Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘They don’t care enough’ – Matt Le Tissier tears into Southampton flops & moans watching them get outclassed is ‘chore’

      by

      MATT LE TISSIER has accused Southampton players of lacking the fight to stay in the Premier League.And the Saints legend confessed to SunSport that it has been “a chore” watching his beloved team slump to a record low this season.Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has torn into Saints’ flopsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Saints are battling to avoid the humiliation of the Prem’s worst points totalCredit: GettyThe South Coast flops became the quickest Premier League outfit to be relegated when they lost to Spurs last Sunday week with SEVEN games to go.Southampton have picked up just ten points from 32 games and need TWO more to beat Derby’s dismal lowest Prem total of 11 set in 2008-09.And Le Tissier, who spent his entire career with the Saints —  scoring 161 goals in 443 appearances — has not enjoyed what he’s seen from his own Suite at the club.The 56-year-old said: “This has been a tough season to watch.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“We’ve had relegations before but never quite on this scale.“It’s hard to watch a team which is so far away from the rest of the division. That was probably the toughest season that I have had to watch us play football — it’s been a real chore.“It’s not been enjoyable seeing our team get outclassed on a ­regular basis.“It’s not something I’m used to seeing even when we were close to getting ­relegated when I was playing.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“We were reasonably competitive and had a go.“We might have suffered a bit in a lack of quality but never in terms of having a real fight for it.I hated playing against Arsenal Invincible, he’d pinch me and stand on my toes, I only spoke to him to abuse him“But there just didn’t seem to be that amount of fight in this team and that’s symptomatic of a lot of footballers this day and age.“There doesn’t seem to be the same connection between the players and the fans on the terrace like we had.“I was in at least five relegation scraps. We never got relegated — and definitely four went to the last day of the season.”The poor form cost Ivan Juric his job as manager. But Channel Islander Le Tissier, nicknamed Le God, does not think all Saints fans will be upset seeing their team back in the second tier one year after Adam Armstrong’s goal saw them beat Leeds 1-0 in the play-off final.He said: “When we went to the play-offs last season I would say there was a 50-50 split with Saints fans who didn’t want to go up because of exactly what has happened.We are still fighting not to become the worst Premier League team ever with the number of points we’ve got.Matt Le Tissier“I was speaking to a lot of them a year ago and they were saying they didn’t mind if they lose the final.“That’s not a great position to be in as a football club where you know if you go up you are going to get battered every week.“I’m quite happy to interact with people and talk about football all day long but their frustration is palpable.“Most of that frustration is at the presence given out by the players that they don’t care enough about the football club.“Clubs do have their ups and downs throughout the seasons-but this is a pretty big downer.“And it shows just how low we’ve got to by the fact we are still fighting not to become the worst Premier League team ever with the number of points we’ve got.”The former Sky Sports Soccer ­Saturday pundit is revered by Saints supporters – having devoted all his professional days to the club.Back in the day he was renowned for scoring spectacular goals and in his prime became the midfielder to reach a century fastest in the Prem era.Le Tiss, who is never afraid to speak his mind, would like to see a young manager with local connections replace Juric, who was sacked earlier this month.But he feels Russell Martin, who was axed in December, might have kept his job had he not stuck to the passing game that had earned his side such plaudits in the Championship.Most of that frustration is at the presence given out by the players that they don’t care enough about the football club.Matt Le TissierLe Tissier added: “To be honest I would like to see a young, progressive manager, ­somebody who is not afraid to change his tactics when the need arises.“Had Russell Martin been more pragmatic in his approach he would still be in the job. They liked him down here and it wouldn’t have taken much for him to have stayed had he swallowed his pride a bit.“He was so stubborn about passing out from the back and giving goals away from defensive errors each week.“He had taken us out of the league we are heading back to with his style of football – which you can get away with in the Championship but not in the Premier League.Read More on The Sun“If the new manager had a connection with the club that would go a long way with the fans and that is ­something I would like to see.“But that, I guess, is different from the business perspective of the owners and the CEO making the decisions they think is going to be the best chance to get back up.” More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Nicky Butt cautioned for head-butting security guard at his 50th birthday party with other football stars

      by

      EX-England and Manchester United star Nicky Butt has been given a police caution for head-butting a security guard at his own 50th party.The Sun revealed in January that the guard was treated for a suspected broken nose — and can today name Butt for the first time.Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has been cautioned for head-butting a security guard at his 50th birthday partyCredit: PAButt helped United win a host of trophies under manager Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe accepted the criminal sanction for actual bodily harm over the attack at Soho Farmhouse near Great Tew, Oxfordshire.The former Manchester United star also agreed to donate to charity.He had snapped and attacked the security guard during a seven-hour bash on January 24.Today we can reveal bar staff refused to serve him any drinks shortly before the incident.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTrouble erupted between 7pm and 8pm after the ex-midfielder left the bar for a courtyard.The guard was said to have seen Butt relieving himself against a wall.A row developed and sources said Butt lashed out in a fury.The guard was treated in hospital for facial injuries amid fears of a broken nose.Most read in FootballA source said previously: “There was blood everywhere. People were shocked as the guard came inside with his face a mess. It ruined a lovely day.”The guard took time off work but later returned.Man Utd star Nicky Butt’s 50th party at centre of police probe after ‘head-butt’ left security guard with ‘broken nose’Butt was first quizzed six days after the assault.The Sun understands he accepted the caution within the last month.Police retain the details and flag them in criminal record checks.A caution can only be given if the perpetrator admits the offence.Thames Valley Police confirmed: “The investigation has now concluded. A man was given a caution for the offence of ABH.”Butt had turned 50 three days before the party.Guests included David and Victoria Beckham, and fellow United Class of ’92 stars Paul Scholes and Gary Neville and their partners.The group of around 30 guests dined in a private room before moving to the bar.Former teammate David Beckham attended the do at Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: PAMan Utd’s Paul Scholes was another of the Class of ’92 to attend the bashCredit: AlamyPundit Gary Neville was in attendance at the partyCredit: GettyPolice were then alerted by the club at 9.15pm — around two hours after the assault.Butt helped United win a host of trophies under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.He won 39 England caps from 1997-2004 and played for Newcastle before finishing his playing career in China in 2011.Butt had been CEO of League Two Salford until quitting last year.In 2019 he was charged with assault on ex-wife Shelley.The CPS later dropped the case owing to insufficient evidence.However, Butt was given a caution for causing £800-worth of criminal damage to her iPhone.Last June he got a year’s road ban and 100 hours’ unpaid work after admitting causing serious injury by careless driving.Read More on The SunHis Land Rover collided with motorcyclist Andrew Fielding in Burnley, leaving the biker needing metal rods in a broken leg.His Land Rover collided with motorcyclist Andrew Fielding in Burnley, leaving the biker needing metal rods in a broken leg.The incident occurred at Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: soho farmhouse More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle’s Jason Tindall opens up on the Wham! jumper that wound up Unai Emery after 20-man tunnel brawl last Christmas

      by

      JASON TINDALL vowed to carry on rattling opposition bosses – as his ‘Wham! hoodie’ feud continues at Aston Villa today.Tindall, in charge of Newcastle while Eddie Howe recovers from pneumonia, sparked a mass tunnel brawl during Villa’s 3-0 Boxing Day defeat at St. James’ Park.Jason Tindall will be in the dugout as Newcastle take on Aston VillaCredit: GettyIt will be the first meeting between the teams since Tindall infamously wore a Wham! hoodie on Boxing DayCredit: GettyVilla boss Unai Emery clashed with Tindall during a bad-tempered gameCredit: GettyEmery previously snubbed a handshake from Tindall, who shushed the Spaniard then wore a Wham! top to celebrate victory.Ahead of today’s clash, Tindall said: “The only thing that crosses your mind during battle is that you want to come out on top.“I know the hoodie got quite a bit of publicity but you certainly won’t be seeing any at Villa Park.”Tindall is known to friends and foes as Mad Dog – but it is opposition managers he has a knack of leaving foaming at the mouth.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNewcastle’s No 2 has been involved with public bust-ups with high-profile bosses such as Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta.With Eddie Howe sidelined by pneumonia, Tindall has stepped in, leading the Magpies to big victories over Manchester United and Crystal Palace.But, after the ruckus last Christmas, it is Saturday evening’s powderkeg trip to Aston Villa which promises to really test the discipline of the 47-year-old Toon assistant to the limit.Because it is not just Villa and Newcastle fans who have grown a rivalry over the years.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBoth benches rub each other up the wrong way, too.Fate has now put Tindall in charge of the Geordies for their latest showdown with Villa. Fans spot Kevin Nolan’s classy gesture before hugging Klopp and joke Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall ‘needs to learn’ And that is sure to pour petrol on the flames — just four months after bedlam broke between the two benches.Emery was incensed when Jhon Duran was sent off and protested to the fourth official — then snapped as Tindall fanned the flames by putting his finger to his lips.A 20-man brawl broke out at half-time, with Tindall in the thick of it as Villa analyst Victor Manas squared up and accused him of disrespect.Mayhem ensued and Villa’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, landed on his backside, while Tindall and Manas were both red-carded by referee Anthony Taylor.Both clubs were fined after accepting FA charges – but Tindall, who returned at the end of the game wearing a Wham! hoodie, denied the allegations against him.Newcastle said they could not provide CCTV images of the mayhem.Villa were rattled enough to mention it in their statement to the FA, which read: “Mr Tindall on the 85th minute reappeared within the tunnel wearing a Wham! jumper joking around with other members of Newcastle United’s staff.”Tindall already had previous with Emery, who refused to shake his hand after Newcastle’s last visit to Villa Park, when the Magpies won 3-1.I’ll certainly hold my hand out and if the manager wants to shake it, I’m sure he will.Jason TindallAsked if he would shake Emery’s hand this time, Tindall replied: “I’ll certainly hold my hand out and if the manager wants to shake it, I’m sure he will.“There was a lot of talk before the game about the hoodie.“It was pre-arranged — a fan asked me before the game to wear it, and I said I would if we won.“If people that don’t know me want to talk, then that’s fine.”Asked about Tindall on Friday, Emery replied: “I don’t have a problem. Sometimes we can be extremely competitive. But if we get the balance right, there is no problem. I will focus on the match and, of course, send my best wishes to Eddie.“I hope he comes back soon and is healthy.”Jhon Duran’s red card sparked the mass melee in the gameCredit: AlamyThere remains bad blood between the teamsCredit: GettyThe bitterness in the stands goes back to May 2009 when Villa fans unfurled banners taunting ‘Sob on the Tyne’ and ‘Who’s your next Messiah, Ant or Dec?’ to celebrate a win that sent their opponents Toon down to the Championship.Now Newcastle have some bragging rights after landing their first major domestic trophy for 70 years following last month’s Carabao Cup triumph.They look down on Villa from third place on the back of five Premier wins on the spin.And the Toon have won five of their last six meetings.Read More on The SunSpaniard Emery added: “They are in their best moment. They are feeling confident and strong.“There are still 18 points to play for and they have five more than us — this means a lot!” More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Non-league club left stunned after 100 Spanish fans join them in stands for match after following team online

      by

      FANS of footie minnows Harborough Town were stunned when more than 100 Spanish supporters joined them in the stands.Two coachloads visited for the clash with St Ives Town in seventh tier Southern League Premier Division last Saturday.100 Spanish football fans turned up to support seventh tier club Harborough TownCredit: RB MediaThe fans have been following the team on YouTubeCredit: RB MEDIAMany wore the team’s yellow shirt and chanted in their own language in Market Harborough, Leics.They were on a trip organised by YouTube channel La Media Inglesa, which covers British football for Spanish speakers.Ilie Oleart, who founded the group in 2011, asked 440,000 subscribers which lower league team they’d like to see and they backed Harborough.Earlier this season, the club reached the second round of the FA Cup for the first time in their 50-year history.read more on footballIlie said: “I met people at the club in September to get to know their history, the town and the facilities. “We thought they were the perfect club with the right values to share with our audience. “It was the best trip we have had so far.”The Espanyol supporter, from Barcelona, hopes to bring 300 fans next year. Most read in FootballAfter Harborough’s 2-1 defeat, players shared a beer with their new fans, who can stream future matches on YouTube. The group has previously taken supporters to games at Brighton and Hove Albion, Sheffield United and Wycombe Wanderers.Barcelona ‘chasing shock Son Heung-min transfer as cash-strapped Spanish giants target FOUR massive name free agents’Alvaro Sanz, from Madrid, added: “Some of the local fans were quite surprised, probably wondering what 100 Spaniards were doing there.“We occupied a full stand and started cheering from the first second of the game. “Quite a few local fans joined us, and we even taught them some chants in Spanish.”Harborough chairman Pete Dougan also revealed the Bees will travel to Spain for a pre-season tour of Barcelona and Madrid in July.He said: “It was a great day and the atmosphere they generated was superb. “Our fans were singing in English then they sang back in Spanish. It was good fun.”Many wore the team’s yellow shirt and chanted in their own languageCredit: Facebook More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He’s spectacular’ – Lionel Messi reveals David Beckham, 49, still joins in Inter Miami training and gives shock verdict

      by

      LIONEL MESSI has revealed how David Beckham STILL joins in training at Inter Miami.Former England skipper Becks, 49, hung up his boots in 2013 after a career that took him to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Milan, PSG and a five-year MLS stint at LA Galaxy.Lionel Messi has spoken out on David Beckham as a personBecks gets involved on the pitch more than most co-ownersCredit: GettyMessi says it’s ‘strange’ to meet the ex-England skipper not as a playerSon Romeo saw Beckham Sr do his stuff at Florida Blue Training CenterCredit: GettyHe has been involved in  the ownership of Inter Miami since exercising his £20m option to buy an “expansion team” franchise in 2014.Messi’s arrival in Florida in 2023 sparked a surge of interest and his side – which includes former Barcelona team-mates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba – was controversially awarded a berth at this summer’s expanded Club World Cup by Fifa.And the Argentine superstar, 37, said he is STILL bowled over by Beckham.Messi said: “The truth is impressive – David is a spectacular person.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Although he doesn’t come around here often, when he’s in town he does drop by for a few days.“But we’ve also kept in touch outside the club, and we’ve shared moments when he’s in Miami as well.”Messi added: “He is a very simple person, very humble, someone who comes across as very approachable, and the truth is that he is a great person.“It is strange to see him on the other side  of football and not as a player any more, beyond what he is today and what he represents for the club.Most read in FootballBeckham clearly likes to keepy-uppy appearances at MiamiCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“But he still feels like a player because he comes here and goes out to the field.”He wants to be close to the ball, in the training sessions and to be close to us.I played against England at World Cup then became David Beckham’s team-mate – now I want to be a Premier League referee“He tries that when he is here and the most important thing is the simplicity and the closeness he has.“I did not know him and I did not expect anything, but I was surprised by his way of being.”World Cup-winner Messi has had an instant impact on Inter Miami, both on and off the pitch.Messi scored 10 goals as Miami won the Concacaf Leagues Cup immediately after his arrival.They then earned the MLS Supporters’ Shield last year for having the best record in the regular season, however they were beaten by Atlanta United in the first-round of the playoffs.Giants of the game Beckham and Messi now have different rolesCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Really underrated pundit’ – Gary Lineker reveals left-field pick for favourite Match of the Day pundit ahead of exit

      by

      GARY LINEKER has revealed which pundit he will miss working with the most after quitting Match of the Day.The 64-year-old is stepping down as presenter of the highlights show at the end of this season.Gary Lineker has revealed which pundit he will miss the mostCredit: PALineker was full of praise for Danny MurphyCredit: The SunLineker will cover FA Cup games next campaign and the 2026 World Cup for the BBC before retiring.After 26 years as Match of the Day host, the ex-striker has worked with many of the best pundits in the game.Asked for his favourite, Lineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t like any of the others… that’s a joke.”I’ll miss Danny Murphy, a really underrated pundit, analytically good, and always fun to be around.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLineker ruled out Alan Shearer and Micah Richards as he will still be working with them on their Rest Is Football Podcast.Former England midfielder Murphy first appeared on Match of the Day in August 2013 before he officially hung up his boots.The ex-Liverpool and Fulham star’s broadcasting career also extends to the radio, with him regularly on BBC 5Live and talkSPORT.Lineker’s replacement as Match of the Day host was revealed in January.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Beeb announced that Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will share the role on a rotating basis.Asked why a trio are needed, Lineker explained: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.’Early retirement for you-‘ – Danny Murphy makes cheeky comment to departing Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next ten or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that. “I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do.”They’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.” More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Getting tips?’ ask fans as Man Utd star Andre Onana spotted in stands at different sport hours after Europa League epic

      by

      ANDRE ONANA swapped football for rugby league as he took in Wigan Warriors vs St Helens on Good Friday.The Manchester United keeper spent his day off at the DW Stadium watching the Super League clash. Andre Onana was between the sticks for United’s huge 5-4 comeback win over LyonCredit: GettyFans couldn’t help but be cheeky after the goalkeeper was spotted at a rugby league gameCredit: Sky SportsOnana, 29, returned to the United team on Thursday night for their outrageous 5-4 extra-time win over Lyon.The Cameroon international has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the summer.He was rested by boss Ruben Amorim for Sunday’s 4-1 loss at Newcastle, with Altay Bayindir taking his place.But Amorim put faith in his No1 for the second leg against the Ligue 1 side, with Onana running over to celebrate United’s dramatic last-gasp win wildly with his boss on the touchline.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd just hours later, the former Inter Milan keeper was seen in the DW Stadium as the reigning Super League champions cruised to a 24-14 victory.And fans were quick to joke that Onana was “getting tips” from rugby stars on how to catch. One fan joked on X: “United’s new training plan for goalkeepers to learn how to catch and throw a ball?”Another brutally said: “Hope he’s looking for a career change.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile a third quipped: “Took him 45 minutes to get through the turnstiles as he kept dropping his ticket.”Despite speculation United will replace Onana in the summer, Amorim stuck behind his No1 on Wednesday.Andre Onana suffers shocking howler to put Man Utd behind after being booed and insulted during warm-up over Matic spatHe told reporters: “As a coach and former player first of all I try to do things that can help a player in this situation.”We speak about managing players physically but we also have to manage them also mentally.”We had one weekend where I felt it was better for Andre Onana not to play and a good thing for Altay [Bayindir] to play.”Man Utd ratings vs LyonMANCHESTER UNITED scored three goals in seven unbelievable minutes to beat Lyon in one of the all-time great nights at Old Trafford.The Red Devils looked to be putting in one of their best displays since Ruben Amorim took over as they raced into a 2-0 lead.But after conceding one goal, they let the ground slip from under them, quickly giving away another to allow Lyon to take the game to extra time.Not even a red card for Corentin Tolisso could get United out of their slump as the French side completely dominated most of the additional 30 minutes.Rayan Cherki and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty meant the visitors looked home and hosed before Casemiro was fouled and Bruno Fernandes hit home from the spot.Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire then both netted in stoppage time of extra time to secure a scarcely believable win.Here’s how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the United stars on a night that went from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again.Onana has played in 31 Premier League games for United this term.He has kept 9 clean sheets, with 10 of those matches converting to wins.But he has picked the ball out the net 41 times, along with numerous errors leading to either chances or goals for the opposition. More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea legend and FA Cup winner swaps football for completely different sport as he’s named tournament director

      by

      CHELSEA legend Ruud Gullit has swapped football for fairways – by taking charge of a top golf tournament.The Euro 1988 winner had three seasons as Chelsea player-boss, lifting the 1997 FA Cup.Ruud Gullit has taken up a shock new job in golfCredit: GettyGullit won the FA Cup as Chelsea player-manager in 1997Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe went on to manage Newcastle for a year, and has also played for AC Milan, Sampdoria, Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven.Gullit, 62, has recently taken part in a number of golf events.And he has now been appointed tournament director of the KLM Open, which will take place at The International near Amsterdam from June 5-8.The versatile ex-footballer hails from the Dutch capital city. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe KLM Open is part of the DP World Tour, with over £2million in prize money.Gullit declared: “Golf is a sport that brings me connections and pleasure. “The KLM Open is a great event, which brings together top-level sport and experiences.”For me to be able to take on this role in the year my home city turns 750, and at my home course, makes it extra special.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”I am crazy about the game and find it a huge honour to have been given the job.”Leading players including Guido Migliozzi, the 2024 winner, plus Jimmy Walker and Pablo Larrazabal, will compete at The International.Enzo Maresca is concerned with Chelsea’s missed ‘easy chances’ after limping into the Conference League semi-final Fellow tournament director Daan Slooter added: “The KLM Open has a very good name, and is a leading event for both players and fans on the DP World Tour calendar.”When Gullit tees-off in his spare time, he plays off a seven handicap. More