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      John Eustace QUITS Blackburn for Derby as club release classy statement and ex-Premier League boss is lined up

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      DERBY COUNTY have announced John Eustace as their new manager.The gaffer has linked up with his former playing club after leaving Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers.John Eustace has quit Blackburn for Championship rivals DerbyCredit: PAThe ace enjoyed two spells with Derby as a playerCredit: Action Images – ReutersEustace, who only replaced Jon Dahl Tomasson at Ewood Park a year ago, shocked the play-off hopefuls when he activated a shock release clause in his contract to hold talks with Derby.The Rams targeted Eustace, who made 62 appearances across two spells as a player for them, after sacking Paul Warne last week.And Rovers were forced to release a statement clarifying the situation while also slamming Eustace for forcing through an exit.But a deal taking him to Pride Park has now gone through.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Rams midfielder, who is tasked with saving his new side from relegation, has penned a contract until 2028.And Eustace, who leaves Rovers fifth in the Championship, will be joined in the dugout by assistant boss Matt Gardiner and first-team coach Keith Downing.Derby owner David Clowes said: “I’m excited to welcome John back to Derby County. Fans will remember him for his craft, commitment and intelligence. He was a real leader.“I’ve followed his managerial career with interest, and it’s clear he has the qualities we need to maintain our progress.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“He helped both Queens Park Rangers and Birmingham City avoid relegation, before taking Birmingham to sixth place prior to his departure. He has repeated that achievement at Blackburn Rovers, leaving behind a team in the play-off places.”I am thrilled that he shares our belief in the potential of Derby County and that he wants to play a leading role in our plans.Boy Wonders: Blackburn star Harvey Higgins dubbed the ‘next Vardy'”When we bought the club, I was moved by the passion, solidarity and shared belief that bonded all of us who cared about Derby County. From the players, to the staff and to every single fan, we shared a determination to save the club and drive it forward.”It’s the same bond we need now as we get behind John and the players for these final 14 games. That bond was clear at Norwich last Saturday, a team fighting and refusing to be beaten, urged on by our magnificent support.”This is now a season within a season and it’s time for that passion, solidarity and shared belief again, to show what the Rams mean to us all.”Rovers had initially slammed Eustace’s push to quit for Derby earlier in the week.But a classy statement released in the wake of his exit revealed an apparent change of heart, with Eustace seemingly wanting the move to be closer to his family.And Rovers are now thought to be targeting a move for ex-Wolves boss Gary O’Neil as Eustace’s replacement.Eustace replaces Paul Warne who was sacked last weekCredit: PAGary O’Neill is now being lined up for the Wolves jobCredit: APBlackburn’s message to fans read: “Blackburn Rovers can confirm that John Eustace has left his role as Head Coach to take up a position with another Championship club.“While we are disappointed by his decision to leave at this crucial stage of the season, we fully understand that the opportunity to move closer to his family and return to a former club played a significant role in his choice.“The club had hoped that John would see out the season and continue the fantastic work he has done, particularly after strengthening the squad in January and guiding us into a strong position in the league.“However, with 14 games remaining and a real chance to push for a play-off place, the focus remains on achieving our ambitions.“Football is always evolving, and while we part ways with John Eustace, this also presents an exciting opportunity for the new head coach to build on our current positive position.“We remain in a good place in the league and the togetherness of the players, staff and supporters can all play a huge role in making it a successful end to the season.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We would like to thank John Eustace, along with his assistants Matt Gardiner and Keith Downing, for their dedication and hard work over the past year. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.“David Lowe will continue to take temporary charge of first-team affairs, supported by Damien Johnson, Ben Benson, Mike Sheron and Paul Butler, until a permanent successor is appointed.” More

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      Premier League release VAR statement after Everton’s dramatic equaliser but key omission will anger Liverpool fans

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      LIVERPOOL fans have been left fuming with the Premier League’s VAR statement for Everton’s late equaliser in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night.James Tarkowski thundered home a controversial equaliser in the 98th minute of the feisty 2-2 draw, leading to a VAR check.Everton’s James Tarkowski netted a dramatic late leveller in a pulsating derbyCredit: APThe defender netted a thundering strikeCredit: ReutersEverton fans spilled onto the pitch to celebrateCredit: PAA VAR check threatened to spoil the party at Goodison ParkCredit: GettyLiverpool players had complained of a potential offside and foul in the build-up to the goal, but after a lengthy VAR check the goal stood.A statement released on the Premier League’s Match Centre X account cleared up the offside.It read: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR- who established that Doucoure was in an onside position in the build-up.”However, there was no mention of a check for a foul on Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate by Everton’s Beto.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe omission had left the Red half of Merseyside furious, with many Liverpool fans taking to social media to vent their frustrations.One wrote: “Didn’t check for the foul though”.While another added: “We ignoring pushing nowadays? Useless.”A third commented: “What about the blatant foul after the offside?”Most read in FootballThe Premier League shared an image showing the onside callCredit: X @PLmatchcentreLiverpool fans felt that Beto fouled Ibrahima Konate in the build up to the goal tooCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd a fourth fumed: “Yeah, what about the foul? Hmm??? Abolish the PGMOL”.Liverpool fans were hoping that a “push” from Beto into the back of Konate would be seen as a foul and rule the goal out.Rod Stewart steals show as he does duet with Carragher and dances at Celtic v Bayern However, the decision ultimately was’t given in their favour.Tarkowski’s late goal led to drama on the pitch as Toffees supporters spilled onto the playing surface to celebrate a point in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.While tempers flared between players too as Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure came to blows in front of the fans in the stands, leading to a mass brawl involving both sets of players.Both Doucoure and Jones were sent off by referee Michael Oliver for their part in the passionate incident.Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also shown red cards in the aftermath of the fracas. A massive brawl erupted on the field at Goodison Park after the late Everton levellerCredit: GettyCurtis Jones (No. 17) was sent off after a furious confrontation with Abdoulaye DoucoureCredit: GettyStewards and police were tasked with restoring calm after Everton dramatically snatched a pointCredit: AFPLiverpool boss Arne Slot was later sent off after clashing with Michael OliverCredit: Reuters More

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      Man Utd starlet Chido Obi-Martin bags hat-trick against Chelsea U18s as fans say ‘he could’ve been starting for Arsenal’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED starlet Chido Obi-Martin scored an incredible hat-trick against Chelsea’s U18s as fans declared “he could have been starting for Arsenal.”The Danish striker used to be on the books of the injury-hit Gunners before sealing a move to United last summer.Chido Obi-Martin netted a hat-trick in the FA Youth Cup against ChelseaCredit: GettyThe Man Utd starlet inspired his side to a 5-1 winCredit: GettyFans reckon Chido-Obi could have solved the attacking injury crisis at former club ArsenalCredit: GettyObi-Martin broke youth league goal records in December after reaching 32 strikes in just 20 outings.And Ruben Amorim has been keeping tabs on the hitman as United struggle for goals.Now, Obi-Martin has taken his scoring to new heights after hitting a treble against Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup.The ace helped mastermind a 5-1 win over the Blues as record holders United booked their place in the quarters.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Obi-Martin now has nine goals in 11 outings for his new side.A first-team opportunity with the Red Devils is likely around the corner.But fans reckon had he stayed at Arsenal, Obi-Martin would have got his chance under Mikel Arteta by now.The Gunners have been hit by an attacking crisis after Kai Havertz was ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe joins Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines.And supporters believe Obi-Martin could have been the answer to Arteta’s prayers.’His finishing is NUTS,’ say Man Utd fans as teen who scored 10 against Liverpool trains alone before joining Red DevilsOne said: “Obi actually would’ve got minutes if he stayed at Arsenal.”Another declared: “He should be getting minutes over Hojlund at United.”One noted: “He needs a chance.”Another added: “Not everyone is ready at 17.”Earlier this month, United boss Amorim teased the possibility of Obi-Martin making his senior Red Devils bow.Amorim said: “He’s doing his job. He’s improving, he’s playing in the youth teams, and also we have other players who can play that position.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Rasmus and Josh are there. We bought these two players, we need to improve them, and sometimes the confidence can change a player. We will see in the end of the season.”But until then we have two strikers who can score goals, they’ve proved in the past, so let’s see if we can improve as a team to help them to score goals.” More

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      Tony Bedeau dead at 45: Torquay United legend who came through Chelsea’s books dies as club left ‘shocked’

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      FORMER football star Tony Bedeau has died at the age of just 45.Tributes have poured in for the ex-Chelsea youth player and Torquay United legend from team-mates and fans.Former football star Tony Bedeau has died at the age of just 45Credit: PA:Press AssociationBedeau is most remembered for his two spells with TorquayCredit: GettyBedeau passed away from a medical issue at his home in west London, according to reports.As a mark of respect, Torquay will hold a minute’s applause before kick-off against Hornchurch at Plainmoor on Saturday.A club statement read: “Tony’s passing has shocked all of us, and our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”Co-chairman Michael Westcott said: “Tony was one of the most exciting players to have worn the yellow shirt – and one of my personal favourites. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”His pace and energy brought so much to the team, and he was much loved by our fans.””We are deeply saddened by his passing. He will forever be a part of Torquay United’s legacy, and we offer our sincerest condolences to his family and all those who knew him.”Bedeau started his career with Torquay – making his debut at 16 years old – having previously been on the books at Chelsea. He was born in Hammersmith and represented Grenada – through his father’s birthplace – four times at international level.Most read in FootballThe ex-striker scored 65 goals in 374 appearances during two spells with Torquay.That total places him eighth on United’s all-time appearance list.Bedeau joined the Gulls as an apprentice in 1995 and helped them finish third in what is now League Two in 2004.He left the club in 2006 to join Walsall but returned to Plainmoor a year later before ending his career at non-league Kingstonian.Renowned for his pace and flair, Bedeau was revered as one of the best strikers to play for Torquay.‘Beds’, as he was known at Plainmoor, played in the 1998 Play-Off Final at Wembley and was close to big-money moves to Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday.Tributes have flooded in from fans and retired players.Former semi-pro footballer James Constable – who now works as a player liaison at Oxford United – wrote on X: “Heartbreaking to hear of the passing of ex team-mate and friend Tony Bedeau.”He will be missed by everyone who knew him, honestly one of the nicest guys you could meet. RIP Beds.”One supporter added: “One of the first footballers I remember watching live. Cult hero for Torquay in the late 90s/00s.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile a Walsall fan said: “Tony Bedeau helped give me one of the greatest seasons of my life. It is a sad day.”Walsall stated: “Our thoughts are with Tony’s friends, family and everyone at Torquay.” More

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      Champions League star left stunned after being handed red card… for asking for opponent to be booked

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      MONACO were left in disbelief after their player was sent off for asking an opponent to be booked.The Ligue 1 had fallen behind during their Champions League play-off first-leg game against Benfica just after half-time after a sumptuous chip from Vangelis Pavlidis.Referee Maurizio Mariani showed a second yellow to Monaco’s Al-MusratiCredit: ReutersIt came after the midfielder gestured towards the ref that an opponent should be bookedCredit: GettyA challenge from Alvaro Fernandez on Breel Embolo in the 52nd minute then saw things go from bad to worse for the home side.With ex-Manchester United defender Fernandez on a yellow card by this point, Monaco wanted to try and take advantage of the foul by reminding Italian referee, Maurizio Mariani.Midfielder Moatasem Al-Musrati was chief among the culprits to do so as he was shown to be wagging his right hand at the ref in the gesture of showing a card. Mariani then brandished a yellow card but to the 28-year-old instead of the fouling player.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAl-Musrati, who had been booked in the 41st minute, appeared to be baffled by the decision as his Monaco team-mates then protested against it.It was a very unfortunate end to the Libya international’s Champions League debut following a loan transfer from Besiktas to Monaco in the winter transfer window.But IFAB rules state a yellow card can be awarded to a player who: “Argues with the referee or other match official (verbally or by making gestures).”The sending-off meant Monaco failed to get a vital goal back against the visitors to take to the second leg.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMonaco boss Adi Hütter and left-back Krépin Diatta both felt the decision was unfair, with the manager also moaning about a late yellow for Denis Zakaria which rules him out of the second leg.Hütter said: “I didn’t see him walk to the referee. The only thing what he said maybe was ‘It could be a yellow card.’Jose Mourinho ruins Mauro Icardi with sarcastic comments and fans love it “Yes these are the rules we have to accept, but he was not aggressive right?”And when you see the second yellow card of Zakaria, he is suspended. These are harsh yellow cards.”Diatta said: “I think everyone saw for themselves.”He wasn’t angry and he was calm toward the referee. Sometimes it’s too severe.”The second leg will be played on Tuesday 18. More

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      Major change to VAR to be introduced for FA Cup fifth round despite concerns about accuracy

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      THE FA CUP fifth round is set to be the testing ground of semi-automated offside technology.The technology, also known as SAOT, is set to be introduced into the fifth round of England’s premier cup competition with a view to a wider introduction to English football later on.Semi-automated offside technology was successfully used at the 2022 World CupCredit: FIFAIt is now set to undergo a live trial during the FA Cup fifth roundCredit: AFPSAOT was successfully used at the 2022 World Cup and was set to be brought to the Premier League in autumn after clubs unanimously voted to bring it in last April.However, officials were not satisfied with its accuracy when testing in stadiums, leading to it being delayed and prompting frustration.According to The Guardian, the technology is now set to be trialled in the FA Cup fifth round.The report says the system has been refined and its effectiveness improved considerably in the past month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPGMOL chief Howard Webb and the Premier League’s chief football officer, Tony Scholes, have both now given their approval.Seven of the eight ties in the fifth round are being played at Premier League grounds, with the exception of Championship side Preston, making it ideal for an extended live-testing stage.Top-flight clubs will be officially informed about the trial by the Premier League at its shareholders’ meeting in London today.SAOT and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) have not been used in any of the previous rounds of the competition to ensure a “consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition”.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis led to several controversial decisions, including Harry Maguire’s last-gasp winner for Manchester United against Leicester in the fourth round which would have been ruled offside with the help of technology.It is hoped the tech will reduce the waiting time for offside decisions to be made if VAR is introduced by more than 30 seconds.VAR ruined Coventry’s iconic FA Cup moment with offside decision in semi-final – but was technically CORRECTCamera footage and special tracking software are used to calculate the position of players at the moment of a potential offside, removing the need for VAR teams to manually add lines to still images.During Everton’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, James Tarkowski’s last-gasp equaliser took four minutes before it came to a decision. Scholes had previously admitted to being sceptical until seeing recent improvements. He said: “I have to confess, given the difficulties that we had over the first few months of the season [with SAOT testing] I had severe doubts.”But the progress made over the last four to six weeks has been significant. “We believe we’re going to be adopting the best system and the most accurate system.”FA Cup fifth round draw in fullHere are all the games from the next round in the FA Cup…Preston North End vs BurnleyAston Villa vs Cardiff CityDoncaster/Crystal Palace vs MillwallManchester United vs FulhamNewcastle vs Brighton and Hove AlbionBournemouth vs Wolverhampton WanderersManchester City vs PlymouthExeter City/Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich Town More

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      New footage shows what Arne Slot did moments before red card as mystery surrounds Liverpool boss’ sending off vs Everton

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      NEW footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver has emerged following his red card, with the Liverpool boss also caught berating a linesman beforehand.Slot was given his marching orders after full-time as his side shipped a late goal to Everton in the Merseyside derby.New footage has emerged of Arne Slot’s red card from Michael OliverOliver sent Slot off after the pair shook handsSlot was also caught berating a linesman before approaching OliverSlot appeared to say something to Oliver during the incidentCredit: GettyLiverpool’s boss will miss their next match against WolvesCredit: GettyLiverpool were 2-1 up when James Tarkowski blasted home an equaliser in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Tempers then flared at the final whistle as Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure clashed in front of supporters.The midfielders were both sent off by referee Oliver as teammates attempted to cool things down.And as the referee went off the field, he was approached by Liverpool boss Slot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut as the pair shook hands, Oliver quickly reached into his pocket before producing a red card for the Dutchman.Slot was left shocked by the decision, with his assistant Sipke Hulshoff also receiving his marching orders.The Premier League announced that Slot had been handed a TWO MATCH ban for the incident – but later deleted details of the ban to spark fresh uncertainty.Mystery surrounded the circumstances of Slot’s red card, with the gaffer unable to speak to the press due to Premier League rules.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTwo new sets of footage emerged of the incident.A camera from the side caught the moment Slot approached Oliver, with things appearing innocent on the surface.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntSlot gave the linesman an earful after the final whistleIt is unclear what exactly was said by SlotThe footage showed Slot extending his hand as Oliver walked past him.The referee took it but appeared to continue walking in a straight line.Slot then seemed to momentarily hold on to Oliver’s hand in an attempt to speak to him.But this caused the official to spin around before reaching into his back pocket to brandish the red card.The Premier League have now confirmed that Slot was dismissed for “using offensive, insulting, or abusive language.”Additional footage also caught Slot berating the linesman moments before his clash with Oliver.The Liverpool boss was seen ranting at the official while walking on the pitch.READ MORE SUN STORIESSlot let rip with a verbal volley, although it again was unclear just what the Dutchman said.Despite his outburst, the linesman remained stony-faced as Slot eventually retreated before quickly shaking hands with the other linesman while making his way over to Oliver. More

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      Arsenal fans joke that Liverpool should get POINTS DEDUCTION after Everton brawl – with Gunners setting ‘precedent’

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      ARSENAL fans have pleaded with the Premier League to hit Liverpool with a points deduction following their post-match brawl in the Merseyside Derby.Tempers flared as Liverpool and Everton players came to blows following James Tarkoswki’s late equaliser in the last derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.A massive brawl erupted on the field at Goodison Park after a late Everton levellerCredit: GettyCurtis Jones (No. 17) was sent off after a furious confrontation with Abdoulaye DoucoureCredit: GettyStewards and police were tasked with restoring calm after Everton dramatically snatched a pointCredit: AFPLiverpool boss Arne Slot was later sent off after clashing with Michael OliverCredit: ReutersEverton’s James Tarkowski netted a dramatic late leveller in a pulsating derbyCredit: APA brawl, seeming sparked by an incident between Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure, saw both players sent off by Michael Oliver and Liverpool boss Arne Slot shown red for his reaction towards the referee.The heated scenes were a throwback to derby days of yore, with many fans pleased have a taste of old-school football during the 2-2 draw.However, Arsenal supporters have taken a different view of the incident, jumping at the opportunity to try and claw some points back off title rivals Liverpool in the way of a points deduction.Gunners fans online were quick to point out that Liverpool should face a hefty points punishment for the violence at full-time, citing their own points deduction back in 1990.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal were docked two points back then after a feisty brawl broke out during their 1-0 win over Manchester United.Taking to social media, one Arsenal fan wishfully plead: “Hi @FA_PGMOL if you’re wondering how to handle Liverpool’s disgraceful behaviour against Everton – well!!! “It’s a points deduction as the precedent has been set by the FA. (in 1990)”While another added: “Premier League needs to seriously consider giving Liverpool a points deduction after those disgraceful scenes of thuggery after the final whistle at Goodison Park tonight.”Most read in FootballArsenal fans harked back to their brawl with Manchester United in 1990Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Gunners were handed a two-point deduction for the incidentCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third posted: “Disgraceful scenes at FT, think there must be at least a 20 points deduction to Liverpool at least.”And a fourth wrote: “Points deduction for Liverpool. Only possible punishment. Disgraceful.”Kai Havertz ruled out for rest of SEASON with torn hamstring in devastating blow to Arsenal’s title dreamsOf course there is more than a hint of sarcasm and tongue-in-cheek in the comments from the Arsenal fans.But make no mistake, there’s not a single Arsenal supporter that wouldn’t be delighted to close the gap on their title rivals.Arsenal currently trail Liverpool by some seven points and have a mountain to climb in the last 14 games of the season.And their title charge just got a whole lot harder after it was revealed that Kai Havertz has sustained a hamstring injury that is expected to see him miss the remainder of the season.That leaves Mikel Arteta with just three first team attacking options in out-of-form loanee Raheem Sterling, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard.The Gunners have already lost Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus to injury in recent weeks and months.Arsenal star Kai Havertz is set to miss the remainder of the season with a torn hamstringCredit: PA More