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    Marcus Rashford’s delighted brother Dane joins noisy Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub before huge Champions League tie

    MARCUS RASHFORD’S brother Dane was welcomed into the Aston Villa family in a Bruges pub.Footage shared by ITV showed fans serenading about the on-loan Manchester United forward with brother Dane in joining them in Belgium.Dane Rashford, smiling in the middle, was greeted by Aston Villa fans at a pub in BrugesDane, the older brother of Marcus Rashford, was greeted by former Villa star Ian TaylorFans were singing Rashford’s name in the pubRashford was named in Aston Villa’s starting XI for the Champions League clashCredit: AFPDane, the older brother of Rashford, was all smiles as he joined Rashford’s new fans ahead of Villa’s Champions League tie against Club Brugges in the Champions League last 16.Former Aston Villa star Ian Taylor, 56, was there to greet Dane.The ex-midfielder, who played for Villa for nine years between 1994 and 2003, was also seen standing on a table leading the chants.Rashford was named in the starting XI for the clash by Unai Emery.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 27-year-old is yet to open his goalscoring account for Villa, but has already racked up three assists in wearing the club’s claret and blue.He climbed off the bench against Chelsea in the Premier League to set up Marco Asensio twice to seal a 2-1 comeback win.Last weekend he then provided another assist for Asensio’s opener against Cardiff as Villa secured a 2-0 win to move into the FA Cup quarter-finals – where they drew Championship side Preston.Rashford’s more creative side really came to the fore in his last game, creating six chances for team-mates, equalling his highest tally in 426 matches for his boyhood club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAfter falling out of favour at Man Utd under Ruben Amorim, Rashford was sent on loan to Villa.The deal features a £40million option for the Villa Park outfit to make the deal permanent at the end of the season, while Villa are currently paying 75 per cent of his wages.Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transferAs well as Dane, Rashford also has a brother named Dwaine Maynard, two sisters, and one half-sister.Dane is a director of DN May Sports Management – a sports management agency ”with the goal of elevating athletes to achieve their full potential and thrive in their sports and in their wider life” – alongside Dwaine. More

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    Club Brugge vs Villa LIVE RESULT: Villans come out on top in Champions League first leg last-16 with two late goals

    ASTON VILLA start their historic knockout campaign with a comfortable advantage going into the second leg at Villa Park. The Villans started off well as winger Leon Bailey fired them ahead from close range inside the the first three minutes. Though, the tricky Club Brugge would level the contest no more than ten minutes later through Maxim De Cuyper who galloped onto a rolled back pass inside the box and planted his finish into the bottom corner. The back-and-forth contest would peak as Morgan Rogers’ cross from the right wing was turned in by Brandon Mechele on the 82nd minute. Substitute Marco Asensio would extend the lead as the Spaniard converted his penalty kick following Christos Tzolis late foul on Matty Cash. Full-time result: Club Brugge 1 Villa 3Club Brugge: Mignolet, Seys, Ordonez, Mechele, De Cuyper, Onyedika, Jashari,Talbi, Vanaken, Tzolis, Jutgla.Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Garcia, Disasi, Konsa, Digne, McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers, Asensio, Rashford, WatkinsFollow our live blog below… Full-time: Club Brugge 1-3 Aston VillaThat’s all from today’s game. Thanks for tuning in. Stay on SunSport for coverage of every Champions League match tonight.There will be live updates on PSV vs Arsenal.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-3 Aston VillaThe return leg takes place next Wednesday and Club Brugge have it all to do.Villa have one foot in the quarter-final thanks to goals from Leon Bailey and Marco Asensio, with Mechele scoring a crucial own goal.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-3 Aston VillaFT. Two late goals have put Aston Villa in a commanding position ahead of the return leg at Villa Park.It is job done for Emery whose substitutions made the difference.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-3 Aston Villa90. Late chance for Club Brugge but Vetlesen skies over from De Cuyper’s cutback.Another chance goes begging for the hosts which sums up the match.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-3 Aston Villa90. Watkins is replaced by Bogarde as the fourth official signals four additional minutes.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-3 Aston Villa87. Tielemans initially looked to put the ball down but he hands it to Asensio who fires low into the bottom left corner.Copy linkCopiedGoal! Club Brugge 1-3 Aston Villa87. Asensio makes no mistake from the spot!Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-2 Aston Villa86. Cash wins the ball in the box and is brought down by Tzolis.There was minimal contact and VAR checked to see if the ball went out of play before it reached Cash.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-2 Aston Villa86. Penalty Villa!Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-2 Aston Villa82. Rogers is played in down the right and he fizzes across a low ball that looks destined to reach Watkins.But before the striker can tap in Mechele stretches for the ball and can only divert it past his own goalkeeper. Disaster.Copy linkCopiedGoal! Club Brugge 1-2 Aston Villa82. Own goal from Mechele!Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa78. It is a back and forth match now with the intensity ramped up since Villa’s changes.But it is the hosts who look most like scoring.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa74. Big big miss.Tzolis is slipped through and only had the keeper to beat but he somehow smashes over the bar from eight yards.Huge let off for Villa.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa73. Villa look more up for this now and are seeing a lot more of the ball.Emery may take a draw but a win could be huge.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa69. How has that not gone in!A superb delivery is met by Brugge captain Vanaken who heads back across goal, but can only watch as the ball agonisingly bounces past the post.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa68. So close from Villa!Watkins goes close but Mignolet produces a brilliant save to keep the ball out.It falls to Cash who can only blaze over the bar from close range.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa67. Brugge still on top here without creating much.Emery will be hoping the subs re-energise his team, who have looked off it today.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa63. First change and it’s a big one. Rashford, Bailey, McGinn and Disasi all go off.Cash, Asensio, Kamara and Ramsey come on to replace them.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa59. Another Brugge move comes to nothing thanks to Mings.He gets a foot in to deny Jashari just as he was about to shoot.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa57. Emery does not look too pleased on the touchline as his side struggle to get a foothold in the game.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa54. Onyedika unleashes a shot from distance but it is easy for Martinez to deal with.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa52. Club Brugge go up the other end and Mings has to stretch to put the ball out for a corner from a low cross.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa51. Villa break as Rogers turns on the halfway line and runs at the defence.He feeds Watkins but the ball is pinched off his toe.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa49. A steady start to the second period with Club Brugge dominating the ball so far.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa46. The second half is underway with no changes for either side at the break.Copy linkCopied More

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    Newcastle issue fierce warning over Isak and Guimaraes transfers with club ready to ‘spend to the max’ after FFP U-turn

    NEWCASTLE UNITED delivered a fierce hands-off warning to Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City over stars Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes.In a remarkable change of tune from 12 months ago, when the club warned fans it might have to sell one of its star assets to meet Prem PSR rules, chief executive Darren Eales said there was NO way any of Eddie Howe’s main men would have to go this summer.Newcastle want to keep Alexander Isak at St James ParkCredit: GettyThe club have issued a hands-off warning to clubs interested in their starsCredit: GettyEddie Howe’s men are chasing another top four finish this seasonCredit: GettyAnd he also insisted Saudi owners PIF are ready to “spend to the max” to try and make the Magpies champions.Eales on Tuesday unveiled the club’s accounts for last term showing a loss of £11.1m – despite revenues enjoying a 28 per cent increase to a record £320.3m – a figure way down from the previous year’s £73.4m.That means they are not at risk of breaching Prem FFP rules and there is no compulsion to sell.Eales said: “We’re in a position now where because of the fact we were able to move a couple of players in January (2024) that weren’t really impacting on minutes on the pitch. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”We’ve got that wish and desire to keep our key players, they’re all under long-term contracts. “So from that perspective we have no intention at all of those players being moved on, and we’re not under the gun or anything like that.”We’ve got an ownership that is ambitious, wants the best for the club. So from that perspective, it’d be crazy for us to consider it.”On the constant links with Toon’s top stars being chased by Prem rivals, especially 22-goal top scorer Isak, Eales said: “It is part of football. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”You would rather have people talking about players than not in the sense we know he is a world class player and he is somebody, obviously, other clubs would covet because he is an incredible player.“It is part and parcel of the world we live in, but it is frustrating. It is part of what football is, everybody wants to have a story and talk about it.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires “But when you think about the growth of Newcastle we have the ambition to be a top club.“There is a sense of annoyance as we are almost seen as the next category down and it is fair game to talk about our players but we are striving as a club to be at the top table.”We want our best players here and to be honest it shows the value Isak has that they talk about him all the time.”He continued: “The reality is that all of our players are under long-term deals. “They’re committed to the club. So, from that perspective, we’re not looking to move any player on.”And Eales even confirmed our reports that they will be looking to tie down the £150m-rated Swedish hotshot to a new deal.The chief said: “We’re going to be clear – he has multiple years left so all of these things, we will have the discussions in terms of a new deal just like we did with, whether it’s Joelinton, Bruno or Anthony Gordon.”That’s something that we will approach in the summer.”Frustrated fans, and boss Eddie Howe, have had to endure three difficult transfer windows in which no major additions were made to bolster the starting XI.However, after cutting cloth accordingly to avoid breaching PSR rules and a new spending cycle set to begin, plus upcoming updates on stadium and training ground plans, Eales assured supporters that their Saudi owners were still as keen as ever to take them to the very top.Though he was reluctant to go all-out and promise a transfer war chest for Howe this summer in order to avoid prices being hiked up for potential targets.My View – ‘Toon are daring to dream’ By Gary Stonehouse THE TOON ARMY are daring to dream again after Darren Eales revealed the latest club accounts.And finally excitement can start building again over Newcastle’s rise under the Saudis after the growing pains of recent times.Key mega-money decisions over the stadium and a new training ground are due to be confirmed over the coming months.But it is the players on the pitch that fans are most interested in rather than generational moves regarding a redevelopment or building of a brand-spanking home from scratch.Despite being the richest club on the planet, frustrations have mounted for the past 18 months over a lack of investment in the playing squad.And the PSR issues hindering their route to the top, coupled with continual interest in the likes of star man Alexander Isak, has led to tensions mounting amongst supporters.But in a clear message, after three tedious and problematic transfer windows, it looks like boss Eddie Howe will finally feel the benefit of the Saudi dollar once more.Unlike last year when the club conceded they could have to sell a major star in order to avoid spending sanctions, the message from the CEO this time is loud and clear that their top talents are going nowhere.After the penny-pinching and player exits that has left Howe with a threadbare squad, Newcastle are also ready to bolster his playing staff again.The amount of his transfer kitty will depend on whether he can lead them into the Champions League for the second time in three seasons.And, naturally, Eales played it coy on a potential war chest being opened as they look to avoid the inevitable ‘Newcastle Tax’ being increased by selling clubs.But his declaration that Saudis remain as ambitious as ever and will “spend to the max” to achieve their dream of Newcastle eventually becoming champions is exactly what every Magpie wanted to hear.The pesky PSR hurdle might still make that dream a while off, Howe is just days away from potentially ending the 70-year wait for major silverware with next week’s Carabao Cup Final looming.And that prospect, along with the soon-to-be announced details regarding the stadium and training ground, means 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest year yet in the famous old club’s distinguished history.He declared: “We have been clear on this, ownership has committed to spending to the maximum amount we can within the rules.“If the rules weren’t there we’d spend more. Because they are an ambitious ownership group that is looking to drive Newcastle to be sustainable and competing for trophies. “Ultimately we want to be winning the Premier League – but we have to do it within the constraints of what we have.”Eales added: “From my perspective, and I deal with them day to day, they are 100 per cent committed to Newcastle. “That’s the exciting part, there is no change in terms of where we want to get to.”The one thing we’d say is that we have to do that within the regulatory regime that is there. How Howe turned Toon around WITHOUT Saudi billionsBY GARY STONEHOUSEEDDIE HOWE has got “the richest club in the world” fighting for honours regularly again despite not being able to blow the big Saudi bucks.The 47-year-old achieved legendary status at Bournemouth by guiding the then-skint Cherries all the way from League Two into the Premier League promised land.Now he is potentially on the verge of writing his name into Newcastle’s history books if he can end their 70-year wait for a major trophy.Howe came mightily close two years ago when he and the Magpies suffered heartbreak in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.Qualifying for the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish softened that blow, and now he is eyeing more than just another Wembley outing as he takes Toon to Arsenal for the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semis.Of course, it has been nothing like those early days at Bournemouth for Howe since he took charge in November 2021 just weeks after their Saudi takeover.There was a big outlay that January transfer window in order to assure the club’s Premier League status, but despite reaching the Champions League, PSR rules have delayed their path straight to football’s top table.Though, despite the purse strings being tightened and even being forced to sell young starlets against his wishes, Howe still has Newcastle punching with the big boys for silverware.The question is though – how has he done it and how far can he go?”At the moment, the way we approach from ownership down – and everyone is aligned – is that we maximise our revenues and with that we spend to the max we’re allowed to, so we incur those losses of £105m over three years to give Eddie and the team the best possible players on the pitch that he wants. “We’re in alignment in terms of how we build that squad.“It’s frustrating because we want to go from A to B in three years, but we can’t do what was done in the past. READ MORE SUN STORIES”The days of an Abramovich or Man City in the early days, you just can’t do that anymore. You can front load the spend, but you have to pay the piper.”We have to be strategic and say the way we’ve approached it is that yes, we got to the Champions League quicker than what anyone thought, but the most important thing after that was keeping our key players and that was the approach that we took.” More

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    ‘Out for a long time after that’ – Angry, frustrated Man Utd boss Ferguson picked injured star and ‘it didn’t end well’

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON was well known for taking risks throughout his career, but Paul Scholes has revealed when one of these backfired spectacularly.Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, Scholes recalled the story of how Owen Hargreaves was left to bare the consequences of one of those risks.Paul Scholes has recalled how Sir Alex Ferguson took a big risk on the fitness of Owen HargreavesCredit: ReutersHargreaves’ injury record had left Ferguson ‘frustrated’Credit: GettyHargreaves joined Man Utd in 2007 and played there through until 2011, but only appeared 27 times due to being plagued by injury.However, Ferguson had grown frustrated and angry with the persistent injuries the midfielder suffered from.And with a crunch match against Arsenal coming up in just over a month’s time, Ferguson was keen to hand Hargreaves some minutes against Wolves.Hargreaves was named in the starting XI for the clash against Wolves, which was his first start since September 2008 and only his second Premier League game since a recurring patellar tendinitis problem.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Scholes recalled how Hargreaves had warned the Scottish coach he was feeling a hamstring injury before Ferguson told him he was playing, only to get injured and be sidelined for a long time.One-club legend Scholes said: “I remember, we had Owen Hargreaves who was unfortunately injured a lot, and the manager eventually became frustrated because we couldn’t get him back.”I remember one game where we were playing Arsenal at home, Owen had been out for some time and was nearly back, and he went out for the warmup and came in feeling his hamstring and you could just see the anger and frustration in the manager’s face.”He said, ‘You’re playing,’ and that was it. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”It didn’t end well – within 15 minutes, Owen had to come off and was out for a long time after that – there has to be frustration from managers as well.”Hargreaves was replaced by Bebe on the right wing after just 10 minutes of the clash, which they won thanks to a brace from Ji-sung Park. ‘He battered me’ – Wayne Rooney reveals worst ever rollicking from Sir Alex Ferguson and Man Utd legend snapped backFerguson had admitted after the game he had taken a risk on the midfielder’s fitness. He said: “We were at the stage where we knew Owen’s knee was okay.”His training performances for eight or nine days previously had been terrific.”He had done really well, which is why we took the chance. “But maybe the tension in the build-up for the lad was too much and he suffered because of it.”It would be Hargreaves’ last game in a Red Devils shirt, with Ferguson saying in his 2013 autobiography that Hargreaves was one of his most disappointing signings.Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings. More

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    ‘I know he loves it there’ – Mo Salah’s ex-coach drops transfer hint over Liverpool ace’s future amid contract stand-off

    LIVERPOOL star Mohamed Salah has been urged to snub interest from Saudi Arabia and focus on creating a lasting legacy at Liverpool, even if he wins the Premier League and Champions League this season.This could be the 32-year-old’s final season at Anfield, with his contract set to expire in the summer and little progress being made on a new deal.Mohamed Salah’s contract expires at the end of the seasonCredit: RexThis could be the Egyptian’s last season at AnfieldCredit: EPAEgyptian coach Diaa El-SayedCredit: AFPThe Reds have some key decisions to make in the coming months, with the important duo of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk in the same boat as Salah.But Diaa El-Sayed, who was Salah’s under-20 coach in 2011 with Egypt and helped transform him from a left-back into a lethal finisher, says everyone in Egypt supports Liverpool because of Salah and would love to see him end his career at Merseyside.He told Sunsport in an exclusive interview from his base in Cairo, Egypt: “I have known Salah since he was just a kid, and I know how honest he is as a human being. “He’s had eight amazing years at Liverpool, and his numbers are just incredible.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“His time there has been amazing, with his teammates, the managers he has worked with, the media, and the fans.“Of course, I want him to stay at Liverpool. We in Egypt would love him to stay beyond this summer. “I also know Salah loves being in Liverpool, and he loves the city too.“He would love to stay at Liverpool to complete his amazing football career. I don’t want to hear that he’s moving to Saudi Arabia, PSG, or any other club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“Because of him, we all follow Liverpool, and so for us, that is where we want to see him end it all.”Salah is the Premier League’s top scorer with 25 goals in 28 games and has risen to third on the all-time Liverpool top scorers’ list, with 131 goals in 241 games. Only Roger Hunt (152) and the great Ian Rush (166) are ahead of him.Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been careful with his words when asked about Salah’s future, especially with reports linking him to a move to Saudi Arabia.Mo Salah calls out Jamie Carragher after Liverpool legend urged him to ‘take a leaf out of Virgil van Dijk’s book’The Liverpool boss said: “Everybody wants him, including us. We want him to extend, of course – that is clear.“I’m not surprised that Saudi Arabia wants him, but I wouldn’t be surprised if other countries want him as well.“He is old enough and wise enough and has done so many smart things in his career that he will make the right decision for himself, and hopefully for us as well.”Mo Salah is the league’s top scorerFive Mo Salah strops at LiverpoolFive times things have got heated during Mo Salah’s Liverpool career.West Ham 2 Liverpool 2 – April 28, 2024Salah gets into a heated argument with Klopp as he refuses to shake the manager’s hand before coming on at the London Stadium.Liverpool 3 Sheffield United 1 – April 4, 2024Salah shakes his head as he is subbed off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over the basement club.Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 – August 13, 2023Salah storms off the pitch after being replaced on 77 minutes on the first day of the season.Brighton 1 Liverpool 1 – November 28, 2020Salah throws his arms up in the air and barely looks at Klopp after being subbed off. Brighton go on to equalise with a last minute penalty.Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 – August 31, 2019Salah gets in a public spat with Sadio Mane after failing to pass to the winger. Team-mate Roberto Firmino says the row had been brewing for some time.Read the full article from Jack Rosser More

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    ‘Nobody wants to throw the baby out with the bath water’ – Gabby Logan’s bizarre hint about new-look Match of the Day

    GABBY Logan used an old turn of phrase to promise that Match of the Day will NOT radically change from next season.Logan, 51, will team up with Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates to host the BBC’s flagship football show, with Lineker stepping down from the role after 26 years in the hotseat.Gabby Logan has vowed fans that Match of the Day ‘won’t be totally different’ in the futureCredit: AlamyKelly Cates (left), Mark Chapman (centre) and Logan have teamed up to host the BBC’s flagship football show from the start of next season, with Gary Lineker stepping down after 26 yearsCredit: PAGary Lineker will step down from the BBC flagship show in MayCates, Chapman, and Logan are set to split presenting duties for Match of the Day and the Sunday show between the three of them.Lineker’s quitting statement said the Beeb planned to make changes when its new contract for the rights to Premier League football began in August.But, despite the end of an era, Logan has vowed that the content of the show will stay the same.Logan told the ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast: “We’ve all presented the show before as stand ins.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But it will feel very exciting at the start of next season. It won’t be totally different.”Nobody wants to throw the baby out with the bath water. It’s a football highlights show, we’ve got the same kind of pundit.”And it’s all about the football.”The idiom is a warning against accidentally throwing away something good when discarding something else.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLogan also revealed the lengths to which she and her co-hosts went to keep the news a secret ahead of January’s official announcement.The former Sky Sports presenter was forced to keep it from her closest pals and family, only husband Kenny being told.’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly She explained: “I didn’t even tell my mum. I set up a group chat and called it ‘The Match of the Day three’.”And there were disappearing messages as Chappers [Chapman] was really paranoid about this. The only person I told was Kenny!”Logan was not the only one to keep her new position secret. New colleague Cates also kept it to herself, with even Dad Kenny Dalglish kept in the dark.They will become the show’s first permanent female presenters.Logan said broadcasting was a “completely different landscape” for women working in sport, both in front of and behind the camera, since she started her career.She added: “There are now so many great male and female broadcasters.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But also, so many more females working in sports, not just in front of the camera or the microphone, but also behind the scenes.”The BBC have confirmed that Alan Shearer and Micah Richards will continue as pundits of Match of the Day next season. More

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    Michael Oliver NOT given Premier League game after horror blunder to not send off Millwall star for brutal kung-fu kick

    BLUNDER ref Michael Oliver has not been given a Premier League game this weekend, following his stunning initial decision not to send off a Millwall player for a kung-fu kick on Saturday.Oliver, 40, needed a VAR intervention to persuade him to issue a red card to Lions keeper Liam Roberts for his outrageous challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.Michael Oliver has been dropped from this weekend’s Premier League actionCredit: RexThe referee initially did not give a free kick for Liam Roberts’ kick on Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: ReutersMateta required 25 stitches for the gash on his earCredit: ReutersThe whistler had not even awarded a free-kick for the horrifying incident in the FA Cup, which saw Mateta taken to hospital and have TWENTY-FIVE stitches for a gashed ear.Eagles chairman Steve Parish branded the reckless tackle as “endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life”.The home side went on to win the FA Cup 3-1 at Selhurst Park and knock out the Championship outfit.The forward was later discharged from hospital after all scans were clear and he was “feeling well”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMillwall manager Alex Neil and Roberts both reached out to Mateta to check on his well-being after the game.Oliver has not been given a match to ref this weekend, and is not down to be a fourth official or VAR.He will officiate Harry Kane’s all-German Champions League clash though as Bayern Munich take on Bayer Leverkusen in their last-16 first leg.The clash will take place tomorrow night at the Allianz Arena.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPGMOL sources pointed to the fact that ref rotation is a common occurrence in the Premier League.Oliver had the weekend of February 15-16 off too, which followed his reffing of a feisty Merseyside derby which ended 2-2 and saw two players and two coaches sent off.Crystal Palace star Mateta stretchered off with horror injury after shock kung-fu kick from Milwall keeper who sees redArne Slot was furious with Oliver after the Merseyside derby last monthCredit: ReutersLiverpool boss Arne Slot was left fuming after the match by Oliver’s performance.The Dutchman was given a two-match ban and a £70,000 fine for his meltdown after the full-time whistle.Slot told Oliver that he would “F*****G BLAME” him should Liverpool go on to lose the Premier League title.The Reds are the favourites to lift the title at the end of the season despite dropping two points against the Toffees.The FA has backed Oliver on this occasion after publishing the full written reasons for the penalties imposed on Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff.Both clubs were also punished for the incidents that were sparked by Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure’s stoppage-time celebrations.A three-person commission explained: “It was reported by the Referee that following the full-time whistle, he was approached by Arne Slot who had entered the field of play to confront the referee and the match officials team. “Tensions were running high. It was alleged that Arne Slot’s manner was confrontational and aggressive. “It was alleged that he initially used abusive words whilst shaking the referee’s hand.”Including that the referee had ‘f****** give them everything’ and that he hoped that the Referee “was proud of that performance.” “The referee thereafter confirms (having reviewed the video footage to clarify) that he was approached again by Arne Slot around one minute later. “In this exchange, Arne Slot once again shook the referee’s hand and said, ‘If we don’t win the league, I’ll f****** blame you.” “It is then further alleged that Arne Slot turned to the assistant referee and shouted twice that it was ‘a f****** disgrace.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”As a result, he was shown a red card by the referee.”Oliver also reported that Hulshoff, who also received a two-game touchline ban but was only fined £7,000, had continued the verbal tirade.Steve Parish on Mateta injuryCrystal Palace chairman Steve Parish spoke to the media at half time about the injury to Jean-Philippe Mateta…He told the BBC: “So far what we know is he’s got a bad gash behind his ear and a head injury. He’s at the hospital so we hope for the best.”There’s a lot of emotion in football but we need to talk about that challenge.”In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve never seen a challenge like it.”I looked to see how old the keeper is, he’s 30 years old.”That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen.”And he needs to have a long, hard look at himself that lad.”Because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life, with a challenge like that.” More

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    Tottenham dealt fresh cruel injury blow as Dejan Kulusevski set for stint on the sidelines with foot problem

    TOTTENHAM’S injury crisis has gone from bad to worse as star forward Dejan Kulusevski has suffered a foot injury.Spurs’ 2024-25 campaign has been marred by injuries, with key players including James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, Radu Dragusin, and Micky van de Ven suffering extended absences.Kulusevski is set for a spell on the sidelines amid a prolific seasonCredit: GettyDominic Solanke is one of many Spurs players to have been injured this yearCredit: GettySweden international Kulusevski is the latest among the wounded. He has been a fixture in Ange Postecoglou’s side this season, contributing seven goals and four assists in 27 league appearances.The Daily Mail report he is undergoing tests as Tottenham look to confirm the full extent of the injury.It is not yet clear how the injury was sustained, though he will likely miss Thursday’s trip to face AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League knockout stage.He will also be a doubt as Spurs host Bournemouth on Sunday in a crunch Premier League tie as Spurs look to climb back into the top half of the table.Read more football storiesSpurs may also ask him to skip Sweden’s matches against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland in the March international break so as to continue his recovery in London.This injury is the first of Kulusevski’s season and only the second he has suffered since signing for Tottenham. The last came in September 2022 when he missed 10 matches with a thigh problem.Postecoglou and Tottenham’s season has been heavily impacted by injuries, with various key players regularly missing extended spells. Solanke Most read in FootballA run of one win in 11 matches between December and January saw Spurs plunge to 15th in the table. He has now recovered slightly to 13th, Postecoglou has been quick to deflect blame. The rise and fall of Ange Postecoglou as Spurs boss”Its just injuries,” he said in late January. “I think the squad we have got together now, they are an exciting squad.”When they are all fit the club will benefit, not just this year but for many years to come.” More