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      Former £10million Premier League ace who scored against Man Utd on trial with Irish club after career fell apart

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      FORMER Premier League striker Lys Mousset has been given a chance to revive his career at Bohemians.The Irish side have taken Mousset on trial as he tries to get back into the game after a year out.Lys Mousset is on trial at BohemiansCredit: GettyThe forward was once signed for £10million by Sheffield United and made 99 appearances in the Prem for the Blades and Bournemouth.He only scored nine goals but did receive a lot of plaudits in the 2019-20 campaign after scoring four goals in six games.That included goals against Arsenal and Manchester United, but Mousset’s career unravelled quickly after that.He suffered multiple injuries and made just 20 appearances for Sheffield United over the next two years before being released.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA loan spell at then Serie A side Salernitana before his released proved fruitless, and he was picked up by VfL Bochum in the summer of 2022.However he failed to make an appearance for the German side due to fitness reasons, and he was suspended over a “lack of motivation, unpunctuality and unprofessionalism”, as per Bild.Mousset, 28, reportedly failed to show up for training despite the session taking place next to the hotel he was staying in.Manager Patrick Fabian said there was “no point” in giving the striker a chance, but he has now found a new opportunity at Bohemians.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMousset featured in a recent friendly against Drogheda United and scored in a 4-2 win.But he is still yet to taste competitive action, having last played a match in 2023 on loan at Ligue 2 side Nimes.Ruben Amorim has pulled out the nine-millimetre revolver, there’s no way back for Marcus Rashford at Man Utd More

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      Roman Abramovich denies owing UK £1billion over tax dodge ‘that helped fund Chelsea’

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      FORMER Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has denied allegations he knowingly owes the UK up to £1billion in unpaid tax.The Russian oligarch had been accused of using the money as part of a botched tax dodge to help fund his purchase of the Premier League club in 2003.Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003Credit: GettyHe denies having any knowledge or being personally responsible for any unpaid tax.The BBC and Bureau of Investigative Journalism claimed leaked documents show hedge fund investments worth £4.7billion were managed in the UK, despite being routed through firms in the British Virgin Islands.They claimed the money can reportedly be traced back to funding Abramovich used to buy Chelsea.But the oligarch’s lawyers said he “always obtained independent expert professional tax and legal advice” and “acted in accordance with that advice”.READ MORE SPORT NEWSRapper Central Cee is lost for words when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella serenades him ON THE BRINKChelsea are close to escaping a points deduction for payments during Abramovich’s ownership, it is claimed.The Stamford Bridge club paid an £8.6m fine to Uefa in 2023 when they confessed to the illegal payments made to agents and players.Chelsea were under legal obligation to own up to the breaches, with Prem legal chiefs investigating the matter for 18 months.But it has emerged that the Blues are now negotiating a financial settlement with Prem legal beaks.Most read in FootballThis would allow them to avoid a points deduction.Last year it was claimed Chelsea were days from going out of business before Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital bought the club from Abromovich in 2022.The oligarch was sanctioned by the UK over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, meaning he was forced to relinquish control of the club.Joe Ravitch, the banker who oversaw the complex sale of the club to Boehly and Clearlake, claimed there would have been “catastrophic consequences” had the deal not gone through when it did.Ravitch, an American merchant banker who also worked on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United, revealed Chelsea were on the brink of liquidation before the £4.25billion deal was finally approved. More

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      What do Man City need to guarantee qualification to the Champions League last 16?

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      MANCHESTER City may be established European juggernauts – but the new league format has made things trickier to navigate.Following defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, the Sky Blues sit 25th in the League Phase table – just outside the play-off spots – on eight points with one more game to fight for.Anything other than win in City’s last league game will end their Champions League campaignCredit: GettyPep Guardiola’s side had the chance to put themselves in a reassuring position in their penultimate game in Paris, but the 4-2 capitulation – when they led by two – has given advantage back to direct rivals PSG.City’s final game will pit them against fellow last 16 hopefuls Club Brugge at the Etihad on Wednesday.Brugge, one of nine teams still in contention for a playoff spot, sit 20th on 11 points.PSG and last playoff spot holder, Stuttgart, also clash on the final matchday.read more on MAN CITYWhat do Man City need to guarantee qualification to the Champions League last 16?For City to progress they must secure a win due to goal difference of the teams around them.The introduced eight-game ‘Swiss model’ has scrapped the traditional 32-team group stage of Europe’s top club competitions for a 36-team league phase.The top eight automatically qualify for the last 16 and are joined by the winners of a play-off round between those that finished ninth to 24th.Those that finish 25th to 36th are eliminated from all European competition – teams no longer drop into the Europa League.Most read in FootballAccording to Opta’s supercomputer – which simulates the 2024-25 UCL league phase 50,000 times to work out a team’s Champions League knockout likelihood – City have an expected points of 10.1.According to that algorithm, City had an 84 per cent chance of reaching the play-offs prior to their defeat in the French capital.Fan spot classy gesture from Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson to Man City newbie Abdukodir Khusanov after horror debutThe new tally of 63.8 per cent still gives them a chance of playoff qualification, but there is plenty of room for error with a 36.2 per cent chance of elimination.Despite the array of permutations and the number of teams involved, City’s task remains simple – win and they qualify for the play-off round. More

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      What do Aston Villa need to guarantee qualification to the Champions League last 16?

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      DESPITE the loss to Monaco last week, Aston Villa are still among possible contenders for automatic Champions League qualification.The Villans’ high flying Champions League campaign took another hitch as an uninspiring 1-0 defeat in Monaco left them outside the top eight – which guarantees progression to the last 16.A win in Villa’s final league game will give them a chance of qualifying for the Champions League last 16Credit: ReutersUnai Emery’s men are ninth in the League Phase table, joint on 13 points with five other teams, including Bayer Leverkusen, who occupy the final automatic spot. So far, Villa have won four, drew once and lost twice.What do Aston Villa need to do to guarantee Champions League round of 16 qualification?Their final game, Celtic at home, provides an enticing affair where only a win will give them a chance to go straight into the Round of 16. The opportunity arose after Bayern Munich’s shock defeat to Feyenoord and Brest’s defeat.read more on aston villa Those not in the top eight positions either fall into the play-off spots – ninth to 24th – or are immediately eliminated.Villa are offered the security blanket of at least a play-off spot.Opta have calculated that the Midlands side are favourites to scrape the all-decisive eight spot.A supercomputer simulation – that estimates the likelihood of teams finishing in the competition – has Villa down for a 52.6 per cent probability of clinching it.Most read in Champions LeagueFor that to happen, Villa will have to beat Celtic and also need one of Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan or Atalanta to not follow suit. The teams behind Villa – Monaco, Feyenoord, Lille and Brest – can also match the former’s final tally but their goal difference is inferior.Champions League club send Micah Richards shirt with very cheeky nickname on the back thanks to his Brest obsession Villa’s potential for a seeded spot will likely hinge on Atalanta and whether they can beat Barcelona – which would be needed to stay in the top eight. All outcomes are permutation-driven and ultimately out of Villa’s hand, who can only win to give themselves the best possible chance. More

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      Rugby match called off after mass brawl which left one player with a broken jaw

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      AN amateur rugby match was abandoned following a mass brawl in front of shocked spectators.The ruck was sparked when two opposing players were sent off for fighting.An amateur rugby match was abandoned following a mass brawl in front of shocked spectators (stock photo)Credit: AlamyOne, playing for Gravesend then allegedly punched opposition Reeds Weybridge’s coach, who is said to have hit him back — knocking the player out and breaking his jaw.Other players and family and friends on the touchline then piled in on Saturday afternoon, witnesses said.The Regional 2 South East match, in Hersham, Surrey, was abandoned and police called.A witness said: “Throughout the game there were punches thrown and handbags.read more on rugby“Then at the end of the game there were two red cards for fighting.“Gravesend’s player walks off, punches the Reeds coach and he hit him back and it knocked him out.”Officers arrested and later bailed a man aged 30 on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm.Another witness said: “What happened was a disgrace, especially with kids present.Most read in Football“The book should be thrown at both clubs.”A horrified dog walker said: “The match ended in a huge fight. It was absolutely disgraceful scenes.”It was a mass brawl with punches and stamps. Children were watching.”I went on a dog walk through Whitley Village. Instead I witnessed a reenactment of Passchendaele.”A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We attended the scene following reports of a facial injury.Eighth-tier football club move into former Rugby Premiership stadium with bigger capacity than Premier League side “One person was assessed and treated before being taken to St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey.”A joint statement from both teams read: “An unfortunate incident occurred towards the end of the game between Reeds Weybridge RFC and Gravesend RFC which saw a Gravesend player get injured.“The incident was dealt with properly at the time by the referee and pitch-side medical support from both clubs.“We would like to reassure our supporters that the player appears to be on the road to recovery and both clubs continue to support all those involved.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The incident was subsequently reported to the relevant authorities.“The management of both clubs have and continue to work closely together but we will not be making any further statements until all investigations have been completed.”The Regional 2 South East match, in Hersham, Surrey, was abandoned and police calledCredit: Getty More

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      Rachel Reeves backs Man Utd’s plans for new 100,000 seat mega-stadium to help ‘generate growth’

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      CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves will set out her goals for growth today — backing the construction of Britain’s biggest football ground.The Sun can reveal Manchester United’s plans for a 100,000-seater mega-stadium will “generate growth” to the tune of £7billion every year.Rachel Reeves has backed the construction of Britain’s biggest football groundCredit: Story Picture AgencyManchester United’s plans for a new 100,000-seater mega-stadium will ‘generate growth’ to the tune of more than £7billion every yearCredit: GettyMs Reeves is expected to give the residential, transport and entertainment development at Old Trafford the green light — and back a new runway at Heathrow and possibly Gatwick airport too.She has warned “low growth is not our destiny but growth will not come without a fight”.All the decisions risk a major backlash from other parts of Britain desperate for similar investment.Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also keen for government support for stadium developments and scores of Labour MPs may attempt to block any airport expansions.READ MORE ON THE ECONOMYBut the Chancellor will insist she is “on the side of working people . . . willing to take the right decisions now to change our country’s course for the better”.In a speech in Oxfordshire, she will say: “Britain’s potential has been held back for too long. We have accepted low expectations, stagnation and the risk of decline. We can do so much better.“We are at the forefront of some of the most exciting developments in the world like artificial intelligence and life sciences. We have great companies, delivering jobs and investment in Britain.“And we have fundamental strengths — in our history, our language, and our legal system — to compete in a global economy.”Most read in FootballMs Reeves will also back a new rail link from Oxford to Cambridge, which will add an estimated £78billion to the economy over the next decade.PM Sir Keir Starmer yesterday threw down the gauntlet to his ministers yesterday, saying growth must be “hard-wired into all Cabinet decisions”.Rachel Reeves wants to follow Trump’s lead & stop talking UK down… but will her ‘Make Britain Great Again’ mantra work?Last night, Tory Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffiths hit out, saying: “Words are cheap but a growth strategy cannot just be infrastructure projects for the 2030s.” More

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      Sacked ref David Coote set for sensational return to football with new job – despite cocaine shame and Klopp rant

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      SACKED Prem referee David Coote may make a sensational return to football — as a VAR instructor, his friends said.The 42-year-old, lauded for his honesty over his cocaine shame, could use his vast experience to help younger officials.David Coote may make a sensational return to football with a new job as a VAR instructorCredit: GettyCoote was fired after footage emerged of him snorting the class-A drug at Euro 2024The 42-year-old has been lauded for his honesty over his cocaine shameCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdDespite his career being torpedoed, Coote is keen to stay in football, although possibly not as a ref.A source close to him said: “He’s built up an incredible wealth of knowledge and skill. It would be a massive shame if that was lost because of mistakes he made while under moments of incredible stress.“He still gets on with all the other referees and I could see him taking a role somewhere. He’d be perfect as a VAR pundit or expert.”In an exclusive interview in yesterday’s Sun, Coote said he was scared to come out as gay and took coke to “escape”.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEHe was fired after footage emerged of him snorting the class-A drug at Euro 2024.However thousands of fans debated a possible return ­yesterday after he opened up about the “pressure cooker” of suppressed emotion, plus a punishing work schedule.Paul Field, chairman of the ­Referees’ Association, said he hoped Coote is able to remain in English football.He said: “The work he does with young people is exemplary. He’s an unbelievable tutor. He puts so much time and effort into the up-and-coming grassroots officials.Most read in Football“I’d love him to be part of the FA, training, mentoring, out of the public light to look after himself. He has so much to offer.”Coote was among the UK’s top three VAR exponents — and one of a select few English officials called up for international matches. Coote himself said he would love to come back.Moment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024He added: “Whether it would be with a whistle in my hand would be another matter. Certainly not for me to judge. But in terms of utilising my experience I hope there is an opportunity to do so in some way.”He revealed he was “not sober” when he called former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “c***” in shocking footage.And he also told how he got sickening abuse as a ref, including messages hoping he was paralysed in a car crash.Gay rugby referee Nigel Owens yesterday supported Coote for hiding his sexuality.Coote said he was scared to come out as gay and took coke to ‘escape’Credit: XCoote revealed he was “not sober” when he called former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ‘c***’Credit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdThe 53-year-old was suicidal over fears of repercussions before coming out in 2007. He went on to officiate major games including the 2015 World Cup Final. Owens said: “Homophobia remains a problem in all sports.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe went on: “When you are struggling with your identity, it’s a very difficult and sometimes very dark place. “You will go to the extent of trying to deal with those demons and mental health issues in ways we’ve seen David Coote give examples of.”    ’I ADMIRE HIS BRAVERY’By Mark Halsey, ex-Premier League RefDAVID Coote taking full responsibility for his mistakes and showing the bravery to come out deserves all our admiration.It should also be the first step back towards some involvement in the game again. I’ve never touched drugs or even a cigarette but I can understand why the pressure and scrutiny of being a pro ref would cause someone to seek that kind of escape. Especially when you consider the fact he felt he had to hide his sexuality.We all knew about David’s sexuality when he was coming through the system. It is good he has now spoken out.We have all made mistakes in our lives. All referees discuss what they think of certain players and managers.David has just been let down by his so-called friends.In 2020 referee Bobby Madley returned to the Football League two years after being sacked over a video in which he mocked a ­disabled person. It should serve as an example to David that his career is not entirely over. More

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      Forgotten Chelsea star set to join Neymar at Santos as he leaves Stamford Bridge after just THREE appearances

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      DEIVID WASHINGTON is set to leave Chelsea on loan and join Neymar at Santos. The Brazilian signed for the Blues in the summer of 2023 for £17.1million from Santos. Deivid Washington is set to leave Chelsea on loan and join Neymar at SantosCredit: GettyBut he has managed only three appearances in West London – all coming in cup competition last season. The playmaker – who can play centrally or out wide – has been linked with a move away from Chelsea amid his lack of game time. And according to Ben Jacobs, 19-year-old Washington is closing in on a season-long loan back to Santos before the January transfer window shuts.It comes as the Brazilian side – top of the league – look to bring superstar Neymar back to the club. READ MORE IN football The former PSG and Barcelona winger has terminated his £2.5million-a-week deal with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The 32-year-old managed just one goal and three assists in seven appearances during a disappointing two-year stint at the Kingdom Arena.Neymar ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023.It kept him out for a year before returning 12 months later – getting injured again in his second game back. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAl Hilal agreed to terminate his contract and Neymar is closing in on a return to Brazil. Neymar spent four years with Santos from 2009-2013 – scoring 136 goals in 225 games – before joining Barcelona.In Spain he won two LaLiga titles and the Champions League before a world-record £198m move to PSG in 2017. After five years in the French capital – winning the league title every season – Neymar made the move to Saudi. Neymar has left Al HilalCredit: AFPThe Brazilian is closing in on a return to SantosCredit: Reuters More