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    West Ham players SLAMMED for defending as if Jamie Vardy was offside only for VAR to declare Leicester goal onside

    JAMIE VARDY profited from slow-reacting West Ham defenders to give Leicester the lead in a 3-1 win at the King Power.The Foxes legend raced through on goal to open the scoring after just 98 seconds but was initially flagged for offside.Jamie Vardy opened the scoring against West HamCredit: GettyVardy was adjudged to be onside after a VAR reviewWest Ham players protested for offsideMavrapanos could be seen looking on in vain for an offside flagBilal El Khannouss played Vardy through and the ex-England striker slotted home past Lukasz Fabianski before the flag was raised.But upon review by VAR, centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos was shown to be playing Vardy onside.The centre-back, along with Maximilian Kilman and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were guilty of praying for offside to be called. All three laboured in their attempts to stop Vardy and Mavropanos in particular looked to be spending more time looking for a flag rather than trying to stop the 37-year-old striker from scoring – much to the anger of fans online.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne said: “The central defence is a big concern, Kilman and Mavropanos look too slow.”Another fumed: “Killman and Mavropanos have no answer to 37-year old Vardy. Embarrassing.”One raged: “What is Mavropanos doing, he was counting on VAR there and they didn’t save him.”Another said: “Bad mistake by Mavropanos. Should have held the line but he dropped back. Really poor.”Most read in FootballIt set the tone for another awful display from West Ham that left Julian Lopetegui fighting for his job.Leicester won the match 3-1. More

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    Huge Mo Salah transfer update as president of European giants linked with Liverpool star breaks silence

    LIVERPOOL superstar Mohamed Salah has been linked with a blockbuster move to a Champions League rival.And the president of the European giants has now spoken out about the deal.Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-GermainCredit: RexPSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi insists there is no interest for Liverpool star SalahCredit: GettySalah, 32, has been on fire this season with 13 goals and 11 assists in 20 appearances with the Reds, whom he has led to the top of the Premier League table.However, the winger’s contract runs out in June and there has been no progress regarding a new deal for the Egypt international who counts a staggering total of 224 goals and 100 assists in 369 games.That has led to links with clubs from Saudi Arabia, with Al-Ittihad reportedly bidding a whopping £150million for Salah last year.Paris Saint-Germain have also been touted as a potential destination for the Liverpool talisman.Read More on FootballPSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has a close relationship with the ex-Roma star.However, Al-Khelaifi poured cold water on the transfer speculation linking Salah with a move to Parc des Princes.The businessman insists the rumours are “simply false” and the French champions “never thought about him”.Al-Khelaifi told Sky Sports: “It’s not true. He’s a fantastic and extraordinary player, but we never thought about him, to be honest.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We know that all the clubs would like to have him, but this rumour about us is simply false.”Salah has dropped repeated hints that he may leave Liverpool by the summer.Mo Salah admits he’s ‘more OUT than in’ as he piles pressure on Liverpool to offer him a new contractThe forward stated last month that there has been no offer from the Merseysiders and that he is “probably more out than in”.The ex-Fiorentina star also hinted Sunday’s 2-0 win over Manchester City – where he scored a goal and provided an assist – may have been the last time he ever faces Pep Guardiola’s side at Anfield.Nevertheless, Salah is open to a new one-year contract despite growing frustrations over the club’s handling of his situation. More

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    Man Utd Cup clash halted after 27 minutes due to medical emergency in stands

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S U21s game against Rochdale was halted following a medical emergency in the stands.The incident occurred on Tuesday night as the Red Devils’ youngsters played in the National League Cup.Man Utd’s National League Cup match was halted due a fan emergency in the crowdCredit: PANeither side had found a breakthrough when the referee stopped play just 27 minutes in.According to the Manchester Evening News, an incident had occurred in the stands.The game came to a halt as the stricken person received medical attention.But it appeared there was good news very quickly.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJust three minutes later, the match got underway again.It indicated that the medical emergency had been attended to with success.And both United and Rochdale continued to play the game back at its original pace.There were plenty of exciting names lining up for the Red Devils on Tuesday.Most read in Football20-year-old Dan Gore lined up in midfield.While 18-year-old striker Ethan Wheatley led the line up top.How Ruben Amorim unleashed Rashford with game-changing Zirkzee role ahead of Man Utd v ArsenalThe match stoppage drama came just days after Edoardo Bove collapsed while playing for Italians Fiorentina.Teammates were left in tears as he received immediate medical attention before being rushed to hospital.Bove is now said to be conscious and will continue to recover. More

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    Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi writes message on his Rainbow captain’s armband AGAIN after being spoken to by FA

    MARC GUEHI defied the FA by writing a message on the Rainbow captain’s armband AGAIN.Captains were asked to wear Rainbow armbands over the weekend in a show of support for the LGBTQ+ community.Marc Guehi has written a message on the rainbow captain’s armband againCredit: ReutersHe wrote ‘Jesus loves you’Credit: ReutersThe message on Guehi’s armband was changedCredit: ReutersGuehi is a devote ChristianCredit: ReutersCrystal Palace star Guehi did so against Newcastle on Saturday – but added the words “I love Jesus” on the armband. The defender, a devout Christian, was spoken to by the FA, who reminded him that displaying any religious message on a player’s kit is prohibited.But on Tuesday night, away against Ipswich, Guehi wrote on the armband again but changed the words to “Jesus loves you” with a smiley face.The 24-year-old was one of 19 top flight captains who wore the armband in the weekend fixtures to support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign in support of LGBTQ+ rights.READ MORE IN football Ipswich’s Morsy was the only skipper to snub wearing the armband entirely due to “religious beliefs”.The Ipswich skipper did so again in the game against Crystal Palace.Guehi – whose father is a minister – risked facing action by writing the religious message on his arm against Newcastle.The Laws of the Game allow slogans “promoting the game of football, respect and integrity”.Most read in FootballBut the Laws forbid “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images”.Breaching this requirement is a strict liability situation with the Laws adding: “For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA.”FA disciplinary beaks opted to speak with Guehi and Palace rather than going any further.Both Guehi and his club were told that the appearance of any religious message on kits, boots or any other equipment – including the armband – is prohibited under FA Rule A4.The FA declined to comment when approached over any further repercussions following Tuesday night’s repeat offence.Speaking after Tuesday’s game, which Palace won 1-0 to ease relegation concerns, manager Oliver Glasner backed his captain.He said: “We respect every single player and especially Marc as our captain.”He’s a great guy, very humble and we shouldn’t make it bigger than it is. Keep it calm.”He’s very respectful to everyone in the club. “In football we’re all against discrimination, against abuse, every single part. It was a great campaign and I think that’s it.”We spoke about it. I speak to Marc quite often, he’s my captain.”He’s no child who is 15, he’s an adult person like every one of us.”He has his opinion and we accept and respect every opinion. This is the quote of this campaign, being tolerant and Marc is very tolerant so everything is fine.”Armband snubIpswich captain Morsy – a practising Muslim – was the only one of the league’s 20 captains not to wear the Rainbow armband.In a club statement, while stressing their commitment to LGBT+ inclusion, Ipswich admit they “respect the decision” of Morsy to don a plain Prem captain’s armband instead.The statement read: “Ipswich Town Football Club is committed to being a fully inclusive club that welcomes everyone.“We proudly support the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and stand with the LGBTQ+ community in promoting equality and acceptance.“During this year’s campaign, members of the club’s men’s and women’s first-teams visited our Foundation’s weekly LGBTQ+ football session, while the club also made a joint pledge of solidarity and inclusivity alongside Nottingham Forest ahead of the game.“At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsy, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband, due to his religious beliefs.“We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch.”Morsy has been captain of Ipswich under boss Kieran McKenna since 2021 and also did not wear the Rainbow armband against Palace.McKenna said after the game: “In line with what the club statement said we want to be an inclusive club. We are working really hard on that within the playing group, there is a lot of good work being done. READ MORE SUN STORIES”The club has accepted Sam’s decision based on his religious beliefs and that is a fair assessment.”Sheffield United’s Anel Ahmedhodzic also refused to wear a Rainbow armband in the Prem back in December 2023, but did not give a specific reason as to why, simply saying the word “guess”.Sam Morsy wore a regular captain’s armbandCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal vs Man Utd meetings could become great again but Amorim has lessons to learn from Arteta’s rise at the Emirates

    A YOUNG, hungry, tactically-astute boss arrives at a fallen English giant looking to recreate the glory years enjoyed under a legendary long-serving manager.For Ruben Amorim, read Mikel Arteta five years ago.Ruben Amorim faces his first big test with Man Utd against Arsenal on WednesdayCredit: PAMikel Arteta has built his own team and transformed Arsenal into title challengersCredit: GettyAmorim faces his first A-list encounter as Manchester United’s new boss at the Emirates on Wednesday – and the man in the home dugout can provide an excellent template for the Portuguese.United against Arsenal was the greatest rivalry of the Premier League era in the days of Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira, spats in the tunnel before kick-off, scraps on the field and pizza-flinging in the aftermath.From Wenger’s arrival in 1997 until his Invincibles campaign seven years later, theirs was a duopoly which defined the Premier League as it expanded into a great global force.But that was all more than two decades ago. Since the long decline of Wenger and the exit of Ferguson, both clubs have endured wilderness years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo under Arteta and Amorim, could Arsenal-United finally become great again?Arteta was fearless in sweeping away the past – boldly bombing out the deadweight egos of Wenger’s latter years, such as Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.The Spaniard endured some seriously tough times before he rebuilt Arsenal in his own image, propelling them back into serious title contention two seasons ago.Amorim will have to do some hard yards too. And at some point he is likely to need from Sir Jim Ratcliffe & Co the sort of patience, bordering on blind faith, which the Kroenke regime afforded to Arteta during his early years in charge.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal vs Man Utd was the greatest Premier League rivalry during the Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson eraCredit: Getty – ContributorUnited won’t be rebuilt overnight. But there are lessons to be learned from Arteta’s rise at the Emirates – brutal decisions over the futures of senior players, along with the bravery to build a team around young talent and, above all, the creation of a genuine sense of unity.United have been united in name only for many years now.Ruben Amorim introduces rarely-seen pre-match training tactic ahead of 4-0 thrashing of Everton Amorim’s devotion to a 3-4-3 system is a side-issue. The ability to develop a winning mentality and a genuine chemistry within a squad is far more important, as Arteta has proved.In essence, Arteta ripped it up and started again. Bukayo Saka is the only member of his first 18-man matchday squad who is currently at the club.Reiss Nelson, on loan at Fulham, is the only other player still on Arsenal’s books to have featured in that 1-1 draw at Bournemouth in December 2019.Surveying United’s current squad – the lack of specialist wing-backs, the absence of midfield dynamism or a convincing elite centre-forward – and it is easy to envisage Amorim overseeing similar wholesale changes.Amad Diallo, the stand-out player from Amorim’s first three matches, might end up being his Saka.Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and new signing Leny Yoro – who could make his United debut on Wednesday – are all young enough and good enough to last the course.But if, five years from now, Amorim is presiding over a successful United side, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and many others may all well be long gone.There are plenty of similarities between tonight’s rival bosses but many differences too.Arteta vs AmorimMikel Arteta:Games managed – 251Wins – 152Draws – 39Losses – 60Trophies:1x FA Cup2x Community ShieldRuben Amorim:Games managed – 251 Wins – 180Draws – 35Losses – 36Trophies: 2x Liga Portugal3x Portuguese League Cup1x Portuguese Super CupWhile Arteta took over Arsenal aged 37, he possessed a deep knowledge of a club he had previously captained and a wealth of Premier League as a player and a coach, yet he had never previously managed a club.At 39, Amorim has five trophies in as many seasons as a manager in his homeland with Braga and Sporting but no previous experience of playing or managing in any of Europe’s big five leagues.What Arteta and Amorim share, though, is the force of personality required to take on such major jobs.After a gentle introduction to his new job against Ipswich, Bodo-Glimt and Everton, tomorrow will give Amorim the first genuine benchmark for the over-priced, under-achieving squad he has inherited from Erik ten Hag.Sunday’s 4-0 win over Everton was his first truly encouraging result but the scoreline masked a bang-average overall performance.Arsenal, meanwhile, with Martin Odegaard back as the conductor, have scored 13 goals in three straight victories, including in five-goal nap hands in consecutive away matches.To some extent, Arteta’s Arsenal are what Amorim’s United hope to be.READ MORE SUN STORIESYet still the Gunners haven’t won a major trophy in four full seasons.Which further underlines the size of the task facing Amorim. 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    Leicester vs West Ham LIVE SCORE: Van Nistelrooy takes charge of first Foxes game against Hammers – latest updates

    RUUD VAN NISTERLOOY takes charge of Leicester for the first time in a tough test against West Ham.The Manchester United legend will be determined to right a few wrongs after witnessing his new side get lose comfortably to Brentford last weekend from the stands.However, the Foxes come up against a Hammers side who are eager to bounce back from their recent 5-2 Arsenal battering.Kick-off time: 8:15pm GMTLive stream/TV: Amazon Prime VideoFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from the King Power with our live blog below… More

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    Champions League club forced to change name and adopt new badge by Fifa as announcement made

    A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE club has been forced to change their name and adopt a new badge by Fifa.The world’s governing football body today announced details for next summer’s first 32-team Club World Cup.A Champions League club has changed their name and adopted a new badgeThe historic tournament sees English duo Chelsea and Manchester City join a host of other top names in Thursday’s draw.Taking place in Miami, Chelsea could be drawn against giants like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain.While City risk landing tricky sides including Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.But Pep Guardiola’s defending champs could end up playing a side boasting a brand new name and badge.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAustrian giants RB Salzburg are now officially being called FC Salzburg by Fifa.The decision mirrors one taken by Uefa earlier this season, allowing them to compete in the Champions League.FC Salzburg are owned by energy drink giants Red Bull, as are German side RB Leipzig.But with both sides competing in the same competition, Salzburg were forced to undergo an official name change to avoid a conflict of interest.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Fifa have continued in Uefa’s footsteps by also making Salzburg drop their RB tag.Indeed, the Austrian team’s badge has also changed.Fifa confirm 12 stadiums for new-look Club World Cup including TWO £1.2BILLION NFL grounds and 88,500-seat Olympic venueRed Bull Salzburg are now known as FC SalzburgTheir club badge has been tweaked to show just one bullCredit: GettyBefore it used to show two bulls competing under the words ‘Red Bull’.But the wording has now been modified to just ‘FC’, while one of the bulls has been removed completely.All eyes will now be on Thursday’s draw, which takes place in Miami.Next summer’s tournament will be played in the USA and runs between June 15 and July 13.Club World Cup draw potsPOT 1Real MadridBayern MunichRiver PlateFluminensePOT 2Borussia DortmundInter MilanAtletico MadridFC SalzburgPOT 3CF MonterreyBoca JuniorsPOT 4Urawa Red DiamondsEsperance Sportive de TunisieMamelodi SundownsCF PachucaSeattle SoundersAuckland CityInter Miami More

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    Chelsea fans say ‘how is this allowed?’ as referee for huge Tottenham clash is decided

    CHELSEA fans were left furious after finding out Anthony Taylor will referee their derby against Tottenham, just two years after officiating a highly controversial clash.The Blues and Spurs will lock horns in the Premier League on Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Chelsea fans are furious after finding out Anthony Taylor will be the referee against TottenhamCredit: RexTaylor oversaw a controversial 2-2 draw between Chelsea and Tottenham in 2022Credit: GettyChelsea were angry with Taylor’s officiating against Tottenham two years agoCredit: GettyAnd Taylor, 46, will be in charge after overseeing a dramatic 2-2 draw in August 2022 at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea were left incensed at full-time as they claimed both of the North Londoners’ goals should have been disallowed.Tottenham ace Rodrigo Bentancur appeared to have fouled Kai Havertz in the build-up to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s goal.And Cristian Romero then appeared to pull Marc Cucurella by the hair as they contested a corner-kick moments before Harry Kane scored as a result of that set-piece.Read More on ChelseaThe West Londoners’ manager at the time Thomas Tuchel even suggested Taylor should NEVER officiate another Chelsea game.Nevertheless, the Mancunian ref will referee the London clash once more despite a negative reaction from a section of Blues fans.One fan tweeted: “I sound like a broken record but how is he still allowed to referee our games? Especially what happened couple years ago.”Another commented: “Why does he get all of our big games? It’s every season.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “It was fun while it lasted…”This fan gushed: “FFS!”Cole Palmer scowls at reporter’s question as fans hail Chelsea star’s interviews as ‘one of a kind’ And that one said: “Drama loading.”Taylor is among the Premier League’s most experienced and respected refs having been officiating in the Premier League since 2010. More