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    Man Utd forced to make change to ticket sales that is ‘unheard of’ as hated price hike ‘backfires massively’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have prompted further backlash after tickets for Saturday’s clash with Nottingham Forest were spotted on OPEN SALE.The move comes amid growing resentment among fans after the Red Devils raised the price of tickets for members to £66.Tickets for United’s match against Forest at Old Trafford were put up on open saleIt followed fans protests against the decision to increase ticket prices to £66Supporters held up banners with the phrase: ‘Stop Exploiting Loyalty’But perhaps United’s plan to scrap concessions for children and pensioners has been hit with the most controversy.Tickets returned by season-ticket holders are typically sold to members via the club’s website.But the site had availability for the general public on all four sides of Old Trafford on Wednesday.United have since confirmed that the Forest match has been sold out.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut the fact that they had to resort to an open sale is seen as significant.A spokesman for the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust told The Mail: “Tickets for league home games have been gold dust for decades.”But fans have a limit and the fact Forest tickets are on open sale should make the club see that £66 tickets are a step too far. “It’s time to reverse the decision and make sure Old Trafford remains as full as ever.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans vented their anger at the Glazer family and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe during Sunday’s 4-0 win against Everton.There are now fears among United’s 55,000 season-ticket holders that a hefty price hike is likely for them next season too.Ruben Amorim reveals four Man Utd stars who have a ‘time limit’ as he discusses squad issues There were even protests before the Everton game, with a banner raised reading “Stop Exploiting Loyalty”.And a survey of 4,000 supporters by MUST revealed that 68 per cent will attend fewer games.A spokesman for protest group The 1958 said: “It’s unheard of for a Premier League game to go on open sale through the club.”It just doesn’t happen – this has backfired massively.”SunSport have contact United for comment.Despite the backlash, United chiefs have defended their decision in a statement, despite already saving fortunes by making a host of staff redundant. It read: “As a club, we have been focused on cost saving to put us on a stronger financial footing.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. “This means having to make very hard decisions, including a significant reduction in our staff numbers. “It also means looking for opportunities to increase our revenues so we can continue to invest in football and infrastructure. “We have now sold over 97 per cent of tickets this season, many of which were at a discounted rate. “We are implementing some policy changes for matches that have already sold out, where only small numbers of tickets will be released.”READ MORE SUN STORIESFans affected have been emailed by club chiefs, with several expressing their dissatisfaction on social media.One post read: “Absolute waffle from United in that email about the ticket price rises, they can butter it up anyway they want, but there is and never will be any excuse for charging children £66 to watch a football game at Old Trafford.”Man Utd ratings vs ArsenalRUBEN AMORIM lost his first game since taking charge of Man Utd after a 2-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates.See how the players rated…ANDRE ONANA – 5He was let off early in the game after a stray pass saw Gabriel Martinelli put the ball in the net before the linesman raised his flag.Failed to command his area as 5″10 Jurrien Timber leapt highest to rattle the back of his net, before the ball floated to the back post for Arsenal to score their second set piece.DIOGO DALOT – 6Flashed a shot just wide at the end of the first half when he did eventually get forward.Not bad defensively but more dangerous going forwards.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Formed a good partnership with Maguire in the first half, and fans will be hoping he is okay after suffering a slight knock.Needed to be a more commanding figure in the box to stop being dominated by The Gunners at set pieces.HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was actually very impressive in the first half, with a solid showing.Not at fault for Timber’s header hitting the back of the net, before he was replaced by Leny Yoro.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6Playing as a left-sided centre-back he looked fairly comfortable, which is a credit to the Moroccan’s versatility.That said, he still looked better off in the role that Malacia, then Dalot occupied tonight as a left-wingback.TYRELL MALACIA – 3Noticeably looked extremely physically weak up against Bukayo Saka on the left-hand side, before being booked for a kick out at Kai Havertz.Offered nothing going forward and his link-up with Garnacho was practically non-existent. Hooked at half-time for the far more threatening Amad.MANUEL UGARTE – 5Another one who was booked in the first half, he failed to establish any kind of presence in the game and on the ball, looked pretty woeful.Cleared a Joshua Zirkzee header off of his own line to stop Arsenal from doubling their lead early in the second half.BRUNO FERNANDES – 4This game was crying out for Bruno Fernandes to stamp his authority on it, and it seemed he just couldn’t quite get his foot on the ball to do so.Played a deeper role today, next to Ugarte, which meant we didn’t see any of his attacking spark.MASON MOUNT – 3Mason Mount at right wing was an experiment tried and failed at Chelsea, which Amorim tried again tonight.He was often lost in the half-space, meaning he was essentially useless going forwards. Hooked in the second half after a fairly abysmal showing.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5A very quiet first half, only brightened by one half-decent cross, was met by a second half where he was quickly subbed for Marcus Rashford.Quiet.RASMUS HOJLUND – 6Battled well with the physical presence of William Saliba early on, but his side failed to create him any kind of chances.Cut a frustrated figure for most of the match, and rightly so. There will be no point signing Gyokeres if they can’t create anything for him to score.SUBSAMAD (TYRELL MALACIA, HT) – 5Was more direct and definitely an improvement on Malacia, albeit on the opposite flank.However, still wasn’t able to be the difference which Ruben Amorim would’ve been looking for in this one.MARCUS RASHFORD (MASON MOUNT, 72) – 5Having been electric on the whole under Amorim, he wasn’t able to provide any kind of spark against an opponent which has been one of his favourites in recent years.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (ALEJANDRO GARNACHO, 72) – 4After an impressive display last time out, he failed to offer anything to his side going forward today.The closest he came to scoring was a dangerous header which almost saw him get an own goal on the scoresheet.LENY YORO (HARRY MAGUIRE, 72) – 6Looks like a pretty good defender on the whole, a tough game for a young centre-back, but he didn’t look out of place whatsoever.ANTONY (RASMUS HOJLUND, 79) – 5Played his part in a clever free-kick routine at the end of the game, before fluffing his lines and finding the gloves of David Raya. More

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    Andy Carroll reveals he gets £16 easyJet flights from best pal pilot as he goes back and forth from Bordeaux to London

    ANDY CARROLL has revealed that he takes £16 easyJet flights back and forth from Bordeaux to London.The former England striker, 35, quit British football for a new life in France last year.Andy Carroll now plays for Bordeaux in the French fourth tierCredit: AFPAfter a season at Ligue 2 Amiens, Carroll signed for fallen giants Bordeaux in the fourth tier.The ex-Newcastle and Liverpool star is loving his fresh start across the Channel.With five children back in England, Bordeaux having regular flights to and from London appealed greatly to Carroll when making his decision to move.”My best friend is a pilot with easyJet,” Carroll told The Times. “So I’m on staff travel and I get flights for 19 euros (£16).”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Geordie was a hometown hero with Newcastle after coming through the Toon academy before moving to Anfield in January 2011.Carroll’s £35million Liverpool switch made him the most expensive English player of all time at that point.Having arrived on Merseyside with an injury, and having been quite happy at Newcastle, Carroll found the adjustment difficult.”It wasn’t easy, I was still young,” he admits. “I stayed in a hotel and I hated it. I went on my own and I stayed there on my own.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I didn’t know anyone. I was in the room all day every day and I was driving myself mad.”I was injured when I signed so my connection with the team was non-existent. I was like, ‘I didn’t want to come here and no one speaks to me.’ At 21 I was depressed.”Andy Carroll ‘playing 5D chess’ as former England star steals show on debut after dropping down to fourth tierCarroll went on to move to West Ham, before eventually returning to Newcastle in 2019.Following two seasons back at St James’ Park he dropped down a division to Reading, where he began to rediscover his love for the game.Despite his achievements at the top level, Carroll doesn’t have a big ego, and is quite happy being one of the lads at fourth-tier Bordeaux.He even enjoys cooking for his team-mates, and reveals that he will be serving up a treat for them again soon.Carroll said: “I might go for a Christmas theme or do a proper old-school Whitley Bay fish and chips, with homemade beer batter and tartar sauce. I really enjoy cooking.”I went for lunch with eight of the lads today at a little Thai restaurant, and they’re a great group. One of them speaks good English, but they were mainly French speakers. I can understand a lot more than I could. The players here are helping me.”Carroll, 35, has been made to feel welcome in FranceCredit: AFP More

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    ‘They’ll sack him.. this can’t continue’ – Ange Postecoglou warned he is on brink of Tottenham axe

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU has been warned he’ll be SACKED if he doesn’t turn things around at Tottenham in the coming weeks.Spurs have won only ONE of their last six matches in all competitions, a run which has included embarrassing home defeats to Ispwich and Bournemouth.Pressure is beginning to mount on Tottenham manager Ange PostecoglouCredit: REXSpurs have won only one of their last six games in all competitionsCredit: GETTYPostecoglou was involved in a fiery exchange with a Spurs fan after Thursday’s defeat to BournemouthJamie O’Hara of Tottenham Hotspur (Photo by AMA/Corbis via Getty Images)Credit: GettySeveral of the Tottenham faithful turned on the Aussie gaffer after Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth, effing and jeffing at him after the final whistle.And former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara reckons owner Daniel Levy will wield the axe if he doesn’t steer the ship back on course in the next few weeks.The talkSPORT pundit said: “Daniel Levy won’t stand for this. I’m telling you now, he will sack him.”If he thinks he can go this all the way through the season and keep defending like this, keep having set pieces like this, he will get sacked.READ MORE ON”Daniel Levy is all about Champions League football, Europa League minimum.”If Spurs are tenth in the table after Christmas, they’ll sack Ange. I’m telling you, they’ll sack him.”This can’t continue. I know everyone loves Ange, you know, in terms of like the attacking football.”I can’t, I’m getting bored of watching this. I’m getting bored of watching this.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERStalkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara is getting sick and tired of Spurs blowing hot and coldCredit: Twitter / @talkSPORTPostegoclou’s troops showed glimpses of their potential late last month when they trounced defending Premier League champions Manchester City 4-0 at the Etihad.O’Hara is sick of his former side blowing hot and cold, adding: “I’m tired of being a Spurs fan. It’s hard work.Ange Postecoglou ‘determined to get it right’ after Tottenham lose at Bournemouth “One minute you’re up, then you’re down, then you’re up, then you’re down.”And you know what? It’s just, it’s painful. “We are painful to watch because you know there’s a big performance in there because we’ve seen it.”Aston Villa. Man City. You go away from home, then you get beat by Bournemouth.”Tenth-placed Tottenham will look to get back to winning ways on Sunday afternoon, welcoming hosting title-chasing Chelsea. More

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    ‘Who the f*** do you think you are?’ Man City told after ‘making outrageous bid for Lionel Messi by accident’

    FORMER Manchester City assistant Mark Bowen has revealed the club once lodged an “accidental” £35m bid for Lionel Messi.And the offer got City’s new ownership in hot water with Barcelona’s president who told the Prem side, “who the f*** do you think you are?”Mark Bowen has revealed the club once lodged an ‘accidental’ bid for Lionel MessiLionel Messi was slowly becoming the best player in the world back in 2008Bowen served as Mark Hughes’ assistant manager at a number of clubs and followed his countryman to City in 2008 following Sheikh Mansour’s takeoverBack in 2008, flushed with cash from their new Abu Dhabi backed owners, City were spending money for fun. During that summer, they brought in Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta, Tal Ben Haim, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Brazilian striker Jo.But they were still keen to land a marquee name – which eventually saw them break the British transfer record for Robinho from Real Madrid for £32.5m. However, there was a point during that summer that the Cityzens were just throwing out bids here, there and everywhere.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd this approach led to a “messy” mix-up which saw City chastised by Barca president Joan Laporta for their accidental £35m Messi bid.Bowen told the ‘Business of Sport’ podcast: “So Garry Cook [Ex-Manchester City CEO] had said to Mark Hughes, right, the owners, they want to make a statement. They have to make a statement straight away, you know.“So we played in the Man City Academy’s Golf Day, and we were on the buggy going around, and almost every 10 minutes, Mark’s phone was going bing, bing, bing.”And at one time we had £30m plus, circa £30m for Dimitar Berbatov, for Robinho, for Franck Ribery, because they were just chucking out to these clubs in Europe, £35m, £30m, to see which one would bite, right?Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So while all this was going on, Cook’s in London, he’s got different people on the board who are in there, and you’re all chasing around, ringing this, ringing that.”All of a sudden they get this thing through from Barcelona, from Laporta, who basically goes online and in the media saying, ‘who the f*** do Man City think they are, they’re taking the p***'”.Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s sons playing in same Inter Miami team as incredible video shows wonderkids in action Robinho was Man City’s first marquee signingHe continued: “So what’s happened here? Well, apparently Man City have offered £35m for Lionel Messi. “Now at the time, believe it or not, it wouldn’t have been a ridiculous thing to say because people were talking at the time about Ribery and Messi, which is the better of the two, whatever.”We get to the bottom of it, true story. So they were kicking off going, what actually happened were all the people in this office and somebody had turned around, probably Cook and said this is getting messy.”So somebody has literally sent an offer to Barcelona for Lionel Messi, we are interested in Lionel Messi. The president’s come back and gone, ‘you think you can buy Lionel Messi off us?'”Robinho’s signing had come out of the blue and the Brazilian made an infamous gaffe on arrival after calling his new club Chelsea.And his reason for signing remains unforgettable: “Yes, I thought I was joining Manchester United.”I was misled by all involved. I wasn’t aware there was another Manchester club.”He made 41 appearances for City before being loaned out to Santos for a season before joining AC Milan.Cook also penned deals for Wayne Bridge, Craig Bellamy, Shay Given and Nigel de Jong.READ MORE SUN STORIESHughes’ No.2 Bowen played in the Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur, Norwich City, West Ham and Charlton. More

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    World Cup winner opens up on shock health battle with rare exercise ‘addiction’ bigorexia as he admits ‘I am sick’

    WORLD CUP winner Bixente Lizarazu has lifted the lid on his battle with bigorexia, admitting: “I am a sick man”.The former France star won a host of trophies with Bayern Munich, and also played for Bordeaux, Athletic Bilbao and Marseille.Bixente Lizarazu won the World Cup and Euros with FranceCredit: GettyLizarazu has revealed he is ‘sick’ with a rare conditionCredit: GettyLeft-back Lizarazu helped Les Bleus win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, playing in both finals.But the 54-year-old has now opened up on suffering a rare mental illness that compels people to exercise too much.Also known as muscle dysmorphia, bigorexia makes sufferers think their bodies are too small and weak.They also only eat foods they believe will boost their muscles.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe condition can lead to depression, thoughts of suicide and steroid misuse if left untreated.Lizarazu has been heavily involved in surfing, jiu-jitsu, cycling and other sports since quitting football 18 years ago.The 95-cap international told French media: “I am sick. I am 54-years-old now, but I still have to feel like a professional athlete even now.”Physical exercise is my passion and it does me good. Most read in Football”It has been my compass throughout my life and has helped me find my balance.”But I have bigorexia. It’s fair to say I exercise to excess.Football teams that controversially changed their badge”Anyone with the condition who stops training from one day to the next risks falling into depression.”I need to work hard, wear myself out and release the entire mass of energy I have within myself.”But this sickness is preferable to other forms of addiction. I just have to know how to manage it.”Lizarazu has been with his current partner, actress Claire Keim, since 2006.He added: “She met me while I was still a footballer, so luckily she accepts my addiction to sport.”Even though it it healthy, it takes up a lot of time.”READ MORE SUN STORIESLizarazu won the Champions League and six Bundesliga titles with Bayern.He also helped Bordeaux climb from France’s second division to become Intertoto Cup winners and UEFA Cup finalists.Lizarazu won six Bundesliga titles at BayernCredit: GettyHelp for mental healthIf you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. More

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    Man Utd send scouts to watch Tyler Dibling as two Premier League giants consider transfer swoop for Southampton star

    SOUTHAMPTON’S Tyler Dibling is being watched by TWO Premier League giants, SunSport can reveal.The midfielder has been one of the only bright sparks in a season which has seen the Saints left rooted to the bottom of the table.Tyler Dibling has impressed since breaking into the Southampton teamCredit: GettyManager Russell Martin has given Dibling a huge amount of game time and he’s responded by putting in a string of eye-catching performances.He particularly impressed during the Saints’ fiery 1-1 draw with Brighton, a performance which drew praise from a number of pundits.DIbling, 18, has now caught the eye of two Prem giants.Manchester United and Aston Villa have both sent scouts to watch his last three games and he’s believed to be on the radar of clubs in Germany and Italy as well.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt’s likely any deal for the player would be in the summer as Southampton are not ready to sell with relegation a looming threat.But if the Saints do finish in the bottom three they could struggle to keep hold of the player.Dibling has scored one goal this season and has won praise from Danny Murphy, who labelled him “instrumental” to Southampton.He said on Match of the Day: “It is the quality he has got – the belief in himself and the physical power. He just goes past people with ease. He has got a lovely left foot. He is very brave on the ball and his decision-making is good.Most read in Football”It is difficult to get too over the top with these young players, because he has just come on to the scene, but he is going to be something special.”It is great for him getting all these minutes at Southampton. They are giving him the freedom to play and giving him time to learn the game.Ruben Amorim reveals four Man Utd stars who have a ‘time limit’ as he discusses squad issues “He is just enjoying himself and he is playing with a real belief in himself. He is just instrumental in this team.” More

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    Youri Tielemans and Ryan Gravenberch leading Dream Team for bonus points this season

    DREAM TEAM managers should keep abreast of which players are earning the most bonus points throughout the season.Goal involvements and clean sheets remain the game’s primary currencies but every point counts come the end of the season.We understand not every gaffer wants to spend time studying the Stats Centre and so allow us to present the top bonus point collectors after 13 Gameweeks of the campaign.Tielemans ticks a lot of boxesCredit: Dream TeamMOST BONUS POINTS EARNED THIS SEASON:30 pts – Youri Tielemans (£3.9m)30 pts – Ryan Gravenberch (£3.8m)29 pts – James Maddison (£4.7m)24 pts – Savinho (£4.1m)22 pts – Bruno Guimaraes (£4.3m)22 pts – Dwight McNeil (£3.8m)22 pts – Iliman Ndiaye (£3.8m)19 pts – Eberechi Eze (£5m)19 pts – Kyle Walker-Peters (£3m)18 pts – Anthony Gordon (£4.3m)18 pts – Pedro Porro (£4.7m)18 pts – Declan Rice (£4.2m)Aston Villa’s No8 is actually a viable option for the upcoming Gameweek.Unai Emery’s side are set to take on 20th-placed Southampton this weekend before travelling to RB Leipzig on Tuesday but it’s a good time to play the Bundesliga outfit as they’ve lost five of the last seven games in all competitions.Tielemans earned the maximum of five bonus points in his most recent outing as part of an eight-point haul against Brentford.The Belgium international ranks highly in his position for accurate crosses, interceptions, blocks and fouls won – his pass completion rate of 86% is handy too.Gravenberch has been transformed this seasonCredit: ReutersAs for Gravenberch, he’s been a revelation since Arne Slot took charge at Anfield.Most read in FootballThe Dutchman has made 41 interceptions this season, eight more than anyone else and 13 more than the next-best midfielder.His ability to pick off loose balls, drive through the middle third and retain possession has been a key feature in Liverpool’s strong start to the campaign – his impressive bonus point tally reflects this.However, Gravenberch is yet to score this season and has contributed just one assist.He’s doing a great job for his team but his penchant for bonus points is not quite enough to justify his selection in a truly competitive Dream Team XI.Whereas Maddison ticks plenty of boxes as a player who also registers lots of shots on target and big chances created.Maddison has returned plentiful points despite Spurs’ inconsistenciesCredit: GettyTottenham’s No10 has ten goal contributions to his name but his bonus point collection mean he’s currently above the likes of Alejandro Garnacho (£4.3m) and Luis Diaz (£4.2m) in the overall rankings, despite the Manchester United and Liverpool wingers having been involved in more goals (12 each).Not that many gaffers have much faith in Spurs at present.Guimaraes is an interesting inclusion as he possesses an almost freakish ability to win free-kicks.Newcastle’s combative midfielder has won 60 fouls this season when only one other player (the aforementioned Maddison) has registered more than 35!Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWWalker-Peters leads the way among defenders but his useful habit of picking up bonus points is completely negated by Southampton’s defensive concerns.Porro has been undermined by Spurs’ frailties too – he’s contributed to just three clean sheets – but his overall total of 102 points puts him sixth among assets in his position.READ MORE SUN STORIESWithout a healthy return of bonus points the Spaniard would be far less appealing.Dream Team bosses shouldn’t centre their strategy on bonus points but it would be a mistake to disregard them entirely – they soon add up.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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    Inside very awkward F1 end-of-season dinner with Verstappen and Russell ‘sat as far away from each other as possible’

    MAX Verstappen and George Russell were sat as “far away from each other as possible” during the F1 driver’s end-of-season dinner.The Red Bull and Mercedes pair have been locked in a bitter war of words with Russell accusing the four-time champ of being a “bully”.Lando Norris posted a cheeky Instagram post stoking the flames of Max Verstappen and George Russell’s feudVerstappen and Russell were sat on opposite ends of the tableVerstappen accused Russell of being two-facedBut Russell has responded by labelling Verstappen a ‘bully’ and accusing the Red Bull ace of threatening himRussell claimed that Verstappen threatened to purposefully go out of his way to crash into him and “put my f***ing head into the wall”. It reportedly occurred during a heated private exchange following a controversial decision from the stewards last week.World champ Verstappen was furious at being demoted a place from pole position for driving “unnecessarily slowly” as they prepared for their final flying laps in qualifying in Qatar.The Dutchman later accused the Brit of “exaggerating” and being two-faced for the evidence he gave to the stewards.READ MORE ON F1But the two were forced into close proximity in what was sure to be an awkward and tension-filled end-of-season dinner ahead of the final race weekend of the calendar in Abu Dhabi.In a post on Instagram, Norris confirmed the pair were kept away from each other to avoid any face-to-face conflict at the meal.The McLaren ace shared an image of all 20 drivers smiling at the camera alongside the caption: “2024 dinner! And yes, the two you’re thinking about were sat as far away from each other as possible.”In the comments, Verstappen hinted at the “beef” between himself and Russell by posting a steak emoji. Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Mercedes driver shared the picture to his own accounts but made no reference to the elephant in the room, simply captioning it: “Class of 24.”Verstappen and Russell were all smiles in the image and were separated by five of their colleagues at the plush restaurant.Lewis Hamilton in awkward car journey with George Russell and Carlos Sainz after Las Vegas GPLewis Hamilton was tucked away in the corner next to Charles Leclerc, who will be his team-mate at Ferrari next season. And Russell shared an image of the dinner on his Instagram, where he revealed that former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas picked up the tab.Perhaps a loaded revelation, as tradition states that the world champ must foot the bill.Just hours earlier, Russell told reporters: “I find it all quite ironic considering Saturday night he said he’d purposefully go out of his way to crash into me and, quote, ‘Put my f***ing head in the wall.'”So to question somebody’s integrity as a person while saying comments like that the day before, I find very ironic.”I’m not going to sit here and accept it. People have been bullied by Max for years now.”And you can’t question his driving abilities but he cannot deal with adversity. Lewis stood up to him in 2021 and lost that championship unfairly.George Russell”Whenever anything has gone against him, Jeddah ‘21, Brazil ‘21, he lashes out.”For me, those comments on Saturday night and Sunday were totally disrespectful and unnecessary because what happens on track – we fight hard – it’s part of racing. “What happens in the stewards’ room, you fight hard, but it’s never personal.”He’s a four-time champion. Lewis is the champion I aspire to be – hard but fair; never beyond the line. We have a duty as drivers.”The meal, which was the last one to be organised by Hamilton as a Mercedes driver, is held every year to commemorate the end of the campaign ahead of the final race at the Yas Marina Circuit.Russell, 26, added: “The second he does not have the fastest car, he crashes into Lewis, slams his team and loses the plot.”Straight after, 25 per cent of his engineering team were sending CVs because they said they can’t deal with a guy like that.”Lewis stood up to him in 2021 and lost that championship unfairly.”Can you imagine Max losing the way Lewis lost it? [Former race director Michael] Masi would be fearing for his life.”READ MORE SUN STORIESVerstappen was crowned a four-time world champ after clinching the 2024 title with a fifth-placed finish at the Las Vegas GP, before winning in Qatar over the weekend.The 27-year-old has also just announced he is expecting a baby with partner Kelly Piquet.Verstappn and Piquet are expecting a babyCredit: GettyF1 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