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    War between Russell and Verstappen out of control as Horner follows up dig at rival Wolff but FIA WON’T take action

    CHRISTIAN HORNER snapped back at Toto Wolff by saying “I’d rather be a terrier than a Wolff”.The Mercedes boss unleashed his fury at Horner on Thursday by labelling him a “yapping little terrier” amid the furious row between George Russell and Max Verstappen.Christian Horner has shown there’s no puppy love lost with Toto WolffCredit: https://www.instagram.com/christianhorner/Mercedes chief Wolff is caught up in the rowCredit: RexIt came as it emerged Verstappen will escape any punishment from the FIA over Russell’s allegations.Horner lapped it up in Friday’s press conference, revealing he is a huge fan of terriers and once owned four of them, while aiming a cheeky dig at the Mercedes chief’s surname.Two were even named Flavio and Bernie, presumably after former Renault boss Flavio Briatore and ex-F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone.The Red Bull boss, 51, who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner, said: “I love terriers, I think they are great dogs.READ MORE F1“I had four of them and a couple of Airedales, which is the king of the terriers.“I had a couple of West Highland terriers called Bernie and Flavio. And the good thing about a terrier is they’re tremendously loyal.“Bernie, he was an aggressive little dog, he’d go for anybody. Flavio, he was a bit more chilled and he probably ate a bit too much as well.“But I think to be called a terrier is that such a bad thing? They’re not afraid of having a go at the bigger dogs.Most read in MotorsportGeorge Russell and Max Verstappen are still at loggerheadsCredit: GettyHorner posted a pic of his terrier Bernie on Instagram later on to fan the flamesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/christianhorner/CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“You know, rather be a terrier than a wolf.”Horner only continued to fan the flames by later posting an image of the terrier Bernie on his Instagram.’Full-time menace’ Lando Norris stokes flames in Verstappen vs Russell ‘head in the wall row’ with cheeky Instagram postRussell and Verstappen’s war of words has dominated the build-up to Formula 1’s final race of the year.But Wolff and Horner have been at each other’s throats for years and have provided several viral moments on the hit Netflix show Drive to Survive.The spat is giving F1 fans a reminder of the duo’s fierce conflict in 2021 when Lewis Hamilton missed out on a record eighth world title to Verstappen in the Abu Dhabi desert that year.As for whether he is worried that Verstappen and Russell’s feud could spill over onto the track this weekend, Horner added: “No, not at all.“Max, he’s a very straight shooter. He just tells you exactly how he sees it. He tells the truth exactly, what he feels.“Obviously he had a large amount of frustration last weekend. The way things played out in a scenario that we haven’t seen before and subsequent grid penalty.“He turned it into motivation and made a lightning start, led the race into the first corner, and won the Grand Prix, which is the best possible response.“Now, obviously, a lot’s been made of it Thursday. It is pantomime season, we’re getting ready for Christmas. There’s maybe an element of end of term blues there, but I don’t think it’ll have any effect.”With Hamilton set for his last race with Mercedes this weekend before joining Ferrari for the 2025 season, Horner said Wolff’s focus should be elsewhere.He added: “It needs to be about what you do on the track. I mean, there’s a sort of a love-hate relationship, where I think Toto loves to hate me.“It’s one of those things. I would have assumed he sort of got a bit more on his plate with obviously it’s Lewis’s last race for that team.Horner and wife Geri Horner are animal loversCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gerihalliwellhorner/“I think they should be celebrating that rather than focusing on other aspects.”Wolff, who gatecrashed Russell’s press conference on Thursday to slam Horner, also said that the Red Bull boss had been too “weak” to properly control Verstappen.Horner hit back at this and said: “Regarding Toto’s other comments, I’m not going to rise to the bait of that. Everybody manages themselves and their teams in different ways.“We’ve won 122 races. We’ve won 14 world championships. I think we’re doing alright.”Verstappen is set to escape any further punishment from the stewards despite allegedly saying he would put Russell’s “f***ing head in the wall” in Qatar.The stewards are not set to investigate the serious allegations that Russell dropped on Thursday ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.The British 26-year-old claimed Verstappen threatened to put his “f****** head in the wall” by deliberately crashing into him at the Qatar Grand Prix last weekend.Mercedes star Russell also branded the four-time world champ a “bully” with the Dutchman hitting back by labelling him a “backstabber” and “loser”.Russell and Verstappen’s feud simmers away with the duo sitting on opposite ends of the table at the driver’s dinnerEyebrows have been raised over the FIA’s lack of intervention considering they recently clamped down so hard on swearing punishments.In Singapore, Red Bull’s Verstappen was ordered by FIA stewards to “accomplish some work of public interest” after dropping the F-bomb to describe his car.Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was fined for saying f*** in a post-race news conference in Mexico.Russell and Verstappen’s feud continues to simmer away with the duo sitting on opposite ends of the table at the driver’s dinner on Thursday night.Lewis Hamilton invited the drivers ahead of his last race at Mercedes, while his former teammate Valtteri Bottas got the bill.Norris wrote on Instagram: “2024 dinner! and yes, the two your thinking about were sat as far away from each other as possible.He followed the message with a crying laughing emoji and a smiling emoji while Verstappen commented with a steak emoji, alluding to the beef with Russell.READ MORE SUN STORIESVerstappen was all smiles yesterday, blocking out the drama to announce he is expecting a baby with partner Kelly Piquet.He said: “Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way. We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle.” More

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    Pep Guardiola has six word message for Jose Mourinho after Special One aims ‘fairly and cleanly’ dig at Man City titles

    PEP GUARDIOLA mounted a passionate defence of Manchester City after Jose Mourinho smeared his six Prem titles.The Special One delivered a withering “I won fairly and cleanly” response to the City boss, who had hailed winning twice as many crowns as his rival.Jose Mourinho insisted ‘I won fairly and cleanly’ when discussing Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyGuardiola mounted a passionate defence of his clubCredit: APIn a reference to the charges of 115 financial rule breaches City face, former Chelsea boss Mourinho said: “I want to win, but I want to win cleanly and fairly. If I can’t win cleanly, I’d rather lose.“Guardiola told me something like this . . . he won six trophies and I won three.“But I won fairly and cleanly. If I lost, I want to congratulate my opponent for being better than me. I don’t want to win by dealing with 150 cases.”But Guardiola hit back: “He is another one on the huge list who want my team at the bottom, in League One or the Conference. I would say to Jose: We are innocent until proven guilty.”READ MORE FOOTBALLCity deny all the charges. Mourinho’s titles were won under the ownership of Roman Abramovich in 2005, 2006 and 2015.But Chelsea’s finances are also being investigated by the Prem after the current ownership reported “incomplete financial information” had been submitted during the Russian’s tenure.Guardiola, 53, added: “With both of our teams, we can sit with Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger for the many, many titles we won.“I’m pretty sure soon they will congratulate us.”Fenerbahce coach Mourinho’s blast comes following Guardiola’s “Jose won three and I won six” comment after holding up six fingers to Liverpool fans following City’s 2-0 defeat at Anfield on Sunday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSix years ago, just before being axed by Manchester United, Mourinho held up three fingers to Reds fans in reference to the three titles he won.Guardiola had said City’s rivals would be “taking the p***” because of his side’s slump.Pep Guardiola responds to ‘sacked in the morning’ chants at Anfield from Liverpool fans City have only won one game in their last eight in all competitions.After Liverpool’s win, Mo Salah said it might be the last time he faces them at Anfield with his contract running out.It prompted Kop boss Arne Slot to joke: “Maybe Mo knows more about the charges so he doesn’t expect them to be in the Prem next season!”Guardiola responded: “The joke from Arne is his business, not my business.“I’m talking about what I said. If I have offended Jose, I’m so sorry but it was a joke. The fact is he has three and I have six. But the intention was completely fine.”Guardiola, who takes his side to Crystal Palace tomorrow, added: “Normal people don’t talk about results or how many trophies you win.” More

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    Ex-Premier League manager appointed by Hull City after Championship strugglers snatch him off high-flying EFL side

    RUBEN SELLES has left Reading to take over Hull City – as the ex-Southampton manager continues a two-year rollercoaster ride.Championship strugglers City have brought in the Spaniard a week after sacking former Hamburg chief Tim Walter.Selles has had a dramatic time in English managementCredit: GettySelles, 41, has guided Reading into the League One play-off spots.Now Hull have handed him a two-and-a-half-year deal as head coach.Selles left his position as FC Copenhagen assistant boss for his first role in English football as recently as June 2022.Ralph Hasenhuttl made him his No 2 at Southampton in the Prem.READ MORE FOOTBALLSelles became caretaker boss when Hasenhuttl was axed five months later.Nathan Jones, the Saints’ next permanent manager, only lasted from November 2022 to February 2023.And Selles got the job again, this time on an interim basis, for the rest of the season.But he failed to keep Southampton up and they didn’t renew his deal – with current manager Russell Martin succeeding him in June 2023.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSelles took over at Reading that same month – before now moving back up a division with the Tigers.He told Hull’s website: “I am really happy. When the possibility to come here became real, my eyes were on Hull City.’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?!”I know the team, the club, the history and I’m looking forward to starting my journey with the team.”I saw a lot of similarities with where we are as technical staff and what we want to do for the present and the future, and that’s why I decided to come.”Andy Dawson will stay caretaker chief at home to Blackburn on Saturday, with Selles taking charge against visitors Watford next Wednesday.That means he will have managed in the top three divisions in the space of two years – all with different sides.Meanwhile, Reading have promoted Under-21s chief Noel Hunt to first-team boss on a contract until 2027. More

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    Inside Goodison Park’s most memorable Merseyside derbies as Everton and Liverpool eye bragging rights in final clash

    IT’S a grand old ground to play at. And a grand old ­fixture to contest.And if you know your history you will be aware that today — after a 130-year stretch — Goodison Park ­stages its final Merseyside derby.Goodison Park will host its final Merseyside Derby on SaturdayCredit: GettyEverton won the fixture 2-0 last seasonCredit: PANext season, assuming Everton ­perform their annual escape from relegation, they will entertain Liverpool at a brand spanking new 53,000-seater home at Bramley-Moore Dock.Remarkably, these Scouse squabbles at Goodison are tied at 41 wins apiece in all competitions as we head into this lunchtime scrap.How Sean Dyche’s men would love to secure an overall aggregate victory by stunning the runaway Premier League leaders on their final visit to the famous old stadium.Once referred to as the ‘friendly derby’, with no strict segregation of rival supporters, these days the Mersey derby is anything but.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has seen more red cards brandished than any other Premier League fixture — 23 since the current version of the top flight began in 1992.And with Everton the snarling underdogs for so long, Mersey derbies are especially spiky at the historic ground of the Toffees.Goodison Park is an antique gem — short on legroom, high on atmosphere, hemmed in by terraced houses and home to one of the last remaining classic stands to have been designed by the great football architect Archibald Leitch.When Everton are in severe need of a result — or any time that the ‘red lot’ crosses Stanley Park — the place becomes a roaring cauldron.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSuch as Wednesday’s 4-0 drubbing of fellow strugglers Wolves which afforded Dyche’s men breathing space at the foot of the table.Theirs is the sort of old-school ground which probably earns its home team several points per season . . . and has therefore saved Everton from relegation more than once in recent years.Gary Neville tells Jamie Carragher to ‘f off’ after Liverpool legend performs incredible U-turn on ‘selfish’ SalahThat was rarely more apparent than in the penultimate derby at the venue, in April, when previous Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp suffered his first Goodison defeat in his last clash with Everton.The Reds received a thorough ‘Dycheing’ as the Toffees bombarded their illustrious rivals, goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jarrad Branthwaite earning a 2-0 victory.That result virtually guaranteed Everton’s Premier League survival.And — as every Evertonian is keen to point out — it ensured that the sainted Klopp would end up with fewer league titles than either ­Howard Kendall or Harry Catterick.It also ended the Reds’ longest unbeaten run at Everton’s home — dating back 12 matches to 2010 — during Roy Hodgson’s doomed Liverpool reign.Everton played at Anfield until 1892, having the previous year won the first of their nine league titles at what became the home of a rival club not then in existence.The Toffees upped sticks and left to build Goodison Park after a boardroom split with the club’s majority owner John ­Houlding.He found himself with a stadium but no team to play in it — and so in the summer of 1892 founded Liverpool FC.There have been plenty of cracking Goodison ­derbies since Everton won the first one 3-0 in 1894.But the greatest, and most significant, of the previous 119 meetings is beyond debate. It was a gloriously chaotic FA Cup fifth-round replay in February 1991 which ended in a 4-4 draw.Liverpool took the lead four times, with Everton equalising four times — twice through Graham Sharp and twice through Tony Cottee.Kenny Dalglish announced his Liverpool exit following a 4-4 draw in February 2021Credit: PAReds boss Kenny Dalglish quit two days later and his club’s 15-year reign as the undoubted powerhouse of English football ended with that resignation.Cottee arrived as a sub to level the tie late in normal tie and then again late in extra-time — nutmegging Bruce Grobbelaar, who had been guilty of some eccentric goalkeeping throughout the match.Ian Rush, one of Liverpool’s scorers that day, will recall more fondly the November 1982 derby.The Welshman netted four times in a 5-0 victory — aided and abetted by an extraordinarily bad high-line Everton offside trap.That was one of Kendall’s first derbies in charge.But his tenure brought about a golden age of Merseyside football in the mid-to-late 1980s when meetings between the city’s two clubs were often title deciders.Another happy memory for Liverpool was the ridiculous 44-yard free-kick winner scored deep into injury-time by their veteran Gary McAllister to secure a 3-2 victory in April 2001.Evertonians go misty-eyed about a 3-0 humping of their neighbours in September 2006, when Andy Johnson netted twice and Jamie Carragher — a boyhood Blue — endured a stinker for the Reds.One of the more recent classics was a hectic November 3-3 draw in 2013 when, under Roberto Martinez and Brendan Rodgers, both clubs were at their most wide-open and watchable.This is the longest-running continuously-held major British derby — with both clubs having been permanent fixtures in the top flight since the year The Beatles released their first single, 1962.READ MORE SUN STORIESNext season, the derby is all set to have a new stage.Tomorrow, Goodison, with its authentic charm, will give Liverpool one final ear-bashing.Romelu Lukaku scored as Everton and Liverpool drew 3-3 in 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Chelsea sign 15-year-old son of Arsenal cult hero with teenager playing at age groups well above his own

    CHELSEA have landed one of the country’s top 15-year-olds.And if he goes on to emulate his dad – a true cult hero for Arsenal – then luring him from Watford will have been worth it.Mathis Eboue joins Chelsea after a rapid rise at WatfordCredit: InstagramDad Emmanuel Eboue, bottom left, was with Arsenal for seven yearsCredit: GettyMathis Eboue, an attacking midfielder, shone for the Hornets all the way up to under-21 level.And his move across London is another example of how Chelsea are looking to recruit so many of the nation’s leading starlets for their academy.Eboue Junior has also played three times of England U-16s.In fact, he hit the only goal as the Lion cubs beat France to win the U16 Challenge Trophy in Spain two months ago.READ MORE ON CHELSEABut of course whatever he’s achieved at such a young age can’t compare with what his father did over a 15-year career.Emmanuel Eboue, now 41, earned 79 caps for Ivory Coast, mainly at right-back.But his peak fame came with Arsenal from 2004-2011.Legendary then-boss Arsene Wenger recruited the pacy ace from Belgians Bevern.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd although Eboue took two seasons to become something like a regular, his bubbly nature and bursting runs made him a talk of the terraces.However, at one stage he was booed by Gunners’ supporters.I was sacked as a factory worker, the next day I had trials at Arsenal – I was gobsmackedAnd just last month he recalled: “I got back home and I was crying. “But the same week some of the fans came to the club to say sorry to me about that. That was very nice. It meant a lot.”‘Eboue, don’t listen,’ they said. ‘You know we love you’.”He finally left Arsenal – accompanied by a runners-up medal in the Champions League and two in the League Cup – for four years at Galatasaray.Then came an ill-fated short spell with Sunderland.Eboue Senior was banned for a year in 2016 after refusing to pay an agent, leading to the “lowest time” of his playing days.But eight years on from that, he surely can’t help but be cheered by his son’s big step-up.The Premier League applied their rigorous process to protect players so young before Eboue Junior’s switch to Chelsea could go through.READ MORE SUN STORIESCompensation to Watford also had to be agreed.But on Friday night transfer guru Fabrizio Romano insisted all the paperwork had been done to make it a “completed deal”. More

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    Mohamed Salah deserves Ballon d’Or – he ranks alongside two Man Utd icons with only Thierry Henry a better Prem import

    THE meaning of Salah to Muslims is ‘prayer’. And when Mo cuts in from the wing to shoot then his opposition would do well to utter one — because, as often as not, his shot results in a Liverpool goal.He is the Premier League leaders’ most potent forward, this chap with the smart hair styling.Mohamed Salah has scored 15 goals and provided 12 assists in 21 Liverpool appearances so far this seasonCredit: GettyThe winger could be in Ballon d’Or contention next yearCredit: GettyIt wasn’t always so. This season he abandoned his wild hair but, unlike Samson, kept his strength and continues to stun defences with the precision of his shooting.His goals have been a major part of Liverpool’s armoury for seven years now.Wednesday’s match at Newcastle was a perfect example of his deadly left-foot skills.He had set up Curtis Jones for their team’s sole goal in between two Newcastle strikes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOtherwise his contribution, by his standards, could have been described as modest.Then he struck twice, each time assisted by substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold, and also hit the bar.The late Newcastle equaliser for 3-3 cut two points from Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table but Salah had given their challengers notice with his 14th league goal this season that he was a major obstacle.Quite something, too, that he overtook Manchester City’s goal king, Erling Haaland.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThierry Henry is arguably the Premier League’s best-ever playerCredit: GettyNot an achievement expected of a little feller on the right wing, either. Egyptian magician, I’ll say.So how does he rank among our greatest football imports?Mo Salah drops yet another hint about leaving Liverpool win days after admitting he was ‘more out than in’ Unhesitatingly, I’d place Thierry Henry of France and Arsenal first, but Salah joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Cantona as a contender for second.Why he has never been placed higher than fifth in the Ballon d’Or is a surprise.As an out-and-out winger in England only Man United’s Ryan Giggs rates near him.Since he moved here, joining Chelsea from Basel in 2014, he’s scored 170 Premier League goals with 77 assists.Salah headed to Roma from Stamford Bridge but Liverpool signed him in June 2017 in a £44.4million deal — then a club record.That was a lot at the time but, as his new club suspected, it turned out to be a bargain.At the start of this season, Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia were said to have offered £150m for him. By anyone’s standards that’s an enormous amount of money.Cristiano Ronaldo is another Prem greatCredit: PASalah also ranks alongside Eric CantonaCredit: PA:Empics SportJurgen Klopp regarded Salah as essential, of course, and so does his successor, Arne Slot.Who else could provide him with such riches from the right wing in a chase for the club’s first league title since 2019-20?It is a delicious prospect for at least half of the city. With Manchester City struggling to make an impact and Liverpool having a seven-point lead, Salah is Slot’s ace in the pack.The club is cautious about talking contracts for Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk — and no wonder when such importance has to be attached to team togetherness.At 32, Salah must realise that his next move could be his last chance to improve, or at least retain, his alleged £15m-a-year earnings.The father of two girls has made it clear he would prefer to remain at Anfield.A devout Muslim and supporter of women’s rights, he has found a new belonging among the congenial Scousers.He is very much his own man and a man of God. As a thank-you to his maker, after he hugs his team-mates, he lies prone in the sujud position after each of his goals.Not many of us would forgive a robber, as Salah did in Egypt. He gave him money and offered help to find him a job, rather than pressing charges for robbing his family.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat makes him special beyond any of his dozens of awards and trophies.He has deserved every one of them — and the next Ballon d’Or.Salah’s current Liverpool deal expires next summerCredit: Getty More

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    Comparing corner kings Arsenal to Stoke is disrespectful… to STOKE – Bukayo Saka wouldn’t get in that Tony Pulis team

    I SEE Arsenal are being compared to Tony Pulis’ Stoke because of their success at corners.Dimitar Berbatov made a joke about it in punditry after Manchester United lost to two set-piece goals at the Emirates on Wednesday night.Dimitar Berbatov claimed Arsenal ‘are the new Stoke’Credit: GettyThe Gunners scored two set piece goals against Man UtdCredit: EPASet pieces were Stoke’s main strength during the Tony Pulis eraCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdIf anything, it is really disrespectful to Tony.He did a wonderful job with a bang-average Stoke team keeping them in the Premier League — and yet it was ONLY because of their set-pieces?And why is there a stigma attached to it?Maybe everyone should play wonderful football like at Southampton — then get hammered for being bottom?READ MORE FOOTBALLI was there on Wednesday. It was a s**t game which Mikel Arteta and his side won from two corners.I played against Pulis’ Stoke and they were nothing like Arsenal of today.Bukayo Saka wouldn’t get into that Stoke team. Not because he isn’t good enough but because it is a completely different style.But God forbid a team gets in the box and wants to head a ball — compared to a United team that didn’t want to head anything.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSI loved Berbatov as a player, he is a real football man. But it feels a lazy comparison from a really smart guy just to protect his old club.If United won 2-0 from two corners, would Berbatov call it a tactical masterclass? Yet, when Arsenal do it, it’s Stoke?FA Cup third round draw in full as Arsenal host holders Man Utd and Man City get another dream draw Arsenal dominated possession for most of that game, too. It’s called winning football.OVER THE RAINBOWTHE debate around rainbow armbands deserves a nuanced, respectful and a completely honest conversation.In football, and in society, we should aim to move forward by having these sorts of discussions — even if we disagree wholly with someone’s views — without vilifying certain people.Marc Guehi wrote a message on his captain’s armband against Ipswich and NewcastleCredit: PAThe Crystal Palace star was contacted by the FA this week about the messageCredit: GettyAbusing someone because they don’t think the same way we do is a dangerous space that we can end up in really quickly.Whether it is not wearing a poppy on a shirt during Remembrance weekend, not taking the knee in support of fighting racism, or in this situation, not wearing an armband — or donning an alternative armband — that represents an LGBTQ+ initiative.As a former captain of a Premier League club, would I have made the same decision that Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Ipswich Town’s Sam Morsy chose? No.I would be more than happy to raise awareness for something that sadly is needed because there are still far too many marginalised and discriminated-against groups of people in society.But we have to understand that not everybody thinks the same way or has the same beliefs or priorities, even if the actions they then take can hurt members of that community.As long as things are done in a respectful manner, we have to keep an open mind, however hard that may be to understand or to comprehend.I had a similar experience as a captain at Watford during the first campaign of taking the knee before certain games.I made my view known to my team-mates, why I was doing it.If they wanted to join in and support me, great. If not, no pressure.I would never force that on anyone if they felt uncomfortable or decided not to take part.I have to be honest, when I first saw players like Wilfried Zaha and Marcos Alonso not take the knee, I took it personally.Then, I spoke to them and was like: ‘OK, I understand’.I didn’t agree, but I understood.With the rainbow armband, what we’re talking about is essentially forcing beliefs on people. I am not sure that is something we can do, especially when there are those who cite their own religious beliefs.A devout Christian, Guehi decided to write ‘I love Jesus’ and ‘Jesus loves you’ on his armbands, while a practising Muslim in Morsy opted not to wear one at all.Again, would I have done that? No. I wouldn’t feel it necessary.But I am not going to destroy the player, the man, for doing so.Guehi has said it was a “message of truth and love, and I hope people can understand that my faith is my faith, and I’ll stand by it for the rest of my life”.Ipswich came out and said Morsy made his call due to his religious beliefs, showing a transparency while also fully committing themselves as a club to the campaign.I can see why members of the LGBTQ+ community would take offence in their fight for representation and equality, not just in football.But the problem in the world now is we are so quick to vilify others for having a different opinion or belief, not taking the time to understand who, what, where and the why.The approach sadly is often: ‘Your opinion is different to mine, I don’t want to hear your reason why. You’re a racist, you’re a bigot.’You get labelled instantly and I don’t think that is fair.I saw others suggest Guehi and Morsy could have passed on the captain’s armband for those particular games. I don’t agree with that either.From experience, these initiatives are not something that the Premier League sit down and talk to clubs and individual players about before the season starts, actively reaching out and asking important questions and getting a better understanding.READ MORE SUN STORIESDo any players have objections? Why is that? Can we understand why?Is there a way of finding a solution that still supports an important initiative but also respects those religious beliefs? More

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    Storm Darragh football postponements LIVE: Liverpool and Everton release statement after two AXED Championship matches

    STORM DARRAGH is causing chaos among the footballing leagues – forcing Liverpool and Everton to release joint statements ahead of their Merseyside derby.Two Championship matches have already been postponed.Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth side will not be able to face Oxford United on Saturday afternoon.And Watford’s thrilling away fixture against Cardiff has now been called off too.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFind out about all of the latest postponements through our live blog below…Liverpool and Everton joint statementLiverpool and Everton have released a joint statement amid fears Storm Darragh could curtail Saturday’s derby.The Merseyside rivals spoke out to offer advice to fans – as the region braces itself for winds of up to 80mph.Both statements read: “Supporters attending Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park are advised to allow extra time for travel, and to remain alert to Met Office weather warnings.”An amber severe wind warning has been issued by the Met Office for Merseyside from 1am on Saturday morning, with wind gusts of 60mph to 70mph likely.”That warning for wind is expected to remain in place until 6am on Sunday. “Given the weather warning, fans are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to take extra care.”Fans are also advised to keep a close eye on travel and weather guidance in their area to assist with travel planning for Saturday’s Premier League fixture.”Copy linkCopiedSunday and Monday Prem fixturesFulham vs ArsenalIpswich vs BournemouthLeicester vs BrightonTottenham vs ChelseaMonday, December 9West Ham vs WolvesCopy linkCopiedSaturday Prem fixturesPremier League fans will be praying that Storm Darragh doesn’t postpone their matches.Here is the games that are happening on Saturday.Everton vs LiverpoolAston Villa vs SouthamptonBrentford vs NewcastleCrystal Palace vs Manchester CityManchester United vs Nottingham ForestCopy linkCopiedEverton vs Liverpool in jeopardyLiverpool will be looking to bounceback from their draw against Newcastle with a win over Everton – but the weather might have other plans.The Reds dropped two points against the Toon courtesy of Fabian Schar’s 90th minute strike.While Everton thrashed Wolves midweek meaning their tails will be up.But there has been reports that the final ever Merseyside Derby at this Goodison Park is under threat due to Storm DarraghCopy linkCopiedStorm BertThe last storm to cause chaos among the EFL was Storm BertStorm Bert caused chaos in the EFL as a number of matches were called off due to heavy snow and rain battering the UK.The League Two clash between Bradford and Accrington Stanley was first to get called off.It was revealed at 10:30am that there would be a pitch inspection and just 20 minutes later the game was postponed.Salford’s clash against Bromley was called off just an hour before kick-off.Meanwhile, Portsmouth supporters had already begun the 270-mile journey up to Blackburn for their Championship clash when it was officially called out.Copy linkCopiedNot so wellSteve Sidwell was a do-anything midfielder for Fulham and Brighton.But even he must have been surprised when he nearly added Mary Poppins to his repertoire.The Amazon Prime pundit was at Craven Cottage to see Fulham blow away the Seagulls 3-1, mainly thanks to an Alex Iwobi double.But Storm Darragh nearly did the same to the ex-Aston Villa ace.And when a huge gust flung his umbrella up – with Sidwell struggling to hold on and not go the same way – viewers reckon he almost emulated the super-power of the movie world’s most famous flying nanny.One fan posted: “Stevie Sidwell loses his brolly – nearly did a Mary Poppins down the river Thames!”Copy linkCopiedEmptinessStorm Darragh continues to reign its terror, leaving a lot of the pitches in the UK looking like the one below.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedTorquay vs Horsham POSTPONEDAnother one bites the dust with Torquay’s Trophy game against Horsham now postponed.The club statement said: “With South Devon bracing itself for the arrival of Storm Darragh this weekend, and following consultation with both the Safety Advisory Group and Horsham FC, Saturday’s Isuzu FA Trophy tie at Plainmoor has been postponed.”Although the hard work of our ground staff had given the pitch every chance of remaining playable, the prospect of winds of up to 80mph hitting the area has provided serious cause for concern, especially for those making the journey down from West Sussex.”With the safety of both sets of players, supporters and officials remaining everyone’s number one priority, the decision has been made to postpone this game, with the match now taking place on Tuesday 10th December instead (7.45pm KO).”Supporters are advised that all tickets purchased for Saturday’s fixture will remain valid for the rearranged date.Copy linkCopiedBlessing in disguise for RooneyStorm Darragh may have kept Wayne Rooney in a job at Plymouth for a little while longer.Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth will not face Oxford United tomorrow due to the 90mph wind speed.The Man Utd legend was reported to have two games left to save himself from the sack, although this was refuted by the Pilgrims’ chairman.It came after a week in which his side got thrashed 6-1 by Norwich and then 4-0 by Bristol City, leaving them just outside the relegation zone.And another loss tomorrow could have potentially saw Rooney get the sack despite the Pilgrims’ chairman quotesCopy linkCopiedWhat other matches could be affected?Other games in the area that could be hit by the weather include Bristol Rovers vs Bolton in League One, and Yeovil Town’s FA Trophy clash with Weymouth.Meanwhile Haverfordwest County announced their Welsh Premier League clash with Briton Ferry tonight was also postponed.Red warnings are extremely rare, with today’s announcement just the 19th such warning since records begin in 2011.The alert, issued on the Met Office website, warns of danger to life due to flying debris and falling trees.Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down, are also expected – with power cuts potentially affecting other services including mobile coverage.Brits are urged to avoid travelling and stay indoors if possible.There is a 39-hour yellow wind warning for the whole of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and much of Scotland, until 6am on Sunday.Copy linkCopiedStorm Darragh statement Storm Darragh is sweeping across the Atlantic with the Met Office issuing a rare red ‘danger to life’ warning across parts of Wales, Bristol and north Somerset.The FAW said in a statement: “The Met Office has issued red, amber, and yellow weather warnings for the vast majority of Wales due to Storm Darragh, which is expected to bring damaging winds and heavy rain, causing significant disruption and danger to life.”It is not safe to drive in such weather, including travelling to and from football matches. Being outside in high winds increases the risk of injury and The Met Office advises people to stay indoors if possible.”Clubs have been advised to check for and secure any loose items around their grounds if it can be done safely. This includes bins, furniture, goalposts, and fences etc.”Potential postponements of fixtures on Friday 6 December and Sunday 8 December will be considered on a case-by-case basis, in line with each individual league’s policy.”Copy linkCopiedNewport County vs Carlisle United POSTPONEDNewport’s huge fixture against Carlisle is the next match that has been scratched off the list.A statement read: “The decision comes due to the severe weather conditions forecasted for tomorrow, with an Amber warning for rain and winds extending beyond the Red warning, which is in place tomorrow. These factors, combined with concerns over fan travel, the ability of emergency services to respond to potential incidents, and possible structural impacts, have led to the postponement.The safety of travelling fans, staff, players, and officials is the top priority, and this is considered the best decision given the circumstances.A new date for the rearranged fixture will be announced in due course.”Copy linkCopiedCardiff vs Watford POSTPONEDCardiff have now confirmed they will not face the Hornets “in the interest of supporter safety” after receiving advice from the Met Office.A statement on Cardiff’s website read: A new date for this fixture will be confirmed in due course.All match tickets purchased for this game will remain valid for the rearranged date. Season Tickets will also remain valid for the re-arranged fixture.If you have purchased a match ticket for this fixture, please wait for the re-arranged date to be confirmed, after which point if you still require a refund, please email tickets@cardiffcityfc.co.uk with proof of purchase and a member of the team will contact you at the earliest opportunity.Copy linkCopiedPlymouth vs Oxford United POSTPONEDThe first major match to get called off was Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth vs Oxford.The Man Utd legend was reported to have two games left to save himself from the sack, although this was refuted by the Pilgrims’ chairman.It came after a week in which his side got thrashed 6-1 by Norwich and then 4-0 by Bristol City, leaving them just outside the relegation zone.Copy linkCopiedStorm Darragh is terrorising footballGood afternoon football lovers!This is not a blog I would like to be doing as a football lover myself, but Storm Darragh is unfortunately ripping through the country.And as a result, several football matches have been called off.Including TWO matches from the Championshp and one involves Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth.Keep scrolling to find out about all of the postponed fixutres due to Storm Darragh.Copy linkCopied More