More stories

  • in

    Chelsea fans fume ‘this guy hates us so much’ after Arsenal star Havertz takes swipe at old club over Champions League

    KAI HAVERTZ sparked ire from Chelsea fans with his brutal verdict on chasing Champions League glory with Arsenal.The German attacker hit the winner when the Blues lifted the top prize in European club football three years ago.Kai Havertz netted when Chelsea won the 2021 Champions League finalCredit: PAThe attacker seems more settled with Arsenal and is seen here celebrating his breakthrough goal against PSG on TuesdayCredit: GettyBut he failed to fully convince either supporters or the Chelsea management while at Stamford Bridge from 2020-2023.And although he launched his Arsenal career with similarly mixed displays, the 25-year-old has impressed with his consistency this term.Havertz even headed the opener as the Gunners hosted Paris Saint-Germain in Tuesday’s Champions League tie. But before kick-off he angered many fans of his old club with a frank assessment of his bid to lift the crown for a second time.READ MORE ON ARSENALHavertz scored the only goal of the 2021 final against Manchester City in 2021.He said: “It was a good moment for me in my career and something that I’m always going to think about.”It’s a nice feeling but it would be even nicer if I can do it with Arsenal and it would mean a lot more.”    One supporter quickly snapped back: “This guy hates Chelsea so much I really wonder why.”Most read in FootballHavertz notched a rare headed goal against PSGCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother fan called the former Bayern Leverkusen hero “ungrateful”.A third Chelsea follower told him: “We made you.”‘Get off the phone’ snaps Troy Deeney after his wife called him out live on air over Arsenal commentBut other supporters reckoned Havertz’s feelings are understandable as he never became a fans’ favourite at Stamford Bridge.One said: “Just like (Jadon) Sancho (at Man Utd) he didn’t get the love, coupled with the trolls he sees on X after his move, can’t blame him but we don’t care either cuz we have a better team now.”Enzo Maresca’s Blues sit fourth in the Premier League – a point and a place below Havertz and Co.But Chelsea are only in the Europa Conference League – launching their group bid at home to Gent on Thursday. More

  • in

    West Brom vs Middlesbrough suspended as assistant referee is stretchered off and rushed to hospital in worrying scenes

    WEST BROM’S clash with Middlesbrough was suspended for eight minutes as referee Rob Smith was taken away on a stretcher and rushed to hospital.The official received medical attention seven minutes into the game after sitting down on the pitch.Referee Rob Smith was taken away on a stretcherCredit: RexStaff from both clubs tended to him, before he left via the nearest tunnel which leads not to the dressing rooms but outside the ground where the ambulances are usually on standby.Smith was put into an ambulance and taken to hospital.The fourth official, believed to be Premier League referee Eddie Smart, took over as his replacement.A man from the stands came down to assume the role of fourth official.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter the match resumed, a statement from West Brom read: “The game is back underway.”Our best wishes are with assistant referee Rob Smith, who cannot continue after receiving medical treatment.”Smith was kept in hospital overnight and it is believed he reported feeling dizzy during the game.A spokesperson for the PGMOL said: “Rob’s in hospital having tests, we’ll know more in the morning.”Most read in EFLMiddlesbrough also released a statement sending their best wishes to Smith – who went off when the game was goalless.It came before West Brom paid tribute to supporter Mark Townsend who lost his life after a medical emergency at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.There was a minute’s applause in memory of the 57-year-old Albion season ticket holder.West Brom lost the game 1-0 after Boro’s Hayden Hackney scored a 73rd-minute winner.West Brom placed fan Mark Townsend’s shirt over his seat after he tragically lost his lifeCredit: GettyTownsend passed away after a medical emergency at Sheffield Wednesday on SaturdayCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Erik ten Hag’s former Man Utd assistant slams Dutchman for ‘lacking fire’ and ‘wasting’ Cristiano Ronaldo

    ERIK TEN HAG’S former assistant Benni McCarthy has claimed the Dutchman lacks “passion”, “wasted Cristiano Ronaldo”, and admits “it’s not easy” under his leadership.The Red Devils boss, 54, is under huge pressure following Manchester United’s humilating 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday.Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure and has received criticism from his old assistantCredit: AlamyBenni McCarthy has taken aim at Ten Hag and also defended Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GettyThe result leaves the Red Devils 13th in the Premier League and without a win in three matches in all competitions.Ex-Blackburn and West Ham striker McCarthy, 46, spent two years as Ten Hag’s assistant before he left in the summer.However, he has pulled no punches in his assessment of the former Ajax head coach’s personality.Speaking to Zero Zero, he said: “He lacks a bit of that fire, that passion. That’s where we differ, him and I.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”I think that was one of the difficulties that the team and the players encountered.”While he added: “Before I joined the team, I always had to communicate my thoughts to the head coach, which is normal.”For someone like me, with strong convictions, it’s not easy. Erik always had the final say.”McCarthy also spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo’s broken relationship with Ten Hag.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Portugal legend re-joined Man Utd in 2021 but left less than 18 months later following a fall-out with Ten Hag.There is no love lost between the pair as Ronaldo recently took aim at Ten Hag’s lack of ambition.Fans stunned as Arne Slot ‘cooks’ Man Utd with savage statement after Red Devils’ Tottenham humiliationThe Red Devils head coach hit back by saying Ronaldo is “far away in Saudi”.Yet McCarthy feels the situation could have been handled better by Ten Hag.He said: “If we work as a team and then let Cristiano do what he needs to do in his position, because he is the best in the world at it, that is ideal.”I think Manchester United wasted a great opportunity to use Cristiano in the right way. But I was not the head coach and I could not be the one to make those decisions.”McCarthy also took the time to reveal the standout players he worked with in the Man Utd squad.He had already named Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, before he went on to list four more stars – Lisandro Martinez, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.He said: “Lisandro Martinez. He has the passion, the fighting spirit, the personality. He can play for any team in the world because he has the right mentality.”Besides Lisandro… Marcus Rashford. He’s getting back to his best and could hurt FC Porto with some moves.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Finally, Alejandro Garnacho. I really like Garnacho, but he needs to play more regularly. I don’t know if there’s a problem between him and Erik, but he hasn’t been a regular starter.”Oh, and just one more: Amad Diallo. An incredible, incredible player, still little known. He defends and attacks well, always makes the best decisions and knows how to score goals.” More

  • in

    Amazon Prime Video host Gabby Logan forced to apologise seconds into Arsenal v PSG coverage after huge broadcast blunder

    GABBY LOGAN was forced to apologise after Amazon Prime Video’s live coverage of Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain was hit by a huge blunder.The Gunners take on the French kings in tonight’s Champions League match at the Emirates.Gabby Logan was forced to apologise after a huge error from Amazon Prime VideoThe channel is showing Arsenal’s Champions League clash with PSGCredit: GettyAnd it marks one of the new-look group stage’s most exciting games, with a host of top stars on either side.However, Arsenal fans were left seething after Prime Video suffered a big error. The beginning of the preview show had been billed as 6.30pm.But as the clock struck the designated the time, the programme did not start.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe next half hour also continued to be blank.And it was only at 7pm that the action began, forcing host Logan into a grovelling apology live on air.The late start meant that fans were not treated to team news, which landed over an hour before the 8pm kick-off.And a sheepish Logan was forced to face the music as fans eagerly awaited an explanation.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJoining Frank Lampard, Clarence Seedorf and Daniel Sturridge at pitch side, she turned to the camera seconds into the start of the show.Logan said: “Apologies, we are a little later than planned.”But fans watching from home did not seem amused.One said: “Prime not going well, says live from 6.30pm and nowhere to be seen.”Another declared: “Amazon fix your Arsenal stream.”One noted: “Get the match on!”Another added: “Like their deliveries, turn up late or wait until tomorrow!” More

  • in

    Sir Alex Ferguson, 82, looks in good spirits as Man Utd legend hugs Team GB gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson

    LEGENDARY Man Utd boss was all smiles at Old Trafford on Sunday – despite a disaster out on the pitch. The former Red Devils manager, 82, was snapped alongside Olympic gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson following United’s 3-0 loss to Spurs.Sir Alex Ferguson and Keely Hodgkinson met at Man Utd’s game with Spurs on SundayCredit: https://www.instagram.com/keely.hodgkinson/The legendary boss was all smiles despite the 3-0 lossCredit: https://www.instagram.com/keely.hodgkinson/The Olympic star showed off her gold medal prior to the gameCredit: PAFerguson remains a regular at United games despite his recent health concerns.He posed for a snap alongside Team GB’s golden girl and United fan Hodgkinson. She was given a hero’s welcome as the 800m champion showed off her gold medal prior to kick-off at Old Trafford. The 22-year-old was presented with a framed Man Utd shirt before heading off on a lap of honour. READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut she left disappointed as Erik ten Hag’s men fell to a calamitous defeat.Despite the result, Hodgkinson and Sir Alex were all smiles as they linked up after the game in the VIP area.The pair shared a hug as the Atherton native documented her day out to her 521,000 Instagram followers.Hodgkinson wrote: “Thank you for a warm welcome yesterday @manchesterunited. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”It was an honour to meet the man of the hour, in the theatre of dreams, supporting the best team in the world.”One fan responded to the snap: “They were just happy to see a winner Keely!”Keely Hodgkinson challenged to rarely-seen race by Olympic gold medal-winning hurdlerWhile a second joked: “At the game yesterday, you were the highlight…..”And a third laughed: “Can you play up front for us?”Hodgkinson jetted straight off on holiday following her heroics in Paris last month. Hodgkinson came out on top in the 800m in ParisCredit: PAMan Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.She was spotted enjoying a well-earned rest in Marbella, sunning herself on a luxury yacht.The 22-year-old also revealed her mum was a diehard United fan. READ MORE SUN STORIESHodgkinson revealed: “My mum has had a Manchester United season ticket since she was 19.”Her name is on the seats at Old Trafford. She is more of a diehard fan than me.” More

  • in

    Scott McTominay reveals key difference between Napoli and Man Utd after blistering start to life in Italy

    SCOTT McTOMINAY has revealed the main difference between playing for Manchester United and Napoli.The Scotland midfielder, 27, said an emotional farewell to Old Trafford in the summer as he left the club after more than two decades.Scott McTominay has made an impressive start to life in ItalyCredit: RexHe joined Serie A giants Napoli in a deal worth £25million and has hit the ground running in Italy.Napoli have not lost in McTominay’s first four appearances – winning three and drawing with Juventus.McTominay also assisted against Monza and scored in their 5-0 win over Palermo in the Coppa Italia.It comes after Erik ten Hag was largely utilising him as a bit-part player.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd McTominay, who is now being coached by Antonio Conte, has admitted the tactical side of the game is something he has had to learn in more depth since joining Napoli.Speaking to Radio CRC, he said: “They are very different, in Serie A I would say there is much more tactics that you need to know, your role within the team and with your teammates.”Physically you make your presence felt, the Premier League is very different but also Serie A.”The tactical work is more intense in Italy. I was very impressed by the level of the Italian championship, from England I wasn’t always able to realise how I can do it now.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I was impressed by the technical level of the teams but also of the players, starting with my teammates.”McTominay played 255 games for Man Utd, scoring 29 goals and assisting eight.Man Utd fans sob ‘don’t make me cry’ as Scott McTominay gets emotional after he’s given parting gift by supporterBut his former club now sit 13th in the Premier League – while McTominay’s Napoli are top of Serie A after six games.They are not in Europe after they finished 10th last season in what was a dismal defence of their league title. More

  • in

    Man Utd set to be hijacked by Liverpool in £70million transfer for top target – but move would be full of controversy

    LIVERPOOL are reportedly ready to hijack Man Utd’s move for Jarrad Branthwaite – by swooping in January. The Red Devils saw a £50million approach for the Everton defender rejected over the summer.Jarrad Branthwaite is a target for both Man Utd and LiverpoolCredit: AlamyArne Slot’s Reds are reportedly planning to hijack the move with a January bidCredit: GettyUnited brought in Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt for a combined £100million after missing out on the Three Lions star.De Ligt has struggled for form since making the switch from Bayern Munich, while £52m teenager Yoro remains sidelined until 2025 through injury. According to The Daily Mail, United are likely to focus on bolstering their attacking options in January.That leaves the door open for Liverpool – long-time admirers of Branthwaite – to offer closer to Everton’s £70m valuation. READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe report adds that Branthwaite “is unlikely to sign an extension to his contract,” which expires in June 2027. Branthwaite, 22, enjoyed a breakout campaign last season. He was included in Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad for Euro 2024, but didn’t make the cut. Branthwaite made his first appearance of the new season last Saturday against Crystal Palace.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSReturning from a hernia operation, the youngster helped Sean Dyche’s side to their first win of the campaign. Down the M62, De Ligt has struggled since arriving at Old Trafford in a £43m deal.’He’s done!’ | How woeful tactics & Dalot shocker saw Spurs smash Man Utd to spell end for Ten HagSky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher slammed the Dutchman following Sunday’s calamitous 3-0 loss to Tottenham.Carragher said: “The rest of the defence is awful, it always has been when they lose possession.”But where’s De Ligt? The right-back has come out here but look where De Ligt is! You’ve got to get over.Matthijs de Ligt has endured a torrid start to life at Old TraffordCredit: GettyMan Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.”Two massive chances and the goal, De Ligt, a player they brought in for huge money, is completely out of position all the time.”So he ends up having to go flying into challenge and then you leave yourself in a situation where you can get yellow cards and red cards.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited boss Erik ten Hag is now the bookies’ favourite to be the next Premier League manager sacked.He faces two huge games this week – first against Porto in the Champions League, before Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa. More

  • in

    Borussia Dortmund 7-1 Celtic: Criminal defending costs Brendan Rodgers’s side dear

    THE banner on the Yellow Wall read ‘Uefa Mafia’.The Celtic defence then made Borussia Dortmund a load of offers they couldn’t refuse.Dortmund fans raised a huge – and pointed – banner aimed at Champions League organisers pre-matychCredit: APBut criminal defending cost Celtic in the endCredit: GettyEmre Can opened the floodgates with an early penaltyCredit: ReutersIt was Brendan Rodgers and his players who were guilty of criminal activity in Germany last night in this Champions League chasing.One down inside five minutes.By the time the half-time whistle went, Kasper Schmeichel had been beaten no less than FIVE times including a hat-rick from German international Karim Adeyemi. In the end, Scotland’s Premiership champions were lucky the final score didn’t end up being double figures.Genuinely, it could actually have happened.For all his talk in the build-up, Rodgers’ side just couldn’t walk the walk as they suffered yet another humiliating defeat on the road in this competition.Rodgers wanted his team to take their game to the next level.Instead they’ve rarely been lower with Dortmund handing out as humbling result that at times had to be seen to be believed.Most read in Champions LeagueAll the positivity that Celtic gained from their opening group game victory over Slovan Bratislava, gone.Watch the moment Dortmund and Celtic fans BOTH sing You’ll Never Walk AloneIt was reminiscent of the agonising 7-0 thumping to Barcelona in September 2016 during Rodgers’ first stint in charge.With Atalanta in Italy next for Celtic, they somehow need to find a way to lift themselves for this level of football.But the harsh reality is that they’re nowhere near the elite of European football.Dortmund’s first came from the penalty spot after Schmeichel brought down Jamie Gittens inside the box.It was a stonewall spot-kick.The big Dane clearly tripped the lightning quick attacker after he burst through the Celtic defence.There was fortunate break of the ball off Callum McGregor.But Rodgers’ defence was as wide as the Clyde at such an early stage of the game, when they should have been tight and compact.Daizen Maeda scored a leveller came within four short minutes.A lovely ball played into the six-yard box by Arne Engels caught the Dortmund defence on its heels this time.As everyone in a yellow shirt stopped, Celtic’s no38 moved in to bundle the ball into the back of the net.The away support went wild.Daizen Maeda sent the away end wild with the quick-fire equaliserCredit: Kenny RamsayThe Hoops fans had been a noisy and bright pocket of the iconic stadiumCredit: GettyBut Karim Adeyemi replied immediately – and Dortmund didn’t look backCredit: GettyBut no sooner were they jumping for joy, with limbs everywhere in their corner of the ground, they were crashing back down to earth.Adeyemi restored the Bundesliga’s side’s lead with a shot which clipped off Auston Trusty’s food on its way past Schmeichel.The Celts No1 would possibly have saved it otherwise.But his centre-back – starting his first big European game with Cameron Carter-Vickers out injured – was far too slow off his mark initially.Trusty had a two-yard head start on Adeyemi when the ball was played through to him yet he was outstripped because he didn’t sense the danger around him.Dortmund had two big chances to score a third right after that and didn’t take them.But this wasn’t a night when they’d regret being wasteful.When it came to their third goal, Schmeichel had to do better.The ball that flashed past him at his near post was hit with with some amount of power by Adeyemi.But no top class goalkeeper should be beaten like that.The Celtic supporters behind the goal – and the ones watching from behind their sofas back home – would have expected much, much better.Even at that stage in was damage limitation for Celtic.But Dortmund had no intention of taking their foot off the gas.They got their fourth from another penalty after 39 minutes after Engels kicked Adeyemi.It was an opportunity for the Germany attacker to get his hat-trick but it was Serhou Guirassy who grabbed the ball to score.Adeyemi was clearly confident he’d get another one from open play and in 42 minutes he did just that.Schmeichel was wrong-footed by his near-post shot which caught the veteran goalkeeper off guard yet again.Rodgers had work to do at half-time to shore things up.Taking off Paulo Bernardo and Greg Taylor – and throwing on Alex Valle and Reo Hatate – was all he could think of.All he could hope for was Dortmund going easy on his team with the result already a forgone conclusion.Even in the moments when Celtic did get up the park there was no conviction whatsoever.Hatate almost set up Kyogo Furuhashi with a sprinting run and cross the striker wasn’t far away from reaching.But it was far too little, far too late from Celtic when the game was effectively over.Adam Idah and Yang Hyunjun were next to get stripped when they probably would have been happier staying on the bench.The Hoops found it tough to get to grips with their Bundesliga hostsCredit: GettySub Adam Idah spurned a late chance to reduce the deficitCredit: GettyIn the end it was a painful defeat for the Hoops after the positivity of the opening nightCredit: GettyDortmund’s sixth came in 66 minutes, Guirassy slotting into the back of the net with ease.It was yet another example of cool finishing which the Celtic defence simply had no answer to.The final whistle couldn’t come quickly enough.It was excruciating for the club’s supporters to watch with their team being ripped apart in front of their eyes. And yet it still wasn’t over.In 79 minutes substitute Felix Nmecha went wild when he hit the net. You’d have thought it was a last minute winner the way he celebrated.Around him the Celtic players fell to their knees.Eventually, after it was all over, they trudged over to the away support in way of an apology. READ MORE SUN STORIESOur New YouTube ChannelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…MONDAYGo Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.WEDNESDAYRobert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.FRIDAYGo Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More