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      James McClean calls fan a ‘smelly fat gammon’ after Wrexham wind-up catches cup of BOVRIL launched from crowd

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      JAMES MCCLEAN called a fan a “smelly fat gammon” after pretending to neck a drink thrown at him by Birmingham fans last night.The Irishman, 35, was replaced by Wrexham team-mate Jacob Mendy with just seven minutes remaining in the League One tussle.James McClean caught a cup of Bovril that had been thrown at himCredit: ReutersThe Irishman then pretended to take a swig from itCredit: GettyHe then tossed the cup of Bovril asideCredit: ReutersAs he made his way off the pitch, McClean had to walk in front of the home Blues faithful in order to get back to the bench.He quickly became the target of chants, and also got involved in some heated verbals with supporters.At one point, a fan even decided to throw their cup of Bovril at him.Wrexham supporters loved their wing-back’s response, however, with McClean impressively catching the cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then pretended to take a swig from it, much to the travelling fans’ amusement.After the game, McClean posted a pair of images of himself with the Bovril to his Instagram Story.On the first, he wrote: “They have nothing in their whole imperial arsenal that can break the spirit of an Irishman who doesn’t want to be broken.”He then added, with a laughing emoji: “P.S. fair play to the one old steward who held them all back from getting over the 2ft advertising hoardings.”Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOver a second image, he wrote of a fan: “In fairness to this smelly fat gammon, he probs didn’t have the energy or mobility to step over the hoarding.”Birmingham led 3-1 when McClean was subbed, having come back from an early deficit. Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clashJack Marriott had fired Phil Parkinson’s men in front in just the third minute, before a double from £15million man Jay Stansfield turned the tide.Blues’ Japanese international Tomoki Iwata then netted a belter to make it 3-1.The high-profile League One clash threatened to turn ugly shortly before McClean was substituted.When Paul Mullin was fouled by Alex Cochrane, the Wrexham forward appeared to consider biting his opponent.After opening his mouth, however, the forward opted against sinking his teeth in.Cochrane’s team-mate Krystian Bielik got involved, shoving Mullin and receiving a yellow card.The Polish star went on to earn a second yellow shortly after.Watching on from the stands was Birmingham co-owner Tom Brady, with the NFL legend clapping enthusiastically during the pandemonium.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlso in attendance was David Beckham, as well as Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney.The result saw Birmingham climb up to second in the early League One table, behind Wrexham on goal difference but possessing a game in hand.The match was watched on by Tom Brady and David BeckhamCredit: Getty More

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      Bundesliga U19 star forced to have leg amputated in gruelling battle with cancer as club start fundraiser

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      UNION BERLIN youngster Berkin Arslanogullari has undergone a life-saving leg amputation as he battles bone cancer.The keeper, 19, was diagnosed with the disease a few months ago and began “intensive chemotherapy” to treat the illness.Union Berlin keeper Berkin Arslanogullari has had his leg amputated as he fights bone cancerCredit: Instagram @berkin.arslanogullariHowever, the treatment failed to successfully combat the cancer, forcing doctors to amputate his leg.German top-flight side Union Berlin confirmed on Monday that the procedure had been carried out “a few days ago” as he fights the “toughest battle of his life”.The football club then called on the public to make financial contributions to his family as they look to support Arslanogullari through the horrific ordeal.The statement said: “Due to the care and support required for Berkin, his parents are no longer able to go to work, and the family’s current apartment is not barrier-free or handicapped accessible.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”A new apartment or extensive renovation work and the upcoming rehabilitation are urgently needed for a new start in a new life and are causing enormous costs.”Berkin and his family now need the support and solidarity of the Union family.”To ease the financial burden a little and give Berkin the best possible chance for a future full of hope, aFundraiserEvery contribution counts and helps to give Berkin a fresh start.”German shot-stopper Arslanogullari has played for Union’s age group sides since he was a young boy.Most read in BundesligaHe has featured for the Bundesliga outfit’s U17 and U19 teams and was included in two matchday squads for last season’s Uefa Youth League.Fans were quick to pass on emotional messages of support on social media as they prayed for a speedy recovery.One said: “Lots of strength and love! ❤️”Another added: “All the best to him and his family, stand together in this difficult time.”A third replied: “Best recovery and lots of strength 🙏🏼.”While a fourth responded: “I hope he wins the fight 🤞. Get well soon and strength to his family 🙏❤️.” More

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      Sky Sports Racing’s Kate Tracey stuns in bold outfit at new Premier League job as fans say ‘might start supporting them’

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      SKY SPORTS star Kate Tracey stunned in a bold outfit at her new Premier League job.The glamorous broadcaster, 30, turned heads with a stylish leather maroon skirt and long-sleeved blue top.Kate Tracey stunned in a bold outfit at Aston VillaCredit: X/KateTracey12The ace is also known for her horse racing coverage on Sky SportsCredit: Instagram / @katetraceyxShe topped it off with a pair of white heels.And Tracey’s outfit was very much in keeping with her surroundings.She is usually known for her coverage of horse racing.But the fan favourite is now the host of Aston Villa’s in-house TV channel.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Tracey’s choice of colours matched well with the decorations of Villa Park as Unai Emery’s men hosted Everton on Saturday.Villa came back from 2-0 down to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory and move fifth in the Premier League table.Tracey was on hand to bring full coverage to Villa die-hards.And in her latest social media post, she told fans: “We’re back out again this Saturday on VillaTV.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSupporters loved Tracey’s outfit at the weekend.Indeed, some rival fans even admitted they “might start to support” Villa.Sky Sports presenter Kate Tracey stuns in bold outfit as fans call her ‘simply stunning’ One said: “That skirt is *chef’s kiss*.”Another declared: “Kate looking magnificent.”One noted: “Gorgeous.”Another added: “Villa dads behave yourselves.”Last month Tracey was in a positive mood after making her VillaTV debut, despite the club losing at home to Arsenal.She said: “Such an unbelievable day for the first rollout of VillaTV Matchday Live.“On the pitch, not the result we wanted or was even reflective of how the game panned out but more positives than anything else to take away.”Here’s a glimpse into Kate’s glamorous lifestyle…Kate is a fan-favourite presenter for Sky Sports and At The RacesCredit: Instagram @katetraceyxShe has also shown her passion for greyhound racingCredit: INSTAGRAM @katetraceyxMany fans said they will start to take notice of horse racing thanks to the presenterKate often shows off her outfits from outside the studioCredit: INSTAGRAM @katetraceyxThe horse racing host can regularly be seen with the animalsCredit: INSTAGRAM @katetraceyxKate stunned in pink as she attended the Grand National at AintreeCredit: instagram / @katetraceyxShe is no stranger to getting on a horse herself eitherCredit: INSTAGRAM @katetraceyxShe has amassed a strong following on social mediaCredit: instagram / @katetraceyxKate’s outfits are a big hit with fans on X and InstagramCredit: X formerly Twitter / @KateTracey12Fans regularly shower Tracey with complimentsThe Sky Sports presenter was told ‘you are stunning’ by her followers after this snapCredit: INSTAGRAM @katetraceyxViewers love Kate’s bold outfitsCredit: INSTAGRAM @katetraceyxKate has over 20,000 followers on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM @katetraceyxHer social media game is strong – with Kate showing off her enviable lifestyleCredit: INSTAGRAM @katetraceyx More

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      Man Utd and West Ham on transfer red alert with Leon Goretzka ‘unhappy’ after Bayern Munich axe

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      BAYERN MUNICH have put a host of Premier League clubs on red alert by admitting that Leon Goretzka is “unhappy”.The 29-year-old German international midfielder has been brutally axed by new boss Vincent Kompany this term following the arrival of Joao Palhinha from Fulham.Leon Goretzka is unhappy at Bayern MunichCredit: GettyAnd his potential availability has put several clubs including Man Utd on alert over a transferCredit: GettyGoretzka has been at Bayern since 2018 and remains under contract until 2026 but he could be set to push for a move in January.He has played just one minute of competitive football under Kompany and failed to even make the bench for Saturday’s 6-1 victory over Holstein Kiel.Manchester United and West Ham have been long-term admirers of the experienced star.A host of other top-flight clubs would also be keen should Goretzka become available.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd the prospect of him departing Bayern appears to be very real as director of sport Max Eberl revealed how miserable the ex-Schalke man is.He said: “We communicated very clearly from the start.“Leon knew that we were relying on Pavlo [Aleksandar Pavlovic], and that we would bring in with Palhinha and that Josh [Kimmich] would play more in the centre again.”He added: “We’ve also said that when Leon is there and ready to face the situation, he’ll be treated completely normally.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Leon’s a great guy. I like him a lot, even though he’s obviously upset at the moment. I understand that too. But that’s part of life in football.”Bayern know that his value will drop significantly once he enters the final 12 months of his contract in June.Manchester United vs SouthamptonThat means that they could look to push him out of the door in January with a potential loan-to-buy agreement.Although his £273,000-a-week wages could be an issue.Man Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scoresMARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…Andre Onana – 7Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.Noussair Mazraouri – 7Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.Matthijs De Ligt – 8Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.Lisandro Martinez – 7Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.Diogo Dalot – 5Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.Kobbie Mainoo – 6United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.Christian Eriksen – 7A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.Bruno Fernandes – 7Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.Amad Diallo – 7Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.Marcus Rashford – 7Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.SUBSGarnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6 More

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      Premier League could be hit by mass referee holidays as officials win landmark court case

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      REFEREES’ CHIEFS have lost the latest round of their courtroom battle with the taxman and it could mean paid holiday for officials.The Supreme Court ruled that the PGMOL must treat part-time refs from League One downwards as employees and therefore provide benefits to go with that.Part-time referees must be paid holiday leave, rule the PGMOLIt means the body which oversees the officials from the Premier League downwards faces a huge bill for annual leave for around 60 referees and assistants.A whistle-blower told SunSport: “This could mean dozens of referees backdating claims for holidays in lieu. “Imagine them all deciding to take the rest of the season off on full pay? “Sitting on deck chairs with nobody to take charge of games in certain areas of the EFL.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAt present, referees in the lower reaches of the EFL are treated as self-employed and therefore not entitled to the trappings of permanent employment, although they do get expenses.Referees at this level tend to have other jobs in addition to taking charge of games. While PGMOL provides them with kit and equipment.The battle between PGMOL and HMRC is similar to that in 2021 when multinational online taxi service provider Uber was ordered to treat their drivers as paid employees.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPGMOL won the first round of the legal war. HMRC equalised by winning the second, sending the case to the highest court in the land. ‘I’d expect a foul’ – Paul Merson claims Arsenal’s winner at Tottenham shouldn’t have stood as VAR fails to interveneDespite the ruling by The Supreme Court, PGMOL can still appeal the judgement.The case has been dragging on since 2017 and may run for years.Our whistle-blower added: “And you thought VAR decisions took a long time?”The PGMOL claimed they were only contracted for services and therefore should be classed as self-employed.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Erling Haaland is scoring so many that we’re starting to laugh about it, says Arsenal star ahead of huge Man City clash

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      ERLING HAALAND’S blistering goalscoring form is becoming such a joke that even Arsenal’s dressing room find it funny.The Manchester City striker, 24, has netted NINE goals in his first four league games this term.Erling Haaland is on fire this seasonJorginho said Arsenal stars can’t help but laugh at the Norway star’s unbelievable formAnd Arsenal are next in the Norwegian’s sights with Sunday’s Prem title showdown at the Etihad.Gunners midfielder Jorginho revealed: “Erling scoring again is starting to make us laugh!“We look because we look at all the games and we love football.”Arsenal can go above leaders City with a win as they bid for a first Premier League title in 25 years.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSItaly star Jorginho insists Mikel Arteta’s side do not fear Haaland  despite his 99 goals in 103 games under boss Pep Guardiola.He added: “It doesn’t get to our head. We need to focus on us and that is what we are trying to do.”Haaland is on course to smash his own Prem record tally of 36 goals from the 2022-23 season.If he continues at the current rate, he would net 86 this campaign! Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFormer Arsenal centre-back William Gallas, 47, warned: “This is a guy who is in beast mode.“He looks like he is going to break every scoring record in the Premier League this season.Arsenal ratings: Gabriel puts in impeccable display in North London Derby but Rice replacement struggles“It’s impossible to predict how many he will get but you can say with confidence it will be loads.”Haaland’s brace in City’s 2-1 win over Brentford saw him overtake Wayne Rooney’s record of the most goals scored in the first four games of a Prem season. The goal machine will be looking for his 10th goal of the new campaign against Arsenal on Sunday, after bagging back-to-back hat-tricks against Ipswich and West Ham.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Gary Shaw was the golden boy of Aston Villa’s golden era – whose shirt Diego Maradona asked for but never got

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      ASTON VILLA called it perfectly in their tribute to club legend Gary Shaw, who sadly died yesterday, aged 63.”Shaw was the golden boy of Villa’s golden era,” the club said simply on its official website.Gary Shaw has passed away aged 63The former striker was part of the Villa side that won the 1982 European CupShaw suffered a head injury last week and was taken to hospitalWith his shock of golden locks and winning smile, the kid from Kingshurst, Solihull could easily have been a star of the big screen if he’d fancied it.Instead he became the local lad every kid kicking a ball in the streets of Brum wanted to be like – the only Brummie in that legendary line-up.Sharp and tenacious on the park, with an eye for goal, he was at the heart of all that was good about Villa in those heady, halcyon days of the early 80’s when they won the title, European Cup and UEFA Super Cup.He was one of their own – and remained that way until the end.READ MORE ASTON VILLA NEWSBut his admirers stretched well beyond the borders of Birmingham ….including one Diego Maradona!When Villa beat Barcelona to win the European Super Cup, Shaw seemed to cover every blade of grass on the Nou Camp.He terrorised Barca’s defence and impressed perhaps the world’s greatest ever player at the other end of the pitch.Maradona was so impressed with Shaw’s performance he sent one of the club’s backroom staff to Villa’s dressing room with his shirt, with orders to bring back Shaw’s jersey as a swap.Most read in FootballHowever, Shaw later revealed the great man never got his wish – because Villa’s kitman argued shirts were far too expensive to hand out to opponents!It was shameful that while Maradona recognised and appreciated Shaw’s abundant talent – his nation never truly did.Although the baby-faced assassin won seven Under-21 caps and was voted England’s and Europe’s Young Footballer of the Year, he was never awarded a full cap.Despite scoring 79 goals in 213 appearances for Villa, including a quarter-final strike against Dynamo Kiev in the European Cup run – one of three he scored during that glorious Euro run – he never won a senior cap for England.Ron Greenwood named him in his preliminary squad for the 1982 World Cup in Spain but axed him from his final selection.England exited the tournament following goalless draws with Germany and Spain.Shaw scored the equaliser against Barcelona in the 2nd leg of the Super Cup final at Villa ParkDiego Maradona asked for Shaw’s shirt after Villa’s Super Cup triumph over Barcelona“I’d just scored 24 goals, no penalties, no free-kicks, and I’m sitting on a beach in Ibiza having a San Miguel,” he said.But it was Villa Park which was his kingdom until a terrible knee injury suffered at Nottingham Forest shortened what should have been an even longer, even more glorious career.He tried to prolong his stellar career with moves to Copenhagen, Kilmarnock, Austria and Hong Kong before he retired in 1992. He later worked as a statistical analyst for the Press Association and OPTA and was a matchday ambassador for his beloved Villa.One kid he coached, during a spell as a Villa Youth coach, was fortunate that some of Shaw’s magic rubbed off on him.Gabby Agbonlahor went on to become Villa’s greatest ever Premier League goalscorer with 74 goals.Last night he paid tribute to the player he worshipped as a kid and respected as a mentor. “He used to take me, Luke and Stefan Moore, Darius Vassell off for shooting drills,” Agbonlahor said. “He took the strikers, practiced finishing with us, showed us the art of goalscoring.”He should have been the guy who told everyone what he had done and what a good player he was but he just concentrated on coaching.”He never mentioned what he achieved. He was so humble. He was a local lad like me.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He was a genuinely nice guy. It’s devastating news.”I hope the club gives him the send off that a true legend of the club deserves.” More

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      Tom Brady in hilarious reaction after getting X-rated welcome from Wrexham fans for Birmingham clash

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      TOM BRADY produced a funny retort after being given an X-rated welcome by travelling Wrexham fans.The NFL legend was in attendance at St Andrew’s watching his Birmingham side take on the Red Dragons.Tom Brady took a lap of the pitch ahead of kick-offCredit: RexThe NFL legend was jeered as he walked past the Wrexham fansBut he responded by smiling and sticking his thumbs upBrady spoke with his opposite number Rob McElhenney before the gameCredit: GettyHe walked a lap of the pitch ahead of kick-off which meant he had to pass the travelling Wrexham contingent, and he was given a frosty reception.Brady, 47, was jeered and some fans began singing: “Who the f***ing hell are you?”Others used even more expressive language but Brady had the perfect response.The American raised a thumbs up at the Wrexham supporters and beamed from ear to ear as he pointed at one, winding them up further.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrady is still fairly new to the EFL having become a minority owner at Birmingham last year, but he appears to be enjoying the experience.Towards the end of the match he applauded in response to the outbreak of a mass brawl involving almost every player on the pitch.Wrexham’s Paul Mullin was at the heart of the incident after he almost bit Birmingham defender Alex Cochrane.Blues star Krystian Bielik began pushing and shoving the striker and his team-mate Andy Cannon.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBielik was booked along with Wrexham’s James McClean, who also made an X-rated gesture to Blues fans as he was substituted and was seen shouting in the dugout area.Wrexham had taken an early lead in the contest through Jack Marriott but a double from Jay Stansfield inspired a comeback from the home side before Tomoki Iwata wrapped up the three points.Wrexham owner Rob McElhenney reveals VERY famous superstar will be attending Hollywood clash vs BirminghamBrady invited David Beckham to the match as his guestCredit: Getty More