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    Everton’s £760million new stadium has stunning feature added ahead of opening next year

    EVERTON’S stunning new stadium has seen a remarkable feature added.It comes ahead of the scheduled opening next year.The Everton Stadium on Bramley-Moore dock has had the ‘final piece of its jigsaw’ put in placeCredit: GettyWater is now flowing from the western wharf to connect the dock system to the Leeds-Liverpool canalCredit: GettyThe channel had previously been filled with sand, but has seen 17,000 cubic metres of sand dug up to reclaim itCredit: YouTube/Everton Football ClubIt will add a stunning new feature to the surroundings of the stadiumCredit: Everton FCThe £760million project on Bramley-Moore Dock is nearing completion, with recently released videos providing a glimpse of what the matchday experience will look like from the inside.However, the massive waterfront stadium has also transformed the surrounding area and has recently marked a major milestone with one key development.Water is now flowing from the western wharf of the Everton Stadium, which connects the dock system to the Leeds-Liverpool canal.Almost half a million cubic metres of sand had originally been used to fill the dock – allowing for the stadium’s construction by providing a key logistics area for project engineers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut over the last six weeks, more than 17,000 cubic metres of sand has now been dug up to reclaim the channel, which has now been filled with water to crucially connect the docks.This has created a new body of water which will add to the spectacular surroundings of the new stadium.The milestone, first announced by project developers on Friday, said: “On Thursday morning, pumps that worked 24 hours a day to drain water from a series of de-watering wells three metres below the bed of the channel – thus maintaining an artificially low water table to allow the excavation to take place safely – were turned off to allow the water to naturally rise back to its natural level.”An isolation structure at the southern end of the channel has eight sluice gates which allow for the level between the two bodies of water to be controlled via valves that can be lifted and closed as required.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt will connect the neighbouring Sandon Half Tide Dock to the north with Nelson Dock to the south and create a water body adjacent to the stadium’s western wharf.Chris Spragg, Project Leader at Laing O’Rourke, said: “Obviously we’re well progressed with the stadium-build now and we’re nearly there. This is one of the final parts of the jigsaw.I’m a Euros legend marrying Everton’s groundsman – our first date was in Ikea & scoring a winning goal beat his proposal“We originally filled the dock with just under half a million cubic metres of sand to enable the stadium construction, and a new secant piled wall to be built in front of the Western terrace.  “The retention of sand within the channel during construction provided a valuable logistics space to suit our construction sequence.”Now the stadium is nearing completion, it’s time for the channel to be turned into a body of water.“The water channel also provides connectivity for the Leeds-Liverpool canal, so that they can allow water to top the canal up through the dock system, which relies heavily on being able to use a water body in the Mersey to maintain the levels.”A new bridge is also being built to the north for vehicular access to the west wharf.However, part of the expansion has seen the original dock walls on the southern edge, including an engraved stone dating back to its historic opening in August 1848, preserved. More

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    Who is Frankie Carmichael? Call centre worker rumoured to be caught up in Kieran Trippier’s marriage riddle

    KIERAN Trippier caused a stir after being filmed wrapping his arms around a blonde woman during a night out.Someone who has found themselves caught up in the drama is Newcastle woman, Frankie Carmichael.Party girl and call centre worker Frankie Carmichael is a regular at Newcastle’s hotspotsFrankie has found herself caught up in Kieran Trippier’s marriage riddleCredit: RexTrippier was filmed hoisting a blonde woman onto his back in the clubFrankie is a 27-year-old call centre worker and is a regular at the hotspots in Newcastle.The Geordie lass, who lives in the city, is known for having a large tattoo on her left arm.In September 2024, Frankie found herself caught up in Premier League ace Kieran Trippier’s marriage riddle.Mystery blondeA video emerged of the Newcastle defender lifting up a blonde girl around the waist in a packed city karaoke bar in May 2023.Read More on Kieran TrippierThe girl in the video also had a large inking on her left arm.In the clip, Trippier is seen wrapping his arms around the woman and holding her bottom.The video was recorded during a night out with his Newcastle team-mates in Cosy Joes.Trippier’s wife Charlotte, who he has three children with, was in Madrid at the time the video was recorded.Most read in FootballAfter speculation about who the blonde in the video could be, Frankie was named on X/Twitter.Kieran Trippier’s Shocking Marital StrugglesA source said: “Frankie is friends with a pal of Kieran’s. “She’s well known on the Toon and loves a night out in the city.”Trippier’s marriage on the rocksTrippier has had a turbulent time on and off the pitch, with speculation his marriage is on the rocks.In September 2023, he delayed training with the England squad due to a “personal commitment”.There is speculation Trippier’s marriage to wife Charlotte is on the rocksCredit: GettyThis was followed in November 2023, by him pulling out of the Euro qualifier against North Macedonia, again citing a “personal matter”.Further speculation his marriage to Charlotte – who he wed in 2016 – could be on the rocks ramped up when she failed to attend the 2024 Euros.The Sun on Sunday later exclusively revealed that the couple also went on separate holidays.Trippier stayed at the same Turkish resort as England team-mate Kyle Walker.While he was in Turkey, Charlotte went to Santorini, Greece, with her sister.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe family’s £3.8million six-bed mansion in Morpeth, Northumberland, has also been put up for sale.In August 2024, Trippier put in a transfer request from Newcastle and announced his retirement from international football. More

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    Premier League invents ‘coldest graphic ever’ for Arsenal’s winning goal in North London derby

    ARSENAL fans are in love with the Premier League’s specially made goal graphic for the North London derby. The Gunners beat their bitter rivals Tottenham 1-0 yesterday thanks to a towering header from Gabriel.Arsenal fans loved the cheeky goal graphicA Gunners cannon blew the top Tottenham badge apartGabriel’s header won the game for ArsenalCredit: AlamyAs the centre-back nodded in from a corner, eagle-eyed fans noticed a cleverly created graphic in the top left of TV screens.The scoreboard on the Premier League’s world service feed changed from 0-0 to 0-1 with the usual firing of a cannon.But for the derby, the gunshot cheekily blew up a Spurs emblem trying to run away.And just before the score changed, Arsenal’s cannon smoked while Tottenham’s trademark cockerel had lost its head.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGunners supporters loved it, with one saying: “That is the coldest graphic ever.”Another added: “Goal graphic s***housery to the next level.”A third commented: “Graphic hits hard. North London is red.”All 20 clubs have their own customised animation for when they score on the Prem’s official feed.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBrighton have a seagull swooping in and Southampton have the word “goal” decorated with a halo and angel wings in a nod to their nickname The Saints.Other eye-catching ones see bubbles fly across the scoreboard for West Ham, a fox’s tail wagging for Leicester and pitchforks raised for Manchester United. ‘I’d expect a foul’ – Paul Merson claims Arsenal’s winner at Tottenham shouldn’t have stood as VAR fails to interveneAll 20 Premier League clubs have a goal animationFans love the cool designsArsenal ratings vs Spurs as Gabriel is the hero in feisty North London derbyGABRIEL headed in the only goal of the game as a depleted Arsenal snatched all three points in the North London Derby.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Gunners players…DAVID RAYA – 8/10Commanded his area well, and was a safe pair of hands throughout the game. Another great showing in what has been a spectacular start for the Spanish stopper. JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Did well from an attacking perspective, charging down the left hand side on various occasions. Solid defensively too against Spurs’ flying right side of Johnson and Porro.Some would argue he should’ve been sent off for a challenge on Pedro Porro in the first half, but he escaped despite squaring up to Vicario in the aftermath.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8A really good recovery challenge in the first half to deny Dominic Solanke, despite being booked early on.You can always count on Saliba to put in a solid display, and he didn’t disappoint today with fantastic passing out from the back too. GABRIEL – 9A fantastic defensive showing throughout, reinforced with a towering header inside the box to give his side the lead from a set piece (shock). Has formed an impeccable partnership with Saliba, personified by their heartwarming celebration together after the opener. He’s the man. BEN WHITE – 6Gave away the ball in a dangerous position in the first half, with Solanke failing to capitalise and had a tough first half against the quick feet of Heung Min-Son.Was not able to demonstrate the dangerous right-hand side overlap we saw work so effectively last season, but wasn’t threatened in the second 45.JORGINHO – 4Struggled to replace the suspended Declan Rice for this North London derby, whom the Gunners really missed.A tough task, but didn’t come close to matching Rice’s intensity or ability to drive the ball up the pitch which left Arsenal weak in the forward areas.THOMAS PARTEY – 5Struggled in transition with Jorginho alongside him, another player who felt the full force of no Rice and Odegaard.Not fast enough with or without the ball, and will need to perk his ideas up for City next week. GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Looked like a bright spark with his running and forward movement, but was let down by his end product or lack thereof.Worked really really hard throughout, just looks short of confidence in the last actions. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Dropping deeper into more of a midfield role than he’s used to today, it should be noted that he did a job for the team when they needed him. Not the flying efficiency machine we have seen him be from the bench, but his versatility will be needed this season it seems. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Didn’t make the kind of impact on the game we are used to seeing from the brilliant Bukayo Saka, and looked less of a threat without Martin Odegaard to combine with. Did some really good defensive work nonetheless, and delivered the perfect corner to claim the assist for Gabriel’s opener. KAI HAVERTZ – 6A good header in the first half was saved well by Vicario in the spurs net – actually made more clearances (3) than he managed shots on target (2) in the first 45. Was a handful for the Spurs defence, but largely nullified by the pace and power of Mickey Van de Ven and Cristian Romero.  More

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    Steve Bruce reveals shock EFL club he started watching as a fan during 18 months unemployed

    STEVE BRUCE was inspired to get back into management by going to watch League Two games at Salford City.The 63-year-old had been out of work since being sacked by West Brom in October 2022.Steve Bruce was inspired to return to management with Blackpool by watching Salford CityCredit: GettySon Alex is a coach at the AmmiesCredit: PA:Empics SportBruce’s son, Alex, works as a first-team coach for the Ammies, while son-in-law Matt Smith used to lead the line for them.The three-time Premier League winner has further connections at Salford with their Class of ’92 owners — who were his Old Trafford team-mates.And after Blackpool’s last-gasp 2-1 against Exeter, new Tangerines head coach Bruce said: “I enjoy the lower leagues.“I’ve seen more of Salford than I have of Man United in the last 18 months, for one reason or another.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I started in the lower divisions, it doesn’t faze me at all.“I like the honesty of it and that’ll never change.”Despite managing 476 Premier League games, the sixth most in the competition’s history, Bruce decided to take the reins at the League One Seasiders.He also has connections at Bloomfield Road and admitted that played a part in his decision to manage them.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBruce added: “The opportunity came when I got the phone call off David Downes, who is the director of football.“I knew David, I promoted him at Aston Villa and took him to Sheffield Wednesday, so I know he’s a good man.Steve Bruce dealt huge blow just days after being named Blackpool boss as striker banned for appearing to SLAP opponent“I know the chief scout, who I gave an opportunity to at Hull 15 years ago. When I met the owner, I thought, ‘Why not?’.“I’ve missed it, I wanted to go back to work.“Geographically wise, it’s good for me — I’m home in under an hour.”CJ Hamilton scored the first goal of the Bruce era on 19 minutes as his side dominated the first half.Exeter grew into the game  and levelled through Ed Francis’ 88th-minute free-kick.But Blackpool kept going and captain James Husband headed home four minutes into stoppage time.Grecians boss Gary Caldwell said: “Football teaches you lessons every single day of every week.“There’s highs and lows but I’m confident in this group of players.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We invited pressure when we should have been the team inviting momentum on to Blackpool.“It’s a learning curve the players need to go through — and it’s my job to help them do that.” More

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    Phil Foden’s son, 5, set to become star by entertaining fans as a YouTuber

    FOOTIE ace Phil Foden’s five-year-old son is set to smash the net again — with his own YouTube channel.Ronnie already has five million Instagram followers after dancing on the pitch following his dad’s 2023 Champions League triumph with Manchester City.Phil Foden’s five-year-old son Ronnie is getting his own YouTube channelCredit: GettyRonnie was nicknamed ‘The Dude’ by City fans and has since become the unofficial mascot for the teamCredit: GettyNow the cheeky chap could cash in on his fame by entertaining fans as a YouTuber after dad Phil, 23, and mum Rebecca, 22, set up a channel for him.A source said: “Ronnie loves being the centre of attention and is a big fan of some of the YouTubers so Phil and his mum have set up an account.“He could end up making loads of money from it.”Speaking about his son’s celebrations in Istanbul, Phil said: “His personality has made him who he is. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He just reminds me of myself when I was a kid and he’s very funny.”Ronnie was nicknamed “The Dude” by City fans and has since become the unofficial mascot for the team.And after their latest Premier League title in May, he was seen trying to open a bottle of champagne to the amusement of fans.He has a modelling contract and is on a talent group’s books despite only just starting school.Most read in FootballPhil and Rebecca also share daughter TruePhil Foden’s girlfriend Rebecca Cooke gives birth to boy with England star to fly back to Euro 2024 for Slovakia clash More

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    ‘Harry Kane is GUARANTEED to break his trophy duck this season – it’s just a question of how many he wins’

    HARRY KANE is surely guaranteed to break his silverware duck this term — the question is, how many trophies will he win at Bayern Munich?That is the verdict of ex-Munich star Owen Hargreaves, who has no doubts whatsoever the England captain can end his career-long barren run.Harry Kane is still looking for his first major trophyCredit: APHe has been banging in the goals for Bayern Munich and tipped to break his duck this termCredit: AFPKane moved to Bayern last summer for an initial £86million after winning nothing at Spurs but ended up empty-handed again due to Xabi Alonso’s invincible Bayer Leverkusen side.TNT Sports pundit Hargreaves told SunSport: “He’s crazy unlucky, especially after his season.“Bayern didn’t have a great season but Leverkusen, you’ve got to take your hat off to them, they played out of this world under Xabi Alonso.“But the great ones, that spurs them on to keep going.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“It keeps him hungry. I guarantee he wins a trophy this year. The question is, how many?”Kane is adapting to a new Bayern boss in Vincent Kompany, whose Burnley men were relegated from the Prem last term.Kompany favours a high-pressing style but 31-year-old Kane has still managed five goals in his first four Bayern games this term — including a hat-trick in the 6-1 victory at Holstein Kiel on Saturday.That took his scoring record to a staggering 49 goals in 49 games for the Bavarian giants.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHargreaves, who won four Bundesliga titles and the 2001 Champions League with Bayern, added: “Vinny’s got the best team he’s ever coached by a mile.“Harry Kane leading the line, Manuel Neuer in goal and then all these amazing players spread out in between.Champions League releases new anthem as fuming fans say ‘the beautiful game has died’Harry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.”“I’m excited to watch Bayern. I was there for ten years, I understand the mentality of the football club, the expectation to win. Vinny’s a winner.“People forget Vinny played in the Bundesliga at Hamburg, he speaks German.“He understands how big a club Bayern Munich is.“Being born in Belgium, playing in Germany, he’s had an amazing career, he was a brilliant captain.“It’s probably not the appointment everyone expected just because Burnley got relegated. But I hope they give him time.“Bayern used to be a club that gave managers time and they had amazing success.“I hope the club looks at itself a little bit and says, ‘We’re going to give Vincent time’.”Kane scored a hat-trick in the 6-1 thumping of Holstein Kiel at the weekendCredit: GettyVincent Kompany needs to be given time in his new job at the German giantsCredit: Getty HARGREAVES ON BELLINGHAM“I SAW the Super Cup and Jude Bellingham played the best game of his life.“He’s playing a bit more in his natural position, a little bit deeper. He’s the perfect midfield player.“Jude is just going to get better and better with Kylian Mbappe and Endrick.“I know a lot of people have not seen much of Endrick but to go with him and Rodrygo, Valverde, Modric, Courtois and Alaba, Rudiger, Carvajal . . .“That is some collection of players, it’s amazing.”Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham will cause chaos togetherCredit: GettyHARGREAVES ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DARK HORSES“PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN, just in the way Luis Enrique plays. He plays such aggressive football and they’ve got so many really good ball players.“I’m happy to see they’re focused on young French players. That’s probably what they should have done long ago.“Inter are really good. They’ve got a clear identity to how they play under Simone Inzaghi.“Marcus Thuram came on a free, it’s amazing no one else picked him up.“They’re not the most offensive team but often those teams do really well in the Champions League.“They don’t make mistakes in silly moments.”Marcus Thuram could help Inter Milan spark a shockCredit: AFPHARGREAVES ON PREM CONTENDERS“MANCHESTER CITY have the best squad and they’re using four centre-backs so defensively they’re a bit more stable.“Arsenal need a little bit more experience in the Champions League. “To win the Champions League might take a little bit more time in the transfer windows. But they’re going to win trophies, it’s a question of when.“Liverpool have crazy firepower. Federico Chiesa is an amazing player and he’ll suit the Premier League because he’s crazy explosive.“I’m excited for Aston Villa as Villa Park is going to be one of the best atmospheres in Europe this season.”Manchester City are going for a fifth title in a rowCredit: APHARGREAVES ON PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR“MICHAEL OLISE is going to be great at Bayern Munich.“Playing at Crystal Palace he probably didn’t get the notoriety he deserved but he’s such a good finisher and technically really good.“Endrick at Real Madrid is cool because people don’t know a lot about him. He’s still so young but he’s just got it.“Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen is an amazing player with a really unique style. His numbers from last season were crazy.READ MORE SUN STORIES“As a young kid, putting himself in the Ballon d’Or conversation is rare. He’ll be playing at Real Madrid or Man City in a couple of years.”TNT Sports is the home of the Uefa Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. TNT Sports is available through its streaming destination discovery+ and across all major TV platforms. For more information visit tntsports.co.uk/footballMichael Olise will have no issues stepping up to the pressure at Bayern MunichCredit: GettyOwen Hargreaves had his say on the 2024-25 seasonCredit: GettyNew Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season. More

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    Glum-faced Newcastle ace Kieran Trippier ditches wedding ring as his marriage crisis deepens after partying with blonde

    GLUM-faced footie ace Kieran Trippier is seen without his wedding ring as his marriage crisis deepens.The Newcastle United and former England full-back, 33, was snapped looking miserable at a train station on Saturday.Glum-faced footie ace Kieran Trippier is seen without his wedding ring as his marriage crisis deepensFrankie Carmichael is a regular in Newcastle’s hotspots and was named online after he was filmed lifting a reveller up in a barSpeculation over his eight-year marriage to Charlotte intensified after the mum of three stayed away from the EurosCredit: GettyTrippier wrapped his arms around the woman before hoisting her aloftCredit: facebook/frankie carmichaelIt comes after we yesterday revealed the party-girl caught up in speculation surrounding his troubled personal life.Frankie Carmichael, 27, is a regular in Newcastle’s hotspots and was named online after he was filmed lifting a reveller up by the bottom inside a packed karaoke bar in May last year.He wrapped his arms around the woman before hoisting her aloft. He and his teammates were celebrating Champions League qualification and ended up in Cosy Joes in the city.Read More on SportTrippier’s wife Charlotte, 35, was in Madrid at the time.Speculation over their eight-year marriage intensified after the mum of three stayed away from the Euros, including the final against Spain.In a message online, she wrote: “Sooner or later you get over the s*** you swore you’d never get over and it’s the best feeling in the world.”Their £3.8million home was put on the market before they took separate summer holidays.Most read in FootballTrippier has retired from international duty and asked for a transfer at Newcastle after losing his place in the team — appearing as a sub in yesterday’s game at Wolves.Kieran Trippier goes viral during Newcastle’s clash at Bournemouth after painful moment is caught on Sky Sports camerasNeither have commented on their relationship but Charlotte has removed her wedding ring.Trippier has retired from international duty and asked for a transfer at Newcastle after losing his place in the teamCredit: AFP More

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    Bournemouth star accuses Anthony Taylor of ignoring little-known rule after ‘mental’ refereeing display against Chelsea

    BOURNEMOUTH skipper Adam Smith blasted “mental” refereeing in his side’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea.Whistle-mad Anthony Taylor booked a Prem record 14 players on Saturday — costing both clubs £25,000 in FA fines.Adam Smith has blasted the refereeing during Bournemouth’s 1-0 defeat to ChelseaCredit: RexReferee Anthony Taylor dished out 14 yellow cards in the fixture – a new Premier League recordCredit: GettyEight Blues stars saw yellow, including debutant Jadon Sancho just 11 minutes after coming on as sub, along with six from the hosts.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca and Cherries fitness coach Pablo de la Torre were also booked.Defender Smith, 33, said: “I can’t deal with it any more. Every foul was a yellow. It’s mental.“He booked me for just going up to talk to him about the penalty and the sending-off decision.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“I’m the captain and I’m allowed to do that but he said I had come from a far distance and that’s why he booked me. But I don’t understand.”Smith wanted to ask the official why keeper Robert Sanchez was not sent off for a foul on Evanilson when he had a clear scoring opportunity.Captains are allowed to discuss decisions with referees in a calm manner.Taylor gave a penalty and Blues ace Sanchez saved Evanilson’s kick.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSmith added: “That’s what I said and he booked me. I guess it’s just little Bournemouth, which I’ve had for the past nine years.”Smith has played 380 games for the Cherries and just signed a one-year contract extension but admits football can leave him baffled.Fans fume at ‘pure robbery’ after Arsenal star Jurrien Timber avoids red card after referee ‘bottles it’He said: “Sometimes I don’t enjoy the game. It’s multiple things, to be honest. It’s refereeing for sure, which is just draining, really draining.”Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez was only shown a yellow for his clumsy challenge on Evanilson due to the “double jeopardy” rule.That rule means players can only be sent off and give away a penalty if they didn’t try and make a challenge for the ball – something Taylor and VAR deemed Sanchez to have done.Adam Smith was booked for trying to speak to Taylor about the decision not to send off Robert SanchezCredit: RexSanchez was booked for clattering into Bournemouth striker EvanilsonCredit: AFP More