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      Female ref banned for life over sex tape scandal claims video was made with AI and ‘malicious intentions’

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      THE Turkish referee at the centre of a sex tape scandal has claimed that the X-rated video was faked using AI.Elif Karaarslan, 24, was this week banned from officiating after a video was alleged to have shown her having sex with referees’ observer Orhan Erdemir, 61.Elif Karaarslan has been officiating since 2020Credit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17The Turkish official has found herself at the centre of a sex tape scandalCredit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17Karaarslan denies being the woman in an X-rated video circulating onlineCredit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17Karaarslan, who played for Besiktas before having her career cut short by injuries, has denied being in the video.She said: “I will have a long road ahead legally, but will overcome in the strongest and most robust way.”I look forward to your full support and love in this process. Crying, screaming and being sad are not things I would do. That is not me.”I will stand by my cause until the end. I am just one of many who are being harmed – I hope I am the last.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHer legal team have claimed that her alleged role in the video, which has circulated online, has been fabricated by technology.Their statement claimed: “A montaged video was published on social media, created entirely through AI from someone else’s social media account.”Taking into consideration this montage video, created with malicious and deliberate intentions, poses a threat to anyone facing similar accusations in the future.”Erdemir, meanwhile, has confessed to being the male in the video.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “My honour in my family, my social circle and the refereeing community has been blown away.”In addition to my financial losses, the emotional damage I have suffered is indescribable.”How Arsenal and Liverpool benefitted from VAR failures AGAIN | Ex-Premier League referee reactsLike Karaarslan, Erdemir has also received a lifetime ban from the TFF, Turkey’s FA.Karaarslan debuted as an assistant referee back in 2020.She has since gone on to take charge of the country’s biggest clubs at Under-17s level.And she has also gathered a big social media following, with 462,000 on Instagram.Karaarslan has a large social media followingCredit: INSTAGRAM @elifkaraarslan_17Orhan Erdemir has confessed to being the man in the video More

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      A day in the life of workaholic Ten Hag revealed by ex-Man Utd coach who jokes ‘his wife is on verge of divorcing him’

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      WORKAHOLIC Erik ten Hag is leaving no page unturned to fix the problems at Manchester United.And that includes regularly staying up until 4am in an attempt to find the tiny details he is missing.Erik ten Hag is feeling the heat as Manchester United managerCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBenni McCarthy worked with Ten Hag for two seasonsCredit: GettyTen Hag remains under constant pressure as Red Devils boss.The shock FA Cup final win over Manchester City ensured he kept his job beyond last season.But five matches without a victory following earlier defeats to Brighton and Liverpool mean the Dutchman is just about hanging on again.And that means long, gruelling days at Carrington and at home.READ MORE ON MAN UTDTen Hag’s former assistant Benni McCarthy, 46, revealed just how much work Ten Hag is putting in – joking that it is to the detriment of his marriage with wife Bianca.Asked what is going wrong at Old Trafford, McCarthy, who left in the summer, told SuperSport: “That’s the million-dollar question, that’s the question for everyone. If they knew, they could fix it.”There’s nothing wrong there, it’s just missing [a piece] in the puzzle, I don’t even think they know what it is, they’ve not found that missing puzzle piece. “What is it? Is it the mentality shift? Is it the mindset? Is it working on more specifics? It could be anything. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”When you’re there, you see the work that goes into training and how the players are. I was like, ‘My God, we would ruin any team,’ with the way we trained.”When you are there, you see this is high-level stuff.’He’s done!’ | How woeful tactics & Dalot shocker saw Spurs smash Man Utd to spell end for Ten Hag”We were not fearful of anyone, the team is incredible with quality. Then come matchday, it’s like we get a massive shock in the back.”I can imagine how frustrating it is for Erik because he’s probably one of the hardest-working managers I’ve come across.”His attention to detail, that man goes to sleep at 3am, 4am in the morning.”The analysts get it at all angles, even if he thinks of something at 2am.”I’m sure his wife must be on the verge of divorcing him because that’s his life. It’s non-stop.”He works tirelessly and when you put that much work in, you expect things to go well, but that’s why I’m saying there’s something [that’s not right].”McCarthy worked under Ten Hag during his first two seasons at Old Trafford – with the objective of contending for titles again.He revealed the coaches arrived at Carrington around 7.15am ahead of a meeting 15 minutes later with the manager and his staff to discuss the training session.The players get to the training ground at 8am and soon head for training – likely a warm-up in the gym before going outside on the grass. McCarthy then said the likes of “special” Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro then stay out for extra training and competitions. Nine 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.After lunch, there was a training debrief among the coaches and then from 2pm, they would use the video analysis to give personal feedback to the players. But despite being popular with the first-team stars, especially Rashford, Fernandes and Casemiro, McCarthy departed in the summer.He has not been afraid to speak his mind with some strong words about his former boss, suggesting Ten Hag “lacks fire”. However, he still backs Ten Hag to be the man to get United ticking again – and suggested only one man would be a better option.Ex-Ajax, Porto, Blackburn and West Ham striker McCarthy added: “People always look for answers like replacing the coach.”Who are you replacing him with? Who else is better than what they have? READ MORE SUN STORIES”You’re not going to get many managers – unless Pep [Guardiola] decides to change from City to United then maybe you might have a change in fortunes. “But other than that I can’t really see there’s better than Ten Hag.”Time could be ticking on Ten Hag’s reign at Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe Dutchman gets in early to prepare for the dayCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMcCarthy was at Old Trafford for two years and proved popular with the playersCredit: GettyThe former coach reckons only Pep Guardiola would be a better fit than Ten HagCredit: Sunday Times More

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      Brave Jesse Lingard opens up on family tragedy that forced ex-Man Utd star out of football for nearly a year

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      JESSE LINGARD has opened up on the family heartache that kept him out of football during the first half of last season.The former Manchester United star, 31, was released by Nottingham Forest at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.Jesse Lingard signed for FC Seoul back in FebruaryCredit: GettyLingard, 31, has a close relationship with his Grandad KenCredit: The Players’ TribuneHe did not sign for another team that summer and remained a free agent until joining FC Seoul in February.Having suffered with knee and Achilles issues during his year at Forest, Lingard took a little while to get going in South Korea, but as his first season in the K-League nears its conclusion, he has begun to hit his stride.In a brave column written for The Times, Lingard has opened up on his time out of the game.The attacking midfielder trained hard during the summer as he looked for a new club, but as his grandma fell ill, family became the priority.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLingard held a close relationship with his grandparents throughout his life, with Grandad Ken and Grandma Pamela having supported him during his childhood – particularly as his mum Kirsty battled depression.In his column the former England star told how brilliant his grandparents were for him, before revealing of Pamela: “Over the course of last summer, she became really poorly.”She was in and out of hospital and though I was training hard and missed being at a club, it felt like being out of contract was God’s plan: I’m not going to give you a team right now, you need to stay home and be with your family.”So that’s what I did. I spent as much time as I could with them and in November, when Nan passed away, Grandad took it really hard.Most read in Football”He was depressed and suffering dizzy spells and was hospitalised himself. He needed looking after too, and there was the funeral to organise and a speech to give.Jesse Lingard swarmed by fans as ex-Man Utd star arrives in South Korea ahead of shock FC Seoul transfer”I believe things happen for a reason and that, while my family was suffering, it was just written for me to take a break from playing.”After Christmas, Lingard began to ramp up his training again.He headed to Dubai to take part in strict daily double sessions in a fitness regiment that also involved completely ditching booze.FC Seoul impressed Lingard by sending two club staff members all the way to Manchester just to watch him train and play five-aside.He went on to sign for the K-League side on February 7, receiving a hero’s welcome from their supporters.His home debut saw a record crowd pack into Seoul World Cup Stadium to catch a glimpse of their new man in action.As he has regained form and sharpness, Lingard has begun to find his groove.To date he has scored five goals in 21 games for FC Seoul, who sit fifth in the K-League table after 33 games.And Lingard, who has another year remaining on his contract, has pledged that there is more to come.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “It’ll be tough to win the title, but we’ll give it a shot and if there’s one message I’d like you to take, it’s this: that I came to Korea to achieve things and leave something behind.”That I might be a long way from home, but I’m back on that pitch. I’m all-in.”Lingard has scored five goals in 21 appearances this seasonCredit: Rex More

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      Stunning AI images show how iconic grounds would look if they hadn’t been demolished including Wembley and Highbury

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      EIGHT of the current 20 Premier League clubs have moved into new stadiums this century. Iconic grounds such as Highbury and White Hart Lane have been knocked down and replaced by state-of-the-art arenas.Arsenal moved to the Emirates Stadium in 2006Credit: gettySpurs built a new ground to replace the old White Hart LaneCredit: AlamyBut what if some clubs decided to renovate their spiritual homes instead of replace?SunSport, with the help of BonusCodeBets, have used AI to see what those classic stadiums could look like if they had not been demolished.Highbury – ArsenalArsenal left Highbury in 2006 and moved to the 60,000-seater Emirates Stadium.The Gunners were unable to stay and modernise the old venue because the East Stand is a Grade II listed building and redevelopments would have seen houses knocked down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHighbury has now been converted into flats – but AI reckons its old school-look could have a modern twist if the club remained there.AI’s version of HighburyCredit: Press BoxHighbury has now been converted into flatsCredit: GettyWhite Hart Lane – TottenhamTottenham’s stunning new ground opened in 2019.Spurs spent two seasons playing at Wembley while their home was demolished and building work could be finished on the new stadium.Double the amount of fans can now cheer on the team and concerts can also take place in the ultra-modern arena.Most read in FootballAnd AI thinks building on top of the old White Hart Lane would have seen the ground lose its classic feel anyway.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAI has modernised the classic White Hart LaneCredit: Press BoxThe old ground was demolished with the new build taking its placeCredit: GettyMaine Road – Man CityManchester City switched Maine Road for the Etihad in 2003.The previous home of the club was demolished a year later and is now a housing estate and a school.Some fans wished they had increased the capacity of the 35,000-seater stadium.But AI thinks if they had, City would have kept the square shape and made the other stands as high the main Kippax Stand.Play Home Games and guess which sporting icon lived in this dream mansionThis is how Maine Road could look on Champions League nightsCredit: Press BoxMan City left Maine Road in 2003Credit: GettyBoleyn Ground – West HamWest Ham’s made an emotional departure from Upton Park and headed to the London Stadium in 2016.Some supporters criticise the new ground as “not fit for football” due to it still being able to host athletics events.But the club doubled their capacity and got a shiny new home on the cheap as the London Legacy Development Corporation needed a tenant after the Olympics.If they had not bulldozed the Boleyn, the Hammers’ ground would have kept an old school shape and AI thinks the intimidating Chicken Run Stand would have stayed much the same.AI’s view of the Boleyn GroundCredit: Press BoxThe smaller Chicken Run stand was kept when ran through AICredit: AlamyModern apartments now stand on the site of the groundCredit: AlamyGriffin Park – BrentfordThe stadium was home to Brentford from 1904 to 2020, when they moved across town to the Gtech Community Stadium.The computer-generated image of a modern day Griffin Park looks bigger than the club’s current ground.How a redeveloped Griffin Park could lookCredit: Press BoxThe stadium has now been demolishedCredit: GettyBrentford now play at the Gtech Community StadiumCredit: RexWembley – EnglandThe Old Wembley shut its turnstiles for the final time in 2000 and it was eventually demolished three years later.READ MORE SUN STORIESIts iconic twin towers were swapped for the famous arch, with the stadium host to Euros, Champions Leagues and FA Cup finals in recent years.And by looking at AI’s interpretation, the old style would have lost its distinctive feature if was kept anyway.AI’s version of the Old WembleyCredit: Press BoxThe iconic twin towers were ditched by AICredit: GettyWembley hosted the Champions League final last seasonCredit: AFP More

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      Faye White hopeful Arsenal can ride out rough moments in WSL derby battle with Chelsea

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      FAYE WHITE believes Arsenal can use the disappointment of a shock draw and loss in the league and Europe to fuel their battle to beat Chelsea.The Gunners icon thinks Sonia Bompastor’s first Emirates visit as Blues boss could be the ideal moment for her old side to stun their rivals.Faye White expects Arsenal will want to redeem themselves following their loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersThe Gunners hope to pick up their first match win at the Emirates this season but will face a huge challenge from ChelseaCredit: GettyToday’s game is a pivotal one for White’s former club who suffered two difficult results in the past seven days.A scoreless draw at home against injury-hit Everton was followed by a brutal 5-2 Champions League group stage loss away at Bayern Munich.A match where ex-Chelsea midfielder Pernille Harder ran riot against Jonas Eidevall’s players netting a 13-minute hat-trick.But White, 46, who was part of the Arsenal team that made history becoming the first English side to win a Women’s Champions League in 2007, reckons they will need little motivation to bounce back.Read More Football StoriesAnd she hopes the Gunners will be ready to ride out tough moments on the pitch.The former Arsenal captain, who won 11 top-flight titles including a WSL crown during her 17-year career at the club, said: “It’s about using that disappointment that you feel.“During my playing career, I won nine FA Cups, but I remember the one that I lost the most. I used that as motivation to want to not feel that again.“When you lose as a player, you want to get out there, get it out of your mind and redeem yourself.Most read in Football“But the team won’t need any getting up for this game. They’re at home, they’ll have the home crowd.“They know they’ve beaten Chelsea well at the Emirates before, but also how tough games can be (against them).“They just have to have that confidence and belief a little bit more, but also that desire, hunger, and the resilience side of it.”A mixed start to the season combined with two underwhelming results in the WSL and Champions League has seen the team’s tactics come into question.On his Wrighty’s House podcast club legend and Barclays football ambassador Ian Wright likened their performance against Everton to that of a mid-table side.White adds: “I’ve been there and done it where you can get yourself up for the tough games“But it’s also those matches against teams lower in the table where you’re expected to win because of the quality you have on the pitch and the bench, but you can’t quite break them down.“And then your rivals get their hopes up and step up a level as they feel they can nick a point or even a win.”Eidevall’s side are yet to win on their turf in the league this term with all their WSL home matches being played at the Emirates this season.However, his team went unbeaten in their last four home games against Chelsea in the top tier.Results include a 4-1 win last December against the Blues, then managed by former boss Emma Hayes, with Beth Mead and Alessia Russo among their scorers.White said: “Chelsea are seen as the team to beat. If there is any time for them to be got at, it’s now.“This is possibly a time where you could get at them because of a slight change of messaging (from their new manager) and a certain way players have been asked to play.“This will be the first time Bompastor experiences this kind of derby.“It’s going to be a good match but Arsenal have to be at their best and ride out those tough moments.”Chelsea are currently unbeaten in the league having notched 1-0 and 7-0 defeats of Aston Villa.Sonia Bompastor hopes to maintain her unbeaten run by consigning the Gunners to defeatCredit: GettyDespite Arsenal’s recent results, Bompastor is not taking the threat they pose lightly.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Blues boss, 41, who won September’s WSL Manager of the Month prize said: “I don’t pay attention to their context or their dynamic.“This team has a lot of talent. This game will be a tough game no matter what the context is for them.” More

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      Noussair Mazraoui injury update: Man Utd star return plan revealed after heart palpitations heart procedure

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Noussair Mazraoui could be back playing by the next international break, according to his Morocco manager.The defender was taken off at half-time against Aston Villa last week after suffering heart palpitations.Noussair Mazraoui could be back by the next international breakCredit: GettyHe underwent a procedure and was expected to be out for a significant period – but he could be back sooner than expected.Mazraoui, 26, will be sidelined for a few weeks as he recovers from surgery and he had to withdraw from the Morocco squad.But a Man Utd source said the full-back has a “relatively common condition” so is expected to make a full recovery.Morocco manager Walid Regragui also has an optimistic outlook and is hopeful to have Mazraoui available for selection at the next international break in November.READ MORE ON MAN UTDRegragui, whose side play Gabon on November 11, said: “Noussair Mazraoui is not suffering from a dangerous illness.“We hope he will be with us in the next camp in November.”Mazraoui has impressed since moving to Old Trafford in the summer and has been ever-present at right-back, making ten appearances.Diogo Dalot could take his place but that would leave United short of a left-back, though Lindelof could continue to fill in at right-back.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnited will also be concerned over the fitness of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho as both were forced to withdraw from international duty.Garnacho has been managing a knee issue which led to him being taken off in a match against Porto ten days ago.Gary Neville explains what happened in Man Utd meeting amid pressure on Erik ten Hag’s job More

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      Bukayo Saka sent home by England to be assessed by Arsenal amid injury fear as team-mate pulls out of Finland game

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      BUKAYO SAKA has been sent home from the England camp to have his injury assessed by Arsenal.And team-mate Curtis Jones has also pulled out of the trip to Finland.Bukayo Saka will undergo tests back at Arsenal following his injury for EnglandCredit: SplashHe limped off early in the second half against GreeceCredit: GettyWinger Saka limped off early in the second half against Greece with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.And now rather than facing Finland tomorrow, the star returned to his club where he will undergo further tests.Saka clutched at the back of his right leg and received treatment on the Wembley pitch on Thursday night. It was initially not thought to be a serious strain.READ MORE ON ENGLANDHowever, tomorrow’s clash in Helsinki comes too early for him.So rather than stay in the England camp, the decision was made for Saka to head back to London Colney where the Gunners medics can check him over. And Mikel Arteta will be desperate the prognosis is not too bad.Arsenal head to Bournemouth in the Premier League next Saturday evening as they look to continue their title charge. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Gunners boss saw his influential captain Martin Odegaard injure his ankle in the September international break and could now be without Saka for a period. Saka has been in red-hot form for Arsenal so far this season.Start, bench, AXE: Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer – England fans have their say at Wembley before the Three Lions’ Nations League clash with GreeceHe boasts an impressive return of three goals and seven assists from ten club appearances – and Arteta even handed the academy graduate the captain’s armband during Odegaard’s absence. Saka is not the only England player to be unavailable for interim boss Lee Carsley tomorrow.Jones will not travel to Finland due to a “personal commitment”.As a result, the 24-man England squad has been cut down to 22 – with no new players called up to replace Saka or Jones.It is more bad news for Carsley, who suffered a shock 2-1 defeat against Greece on Thursday night when his bold attacking formation backfired at Wembley.That result could force England into a Nations League play-off in March and delay their World Cup qualifying campaign. READ MORE SUN STORIESCarsley – who all appeared to confirm he does not want the senior England job on a permanent basis – could be boosted by the return of two key men against Finland, though.Both Harry Kane and Jack Grealish missed the Greece clash but may be fit for the crunch game.Saka held the back of his right thigh after feeling the strainCredit: AlamyCurtis Jones also left the camp for personal reasonsCredit: GettyLee Carsley could have skipper Harry Kane available to face FinlandCredit: GettyThe interim boss hinted he does not want the England job on a permanent basisCredit: RexEngland player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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      Wayne Rooney was even wilder as a kid – I remember him fighting my team-mate on the pitch and getting sent off

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      WAYNE ROONEY certainly hit the headlines throughout his football career. But a Manchester United goalkeeper claims he was even wilder as a kid before his big breakthrough – and once got sent off for fighting.Wayne Rooney was never afraid to show his aggression on the football fieldCredit: ReutersHe picked up eight red cards as a professional – but was also sent off in youth footballCredit: PA:Press AssociationRooney, now 38, came through the youth ranks at Everton – bursting on to the scene aged 16 with his dramatic winner against Arsenal in 2002. However, he was causing a stir among academy football years earlier. Tom Heaton started out at United while Rooney was breaking records at Everton.And the shot-stopper – now back at Old Trafford towards the end of his career after spells with Cardiff, Bristol City, Burnley and Aston Villa – has vivid memories of facing the young striker. READ MORE ON MAN UTDHeaton, also 38, told ManUtd.com: “I played against him a number of times when he was at Everton.”We were obviously the same age and he was even more wild when he was younger, I think!“I can remember now, we played away, I think we were Under-14s or Under-15s, and him and our centre-half were fighting on the pitch – and I literally mean fighting!“Both got red cards, so I sort of knew of him at the time. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He was obviously an incredible player with incredible ability, but he also had that fiery temperament, so yeah, [I’ve got] some real interesting memories of him.”Rooney never lacked confidence or aggression on the football field.Wayne Rooney doesn’t hesitate in naming England’s best player as Man Utd legend snubs Jude Bellingham He earned a £27million transfer to Manchester United in 2004 and went on to become the club’s all-time record goalscorer with 253 goals in 559 appearances.The forward and former captain lifted 12 major honours with the Red Devils including five Premier Leagues and the Champions League. But his no-nonsense approach often landed him in hot water with referees, rivals and even his own boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Rooney racked up eight red cards during his playing days, most famously in the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals against Portugal.And he continues to feel the wrath of the officials as a manager.The former Derby, DC United and Birmingham boss is now in charge at Plymouth.And just last weekend, he picked up his first red card as a gaffer. Rooney was furious that Blackburn’s late equaliser was allowed to stand and his comments protesting to the officials led to him being sent off.The ex-England skipper had the last laugh, though, as his Plymouth side snatched a 97th-minute winner.And Rooney revealed he went crazy out of sight in incredible scenes.He told talkSPORT: “Me and the club secretary in the tunnel were celebrating, I broke his glasses celebrating.”So the win was a deserved win, but sometimes it boils over a little bit and that’s the nature of football.”He added: “It was my first time as a manager [getting sent off].”I think as a manager or a head coach, decisions happen on the pitch and looking back, it’s a free kick, so the goal shouldn’t have stood.”In the Championship you don’t have VAR so the officials missed it and your emotions kick in and you know, I’m a passionate person, we want to win.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We worked extremely hard to win the game and to have that taken away by what I feel was a mistake by the officials, I felt was really harsh.”I reacted in a manner in which I shouldn’t have and the red card was deserved.”Rooney made his mark with the winner against Arsenal in 2002Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe picked up the first red card of his managerial career last weekendCredit: Rex More