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      Kate Abdo stuns in bold outfit live on CBS Sports for Champions League coverage sending fans into meltdown

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      KATE ABDO stunned CBS Sports viewers on Monday night with her stunningly bold outfit.The veteran presenter was part of the American broadcasters’ Champions League coverage on Tuesday night.Kate Abdo has been heading up CBS Sports’ Champions League coverage for the last five yearCredit: GETTYThe 43-year-old regularly wears dazzling outfits along with her co-stars Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah RichardsCredit: INSTAGRAMThe former Sky Sports star wore another bold outfit during Tuesday night’s broadcastCredit: CBS SPORTSFormer Sky Sports star Abdo regularly wows viewers with an array of stylish outfits.And she did so again on Tuesday, donning a sleeveless tan dress as she dissected the first set of matchday two figures.Her outfit blew away viewers, with one writing on X: “Wah! Kate Abdo.”CBS’ coverage of the Champions League has soared in popularity in recent years, in large part due to Abdo and her colleagues.READ MORE ON KATE ABDOShe presents the shows with former Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City stars Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards.The quartet have incredible on-screen chemistry, which has resulted in some hilarious and viral moments.And they had another one on Tuesday night when discussing Ligue 1 side Brest’s hopes of progressing through to the knockout stages.”It’s a big one,” Henry said as he discussed Brest’s upcoming clash with German champions Bayer Leverkusen.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKate Abdo is the face of CBS Sports Champions League coverageCredit: GETTYCarragher and Richards were left in stitches but Abdo tried her best to remain composed and steer the conversation back on track.But Richards sent the quartet and several members of the production team into hysterics by saying: “It’s a bit lopsided I think.”Fans say ‘that hits different’ as Kate Abdo gets CBS Sports panel cheering with huge change to show introAbdo tried to hide her laughter by covering her face while Henry attempted to keep his composure by looking through his notes.The extreme fits of laughter the foursome regularly find themselves are sometimes questioned by viewers.But 43-year-old Abdo insists nothing is manufactured, telling The Ringer: “Those laughs are all authentic.“We’re all so different, but we all respect one another.”Abdo will be back on our screens tonight and on Thursday night for the remaining matchday two fixtures.New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink. More

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      Harry Kane faces fitness test THIS MORNING and is huge doubt to face Aston Villa after suffering ankle injury

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      HARRY KANE is facing a fitness test after emerging as a doubt for Bayern Munich’s clash with Aston Villa.The England captain came off during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen with a potential ankle injury.Harry Kane is facing a late fitness test after emerging as a doubt for Bayern Munich’s game against Aston VillaCredit: GettyKane has travelled with the squad for the Champions League clashCredit: GettyKane has travelled with the Bavarians to Birmingham for the Champions League clash at Villa Park.However, the 31-year-old will undergo a fitness test THIS MORNING to see whether he is able to feature.He managed to get through training on Tuesday, but Bayern manager Vincent Kompany will not make a final decision on Kane’s availability until later today.The former Burnley boss said: “I think you have seen Harry was on the pitch today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”That went well but we will still have to wait until tomorrow and see how the situation is and then we will make the correct decision.”He trained with us today and hopefully everything will work out fine.”Kane has already scored 10 goals and added five assists in seven games this season – despite being criticised for his display against Xabi Alonso’s Bayer team before his substitution.He joined Bayern in a huge £104million transfer from Tottenham last summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDespite scoring 36 league goals last season, he was unable to help his side retain the Bundesliga, with an unbeaten Leverkusen lifting their first ever German league title by going unbeaten.Kane smashed Wayne Rooney’s record for the most goals scored by an Englishman in the Champions League in this season’s opening game against Dinamo Zagreb, which they won 9-2.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveHe now sits on 33 goals and will hope to add to his tally against a familiar foe in Aston Villa, if he is deemed fit enough to play.The former Tottenham star has scored eight goals and added two assists in 13 games against the Villans.He has been on the winning side nine times and lost the other four.Harry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.” More

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      Watch Conor McGregor in random link-up with Declan Rice after Arsenal’s Champions League win vs PSG

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      CONOR McGregor got to go onto the Emirates pitch after Arsenal’s win over PSG – and even traded a few passes with Declan Rice.Rice had played the full 90 minutes as The Gunners bossed a 2-0 victory against the new-look French giants.The former UFC double champ and Rice played a one-two while relaxing after the final whistleCredit: @LaurensJulienRice tussling with Achraf Hakimi in the win where Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka provided first-half goalsCredit: GettyThe England midfielder posted this image of them on his Instagram accountCredit: @declanriceAfterwards he was filmed loitering around the side of the pitch with his teammates – with McGregor making his altogether random cameo a few yards away.At one point the pair played the ball back and forth as McGregor was seemingly given the run of the stadium’s pristine surface for a kickabout.It’s an especially head-scratching combination given the Dubliner is well-known to have been a Man United fan growing up before largely losing interest in football in favour of boxing and then MMA.Paris Saint-Germain are a younger, better-balanced and more serious side these days and boss Luis Enrique had axed Ousmane Dembele from his matchday squad for a disciplinary breach.That indicated a change in dressing-room dynamics since the days when egomaniac players ruled the roost at the Parc des Princes.Early on, they were making it difficult for Arteta’s side, although Bukayo Saka did fire narrowly over after Arsenal’s impressive new full-back Riccardo Calafiori had darted inside to tee him up.Havertz had just squandered a decent opening, created by Saka and the marauding Jurrien Timber, when he opened the scoring on 20 minutes.Leandro Trossard supplied a wicked centre from deep on the left and Donnarumma panicked, straying off his line and flapping, as Havertz escaped his marker Pacho and netted with a straightforward header.Most read in FootballHavertz is often referred to as a false nine but the German has many of the attributes of a very actual centre-forward, along with so much else.For Donnarumma – the keeper who broke English hearts in the 2021 Euros final shoot-out – it had not been a happy start, after he’d already received treatment following a collision with Gabriel Martinelli. Arsenal player ratings vs PSGThe French supporters – many of them as topless as Geordies in the chill drizzle – kept on bouncing and hollering, and their team threatened a response.Nuno Mendes arrowed a shot against the foot of the post, then the lightning quick Achraf Hakimi tore down the right, cut inside and forced David Raya to save with his legs at the near post.So Arsenal’s second goal was both against the run of play and an absolute fluke – not that any of the Emirates faithful could have cared less.Saka won a free-kick, by the touchline, then delivered a low inswinger, which Martinelli, Gabriel and Thomas Partey all went for and all missed. But so, too, did Donnarumma.The Crumlin native also got a snap with goalscorer SakaCredit: @sammorganHe’d arrived for the match in quite some styleCredit: @thenotoriousmmaPerhaps it was all another stroke of genius from Arsenal’s set-piece genius Nico Jover. Or perhaps it was utterly freakish.After that gift, Saka really began to purr, bringing out the Elvis hips, toasting his full-back and centring for Trossard, only for Donnarumma to suddenly remember that he is an elite goalkeeper.At half-time, Arteta replaced Timber with Jakub Kiwior and soon his side almost conjured a gem of a third goal – Trossard to Havertz, who chipped a pass to Martinelli, who volleyed too close to Donnarumma.READ MORE SUN STORIESPSG had their moments – Kang-in Lee shooting into the turf and up onto the crossbar before a decent penalty shout for handball against Calafiori fell on deaf ears.But usually Arsenal’s back four were there, relishing the dirty work, bumping chests and fists, keeping the sheet clean. More

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      Watch Martin Keown get in line ‘he thought of on way in to TNT Sports studio’ during Arsenal’s win over PSG

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      MARTIN KEOWN left his TNT Sports studio colleagues grinning from ear-to-ear after hitting them with a cheesy joke.Arsenal legend Keown was appearing on the broadcaster’s Goals Show Extra for the Champions League.Martin Keown left his TNT Sports colleagues grinning with a cheesy jokeCredit: TNT SPORTSIt left his colleagues grinningKeown’s former side were in action against Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates. First half goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka gave way to a stalwart defensive showing in the second half.The shutout was their fifth clean sheet of the season, and it seems Keown himself had been waiting for the chance to lavish some praise on Mikel Arteta’s side.To do so the former defender cracked a pun to leave his colleagues grinning.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile speaking about the Gunners defensive efforts during the game, the 58-year-old said: “When you look at that Arsenal defence [and] the players in there, they’ve been magnifient.”That rearguard, the Thames Barrier has been shut down there tonight.”The joke left former Manchester United star Owen Hargreaves with a wide grin, before presenter Matt Smith asked: “When did you have that [thought]. Did you have that on the way in today?”Keown quipped back: “It’s just to keep James [Horncastle] awake.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal ratings vs PSG as Havertz makes striker spot his own… but Calafiori shows chinks in his armourKAI HAVERTZ and Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal to a deserved victory borne of first-half dominance.Paris Saint-Germain did hit the bar and the post as they improved after the break in this Champions League tie.But Emirates chief Mikel Arteta will mostly be delighted with his side’s latest solid display in Europe’s top club competition.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.DAVID RAYA – 7Was perhaps busier than he usually is at home.Helplessly watched a Nuno Mendes effort smack his far post and stood firm to deny Achraf Hakimi at his near post.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6A frantic display, one that had more shaky moments than good. Kept busy by Hakimi and was done for pace on a few occasions but recovered well.A mistake early in the second half almost gave PSG a way back into the game. Needs to iron out these errors from his game, particularly when he is so dangerous in attack.However, he was playing at right-back for the first time in his career after the break.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Did not have much to do. A stray pass early on could have been costly but other than that another reliable and strong performance.GABRIEL – 7Sprayed some nice passes about from deep but this was a stress-free night’s work compared to the Premier League.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Just how on earth does Ben White get back in this side at right back? Another immaculate display from a man who seemingly has it all in defence and attack.Well, White may well get his chance after Timber was subbed off at half-time.DECLAN RICE – 7Solid as a rock and building a real partnership with Partey in midfield. Had a chance to drive forward just before the half hour mark but his pass to Saka was cut out.THOMAS PARTEY – 8So consistent at the moment, something Arsenal fans have not seen from the Ghanaian midfielder in a long time owing mostly to injury.Made some crucial interceptions and showed real composure playing out from deep.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8One of Arsenal’s most important players right now. Since his red card at Man City, he has notched a goal and an assist – the latter here for Havertz to open the scoring with a perfectly-timed cross.BUKAYO SAKA – 7After an early shot over the bar from a trademark cut inside, the England international had a slight drop off in influence before his scuffed free-kick flew in untouched from out wide.Still, he gave Mendes a torrid time at left-back. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique watched on at times in awe inside his technical area.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7A quiet night for the Brazilian following his first goal since March against Leicester, which may have been down to a big collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first few minutes.Should have made it 3-0 with a volley inside the box after the break but it was straight at Donnarumma. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.KAI HAVERTZ – 9Brave and brilliant to head in from Trossard’s teasing cross, despite the onrushing lump that is Donnarumma trying to take his head off.Almost had an assist too with a cute lay-up for Martinelli in the box. The striker-midfield debate should be over – Havertz is a top-class centre forward.SUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 45) – 7Did what was expected of him at left-back. Produced a good recovery tackle on Kang-in Lee in the box.MIKEL MERINO (PARTEY, 64) – 7Finally, a debut for the Spaniard. Some neat touches under pressure, slotting in seamlessly next to Rice.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 74) – 6Looked desperate to impress having struggled for starts so far and that looks to be working against him – things just aren’t clicking.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (SAKA, 92) – N/AKeown made 442 appearances for Arsenal after coming through the club’s academy in 1985.He originally left the Gunners in 1986 to join Aston Villa, spending three years there before signing for Everton in 1989.Watch Chelsea icon Frank Lampard leave Amazon Prime Video pundits stunned with brutal put down of Arsenal pairAfter four years he then rejoined Arsenal and remained there until 2004, winning three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and three Community Shields.Last night’s win over PSG leaves Arsenal eighth in the table, having drawn their opening game against Atalanta. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson ‘recommends six-time league-winning manager’ to succeed under-fire Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON has recommended a six-time title-winning manager to be Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United replacement, according to reports.Ten Hag, 54, has faced increased scrutiny following the Red Devils’ 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham last Sunday.Erik ten Hag has come under increasing pressureCredit: PAReports in Italy claim that Sir Alex Ferguson has recommended a new bossCredit: AlamyMan Utd’s Ineos chiefs have so far opted to stick with the Dutchman.But bad results in upcoming matches against Porto and Aston Villa could seal Ten Hag’s fate.With pressure growing on their manager, United chiefs may already be looking elsewhere at potential replacements.And reports in Italy claim that they have identified a former Juventus manager.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAccording to Gazzetta dello Sport, Massimiliano Allegri has emerged as a key contender to land the role, should Ten Hag be axed.They claim that the Italian, 57, has even been recommended by Ferguson – ahead of another contender like Thomas Tuchel.Allegri has been out of work since being sacked just two days after winning the Coppa Italia with Juve back in May.It’s claimed that he was involved in angry exchanges with officials, a reporter and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli after the 1-0 win over Atalanta – which largely contributed to him receiving the boot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMassimiliano Allegri left Juventus at the end of last seasonCredit: RexAllegri managed AC Milan between 2010 and 2014, winning Serie A in the 2010-11 season.He then coached Juventus between 2014 and 2019, before returning in 2021 to manage them for a further three years.Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part.The decorated coach won five Serie A titles with Juve, as well as five Coppa Italias.He also reached two Champions League finals during his first stint in charge.Gazzetta’s report also claims that Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi could be in the frame.Inzaghi, 48, has managed Inter since 2021, winning the Serie A title last term to add to two Coppa Italia triumphs.He also won the Coppa Italia during his previous term with Lazio.’I’M NOT ANXIOUS’Ten Hag, meanwhile, has defiantly defended his position as United boss.Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League trip to Porto, Ten Hag said of his future: “I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious.”We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.”They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”Ten Hag’s five worst defeatsERIK TEN HAG has suffered some heavy defeats during his tenure as Manchester United manager.5. Copenhagen 4-3 Man Utd, November 2023The damaging defeat saw the Red Devils dumped out of the Champions League.4. Man Utd 0-3 Bournemouth, December 2023It was the first time the Cherries had ever won at Old Trafford with the players being booed off.3. Brentford 4-0 Man Utd, August 2022Perhaps a sign of things to come, in Ten Hag’s second Premier League game, his side was dismantled by the Bees.2. Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd, May 2024The heavy defeat to the Eagles saw the Dutchman edge ever closer to the sack.1. Liverpool 7-0 Man Utd, March 2023Man Utd were embarrassed at the hands of their bitter rivals as they crumbled at Anfield as it was the club’s worst defeat in 92 years.Ten Hag, 54, defended his position at Man UtdCredit: Getty More

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      Man City star Matheus Nunes ‘arrested on suspicion of stealing mobile phone in Madrid nightclub’

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      MANCHESTER City midfielder Matheus Nunes has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of stealing a mobile phone in a Madrid nightclub.The 26-year-old Portuguese international is said to have been held at sprawling disco La Riviera and taken to a local police station for questioning.Matheus Nunes was allegedly arrested on suspicion of stealing a mobile phoneCredit: AlamyRespected Spanish daily El Mundo said the arrest occurred around 5.30am on September 8 after he was accused of taking the phone from a 58-year-old man who had tried to take a photo of him without permission in the nightclub toilets.Brazilian-born Nunes is said to have snatched the mobile in a fit of anger and refused to return it.Police made the arrest according to El Mundo after being called to the club and confirming the footballer still had the phone in his possession.The former Wolves player was reportedly handcuffed at the nightspot before being taken to a National Police station in the Madrid neighbourhood of Arganzuela.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was released hours later following the intervention of a lawyer.El Mundo reported he is expected to face charges and trial over the incident.A spokesman for the National Police in Madrid said: “I can confirm a Portuguese national was arrested in the early hours of September 8 at a Madrid nightclub on suspicion of stealing another person’s mobile phone.”The police force confirmed the man arrested was born in 1998, the same year as the Man City midfielder was born, but said it was unable to comment on whether the suspect was the footballer.Most read in FootballA well-placed source said: “This matter will now be resolved by way of a trial in court.”Following the alleged arrest, Nunes has played in matches against Brentford, Watford and in Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Slovan Bratislava – which ended in a 4-0 win.Nunes signed for Man City from Wolves last year for a transfer fee of £53million.He has played 35 times for Pep Guardiola’s side overall, scoring one goal and adding six assists. More

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      Luton star sent off SECONDS after coming on in moment of madness as fans fume ‘get out of my club’

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      LUTON fans were left furious after substitute Liam Walsh was sent off just seconds after coming on against Oxford.Walsh, 27, arrived on a free transfer in August having left Swansea at the end of last season.Liam Walsh enters the pitch in the 77th minute against OxfordCredit: X/ itvfootballLiam Walsh flies into a horror tackle 36 seconds after coming onCredit: X/ itvfootballLiam Walsh’s challenge left Siriki Dembele down in a heapCredit: RexWalsh was shown a straight red card by referee James BellCredit: RexLast night he replaced former Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba in the 76th minute, after Luton had surrendered a 2-0 lead at Kenilworth Road.Moments later things went from bad to worse for Rob Edwards’ side.Just seconds after being introduced, Walsh lunged in on Oxford substitute Siriki Dembele.Referee James Bell was given no option but to produce a red card.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe match went on to finish 2-2, leaving Luton 18th with just two wins from eight games.After the contest, Edwards told the BBC of Walsh’s red: “It’s probably some frustration at not starting or whatever it is.”The rush of blood can happen. No complaints. We probably looked better when we had 10 men, which is credit to the players.”Jordan Clark had given Luton the lead on 10 minutes after an Oxford defender had been pick-pocketed on the edge of his own penalty area.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTom Krauss then doubled the Hatters’ lead on 37 minutes with a smart finish.Oxford ace Tyler Goodrham gave his side a lifeline on the stroke of half-time with a magnificent curling finish.Former Chelsea star Victor Moses makes shock return to English football as fans say ‘this came out of nowhere’And Ruben Rodrigues then prodded the visitors level nine minutes after the break.The Hatters had gone into the match having been beaten 3-1 by Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle on Friday night.And fans were left further disgruntled by Walsh’s brief cameo.One harshly fumed: “@LutonTown get Liam Walsh out of my club.”While a second called it the: “World’s worst cameo.”A third joked: “Solid cameo for Liam Walsh tonight for Luton…”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd another blasted: “Liam Walsh should be deducted a week’s wages. Disgraceful.”Luton return to action against unbeaten Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday, with Walsh set to miss out through suspension.The midfielder trudged off the pitch just seconds after coming onCredit: GettyRob Edwards’ side surrendered a 2-0 lead at homeCredit: Rex More

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      Newcastle 1 Wimbledon 0: Chelsea learn Carabao Cup opponents as Toon see off visitors after pitch saw fixture postponed

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      FABIAN SCHAR was spot on to dump Wimbledon out of the League Cup after their sinkhole misery and secure Newcastle a shot at revenge against Chelsea.The floodgates failed to open as it took a Schar penalty right before halftime to finally breach the League Two outfits’ defence.Fabian Schar netted for Toon as they beat Wimbledon in the Carabao CupCredit: ReutersThe Austrian held his nerve from the spot to open the scoringCredit: GettyAnd while the Dons look to use the cash from fundraising and this cup clash to get Plough Lane sorted, Toon can start plotting for payback on the Blues.The round-of-16 showdown will be a rematch of last season’s quarter-final where the Magpies suffered late heartbreak at Stamford Bridge.That evening Eddie Howe’s men looked to have booked a semi-final spot before Mykhaylo Mudryk capitalised on a Kieran Trippier mistake to force a shootout – and it was Chelsea who advanced and went all the way to the final.This time it will be them making the long journey north, just like their South London neighbours from five miles down the road did yesterday.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Dons, of course, were due to host this tie only for flooding to cause a huge sinkhole on the Plough Lane pitch.That led to the football community coming together to raise over £100,000 to help the repair bill, which included a £15,000 donation from Newcastle as well as the use of their ground to stage it.And the goodwill was on full display from the near 1,500 away supporters before kick-off as they held aloft two banners reading “Thank you Toon” and another that read “Thank you everyone”.The niceties lasted less than ten minutes as Lloyd Kelly was subjected to chant of “you dirty northern b***ard” after a foul.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat and Miguel Almiron’s offside goal were the only things of note in a tepid first half until Martin Dubravka was caught by Wimbledon striker Omar Bugiel while making a brave save.That left Howe with a choice of John Ruddy, who turns 38 this month, and £20m summer signing Odysseas Vlachodimos.Incredible before and after video shows AFC Wimbledon’s progress fixing huge sinkhole after Carabao Cup clash postponedIt was eventually the Greek international who got the nod at the break, but that was after Schar slotted home from 12 yards after Joe Pigott chopped Almiron in the box.Riley Harbottle’s jaw denied Joe Willock after the restart as Howe called for Anthony Gordon off the bench.Eddie Howe brought on the big guns as Toon toiled at St James ParkCredit: PADons boss Johnnie Jackson’s game-plan to sit and frustrate worked wonders but they still had not had a shot on target with five to go.It was time to roll the dice with a triple sub, which took four minutes to make due to a lengthy passage of play, causing one late scare from Harbottle’s long-throw, but it proved too little too late.Asked after the game about the penalty, Jackson said: “I’m fuming with it as the first one is a dive and then there’s break in play and another coming together but ref doesn’t give up.”Then, like we’re not already up against being a League Two side, the linesman gives it and gets involved.”For that to be the difference in the game, I’m disappointed. And my lads are gutted in there.”Howe, who admitted it was an “instantly forgettable” performance, said: “Job done – that’s the most important thing.“I’m frustrated with our attacking play – especially the first half.“Credit to them for how they defended. You have to battle your way through.“It’s an opportunity for us and we want to stay in the competition as long as we can.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHowe, who replaced Schar late on with Dan Burn, added: “Martin Dubravka’s taken a nasty bang to his knee, we hope he’s alright but we’ll see how he settles down tomorrow.“Fabian had a couple of issues, his ankle and other things, but hopefully he’ll be alright and it’s not serious.” More