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    Conference League clash SUSPENDED mid-game after fan chaos as rivals throw flares at each other

    RIVAL fans hurled flares and fought in the stands – forcing a Uefa Conference League game to be SUSPENDED near the end.The shocking scenes erupted as Slovenian side Olimpija Ljubljana battled Bosnian visitors Borac Banja Luka.Trouble exploded late in a tense finale to the play-offMatch officials had no choice but to halt playLithuanian ref Manfredas Lukjancukas halted the play-off at the Stadion Stozice as smoke billowed out from behind a goal.Fans threw missiles and it even appeared that pieces of railing were detached from the stands as the skirmishes continued.The lengthy delay was one reason for 19 MINUTES of stoppage time.Both clubs are now certain to face a Uefa probe.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBorac went through to the last 16 as a 0-0 draw meant they triumphed 1-0 on aggregate.It came on the same night Fenerbahce’s Europa League clash with Anderlecht was suspended for FIFTEEN minutes after fighting in the stands.Footage on social media reportedly showed a small segment of Olimpija fans attacking their counterparts.Some Borac supporters responded by throwing flares at the advancing yobs.Most read in FootballThe away supporters could be seen charging at the home fans after flares were thrown in their directionBut they ended up being lobbed back at them as the louts continued to run riot.The stadium announcer repeatedly pleaded for order, which was only restored after more than five minutes.Earthquake strikes Lisbon during Champions League press conference and leaves whole room shakingSlovenian midfielder Sandi Ogrinec had hit the only goal of the tie for Borac against his home-country club in time added on during the first leg.And in Thursday’s return, Olimpija’s Alex Blanco saw Djordje Despotovic save his seventh-minute penalty – a costly failure as it turned out. More

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    Tributes flood in as Celtic European Cup final hero dies

    TRIBUTES are being paid to former Celtic goalkeeper Evan Williams, who has sadly died at the age of 81.Williams, born in Dumbarton, played for the Hoops between 1969 and 1974 and was the goalie for their second European Cup final appearance.Evan Williams (right) at the funeral of fellow Celtic hero Tommy GemmellCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowWilliams in action for Celtic in the 1972 Drybrough Cup final against AberdeenCredit: Scottish News and SportWhen Celtic took on Feyenoord in 1970, Williams won man of the match on a night when the Glasgow side lost 2-0 but it could have been a lot worse if not for the man between the sticks pulling off a string of impressive saves.Williams was the first choice ‘keeper in three league title-winning seasons from 1970 through to 1972 and had the unenviable task of taking over from Lisbon Lion hero Ronnie Simpson.He held onto the No.1 jersey after signing from Wolves despite the attentions of John Fallon and Denis Connaghan.Williams made 148 appearances for Celtic before leaving to join Kilmarnock, taking with him four league winners’ medals and two Scottish Cup winners’ medals.Hugh Jordan, a journalist who was a friend of Williams, posted on Facebook: “It’s with great sadness I report the death of my friend Evan Williams, the former Celtic goalkeeper. “He passed away in Helensburgh earlier today, aged 81. “As schoolboys, Evan and I both played football for St.Patrick’s, Dumbarton, although he was a few years older. Not a lot of people know this, but Evan was capped as a schoolboy international playing outfield, which he did at every opportunity. “He would have been well suited to the modern game. Evan signed for Celtic after a stint with Wolverhampton Wanderers and he soon became Jock Stein’s most trusted keeper. Most read in Football”He gave a great performance in the 1972 European Cup final when Celtic lost 2-1 to Feyenoord and afterwards, Dutch superstar Wim Van Hannigan handed Evan his jersey, which he treasured. “40 years ago in July, I accidentally broke my arm, but hadn’t realised until I woke up in agony at 3.00am. Unable to move, I rang Evan who was working as a taxi driver. He came straight over, helped me get dressed and took me to hospital. Barry Robson Part 2 The Tommy Burns quip which brought him crashing to earth on day one at Celtic and the attitude problems which hit him at Rangers”Evan’s dad was Welsh and although I didn’t know him, I knew his mum Nellie very well. She was very proud of Evan and so was I. “I fondly remember great European nights at Celtic Park when he provided a safe pair of hands between the posts.”Upon hearing the news, one fan said: “Sad to hear the news that former Celtic goalkeeper Evan Williams has passed away.”Another said: “So sad to hear my old school friend and Celtic goalkeeper Evan Williams has passed away rest in peace God bless, hail hail.”Maryhill Bertie Auld CSC commented: “Rest in peace Evan Williams. A lovely man and a great Celt.”While this supporter said: “Farewell to Evan Williams who has passed away. The first goalie I ever saw play for Celtic in 1972. A Celt to the core. rest in peace, Evan.”David Currie, who was coached by Williams, recalled: “Sad to hear of the passing of former Celtic goalkeeper Evan Williams. He was my goalie coach at Dumbarton Harp under 21s and I remember he would regularly tell me that Pelé ‘took two touches but scored three goals’ against him! Lovely guy and great coach. RIP the ‘Golden Throw’.”Legendary Celts boss Jock Stein once said of Williams: “I didn’t realise how important you were to Celtic until you weren’t there anymore, and I didn’t realise that goalkeeper is the hardest position of all.”Williams also played for East Fife, Third Lanark, Aston Villa, Clyde and Stranraer before retiring in 1976.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe managed Vale of Leven and then Ardeer Thistle in the junior ranks.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Stephen Graham’s nephew’s football club FINED after Hollywood actor’s foul-mouthed rant at match official

    MOVIE star Stephen Graham landed his nephew’s footie club with a fine and seven penalty points after a foul-mouthed rant at the referee.The actor, 51, was investigated by the FA for calling the match official a “fat t**t” and a “f*****g Teletubby” while he was a spectator at the non-league game.A Thousand Blows star Stephen Graham landed his nephew’s football club with a fine and seven penalty points after a foul-mouthed rant at the refereeCredit: Disney +Graham branded non-league referee David Kennedy, pictured, a ‘f***ing Tellytubby’Graham, middle, on a trip to Barrow Town FC in LeicestershireCredit: FacebookThe Sun told how he flew into a rage in front of dozens of onlookers, forcing kick-off to be delayed.Two months on, the Line of Duty star’s conduct has resulted in Barrow Town FC being hit with seven penalty points and a £190 fine.The club admitted failing to control a spectator.It comes as the star’s new show, A Thousand Blows, premieres on Disney+ today.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd it is understood the match incident came when Mr Graham was in peak physical form after undergoing a strict workout regime for the boxer role.A source said: “Graham’s behaviour was absolutely shameless. The club’s now been punished for his actions, which isn’t fair on players or fans.“Nobody can act like that, even A-list celebrities. He’s let a lot of people down.” The Saturday afternoon game on December 14 was between Barrow Town FC’s first team and Heather St John’s reserve squad near the star’s home in Ibstock, Leics.Most read in FootballThe Boiling Point actor was standing with his son, 17, when he accused the referee of being on a “power trip”.The ref refused to continue until Graham walked away. Stephen Graham lashes out in new pictures of gripping drama A Thousand Blows from Peaky BlindersIt is believed the star phoned the official to apologise later.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    James Trafford on course to complete Newcastle transfer in summer 12 months after move collapsed

    JAMES TRAFFORD is on course to become a Newcastle United player – whether Burnley are promoted or not.The goalkeeper, 22, has been in incredible form for the high-flying Clarets and has not conceded for over 1,000 minutes.James Trafford seems certain to return to the Prem next seasonCredit: ReutersThe England U21 international had agreed to move to St James’ for £16m last summer before the deal collapsed.Manchester City have a buy-back clause as part of the package that took him to Turf Moor in 2023 which states they can re-sign for a £40m-plus fee.But Newcastle are not believed to have any concerns about that and are confident they can get the transfer over the line this summer.Trafford, who has just two years left on his contract, also has his heart set on the move.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis performances have been closely monitored by the Premier League side’s scouts for over the past year.And his ball-playing ability as well as his shotstopping talents have made him a stand-out choice to be Toon’s new No1.Trafford, for now, will be hoping to extend his 11-game clean sheet run on Friday night when third-placed Burnley host Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.Meanwhile, Newcastle are still determined to hold onto Arsenal target Alexander Isak.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLiverpool and Chelsea are also thought to be monitoring the Swedish striker.But the Magpies want around £165million for the Swede – twice what the Gunners would have hoped to pay.Eddie Howe determined to end Newcastle’s trophy drought in Carabao Cup final Newcastle have the 25-year-old on a contract, believed to be £130,000 a week, until 2028.Toon chief Eddie Howe has said: “We of course love him and are desperate for him to stay at Newcastle for many years.” More

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    Europa League clash STOPPED with players immediately sent off pitch after chaos breaks out in stands

    A EUROPA League clash was suspended for FIFTEEN minutes after a fight broke out in the stands.Fenerbahce and Anderlecht players were asked to leave the pitch just SEVEN minutes into their second leg knockout tie in Brussels.A Europa League clash was suspended for 15 minutes after a fight broke out in the standsBoth sets of players were asked to leave the pitchThe referee and Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho were asked to make way down the tunnel insideFenerbahce went 1-0 up inside four minutesFenerbahce were 3-0 up after the first leg in Turkey last week and things got off to the perfect start on Thursday after Youssef En-Nesyri scored inside four minutes.But, just after the celebrations had calmed down, the match was suspended after fans began fighting in the crowd.Both sets of players headed over to where the trouble was, including former Manchester United star Fred, before they were pulled away.Former QPR star Bright Osayi-Samuel went the closest to the chaos and urged security staff to intervene, before Milan Skriniar dragged him away from the area.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFenerbahce gaffer Jose Mourinho appeared to instruct his players to come off the pitch amid mayhem in the stands.Both teams headed back to the dressing room, although other fans at Anderlecht’s Lotto Park Stadium remained in their seats. It was initially unclear what caused the halt to the game, but TNT Sports’ live coverage claimed it was due to a security issue.Referee Sandro Schaerer and Mourinho also swiftly made their way down the tunnel to allow riot police to deal with the disturbance. Most read in FootballRiot police rushed into the stands to deal with the crowd trouble, while stewards also did what they could to defuse tensions.The match has since resumed after a 15 minute stoppage.Anderlecht equalised through Luis Vazquez, before taking the lead in the 55th minute.But centre-back Yusuf Akcicek made it 2-2, which saw Mourinho’s side win 5-2 on aggregate. Fenerbahce are enjoying an impressive season, although they languish six points behind arch-rivals Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig despite winning 18 of their 23 league games.Their squad includes several former Prem stars including Tadic, Dzeko, Fred, Caglar Soyuncu, Diego Carlos, Allan Saint-Maximin, Sofyan Amrabat and Cenk Tosun. More

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    Chelsea learn which two teams they could face as Conference League last-16 is confirmed

    CHELSEA are a step closer to learning their Europa Conference League fate for the last 16.The Blues, who topped the league phase with a flawless showing, now know which two teams they could play in the next round.Chelsea have learnt who they will face in the Conference League last 16Credit: GettyEnzo Maresca’s side bypassed the need for a play-off round and booked a spot straight into the last 16 proper thanks to their league phase efforts.And now the Stamford Bridge outfit will take on one of the winners from the play-off round in the last 16 in March.Chelsea had known they would face one of Gent, Real Betis, Copenhagen or Heidenheim next, but now know that it is between just two of those sides after the conclusion of the play-off round.FC Copenhagen’s 4-3 aggregate win over Heidenheim and Real Betis’ two-legged victory over Gent, means it’ll be one of Betis or Copenhagen who face the tough task of taking on the Londoners.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA draw will take place on Friday to determine which of Betis and Copenhagen will have to travel to SW6 next month.Whoever isn’t drawn to face Chelsea will take on Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes.Chelsea haven’t played against Real Betis since a 1-0 defeat in the Champions League all the way back in 2005.While their last clash against Copenhagen saw them play out a 0-0 draw in the 2010/11 Champions League round of 16.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA tie with Betis would mean Chelsea would have to deal with in-form Antony, who sealed a loan to the La Liga club in January and has been scoring for fun since.As a seeded team, Chelsea will contest the away leg of their round of 16 tie on March 6, with the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge scheduled for March 13.Chelsea could face Antony’s Real BetisCredit: GettyDanish side FC. Copenhagen are their other potential opponentsCredit: Getty’Pressure shouldn’t be on the coach’ – Gary Neville slams Chelsea board for ‘unforgivable’ mistake More

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    I was on books of EFL club’s youth teams… now I’m in England squad for major tournament in completely different sport

    TO most players, a shock promotion to No 3 in the England batting line-up for a crunch match would be a huge change.But perhaps not for Jamie Smith – as he dropped a promising football career to become one of cricket’s most exciting prospects.Jamie Smith has raced up the England batting order to become No 3 for Saturday’s Champions Trophy opener against AustraliaCredit: GettySmith will bat one up from Test legend Joe Root in the ODICredit: GettyEngland are gambling by elevating the powerful hitterCredit: GettyTest legend Joe Root has been moved down to No 4 due to Smith’s rise up the order for Saturday’s Champions Trophy opener against Australia.It will be only the second time the big-hitter has come in first wicket down in professional 50-over cricket.Not only that, the 24-year-old will also take the gloves from Phil Salt, who will continue to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett.But it’s nothing too dramatic for Smith – not compared to the major decision he made aged 15.READ MORE IN SPORTHe was a highly-talented central midfielder for League Two club AFC Wimbledon.And indeed as a kid football dominated his thoughts… until he became the first person in his family to play cricket.Surrey CCC rated Smith so highly at the smaller-ball game that they picked him for their Under-17s when he was just 12.The wicketkeeper-batsman revealed how it all began.Most read in CricketSmith faces a big task behind the stumps and with the batCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe once told the Mail: “No one in my family played cricket. “I was pushed into a holiday camp with my local club, Sutton – something my parents did to keep me busy.”England legend’s son, 16, hits new career milestone with incredible century as dad watches on as his coachHowever, he confessed: “I didn’t really want that to be the case, but I knew with my cricket that I had something a little bit special. “I wasn’t naive. When you’re growing up, people push you for a reason.”They’re putting you in higher teams, because they can see a talent in you.‘It was getting to the point where football and cricket were overlapping too much. “Going on pre-season tours with Surrey in March meant missing things. Doing both wasn’t sustainable.”However, Smith revealed choosing cricket was partly down to a brutal self-assessment of his chances at football.He said: “Walking into a contracts meeting with Wimbledon at the end of the season, knowing how the contracts worked, I was never going to get one. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Everyone had their little percentage score for attendance and mine was 56.”Now, however, that’s a figure he’d love to match for England at cricket, where he averages an impressive 42 in Tests and a modest 22 in ODIs.England cricketer Smith was a youth footballer with AFC WimbledonCredit: Getty More

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    England ace Lucy Bronze hails ‘brave’ Spain players and former Barcelona team-mates following Luis Rubiales case verdict

    LUCY BRONZE praised the ‘incredible’ bravery of Spain international players who were involved in the case brought against Luis Rubiales. The ex-Spanish football federation chief was found guilty of kissing forward Jenni Hermoso without her consent following Spain winning the Women’s World Cup in August 2023.Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexually assaulting Spain forward Jenni HermosoCredit: PASpain’s record goalscorer Hermoso accused Rubiales of kissing her against herCredit: ReutersBronze’s old Barcelona team-mates Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes were among the Spain players who gave testimonies in support of Hermoso during the caseCredit: EPABronze says Spain’s players have been “incredibly brave” in their fight for change within the sport in their countryCredit: GettyEarlier Today Rubiales was convicted of sexual assault after kissing Hermoso on the lips.The incident happened as she celebrated her team’s 1-0 defeat of England in the tournament’s final in Sydney. It marred the triumph for Spain’s players and the forward, who is currently her national side’s record goal scorer. It aslo prompted an international outcry across the sport with the Spanish FA issuing a public apology. Read More Football StoriesAfter being found guilty of sexual assault Rubiales was fined £8935 (EUROS 10,800), but was acquitted of a charge of coercion after being accused pressuring the player to downplay the incident.The conviction came a year and five months after he resigned as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Irene Paredes and Alexia Putellas, Bronze’s team-mates at Barcelona and Arsenal’s Laia Codina appeared at the trial to give testimonies in support of Hermoso Speaking shortly ahead of the verdict reached by Spain’s High Court, Bronze, who played at Barcelona for two years from June 2022 said: “I am good friends with a lot of the players involved around it. Most read in Football“From my point of view it’s been incredibly brave that these players have had to go through that. “It’s incredibly brave, as individuals and as a team collectively they’re fighting for change, not just in that court case but in their federation. “It’s amazing. As an England team we’ve made changes, not for the same reasons, but we stand by them.“During my last year at Barcelona, watching their ordeals after the World Cup, I think it was challenging for them. “It would be nice for them to get back to their football and focusing on that because they are incredible people and unbelievable players as well.”Bronze and her England team-mates will play Spain in the Women’s Nations League on February 26 five days after taking on Portugal. Both matches and the verdict of the Rubiales case come in a month in which female athletes’ safety and abuse directed at female footballers has been in the spotlight. On Sunday Manchester City’s Khadija Bunny Shaw gave a Black Power salute after scoring during her side’s 4-0 win against Liverpool in the WSL. The Jamaica striker was the target of racist and misogynistic abuse following the Cityzens’ 4-3 loss to Arsenal in the Women’s League Cup on February 6. Shaw’s club and a Man City fan group said they were appalled by the “disgusting treatment” of the player who finished last season as the WSL’s top goalscorer. And England and Chelsea’s Millie Bright spoke out against a fan directing expletive-laden insults at her during the Blues’ 1-0 away win at Aston Villa earlier this month. Bronze, who has spoken out on a range of issues facing players in the women’s game, insists it’s important female athletes can use their platforms to push for change and empower each other.The right-back, who joined Chelsea from Barcelona last July, said:  “Everyone is using their platform to make change and to try and be positive and to do the right things. “That is something that is special about women’s sport in general. We all have each other’s backs and try to empower each other. “Sadly there is that negative side to sport in general but we are trying to make change. Khadija Shaw did a Black Power salute after being the target of racist and misogynistic abuse earlier this monthCredit: Getty“We want the world to be a better place, the sports that we play to be better places. READ MORE SUN STORIES“We want to be safe, we want to bring joy and excitement and that is why we all play the sport. “To use our platforms to push those things forward and make change for little boys and girls, that is something we hold really dear to our hearts.” More