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    Steve Cooper SACKED by Leicester after just 12 games despite keeping Foxes out of relegation zone

    LEICESTER have sacked manager Steve Cooper following yesterday’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.The Foxes were treated to regular boos from their own fans after being outplayed at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.Steve Cooper has been sacked by Leicester after just 12 matchesCredit: GettyCooper cut an irate figure throughout after claiming his Foxes side should have been awarded a second penalty.But the loss, his sixth in 12 games, saw Leicester drop to 16th in the table.And Cooper has now parted ways with the club just five months after replacing now-Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca.He picked up only two wins after a topsy-turvy summer transfer window.Former Nottingham Forest boss Cooper saw star man Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall follow Maresca to Stamford Bridge.But the Foxes were reduced to bargain shopping in the summer.And the lack of quality reinforcements quickly showed as Leicester struggled to pick up points.Cooper’s assistants Alan Tate and Steve Rand have also left the King Power.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCoach Ben Dawson will now oversee training ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brentford.And Foxes chiefs will now conduct a search for Cooper’s eventual permanent replacement.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Sasha Attwood and newborn daughter support Jack Grealish at Man City vs Tottenham clash in adorable photo

    JACK GREALISH’S partner and newborn daughter were in attendance at the Etihad to watch Manchester City take on Tottenham.Childhood sweethearts Grealish and Attwood celebrated becoming parents for the first time in with September with their baby girl Mila.Sasha Attwood and baby support Jack Grealish at match,Credit: InstagramAnd Sasha and Mila were seen at the Etihad on Saturday.Taking to Instagram, Sasha posted a photo of herself sitting down with a blue and white stripe coat while holding Mila.Grealish, 29, was named on the bench for the clash.That meant he was powerless to prevent Man City from going 3-0 down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then came on in the 74th minute to replace Rico Lewis.However, he was unable to turn the game around before Brennan Johnson scored a fourth goal for Spurs.That final goal compounded City to their fifth defeat in a row, something they have not seen since Stuart Pearce was in charge in 2006.It also saw Pep Guardiola suffer his worst ever home defeat.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGrealish has played 11 games this season.He is yet to score but has contributed three assists in all competitions.Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood announce pregnancySasha works as a model and influencer.She has been backed to make millions as the “ultimate muminfluencer”.Inside Sasha Attwood and Jack Grealish’s relationshipSasha Attwood and Jack Grealish have become parents for the first time, but their relationship started well over a decade ago…The pair met as teens in Solihull, West Midlands at secondary school, with Sasha previously saying they have been together since she was 15. Jack was already on his way to becoming a professional footballer when he met Sasha.Despite the long-term nature of their relationship, she remained on the sidelines when his career took off.However, intense interest in Jack’s private life came to a head in 2021 when England reached the final of Euro 2020, delayed a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Because of their romance, Sasha was cruelly targeted by trolls on TikTok and Instagram, receiving 200 death threats a day from “young girls”. The pair were spotted on holiday together following the tournament and slowly began showing more of their relationship on social media when the vile trolling died down. In 2022, they celebrated their 10-year anniversary and purchased a seven-bed mansion set in 24 acres worth £5.6 million.They moved in to the home in late 2023, but Sasha and members of Jack’s family were subject to a terrifying robbery while cheering on the Manchester City star during a televised match just after Christmas. Their latest milestone is Sasha’s pregnancy, which they announced on social media on July 7, and the birth of daughter Mila Rose on September 27. More

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    Why does Tyler Dibling wear his socks so low? Southampton wonderkid reveals Chelsea ace inspired decision

    TYLER DIBLING has revealed how a Chelsea ace is behind his choice to wear his socks ultra-low.The Southampton star has impressed this season, having become one of the most promising youngsters in the Premier League.Tyler Dibling wears his socks very low when playing for SouthamptonCredit: APJimmy Jay Morgan told Dibling to go for the lookCredit: AlamyDibling, 18, has been likened to Manchester City winger Jack Grealish for his playing style.He also wears part of his kit in a similar manner, with his socks very low down when on the pitch.However, it was not the former Aston Villa star who inspired him to go for the bold look.Instead, Dibling was told by a fellow teen star to wear his socks low down.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe told Southampton World: “One day Jimmy Jay Morgan just told me to do it in a game, and I’ve stuck with it ever since.”The pair were team-mates in the youth ranks at Southampton before Morgan left for Chelsea in 2023.Dibling’s impact at the Saints this season has not gone unnoticed despite the club’s struggles.During his performance against Liverpool, Arsenal fans begged the club to sign him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has taken on board the advice that has been offered to him by veteran midfielder Adam Lallana.He said: “Adam Lallana has been most helpful.Football teams that controversially changed their badge”He’s done it at the top level already and is always asking me questions and giving advice.”Dibling has also revealed that his idols growing up were Eden Hazard and Lionel Messi.So far this season he has made 12 appearances in the Premier League under Russell Martin.He scored his first senior goal in the 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town back in September.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Ruben Amorim names first Man Utd XI as new boss springs selection surprise and Luke Shaw back on bench

    RUBEN AMORIM’S first Manchester United XI has seen him appear to STICK with Erik ten Hag’s four-defender system.The Portuguese boss named his first-ever Red Devils side for this afternoon’s Premier League clash at Ipswich.Ruben Amorim has picked his first-ever starting XI for Man UtdCredit: GettyAnd United fans were eager to see if Amorim would adopt his famed 3-4-3 formation from Sporting Lisbon.He led the club to two league titles with the versatile shape.But on his United bow, Amorim appears to be continuing with Ten Hag’s 4-2-3-1 system.The gaffer named just two centre-backs in his side, with Matthijs de Ligt partnering Jonny Evans plus Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot either side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn midfield, it appeared to be a three of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen with Bruno Fernandes pushed further forward.While in attack, Marcus Rashford was selected as striker with Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho out wide.Amorim also opted to select a strong bench, with left-backs Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw both deemed fit after their long-term injuries.Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte made for impressive midfield options.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile the forward line consisted of Antony, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.But there was no sign of 16-year-old defender Goodwill Kukonki, who travelled with the squad but did not make the bench.Gary Neville admits ‘I got it wrong’ and apologises over Rashford criticism as Amorim demands Man Utd ‘change standards’ Speaking earlier in the week, Amorim warned fans that he was unlikely to stray far from Ten Hag’s previous team.He said: “As a coach you have to choose one way or another, I choose always 100 percent our way. I choose to risk a bit. “I believe so much in our way of playing, they will believe too. There is no second way. We will adapt some players because we don’t have a different profile. “Maybe on Sunday you will see the starting 11 and not feel a lot of change but you will see it in the game and the positioning or where they receive the ball.”United XI to face Ipswich: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Evans, Dalot; Casemiro, Eriksen; Amad, Fernandes, Garnacho; RashfordBench: Bayindir, Malacia, Shaw, Mainoo, Mount, Ugarte, Antony, Hojlund, Zirkzee More

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    Where it’s all going wrong for Man City amid horror run, from no Rodri to ageing squad and transfer misses since Treble

    PEP GUARDIOLA warned during the pre-season tour of the US that the start of the season was going to be challenging.As usual, he was right – although he probably wasn’t expecting such a disastrous run of five successive defeats.Pep Guardiola has been given a massive headache with his stuttering Manchester City sideCredit: PAProfligate finishing and a leaky defence have cost them dearlyCredit: GettyThe absence of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has also hit them hardCredit: EPAGuardiola admits that a few issues at the start of the season have gradually got worse – leading to the worst result of his tenure at the weekend, a 4-0 home defeat by Spurs and sparking talk of a crisis at the Etihad.Here Sunsport takes a deep-dive into what exactly is going wrong for the four-in-a-row champs and what they must do to get back on track.RODRIIronically he was back at the Etihad on Saturday to show off his Ballon d’Or – but the Spaniard must have been shocked by what he saw.The 28-year-old is the linchpin of City’s recent success and as the newly-voted best player in the world – any team would miss him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere was a reason why Guardiola picked him every week – just ask Kalvin Phillips – and without him they are not the same.Before he did his cruciate against Arsenal in September, City turned in an electric 20 minutes – and since then they haven’t come anywhere close.They need to find a way to live without him as he won’t be back this season.Rodri’s 45 minutes against Brentford in one of his few games before injury this season helped City control the gameThey have been unable to repeat the trick with the likes of Rico Lewis in midfieldOTHER INJURIESIt isn’t just Rodri they have missed. Oscar Bobb was the stand-out star of City’s pre season and was tipped for great things but then broke his leg in training.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn addition, more established stars like Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish have missed key games.Then there’s the absence of Kevin De Bruyne – for so long a talisman for City.Rodri officially out for season after undergoing surgery in devastating blow for Man City star Only five starts this season due to fitness concerns has sparked fears this could be the beginning of the end of the brilliant Belgian, 33.GROWING OLD TOGETHERGuardiola mentioned it himself in his press conference on Friday – he has 12 players in his squad who are 30+ before insisting that it’s not necessarily a problem.Several of them are assured of their place in City folklore for what they have achieved in recent years but has the club allowed the heart to rule the head with them?They have looked leggy and lacked energy this season while injuries are starting to creep in – as they often do in older players.If Pep is going to stay another two-and-a-half years then some big decisions will have to be made.He hasn’t shied away from them before and he needs to do it again as an overhaul is needed.HUNGERAfter winning four league titles in a row, do City still have the hunger to go and win a fifthCredit: ReutersCity released a documentary this week called “Together: Four in a Row” which showed some epic dressing room rants by Guardiola.In one he tells his players “There is a reason why nobody did four Premier Leagues in a row – it’s because it’s so difficult”.As usual, it worked as his players became the first to do it.But what now? Can this same group keep finding it within themselves to do it yet again?The signs so far are that the motivation and hunger may have dropped just a notch or two and in the Prem you can’t afford to do that.FATIGUEPhil Foden admitted he felt worn out after dazzling for his club last season and then helping England to the final of Euro 2024.And he probably wasn’t the only one – as no club had more players on international duty this summer than City.It was a scratch squad that went to America for pre-season and Pep must have known deep down that this was coming down the road.His players have gone the extra mile for him time and time again – but right now they look like they’ve run out of road.TRANSFERSTransfers they have made since the Treble have fallen flatCredit: RexJeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Savinho and Ilkay Gundogan.Those are the players City have signed since they won the treble – and how many have been a success?Gvardiol for sure – despite a couple of lapses on Saturday – and Kovacic has been a useful addition too.But with the rest we are still waiting – while Gundogan, 34, looks to be a shadow of the player he was before his year in Barcelona.Meanwhile in that time, they allowed Cole Palmer and Julian Alvarez to leave – not to mention Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte.All of them would have been handy to have around during these difficult few weeks.Guardiola still insists his squad is exceptional when everyone is available. But they aren’t and cracks are starting to show.GOALSErling Haaland will always score them – and has 15 already this season.But he’s also missing a lot of chances – and despite the scoreline he could easily have gone home with the match-ball on Saturday.To compound that – not many others are chipping in. READ MORE SUN STORIESIn the Prem, Gvardiol and Kovacic have three apiece and John Stones has two.Then to compound it, they are conceding too easily at the other end.Erling Haaland proved to be wasteful against TottenhamRodri fears Man City burnoutBy Dave KiddIT’S little wonder that Rodri is knackered — because Manchester City’s bid for a double Treble is like competing in back-to-back Ironman triathlons.The Spain international spoke of his own need to take a rest, he revealed that John Stones played through injury in the Champions League quarter-final against Real and insisted that the LaLiga leaders were well-rested and fresher.And asked about Phil Foden — the only City player to have clocked up more minutes than him this season — Rodri offered up the observation: “We need a rest, to be honest.”Every question Rodri was asked, he turned the conversation back to the subject of individual and collective tiredness.When invited to praise Stones, so effective in a dual midfield and defensive role, Rodri said: “It’s risky, it’s brave but it’s the way we play. As a centre-back, John was brilliant.”But then he added: “He was feeling tight and he had some problems at the end but he showed his courage until the end because he knew that the team needed him.“He didn’t say, ‘I need to go off’, he stayed until the end. This is the kind of thing we’re going to need for the second leg.”And asked about Foden, who netted his 22nd goal of the season with a banger in the Bernabeu, Rodri said: “Every one of us can do better, even myself. But we need to rest, to be honest.” More

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    Man Utd hardman Roy Keane and Sky Sports presenter blind rank BISCUITS before Ruben Amorim’s first match

    ROY KEANE and Kelly Cates have blind-ranked biscuits ahead of Ruben Amorim’s debut as Manchester United manager.The Portuguese coach takes charge of the Red Devils in their Premier League clash against Ipswich Town.Roy Keane and Kelly Cates blind-ranked biscuitsCredit: INSTAGRAM @SKYSPORTSKeane and Cates’ minds were on other things hours before kick-off as they blind-ranked biscuits.The pair started the ranking by putting Viennese biscuits in the last spot.Next up was the classic custard creams which was placed into second by the former Manchester United hardman.Keane then definitively put Ginger Snaps into the third spot and Jammie Dodgers in the fourth.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLotus Biscuits was put into a lowly ninth place, while Nice Biscuits was fifth.Chocolate Digestives were put sixth and plain versions were dropped to eighth.Keane’s “love” of Bourbons was enough to see them clinch the top spot, while Malted Milks had to settle for seventh.However, after seeing the Malted Milks pop up, Keane admitted that he would have rather put them in first place.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I made a mistake, I would have put that one top.”But I am happy with that [overall].”Roy Keane reduces Ian Wright and Gary Neville to tears with crude comments about Premier League icon Fans loved the video as they reacted on social media.One posted: “Roy Keane and Kelly Cates ranking biscuits? Now that’s Super Sunday content!”A second wrote: “No respect for the Viennese Whirls.”A third joked: “As a biscuit connoisseur myself, this list is an abomination.”A fourth said: “Like Roy more by the day, Love a malted milk, a man of culture.”Another added: “Basically, Roy loves biscuits.”Keane will be on duty for Sky Sports for Man United’s clash against Ipswich Town.The clash will spell the start of the Amorim era at the club as he was appointed as the replacement for Erik ten Hag.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe new man is expected to hand a fresh start to forgotten star Mason Mount.He has claimed that he has two positions in mind for the former Chelsea midfielder.Bourbons earned the top spot on the listCredit: INSTAGRAM @SKYSPORTSKeane and Cates’ biscuit ranking in fullHere is Roy Keane and Kelly Cates’ full biscuit blind-ranking in full…1. Bourbons2. Custard Creams3. Ginger Snaps4. Jammie Dodgers5. Nice biscuits6. Chocolate Digestives7. Malted milk8. Plain Digestives9. Lotus biscuits10. Viennese biscuitsWho are these famous footballers? More

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    Ipswich vs Man Utd LIVE SCORE: Luke Shaw BACK in squad as Ruben Amorim takes charge of first game – latest updates

    MANCHESTER UNITED travel to Ipswich for a huge Premier League clash this afternoon.Today’s match marks Ruben Amorim’s first game as Red Devils boss since he officially arrived from Sporting earlier this month.The Portugese coach is set to deploy his trademark 3-4-3 formation at Portman Road as he looks to be the man to turn Man United’s fortunes around.Amorim will be hoping to get off to a winning start with a favourable fixture for his opener.Kick off time: 4.30pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier LeagueLive stream: Sky Sports app/NOWIpswich team: Muric, Tuanzebe, O’Shea, Burgess, Davis, Morsy, Cajuste, Burns, Hutchinson, Szmodics, DelapMan Utd team: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Evans, Amad, Casemiro, Eriksen, Dalot, Fernandes, Garnacho, RashfordFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Ruben sets out stallIt is always intriguing to see a new manager’s first team selection.What this one tells us is that he sees Rashford as the best striker currently at Old Trafford.Add to that, he prefers to have the experience of Casemiro and passing of Eriksen than the likes of Ugarte and Mainoo.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dave Kidd at Portman RoadSo Manuel Amorim has been grappling for the last month on how to fit this weird Manchester United squad into a 3-4-3 formation and it looks like Amad Diallo as a wing-back with Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes supporting Marcus Rashford as centre-forward. Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are not the most dynamic central midfield duo. There is no place in the starting line-up for Rasmus Hojlund or Manuel Ugarte, not Mason Mount the man Amorim has already expressed his ‘love’ for. Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Kobbie Mainoo all return to the bench after injury. A new manager often helps to get players off the treatment table.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd subs:1. Bayindir, 12. Malacia, 23. Shaw, 37. Mainoo, 7. Mount, 25. Ugarte, 21. Antony, 9. Hojlund, 11. ZirkzeeCopy linkCopiedMan Utd starting XI:The first Ruben Amorim team selection sees Hojlund relegated to the bench while Eriksen comes into the heart of midfield.24. Onana, 20. Dalot, 4. de Ligt, 35. Evans, 3. Maraoui, 18. Casemiro, 14. Eriksen, 8. Fernandes, 16. Amad, 10. Rashford, 17. GarnachoCredit: @ManUtdCopy linkCopiedIpswich subs:28. Walton, 2. H.Clarke, 6. Woolfenden, 22. Townsend, 25. Luongo, 14. Taylor, 10. Chaplin, 47. J.Clarke, 16. Al-HamadiCopy linkCopiedIpswich starting XI:The big news for the hosts is that Omari Hutchinson is fit to start against the Red Devils.1. Muric, 40. Tuanzebe, 26. O’Shea, 15. Burgess, 3. Davis, 5. Morsy, 12. Cajuste, 7. Burns, 20. Hutchinson, 23. Szmodics, 19. DelapCredit: @IpswichTownCopy linkCopiedRed Devils come into game confidentMan Utd have four of the last five games between these two teams.They won the most recent Premier League encounter at Portman Road courtesy of a Ruud van Nistelrooy penalty in 2002.However, the only time United have won back-to-back games at Portman Road was in 1962 and 1963.Copy linkCopiedTractor Boys looking for first home winAfter their impressive outing in North London last time out, McKenna will be keen to do the same at Portman Road.Home form is often key for newly promoted sides in their plight to ensure they survive for a second season in the top-flight.The former Man Utd coach should know the opposition well today, whether he can plot their undoing remains to be seen.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedHoneymoon period for new manWhen a club installs a new manager, it can often lead to a good run of form as a result.Amorim will be hoping for some of this form as Man Utd look to turn around one of their worst ever starts to a campaign in the top-flight.It will be interesting to see if some of the underperforming players up their game as a result of the arrival of a new manager.Copy linkCopiedMcKenna looking to haunt old friendsPrior to taking the job at Ipswich, Kieran McKenna was on the coaching staff at Man Utd.He was linked to the Old Trafford role after he led the Tractor Boys to the Premier League as well as some other jobs with big clubs.Having won at Tottenham last time out, he will be looking to put back-to-back wins for his team this afternoon to relieve their relegation fears somewhat.Copy linkCopiedAmorim looking for change in new eraThe much-anticipated arrival of Ruben Amorim will finally happen at Portman Road today.Following his success at Sporting Lisbon, much is expected from the new manager.Fans are expecting him to turn around the Red Devils and get them back to challenging for major honours once again.Copy linkCopiedWelcome to Ipswich vs Man UtdFresh off the back of their first win of the Premier League campaign, the Tractor Boys welcome Man Utd to Portman Road with their new manager Ruben Amorim.Kieran McKenna’s side will have Kalvin Phillips eligible after his recent ban although he is struggling with a knock and may not start.Nathan Broadhead, Wes Burns, Jacob Greaves and Omari Hutchinson are all on the touch-and-go list but Chiedozie Ogbene and George Hirst are definitely out.Conor Chaplin is on standby to operate off Delap while ex-Man Utd defender Axel Tuanzebe is set to start at right back against his former employers.Amorim could be boosted by the returns of Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw after all three were involved in the Portuguese manager’s first training session earlier in the week.Yoro and Shaw may not be risked due to the length of the injuries that kept them out. Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are all major doubts.Jonny Evans and Matthijs de Ligt are expected to take the two centre-back spots unless the new manager decides to play Casemiro there instead.This is an important game for both teams, for very different reasons, but they will be looking for three points to improve their standings in the Premier League table.Copy linkCopied More

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    Hearts forced to launch investigation after image of notorious UDA killer beamed to fans at Celtic clash

    HEARTS have issued an apology after a picture of a notorious loyalist killer was displayed on their stadium’s big screen.The Tynecastle club have launched an internal probe after the snap of UDA member Michael Stone was displayed during birthday messages before Saturday night’s clash with Celtic.The image of Michael Stone displayed on the big screen at Tynecastle prior to kick-offHearts will now launch an investigationCredit: Kenny RamsayThe snap, beamed to thousands of fans, showed Stone leaving a prison gate along with the words: “My mate Michaels first game in years, here’s a old photo of him coming through the turnstiles.”A club insider said that the Gorgie outfit always posts messages during matches and this time they were “deliberately” targeted.They said: “Every week there are birthday messages posted on the big screen.“It is impossible for the club to know if the pictures are genuine or not.“In this case it appears that someone deliberately targeted that game and used a picture of Stone.“It is quite childish really.”Stone is one of the most notorious killers of the Troubles.Originally a member of a street gang in Braniel estate before being associated with the UDA and Red Hand Commando, Stone was well known in loyalist circles as a gun for hire.Most read in FootballHe first hit the headlines in March 1988 after launching a gun and bomb attack in the Milltown cemetery in west Belfast, killing three people.His targets were mourners at the funerals of three IRA members shot dead by the SAS in Gibraltar.Children in Need hero gets message from CelticHe was sent to the Maze prison for three counts of murder before being released in 2000 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. Once inside the prison, he became one of the five leaders of the ‘Ulster Freedom Fighters’ prisoners.In November 2006 he carried out a foiled attack on Stormont which he claimed was ‘performance art’.After the attack he was charged with the attempted murder of Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.More recently, he has made headlines for his artistic endeavours which started while he was in prison, with one of his paintings recently fetching £4,500 in an eBay bid before the sale was cut off.A spokesperson for Hearts said: “Our fans’ social service was abused by someone online, leading to an image appearing on the stadium’s big screens, and we apologise for any offence caused.“We will review our procedures internally to ensure this type of misuse is not repeated.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCeltic won the match 4-1.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More