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    Ex-Blackburn star shares joy at his two missing children ‘saved’ as they return after 616 DAYS

    FORMER Blackburn star Claus Reitmaier has announced his two missing children have been found. In January 2023, Reitmaier’s ex-partner Pricilla Patricia L., went into hiding with their children Whitney (nine) and Cyril (five).Former Blackburn star Claus Reitmaier has announced his two missing children have been foundCredit: GettyIn January 2023 Reitmaier’s ex-partner Pricilla Patricia L. went into hiding with their children Whitney (nine) and Cyril (five)Credit: AlamyAn international search began in August for Pricilla and on Friday she finally turned herself in.According to BILD the police revealed: “Ms. L. turned herself into the Monchengladbach district court on Friday, September 20. “The arrest warrant against her was announced and suspended under conditions.”The whereabouts of the abducted children are known. Both are well.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOn Instagram, the retired German goalkeeper Reitmaier, 60, expressed his joy, writing, “Hello, it’s done. All wanted ads can be deleted. “Please take them all out, the children are safe. Fortunately. Thank you very much for your support!”Reitmaier told the German news outlet BILD on Friday evening: “I am overjoyed that I was able to see my children again today after 616 days.” His former partner had not returned the children to him on January 15, 2023, as per the custody agreement. Most read in ChampionshipDespite extensive investigations, their whereabouts remained unknown for months.At the request of the public prosecutor’s office, the Monchengladbach District Court issued national and European arrest warrants and ordered a public search for the accused. These were withdrawn after the 35-year-old woman turned herself in.According to BILD, Ms. L. reported to the police on Friday in consultation with her lawyer. She had spent time in northern Germany and Austria while the children were with their grandmother.Reitmaier began his professional career in 1986 with Bavarian club Viktoria Aschaffenburg. In 1990, he signed with Blackburn Rovers but never got the chance to be their No1 goalkeeper and left after a year after making zero caps.His most notable period was with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, where he made 163 appearances from 1998 to 2003.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter a distinguished 27-year career, Reitmaier retired at SV Halstenbek-Rellingen. In his final years, he started coaching goalkeepers and since retiring in 2013 he has been the goalkeeping coach at German second-tier side SC Paderborn. More

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    Watch moment Arsenal chief storms out of director’s box and fails to shake Man City counterpart’s hand after late goal

    ARSENAL chief exec Tim Lewis failed to shake hands with Manchester City’s top brass having stormed out of his seat after Sunday’s dramatic game at the Etihad.The Gunners were devastated after their hopes of a famous win were dashed by a 98th-minute equaliser from John Stones.Arsenal bigwig Tim Lewis, sitting in the bottom row by the aisle, was sat next to Gunners sporting director Edu Gaspar at the EtihadCredit: THE SUNAn irate Lewis, in the beige trenchcoat near the top of the stairs, stormed out of his seat when John Stones levelled the scoresCredit: THE SUNLewis failed to shake hands with the City brass after the final whistleCredit: THE SUNStones’ stoppage-time equaliser denied the Gunners of a massive three points at the EtihadCredit: GETTYAnd exclusive video footage obtained by SunSport shows the moment Lewis furiously left the director’s box when the ball hit the net.He did not return to greet the City hierarchy – as is the norm following a game.City chief exec Khaldoon Al Mubarak can be seen pointing to Lewis at the top of the stairs after his quick dash.So it was left to fellow members of the travelling Arsenal board to apologise and mingle with their hosts.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe incident was another sign of the growing tension between the two title rivals – both on and off the pitch.City were furious with some of the tactics deployed by the visitors as they tried to cling on to their slender lead in the second half.Some home players accused the Gunners of using “dark arts” after going down to ten men in first-half stoppage time.Erling Haaland was involved in angry confrontations with various Arsenal players in chaotic scenes after the final whistle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Norwegian even told Mikel Arteta to “stay humble” after the Gunners boss came onto the pitch.But the Spaniard didn’t take offence to the City hitman’s post-match jibe, saying: “It’s part of football, part of sport.’Stay humble,’ Erling Haaland tells Arteta who gives him brutal death stare before Gabriel Jesus confronts Man City ace “After the game, all that goes away and we move on. That’s it.”Haaland also riled up the Emirates faithful by throwing the ball at the back of Gabriel Magalhaes’ head as City celebrated Stones’ leveller.And his actions drew the ire of Gunners legend Ian Wright, who said: “What really boiled me up properly was Haaland’s cowardly move.”Throwing the ball at Gabi’s [Gabriel] head when he’s not looking.”When Gabi’s back is turned to him, a real coward’s move. “Gabi would look you in the eye. “I’m looking at this like a really good defender vs striker for years to come. “I really like watching them two and then you’re doing a coward’s move like that? “That’s what bothered me more than anything else. I thought you were bigger than that, bro.”John Stones’ scrappy stoppage-time equaliser broke Arsenal heartsCredit: AlamyErling Haaland was at the centre of several flashpoints in the matchCredit: GETTYThe Norwegian even took aim at Mikel Arteta after the final whistleCredit: SKY SPORTSGabriel, who headed the Gunners into the lead in first-half stoppage time, downplayed Haaland’s action but is relishing his next encounter with the striker.The Brazilian said of the incident: “It’s a battle, a war.”So it’s normal to have provocative acts in football, it’s part of the game.”Now this is over and we are waiting for them at our ground.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal will be back in action this evening, welcoming League One side Bolton Wanderers to the Emirates for their Carabao Cup third-round tie.SunSport have approached Arsenal for comment. More

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    Why is Neto NOT playing for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup? Goalkeeper’s absence explained

    ARSENAL take on League One Bolton in the third round of the Carabao Cup TONIGHT.The Gunners go into the clash on the back of a gruelling 2-2 draw away at Premier League title rivals Manchester City.Arsenal were seconds away from three huge points at the Etihad last weekendCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s men were seconds away from a monumental victory at the Etihad after playing the whole of the second half with ten men.But super sub-John Stones came off the bench to deny Arsenal from claiming all three points.The Gunners put in a huge shift as City had the man advantage – and there are sure to be a few bumps and bruises in the camp ahead of Wednesday night’s game.Goalkeeper David Raya was seen limping out of the Etihad on Sunday and had his knee bandaged up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShould the Spainard not be available for the Bolton clash, Arteta will have a selection headache with Brazilian shot-stopper Neto also unavailable between the sticks.Why is Neto not playing for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup?Neto joined Arsenal on a season-long loan from Premier League rivals Bournemouth in the summer.The Gunners were in the market for a backup goalkeeper after Aaron Ramsdale made the switch to Southampton in August.David Raya could miss Wednesday’s Carabao Cup matchCredit: GettyNeto may be waiting a long time to make his Gunners debut as the Brazilian will not be able to feature for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup.Most read in FootballThis is because the former Barcelona and Juventus keeper is CUP-TIED for the competition.Neto started between the sticks in Bournemouth’s 1-0 loss to West Ham in the Carabao Cup second round, meaning he can’t represent another team in the tournament this season.With the Bournemouth loanee unavailable and Raya potentially injured, Arteta has a dilemma ahead of tonight’s cup clash.Third-choice goalkeeper Tommy Setford also appears to be on the sidelines, having not been named in the squad since the international break.This means Aretea could be forced to start 16-year-old shot-stopper Jack Porter for the Carabao Cup tie.Porter was on the bench for Arsenal’s 0-0 draw away at Atlanta in the Champions League last week.He’s played six games for Arsenal’s U18s and one for the U21s.Porter has also featured four times for England’s U16 side.How to watch Arsenal vs BoltonArsenal’s Carabao Cup clash with Bolton will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+.Subscribers of the full Sky Sports package will be able to access Sky Sports+ at no extra cost.You can find Sky Sports+ on Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the revamped Sky Sports mobile app.Just select the game you want to watch on the homepage, which will show all current live matches available to stream and enjoy.READ MORE SUN STORIESYou can also press the microphone button on your Sky remote, and then say the name of your club, and it will show what games are available.Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action from the Emirates by following SunSport’s live blog. More

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    TikToker brutally trolled for calling football ‘the new bottomless brunch’… after £13,000 Tottenham VIP experience

    A TIKTOK star has been slammed for labelling a £13,000 VIP ticket at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium “the new bottomless brunch”.Paige Benattar, who runs the account Travelsbypaige, went to Spurs’ 3-1 win over Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.Paige Benattar shared a video of her premium experience at Tottenham vs BrentfordCredit: TikTokShe claimed the matchday experience could be the ‘new bottomless brunch’Credit: TikTokA ‘Sideline Suite’ ticket would set a fan back more than £13,000Credit: TikTokIt boasts an incredible view of the pitch and stadiumCredit: TikTokShe sat in one of the club’s “Sideline Suites” which would set a fan back £13,050 per season.Yet her description of the experience, which includes a three-course meal, complimentary bar and superb view of the match, left supporters raging.In the video, she said: “This football experience may just be my new go to bottomless brunch, especially when you get a premium experience like this one.”But I mean don’t get me wrong, I did go through quite a lot of emotions that day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Anyways, let me show you what the premium experience with Sea Unique included.”On arrival at Tottenham we headed up to the suite and it did not disappoint – look at those views.”You also get access to the box three hours before the game starts, so whilst we got warmed up – I mean literally – you have a private chef prepare a three-course meal for you. Luxury, I love it.”The experience also includes a complimentary bar, such a vibe. Maybe football is the new bottomless brunch.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA three-course meal is also included in the ticketAs is a lavish complimentary bar in the suiteCredit: TikTokPaige had a programme signed by Spurs legend Ossie ArdilesCredit: TikTokFans were less than impressed by the TikTok clipCredit: TikTokOther additions Paige experienced included heated seats and meeting Tottenham legend Ossie Ardiles and having him sign her programme.But the video went down very badly on social media as football fans poured in with their responses.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersOne said: “What happened to a pint and a pie? Game’s completely gone.”Another added: “Seeing as bottomless brunches are about £30 and that is £350, I’m gonna say no, it probably isn’t.”A third replied: “I wouldn’t swap my pie and bovril for that – sorry.”While a fourth responded: “Oh no…the ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ crowd have discovered us.” More

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    Arsenal are struggling – I’ve been disappointed with their start to the season, says Man Utd legend Paul Scholes

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has voiced his disappointment with the Gunners’ performance so far.Despite an unbeaten run in their first five games, Arsenal finds themselves fourth in the Premier League trailing behind Liverpool, Manchester City and Aston Villa.Paul Scholes has revealed his thoughts regarding Arsenal’s start to the seasonCredit: GettyThe Man Utd legend says Mikel Arteta’s side are strugglingCredit: PAThe Gunners remain unbeaten this term but sit third in the Premier League tableCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s squad has secured 11 out of a possible 15 points after facing challenging clashes that included away matches at Aston Villa, Tottenham, and Manchester City.They secured victories against Villa and their north London rivals, then managed a 2-2 draw in a heated match against City on Sunday.Now, they are just two points away from the top spot as they aim to finally outdo Pep Guardiola’s team.But Red Devils icon Scholes has been far from impressed with how the Gunners have played in the opening weeks of the campaign.READ MORE ARSENALScholes was speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet.He said: “Arsenal, at some point, have got to beat them [Manchester City at the Etihad]. They nearly did it, and it was a great effort. “I sat here at the start of the season and thought Arsenal might win the league, but I’ve been a little bit disappointed with their start to the season.”Arsenal’s defence has been solid this season conceding just three goals so far continuing their strong form from last year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDespite netting 91 goals in the 2023-24 season they chose not to sign a new striker over the summer.Their scoring has significantly dropped this season with only eight goals to their name—fewer than 10th-placed Tottenham.Mikel Arteta says ‘I would be very thick’ if he repeated previous mistake as Arsenal boss defends tactics vs Man City And Scholes has expressed his doubts about Arteta’s attacking strategy.He added: “Arsenal have been poor going forward this season. “You look at all the goals they scored last year, and everyone was talking about getting a centre forward in the summer and you thought they probably didn’t need it. “But five or six games in, it feels like Arsenal are struggling – it’s not quite clicking.”Against Tottenham, Arsenal were content to concede possession for long stretches eventually clinching victory from a corner. Similarly, they aimed to counter-attack against Manchester City which paid off in the first half at the Etihad as they came from behind to lead 2-1. But after Leandro Trossard’s red card just before halftime the Gunners focused solely on defence in the second half posing no offensive threat.In that half Arsenal had just 12.5% possession with Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber failing to complete a single pass. READ MORE SUN STORIESTheir strategy nearly succeeded but John Stones scored a last-minute equaliser in the 98th minute.The Gunners now have an easier run of games on paper, as they prepare to face Leicester, Southampton and Bournemouth in their next three outings. More

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    Five new clubs for Kieran Trippier after wife moves out and ditches ring including Mourinho link-up and emotional return

    KIERAN TRIPPIER could soon be on his way to a new club.But where could the Englishman end up?Kieran Trippier could be on his way out of Newcastle in JanuaryCredit: GettyHis marriage with wife Charlotte is on the rocksCredit: GettyThe footballer and his wife have both been spotted without their wedding ringsCredit: SplashSunSport revealed how the defender is “desperate” to leave Newcastle amid his struggles on and off the pitch.Less than 12 months after Bayern Munich failed in their attempts to sign him, Trippier is losing the battle with Tino Livramento as the first-choice right-back under Eddie Howe this term and has retired from England international availability.Away from football, his marriage is on the rocks with wife Charlotte moving 200 miles away with their children – as both have removed their wedding rings. It comes after Trippier was spotted wrapping his arms around a blonde woman at a karaoke bar before scooping her up during a night out with team-mates.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKieran and Charlotte have not commented publicly on the rumours they have split. But now the footballer is keen for a reset moment in his career – and he is unlikely to be short of options from a link-up with Jose Mourinho to an emotional return.FenerbahceThe club reportedly leading the chase for Trippier’s signature in January is said to be Fenerbahce.The Turkish giants showed interest over the summer following Mourinho’s arrival in the dugout.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA strong start to the season sees the Special One sitting second behind high-flying Galatasaray.Should Trippier make the move, there would be plenty of recognisable faces with ex-Premier League players Edin Dzeko, Dusan Tadic, Fred, Caglar Soyuncu, Cengiz Under, Allan Saint-Maximin, Cenk Tosun and Sofyan Amrabat all now at Fenerbahce. Kieran Trippier goes viral during Newcastle’s clash at Bournemouth after painful moment is caught on Sky Sports camerasJose Mourinho reportedly wants Trippier at FenerbahceCredit: GettyA January loan deal would be preferred by the Yellow Canaries but Newcastle would likely want a permanent transfer. AC MilanAC Milan are also thought to be monitoring Trippier’s situation keenly.They could present him with the chance to represent another of Europe’s biggest clubs following his stints with Newcastle and Atletico Madrid. Paulo Fonseca is currently the man in charge at the San Siro and could tempt ex-Tottenham man Trippier with a return to the Champions League. Former Chelsea and England trio Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are all at AC Milan.But Trippier would need to usurp Emerson Royal and club-captain Davide Calabria for a spot in the starting XI.Trippier could whip in plenty of crosses for Tammy AbrahamCredit: GettyAtalantaAnother Italian job could be on the cards for Trippier with Atalanta.Like Milan and Fenerbahce, they are hoping to seal a loan in January to bolster their defence.A tricky start to the Serie A campaign included a 4-0 thumping at Inter.But a 0-0 draw with Arsenal provided a much-needed boost before losing to Cesc Fabregas’ Como. La Dea booked their place in the Champions League by winning the Europa League and there are a few notable names in the Atalanta team.They include Ademola Lookman, Ben Godfrey, Nicolo Zaniolo, Rui Patricio and Sead Kolasinac.The defender could return to the Champions League with AtalantaCredit: AlamyBurnleyTrippier may have come through at Manchester City but it was during his time at Burnley that he made a name for himself. The Clarets were relegated under Vincent Kompany last season but Scott Parker has got them on track for an immediate return to the top flight.Trippier is thought to want to get away from the Premier League – an emotional return to Turf Moor could provide that.However, it could also provide the chance for him to battle for another promotion, 11 years on from finishing second in the Championship under Sean Dyche.A few months away from the spotlight to focus on his football and take Burnley – and himself – back into the big time could be a tempting proposition. Plus, Parker would no doubt appreciate some extra experience and quality in the second half of the season. Trippier made a name for himself at Burnley, helping them into the Premier LeagueCredit: Action Images – ReutersSaudi ArabiaLastly, a move to the Middle East, specifically the Saudi Pro League, cannot be ruled out.Trippier has just turned 34 and knows he is unlikely to get another bumper contract like he could in Saudi. A deal would be easy enough to strike between the buying club and Newcastle’s Saudi owners.Trippier has visited the country on training camps with the Toon plus the weather is better than in the North-East.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere was Saudi interest in the summer – as well as from Dyche’s Everton – and Trippier even shared a photo alongside Tom Spring, head of scouting for Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq. Again, a move there, or any of the other mega-rich clubs, would give Trippier space away from the Premier League pressures and scrutiny. He has spent time in Saudi Arabia for warm-weather training, could he move permanently?Credit: Getty More

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    England manager job is a ‘thankless task’, slams Gareth Southgate’s former coach in warning to Lee Carsley

    JIMMY FLOYD HASSELBAINK has launched a staunch defence of Gareth Southgate – and branded managing England a “thankless task”.Dutchman Hasselbaink was on Southgate’s coaching staff at this summer’s European Championships, working closely with the squad’s strikers.Hasselbaink has defended Southgate’s record as England bossCredit: GettyThe Three Lions reached their second-successive Euros final but lost 2-1 to Spain thanks to a heart-breaking late winner.Hasselbaink, 52, told Genting Casino: “I don’t think there can be an argument made to say that Gareth Southgate didn’t do a fantastic job managing England.“He brought everyone together and was completely responsible for generating a brilliant mood in the England camp between the players. “The atmosphere, the camaraderie, the togetherness, you have to give credit to the manager for that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The England job is a thankless task. Look at what Gareth Southgate achieved in the time he was managing England.“When he took over, where were they? They were going nowhere. He took over and made an instant impact.”Southgate was promoted from Under-21s boss to senior chief in 2016 after Sam Allardyce left in shame following a newspaper sting, having managed just one game.He stayed in the job for eight years, reaching two Euros finals as well as a semi-final and a quarter-final in the World Cup.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAssessing Southgate’s legacyBy Tom BarclayJIMMY FLOYD-HASSELBAINK is right to praise how Gareth Southgate completely transformed England during his eight years.Our national side were at their lowest ebb when he took over in the wake of the humiliating Euros exit to Iceland and then the shame of the Sam Allardyce scandal.Some players did not seem to have that pride to play for the Three Lions anymore – but Southgate brought it back.His record at major finals was outstanding and in the fullness of time, will likely be appreciated for what they were.The style of play at the last Euros was justifiably criticised though, given how well we had played at the 2022 World Cup.We were not getting the best out of our attacking talents, relying on moments of magic and were a 95th-minute overhead kick away from going out to Slovakia with our tails between our legs.Anthony Gordon has since admitted the team lacked “freedom”. But that should not diminish what a feat it was to reach our first final overseas.Southgate’s legacy will be one of “putting England back on the map”, as Hasselbaink says, and hopefully the springboard to silverware in the coming years.Is the Three Lions job a thankless task?You would have said no in late summer 2018, when fans were dressing up in waistcoats and singing “Southgate you’re the one” ad nauseam.Familiarity breeds contempt so perhaps it is if you stay in the job long enough.But whoever gets it next permanently, if they finally end 60 years of hurt at the next World Cup, they will be getting nothing but gratitude for the rest of their life.The 54-year-old stepped down in the wake of that painful defeat to Spain, with U21s chief Lee Carsley currently in interim charge.Hasselbaink, a former team-mate of Southgate’s at Middlesbrough in their playing days, revealed how that loss to the Spanish in Berlin put the squad and staff through the emotional wringer.He explained: “When we lost, did it hurt? Hell yeah. It hurt like crazy.“I had sleepless nights for weeks after the final. In football finals, someone always has to lose. That’s football. It was an amazing experience for me. Absolutely unbelievable.”Gareth Southgate celebrates England’s penalty shootout win with Jimmy Floyd HasselbainkSouthgate was criticised for his team’s performances and cautious style of play at this summer’s Euros, despite their run to the final.Hasselbaink said the squad were aware of the flak they were receiving but that it brought them closer together.And he hailed Southgate for how he transformed the country’s fortunes during his tenure.Hasselbaink, who left the national set-up when Southgate stepped down, added: “Now, when people think of England at a major tournament, they are always one of the favourites and Gareth is responsible for changing that narrative because of what he’s achieved with the team.“He got to the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup. In 2022, it was the quarter-final and England lost against France on the finest of margins. England were so unlucky in that game.“He guided the team to back-to-back European Championship finals. Again, that’s a massive achievement.“I don’t think a lot of England fans understood the size of the achievement and also the fact that Gareth took England to its first final on foreign soil. England had never played a final outside of its own country before.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They’ve never won anything anywhere other than Wembley in 1966. Whatever people will say, Gareth made history with England, and he put the team back on the map.“Yes, I hear the criticism about the team’s fluency, but you know what, we got England to within 90 minutes of becoming a European champion.” More

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    Newcastle vs Manchester City: Get £50 in free bets for Premier League football this weekend

    THIS WEEKEND’S Premier League football kicks off with a bang on Saturday lunchtime when Newcastle welcome Manchester City.And brand new Betfred customers can claim a terrific £50 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the mega match-up.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNewcastle vs Man City: Get £50 free bets HERE*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on football, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get £50 free bets HERE*Newcastle vs Man City: Get £50 free bets HERE*New to Betfred? Then you can claim this incredible offer.Simply visit the Betfred website using this link HERE* and register a new account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Then you just need to deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater.When that first bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with the following free bets;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More