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      Furious Leicester owner hauls players in for showdown talks over Christmas party and Steve Cooper sacking

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      LEICESTER CITY owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha blew his ‘Top’ at his underperforming players during a tense showdown earlier this week.The Foxes supremo launched an angry blast at his senior pros over their antics during a Christmas party in Copenhagen on Saturday night, which took place hours after they had lost at home to Chelsea.Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha was furious with the team in the wake of their trip to CopenhagenCredit: GettyLeicester players partied in Copenhagen following their defeat to Chelsea at the weekendCredit: ekstrabladet.dkThey held up a sign that read: ‘Enzo I miss u’Credit: ekstrabladet.dkThe players were in Copenhagen for a Christmas partyCredit: XTwenty-four hours later Steve Cooper was axed by Srivaddhanaprabha – nicknamed Top – who believed his players had under-performed under the Welshman.The Thai owner was incensed to discover his players were partying in the Danish capital hours after their latest defeat left them 16th in the table, just one point off the relegation places.He confronted his players during a hastily convened summit at their Seagrave Training complex on Tuesday.The usually amiable owner accused his players of letting down Cooper – who lasted just 12 top-flight games – with their under-par performances on their return to the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport understands Top was also livid at the antics of his players who were filmed partying in a nightclub – images which then went viral on social media.In particular he was annoyed by a sign displayed by Leicester players saying: “Enzo I miss u,” a reference to their former boss Enzo Maresca, who had just inspired Chelsea’s victory over them.Leicester’s party animals were also pictured in fancy dress at Copenhagen’s Villa Hotel – conduct their owner believed was unbecoming of his highly-paid stars.Leicester were last night unavailable for comment, although it is believed senior players accepted the criticism and took it on the chin.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRuud van Nistelrooy is on the brink of replacing Cooper after impressing during his four games in charge of Manchester United as interim boss following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.Ironically, two of Van Nistelrooy’s three victories in charge of United came against the Foxes in the Carabao Cup and Premier League. Chelsea player ratings: Enzo Fernandez silences his doubters but Robert Sanchez endures a few shaky moments vs LeicesterHowever one of his first tasks if he does accept the challenge will be to raise morale which is currently low in the wake of Top’s meeting. More

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      ‘Worst goal I’ve seen us concede’ – moment Celtic ace Cameron Carter-Vickers gives Brugge the lead with huge blunder

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      THIS is the shock moment Cameron Carter-Vickers gave Club Brugge the advantage at Parkhead after a monumental mix up in the first half. Brendan Rodgers’ men were on the backfoot throughout the opening period against the Belgian champions. Carter-Vickers was unaware of Schmeichel’s position in the boxCredit: Kenny RamsayThe defender passed it into an empty netCredit: GettySchmeichel couldn’t prevent the ball from going inCredit: PAAnd Brugge eventually found their lead on the 26th minute – without even touching the ball in the build up.It was a howler from the American defender as he passed it into his own net after misjudging his goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel’s position.He was given the ball in no-man’s land in the Hoops box though after Nicolas Kuhn was forced to play it backwards. The American then tried to lay the ball off to Schmeichel with a first time pass but his goalie was behind him and couldn’t prevent it from trickling into the empty net. Celtic fans couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw it go in as one punter admitted on social media: “Hands down the worst goal I’ve ever seen us concede, pathetic.”Someone else wrote: “Absolutely embarrassing.”While a third said: “That is the worst goal in the history of football.”Carter-Vickers has been Celtic’s stalwart in defence since joining the club initially on loan in 2021. Most read in Champions LeagueBut it was Schmeichel and skipper Callum McGregor who took the initiative after the shock opener. The pair could be seen rallying up their team-mates just moments after the goal with a meeting on the park before play got back underway. The Hoops were second best in the first half and the players were well aware of it. Kyogo Furuhashi and Arne Engels both had chances in the first period but it was their opponents who looked on top throughout. And speaking in the TNT Sports studio at half-time, Celtic legends Neil Lennon and Johan Mjallby both admitted that Brugge deserved the lead. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Man Utd legend Ruud van Nistelrooy set to be named Leicester manager in swift return to Premier League

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is close to making a swift Premier League return as the manager of Leicester City.The Manchester United legend has been in talks with the Foxes since they sacked Steve Cooper after Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea.Ruud van Nistelrooy looks set to be named as Steve Cooper’s replacement at LeicesterThe Foxes axed Steve Cooper within five months after he replaced Enzo MarescaDuring his brief spell at Old Trafford, Van Nistelrooy guided United to two dominant victories over Leicester – putting eight goals past them in total.But now he set to be confirmed as the replacement for Cooper, who was dismissed after five dismal months at the King Power Stadium.Cooper, who previously managed now high-flying Nottingham Forest, won just TWO of his 12 Prem games at as Leicester manager.Talks have taken place this week with Leicester conscious that SV Hamburg were also keen on recruiting Van Nistelrooy.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Dutchman is available with no compensation after being axed from his Carrington assistant post by incoming United boss Ruben Amorim.Leicester currently face Profit and Sustainability issues and, with cash short, they targeted an out of work boss who would not incur a large fee.The 48-year-old was unbeaten during his four interim matches in charge after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.Leicester, who sit 16th in the Prem, could appoint the former Netherlands international before their trip to Brentford on Saturday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOther possible candidates have reportedly been ruled out by sources close to Leicester, who sit one point above the relegation zone.Those include former Chelsea manager Graham Potter and ex-West Ham boss David Moyes, who are no longer in the running.How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyVan Nistelrooy may be considered a gamble, but he has management experience with PSV Eindhoven.In his first season in charge, PSV finished second in Eredivisie to new Liverpool manager Arne Slot’s Feyenoord but won the Dutch Cup, beating Ajax on penalties in the final. A week before the end of the campaign, Van Nistelrooy stepped down. In a statement put out by PSV, it was said that the former striker believed “there was not enough support within the club to continue longer”.Van Nistelrooy then spent a year out of work, but was desperate to return to the dugout.He said in the summer: “I would really like to work in Spain and I have had conversations with Spanish clubs. “But also the other leagues in which I have played, I want to coach there too – in the Premier League.”Now following his brief stint at United, he appears to have been granted his wish at struggling Leicester, whose last victory came on October 19 against Southampton.The Prem legend also appeared to form a brilliant relationship with players at United, with many of them sorry to see him earlier this month.He has been a Uefa Pro-License holder for more than two years.Foxes’ owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha gave the green light to recruit Van NistelrooyVan Nistelrooy previously coached the Netherlands team as an assistant to Ronald Koeman at Euro 2020.He returned to Old Trafford this summer as part of a shake-up of the club’s coaching staff under Ten Hag with Rene Hake also arriving as assistant, but all three left when Amorim was appointed. Van Nistelrooy lifted a Premier League title, FA Cup and League Cup in a glittering five-year spell at United under Sir Alex Ferguson.But this time round will be different for the Dutchman, as he’ll be asked to save Leicester from relegation.The 2015–16 Prem champions were promoted back to the top flight under Enzo Maresca after winning the Championship last season.But Southampton and Wolves are the only teams to have conceded more goals than the squad at the King Power Stadium.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter Saturday’s match at Brentford, they face West Ham, Brighton, Newcastle and Wolves before Christmas.It’s then league leaders Liverpool on Boxing Day and Manchester City on December 29.Van Nistelrooy was given a standing ovation after United beat Leicester 3-0 in his last game in chargeLeicester were playing for Premier League survival More

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      Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid LIVE RESULT: Reds STORM to fifth straight Champions League win as Villa are denied late winner

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      MATCHDAY FIVE of the Champions League has concluded after a thrilling round of fixtures.Liverpool stormed to a fifth straight win in Europe after goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo helped the Reds to a monumental victory over Real Madrid.On the hour mark, Kylian Mbappe missed a chance to make it 1-1 from the penalty spot before Mohamed Salah also missed from 12 yards 10 minutes later.Elsewhere, Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers was denied his first Champions League goal after his last-gasp strike was disallowed late on.The Villans had to settle for a 0-0 draw with Juventus, while Celtic were held to a 1-1 stalemate with Club Brugge.TV channel: TNT SportsLive stream: discovery+FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL of the latest Champions League updates below…Celtic robbed important winThe damage was done when Cameron Carter-Vickers stroked the ball into his own net to give the visitors the lead.Brendan Rodgers’ side tried their best to get back into the game and turn it around but had to settle for a draw.Kasper Schmeichel consoled his teammate on the final whistle.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedWinless Villa continue poor runWhat a difference a couple of months can make.Aston Villa were top of the Champions League table and people were asking the question whether they could challenge for the title.Now, they cannot buy a win.Tonight’s result means the Villans are now seven games without victory.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTrent talk put on iceAround Anfield and in the media, all the talk has been the contracts of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.Tonight another right back became the star of the show.Conor Bradley was brilliant tasked with the job of keeping Kylian Mbappe quiet.Not only did he do that, he got forward to support the attacks and even assisted Alexis Mac Allister’s opening goal.What a prospect the young Irishman looks.Credit: GettyCredit: AFPCopy linkCopiedTable shaping up in new formatWith all teams having just one fixture remaining, it is interesting to see the league table.Liverpool sit top, the only side with a 100% record, with Inter Milan in second spot and Barcelona in third.Arsenal are the only other English team in the top eight, while Aston Villa are just outside the coveted places on goal difference.Copy linkCopiedIt’s beginning to look a Slot like ChristmasNobody could have predicted the start Arne Slot made to his Liverpool tenure. The manager spoke with BT Sport after tonight’s win:People always say that if you come through the academy you know more what it means than players who come in. Conor was brilliant today and Caoimhin. Our main focus now is on Sunday. Arne SlotLiverpoolCopy linkCopiedChampions League full-time scoresRed Star Belgrade 5-1 StuttgartSturm Graz 1-0 GironaAston Villa 0-0 JuventusBologna 1-2 LilleCeltic 1-1 Club BruggeDinamo Zagreb 0-3 Borussia DortmundLiverpool 2-0 Real MadridMonaco 2-3 BenficaPSV 3-2 Shakhtar Donetsk Copy linkCopiedFT: Celtic 1-1 Club BruggeIt ends as a stalemate in Glasgow.That will hurt Brendan Rodgers considering they gifted the visitors their goal.They now sit in 20th place in the league table.Copy linkCopiedFT: Aston Villa 0-0 JuventusIt is now seven games since Unai Emery’s side won a game.This will now be very worrying for the Spaniard.Because of the other results this evening, they now drop out of the top eight in the league which would mean a two-legged play-off.Copy linkCopiedFT: Liverpool 2-0 Real MadridIt is Hala Liverpool at Anfield tonight.They fully deserved their win and, penalty aside, Madrid had their first shot on target in the 92nd minute.The Reds put in an excellent performance and have made a massive statement in this game tonight.Pep Guardiola may be sleeping a little less easy this evening.Copy linkCopiedPSV 3-2 Shakhtar Donetsk90+7. What a comeback by the Dutch side.Goals from Tillman in the 87th and 90th minute pull them level.Pepi then scores what looks like it could be a winner in the fifth minute of added time.Copy linkCopiedMonaco 2-3 Benfica90. Well, we said there was going to be drama.The Portuguese side have added a third through Amdouni.He was playing for Burnley not so long ago and now he is scoring late winners in the Champions League.Copy linkCopiedMonaco 2-2 Benfica86. The visitors are not giving this one up.Cabral grabs a late equaliser for Benfica.This could be a dramatic end to the game in the south of France.The hosts are also down to ten men after Singo was sent off with over half an hour remaining.Copy linkCopiedDinamo Zagreb 0-2 Borussia Dortmund84. The Germans have stamped their authority on this game now.Goals from Gittens and Bensebaini give Dortmund a comfortable lead.This should be three points in the bag for the visitors now.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-0 Real Madrid77. Liverpool play a short corner and it is laid back into the path of Robertson.He whips in a brilliant curling cross and Gakpo rises to head home and double the lead for The Reds.Are you watching Man City?Copy linkCopiedGoal – Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Juventus72. This is a much more even game now.Villa are bossing the stats but between the two teams we have only seen a solitary shot on target.We are getting to the latter stages now where you feel one goal may win this one.Copy linkCopiedMonaco 2-1 Benfica70. The French side have retaken the lead.A strike from Magassa has restored the scoreline from before the break.The Portuguese side have to try and find a way back into this one again now.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 1-0 Real Madrid71. It is pure drama at Anfield tonight.Salah steps up to take the penalty and Courtois goes the wrong way but the Egyptian does not connect well at all and scuffs his effort.It clips the outside of the post and goes wide.Copy linkCopiedPenalty missed – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)Copy linkCopiedPenalty to LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedLiverpool 1-0 Real Madrid68. Kelleher is making himself difficult to drop now that Alisson has returned to fitness.Facing the best striker in the world, apparently, the Irish keeper goes the right way and makes a great save.Gakpo has come on for Nunez for the hosts.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedCeltic 1-1 Club Brugge65. Celtic have found their way back into this game.Maeda is the scorer as Celtic Park erupts.Big chance to push on for the win now for Rodgers’ side.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 1-0 Real Madrid63. Caoimhin Kelleher, take a bow son!The Liverpool keeper saves his second penalty in the space of four days.Robertson really owes him a drink for that one.Copy linkCopiedPenalty saved – Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)Copy linkCopiedPenalty to Real MadridCopy linkCopied More

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      Portsmouth vs Millwall POSTPONED after power cut as entire 21,000-capacity stadium is plunged into darkness

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      PORTSMOUTH’S clash with Millwall has been POSTPONED after a power cut at Fratton Park.The Championship game was due to kick off at 7.45pm on Wednesday evening.Fratton Park suffered a power cut before Portsmouth’s clash with MillwallCredit: RexThe game was postponed after one hour of darknessCredit: RexBut the lights went out minutes before play was due to get underway, which forced fans to sit in darkness for nearly an hour awaiting any developments.Eventually, Portsmouth announced to supporters that the game was being postponed.A statement released on X read: “Tonight’s match against Millwall has been postponed for safety reasons due circumstances beyond the club’s control.”We will update fans further in due course.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is the second Portsmouth match in a row to be postponed after their clash with Blackburn was called off on Saturday due to a waterlogged pitch.Non-league side Gosport Borough, who are neighbours with Portsmouth, also saw their game postponed on Wednesday due to a problem with their floodlights.Meanwhile, Pompey fans mocked their own club’s misfortune after they posted on social media two hours before the game a video of the ground and the caption “Under the lights”.One said: “This tweet didn’t age well.”Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPompey’s clash with Blackburn was postponed on Saturday due to a waterlogged pitchCredit: RexWhile another added: “Poor choice of words there.”Pompey, who were promoted last season, are languishing in 23rd in the Championship.Portsmouth stars get trapped in lift and ration water between TEN players after win over QPRThey have won just two of their 15 league matches, but do have two games in hand on the teams around them.Meanwhile, Millwall are four points outside a play-off place in eighth.Neil Harris’ men are on an eight-game unbeaten run which has included wins over Burnley and Leeds. More

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      Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham in bitter row with locals over plans to build multi-million pound training centre

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      WREXHAM owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are in a row with locals over plans to build a new training facility for their young players.The Hollywood pair have enjoyed back-to-back promotions with the Welsh club since taking control in 2021.Wrexham owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are in a dispute with localsCredit: PAThey have taken Wrexham from the National League to League One – where they sit second after 17 games.But while the ownership have been praised for their impact on the community, they are now facing opposition from locals.According to Wales Online, Reynolds and McElhenney have plans to erect a multi-million pound development at Darland High School in the village of Rossett.It would consist of two buildings and two shipping containers being constructed on green land – with facilities including changing rooms, offices, meeting rooms, a medical room and a gym. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut work began before a decision on the planning permission – a move which has infuriated members of the public.SunSport has approached Wrexham for comment.A decision will be made at a council planning committee meeting on December 2 – with locals having opposed the plans due to concerns over noise, traffic, light pollution and the presence of great crested newts.A summary of the nine letters of objection, which were all submitted to Wrexham Council, read: “The brutal commercial and industrial appearance is not in keeping with the proposed location within the green wedge.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The development goes against planning policy advice in regards to the green wedge.”The school will lose the use of some athletic practice areas as a result of the proposal.I’ve tried for the last three years to join Wrexham but I think my surname will stop me, admits ex-Premier League star James Chester “The development is retrospective and the council should have made them stop work until the application was determined. The development brings no benefit to the Rossett community.”Reynolds and McElhenney previously vented their frustration at planning issues in their Welcome to Wrexham documentary.Reynolds said: “I think the thick buttress of bureaucracy is the biggest problem.”In Wales, it really is a lot of red tape, and it’s just sort of figuring out ways to tick all those boxes and make sure that every single bureaucrat is happy.”While McElhenney added: “It is definitely a comedic point of consternation in the show how often we’re running up against bureaucracy.”It’s a lot harder to build in the UK than, I found, almost anywhere else in the world.”One of Wrexham’s construction projects includes building a new 5,500-seater stand at the Racecourse Ground.But the club see the proposed training ground as an opportunity to develop their young talent.And a planning statement from agents acting on Wrexham’s behalf read: “The training facility will be used by the Wrexham AFC academy teams, from ages nine to 18.”The proposed academy buildings will enable the development and education of young athletes both on and off the pitch.”It looks as though the plans are going to move forward despite issues raised by the locals.Wrexham Council’s chief planning officer, David Fitzsimon, said: “The provision of new facilities will improve the overall sporting offer at the site.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Planning policy directs that there is a presumption against inappropriate development within green wedges and the construction of new buildings are generally considered inappropriate development.”However, the development is an essential facility for outdoor sport and recreation and as such meets the exemption criteria.” More

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      Entire stand in 44,000-capacity stadium unable to watch live match as giant screen blocks view of pitch

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      PALMEIRAS fans were forced to watch the club’s latest match on a giant screen despite being sat behind one of the goals.A schedule clash pushed the Brazilian giants into a bizarre decision on Tuesday.Palmeiras fans watched Tuesday’s match on a screen despite sitting behind one of the goalsA concert stage obstructed the viewWith a concert organised for Wednesday evening at Allianz Parque, a stage was put up at one end of the pitch before Palmeiras’ huge top of the table clash with Botafogo.It blocked an entire stand from the field – but fans still sat there.Supporters watched the match on a giant screen behind the stage area.Due to the importance of the fixture, Palmeiras president Leila Pereira refused to close off the area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInstead, tickets for the obstructed seats were made free as compensation for the inconvenience.Palmeiras went on to lose 3-1 to title rivals Botafogo.Brazilian midfielder Gregore broke the deadlock in the 19th minute.Jefferson Savarino and Adryelson then sealed the win before Richard Rios scored a consolation goal in added time.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe result saw Botafogo leapfrog Palmeiras to go top of the Serie A table.Fans were furious at manager Abel Ferreira for substituting young superstar Estevao Willian during the match.Watch £47m Chelsea wonderkid Messinho, 17, score unbelievable solo goal as fans hail him ‘generational talent’ Some in attendance allegedly branded him an “idiot” after the call. More

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      Gareth Bale lands first TV job since retiring as fans say ‘this will be one to remember’

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      GARETH BALE started his first new job since hanging up his boots at Anfield on Wednesday night.The Tottenham and Real Madrid legend, 35, announced his retirement in January 2023 after leading Wales to the World Cup.Gareth Bale will take up a new job at Anfield this eveningCredit: GettyBale scored a famous overhead kick against Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League finalCredit: GettyAmong the trophies he won in his career are three LaLiga titles and five Champions Leagues.Since leaving the sport behind, he has been seen competing in pro-am golf tournaments.However, in the near-two years he has been out of football Bale has not worked in any capacity.Now though, he has made his debut as a pundit for TNT Sports’ coverage of the blockbuster Champions League tie between Liverpool and Real Madrid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBale was part of this evening’s broadcast team at Anfield as Arne Slot’s men hosted the Welshman’s former club.Announcing the news, TNT Sports posted: “We can’t wait for this one 🍿.”Five-times Champions League winner Gareth Bale joins us on TNT Sports & @discoveryplus for Liverpool vs Real Madrid! 💫”One of Bale’s most memorable moments came for Real Madrid against Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final when he scored an overhead kick as his side claimed a 3-1 victory.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd fans felt he would be able to add a great deal to Wednesday’s coverage.One said: “Gareth Bale in the studio for Liverpool vs Real Madrid! This is going to be a game to remember. 🍿💫📺”Watch hilarious moment Gareth Bale’s golf ball stolen by a DOG as baffled Real Madrid legend watches onAnother added: “Gonna be interesting to see what Bale has to say about his time at Madrid. Hope he talks about that bicycle kick in the final.”While a third simply replied: “My legend 🙏🙏🙏.”Bale appeared on TNT Sports at last season’s Champions League final at Wembley as Real Madrid claimed the trophy with a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund.But he was not a pundit on the broadcast and was only interviewed as part of a brief segment.His TV debut would have been one to forget for the former winger – and Kylian Mbappe – with Liverpool winning 2-0. More