Philippa Kaur

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    First ever goal at new Everton stadium is scored by LIVERPOOL FAN as Toffees are forced to endure brutal celebration

    A LIVERPOOL fan stole Everton’s thunder with the first ever goal at their new stadium as his celebrations went viral.An incredible 10,000 Toffees’ fans turned up for the test event, with Everton Under-18s taking on their Wigan counterparts.Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock has cost £760m and holds 53,000Credit: GettyHarrison Rimmer quickly became an online hit over his goal celebrationCredit: AlamyThe dazzling venue attracted 10,000 for its first ever gameCredit: AFPAnd no matter how high Harrison Rimmer climbs in the rest of his career, he might always be remembered for the way he arrived on ‘the big stage’ – of Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.The Latics’ website describes their teenage hopeful as a “tough-tackling” midfielder.And the Reds’ supporter certainly showed he knows how to give it out… at least to Everton fans.Rimmer took just 11 minutes to notch his historic strike at the £760million venue.READ MORE EVERTON NEWSThe goal itself was pretty simple.But he chose the magical moment to troll Toffees’ supporters.The grinning starlet turned to the crowd and raised six fingers.This raising of half a dozen digits is a cutting reference to the combined total of European Cups and Champions League crowns lifted by the Reds. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd it’s a time-honoured gesture made by brave players who support Liverpool after scoring at either of the club’s two fiercest rivals, Everton and Manchester United.Even as team-mates congratulated Rimmer for his goal, he seemed more interest in teasing the home faithful.How Liverpool’s genius offside-buster gives them HUGE edge over EvertonOne Wigan player hugged him, another kissed him on the head.But Rimmer only had eyes for the crowd.And as he ran off after the embrace from fellow Latics, he turned back to deliver one final six-finger salute.Many observers loved Rimmer’s mischievous jibe.One joked: “Nothing will ever happen at Bramley-Moore that will top that moment!”Another posted: “Harrison Rimmer scoring the first goal at Everton’s new stadium giving it the ‘6 Times’ gesture! Couldn’t get more Everton.””What a man,”  said a third fan, while a fourth wrote: “Gonna have a few people rattled.”But another viewer reckoned Rimmer’s antics were just “bitter jealousy” over the impressive new stadium.Meanwhile, one fan ditched the banter in favour of some sound advice for trivia lovers.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe posted: “Harrison Rimmer of Wigan U18s scores the first goal at the new Everton stadium. Remember it for your pub quizzes!”Everton expect to move into the 53,000-capacity Bramley-Moore Dock site next season, having been at Goodison Park since 1892.Rimmer will hope his surprise big night is the first of manyCredit: Alamy More

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    Man City ready for face-off with Real Madrid over £85m ‘new Kevin de Bruyne’ transfer

    MANCHESTER CITY are set to go head-to-head with rivals Real Madrid again this summer – in a battle for £85 million midfielder Florian Wirtz.The two old foes – who meet again in the Bernabeu on Wednesday – are both huge admirers of the Germany international.Manchester City are set to go after Bayer Leverkusen star Florian WirtzCity see Wirtz as the ideal long-term replacement for club legend Kevin De BruyneBayer Leverkusen’s star man, 21, is believed to be keen on a switch to the Spanish giants when he does leave his homeland.But Pep Guardiola and his bosses at the Etihad view him as an ideal long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne.City began their rebuilding programme by splashing out more than £175 million on four new signings in January.That included defensive midfielder Nico Gonzalez and Saturday’s hat-trick hero Omar Marmoush who can play as a No 10 or out wide.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSBut they know that De Bruyne, who turns 34 in the summer and is also out of contract around the same time, cannot go on forever.Guardiola admitted last week that two long-term injuries mean the brilliant Belgian is ‘not the same’ player he used to be.Homegrown England star Phil Foden will be eyeing the vacancy – but is also versatile enough to be used in a number of different positions.However they are also weighing up their options from outside the club – and Wirtz is among the candidates.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has 27 goals and assists so far this season for Xabi Alonso’s men – and Leverkusen would love to tie him down to a new contract.His decision could well be impacted by his current coach – with the former Liverpool midfielder in the frame to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Madrid.’Pep Guardiola is stressed, man’ – Fans fear for Man City boss as Etihad legend spotted with fresh scratches on headBayern Munich – managed by City legend Vincent Kompany – could also enter the race for Wirtz.The youngster has formed a promising partnership with Jamal Musiala for the national team and the German league leaders would love to pair them together at club level too.Meanwhile City are due to welcome new £12.5 million signing Claudio Echeverri to the Etihad this week after he completed his international duty with Argentina Under 20s.The 19-year-old has been dubbed the ‘new Messi’ back in his homeland and arrives with a glowing reputation.He will link up with the first team squad so Guardiola can decide whether he is ready to challenge for a place – or if he should go out on loan next season.Pep and his squad will fly to Spain on Tuesday to prepare for their latest Champions League encounter with Madrid.The holders have a 3-2 lead following a dramatic late win at the Etihad – meaning City have it all to do if they are to avoid an early exit.But they did win at the Bernabeu five years ago – and still have hope they save themselves.Guardiola will make a check on stand-in skipper Erling Haaland who limped off late in the 4-0 win over Newcastle with a knee injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, the Norway international was snapped during a warm down session at the City Football Academy on Sunday and is expected to be named in the travelling party.This is the fifth time the two clubs have been drawn together in the competition in the last six seasons.Jude Bellingham scored a last-gasp winner at the Etihad last week More

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    Football League referee, 46, is charged with child sex offence & suspended from officiating

    AN ASSISTANT referee who officiated EFL and FA Cup matches is due to appear in court charged with a child sex offence.Gareth Viccars, 46, has been charged with “engaging in sexual activity” with a 15-year-old girl.The assistant referee appeared in court earlier this month (stock image)The assistant referee appeared in court earlier this month accused of “intentionally touching” a girl aged 15 “not reasonably believing she was 16 or over”.He has worked as an official for League One clashes in the EFL alongside his day job as an estate agent. Viccars appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court on February 7 charged with engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The assistant referee, from Milton Keynes, is alleged to have committed the offence in Romford, east London, on November 15, 2021. Read More on FootballOn March 7, he will appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London where a plea will be entered.He has not refereed in the EFL since last year, and last appeared on February 3 2024 when he was the fourth official League One Charlton Athletic v Derby County.The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which is responsible for the refereeing of games in professional English football, suspended Viccars while the police investigation was ongoing.A PGMOL spokesperson said: “As soon as the allegations came to light, Mr Viccars was immediately suspended.Most read in Football”As the matter is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, we are not in a position to comment any further.”Gareth Viccars will appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court next month (stock image)Credit: Getty More

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    Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation CAN be a success – but two stars’ poor decisions have been letting Man Utd boss down

    IT’S not as easy as 3-4-3 for Manchester United.But there ARE signs Ruben Amorim’s formation can work — even with nine defeats so far.Ruben Amorim was at his wits end during United’s 1-0 defeat at Spurs on SundayCredit: Alamyhe Red Devils are 15th in the Premier LeagueAgainst Tottenham, the shape was not the problem, it’s the players’ decision-making.United had great chances to score and if they had, we would be talking about Ange Postecoglou’s issues.The back three are getting it and Harry Maguire, Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui’s shape was miles better on Sunday.Patrick Dorgu was a big positive, he’s slotted in easily at left wing-back since joining from Lecce at the start of the month.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes just didn’t give him the ball when he was in position to drive into the area.The biggest issue is in central midfield where Fernandes had 105 touches but was constantly dragged to the right by James Maddison, who plays on Spurs’ inside left.The 3-4-3 is designed to provide overloads as the wing-backs provide  an extra defender/ midfielder/attacker, so the free man is on the other side for a switch and run forward — yet when United switched it, they had no belief.Diogo Dalot does not have the legs to get up and down on the right, so United need a specialist right wing-back.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSForwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee aren’t dynamic enough to play in this formation and they missed Amad Diallo.With the right players, the system works — as Amorim showed when his Sporting stuffed Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League  in November.Paul Scholes tells Ruben Amorim Man Utd are staring relegation in the face unless they make seven new signings But will he get the players needed before Sir Jim Ratcliffe runs out of patience? More

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    Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr ‘buys second tier club for £6.7m’ ahead of Champions League grudge match with Man City

    VINICIUS Junior has led a £6.7million buy-out of a club eyeing a top-flight place.The Real Madrid winger sealed the deal ahead of Wednesday’s massive Champions League play-off with Manchester City.Brazil ace Vinicius Jr spearheaded a club takeoverCredit: RexJude Bellingham’s first-leg winner leaves Real favourites to KO Man CityCredit: RexPep Guardiola’s men visit the Bernabeu 3-2 down from last week’s first leg.Vinicius Jr provided the stoppage-time assist for Jude Bellingham’s winner in that absorbing contest.Now he’s completed the purchase of Portuguese second-tier club FC Alverca.The Brazilian spearheaded a group of investors from his home country and Spain.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAlverca confirmed: “(Previous owner) Ricardo Vicintin has sold his qualified stake in the public limited company to a group of investors.”More information on the matter will be communicated in due course.”Vinicius will reportedly own between 70-80% of Alverca’s shares.The club, based near capital city Lisbon, are second in Liga Portugal 2.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat’s left Alverca dreaming of joining giants like Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Benfica in the top flight next season.It comes just a year after they won Liga 3, having folded for 12 months in 2005 following financial problems.Jude Bellingham’s furious reaction to Valencia goalkeeper after Vinicius Jr sent off in heated Real Madrid clashThey have played at the highest level before – for three out of five years from 1998-2003.Alverca’s home stadium, the Complexo Desportivo, can hold 7,705 fans.Meanwhile, Vinicius will expect to be a key man when Real aim to reach the Champions League last 16 by seeing off City.Visiting boss Guardiola is buoyed by Saturday’s 4-0 Premier League romp over Newcastle.He said: “It’s better to travel to Madrid with this result than with a last-minute defeat, or any defeat.“So of course the victory helps us, but the margin to win in Bernabeu in that position, everybody knows what it is.”But he accepts Real’s two late goals to snatch a first-leg victory at the Etihad have given City a mammoth task. The Spaniard said: “If we’d kept the 2-1 lead we had with five minutes to go, it would be different but with 2-3 we know what the chance is. READ MORE SUN STORIES“If you ask before the game what the percentage to go through is, we’d arrive at about one per cent or I don’t know what.“It will be minimal, but as much as you have a chance, we will try, that’s for sure.” More

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    How Pep used the world’s best striker Erling Haaland as a decoy to set up Marmoush masterclass

    PEP GUARDIOLA’S new signings can make a Real difference in Madrid as Manchester City’s ‘mini Rodri’ and Omar Marmoush look ready to start.It was a case of Marmoush? You can’t handle Marmoush… for Newcastle at the weekend. Erling Haaland played a supporting role as Omar Marmoush helped himself to a hat-trick against NewcastleCredit: GettyThe stand-in skipper thrived in his unusual role as sidekickCredit: GettyMarmoush turned on the style with his quickfire trebleCredit: GettyHere, Dean Scoggins from our brilliant Tactics Exposed show, explains how Pep destroyed Newcastle and what that means for the Champions League second leg on Wednesday.HAALAND’S THE DECOYSeems amazing – using the world’s best striker to be a decoy runner.But that’s exactly what Guardiola did against Newcastle as Marmoush bagged a hat-trick.Unselfish captain for the day Erling Haaland dragged Newcastle’s defence upfield and they kindly followed him to allow flying Egyptian Marmoush to run in behind for his first goal. READ MORE ON MAN CITYHis third was more good work from Haaland – who cleverly took the defenders to the back post, allowing space in front of Marmoush for Savinho’s cross to find him. Haaland may not have scored – but City hit four.Haaland started as the lone striker supported by Marmoush, Phil Foden and SavinhoCredit: SunSportWhen Haaland dropped in, the defenders followed and allowed Marmoush to run in behindCredit: SunSportThose runs created space for his team-matesCredit: SunSportHaaland would usually run towards the penalty spotCredit: SunSportBy going outside his marker, Marmoush could move into the gapCredit: SunSportMarmoush operated on the left but came in with devastating impactCredit: SunSportHaaland made 22 touches in the matchCredit: SunSportMINI RODRI GLUES CITY TOGETHERNico Gonzalez gave a midfield masterclass that Rodri would be proud of, and Pep labelled him ‘mini Rodri’ after the game.He’s not very mini at over 6ft and was dominant against a physical Toon.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut it was his ability to read the game that was so impressive – he is almost one pass ahead of everyone else.He read where the next Newcastle pass was going and was there to press or cut it out.Man City legend Sergio Aguero’s new career as a racing driver for PorscheNico Gonzalez was dubbed ‘mini Rodri’ by GuardiolaCredit: GettyGonzalez cuts out the passing lines as part of the pressCredit: SunSportThis helps Manchester City win the ball backCredit: SunSportGonzalez is also comfortable on the ball so can play the ‘2-in-1’ roleCredit: SunSportHis stats make for impressive readingCredit: SunSportExactly 100 completed passes knitted City back together and kept them going forward against a stretched Newcastle.EDERSON VOLLEYSAnother assist for City keeper Ederson showed his value, with that help from Haaland’s run. But Ederson also hit some great passes out of his hands to the chests of the City widemen who maintained their width to stretch Newcastle sideways and loosen their grip on midfield.The keeper also stepped into the defensive line to create an overload which meant Newcastle, who press 1v1, didn’t know whether to stick or twist.Ederson picked up yet another assistCredit: GettyThe goalkeeper is happy to step out as the free man and pick his passCredit: SunSportHe is now clear at the top of the all-time assist list among Prem goalkeepersCredit: SunSportNOW A REAL CHALLENGECity set up in attack with a 2-3-5 shape, with the right-back inverting into midfield to give them more dominance and Josko Gvardiol providing attacking width on the left.But that often leaves them exposed defensively, as Real showed in the final ten minutes of the 3-2 defeat in the first leg.With the emergence of Nico and Marmoush, who were both subs in the game, Pep could opt to make it a more 3-2-5 shape with Stones staying in defence from right-back to replace the injured Manuel Akanji.READ MORE SUN STORIESNico could be trusted to play the ‘2-in-1’ role that Rodri plays in attack and defence and it could be Kevin De Bruyne who misses out in attack to allow Marmoush to play in attack for direct balls with Haaland again. But it’s a big call for a big game!Guardiola may go for a 3-2-5 shape against Real MadridCredit: SunSportGonzalez will relish his battle with Jude BellinghamCredit: SunSportKevin De Bruyne may miss out while Josko Gvardiol can offer width on the leftCredit: SunSportJohn Stones may start in the right-back role to step into midfieldCredit: Getty More

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    Premier League introduces new ‘Thierry Henry-style’ ball as fans say ‘has anyone run this past Arteta?’

    THE Premier League has paid homage to its Barclays roots by releasing a new “Thierry Henry-style” ball.Inspired by Nike Total 90 footballs of the past, it will make its debut appearance when Aston Villa host Liverpool on Wednesday.Nike has released a remake of an iconic Premier League ballThe final Nike Prem ball is an updated remake of the T90 Aerow IThis is the current ball used in the top-flightCredit: GettyThe final Nike Prem ball is an updated remake of the T90 Aerow I – used during the 04/05 and 05/06 seasons. Chelsea fans will be buzzing to see it back as this ball saw the Blues win their first ever Prem title, and follow up again the following year.The likes of Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard all scored some beauties with the yellow version.The throwback colourway sees a classic all-white base, paired with some small added details to the classic T90 blue rings.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSOne fan said: “When I see this ball, I see Thierry Henry of Arsenal.”It will replace the current Hi-Vis winter ball for the rest of the campaign and bring an end to Nike’s 25-year ball reign in style.Puma are set to become the official ball supplier of the top flight from the 2025-26 season.But fans have joked that the Prem should “run it past Mikel Arteta first” after the Arsenal manager’s complaints last month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArteta suggested that the “tricky” Puma ball used by the EFL in the Carabao Cup had been a factor in his side’s shooting woes during a 2-0 semi-final first leg defeat by Newcastle.The Spaniard said the Puma balls “fly a lot”, admitting “there’s details that we can do better”.Pressed further, Arsenal’s boss added: “It’s just different. It’s very different to a Premier League ball.“You have to adapt to that because it flies different.“When you touch it, the grip is very different as well, so you adapt to that.”And fans have used the news of a new Nike ball to poke fun at Arteta.Puma makes the ball for the Carabao Cup matchesOne joked on X: “Someone give it to Arteta and Arsenal to make sure it flies correctly.”A second said: “Please tell me Arteta has checked it first.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Prem has used Nike balls since 2000 but a contract dispute saw the decision to switch to Puma from next season in what was described as a “lucrative” deal.SunSport understands that an exact version of the Carabao Cup ball has already been developed and agreed as the new Prem model – despite the complaints by some managers about it this season. More

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    Arsenal post new footage of Mikel Merino goal… but supporters are more interested in what’s going on in Leicester end

    ARSENAL posted a new angle of Mikel Merino’s celebrations – but some eagle-eyed fans were more interested in the crowd.Supporters spotted what looked like a ‘few matchgoers having a fight “massive punch-up” in the Leicester end.Mikel Merino scored twice for Arsenal as they beat Leicester on SaturdayCredit: GettyFans were distracted by chaotic scenes in the home end after the goalCredit: X @ArsenalMerino came off the bench at the King Power to answer Mikel Arteta’s striker SOS call following injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.The Spanish midfielder went up front for the first time in his career.And it worked a treat for the Gunners as he broke the deadlock with a header on 81 minutes.He then showed great composure at the back post to turn in a second and secure an important three points. READ MORE ON ARSENALArsenal took to X the day after the game to post a new angle of the opener from behind the Leicester goal.The video showed Ethan Nwaneri’s cross, Merino’s header and the wild celebrations in front of the travelling fans in the corner of the stadium.However, the 56-second clip was overshadowed by scenes among the home Leicester fans.As Merino’s team-mates embraced the matchwinner, chaos unfolded in the background.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAn individual in grey can be seen tussling with someone before launching something down the stand as their foe walks away.The person in grey then chases after them down the staircase and proceeds to swing several punches as a fight broke out.Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Ethan Nwaneri excels amid injury crisis but dreadful Raheem Sterling shadow of old selfIt appears they caught them in the head before the victim stumbled down the stand towards the stairwell, where they can be seen clutching their face.Others nearby seemed to check on their wellbeing before the camera pans away to follow the Arsenal stars walking back towards the halfway line.It is unclear what prompted the scrap and who was involved.Although both were in the home Leicester end, there were suggestions the incident may have been between a Leicester fan and an Arsenal fan who had managed to get a ticket in the Leicester seats and celebrated the crucial goal. And the incident was spotted by several social media users.One said: “Leicester fans fighting in the background lol.”Another replied: “Casually scrapping in the Leicester end in the background lol.”A third added: “Can see the Leicester fans have caught an Arsenal fan in the home end 0:20 in…”And a final user commented: “Massive punchup in the stands!”It is not the first time fans have been filmed fighting at the King Power Stadium.READ MORE SUN STORIESLeicester supporters clashed with one another in May 2023 as the Foxes were relegated from the Premier League. There were also ugly scenes a year earlier in Italy when travelling Leicester fans fought riot police with batons and shields during the Europa Conference League semi-final defeat to Roma. Two supporters can be seen fighting and swinging punchesCredit: X @ArsenalMerino headed over towards the away fans after his headerCredit: GettyHe was congratulated by his team-matesCredit: ReutersTensions boiled over in the Leicester endCredit: AP More