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      Former Newcastle co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi special guest at Tottenham vs Arsenal amid plans to buy stake in club

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      MEHRDAD GHODOUSSI went to see Tottenham vs Arsenal last week as investment talks continue.Ghodoussi, the husband and business partner of Amanda Staveley, was a VIP guest  while a potential cash injection into Spurs was discussed in the background.Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Amanda Staveley were Toon co-ownersCredit: GettyGhodoussi was a guest at Spurs when Gabriel won the derby for ArsenalCredit: GettyStaveley has put a team together to buy a percentage of the club with Middle Eastern cash and other backers.The Yorkshire businesswoman and Ghodoussi were co-owners at Newcastle after taking a 10 per-cent stake in 2021.That was when they helped set up a £305million Saudi takeover of the Magpies.But they departed in July this year amid a shake-up at St James’ Park.READ MORE TOP STORIESStaveley said at the time: “I am devastated. It’s such a wonderful club, so it feels very bittersweet.”It has become part of my DNA, something you love so much and don’t want to let go. It’s very painful.”However, since then Staveley has been looking at a quick route back into the Premier League.Now it appears that opportunity is close to fruition, albeit with Ghodoussi far from a lucky charm as he saw the Gunners win 1-0 at fierce rivals Spurs.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSunSport exclusively revealed last month that Staveley was stepping up her bid to buy into Tottenham.Staveley found the backing of “serious money” from the Middle East and wealthy individuals.Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showIt’s understood Staveley would aim to purchase an initial stake in the club – then look to invest further.Tottenham’s majority shareholders ENIC are mainly owned by 87-year-old Joe Lewis’ family trust, with club chairman Daniel Levy also involved.It’s reckoned ENIC might be willing to consider selling some – possibly even a large part – of their 86.58 per cent stake in Spurs.Staveley and Ghodoussi are revving up their interest in SpursCredit: Rex More

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      Chaos in Brighton vs Nottingham Forest with BOTH managers sent off after Morgan Gibbs-White’s horror tackle

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      BRIGHTON’s clash with Nottingham Forest descended into chaos with THREE red cards shown in the space of seconds as tensions boiled over.Nuno Espirito Santo and Brighton gaffer Fabian Hurzeler were BOTH sent off moments after Morgan Gibbs-White saw red.Morgan Gibbs-White was handed a second yellow for a nasty challenge on PedroGibbs-White reacted poorly when the ref dished it outForest boss Nuno Espirito Santo then saw red for his protestsFabian Hurzeler was also giving his marching orders for his touchline behaviourGibbs-White, who was on a yellow card, was given his marching orders for a full-blooded challenge on Brighton striker Joao Pedro.Referee Rob Jones initially waved the challenge on, signalling with his hands that Gibbs-White had won the ball.Before quickly changing his mind and dishing out a second yellow to the Forest captain who then gobbed off at the fourth official.His back tracking sparked fury among both benches in the 81st minute.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJones then issued out two more straight reds first to Nuno Espirito Santo and then Hurzeler for their objections.It boiled over on the touchline after the tackle.The Premier League have cited that they were shown red after “unacceptable technical area behaviour”.Away manager Nuno was furious at the red while Hurzeler was demanding that Gibbs-White was given his marching orders. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWith the time between the challenge and the red card, Nuno seemed to insinuate that fourth official Anthony Taylor played a key role in the dismissal.It finished 2-2 at full-time with Brighton initially starting slow after going 1-0 down.What Arsenal MUST do to beat Man City – from David Raya’s secret weapon to escaping the rope-a-dopeChris Wood tucked away a 13th minute penalty as Callum Hudson Odoi was pulled down by Carlos Baleba.Jack Hinshelwood’s 42nd minute header levelled the score before Danny Welbeck scored his first direct free kick in the Premier League to put the home side 2-1 up just three minutes later.Forest subs Ramon Sosa and Jota Silva combined to level the score once more in the 70th minute.The two sides remain unbeaten in the Prem this season. More

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      Liverpool legend Graeme Souness forced to undergo emergency heart operation after health scare during England clash

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      GRAEME SOUNESS revealed he underwent an emergency heart operation after experiencing a health scare while watching England. The Scotland and Liverpool legend was making a cup of tea during England’s 2-0 friendly win over Finland on September 10.Graeme Souness underwent emergency heart operation after experiencing a health scareCredit: GettyHe told the BBC: “We had a bit of a setback last week. “I had a bit of an episode 10 days ago, where I was watching England play Finland got up at half 10 to make a cup of tea, felt chest pains.“Without dwelling on it three days later, I had a couple of stents put into one of my coronary arteries. I feel great. “I’ve got a great cardiologist soil Talwar down in Bournemouth. And he’s looked after me for 15 years and I’m in great hands.”READ MORE IN football Souness has had a history of heart trouble – having been diagnosed with coronary heart disease at 38 and also a triple bypass.He had a stent fitted ten years later as another one of my arteries had become blocked. Then in November 2015, Souness was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack at his home.The Sky Sports pundit wanted to take part in an event for DEBRA, the butterfly skin charity.Most read in FootballIt included a cross channel swim and cycle from the channel to Westminster.But Souness suffered a bad shoulder, needing an operation in January. Graeme Souness launches stinging attack on ‘FC Hollywood’ Man Utd and singles out star as ‘not the go-to man’Still he planned to do the cycle part of the challenge last week until his chest pains hit.Souness stop playing in 1991 to move into management with old side Rangers before stints in charge of Liverpool and Newcastle. But more recently he has been a pundit for the likes of Sky, Channel 4 and ITV.Souness is now a football punditCredit: Kenny Ramsay More

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      Gary Lineker makes bold prediction on Match of the Day that his ‘good idea’ to fix VAR will eventually come in

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      GARY LINEKER boldly predicted that his radical plan to fix VAR will eventually be adopted by PGMOL.Lineker was discussing a controversial penalty call from Chelsea’s 3-0 win at West Ham with Danny Murphy and Ashley Williams on Match of the Day.Gary Lineker made a bold prediction as he doubled down on his VAR solutionWest Ham felt that they were denied a clear penalty when Wesley Fofana grabbed hold of Crysencio Summerville’s armBoss Julen Lopetegui was fuming with the decisionThe Hammers felt cheated when referee Samuel Barrott failed to award the home side a penalty in the 28th minute.Wesley Fofana grabbed hold of Crysencio Summerville’s arm inside the 18-yard box just before the half-hour mark when the score 2-0.Following a short review, the VAR advised Barrott to stick with his original decision as Fofana’s hold had only been ‘fleeting’. But Lineker, 63, believes he has the solution to fix the video assistant referee system.read more football newsEarlier this year, the former England striker said that an appeal system would help “add to the drama” in football.And he double downed on his claim this weekend on MOTD.He believes that there should be a limited amount of times where VAR can intervene, like the restricted number of challenges in tennis.He said on MOTD on Saturday night: “Until there is an appeal system with VAR it will always be a problem.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThis prompted Murphy to jokingly reply: “That is one of your only good ideas.”Lineker then jested: “I know. And it will come. It will come.”Chelsea Player Ratings vs West HamBoth ex-Liverpool star Murphy and former Everton defender Williams believed West Ham were denied a blatant penalty after Nicolas Jackson’s brace.Fofana was later booked for another challenge on Summerville before he was replaced by Axel Disasi in the 57th minute.Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast in May, Lineker explained: “The only way out of this mess, and I think they should keep offside and goal-line technology.”But I think you either scrap the rest of it or, more realistically, you take it to an appeal system.”You limit the amount of times that VAR can interfere. It can not intervene unless someone appeals.”It has to be the captain and they have got to tell you what they are appealing for.”It does not mean there is a goal and you have got to find some kind of foul somewhere.”They have to stipulate what the foul is, the captain does it, and if it is a foul then it is a foul, there is no bar.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It is the decision that the VAR and the referee come to.”Maybe one appeal a half, but it stops VAR coming into every possible corner that comes in.”VAR: Imagine the future…Martin Lipton’s pro VAR viewFAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you. More

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      Watch Roy Keane break character with rare laugh thanks to brilliant quip from his one-time bitter rival Patrick Vieira

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      ROY KEANE broke character with a rare laugh thanks to a brilliant quip from a one-time bitter rival.Keane was one of football’s toughest characters during his heyday.Roy Keane could not stop himself from laughing after reuniting with a former rivalCredit: X @SkySportsPLThe Irishman played 480 times for Manchester United while winning seven titles and a Champions League.And his 12 years at Old Trafford saw Keane clash with numerous foes.But one player managed to forge a particularly strong rivalry against him.And Keane was reunited with him this weekend for a hilarious encounter.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLStep forward none other than former Arsenal ace Patrick Vieira, who won three titles and four FA Cups during nine years in London.The two Premier League legends appeared on Sky Sports today ahead of Brighton vs Nottingham Forest.Manchester United hero Keane was in the studio alongside Micah Richards and Theo Walcott.While Arsenal icon Vieira was in Chicago, USA, to host an event for American fans.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd it saw the two men reunite after going up against each for nearly a decade as players and captains of their respective former teams.Both combative midfielders, Keane and Vieira were always the heart of the fiery epic battles between United and Arsenal in the late nineties and early noughties.It’s the new garlic bread,’ rants Roy Keane as Man Utd legend slams method Gary Neville swears by as a ‘waste of time’Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira made Keane crack up with a hilarious quipCredit: X @SkySportsPLThe two men often had fiery encounters while captaining Man Utd and ArsenalCredit: GettyPerhaps their most famous clash occurred in the Highbury tunnel in February 2005, which came just nine months before Keane left United after a bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson.It also happened to be Vieira’s final season under Arsene Wenger.And the two men had to be separated after furious words were exchanged before kick-off, which United won 4-2.Since their respective retirements and spells in management, Keane and Vieira have shown a begrudging respect for each other.But notoriously grumpy Keane could not help cracking a smile and a laugh as he and Vieira had a jokey clash on live TV.When asked why he wasn’t in the studio with Keane, the Frenchman quipped: “I can’t be in the same room as Roy Keane so I’m better being in Chicago!”Vieira and Keane’s clashes often got very heatedCredit: GettyThey are regarded as two of the best combative midfielders in historyCredit: GettyRichards and Walcott then lit the fuse by digging into their old rivalry.Vieira responded: “I think he’s the one who started (the rivalry) because he was always scared of me.“And I think every time he was facing me he was scared of the quality and the challenges that I was giving to him.”But a smiling Keane was having none of it as he countered: “Patrick, you know I was never scared of you. You are kidding yourself!”Fans at home certainly loved the interaction between Keane and Vieira.One said: “This rivalry is more intense than any derby!”Another declared: “Great banter.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Sounds like a buddy comedy where both stars are too stubborn to admit they actually just want to be best friends.”Another added: “Theo and Micah are like two school kids at the back of the bus.” More

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      ‘He just BIT me’ – Watch shock moment Championship star appears to sink teeth into Ian Rush’s nephew leaving star fuming

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      THIS is the shocking moment a player appeared to BITE a rival during a Championship match on Sunday.Milutin Osmajic of Preston is alleged to have sunk his teeth into the back of Blackburn’s Owen Beck, who its claimed was left with visible bite marks.Owen Beck accused a Championship rival of BITING himCredit: ReutersPreston’s Milutin Osmajic grabbed Beck after he lashed out and moved his head close to himCredit: X @SkyFootballBeck was left reeling away from the Preston star before telling the ref he had been bittenCredit: X @SkyFootballBlackburn star Beck, who is the great-nephew of Liverpool legend Ian Rush, was embroiled in a fierce melee with Preston players during their clash at Deepdale on Sunday.The clash reached boiling point in the 88th minute with Preston on the ball deep in the Blackburn half.After Blackburn were briefly being dispossessed, stars from both teams put their bodies on the line in an effort to win the loose ball.Beck, 22, sparked fury from North End stars when he viciously kicked out at Duane Holmes as he dribbled the ball past him after referee, Matt Donohue, had blown his whistle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPreston’s Osmajic took huge offence to the act and grabbed on to Beck’s shirt with both hands.He then moved his head towards the back of Beck’s neck, with the Rovers defender then swiftly trying to move away after appearing to feel something on his neck.After being let go, he was then seen holding the back of his neck and telling the ref: “He just bit me.”However, the ref ignored Beck’s accusations and instead sent the Blackburn player off for his swipe against Holmes and his subsequent role in sparking the melee.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt is not clear whether Osmajic did indeed bite Liverpool loanee Beck.The punishment for biting another player is severe.Luis Suarez tears up as Liverpool and Barcelona star confirms Uruguay retirement after 17 yearsIn April 2013, former Liverpool ace Luis Suarez was handed a four-month ban from football after he was found guilty of biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic.If found guilty, 25-year-old Osmajic can also expect a hefty ban to be forthcoming.On the incident, Blackburn boss John Eustace said: “That’s what happens in local derbies, you can see the kid had taken a big chunk out of his neck.”He added: “He’s got a big bite mark on the back of his neck. It’s a shame the referee didn’t see that as well. “He’s got a big bite mark. He has been in and shown the lads. He’s very disappointed to be sent off and you don’t expect him to have that either.”He’s a bit quiet in there and a bit shaken up. I don’t know if he spoke to the referee, I’m not sure if it was before or after the red. He might want to speak to the officials about it.”It’s a very serious incident, nobody likes to be bitten. Everyone is angry about it, it’s not a nice situation to be in. I’m sure the right people will see it and deal with it.”Preston viewMeanwhile, Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom said: “No, I’ve not seen it or spoken to John (Eustace) or anyone about that.”I’ve just been told there, when I did the Sky interview. Listen, all I can say is that there is no place for that and we know we can’t do that. “Mistimed tackles, things like that are part and parcel of the game – you accept them. “Anything that is not, we know how that’s dealt with. “But, I have not seen anything so I am just going off you saying there has been an incident. I’ll wait and see what happens.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe match ended 0-0, with Preston’s Sam Greenwood also sent off in the first half.The point leaves Blackburn four points off of league leaders West Brom, while Preston have climbed out of the relegation zone. More

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      Championship club SACK manager just three months after handing him bumper new contract following worst start in 94 YEARS

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      CARDIFF CITY have sacked Erol Bulut with the Bluebirds bottom of the Championship.Bulut, 49, signed a bumper new two-year deal in June, after joining in the summer of 2023, as the Welsh side finished 12th last season.Erol Bulut has been sacked by CardiffThe Turkish manager joined Cardiff last summer and signed a new deal in June 2024But Cardiff have picked up just one point from six leagues games so far this season.And have scored just one goal in the process amounting to their worst start to a campaign in 94 years.Cardiff club statement read: “The club can confirm First Team Manager Erol Bulut has been relieved of his duties.”And will leave the Club with immediate effect. The Board of Directors wish to thank Erol for all of his hard work and wish him well for the future.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”First Team Coach Nikolaos Karydas will also depart and leaves with the Club’s best wishes. Further backroom staff confirmation will follow in due course.”Assistant Omer Riza will take charge of the club on an interim basis.Bulut’s final game was Cardiff’s 2-0 home defeat against Leeds United on Saturday.The Bluebirds have also lost to Sunderland, Burnley, Middlesbrough and Derby County.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWith their only point coming in the South Wales derby against Swansea, who sit seventh in the table.After a relegation battle in 2022-23, Cardiff improved in Bulut’s first year in charge, finishing 12th.Premier League managers’ salaries revealed He previously managed Fenerbahce and Gaziantep in Turkey more making the switch to the UK.Cardiff travel to Hull City on Saturday, who sit 16th after winning just one game themselves.They face three more bottom half sides after that in Millwall, Bristol City and Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth. Cardiff captain Joe Ralls looks on against Leeds More

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      Three players killed in horror bus crash after coach carrying Brazilian football team flips on route to Rio

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      THREE people have been killed and six injured in a horrific bus crash carrying the Brazilian football team to a championship game.Local media claims the three who died were players from the American football team the Coritiba Crocodiles of the southern Brazilian city of Curitiba.A vigil was held for the three who diedCredit: InstagramLucas Barros, 20, tragically died in the smashCredit: InstagramThe three men were named by the team on social media as Daniel Cross, Lucas Barros and Lucas Padilha.The team were going to Rio de Janeiro where they were to play in the country’s American football championship.The game was cancelled after the horror crash.Barros was a 20-year-old wide receiver for the team and he posted recently from the NFL’s first Brazil game.read more in sportTeam Coritiba Crocodiles said in a statement on Saturday: “Our hearts are heavy with grief, and we ask everyone to send their prayers and positive energy.”In the face of this tragedy, all our efforts are focused on supporting the team members and their loved ones.”On social media the heartbroken team said: “It is with deep regret that we receive the news of the tragic accident involving the Croco de Curitiba team.”Among the victims, we mourn the loss of Lucas Barros, a player who has already worn our shirt and who will always be remembered fondly by the American football community in Goiânia.Most read in Football”Our hearts go out to the families and friends of all involved at this time of sorrow. We wish you strength and our sincere condolences.”Those injured in the crash were being treated in a hospital and local authorities claim they will investigate the cause of the crash.The tragic incident comes months after a horror mini bus crash left 17 football fans in hospital after a multi-vehicle smash. Supporters of South Shields FC were travelling back from Tamworth on Saturday evening when the bus overturned on he A1 near Darrington in West Yorkshire.The team lost their away clash 3-2 against Tamworth in the Vanarama National League North.But a group of fans’ journey ended up in chaos after their minibus careered onto its side.A shocking video posted on social media from the scene shows a damaged minibus on its side on the carriageway.Emergency services rushed to the scene and cordoned off the motorway on both sides until 3am on Sunday.Yorkshire Ambulance Service said 17 people were dashed to hospital – including seven seriously hurt.West Yorkshire Police added: “Following the collision, 17 football fans were rushed to the nearest hospital.”Shortly after 7pm on April 13, a number of calls were received reporting a minibus had overturned on the Northbound carriageway near junction 40 with passengers inside.   “The collision involved a black Skoda Fabia and an Iris single decker minibus.  “Initial enquiries suggest there is a third vehicle involved, a white car, which has not yet been identified.   READ MORE SUN STORIES”There were 17 people injured and taken to hospital for treatment, with seven of those thought to have suffered serious injuries. “Enquiries into the circumstances regarding the collision remain ongoing with officers from the Roads Policing Unit.” More