to all of us. We are really happy.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPuncheon finished his playing career in CyrpusCredit: Pafos FCPuncheon was at Pafos for three seasons before switching to Anorthosis Famagusta two years ago.He said: “I was planning that I would have one last season playing for Famagusta. For several years my mind had always been geared into coaching when I retired and I dipped my toe in the water at Peyia, AEZ Zakakiou and Ayia Napa. It was a great learning curve.”How can Glasner make Palace compete v Man City in FA Cup final?However, he was appointed head coach at Akritas Chlorakas on November 20 last year — and within five months led them to promotion.He said: “Managing here is a huge challenge as it is a different culture to what I’ve been used to in England.“I am enjoying the success of promotion but I know the hard work has only just started.“Next season it’s going to be another level, but I’m ready for it.”Puncheon completed all his Uefa A and B badges alongside Djimi Traore, Juan Pablo Angel and Carlton Cole before moving to Cyprus.It is interesting to hear him speak about the future and whether  continued management success in Cyprus may see a return to England. He said: “I am not even thinking that far ahead at the moment.“The results have been great for me and the club since November and to be promoted is a big step. My entire focus is now on next season.”Puncheon played for Palace between 2013 and 2019Credit: Getty Images – GettyPuncheon revealed that he has always been football mad, explaining:  “My whole life I have always felt I’ve had a ball at my feet.”And he remembers his league debut for Wimbledon in March 2004 as though it was last week.He said: “I was a sub and came on at half-time at Walsall. We lost the game 1-0. The thing that sticks in my mind is I was playing against Paul Merson, who came on as a sub.“I switched to MK Dons but I was released by the club in 2006.“Joining Barnet in League Two was a breakthrough for me, where I started to play regularly.”Puncheon played for Barnet in his younger yearsCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe midfielder also turned out for MK DonsCredit: PA:Empics SportPuncheon had spells at Plymouth Argyle and further stints on loan at MK Dons but he reflects on joining Southampton in 2010 — where he believes his career went up several notches.He said: “All my previous clubs had given me a platform to play but, even though Southampton were in League One, the facilities and structure were that of a Premier League club.“During my early days  I had a loan spell at Blackpool where I played in the Prem for the first time but Saints were on another level.”Within three years, the Saints had back-to-back promotions and were back in the top tier for  2012-13.The Londoner made 32 Prem appearances for Saints that season as they finished in 14th.But in the  summer of 2013, he signed a one-year loan with Crystal Palace. He said: “Growing up Palace was my team, all my family were fans, so joining them felt special.”Puncheon joined Southampton in 2010Credit: Action Images – ReutersSix months later he made the loan permanent in a £1.75million deal.He talks proudly of wearing the skipper’s armband for Palace and of two of his standout goals among the 16 he netted for the Eagles in his six years at Selhurst Park.He revealed: “The winner against Norwich in April 2016 was huge in terms of making sure we stayed up that season. There is an iconic photo of us celebrating the goal.“Then there was scoring the opener in the FA Cup final  against Manchester United with less than 20 minutes remaining.Read More on The Sun“I wished it had been the winner. Sadly Juan Mata equalised and then Jesse Lingard scored the winner for them in extra-time.“I would be absolutely overjoyed if they went one better this season and won the Cup next month.”Puncheon will be supporting his old team in Saturday’s cup finalCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    Why is Moises Caicedo wearing a mask for Chelsea against Man Utd?

    CHELSEA take on Manchester United at Stamford Bridge TONIGHT – but Moises Caicedo has a new look.The Blues are chasing a top five finish, while Utd are searching for momentum as they head towards the Europa League final.Moises Caicedo was seen wearing a mask during Chelsea’s warm upCredit: REUTERS/Hannah MckayChelsea take on Man Utd at Stamford Bridge tonightCredit: GettyLast season saw Chelsea dramatically beat Utd 4-3, with Caicedo’s mistake handing Alejandro Garnacho the first of then Ten Hag’s side on the night.Cole Palmer scored twice in injury time to turn the game from a 3-2 loss to a 4-3 win, and former Blue Mason Mount squared up to Enzo Fernandez to get the crowd going.SunSport can reveal why Moises Caicedo is wearing a mask for the clash tonight.Read more FootballWhy is Moises Caicedo wearing a mask?Moises Caicedo sustained a cheek injury against Newcastle last weekend.The Blues were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle.Caicedo will wear the mask as a precaution for at least the game tonight.How to watch Chelsea vs Man UtdChelsea vs Manchester United will come LIVE on Sky Sports.The Blues clash against United will stream on NOW TV, Sky Go and the Sky Sports app.The game will kick-off at 8.15pm BST.SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens.Most read in Football More

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    Lando Norris to boycott social media after being subjected to fresh abuse as F1 star falls behind Oscar Piastri

    LANDO NORRIS has boycotted social media after falling behind McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in the F1 title race.Despite Norris’ pre-season billing as the Championship favourite, the McLaren star has been outdone by the Aussie’s momentum in the opening six races of the season.Lando Norris has faced a torrent of abuse and is ditching social mediaCredit: AlamyAnd Norris has been subject to fresh hate and abuse since falling 16 points behind Piastri, who – despite playing second fiddle to the Brit last year – is the new bookie’s favourite.Speaking to reporters including SunSport in the McLaren motorhome at Imola, Norris opened up about his online detox ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this Sunday.The 25-year-old admitted: “I’ve not been on social media for a few weeks now. It’s not something I enjoy. I don’t need to be on it.”It’s my life and I can do what I like. I enjoy not going on my phone as much as I used to. I still text my friends.READ MORE F1 NEWS“But I see social media as a waste of my time and energy. I don’t need it or want it. I don’t find it interesting.“I’ve got more time to do things that I want to do, I play golf and train and want to be productive.”Norris didn’t clarify on his reasons why, but the Brit has been at the receiving end of unnecessary trolling from sections of fans in recent weeks.Of course, it’s still too early to write any driver off with 16 more races up for grabs, but the feeling in the Norris camp seems somewhat bleak going into the European triple header.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDespite sitting second, Norris also revealed he feels “unhappy” with how his MCL39 feels and isn’t bothered about the current standings.Asked if he was thinking about the title, Norris said: “No, is the answer.Max Verstappen and Lando Norris open up on F1 rivalry after controversial clashes“I don’t care about it and won’t think about it. It is easy for things to change.“Oscar has done a good job. But a lot of it is just focusing on myself.“He’s just another competitor. Another guy, he’s just dressed in the same colours.“It’s been clear that there have been differences from last year in how the car works, how it acts, and how I’m able to get lap time out of it and perform.“I’m obviously not happy at the moment, but we will see with the upgrades this week.”Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, 40, unfollowed everyone on Instagram, including all of his Ferrari team, in the days after his played-down radio spat with team strategists in Miami last time out.On this, Norris added: “Lewis can do what he wants, good for him.”Read More on The SunThe Brit’s first season since leaving Mercedes has been a big let down so far, as the Scuderia were meant to be challenging for the title after finishing second in the Constructors race last season.Instead, Andrea Stella’s team linger a staggering 152 points behind leaders McLaren, while Hamilton sits 90 points adrift of Piastri and behind both Silver Arrow drivers in seventh. More

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    ‘No one is happy’ – Max Verstappen breaks silence after explosive Christian Horner F1 sacking rumours

    MAX Verstappen has spoken out against Christian Horner sacking rumours ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Friday.The Red Bull star, 27, spoke to Sky Italy about his controversial team principal’s status as the team sit 141 points adrift of leaders McLaren.Red Bull’s Christian Horner has found himself in the headlines recently with sacking rumoursCredit: GettyVerstappen has dismissed sacking rumoursCredit: GettyHorner, Red Bull boss since 2005, has turned heads after ruthlessly dropping Liam Lawson and being involved in a sexting scandal last year.The longest serving team principal on the grid has been tipped to leave by Austrian outlet oe24 but his star pupil does not share the same view.Verstappen said: “Honestly I have no idea where [the rumours] come from to be honest.”So, people ask me questions about that, and I’m like, ‘honestly, I really don’t know who even puts that in the world.'”READ MORE F1 NEWSThat is not to say that everything is great in the team as Red Bull are lagging behind in the Constructors’ Championship in third after six rounds.Verstappen himself is 32 points behind leader McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in this year’s championship but insisted his focus remains in the car.The Dutchman said: “No one is happy or satisfied with their performance, you always want to be better, you want to perform more.”So, for me, these rumours don’t mean anything.”Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRed Bull have won six constructors’ and eight drivers’ titles under Horner but are looking to increase that.Verstappen said: “We want to improve the car, and that’s what everyone in the team is focussed on.”Max Verstappen snaps at Sky Sports broadcaster as he addresses Red Bull futureIt’s not just the Red Bull boss who has come under fire but also his driver as Verstappen has been criticised for his incognito practice session ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix.Practice for the Emilia Romagna GP is on Friday, qualifying on Saturday and the main event is on Sunday.Sky Sports will stream the event live, alternatively SunSport will live blog the action as it happens. More