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    Everton vs Liverpool CALLED OFF due to safety fears as Storm Darragh KOs final Goodison derby and matches around UK

    THE Merseyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool has been CALLED OFF due to dangerous weather.But Manchester United’s clash with Nottingham Forest is tentatively slated to GO AHEAD.Today’s Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool has been cancelledCredit: GettyThe high winds caused by Storm Darragh has resulted in the final league Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park to be axedCredit: PABoth clubs made the decision to postpone the match due to safety fearsCredit: PAStorm Darragh is wreaking havoc up and down the country, with several services being disrupted.The storm led to the cancellation of two Championship games on Friday.And it’s claimed this afternoon’s match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park.An Everton statement read: “Everton’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool, scheduled for 12.30pm (GMT) today has been postponed.READ MORE ON STORM DARRAGH”Following a Safety Advisory Group meeting at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council this morning, it was decided that, due to the risk to safety in the local area due to strong wind gusts, and an amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 6am on Sunday, today’s fixture should be postponed on safety grounds.”We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank supporters for their understanding. Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance.”Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course.”All tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSStorm Darragh has left a trail of destruction up and down the countryFlood have been reported nationwide, with a driver in Essex getting stuck in 4ft floods yesterdayThe Met Office has issued a red warningFans of both teams were quick to react to the postponement.One wrote on X: “Should of done it last night.”Everton fans say ‘I feel sick just looking at it’ as new video of Bramley Moore Dock stadium go viral Another said: “Weather can really throw a wrench in the plans, but safety comes first.”And another said: “Safety comes first. Gutted though.”One remarked: “Yeah fair enough.”Another chimed in: “Wrong time to call it off – call it off at 10.30 and give it chance to calm down.”Poor decision this because I bet it’s absolutely fine at 12.30.”The Reds’ trip to Goodison was set to be an historic one.It would have been the final league Merseyside Derby at Goodison before Everton move into their new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.Given its proximity to Liverpool, there were fears that United’s clash with Forest at Old Trafford could also fall victim to Darragh.But as it stands, the match – which is scheduled to get underway at 5:30pm – will GO AHEAD.A United statement read: “Today’s Premier League fixture at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest is scheduled to go ahead as planned. “The club will continue to consult the relevant authorities throughout the day and will update supporters immediately if anything changes. “We understand that fan travel will be disrupted by the weather so this fixture will not be included in the minimum number of games a season that season tickets must be used.”Aston Villa, Brentford and Crystal Palace also issued statements confirming their respective matches against Southampton, Newcastle United and Manchester City will are expected to go ahead as scheduled.Storm Darragh has so far claimed four fixtures this afternoon.Watford’s and Plymouth’s respective Championship clashes Cardiff and Oxford United have been called off.Bristol Rovers’ League One showdown with Bolton Wanderers has also been postponed.And AFC Barrow, Newport and Notts County’s respective League Two clashes with MK Dons, Carlisle United and Colchester United have also fallen by the wayside.Storm Darragh began battering the UK on Friday with winds of 92mph.The Met Office quickly issued a stay at home order for millions of people with a red warning.READ MORE SUN STORIESA red warning indicates serious danger to life. The National Grid has revealed that Darragh has left a whopping 32,600 homes in the Midlands and the south west without electricity. More

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    Storm Darragh football postponed LIVE: Everton vs Liverpool Premier League clash CALLED OFF due to severe weather

    STORM DARRAGH is causing chaos in the football leagues today – including the Premier League with Everton vs Liverpool now called off. Two Championship matches have also been postponed.Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth side will not be able to face Oxford United on Saturday afternoon.And Watford’s thrilling away fixture against Cardiff has now been called off too.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFind out about all of the latest postponements through our live blog below…Wild and windyThe Met Office is anticipating winds of 70 to 80mph around exposed coasts and headlands on Merseyside.But the predicted speed in the area drops to around 60-70mph inland.Wales and south west England might suffer the most severe effects in Britain.The Met Office has put out a rare red alert for that region – including an emergency warning – to around 3million people.Winds there could reach a life-endangering 90mph in some places.Safe travels football fans.Copy linkCopiedAirport chaosFlying debris and falling trees could pose a risk to life while large waves.Beach material could be thrown on to coastal roads and seafronts, forecasters said.There could also be damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down.Power cuts could affect other services such as mobile phone coverage.Dublin airport has welcomed a number of flights bound for other airports and diverted due to the storm.A number of British Airways flights to and from Heathrow, Paris, the United States and the Netherlands have also been cancelled.Copy linkCopiedGovernment warning It is understood that people will have received the alert if they live in the following areas:DevonBathNorth East SomersetCity of BristolNorth SomersetSouth GloucestershireSomersetIsle of AngleseyGwyneddConwyCeredigionPembrokeshireCarmarthenshireSwanseaNeath Port TalbotBridgendVale of GlamorganCardiffMonmouthshireNewportA spokesperson for the Cabinet Office added: “The UK Government has well rehearsed plans in place for severe winter weather.”It is working with teams from devolved governments, local authorities, the emergency services and other public bodies to coordinate the response to any disruption.”Copy linkCopiedTrain chaosA slew of rail services have already been pummelled by storm Darragh as the weekend gets underway.Here are some of today’s updates:Disruption to Northern services between Leeds and Wakefield Westgate expected until the end of the daySevere weather and Storm Darragh will affect Avanti West Coast servicesSevere weather and Storm Darragh will affect CrossCountry servicesSevere weather and Storm Darragh will affect Great Western Railway servicesSevere weather and Storm Darragh will affect London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway servicesSevere weather and Storm Darragh will affect LNER servicesSevere weather and Storm Darragh will affect MerseyrailSevere weather and Storm Darragh is affecting Northern servicesSevere weather and Storm Darragh is affecting ScotRail servicesSevere weather and Storm Darragh will affect South Western Railway servicesSevere weather and Storm Darragh will affect TransPennine Express servicesSevere weather and Storm Darragh is affecting Transport for Wales servicesCopy linkCopiedDarragh delugeBrits have been urged to stay at home in a rare red warning as 90mph Storm Darragh winds hit – with flights and trains axed.Millions have been warned to stay indoors and thousands are without power as the Government’s “risk to life” alert comes into force.The emergency alert came into effect at 1am for people covered by the red wind warning in parts of Wales and the south west England.It was the largest use of the warning system yet, with the alert urging residents to avoid driving and to “stay indoors if you can””Wind gusts of up to 92mph have been recorded overnight in Capel Curig in North Wales and Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula.Gusts of between 72-78mph were recorded along the coasts of Wales and Northern Ireland.Copy linkCopiedStorm Darragh is terrorising footballGood afternoon football lovers!This is not a blog I would like to be doing as a football lover myself, but Storm Darragh is unfortunately ripping through the country.And as a result, several football matches have been called off.Including TWO matches from the Championshp and one involves Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth.Keep scrolling to find out about all of the postponed fixutres due to Storm Darragh.Copy linkCopiedWhat other matches could be affected?Other games in the area that could be hit by the weather include Bristol Rovers vs Bolton in League One, and Yeovil Town’s FA Trophy clash with Weymouth.Meanwhile Haverfordwest County announced their Welsh Premier League clash with Briton Ferry tonight was also postponed.Red warnings are extremely rare, with today’s announcement just the 19th such warning since records begin in 2011.The alert, issued on the Met Office website, warns of danger to life due to flying debris and falling trees.Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down, are also expected – with power cuts potentially affecting other services including mobile coverage.Brits are urged to avoid travelling and stay indoors if possible.There is a 39-hour yellow wind warning for the whole of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and much of Scotland, until 6am on Sunday.Copy linkCopiedStorm BertThe last storm to cause chaos among the EFL was Storm BertStorm Bert caused chaos in the EFL as a number of matches were called off due to heavy snow and rain battering the UK.The League Two clash between Bradford and Accrington Stanley was first to get called off.It was revealed at 10:30am that there would be a pitch inspection and just 20 minutes later the game was postponed.Salford’s clash against Bromley was called off just an hour before kick-off.Meanwhile, Portsmouth supporters had already begun the 270-mile journey up to Blackburn for their Championship clash when it was officially called out.Copy linkCopiedBlessing in disguise for RooneyStorm Darragh may have kept Wayne Rooney in a job at Plymouth for a little while longer.Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth will not face Oxford United tomorrow due to the 90mph wind speed.The Man Utd legend was reported to have two games left to save himself from the sack, although this was refuted by the Pilgrims’ chairman.It came after a week in which his side got thrashed 6-1 by Norwich and then 4-0 by Bristol City, leaving them just outside the relegation zone.And another loss tomorrow could have potentially saw Rooney get the sack despite the Pilgrims’ chairman quotesCopy linkCopiedStorm Darragh statementStorm Darragh is sweeping across the Atlantic with the Met Office issuing a rare red ‘danger to life’ warning across parts of Wales, Bristol and north Somerset.The FAW said in a statement: “The Met Office has issued red, amber, and yellow weather warnings for the vast majority of Wales due to Storm Darragh, which is expected to bring damaging winds and heavy rain, causing significant disruption and danger to life.“It is not safe to drive in such weather, including travelling to and from football matches. Being outside in high winds increases the risk of injury and The Met Office advises people to stay indoors if possible.“Clubs have been advised to check for and secure any loose items around their grounds if it can be done safely. This includes bins, furniture, goalposts, and fences etc.“Potential postponements of fixtures on Friday 6 December and Sunday 8 December will be considered on a case-by-case basis, in line with each individual league’s policy.”Copy linkCopiedSaturday Prem fixturesPremier League fans will be praying that Storm Darragh doesn’t postpone their matches.Here is the games that are happening on Saturday.Aston Villa vs SouthamptonBrentford vs NewcastleCrystal Palace vs Manchester CityManchester United vs Nottingham ForestCopy linkCopiedStorm Darragh statementStorm Darragh is sweeping across the Atlantic with the Met Office issuing a rare red ‘danger to life’ warning across parts of Wales, Bristol and north Somerset.The FAW said in a statement: “The Met Office has issued red, amber, and yellow weather warnings for the vast majority of Wales due to Storm Darragh, which is expected to bring damaging winds and heavy rain, causing significant disruption and danger to life.“It is not safe to drive in such weather, including travelling to and from football matches. Being outside in high winds increases the risk of injury and The Met Office advises people to stay indoors if possible.“Clubs have been advised to check for and secure any loose items around their grounds if it can be done safely. This includes bins, furniture, goalposts, and fences etc.“Potential postponements of fixtures on Friday 6 December and Sunday 8 December will be considered on a case-by-case basis, in line with each individual league’s policy.”Copy linkCopiedEverton statement The Toffees’ statement reads: “Following a Safety Advisory Group meeting at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs, as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council this morning, it was decided that, due to the risk to safety in the local area due to strong wind gusts, and an amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 6am on Sunday, today’s fixture should be postponed on safety grounds.”We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank supporters for their understanding. Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance.”Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course.”All tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture.”Copy linkCopiedEverton vs Liverpool postponedThis is certainly the case today…Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedFour games leftThere are still four games set to take place today in the Premier League. Aston Villa vs Southampton (3pm)Crystal Palace vs Man City (3pm)Brentford vs Newcastle (3pm)Man Utd vs Nottingham Forest (5.30pm)Copy linkCopiedEverton confirm derby OFFEverton have confirmed their Merseyside derby with Liverpool has been called off. Copy linkCopiedEverton vs Liverpool OFFEverton’s Premier League clash with Liverpool, scheduled for 12.30pm today, has been POSTPONED. Copy linkCopiedPrem to go aheadAs things stand, Premier League games WILL go ahead today, though conditions may worsen. Everton vs Liverpool takes place at 12.30 and an amber warning for wind has been placed on Merseyside. It’s expected winds of 60-70 mph will occur inland, with that number rising to 80 mph in coastal regions. Fans have been urged to travel with caution and to leave for Goodison Park as early as possible, with travel delays likely. Elsewhere in the Premier League today, Aston Villa host Southampton, Brentford take on Newcastle, Crystal Palace face Man City and Man Utd are up against Nottingham Forest.Copy linkCopiedWild and windyThe Met Office is anticipating winds of 70 to 80mph around exposed coasts and headlands on Merseyside.But the predicted speed in the area drops to around 60-70mph inland.Wales and south west England might suffer the most severe effects in Britain.The Met Office has put out a rare red alert for that region – including an emergency warning – to around 3million people.Winds there could reach a life-endangering 90mph in some places.Safe travels Liverpool and Everton fans.Copy linkCopiedAmberLiverpool vs Everton is scheduled to still go ahead even though Merseyside is in the amber.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool and Everton joint statementLiverpool and Everton have released a joint statement amid fears Storm Darragh could curtail Saturday’s derby.The Merseyside rivals spoke out to offer advice to fans – as the region braces itself for winds of up to 80mph.Both statements read: “Supporters attending Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park are advised to allow extra time for travel, and to remain alert to Met Office weather warnings.”An amber severe wind warning has been issued by the Met Office for Merseyside from 1am on Saturday morning, with wind gusts of 60mph to 70mph likely.”That warning for wind is expected to remain in place until 6am on Sunday. “Given the weather warning, fans are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to take extra care.”Fans are also advised to keep a close eye on travel and weather guidance in their area to assist with travel planning for Saturday’s Premier League fixture.”Copy linkCopiedSunday and Monday Prem fixturesFulham vs ArsenalIpswich vs BournemouthLeicester vs BrightonTottenham vs ChelseaMonday, December 9West Ham vs WolvesCopy linkCopiedSaturday Prem fixturesPremier League fans will be praying that Storm Darragh doesn’t postpone their matches.Here is the games that are happening on Saturday.Everton vs LiverpoolAston Villa vs SouthamptonBrentford vs NewcastleCrystal Palace vs Manchester CityManchester United vs Nottingham ForestCopy linkCopiedEverton vs Liverpool in jeopardyLiverpool will be looking to bounceback from their draw against Newcastle with a win over Everton – but the weather might have other plans.The Reds dropped two points against the Toon courtesy of Fabian Schar’s 90th minute strike.While Everton thrashed Wolves midweek meaning their tails will be up.But there has been reports that the final ever Merseyside Derby at this Goodison Park is under threat due to Storm DarraghCopy linkCopiedStorm BertThe last storm to cause chaos among the EFL was Storm BertStorm Bert caused chaos in the EFL as a number of matches were called off due to heavy snow and rain battering the UK.The League Two clash between Bradford and Accrington Stanley was first to get called off.It was revealed at 10:30am that there would be a pitch inspection and just 20 minutes later the game was postponed.Salford’s clash against Bromley was called off just an hour before kick-off.Meanwhile, Portsmouth supporters had already begun the 270-mile journey up to Blackburn for their Championship clash when it was officially called out.Copy linkCopied More

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    Forgotten Chelsea star could hand Enzo Maresca huge boost in title bid this weekend… without even playing for Blues

    ARMANDO BROJA is desperate to cement his name in Everton’s history in a game he “dreamed” of playing in as a boy.The Albanian striker moved to Goodison on a season-long loan from Chelsea in August but was soon sidelined with an Achilles injury.Armando Broja always wanted to play in derbies like Everton vs LiverpoolCredit: RexEnzo Maresca’s Chelsea are seven points behind leaders LiverpoolCredit: GettyFans finally got to see him in an Everton shirt for the first time on Wednesday as he came off the bench for the final 12 minutes of the 4-0 win over Wolves.And after sampling Goodison for the first time as a Blue, the somewhat forgotten Chelsea loanee wants to play his part in the famous stadium’s last top-flight derby against Arne Slot’s Reds.Broja, 23, said: “It’s a massive win for us and we go three points clear of the bottom three. But  the games come thick and fast and we have a massive derby, so we’ve got to be ready for that.“I used to watch it when I was a kid, so it’s one of the ones that you dream of playing in.READ MORE FOOTBALL“I can’t wait to be a part of it and just see the atmosphere in the game.”Broja, who had loan spells with Southampton and Fulham, is ready to make a big impact.He continued: “I have come back from a long injury, so there’s more to come from me.“I can get even sharper, I can get even better.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I felt really good to be back out there. I really enjoyed it. I played with a smile on my face.“I can still keep going forward and giving more.”Maresca slams Madueke’s ‘ambition’ and fumes ‘I do not like the way he trained’ after Chelsea star’s goal and assistShould Broja make an impact on the game, he could help his parent club’s surprise title push.Chelsea are Liverpool’s nearest challengers heading into the weekend’s action, trailing by seven points.Enzo Maresca’s side could do with a favour from Everton before they face Tottenham on Sunday.Ex-Stuttgart midfielder Orel Mangala, 26, cannot wait to face Liverpool.The Toffees ace said: “I have had some crazy derbies in Germany. This type of atmosphere is very good . . . I love it.“But this is definitely a bigger game. We will  give everything to get the three points.” More

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    War between Russell and Verstappen out of control as Horner follows up dig at rival Wolff but FIA WON’T take action

    CHRISTIAN HORNER snapped back at Toto Wolff by saying “I’d rather be a terrier than a Wolff”.The Mercedes boss unleashed his fury at Horner on Thursday by labelling him a “yapping little terrier” amid the furious row between George Russell and Max Verstappen.Christian Horner has shown there’s no puppy love lost with Toto WolffCredit: https://www.instagram.com/christianhorner/Mercedes chief Wolff is caught up in the rowCredit: RexIt came as it emerged Verstappen will escape any punishment from the FIA over Russell’s allegations.Horner lapped it up in Friday’s press conference, revealing he is a huge fan of terriers and once owned four of them, while aiming a cheeky dig at the Mercedes chief’s surname.Two were even named Flavio and Bernie, presumably after former Renault boss Flavio Briatore and ex-F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone.The Red Bull boss, 51, who is married to Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner, said: “I love terriers, I think they are great dogs.READ MORE F1“I had four of them and a couple of Airedales, which is the king of the terriers.“I had a couple of West Highland terriers called Bernie and Flavio. And the good thing about a terrier is they’re tremendously loyal.“Bernie, he was an aggressive little dog, he’d go for anybody. Flavio, he was a bit more chilled and he probably ate a bit too much as well.“But I think to be called a terrier is that such a bad thing? They’re not afraid of having a go at the bigger dogs.Most read in MotorsportGeorge Russell and Max Verstappen are still at loggerheadsCredit: GettyHorner posted a pic of his terrier Bernie on Instagram later on to fan the flamesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/christianhorner/CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“You know, rather be a terrier than a wolf.”Horner only continued to fan the flames by later posting an image of the terrier Bernie on his Instagram.’Full-time menace’ Lando Norris stokes flames in Verstappen vs Russell ‘head in the wall row’ with cheeky Instagram postRussell and Verstappen’s war of words has dominated the build-up to Formula 1’s final race of the year.But Wolff and Horner have been at each other’s throats for years and have provided several viral moments on the hit Netflix show Drive to Survive.The spat is giving F1 fans a reminder of the duo’s fierce conflict in 2021 when Lewis Hamilton missed out on a record eighth world title to Verstappen in the Abu Dhabi desert that year.As for whether he is worried that Verstappen and Russell’s feud could spill over onto the track this weekend, Horner added: “No, not at all.“Max, he’s a very straight shooter. He just tells you exactly how he sees it. He tells the truth exactly, what he feels.“Obviously he had a large amount of frustration last weekend. The way things played out in a scenario that we haven’t seen before and subsequent grid penalty.“He turned it into motivation and made a lightning start, led the race into the first corner, and won the Grand Prix, which is the best possible response.“Now, obviously, a lot’s been made of it Thursday. It is pantomime season, we’re getting ready for Christmas. There’s maybe an element of end of term blues there, but I don’t think it’ll have any effect.”With Hamilton set for his last race with Mercedes this weekend before joining Ferrari for the 2025 season, Horner said Wolff’s focus should be elsewhere.He added: “It needs to be about what you do on the track. I mean, there’s a sort of a love-hate relationship, where I think Toto loves to hate me.“It’s one of those things. I would have assumed he sort of got a bit more on his plate with obviously it’s Lewis’s last race for that team.Horner and wife Geri Horner are animal loversCredit: https://www.instagram.com/gerihalliwellhorner/“I think they should be celebrating that rather than focusing on other aspects.”Wolff, who gatecrashed Russell’s press conference on Thursday to slam Horner, also said that the Red Bull boss had been too “weak” to properly control Verstappen.Horner hit back at this and said: “Regarding Toto’s other comments, I’m not going to rise to the bait of that. Everybody manages themselves and their teams in different ways.“We’ve won 122 races. We’ve won 14 world championships. I think we’re doing alright.”Verstappen is set to escape any further punishment from the stewards despite allegedly saying he would put Russell’s “f***ing head in the wall” in Qatar.The stewards are not set to investigate the serious allegations that Russell dropped on Thursday ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.The British 26-year-old claimed Verstappen threatened to put his “f****** head in the wall” by deliberately crashing into him at the Qatar Grand Prix last weekend.Mercedes star Russell also branded the four-time world champ a “bully” with the Dutchman hitting back by labelling him a “backstabber” and “loser”.Russell and Verstappen’s feud simmers away with the duo sitting on opposite ends of the table at the driver’s dinnerEyebrows have been raised over the FIA’s lack of intervention considering they recently clamped down so hard on swearing punishments.In Singapore, Red Bull’s Verstappen was ordered by FIA stewards to “accomplish some work of public interest” after dropping the F-bomb to describe his car.Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was fined for saying f*** in a post-race news conference in Mexico.Russell and Verstappen’s feud continues to simmer away with the duo sitting on opposite ends of the table at the driver’s dinner on Thursday night.Lewis Hamilton invited the drivers ahead of his last race at Mercedes, while his former teammate Valtteri Bottas got the bill.Norris wrote on Instagram: “2024 dinner! and yes, the two your thinking about were sat as far away from each other as possible.He followed the message with a crying laughing emoji and a smiling emoji while Verstappen commented with a steak emoji, alluding to the beef with Russell.READ MORE SUN STORIESVerstappen was all smiles yesterday, blocking out the drama to announce he is expecting a baby with partner Kelly Piquet.He said: “Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way. We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle.” More

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    Pep Guardiola has six word message for Jose Mourinho after Special One aims ‘fairly and cleanly’ dig at Man City titles

    PEP GUARDIOLA mounted a passionate defence of Manchester City after Jose Mourinho smeared his six Prem titles.The Special One delivered a withering “I won fairly and cleanly” response to the City boss, who had hailed winning twice as many crowns as his rival.Jose Mourinho insisted ‘I won fairly and cleanly’ when discussing Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyGuardiola mounted a passionate defence of his clubCredit: APIn a reference to the charges of 115 financial rule breaches City face, former Chelsea boss Mourinho said: “I want to win, but I want to win cleanly and fairly. If I can’t win cleanly, I’d rather lose.“Guardiola told me something like this . . . he won six trophies and I won three.“But I won fairly and cleanly. If I lost, I want to congratulate my opponent for being better than me. I don’t want to win by dealing with 150 cases.”But Guardiola hit back: “He is another one on the huge list who want my team at the bottom, in League One or the Conference. I would say to Jose: We are innocent until proven guilty.”READ MORE FOOTBALLCity deny all the charges. Mourinho’s titles were won under the ownership of Roman Abramovich in 2005, 2006 and 2015.But Chelsea’s finances are also being investigated by the Prem after the current ownership reported “incomplete financial information” had been submitted during the Russian’s tenure.Guardiola, 53, added: “With both of our teams, we can sit with Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger for the many, many titles we won.“I’m pretty sure soon they will congratulate us.”Fenerbahce coach Mourinho’s blast comes following Guardiola’s “Jose won three and I won six” comment after holding up six fingers to Liverpool fans following City’s 2-0 defeat at Anfield on Sunday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSix years ago, just before being axed by Manchester United, Mourinho held up three fingers to Reds fans in reference to the three titles he won.Guardiola had said City’s rivals would be “taking the p***” because of his side’s slump.Pep Guardiola responds to ‘sacked in the morning’ chants at Anfield from Liverpool fans City have only won one game in their last eight in all competitions.After Liverpool’s win, Mo Salah said it might be the last time he faces them at Anfield with his contract running out.It prompted Kop boss Arne Slot to joke: “Maybe Mo knows more about the charges so he doesn’t expect them to be in the Prem next season!”Guardiola responded: “The joke from Arne is his business, not my business.“I’m talking about what I said. If I have offended Jose, I’m so sorry but it was a joke. The fact is he has three and I have six. But the intention was completely fine.”Guardiola, who takes his side to Crystal Palace tomorrow, added: “Normal people don’t talk about results or how many trophies you win.” More

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    Ex-Premier League manager appointed by Hull City after Championship strugglers snatch him off high-flying EFL side

    RUBEN SELLES has left Reading to take over Hull City – as the ex-Southampton manager continues a two-year rollercoaster ride.Championship strugglers City have brought in the Spaniard a week after sacking former Hamburg chief Tim Walter.Selles has had a dramatic time in English managementCredit: GettySelles, 41, has guided Reading into the League One play-off spots.Now Hull have handed him a two-and-a-half-year deal as head coach.Selles left his position as FC Copenhagen assistant boss for his first role in English football as recently as June 2022.Ralph Hasenhuttl made him his No 2 at Southampton in the Prem.READ MORE FOOTBALLSelles became caretaker boss when Hasenhuttl was axed five months later.Nathan Jones, the Saints’ next permanent manager, only lasted from November 2022 to February 2023.And Selles got the job again, this time on an interim basis, for the rest of the season.But he failed to keep Southampton up and they didn’t renew his deal – with current manager Russell Martin succeeding him in June 2023.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSelles took over at Reading that same month – before now moving back up a division with the Tigers.He told Hull’s website: “I am really happy. When the possibility to come here became real, my eyes were on Hull City.’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?!”I know the team, the club, the history and I’m looking forward to starting my journey with the team.”I saw a lot of similarities with where we are as technical staff and what we want to do for the present and the future, and that’s why I decided to come.”Andy Dawson will stay caretaker chief at home to Blackburn on Saturday, with Selles taking charge against visitors Watford next Wednesday.That means he will have managed in the top three divisions in the space of two years – all with different sides.Meanwhile, Reading have promoted Under-21s chief Noel Hunt to first-team boss on a contract until 2027. More

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    Inside Goodison Park’s most memorable Merseyside derbies as Everton and Liverpool eye bragging rights in final clash

    IT’S a grand old ground to play at. And a grand old ­fixture to contest.And if you know your history you will be aware that today — after a 130-year stretch — Goodison Park ­stages its final Merseyside derby.Goodison Park will host its final Merseyside Derby on SaturdayCredit: GettyEverton won the fixture 2-0 last seasonCredit: PANext season, assuming Everton ­perform their annual escape from relegation, they will entertain Liverpool at a brand spanking new 53,000-seater home at Bramley-Moore Dock.Remarkably, these Scouse squabbles at Goodison are tied at 41 wins apiece in all competitions as we head into this lunchtime scrap.How Sean Dyche’s men would love to secure an overall aggregate victory by stunning the runaway Premier League leaders on their final visit to the famous old stadium.Once referred to as the ‘friendly derby’, with no strict segregation of rival supporters, these days the Mersey derby is anything but.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has seen more red cards brandished than any other Premier League fixture — 23 since the current version of the top flight began in 1992.And with Everton the snarling underdogs for so long, Mersey derbies are especially spiky at the historic ground of the Toffees.Goodison Park is an antique gem — short on legroom, high on atmosphere, hemmed in by terraced houses and home to one of the last remaining classic stands to have been designed by the great football architect Archibald Leitch.When Everton are in severe need of a result — or any time that the ‘red lot’ crosses Stanley Park — the place becomes a roaring cauldron.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSuch as Wednesday’s 4-0 drubbing of fellow strugglers Wolves which afforded Dyche’s men breathing space at the foot of the table.Theirs is the sort of old-school ground which probably earns its home team several points per season . . . and has therefore saved Everton from relegation more than once in recent years.Gary Neville tells Jamie Carragher to ‘f off’ after Liverpool legend performs incredible U-turn on ‘selfish’ SalahThat was rarely more apparent than in the penultimate derby at the venue, in April, when previous Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp suffered his first Goodison defeat in his last clash with Everton.The Reds received a thorough ‘Dycheing’ as the Toffees bombarded their illustrious rivals, goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jarrad Branthwaite earning a 2-0 victory.That result virtually guaranteed Everton’s Premier League survival.And — as every Evertonian is keen to point out — it ensured that the sainted Klopp would end up with fewer league titles than either ­Howard Kendall or Harry Catterick.It also ended the Reds’ longest unbeaten run at Everton’s home — dating back 12 matches to 2010 — during Roy Hodgson’s doomed Liverpool reign.Everton played at Anfield until 1892, having the previous year won the first of their nine league titles at what became the home of a rival club not then in existence.The Toffees upped sticks and left to build Goodison Park after a boardroom split with the club’s majority owner John ­Houlding.He found himself with a stadium but no team to play in it — and so in the summer of 1892 founded Liverpool FC.There have been plenty of cracking Goodison ­derbies since Everton won the first one 3-0 in 1894.But the greatest, and most significant, of the previous 119 meetings is beyond debate. It was a gloriously chaotic FA Cup fifth-round replay in February 1991 which ended in a 4-4 draw.Liverpool took the lead four times, with Everton equalising four times — twice through Graham Sharp and twice through Tony Cottee.Kenny Dalglish announced his Liverpool exit following a 4-4 draw in February 2021Credit: PAReds boss Kenny Dalglish quit two days later and his club’s 15-year reign as the undoubted powerhouse of English football ended with that resignation.Cottee arrived as a sub to level the tie late in normal tie and then again late in extra-time — nutmegging Bruce Grobbelaar, who had been guilty of some eccentric goalkeeping throughout the match.Ian Rush, one of Liverpool’s scorers that day, will recall more fondly the November 1982 derby.The Welshman netted four times in a 5-0 victory — aided and abetted by an extraordinarily bad high-line Everton offside trap.That was one of Kendall’s first derbies in charge.But his tenure brought about a golden age of Merseyside football in the mid-to-late 1980s when meetings between the city’s two clubs were often title deciders.Another happy memory for Liverpool was the ridiculous 44-yard free-kick winner scored deep into injury-time by their veteran Gary McAllister to secure a 3-2 victory in April 2001.Evertonians go misty-eyed about a 3-0 humping of their neighbours in September 2006, when Andy Johnson netted twice and Jamie Carragher — a boyhood Blue — endured a stinker for the Reds.One of the more recent classics was a hectic November 3-3 draw in 2013 when, under Roberto Martinez and Brendan Rodgers, both clubs were at their most wide-open and watchable.This is the longest-running continuously-held major British derby — with both clubs having been permanent fixtures in the top flight since the year The Beatles released their first single, 1962.READ MORE SUN STORIESNext season, the derby is all set to have a new stage.Tomorrow, Goodison, with its authentic charm, will give Liverpool one final ear-bashing.Romelu Lukaku scored as Everton and Liverpool drew 3-3 in 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Chelsea sign 15-year-old son of Arsenal cult hero with teenager playing at age groups well above his own

    CHELSEA have landed one of the country’s top 15-year-olds.And if he goes on to emulate his dad – a true cult hero for Arsenal – then luring him from Watford will have been worth it.Mathis Eboue joins Chelsea after a rapid rise at WatfordCredit: InstagramDad Emmanuel Eboue, bottom left, was with Arsenal for seven yearsCredit: GettyMathis Eboue, an attacking midfielder, shone for the Hornets all the way up to under-21 level.And his move across London is another example of how Chelsea are looking to recruit so many of the nation’s leading starlets for their academy.Eboue Junior has also played three times of England U-16s.In fact, he hit the only goal as the Lion cubs beat France to win the U16 Challenge Trophy in Spain two months ago.READ MORE ON CHELSEABut of course whatever he’s achieved at such a young age can’t compare with what his father did over a 15-year career.Emmanuel Eboue, now 41, earned 79 caps for Ivory Coast, mainly at right-back.But his peak fame came with Arsenal from 2004-2011.Legendary then-boss Arsene Wenger recruited the pacy ace from Belgians Bevern.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd although Eboue took two seasons to become something like a regular, his bubbly nature and bursting runs made him a talk of the terraces.However, at one stage he was booed by Gunners’ supporters.I was sacked as a factory worker, the next day I had trials at Arsenal – I was gobsmackedAnd just last month he recalled: “I got back home and I was crying. “But the same week some of the fans came to the club to say sorry to me about that. That was very nice. It meant a lot.”‘Eboue, don’t listen,’ they said. ‘You know we love you’.”He finally left Arsenal – accompanied by a runners-up medal in the Champions League and two in the League Cup – for four years at Galatasaray.Then came an ill-fated short spell with Sunderland.Eboue Senior was banned for a year in 2016 after refusing to pay an agent, leading to the “lowest time” of his playing days.But eight years on from that, he surely can’t help but be cheered by his son’s big step-up.The Premier League applied their rigorous process to protect players so young before Eboue Junior’s switch to Chelsea could go through.READ MORE SUN STORIESCompensation to Watford also had to be agreed.But on Friday night transfer guru Fabrizio Romano insisted all the paperwork had been done to make it a “completed deal”. More