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      Shamed ace Richard Rufus told to pay back just £372,740 of £9m he scammed from family and friends

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      SHAMED footballer Richard Rufus has been told to pay back just £372,740 of the £9million he scammed from family and friends in a pyramid scheme.The ex-Charlton Athletic star, now 49, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years in 2023 after conning friends and family into investing in the fraudulent get-rich-quick plan.Rufus played for Charlton AthleticCredit: GettySouthwark Crown Court heard yesterday how Rufus had fleeced a grand total of £9,388,112.99 from his nearest and dearest.But the court ordered him to pay back just £372,740.20, with the sum representing all that he has left.Posing as a foreign exchange trader, he had urged friends to invest with him – lying that footie contacts such as Rio Ferdinand had done the same.Instead he splurged the money on a flash Bentley, Rolex and a mansion.read more on football But the once-millionaire star is now left with just £372,740.20 – which he will have to pay back to his victims.Rufus had tried to reduce the cost – insisting that he needed the money to keep up his flash lifestyle.But Judge Dafna Spiro said he was lying about how much he needed to live off.She said: “I have not found him to be a credible witness.Most read in Football“I do not agree they are reasonable expenses – perhaps the lifestyle could be considered reasonable when you’re a Premier League footballer.“I consider that he is not telling the court the truth at all.”My aunt befriended a man on a bus who forged her will & paid drug addicts to ‘witness’ it to scam my family out of £350kHe was ordered to cough up the money by March next year or face another three years behind bars.Judge Dafna went on: “I make a confiscation order –which will be paid to victims as notified to the court by the Crown.“We will be able to provide the court with a schedule of victims and how much each should be paid.“This is an application for a confiscation order in respect to Mr Rufus following his conviction for his offences in 2022.“I am satisfied that he will not be able to make that sum today so it must be paid before the 12 March 2025.”If he fails to pay off the money he will serve another three years and nine months in prison – which will run consecutively with his current sentence.During the height of his money-spinning scheme the ex-footballer also splurged £200,000 on flash cars.Thousands more were splashed on shopping and meals at top-end restaurants.Meanwhile the only legitimate income he was receiving was £850-a-month rent from his Surrey property.Rufus duped investors by claiming he could return their original capital within 14 days of them asking.He took more than £15million in total – paying some of it back to investors to prop up his con.And he carried on the scam even after his accounts were frozen by the Financial Services Agency in 2011.Charlton legend Rufus earned six England caps during his career.He played his entire career at Charlton – making 288 appearances after his debut in 1994, aged 19.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis first goal came in the side’s historic win over Sunderland in the 1998 play-off final at Wembley.Richard Rufus was jailed for seven-and-a-half years in 2023Credit: Central News More

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      Antonio Conte ‘wants to go back to Man Utd for unwanted star’ after Scott McTominay transfer was huge success

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      NAPOLI manager Antonio Conte could try and sign another Manchester United ace in January, reports suggest.That’s after Scott McTominay’s successful £25million move from Old Trafford to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium last summer.Napoli boss Antonio Conte wants to sign another Manchester United aceCredit: RexThis comes after Conte signed ex-Man Utd ace Scott McTominay at NapoliCredit: RexNapoli want to sign Joshua Zirkzee amid a tough Man Utd startCredit: RexAccording to Il Mattino, Conte, 55, is now keeping tabs on Joshua Zirkzee who has struggled for consistency at United.Man Utd signed Zirkzee, 23, from Bologna last summer following a £36.5m deal.However, there is already speculation over the striker’s future with Juventus said to be monitoring developments.And the Partenopei appear to also be considering a move for the Netherlands international.Read More on Man UtdIn fact, the same report claims Conte has given the “green light” for Napoli to enter the race and sign the Dutchman from United.Zirkzee would reportedly be interested in a return to Serie A after a successful campaign with Bologna where he registered 12 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances last term.Conte has long been a fan of the forward.He wanted to sign him last summer before the Red Devils won the transfer race for his signature.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat would see the ex-Chelsea and Tottenham boss landing another United ace struggling to establish himself in the starting line-up.McTominay, 28, couldn’t seal a starting place under former Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag but quickly turned into a fan favourite at Napoli.Chelsea ‘send Antonio Conte lucrative offer to return’The Scottish midfielder already counts four goals and two assists in 17 appearances across all competitions.And Zirkzee has amassed three goals and two assists in 21 appearances on his debut season at Old Trafford.Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8m More

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      Port Vale kit man, 54, ‘blackmailed club’s millionaire owner for £15k’

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      A FOOTIE club’s kit man is accused of trying to blackmail the millionaire owner.Former police hostage negotiator Duncan Whitehead, 54, allegedly threatened to release damaging information about Port Vale’s Carol Shanahan if she did not hand over £15,000.A man has been accused of trying to blackmail Port Vale owner Carol ShanahanCredit: GettyShanahan, 67, has owned the League Two club with husband Kevin since 2019. The pair turned Whitehead over to cops last October.It is unclear what he was allegedly threatening to reveal about Ms Shanahan, who made £10million founding financial technology giant Synectics Solutions in the 1990s.Whitehead appeared at North Staffordshire magistrates court last month.read more on footballHe has yet to enter a plea and will appear at Stoke-on-Trent crown court on January 5.Whitehead, of Blackpool, served as a Lancashire Constabulary cop from 1992 to 2014 but resigned to start a mental health charity.He has worked as a kit man for a string of lower league clubs and joined Port Vale two years ago. The part-time writer also works as a private ­security guard.Most read in FootballTake That’s Robbie Williams, 50, Vale’s most famous fan, was made president earlier this year — but has no role in the club’s operation.Robbie Williams to buy Port Vale Carol has ownd the club with husband Kevin since 2019Credit: Getty More

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      Eagle-eyed Man Utd fans convinced over Marcus Rashford’s future after spotting Ruben Amorim interaction

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      EAGLE-EYED fans are convinced that Marcus Rashford’s time at Manchester United is coming to an end.The Red Devils star is facing an uncertain time at Old Trafford after a tough spell of form.Marcus Rashford was not acknowledged by Ruben Amorim when he was subbed against Viktoria PlzenCredit: GettyHe was lucky not to be sent off in the Europa League clashCredit: ReutersAmorim could look to bring in new faces in the January transfer windowCredit: GettyRashford, 27, struggled in Manchester United’s win over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.The forward was unable to influence the game and was arguably fortunate to escape a red card in the second half.Rashford flew into a tackle when already on a yellow but avoided further punishment before being hooked by Ruben Amorim.He was not acknowledged by the manager when walking off the pitch and to the bench.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFans spotted the moment and are now convinced that it means that the club will sell him in January.One wrote: “Looks like Rashford is certainly gonna be sold, Amorim didn’t even shake his hand when he came off.”A second wrote: “Amorim acknowledges Malacia and Zirkzee.”No exchange between him and Rashford when he came off earlier.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother commented: “He didn’t even look at him.”While one summarised: “There was nothing to acknowledge about Rashfords game.”Man Utd team-mates in furious on-pitch argument at final whistle after Red Devils scrape past Viktoria PlzenAnother sad fan added: “I wouldn’t be devastated if Rashford left.”Reports have been circulating that Man United would be willing to cash in on Rashford in January.The Daily Mail have reported that the club would accept a bid worth £40million to allow him to leave.The potential sale of Rashford would boost the club’s PSR position as he is an academy profit and would count as 100 per cent profit.An influx of cash would also boost Amorim’s fund to invest in new players to strengthen the squad for the second half of the season.However, finding a buyer could be difficult, with Rashford earning up to £325,000-per-week.His deal runs until 2028, having been signed only in July 2023.Man Utd ratings vs Plzen as Hojlund and Amad spare Onana’s blushes are horror showANDRE ONANA had his blushes spared by Rasmus Hojlund as Manchester United fought back to win against Viktoria Plzen.Here’s how SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson rated the Red Devils stars…Andre Onana – 4It was a very shaky start to the game in which Onana hurt Casemiro and failed to deal with the host’s crosses convincingly.He made a massive error that led to Plzen taking the lead with his poor pass, leaving his defenders with no chance of bailing him out.Diogo Dalot – 6Dalot made some decent runs forward to join in with the attacks.Defensively was fairly solid and was not often caught out.Noussair Mazraoui – 6Playing a bit more central, Mazraoui used his pace well to help out at the back.Matthijs de Ligt – 6He was sold short by Onana’s pass that led to the opener but otherwise was fine during the 90 minutes.Lisandro Martinez – 6Made himself available when Man United got forward but struggled with the physicality of the Plzen attackers.Tyrell Malacia – 6He offered very little going forward in the wing-back role as he struggled to combine with Marcus Rashford.Casemiro – 6He moved the ball forward when he could and recovered from an early blow from Onana.Bruno Fernandes – 7He was lucky to have escaped an early yellow card. Stung the goalkeeper’s gloves in the first half with a good effort.His quick thinking set up Rasmus Hojlund to fire in a late winner.Amad Diallo – 8Diallo was a rare bright spark in Man United’s attack against Plzen.It was his run that led to the equaliser, and he used his pace and skill to get past his defender.Marcus Rashford – 4Rashford was often loose on the ball and surrendered possession in the attacking third.He received the first booking of the game for a needless foul and was lucky not to be sent off in the second half before being hooked by Ruben Amorim.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Took on the centre-forward role well, held the ball up and linked up play well enough.SubsRasmus Hojlund 55′ – 8Hojlund showed his striker instincts by being in the right position to grab Man United’s equaliser.He then latched onto Fernandes’ clever pass to score the winner.Antony 60′ – 6He was involved in the equaliser by linking up with Diallo.Mason Mount 60′ – 7Made a positive impact after coming on and was unlucky not to score as he was denied twice by the goalkeeper after coming into the action.Alejandro Garnacho 80′ – N/AFailed to make a positive impact on his short spell on the pitch.Manuel Ugarte 80′ – N/AHe slotted into the midfield as he replaced Casemiro late on. More

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      Pep Guardiola set for January transfer binge for first time in SEVEN YEARS as Man City identify two big-money targets

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      PEP GUARDIOLA plans to hit the January sales for the first time in SEVEN years in a bid to halt Manchester City’s alarming slump.Guardiola will be handed a war chest after the champions made more than £250million on player trading over the past two years.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola may splash the cash in JanuaryCredit: AFPNewcastle star Bruno Guimaraes is believed to be keen on a move to Man CityCredit: GettyReal Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi is now more open to offersCredit: GettyNewcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and fellow midfielder Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad are on City’s radar following Ballon d’Or winner Rodri’s season-ending ACL injury.The champions have lost seven of their last 10 matches with injuries hitting them hard during a nightmare six weeks.So they will scour the market when the window opens next month in a bid to save their faltering season.City are aware it is difficult to sign top players in the winter and have not done major business since they signed centre-back Aymeric Laporte in 2018.Read More on FootballAnd the board will back Guardiola if the right man is available at a good price.Bruno is believed to be keen on a move to City but persuading the Toon to part with one of their key men in the middle of the season will be tricky.He was valued at £100m by his club in the summer – which was considered unrealistic by City – but his form this season has not justified that figure.Zubimendi was a target for Liverpool earlier this year and opted to stay in Spain but is now more open to offers.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Etihad hierarchy have always tried to plan their windows in advance but the long list of injuries has left the squad creaking with a lot of matches still ahead.Meanwhile City’s below par Champions League form has already cost them almost £6m.’I won fair and clean,’ says Jose Mourinho as he hits back after Pep Guardiola dig And they could be hit in the pocket by another £9m if they fail to reach the Last 16 in the New Year.Under the new league format, teams receive £1.7m for a win and around £600,000 for a draw.Rivals Liverpool have led the way, banking the maximum amount from their six league fixtures so far.Meanwhile, City have won just two of theirs – against Slovan Bratislava and Sparta Prague.They drew with Inter Milan as well as Feyenoord and lost to Sporting Lisbon as well as Juventus – leaving their participation in the latter rounds in the balance.Under Guardiola, City traditionally made light work of the group stages – and won all six last year.This time they sit back in 22nd place in the table and will need points in their final two games next month to avoid an embarrassing early exit.What will happen to Man City?MAN CITY began the season as favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future. More

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      Europa League LIVE RESULTS: Hojlund’s double seals rare United European away win, Tottenham draw with Rangers

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have WON their crunch Europa League clash against Viktoria Plzen!Andre Onana’s howler gifted Vydra with arguably the easiest goal he’ll score all seasonBut Rasmus Hojlund’s double flipped this incredible tie completely on its head.Meanwhile, Dejan Kulusevski’s strike cancelled out Hamza Igamane’s opener which means that Tottenham and Rangers drew at Ibrox.RESULTS: Viktoria Plzen 1-2 Man UtdRangers 1-1 TottenhamFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Europa League final scoresHoffenheim 0-0 FCSBLudogorets 2-2 AZMalmo 2-2 GalatasarayOlympiakos 0-0 TwentePAOK 5-0 FerencvarosRoma 3-0 BragaUnion Saint-Gilloise 2-1 NiceViktoria Plzen 1-2 Man UtdAjax 1-3 LazioBodo/Glimt 2-1 BesiktasElfsborg 1-0 QarabagMaccabi Tel-Aviv 2-1 Riga FSLyon 3-2 Eintracht FrankfurtPorto 2-0 MidtjyllandRangers 1-1 TottenhamReal Sociedad 3-0 Dynamo KyivSlavia Prague 1-2 AnderlechtCopy linkCopiedForster frustrates old rivalsFraser Forster made a number of saves to deny Rangers victory tonight.Towards the end of the game he made a superb block to prevent Dessers giving the hosts all three points.He certainly kept his side in this one and earned them a point in Glasgow, despite the reception he received all game from the home fans.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedSpurs leave it late in GlasgowAnge Postecoglou will feel his side got away with one tonight.They only really played for the last twenty minutes and came close to taking all three points.It would have been harsh on Rangers who definitely deserved something from this game.Copy linkCopiedFT: Rangers 1-1 TottenhamIt was a blockbuster European game in Glasgow tonight.The first-half failed to deliver us many clear-cut chances but those that were created fell to the hosts.After taking the lead, Spurs seemed on the ropes for a period but Clement’s side could not find that second goal.Postecoglou’s changes worked as Kulusevski and Solanke combined for the visitors’ equaliser.After that, both sides could have won this and taken all three points.This game deserved its ‘Battle of Britain’ tagline.Copy linkCopiedFT: Rangers 1-1 TottenhamThe referee brings the game to a close.What a brilliant game that was between these two teams.Nothing to separate them in the end.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Tom Barclay at IbroxANGE POSTECOGLOU was looking decked on his Glasgow return – and then up stepped Decky.Dejan ‘Decky’ Kulusevski, to be specific, who came off the bench to rescue his boss with a late leveller that chalked off Hamza Igamane’s opener.But ex-Celtic chief Postecoglou survived the Ibrox bear pit thanks to another old Bhoy in Fraser Forster, who pulled off a stunning late stop to deny Cyriel Dessers.Defeat would have plunged Postecoglou’s injury-hit Spurs further into crisis.And while they were by no means convincing here, the main thing is they came away unbeaten and with something to build on.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-1 Tottenham90. We are into the dying stages of this game now.Maddison has the ball in the box and is trying to create a shooting chance.He dinks it into Solanke, just six yards out.His header is straight at Butland, who makes the save.We are going to have three added minutes.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-1 Tottenham88. Bergvall commits another foul in the corner.The referee awards the free kick and runs over contemplating a card.As he sees the culprit is a player who has already been booked, he thinks again.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-1 Tottenham86. The hosts seem to have a second wind now.Fraser crosses the ball and Dessers slots home.Ibrox erupts but then the flag is immediately raised for offside.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-1 Tottenham84. However this game finishes, this has been very enojyable.We have missed these clashes between British teams.There have been some European classics over the years.Dessers has an amazing chance to win it as he skips past two defenders but Forster makes a world-class save to deny him.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedRangers 1-1 Tottenham82. Brilliant challenge from Tavernier to save his side.Tottenham worked it into Solanke on the volley and he pulls the trigger first-time.If the Rangers defender had not blocked that, it would certainly be two-one now.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham80. Dessers and Fraser come on, with the chance to make a name for themselves in this game.They replace Igamane and Yilmaz for the hosts.Spurs win a corner but as the ball comes in, the referee awards a free kick to Rangers.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-1 Tottenham78. Well, Rangers may have paid the price for being caught between whether to stick or twist after their goal.Had they gone for the jugular, that second goal could have been the cushion they needed to see this one out.This does not feel like a game that is going to end in a draw, as to who will win it, only time will tell.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-1 Tottenham76. He has been Spurs’ best player this season so far.Kulusevski plays the ball into Solanke in the box, who then returns the favour.The Danish winger slots the ball back in the direction of where it came from to beat Butland in the Rangers’ goal.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Dejan Kulusevski (Tottenham)Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham 74. This could be a crucial sixteen minutes in the season of Spurs.While this result does not decide anything, it could be damaging for Postecoglou’s side going into a busy festive schedule.All this scoreline is making people wonder at the moment is, how many would Rangers stick on Man City at The Etihad given this potential result.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham72. Jefte gets into some trouble down the left flank.As it looks like Spurs are going to counter, Propper comes across and gets an important challenge in.Bergvall follows through after palying the ball and is penalised, showed a yellow card for his troubles also.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham70. Rangers have brought on Barron and Sterling.They replace Bajrami and Cerny.Some fresh legs to try and take the hosts through to the final whistle.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham68. Rangers are holding firm at Ibrox.Tottenham are starting to ask more questions now. Porro had a sight of goal but Butland saved well.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham66. This has been a great watch this evening, currently, if you are anyone but a Spurs or Celtic fan.Tottenham have brought Kulusevski, Solanke, Bergvall and Sarr on.They replaced Bissouma, Bentancur, Werner and Johnson.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham64. The ball is played into Raskin and he looks to turn away from goal.Maddison steals it and the Rangers man brings him down.He is demanding a penalty but the referee gives a free kick outside the box.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham62. This will be the big test now for the hosts.With so much time remaining there are going to be periods where Spurs put them under intense pressure.It is how they cope with that which will decide this game.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham60. Tottenham whip in a corner and Butland punches it clear.It drops to Bergvall on the edge of the box but he drags his shot well wide of the target.Postecoglou does not look a happy man on the sideline.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham58. Spurs play a ball over the top and Johnson chases it down.Butland comes racing out of his goal and Jefte almost heads it past him.Fortunately for the Rangers’ fans, he adjusts well to gather.Copy linkCopiedRangers 1-0 Tottenham56. Rangers are growing in confidence now.They are stretching the visitors all of the time, Cerny is in acres of space as Udogie goes wandering once again.Clement’s side work a corner well and almost get themselves a second goal but Forster gathers.Moments later, Diomande shoots from distances but it deflects narrowly wide of the far post.Copy linkCopied More

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      Rangers 1 Tottenham 1: Super-sub Kulusevski saves Spurs as Postecoglou leaves Ibrox with crucial Europa League point

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU was looking decked on his Glasgow return – and then up stepped Decky.Dejan ‘Decky’ Kulusevski, to be specific, who came off the bench to rescue his boss with a late leveller that chalked off Hamza Igamane’s opener.Hamza Igmane netted the go-ahead goal for RangersCredit: Willie VassHamza Igmane fired past former Celtic stopper Frazer ForsterCredit: ReutersDejan Kulusevski fired Tottenham levelCredit: GettyThe Swede made a positive impact after coming on as a substituteCredit: ReutersBut ex-Celtic chief Postecoglou survived the Ibrox bear pit thanks to another old Bhoy in Fraser Forster, who pulled off a stunning late stop to deny Cyriel Dessers.Defeat would have plunged Postecoglou’s injury-hit Spurs further into crisis.And while they were by no means convincing here, the main thing is they came away unbeaten and with something to build on.Postecoglou claimed on Wednesday that the injury crisis crippling his squad is the worst he has ever faced “by a fair stretch”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMicky van de Ven and Cristian Romero joining Ben Davies on the treatment table – along with Guglielmo Vicario, Wilson Odobert, Mikey Moore and Richarlison – left him perilously short at centre-back.It meant 18-year-old Archie Gray, a boyhood Celtic fan due to his family’s love of the Bhoys, started in the middle of defence alongside last-man-standing Radu Dragusin.The great-nephew of Scotland legend Eddie Gray is a defensive midfielder by trade.But he has been largely used at full-back by Postecoglou and here was drafted into the middle.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGray’s Celtic allegiances did not appear to be widely known among the Gers fans, judging by his reception.But Fraser Forster’s certainly were and he was roundly booed throughout.Man Utd team-mates in furious on-pitch argument at final whistle after Red Devils scrape past Viktoria PlzenForster, in for the injured Guglielmo Vicario, had his best years at Celtic Park, including a magnificent performance to help beat Lionel Messi’s Barcelona in 2012.The 36-year-old has deputised well during Vicario’s absence and made another smart stop early doors here to tip over Nedim Bajrami’s effort.But while Forster looked sharp, his out-field team-mates seemed sluggish.Twice Gray attempted to dribble up field and play a ball round the corner, only to surrender possession with a poor pass.Pedro Porro was equally guilty of giving the ball away, sparking a Gers’ attack with one such lazy delivery which ended with Mohamed Diomande blasting well over.While the less said about Timo Werner’s attempt to trap Fraser Forster’s pinpoint long ball the better.Postecoglou had opted to play his out-of-form captain Son Heung-min through the middle and leave £65million striker Dominic Solanke on the bench,But luckless Son struggled to impose himself on the Philippe Clement’s backline, which lost centre-back John Souttar to injury ten minutes before the interval.This was a throwback game for former England stoppers, with Jack Butland in nets for the hosts and Forster for Spurs.Butland’s kicking out from the back looked suspect but he made a brilliant stop to deny Brennan Johnson from close range, even if the offside flag would have bailed the ex-Stoke keeper out anyway.Spurs were poor but Rangers looked toothless, even if Forster did pull off another decent stop to keep out Vaclav Cerny’s drive just before the break.Postecoglou had a point about his lengthy absentee list but it was not as if the side he put out here was lacking in quality.But the volume of games recently and the inability to rotate had left them looking tired.One player who looked bereft of confidence – and quality, in honesty – was Werner.So it was no surprise to see him hooked at the break with player of the season Kulusevski sent on to breathe some life into Postecoglou’s sleepy side.Yet they failed to wake up in time to stop Igamane coolly slotting home James Tavernier’s delivery two minutes into the second half.That sent Ibrox potty – with a number of the diehard fans literally bouncing behind Forster’s goal.It could have been worse ten minutes later too were it not for Diomande’s low effort deflecting the wrong side of the post.In between, Brennan Johnson had a golden chance to level but steered a cutback wide, much to Postecoglou’s frustration on the sidelines.That proved to be Johnson’s last meaningful action as on the hour as he was hooked as part of a triple sub that saw Dominic Solanke, Pape Sarr and 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall sent on.Spurs looked to be heading for a first defeat for an English team to a Scottish side in 18 years.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut then when Solanke sent a ball across the box which James Maddison shielded, there was Kulusevski to fire home a leveller.It got Postecoglou out of jail – even if his struggling side were anything but convincing on the ground of his auld enemy. More

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      Shamed referee David Coote seen for first time since being sacked as Premier League referee

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      SHAMED ref David Coote was seen yesterday for the first time since he was sacked.The 42-year-old wore a hoodie and tracksuit bottoms for a visit to the gym.Shamed ref David Coote was seen yesterday for the first time since his sacking, as he was pictured heading to the gymCredit: BackGridThe loss of Coote’s career is set to cost the glum-looking ref £1m over the next few years in loss of earningsCredit: BackGridReferees body, The PGMOL sacked Coote on Monday after probing his rants and drug use, based on evidence from The SunCredit: PADespite having no games to officiate, Coote enjoyed a weights and cardio session.Coote has been lying low near his Midlands home since a video emerged of him calling ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “German c***”. He was then filmed snorting white powder at Euro 2024.Referees body the PGMOL, who examined evidence provided by The Sun, sacked him on Monday following a probe into his sweary rants and white powder abuse.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEThe Sun also told how he allegedly arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester City on October 30.Coote was then the subject of a new probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to order. A separate independent Football Association investigation is ongoing.The loss of Coote’s career is set to cost him £1m over the next few years in loss of earnings.Most read in FootballThe top-flight ref was filmed snorting white powder at Euro 2024The former ref was looking glum as he made his way to and from the gym sessionCredit: BackGridDespite having no games to officiate, the 42-year-old enjoyed a weights and cardio sessionCredit: BackGridCoote sent messages arranging a drugs party in a Travelodge for after a cup game between Tottenham and Manchester CityCredit: BackGridCoote has been lying low near his Midlands homeCredit: BackGridThe shamed ref, seen here getting into his car after his gym outing, has also been the subject of a new probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to orderCredit: BackGridMoment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024 More