Philippa Kaur

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    Mikel Arteta opens door to managing England as Arsenal boss says ‘I feel respected, welcomed & inspired by this country’

    MIKEL ARTETA has told England fans they should feel “proud” that Thomas Tuchel has taken on the Three Lions hot seat.The Arsenal boss says he can relate to German-born Tuchel for feeling an affiliation with England and living in the country – even if it may upset a few people.Mikel Arteta has backed Thomas Tuchel to be a success as England bossCredit: GettyThe German was appointed as Three Lions manager earlier this weekCredit: GettyOn his reaction to Tuchel’s appointment, Arteta said: “I understand the opinions and the feelings.”That’s the responsibility for the FA to say the first filter is only English managers or the filters are any manager from any country and we select the best for the moment that we’re in right now.”I understand that it can feel sad for some people not to have an English manager.”History tells you how important this could be as well. I think I would take a lot of pride as well in how many people would do anything to be the England manager.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”That’s related to how we’re treated in this country as foreigners, the passion, the respect, the history and the way that things are done in this country.”I can say personally that when you are not from here. I think there are very few countries that could say that.”Arteta also revealed that he was NOT one of the 10 candidates the FA spoke to about the job.Asked whether he would be open to managing England one day, he added: “At the moment I’m not thinking about it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I’ll tell you right now, the feeling I have being here for 22 years.”I have that feeling towards it because I always feel respected, welcomed and inspired by this country and the history of football and how you get treated daily. Watch Thomas Tuchel’s awkward reaction when asked why he chose England over Man Utd”I think that’s something you should be really proud of.”Gunners stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice will work under Tuchel, with Raheem Sterling and Ben White also in with a chance of winning back a place in the squad.Arteta added: “They’re gonna learn a lot. He’s one of the best coaches in the world in my opinion, the way his teams are set up. It’s very exciting times.”I spoke to a few of the players and they had a smile on their faces straight away. That’s a good sign.”Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.The Spanish-born coach had the chance to play for England back in 2010 but was denied by Fifa due to representing the La Roja youth teams.Ex-England boss Fabio Capello spoke to then-Everton manager David Moyes about potentially converting Toffees midfielder Arteta into a Three Lions star ahead of the 2010 World Cup.Arteta explained: “I would have done it. I feel very proud about it. I was very realistic, looking at the players Spain had at the time, and how big a challenge I had.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You need to know your level, that is very important. Look in the mirror. At the end it didn’t happen. But it was good, at least to think about it.”It was OK. If you cannot do it, you cannot do it. I wasn’t prepared to fight against the world.” More

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    Man Utd linked with forgotten Premier League star to replace under-fire Ten Hag after missing out on Thomas Tuchel

    A SHOCK name has reportedly been added to Manchester United’s managerial shortlist amid pressure mounting on Erik ten Hag.The current Old Trafford chief is clinging on to his job after a difficult start to the season. Erik ten Hag is fighting to keep hold of his job as Manchester United bossCredit: EPAThe Red Devils have racked up three defeats this term already, including two 3-0 at home to Liverpool and Tottenham.And they went into the October international break without a win in their last five matches in all competitions. That has led to rising speculation that the United hierarchy are preparing to make a change in the dugout if the slump continues.Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel were both high on the list of possible new managers.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut they are both now unavailable – Southgate ruled himself out and Tuchel took the England job. Now Turkish outlet Ajansspor claim a surprise candidate would be in the running to replace Ten Hag if he is relieved of his duties.They state Vincenzo Montella is in the frame thanks to the job he has done with Turkey.The former 20-cap Italian striker, 50, has been in charge of the Turkish national team since 2023 and guided them to the quarter-finals of this summer’s Euro 2024.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt is thought his 53 per cent win rate with Turkey has caught the attention of the United board.Montella’s impressive CV also includes stints in charge of Adana Demirspor, Fiorentina, Sevilla and AC Milan.Darren Bent claims Thomas Frank is ready to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man Utd He also led Roma’s Under-15s following his 2009 retirement before stepping up as interim head coach, replacing Claudio Ranieri. Montella spent the majority of his playing career in Italy, concluding with ten years at Roma which also included a short loan spell in the Premier League with Fulham in 2007, where he scored six goals in 15 games. Sir Jim Ratcliffe may be under further pressure to act should United not get back to winning ways against Brentford tomorrow. However, before the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa before the international break, Ratcliffe was quizzed on Ten Hag’s future but bizarrely claimed he does not call the shots at Old Trafford. He said: “I don’t want to answer that question…”I like Erik. I think he’s a very good coach but at the end of the day it’s not my call, it’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects.”But that team that’s running Manchester United has only been together since June or July.”They weren’t there in January, February, March or April – [CEO] Omar [Berrada], [sporting director] Dan Ashworth – they only arrived in July.”They’ve only been there…you can count it in weeks almost – they’ve not been there a long time so they need to take stock and make some sensible decisions.”The United hierarchy held showdown talks in London last week but have stuck with Ten Hag for now. While Southgate and Tuchel are out of the running, data analysts believe Ruben Amorin would be the best fit – followed by Zinedine Zidane and Simone Inzaghi.Kieran McKenna and current No2 Ruud van Nistelrooy were both deemed to be better options than Ten Hag – but they warned Graham Potter, Michael Carrick, Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Frank would struggle. Ten Hag, though, reckons talk of his imminent sacking is “fairytales”. Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages.The Dutchman said: “The only noise is only coming from the media. Bringing up stories, creating stories, making fairytales. We are all on one page this club.“I said that before the break, and several journalists they didn’t believe me, I see the reports but internal in the club it’s quiet.”But he added: “Of course, we are unhappy in the position where we are and we have to turn the corner with a strategy to turn this corner but ultimately we are quiet, we are composed, we stay where we are, we stick to the plan and we are convinced we will make it a success.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Also we have to climb a mountain, that’s top football and sometimes you have to face challenges, sometimes it goes up, sometimes it goes down I am sure we will make it a success like we did the last two seasons.“We are in a direction, underneath I see good patterns, good steps that confirm we are in a direction but the ranking is not lying, it is not good enough.”Vincenzo Montella has impressed as Turkey’s head coachCredit: ReutersMontella finished his career with ten years at Roma and a brief loan stint at FulhamCredit: AP:Associated Press More

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    Germany star who was axed from World Cup after being caught with a sex worker reveals he’s had PILES for 10 years

    MAX KRUSE has revealed the torment of his ten-year battle with HAEMORRHOIDS.The striker won 14 caps for Germany and played for Bundesliga clubs Borussia Monchengladbach, Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg.Max Kruse played for ten years with haemorrhoidsCredit: GettyIt is currently on Big Brother in GermanyCredit: JoynNewly-retired Kruse said earlier this week that he was axed from Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad after being caught with a sex worker in London.And the 36-year-old has now confessed to suffering further pain after living with piles for a decade.Kruse is currently taking part in German TV’s version of Big Brother.He told housemates: “I have haemorrhoids. I have never been to the doctors about them.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I have been fighting a running battle with them for ten years.”I am no fan of the idea of using the sort of chair a woman sits on at the gynaecologist’s surgery to have my backside looked at.”Then someone will fumble around in my rear end.  I still struggle to cope with the idea.”Kruse’s housemates Leyla Lahouar and Mike Heiter voiced their dismay at having to use the same toilet and swimming pool as him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey also urged the former German international to see a doctor once he leaves the Big Brother house.Kruse has made as many headlines off the field as on it during his controversial career.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeHe has enjoyed a lucrative side hustle playing poker, regularly competing at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.But he was disciplined by Wolfsburg in 2016 after losing 75,000 euros in cash, which he left in the back of a taxi.His other clubs include St Pauli, Freiburg, Union Berlin, SC Paderborn and Turkish side Fenerbahce.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 8: Latest news on Bukayo Saka, Kobbie Mainoo and other popular players

    DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news ahead of Gameweek 8 in one easily digestible dose.Mikel Arteta’s press conference was eagerly anticipated by Dream Team managers worldwide as doubts over several Arsenal players unfolded during the international break.In regards to Bukayo Saka, who is the third-most popular player in the game at present, the Gunners’ head coach said: “Not a serious injury, he’s evolving really well. We are hopeful.”Arteta was relatively optimistic about Saka’s chancesCredit: Dream TeamThe Spanish tactician was slightly less optimistic about Kai Havertz’s chances of making the trip to Bournemouth but did not rule the German forward out, saying: “He had a few issues… if he trains well today [he will be involved].”Late decisions will also be made on Gabriel Martinelli, Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko – all are considered doubts at this stage.Kieran Trippier has suffered a hamstring injury and will be unavailable for “a few weeks” according to Eddie Howe – Tino Livramento is therefore in line to start at right-back for Newcastle at home to Brighton on Saturday.The Magpies may also be boosted by the return of Alexander Isak with the Sweden international in contention for selection having returned to training.Howe plans to be more protective over Callum Wilson following the striker’s return to training, telling journalists: “Callum has trained but we will continue to assess it day by day. We need to make sure it is the right time when we re-enter him into the group.”Kobbie Mainoo is expected to be sidelined until after the next international break in November.The Manchester United midfielder initially felt something during his side’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at the end of September and pulled out of England’s Nations League squad after playing 85 minutes against Aston Villa.The teenager is likely to miss the Red Devils’ next seven games.Mainoo is facing a stretch on the sidelinesCredit: GettyManuel Ugarte is also due for assessment after he was forced off late in the game for Uruguay against Ecuador.In more positive news for the Old Trafford faithful, Noussair Mazraoui has been declared available by Erik ten Hag, to the surprise of many supporters and pundits.The Moroccan defender underwent minor heart surgery during the international break and there were initial fears he might be out for a while but he’s seemingly ready to play this weekend.Elsewhere, Arne Slot listed Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Kostas Tsimikas as players who need to be assessed following international break concerns.The Dutchman also confirmed that Caoimhin Kelleher will deputise for Alisson while the Brazilian goalkeeper recovers over the next few weeks.Chelsea have a clean bill of health ahead of their trip to Anfield but first-choice defenders Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella are suspended.Reece James may make his first appearance of the season.Reece James is fit again after his latest injury setbackCredit: ReutersAnge Postecoglou was happy to report that Son Heung-min and Richarlison are likely to make Spurs’ squad for their home game against West Ham this Saturday lunchtime.”It’s a real positive for us,” said the Australian coach. “Sonny was always, hopefully, going to get through this international break really well and be ready. And Richy’s done some good work so hopefully both will be available for the weekend.”Morgan Gibbs-White is injured and suspended for Gameweek 8 with James Ward-Prowse also set to serve a one-game ban following his dismissal at Chelsea before the break.Mats Selz wasn’t mentioned among Nottingham Forest’s absentees despite concern among fans ahead of Monday night’s meeting with Crystal Palace.As for the Eagles, Oliver Glasner is hopeful he’ll be able to call upon regular starters Adam Wharton and Daniel Munoz, who have progressed well this week.Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola doesn’t expect either Kevin de Bruyne or Nathan Ake to feature against Wolves although the latter might travel with the squad to Molineux.Manuel Akanji and Manchester City’s Brazilian contingent need to be checked today but there are no known concerns of note at this stage.Son is expected to feature against West HamCredit: AlamyJan Paul van Hecke, Georginio Rutter and Simon Adingra are all available for Brighton but Joao Pedro, Adam Webster and Matt O’Riley remain out.Solly March’s return is still being carefully judged by Fabian Hurzeler’s staff with the midfielder having been sidelined for almost a year.Robin Olsen is said to be Aston Villa’s only absentee which implies Tyrone Mings, Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana, Ezri Konsa, Jacob Ramsey, Jaden Philogene and John McGinn will all travel to Fulham.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWARSENALInjuries: Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko (doubt), Martin Odegaard, Ben White (doubt), Jurrien Timber (doubt), Gabriel Martinelli (doubt), Kai Havertz (doubt), Bukayo Saka (doubt)Suspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Robin OlsenSuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: NoneSuspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Igor Thiago, Josh Dasilva, Yoane Wissa (doubt), Gustavo Nunes, Mathias Jensen, Rico HenrySuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: Solly March (doubt), Matt O’Riley, James Milner (doubt), Joao Pedro, Adam WebsterSuspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: NoneSuspensions: Wesley Fofana, Marc CucurellaCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Matheus Franca, Chris Richards, Cheick Doucoure (doubt)Suspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Nathan Patterson, Jarrad Branthwaite (doubt), Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja, Tim Iroegbunam, James GarnerSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Carlos Vinicius, Jorge Cuenca, Sasa Lukic (doubt), Timothy CastagneSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Jens Cajuste, Axel Tuanzebe, Massimo LuongoSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Patson Daka, Jakub Stolarczyk, Hamza ChoudhurySuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa (doubt), Alisson, Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb, Kevin De Bruyne, RodriSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Manuel Ugarte (doubt)Suspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Callum Wilson, Lewis Miley (doubt), Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Matt Targett (doubt), Kieran Trippier, Martin Dubravka Suspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Danilo, Ibrahim SangareSuspensions: Morgan Gibbs-White, James Ward-ProwseSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Gavin Bazunu, Ross StewartSuspensions: Jack StephensTOTTENHAMInjuries: Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Niclas FullkrugSuspensions: NoneWOLVESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar Traore, Bastien Meupiyou (doubt), Yerson Mosquera, Hwang Hee-chanSuspensions: NoneBetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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    Alan Shearer predicts Premier League results with more misery for Man Utd and verdict on huge Liverpool vs Chelsea clash

    PREM legend Alan Shearer is expecting another miserable weekend for Manchester United fans.The Match of the Day pundit has revealed his predictions ahead of the Premier League’s big return on Saturday. Alan Shearer is predicting a tough weekend ahead for Man UtdCredit: GettyThe former Prem ace has given his thoughts on all 10 games this weekendCredit: GettyIt’s set to be a bumper weekend of action in the top flight as the players get back to business following the international break. Speaking to Betfair, Shearer has selected his winners and losers across a three-day feast of football. Tottenham vs West Ham – Saturday 12.30pm”This is a big game for Ange Postecoglou and a huge game for Spurs after what happened to them last time at Brighton. “He has said himself that the biggest disappointment of his Spurs reign so far was the way they crumbled when winning 2-0 last time out.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”West Ham will take some encouragement from that performance – they can be brave, and they might believe they can get something out of the game.”Ange will be looking and demanding a real performance after what happened in the last game, and because of that, I’ll go for Tottenham to edge it, just.”PREDICTION: Tottenham WINFulham vs Aston Villa – Saturday, 3pmUnai Emery’s Villa are unbeaten in 8 games ahead of a visit to Craven CottageCredit: Getty”I’ve been impressed with Fulham’s start to the season, they pushed Man City all the way last time out with all the chances they created.Most read in Football”Adama Traore is a nightmare for defenders in terms of his strength and pace, but the one thing that lets him down is his ability in front of goal. He should score a lot more than he does.”I think this will be a great game and there will be goals, and I’m going to go for a score draw in this one.”PREDICTION: DrawIpswich vs Everton – Saturday, 3pmIpswich are still searching for their first Premier League win of the seasonCredit: Getty”This is already a huge game for both clubs in terms of where they will want to be at the end of the season. “Both managers will be thinking this is a real opportunity to get some points on the board.I’m not sure if we’ll see a load of goals in this one, so I’m going to go for an away win for Everton, because I think they’ll be dangerous from set pieces, which could be the difference on the day.PREDICTION: Everton WINMan Utd vs Brentford – Saturday, 3pmErik Ten Hag continues to fight for his job as United welcome the BeesCredit: Alamy”This is such a dangerous game for Man Utd because of the way we’ve seen Brentford start games so fast this season. “They caused Man City problems too in the number of players they allowed to join the attacks on the counter.”It’s a difficult game this one, and I think if Brentford go there, be brave and play their normal game, they can get something.”If they can get a good start, then you can imagine the pressure that puts on Erik ten Hag and his team at Old Trafford. I will go for a draw.”PREDICTION: DrawNewcastle United v Brighton – Saturday, 3pm”Brighton always represents a tough game for Newcastle, and this is another difficult one to call.If reports are to be true, Newcastle have at least one of Callum Wilson or Aleksandar Isak back.”The chances that pair create combined with the way Brighton play with a high-line, means I will predict a home win at St James’ Park.”PREDICTION: Newcastle WINSouthampton v Leicester – Saturday, 3pmLeicester are targeting back-to-back wins after seeing off EvertonCredit: Getty”This is a very similar game to Ipswich vs Everton, where you’re already thinking that it would be a huge bonus for one of these two teams to take all three points here.”Both teams were promoted last season and Southampton are still without a win, with Leicester already five points ahead of them. “Again, both managers will be looking at this one thinking ‘this is our chance’.PREDICTION: DrawBournemouth v Arsenal – Saturday, 5.30pmShearer is backing the Gunners to get three points on the South CoastCredit: Getty”I’d be really surprised if Bournemouth were to cause an upset here. “This is a game where you’d like to see what state the players come back in from international duty, whether Bukayo Saka is going to be fit or not for example for Arsenal. We will have to wait and see.”Arsenal have had a couple of scares lately, but they’ve managed to get results even though they’ve left it late, so I expect them to go there and get the three points once again.”PREDICTION: Arsenal WINDream team Transfer Suggestions for Game Week 7 Wolves v Man City – Sunday, 2pmGary O’Neil’s Wolves have endured a torrid start to the campaignCredit: Getty”Wolves are under huge pressure after a poor start to the season. This is not the fixture you want to see when you are desperate for your first win of the season.”I can’t see them taking anything from the game – City will get the three points.”You have to look at the bigger picture for Gary O’Neil. If teams are showing promise and being unlucky, then that’s one thing, but if you look at a team and they’ve got no pattern, no understanding or confidence, then you must judge that.”However, with what he did at Wolves last season, I hope he has got a little bit of time on his side and gets the chance to pull them out of trouble.”PREDICTION: Man City WINLiverpool v Chelsea – Sunday, 4.30pmShearer has a bold prediction as Liverpool welcome in-form Chelsea to AnfieldCredit: Rex”Chelsea will be happy to walk away from Anfield with a point, despite the injury to Alisson. “I know they dropped points in their last home game vs Forest, but I would imagine Enzo Maresca would snap your hands off for a point here.”The key battle will be in midfield, where I think Liverpool have been strong. “Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis MacAllister have been superb, alongside Dominik Szoboszlai.”The international break always makes it a little bit tougher to call, as you wait to see how players are when the return to their clubs, whether they’re ready or not to start the game. “If everyone is fit and everyone plays, that midfield battle will be key, and I think Liverpool will come out on top.”PREDICTION: Liverpool WINHow Chelsea can shock Liverpool in ultimate ‘game of chicken’ with high-risk ‘tension-ball’ tacticNottingham Forest v Palace – Monday, 8pm”Crystal Palace have been a little bit disappointing in terms of their results and haven’t looked great in defensive situations. “Losing Joachim Andersen and the noise around Marc Guehi and Newcastle can’t have helped.”I fancy Nottingham Forest to win this game with the form they’re in. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Chris Wood is scoring goals again and with home advantage here, they might have too much for Palace at this moment in time.”PREDICTION: Nottingham Forest WIN More

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    Wayne Rooney slapped with touchline ban and fine after misconduct charge for losing his head in heated EFL clash

    WAYNE ROONEY has been hit with a one-match touchline ban and a £5,500 fine after receiving a red card.The Plymouth Argyle boss lost his head during their 2-1 win over Blackburn last time out.Wayne Rooney was sent off after Blackburn scored against his sideCredit: RexHe will now serve a one-match ban and have to pay a fineCredit: GettyRooney was left fuming after Rovers star Joe Rankin-Costello headed home an 86th minute equaliser, claiming their was a foul in the build-up.The England and Manchester United legend lost his temper and was seen having a heated conversation with fourth official Jacob Miles.He then called across referee James Linington, who sent Rooney to the stands.But the side from Devon had the last laugh as Morgan Whittaker popped up with a 97th minute winner that saw them climb up to 14th in the Championship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRooney then returned to the pitch after the game to celebrate with his players and fans.The FA revealed his punishment in a statement that read: “It was alleged that the manager’s conduct around the 87th minute was improper and/or he used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official, which led to his dismissal. “It was further alleged that following his dismissal his conduct was improper and/or violent. “It was also alleged that by returning to the field of play after being dismissed his behaviour was improper.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Rooney admitted to this charge and an independent Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing.”He will now not been in the dugout tomorrow against Cardiff.’Absolutely love this!’ – Watch Wayne Rooney go wild as his Plymouth side win first league game with 93rd minute strikeOpening up on the win over Blackburn and the sending off, Rooney told talkSPORT: “Me and the club secretary in the tunnel were celebrating, I broke his glasses celebrating.”So the win was a deserved win – but sometimes it boils over a little bit and that’s the nature of football.”It was my first time as a manager [getting sent off].”I think as a manager or a head coach, decisions happen on the pitch and looking back, it’s a free-kick, so the goal shouldn’t have stood.”In the Championship you don’t have VAR so the officials missed it and your emotions kick in and you know, I’m a passionate person, we want to win.”We worked extremely hard to win the game and to have that taken away by what I feel was a mistake by the officials, I felt was really harsh.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I reacted in a manner in which I shouldn’t have and the red card was deserved.”From my point of view the fans were fantastic, it almost galvanised the players and the stadium and we kept pushing to get the winning goal.” More

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    Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis hit with five-match STADIUM BAN after ‘improper’ behaviour in tunnel

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST owner Evangelos Marinakis has been slapped with a FIVE-MATCH stadium ban for his furious outburst.Marinakis, 57, was adjudged to have behaved in an “improper” manner in the City Ground tunnel following the 1-0 defeat to Fulham on September 28. Evangelos Marinakis has been hit with a five-match stadium banCredit: GettyHe was furious after his side lost their unbeaten start to the season to a second-half penalty which was converted by Raul Jimenez.Referee Josh Smith awarded Fulham the penalty on the advice of VAR John Brooks, while denying Forest two spot-kick claims of their own.And Marinakis’ emotions got the better of him in his tunnel meltdown.Now the Forest chief – who paid for the club’s multi-million-pound training ground renovation and also owns Olympiacos – has paid the price with a hefty penalty of his own.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAn FA statement said: “Nottingham Forest’s Evangelos Marinakis has been sanctioned by an independent Regulatory Commission.”Evangelos Marinakis was charged with misconduct following Nottingham Forest’s Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday 28 September.”It was alleged that his behaviour around the tunnel area after the final whistle was improper. He denied this charge, but it was found proven by the independent Regulatory Commission, and a five-match stadium/ground suspension has been imposed.”The independent Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMarinakis will therefore have to watch the games against Crystal Palace, Leicester, West Ham, Newcastle and Arsenal from away from the grounds. Therefore will next be able to take his seat in the stands of the stadium he owns when his side host Ipswich on November 30 – but will be denied entry to the City Ground against the Eagles, Hammers and Magpies. Watch hilarious moment Premier League ref says ‘hello there’ to the BALL as fans call it ‘highlight of the weekend’And it was a double whammy for Forest on Friday.That is because, in a separate punishment, the FA also hit manager Nuno Espirito Santo with a three-match touchline ban for his red card during the 2-2 draw with Brighton.Santo lost his cool when Morgan Gibbs-White was sent off and was dismissed alongside Seagulls counterpart Fabian Hurzeler.The ex-Wolves and Spurs boss must also pay a fine of £55,000 while Gibbs-White got a one-match suspension and £20,000 fine.Hurzeler, however, only needs to stump up £8,000 – and has faced no ban. A separate FA statement added: “It was alleged that the Nottingham Forest head coach [Santo] acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official.”The Nottingham Forest midfielder [Gibbs-White] allegedly acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official after being sent off.”It was alleged that the Brighton and Hove Albion manager [Hurzeler] acted in an improper manner.”During the international break, Forest were fined a whopping £750,000 for an explosive post claiming the VAR ref for their defeat to Everton towards the end of last season was “a Luton fan” – when both the East Midlanders and the Hatters were vying to avoid relegation. Elsewhere, Wayne Rooney got a one-match touchline ban and £5,500 fine following his dismissal late on in Plymouth’s win over Blackburn. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe ex-England captain accepted using improper, abusive or insulting words towards a match official and a charge of improper and/or violent conduct relating to him kicking a water bottle.Rooney also admitted returning to the field of play after being sent off as he came back out to congratulate his squad for their last-gasp winner. Marinakis was furious at the VAR call to award Fulham a penaltyCredit: GettyRaul Jimenez made no mistake from the spotCredit: GettyNuno Espirito Santo got a three-match touchline ban for his red card at BrightonCredit: Reuters More

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    Fulham chief defends eye-watering £12,000 tickets in new stand – because club has ‘business class’ fans

    FULHAM have defended the eye-watering prices for tickets in their new stand – because they have ‘business class’ fans.Celebrity Fulham fan Richard Osman yesterday hosted the official launch of the £100 million Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage, which sits on the banks of the Thames.Fulham new stand is nearly ready to fully open for businessCredit: AFPThe Riverside Stand is set to open in DecemberCredit: Fulham FCThe lavish new stand has plenty of swanky featuresCredit: Fulham FCThe Cottagers have been criticised for their high ticket pricesCredit: Fulham FCMany fans have expressed outrage about the regular ticket prices for Premier League games in the new stand which cost upwards of £120.However, they pale into insignificance compared to the corporate season tickets prices which range between £3,250 and £10,000 plus VAT, taking it to the region of £12,000.Chief executive Alistair Mackintosh said: “When I first spoke to the Fulham Disabled Supporters Association they gave me some advice and that was that Fulham is the sort of club that can have a business class or first class and have fans that turn left on a plane.“They said to me, that is for some people but the rest of us want a premium experience elsewhere.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“They may want to have this experience for the odd game then may want to return to their seats.“I feel stretching pricing means there is something for everyone at Craven Cottage. But the attention is on the top-end pricing as it is more interesting to report than the bottom end, but our game against Villa is sold out.“It shows there is a lot of demand for these tickets and if we had a bigger stand it would be nice but we are selling out everything we have.”The project took almost six years to complete and had to overcome several logistical obstacles including building contractors Buckingham going into administration midway through the build.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDeep pocketed Fulham fans will not be short of corporate facilitiesCredit: Fulham FCThe new Riverside Stand has taken six years to buildCredit: Fulham FCThe stand will be fully open for business in December and features a top-deck swimming pool, a Michelin-starred restaurant and various swanky bars and dining areas.It will also increase the capacity at Craven Cottage to just under 30,000.’What’s that-‘ – Chabuddy G actor left stunned by what’s in Fulham’s trophy cabinet during Craven Cottage tourFulham also plan to build a pier adjacent to the new stand, allowing fans to access the Cottage by boat. But Mackintosh played down rumours its construction would affect the Varsity Boat Race which passes nearby Putney Bridge.He said: “There has been quite a bit of fake news about an 86-metre pier that would stop the boat race and that has never been in the plan.“We are working with the boat race company because they will use this as one of their key venues and are discussing working with them rather than stopping them.“We want people to travel here in a green and accessible way by boat.”Season tickets will cost up to £12,000 in the new standCredit: Fulham FCPlans are afoot for Fulham to build a new pier outside the Riverside StandCredit: Getty More