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      Conspiracy theory or anti-Arsenal agenda? Fuming fan details 22 dodgy decisions as he claims Gunners should be TOP

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      NEW Year’s Day 2022 and it’s my then-eight-year-old son’s first trip to The Arsenal.A Red Letter day in the Hamilton household and one we will always remember.Arsenal have been on the end of a number of controversial decisions in recent seasons – including the one to award Brighton a penalty for thisCredit: ReutersMikel Arteta has been left furious by some of the decisions which have gone against his sideCredit: EPAHenry is excited but I start the journey with some trepidation, as we are facing table-topping Man City.Avoiding my usual pre-match ritual of a trip to the pub, we instead take some pictures of murals – Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe – visit the club shop and enjoy some overpriced pizza and Prime.We take our seats in the front row of the North Bank upper tier, where we have an unimpeded view of the pitch – and I remind Henry how formidable City are in a bid to temper his expectations.But as the game gets underway, Arsenal are fizzing the ball around, the crowd starts to believe and we all begin to ‘trust the process’ implemented by our then-relatively-new manager, Mikel Arteta. READ MORE SPORT STORIESSaka – who we’d seen earlier adorning a wall near the ground – sweeps us into a first-half lead, Gabriel Martinelli is electric and an energetic and inventive Martin Odegaard is the choirmaster.The atmosphere is crackling, even in the posh seats, and Henry turns to me to say: “Arsenal are doing so well.”But half-time comes along, the officials intervene and City turn the tide in the second half.They are given a totally unmerited penalty, Martinelli hits the bar and every decision seems to go against us.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAt one point, I think City midfielder Bernardo Silva is reffing the game, not Stuart Attwell.The crowd turns on Attwell and the North Bank upper (and lower) suggest he is not fit to referee.Arsenal fans admit ‘man crush’ over Riccardo Calafiori after slow-motion video of Gunners heartthrob giving interview “How much are they paying you?”, the bellowing Gooners inquire and I am proud to glance around to see Henry joining in.Then Gabriel Jesus – who I have still not fully forgiven – goes to the ground easily under the outstretched leg of his Brazilian namesake in City’s half.Attwell buys it and sends off the Arsenal centre-back, Gabriel, who had already been booked.Arsenal have a clear penalty shout dismissed after a lengthy VAR check. How they have given City’s but not Arsenal’s we cannot understand.Rodri scores an injury-time winner and Arsenal are robbed.We leave the ground disconsolate.Fast forward three years and a few days and Arsenal travel to Brighton in the televised 5.30pm kick off on Saturday January 4.As the team sheets are displayed on-screen, one name leaps out at me. Anthony Taylor.The same ref whose officiating had effectively allowed Virgil van Dijk to assault Kai Havertz at the Emirates earlier in the season. Taylor then ruled out what looked to many a legitimate goal that would have given Arsenal a 3-2 win against Liverpool in the dying moments.I take to a family WhatsApp group and point out that we are “in trouble” with him officiating.But despite Taylor’s management of the game effectively allowing Estupinan to foul Nwaneri then kick the ball away, stopping the free-kick being taken; permitting a Brighton player to assault Merino (with the referee admonishing the Arsenal bench for daring to rise to its feet); and then booking Nwaneri for taking ‘too long’ to take a corner, Arsenal lead.Nwaneri is taken off at the interval having been roughed up, as happens to Saka – for whom he is deputising – every game.And then it happens.The most ‘bizarre’ and incomprehensible penalty I have seen given against us in more than 40 years of watching The Gunners.Taylor spots a foul by Saliba on Pedro, who looks like he has taken lessons from Tom Daley with his reaction.Saliba has actually headed the ball and there is minimal contact when the ball has already been cleared.Nevertheless Taylor blows, VAR ‘confirms’ it in three seconds and Brighton score.In the same game, both Trossard and Gabriel are brought down in the Brighton box.Taylor responds to both incidents with the ‘coming together/acceptable contact’ hand gesture. Arteta says he “has never seen anything like it”.And in between these games?Well Arsenal have constantly broken new ground.The only team that I remember to have a player sent off (Martinelli at Wolves) for two yellows in the same passage of play – the equivalent of getting two speeding tickets 30 yards apart in the same street.The ridiculous spectacle of Newcastle being allowed to score a winner against Arsenal from a move in which the ball looked clearly out of play and there looked to have been both a foul and an offside before Anthony Gordon turned the ball home.The sight of Tomiyasu being sent off, after being booked for taking a throw-in too slowly, and brushing past a Palace player at Selhurst Park.Kane (who has thankfully left) and Son going down easily and getting penalties in almost every North London derby.A 1-1 draw with Brentford when VAR ‘forgot to draw’ the lines to check the Bees’ offside goal.A last-gasp ‘equaliser’ at Villa Park ruled out for no reason last season.Declan Rice was sent off after being booted from behind by Joel VeltmanCredit: TNT SportsWilliam Saliba was controversially sent off for a tangle with Bournemouth’s EvanilsonCredit: RexMichael Oliver deciding not to send off Kovacic for what appeared to be a blatant foul right in front of him when he was on a yellow for Man City at the Emirates.Refs’ boss Howard Webb then came out to explain that Oliver did not want to “ruin the flow of the game”.The same ref, Oliver, then sent off Trossard, on a yellow, for kicking a ball away a split-second after he had blown his whistle when Arsenal played at City this season.Trossard was breaking up an attack and may well not have heard the whistle in a packed stadium.What happened to the flow of the game? It was ruined.Ten-man Arsenal resorted to trying to defend their goal like the Alamo.And, of course, Arsenal were the first – and only – team to have a player (now two) sent off for supposedly delaying a free-kick.The Brighton kick was deep in Arsenal’s half, and Rice was walking back when the ball was kicked at him.He flicked it away about two metres before Veltman felled him with a kick that would not have been out of place in a Muay Thai gym.Any rational person watching the incident would have expected Veltman to be sent off.But, no – it was Rice.Chris Kavanagh was seen mouthing to Rice that he had “left me no choice”.Arsenal have been denied goals and seen goals go in at their expense in controversial circumstances, including this Newcastle goalCredit: GettyArsenal fans belive this ball went out of play before another Newcastle goal against the GunnersCredit: Sky SportsYet the same ref was sent to the monitor by VAR after Man City scored a controversial late winner at Wolves just weeks later.Bernardo Silva looked to all the world to be blocking the Wolves keeper as Stones scored. Kavanagh studied the monitor and awarded the goal.Weeks after the Trossard sending-off at City, Arsenal travelled to Bournemouth.The Gunners weren’t playing well but it was 0-0 as Saliba pulled back the breaking Evanilson just outside the centre circle.Evanilson did not have the ball under control, keeper Raya was advancing and right-back Ben White was covering.Ref Rob Jones was yards away with a clear view – and correctly, in my opinion, awarded a yellow.But VAR intervened and Jarred Gillett suggested it be upgraded to a red.Was it an incident the ref had not seen? Clearly not.Was it a ‘clear and obvious’ error? Clearly not.Was it open to interpretation, and a situation where the on-field decision is usually respected? Clearly yes.As pundits – including Gary Lineker – agreed at the weekend that Taylor ‘got it wrong’ at Brighton, a video was circulating online showing unpunished fouls on Arsenal players.They include the Veltman attack on Rice, an Everton player stamping on Takehiro Tomiyasu and a Wolves player strangling Kai Havertz.Arsenal player ratings: Ethan Nwaneri is perfect Bukayo Saka replacement but Gabriel Jesus goes missing against BrightonETHAN NWANERI was the brightest spark on the pitch as Arsenal lost further ground int he title race.SunSport’s Isabelle Barker has given her ratings for the Arsenal players…DAVID RAYA – 6The Spanish stopper didn’t have too much to deal with apart from Joao Pedro’s penalty which he went the wrong way for. He couldn’t have done too much about it though, it was a classy finish into the other corner.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Partey was ok to start with at right-back but the experiment still looked unconvincing in the second-half, with him struggling to handle Kaoru Mitoma when the Japanese international came on.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6The French centre-back was solid up until conceding the crucial penalty for dangerous play against Pedro in the box. If it had been a headbutt, Saliba would have been sent off, in fairness it looked as though he was going for the ball, and it was an unfortunate clash of heads.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Started off solidly at the back but faded out with little answers for Brighton’s pressure towards the end.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7Calafiori was superb, particularly in the first half against Brighton, with the stats speaking for themselves. He won the most duels, completed the most take ons and most tackles. He also misplaced just one of his 22 passes.JORGINHO – 6The ex-Chelsea man struggled to receive the ball under pressure, nearly costing Arsenal a goal for the hosts. Generally looked too slow for the game this evening.MIKEL MERINO – 7The Spanish midfielder linked up beautifully with Rice for the opener, producing a lovely pass over the top for Nwaneri to latch onto. Merino faded out towards the end though, looking more sluggish and ponderous on the ball as the minutes went by.DECLAN RICE – 7The midfielder was the furthest forward, pressing the Brighton backline with Jesus and it worked at first.He took on the Odegaard role when Arsenal didn’t have possession. Was involved with first big chance with Jesus and then pulled the strings for Nwaneri’s opener.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6The Brighton faithful were booing Trossard from the get go but he didn’t show up to silence them. The Belgian winger offered very little going forward.ETHAN NWANERI – 8So good from Nwaneri for the opener. He was involved in the build up with Rice and Merino then put on the afterburners to produce a charging run before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.What a good replacement Nwaneri has been for Bukayo Saka. He fits the bill with pace, body shape, and a lovely left foot.GABRIEL JESUS – 5The striker lashed a shot at Verbruggen for an early warning, but he was offside anyway, wasting the delicious through ball from Jorginho. Was virtually anonymous by the end and Arsenal won’t be able to win the league with a striker like that.SubstitutesMARTIN ODEGAARD – 6GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes is shown appearing to elbow Declan Rice in the back of the head, while Van Dijk kicking out twice at Havertz also makes the cut.Saka also appears to be kicked up in the air two yards from the ref against Crystal Palace.On the Guimaraes elbow – apparently not seen by VAR – Man Utd legend Gary Neville, who is not known for his love of Arsenal, calls it “not good” and a “deliberate elbow”.The commentator remarks that Saka was unable to carry on after being assaulted.An Arsenal fan page compiled it, you might think.No, it is on Villa Verse, with the poster referring to their Colombian striker Jhon Duran’s harsh sending-off at Newcastle.“Hate to side with Arsenal fans,” the page says.“But it’s mental that none of these were given the same punishment as Duran’s.” My thoughts entirely.Arsenal are not the only ‘wronged’ team. Wolves, particularly under the unlucky Gary O’Neil, and West Ham spring to mind, as do Spurs on Saturday against Newcastle (them again) – but it has been happening on a consistent basis for the last few years.It has cost the Gunners points – by my reckoning at least nine this season – with Liverpool and City also gaining a point each from decisions against us.Referees have always got things wrong, but with VAR to review decisions there is no excuse now – and yet it happens with alarming frequency. And with no repercussions.And which teams appear to benefit the most against Arsenal? Title rivals Man City and Liverpool and Arsenal’s next opponents, Newcastle.READ MORE SUN STORIESMy conclusions, dear reader?It might be time to spend time and energy on sports that are enjoyable and relaxing to watch – like the darts. More

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      Hero Luis Suarez helps talk man out of suicide attempt as he and wife join emergency services’ 20-hour rescue mission

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      LUIS SUAREZ and his wife helped talk a man out of suicide after joining the 20-hour rescue attempt.The Liverpool and Barcelona legend became an unlikely hero while back in his homeland of Uruguay.Luis Suarez helped stop a man from taking his own lifeCredit: Canal 4Suarez and his wife Sofia joined the rescue missionCredit: Instagram @luissuarez9Reports have emerged that claim a 49-year-old man had climbed a six-metre-high tree with a rope and threatened to jump.He was supposedly demanding that his partner, a 53-year-old woman, arrived at the scene.Suarez and his wife Sofia Balbi were out for a walk along the Solymar promenade on Friday when they saw the incident. It has been reported that the 37-year-old striker spoke to the man, encouraging him to come down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA non-governmental organisation that specialises in psychology were on hand and eventually persuaded him out of the tree safely.Andrea, who is from the group that saved him, told local media: “Suarez, a well-known Uruguayan player, approached us.”What we did was, during that time of containment, try to talk in an empathetic and close way so that it wouldn’t be so long, even though this man has been there fighting for his life since yesterday.”The man has now been handed over to a professional care unit.Most read in FootballSuarez currently plays for David Beckham’s Inter Miami alongside Barca legends Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.He scored 27 goals last season and won the Supporters Sheild.Suarez married his childhood sweetheart Sofia in 2009 and they have three children together.You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:Suarez currently plays for Inter MiamiCredit: EPA More

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      Five transfers for Jack Grealish to revive career as he struggles at Man City and Pep Guardiola questions his ‘shape’

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      JACK GREALISH could be set for a January transfer after struggling for form and fitness at Manchester City.The winger has not scored for City since December 2023 and has been overlooked by Pep Guardiola since returning from injury in November.Jack Grealish could move this month to revive his careerCredit: GettyPep Guardiola questioned Grealish’s ‘shape’Credit: GettyHe has started just six Premier League games this season with youngster Savinho often preferred over him.The Brazilian produced two assists in City’s win over West Ham at the weekend, with Guardiola questioning Grealish’s “shape” after the match.He said: “Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack and that’s why I played him.“Do I want the Jack that won the Treble? Yeah. I want it. But I try to be honest with myself for that.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRumours are circulating that a January move could be on the cards for Grealish, with a number of clubs linked.SunSport takes a look at five possible destinations for the England star.ArsenalMikel Arteta wants to “add more firepower” to his team this January with Bukayo Saka set to be sidelined with injury for a number of weeks.He has raided former club City on multiple occasions, with Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko joining along with another ex-Etihad star, Raheem Sterling.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSterling’s move has not worked out with just two Prem starts, so Arsenal could look to Grealish.However Arteta may be keen to bring in a right-sided player as he has Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli available as options on the left.Brilliant moment Jack Grealish joins Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub on FaceTime after being dropped from Man City squadTottenhamSpurs have been linked with a move for Grealish for several years, and are now said to be keeping tabs on the 29-year-old.With Son Heung-min looking past his peak this season and Timo Werner misfiring, Grealish could be a good fit in North London.Tottenham are reportedly interested in striking a loan deal that would see City cover a large chunk of his £300,000-a-week wages, which could prove a stumbling block in a potential permanent deal.Spurs are in need of a lift as they sit 12th in the Prem, although remain in the Carabao Cup and Europa League, so would benefit from the addition of Grealish.NewcastleNewcastle are on the march towards Europe and Grealish would be a marquee signing for the Magpies.There was friction in the summer as the club failed to land a major signing for Eddie Howe, who wanted to bring in a right winger and England star Marc Guehi.Newcastle are another club who are said to be monitoring Grealish’s situation and they could decide to strike if he is allowed to leave.But like Arsenal they could decide to prioritise a right winger with Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes available on the left, particularly as they are still yet to replace the outgoing Miguel Almiron.Aston VillaA return to his boyhood club could be welcomed by Grealish but it would no doubt split the fanbase.The winger was heavily booed on his most recent return to Villa Park last month, leading his dad to hit out at the “disrespect” on show.Grealish reacted to the boo boys by holding up three fingers to remind supporters of how many Premier League titles he has won.However he could be tempted by a move with Villa playing in the Champions League and challenging for the top four.John McGinn has played out of position on the left in recent weeks so Villa are crying out for someone of Grealish’s ilk, although they could sign Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen instead according to Fabrizio Romano.Jack Grealish made 213 appearances for Aston VillaCredit: PAMan UtdA move across Manchester would be a real turn up for the books but it could appeal to all parties.Grealish would not have to up sticks and move while City would likely be able to get a large chunk of his salary off the wage bill – if he left permanently or on loan.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe could also fit into Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system as a flexible winger/No10, a position Grealish has operated in throughout his entire career.Whether City would let him leave to a fierce rival is another question – the last direct transfer between the clubs was Carlos Tevez in 2009. More

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      How Bryan Mbeumo defied logic to become Dream Team’s pound-for-pound champion

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      BRYAN MBEUMO (£4.5m) is arguably Dream Team’s pound-for-pound champion this season.Mohamed Salah (£8.1m) is the runaway points leader but Brentford’s talisman is the romantic choice for MVP (excuse the Americanism) purely for how he has defied logic from the get-go.No European fixtures? No problem!Credit: GettyMbeumo is currently Gameweek 18’s standout performer having amassed 23 points at Southampton’s expense on Saturday.MBEUMO’S PERFORMANCE AGAINST SOUTHAMPTON:90 minutes played (+2 pts)2 goals (+12 pts)1 assist (+3 pts)3 shots on target (+3 pts)2 big chances created (+2 pts)3 tackles (+1 pt)The Cameroon international’s best haul of the campaign has propelled him up the rankings.With an overall total of 196 points, he’s currently fifth among all players and third among assets in his position – Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) and Cole Palmer (£6.1m) being the only midfielders with more points to their name.Saka remains Dream Team’s top midfielder but Palmer and Mbeumo are closing the gap while Arsenal’s No7 is injuredCredit: GettyMbeumo’s lofty status is particularly impressive because he’s achieved his mountainous points total from league appearances plus 133 Carabao Cup minutes.Of the top 20 performers this season, 15 of them are active in either the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League.Without European commitments to bolster his schedule, Mbeumo generally has fewer point-scoring opportunities at his disposal.Most read in FootballFor comparison, he’s played 288 mins fewer than Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) so far this season, the man immediately below him in the rankings.That Mbeumo has defied this disparity to outscore the Manchester United playmaker (and several other high-profile stars) is a measure of blistering domestic form.Mbeumo is on course for 20+ league goals this seasonCredit: RexHaving bagged a brace against Saints, he now has 13 league goals from 20 outings – Salah and Erling Haaland (£7.8m) are the only players ahead of him in the Golden Boot race.A lack of European fixtures is just one hurdle the 25-year-old has vaulted without complaint.There’s no denying Southampton are easy pickings at present but the Bees have faced a relatively tough run of fixtures since the start of December.Prior to their St Mary’s respite, Thomas Frank’s side faced Aston Villa, Newcastle (x2), Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Arsenal.Four of those teams are currently in the top five of the table while the other two (Villa and Brighton) are inside the top half.Dream Team managers would have been well within their rights to expect a downturn in returns from a player throughout such a run but Mbeumo has emerged on the other side with an improved rank.He has notched eight goal involvements since the start of December.Mbeumo has overcome the odds to become a top-tier Dream Team assetCredit: ReutersHis schedule doesn’t ease much this month either with Manchester City and Liverpool due in West London after an FA Cup meeting with Plymouth.But Mbeumo’s owners won’t be too concerned given the way he’s made a mockery of the fixture list this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhether he’s able to sustain an average of 8.5 points-per-game until May remains to be seen but he deserves heaps of credit for his output to this point.Another reminder that there is no foolproof formula for Dream Team, which is what makes it such a compelling game.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson join Man Utd stars past and present for funeral of beloved receptionist Kath Phipps

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      MANCHESTER UNITED stars past and present paid their respects to Kath Phipps at her funeral.The much-loved former Old Trafford receptionist died last month at the age of 85.David Beckham joined mourners at Kath Phipps’ funeralCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe was accompanied by his parents Sandra and TedCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBeckham posted an emotional tribute to the beloved receptionist following her deathCredit: Beckham/NetflixSir Alex Ferguson and former kitman Albert Morgan were among the first to arriveCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRuben Amorim led his players into Manchester CathedralCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe entire playing squad was in attendance wearing club suits – including Marcus RashfordCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkePhipps worked at the club since the 1960s and joined as a switchboard operator when Sir Matt Busby was manager.David Beckham was among those spotted arriving for the ceremony at Manchester Cathedral on Monday afternoon. The former United star, 49, visited Kath in her final days.He was accompanied into the cathedral today by his mother Sandra and dad Ted.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFollowing the sad news of Phipps’ passing, Beckham posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, saying: “The first and last face I would always see was Kath sat at reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me my tickets for the game.”She was the heartbeat of Manchester United, everyone knew who Kath was and everyone adored her.”I moved up to Manchester at 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad ‘I’ll look after your boy for you don’t you worry.'”Ruben Amorim’s entire first-team squad were also in attendance at the funeral, with legendary United boss Sir Alex Ferguson giving a eulogy.Most read in FootballThe current manager led the squad inside, followed by club captain Bruno Fernandes and veteran defender Jonny Evans, who first joined United in 2004.Members of the women’s team and club’s hierarchy – including Ella Toone, Maya Le Tissier, Sir Dave Brailsford and Omar Berrada – were pictured making their way in.Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85Past stars including Gary Neville, Peter Schmeichel, Bryan Robson, Roy Keane, Mark Hughes, Paul Parker and Paul Scholes also paid their respects on a rainy day in the North West.The 50-minute funeral – described as a “service of thanksgiving” for Phipps’ life – started at approximately 2pm after pallbearers carried her coffin in.Abide With Me was among the hymns played after Ferguson’s emotional address.Fergie described Kath as a “wonderful lady” and even referenced yesterday’s 2-2 draw at Liverpool as well as remembering one of the final times he visited her home. The ex-Old Trafford boss said: “I was pleased the team got a result last night… Kath would be happy with that.”When I went to see her at home towards the end, she was happy and content. I thought she had a Coke to drink.”She told me it was a Bacardi and Coke. I asked her what the doctor would think about that. She said, ‘I haven’t asked him.’”It is unusual to have someone who is so committed and who loved people so much. “The people you see here today are here to honour a very special person.”Sir Alex Ferguson read a touching eulogy to PhippsShe joined the club in the 1960s and was the much-loved receptionistCredit: GettyUnited players held up a banner for Kath at Old Trafford on December 7Credit: GettyAs reported by the BBC, Evans added: “She was the best on a good day and the best on a bad day.”Not one person ever walked past Kath without a short embrace. When she came back to work at the start of the summer I gave her a lift home. It was like driving royalty.”United paid tribute to Phipps last month, with the club expressing its “heartbreak” in a statement.It read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.”An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.”Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in the ensuing years, Kath later became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist, ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. “She said last year, ‘I can’t imagine doing anything else.’ Well, we can’t imagine the place without her. Rest in peace, Kath.”It was a sad day for the squad as they said their final goodbyes to the club iconCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe players attended less than 24 hours after drawing 2-2 at LiverpoolCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeElla Toone, Maya Le Tissier and the women’s team also attendedCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeNicky Butt and Roy Keane arrived togetherCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeSir Dave Brailsford paid his respects, tooCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeCEO Omar Berrada wore the red United tie along with his colleaguesCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeJohn O’Shea, Wes Brown and Phil Bardsley reunited for the serviceCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBryan Robson was club captain while Kath worked on receptionCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkePeter Schmeichel spent eight years at Old TraffordCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkePaul Scholes grew up at United knowing PhippsCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkePaul Parker headed to the cathedralCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeDave Gardner was in the United academy and has been close pals with Beckham ever sinceCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAntony Cotton from Coronation Street joined the mournersCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

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      Inside Lilly Gerrard’s glam life, from dressing in Chanel to VIP treatment at a Taylor Swift gig and Ibiza holidays

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      LILLY GERRARD is making her own waves in life.The eldest daughter of Liverpool legend Steven, the 20-year-old has revealed she is expecting her first baby.Lilly Gerrard boasts an envious lifestyleCredit: Instagram / @lilly.gerrarddBlonde beauty Lilly revealed she is expecting her first child at 20Credit: Instagram / @lilly.gerrarddLily is in a relationship with Liam Byrne – the son of an alleged mobsterCredit: Instagram / @lilly.gerrarddThe social media influencer has been in a longterm romance with Lee Byrne – the son of alleged mobster Liam Byrne, who reportedly has ties with the Kinahan gang.Lilly shared a photo of two positive pregnancy tests on social media.She captioned the snap: “Our little secret. The best news… mini us is on the way.”Dad Stevie G was quick to react to her happy news.Read more in footballHe replied: “We can’t wait, great news and congratulations we love you”.Lilly seemingly divides her time between the UK and Bahrain, where her family lives with Steven coaching in Saudi Arabia.And the blonde beauty boasts an enviable lifestyle, from dressing in Dior to fancy holidays in Ibiza and VIP treatment at a Taylor Swift gig.SunSport looks at how Lilly leads her life.Most read in FootballLucky in loveAs The Sun on Sunday revealed in 2022, Lilly started dating Lee in around April of that year.They were first linked when they enjoyed a holiday to Ibiza together and posted snaps kissing.Steven Gerrard mercilessly BOOED by Al-Ettifaq fans after losing local derby with Liverpool legend on brink of sackLee moved into a gated community in Freshfield, one of Merseyside’s more exclusive addresses, which is how he got to know Lilly.Lee has described former England Wag Alex as his second mum.While he also said Lilly is “the best person he’s ever met.”Lee is the son of criminal Liam Byrne, who was arrested in Spain in 2023 and was jailed in October 2024 for five years for weapons charges.However, Byrne Jr has never been involved in any criminal activity.Fashion forwardJust like her mother Alex Gerrard, Lilly is a massive fashionista.She has amassed over 200,000 followers on Instagram, and regularly shares her designer outfits online.Lilly is often seen wearing Chanel, and has handbags by Prada and more.On a trip to Los Angeles in 2022, she showed off her favourite boutiques in Beverly Hills.Social media influencer Lily boasts over 200,000 followersCredit: Instagram / @lilly.gerrarddLily shows off her love of ChanelCredit: Instagram / @lilly.gerrarddFashionista Lily loves Prada handbagsCredit: Instagram / @lilly.gerrarddRecently, Lilly showed off a paid partnership with Red Run activewearCredit: Instagram / @lilly.gerrarddLilly checks out the designer stores in IbizaCredit: Instagram / @lilly.gerrarddread more sport featuresThat included Valentino, Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta.While on a jaunt to London she shared an image of the Chanel store on Bond Street.Most recently, Lilly featured in a paid partnership with Red Run activewear.She captioned the picture: Perfect Monday morning, wearing @redrun_activewear new Founders’ club collection 🤍#redrun #newcollection #foundersclub.”Fancy holidaysAs mentioned, Lilly spent some time in California, where she stayed at the Beverly Hilton.However, it’s Ibiza that appeals to her most.She has been there several times, including this summer where she partied with boyfriend Lee.They went clubbing at hotspot Ushuaïa – posing for a snap together.And the pair also dined at Cipriani – as Lilly munched on pasta and cake.Lilly loves going for holidays in Ibiza and appears to rent luxury villasCredit: Instagram / @lilly.gerrarddLee and Lilly went clubbing at Ibiza hotspot UshuaïaCredit: Instagram / @lilly.gerrarddLily enjoyed eating at posh Italian restaurant CiprianiCredit: Instagram / @lilly.gerrarddForget travelling economy or first class, Lilly often flies privateCredit: Instagram / @lilly.gerrarddLilly hangs up with DJ Sonny Fodera at Amnesia nightclub in IbizaCredit: Instagram / @lilly.gerrarddOn a trip to Dubai, Lilly fed some monkeys at Fame Park zooCredit: Instagram / @lilly.gerrarddSeemingly, Lilly and Lee stayed in a huge mansion on the Balearic Island, which had its own swimming pool.How does she get there? By private jet, of course, which she shared in an Insta post back in 2023 on another visit to Ibiza.On that trip, she even got to meet DJ Sonny Fodera, who was playing at Amnesia.Lilly has also shared moments she’s had on family holidays to Dubai, including visiting the infamous Fame Park zoo owned by Dubai billionaire Dr. Saif Belhasa.She’s a SwiftieLast summer the hottest ticket in town was one for a Taylor Swift gig.Back in June, the songstress took her Eras tour to Anfield for two nights.Lilly was in attendance with Lee, watching all the action from a posh box.If your dad is a Liverpool legend, it must have been easy for her to get tickets.And she seemed delighted to be there.READ MORE SUN STORIESDressed in a fetching red cowboy hat, she smiled alongside Lee for a couple of photos.She said: “Taylor time ❤️ Best time with the best people #swifties.”Back in June, Lilly and Lee went to see Taylor Swift at AnfieldCredit: Instagram / @lilly.gerrarddThe pair of ‘Swifties’ were given VIP treatment in a private boxCredit: Instagram / @lilly.gerrarddSteven Gerrard poses with his three daughters, Lilly, left, Lourdes centre, and Lexie, rightCredit: Instagram / @lilly.gerrardd More

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      Who is Steven Gerrard’s daughter Lilly?

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      LILLY-ELLA Gerrard is the daughter of the world-famous footballer and former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.Both fans of Lilly and her dad were thrilled when she announced on January 5, 2025, that she was expecting a baby with her partner. Lilly-Ella Gerrard is an influencerCredit: Instagram/@Lilly.GerrardLilly’s father is the famous footballer Steven GerrardCredit: Getty ImagesLilly revealed that she is pregnant in an adorable postCredit: Instagram/@Lilly.GerrardGrowing up famousLilly was born on February 23, 2004.As well as having a famous dad, she also has a supermodel mum named Alex Curran. Alex was known as one of the most famous WAGs of the 2000s, with The Times dubbing her the “über-WAG”.Lilly decided to follow her mum into showbiz, when she visited the set of the hit soap Coronation Street. Read More on Steven GerrardIn 2013, she landed a non-speaking extra role on the show, in an episode which starred Helen Worth as Gail Platt. Lilly is one of Alex and Steven’s four children. She has a brother named Lio and two sisters, named Lexie and Lourdes. Life as an influencerLilly has launched several popular social media accounts, where she takes fans behind the scenes of her life as Steven Gerrard’s daughter.Most read in FootballShe often posts videos of her dogs and has amassed over 70,000 followers on TikTok (as of January 2025).The influencer is even more popular on Instagram, where she has over 210,000 followers (as of January 2025).Lilly is dating Lee ByrneCredit: Instagram/@Lilly.GerrardBaby on the wayOn January 5, 2025, Lilly shared that she was pregnant in an adorable post. She posted a snap of a pregnancy journal, alongside two positive tests, two scan pictures and a pair of booties.Lilly captioned the post: “Our little secret, the best news, mini us is on the way.”The Sun first revealed that Lily was dating Lee Byrne, the father of her baby, in 2022. Lee and Lilly’s families have reportedly grown close, since the pair were first spotted on holiday in Ibiza. More

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      ‘I heard things that you should not hear as a footballer’ – Cult hero opens up on ‘uncomfortable’ transfer to Everton

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      EVERTON cult hero Royston Drenthe has revealed the bizarre circumstances behind his move to Goodison Park. The 37-year-old joined the Toffees on loan from Real Madrid in 2011.Royston Drenthe has opened up on his transfer to Everton in 2011Credit: GettyThe Dutchman became a cult figure at Goodison – but left under a cloudCredit: PA:Empics SportDrenthe found the net just three minutes into his debut against Fulham, immediately endearing himself to the home faithful. But his time on Merseyside fell apart after he was lambasted by manager David Moyes for being late to training.The Dutchman has revealed his agent wasn’t even able to attend the meeting as Real discussed terms with the Toffees.An assistant was sent in his place, leaving Drenthe to sit in on the negotiations. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDrenth told Soccernews.nl: “My agent at the time couldn’t be there, so one of his right-hand men came to fix the deal. “He had to do that together with me.”So now I was there myself, and with a stranger too.”Players usually leave negotiations to agents – and Drenthe admits he heard things “not meant for his ears.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe continued: “Practically speaking, I heard all the details, ins and outs that were probably not meant for my ears.”It was a bit uncomfortable. I also heard the management fee, that kind of thing.Royston Drenthe looks unrecognisable as he trains with Racing Murcia for first time since shock free transfer aged 33 “You could also see from his actions that he was not at ease because I also heard things that you should not hear as a footballer.”Look, agents do their job too. But they are often things that are not for our ears. “They do act very transparent, but in most cases they are not.””They have been able to eat well from this transfer, yes, I am convinced of that!”Drenthe’s career never fully recovered from his stint with the Toffees.He later played for both Sheffield Wednesday and Reading, but fell into obscurity before retiring in 2023.Lost millionsRenowned for his off-field antics, Drenthe spent five years at Madrid and won both the LaLiga title and Spanish Super Cup while being Cristiano Ronaldo’s team-mate.But he admits to losing millions on parties, holidays and fast cars.Drenthe recently told Dutch TV: “I felt like a god at Real Madrid, playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, and I am proud of it.”But I also liked to party hard in this world of glitter and glamour. I used to drink a lot even though I had to train the next day.”In my first year with them I earned £1.4million, and received another £430,000 as a signing-on bonus.”But I am not a rich man. I squandered the money on holidays and nice cars.”Drenthe’s life away from the pitch has often overshadowed his efforts on it.He has enjoyed work as a rapper, actor, TV pundit, healthcare worker and fashion shopkeeper.His on-field career included an initial retirement in 2016, before returning in 2018.The shock decision to retire came after spells in Turkey and Abu Dhabi which saw him go unpaid.He told SunSport in 2018: “The situation was repeating and repeating,” he tells SunSport.”No matter which country I was, which city, it didn’t change. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was like ‘I’m leaving, I don’t want your money no more, I’m going’.”Then it would happen again. So after, I was just like ‘f*** it.'”Drenthe won the La Liga title during his time with Real MadridCredit: AFP More