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      Arsenal wonderkid who ‘could have been next Dennis Bergkamp’ is now managing in the sixth tier of English football

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      JERMAINE PENNANT has lifted the lid on the Arsenal wonderkid who “could have been the next Dennis Bergkamp”.The former winger, 41, was part of an impressive crop of Gunners academy starlets in the early 2000s.Jermaine Pennant came through the ranks at ArsenalCredit: GettyPennant likened one of his former Arsenal academy team-mates to Dennis BergkampCredit: Times Newspapers LtdPennant went on to star for Liverpool, playing in the 2007 Champions League final.Among his academy team-mates were fellow future Premier League stars Steve Sidwell, Jay Bothroyd, Jeremie Aliadiere and Jerome Thomas.But speaking at the launch of Ladbrokes’ “Gaffer of all Accas”, Pennant has revealed that a less heralded member of the team could have gone all the way in the game.He said: “I look back at my team-mates in the academy, and pretty much everyone went on to have pretty good careers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”And the ones that didn’t really kick on, and maybe stayed in the lower tiers, were all probably fair.”You know, if you look at who was in my team, there was myself, Jerome [Thomas], David Bentley, Steve Sidwell, Jeremie Aliadiere, Jay Bothroyd… these were all guys who went on to have successful careers at the top, playing in the Premier League.”And you’d have identified all of us in that youth set-up at the time and said we’d have gone on to have good careers.”There’s probably one player who springs to mind for me, who didn’t live up to the expectation: David Noble.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDavid Noble came through the ranks at HighburyCredit: Getty”I thought he was going to be the next Dennis Bergkamp. He was unbelievable. He could’ve had a huge career.”I don’t know what happened there, really; I don’t know whether it was injuries, or a bit of bad luck, or was his heart really in it, to make it even further than he did?Jermaine Pennant sings R Kelly in the Billericay Town dressing room before Cup Final win “Yeah, he made it as a professional, but not as a Premier League player, and he easily could have.”Did he really care? I don’t know. But he’s the one from that generation who surprises me, when I think about the career he could have gone on to have.”Hitchin-born Noble, now 42, never made a first team appearance for Arsenal, leaving for West Ham in 2003 following a loan spell at Watford.After just four outings for the East Londoners he was on the move again – signing for Boston United.The midfielder went on to have a long EFL career, representing Bristol City, Yeovil, Exeter, Rotherham and Cheltenham.In 2016 he signed for sixth-tier St Albans, where he stayed as a player for six years before becoming their manager in 2022.He worked as City boss for two years, before landing the Wealdstone job in the National League in January this year.Noble was sacked after just 73 days in charge of the Stones, having won three of his 17 games at the helm.Following his Wealdstone axe he returned to St Albans, where he remains boss.While Noble never played in the Premier League, he did come to within 90 minutes of promotion to the top flight.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was part of the Bristol City team that reached the 2008 Championship play-off final, even scoring in the semi-final triumph over Crystal Palace.Noble started the Wembley showpiece, only for Bristol City to be beaten 1-0 by Dean Windass’ thunderbolt for Hull.Noble went on to play for Bristol CityCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Tragic Southampton fan only able to communicate using tongue after fall at stadium told doctors to turn of life support

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      A TRAGIC fan only able to communicate with his tongue after falling at Southampton’s stadium told doctors he wanted to die, an inquest heard.Simon Oakley, 59, was watching his beloved Saints play when he plummeted down ten concrete steps at half time.Simon Oakley fell down the stairs at St Mary’s stadiumCredit: SolentThe dad-of-four was rushed from St Mary’s to Southampton General Hospital and then transferred to a neuroscience intensive care ward.An inquest heard Simon was left paralysed from the neck down after suffering two fractures in his spine in the October 7 horror.He was told by medics he would be dependent on a ventilator and a require a wheelchair for the rest of his life.Simon, who was only able to communicate by sticking his tongue out, expressed that he wished to die instead.Winchester Coroner’s Court heard he was repeatedly assessed over the next three weeks to ensure he was capable of making that decision.Doctors concluded it would be unlawful to treat him against his wishes and the choice was made to switch his ventilator off.On November 13, the dad was visited by his family and friends to say goodbye and he passed away 30 minutes after the life support was removed.Brave Simon, who also received a visit from Southampton legend Francis Benali, donated his organs to help other patients.Most read in FootballFriend Andy Takle told the inquest how the pair had been watching Southampton play Rotherham United when the horror unfolded.He said: “I was standing next to Simon watching the game and the next thing I saw was him rolling down the stairs in front of me.”I could not catch him, we had scuffled to the stairs to head down just before half time.”We were not drunk, we had had two pints at the most, one at the pub and a second at the stadium.”When he made his decision in November I knew this is what he truly wanted.”Simon was treated by an off-duty ambulance worker at the stadium as the second half kick-off was delayed.Assistant coroner for Southampton, Kiran Chahal Musgrave, recorded an open verdict.He said: “There is insufficient evidence as to determine how Mr Oakley came to be on the ground.”He may have tripped or been pushed, deliberately or not, but there is lack of evidence to as to which of those possibilities it may have been.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I would like to offer my sincere condolences.”Simon’s brother Brian is now calling for handrails to be installed following the tragic accident.He was heading to the concourse when the horror unfoldedCredit: SolentSaints fans and players paid tribute to Simon following his deathCredit: Solent More

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      ‘I don’t think he’ll be on a horse soon’ jokes commentator as Alexis Mac Allister takes thunderous shot to the groin

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      ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER was taken out by a thunderous shot to his groin against RB Leipzig – but the commentator saw the funny side at least.The midfielder put his body on the line to help Liverpool win Wednesday’s Champions League game in Germany.Alexis Mac Allister took a thunderous shot to the groinHe appeared to be in agony as he dropped to the floorCredit: RexThe midfielder received treatment and was able to continueCredit: GettyMac Allister bravely moved across to block a powerful shot from Leipzig defender Benjamin Henrichs.The ball smacked the Argentine in his crotch and knocked him to the floor.Mac Allister appeared to be in some discomfort as he received assistance from a physio – he even left the pitch momentarily before returning.BBC commentator Steve Wilson joked in response, saying: “That will sting. I don’t think he’ll be getting on a horse any time soon.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMac Allister was able to complete the 90 minutes as Liverpool won 1-0 courtesy of a well worked Darwin Nunez goal in the first half.Arne Slot has now won 11 of his 12 games in charge and the Reds are well placed to qualify for the knock-out phase of the Champions League.They are second in the table behind Aston Villa but boast a 100 per cent record having also beat AC Milan and Bologna.Mac Allister was rested for most of the game against Chelsea last weekend after returning from international duty in South America.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAside from that match he has started every Prem and Champions League game, proving a pivotal member of Slot’s new look Reds.He has been a hit at Anfield since his arrival last year and is reportedly attracting transfer interest from Real Madrid. More

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      Inside Erling Haaland’s ‘karate kick’ wonder goal as team-mate is caught literally scratching his head live on camera

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      ERLING HAALAND amazed fans, pundits and his manager Pep Guardiola by scoring an incredible “karate kick” for Manchester City last night.Guardiola’s men took on Sparta Prague at the Etihad on matchday three of the Champions League’s new “League Phase”.Erling Haaland produced a sensational acrobatic finishCredit: GettyThe forward impressive contorted his 6ft 4in frameCredit: GettyBernardo Silva placed his hand on his head after Haaland’s goalCredit: X @ManCitySilva looked in awe of his team-mateCredit: X @footballontntCity led 1-0 at half-time via Phil Foden’s strike, before really turning on the style in the second period.Just short of the hour mark, Haaland provided a piece of skill that will live long in City’s fans’ memories.Winger Savinho took on his full-back, jinking towards the byline.He then prodded a cross towards City’s centre-forward.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith the pass far from perfect, Haaland used all of his hulking 6ft 4in frame to make the ball his.The Norwegian, 24, launched himself into the air – showing remarkable athleticism to get to the ball.While 1.96m off the ground, Haaland’s lethal left foot made contact with the ball, directing it towards goal.As the striker landed in a heap, his shot bounced beyond the reach of goalkeeper Peter Vindahl Jensen.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPep Guardiola congratulates his strikerCredit: APHaaland then gingerly got to his feet, while wearing a smug grin on his face.His team-mates, who surely must be used to his exploits by now, were left stunned by the goal.Man City player ratings: Even Pep Guardiola can’t believe how good Erling Haaland is as new Samba man fails to shine (1)Bernardo Silva and Nathan Ake both put their hands on their heads.Speaking after the game Matheus Nunes, who grabbed City’s fifth in their 5-0 win, admitted that he was “speechless” after Haaland’s goal.Chatting to TNT Sports, he said: “It was an amazing goal. I was speechless after his shot.”Referencing one of Haaland’s previous wonder-goals, he added: “When he scored against Dortmund I was watching on TV and to see this live, it was amazing.”Guardiola, 53, could be seen simply applauding his striker’s brilliant goal.He then gushed after the game: “I didn’t know how he scored. For a human being, I would say no [it’s not normal].”He made a fantastic goal. He can touch 15 or 20 balls but have seven or eight chances. It’s unbelievable.”‘I’D HAVE PULLED MY GROIN!’Foden, meanwhile, joked: “I just spoke to him and said: ‘If I tried to do that I’d pull my groin!'”I don’t know how he did it I just think it’s just his long legs. He’s a freak, isn’t he?”Opposition coach Lars Friis lamented: “What can you say? He’s maybe the best striker in the world. He’s world class. We felt we had good hands on him but then he pops up with a goal like this.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCity’s win saw them set a new Champions League record for games unbeaten in the competition.Their tally now stands at 26 – with last season’s penalty shoot-out exit to Real Madrid not counted as a defeat by Uefa due to both legs finishing as draws in regulation time.Man City ratings vs Sparta PragueBy Ken LawrenceMANCHESTER CITY put in a five star performance as they romped to victory over Sparta Prague.The Citizens ran out 5-0 winners at the Etihad with Pep Guardiola’s side bagging four goals in the second half.Phil Foden gave the hosts the perfect start as he fired in the opener inside just three minutes.Erling Haaland also got himself on the scoresheet in the second half.The Norweigian striker had plenty of attempts to score, but it was his improvised finish in the 58th minute that found its way past Peter Vindahl Jensen.John Stones made it three with a brilliant looping header to add to his solid performance at the back.Haaland got his second in the 67th minute to make it 44 in the Champions League.Matheus Nunes was also impressed as he netted from the spot in the closing stages, which added to his two assists.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of Pep Guardiola’s side…Stefan Ortega – 5Almost a spectator, but at least it wasn’t cold or pouring down.Nathan Ake – 5Back after injury and unlucky to have City’s second chalked off.Manuel Akanji – 5Training games against his own team-mates are far harder than this was.John Stones – 7Followed his winner against Wolves with another towering header.Rico Lewis – 6The young multi-tasker produced a typical all-action displayMatheus Nunes – 7He claimed two assists and bagged his first-ever Champions League goal from the spot late on.Savinho – 5Supposed to be the new Samba man but didn’t dance that great.Ilkay Gundogan – 7The midfielder cruised through the 100th Champions League game of his career.Bernardo Silva – 6Quiet, effective and a non-stop cog spinning the City wheel.Phil Foden – 7It was a slick early finish in only his fourth start of the season, but the spark faded.Erling Haaland – 9Even Pep Guardiola couldn’t quite believe his amazing airborne strike before he added his second.SubsMateo Kovacic (for Bernardo Silva 69) – 5Couldn’t have had an easier task by the time he emerged.James McAtee (for Gundogan 69) – 5A few minutes of Champions League experience with no strain.Josko Gvardiol (for Ake 74) – 5Just a pleasant walk in the park….Ruben Dias (for Stones 74) – 5He won’t have minded stretching his legs for a bit.Nico O’Reilly (for Haaland 81) – 5The young attacker replaced a living legend. 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      Arsene Wenger demands Premier League rule change and hints Man City won’t face full force of 115 alleged rule breaches

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      ARSENAL legend Arsene Wenger insists Financial Fair Play rules need to change in the Premier League.This comes as Wenger’s former rivals Manchester City are facing a whopping 115 charges of alleged financial breaches.Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger insists the Premier League need to change their Financial Fair Play rulesCredit: SplashWenger predicted Manchester City won’t face the full force of the 115 financial chargesCredit: GettyThe French tactician believes the Prem are putting themselves at a disadvantage compared to other competitive leagues who have changed their own FFP rules.Nevertheless, the 75-year-old hinted that City won’t face the full force of the charges after their most recent landmark legal battle with the Premier League that saw both sides claiming victory.The Citizens had attempted to overturn new rules relating to “Associated Party Transactions” – funding through sponsorship of companies owned by club bosses.And in a major rebuttal of the Prem case, three senior Judges including a former Master of the Rolls ruled that the Prem’s Associated Party Transaction rules meant City were “unfairly blocked” from inking two major deals.Read More on FootballWenger told beIN SPORTS: “I feel the rules of Financial Fair Play today have to be changed in the Premier League.”Because they now face competition from other leagues, who have changed their Financial Fair Play rules.”At the moment you cannot hear a club like Man City being charged by 115 different charges in a football season. I don’t believe in that.”The Premier League already lost a case, the first case against them. I don’t know them [City], I can’t judge them.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I just think, 115 different charges against a football club today looks like we are in an international administration. “Financial Fair Play rules have to be changed and made more simple.Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card?”They [City owners] came in and they had not faced any Financial Fair Play nor have Chelsea.”Chelsea, they bought my players [from Arsenal] and Chelsea also bought what they wanted because there was no Financial Fair Play rules.” More

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      Italy legend Toto Schillaci’s footballer cousin struck down by tuberculosis weeks after his death at 59

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      Toto Schillaci’s family has been hit by tragedy for the second time in a month – with the World Cup legend’s footballer cousin struck down by tuberculosis.Italy striker Schillaci, 59, passed away on September 18 after a two-year battle with colon cancer.Salvatore Schillaci passed away in SeptemberCredit: AFPHis cousin Maurizio Schillaci has been diagnosed with TBCredit: YouTubeHis cousin Maurizio Schillaci attended his funeral in Sicily two days later.But Maurizio has since spent several weeks in a Palermo hospital after being diagnosed with TB.A disease of the lungs, it is described by the World Health Organisation as “the world’s top infectious killer.”TB is nowadays rare in Europe, with the most cases in south-eastern Asia, Africa and the western Pacific.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMaurizio, 62, previously played for Lazio and hometown side Palermo among other Italian clubs.Injuries forced the striker to retire aged 31. He later became addicted to heroin and cocaine.Schillaci often ended up homeless, and was infamously found sleeping in his Fiat Panda or on the streets of Sicily’s capital.Most read in FootballHis health declined as he also suffered from malnutrition, relying on friends and charities for food.And his condition is understood to have worsened since the deaths of his beloved pet dogs Johnny and Ciccio earlier this year.He was rushed to the Civico hospital after testing positive for tuberculosis, and has since undergone intensive treatment with antibiotics.The ex-player has regained a stone in weight, but continues to suffer from fever – and doctors remain cautious about his future.Cousin Toto, who played for Juventus, scored six goals at the Italia 90 World Cup.He denied England a bronze-medal finish by scoring the Azzurri’s winner in the third-place match in Bari. More

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      Arsenal fans say ‘time to upgrade the wardrobe’ as Gunners release ‘orgasmic’ new clothing range

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      ARSENAL fans are in love with the club’s new fashion collection after it was launched today.The Gunners and Adidas have teamed up again to create a new lifestyle range.Jurrien Timber, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli modelled the new rangeSaliba took time away to promote the new 90s-style LFSTLR collectionIt draws inspiration from Arsenal’s 2023/24 third kitFootball meets relaxed fashion with Arsenal’s new reto Adidas Originals collection hitting the shelves this week.The selection includes vintage jackets, tracksuits, bottoms and Gazelle trainers, which will transport Gooners back to the late 90s.Painted in traditional Arsenal hues, the collection honours the club’s heritage by utilising red and blue colourways from the 1994-95 away shirt.The range was modelled by Arsenal stars Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba and Jurrien Timber.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMikel Arteta’s men took some time away from their busy schedule to promote the new range via a game of pool.The gear draws inspiration from Arsenal’s 2023/24 third kit – welcoming back the classic AFC lettering on the collar.It has been modified using double knit fabric and features an embroidered Arsenal badge and no Emirates sponsor.Adidas brought back their classic trefoil logo, instead of the triangle performance emblem fans see on most official footie kits.Most read in FootballFans adore the 90s feel and welcome back the classic AFC lettering on the collarFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal launched the collection on X with the caption: Timeless, understated and unmistakably Arsenal ❤.”And fans absolutely loved it, with simply writing: “Orgasmic.”‘If Arsenal lose to Liverpool, they are out of the Premier League title race… the gulf is massive’Another supporter wrote: “Arsenal always delivers both on and off the pitch 🔥.”While third said: “This new line is pure class—clean, bold, and ready to rep.”One more added: “This attracts fans who appreciate timeless fashion.”Another commented: “I speak for all of Arsenal fans that we will be buying it.”The new line is available on Arsenal’s website, with prices ranging from £40 to £85.Arsenal’s kits for this season have received mixed responses with supporters loving the home shirt, but labelling the black and green away strip as “bizarre.”The club’s commitment to fashion and the wider world of culture has been apparent during the course of 2024.Arsenal teamed up with Aries at the start of October to release a stunning collection that paid homage to Arsenal’s 1886 origins.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the Emirates even turned into a Labrum catwalk for London Fashion Week in September.The show saw Declan Rice and pundit Alex Scott make their catwalk debuts.Prices range start from £40 More

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      Score Predictor tips for Matchweek 9 – will injuries hinder Arsenal against Liverpool?

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      YOU should know the procedure in regards to Score Predictor by now.Simply submit predictions for the five selected Premier League games and then sit back as you earn points for the accuracy of your forecast.Earn the most points and you’ll bank the £250 weekly prize – not bad for a free-to-play game, eh?Play Score Predictor ahead of this weekend’s action!Credit: Dream TeamBy all means trust your knowledge and/or gut instinct when entering your predictions if that’s how you roll but for those who prefer facts and figures, allow us to present some helpful context for each fixture…Everton v FulhamThere’s hardly a cigarette paper between these two sides in the form table with both outfits having won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six outings – both have scored nine goals in that time too.The Cottagers have had the edge over the Toffees in recent times and are unbeaten in their last six meetings in all competitions.Marco Silva’s side also come out on top in the underlying numbers (xG, shots, etc) but will that be negated by Everton’s home advantage?When unsure, we tend to opt for a score draw…Our Prediction: 1-1 drawMost read in FootballEverton’s results are heading in the right direction after a dismal start to the campaignCredit: ReutersChelsea v NewcastleThese teams will play each twice in quick succession with a Carabao Cup meeting to follow in midweek but Sunday’s league game is the only concern for Score Predictor users.The Magpies are without a win in their last four league outings while the Blues are still fourth in the form table despite defeat to Liverpool last time out.Chelsea won the corresponding fixture 3-2 back in March when both Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer were on the scoresheet – we’re tempted to back a repeat.That being said, Newcastle’s games have generally been more cagey, as evidenced by the fact they’ve scored and conceded just eight goals in their eight league games this season.Our Prediction: 2-1 to ChelseaJackson has scored five goals in eight league appearances this seasonCredit: GettyCrystal Palace v TottenhamMany neutrals had high expectations of the Eagles after they finished the 2023/24 campaign in such fine form but they’ve desperately struggled this season.It’s a scary time for Oliver Glasner with Halloween closing in and his side still without a league win to their name.And the Selhurst Park faithful will probably be dreading the visit of Spurs this weekend as the North London outfit have won the last five meetings between these teams, scoring 13 goals in the process.Ange Postecoglou’s troops capitulated against Brighton before the international break but the broader outlook is encouraging after six wins out of their last seven games in all competitions – that would extend to seven in eight if they beat AZ Alkmaar this evening.Our Prediction: 3-1 to SpursBrighton blip aside, Spurs are on a good run of resultsCredit: RexScore PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWWest Ham v Manchester UnitedThe Hammers fell apart against Spurs last Saturday and their fans will be the first to acknowledge that wasn’t the first self-destruction of the campaign.Julen Lopetegui has also watched his side crumble against Chelsea and Liverpool in the last month.Erik ten Hag has endured a few sleepless nights of his own this season but he will have been buoyed by the Red Devils’ second-half display against Brentford, in which Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund combined for some tidy attacking moves.West Ham won this fixture 2-0 last season but Man United got their revenge with a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford back in February.We don’t have much faith in either of these bottom-half sides at present but the visitors showed signs of improvement last time out while the hosts will be without key man Mohammed Kudus, who is suspended.Our Prediction: 3-2 to Man UnitedWest Ham won’t be able to call upon Kudus this weekendCredit: PAArsenal v LiverpoolThe main event.Much of the narrative leading up to this one has revolved around the Gunners’ potential absentees.It’s possible Mikel Arteta will be without Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba and Riccardo Calafiori for the visit of the league leaders.Liverpool have some injury concerns of their own, not least Diogo Jota and Alisson, but Arne Slot will be able to name a strong starting line-up nonetheless.Arsenal have been defined by their parsimonious defence in recent times but they’re without a clean sheet in their last five domestic fixtures, not helped by their concerning disciplinary record.The North Londoners boast the best home record in the top flight this term but Liverpool have a 100% record on the road – something has to give on Sunday.Dare we say this might be a relatively good time to visit the Emirates?READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 2-1 to LiverpoolEnter your predictions for Matchweek 9 before Saturday’s 5:30pm deadline – £250 up for grabs!BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More