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    ‘Mamma Mia, I wet my pants,’ admits Marc Cucurella after Chelsea star’s controversial moment at Euro 2024

    CHELSEA star Marc Cucurella admits he “wet my pants” when he handled the ball in Spain’s Euro 2024 quarter final against Germany.Cucurella stopped Jamal Musiala’s goalbound shot with an outstretched arm when the score was 1-1 early in the second half of extra time.Marc Cucurella admitted he wet his pants after his controversial handballGermany’s Jamal Musiala fires the ball against Cucurella’s armBut English referee Anthony Taylor did not award a penalty.The Chelsea left back said: “Mamma mia, what a shock. I wet my pants.“I looked at the referee and saw him say firmly: ‘No penalty!’“I told myself, ‘Relax’, but I couldn’t do that until the game resumed.”Most read in FootballVAR Stuart Attwell chose not to intervene, much to the fury of the German players, crowd and media.Cucurella and Spain got away with it, and Mikel Merino, now of Arsenal, grabbed a late winner for Luis de la Fuente’s side, who went on to beat England in the final.In September, Uefa’s Referee Committee ruled Germany should have been awarded a spot kick.But that was no consolation for the host nation and also left Cucurella bemused.Most read in FootballHe told Gazzetta dello Sport: “And now they come and say it was a penalty. Who benefits from that?”Marc Cucurella sings his own song in advert after viral post-Euros video but unimpressed fans say ‘I physically cringed’Uefa said both Taylor and Attwell were at fault.Who are these famous footballers?The RC report said: “Following the latest UEFA guidelines, hand-to-ball contact that stops a shot on goal should be punished more strictly, and in most cases, a penalty kick should be awarded, unless the defender’s arm is very close to the body or on the body.“In this case, the defender [Cucurella] stops the shot on goal with his arm, which is not very close to the body, making itself bigger, so a penalty kick should have been awarded.”Cucurella was booed for the rest of the tournament by German fans, but had the last laugh when Spain were crowned European champions.Meanwhile, Cucarella has sparked a banter battle of “Stamford Fringe” – with an odd comment about Chelsea team-mate Cole Palmer’s hair.The wing-back said of Palmer: “There’s not much strength in the hair, but if that’s his only problem, then he’s all right.” More

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    Dad of Tottenham star Son Heung-min ‘fined over child abuse’ as he issues grovelling apology in court

    SON HEUNG-MIN’s father has been fined over child abuse and issued a grovelling apology in court.Woong-jung Son and his brother Heung-yun Son were sentenced on Friday in a South Korean court.Son Heung-Min’s father had been found guilty of child abuseCredit: AlamyWoong-jun Son is a best-selling author for his book about raising the footballerCredit: Facebook/Tottenham HotspurThe pair were fined three million won which is the equivalent of £1,700.They were both charged for having insulted and hit young players in the football academy run by Woong-jun Son.As well as being fined, the two, along with another coach, will have to undertake 40 hours of anti-child abuse training.The defendants have a week to appeal the decision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter the sentencing, Woong-jung Son apologised to the court.He insisted that the coaching staff at his academy have “never spoke or acted in a way that was not based on love for children”.Woong-jung Son is a best-selling author for his book about training his son, Son Heung-Min, to become one of the best in the world.Meanwhile, the Tottenham star is currently in the treatment room for a hamstring injury.Most read in FootballThe forward picked up the knock while playing for the North London outfit in the Europa League clash against Qarabag.Tottenham fans concerned as footage emerges of Brennan Johnson after late winner against CoventrySo far this season, Son has featured in seven matches in all competitions for Spurs, scoring twice.He has been outshone at the club by the sparkling recent form of Brennan Johnson.The Welsh winger has started to justify his £50million price tag that the club paid to prize him away from Nottingham Forest in 2023.Johnson has scored six goals in 10 appearances this campaign, including goals in his last three Premier League games. More

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    ‘I cringe when I hear it,’ says Man Utd legend Nicky Butt as he slams Class of 92 and Paul Scholes agrees

    MANCHESTER UNITED legends Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes slammed the Class of 92 tag as “cringey”.Butt, 49, and Scholes, 49, were part of a special generation at United along with fellow greats David Beckham, Ryan Giggs as well as Gary and Phil Neville.Manchester United legend Nicky Butt revealed the Class of 92 nickname makes him ‘cringe’Man Utd hero Paul Scholes believes that nickname takes away from all the legends that paved the way for themThey all came through the academy together and were focal points behind the Red Devils dominating during the Premier League’s first two decades, while also standing out in the Champions League.The United greats have been referred to as the Class of 92 for many years and a documentary was even put together to honour them in 2013.However, Butt and Scholes revealed they actually don’t like that moniker, with the former even claiming it makes him “cringe”.The Salford City co-owner agrees and feels the characterisation excludes all the legendary veterans they found and paved the way for them when they were promoted to the senior squad.Read More on Man UtdScholes asked Butt on the Football’s Greatest podcast: “Did you like that Nick? I didn’t like that.Butt responded: “No, I don’t like it”Scholes followed: “I don’t like it now.”Butt added: “I cringe when I hear it. But it is what it is. It’s what we’ve been known for since we all came through with Sir Alex Ferguson.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And yeah, it’s something that I do cringe about and it just becomes something probably bigger than it really was, if I’m honest with you.”Scholes responded: “Do you know why I feel bad about it? Cause there was like another 10 or 15 of us the same year.”A day in the life of workaholic Ten Hag revealed by ex-Man Utd coach who jokes ‘his wife is on verge of divorcing him’Butt said: “Yeah. I also think it seems like we were the ones that won it but if it wasn’t for older pros and the more experienced players there would’ve been no Class of 92 I’d say.”But yeah, a bit cringey for me, but it is what it is and that’s what we’re known for and embrace it, I would say.”Scholes was part of a special Man Utd generation with ButtCredit: GettyButt and Scholes came through Man Utd’s academy with David Beckham Ryan Giggs and the Neville brothersCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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    Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes says top manager ‘has quality’ to manage in Premier League as pressure mounts on Ten Hag

    BRUNO FERNANDES has hailed a top European manager as having the quality to lead a Premier League side.The Manchester United star’s comments come with Erik ten Hag’s future in doubt.Bruno Fernandes has hailed Ruben Amorim as doubts continue over Erik ten Hag’s futureCredit: GettyAmorim has enjoyed success at Sporting LisbonCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils boss has come under scrutiny over the club’s poor start to the season.Old Trafford chiefs held a meeting earlier this week in which Ten Hag’s future was discussed.It appears that the club are willing to stick by the former Ajax manager for now, but that has not stopped others from being linked with the post.The likes of Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel have been touted as potential options.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, club captain Fernandes has insisted that Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, 39, is capable of succeeding in England.The Portuguese coach has led the club to two titles in his homeland and is well-regarded.He was believed to be one of the front-runners for the Liverpool and West Ham jobs in the summer before the roles went to Arne Slot and Julen Lopetegui. Fernandes has suggested that Amorim is “prepared” and full of “quality” as a manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told CNN Portugal: “Since Mr Amorim arrived at Sporting, it has been one of the teams to practice better football.”They have been consistent, the signings have been right and they are in a very good moment. It’s a very well-prepared team.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League stars”In relation to Amorim, it shows at this moment he is prepared.”Coaching Sporting and winning championships is not easy, Sporting went 20 years without winning championships and Amorim arrived and has already won two.”This shows that the work has been done well.”If he could manage to do the same in England, Spain or anywhere else, you will never know until you get there, but I am sure his qualities are there for everyone to see.”Fernandes joined Man United from Sporting Lisbon back in January 2020 in a £47million transfer.Amorim arrived at the club in March of that year when he replaced the sacked Jorge Manuel Rebelo Fernandes.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. More

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    Marc Cucurella takes bizarre swipe at Chelsea team-mate Cole Palmer and says ‘there’s not much strength in his hair’

    MARC CUCURELLA has sparked a banter battle of “Stamford Fringe” – with an odd comment about Chelsea team-mate Cole Palmer’s hair.The Euro 2024 winner reckons England’s brightest hope has just one flaw – but it’s a mane weakness.Cole Palmer has been singled out for praise, but also an eccentric comment, by Chelsea pal Marc CucurellaCredit: RexSuper-sub Palmer gave England hope with a late leveller against Cucurella and Co in the Euro 2024 final before Spain triumphed 2-1Credit: GettyIf Cucurella is to be believed, there’s plenty of dazzle in Palmer’s footwork, but not much frazzle in his mop.The Spaniard himself sports one of football’s most lavish, curly barnets.And he’s courted controversy before, singing “Haaland trembles, Cucurella is coming” in his Euros celebration – with the Manchester City striker responding by scoring against him in the Premier League.In fact, with the Norwegian appearing to take the wing-back’s warbling as a jibe, it was Palmer who calmed things by telling him Cucurella was actually a good guy.READ MORE TOP STORIESNow the ex-Brighton ace has said of the former Manchester City starlet: “There’s not much strength in the hair, but if that’s his only problem, then he’s all right.”But Cucurella’s verdict came amid glowing praise to The Guardian for the 22-year-old.Palmer came off the bench for the fifth time at the Euros to revive England with a classy late equaliser in the final, only for Spain to win 2-1.And Cucurella’s admiration has soared further since then.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPalmer has notched six goals and five assists in seven Prem matches so far this term.That means from a career total of 59 top-flight games he’s netted 28 times and notched 17 assists.Marc Cucurella sings his own song in advert after viral post-Euros video but unimpressed fans say ‘I physically cringed’Cucurella said: “If you see him not in his kit you would never in your life say he was a footballer, but then on the pitch … he shoots and it doesn’t seem like he is hitting it hard but he scores them all. “He’s very different. I don’t know how to explain it: he’s special. We’re very lucky we have him. “We’re lucky he didn’t play much in the Euros either because he came on and almost messed it up for us. “If he carries on like this, he’ll be among the best.”And despite Cucurella’s misgivings about Palmer’s hair, it was the Mancunian’s parting – albeit from the Etihad in September 2023 – that super-charged his rise.It also means he’s suddenly regarded as a key Three Lions player.Interim chief Lee Carsley is expected to hand Palmer his fourth England start in Sunday’s Nations League clash away to Finland, following Thursday’s 2-1 Wembley defeat against Greece.England player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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    Liverpool star Mo Salah sent home from Egypt duty early amid fears over ‘dangerous’ pitch and ‘violent’ opponents

    MO SALAH is set to return to Liverpool after withdrawing from the Egypt camp ahead of their clash with Mauritania on Tuesday night.Egypt captain Salah, 32, headed to Cairo earlier this week to link up with his national team.Mo Salah was in action for Egypt last nightCredit: RexThe Egypt skipper celebrates his latest goal for his countryCredit: EPAHe started their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritania last night, scoring in his side’s 2-0 win.The Pharoahs are set to face the same opposition away from home on Tuesday, but will have to do so without their star man.An Egyptian FA statement read: “The technical staff of Egypt’s senior football team led by manager Hossam Hassan held a meeting with Mohamed Salah, the captain of the Pharaohs.”It was agreed during the meeting to rest the player from the upcoming match.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSalah’s withdrawal comes amid concerns regarding Mauritania’s pitch and style of play.Tuesday’s game is set to take place at the 8,200 capacity Cheikha Ould Boidiya Stadium in Nouakchott, which possesses a plastic pitch.After last night’s victory, Egypt manager Hassan admitted the possibility of being without his key man on Tuesday, while also calling his side’s opponents “violent”.He said: “If any player asks me not to play on artificial turf, I will agree.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The Mauritanian team plays hard and with violent interventions, and their field is not the best.”If Salah specifically asks me to do so, I will agree.”Mo Salah appears to confirm Liverpool transfer exit live on Sky Sports after ripping Man Utd to shredsAfter last night’s game, the Liverpool star admitted that his side had to really earn their win.He said: “The Egyptian team must play with a different, fast and offensive rhythm. The Mauritania match is difficult and the team is very heavy. We did not win by chance.”Egypt are top of their Afcon qualification group with nine points from three games – already six points clear of Mauritania, Cape Verde and Botswana.Ahead of Tuesday’s test, Hassan added: “I was very worried about the Mauritania match, and the pitch there is very difficult.”Even if I don’t win there, it doesn’t matter. What matters to me is that I don’t lose.”Liverpool boss Arne Slot will expect to have Salah fit and available to face Chelsea in the Premier League next Sunday. More

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    Legendary stadium ‘doesn’t comply with regulations’ to host World Cup final, claims politician who demands rivals get it

    THE Santiago Bernabeu is not fit to host the 2030 World Cup final, according to a Barcelona-based politician.Reports suggested that Fifa wanted the showpiece to be held Real Madrid’s iconic stadium.Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu does not meet requirements to host the World Cup showpieceMorocco’s proposed 115,000-capacity Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco could host the finalBarcelona’s Camp Nou is also in contention to host the 2030 World Cup finalWhile, Morocco are planning on building the 115,000-capacity Grand Stade Hassan II that’s also a consideration.However, David Escudé, the Councillor for Sports at Barcelona City Council, has revealed Barcelona would be a more favourable venue instead.”As of today, according to Fifa’s requirements, the Bernabéu could not host a World Cup final,” he said on ‘Tot Costa’ on Catalunya Ràdio.”However, the new stadium being built in Morocco and the Spotify Camp Nou do have the capacity to host the final.Read more football news”Our rival would not be the Bernabéu, which would be too small, but Morocco.”The councillor for sport was also asked if Spain would accept the Spotify Camp Nou hosting the final.He answered: “With the current Government there would be no problem, things are changing.”The 2030 World Cup will be held in SIX countries across THREE continents.Most read in FootballIn a remarkable deal stitched together by Fifa President Gianni Infantino, the opening three matches of the tournament will be played in South America.That will see the first match played in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo, followed by Argentina hosting a game in Buenos Aires, before the third fixture is held in Asuncion, Paraguay.Everton fans say ‘I feel sick just looking at it’ as new video of Bramley Moore Dock stadium go viral The six teams involved in those games will then fly across the Atlantic, with the rest of the tournament shared between Morocco, Portugal and Spain.England could be one of the teams involved, meaning the Three Lions would have to travel approximately 6,500 miles to South America for their first match.They would then have to travel the same distance back to Europe and Africa for their remaining group games either in Spain, Portugal or Morocco.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Six managers Man Utd could turn to now if they sack Ten Hag as Southgate rules himself out and Tuchel eyes ENGLAND job

    ERIK TEN HAG appears to have avoided the chopping block at Manchester United, at least for now.A SEVEN-HOUR meeting with club chiefs on Tuesday came to an end with no movement on the future of the United boss despite the intense pressure and speculation surrounding him.Erik ten Hag remains under pressure at Man Utd despite appearing to survive talks in LondonCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel looks to be out of the running after entering talks for the England jobCredit: GettyUnited could possibly turn to other candidates such as Graham PotterCredit: PAHowever, the pursuit of other possible targets took a twist on Friday after it was reported that Thomas Tuchel was in talks for the England job.Tuchel, 51, has been heavily linked with replacing Ten Hag at Old Trafford.But according to Bild, he could now replace Gareth Southgate as the Three Lions’ next permanent head coach.Southgate himself played down his links to the Red Devils’ job by saying he would be taking a full year out of work.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd that has left the pool of potential successors to Ten Hag even more drained than it was in the summer. SunSport have looked at six options who could still be considered if Ten Hag’s time at United does ultimately come to a mid-season end.Graham PotterFormer Chelsea and Brighton boss Potter has been without a job since he was sacked by the Blues, but was known for his fluid brand of football and development of young players at the Seagulls, elements United want to champion.However, he directly addressed the speculation when appearing on Sky Sports last month, saying: “I am the only coach in world football to be linked with Stoke City and Napoli in the same week. I have had lots of conversations with lots of people and I think out of respect to those people it’s best those are kept private.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKieran McKennaA coach at Man Utd during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time in charge, McKenna made his first move into management with Ipswich and has impressed ever since by getting them promoted to the top flight.He was consequently linked with a move to another club in the summer, but snubbed interest by signing a new contract. There are concerns whether he would be ready to take on the mammoth United job anyway.Thomas Tuchel Eyes England Manager Role Amid Man Utd SpeculationSimone InzaghiInter Milan manager Inzaghi is reported to have already rejected an approach from Man Utd.He was viewed as an ideal candidate given his experience at the top level and previous success, leading the Italians to the Serie A title, two Coppa Italias and a Champions League final.Ruben AmorimSporting Lisbon manager Amorim has caught the eye of many of Europe’s top sides as a potential new boss.Fresh reports have linked him with a move to Old Trafford should Ten Hag leave, with his Portuguese connections set to do wonders for the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.Thomas FrankFrank has long been praised for how well he has done with Brentford, in terms of buying into their recruitment plan and getting the best out of players on the pitch.Indeed, Pep Guardiola said it was only a “question of time” before he lands a job at one of European football’s powerhouses.READ MORE SUN STORIESRuud Van NistelrooyLike Inzaghi and Potter on this list, Ruud van Nistelrooy seems to have squashed rumours about taking over the Man Utd job, with reports suggesting he does not want to betray Ten Hag.However, in the event Ten Hag is let go, Van Nistelrooy is likely to be offered the job at least on an interim basis. He impressed as a manager for PSV.Ruud van Nistelrooy would likely be offered the job on an interim basis but has expressed doubts over taking itCredit: Alamy More