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      Mario Balotelli booked just five minutes into shock Serie A return after ending Turkish stint with straight red

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      MARIO BALOTELLI took just five minutes to pick up a yellow card on his return to Serie A.The striker joined Genoa as a free agent last week after going a few months without a club.Mario Balotelli took just five minutes to pick up his first yellow cardCredit: GettyBalotelli was brought on as an 86th minute substitute with his side 1-0 up thanks to a goal from Andrea Pinamonti.With the game winding down to a close Balotelli managed to get himself booked.He was cautioned for a foul in the 90th minute, which means he has picked up a yellow and a red in his last six minutes of football.The Italian was sent off in his last appearance for Demirspor at the end of last season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBalotelli, 34, penned a deal until the end of the season with Genoa – the 12th club of his career.Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims he only wanted to join Genoa following extensive talks with manager Alberto Gilardino.The former Italy international appeared thrilled as he met with a group of supporters.Balotelli is back in Serie A after three years away, having had two spells at Adana Demirspor either side of a brief stint at Sion.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the former Manchester City star has vowed to “smash” the league, saying: “Just because I wasn’t in Serie A (in recent years), what I did doesn’t count? F*** off, you and Serie A.”It’s a promise, I’ll smash Serie A when I sign (for a new club), I’ll smash this f***ing Serie A.”Mario Balotelli shows off skills in brilliant game More

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      ‘We’re probably gonna see him in a Man Utd shirt because of his special connection with Ruben Amorim’

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      RUBEN AMORIM will bring Viktor Gyokeres to Manchester United because of his “special connection” with the striker, according to Dimitar Berbatov.Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim, 39, will arrive at Old Trafford on November 11 as Erik ten Hag’s successor.Ruben Amorim is being linked with bringing Sporting Lisbon players to Manchester UnitedCredit: ReutersViktor Gyokeres has been sensational since arriving in PortugalCredit: GettyEx-Man Utd striker Dimitar Berbatov believes Amorim will bring Gyokeres to Old TraffordCredit: Sky SportsEx-Coventry striker Gyokeres, 26, has been thriving under Amorim, scoring 43 goals in 50 games last season.He has continued that form at the start of the new campaign, bagging 20 in just 16 matches.Amorim has already ruled out signing Gyokeres in January, despite Man Utd having scored just nine goals in 10 Premier League games.He said: “I’m not going to get any players from Sporting in January.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Gyokeres costs €100million and it’s very difficult.”However, former Red Devils striker Berbatov, 43, believes the relationship between Amorim and Gyokeres will see the Swedish forward eventually sign for Man Utd.Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “This guy, Viktor Gyokeres, he’s scoring goals for fun right now.”So I think there’s a special connection with the coach, so maybe we are probably going to see him in a United shirt at some point.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSViktor Gyokeres’ career statsClub appearances: 296Club goals: 139International caps: 24International goals: 10Honours: Swedish second division, Primeira LigaWhen asked whether he would be happy with the Gyokeres transfer, Berbatov added: “From what he’s showing right now, I think yes.”Our strikers at the moment are not doing and producing goals, like we see with them 18th in the league for scoring goals, which is embarrassing for a club of the stature of United.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter “This is a position that I’d like to see improvement.”Gyokeres, who is being linked with a move to Barcelona, has already addressed rumours of him joining Amorim in Manchester.He said: “Going with Amorim to Man Utd? I don’t know, I’m here. I really like being here, it’s not something I think about.”I’m enjoying it here. I’m sad about him leaving. We wish him all the best.” More

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      Man Utd delay stadium decision until next year as Ratcliffe targets £2bn Wembley of the North to replace Old Trafford

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have delayed their final decision on the stadium project until next year.The Red Devils were expected to make a decision before the end of 2024.Manchester United could move into a new 100,000-capacity stadiumCredit: https://www.manutd.com/enA decision has been delayed by the clubCredit: https://www.manutd.com/enIt was believed that the three-year development project could start as early as the summer of 2025.However, the planned delivery of a 100,000-capacity ground is set to be pushed back.The redevelopment of Old Trafford and the surrounding area would be boosted with the acquisition of additional land.But there has been no final decision on the redevelopment of Old Trafford.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBoth options of either redeveloping the existing stadium or building a new ground are still available.It is said that a survey of 50,000 Manchester United fans found that 52 per cent were open to a new-build stadium.However, 31 per cent of fans would prefer Old Trafford to be redeveloped, while the remaining 17 per cent are not sure.Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co-owner Joel Glazer have been urged to be as “bold and brave as possible in their thinking”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe demand has come from the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force led by Lord Sebastian Coe.Therefore, the club are now exploring what is possible in the area available to the club.Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Man Utd’s ‘Wembley of the North’ could be 100,000-seat mega-stadium if they leave Old TraffordWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. This means that the final plans are not expected to be decided until next spring at the earliest.Surrounding areas could benefit as the work could create up to 92,000 jobs and more than 17,000 new homes.A new venue or redeveloped Old Trafford could also increase tourism by 1.8 million per year.The city’s civic leaders have more clarity over the finances in Greater Manchester after the budget was announced last week.The club will fund any new stadium project themselves but public money could be made available for related transport and infrastructure costs.Computer-generated images have been released showing what the new ground could look like.”New Trafford” could be circular in shape with a huge roof, a bird’s eye view of the proposed site shows.Another snap reveals a massive Man Utd badge on the side of the ground as red lights brighten a path full of fans walking to the turnstiles.The potential costs of replacing Old Trafford could rise up to at least £2billion.In addition to the survey, the club is holding a series of focus group meetings with fans.This is to draw on all segments of the supporting people to get a better understanding of their perspectives.Director of fan engagement Rick McGagh said: “We are delighted that this survey received the most responses in the club’s history.”It shows how important this work is, and to have this level of engagement at this stage is a really positive place to start.“We know how important our home is to fans, and we need to listen to them and gain all their views and insights in order to develop the world-class stadium they deserve.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We are able to view the results through different lenses to understand if our season ticket holders feel differently about anything than say our official members.”And if younger fans have different views to older fans. This insight is incredibly helpful and allows the project team to understand the differences as well as the commonality in our fanbase.”The plans could cost the club up to to £2billionCredit: AFPThe plans would regenerate the area around the groundCredit: https://www.manutd.com/en More

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      Fans ‘cringe so hard’ at ‘incredibly awkward’ Ruben Amorim interview as new Man Utd manager is grilled by reporter

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      RUBEN AMORIM was involved in an awkward moment with an English journalist ahead of Sporting Lisbon’s game against Manchester City.The new Manchester United manager, 39, will face off against Pep Guardiola’s side in the Champions League on Tuesday night.Ruben Amorim had an awkward exchange in his press conference on TuesdayCredit: PAHe was unwilling to speak English which led to a moment fans labelled ‘cringe’Credit: XHe has the opportunity to beat the Red Devils’ local rivals before he even arrives at Old Trafford on November 11.And on Monday he was quizzed about earning a win over the Premier League champions by Sky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill.But Cotterill was keen for Amorim to speak in English… which led to an awkward moment between the pair.The Sky Sports journalist asked: “I wondered if you were aware that obviously to win tomorrow night will be brilliant for your current club [Sporting] but also brilliant for your new club [Man Utd].READ MORE ON MAN UTD”You could be a hero even before you get on a plane to Manchester. Has that crossed your mind? In English please.”A sheepish Amorim, who has been praised already for his excellent English skills, replied: “Sorry, I cannot speak in English now.”Cotterill proceeded to ask “why” on two occasions, before Amorim added: “I’m sorry, they [the other journalists] will miss me in Portuguese so I have to speak in Portuguese.”Cotterill said: “They’ve had about 25 minutes in Portuguese. We want 10 seconds in English.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe press officer then intervened to say: “We will proceed in Portuguese, next week you can hear him talking English.”Before Cotterill added: “It’s like a cold shoulder to your English fans.”How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyAmorim laughed off the comment, but those on social media were quick to react.One said: “Cringing so hard watching this clip. Fair play to Amorim for keeping his cool.”Another added: “He shoulda trolled the journalist in Portuguese. Easy pickings.”A third responded: “This is stomach-churning.”And a fourth said: “Huge respect to Ruben Amorim for standing firm on his beliefs.”The less said about having to answer questions in English whilst he’s in Portugal the better 🤦🏿‍♂️.”Amorim’s first game in charge of Man Utd comes away at Ipswich on November 24.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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      Fulham stars repeatedly slap pitch-invading fan on head in wild celebrations as he is dragged off by stewards

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      FULHAM stars repeatedly slapped the head of a pitch-invading fan in wild celebrations after their incredible comeback win over Brentford.The Cottagers were 1-0 down in their West London derby with just minutes remaining when Harry Wilson netted an extraordinary 92nd-minute equaliser.A fan celebrated Fulham’s late win over Brentford on the pitch with playersCredit: Sky SportsHe was slapped on the head by Fulham stars before being taken off the field by securityCredit: Sky SportsBrentford were left shellshocked by Fulham’s late effort.But the Bees were stung again when Wilson pounced with a 97th-minute header to seal a 2-1 victory.The Welshman’s brilliant brace sparked jubilant celebrations among the Craven Cottage faithful.And one supporter got carried away as he left the stands for the pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fan immediately ran to Wilson before hugging him in delight.Rodrigo Muniz and Tom Cairney also joined in the celebrations.And the group toasted Wilson’s winner by hilariously repeatedly slapping the fan on the head.The supporter appeared to love it though as he continued roaring with joy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut his party with the players was short-lived as security intervened.They surrounded the man as Fulham’s stars broke away.’That’s the type of game where babies are made’, says Prem legend to leave Monday Night Football studio in stitchesAnd he was quickly escorted back off the pitch to continue the fun elsewhere.The win saw Fulham move up to ninth in the table, putting them two points ahead of 12th-place Brentford. More

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      Man Utd told ‘Cole Palmer owns every one of your players’ after video of filthy skill in Chelsea draw emerges

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      CHELSEA fans hailed Cole Palmer after his audacious skill against Manchester United.The England international, 22, was largely kept quiet at Old Trafford on Sunday as the two sides played out a 1-1 draw.Cole Palmer brilliantly nutmegged Manuel Ugarte with a superb piece of skillCredit: XChelsea fans were in awe of the England international’s moment of geniusCredit: XBut Palmer, 22, still showed his class with one eye-catching moment up against Man Utd’s new signing Manuel Ugarte.Neither side were able to keep hold of possession as the ball bounced around in an ugly passage of play.Eventually, it dropped to Palmer who feinted to take it one way and then fed the ball through Ugarte’s legs.He then found space and played a pass to start a Chelsea move.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAnd the piece of skill was not missed by Blues supporters who were quick to heap praise on their talisman.One said: “He actually owns every Manchester United player.”Another added: “Nutmeg with a ball that’s still in the air is wild 🤯.”A third replied: “Nah, this guy is an exceptional baller.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhile a fourth responded: “Pure skill from Palmer. That was icy.”Palmer has already scored seven goals and assisted 5 in 12 games this season.Cole Palmer’s reaction to being compared to Zola will make you feel old as fans say ‘he actually said that out loud?’He has continued his fine form from his opening campaign at Chelsea where he racked up 42 goal contributions in 48 matches.Chelsea sit fourth in the Premier League table, above Arsenal on goal difference – who they face at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. More

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      Inside bizarre football league where every single game is home match with unique pitches hosting four divisions at once

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      A BIZARRE football league sees teams play every game at home – with unique pitches hosting FOUR divisions at once.The Bristol Downs League was formed almost 120 years ago and takes place every Saturday afternoon.A bizarre football league sees four divisions play at the same timeCredit: AlamyThe Bristol Downs League has 1,500 active footballers playing alongside each otherCredit: YouTubeNo less than 41 amateur teams, comprised of over 1,500 players, gather at 2pm on one giant field to compete across four divisions.Incredibly, over 400 matches are played per season at the Clifton Downs, a massive 442-acre open parkland situated on top of Bristol’s Avon Gorge.The huge space, which spreads to Durdham Down, is divided into 32 football fields parked right alongside each other, allowing multiple matches to be played at the same time.It means no team ever really plays away from home, with all fixtures effectively taking place in the same spot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Bristol Downs League was created way back in 1905 and has seen a host of sports stars take part over the years.Former England and Arsenal captain Eddie Hapgood was one of the biggest football stars to ply his trade there in the early 1920s.Ex-England cricket skipper Wally Hammond could also be found there trying his hand at the beautiful game nearly a century ago.While former Scotland and Celtic goalie Jonathan Gould has fond memories of the Downs — having played there as a STRIKER.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe told BBC Sport: “The weather was not always great up on the Downs, it’s a little bit exposed.“It’s incredible to think so many people come up here on a weekend and enjoy the game of football.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsEvery team effectively plays all their games at homeCredit: AlamyEx-Celtic and Scotland goalie Jonathan Gould used to play in the league as a strikerCredit: Keith Campbell – The Sun Glasgow“How do we keep this going so in 100 years it’s still here? Maybe we put some money into it and keep it alive.“The refs want to be here, the players want to be here. It’s part of the culture of Bristol Saturday afternoons — it’s incredible.” More

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      New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim to be handed instant injury boost as £60m ace set for first-team return

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      RUBEN AMORIM is set to be handed an instant injury boost when he finally takes charge at Manchester United after Mason Mount returned to first-team training.The Portuguese boss has been confirmed as Erik ten Hag’s successor at Old Trafford.Mason Mount is back in full training at Man Utd after another injury setbackCredit: GettyThe boost comes as Ruben Amorim prepares to leave Sporting Lisbon for Old TraffordCredit: EPABut he will not be taking the reins until after November’s international break.It means the current Sporting Lisbon chief has plenty of time to prep for his first game against Ipswich Town as interim gaffer Ruud van Nistelrooy takes charge of fixtures with PAOK and Leicester.And Amorim is sure to be running his eye over United’s talented, yet underperforming, squad.He certainly won’t be short on options after Ten Hag was provided with £200million-worth of new stars over the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut one forgotten ace is also set to rejoin the pack, with Mount returning to full training after missing the whole of October with injury.Mount was signed from Chelsea a year ago for an initial £55m, with fee potentially hitting £60m.Still only 25, he should be hitting his peak after leading the Blues to the Champions League and Club World Cup.But Mount has been hit by numerous injury problems at United and so far has just one goal in 25 outings.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe England star will be desperate to relive his Stamford Bridge glory days at Old Trafford.And he could be one of the beneficiaries of Amorim’s new 3-4-3 formation, which sees two versatile forwards sit either side of the striker.’Career threatening!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts to Martinez’s tackle on Cole Palmer in Man Utd vs Chelsea | The Whistleblower, Mark HalseyMount played a similar role on the right at Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel.But he will first need to prove his fitness while also convincing Amorim that he is more deserving of a place in the forward line than the likes of Marcus Rashord, Bruno Fernandes or Alejandro Garnacho.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More