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    BBC Sports host Emma Louise Jones calls Robbie Savage a ‘w***er’ and says ‘any excuse’

    BBC SPORTS host Emma Louise Jones used some quick thinking to call Robbie Savage a “w***er”.The pair appeared on a podcast together to preview Wales’ Euro 2024 qualifier against Poland.Emma Louise Jones cheekily called Robbie Savage a ‘w***er’Credit: Instagram @eljonesukThe pundit was left in stitches by the commentCredit: Instagram @eljonesukThey were joined on the On Another Planet podcast by a Polish fan.Savage asked their guest to deliver a rousing speech to inspire Poland to victory in the winner-takes-all final qualifier against Wales.After he finished Jones quickly interjected by seizing on an opportunity to poke fun at her co-host.She said: “He just said Robbie Savage is a w***er”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSavage, 49, took the jibe in good spirits and burst out in fits of laughter.Jones later took to Instagram to share the clip, adding the caption: “Any excuse to call Robbie Savage a w***er 😂 “However Savage was not laughing for long as Wales suffered a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat to Poland.The match was goalless at the end of extra-time and Dan James missed the decisive spot-kick which means Wales will miss out on a trip to Germany this summer.Most read in FootballGoalkeeper Danny Ward was even given a cheat sheet to look over before the shoot-out which told him which way to dive against each opponent.But he failed to save a single penalty as Wales went crashing out.Electric atmosphere inside the Cardiff City Stadium as Wales fans blast out national anthem More

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    I turned down Aston Villa transfer after being handed bizarre contract clause… now their fans can’t stand me

    TROY DEENEY has revealed he turned down a move to Aston Villa after they put a bizarre clause in their contract offer… before the club’s supporters ended up HATING him.Watford legend Deeney, 35, grew up six miles away from St Andrew’s – the home of Villa’s rivals Birmingham.Troy Deeney has revealed the bizarre clause he received in his Aston Villa contract offerCredit: RexDeeney has the crest of Villa’s rivals Birmingham on his calfCredit: AlamyHe has a tattoo of the the Blues’ crest on his calf and ended up playing for them in the latter stages of his career between 2021 and 2023.Deeney also bagged six goals in five games against Villa and once had coins thrown at him by fans of the Midlands club after scoring against them.Yet had circumstances been slightly different, Deeney could have ended up leading the line for them earlier in his career.That was if he had agreed to remove his Birmingham tattoo – a sticking point for those at Villa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on talkSPORT, he said: “I had an opportunity to [join Villa], yeah.”My friends let me know it wouldn’t be a good idea, and secondly they wanted me to remove my Birmingham City tattoo as well.”The club [Aston Villa wanted me to], that was part of the conversation.”But they’ve gone on to bigger and better things and so have I.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDeeney went on to admit he believes a move to Villa would have made it tough for his family – most of whom support Birmingham.He added: “No I wouldn’t have [had it removed], that’s why it didn’t get too far.Troy Deeney posts emotional message to Watford fans after 11-year stay ends”My best friend is Birmingham City die-hard, my whole family are Birmingham City apart from my brother who weirdly decided to go against the grain.”It would have been a difficult place to live and see the family if I was playing for Aston Villa for a few months.”I’m sure they would have got over it afterwards.”Deeney scored 11 goals in 56 games for Birmingham across a two-season spell.But he is best-known for more than a decade at Watford where netted 140 times in 419 appearances.He helped The Hornets secure promotion to the Premier League in 2015 and 2021, while he also reached the FA Cup final in 2019 where Watford lost 6-0 to Manchester City. More

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    Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 29 – Alexander Isak promises returns ahead of St James’ Park double header

    DREAM TEAM managers are spoiled for choice when deciding upon their transfers this week.With all 20 Premier League clubs set to play twice in Gameweek 29, there are arguably more viable options now than at any other juncture this season.And with Manchester City and Arsenal in direct competition this weekend, gaffers may reap rewards if they think outside the box.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!Dangerous when fitCredit: Dream TeamAlexander Isak (£4.3m)Newcastle’s No14 is frustratingly injury-prone but he’s a prolific goalscorer when available, as he is expected to be in Gameweek 29.The Sweden international has scored 16 goals in all competitions this season a rate of one every 132 minutes.With Callum Wilson (£3.9m) sidelined, Isak will surely lead the line against West Ham and Everton in the coming days, with the Magpies having the benefit of back-to-back home games.Eddie Howe’s side have slipped to tenth in the table but their league record at St James’ Park remains impressive (nine wins, two draws and three defeats in 2023/24).This advantage coupled with Isak’s individuals statistics makes the rangy forward a good option.Most read in FootballAntonee Robinson (£3.1m)A smart short-term punt?Credit: GettyThe nature of Gameweek 29 opens up new possibilities and Fulham’s energetic left-back is certainly worthy of proper consideration.Marco Silva’s side beat Tottenham 3-0 before the international break and will therefore be confident of positive results against Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest.Robinson provided an assist against Spurs and his haul of 14 points (his best of the season) made him the best performer among assets in his position last Gameweek.The USA international is currently joint-seventh among defenders having amassed 171 points, a total bolstered by his impressive tally of 37 bonus points.He’s the Premier League unmatched master of interceptions and he ranks highly for successful dribbles and accurate crosses too.Additionally, only one other defender, Emerson (£3.3m), has made more tackles than Robinson.Add in seven assists and the only thing missing from his game is the odd goal.Fulham arguably have the most favourable double header in Gameweek 29 and Robinson is well placed to capitalise.Mohamed Salah (£6.6m)The most transferred-in player ahead of Gameweek 29Credit: GettyWe try to avoid blindingly obvious transfer suggestions but this one is worth underlining several times over.There’s a chance Man City and Arsenal will cancel each other out to some degree on Sunday which would leave the door open for Liverpool assets to cash in, with all eyes on their Egyptian superstar.Jurgen Klopp’s side are undefeated at Anfield this season and, like Newcastle, they too have the benefit of two home fixtures this coming Gameweek in the form of Brighton and Sheffield United.Granted, the Seagulls have been a bogey team in recent years but it’s hard to envisage anything other than an emphatic home win on Thursday night when the Blades visit Merseyside.Salah has racked up 255 points via 21 goals and 13 assists despite Africa Cup of Nations commitments and an injury lay-off.His record speaks for itself over many years, hence why he’s the most-popular recruit by a wide margin ahead of Saturday’s deadline.Cole Palmer (£4.5m)Burnley bewareCredit: APChelsea also have the convenience of two home games in Gameweek 29 with the first being a favourable match-up against Burnley.The Clarets are 19th in the table and will probably struggle to contain the Blues’ in-form midfielder, who has 14 goals and 14 assists to his name since his switch from Man City.Palmer has been one of the standout stories of the Dream Team campaign and currently finds himself ranked fourth among midfielders with 236 points – a remarkable achievement without European commitments to bolster his schedule.Manchester United will provide a sterner test in midweek but the 21-year-old may have already registered a double-digit haul by then with Vincent Kompany’s side having lost nine of their 14 away games since promotion.READ MORE SUN STORIESLooking further ahead, Chelsea only have one fixture in Gameweek 30 but it’s against Sheffield United so Palmer may feast again.Lock in your transfers for Gameweek 29 before Saturday’s 11:30am deadline!talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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    Arsenal and Tottenham ‘set to do battle for Pedro Neto as Ange Postecoglou joins transfer race for Wolves star’

    ARSENAL face a battle with bitter rivals Tottenham to land Pedro Neto.That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, via CaughtOffside, who says Wolves are prepared to set their asking price for the winger ahead of the summer transfer window.Arsenal and Tottenham are in a battle to sign Wolves wingerCredit: AFPArsenal have been long linked with Neto, 24, as Mikel Arteta looks to reinforce his forward line.But the Spanish boss won’t have it all his own way with North London rivals Spurs ready to make their move too.Ange Postecoglou is still trying to fill the void of goals left by Harry Kane’s departure.And, with loan signing Timo Werner seemingly unlikely to be made a permanent addition, Neto could fit the bill.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, he certainly will come cheap, with Wolves hoping to start a bidding war at around £60million.Neto’s future, and how he will feature in Arsenal’s plans, were discussed and Romano said: “Arsenal have some wingers in their sights for the summer.”But while it’s normal to see a long list of names linked with clubs in this situation, who’s really emerging as the main options on Arsenal’s list?“Pedro Neto is a player Arsenal like and have looked at before, but we have to wait for Wolves to decide initial price tag to understand what Arsenal, Tottenham and more clubs will decide to do.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNeto has scored twice and notched nine assists in 19 Premier League games for Wolves this season.He also netted in the FA Cup win over West Brom in January.Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?But it’s thought the former Braga star could push his game to a new level if he gets a move to a bigger club.Neto would allow Arteta to rotate Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the wings for the Gunners.While he could form a deadly combination with James Maddison and Son Heung-min at Spurs. More

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    England stars given huge Euro 2024 boost as Uefa consider rule change after Southgate plea

    ENGLAND’S fringe players have been handed a huge boost ahead of this summer’s Euro 2024 competition.The Three Lions could have their squad size increased from 23 to 26 for the tournament.Gareth Southgate may have more options to choose from this summerCredit: GettyUefa are considering increasing the squad size for Euro 2024 from 23 to 26Credit: AlamyIt was expected that this summer’s Euros in Germany would see international sides reverting to the usual 23-man squad that is used for international competitions after 26-man squads were used at the last two major tournaments.The squad size was increased to 26 during Euro 2020 following concerns around the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on the busy schedule.While the 2022 World Cup also adopted the increased squad sizes in Qatar.The expectation was that the 23-man squad would return this summer, but Uefa have now explained they will consider changing the rules once again for Euro 2024.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSA spokesperson for Uefa said: “A workshop with the participating teams will be held on April 8 and on that occasion Uefa will listen to the views of the coaches.”Any idea in this respect will then be considered and assessed.”A number of high-profile coaches have called for larger squads to be used in Germany including England boss Gareth Southgate, who hinted he would like the option to pick from 26 players.Southgate already called up 25 stars to represent the Three Lions for the latest International break and has pointed towards the number of drop-outs and injuries that occurred over the past two weeks as a reason for bigger squads.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpeaking after England’s 2-2 draw with Belgium, he said: “There is one more Uefa meeting where there’s been a little bit of talk amongst some of the coaches about possibly increasing that [squad size from 23 to 26].”And when probed on if he would like to see the 26-man squads, he added: “Well, given where we are now!Ian Wright slams Gareth Southgate over England decision that ‘doesn’t make sense’ after Brazil and Belgium clashes“We’ve got to make the best decisions [regarding selection] with what we know and some of those currently are going to be medical decisions.“We’ve been able to get those right in the previous tournaments. We’ve been able to give people time [to recover], but with 23 that’s definitely more difficult.”Southgate had a number of his top players withdraw from the national side for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka were forced to return to their clubs without playing a game, while Kyle Walker, John Stones and Harry Maguire all picked up injuries during the two clashes.News of an extended squad will mean players who are jostling for a place on the plane this summer may be buoyed by a higher chance of representing the nation in Germany.The likes of Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney are just a few of the names that are battling amongst each other to impress Southgate before the final squad is announced.Southgate is set to name his provisional squad for Euro 2024 on May 21 and has to then confirm his final selection before midnight on June 7.England’s finge players will be buoyed by the potential changeCredit: GettyA 26-man squad could make room for another strikerCredit: AFP More

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    Former Premier League ref Phil Dowd, 61, reveals cruel Parkinson’s diagnosis as he admits ‘it hit me hard’

    FORMER Premier League referee Phil Dowd has opened up about his devastating Parkinson’s diagnosis.The 61-year-old experienced an incredible career from 1997 to 2016 with 15 years spent officiating in the top flight of English football.Former Premier League referee Phil Dowd has revealed he has Parkinson’s DiseaseCredit: AFP – GettyDowd took charge of some key fixturesCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe took charge of key matches such as FA Cup and League Cup finals, coming face-to-face with some of the biggest names in football including the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho.However, in an interview with the Mirror he revealed that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease during the Coronavirus pandemic.Dowd said: “Football gets me up in the morning now. That’s what gets me going and it’s important to have that.”It started when my wife saw my left arm shaking and I got checked. I got diagnosed during Covid times and the specialist said to me: ‘You’ve got Parkinson’s.’ It hit me hard and I just thought: ’s***’.Read More on Football”I didn’t want to admit that I had it in the first two years after I was diagnosed.”At that stage, you don’t realise all the symptoms because you think you just shake a bit. But there’s so many other symptoms.”You want to hide it but football has been brilliant to me. Howard Webb has been so supportive as has Wayne Allison at the PGMOL.”Dowd is now part of the PGMOL development group, coaching six officials including Aji Ajibola, Kirsty Dowle, Tom Parsons, Declan Brown, Abi Byrne and current top-flight referee Sunny Singh Gill.Most read in FootballHe is also keen to promote the work done by Parkinson’s UK, a charity that provides support to those affected by the disease.The former referee continued: “I want to put something back into society and we’ve got some golf days, there’s a walking football tournament. I want to help highlight it in the next couple of years.”I also want to show you can lead a good life and it’s not as bad as people think. I’m still doing stuff and I’m still grateful the PGMOL want me to work in my role and that has really helped me.”It’s important to be positive and stay active. There’s no cure. It affects people differently. I can probably jog better than I can walk.” More

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    ‘Not even Canelo would do that’ – Mexican clash descends into chaos as goalie’s brutal elbow smash leads to mass brawl

    A FOOTBALL match in Mexico descended into chaos after a goalie’s brutal elbow smash led to a mass brawl on the field.Rivals La Piedad and Salamanca faced each other on Monday night in a heated third-division game, with some fans comparing it to a boxing match featuring national hero Canelo Alvarez.A football match descended into chaos after a goalie elbowed an opponentCredit: XThe Mexican third-tier match saw fights break out all over the fieldCredit: XThe goalie was left with a bloodied nose after being attacked by opponentsCredit: XVisitors Salamanca went 2-0 up on the night and were cruising with just 15 minutes left.But their goalkeeper Axel Quiroz suffered a moment of madness as the derby pressure took its toll.As he jumped to collect a ball from a Piedad corner, he also threw his elbow out into the face of opposition striker John Cordoba.The fearsome blow sent the forward sprawling to the deck.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd team-mates instantly reacted by surrounding Quiroz as the referee struggled to maintain control.Shoves became more and more aggressive as the goalie was shown a straight red card.But the battle spilled over into full kicks and punches as players began taking swings at each other.Incredible video footage showed several skirmishes breaking out across the field.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd one group of players could be seen sprinting after a rival who was desperate to escape their clutches.The Piedad stadium announcer was forced to take to the speakers, urging the club’s players to stop attacking Quiroz and their Salamanca opponents.Euro 2024 play-off clash descends into chaos as huge brawl breaks out with manager and substitute shown red cardsThe stopper had a moment of madness with his side 2-0 upCredit: XHe brutally smashed a rival in the face with his elbow, sparking the mass brawlCredit: XThe goalie ended up being treated in an ambulance as the game was abandonedCredit: XIndeed, the goalie took so many hits he ended up being treated in the back of an ambulance for a smashed nose.He could be seen covered with blood with a tissue stuck up his nose while recuperating on the sideline.And the match was duly suspended as the referee was unable to regain control, while home fans also attempted to storm the pitch.It is unclear what action will be taken against the players involved, or whether the match will even be rescheduled.But fans reacted to the madness on social media, with one referring to Quiroz’s elbow: “Not even Canelo is willing to do that.”Another declared: “Magic nights of the third division of Mexican football.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Only 15 minutes left and winning calmly, Quiroz went crazy.”Another added: “I think he’ll miss the rest of the season.” More

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    Under-pressure Todd Boehly ‘will be REPLACED as Chelsea chairman with deadline set for billionaire’s exit’

    TODD BOEHLY will be replaced as Chelsea chairman, according to shock reports.The American billionaire took on the role when he fronted the consortium that bought the Blues from Roman Abramovich in 2022.Todd Boehly is set to leave his position as Chelsea chairmanCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunHowever, the Daily Mail claim he will be removed from his position in 2027 with a new chairman instated.It is reported that part of the co-owners’ agreement enables them to switch the role between themselves every five years.Boehly ‘went first’ out of the group.His five-year stint will therefore end in 2027, when Chelsea are set to then switch up the chairmanship. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBoehly is actually a minority owner of the Blues.He, Hansjorg Wyss and Mark Walter all own approximately 12.8 per cent of the club to make up 38.5 per cent.The remaining 61.5 per share is held by Clearlake Capital.That is the private equity company spearheaded by fellow co-owners Behdad Eghbali and Jose Feliciano.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Mail adds that the Clearlake group hold ‘preferred stock’ as opposed to the ‘common stock’ for the others – with the former having more financial protection. The decision on who will become the next Chelsea chairman is allegedly undecided. Chelsea’s plans for £1bn new stadiumEghbali and Feliciano could take on the post from 2027 to 2032.Alternatively, they could appoint someone else on their behalf.Either way, though, Boehly’s reign as chairman is expected to end at the culmination of the 2026-27 season. He could, however, return to the hot seat five years later on the next rotation. It is claimed the relationship between Boehly and Clearlake has not broken down, despite the anticipated major change at the top of the club. Boehly’s impressively bad Chelsea jobBy Andy Dillon
    IT IS small beer to billionaires like Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.Understandably, the price of a pint at Chelsea, the cost of a coach to Bramall Lane or admission to a youth game won’t even register in the big men’s bank balances.But when you run an English football club, even if you don’t know what’s of value to the fans, you should make sure there are people nearby that do.Boehly and his sidekick are clearly failing in this regard and have scored an own goal just as spectacular as that from defender Axel Disasi against Leicester on Sunday.The letter from Chelsea Supporters’ Trust to the chairman and his co-owner  was not your usual fed-up fan rant.It may have been a devastating four-page assassination job on Boehly and Eghbali’s entire regime.But did you notice how little griping was aimed at some of the abject football played by a massively overpriced and underachieving bunch of players?What two hard-nosed American financiers make of being warned about the “irreversible toxicity, almost  irrespective of results on the pitch” in a withering assault on their ability to run a Premier League club would be a joy to know. Way to go, boys.It takes some doing to p*** off the normally mild-mannered CST, an elected group of diehards ranging from mid-20s to retirement age and made up of largely professional people.Not the kind of Chelsea fans who push black men off Paris Metro trains.To them and many others who devote themselves to the pursuit of Chelsea FC, it is not all about silverware — contrary to outside perception.There are some at Stamford Bridge with a sense of entitlement after so many years of winning trophies. But to most, it is a cult, a religion, a devotion. It’s about belonging and feeling part of it. Like at other clubs, win or lose.The  price of a pint, a hot dog, a matchday programme, a season ticket or away travel may seem insignificant to those spending £1billion on a development squad.But it means a lot to the fans who were there before and will be there long after Boehly and his pals from Clearlake Capital have cleared off.And they don’t take kindly to being blanked either. The owners of Chelsea have predictably missed the point when it comes to the fan base. Next month’s game at Sheffield United is on Sunday, April 7.Kick-off is at 5.30pm because of the city’s half-marathon earlier that day. There is also a train strike.Yet the away end at Bramall Lane will be full. Just like it was on Christmas Eve at Wolves.A friend paid £600 on the black  market for two tickets to see Chelsea the day before New Year’s Eve. He still hasn’t told his missus the true cost.He was at Middlesbrough when a pathetic Chelsea lost 1-0 in a  midweek  Carabao Cup semi-final.Chelsea have been awful most of this season and last. Yet my friend will still go. So will thousands of others who just want to feel part of the team, even a losing one. The perceived lack of communication from the owners is seen as a rejection of worth.The CST points to a disconnect between club and supporters not seen since the early 1980s.That was when then chairman Ken Bates tried to electrify the fences  surrounding the pitch to thwart the hooligans in The Shed.With crowd numbers on the slide at Stamford Bridge as a result of Boehly and Behdad’s detached, lofty air, they may have to do the same again — only now to keep the fans in.

    Eghbali and Boehly must both sign off on major decisions and have overseen a staggering £1billion in spending on transfer fees during the two seasons in charge. Under-pressure Boehly has been the subject of much fan anger and frustration amid struggles on the pitch and potential Profit and Sustainability Rules sanctions off it, especially after announcing pre-tax losses of £90.1million in 2022-23. But it is Eghbali who is said to be the man running operations behind the scenes. Both sides insist they remain committed to Chelsea for the long term and there is hope fortunes will start to turn soon.READ MORE SUN STORIESTherefore the new chairman is unlikely to spark widespread and dramatic change in the way they run the club with a strong emphasis on recruiting young players as well as investing in scouting, data and sports science.SunSport have contacted Chelsea for comment. Clearlake chief Behdad Eghbali could take over from the current chairman in 2027Credit: GettyHansjorg Wyss and Boehly both own approximately 12.8 per cent of ChelseaCredit: Alamy More