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    ‘Give Fullkrug the manager’s job’ – West Ham star launches expletive-laden rant at team-mates for ‘not playing football’

    NICLAS FULLKRUG launched a blistering attack on his West Ham team-mates.The Hammers handed rock-bottom Southampton the point which brought them level with Derby’s all-time low record of 11, before Fullkrug let rip in an X-rated rant.Niclas Fullkrug launched a furious rant against his own team-matesWest Ham’s German striker apologised for being “s***” and accused his team-mates of lacking motivation and ability in a scathing assessment.Graham Potter’s men took the lead early in the second half through Jarrod Bowen before sitting back and finally conceding to Lesley Ugochukwu in the 93rd minute.Fullkrug, who set up Bowen’s goal, fumed: “It is a mindset problem. Very angry today.”Not disappointed, just angry with what we did after the goal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It was difficult to bring the boys back to push up, we didn’t push up anymore.”We tried, but we didn’t have the ability or the motivation to push up again. I am very, very angry that we played like this.”We had some minutes where we showed what we can do against an opponent like that at home.”We showed the possession we can have, that we can go in behind and have the chances to score again.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFullkrug was in action for the HammersCredit: Getty”But the motivation, sorry we were s*** and I’m very angry.”It is not the first time where we score a goal and then the next goal kick we just shoot the ball long.‘Second again, ole ole’ – Brutal West Ham fans taunt Arsenal with three cheeky chants after stunning the Emirates”We don’t try to play football anymore.”We don’t push up anymore, we just sink and that’s not the way we want to play.”Why we play 65 minutes before with possession, even if it’s not perfect.”We try to play with possession, try to create chances, we try to score and then we score and after that half of the team try to score again and the other half just try to defend very deep.”That is not the way it works.”We have to find a way to have togetherness, to have the idea, where we want to go and what we want to do.”The coach was very clear with what he wants, we have to do it all and everyone has to do it.”‘NEVER HEARD TRUER WORDS’Potter, who has just three wins as West Ham boss, had also criticised his team for their inability to control games and dominate at home.Several West Ham fans loved Fullkrug’s rant.One wrote on X: “Give Fullkrug the managers job, never heard truer words.”Read More on The SunWhile a second commented: “Some players need to look at this and be more like it, as fullkrug has said nothing but the truth!”And another added: “That Fullkrug interview is spot on.”West Ham threw their lead away against the SaintsCredit: Reuters More

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    Aston Villa 4 Newcastle 1: Unai Emery’s genius subs down Toon and throw Champions League race wide open

    MAAT’S the way to do it.When you have been on the wrong end of Champions League heartbreak, this is how to bounce back and boost your chances of having another go next year.Aston Villa stunned Newcastle with a 4-1 victoryCredit: PAIan Maatsen netted his first goal for the clubCredit: ReutersAmadou Onana scored a fantastic goal to wrap up the matchCredit: GettyAnd to dent the challenge of one of your top-five rivals into the bargain.Just when Newcastle were threatening to frustrate Unai Emery’s vibrant team, Ian Maatsen had his own moment of redemption. The Dutchman had been at fault when Fabian Schar cancelled out Ollie Watkins’ first-minute opener, but just past the hour he finished off a brilliant move that typified the hosts.Villa had fallen agonisingly short of forcing Paris Saint-Germain to extra time in their quarter-final, despite having plenty of chances.READ MJORE ON FOOTBALLBut less than four days later, in front of a rapturous home crowd, they capitalised on their dominance and put Newcastle to the sword.Substitutes Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana made sure the scoreline reflected Villa’s superiority.Ramsey’s first major contribution was to force Dan Burn to put the ball in his own net and then Onana smashed home a wonderful fourth.It was a classic one-two combination to settle a brilliant and sometimes bruising brawl between two sides who are now Premier League heavyweights.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThey had gone toe-to-toe in an end-to-end first half.But Villa, who also hit the woodwork three times, were always the ones doing the most damage.Viktor Gyokeres responds as he is asked if he ‘likes London’ amid Arsenal transfer linksIt was a day when something had to give, with Villa on a four-game winning streak in the league, one behind Newcastle’s five.There was also an element of needle.The teams had threatened to take Boxing Day literally when they met at St James Park in DecemberWind-up merchant Jason Tindall and Villa analyst Victor Manas squared up and sparked a 10-man festive fracas that ended with both being sent off.Villa noted in their report on the game that Tindall later reappeared to celebrate Newcastle’s 3-0 victory while wearing a Wham! Last Christmas hoodie.With that context, it was never going to be a case of wake me up before you go-go for the return at Villa Park.Although some of the Newcastle team did seem to be asleep when Watkins scored after only 33 seconds.Ollie Watkins netted the opener via a deflectionCredit: GettyFabian Schar headed Newcastle back level in the first halfCredit: RexThe England star had initially chased down Sandro Tonali, whose clearance was weak and the ball broke to Youri Tielemans.As the Belgian passed, Tonali was playing Watkins onside. The striker cut inside and his shot took a heavy deflection off Fabian Schar that left Nick Pope with no chance.The Newcastle goalkeeper was equally helpless minutes later when Watkins strode through the away defence and smacked a shot off the crossbar.There were already some tasty tackles flying in, and Villa fans will feel Schar should not have been on the pitch to equalise.Was the Swiss defender’s cynical foul on Watkins a denial of a goalscoring opportunity? Referee Jarred Gillett clearly thought the Villa man would not have reached the ball and showed Schar a yellow card, with VAR Michael Salisbury seeing no reason to intervene.Everyone of a claret and blue persuasion was soon even more annoyed by Gillett.The Australian decided Boubacar Kamara’s challenge on Tino Livramento was worthy of a free kick.It wasn’t, but the home side should have defended it better. Instead, they only half-cleared it and when Harvey Barnes swung in a deep cross, Ian Maatsen allowed Schar to steal in and head the ball through Emi Martinez.Maatsen almost enjoyed immediate redemption but from his fine cross, Marco Asensio mistimed his finish horribly.In a parallel universe, Watkins soon completed his “hat-trick”. But in this world, he hit the woodwork again, this time with a header from an Asensio free kick.Unai Emery’s side have blown the race for Champions League football wide openCredit: GettyJason Tindell was on touchline duty as Eddie Howe continues to be absentCredit: PAAt the other end, Martinez scrambled away a long-range effort by Tonali before Pope kept out a Morgan Rogers effort and Tielemans’ goalbound corner.Watkins dragged a shot wide, then claimed a penalty in vain after going down under a challenge from – guess who? – Schar.It was entertaining, compelling stuff, and so it continued.The excellent Morgan Rogers played in John McGinn and Pope had to intervene. After Tonali cleared a Tielemans header that was probably going wide, Rogers found space only for Schar to block his shot.Bruno Guimaraes somehow escaped a yellow card for a late, spiteful foul on McGinnThe Villa captain almost had revenge, but his shot from Kamara’s through ball was straight at Pope.Alexander Isak was having a very quiet game by his very high standards, which reflected his team’s limited ambition. His first proper effort on goal, after more than half an hour, was comfortably held by Martinez.And then came the move of the match and one of the most important goals of Villa’s season.The ball moved swiftly from Martinez to Rogers to Asensio to Watkins, who rolled it into Maatsen’s path.The Dutchman did not break stride before lashing the ball past Pope.Maatsen had never scored in the Premier League before and he will do well to notch a better one.Tindall made changes, but it was Emery’s that decided the match.After another fine move, Ramsey reached the byline and Burn could only divert the ball into the net as he tried to deny Tielemans.Read More on The SunVilla smelled blood, and when Rogers laid the ball back to Onana on the edge of the area, there was only one place it was going.On this form, Villa will be back in the Champions League before they know it. More

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    ‘Absolutely generational’ – Lamine Yamal, 17, inspires epic Barcelona comeback after shocking home collapse

    LAMINE YAMAL inspired an epic Barcelona comeback against Celta Vigo to leave his side seven points clear at the top of LaLiga.Yamal and Dani Olmo came off the bench to spark an incredible turnaround, as Barca came back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 and edge closer to LaLiga glory.Lamine Yamal’s genius inspired an epic Barcelona comeback against Celta Vigo in LaLigaYamal was brought on when Barca were 2-1 downThe 17-year-old sent in a delicious cross to assist Raphinha’s equaliserBarca came back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 and edge closer to LaLiga gloryBarca manager Hansi Flick rotated his squad after their 5-3 aggregate win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals.Barcelona had the lead within 11 minutes thanks to Ferran Torres, who started ahead of Yamal.But Celta hit back within four minutes as Borja Iglesias got on the end of a cross and finished past Wojciech Szczesny just before half-time.Iglesias put Vigo 2-1 up before Flick brought on the calvary soldiers, introducing Yamal for Torres and Olmo for Fermin Lopez.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Iglesias completed his stunning hat-trick, before Spain Euro 2024 winners Yamal and Olmo switched it up a gear.Olmo found the net after Raphinha’s clever pass, hitting the bottom corner and sparking hope of a comeback.And Yamal sent in a delicious cross to assist Raphinha’s equaliser, before the former Leeds star scored a last-minute penalty to secure all three points and move seven points clear of Real Madrid.But fans were quick to praise Yamal’s lively cameo, with one writing: “Absolutely generational. Sometimes I can‘t believe Lamine Yamal is only 17.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another said: “Yamal completely changed the game!”A third added: “He is simply sensational.”Craig Burley praises Lamine Yamal’s clutch goal in Spain’s win One more wrote: “Yamal is the best footballer in the world at 17 do you know how crazy that is?”Meanwhile, former Premier League star Raphinha has now provided 25 goal contributions in LaLiga this season.And the Ballon d’Or favourite has 53 goals or assists across all competitions this term.Raphinha scored two in the comeback More

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    Hamilton Accies director and steward subjected to violent attack with BOTTLES as fans break into boardroom at half time

    COPS are probing a bottle attack on two Hamilton Accies officials at a Championship football game.A club director and senior steward required treatment for facial wounds after a half-time flashpoint at New Douglas Park.Hamilton owner Seref Zengin and board membersBoard members were given a police escort from their seatsAccies officials had been subjected to chants of ‘Sack The Board’ as the team were relegated to League One – pending an appeal to the SFA.But the protests turned to violence at the break as fans gained access to the director’s room.One source said: “A fire door was opened from inside to allow some fans to get to an area they shouldn’t be in.”Bottles were thrown and one director and a steward – there for security – were cut around their noses.”Police are now involved and are scouring CCTV images to see who got in and how they got in.”One eyewitness added: “There were angry scenes outside the directors’ room before the start of the second half.”There was a baying mob having at the owner and one man in an Accies tie returned to the directors’ room with a cut to his face.”Chairman Jock Brown and former Labour MP George Robertson – a long-standing Accies fan – left before the final whistle in the 0-0 draw with Queen’s Park, with police close by.Most read in FootballBut the directors who remained, including owner Seref Zengin, were subjected to cries of ‘Give Us Our Club Back’ at the final whistle.The demonstration spilled from the main stand to the front doors of New Douglas Park after the game ended.Moment fuming Hamilton Accies fans call for the exit of director of football Gerry Strain after their home defeat to MortonAccies are now relegated pending an appeal of the 15-point penalty for four breaches of SPFL rules.They were accused of “failure to act with the utmost good faith” and charged over player wage and stadium ownership issues.We reported that the club also owes £500,000 in rent and other payments to the owners of the stadium.Police have been contacted for comment. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Man Utd ‘ready to offer Aston Villa shock swap deal’ to offload Marcus Rashford permanently

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly willing to offer Aston Villa a shock swap deal to seal Marcus Rashford’s permanent exit.The forward was loaned to Villa Park in the January transfer window and has shown flashes of his past brilliance.Manchester United are willing to offer Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa in a swap dealCredit: RexThe club want to sign Ollie Watkins in returnCredit: GettyRashford, 27, helped Aston Villa reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League before being knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain.He has the chance to help the West Midlands side to silverware with an FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace on April 26.Rashford, in total, has netted three times and assisted six goals in his 15 appearances with Aston Villa.The Daily Star have suggested that the Red Devils are keen to cut ties with Rashford permanently.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe report claimed that they are willing to offer the out-of-favour star in a swap deal that would see Ollie Watkins move to Old Trafford.It even suggests that Villa could be offered Rashford and a “significant cash payment” for the England international.Watkins, 29, has been a previous transfer target for Premier League rivals Arsenal.The Gunners were linked with the former Brentford ace last summer and in January but Villa were keen to keep hold of him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSUnai Emery’s side opted to cash in on Jhon Duran to the Saudi Pro League in order to keep Watkins at Villa Park.The 18-capped international has been in fine form this season with 15 goals in the Premier League as well as one more in the Champions League.Ruben Amorim brings up Marcus Rashford as he vows to talk to Garnacho after Man Utd star stormed down tunnelHe is contracted to Villa until 2028, having put pen to paper on a long-term contract in 2023.Meanwhile, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has urged Rashford to return to Old Trafford for next season.The retired forward claimed that Rashford wants to build a legacy at the club.Speaking on Amazon Prime, he said: “I hope Rashford goes back to Manchester United and performs like he did tonight.”That’s what we all want to see as Manchester United fans.”Rashford wants to play for Manchester United, 100 per cent.”He’s a Manchester lad, a Manchester United fan.”He needed to play and it was clear he wasn’t going to play for the rest of the season.”Sometimes, you have to put the manager in a position where he cannot leave you out.Read More on The Sun”Marcus Rashford, in an ideal world, would want to play and leave a legacy at Manchester United.”Whether that’s possible, I don’t know, but that’s what I’d love to see.”Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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    Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace branded ‘perfect’ as Chelsea Wag dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt

    CONNIE GRACE has delighted fans with her latest Instagram post.The 23-year-old went official with Chelsea star boyfriend Cole Palmer last November.Connie Grace delighted fans with her latest postCredit: instagram @conniegrace_Connie has built a big following on social mediaCredit: instagram @conniegrace_Connie has since gathered a huge Instagram fanbase, with over 35,000 followers on the platform.In her latest post, Connie posed in a red top and silver skirt.She captioned the image “23” with a red heart emoji.The post quickly received more than 2,000 likes.READ MORE ON WAGSWhile plenty of fans rushed to leave a comment.One wrote: “Perfect girl.”While a second gushed: “So beautiful.”A third swooned “stunner”.Most read in FootballAnd another added: “Glowing girlie.”Connie runs a nail salon in Manchester. Cole Palmer goes incognito in massive hood and balaclava with girlfriend Connie Grace at Winter WonderlandIn addition to Instagram, she has also built up a sizeable following on TikTok.Connie has more than 20,000 followers on the platform, with Palmer having appeared in her videos.Connie and Cole went official together last yearCredit: SplashConnie has big followings on Instagram and TikTokCredit: instagram @conniegrace_The influencer gets plenty of nice comments on her postsCredit: instagram @conniegrace_ More

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    Kylian Mbappe’s team relegated to third tier for first time in 40 years after dismal first season as owner

    A CLUB co-owned by France captain Kylian Mbappe has been RELEGATED to the French third tier.It comes less than a year after Mbappe purchased a majority stake in Stade Malherbe Caen through his investment fund, Coalition Capital.A French side co-owned by Kylian Mbappe has been relegated from Ligue 2Arsenal ended Mbappe’s Champions League dream with a 5-1 aggregate win on Wednesday nightCaen were then relegated after losing 3-0 at home to MartiguesOn Friday night, Caen fell 3-0 at home to Martigues, making their relegation to the semi-pro National 1 third-tier official.It’s the first time the Normandy side have been out of France’s top two professional leagues since 1984.Their relegation was confirmed with three games still left to play, and just a few days after Mbappe limped off during Arsenal’s 2-1 win at the Bernabeu in the Champions League quarter-final second leg.With the worst defensive record in the division, Caen won just five times all season and deservedly went down.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd the world’s youngest active player-owner Mbappe, 26, has been partly blamed by a section of fans.A banner was unfurled by the ultras at full-time which read: “Management, players: all guilty, all out.”Another read: “Malherbe is us, the s*** is you,” referring to the team’s full name, Stade Malherbe Caen.Several different banners hit out at the RealMadrid star before and after the new year.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne said: “Mbappe, SMC is not your toy” and another said “Before wanting to shine internationally, respect the local figures.”In February, Mbappe finally found time in his busy schedule to visit the club’s training ground after scoring a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.Real Madrid fan BURNS Kylian Mbappe shirt and fumes ‘my hopes and support for him is over’The World Cup winner invested around €15 million via his investment fund to acquire 80 per cent of the club’s capital and paid off part of the club’s debt.The remaining 20 per cent is held by Pierre Antoine Capton, current president of the club’s supervisory board.But Caen endured a horror transfer window, before hiring and firing THREE different managers.Nicolas Seube began the season as gaffer before being sacked early on. Bruno Baltazar lost all seven of the games that he took charge of, whilst Michel Der Zakarian has failed to save the club from its inevitable fate. SM Caen have played in Ligue 2 since they were relegated from the top flight in 2019.Mbappe actually has some personal history with the club.Ouest France have detailed how the superstar could have signed for them at the age of 11.The club’s youth recruitment team, led by Laurent Glaize, kept track of the attacker for three years.Mbappe will now serve a one-match ban after being sent off for a lunge on Alaves midfielder Antonio Blanco last weekend.The France captain was shown a straight red card during Madrid’s 1-0 La Liga win on Sunday for a lunge on Alaves midfielder Antonio Blanco.The referee’s report stated Mbappe was sent off for violent conduct, which results in a punishment of between one to three matches.Read More on The SunA three-match ban would have seen Mbappe miss the Copa del Rey final against their El Clasico rivals on 26 April.But a commission decided on the most lenient punishment of a one-match ban, which was aided by the referee’s report that Mbappe was “disputing the ball”. More

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    Brentford 4 Brighton 2: Bees’ faint European hopes given huge boost as Joao Pedro sent off for lashing out

    AT LEAST Brighton fans have one of England’s top destinations to enjoy, right on their doorsteps.Because despite an unexpectedly resilient end to their ill-disciplined defeat against Brentford, there now seems to be little chance of any European trips anytime soon.Brentford romped to a 4-2 win over BrightonCredit: ReutersBryan Mbeumo was on target for his 17th and 18th goals of the Premier League seasonCredit: ReutersKauro Mitoma netted late on for BrightonCredit: ReutersChristian Norgaard wrapped up the win in the 95th minuteCredit: ReutersJoao Pedro’s sending off after 61 minutes typified an afternoon when the South Coast side struggled to stand up to Brentford’s more physical and direct presence.There was then the worrying sight of Jan Paul van Hecke receiving prolonged treatment in a near-silent and half-empty GTech Stadium before being stretchered off by a team of paramedics.It added an unfortunate sour note to a defeat that had otherwise been largely of Brighton’s making.Pedro’s petulant elbow flung at Nathan Collins as the pair tussled for a meaningless high ball on the edge of the centre circle summed up the frustration felt by a team who have now gone five games without a win.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPedro himself was annoyed still that just moments earlier he had fizzed the ball across the face of goal, but no Brighton player was there to convert it.The contact with Collins was not much, but it looked like enough – certainly VAR was not about to argue with referee Tim Robinson.Brighton were already two goals down by this stage on an afternoon when very little seemed to go their way.An up-tempo second-half performance by Brentford had blown them away – although their two goals shortly after the break both took massive deflections off Brighton captain Lewis Dunk.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBrentford had come racing out for the second half and immediately punished a groggy-looking Brighton defence.Bryan Mbeumo was given time on the right to cut in and hit a left-foot shot which hit Dunk’s puffed-out chest and bobbled past Bart Verbruggen and into the far corner.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeJoao Pedro was sent off for lashing outCredit: PAThomas Frank’s side have kept their European hopes aliveCredit: ReutersFabian Hurzeler’s side are winless in five league gamesCredit: PAWith their newfound energy, Brentford were suddenly mounting a much more direct physical threat, particularly from set-pieces.Somehow Brighton managed to bundle away two high, menacing corners that dropped at the far post in quick succession and even tried to counter.However, a brilliant pass down the channels by Mikkel Damsgaard sent Mbeumo clear again, only this time he cut the ball across the area and, thanks to another cruel Dunk deflection, Yoane Wissa was able to force his shot into the back of the net.In fairness, Brighton did not flinch from their uphill battle and Fabian Hurzeler brought back into the side Kaoru Mitoma among a number of changes from he bench designed to make up for the numerical disadvantages.Brentford have recently held Chelsea and Arsenal to creditable draws to prompt suggestions that they have it within them to challenge higher up the table next season with a bit more consistency, but the GTech Stadium has not been the fortress it was in 2024.Indeed the Bees had not won here in any competition since December.So there was understandable anger in the ranks when Brentford’s defence seemed to remain static while Mitoma found a way to wriggle away from them and score far too easily despite Brentford’s extra man.Brighton chairman Tony Bloom had turned down a place in the directors’ box to take his place in the corner among the away support and they did their utmost to cheer their side back into contention.A thrilling finale seemed unlikely given the visitors had even started the game on the back foot once an early Matt O’Riley free-kick had flown harmlessly over the bar.Wissa should have given Brentford the lead inside three minutes when he met Kevin Schade’s perfectly-placed cross only to shoot too close to Bart Verbruggen and allowing the Brighton goalkeeper to turn the ball past his post with his foot.Instead, it was Mbeumo who burst through the middle in the 10th minute to give Brentford the lead with a powerful finish that left Verbruggen with no chance.Then with virtually the final touch of the half, Brighton snatched an equaliser.Danny Welbeck may not have the same spring in his step as when he was a kid, but the 34-year-old had showed the cunning of his years to steer a header inside the post while leaning back to meet Mats Wieffer’s cross in the last minute of injury time.Could Brighton do something similar in the second half?The energy in his legs meant the former Manchester United striker had long departed before the fourth official raised his board to indicated that there would be eight extra minutes at the end of the second period to raise hopes that they could.In the end, it was simply time for Brentford to pour more misery onto their opponents.Another deep looping cross, this time from substitute Mathias Jensen, was headed in by Christian Norgaard from amid a crowd of players.Tempers still showed no signs of calming and an unseemly bustle ensued when Jan Paul van Hecke kicked out after an untidy challenge on the edge of the Brighton penalty area.This time the card was yellow and when the free-kick sailed harmlessly into the stand it really should have been game over.Read More on The SunUnfortunately, the final whistle was in fact delayed even further by an accidental clash of heads between van Hecke and Yunus Konak.The Brentford player rose gingerly to his feet but the Dutch centre-back more concerning exit just compounded the misery of Brighton’s afternoon.The game saw a scuffle between the two sets of playersCredit: GettyYunus Emre Konak clashed heads with Jan Paul van HeckeCredit: GettyThe Brighton defender was stretchered off the pitchCredit: Reuters More