Philippa Kaur

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    Robin van Persie seething after his side’s opponents allowed to field 12 PLAYERS during match

    ROBIN VAN PERSIE was left outraged after his side momentarily played against TWELVE MEN in the Eredivisie. The Dutchman’s Heerenveen were 2-1 up at home against Fortuna Sittard on Saturday when the bizarre mistake happened.Heerenveen were forced to play against twelve men in the EredivisieCredit: ESPNFortuna Sittard has eleven outfield players for nearly a minute, with the goalkeeper out of shotFortuna Sittard scored from a corner just two minutes after the mix upCredit: RexRobin van Persie couldn’t believe what he was seeingCredit: RexFortuna Sittard made two subs in the 88th minute but winger Jasper Dahlhaus stayed on the pitch, while both replacements came on.The officials seemingly failed to notice and play continued with an extra man for nearly a minute.The visitors were then awarded a corner and equalised from it in the 90th minute, thanks to a header from defender Rodrigo Guth.Van Persie, 41, could be seen shouting at the fourth official before Dahlhaus finally made way just seconds before the corner was taken.READ MORE FOOTBALLA seething Van Persie slammed the “scandalous” decision as his side missed the chance to leapfrog Sittard in the Dutch top flight. The former Man Utd and Arsenal striker hit out at match officials.He said: “Twelve against eleven. I didn’t know that was allowed, but apparently it is.”It can’t be right that they’re playing with twelve men for a minute before that throw-in and corner.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I asked him if they shouldn’t do anything with it. For example, reverse the goal. It can’t be right. I think this is really scandalous. “If they’re playing with twelve men, we get a throw-in against us, so it certainly had an effect. Robin van Persie under-fire after bizarre coaching decision backfires in cup KO “In addition, the rules state that it’s eleven against eleven and not twelve against eleven.”Levi Sman gave Van Persie’s Heerenveen the lead after eight minutes.But Sittard were on level terms seven minutes later thanks to a penalty by Kristoffer Peterson. Teenager Eser Gurbuz finished from close-range to put Heerenveen 2-1 up with eight minutes remaining before the late drama.Van Persie was appointed as Heerenveen’s head coach last May and they sit 12th in the league. More

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    EFL manager says sorry to Ange Postecoglou and Spurs in statement after ‘I made a stupid comment about Tottenham’

    LEYTON ORIENT manager Richie Wellens has apologised to Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham over a “stupid comment”.The Os boss quickly retracted the comment which he made in his post-match press interview after a 1-0 defeat to Stockport.Richie Wellens apologised for a comment he made about Ange PostecoglouCredit: GettyPostecoglou’s squad has been hit by injuries this seasonCredit: AlamyWellens bemoaned the officiating in the match after his side saw a penalty appeal waved away by the referee late on.Orient were also without Sean Clare and key defender Omar Beckles – the latest casualties in an injury-strewn season.Asked if injuries were to blame for the defeat, Wellens responded: “I’m not Ange Postecoglou and keep using it as an excuse.”Orient have since taken the comment out of the video and Wellens has issued an apology to Postecoglou and Spurs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn an official statement on the club’s website, he said: “After today’s game, I was asked about the injuries within our squad and, without thinking, I made a stupid comment about Tottenham Hotspur.“That comment was brought to my attention later in the evening and having watched my interview back I am deeply embarrassed and regret what I said.“At Leyton Orient, we have a strong relationship with Tottenham Hotspur and it was never my intention to say anything that would jeopardise that.“Their manager, Ange Postecoglou, is a world-class coach and I want to apologise for my comments and wish Spurs all the very best for the second half of the season.”Tottenham and Orient have had a close relationship in recent years with Spurs youngsters Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley on loan at the east London club this season and performing well.Tottenham Women also regularly play their home games at Orient’s Brisbane Road, while the League One side borrowed a heated dome for their pitch from Spurs in 2022.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSStatement in fullWellens apologised for his comment with the following statement:“After today’s game, I was asked about the injuries within our squad and, without thinking, I made a stupid comment about Tottenham Hotspur.“That comment was brought to my attention later in the evening and having watched my interview back I am deeply embarrassed and regret what I said.“At Leyton Orient, we have a strong relationship with Tottenham Hotspur and it was never my intention to say anything that would jeopardise that. “Their manager, Ange Postecoglou, is a world-class coach and I want to apologise for my comments and wish Spurs all the very best for the second half of the season.”Tottenham have been ravaged by injuries this season with ten players out of action.Radu Dragusin was the latest player to be struck down after picking up a knee injury against Elfsborg on Thursday. ‘It’ll become so toxic’ – Gary Neville pinpoints exact date he thinks Tottenham will sack Ange Postecoglou More

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    Inside Kevin Danso’s bizarre Tottenham transfer after star AXED medical with Prem rival and now faces nightmare debut

    TOTTENHAM have announced the signing of centre-back Kevin Danso from RC Lens after a bizarre 24-hours. The 26-year-old joins Spurs on an initial loan deal, although the North Londoners possess an obligation to make it permanent in the summer for around £21million.Kevin Danso has completed a move to TottenhamCredit: Instagram @spursofficialThe Austrian has penned an initial loan move with SpursCredit: Instagram @spursofficialDanso joins goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky in moving to Tottenham this month, but had been close to signing for a Premier League rival.The Austrian international had agreed a move to Wolves and was expected to undergo a medical at the Molineux club on Sunday.But late last night they were informed that the deal was dramatically off, with Danso favouring a move to Spurs instead.Ange Postecoglou’s side had been desperate to sign a defender before tomorrow’s deadline following several injury issues.READ MORE TRANSFERSMicky van de Ven has just returned to fitness having previously only played once since October.While Cristian Romero, barring a 15-minute cameo against Chelsea, has not featured since the November international break.Radu Dragusin became the latest Spurs defender to suffer an injury during Thursday night’s 3-0 win over Elfsborg.The Romanian is expected to miss the majority of the rest of the season with a knee issue.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYDanso could be set for a mouthwatering Spurs debutCredit: Instagram @spursofficialSpurs chiefs initially tried to sign former Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori from AC Milan.They agreed a deal with the Italian side, only for Tomori to insist on staying at the San Siro.Inside making of Spurs whiz Bergvall who outshone Kulusevski and Gyokeres as kid Spurs then moved on to Danso, hijacking Wolves’ deal for the impressive 6ft 3in centre-back.Danso was previously part of MK Dons’ academy before moving to Augsburg aged 16.He had a loan spell at Southampton while on the German club’s books, before moving to France with RC Lens.Danso went on to be named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year for the 2022-23 season as his unfancied side finished just a point behind champions Paris Saint-Germain.’THE ONLY THING YOU CAN DO IS SAY YES’The defender has spoken of his delight in joining Spurs, telling their club media: “It feels amazing to be here at the club, I’ve always wanted to play for a big club in the Premier League and Tottenham Hotspur is exactly that.”I think as soon as you hear Tottenham Hotspur is interested the only thing you can do is say yes. (It’s an) Amazing project to be part of and I’m happy to be here.”I’m a quick, powerful centre-back, good on the ball, good in one-v-one defending situations, that’s what I thrive on and that’s what I love to do, defend.”I grew up playing academy football, everyone watched the Premier League and it’s a dream come true.”Danso will not be able to play in this afternoon’s Prem clash at Brentford.But provided his work permit arrives in time, as it is expected to do so, he could make his debut against Liverpool at Anfield in Thursday night’s huge Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.It represents a potentially nightmare or dream debut depending how it goes.Tottenham may not be done in this month’s transfer window.It’s claimed that they could still look to add another defender, having spoken to Chelsea regarding a potential loan deal for Axel Disasi.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Postecoglou and Co are still keen on signing a forward player, having been turned down by Bayern Munich teenager Mathys Tel on Friday.Spurs have reportedly made an enquiry regarding Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho.Spurs have reportedly enquired over Alejandro GarnachoCredit: Getty More

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    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer raids Man Utd for first new Besiktas recruit, 33, to ‘do the dirty work’

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is reportedly set to raid Manchester United for his first recruit at Besiktas.The former Red Devils boss joined the Turkish giants last month – his first job since leaving Old Trafford in 2021.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hired Tom Green from Man UtdCredit: GettyAnd he is set to poach United for senior performance analyst Tom Green.The 33-year-old is set to take up a similar but more senior role at Besiktas, according to The Athletic.Green joined United in 2017 when Jose Mourinho was in charge and reportedly is well thought of at the club.He sat alongside Solskjaer and other senior coaches in the Old Trafford dugout during the Covid season and could benefit the Norwegian by doing the “dirty work”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne source told The Athletic: “He’s considered a really good football analyst and Ole needs that at Besiktas, someone who can produce and do the dirty work, create the pre-match analysis, lead the manager into a match and make sure Ole has all the data on his iPad.“He’ll have to make sure that the coach has the game on his computer after the match, that all coaches have analysis clips pre, live and post-match. In his role, he’d send individual clips to players before and after the games showing their actions.“He’ll be important for Ole and his staff – it’s a brave, bold move and he has to be admired for doing that after seven or eight years over at Man United.”The move for Solskjaer comes after he claimed Besiktas have no scouting department.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAsked about additions in terms of playing personnel, Solskjaer said: “I came in 10 days ago and we are working to bring the right people.”There was no scouting department and no scouting reports when we came to the club.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmer”So that’s something I also work with. that we structure the club in the right way for the future.”Of course the short term is important, but we cannot make the wrong decisions.”We cannot bring players, expensive players, to the club because financially the club have spent a lot of money on this. And I think the president has talked about, at the moment, the financial situation.”The big thing now is that we sit together and prioritise what we can do this window.” More

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    Wolves in line for shock windfall on £35m flop with Atletico Madrid ready to complete transfer

    WOLVES hope for a shock windfall on striker Fabio Silva — with Atletico Madrid keen on making a deal.The forward, capped by Portugal in November, was sent to Las Palmas on loan with the aim of reviving his career in La Liga.Fabio Silva is set to net Wolves a nice little financial windfallCredit: GETTYNow Atletico have taken a shine to Silva and are looking into signing him permanently, either now or over the summer.Wanderers paid £35million to buy Silva as a teenager and may finally have the chance of a payday for the 22-year-old after years of underachieving at Molineux.The Molineux faithful are currently on cloud nine thanks to Matheus Cunha’s new deal.The Brazilian striker was on the radar of several clubs, including Arsenal.READ MORE TRANSFERSBut the 25-year-old has opted to commit his future to Wolves with a bumper new deal, which he marked by scoring in Saturday’s Black Country derby with Aston Villa.He said: “I feel so good here, with the love the fans give to me and my family.”I always go to the pitch and try to give back. Of course, there was a lot of noise around what Matheus would do.“I feel happy. I used my heart to make this decision, more than anything. It was my passion.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMatheus Cunha has penned a new contract with WolvesCredit: Getty”I love being here.”Everyone wants something more for their career, but I feel this is the moment to keep fighting and show everyone what we have, and what love I want to give back.”Wolves players and staff clashing with one another after full-timeWolves fans will be hoping for more good news in the form of additional reinforcements before the transfer window closes on Monday.Emmanuel Agbadou is currently the club’s sole winter signing, much to the frustration of manager Vitor Pereira.He said: “Our priority is the same, midfielder and centre-back.”The club is working on it. The club knows we need to increase the level.” More

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    Arsenal vs Man City referee appointment lacks common sense – Gunners fans are right to be unhappy, says ex-Prem ref

    THE appointment of Peter Bankes for the power-keg Premier League showdown between Arsenal and Manchester City lacks common sense.Gunners fans are up in arms because Bankes is from Merseyside and has an affiliation with the Liverpool County Football Association.Arsenal face Manchester City in a crucial Premier League clash at the EmiratesCredit: ALAMYPeter Bankes has been appointed the referee for the matchCredit: REXGunners fans are up in arms as Bankes is from Merseyside and has an affiliation with the Liverpool County Football AssociationCredit: GETTYAnd I believe the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have brought undue pressure on Bankes and themselves with the appointment for today’s Emirates clash with Arsenal vying with Liverpool in the title race.In the wake of Michael Oliver receiving death threats and abuse after he wrongly sent off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly in the 1-0 win at Wolves last weekend, refs’ chiefs have made an unnecessary appointment.They are not helping themselves.The game is big enough because of the huge rivalry as outlined by Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSBut the appointment will only increase the pressure on Bankes.I would never question the integrity of any match official.But if anything happens then Bankes will be in the firing line.Arsenal fans are already fuming over Oliver’s decision to dismiss Lewis-Skelly.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut VAR Darren England and then the PGMOL were more to blame.England should have intervened at Molineux and then there was no reason for the PGMOL to back a decision which was clearly incorrect.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘calm and composed’ youngster Ethan Nwaneri for Champions League victory The statement to support the red card only inflamed the situation.I saw Gary Neville accuse Mikel Arteta of fuelling Arsenal fans’ growing hostility towards referees but I disagree.If Prem officials got decisions right on a consistent basis then the majority of supporters would have no complaints.MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one. More

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    VAR orders referee to count number of players on pitch in most bizarre Premier League intervention yet

    CHAOS erupted after VAR bizarrely ordered referee Andy Madley to count the NUMBER of players on the pitch during Wolves v Aston Villa.Wolves cruised to a shock 2-0 win against Villa at Molineux to move out of the relegation zone.Andy Madley was asked to confirm the NUMBER of players on the pitchGoncalo Guedes was already in the dugout but Wolves subs weren’t allowed onConfusion broke out on the touchlineIt took just under three minutes for Wolves to make two subsThe second half was littered with controversial moments as Villa saw a goal disallowed and Wolves were denied a penalty shout.The encounter then saw embarrassing scenes which have been likened to a Sunday League mix up.Wolves were 1-0 up -after Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s opener – when they tried to make a double substitution in the 71st minute.The idea was for Goncalo Guedes and Rayan Ait-Nouri to make way for Rodrigo Gomes and Tommy Doyle.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, what should’ve been a routine changeover after the Wolves par left the pitch was far from simple.Madley blew to stop play and was asked to get his fingers out and count up the players on the turf.Guedes was already sitting in the dugout, but Wolves weren’t allowed to bring their replacements on despite the fact that Tim Robinson was holding the fourth official board up. One fan wrote: “What in the Sunday league is going on here at Wolves 🤣.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe commentator said: “VAR are asking the referee to confirm that nobody has left the field. It beggars belief. Extraordinary scenes.”It took just under three minutes for Wolves to make those two substitutions. Aston Villa confirm Jhon Duran’s £64million transfer to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr with blunt 58-word statementIt’s unclear who asked him but Matt Donohue and Wade Smith were on VAR duties.Proceedings finally got back underway before Matheus Cunha wrapped up all three points in the seventh minute of injury time.But to make matters worse, VAR was previously called into scrutiny just 20 minutes before the chaos after disallowing Villa’s equaliser.New £21.5million signing Donyell Malen, who replaced Ollie Watkins at half-time, thought he’d scored his first Villa goal.Malen was behind the ball when he converted a low cross from John McGinn, although the linesman immediately raised his flag.But VAR found something else wrong and ruled that Morgan Rogers was offside when he obstructed Nelson Semedo in the build-up. A statement from the Premier League’s Match Centre account on X read: “The referees call of no goal due to an offside offence is checked and confirmed by VAR – with Rogers in an offside position and deemed to be impacting the ability of Semedo to play or challenge for the ball.”Matheus Cunha wrapped up all three points in the seventh minute of injury timeCredit: Alamy More

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    Newcastle star Joe Willock hit by vile racist abuse online after Fulham defeat as he tells thug ‘I hope you find God’

    NEWCASTLE star Joe Willock has spoken out against the vile racist abuse hurled at him after his side’s loss to Fulham.The Magpies went into half-time in the lead but saw their Champions League hopes take a massive blow as they collapsed 2-1 to a resurgent Fulham side.Joe Willock in action against Fulham yesterdayCredit: AlamyHe shared racist messages he received after Newcastle’s gameCredit: InstagramThe Newcastle star hit back after the disgusting abuseCredit: InstagramWillock was a second-half substitute in the game and nearly made an immediate impact but missed a magnificent chance while the scores were level.But the Newcastle star was hit by a torrent of disgusting racist abuse after the full-time whistle had blown yesterday.Willock shared the disgusting messages on his Instagram story along with the caption: “I hope you find God bro.”One cowardly user said: “You cant score from such position? Black n****.”Read More in FootballA second wrote: “Black slave bast***, you trash bast*** who causes trouble wherever you go.”The disgusting user also threatened harm against Willock’s family.The Sun has chosen not to include all of the abhorrent abuse sent to the Newcastle midfielder.Willock saw out the rest of the game after coming on but it wasn’t to be his day.Most read in FootballThe Newcastle star looked a forlorn figure at full-time as he wiped sweat off his face with his shirt following the loss.He has already racked up 28 games this year and the box-to-box midfielder has managed to score one goal and record two assists.Newcastle looked to be cruising to an eighth league win out of nine after Jacob Murphy had given them a half-time lead.Instead, a sloppy display after the break cost them as Raul Jimenez levelled before Muniz’s late dagger through the heart.Suspended Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes shares heartwarming clip celebrating famous win in his living room with his sonThe Brazilian came off the bench to turn in a free-kick from fellow substitute Andreas Pereira eight minutes from time to give the Cottagers their first away win at Newcastle in 16 years.Fulham’s second-half fightback has them dreaming of Europe once again after their super-sub’s dramatic winner.The Cottagers are now back looking up the table after bouncing back from last week’s loss to Manchester United.But a second-straight home defeat was the worst possible preparation for the Magpies ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg against Arsenal.The hosts were left to rue missed chances as Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak both struck the woodwork for the visitors as well as Willock’s miss.Newcastle fell to a second consecutive home defeat, having been thrashed 4-1 to Bournemouth last month.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Magpies will face champion Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and leader Liverpool in its next three league outings.Howe must now lift his troops to defend their 2-0 advantage against the Gunners and seal a date with destiny at Wembley.Willock arriving for Saturday’s gameCredit: RexWillock cuts a forlorn figure after the defeatCredit: GettyFulham star Raul Jimenez equalised against NewcastleCredit: ReutersThe Cottagers then dealt Newcastle a severe blow to their Champions League hopesCredit: Getty More