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    Fury over revamped European Super League as it’s revealed four new divisions would be based on EU flag

    FOUR divisions for a new 96-club European Super League would be inspired by the EU flag — Star, Gold, Blue and Union.Promoter A22 Sports yesterday unveiled its format for a “Unify League” and said it had written to Fifa and Uefa to ask for official endorsement.Footie fans slammed a plot to revive the hated European Super League, above protesters outside Stamford Bridge in 2021Credit: GettyFour divisions would be inspired by the EU flag — Star, Gold, Blue and UnionCredit: AlamyMadrid-based A22 is backed by Real Madrid, its chief Florentio Perez and Barcelona, above Jude Bellingham during a UEFA Champions League matchCredit: GettyThe firm’s previous plan for a closed 20-team league folded in April 2021 amid a fan backlash — as reported by The Sun.But A22 bosses believe Uefa must endorse its proposal following a December 2023 European Court of Justice ruling that previous tactics used to block a Super League were contrary to EU law.An A22 spokesperson confirmed last night: “The names of the leagues are named after the EU Flag/Flag of the Council of Europe.“The Unify proposal is aligned with the principles of the European Union and compliant with its laws.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It is open to all clubs from across the 55 countries.”Teams would earn a place on merit and not be guaranteed entry.Games would be streamed free on a direct-to-fan Unify platform, with viewers likely to pay a ­subscription to go ad-free.But one fan blasted: “They’ve used an EU ruling as the justification, and now the flag seems to have inspired the leagues. It stinks.”Most read in FootballA senior Uefa figure called the plan “bulls***t” and “a Christmas pantomime”.Tim Payton, from the Arsenal Supporters Trust, added: “We utterly condemn these proposals and are against any breakaway or super leagues.”Fans ask ‘how’s Henry spotted that?’ as they are left stunned by Arsenal icon’s analysis of Man Utd star’s goal vs Man City He urged the football regulator currently being set up by the UK government to block the proposal.Top Unify League division Star would involve 16 clubs in two pools of eight.Second league Gold would be the same. The remaining 64 teams would be in Blue and Union divisions.Each of those would be split into four pools of eight.A women’s competition would run alongside.Madrid-based A22 is backed by Real Madrid, its chief Florentino Perez, and Barcelona.A22 CEO Bernd Reichart said the Unify League aimed to address challenges such as increased TV subscription costs, an overloaded calendar, insufficient investment in women’s football, and dissatisfaction with the format and governance of current competitions.We utterly condemn these proposals and are against any breakaway or super leaguesTim Payton, from the Arsenal Supporters TrustHe cited the ECJ 2023 ruling that states “any competition where qualification is inclusive and meritocratic, and which complies with the overall match calendar can be officially established”.Mr Reichart said A22 had consulted with clubs, leagues and other groups.But Arsenal fan Mr Payton said: “I don’t believe they’ve had any meaningful discussions with supporter groups.“We have pushed Arsenal in our meetings with them since the Super League — and they always tell us they are committed to the existing structures and competitive balance.“We would urge the club to ­condemn and ignore moves like this. “It is a breakaway and being proposed by people outside the FA, Premier League and Uefa structure.BOWING TO FAT CATSBy Will Barker, Sun newsman and Villa fanJUST when you thought the greedy clubs had learnt their lesson from the last Super League chaos, here comes another crazy idea.And this time, the EU has laid out the red carpet for fat cat clubs to sponge even more money off fans.My team, Villa, have been battling since the very start of the Champions League to hear the famous anthem played at Villa Park. Previous memories of 1982 when we won the European Cup are all faded now.But now we have been able to experience first hand what a great competition it is rather than jealously watch our Premier League rivals from afar. Incredibly, Villa have had a great run in the tournament so far — even beating giants Bayern Munich, which led to some of the wildest celebrations in the Midlands I’ve seen for years.Football is about the fans. It isn’t about the rich owners and it certainly isn’t about the politicians in Brussels, who need to get their hands off our great game.”They are badging it up as being a bit more competitive but it’s still a breakaway and propagated by Real Madrid and Barcelona.”Manchester United fan and football writer Andy Mitten added: “I don’t think this is a goer and it seems to be being pushed by Real Madrid. “I am not in favour.”The first European Super League plan guaranteed entry to 12 rebel clubs including the Prem Big Six, above Liverpool star Mohamed SalahCredit: GettyManchester City ace Phil Foden copetes in the UEFA Champions LeagueCredit: GettySpurs fan Doug Sanders wrote online: “Just no! “It is clear that player injuries are increasing due to the fixture lists, leaving hardly any free time during the year.“This is solely about making money for A22. “I suppose this would be televised on another obscure channel that fans would need a separate contract for.”One supporter said: “Perez doesn’t take no for an answer, does he?”Another added: “No one wants this. “Stop this nonsense now.”No one wants this. Stop this nonsense nowOne supporterAnd a third wrote: “Massive waste of everyone’s time. “As useless as the new World Club Cup.“Stop trying to please faceless clubs. “Fans want competitive local football.”The new format could involve up to ten Premier League teams compared to four in this year’s Champions League, two in the Europa League and one in the Conference League.The Premier League would have three teams in Star, two in Gold and up to five further teams across the remaining divisions.The first Super League plan guaranteed entry to 12 rebel clubs including the Prem’s Big Six — Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and Man Utd.All positions in the Unify League would be earned by domestic performances in the previous season.A22 envisages 14 league phase games being played between September and April.The top four in each group would then reach a two-legged quarter- final, with the winners progressing to a “final four” week of one-off matches to decide the competition.It means footballers, already ­complaining of burnout, would face playing even more games. No ­formal start date has been set but it is understood A22 hopes to launch in September 2026.The prize fund is yet to be confirmed but A22 promises £330million in “solidarity” payments to smaller clubs and countries.The total pot is expected to exceed the current fund of £2billion for the Champions League, and £700million for the Europa and Conference Leagues combined.Measures to block clubs from joining any breakaway competition are included in the Government’s Independent Football Regulator, currently going through Parliament and backed by all major parties.But the new competition seeks to supplant Uefa and be club-run — as happened when the Premier League was set up more than 30 years ago.The Premier League, Uefa and UK teams have not commented.But clubs are likely to be mindful of angry fan reaction. READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2021 thousands flocked to demonstrations at Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd.They let off smoke bombs, called for club owners who had backed plans to go and branded the proposed format the “Super Greed”.Plenty to like… but will fans back it?By Martin Lipton, Chief Sports ReporterTHE biggest issue with the first version of Super League was that it was utterly unfair.Football has always been about what you earn on the field — and offering the Prem’s Big Six a place in a breakaway elite for life would have destroyed the fabric of the game.So while many fans reacted in anger at the ­latest proposals unveiled by Madrid-based A22, its new plans do tick more boxes.Qualification by merit, rather than on the basis of what a club did ten, 15 or 20 years ago is a step in the right direction.As are extra “big” games, playing all teams in a mini-league, home and away — it’s hard to keep tabs on a Champions League table of 36 clubs.Then an end-of-season knock-out with real tension, especially with a final four-style week of one-off semis and the final.But it seems unlikely that a new streaming platform, offering both ad-supported “free” games and a bells-and-whistles subscription service, can really earn the billions required to run four competitions every season.The potential autumn 2026 launch means huge obstacles will have to be cleared quickly — and that includes winning over the fans whose determination torpedoed Super League version one in 48 hours in 2021.In the end, it will come down to the clubs.If they feel their bread is being buttered the way they like it, then it could be on — and if that means jettisoning the Carabao Cup, so be it. 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    Alex Scott gets some help fixing stunning strapless dress from partner Jess Glynne on SPOTY red carpet

    ALEX SCOTT was helped by partner Jess Glynne with her dress on the SPOTY red carpet.The BBC pundit stole the show in a stunning strapless dress as she made her way to the glitzy award show.Jess Glynne joined Alex Scott on the red carpet ahead of the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year awardCredit: GettyThe singer helped the BBC pundit with her dressCredit: SplashThe cute couple were hailed by fans on social mediaCredit: GettyScott, 40, however, was having some trouble with the dress train as it dragged along behind her.As she posed for photos on the red carpet her partner Jess was quick to reposition when needed.The singer went for a different style than Scott’s, as she wore a chic black racerneck sleeveless shirt and tie.Fans saw the moment and reacted on social media.READ MORE ON SPORTOne posted: “Jess Glynne and Alex Scott.. why are they actually the cutest couple ever?”A second wrote: “Jess Glynne and Alex Scott may just be one of my fave couples; they make me sick. I’m so jealous.”A third said: “How perfect!”A fourth commented: “They are just so lovely together.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “Get yourself a person that looks out for you like Jess Glynne.”The couple looked loved up as they made their way down the red carpet before the show.TV presenters Alex Scott and Jules Breach stun on red carpet for PFA awards night in daring outfitsThey have been dating since 2023Credit: AlamyThey went to an Arsenal match earlier this monthCredit: Instagram @alexscott2Scott was on duty presenting for the BBC alongside Gabby Logan and Clare Balding.This year’s sporting royalty such as Keely Hodgkinson, Luke Littler, Alex Yee and Sarah Storey also attended the show.The four, along with Joe Root and Jude Bellingham, were nominated for the BBC Sport Personality of the Year award.In October 2023, The Sun exclusively revealed how Scott was dating Jess Glynn.The pair enjoyed a series of dates before the Women’s World Cup in August 2023, and have continued to see each other.Earlier this month, they enjoyed a night at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal beat Manchester United.Scott and Glynne attended the Cannes Gala in MayCredit: Getty More

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    Man City ‘lodge complaint with BBC’ after never-before-seen move left Premier League champions fuming

    MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly lodged a shock “complaint” to the BBC over its pre-match coverage of the Manchester derby.The Daily Mail claim the struggling Prem champions were left baffled by the Beeb’s failure to send a reporter from Radio Manchester to cover Pep Guardiola’s pre-match press conference.Manchester City’s crisis continued against Manchester United last weekendCredit: RexThe Premier League champions have reportedly lodged a complaint to the BBCCredit: ALAMYCity have complained to the national broadcaster for their alleged failure to send a reporter to Pep Guardiola’s pre-match press conferenceCredit: MANCHESTER CITYThe Beeb have the rights to air City’s matches on the radio and regularly send reporters to cover the Citzens’ games and media events.Their dedicated City reporter, however, has reportedly been tasked with other assignments in recent times and had colleagues deputise for them.And City are said to be far from happy with the inconsistency, which they believe has affected the broadcasters’ coverage.City are said to have “contacted” Radio Manchester to vent their frustrations. READ MORE ON MAN CITYThe BBC have yet to publicly comment on City’s alleged complaint.But the Mail claim insiders have denied suggestions of not covering City properly, insisting they’re giving them “as much” coverage “as usual”.City’s domestic woes continued in last Sunday’s clash with their local rivals.Guardiola’s troops suffered a last-gasp 2-1 defeat at the Etihad thanks to late goals from Bruno Fernandes and and Amad Diallo.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPep Guardiola’s troops are toiling in fifth place in the Premier League tableCredit: REXThe Spaniard said in his post-match press conference: “I’m the boss, I’m the manager, I have to find solutions but I don’t find solutions.”This is a big club and when you lose eight [out of 11 games] something is wrong.Pep Guardiola says ‘I’m the manager and I’m not good enough’ as Man City lose again “You can say the schedule is tough or the injuries to players, but no.”I’m the manager and I’m not good enough, simple as that.”I have to find a way to talk to them, to train them in the way we need to play, to press the way we need to press.”I’m not good enough. I’m not doing well. That is the truth.”City are currently toiling in FIFTH place in the Premier League table, nine points behind league leaders Liverpool. More

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    Marcus Rashford reveals he is ‘ready for a new challenge’ days after shock omission from Man Utd squad for derby triumph

    MARCUS RASHFORD has admitted he is “ready for a new challenge” after being left out of the Manchester derby.The Manchester United forward has struggled for form over the last 12 months.Marcus Rashford has revealed he is ready for a ‘new challenge’Credit: GettyRuben Amorim dropped Rashford from the squad to face Manchester CityCredit: PAIt was thought that he would be given a fresh start under new manager Ruben Amorim after he replaced Erik ten Hag.Rashford, 27, however, has not managed to convince the Portuguese coach that he should be a key player.The forward, along with Alejandro Garnacho, was left out of the squad for Manchester United’s victory over Manchester City.The omission has come amid speculation that he could be sold by the Red Devils.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd now, Rashford has admitted that he is ready for a “new challenge”.He told journalist Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”Rashford continued to insist that when he does leave Man United, he would not have any “hard feelings”.He added: “When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.”I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.Ruben Amorim vows to ‘find the right solution’ for Marcus Rashford but new Man Utd boss rules out position change “When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me.”He had previously been linked with the Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain when his deal was due to end in 2023.However, he stayed at Old Trafford after extending his contract last year.Pushed for his reaction to being axed from the derby squad, Rashford said: “It’s disheartening to be left out of a derby, but it’s happened, we won the game so let’s move on. “It’s disappointing but I’m also someone as I’ve got older I can deal with setbacks. “What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it. Or do my best the next time I’m available.”United boss Amorim insisted he was not “sending a message” with his selection.But Amorim did say: “We try to evaluate everything – training, performance, game performances, engagement with team-mates, push their team-mates up.”Everything is on the line when we analyse and try to choose the players. It is my selection. Simple.“I don’t want to send a message it is simply an evaluation and they know it. The players are really, really smart.”I pay attention to everything, the way you eat, the way you put your clothes to go to a game. Everything. I make my evaluation and then I decide.”Meanwhile, Rashford has been fired a warning by team-mate Diogo Dalot.The defender claimed that if players want to succeed at Man United they need to “suffer”.Club legend Roy Keane has even insisted that leaving Old Trafford could be the best thing for Rashford.He told Sky Sports: “We need to see how they react to this big disappointment of being left out of the squad in a big game – a big call from the manager… he’s putting a marker down to these players.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I feel probably a move for Marcus definitely would suit the player.”He’s been at the club a long time, a new challenge (would be good).”Roy Keane believes leaving Manchester United could be good for RashfordCredit: X @SkySportsPLMan Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. 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    Alejandro Garnacho wins Fifa Puskas award for stunning goal… days after being dropped from squad for Manchester derby

    ALEJANDRO GARNACHO won the Fifa Puskas award for best goal – just days after being dropped from the Manchester United squad. Garnacho and Marcus Rashford were left out the side that travelled to the Etihad for the City derby.Alejandro Garnacho won the Fifa Puskas award for best goalIt was a stunning bicycle kickCredit: GettyGarnacho was dropped by UnitedCredit: RexUnited went onto win 2-1 thanks to late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo. And Old Trafford boss Ruben Amorim suggested the snub was down to performances in matches and in training. But Garnacho did get something to smile about after being awarded the Puskas award for his bicycle kick stunner against Everton in November 2023. The Argentine was not in Qatar to collect the award as Vinicius Jr won the night’s top prize. READ MORE IN football The Real Madrid superstar scooped the men’s player of the year gong ahead of Rodri and Jude Bellingham.It comes after he was pipped to the Ballon d’Or by Manchester City’s Rodri in what was deemed a shock. But Vinicius appeared emotional on stage as he collected his Fifa best award in Qatar. The award – for football from August 2023 to August 2024 – was decided by a mix of public vote, one journalist from each country and the captain and manager of each national team. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEach group’s vote counted for 25 per cent, with Carlo Ancelotti taking the best men’s coach award. It followed after Ancelotti led Vinicius & Co to the Champions League and LaLiga title. Rodri claims the 2024 Ballon d’Or and is congratulated by his motherVinicius scored 24 goals in 39 appearances last season – including one in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. Real Madrid were already in Doha for Wednesday’s Fifa Intercontinental Cup final against Mexican side Pachuca at Lusail Stadium.Fifa actually revealed details on who each coach and captain voted for.England’s Harry Kane voted for Rodri with international team-mate Bellingham second and Vinicius third.Former interim manager Lee Carsley picked Bellingham, Rodri and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.Scotland boss Steve Clarke and Wales manager Craig Bellamy both chose Rodri as their top pick.Wales captain Aaron Ramsey voted for Vinicius while Northern Ireland skipper Paddy McNair chose Rodri.READ MORE SUN STORIESBrazil’s captain and manager both went for Vinicius but their Spanish counterparts selected Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal.Lionel Messi won the best player for the last two years while Robert Lewandowski had won it in 2021 and 2022. Vinicius Jr won Fifa The Best awardCredit: GettyVinicius scooped the award after his Ballon d’Or snubCredit: AFPFifa president Gianni Infantino with ViniciusCredit: AP More

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    ‘Tell me Arteta didn’t say that,’ says Piers Morgan after Arsenal manager’s ’embarrassing’ trophy claim

    PIERS MORGAN was left flabbergasted by Mikel Arteta’s defence of his trophy haul at Arsenal.Arteta has transformed his former club into bonafide title contenders since replacing Unai Emery at the Emirates helm in December 2019.Mikel Arteta guided Arsenal to FA Cup glory in his debut season at the clubCredit: AFPThe Spaniard also counts the Gunners’ Community Shield triumphs during his reign as major trophiesCredit: APGunners superfan Piers Morgan was left stunned by Arteta’s commentsThe north Londoners, however, only have one major trophy to show for all of their manager’s hard work – the 2019-20 FA Cup.But the Gunners’ Spanish supremo insists he’s a THREE-TIME trophy winner.When it was put to him that he’d only won one trophy, the 42-year-old replied: “And the charity shield as well, twice, no? So it’s three.”Arteta’s comments quickly came to the attention of Arsenal superfan Morgan, who wrote on X: “Oh no… please tell me Arteta didn’t say that?”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMorgan’s followers were quick to react, with one saying: “Yes he did.”Another said: “He didn’t lie though, did he?”And another said: “That’s his idea of success.”One remarked with a series of laughing emojis: “That great mentality – small club.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan DaviesARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him.Another chimed in: “Arteta is the new [Erik] Ten Hag. except Ten Hag won two real trophies in less time.”Arteta’s troops could take a giant step towards their first major trophy in nearly five years tomorrow night in their Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Crystal Palace.Arsenal could turn to Tierney as Arteta hints at January transfer spree He said of the cup run: “It is really helpful, it brings belief, trust, positive energy, touching the cup, and being in the semi-final and beating somebody in the final.“It is that energy and it creates the right path to go and do something else, particularly because of the timing and when the competition is played in this country, it gets that momentum going.“I fully believe in that, the fact that you are winning and you get into the next round and it creates something different around the team and that is why these kind of games are so important.“It keeps everyone on their toes and everyone is willing to play those games and those competitions and if you can win it is momentum and belief and you are ready.”The team is engaged every three days so to try to achieve that for the bigger ones.” More

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    Joey Barton charged with sharing ‘malicious’ posts about Jeremy Vine & Lucy Ward – as he slams ‘woke nonsense’

    JOEY Barton has been charged with sharing “malicious” posts about Jeremy Vine and football commentator Lucy Ward.The former footballer was already accused of targeting pundit Eni Aluko but is now facing further charges against her colleague Lucy.Joey Barton has been charged with malicious communicationsCredit: AlamyHe allegedly lashed out at Lucy WardCredit: GettyHe is also accused of lashing out at BBC star Vine, Liverpool Crown Court was told today.Barton, 41, is now due to appear before magistrates at a later date over the new alleged offences.Cheshire Police confirmed he has been charged with two counts of malicious communications.The force added: “The charges relate to reports of alleged malicious communications online between Wednesday 3 January and Wednesday 20 March, involving two victims.”Read more newsBarton responded to the development on X today – branding it “more woke nonsense”.The ex-manager added “Still no sign of any charges for those from Manchester Airport? Three charges for me for a some jokes on tweets.”Barton has pleaded not guilty over the Eni Aluko tweets and is due to stand trial next year.He landed himself in hot water after launching into alleged attacks against a string of female pundits in December.Most read in FootballThis included Eni and Lucy, who at the time were working as pundits for ITV on the FA Cup clash between Crystal Palace and Everton.Barton allegedly claimed Eni “can’t even kick a ball properly”, before adding: “Your coverage of the game EFC last night, took it to a new low.”Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary.”The former Man City star then accused Eni of being in the “Joseph Stalin category” for “murdering hundreds of thousands of fans’ ears”, it is said.Eni bravely revealed she was seeking legal action after the barrage left her “scared”.Vine was also caught up in a social media spat after Barton branded him a “big bike nonce”.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Barton is accused of sharing posts about Jeremy VineCredit: GettyHe is already due to stand trial over alleged abuse aimed at Eni AlukoCredit: Alamy More

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    Mykhailo Mudryk banned from training with Chelsea team-mates as fresh details emerge on shock drug scandal

    MYKHAILO MUDRYK is unable to train with his Chelsea team-mates as fresh details surrounding his drug scandal emerge.The Ukrainian has been provisionally suspended from football and faces up to a FOUR-YEAR ban after failing a doping test.Mykhailo Mudryk is unable to train with his Chelsea team-mates amid his drug scandalCredit: GettyMudryk – who could end up costing the Blues £88.5million – provided a positive result for an A-sample in late October. The winger and Chelsea are now awaiting the result of the B-sample, which will confirm the original test if it also comes back positive.Mudryk is believed to have tested positive for meldonium, a banned metabolic substance similar to insulin.It can apparently allow the body to “use oxygen sparingly and quickly restore energy to prepare for new loads of physical stress.”READ MORE IN football Meldonium is widely used in Eastern Europe and has been on the banned list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since 2016.Tennis star Maria Sharapova was banned for 15 months after testing positive for meldonium at the Australian Open that same year.According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Mudryk is unable to train at Cobham due to his provisional suspension.Mudryk categorically denies intentional wrongdoing and passed a test in August and has a specialist law firm dealing with the matter.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe positive A-test occurred on international duty and it’s reported the player believes contamination caused the result.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been kept in the loop but is not dealing with the matter day-by-day. ‘I’m getting emotional’ – England manager Thomas Tuchel’s comments on Cole Palmer leave Chelsea fans close to tearsMaresca referred to Mudryk as ill and it is understood the forward did return from international duty sick.The maximum punishment he faces is a four-year ban but Paul Pogba had his reduced to 18 months and is eligible to play again in March. Sharapova had her two-year suspension reduced to 15 months.Mudryk has made 15 appearances this season, with three goals all scored in the Europa Conference League. The positive A-test occurred on international dutyCredit: Getty More