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    New football regulator could see teams thrown out of the league and stadiums closed down – the game doesn’t need it

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    FOOTBALL has flourished for a century and a half.It is the world’s biggest sport and certainly one of its greater preoccupations.Stars like Man City hitman Erling Haaland have made the Prem special around the world and we must be careful about any changes we makeCredit: APIt is loved by players, ­spectators, TV viewers and children from an early age.It gives £8billion to the Treasury every year.And it provides livelihoods, dreams and dramas, excitement and disappointments.To some it is a life in itself.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo, what does it need?It is easier to tell you what it does not need — a regulator as judge and jury of professional clubs.Problems are plentiful — they always have been — and our first occupant is due to take their bow fairly soon.There is no question a revolution is on its way and a heck of a lot of money to go with it.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt will become law towards the end of the year.The bill passed through the House of Lords this week and they sent it to the Commons.Man City launched probe into Erling Haaland after he ‘left club’s mascot with whiplash’ after hit to back of headI sit in the Lords and the debate convinced me that the introduction of a regulator for professional leagues will bring little reward and a lot of work and expense.Our game has been settling wrangles forever.A regulator hasn’t been required before and isn’t now.He or she will have considerable power in granting each of the 116 clubs a licence to operate — each with separate conditions governed by the law of the land.Breaches of licence conditions could result in teams being thrown out the league, stadiums being closed down or even a stint in jail — although a few nights in the Scrubs do not seem likely.However, a serious offence could result in a named director being fined as much as £75,000 a day.The regulator also has a duty to ensure that each club is sustainable.If it is not, the club may look to sell assets, probably stars players.That’s when the riots could start.Regulators have a patchy record. One of them, Ofwat (the water services regulation authority), has been paddling round the question of dumping waste into many rivers, lakes and the sea.Swimming filthy rivers such as the Wye has become a risk to health. And the post under Ofcom has become slow and indecently expensive.Regulators are seen by many politicians as a cure-all.But, frankly, they would, wouldn’t they?Many fans may also feel this way although I suspect there will be considerable mind-changing when they realise what interference might do to their club.The Premier League’s riches and status have caused envy elsewhere — most obviously within the EFL.Many EFL clubs I speak to hate the idea of being answerable to a regulator with untold powers to tell them what to do and how to run their clubsThis is partly understandable — even if Championship clubs are reasonably well off.That  is, after all, the sixth richest league in the world,  having just signed a new £1billion TV rights deal.But while nine clubs in that division are owned by billionaires, quite a few in the lower divisions are hard up.Accrington Stanley, one of the founding members of the Football League, have not had a home crowd anywhere near 3,000 this season.And for one League Two night game in September their gate was just 791.Of course such poor relations should be propped up — and most Premier League clubs appreciate the fact.That is why we send £1.6BILLION down the pyramid while the PL Stadium Fund has contributed more than £207m towards projects including 577 clubhouses and changing rooms, 832 stands, 682 floodlights and 480 pitch improvements.Further talks on an alternative to politicians’ pet scheme should be held between the FA, the Premier League and the EFL.Many EFL clubs I speak to hate the idea of being answerable to a regulator with untold powers to tell them what to do and how to run their clubs.The initial plan for the new regulator is that a report will be published on the state of the game.This will take 18 months but there is such a lack of detail and clarity in the bill that the bundles of legal challenges will be a nightmare!Neither are the outcomes at all promising.And who would pay for the grandiose schemes?Well, it will be the Premier League of course.READ MORE SUN STORIESEvery penny spent on the regulator is a penny taken away from all the good causes, and all the pyramid funding.And, that’s the real tragedy. More

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      Scott McTominay could be greatest EVER Brit in Serie A… Man Utd got it badly wrong letting him go, says former star

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      AC MILAN legend Joe Jordan reckons Scott McTominay is on course to become one of the best British exports to Italy.And he accused his former club Manchester United of blundering by flogging him to Napoli for a bargain £25million last summer.Scott McTominay has moved up a gear from his Man Utd daysCredit: RexBilly Gilmour now starts in Napoli’s midfield next to McTominayCredit: RexDavid Beckham had loan spells at AC Milan in 2009 and 2010Credit: AFPThe late Denis Law was a famous success in Serie ACredit: Hulton Archive – GettyEngland icon Paul Gascoigne was a fans’ favourite at LazioCredit: GettyWhile the Red Devils have tumbled down the table without McTominay, the Scotland midfielder is on a title charge in Italy, where his inspirational form has lifted Napoli to within three points of leaders Inter Milan.Tomorrow it is an Auld Enemy clash in Serie A, with McTominay and fellow Scotland star Billy Gilmour taking on AC Milan’s quartet of Englishmen — Kyle Walker, Tammy Abraham, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fikayo Tomori.Jordan, now 73, was affectionately dubbed Lo Squalo (The Shark) by Milan fans, after finishing top scorer in both of his seasons at the San Siro and is still worshipped in Italy, for his exploits with AC Milan and Verona.However Napoli’s fanatical fans have given McTominay the ultimate accolade, dubbing him McTomadona  — after their idol Diego Maradona.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow Jordan claims McTominay is on course to eclipse himself and previous greats such as Denis Law, John Charles, Graeme Souness, Trevor Francis, Ray Wilkins, David Platt and Paul Gascoigne, to become Serie A’s greatest ever Britalian.He told SunSport: “I would say Scott McTominay has made much more of an impact in Italy than I did in my first season.“He’s already much more popular than I ever was.“I got on well with the Milan fans but it took me a bit of time to settle down to the Italian game. Since his introduction the Napoli supporters have taken to Scott right away.Most read in FootballPaul Ince was an all-round midfield star for Inter MilanCredit: AP:Associated PressDavid Platt played for Juventus, as well as Bari and SampdoriaCredit: GettyRay Wilkins was a pass master for AC Milan from 1984-87Credit: Getty – ContributorBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“He has done exceptionally well, in a team that is consistently winning.“They love him in Naples and I know what the Napolitani, are like, they’re incredible fans, absolutely fanatical about their club and their heroes. In Naples, they only support one team and that’s Napoli.”Napoli fans try and fail to prounce ‘Scott McTominay’Jimmy Greaves left Chelsea for a year at MilanCredit: GettyAnother England ace, Mark Hateley, also played for MilanCredit: AP:Associated PressMcTominay made 178 Prem appearances for the Old Trafford outfit after coming through their youth academy, scoring 19 times and Jordan added: “I was really surprised United let Scott go during the summer.“I don’t know all the circumstances but I thought he was doing OK at United. But, at Napoli, he’s lifted his game to another level.“His form is consistent, his front play is good, he’s scoring goals and providing assists.”McTominay, 28, has started in Napoli’s last 27 Serie A games, and is their second top scorer behind Romelu Lukaku — another United old boy — with seven goals and four assists.Jordan said: “He’s hit the ground running. He’s a player who is playing with confidence and he is working under a good coach in Antonio Conte.“Napoli did very well to sign him — but  Manchester United did very badly letting him go. United’s loss is Napoli’s gain.“He has been helped by having Gilmour alongside him. Whenever I’ve seen Billy play for Napoli he’s done well and he has forced himself into the starting team now.“That’s no surprise to me because he’s a good player, and crucially for an Italian coach, he keeps the ball well.”Rarely can a battle of the Brits have meant so much to Italian supporters as both clubs desperately need three points to keep their Serie A season on track. McTominay has started Napoli’s last 27 top-flight matchesCredit: RexKyle Walker is in the opposition camp with AC MilanCredit: GettyMilan are currently ninth — five places and six points off a Champions League qualifying place — and must win to keep their slim hopes alive.But they also know by beating Napoli they will virtually hand the Serie A title to their deadly rivals Inter Milan, who could push six points clear of the Neapolitans with eight games remaining.Meanwhile, Napoli know they must keep up the pressure on Inter by beating their Milanese rivals.Jordan’s heart is with his old club Milan but his head tells him that Napoli’s home advantage gives their Scots the edge.He said: “By chance, I actually saw the reverse game at the San Siro in October.“My daughter lives in Milan with my two grandkids and when I visit I go to watch my old club and occasionally Verona too.“Unfortunately Napoli were the better team on the day and deserved to win 2-0.“They will be favourites to win at home to keep the pressure up on Inter as the two clubs fight it out for the Scudetto.Ruben Loftus-Cheek has impressed for Milan after injuryCredit: GettyStriker Tammy Abraham is on loan at Milan from RomaCredit: Getty“Napoli haven’t won it too often but, with Scott and Billy in the team, they have a great chance provided they can handle the pressure of the run-in.“The heat is on them to win at home. But when you have got a team as talented as Conte’s and a passionate home support, Napoli should win.”For once, Jordan will be hoping England come out on top of Scotland — thanks to his Rossoneri roots.He added: “I know Kyle Walker because I coached him at Tottenham, when Harry Redknapp was the manager and we sold him to Manchester City.“He may be in his 30s now but he is a fantastic athlete — some players have pace, some have stamina, but Kyle’s blessed with both.“Kyle’s an experienced operator so, as much as he will learn from the Italians, he’ll be passing on a wealth of knowledge to Milan’s younger players too.“Tammy Abraham is another of Milan’s Brits who I used to watch in his Bristol City days, because I’ve lived in the city for years now.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s likely to be on the bench alongside Fikayo Tomori who has lost his starting place since he was red carded against Empoli.“But Ruben Loftus-Cheek did well on his return from injury against Como recently when he came off the bench and helped turn the game around. Forza Milan!”Milan fans dubbed Joe Jordan ‘the Shark’Credit: AP:Associated Press More

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      I’m the TENTH member of my family to play for my country – I’ve already beaten England, now I want to cause FA Cup shock

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      STEFAN THORDARSON has a remarkable football heritage.The Preston midfielder is one of TEN internationals in his family tree.Stefan Thordarson is one of Preston North End’s star menCredit: PAThe midfielder comes from Icelandic footballing royaltyCredit: PAHis great-grandfather played in Iceland’s first-ever competitive gameCredit: SUPPLIEDThordur Thordarson with son Stefan pictured in 2020Credit: SUPPLIEDAnd as the Iceland star prepares to take on Premier League giants Aston Villa at Deepdale on Sunday, he said: “As soon as you’re born in my family, a ball is put in front of your feet!“It feels like almost everyone I’m related to has played for Iceland!”Thordarson, 26, has been capped 28 times — including playing in the 1-0 Wembley win over England last June.And his dad Thordur, uncle Stefan who played for Stoke, great-uncles Olafur and Teitur and great-grandad Thordur have also represented their homeland.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSBut it does not stop there.Branching off from his great-great-grandmother, he is related to former Iceland star Petur Petursson, who played for Feyenoord, Anderlecht and Royal Antwerp.And through his great-grandma he is also related to Arni Sveinsson, Sveinn Teitsson and Sigursteinn Gislason — who were all capped by their country too.Finally, although not picked by Iceland, his older brother Thordur Thorsteinn Thordarson has been a professional footballer playing in the top flight back home, while cousin Oliver Stefansson is currently with Swedish team IFK Norrkoping.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPreston’s secret weaponBy Justin AllenASTON VILLA had better beware — Preston’s secret weapon is gunning for them.Iceland midfielder Stefan Thordarson was brought up learning the art of slaying giants and is bidding to stun the Prem side in the FA Cup.Villa, who travel to the Championship outfit tomorrow in the quarter-finals, only need to ask defender Ezri Konsa how you write off the 26-year-old at your peril. When the England star faced Thordarson last June, the Three Lions lost 1-0 at Wembley in their final warm-up for Euro 2024.And the North End midfielder said: “That was a perfect day to play and win against such a talented England team at the iconic Wembley in front of 81,000 fans.“I’d love to go there again for the semi-finals. We want to take this club to Wembley.“Villa have international players in every position, but we’re going to try to do what we do best — dominate the game in the way we want to.”If North End, who sit 14th in the second tier, pull off a shock, it will be the third consecutive year a Championship side have made a Wembley FA Cup semi-final.Coventry were controversially beaten by eventual winners Manchester United on penalties under the arch last season after VAR ruled out what would have been a 120th-minute Haji Wright winner.While Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom took Sheffield United there in 2023 where they lost to Manchester City, who again went on to lift the famous old trophy.Thordarson was in the side that beat Fulham in the Carabao Cup earlier this season after a thrilling 16-15 shootout win.And he has always believed no team is unbeatable since watching his homeland famously knock England out in the last 16 of Euro 2016 — arguably the Three Lions’ most humiliating defeat at a major finals.Thordarson added: “It was the biggest day in Iceland’s sporting history, so we know all about upsets.“It was a huge moment because we all look up to the Premier League and England.“That Iceland side inspired an entire generation of footballers that anything is possible.“We know Villa are a top European side and you can see that in the Champions League.“But as we’ve seen from FA Cup history — and our Iceland team — nothing is impossible.”Altogether, his family have amassed 299 caps and 42 goals for Iceland – of which Thordarson has scored one.Thordarson said: “I’m fortunate to have a family who know what I’m going through as a footballer and they’ve been a major help.Unai Emery proud as Aston Villa compete victory against Club Brugge “The main one is my dad, who played as a goalkeeper back home but had two years in Sweden too at IFK Norrkoping.“And then there’s my uncle Stefan — who I’m named after. He was a striker with Stoke between 2000-02.“My middle name is Teitur, which I get from my great-uncle. He played for Lens and Cannes in France.“He was a great goalscorer and in the 1981-82 season he got 19 for Lens, which was only three behind Les Bleus legend Michel Platini, who was playing for Saint-Etienne that year.“Teitur was the Estonia national team coach and managed a lot of teams in Norway and Iceland as well as Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada. I look up to him a lot.“Then going further back there’s my great-grandfather Thordur, who was in the Iceland team for their first-ever competitive match, against France, when we were allowed to enter the qualifying stages for the 1958 World Cup.”Thordur also scored against an amateur England side in 1956 — classed as a B international as Iceland were not professionals at the time.Stefan Thordarson’s, great uncle, Teitur, also played football before going into managementCredit: SUPPLIEDThordarson added: “I’m lucky to have all these role models. I’m always talking to dad and my uncle who played for Stoke.“Once or twice a year I meet my great-uncles too. Everyone has always been a huge help in my career.”Thordarson is the THIRD player in Preston history to not only come from Iceland but herald from Akranes on the west coast.The town is a 30-minute drive from the capital Reykjavik and has also produced North End midfielder Bjarki Gunnlaugsson (1999-2002) and striker Thordur Gudjonsson (2002).Akranes, with an official population of 8,452, has also produced the likes of ex-Aston Villa, Wolves, Leicester, Burnley and Huddersfield midfielder Joey Gudjonsson and former Wolves striker Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson.And current Iceland head coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson, who played for Bolton, Leicester and Stoke, is also from the town.Thordarson said: “There cannot be many places in the world that have produced so many pro footballers from such a small population.“When you’re brought up, it’s all about football. Our hometown team won everything in the 1980s and early 1990s.”Not surprisingly, his role model growing up was Iceland’s most famous player — former Barcelona, Chelsea and Bolton star Eidur Gudjohnsen.And Thordarson was almost starry-eyed when the great man was his Under-21s coach.He said: “Eidur was a huge inspiration. To come from Iceland and get into that Barcelona team alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Xavi and Deco was amazing.“It was such a great honour to play for him.”Thordarson is driven to follow in Gudjohnsen’s footsteps by reaching the Premier League and said: “That’s why I moved to England. That has always been my dream.”Stefan Thordarson was inspired by former Chelsea and Iceland star Eidur GudjohnsenCredit: GETTYAs a kid, he grew up watching English football and his favourite team were Arsenal — idolising Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and, in particular, Cesc Fabregas.The Preston star revealed: “I had an English coach back home called Dean Martin.“He still lives in Iceland but is from London and is a big Arsenal fan. He got some of us to be Gooners too.“It was at the time of the Invincibles. The way that team played under Arsene Wenger — and Cesc? Wow.“The way he was and how he moved on the field with his upbringing from Barcelona. It was a joy to watch.”After playing for his local club, Thordarson moved to Denmark and played four seasons for Silkeborg.And in the 2022-23 season, he played against West Ham in the Conference League group stage.Thordarson joined Preston last July and he has quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite.He said: “It’s been an eventful first season. We lost manager Ryan Lowe, who signed me, after just one game.“We had a good Carabao Cup run by beating Fulham 16-15 on penalties and I got the chance to play Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Despite the 3-0 loss, that was a great experience.“And now we’re in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Beating Burnley 3-0 in the last round was one of the best atmospheres I’ve ever played in.”Stefan Thordarson helped Iceland get the better of England last summerCredit: AFP More

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      ‘Weirdest club in the league’ – Arsenal launch DATING SHOW to match up single fans at Gunners games

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      LOVE is in the air at the Emirates after Arsenal announced they are launching a BLIND DATE SHOW.The Gunners revealed the extraordinary move to find matches for their single fans on Emirates matchdays.Arsenal have launched a blind date show for supportersCredit: ReutersDubbed “The Big Match”, the statement on the stunning production was discreetly published on the club’s website on Friday.The article currently does not appear when searching for it on the site’s search engine and is not visible on the “News” section page, nor was it published on the club’s Twitter or Instagram pages.However, pages on Arsenal.com about the production do appear on Google, with one page linking to the sign-up sheet for the show and another linking to the terms and conditions.It reads: “Matchdays at Emirates Stadium are a time to connect with the beautiful game – and each other. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s for this reason that we’re launching a new dating show that celebrates how a shared love of football can prove a catalyst for an even deeper romance. “We are calling on our single supporters in the UK to apply to be part of the production, which will involve attending a blind date with a fellow Gooner centred around an Arsenal game.”If you’d like to be a participant and are up for the opportunity of meeting your perfect match, please complete the form below. Fans hoping to land a date through the show need to be UK residents over the age of 18 and must apply by 11.59pm on April 11, while of course, the main criteria for eligibility is that they are single.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt is not clear when the date and show would take place.Fans may have spotted April Fools is just around the corner, although Arsenal appear to have fired the cannon a little early if this is what it turns out to be.’Captain on and off the pitch’ – Fans love Arsenal star Martin Odegaard’s classy gesture on international dutyReacting on social media, one fan said: “This club CANNOT be serious.”A second said: “Weirdest club in the league.”A third joked: “They need something to make up for the lack of trophies.”Another said: “[Mikel] Arteta wants everyone married.”Questions on the formSelect questions on the form:NameDate of birthContact informationSexual identity and sexual orientationHeightEthnicityDo you smoke/vape/drink?What is it that made you fall in love with The Arsenal?What you’re looking for in a partner?PhotographSocial media handlesA fifth added: “‘How did you both meet?’ ‘We met on the Gooner dating program, son’.”A sixth said: “They’ll do everything except win a trophy.”A seventh admitted: “Might have to sign up you know.”An eighth said: “Arteta wants all his players AND fans to be married. Fair enough.”The move comes after Championship side Millwall became the first club in the UK to start its own mobile network, though fans also wondered whether that could turn out to be an elaborate prank.While single Gooners sign up for the unique blind date show, Arsenal men are back in action on Tuesday as they host Fulham after the international break.They then travel to Everton before the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.Bukayo Saka’s return to training will doubtless be a huge boost for the team as the season enters the run-in.Meanwhile, Arsenal women showed the boys how to beat Madrid after coming from 2-0 down on aggregate to beat the Spanish side 3-0 at the Emirates in the Uefa Women’s Champions League on Wednesday.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe win, held up by a brace by Alessia Russo, booked them a spot in the semi-final where they will face Lyon.They travel to South London to play Crystal Palace on Sunday.Arsenal ratings vs ChelseaARSENAL collected three points at the Emirates with a comfortable display as they fight to keep their fading title hopes alive. More

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      Brazil SACK manager Dorival Junior after just over a year following 4-1 humiliation at hands of rivals Argentina

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      BRAZIL have sacked manager Dorival Junior after the nation’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to Argentina.The decision was announced by the country’s football federation (CBF) on Friday.Brazil have sacked manager Dorival JuniorCredit: ReutersIt comes after the Samba nation were beaten 4-1 by Argentina in Buenos AiresCredit: AFPEmiliano Martinez did kick-ups in his penalty box to rub salt in the woundsCredit: GettyDorival had been in charge of the Samba nation for a year and was appointed to bring stability, but the former Sao Paolo manager was accused of lacking identity with the national team.A statement from the Brazilian Football Federation said: “The Brazilian Football Confederation announces that coach Dorival Júnior will no longer be in charge of the Brazilian National Team. “The board thanks the professional and wishes him success in his continued career. “From now on, the CBF will work to find a replacement.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 62-year-old departs with a record of seven wins, seven draws and two defeats, overseeing the nation’s quarter-final exit to the hands of Uruguay at the Copa America last year.But the final straw came in the embarrassing defeat to arch-rivals Argentina in Buenos Aires, who inflicted the thrashing even without talisman Lionel Messi and left them ten points behind their bitter rivals.Indeed, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was seen performing kick-ups in his own box during the game to rub salt in the wounds.Brazil were consistently linked with hiring Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti for the role before Dorival’s appointment.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, Chelsea flop Filipe Luis has now been linked to the job after his impressive managerial spell with Flamengo.Luis, capped 44 times by his country, has already picked up three trophies as boss.Argentina humiliate Brazil 4-1 with Emi Martinez even doing keepy ups in his own box in fiery World Cup qualifier And Luis is already on an incredible 24-game winning streak after losing just once in the dugout.However, his brilliant form has now caught the attention of the Brazilian FA.Chelsea flop Filipe Luis has been linked with the roleCredit: Alamy More

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      Man City launched probe into Erling Haaland after he ‘left club’s mascot with whiplash’ after hit to back of head

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      ERLING Haaland left a Manchester City mascot with suspected whiplash and concussion after a playful knock to the back of her head.The woman, working as alien “Moonbeam”, was hit by the 6ft 4in striker before a game with Southampton.Erling Haaland left a Manchester City mascot with suspected whiplash and concussion after a playful knock to the back of her headCredit: GettyA temp staffer working as alien Moonbeam went to hospital after being playfully struckCredit: GettyShe went to hospital after being playfully struck while working as furry alien Moonbeam, initially believing she was hit by a stray football.A club probe later cleared the Norwegian striker before City decided not to renew the furious uni graduate’s contract.The woman, who does not want to be named, also lodged an assault complaint with police.Last night she accused the “arrogant” Premier League giants of a     “cover-up” to protect Haaland.READ MORE ON ERLING HAALANDShe started as a City temp last June and occasionally worked as Moonbeam on matchdays, earning around £100 a time.Before the Southampton clash on October 26, she felt two blows to the back of her head as she posed for a photo.She said it left her in shock and as she walked off the pitch she asked a colleague: “What the hell was that that hit me?”She recalled: “He said, ‘It was Erling. He hit you from behind’.Most read in Football“I was pretty upset and I was crying and my head was thudding and I think I was in shock.“I later realised he’d come behind me and hit me on the head and then leaned on my head.”Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starShe told City’s safeguarding boss who allegedly laughed it off, saying: “At least you can say Erling Haaland hit you.”Following the incident the woman was offered the chance to go home but continued to work the shift. She said she later vomited and suffered neck and head pain before being assessed the next day by City’s first-team doctor who suggested she go to hospital.The Salford Royal’s A&E notes confirmed her symptoms though a CT scan revealed no damage.City’s health and safety head Paul Kenyon launched a probe and told the woman they wanted to look at CCTV. I’m sure Erling would have apologised to me if they had given him the chance.But they just wanted to sweep it under the carpet.She said: “I asked if anyone had spoken to Erling and he said, ‘No, they don’t want to distract him’.”She added: “I was offended because I was the one hurt but I was being asked all the questions.”The probe concluded that the striker, 24, did not cause her injuries. A report stated: “Erling Haaland always does a gentle touch on the back or head of Moonbeam as recognition.”It says footage showed him only “grazing” the mascot.The complainant accused Manchester City of sweeping the issue under the carpetCredit: mancityThe woman returned to her role in the ticket office but was told she would have to reapply to get her contract renewed.Following a half-day interview, she was informed last December she had not been successful.She said: “I have never had any complaints from any of the managers about my work before.“They said they didn’t feel like I’d performed in the interviews to the 100 per cent I usually do.”Greater Manchester Police also told her Haaland had not acted with malice. Last night she hit out at City, saying: “I’m sure Erling would have apologised to me if they had given him the chance.“But they just wanted to sweep it under the carpet.”A  City spokesperson said “Manchester City refute the complaint that was made in this regard. READ MORE SUN STORIES“The Club fully investigated and found that none of the evidence, including video footage backed up the claim that an injury was sustained in the manner alleged. “We’re also aware a complaint was made to Greater Manchester Police and no further action was taken by them either.”City issued a statement denying the claims, while confirming police took no further actionCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson’s family make huge sum selling his memorabilia to help settle £8m debt

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      EX-England football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson’s family have made £140,000 selling off his memorabilia to help settle his debts.He died owing more than £8million, including £7million in UK tax.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s family have made £140,000 selling off his memorabilia to help settle his debtsCredit: AFPSven with the late Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2002Credit: ReutersA lunch invitation from the late Queen went for £300Among the items up for sale was Sven’s Armani suit from the 2006 World Cup – it went for £3kCredit: bna.nuweauctionsInside the suit was Sven’s hand-written team notesThe Swede’s loved ones were forced to sell hundreds of mementoes — such as his Armani suit from a 2006 World Cup match with his hand-written team notes still in the pocket.The 349 items which went under the hammer also included his BBC Coach of the Year trophy in 2001 and Premier League Manager of the Month award from his time at Manchester City.A lunch invitation from the late Queen and an Ivory Coast top signed by his ­former forward Didier Drogba were flogged too.Sven died of pancreatic cancer last year aged 76, leaving his partner Yaniseth Alcides and two adult children to deal with his debts.read more on svenHe owed the huge sum despite earning tens of millions in a 42-year managerial career at 12 clubs and four national teams, including England from 2001-2006.The Swedish auction house said: “There was huge interest mostly from England, Italy and Portugal.“It was a reflection of the love and affection that people had for Sven in countries all over the world.“We are very pleased with how both auctions have gone and there may be a third one of items of his furniture.”Most read in FootballBut the cash raised is still a drop in the ocean and Sven’s ­family are also selling his seven-bed lakeside mansion in his homeland for £1.8million.Sven’s Premier League Manager of the Month award fetched £1,700Sven earned the award during his time at Manchester CityCredit: Matthew AshtonSven’s BBC Coach of the Year trophy was auctionedThe trophy, which he won in 2001, went for £500An Ivory Coast top signed by Didier Drogba was sold for £700Sven managed the Ivory Coast in 2010Credit: Getty More

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      Man Utd legend’s son joins club in the seventh tier for the rest of the season as he leaves Premier League side

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      RIO FERDINAND’s son, Lorenz, has joined Havant and Waterlooville for the rest of the season.The 18-year-old has joined the seventh-tier – Southern League Premier Division South – side on work experience from Premier League outfit Brighton.Lorenz Ferdinand has signed for seventh-tier side Havant and WaterloovilleCredit: HAVANT AND WATERLOOVILLEHe has headed there for work experience from BrightonCredit: instagram @lorenz.ferdinandHe is the eldest son of Rio FerdinandCredit: RexFerdinand is a goalkeeper unlike his father, who was a record-breaking defender for the likes of Leeds and Manchester United in his playing days.A club statement from the Hawks said: “Havant and Waterlooville Football Club are thrilled to announce that, goalkeeper, Lorenz Ferdinand has joined on work experience from Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion for the remainder of the Season!”Ferdinand, 18, came through the set-up at Brighton & Hove Albion where he now continues to refine his trade in their Under-21’s set-up.”Lorenz links up with Shaun North’s side for the run-in as the push towards the end of the season continues!READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We welcome Lorenz to the Hawks and look forward to seeing him in action very soon.”Six-time Premier League winner Ferdinand is the dad of five children, with his eldest Lorenz following in his father’s footsteps to try and become a footballer.In 2023 Lorenz signed a management deal with agency New Era Global Sports.Ferdinand Snr. posted on Instagram: “Our eldest is on his own journey in football.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”Another nice moment signing with @neweraglobalsports , well earned through hard work & dedication.”It’s a long road full of ups and downs, so the right & professional support is required – so step forward @neweraglobalsports. Love you Lorenz.”I told Rio Ferdinand to tell Sir Alex Ferguson to f*** off and the Man Utd legend’s reaction was pricelessLorenz has appeared once for the Seagulls in PL2 this season, playing four minutes in a 4-2 win over Southampton and conceding once during his time on the pitch. More

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      ‘He looks like a wrestler’ – Jean-Philippe Mateta to wear WATER POLO helmet in FA Cup clash after horror ear injury

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      JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA will be wearing a water polo-style protective headband on his Crystal Palace return on Saturday.And Eagles boss Oliver Glasner has insisted: “If I didn’t believe he was ready, I wouldn’t play him.”We imagine how Mateta might look in his water polo helmetJean-Philippe Mateta was pole-axed by Liam Roberts in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup clash with MillwallCredit: REUTERSThe horror tackle resulted in Mateta receiving 25 stitches to his earCredit: SKY SPORTSThe Frenchman has been wearing protective padding in trainingCredit: INSTAGRAM@CPFCHe’s set to don a water polo-style protective headband upon his return to the first teamCredit: DECATHLONFrench striker Mateta is set to start Palace’s FA Cup quarter-final clash at Fulham – his first appearance since requiring 25 stitches in his ear after being hit with a dangerous kung-fu kick by Millwall keeper Liam Roberts in the fifth round on March 1.After trialling three different versions, Mateta has been training over the international break in his FA-approved protective head guard – including in a behind-closed-doors match – which has been jovially mocked by Glasner and the Palace squad.Glasner explained: “It’s like a water polo helmet. In water polo it’s so they don’t get water into their ears, he has it just on one side. It sounds crazy, but we are used to it.“I said to him maybe you should try [water polo] because he’s tall enough. READ MORE SPORTS NEWS”It looks a bit strange but he says he feels comfortable so let’s see.“When he scores a header, then it was the right mask and the right protection. “Our doctor and the team did a great job finding the right protection. Everything is approved by the FA.“There were three different ones. He tried one like you use to ride a motorbike but he couldn’t train with this because it was too heavy.Most read in Football“I said to the doctor I remember Petr Cech wearing a helmet but the ear was free so we needed the full helmet. Then we found the right one.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOliver Glasner has no reservations about throwing Jean-Philippe Mateta back into the fireCredit: REUTERS“He tried in training which one fits him best and doesn’t influence him in the wrong way.”If I believed it was a problem, I wouldn’t play him but it looks like it isn’t a problem.Crystal Palace star Mateta stretchered off with horror injury after shock kung-fu kick from Milwall keeper who sees red“The last 10 days he’s had this protection and he did well in training so I didn’t find a reason to talk about this.”Asked whether there is a risk Mateta may not be the same player because of it, Glasner continued: “I watched him in training, he looks the same as he did before.“He needed to get back into his rhythm because he couldn’t really train for two weeks. “One week he was at home, the second he was training individually.“It’s also lucky that in this situation nothing was fractured and there was no concussion, it was just the ear although it was a terrible injury.“Some players say that the ear looks better than before!”Palace defender Chris Richards – who once played with a protective mask after breaking his nose while in Germany – added: “It can be restricting but I think he’ll be fine.“[Mateta] enjoys the attention. He’s got that bionic ear now. He looks like a wrestler.READ MORE SUN STORIES”With the headband, we were also saying he looks like the American tennis player Francis Tiafoe.”On if he has given Mateta any advice, Richards laughed: “No, no. He won’t listen to me anyway.” More