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      Tom Lockyer feels invincible after surviving cardiac arrest as he backs campaign for fans to learn CPR

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      TOM LOCKYER feels invincible and is joking among pals that he will ‘live for ever’.The Wales international TWICE almost died after collapsing with heart problems playing for Luton Town.Tom Lockyer is backing the Every Minute Matters campaign with the British Heart FoundationThe Luton captain returned to training after two heart issues in eight monthsBut now he is mulling over a return to the game he loves despite initially being ‘at peace’ with retirement should doctors tell him to walk away from the game at 29.Lockyer, who now has a fitted defibrillator which shocks an irregular heartbeat back to a normal rhythm, said: “I feel safe. It’s like I’ve got a superpower now.“My biggest joke with my friends is, ‘I’ll live forever’ — because when I’m 85 in bed, possibly dying of old age, the defibrillator will shock me back into life.“I’m invincible!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootball held its collective breath while both Hatters and Bournemouth fans at the Vitality watched in horror as midfielder Lockyer collapsed during a Premier League game in December.It later emerged he had suffered a cardiac arrest just months after paramedics and medical staff saved his life at Wembley during the Championship play-off final against Coventry that May.Lockyer had fallen to the ground unconscious with atrial fibrillation – or irregular heartbeat – and despite being clinically dead for 2 minutes 40 seconds, medics at the Dorset club rescued him and today he feels fit, healthy and back to his jovial self.Incredibly, he is also back involved in training sessions.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSo far, it is only warm-up drills with the squad before doing rehab work with his personal coach. It is a first tentative step in a long journey to a possible return to action.Manchester United’s Christian Eriksen was able to continue playing after suffering a cardiac arrest at the Euros for Denmark in 2021 thanks to a fitted unit.Tom Lockyer hugs team-mates as he returns to Luton’s training ground five weeks after shock cardiac arrest on the pitchBut to have lived to tell the tale after one serious heart issue is alarming enough — but to survive a second and still want to play is extraordinarily brave.Yet Lockyer said: “You could say that but I don’t see it that way. I’ve got my box fitted now and feel as safe as any other normal person or player.“After it happened there was a case that maybe I couldn’t exercise again which for someone who has always been active would’ve been hard.“I started off doing a bit of rehab to see where I could get to and what I’d be allowed to do safely. When we kept ticking off boxes, I thought, ‘Why stop now?’“Let’s see where I get to. If I can get on the pitch again, great. If not, I’ll listen to the doctors. Just because I’m back in Luton, it doesn’t mean I’m going to play again. “It’s not something I can rush — but it’s great to be back among the lads because I missed that changing-room camaraderie.”EFL supports World Heart Day EFL stars will bag the British Heart Foundation £1,000 for EVERY GOAL scored across the Championship, League One and League Two this weekend.It is World Heart Day on Sunday, September 29.So Sky Bet vowed to make the generous donations to support the ‘Every Minute Matters’ campaign, which has now helped 90,000 people learn life-saving CPR skills.The campaign has now raised £520,000 since its launch in May and hopes to fund 80 more community defibrillators across the UK. There are 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year – that is five every 90 minutes. It is crucially important for people to learn how to do CPR – with just one in ten surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests due to a lack of skills or confidence to do CPR. Eventually, the ‘Every Minute Matters’ goal is to train up 270,000 people in CPR by May 2025 – enough to fill three Wembley Stadiums. But one thing Lockyer does want to see happen quickly is for more people to learn CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) — and become life-saving heroes like the paramedics that rescued him.The EFL’s sponsors SkyBet are generously donating £1,000 to the British Heart Foundation for EVERY GOAL scored in the Championship, League One and League Two this weekend — including Friday night’s second-tier clash between Lockyer’s Luton and Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth as well as Tranmere v Salford in the fourth rung.To mark World Heart Day, SkyBet and the charity want fans of all 72 EFL clubs to kick their fears and apprehensions about performing CPR into Row Z by learning in only 15 minutes how to be a future life-saving hero.So far — in a campaign called Every Minute Matters — they have managed to get 90,000 members of the public to learn how to do it. Their target is to be able to have enough fans who have learned CPR to fill THREE Wembley stadiums.Lockyer said: “Your chances of surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is less than one in ten. “The reality is if you’re unfortunate enough to suffer one, unless there are paramedics or people nearby confident enough to perform CPR, it’s not looking good for you.“Less than half of EFL fans surveyed by SkyBet said they were confident of doing CPR.“Imagine if someone you loved, a family member, collapsed in front of you and you didn’t know what to do — despite having all this awareness about CPR brought to your attention and not having spared just 15 minutes to learn it? It would haunt you forever if they passed away.“I’ve done it online. It’s not rocket science and takes 15 minutes. The more people who know how to do it, the better the survival rates will be.”Cardiac arrests don’t discriminate. You can be as fit and healthy as a Premier League footballer like myself or a 90-year-old. A man told me about his 18-month-old daughter. That hit home. That was shocking.Tom LockyerAn impressive £520,000 has already been raised by the campaign and the first £400,000 of these funds are being spent on 80 more community defibrillators distributed across the UK as well as training more people CPR and defibrillation skills.Lockyer would like one day for every household to have a defibrillator — which would save many more lives — but accepts a lot of work needs to be done before they can become more affordable.He said: “Cardiac arrests don’t discriminate. You can be as fit and healthy as a Premier League footballer like myself or a 90-year-old.“After what happened I had a man reach out to me about what happened to his 18-month-old daughter. That hit home. That was shocking. Thankfully he knew what he was doing and she is still here today.”Speaking about his own experiences, when Lockyer suffered his first cardiac at Wembley, during the time he lay unconscious, he revealed he dreamed that Luton won the play-off final: “Thankfully that was a reality.”But the second time, he blacked out completely in a situation that was really touch and go. He said: “When I woke up, I knew what had happened — and as glad I was to have survived the first thought after that was ‘Oh, that my career over then.'”However, that might not be the case after all and even if it is, Lockyer will continue to campaign passionately in a bid to save others — including this weekend.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he added: “Let’s hope for lots of goals this weekend — some 10-10 draws would be nice! And please everyone learn how to become a hero like those that saved me.”Lockyer called on fans to learn how to do CPRLockyer collapsed during the 2023 Championship play-off final at WembleyCredit: GettyLuton stars lifted Lockyer’s shirt after securing promotionCredit: GettyAfter his cardiac arrest at Bournemouth, he thought his career was overCredit: ReutersThe midfielder says he feels ‘invincible’ with his defibrillatorCredit: GettyHe thanked the Bournemouth paramedics for saving his lifeCredit: Reuters More

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      Ex-Fulham star Palhinha splits from pregnant wife just months after Bayern Munich transfer as she ditches wedding ring

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      BAYERN MUNICH midfielder Joao Palhinha has reportedly split from his pregnant wife just months after his move to Germany.Portugal international Palhinha, 29, signed for the Bundesliga giants in the summer in a deal worth £47.5million.Joao Palhinha joined Bayern Munich from Fulham in the summerCredit: GettyReports are claiming he has split from singer wife Patricia PalharesThe couple met back in 2019 and married two years laterBut he has struggled for game time under Vincent Kompany, starting just one of their opening six games in all competitions.And reports are suggesting he is also enduring off-field issues with his singer wife Patricia Palhares, 27.The couple have been together for five years and married in 2021.Patricia gave birth to their son Joao Maria, 1, in October 2022 and they are expecting a second child.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Patricia has deleted all photos of her and Palhinha on Instagram and posted pregnancy snaps without the Fulham man, leading to reports they have split.According to Bild, Palhinha recently posted images of him with his mum, Susana, on a private Instagram account and had no wedding ring on.Neither Palhinha or Patricia have made comment on reports of a separation.TV presenter Maya said on the Portuguese show Noite das Estrelas: “I know there was no betrayal on either side.”Most read in BundesligaPatricia gave birth to the couple’s first child Joao Maria in 2022Credit: Instagram @ppalharezThe reason for their alleged split is said to be ‘wear and tear’Credit: Instagram @ppalharezNeither Palhinha or Patricia have made comment on the reportsCredit: Instagram @ppalharezShe went on to add that the “wear and tear” of the relationship was the reason for the split.Palhinha spoke earlier this month about not having started Bayern’s first three games of the season.Inside Joao Palhinha’s life as a Premier League footballer with midfielder tipped for big moveHe told TZ, he said: “I wasn’t disappointed [to be left on the bench].”I’m at the best club in the world. It’s part of a process. I can be proud.”Patricia recently shared pregnancy photos without PalhinhaCredit: Instagram @ppalharezShe has deleted images of Palhinha from her InstagramCredit: Instagram @ppalharez More

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      I sat on sofa with Man Utd boss and his wife at my house… I agreed transfer but changed my mind when he was sacked

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      TONI KROOS claims he was moments away from joining Manchester United before David Moyes was ruthlessly sacked while the pair sat together on a sofa.The Scot only lasted 10 months at Old Trafford following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement 11 years ago.Toni Kroos claims he almost joined Man Utd after leaving Bayern MunichCredit: GettyHe was sat on a couch with David Moyes when the Scot was sackedCredit: GettyMoyes won just 27 of his 51 United matches in the 2013/14 campaignAnd United’s seventh-place finish saw them miss out on Champions League football for the first time since 1995.Moyes only made one signing in his sole summer transfer window, with his former Everton star Marouane Fellaini a late arrival.But it appears the Scot was already working on deals for his second season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat’s because Germany and Real Madrid icon Kroos claims he nearly joined United in the summer of 2014.The midfielder, who led his country to World Cup glory that year, met with Moyes and the Scot’s wife Pamela at his house in Bavaria.Kroos had decided to leave boyhood club Bayern Munich on a free transfer.And he was ready to put pen to paper on a lucrative deal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, as Kroos and Moyes sat together on a couch, the manager was brutally sacked by United.Ryan Giggs took charge for United’s last few games before Louis van Gaal was hired.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Louis van Gaal did not want to complete the deal to sign KroosCredit: EPAKroos also turned down Van Gaal before eventually joining Real MadridCredit: GettyAnd Kroos ended up declining the planned switch to Old Trafford, with Van Gaal also not keen on signing him.Kroos told SPORT1: “In 2014, before I signed with Real Madrid, I had already agreed with Manchester United. That would have been a move from Bayern to United.“But then they kicked out David Moyes, who I was still sitting on my couch with in Munich.“It was very nice for him to be sitting in our house with his wife.“Then they hired Louis van Gaal. And we both politely declined.The playmaker eventually struck a deal with Real Madrid as he secured the World Cup in Brazil.And the rest is history, with Kroos appearing 465 times for Los Blancos before retiring following Euro 2024.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn that time he won four LaLiga titles, five Champions Leagues and as many Club World Cups, making him one of the most successful Germans in history.One star Kroos played alongside was Gareth Bale, who was Moyes’ top target during the summer of 2013 before joining Real.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Arteta asked about a 12-year-old Ethan Nwaneri in his first week as Arsenal boss – five years later he must unleash him

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      MIKEL ARTETA has had his eye on Ethan Nwaneri since he was 12-years-old.Within the first week of his appointment as Arsenal boss in December 2019, Arteta spoke with U16 coach Dan Micciche about an immense talent playing with kids four years his senior and asked him: “I hear you’ve got a player for me…”Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta has had his eye on Ethan Nwaneri since 2019Nwaneri signed his Arsenal contract alongside Jack WilshereCredit: Arsenal FC via Instagram / @ethan_nwaneriNwaneri made history when he featured in the Premier League at the age of 15Credit: GettyA video compilation was compiled to prove that the early comparisons to Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere were not as wild as they initially sounded.Fast forward to the present day and 17-year-old Nwaneri is on the cusp of a full Prem debut after scoring twice on his first senior start against Bolton in the Carabao Cup third round.And given the Gunners’ current injury issues in midfield, Arteta should hold him back no longer ahead of their clash with Leicester at the Emirates on Saturday. The time is now.As Arteta himself admitted after the 5-1 thumping of the Trotters, “the boy is ready” before adding: “He’s ahead of what anybody could expect”.READ MORE ON ARSENALHowever, Arsenal’s Hale End academy have known about Nwaneri’s potential since his arrival as a nine-year-old – where he was introduced to several senior stars on his first day.His progress since has been nothing short of meteoric, playing with the U18s at the age of 14 and the U21s at the age of 15 before his history-making Prem debut in September 2022.There was interest from Chelsea and Manchester City before he signed his first pro deal back in March after his 17th birthday – but leaving Arsenal has never been a consideration.After scoring his first two goals for the club on Wednesday night, the England U19s starlet said: “It’s a great feeling when the club you love and have grown up with and the fans are chanting your name.Most read in FootballNwaneri scored two against League One side Bolton in the Carabao Cup on WednesdayCredit: RexNwaneri made his Prem debut in a 3-0 win over Brentford aged 15Credit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s a good feeling. It’s a surreal feeling. It’s a feeling I’ve wanted to feel for almost 16 years of my life so to actually feel it, it’s crazy. I just want more of it.”Nwaneri was one of NINE academy players in the squad against Bolton, with 16-year-old keeper Jack Porter, defenders Maldini Kacurri, 18, and Josh Nichols, 18, and winger Ismeal Kabia, 18, also making their debuts.Mikel Arteta insists Ethan Nwaneri will get more chances for Arsenal this season Nwaneri added: “All of those players that I’ve played with since I’ve been like nine and now we’re on the big pitch together, it’s a crazy feeling.”But Nwaneri is the shining light and the quiet leader among them, despite his shy and down-to-earth nature. Before kick-off against Bolton, Nwaneri led his academy pals out on to the pitch to soak up the atmosphere, shaking hands with managing director Richard Garlick.Nwaneri does his talking on the pitch, showing an eye for goal in the 37th and 49th minute and looking immensely comfortable on the ball, constantly dodging tackles with power and poise.Not that it has affected his school work. Much like another academy grad Myles Lewis-Skelly, the pair would often finish training, put on their uniforms and race to school to hand in homework.Nwaneri has had many a role model, coached by club legend Wilshere in the U18s and called “very, very special” by former midfielder Granit Xhaka while the Swiss international picked up his coaching badges with the U16s at London Colney.Nwaneri joined Arsenal when he was eight years oldCredit: Arsenal FC via Instagram / @ethan_nwaneriHe now plays for Mikel Arteta’s first teamCredit: GettyEven current skipper Martin Odegaard has gone out of his way to guide and nurture a player who could one day replace him as Arsenal’s talisman and fan favourite.With Odegaard and Mikel Merino missing through injury and Jorginho and Thomas Partey in need of a rest, these upcoming home league outings against the Foxes and Southampton could not have come at a better time for Nwaneri’s official unveiling as a first team regular.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has already featured once this Prem term, off the bench late on to help see out a 1-0 victory away at rivals Tottenham, adding to previous sub appearances at the Bees and West Ham.Nwaneri said: “It’s been intense, but it’s definitely helped me as a player. I’ve added that to my game.”Arsenal player ratings vs BoltonETHAN NWANERI will remember this night for the rest of his life after scoring twice on his full Arsenal debut.The Gunners eased to a 5-1 victory over Bolton in the Carabao Cup third round.See how their players, young and old, rated at the Emirates.Jack Porter – 6He may be 16 years old but he did not show it tonight. Had one scare when his pass was blocked by Aaron Collins and the ball flew over but other than that he did not put a foot wrong.Josh Nichols – 6Encouraging signs from the right-back although he was not really tested in a defensive capacity.Jakub Kiwior – 6Dealt with Bolton’s many crosses into the box but was far too high up the pitch, along with Calafiori, which allowed the visitors to break and score.Riccardo Calafiori – 7A Rolls-Royce defender who carries himself a bit like David Luiz, minus the erratic decision-making. Defended well and went close with a long shot.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Looked very comfortable in possession and saw plenty of the ball. Excellent composure for a young head and linked with Sterling well.Jorginho – 6Kept things ticking over but in truth it was quite an easy night for the Italian.Declan Rice – 7Took his goal very well and everything Arsenal did went through him.Ethan Nwaneri – 9A night to remember for the 17-year-old as he capped his first start for the club with his first goals. Showed great poaching instincts.Bukayo Saka – 9Typical Saka performance and he was a constant threat with his delivery, whether in open play or from corners.Raheem Sterling – 9A threat throughout and he is back playing with a smile on his face, which is great to see. Worked hard and got his deserved goal when he poked in from two yards out.Gabriel Jesus – 5Plenty of energy and panache up front but without the finishing to match – a familiar tale of his Arsenal career.See how the Arsenal subs rated here More

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      Man Utd title winner looks unrecognisable as he joins former club for the third time at 35 in emotional reunion

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      A FORMER Manchester United star looks unrecognisable after returning to his boyhood club.The ace spent two years at Old Trafford but crucially that included the 2012-13 season as Sir Alex Ferguson lifted his 13th Premier League title. This former Manchester United star has rejoined his boyhood club for a third spellCredit: InstagramHe only made five league appearances in his debut season after signing while in a chippy – even scoring and assisting in a 4-0 win over Wigan on his debut. However, he was granted a winner’s medal after Fergie approved a special dispensation.The footballer, 35, then scored on the final day of the season in a bonkers 5-5 draw with West Brom, the legendary Scot’s last match as boss.He continued to play a back-up role in defence under David Moyes the following season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, he did rack up eight further Premier League games and 15 appearances in all competitions.But the Dutchman was sold in 2014 to Dynamo Moscow and he has since had spells in Belgium, America and back in his homeland. Now, though, he has penned a deal with Vitesse Arnhem in Holland’s second division – and rocks a totally different appearance from his Red Devils days with a new blonde hairstyle after ditching his iconic look.The defender came through the academy at Vitesse having joined aged 16 following a stint with Ajax and made his name at the club to earn his Old Trafford transfer. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe returned to the GelreDome in January 2017 but left two-and-a-half years later – only to pen a fresh contract at the club in August 2024 at the age of 35. But who is the mystery player, who has even launched a clothing brand as a lucrative side hustle? Man Utd hero Lee Sharpe opened up about the most unforgettable hairdryer treatment he ever received from legendary manager Sir Alex FergusonIt is none other than Alexander Buttner. The left-back was famous for his Mohican during his time in England.However, he struggled for regular minutes in the starting XI as he found himself behind Patrice Evra in the pecking order. Buttner added the KNVB Cup with Vitesse in 2017 to go with his Premier League medal. Despite representing the Netherlands at Under-19s and U20s level, he did not earn a senior cap for his country.Ironically, Buttner is now a team-mate of his cousin Giovanni Buttner at Vitesse, who were relegated from the Eredivisie last season after finishing bottom.The duo, born more than ten years apart, played together at De Graafschap and were reunited at Vitesse when Giovanni joined the club in September – a month after Alexander did the same. The mystery footballer is Alexander Buttner, who won the Premier League in 2013Credit: Getty – ContributorHe scored on his debut against WiganCredit: Action Images – ReutersHe was famous for his Mohican hairstyle at Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Man Utd hardman Roy Keane looks embarrassed after his phone pass code is ‘revealed’ – and it has emotional meaning

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      ROY KEANE looked embarrassed after Jill Scott appeared to reveal his phone pass code in a hilarious moment on the latest episode of Stick to Football.The Manchester United legend, 53, took his mobile out after Gary Neville asked to see his most recent music playlist.Roy Keane got his phone out after Gary Neville asked to see his recent music playlistCredit: YouTube / Stick to FootballJill Scott claimed to have spotted Keane’s passcodeCredit: YouTube / Stick to FootballHe looked sheepish and embarrassed after Scott appeared to expose himCredit: YouTube / Stick to FootballThat came following Keane’s claim that his Mastermind subject would be on 80s music.As the former Red Devils midfielder switched on his phone, ex-Manchester City and England star Scott leant over to get a look at the screen.Speaking on Stick to Football, sponsored by Sky Bet, she then hilariously said: “Do you know what his passcode is? 1999. I just seen it.”Jamie Carragher and Neville burst into hysterics as Keane looked up and somewhat embarrassingly shook his head.READ MORE ON MAN UTDArsenal icon Ian Wright then said: “You’re gonna have to change that now, Roy.”Before Neville added: “He’s gonna have to change his alarm code as well – his gate code.”It is unclear whether Scott was being serious or simply having a joke at Keane’s expense.But the four-digit code would make sense given 1999 was the year he famously won the Treble with Man Utd.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOn the same episode of Stick to Football, Keane took aim at Arsenal for their performance in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City.After comparing them to sides managed by “Tony Pulis, Sam Allardyce, Steve Bruce or Neil Warnock,” he said: “I’m on about when you’ve got it [the ball], still look after it.Man Utd legend Roy Keane blasts Arsenal as ‘small team with small mentality’ in furious rant at Ian Wright”Don’t even worry about playing one up front, but when you do get it try and get four, five, six passes.”They were just booting it like a small team with a small mentality.”When I see England international players just booting it out of play I’m going ‘What are you? League One? League Two?'” More

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      Shocking moment hooligans smack riot police with bats as eight arrested and nine rushed to hospital in ugly brawls

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      HOOLIGANS attacked riot police with bats during ugly scenes in Italy on Wednesday night.Officers arrested eight fans as violent clashes marred the Derby della Lanterna between Genoa and Sampdoria.Hooligans smacked a police riot van with bats during ugly brawls in ItalyCredit: X formerly Twitter / @thecasualultraFans clashed before and after the Coppa Italia match between Genoa and SampdoriaCredit: X formerly Twitter / @hooliganscz1999Violent scenes saw fireworks and bottles thrown by fans on a bridgeCredit: X formerly Twitter / @hooliganscz1999The city rivals met for the first time in two years in the second round of the Coppa Italia at their shared home, the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.Off the field, though, violence erupted between supporters of each club both ahead of the match and into the night.Footage shared on social media shows hooligans walking the streets holding bats before fireworks and bottles were thrown on a bridge.Fans also clashed with riot police, including in a clip which showed a police van being attacked with bats.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBy Thursday morning, eight arrests had been made with at least nine people rushed to hospital.However, this figure later rose to 40 including 26 injured police officers being treated.According to Calciomercato, the violence broke out after Genoa fans unveiled banners stolen from Sampdoria ultras in recent months.Riot police were then called in at full-time to control the clashes, with violent scenes continuing until around 2.30am in the city.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt had been the bitter city rivals’ first meeting since April 2022 due to Sampdoria’s relegation from Serie A.The Serie B side claimed victory on penalties in Wednesday’s meeting, though, following a 1-1 draw.Conference League clash suspended as police evacuate entire away stand after shameful scenesFootage of the ugly scenes were shared on social media ahead of Wednesday’s matchCredit: X formerly Twitter / @hooliganscz1999Riot police were called in to control the disorder in the city of GenoaCredit: X formerly Twitter / @hooliganscz1999Former Sunderland man Fabio Borini equalised with seven minutes remaining before team-mate Simone Romagnoli was sent off in stoppage time.Sampdoria will now travel to face Roma in the last 16 of the Coppa Italia in December.Police have made eight arrests whilst 40 people have been injured including 26 officersCredit: X formerly Twitter / @hooliganscz1999The violent clashes continued until around 2.30am local timeCredit: X formerly Twitter / @thecasualultraFans clashed before and after the Coppa Italia clash between the two city rivalsCredit: GettySampdoria beat Genoa on penalties to reach the last 16 after a 1-1 drawCredit: Getty More

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      Andy Carroll reveals it is COSTING him money to play for Bordeaux after shock transfer to French fourth-division club

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      ANDY CARROLL has revealed he is LOSING money to play in the French fourth division.The former Premier League striker left Ligue 2 side Amiens to join Bordeaux in a free transfer last week.Andy Carroll has revealed he is losing money to play for BordeauxCredit: AFPThe striker scored on his debut at the weekendCredit: AFPHe was allegedly persuaded to make the drop down to the fourth tier by Amiens sporting director John Williams, who has been assisting Bordeaux with recruitment in the wake of their double relegation.Les Girondins were declared bankrupt last month and placed into financial administration.They now play in Championnat National 2 – the fourth tier of French football.That means Carroll has been forced to accept a significant wage cut.Read More in FootballThe 35-year-old is reportedly earning £2,900-a-month, which is around £750-a-week.He recently admitted it is costing him money just to play for the club.Carroll told RMC Sport: “To be honest, it’s even costing me money to come and play for Bordeaux but I’m playing football and I am simply happy to be playing football.”I want to be a part of this club’s history and to be frank, it wasn’t a question of money.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”In my career, it’s never been a question of money.”Carroll came off the bench to score twice for Bordeaux on his debut, saving the club from an embarrassing defeat to Chateaubriant.The Biggest January Flop Signings In Premier League History More