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    Brazil SACK manager Dorival Junior after just over a year following 4-1 humiliation at hands of rivals Argentina

    BRAZIL have sacked manager Dorival Junior after the nation’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to Argentina.The decision was announced by the country’s football federation (CBF) on Friday.Brazil have sacked manager Dorival JuniorCredit: ReutersIt comes after the Samba nation were beaten 4-1 by Argentina in Buenos AiresCredit: AFPEmiliano Martinez did kick-ups in his penalty box to rub salt in the woundsCredit: GettyDorival had been in charge of the Samba nation for a year and was appointed to bring stability, but the former Sao Paolo manager was accused of lacking identity with the national team.A statement from the Brazilian Football Federation said: “The Brazilian Football Confederation announces that coach Dorival Júnior will no longer be in charge of the Brazilian National Team. “The board thanks the professional and wishes him success in his continued career. “From now on, the CBF will work to find a replacement.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 62-year-old departs with a record of seven wins, seven draws and two defeats, overseeing the nation’s quarter-final exit to the hands of Uruguay at the Copa America last year.But the final straw came in the embarrassing defeat to arch-rivals Argentina in Buenos Aires, who inflicted the thrashing even without talisman Lionel Messi and left them ten points behind their bitter rivals.Indeed, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was seen performing kick-ups in his own box during the game to rub salt in the wounds.Brazil were consistently linked with hiring Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti for the role before Dorival’s appointment.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, Chelsea flop Filipe Luis has now been linked to the job after his impressive managerial spell with Flamengo.Luis, capped 44 times by his country, has already picked up three trophies as boss.Argentina humiliate Brazil 4-1 with Emi Martinez even doing keepy ups in his own box in fiery World Cup qualifier And Luis is already on an incredible 24-game winning streak after losing just once in the dugout.However, his brilliant form has now caught the attention of the Brazilian FA.Chelsea flop Filipe Luis has been linked with the roleCredit: Alamy More

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    Man City launched probe into Erling Haaland after he ‘left club’s mascot with whiplash’ after hit to back of head

    ERLING Haaland left a Manchester City mascot with suspected whiplash and concussion after a playful knock to the back of her head.The woman, working as alien “Moonbeam”, was hit by the 6ft 4in striker before a game with Southampton.Erling Haaland left a Manchester City mascot with suspected whiplash and concussion after a playful knock to the back of her headCredit: GettyA temp staffer working as alien Moonbeam went to hospital after being playfully struckCredit: GettyShe went to hospital after being playfully struck while working as furry alien Moonbeam, initially believing she was hit by a stray football.A club probe later cleared the Norwegian striker before City decided not to renew the furious uni graduate’s contract.The woman, who does not want to be named, also lodged an assault complaint with police.Last night she accused the “arrogant” Premier League giants of a     “cover-up” to protect Haaland.READ MORE ON ERLING HAALANDShe started as a City temp last June and occasionally worked as Moonbeam on matchdays, earning around £100 a time.Before the Southampton clash on October 26, she felt two blows to the back of her head as she posed for a photo.She said it left her in shock and as she walked off the pitch she asked a colleague: “What the hell was that that hit me?”She recalled: “He said, ‘It was Erling. He hit you from behind’.Most read in Football“I was pretty upset and I was crying and my head was thudding and I think I was in shock.“I later realised he’d come behind me and hit me on the head and then leaned on my head.”Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starShe told City’s safeguarding boss who allegedly laughed it off, saying: “At least you can say Erling Haaland hit you.”Following the incident the woman was offered the chance to go home but continued to work the shift. She said she later vomited and suffered neck and head pain before being assessed the next day by City’s first-team doctor who suggested she go to hospital.The Salford Royal’s A&E notes confirmed her symptoms though a CT scan revealed no damage.City’s health and safety head Paul Kenyon launched a probe and told the woman they wanted to look at CCTV. I’m sure Erling would have apologised to me if they had given him the chance.But they just wanted to sweep it under the carpet.She said: “I asked if anyone had spoken to Erling and he said, ‘No, they don’t want to distract him’.”She added: “I was offended because I was the one hurt but I was being asked all the questions.”The probe concluded that the striker, 24, did not cause her injuries. A report stated: “Erling Haaland always does a gentle touch on the back or head of Moonbeam as recognition.”It says footage showed him only “grazing” the mascot.The complainant accused Manchester City of sweeping the issue under the carpetCredit: mancityThe woman returned to her role in the ticket office but was told she would have to reapply to get her contract renewed.Following a half-day interview, she was informed last December she had not been successful.She said: “I have never had any complaints from any of the managers about my work before.“They said they didn’t feel like I’d performed in the interviews to the 100 per cent I usually do.”Greater Manchester Police also told her Haaland had not acted with malice. Last night she hit out at City, saying: “I’m sure Erling would have apologised to me if they had given him the chance.“But they just wanted to sweep it under the carpet.”A  City spokesperson said “Manchester City refute the complaint that was made in this regard. READ MORE SUN STORIES“The Club fully investigated and found that none of the evidence, including video footage backed up the claim that an injury was sustained in the manner alleged. “We’re also aware a complaint was made to Greater Manchester Police and no further action was taken by them either.”City issued a statement denying the claims, while confirming police took no further actionCredit: Getty More

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    Ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson’s family make huge sum selling his memorabilia to help settle £8m debt

    EX-England football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson’s family have made £140,000 selling off his memorabilia to help settle his debts.He died owing more than £8million, including £7million in UK tax.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s family have made £140,000 selling off his memorabilia to help settle his debtsCredit: AFPSven with the late Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2002Credit: ReutersA lunch invitation from the late Queen went for £300Among the items up for sale was Sven’s Armani suit from the 2006 World Cup – it went for £3kCredit: bna.nuweauctionsInside the suit was Sven’s hand-written team notesThe Swede’s loved ones were forced to sell hundreds of mementoes — such as his Armani suit from a 2006 World Cup match with his hand-written team notes still in the pocket.The 349 items which went under the hammer also included his BBC Coach of the Year trophy in 2001 and Premier League Manager of the Month award from his time at Manchester City.A lunch invitation from the late Queen and an Ivory Coast top signed by his ­former forward Didier Drogba were flogged too.Sven died of pancreatic cancer last year aged 76, leaving his partner Yaniseth Alcides and two adult children to deal with his debts.read more on svenHe owed the huge sum despite earning tens of millions in a 42-year managerial career at 12 clubs and four national teams, including England from 2001-2006.The Swedish auction house said: “There was huge interest mostly from England, Italy and Portugal.“It was a reflection of the love and affection that people had for Sven in countries all over the world.“We are very pleased with how both auctions have gone and there may be a third one of items of his furniture.”Most read in FootballBut the cash raised is still a drop in the ocean and Sven’s ­family are also selling his seven-bed lakeside mansion in his homeland for £1.8million.Sven’s Premier League Manager of the Month award fetched £1,700Sven earned the award during his time at Manchester CityCredit: Matthew AshtonSven’s BBC Coach of the Year trophy was auctionedThe trophy, which he won in 2001, went for £500An Ivory Coast top signed by Didier Drogba was sold for £700Sven managed the Ivory Coast in 2010Credit: Getty More

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    Man Utd legend’s son joins club in the seventh tier for the rest of the season as he leaves Premier League side

    RIO FERDINAND’s son, Lorenz, has joined Havant and Waterlooville for the rest of the season.The 18-year-old has joined the seventh-tier – Southern League Premier Division South – side on work experience from Premier League outfit Brighton.Lorenz Ferdinand has signed for seventh-tier side Havant and WaterloovilleCredit: HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLEHe has headed there for work experience from BrightonCredit: instagram @lorenz.ferdinandHe is the eldest son of Rio FerdinandCredit: RexFerdinand is a goalkeeper unlike his father, who was a record-breaking defender for the likes of Leeds and Manchester United in his playing days.A club statement from the Hawks said: “Havant and Waterlooville Football Club are thrilled to announce that, goalkeeper, Lorenz Ferdinand has joined on work experience from Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion for the remainder of the Season!”Ferdinand, 18, came through the set-up at Brighton & Hove Albion where he now continues to refine his trade in their Under-21’s set-up.”Lorenz links up with Shaun North’s side for the run-in as the push towards the end of the season continues!READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We welcome Lorenz to the Hawks and look forward to seeing him in action very soon.”Six-time Premier League winner Ferdinand is the dad of five children, with his eldest Lorenz following in his father’s footsteps to try and become a footballer.In 2023 Lorenz signed a management deal with agency New Era Global Sports.Ferdinand Snr. posted on Instagram: “Our eldest is on his own journey in football.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”Another nice moment signing with @neweraglobalsports , well earned through hard work & dedication.”It’s a long road full of ups and downs, so the right & professional support is required – so step forward @neweraglobalsports. Love you Lorenz.”I told Rio Ferdinand to tell Sir Alex Ferguson to f*** off and the Man Utd legend’s reaction was pricelessLorenz has appeared once for the Seagulls in PL2 this season, playing four minutes in a 4-2 win over Southampton and conceding once during his time on the pitch. More

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    ‘He looks like a wrestler’ – Jean-Philippe Mateta to wear WATER POLO helmet in FA Cup clash after horror ear injury

    JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA will be wearing a water polo-style protective headband on his Crystal Palace return on Saturday.And Eagles boss Oliver Glasner has insisted: “If I didn’t believe he was ready, I wouldn’t play him.”We imagine how Mateta might look in his water polo helmetJean-Philippe Mateta was pole-axed by Liam Roberts in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup clash with MillwallCredit: REUTERSThe horror tackle resulted in Mateta receiving 25 stitches to his earCredit: SKY SPORTSThe Frenchman has been wearing protective padding in trainingCredit: INSTAGRAM@CPFCHe’s set to don a water polo-style protective headband upon his return to the first teamCredit: DECATHLONFrench striker Mateta is set to start Palace’s FA Cup quarter-final clash at Fulham – his first appearance since requiring 25 stitches in his ear after being hit with a dangerous kung-fu kick by Millwall keeper Liam Roberts in the fifth round on March 1.After trialling three different versions, Mateta has been training over the international break in his FA-approved protective head guard – including in a behind-closed-doors match – which has been jovially mocked by Glasner and the Palace squad.Glasner explained: “It’s like a water polo helmet. In water polo it’s so they don’t get water into their ears, he has it just on one side. It sounds crazy, but we are used to it.“I said to him maybe you should try [water polo] because he’s tall enough. READ MORE SPORTS NEWS”It looks a bit strange but he says he feels comfortable so let’s see.“When he scores a header, then it was the right mask and the right protection. “Our doctor and the team did a great job finding the right protection. Everything is approved by the FA.“There were three different ones. He tried one like you use to ride a motorbike but he couldn’t train with this because it was too heavy.Most read in Football“I said to the doctor I remember Petr Cech wearing a helmet but the ear was free so we needed the full helmet. Then we found the right one.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOliver Glasner has no reservations about throwing Jean-Philippe Mateta back into the fireCredit: REUTERS“He tried in training which one fits him best and doesn’t influence him in the wrong way.”If I believed it was a problem, I wouldn’t play him but it looks like it isn’t a problem.Crystal Palace star Mateta stretchered off with horror injury after shock kung-fu kick from Milwall keeper who sees red“The last 10 days he’s had this protection and he did well in training so I didn’t find a reason to talk about this.”Asked whether there is a risk Mateta may not be the same player because of it, Glasner continued: “I watched him in training, he looks the same as he did before.“He needed to get back into his rhythm because he couldn’t really train for two weeks. “One week he was at home, the second he was training individually.“It’s also lucky that in this situation nothing was fractured and there was no concussion, it was just the ear although it was a terrible injury.“Some players say that the ear looks better than before!”Palace defender Chris Richards – who once played with a protective mask after breaking his nose while in Germany – added: “It can be restricting but I think he’ll be fine.“[Mateta] enjoys the attention. He’s got that bionic ear now. He looks like a wrestler.READ MORE SUN STORIES”With the headband, we were also saying he looks like the American tennis player Francis Tiafoe.”On if he has given Mateta any advice, Richards laughed: “No, no. He won’t listen to me anyway.” More

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    Newly-emerged footage shows ‘disgusting act’ Kylian Mbappe did that could see him BANNED for Arsenal vs Real Madrid

    NEW footage showing a “disgusting act” from Kylian Mbappe could boost Arsenal’s Champions League hopes. Mbappe, plus Real Madrid team-mates Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rudiger and Dani Ceballos, already face a Uefa probe and possible ban.Kylian Mbappe is being investigated after this act in front of Atletico fansCredit: X / Rory_Talks_BallMbappe broke off from other Real players as they faced Atleti supportersCredit: X / Rory_Talks_BallAntonio Rudiger and Co didn’t holdback with their victory celebrationsCredit: ReutersIt follows Real’s controversial celebrations after beating neighbours Atletico in the last 16.A Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector is investigating claims of “indecent conduct” by the four superstars.Any suspension for those key men would surely improve Arsenal’s chances of seeing off Real in the quarter-finals.The Gunners host the reigning Champions League kings in the first leg on April 8, before visiting Spain for the return tie eight days later.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow Mbappe could be in even hotter water – after a clip emerged appearing to show him mimicking a lewd act in front of Atletico fans.Fellow Real aces were jigging with delight towards the angry home fans, apparently taunting them over Atletico’s shootout agony.In the newly-shown video, the 26-year-old can be seen away from that pack of jubilant team-mates.The France striker is captured mouthing something towards the crowd and making a rude had movement that certainly won’t help his case with Uefa.Most read in Champions LeagueAntonio Rudiger is under investigation following this gestureCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe already stands accused of touching his genitals in a derogatory way.A man who posted the latest footage wrote: “Such a disgusting act from Mbappe.”Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports A tense atmosphere at the Metropolitano became worse after Atletico’s Julian Alvarez had a shootout penalty ruled by VAR.Atleti are since understood to have formally complained to Uefa about behaviour ON the pitch.Vinicius is accused of taking six “shots” at home supporters amid two separate confrontations during and after the game.The Brazilian, 24, has long been long targeted by opposition fans and has been a regular victim of racist abuse.Rudiger is alleged to have made a throat-slitting gesture to Atleti fans.And Ceballos is also being investigated, over claims he made an obscene gesture with a clenched fist.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, ex-Chelsea defender  Rudiger began a jubilant high-knee dance after hitting the winning spot-kick.Many Real team-mates, including subs, joined in as the bitter rivalry between the two clubs boiled over. More

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    Pep Guardiola suggests Man City trophy bonuses should be scrapped as stars ‘don’t deserve even a watch’ this season

    PEP GUARDIOLA admits he and his underperforming Manchester City stars do not deserve a bonus if they are crowned world champions this summer – not even a souvenir watch!The outgoing Premier League champs head to the States to take part in the first ever FIFA Club World Cup this summer.Pep Guardiola seems to feel his players can’t redeem their seasonCredit: ReutersIt is a competition which City’s Abu Dhabi owners are placing great focus on – and FIFA upped the stakes this week by announcing astonishing prize money.The winners will walk away with around £100 million – roughly what the bottom-placed Premier League club makes over the entire season in TV and prize money.That would normally mean a healthy bonus coming the way of City staff.But straight-talking Guardiola says he and his staff on and off the pitch will not merit it, after their miserable domestic campaign.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSHe said: “We don’t deserve it this season.“We don’t deserve a bonus this season. The bonus, if you win, I don’t know how much.“You go there, (winning) it’s for the club. The managers, the backroom staff, the players we don’t deserve, not even a watch.”Eye-watering bonuses are part and parcel of the top-level game, with reports that City regulars pocketed around £2 million each for winning the treble two seasons ago – half of that for success in the Champions League.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKNonetheless, Guardiola’s under-achievers can still salvage something from their poor domestic season by winning the FA Cup.Fifth-placed City visit Bournemouth, who have slipped to 10th, in the quarter-finals on Sunday.Why Man City could be dumped out of the FA Cup by Bournemouth | Experts’ best bets – Weekend WagerGuardiola said of the Cherries: “They have a special way of playing and it works with the players and the ideas that they have. “Every team plays in a specific way and they do it really well. Other teams are more direct, other teams want more crosses.”Guardiola is aiming to become only the fourth manager since World War Two to lift the FA Cup for a third time.The other three are certainly managerial legends too – Bill Nicholson, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger. More

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    Premier League club move into incredible new home that resembles futuristic James Bond villain lair

    BOURNEMOUTH stars looked amazed as they reported for their first day at their new training ground.The Cherries have opened their brand new Performance Centre for business.Bournemouth have moved in to their new training groundCredit: X @afcbournemouthThe Performance Centre is open for businessCredit: X @afcbournemouthRyan Christie was buzzing with the moveCredit: X @afcbournemouthThe likes of Justin Kluivert and Ryan Christie beamed as they made their way in from the car park.Kluivert, 25, grinned as he said: “Bit different… lovely!”As Christie walked into the dressing room he bellowed: “Look at this! Amazing!”Aerial shots of the training ground show a huge semi-circle of buildings, with the view resembling something between a naval base and a James Bond villain’s lair.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA video posted by the Cherries’ social channels also shows a spacious dressing room, gym area, canteen and lounge.Upon returning from international duty, Andoni Iraola put his players through their paces on their pristine new training pitches.The 57-acre training ground is located in Dorset village Canford Magna.Bournemouth owner Bill Foley also has ambitious plans for the Cherries’ Vitality Stadium home.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBournemouth are taking their infrastructure to a new levelCredit: X @afcbournemouthThe training ground features a glossy interiorCredit: X @afcbournemouthThe ground currently holds just 11,307 fans – making it by far the smallest in the Premier League.It had previously been suggested that Bournemouth could build a new stadium.Why Man City could be dumped out of the FA Cup by Bournemouth | Experts’ best bets – Weekend WagerBut during an appearance on talkSPORT earlier this month, Foley unveiled different plans.The American, 80, said: “We are well underway to having a solution for our stadium with several stages in mind.“The first stage would be to grow to about 16,000 seats, the next stage would be about 20,000, and the third stage would be to about 24,000 seats.”Much more hospitality and a much more welcoming environment, in terms of when people arrive and how they get into the stands and so on.”Private property company Structadene currently owns the Vitality Stadium.Foley wants to buy the stadium outright before beginning improvements.’WE NEED TO IMPROVE IT’He said: “We are hopefully going to be acquiring the Vitality.”We have a plan in place. It is going to be a staged effort, and we need to have the council’s approval.“We’ll start with the south stand, and we’ll really expand that and make that a permanent stand with some hospitality.“At the same time we’re going to be redoing the main stand in terms of hospitality and ingress and egress, high speed elevators and so on so people aren’t having to walk up three flights to go to have lunch and then walk down two flights to go to their seats, and then walk two flights up again.“The stadium is just antiquated and we need to improve it.”Bournemouth face a battle to hold on to manager Iraola this summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Spaniard, 42, has emerged as Tottenham’s top target to replace under-fire Ange Postecoglou, should the Aussie be sacked.While Real Madrid are also claimed to be keen on Iraola, if Carlo Ancelotti leaves.The spacious training ground is far cry from Bournemouth’s old training groundCredit: X @afcbournemouthThere is a fountain located outsideCredit: X @afcbournemouthBournemouth have new pristine training pitchesCredit: X @afcbournemouth More