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    Scotland ‘to qualify automatically’ for next Euros as Uefa chiefs meet to rubber-stamp deal

    SCOTLAND will be granted automatic qualification for the next European Championships, it’s been reported.The next Euros don’t take place until 2028 but Scotland, England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland were confirmed as hosts last year.Hampden Park is due to host fixtures at Euro 2028Credit: SNSUsually, the host nation of a Euros automatically qualifies for the tournament.But this has typically been when it has been held in one country or, at most, two (last year in Germany and 2012 in Poland and Ukraine, for example).Euro 2020 was held across the continent and with 11 host countries (including Scotland) there were no automatic berths handed out.This time however, things look to be different – even though there will be four host nations.The original bid from the UK & Ireland included Northern Ireland, meaning that there would potentially be five automatic spots for the hosts.That could have been problematic and as such there was a theory that all of the host nations would have to go through the usual qualification process, but would be offered the reprieve of a play-off if they failed to progress naturally.Northern Ireland’s host stadium of Casement Park has been hit with several problems, including building delays, and as a result it forced them to pull out of the hosting bid.Therefore it seems they could be the unlucky ones who will miss out on an automatic place.Most read in FootballAccording to The Irish Times, Uefa chiefs are set to grant the four remaining Home Nations automatic entry into Euro 2028 – if they fail to qualify through the normal process.That suggests Scotland, England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland will still compete in the qualifying section even though their place in the final competition would be assured.Scotland manager Steve Clarke quizzed on whether he considered quitting after Euro 2024 disappointmentBut it’s also been claimed that the idea of a play-off if any of them don’t win their group is not completely off the table.Uefa’s executive committee will meet in Bilbao on Wednesday May 21 before the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur to finalise the qualification format.Hampden Park in Glasgow is the lone Scottish stadium in the UK & Ireland portfolio for Euro 2028.The other confirmed venues for the 24-team tournament are the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, St James’ Park in Newcastle, the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, Everton’s new Bramley Moore Dock stadium in Liverpool, Villa Park in Birmingham, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley, which will host the final.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Erling Haaland demands Man City end ‘boring and not fun’ season with FA Cup glory

    ERLING HAALAND says not even lifting the FA Cup can save  Manchester City’s “catastrophic” season.Pep Guardiola’s side are still batting for a Champions League place and will finish trophyless if they lose to Crystal Palace at Wembley tomorrow.Erling Haaland claims Man City have lacked ‘full hunger’Credit: Shutterstock EditorialEtihad chief Pep Guardiola is experiencing rare failureCredit: AlamyAnd striker Haaland said: “We have the Cup final to play for and in a horrific season we still managed to do this.“It is not nice to lose so many games. It is boring and not fun.“When you have won four league titles in a row, if you don’t win five, it’s not going to be a successful season.“You cannot win every year. The club has set the bar  so high that this is a catastrophic season — that  says it all.”READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSHaaland added: “Next time, we have to find something inside our  stomach again to attack the season.”City have fallen way short of their high standards this term and will finish miles behind champions Liverpool. They failed to make the  Champions League last-16 after getting knocked out by Real Madrid in the play-off round.Haaland is just back from a six-week injury lay-off, while several team-mates  also had long  spells on the sidelines.Most read in FA CupHaaland is back fully fit but has not enjoyed the season so farCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut the Norwegian ace also feels City have lacked hunger after winning four Prem  titles in a row.Despite hitting the 30-goal mark for a third straight season, Haaland admits he has not done enough.Man City drop Jack Grealish transfer hint as they launch stunning new kit for Club World CupThe 24-year-old hotshot added: “You can find excuses. Injuries, many injuries at bad times, but we haven’t been performing well enough.“We haven’t fully had the hunger inside of us. I haven’t been good enough or helped the team enough.“We haven’t been there fighting in either the Premier League or the Champions League — and that’s not good enough for a club like City.“You should be there and you should compete.Kevin De Bruyne aims to bow out on another highCredit: Getty“We haven’t done that so now if we can finish strong in the Premier League and win the FA Cup that would be a really good thing. I’ll do everything I can to make it happen.”Haaland says they must do  everything they can to help outgoing club legend Kevin De Bruyne make sure he finishes on a high.The Belgian has been told there will be no new contract this summer — meaning his glittering ten-year spell at the Etihad is coming to an end.De Bruyne has won six Prem titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and five League Cups with the club.And Haaland said: “We would love for Kevin to finish with  one more trophy.Read More on The Sun“He has had an incredible time at Manchester City. It is ridiculous how many trophies he has won.“To get passes from him has been a dream. It’s been special playing with him.” More

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    in Motorsport

    Lewis Hamilton reveals special ‘Ferrari’ outfit he is set to dress dog Roscoe in for Silverstone and Monza F1 races

    LEWIS HAMILTON has revealed that he is planning to dress his dog Roscoe in a special Ferrari outfit later this year.The Formula 1 superstar’s beloved French bulldog has not been with him at races this season as he has been recovering from a nasty bout of pneumonia.Lewis Hamilton has been seen walking his beloved pooch around the paddock in previous yearsCredit: RexRoscoe joined Hamilton in Monza four years agoCredit: AlamyWith Roscoe thankfully having been nursed back to health, Hamilton is hoping to have him back on the grid before too long.Quizzed about the 12-year-old’s next appearance, the seven-time world champion, 40, said: “I really want to take him to Silverstone, and particularly Monza, this year.”I plan to put him in a red cape and outfit. I was with him before Miami and he still wants to play.”He’s still got that youthful spirit. But he does like to sleep a lot.”READ MORE ON LEWIS HAMILTONHamilton also admitted that he still worries about his elderly pooch.”This is a time where every time I get a text message from the lady who looks after him, my heart stops for a second,” the Ferrari superstar said.”Because I’m thinking, ‘What’s next?’ But he’s fine now, fortunately. He is doing well.”He’s 12-and-a-half years old, so he’s an old boy and it’s unusual for them to live that long.”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRoscoe has been nursed back to health by trainer Kirstin McMillan, and like Hamilton lives a vegan lifestyle.Despite worries about his pooch, Hamilton is excited to race in Imola for the first time as a Ferrari driver this weekend.Lewis Hamilton’s beloved dog Roscoe diagnosed with pneumonia as carer gives health updateThe former Mercedes and McLaren star said: “It’s weird because these hospitality trucks have been here since 2009.”I’ve walked past Ferrari and never went inside. If I’m really being honest, I was always too scared to go inside being from a different team.”So today is another realisation and feeling. You know that Italians are extremely passionate about it.”It’s a lot more than you expect when you’re actually in it. And it’s beautiful.”Hamilton is seventh in the driver standings after six grands prix – 90 points off leader Oscar Piastri.The British favourite is also 12 points behind team-mate Charles Leclerc, who was forced out of media day duties by illness. More

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    Horrifying moment car ploughs into huge crowd of fans near stadium ahead of Espanyol vs Barcelona derby clash

    THIS is the terrifying moment a car ploughs into huge crowds of Espanyol-Barcelona fans ahead of the derby clash.The horror incident unfolded near the RCDE Stadium, wider Barcelona, before the game began.This is the terrifying moment a car ploughs into huge crowds of Espanyol-Barcelona fansThe horror incident unfolded near the RCDE Stadium before the game beganThe car in the midst of crowdsUnbelievable footage shows the white vehicle facing the crowds as drinks are being thrown at it.The car then picks up speed and ploughs into fans, with some seen hanging onto the windscreen.Armed police are seen chasing after the vehicle as it disappears into the sea of people.The vehicle ploughed into a group of Espanyol fans who were waiting for the bus to arrive at the stadium an hour and a half before kick-off.read more sport newsSeveral fans were injured and required urgent treatment, with ambulances dispatched to the horror scene.According to local reports, the Catalan police have initially said a female driver lost control of her car.The Spanish top-flight game was paused briefly, but play soon resumed when it was confirmed nobody was seriously hurt.The Catalan police has insisted that the incident was accidental, local media says.Most read in FootballReferee Cesar Soto Grado speaks to police officers on the touchline during a break in play during the La Liga match between Espanyol and BarcelonaCredit: GettyBarcelona won the match 2-0Credit: GettyA mere few days ago, a car rammed into football fans celebrating PSG’s Champions League victory – before being torched in the street.Violent clashes broke out in the streets of Paris several hours after Wednesday’s semi-final match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.Reports say at least three people were left injured by the car – one of which is in hospital in critical condition.Youths who appear to be supporting PSG can be seen confronting riot police.There are reports that some targeted shops and banks by smashing windows.A Paris Police Prefecture spokesperson said at least “43 people were arrested during the PSG victory celebrations”, mainly for public order offences.He added that a full investigation was underway in relation to the car which drove into and injured fans. More

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    Erling Haaland turns to Neil Warnock for FA Cup final pep talk as Man City ace admits he ‘agrees with’ long ball tactics

    ERLING HAALAND had a pep talk from former Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock to help prepare him for the FA Cup final.The veteran boss was invited to Manchester City’s training ground by Etihad chief Pep Guardiola earlier this month and spent time chatting to the players.Erling Haaland has a chat with Neil Warnock about ‘old school’ footballCredit: Erling Haaland SnapchatWarnock as invited to the City training ground by Pep GuardiolaCredit: PA:Press AssociationAs a lifelong fan of English football, Haaland revealed he was delighted to meet the ‘old school’ 76-year-old — and it turned out they had plenty in common.The Norwegian also told Warnock how he expects City to find the energy to finish their disappointing season on a high note — just as they always have done.Recalling the meeting with Warnock, striker Haaland said: “He’s a really funny guy, a good guy. I’ve watched a lot of English football my whole life so I know he’s a legend of the game.“I didn’t know he was coming so it was a surprise but I had a good chat with him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He’s got an old school way about him and I’m also a little bit old school because of my father. We had some good discussions.”Asked what they had chatted about, Haaland told the BBC: “Sometimes you have to kick and run a little bit.“That was his tactics in his days and I agree with it — a bit of kick and run.“We both love football so we talked about that, the period we’ve been in but how we’ve got a good momentum going on now.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“In other seasons, something has happened to give us some extra energy from somewhere and this is exactly the time it should happen.”Haaland says he is fit and raring to go after six weeks on the sidelines recovering from an ankle injury picked up in the quarter-final win at Bournemouth.City have reached the final in each of his three seasons at the club and he says winning it would be special as May 17 is a significant date in his homeland. It is always a public holiday in Norway as they celebrate their Constitution Day with parades, traditional dress and music.He said: “It would mean a lot to me on a big day in Norway. So I’ll do everything I can to make it possible and I’ll do everything I can to help the team to achieve this.“It was horrible to be injured. But what can you do? You have to recover as quickly as you can and to come back as fit as you can.“Now I’m back with loads of energy. I’m feeling good and moving good and I’m ready.”Guardiola has said that winning the FA Cup and securing a place in next season’s Champions League would not save the season in his eyes.Haaland believes FA Cup glory could save City’s poor campaignCredit: GettyHowever, Haaland stressed: “For me it would help. It’s important to win trophies. That’s what I want. That’s why I’m here.“But again, the standards these guys have been putting up, maybe for them it doesn’t mean anything because they put the standard so high.“The past has been incredible for me personally in this club and also before I came here in the club, what Pep has been doing.“It’s ridiculous when you actually dig a bit into it to see how good he’s been doing.  “But yeah, I’m here to continue to win trophies, which we’ll try to do now in the FA Cup.”Haaland has been to Wembley as a City fan — and for the last two years as a player in the final — and he cannot wait to experience it again.He added: “I remember my father telling me how appreciated the FA Cup is in this country and I understood that when I won it.“It’s really impressive to see how many times Pep has taken City to Wembley, it’s a difficult thing to do. To be here for the third time in a row is amazing and hopefully we can win it again.Read More on The Sun“I’ve watched many finals, but I’ve been to Wembley as a supporter of City, and I’ve won it as well.“It’s special to go to Wembley. You always know it’s a big game when you play there.” More

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    Chelsea star banned from driving after racking up more points on license than Man Utd have in Premier League

    CHELSEA star Wesley Fofana has been banned from driving for two years after racking up 47 points on his licence.The French international’s tally would see him finish higher than several Premier League giants this season — including Manchester United, who sit on 39 points.Wesley Fofana has been banned from driving for two years after racking up 47 points on his licenceCredit: AlamyFofana was then caught five times behind the wheel of his £300,000 Rolls-Royce CullinanCredit: AlamyLavender Hill magistrates’ court in South West London heard on Wednesday that he had committed eight offences in three different vehicles in less than a year.Fofana, 24, who did not appear at court, was dubbed a “habitual speeder” by chairman of the bench John Soones, who slapped the defender with a further 38 points on top of his previous nine.Mr Soones said: “We take into account the fact he is a habitual speeder, with access to powerful motor cars, who speeds at nearly double the speed limit.”The earliest offence was last March when he drove his Lamborghini Urus at 26mph in a 20mph zone in Brixton, South London.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFofana was then caught five times behind the wheel of his £300,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan and twice in his blue 4.0-litre Audi — all in a 50mph zone on the A3 Esher bypass.He hit speeds of up to 88mph on the route he regularly uses to get to and from his home in Kingston-upon-Thames to the club’s training ground in Cobham, Surrey.Fofana, who admitted all offences, had so many they were scattered throughout the building’s courtrooms. Chairman Mr Soones said: “He’s got a flush. He is in court one, two and three. But we have gathered them all together”.Most read in FootballHis lawyer Imogen Cox told the court: “He is a young man that plays football for a living and he works extremely hard, training, and has foolishly not complied with the rules of the road.”Fofana was fined £5,328, plus a £2,131 victim surcharge and £110 in costs. Chelsea player ratings: Enzo Fernandez silences his doubters but Robert Sanchez endures a few shaky moments vs LeicesterHe was previously disqualified for six months in January 2023 for speeding.The player is regarded as a “sick note” by Chelsea fans due to long absences after two major knee injuries since his £70million switch from Leicester City in 2022. More

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    ‘Won’t say thank you any time soon’ – George Russell reacts as hated F1 rule is overturned

    GEORGE RUSSELL “won’t be saying thank you” anytime soon after blasting Formula One’s swearing rules as too “ridiculous” in the first place.The Mercedes star, who sits fourth in the Championship standings, showed no gratitude to F1’s governing body after labelling the walk-back on rules as “suspect” ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.George Russell has criticised the FIA’s stance on swearing and criticising officialsCredit: GettyFIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem dramatically reduced the fines after receiving backlashCredit: AFPOn Wednesday, the FIA climbed down on its previous stance of drivers facing potential bans and point deductions for swearing or criticising officials, and dramatically reduced the possible fines that can be issued.Crucially, the stewards are now able to differentiate between ‘controlled’ and ‘non-controlled’ environments, meaning drivers are highly unlikely to be punished for swearing while competing, but will still face action for using offensive language in press conferences.But Russell, was unmoved by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem cutting the first time fines from £33,700 down to £4,200.The 27-year-old said: “I didn’t really have any reaction to the announcement because it was so ridiculous in the first place that we are just basically reverting on that.READ MORE ON F1″At the end of the day we’re not going to be saying thank you for something that was so crazy in the first place.”We’ve just gone back to something that is slightly more in the name of common sense”But we should never have moved away from that in the first place. You know, we shouldn’t even be having this conversation.”Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, also revealed that he “wonders if the change was strategic timing” given that Ben Sulayem is up for re-election at the end of the season.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBen Sulayem said when the rule change was announced that he had “led an extensive and collaborative review with contributions from across the seven FIA World Championships”.But, Russell has refused that claim, saying: “We’ve still had no correspondence with anyone from the senior level at the FIA. So yeah, it’s all a bit suspect.”Lewis Hamilton fumes ‘have a tea break while you’re at it’ at Ferrari staff and refuses to apologise in Miami GP bust-upFerrari driver Lewis Hamilton, 40, also agreed that the situation was “ridiculous”.The seven-time champion said: “It seems a bit of a mess there at the moment. There are lots of changes that are needed, for sure.”Red Bull’s Max Verstappen – who last year was the first driver to be punished for saying his car was “f***ed” with a form of community service – said the change was “a bit better and it’s a start”.Incredibly, Russell and Verstappen both backed the potential bid of Carlos Sainz Sr, the father of Williams driver Sainz, in this December’s FIA presidential election.When asked if Sainz would be a better president, the world champion Red Bull star bluntly replied: “You can fill that in yourself.”He’s very well respected in the world here and in the rally world as a former rally driver.”Of course people always say it’s conflicting with his son but I think he’s professional enough to keep that separated from each other.”I think it would be a great addition to run for president.”Russell also dismissed the idea there could be a conflict of interest because of Sainz’s son, who is also a GPDA director.Read More on The SunThe Brit said: “You’re so far removed from a technical standpoint. It’s down to the technical people within the FIA to be the rule makers.”The president in years gone by has probably been far less involved than what we’ve seen recently and far less visible.”THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

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    Arsenal fans baffled as Lewis-Skelly is beaten by team-mate, 24, to Premier League Young Player of the Year nomination

    ARSENAL fans have demanded a rule change to the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year award.The eight stars nominated for this season’s accolade have been announced with Myles Lewis-Skelly missing out.Myles Lewis Skelly did not make the cut for Young Player of the YearCredit: GettyBut William Saliba was a shock inclusionCredit: GettyBut to the surprise of Arsenal supporters, 24-year-old William Saliba made the cut instead.Liam Delap (Ipswich), Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Joao Pedro (Brighton) and Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) complete the list of nominees.Many expected Lewis-Skelly to be one of them after a stunning breakthrough season.The 18-year-old has featured 21 times in the Premier League this term and has made the left-back spot his own following his start in December.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLewis-Skelly’s good form even saw him earn a first senior England call-up in March.But he has not been nominated with many of the players chosen aged between 22 and 24.Premier League rules state you are eligible for the Young Player of the Year award if you are 23 or under at the start of the campaign.But many fans want a change to the regulations, with one saying: “It should be Under-21 players only.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnother added: “They really need to rethink the ‘Young’ Player of the Season. Because not having Lewis-Skelly but having 24-year-old Saliba makes no sense.”A third wrote: “They need a Rookie of the Year award to go along side this for newcomers/younger players.”‘Those doubts maybe kick in’ – Jamie Carragher hints when Declan Rice will start considering his Arsenal futureGravenberch has also been nominated for the senior Player of the Season award after helping Liverpool win the league.His team-mates Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk join him on the list.Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest), Alexander Isak (Newcastle), Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford) and Declan Rice (Arsenal) are the other contenders. More