Philippa Kaur

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    Tottenham 1 Eintracht Frankfurt 1: Watch Porro score cheeky flick to keep Spurs’ season alive in Europa League

    THIS was neither c**p nor gold.But if Ange Postecoglou is going to dig himself out of the mire in Frankfurt next week, his side are going to have go up a gear at least.Pedro Porro scored a superb flick to equalise for SpursCredit: GettyHugo Ekitike put Frankfurt ahead after just six minutesCredit: ReutersThe under-fire Aussie said in the build-up that Spurs’ critics have a knack of turning “gold into c**p” when talking down his team’s feats.He was coming out swinging under severe pressure, as he admitted that there is “a general sentiment” in the football world that he will be sacked even if he wins the Europa League.Whether that proves to be the case or not remains to be seen, but for now his goal is to avoid going out at the quarter-final stage.And he has it all to do after this up-and-down display, which saw Pedro Porro’s exquisite backheel chalk off a blistering opener from Arsenal target Hugo Ekitike.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPostecoglou’s side suffered an awful start thanks to Ekitike’s early strike.But while the Frenchman’s finish was breathtaking, Spurs only had themselves to blame – and specifically James Maddison – how it came about.Midfielder Maddison had his pocket picked all too easily by Ellyes Skhiri, who sprayed a ball wide to Ekitike for the Frenchman to drive in off the wing and belt the ball into the far corner.Ellyes for Frankfurt, hell no for Spurs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPorro also could have done better in putting more pressure on Ekitike who was given the freedom of N17 as he attacked the goal.The quality of the 22-year-old’s hit into the far corner – his 20th of the season – underlined just why Newcastle tried to sign him twice previously and why he is on Arsenal’s list of striker targets this summer. Tottenham fans fume at Spurs flops as Ange Postecoglou ‘stays out firing line’ after GOADING them during loss at ChelseaHugo Ekitike curled in a delightful goal to open the scoringCredit: RexPorro’s flick found the back of the net to level the scoresCredit: GettyIt sent an already bouncing Frankfurt away support even more potty.And at that point you feared an embarrassment, given Spurs’ fragility this term, that could see Postecoglou being bounced out of the club in double-quick time.But his team responded well, keeping calm and patiently waiting for an opportunity to pounce.That moment came in the 26th minute and was created by two of the culprits for the first goal.After Dominic Solanke had successfully held up and offloaded a Son Heung-min pass over the top, James Maddison picked up the ball, turned towards the byline and cut the ball back across the six-yard area.There Porro met it and ingeniously flicked it home with a deft backheel to put Spurs right back into the tie.The Spaniard celebrated by putting the ball up his top and sucking his thumb – the universal football gesture to signal a baby on the way as he paid tribute to his pregnant partner.It was a gorgeous goal – and showed how, for all his faults, Postecoglou can still be the daddy of beautiful football when his team clicks.His team were breathing a sigh of relief though just before the break when the ball fell to Ekitike just inside the area.But unlike his brilliant opener, his shot was not powerful enough to beat Guglielimo Vicario this time.Spurs cranked it up after half-time with four agonisingly near-misses in the space of four agonising minutes.Lucas Bergvall sparked it with a 25-yard pile-driver which smacked the crossbar.Back-up goalkeeper Kaua Santos – in for the injured Kevin Trapp – then pulled off a stunning stop to push away a goal-bound Son effort.Santos repeated the feat to deny Maddison moments later, but not before Rodrigo Bentancur had headed against the woodwork.It was pulsating stuff and reminded you just what this Postecoglou side are capable of when their tails are up.But crucially, they did not score, but luckily neither did the Jean-Matteo Bahoya with a hooked volley – moments after the fastest man in the Bundesliga was booked for a ludicrously late foul on Son.Curiously, Postecoglou waited until the 79th minute to make a sub – moments after fans in the South Stand had urged him to change things up with rolling-arm motions.Read More on The SunThey were rewarded with a triple swap as Djed Spence, Pape Matar Sarr and Mathys Tel were thrown into the action.But ultimately it made no difference as the two sides fought out a draw, ready to go next week in what could prove to be Postecoglou’s final bout. More

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    Thomas Tuchel made England stars play Traitors game in first camp prompting love cheat Kyle Walker into shock admission

    ENGLAND boss Thomas Tuchel got his Three Lions stars to play a version of BBC TV hit The Traitors at their first training camp.And this time love-rat defender Kyle Walker was telling the truth when he said he was a Faithful.Thomas Tuchel got his Three Lions stars to play a version of BBC TV hit The Traitors at their first training campLove-rat defender Kyle Walker was telling the truth when he said he was a FaithfulThe AC Milan star has two children by his former mistress — and was forced to admit that finding wrong ’uns is harder than he imagined.Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham was quickly outed as a Traitor, soon followed by skipper Harry Kane.But goalie Jordan Pickford, midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and striker Dominic Solanke all went under the radar.Kyle said: “You get to see a few of the characters.Read more on Thomas Tuchel“And I think, for Tuchel as well, it was more of a squad-building exercise. He could see who was vocal and stuff like that.“It’s a good bit of fun, trying to convince people if you are a Faithful or a Traitor. It brought the squad together.”He revealed the inside story of German Tuchel’s first England camp in the second episode of The Kyle Walker Podcast on the BBC.The footie star, below, who has won 95 England caps, explained: “I sat next to Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford — next to two Traitors.Most read in Football“And I’m talking to them, saying, ‘You’re not a Traitor, are you?’ Harry Kane’s like, ‘No, I’m not a Traitor’. I believed him.“Pickers, normally when he’s the Traitor he goes bright red. When I asked him, he was bang still. He’s lost his redness, so he’s become better at lying.”’That was missing’ – Brutally blunt Thomas Tuchel reveals disappointment in Rashford and Foden’s England performancesKyle, who has an elbow injury and could be out for the rest of the season, also told of his desperation to reach 100 England caps.He said: “The hundred is getting closer, which is a massive objective.“I look back to when I first started with Fabio Capello and to think all those years ago, I probably said I wanted to get to 25 caps.“Then you surpass 25 caps, you’re looking for the 50. And I was on 49 and got sent off. And then you’re thinking it’s all over.“So to get these caps in the last two games, it was great.”He praised former England boss Sir Gareth Southgate, but said with Tuchel, it was “a new way”.And he warned: “Like they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day. So it’s going to take a little bit of time.” More

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    ‘A pretty expensive poo!’ – Carlos Sainz risks ANOTHER fine for X-rated rant as he protests £17,000 toilet break penalty

    CARLOS SAINZ risks a £34,500 fine for swearing as he protested his £17,000 penalty for having a POO!The Williams F1 driver panned FIA chiefs after he was punished for being “five seconds late” to the national anthem in Japan following a toilet dash.Carlos Sainz explained he had a medical reason for being lateCredit: RexGeorge Russell reckons Sainz was unlucky to be fined so muchCredit: RexEx-Ferrari driver Sainz was also upset at his hefty £17,000 Poogate fine at Suzuka – half of which has been suspended for 12 months providing he does not reoffend.But the Spaniard, 30, now faces an even bigger one after turning the air blue in yesterday’s press conference.Ahead of Sunday’s Bahrain GP, Sainz moaned at the FIA: “I’m the biggest supporter of punctuality and being a gentleman – especially for a national anthem, with all the authorities there.“So I was the first to put my hand up and say, ‘I’m late. I’m sorry’.READ MORE IN SPORT“At the same time, I was five seconds late. And to be five seconds late and have to pay  10,000 euros. It’s out of the question that we’re having to pay this money.“I don’t know if I’m gonna get a fine saying this but, s*** happens.“I hope someone tells me where this 10,000 euros goes.”Britain’s seven-time world champ Lewis Hamilton has also suffered  reprimands for tattoos and body piercings.And Mercedes driver George Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, panned Sainz’s toilet punishment.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Brit said: “It’s not quite as straightforward as people think for us to be there on time.“We’re often running to the toilet and  sometimes there are none available between the time you jump out of the car and go to the anthem.Max Verstappen claims he has ‘lost all respect’ for F1 star George Russell in X-rated rant “It’s a pretty expensive poo!”The FIA accepted Sainz was given medication for the problem which delayed his appearance.That meant his fine was cut from £51k (€60,000) to £17k, with £8.5k suspended.But in a lengthy statement the FIA added: “Notwithstanding the above, displaying respect for the National Anthem is a high priority and all parties need to consider every eventuality in planning to be in position for the Anthem by the required time.” More

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    Andre Onana booed and insulted by Lyon fans during warm-up over Matic spat before TWO huge blunders cost Man Utd

    ANDRE ONANA made TWO huge mistakes to let Lyon scored both their goals after being taunted by the Ligue 1 club’s fans before kick off.Onana, 29, found himself caught up in a media storm after being labelled “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history” by Nemanja Matic ahead of the tie.Andre Onana made a huge error to allow Lyon to take the lead against Manchester UnitedOnana completely misjudged a crossed free-kick and saw the ball creep into the bottom cornerCredit: PAThe Man Utd goalkeeper had the ball right in front of him but couldn’t keep it outCredit: ReutersOnana was left embarrassed by another blunderCredit: ReutersThiago Almada celebrated putting Lyon aheadCredit: ReutersAll eyes were on the Man Utd goalkeeper prior to the game after he sparked a war of words with Lyon midfielder Matic by claiming his side were favourites to win the tie.And things got even more heated when Onana was booed prior to kick off by the Lyon fans inside the stadium.With all that attention, Onana certainly had a lot of pressure to put in a good performance.But after just 25 minute the Cameroon keeper made a huge error that meant his side were 1-0 down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLyon’s Thiago Almada had a free-kick from a wide area to try and find a teammate in the box.But his whipped cross found itself in the back of the net without so much of a touch for another Lyon player after Onana completely misread the flight of the ball and dived down too late.Almada’s cross snuck in at the bottom corner and United found themselves 1-0 down.Onana thought he had been rescued by his teammates after a Leny Yoro header brought United level before Joshua Zirkzee put United in front with his own noggin in the 88th minute.Most read in FootballJoshua Zirkzee looked like he had won the match at the deathCredit: APOnana spilled a late shot from AlmadaRayan Cherki was quick to sweep the lose ball home and level the scores in the fifth minute of added timeCredit: GettyJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordBut after what seemed to be a turnaround for United was soon ripped away by yet another Onana mistake.This time the £44million signing spilled a shot from Almada right in front of him, giving Rayan Cherki a golden opportunity to tuck away a 95th minute equaliser.Nemanja Matic brands Andre Onana ‘one of worst keepers in Man Utd HISTORY’ in savage response to goalieTwo horror mistakes meant that United now have no advantage on the scoreboard heading into the home leg at Old Trafford next week.Onana had been booed and jeered by Lyon ultras ahead of kick off after his media battle with former Man Utd star Matic caused a stir amongst the supporters. Onana has said prior to the Europa League quarter-final clash: “I think we are better than them, we just have to go there and show who we are.”If we go there with a winning mentality and we are focused, stay compact and together and we follow the game plan we will be winning the game.”Something that clearly infuriated Matic who clapped back with his own thoughts during his press conference.Man Utd ratings vs Lyon as two Onana blunders earn under-fire keeper a ONE out of 10MANCHESTER UNITED were left ruing calamity goalkeeper Andre Onana as two massive blunders saw them leave their Europa League quarter-final first leg with a 2-2 draw against Lyon.The season-defining clash for both clubs became even spicier ahead of the game following a war words between Onana and ex-Red Devils star Nemanja Matic, with the Serbian dubbing the goalkeeper “one of the worst in United history”.It certainly riled up the home side’s crowd, who made their voices known as Ruben Amorim named an unchanged team – for the first time since his arrival – from the Manchester derby.But Onana was found wanting when he failed to save Thiago Almada’s inswinging free-kick to give the hosts the lead.Leny Yoro nodded in an equaliser just before the interval after Manuel Ugarte’s volley.And Joshua Zirkzee looked to have won the game for the visitors with his late header converting a Fernandes cross.But United’s joy was short-lived as Onana parried a shot straight to Rayan Cherki in added time, and the midfielder tapped in to leave the tie on a knife-edge.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils in France…He said: “You know, I respect everyone but to say that then you need to give the answer.”If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s history, you need to take care what you’re talking about.”If it was [Edwin] Van der Sar, [Peter] Schmeichel or [David] De Gea saying that, then I would question myself. But you need to have cover to say something like that.”Matic did take to social media after Matic’s comments, claiming he didn’t mean to come across as disrespectful.Read More on The SunHe said: “I would never be disrespectful to another club. We know that tomorrow will be a difficult game against a strong opponent.”We focus on preparing a performance to make our fans proud. At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same.”Lyon fans booed and jeered Onana prior to kick offCredit: ReutersNemanja Matic called Onana ‘one of the worst keepers in Man Utd’s history’Credit: Getty More

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    Leo Beenhakker dead at 82: Legendary manager who almost shocked England in World Cup dies as Koeman pays tribute

    LEGENDARY Real Madrid and Ajax manager Leo Beenhakker has died at the age of 82.The Dutchman’s career spanned over five decades and saw him win three La Liga titles with Los Blancos.Leo Beenhakker has passed away at the age of 82Credit: EPAThe former Real Madrid and Ajax coach also took charge of Poland and Trinidad & TobagoCredit: AP:Associated PressA native of Rotterham, Beenhakker served as Ajax head coach in two separate spells. Beenhakker won the Dutch Eredivisie title with the club in 1980 and 1990. News of his passing was announced by the club on Thursday.An Ajax statement read: “Ajax extends heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Leo Beenhakker.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Beenhakker was a coaching icon and a truly unique figure at Ajax.”Beenhakker was a winger during his playing days but found his calling in coaching. He began his career way back in 1965 at SV Epe, before serving as a youth coach at both Ajax and Feyenoord.Beenhakker twice took charge of the Dutch national team as his star power rose.Most read in FootballAnd he enjoyed a hugely successful period during the 1980s and 1990s.Beenhakker won six trophies during his time with Real Madrid.Moment ITV are forced to censor Ronald Koeman’s interview after England’s Euro 2024 win over NetherlandsThat included three consecutive league titles between 1987 and 1989.The Spanish club wrote on X: “Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and sympathy to his family, his clubs, and all his loved ones.”Beenhakker’s Trinidad & Tobago also gave England a huge scare at the 2006 World Cup.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Three Lions looked to be heading to an embarrassing 0-0 draw before late goals from Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard.Since leaving the Poland national team job in 2009, Beenhakker served as a technical advisor at various clubs.His last role was at Sparta Rotterham, where he retired in 2018.Beenhakker was a proud advocate of “total football”, the mantra followed by Johan Cruyff and Ronald Koeman for Holland.Ronald Koeman (centre) has paid tribute to his former coachCredit: ReutersHe famously said: “Football should excite. It’s not just about winning, but about how you win.”Koeman wrote in tribute on X: “A great loss for Dutch football.”Leo was a coach with an unparalleled passion and vision, who knew how to touch not only matches, but also people. Read More on The Sun”Leo appointed me as coach of Ajax, I am grateful to him for this. “My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Leo!” More

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    ‘Final nail in the coffin… he’s cursed’ – Fans think West Ham destined to be relegated as top transfer target revealed

    WEST HAM are weighing up a move for Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale as Graham Potter prepares a summer overhaul.Ramsdale, 26, is expected to leave Saints after just one year following their swift return to the Championship – and has a relegation release clause of around £18million.Aaron Ramsdale has just suffered his third drop from the PremCredit: GettyBoss Graham Potter wants a new spine for his West Ham squadCredit: RexBut many Hammers fans reacted with shock – because the “cursed” keeper has just suffered his THIRD demotion from the top flight.The former Arsenal man moved to the south coast late last summer in an £18m deal which could have risen to £25m.But with Saints relegated, the England ace will be looking to remain in the Premier League while the club will want to recoup every penny they can.Ramsdale is unlikely to be short of suitors, with Newcastle also linked.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe made 37 appearances under Toon boss Eddie Howe on loan with Bournemouth, but endured the drop, then saw the same fate befall him at parent club Sheffield United the following year.One fan claimed on X: “That’s the nail in West Ham’s coffin. Ramsdale is a curse.”Another labelled Ramsdale “The Relegator Mark II” and a third posted: “If we want to guarantee relegation then go ahead.”A fourth joked: “I’m actually excited to see West Ham do well in the Championship in 2 years.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut there were more balanced opinions too, such as: “I think he is a good keeper but we can do better.”Hammers boss Potter, 49, wants to bring in a new spine at the London Stadium this summer.Dani Dyer reveals whether she will take West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen’s surname after marriage The ex-Chelsea manager started with Lukasz Fabianski as his first-choice keeper but has since reinstalled Frenchman Alphonse Areola as No1.Fabianski is out of contract this summer but the club hold a one-year option to extend his deal while Areola is under contract until 2027.Ramsdale would only be interested in the move, and West Ham would only fork out £18m, if he were to be first choice.That means one of either Fabianski or Areola would have to depart for the deal to happen – with Areola being the more likely given his resale value.Potter is also keen to add a defender, central midfielder and striker this summer.But the Hammers may be forced to sell before they buy in order to satisfy financial rules.Read More on The SunRamsdale will be one of a number of players to leave Saints following their drop.Kyle Walker-Peters is out of contract and will depart, while Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who scored on his England debut this season, has moved agents and is keen to remain in the Prem. More

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    Chelsea ratings: Tyrique George breaks deadlock with first Blues goal but tired Cole Palmer hooked at half-time

    CHELSEA took control of their Europa Conference League quarter-final tie against Legia Warsaw after a 3-0 win in Poland.The Blues had to deal with a raucous atmosphere from the Polish crowd with pre-game pyrotechnics leaving a heavy cloud of smoke in the visitor’s defensive end at the start of the game.Tyrique George celebrated scoring his first Chelsea goalCredit: ReutersNoni Madueke was rewarded with a goal of his own after coming off the bench following an injection of energy into the gameCredit: PAThe home crowd were certainly up for the clash and sang throughout the game, despite precious little happening in the first half.Enzo Maresca clearly gave his side a wake-up call at half-time with the Blues looking energised after the break before Tyrique George reacted quickest to a Reece James shot to break the deadlock.Noni Madueke then grabbed the second a few minutes later as Chelsea made the most of a counter-attack.Madueke added a third, again set-up by Jadon Sancho, 25 seconds after Christopher Nkunku saw a penalty saved. Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Blues in Poland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFilip Jorgensen – 6Not tested in the first half with Chelsea dominating the ball.Looked set to not change second half until he had to save a vicious Patryk Kun shot from close range in the 90th minute.Joshua Acheampong – 6Played more like a third CB with Gusto more advanced inverting from LB and looked comfortable enough in the role. Stepped into a more conventional role and won the ball back high leading to the game’s first shot on target from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.Grew in confidence on the ball and was more involved second half.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTosin Adarabioyo – 5Made some clever line-breaking passes to set the Chelsea attackers away at the Legia defence.Taken off at half-time for Levi Colwill.Fans beg Cole Palmer ‘never change’ as footage of Chelsea star asking waiter bizarre question emerges Benoit Badiashile – 5Showed good strength against the Legia attackers. Nodded down a cross into a dangerous area which needed last-ditch defending to clear.Malo Gusto – 6Playing at left-back today and looked out of sorts after giving the ball away cheaply on a few occasions. Grew into the game and was better with his crosses.Replaced by Mathis Amaugou after the third goal went in.Reece James – 7Back in midfield for the clash and looked comfortable spraying passes about even if he was rarely tested on the ball. Showed some good strength when asked to do his defensive duties.Curled a lovely cross into Dewsbury-Hall just after the break but his midfield partner fluffed his header. Saw shot a shot rebound out for George to score the rebound.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 6Often found himself drifting out to the right-hand side to support Sancho. Had a curling shot palmed away by the goalkeeper for the first shot on target before missing an open header in the middle of the area on the stroke of halftime.Had another superb chance just after the break after ghosting into the box to head a James cross.Cole Palmer – 4Popped up all over the pitch to get on the ball but struggled to find his range, with one pass to Nkunku on a promising counter-attack going behind the striker.Looked tired and was hooked at half-time for Madueke.Jadon Sancho – 7Saw a lot of the ball in the early stages with little tangible output. Seemed to lack either the bravery or know-how to beat his defender, despite often being isolated one-on-one.Moved to the left wing after the break and looked brighter pairing with Gusto. Set up Madueke to score the second goal of the evening. Set up Madueke again 25 seconds after Nkunku’s saved penalty with a good low cross to the far post.Christopher Nkunku – 3Wasted a dangerous counter-attack by dragging a shot wide in the 15th minute, though in his defence the pass he was fed by Palmer was behind him. Put a ball on a plate for Dewsbury-Hall to score but he miscued his header.Moved behind George after the break and looked more interested in the game thereafter. Was just his luck when he won a penalty before seeing the spot-kick saved, with Madueke then scoring 25 seconds later.Tyrique George – 7George reacted quickest to a reboundCredit: ReutersQuiet in the first half but then scored his first senior goal just after the break as he was first to react on a rebound from a James shot when he was moved into the central striker role.Taken off after 75 minutes. But showed bright spots after his move inside.SubsNoni Madueke (for Palmer, half-time) – 9Madueke netted two goals after coming off the bench in the second halfCredit: APMade an impact straight away when he took on his man and managed to send them pedalling backwards. Rewarded for his positive play with a goal set up by Sancho on a Chelsea counter-attack.Added a second seconds after the penalty save as he tapped in a Sancho cross at the far post.Levi Colwill (for Adarabioyo, half-time) – 6Solid defensively on the rare occasions he was tested, but was most impressive spraying passes out of the back line.Marc Cucurella (for James, 58 mins) – 5Almost caught out within moments of coming on after Kun got behind him, only to fire the ball out of play.Read More on The SunMathis Amougou (for Gusto, 75 mins) – 6Made his European debut coming on in Poland. Not much to note after that.Shumaira Mheuka (for George, 75 mins) – 5Saw some powerful bursts into the box late on but was let down by a poor pass or touch. More

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    Man Utd fans hit by chaos in Lyon with supporters missing kick-off after being forced to take buses miles from stadium

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left in a “ridiculous situation” ahead of their Europa League clash with Lyon.Supporters were hit with travel chaos ahead of the quarter-final first leg at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.Manchester United’s away end at Lyon had a lot of empty seats just minutes before kick-offCredit: PAUnited fans have hit out at a logistics “shambles” ahead of their Europa League clash with LyonCredit: AlamyFOLLOW ALL THE ACTION FROM LYON VS MAN UTDUnited were hoping to salvage their season with some European silverware after a dismal campaign.But fans had another mare as they tried to reach the stadium on Thursday.Disgruntled Red Devils on tour took to social media to hit out at a “shambolic” transport situation in the city. READ MORE ON MAN UTDLocal authorities in France put in place a number of restrictions on away fans for the tie.Every United fan was told to collect a wristband from the Eurexpo Conference Centre between 5pm and kick-off.Without a band, they would not be allowed entry to the stadium.The location to pick up the band is over 10km from the ground.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd to top it off, Metro issues across the city saw fans piling onto buses, with roads grinding to a halt.United fans were told they would only be allowed to take designated ‘Shuttle 1 Stadium’ buses from Eurexpo. Man Utd’s secret weapon in Treble-winning season revealed as star who played ‘bigger role than people give credit for’Only supporters who use those buses were granted access to the away end, per The Mail.One fan raged on X: “#MUFC fans facing a ridiculous situation in Lyon. Stadium already miles out of town & they’re being forced to another location by authorities to collect a wristband, before being sent on a bus to the ground.”Another wrote: “Club have sent this SMS to ticket holders for Lyon (a). Can’t say I’m up for a long bus ride in traffic to Eurexpo to pick up a wristband and then another long bus ride to stadium. It’s a shambles and entirely down to local authorities in Lyon.”While a third added: “For the record this is a disgrace from Lyon. The wristband nonsense bad enough but half the transport just isn’t moving anywhere. There’s no excuse for this, no trouble at all. Deserve to have the same done to them next week.”And PA’s chief football writer Simon Peach posted a snap of a sparsely populated away end just minutes before kick-off.It took until seventeen minutes into the match for commentators to confirm the end was full.United put out a statement prior to Thursday and assured fans the club had “fought hard” against the measures.The club even claimed Lyon had originally aimed for two wristband collection points in the city centre. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordIt read: “We appreciate and apologise for the significant inconvenience this will cause to some of your plans.”Please be assured that the club has fought hard to reduce the impact on travelling fans, which originally involved two collection points situated across the city centre.Read More on The Sun”The below protocol has been forced upon us by local authorities and follows similar protocol in place for Frankfurt and Bucharest supporters at previous Europa League fixtures this season. “We must, however, relay the strong advice of the host country security and police forces and ask that you comply with their request.” More