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    ‘We’re still in the last century’ admits Jim Ratcliffe as Man Utd chief hints at major change to rescue ‘mediocre’ club

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has labelled Manchester United “mediocre” and warned that “difficult and unpopular decisions” would be needed to get the club back to the top.Ratcliffe came under scrutiny earlier this week after the controversial decision to raise prices for unsold Premier League tickets to a minimum of £66 regardless of age.Sir Jim Ratcliffe said Man Utd had become ‘mediocre’ and that ‘difficult’ decisions would need to be made to get the club back to the topCredit: PAThe decision to raise unsold ticket prices to a minimum of £66 regardless of age sparked fan protestsCredit: PAThe Man Utd co-owner insisted he did not want to price out local fansCredit: GettySpeaking to United We Stand editor Andy Mitten in a bombshell interview, Ratcliffe was asked about the decision to scrap concession ticket prices.The Ineos billionaire, who now controls a 27.7 per cent share in Man Utd, said: “The club has drifted for a long period of time, a decade or so. Manchester United has become mediocre. “It’s not elite and it is supposed to be one of the best football clubs in the world. That’s what it used to be under Alex [Ferguson]. “There is major change to come to achieve elite status. There has already been huge change.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing Ineos’ takeover of football activity at the club, a number of key appointments have been made to improve the club’s structure including the arrivals of Dan Ashworth and Omar Berrada as director of football and CEO.Ruben Amorim was appointed as the team’s new manager after Ineos sacked Erik ten Hag despite initially keeping the Dutchman in the summer – decisions costing the club £21.4million.On those calls, Ratcliffe said: “I know we get criticism in the press but we do need to challenge the cost of running this club because what I want to be free for us to do is buy really good footballers, not spend so much of the money on infrastructure.”We can’t run a business at a loss, which is where United have been in the last couple of years. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”If you are losing money you have to borrow from the bank to pay for the losses. Eventually that becomes unsustainable…”We’re on the way, but this won’t happen overnight. There are financial issues which we need to address because we’ve inherited a financial situation that only time will solve.”Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decisionAsked specifically about the rise in ticket prices which sparked furious fan protest at Old Trafford earlier this week, he said: “It’s an emotive one, ticketing, but we have to have some benchmarks with ticketing.”We must make sure that we look after the community because at the end of the day it’s their football club. “We need to make sure that people who are genuine supporters can afford to go. Maybe their circumstances don’t allow them to spend a fortune on tickets.“I 100 per cent get that. But we have to balance that and optimise our ticket income because it feeds back into how do we win the Champions League or Premier League.“I’m very cognisant that we have to look after the community because it’s the community’s team, but equally I want to optimise the revenue from people who can afford it.”Ratcliffe argued the decision only looked at three per cent of the tickets and insisted he did not want to price out locals.He added: “I understand that. I was brought up on a council estate in Manchester, I absolutely get that. “I don’t want to end up in a position where the genuine local fans can’t afford to come, but I do want to optimise the ticketing. We need to find a balance. And you can’t be popular all the time either.“Here, we’re talking about three per cent of the tickets. That’s not the issue. “The issue, as you say, is whether this is the thin edge of the wedge. I don’t think it makes sense for a Manchester United ticket to cost less than a ticket to see Fulham.”Ratcliffe also slammed the team’s recruitment in recent years, describing the club as in the “last century” in terms of data analysis.He said: “We’ve not been good enough at recruitment, you probably agree with that. Everybody would agree with that.”And until we’re as good as anyone in the world, then it’s not good enough for Manchester United.”We must have the best recruitment in the world. Data Analysis comes alongside recruitment. It doesn’t really exist here. We’re still in the last century on data analysis here.“There’s an immense amount of useful data that we can get from data analysis and we’re in the ‘very poor’ bracket with data analysis here. “These things don’t happen overnight. You can’t just flick a light switch and sort out recruitment. It’s all about people and we need to find the right people.”The other big one is we need to run the club efficiently and well. We need to sweat every pound so that we have more capacity for the investment in players. “Those are the big-ticket items which take up time.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The other point here is how you grow the amount of money that you can spend on players. You can run the business more efficiently. And you can grow the top line.”Ratcliffe added that he wants staff morale to be driven by results on the pitch and that he saw much-maligned majority owners Joel and Avram Glazer as nice people “who are “genuine fans of the club”. More

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    West Ham’s Michail Antonio trapped in his Ferrari for 45 minutes after horror crash as injuries revealed

    WEST Ham’s Michail Antonio was trapped in his Ferrari for 45 minutes after a horror car crash today.The footballer, 34, was airlifted to a London hospital after his £260,000 Ferrari FF smashed into trees in Epping, Essex, at around 12.50pm.A source told The Sun Michail’s legs have been ‘shattered’ in the horror crashCredit: GettyPhotographs at the scene show extensive damage to the front of the FerrariCredit: XThe footballer was reportedly trapped for 45 minutes before fire crews cut him freeCredit: XEx-wife Debbie travelled from her home in Manchester to be at his bedside.A source told The Sun on Sunday: “He is in a serious condition.“He is conscious and communicating but everyone at the club is very worried. We are all just praying he gets through this.”Onlookers reported grey smoke pouring from the car which crashed in Theydon Bois, Essex — close to the home of West Ham owner David Sullivan.Read More on West HamOne said: “There were other cars stopped and people were on their phones calling 999.“It was awful weather, rain, wind and very slippery on the road. It didn’t look like another car was involved.”It looked like it had spun out of control.“I only found out later who he was. I hope he’s OK.”Most read in FootballA motorist who passed the scene added: “The right wing was ripped off, as well as the right front wheel and driver’s door.“I could see firefighters had to cut away parts of the car to get him out. It looked like he had some face injuries.”Another source also claimed the footballer’s legs had been “shattered” in the crash.Horrific photographs from the scene show the shocking aftermath. Michail’s silver Ferrari lay at the side of the road on the verge of surrounding woodland. There appeared to be extensive damage to the front, driver’s side, with the windshield crumpled. Pictures revealed only the back of the car remained in tact.In an update on X, the club confirmed Michail is in a “stable condition” and remains in hospital after the single vehicle collision.The dad-of-four is “under close supervision” but is “conscious and communicating”.”West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area,” the club wrote on social media. “Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital.”At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family.”The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.”They shared earlier: “West Ham United can confirm striker Michail Antonio has today been involved in a road traffic accident.”The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with Michail, his family and friends at this time.”The Club will issue an update in due course.”Michail has been at West Ham United since 2015 and played in a range of positions including right back, right midfielder, and as a winger.Eventually, he established himself as the club’s main striker and on 23 August 2021 he became West Ham’s top scorer in the Premier League.Fans on X were quick to send their best wishes and prayers following the latest update.One said: “Amazing news. Here’s to speedy recovery Michail take all the time you need.”Another added: “Good news! Glad to hear this.”A third said: “Wishing Michail Antonio a speedy recovery. Glad to hear he’s in stable condition.”Thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time. Hoping for a full and quick recovery.”A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Officers investigating a serious collision in Epping are asking for witnesses and dash cam footage.”We were called shortly after 12.50pm on Saturday 7 December to Coppice Row, Epping, following reports of what is believed to be a single vehicle collision involving a Ferrari.”Emergency services attended and the driver has been taken to hospital.”The vehicle has been recovered and we are no longer on scene.”An investigation will be carried out by our Roads Policing Unit.”If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”Please quote incident 605 of 7 December when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.”Alternatively, please email the investigating officer, PS Mark Hewitt.”An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: “Crews were called to High Road, Epping, at 1.02pm this afternoon after reports of a road traffic collision involving one car. “On arrival firefighters reported that a man was trapped in his car and worked to release him by 1.45pm. “The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.”Michail previously opened up about a car accident on Christmas Day in 2019 when the footballer ploughed his £210,000 Lamborghini into a south London garden while dressed as a snowman.”This conversation is very like… (touches chest),” He told the On The Judy podcast previously. “Still to this day it’s hurt me.”Basically yeah, slippery road. Obviously, in the car, it holds corners nicely in it so I’m going like 30, maybe 35, on a 30 road.”It holds corners so I’m thinking I don’t even need to break, I’m just gonna go around the corner, sick car.”As I’m going round the corner, it skids. So I s*** myself and I slam on the breaks.”Worst thing you can do on ice, yeah, slam on the brakes cause you just speed up. Slam on the brakes, just skid but I’ve just gone up the curb.”I don’t even remember it and then I’m seeing smoke coming out the front of the car.”Antonio has made 15 appearances this season and scored once. He is the club’s all-time Premier League top goal scorer, with 68 goals.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe forward joined the club in 2015 from Nottingham Forest and was named as the club’s Player of the Year in 2017. West Ham face Wolves in their next Premier League match tomorrow night.Michail has played for West Ham since 2015 and made 15 appearances this seasonCredit: GettyThe dad-of-four is ‘under close supervision’ but is ‘conscious and communicating’Credit: Getty More

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    Gutted Everton fan spent 17 years saving for 10,000 mile trip for Merseyside derby before Storm Darragh KO’d match

    AN Aussie Everton fan was left gutted after Storm Darragh ruined his “bucket list” dream of watching his favourite team.The Toffees were scheduled to host Liverpool for Saturday’s early kick-off at Goodison Park, but the extreme weather conditions led to a postponement.Everton fan Nathan Hamlin flew all the way from Australia to watch the Merseyside DerbyCredit: Sky NewsThe Merseyside Derby was postponed because of Storm DarraghCredit: AFPNathan Hamlin and his mum flew all the way from Perth for the 30-hour trip to Liverpool, which required a total of four stops, but found out two hours before the game that it was all for nought. Storm Darragh has caused disruption throughout the entire country as its 90mph winds caused power cuts, trees to be uprooted and events as well as travel to be cancelled.The game was postponed due to health and safety concern and Everton confirmed all tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.However, that may be of no help for Hamlin, 32, who waited at least 17 years to watch his favourite team in action up close and in person.Read More on FootballThis unfortunate development means he may have missed his last chance of ever seeing a Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park as the club moves to Bramley Moore Dock for next season.Hamlin told Sky News: “It’s very upsetting due to the fact my mother and I have flown about 30 hours in total.”Perth-Singapore, Singapore-London, London-Dublin, then Dublin all the way over to here.”It’s been a bucket list item that I’ve always wanted to cross off, and the fact that it’s the last opportunity that we’re going to get to have a Merseyside Derby at Goodison, that was the clinching reason why I came.Most read in FootballAsked if he’s ever watched Everton play in person before, Hamlin responded: “No, I’ve spent probably the last 17 plus years – I’m 32 now – as an Everton fan watching online, watching over [the] product in Australia.”To actually get to go to Goodison, to get to see a game in person was exactly why I came and it’s been very unfortunate.93mph Storm Darragh: Travel chaos, thousands without power and Merseyside Derby called off”I understand the weather – I totally get it. I’m a health and safety advisor, so I totally get the reason as to why you called it off.”It’s just upsetting to be coming this far and only finding out a couple of hours before that you can’t go to the game.”This comes after Everton captain Seamus Coleman made a touching gesture to another Aussie fan who blew “all his savings” on a flight to attend the last Goodison Merseyside derby.Mackenzie Kinsella, 15, had made the 10,000-mile 24-hour trip from Sydney to watch his beloved Blues face Liverpool.It was his “dream” to watch his Liverpool-born mum’s Toffees play against their red neighbours at the historic old ground before the switch to Bramley Moore Dock.However, after Storm Darragh forced safety officials to postpone the game, he will miss out unless it can be re-arranged to take place within the next week before he jets back Down Under.Coleman tries to make it upAfter news of his heartbreak spread following the postponement, Coleman attempted to make it up to Mackenzie by inviting him to be a VIP guest at their Finch Farm training ground.In a video message to the youngster, who is staying with an aunt in England, the Irish ace said: “Hi Mackenzie, it’s Seamus Coleman here. I just wanted to send you a video message today to say I know you’ll be so disappointed today.“I know how hard you saved up to travel from Australia for the Merseyside derby. I know you were looking forward to the experience of being at the last Merseyside derby at Goodison.“So I’m sure you’ll be very disappointed today. We all are, we were all looking forward to the game. But we’d love to see you down here at the training ground on Monday if that’s OK with you?“Hopefully you can see some of the lads and that will make up for the disappointment on Saturday. We can have a bit of a chat then. All the very best Mackenzie and take care.”Mackenzie’s mum Rita, an Everton diehard, admitted that she thought he had “no chance” of earning and saving enough cash to pay for the trip.Fan spent all his savingsBut he proved them wrong and after spending £1,400 he landed at John Lennon Airport in time to see his team thrash Wolves, who his father happens to support, 4-0 on Wednesday.Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside about her initial response to his derby dream just after Easter, Rita said: “You’ve got no chance mate. We’ve just come back from England and there’s no way I can save that money in the time we’ve got.“When we came back [after Easter], he said it was his dream to go to an Everton vs Liverpool game at Goodison Park.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMackenzie’s nan Jo had previously explained that the person who sits next to her son Michael had to work today, which resulted in his ticket being available.Rita added: “He saved up the money, used all his savings and said two weeks ago ‘I’d really like to go mum – will you let me go?’ I said, ‘I can’t stop you if you’ve got the money’. We’re very proud of him.”Everton captain Seamus Coleman invited another Aussie fan to trainingCredit: Getty More

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    Cole Palmer reveals his McDonald’s order after stunning workers at drive-thru as fans say ‘never change’

    COLE PALMER has finally revealed his favourite McDonald’s order after being spotted at a drive-through.And the Chelsea and England star’s usual haul from the fast food chain is a massive one, to say the least.Cole Palmer was spotted at a McDonald’s drive-through last monthCredit: XThe Chelsea and England star has revealed his massive order from the fast-food chainCredit: REXAs an elite athlete, Palmer seldom munches a Maccies – unlike many of his age mates.But on the few occasions he does, the winger absolutely goes to town.The Euro 2024 final goalscorer, 22, was quizzed about his order during an appearance on the Men in Blazers podcast.He replied: “Double cheeseburger, 20 nuggets and a strawberry milkshake.”READ MORE ON COLE PALMERReacting to Palmer’s order, one Chelsea fan said: “Never change.”Palmer stunned McDonald’s employees during last month’s international break by rocking up to a drive-through.And he cracked out a smile as they did their best impression of his cold celebration.The photo went viral and received a slew of comments from footie fans, one of whom said: “This is cold.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea player ratings vs SouthamptonCHELSEA continued their run of fine form with a huge 5-1 win over Southampton under the lights at St Mary’s.Here’s how the players rated…FILIP JORGENSEN – 8Made a fantastic save within the opening two minutes to keep Joe Aribo’s close-range shot out.Also made a great stop in the second half. Many Chelsea fans are now calling for him to become the club’s No1.MALO GUSTO – 7Won more duels and made more tackles than any other Chelsea player in the first half. Provided a great assist for Sancho’s goal.AXEL DISASI – 7Scored Chelsea’s opener with a fairly simple header at the front post following Fernandez’s delivery from a corner.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5Appeared to switch off when Southampton scored, almost leaving Aribo on his own in front of goal. Rattled the post with a rocket of a shot in the second half.MARC CUCURELLA – 6Left Southampton fans furious after going down following a hair pull from Jack Stephens which resulted in a red card. A solid performance, both acting and playing-wise.MOISES CAICEDO – 7Made some great forward passes at times, including one outstanding trivela through to Felix in the box which almost resulted in what would’ve been an impressive team goal.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6Assisted Disasi’s opening goal with an inch-perfect corner kick but got absolutely humiliated by Kyle Walker-Peters in the build-up to Aribo’s equaliser.NONI MADUEKE – 7Did well to capitalise on a howler from Joe Lumley before assisting Nkunku. Scored Chelsea’s third with a composed strike into the bottom-left corner. Had a few chances in the second half but was fairly wasteful with those.COLE PALMER – 7Had a a quiet game until he latched onto Nkunku’s attempted pass/shot to fire home Chelsea’s fourth. He was hooked immediately after getting on the scoresheet.JOAO FELIX – 6Looked lively throughout but missed a great opportunity late in the first half. Also missed an open header just seconds after the break.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 7The Frenchman put Chelsea 2-1 up with a relatively easy shot in the opening 20 minutes. Aside from that he was fairly quiet.SUBSTITUTESJADON SANCHO (FOR MADUEKE, 72)Scored his first Chelsea goal shortly after coming on for Madueke.RENATO VEIGA (FOR CUCURELLA, 79)Didn’t have too much time to make an impact, especially with Chelsea so in control of the match.KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (FOR PALMER, 79)Didn’t have too much time to make an impact.Another said: “Bro wherever he passes through – the coldness increasing.”And another said: “He freezes everything.”Cole Palmer reveals he failed PE in hilarious interview as fans tell Chelsea star to consider going into comedyPalmer may love a McDonald’s, although they specialise in his beloved “chippy chips” – which he’s partial to having after games.When asked what his favourite post-match meal is, he told the BBC: “I don’t know. Chinese, probs.”Salt and pepper chicken [and rice. No salt and pepper chips, too much that. You know chippy chips?”They have to be them chips or you don’t get them. Curry sauce and noodles.”Palmer and his Chelsea team-mates will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, travelling across London to take on Tottenham. More

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    Man Utd vs Nottingham Forest LIVE SCORE: Premier League updates as Red Devils look to bounce back from midweek defeat

    MANCHESTER UNITED host Nottingham Forest in a huge Premier League clash TONIGHT.Ruben Amorim tasted his first defeat as Red Devils boss on Wednesday night – following a 2-0 loss away at Arsenal.Man Utd will be looking to bounce back this evening as they face a Forest side that have lost three of their last four Premier League games.Kick off time: 5.30pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier LeagueLive stream: NOW/Sky Sports appMan Utd team: To follow…Nottingham Forest team: To follow…FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…United keep Kath in their thoughtsUnited have kept the memory of much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps at the front of their thoughts on matchday after she died this week aged 85.The club had shared the news of her death by describing her as: “friend, confidant and treasured colleague” – adding “United will never be the same”.Famous past and present figures around Old Trafford, like David Beckham and Wayne Rooney, paid tribute.And this afternoon the club posted on social media: “Thinking of you today, Kath.”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedUtd landing Raum could depend on Ten HagRuben Amorim’s hopes of landing RB Leipzig’s David Raum may rest on the man he replaced at Old Trafford, writes PHIL THOMAS.A new left-back is top of Amorim’s January wish list, and the £35 million-rated German international, 26, ticks every box.But Manchester United’s new manager could face a major stumbling block if Marco Rose gets the bullet.David Raum left-Back of RB Leipzig and Germany during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Atletico de Madrid and RB Leipzig at Estadio Civitas Metropolitano on September 19, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Credit: GettyThe Leipzig boss is on the brink after a string of poor results.And Erik ten Hag – the man axed as United chief in October – is the hot tip to replace him.If the Dutchman IS appointed, he will have a big say in transfer dealings, and is unlikely to sanction the sale of a key figure – especially to the employers who axed him.Copy linkCopiedRed Devils’ statement reassures fansEverton’s derby with Liverpool was amongst the victims of Storm Darragh today.But United were able to reassure fans just before noon.They issued a statement saying: “Today’s Premier League fixture at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest is scheduled to go ahead as planned.”The club will continue to consult the relevant authorities throughout the day and will update supporters immediately if anything changes.”Copy linkCopiedRed Devils must win to leapfrog ForestWhat odds on this at the start of the season?United host Forest – needing victory to leapfrog the Midlanders into mid-table.Meanwhile, visitors boss Nuno Espirito Santo is chasing three points to show their early run to the top three was no fluke.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim waved to fans on his arrival at Old TraffordCredit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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    Luton vs Swansea clash delayed after medical emergency in stands minutes before kick-off in Championship fixture

    LUTON TOWN’s showdown with Swansea City was delayed due to a medical emergency.The Hatters’ Championship clash with the Welsh side was set to kick off at 3pm.Luton Town’s Championship clash with Swansea City was delayed due to a medical emergencyCredit: REXKick-off has been delayed until 3:15pm to ensure the stricken fan can receive medical treamentCredit: REXBut a medical emergency in the stands has led to the brief postponement of the match.A club statement read: “Please be advised that due to a medical emergency in the stand, kick-off will be delayed by 15 minutes. “Our thoughts are with the Hatters supporter for a speedy recovery.”The Kenilworth Road faithful were quick to send messages of support to their fellow Hatter.READ MORE CHAMPIONSHIP NEWSOne wrote on X: “Thoughts with the fan and his family.” Another said: “Praying.”And another said: “Thoughts with the supporter and those affected.”One remarked: “Prayers are with our fellow Hatter. Most read in FootballSwansea City’s players go through the motions as they warm up for the matchCredit: Getty”Hope all is well. For him/her & families.”Another chimed in: “Thoughts go out to the fan.”Former Chelsea star Victor Moses makes shock return to English football as fans say ‘this came out of nowhere’Luton fans’ prayers, thankfully, were quickly answered as the supporter was stabilised before being transported to the hospital.A follow-up statement read: “We are relieved to report that the Luton Town supporter who fell ill in the Kenilworth Road stand is in a stable condition and is on his way to hospital. “Once again, our thoughts are with him and we all hope he makes a speedy recovery.”Fans were over the moon, with one writing: “Great news.”Another said: “All the Hatters family wish the fellow Hatter supporter a speedy recovery.”One chimed in with a praying hands emoji.READ MORE SUN STORIESLuton welcome the Swansea to Kenilworth Road on the back of consecutive defeats to Leeds United and Norwich City. Swansea, meanwhile, beat Derby County and drew Portsmouth in their last two outings. More

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    ‘I messed up big time’ – Lewis Hamilton has nightmare final qualifying for Mercedes as he crashes out in Q1 in Abu Dhabi

    LEWIS HAMILTON’S final race weekend for Mercedes started in the worst manner possible after he was eliminated from the first qualifying session.Hamilton is racing his final weekend with the Silver Arrows after a glittering 11-year career, but declared “I messed up big time” as he scored his lowest-ever qualifying result around Abu Dhabi for tomorrow’s season finale.Lewis Hamilton was eliminated in Q1 of his final race weekend with MercedesCredit: GettyIt was his lowest ever qualifying result in Abu DhabiCredit: APThe 39-year-old would have been looking to end his Mercedes career on a high before his blockbuster move to Ferrari next year.However, Hamilton came unstuck around the Yas Marina circuit as a bollard got stuck under his car in the final few corners of his lap, causing him to lack the speed to escape the drop zone.The Brit had unluckily followed Haas star Kevin Magnussen – who is also on his last race with his team – through a corner after he had knocked a bollard down after cutting a corner.And his time of 1:12.887 was only enough for P18 as he missed out on Q2 by just 0.093s.READ MORE IN F1Speaking on the team radio following the lap, Hamilton said: “I messed that up big time guys. F***ing hell.”That was bad man, jesus.”Mercedes boss Toto Wolff replied: “Yeah s*** Lewis that was bad.” His P18 in qualifying means Hamilton will start ahead of only Alpine rookie Jack Doohan and Williams driver Franco Colapinto.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, he will have Zhou Guanyu and Alex Albon of Sauber and Williams respectively directly ahead of him.After winning six world drivers titles with Mercedes, Hamilton’s final six races with the team have seen him score three Q1 eliminations.Lewis Hamilton demands to RETIRE in meltdown at Qatar Grand Prix as time at Mercedes heads for sad endingIt took 171 races for Hamilton to be eliminated three times from Q1 before this, while it also meant Hamilton had lost 19-5 in qualifying results against team-mate George Russell this season.Reacting to his elimination afterwards, Hamilton told BBC 5 Live: “You couldn’t make it up, you really couldn’t, but it is what it is. We gave it everything, I gave it everything, the car was in a good place. “Every practice session went well, I was ahead of my team-mate all weekend but when we got to qualifying I think as a team we didn’t perform in terms of the timing.”I was the last car on track and ran out of time ultimately, and then I got the bollard at the end which went under the car and I lost all downforce so it couldn’t have gone worse really.”On it being his last weekend with Mercedes, he added: “Every day and more than ever I’ve just tried to be really present… just trying to take it in because it’s the last time we will be racing and driving in Silver Arrows and it’s all my wins, all my success through my life so every moment is a special moment and I would have loved to get a podium for the guys this weekend and it just didn’t work out.”He also told Sky Sports F1: “Just my luck but it’s okay.”I’ve tried, we’ve tried so hard with the setup… we thought maybe a podium was possible this weekend.”To go from P1, P2 [in practice] to then be in 18th, it definitely changes the look into the weekend but I’m trying to be present, the team have been great. “My hopes are high, it is what it is, I’ll try and come back.”Speaking in the mixed zone, he added: “I don’t feel the pain. I think for me, I’ve just been very present, been enjoying every moment, getting the car in a good place.”The timing for that (bollard) to get under the car was just nuts. I don’t have any emotions, I’m pretty chill. It was an unfortunate session, with the bollard under the car…”That’s (the final sector) where we’ve struggled the most as a team this weekend. The car was feeling really good in general. P3, I was third. “So honestly I thought we could be fighting for a podium, and my race pace was second-quickest. But it wasn’t meant to be.”Hamilton also opened up on the annual drivers dinner earlier this week, saying: “Really, really happy that we’ve been doing that. “I asked Seb, asked the guys to get together for Seb’s leaving, that was really special, and we had the best time, so we set it up this year, and I hope they had a great time. “It was really funny obviously, George arriving, but it was alright.”Despite his qualifying horror show, Hamilton will start ahead of future Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc who will start at the back of the grid after he was eliminated in Q2 and will take a 10-place grid drop for taking a new battery.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis will bump Hamilton up to P17 for the race barring any further penalties across the grid.McLaren claimed a 1-2 qualifying result with Lando Norris on pole to give them a huge advantage in the constructors championship title race over Ferrari.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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    Peterborough release damning statement after ‘bitterly disappointing’ decision for huge FA Cup tie at Everton

    PETERBOROUGH UNITED have slammed the “incredibly disappointing” decision to hold their FA Cup clash at Everton on a week day and called for it to be rescheduled.Peterborough were drawn with the Toffees in the third round of the competition and are currently penned to play at Goodison Park on the evening of Thursday, January 9.Peterborough were left furious with the date of their FA Cup clash with EvertonCredit: GettyPeterborough and Everton are scheduled to face off on a week day at Goodison ParkCredit: GettyThe decision appears to have been made by the FA due to a scheduling conflict that also sees Everton’s archrivals Liverpool playing in the city on the Saturday of that weekend against Accrington Stanley.However, the Posh insist their supporters’ needs were not “taken into consideration” by the football chiefs as the current date would make it impossible for them to attend the FA Cup game.The League One side understand the need to avoid having both Merseyside rivals playing on the same day but are strongly asking for a solution.In an appeal for the FA to reverse the decision, Peterborough listed four major concerns.Read More on FootballThey stated: “There are no viable trains from Liverpool to Peterborough scheduled on the evening of the match meaning supporters must travel by car or coach.”Supporters will be required to take two days off work to attend this incredibly important fixture and our younger fans will not be able to attend due to school commitments.”We have never played a competitive game at Goodison Park and interest in the game is very high.”An expected reduced home attendance would reduce the potential revenue for both Peterborough United and Everton.”Most read in FA CupPeterborough chief executive Dawn Gore added that the FA’s decision will cost the EFL club in terms of important revenue.Gore said: “Like our supporters, when the draw was made on Monday night, we were all very excited about travelling to Goodison Park. “We were inundated with supporters requesting details for ticketing within hours of the draw being concluded.FA Cup clash DELAYED as referee is substituted after injury… with PA appealing for new official over tannoy“To learn that the game has been arranged for a Thursday night is bitterly disappointing. “Whilst we understand there are logistical challenges, we do not feel the supporters have been considered in this approach.“We have made our feelings very clear to the decision-makers at the top of the game and want to assure our supporters that we are just as disappointed as they are about when this game will take place and from a financial standpoint, the Club are set to lose out on revenue that would have been greatly appreciated as a club in Sky Bet League One.”Peterborough fans were left fuming, with some of taking to social media to say they can no longer attend the big game.One supporter tweeted: “Can’t even go as I have no holiday entitlement left.”Another commented: “Yet again it’s the fans that suffer.”A third wrote: “Most fans have a few more choice words. Devastated and a total disregard for match day fans.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan said: “Appalling.”And that one stated: “Thursday night is scandalous.” More