Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsene Wenger demands Premier League rule change and hints Man City won’t face full force of 115 alleged rule breaches

      by

      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

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Graham Potter opens up on Chelsea exit and return to football as he says he’s watching the ‘madness from afar’

      by

      GRAHAM POTTER has lifted the lid on his football hiatus.Potter, 49, has been without a job since he was sacked by Chelsea in April 2023 after just seven months in charge.Graham Potter has opened up on his absence from footballCredit: PADespite being linked with a number of jobs, including the England role, he has remained out of football management.However, he has now lifted the lid on what he has been doing since his Blues exit.Speaking on the BBC’s Planet Premier League, Potter said: “The time I’ve had has been, you know, amazing. I had 12, 13 years of non-stop football coaching, managing.”So from the fourth tier in Swedish football to last eight in the Champions League with Chelsea. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So that doesn’t come for free in terms of how much you have to devote and how much you have to sacrifice for that, especially when you’ve got a young family. “So to be able to have the time to spend with them, to reconnect with them, to sort of get a bit of energy and reflect and can look back on the 12 years and think, ‘OK, what went well and what can I improve and what do I need to do and what do I want the next 12 years look like?’.”Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t want it to happen. “But when it does happen, you have to try and take the positives and look at it as a bit of a gift and say, ‘OK, look, what does the next stage, you know, sort of bring and what does it look like and how do I want it to look?’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And now, yeah, I’m enjoying doing things like this, this is something I never really did because when you’re a football manager, you haven’t got time to do stuff like this. “And I quite like to experience new things. So that’s been good to be able to do that.  Former Chelsea manager Potter weighs in on Postecoglou’s ‘shell-shocked’ interview after Brighton’s win over Spurs “And at the same time, you give yourself a chance to watch the madness from afar and you get a perspective and then, you know, you look back and I can honestly say I’m more confident in my own ability now than I was before I went to Chelsea or before I went to Brighton. “So the process has been good.”Potter is married to Rachel, who he started dating in the 1990s.They have three sons together who live in Sweden, with Potter splashing out on a £2million mansion located just an hour from Ostersund – where he spent seven successful years as boss – in 2023.Asked about the England job and the appointment of Thomas Tuchel, whom he replaced at Chelsea, the ex-Brighton boss revealed: “Well, like I said a few weeks ago, I’ve been out of work for 18 months.”And I’ve had conversations with quite a few people, but I don’t want to get in a place where I’m confirming or denying anything because I don’t think that’s fair for anybody.”With regard to that I think they’ve made a really good appointment for a coach that is obviously successful, has won lots of things and I think if that’s the strategy and if that’s the criteria then it’s a fantastic appointment because Thomas’s record is brilliant and he’s won the Champions League.”Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.He added: “Do I think that an English coach can win the World Cup or a major trophy? Yes, absolutely I do.”So you look at the previous winners, the Spanish coach, I don’t think was a Champions League winning coach. I don’t think the Argentinian coach was a Champions League-winning coach. “If you look at the last, in the last European coach to, to win outside of Europe, the World Cup, Joachim Loew, his career was, was one of a coach. “But at the same time, I understand if that’s the criteria and it feels like that was the movement towards how we need a winning coach, a top coach that can help these top players, then Thomas is a fantastic coach and a great appointment.”In September, Potter also addressed rumours linking him with the Manchester United job if Erik ten Hag is sacked. He told Sky Sports: “I take what the media say with a pinch of salt.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I am the only coach in world football to be linked with Stoke City and Napoli in the same week.”I have had lots of conversations with lots of people and I think out of respect to those people it’s best those are kept private.”Potter has been linked with replacing Erik ten Hag if he is sacked by Man UtdCredit: GettyNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Inside Panathinaikos’ stadium now used by minnows with 2,500 fans – as Greek side host Chelsea in rented ground

      by

      CHELSEA are visiting Panathinaikos in the League Phase of the Conference League tonight at Athens Olympic Stadium.The Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA) has been used on and off by PAO ever since 2005 as they swap between Greece’s largest stadium and their historic ground of Apostolos Nikolaidis.Panathinaikos are facing Chelsea away from their traditional groundCredit: GettyPanathinaikos’ historic Apostolos Nikolaidis ground is in Leoforos AlexandrasCredit: GettyPanathinaikos have beaten the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona at LeoforosCredit: GettyThe Greek giants competed at their traditional home – also known simply as Leoforos because of its position at Alexandra’s Avenue in the centre of the capital – last season.However, Diego Alonso’s side returned to OAKA for this term after previous issues with the stadium’s roof were dealt with to the satisfaction of Uefa.This comes after the ground, named after famous 1896 Olympic hero Spiros Louis, had to close due to concerns over the stability of its steel dome last year.Greek press claimed authorities lost a manual with detailed instructions regarding the dome’s maintenance left behind by architect Santiago Calatrava – who built the landmark in 2004.Read More on FootballHowever, OAKA has reopened this season and the Blues will be playing in the same venue that hosted the 2004 Olympics as well as the Champions League final in 1983, 1994 and 2007.The Athens stadium holds a capacity of 70,000, which makes it larger than every Premier League ground bar Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Wembley.The club are paying rent to the Greek state, which is worth in the range of €300,000 (£250,000).PAO have experienced immense success at OAKA in the past having beaten the likes of Juventus, Roma and Feyenoord – that was also where they hosted Ajax in the 1995-96 Champions League semi-finals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut it doesn’t compare to the glory Panathinaikos have tasted at Leoforos as that is where they played in the 1970-71 campaign.That was when Ferenc Puskas’ side made it to the European Cup final – eliminating Everton in the quarter-finals along the way – at Wembley where they were beaten by Johan Cruyff’s Ajax.Chelsea Player Ratings vs LiverpoolPanathinaikos later enjoyed even more European success at Leoforos as they made it to the Champions League quarter-finals in the 2001-02 campaign by beating the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona.However, this season the ground is being used by Superleague opponents Kallithea, who are renting it out and are tasked with the venue’s maintenance.The Greek club needed to meet the necessary top flight requirements to host games, such as installing CCTV, but that would have cost them around €500,000 (£416,000).And so a decision was made to move to a stadium that already has the necessary gear, while Panathinaikos make a profit without having to worry about maintenance while playing in Marousi.Leoforos holds a capacity of 16,620, which is far larger than the average 2,454 attendance rate Kallithea are currently recording this season.Panathinaikos are currently working on building their own stadium at Votanikos – a project that has been in the works in the last two decades.Moving to a new stadiumHowever, Greek reports suggest the state of the art ground, which is expected to hold a capacity of over 40,000, will be completed by Christmas of 2026 or New Year’s Day of 2027.Nevertheless, as per the current rate of construction, the stadium could open its doors in time for the 2027-28 season.OAKA is expected to be at full capacity tonight due to Chelsea’s visit, which will see manager Enzo Maresca missing key players.Levi Colwill, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson are left out.And of course Marcus Bettinelli, Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, Romeo Lavia as well as star man Cole Palmer were omitted from the Conference League list.Tonight will be an emotional match as it marks Panathinaikos’ first home game since star man George Baldock’s tragic death two weeks ago, therefore a series of tributes have been organised.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth teams will be wearing black armbands while a minute’s silence will be held in Sheffield United legend Baldock’s memory.And Oaka has been filled with posters, which read: ” There’s a starman is waiting in the sky”.Chelsea face Panathinaikos at the Athens Olympic Stadium, also known as OAKACredit: GettyOAKA is Greece’s largest stadium with a bigger capacity than every Premier League ground bar Manchester United’sCredit: GettyPanathinaikos have beaten the likes of Juventus, Roma and Feyenoord at OAKACredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal legend Ian Wright in wheelchair after surgery as Roy Keane helps him out after filming Stick to Football

      by

      IAN WRIGHT arrived at the latest episode of Stick to Football in a wheelchair after undergoing surgery.The pundit took up his usual place on the panel alongside Gary Neville, Jill Scott and Paul Scholes, and even Roy Keane helped him out.Ian Wright arrived at the studio in a wheelchair before switching to crutchesCredit: YouTubeRoy Keane wheeled him out at the end of the episodeCredit: YouTubeWright made his entry with the assistance of crutches but Scott confirmed he made his way to the studio in a wheelchair.The former striker then left in the chair with Keane wheeling him out as Scott likened the scene to TV sketch show Little Britain.Wright, 60, revealed he was recovering from knee replacement surgery.He is good friends with Keane and the pair frequently work together providing punditry for ITV and The Overlap.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut they often row and bicker too with fans previously likening them to an old married couple.There was a time when the pair did not get on at all with Wright admitting he “strongly disliked” Keane over his jibe at Arsenal stars and their “loser’s medals”.Wright explained: “I see him as my friend now, but like I say, when we played I didn’t like him. I didn’t like him at all.”I remember when I won my Premier League medal, when the camera came in I remember saying ‘Roy Keane winners medal’ because Roy Keane one time said to me ‘Wrighty, you’ve got a cabinet full of losers’ medals!’Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“It’s the kind of comment I would have said to him if the shoe was on the other foot.”But when he said it, it hurts you but I was laughing deep down because it’s a killer, it finishes you, bam. Even when I reminded him, he said ‘nah I didn’t say that’. I said, ‘Roy, it’s not something you forget!’”Man Utd legend Roy Keane blasts Arsenal as ‘small team with small mentality’ in furious rant at Ian Wright More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd fans injured after ‘being ambushed by 50 Fenerbahce ultras in Istanbul’ ahead of Europa League clash

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were attacked by so-called Fenerbahce ultras ahead of the Europa League clash tonight.As many as 50 Fenerbahce fans are said to have “swarmed” a group of United fans who had travelled to Istanbul for the match.Man Utd fans appear to have been attacked in Istanbul before their match with FenerbahceCredit: X/BogazHooligansFootage shared by a Fenerbahce ultra account boasted about the attacksCredit: X/BogazHooligansWitnesses have said multiple fans have been left injuredCredit: X/BogazHooligansFootage shared on social media showed an attack taking place outside of the Grand Hisar Hotel.The videos showed footage of ultras charging and assaulting fans, leaving several injured.A self-professed “anarchist” account on X by the name of GFB Bogaz Hooligans boasted about the footage after posting it online.The account shared a 26-second video of the attacks with the caption: “This is İSTANBUL!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn ominous post on their Instagram page showed an apparent group of hooligans on bikes.It was captioned: “On the first punch of a fight… Manchester is now truly RED :).”One Red Devils fan who was caught up in the attacks told StrettyNews how five fans were “swarmed” by a violent mob.They said: “About 50 of them swarmed us.Most read in Football”One lad followed me down a street and pretended to help before hitting me a shot into the jaw.”They added that two members of their group were left injured by glasses and a crowbar.Erik ten Hag in confident mood as Man Utd target rare European victory A separate incident is said to have involved 20 Fenerbahce fans descending upon a smaller group of United fans.The Fenerbahce ultra account posted a screenshot of an apparent online conversation between them and a so-called United fan.They said: “A response has been given to the traitors who insulted our religious and national values ​​and gave us a position.”The pictures detailed how an offensive message was sent to start the exchange before messages of “see you soon”, and “let’s go” were sent before sending the location as the Celtic Irish Pub in Istanbul.The pub is approximately an 11-minute walk from where one of the attacks took place.SunSport were unable to track down a social media account with the details shared in the screenshot, meaning the message could have been fabricated or the original account was changed or deleted.Manchester United have been approached for comment.READ MORE SUN STORIESViolence has unfortunately become commonplace in football in Turkey, with Fenerbahce’s chairman attacked by a pitch invader and pelted with bottles earlier this season.United face former boss Jose Mourinho tonight as they look for their first win in this season’s Europa League, with the Portuguese gaffer his normal bullish self ahead of the game.Jose Mourinho will take on his old side tonight More