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    I produced Wembley’s most famous ever goalkeeping moment, I’m convinced Fifa invented a new rule because of me

    FOR all the talk of goalkeepers using their feet in the modern age, Rene Higuita was on another planet.‘El Loco’ they called him – the frizzle-haired Colombian madman who was the true pioneer of the sweeper-keeper role we see and expect at the highest level today.Rene Higuita’s scorpion kick has gone down in football folkloreCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHiguita recently met up with Aston Villa star Emi MartinezCredit: GettyAn inspirer of the 21st century ball-playing shot-stopper and an entertainer of the masses with his incredible 43 career goals and, of course, that Scorpion kick.Wembley Stadium. September 6, 1995. A drab goalless friendly between England and Colombia lit up by Higuita’s maddening goal-line clearance using his heels in mid-air.Rumour has it that Jamie Redknapp – the Three Lions player whose overhit cross provided the platform – is still not able to comprehend its insanity almost 30 years on.Higuita told SunSport: “I did some important things in football, and that Scorpion kick was special, and also where it took place, in the temple of football at Wembley.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut for Higuita – now 57 having retired 14 years ago – the only reason he even contemplated that audacious stunt was because of a Fifa rule implemented three years earlier in 1992 that he believes was created with his style of play in mind.He explained: “What was more important [than the Scorpion] was the law change that Fifa brought in, taking away a keeper picking up from a back pass. That came through me.“I believe I gave more freedom to goalkeepers which meant they wouldn’t spend so long with the ball and waste time.“They were no longer just thought of as players who had to use their hands. They could use their feet too.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“Recently, I was alongside the goalkeeping coach of West Ham, Xavi Valero, and he was very thankful that I was there and he said it was almost like he had a reference point. Somebody who they could look up to, a mirror for people to look into.”We have Higuita to thank for his impact on the game, influencing the likes of Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta – even if it means endless debates of whether to play David Raya or Aaron Ramsdale.Gareth Southgate reveals England have invited Sven-Goran Eriksson to Wembley friendlies after terminal cancer diagnosis But Higuita was not about structure nor tactics – he was about pure, unadulterated fun, encouraging others now donning the gloves to pre with a freedom and a smile.However, it is unlikely that anyone will ever do it like he did. There are some Premier League strikers who would envy his goalscoring record.For Colombian sides Atletico Nacional, Independiente Medelin, Real Cartagena, Bajo Cauca and Deportivo Rionegro, Mexican outfit Veracruz, as well as for Colombia, Higuita scored 35 penalties, seven free-kicks and one from his own penalty area.He currently sits fifth in the list of all-time goalscoring keepers – the four above him also hailing from South America.Higuita added: “Some people thought it was crazy, but for me, it was taking advantage of the conditions that I had to do things.”And while Higuita enjoys watching the current crop of top keepers – such as Manchester City’s Ederson, Manchester United’s Andre Onana and Everton’s Jordan Pickford – he said: “They play with their feet a lot more, but they are still quite limited in what they do.“I would love to see them play with their feet more, take penalties. I’d even love to see them go past players and score goals, but it is a question of what you like.“It’s a very personal thing. Perhaps others wouldn’t want to see that. It is all about taste and no taste is a bad taste, as we say.“Each of them brings a different grain of sand to what they do trying to do it their way.”Higuita’s style did not always pay off, in particular at Italia 90 as his failed Cruyff turn past Cameroon’s Roger Milla 25 yards from goal knocked Colombia out in the last-16.There was talk about me coming to England to playRene HiguitaBut he is still confident he could have thrived in today’s game in a Guardiola team, and believes he would have played in the Premier League had it not been for his 5ft9 stature.He said: “There was talk about me coming to England to play. Newcastle were mentioned and there were a couple of comments from Arsenal.“Something that was spoken about quite a lot was my height, or my lack of it, so there was no definitive offer for me to come to the UK.”Higuita’s life away from football was also never straight forward, briefly imprisoned in 1993 for acting a go-between for Pablo Escobar in a kidnapping, tested positive for cocaine in 2004 and even ran for Mayor in his home country back in 2011.But, as he prepares to attend the London Stadium on Friday to watch Colombia’s friendly with Spain, he said: “Part of life is living in the moment and learning from your experiences.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It was a lovely past and an experience I can take with me but you cannot live in the past. I am enjoying myself and I am very happy now. Missing things would cause me frustration.”To buy tickets for Spain vs Colombia at the London Stadium, click here.Higuita will be in attendance for Colombia’s clash with Spain on Friday nightCredit: Alamy Live News More

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    I’m an ex-Tottenham star but I want Arsenal to win the league more than ANYTHING… even England winning Euro 2024

    FORMER Tottenham star Darren Bent has admitted he’d rather see Arsenal win the Premier League than England triumph at Euro 2024.The former striker, 40, became Spurs’ record transfer when he joined in a £16.5million deal from Charlton in 2007.Darren Bent played for Tottenham between 2007 and 2009Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdBent, 40, has since revealed himself to be a huge Arsenal fanCredit: YouTube/talkSPORTDespite playing for the Lilywhites for two years, Bent remains a staunch Gooner.Appearing on talkSPORT, Bent was asked by co-host Andy Goldstein whether he’d prefer Prem or Euro 2024 glory later this year.He emphatically replied: “As an Arsenal fan I want the league. I want Arsenal over anything.”Goldstein, 50, then countered: “You don’t want FA Cup – Arsenal, Euros – England?”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBent admitted it would be close but appeared to edge towards the Euros, although he did stress: “Champions League, Premier League over anything.”He then left Goldstein flabbergasted by claiming that even a domestic cup double would have done it for him over the Euros.The 12-cap former England striker added: “FA Cup and League Cup. Nope, I’m not joking you. FA Cup, League Cup. Arsenal.”After having his opinion called “nuts”, Bent continued: “As a fan, I’m club over country.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBent played 79 times for Tottenham, scoring 25 goals and laying on seven assists.After falling down the pecking order at White Hart Lane, he moved to Sunderland in 2009.Luka Modric passed out in a cubicle and had to be carried out by a bouncer on his first Tottenham night out, says Jenas v2He netted four goals in 12 England caps, including three in Euro qualifiers – but never earned a call-up for a major tournament with the Three Lions.Bent had already shown off his love for Arsenal over former club Tottenham this season.Prior to September’s North London derby, he picked 11 Arsenal players in a combined XI.This meant that Gabriel Jesus staggeringly received the nod over Son Heung-min, although the South Korean made Bent eat his words by scoring twice in the 2-2 draw.Bent earned 12 England caps during his careerCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun More

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    Premier League clubs face Government fines of over £50m as tough new rules are introduced

    PREM giants face fines of £50m-plus if they fail to engage with the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator.The long-awaited measure will be introduced in the Commons on Tuesday and is expected to get all-party support.The Government are on the verge of appointing an Independent Football RegulatorCredit: GettyClubs face potentially huge fines if they don’t engage with the regulatorCredit: RexAmong its powers, the Regulator will be able to impose a funding deal between the Prem and the EFL after the process stalled again last week, stop and boot out rogue owners and block clubs from joining any breakaway Super LeagueBut the Regulator will also “have the ability to fine clubs up to 10 per cent their of turnover for non-compliance”Meaning potentially HUGE penalties, with the Big Six grossing £500m-plus every year.Tory MPs said the Regulator would prevent repeats of the financial chaos that overtook Bury, Derby, Wigan, Bolton and non-league Rhyl in recent seasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMid-Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham said: “The Regulator is a new dawn for fans of the beautiful game.“I am so proud that we managed to save Derby County but many other clubs aren’t as lucky.”And I don’t want any other fans to face what we did.“The Government has listened and is taking strong action to give football fans a voice.”Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTory MP Pauline Latham is a “is a new dawn” for footie fansCredit: RICHARD TOWNSHED PHOTOGRAPHYIn a short response, Prem chiefs said they agreed it is “vital that football clubs are sustainable, remain at the heart of their communities and that fans are fundamental to the game”.However, the Prem warned of the “unintended consequences of legislation that could weaken the competitiveness and appeal of English football”.FA Cup semi-final draw CONFIRMED as Man Utd, Chelsea, Coventry and Man City find out their fateBy contrast, EFL chief executive Rick Parry hailed an “important milestone to help us secure the long-term financial sustainability” of the pyramid.Parry added: “If delivered on the right terms, this landmark legislation can help fix the game’s broken financial model to help ensure that all clubs can survive and thrive in a fair and competitive environment.” More

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    Man Utd ‘want to swap Jadon Sancho for Dortmund team-mate but face transfer competition from Arsenal and Liverpool’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly ready to give Jadon Sancho the boot this summer in a sensational swap deal.The England international was frozen out by Erik ten Hag last September for hitting back at the public blasting he received from the Dutchman following United’s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal.Jadon Sancho has been frozen out by Manchester United boss Erik ten HagCredit: PASancho has been loaned out to former club Borussia Dortmund until the end of the seasonCredit: RexUnited are reportedly interested in using Sancho in a swap deal for Dortmund’s Donyell MalenCredit: REXUnited shipped Sancho out on loan to former club Borussia Dortmund in January to allow him to get some playing time.Ten Hag has yet to re-open the door for an Old Trafford return for the £73million man, who he’s reportedly willing to use as a makeweight to sign Dortmund ace Donyell Malen.That’s according to Bild, who claim United are interested in a potential “swap deal” between the pair.The German newspaper, however, claim Arsenal and Liverpool are also sniffing around the Netherlands international.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMalen, 25, has been in great form for Dortmund this season, scoring 13 goals and racking up five assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.Sancho, 23, has scored once and notched one assist in his nine Bundesliga games so far in his second stint with the black and yellows.Sancho’s contract with Manchester United expires in the summer of 2026, although the Red Devils have the option to extend it for a further year.But, judging from Ten Hag’s recent claim that the club had issues with the winger before the boss’ arrival, it’s likely that his future lies away from Old Trafford.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSErik ten Hag has yet to re-open to the door for Red Devils outcast Jadon SanchoCredit: GETTYTen Hag said: “He’s now at Dortmund. So after he was signed, one year before [I was here], and there were issues.”We have had issues all the way through, and so you can make out his stay at Manchester United so far is not a success.Ten Hag claims there were ‘issues’ with Jadon Sancho BEFORE boss arrived at Man Utd and ‘all the way through'”So now he is going back to Borussia Dortmund, so I wish him the best of luck.”I hope, we all hope he is doing well there, he will be successful. Again, we will see what is going to happen.”[Would things be different if he had apologised?] ‘We have said that before.”And I don’t want every time to return to the point. He knows what he should do and we have made that clear.”It was also so clear and obvious about his performance so let’s stop this discussion. “He is to Dortmund and we wish him the best of luck.” More

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    Major sporting event could be MOVED after 26 years due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial Man Utd plans

    RUGBY LEAGUE chiefs are drawing up alternative venues for Super League’s Grand Final should Manchester United’s Old Trafford home be bulldozed.Except for 2020 due to Covid, United’s stadium has hosted the showpiece since 1998 — but Red Devils’ new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has the ground earmarked for a massive redevelopment.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has some bold plans for Old Trafford which could impact Rugby League chiefsCredit: PARatcliffe could propose a new venue on the land next to the current groundThat could mean a temporary shift of venue with Manchester City’s Etihad likely to be the preferred choice.Newcastle’s St James’ Park and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which have hosted Magic Weekend and the Challenge Cup final respectively, are also in the frame.Ratcliffe, 71, has admitted Old Trafford has become “tired” and needs updating. To that end, the Ineos chief’s preference is to build a new stadium on the land owned by Man Utd.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne ambitious plan comes under the guise of Ratcliffe wanting to build a so-called “Wembley of the North” with the help of taxpayer funds.Another includes a 90,000 seater stadium with a new Stretford End.He said: “It’s about time someone built a national stadium in the north of England.”If it can be achieved, it would clearly be my preference.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I would be very excited for the north of England.”A stunning step towards this goal includes a five-year plan to redevelop Old Trafford to be a site which stretches down to the water and links to MediaCity.Erik ten Hag insists he does have Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s backing amid rumours Man Utd boss faces sack in summerAmenity plans include a five-star hotel and a host of other facilities to accommodate Man Utd’s global supporter base, with only a megastore and museum currently at the club’s disposal.Huge infrastructure projects like the one proposed on the grounds of Old Trafford are nothing new to Ineos, who are currently building a £5billion petrochemicals plant in Antwerp, Belgium.Ratcliffe completed his deal for a 27.7 per cent stake in Man Utd in February.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

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    Ron Baynham dead aged 94: Former England and Luton Town goalkeeper passes away as FA release statement

    RON BAYNHAM has died aged 94, the FA have confirmed.The goalkeeper earned three caps for the Three Lions during the 1950s.Ron Baynham has died aged 94Credit: GettyBaynham represented Luton Town with distinction between 1951 and 1966.During this amazing stint he earned a trio of England caps in 1955.Upon learning of his sad passing, the national team wrote in a statement on social media: “We’re saddened to learn that former #ThreeLions goalkeeper Ron Baynham – who won three international caps in 1955 – has passed away aged 94.”Our thoughts are with Ron’s loved ones.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLuton also wrote on social media: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of goalkeeper Ron Baynham.”The Hatters paid tribute to their legendary former keeper on their website.They wrote of how he played 434 times for the Kenilworth Road club, and how he was England’s oldest surviving international prior to his sad passing.Paying tribute, Luton added: “For most Luton supporters of a certain age, memories of Kenilworth Road in the 1950s conjure up the likes of Stanley Matthews, Nat Lofthouse and Tom Finney bearing down on the Luton goal where a tall, strong and athletic goalkeeper was there to see off their efforts.Most read in Football”Ron Baynham was the goalkeeper whose name was on everyone’s lips as he formed the last line of defence behind an accomplished side that more than held its own in the top-flight of English football.”Cricket was Birmingham-born Baynham’s first passion, although he found himself a natural between the posts after being convinced to try football by his brother.After turning down a trial at Wolves while in the army, he went on to sign for Southern League outfit Worcester City.Having impressed for Worcester, Baynham moved to Luton for £1,000.He eventually succeeded another former England international Bernard Streten to become Luton’s No1 and helped them to earn promotion to the top flight in 1955.That year he earned his trio of England caps, appearing in matches against Denmark, Northern Ireland and Spain – with the Three Lions winning all three games.Baynham was between the sticks as Luton contested the only FA Cup final in their history to date in 1959.The Hatters were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Nottingham Forest on the day.Asked about how the experience compared to playing for England, Baynham later said: “Both were tremendous highlights but I rated Wembley for the Cup Final, even though it brought me the biggest disappointment of my career when we lost to Nottingham Forest.”Remarkably, Baynham played a game upfront during his latter years at Kenilworth Road.Having lost his place as No1 after suffering a nasty fractured skull, Baynham eventually retired from the game in 1966.On his life after football, Luton’s obituary revealed: “Ron worked as a painter and decorator as well as at Luton Airport for some years before retiring to live in Silsoe.”He was a welcome guest of the Hatters in 1999 for the FA Cup final 40th anniversary celebrations and proved the life and soul of the party.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He had been back several times since where his appearances on the pitch at half-time were met with rapturous applause despite him saying that no-one would remember him.”Baynham is survived by his partner Dee.Baynham, fourth from top left, earned three England capsCredit: Action Images – Reuters More

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    Championship play-off final ‘to be moved to JUNE if Coventry qualify for it and beat Man Utd in the FA Cup’

    THE Championship play-off final will be pushed back to JUNE if Coventry City pull off a huge FA Cup upset, it’s been claimed.The Sky Blues are still in with a good shout of qualifying for the richest match in football.Coventry City could still qualify for the Championship play-off finalCredit: GETTYThe Sky Blues could play in the FA Cup final if they beat Manchester United in the semisCredit: GETTYThe EFL will push back the Championship play-off final by a week if Coventry qualify for both finalsCredit: PAMark Robins’ troops are four points behind sixth-placed Norwich City, although they have a game in hand on The Canaries.The play-off final is slated to take place at Wembley Stadium on May 26 – but the match will be postponed if Coventry shock the world and reach the FA Cup final.Coventry are set to face Premier League giants Manchester United in the semi-final of the tournament on April 20.The final of the FA Cup is set to take place on May 25 – the day before the Championship play-off final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd, according to The Daily Mail, the EFL will push the richest match in football back seven days to June 2 if both scenarios play out.Wembley staff will be in for a busy 48 hours if Coventry reach both finals as the Champions League final is set to take place on June 1.Coventry shocked Premier League side Wolves in a quarter-final thriller on Saturday, scoring twice deep into added time to win it.Now boss Robins will have an added incentive to reach the FA Cup final as he used to play for the Red Devils.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCoventry manager Mark Robins used to play for Manchester UnitedCredit: RexHe said of United’s own stunning late win over Liverpool: “I watched it and I thought the whole weekend was outstanding.”The games were all entertaining and there were lots of goals.Wolves 2 Coventry 3, Coventry fans go wild in the stands over win that will take them to Wembley“I thought ours set the tone and it was just incredible. “The feeling everyone was left with is that it’s one of those games that you’ll never forget. It was brilliant.”He added: “Sunday’s game was an open game and Man United were brave.”They had to make changes and put midfield players and forwards at full-back and went for it, and that paid off for them.”And Amad Diallo’s goal topped it off for them.”In the end, United did enough to win it, but I think our game set the tone for all the others.” More

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    Premier League table may NOT be decided on final day of season after Nottingham Forest’s points deduction

    BUCKLE-UP and brace yourself for the great relegation roller coaster – it’s going to be one helluva white-knuckle ride!The confirmation that Nottingham Forest have been deducted four points for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules, saw them swap places with Luton Town to plunge into the Premier League’s relegation zone.Nottingham Forest were hit with a four point deduction todayCredit: RexBut, with Everton also facing a second deduction, the fate of the league may not be confirmed until after the season endsCredit: AlamyLuton could drop back below Forest on merit if a Forest appeal is successfulCredit: ReutersHere’s how the table looks after today’s newsThey are now experiencing the same sinking feeling Everton felt earlier in the season when they were docked 10 points – later reduced to six – and also plummeted into the bottom three.As things stand, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are now on 21 points – one point adrift of Luton, who they drew with on Saturday, while they trail Everton by four points.With nine games left they now face the scramble of all scrambles to claw their way out of the drop zone, with Brentford (26 points) and even Crystal Palace (29 points) not in the clear yet.So if you’re an armchair fan, get the popcorn ready and settle down for a feast of frantic dog-eat-dog football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, if you are a fan of any of the competing clubs, consult your doctor to make sure you are fit enough to handle the finale …. and say goodbye to your fingernails!There is already a hell of a lot of fury from fans of Everton and Forest over why they have been singled out.They rightly rage at the fact Manchester City have 115 charges hanging over their heads, while Chelsea owner Todd Boehly flagged up concerns he had at some of his own club’s financial dealings before he arrived.Then there is the extremely large elephant in the room which makes this year’s relegation bun fight an even bigger circus than ever before.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEverton and possibly Forest still have unfinished business with the Independent Commission.Everton, remember, still have another Premier League charge hanging over them.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveThe Toffees could be made to wait until April 8 to discover their fate, with another points deduction potentially heading their way.Meanwhile Forest are currently consulting with their legal team as they ponder whether to appeal their four point penalty.If Forest go down the route that worked so well for Everton, they have until March 25 to notify the Premier League of their intentions.Then a new Independent Commission would need to be appointed and sift through the evidence again to judge on whether Forest have been faily or harshly treated.There is the possibility they could find in Forest’s favour – or they could find in favour of the Premier League and impose an even greater points deduction.In the meantime, Luton will be left hanging to discover if they are still above Forest or below them when the final decision is made.It’s why Rob Edwards has a League table pinned on his wall which only charts the points every club has collected on the pitch – in case there are further appeals.While Forest’s fate will be known before the end of the season, Everton still have that second judgement hanging over them.No-one knows if they will be deducted yet more points.No-one knows if they will appeal if they do receive a second points penalty.Confused? Well be prepared to be further bamboozled.Because if Everton do decide to launch a second appeal, the latest possible date for that hearing to take place is May 24.And as any footy fan knows, that is five days AFTER the final day of the Premier League season!It means the seven clubs currently involved in the relegation dogfight could go into their final fixtures with no idea of how many points they will require to dodge the drop!There is a real possibility Everton could celebrate staying up – only to be relegated five days later if their appeal is thrown out.Or Forest and Luton might believe they have escaped relegation – only to be crushed if Everton win their appeal and have points restored.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s a dog’s dinner.But there can be no doubt it guarantees a nerve-shredding end to the season for all concerned. More