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      Chelsea legend sacked after thumping by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr… months after winning Asian Champions League

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      CHELSEA legend Hernan Crespo has been sacked by Abu Dhabi side Al Ain.The former AC Milan striker watched his side thrashed 5-1 by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the AFC Champions League on Tuesday night.Hernan Crespo has been sacked by Abu Dhabi side Al AinCredit: GettyThey conceded three goals in the opening 37 minutes – including one from Ronaldo.It extended Al Ain’s winless run to four matches during which they have conceded 14 goals.And club chiefs had seen enough as they dismissed Crespo, 49, from his position after one year in charge.Al Ain’s statement explained the decision by insisting “recent results have not met expectations”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCrespo’s dismissal comes just six months after he led Al Ain to AFC Champions League glory.They beat Japanese side Yokohama Marinos 6-3 on aggregate in the final back in May.The triumph saw them qualify for next summer’s 32-team Club World Cup in the US.But Crespo’s sacking means he will not be involved after picking up just one point from four AFC Champions League matches so far this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe ex-Argentine striker began his coaching career in Italy in 2015 with Modena.He spent two years managing in his home country from 2019 to 2021, before he moved to Sao Paulo in Brazil.Cristiano Ronaldo breaks young fan’s phone with wayward penalty and sends him collapsing to floor When his spell there came to an end, he joined Qatari club Al-Duhail and spent 18 months at the helm.He was dismissed in October last year after winning 35 of his 50 matches, before he penned a deal with Al Ain just six weeks later. More

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      Ex-England wonderkid, 30, now goes by new name after quitting Premier League to win three titles in China

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      A FORMER England wonderkid who changed his name after quitting the Premier League has now won a THIRD title in China.Tyias Browning, 30, is best remembered by English fans for coming through the ranks at Everton.Former Everton star Tyias Browning has won another title in ChinaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/tybrowning/?hl=en-gbThe ace has even changed his name after becoming a hit in the Far EastCredit: Getty – ContributorThe versatile defender made nine appearances for the Toffees between 2014 and 2016.And Browning also took in several Championship loan spells with Wigan, Preston and Sunderland.Some impressive performances saw him win 14 combined caps for England’s U17s, U19s and U21s.But his career took an unusual turn in 2019 when Chinese Super League giants Guangzhou Evergrande signed him for around £4million.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club had won seven of the past eight titles after splashing big sums on the likes of Tottenham’s Paulinho and Atletico Madrid’s Jackson Martinez.And Browning’s first season saw him help Guangzhou regain their league trophy.He went on to make 61 appearances for them over the next four seasons.It was also during this time he changed his name to Jiang Guangtai.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd in 2021, Browning won the first of his 32 senior caps for China, who he was eligible to play for through his maternal grandfather.A year later, the defender was signed by Guangzhou’s rivals Shanghai Port.Football icons’ strange hobbiesHe has already clocked up 43 appearances in two years.And Browning has helped Shanghai win consecutive Chinese Super League titles, with their latest trophy coming at the weekend.One of his team-mates is none other than ex-Chelsea and Brazil star Oscar, who captains the side following a £60m move in 2016.And Browning will be hoping to make it three titles on the bounce when the new campaign kicks off in 2025. More

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      Desperate Real Madrid to launch Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer in January as they bring forward move for Liverpool star

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      REAL MADRID have reignited their interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold.The LaLiga giants could launch a bid for the Liverpool star as early as January.Real Madrid could go after Trent Alexander-Arnold in JanuaryThe LaLiga giants are eyeing a long-term replacement for veteran defender Dani CarvajalMadrid made contact with Alexander-Arnold’s representatives in October.It made sense for the iconic club to go after the 26-year-old when his Liverpool contract expires in the summer. But Carlo Ancelotti’s side could be forced to move for Alexander-Arnold in the January window, according to Spanish outlet Marca.Madrid are under pressure after AC Milan’s 3-1 victory saw them suffer back-to-back defeats at the Bernabeu.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLucas Vazquez is the only fit right-back at the club after Dani Carvajal suffered a potentially career-ending knee injury last month.The 15-time Champions League winners have long been linked with Alexander-Arnold.The report adds that Real bosses feel that Alexander-Arnold’s friendship with Jude Bellingham could work to their advantage.But the England full-back has not ruled out penning a new deal to extend his stay at Anfield.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMadrid have a knack for luring superstar players on free transfers after signing Kylian Mbappe, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger for nothing.Alexander-Arnold is arguably the best right-back in world football, having contributed 19 goals in 324 appearances for Liverpool.How Liverpool’s Jude Bellingham plan backfired with Trent Alexander-ArnoldHis prowess going forward and incredible passing ability has also seen him provide 59 assists in the Premier League.Prior to this season, he had experienced his entire club career under Jurgen Klopp.He has started every Prem and Champions League game so far under Klopp’s successor Arne Slot.Last month, Alexander-Arnold was quizzed regarding his future.He said: “Look, I have been at the club 20 years now.”I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public – and this one won’t be either.”I have always said I want to captain the club – that is an aim and a goal of mine, whether that happens is out of my hands. I want to be a Liverpool player this season is what I will say.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The most important thing is always trophies if I am honest. This season we are looking really good.”And he could be offered a timely audition when Liverpool host Madrid in their next Champions League game on November 27. More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal locked in Leroy Sane transfer battle as they look to snap up Bayern Munich star for free

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal are reportedly locked in a battle to sign Leroy Sane on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.The former Manchester City star, 28, is out of contract next summer.Man Utd and Arsenal are keen on signing Bayern Munich star Leroy SaneCredit: RexHe has lost his place in Bayern’s starting XI to summer signing Michael Olise.And a new deal does not look to be forthcoming from Vincent Kompany’s side, who he has helped win three titles in his 185 games.Sane can strike a pre-contract agreement with clubs from January, with a host of top European sides linked.But Bild claims the strongest interest is emerging from England, where Sane previously spent three seasons playing for Man City.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe won two titles and an FA Cup in 135 outings at the Etihad.Yet Sane could soon end up playing for the red side of the town as rivals Man United have made an enquiry.Incoming boss Ruben Amorim is already drawing up a list of targets to boost his squad.And Sane is strongly appreciated by the Portuguese tactician, as well as United’s transfer hierarchy of sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the Red Devils aren’t the only English side interested in Sane.Arsenal are also fans of the German winger and could look to enter negotiations next year.Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City United are also interested in Leon GoretzkaCredit: GettyMikel Arteta has made plenty of experienced signings during his time at the Emirates and Sane would give him options on both flanks, as well as through the middle.However, both United and Arsenal could be left empty-handed as Sane is reportedly keen to stay at Bayern and will not make a decision on his future while the prospect of staying remains on the table.Sky Germany claims United are also interested in Sane’s Bayern team-mate Leon Goretzka.Amorim is said to want a central midfielder in the role of a modern number eight this winter.Goretzka, 29, is in his seventh season with Bayern and has won five titles, plus a Champions League, in 229 outings.Like Sane, he has also fallen down the pecking order and could be open to an exit.United are also though to be looking for an “affordable” striker, with £35million summer signing Joshua Zirkzee so far failing to impress. More

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      Bayern Munich fan dies after medical emergency in stands during Champions League win over Benfica

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      A BAYERN Munich fan tragically passed away after a medical emergency in the crowd during their Champions League win over Benfica.The individual required medical assistance just three minutes into the match at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening.They were taken away on a stretcher around 30 minutes later and passed away while being rushed to hospital.Bayern fans in the part of the ground where the medical emergency took place – the Sudkurve – stopped singing for much of the match out of respect for the supporter.A statement from the Bundesliga club read: “In the Champions League league phase match against Benfica, FC Bayern’s 1-0 victory was overshadowed by a sad event.”A medical emergency in the stands of the Allianz Arena cast a shadow over the game right from the start.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Out of consideration, the Sudkurve refrained from its usual vociferous support for their team, and the club also reduced its coverage of the match.”Around an hour after the final whistle, the German record champions received the sad news that the fan had died on the way to hospital.”FC Bayern is in mourning side by side with the fan’s relatives.”Bayern won the game 1-0 thanks to a goal from Jamal Musiala.Most read in Champions LeagueAfter the match, Bayern manager Vincent Kompany spoke about the medical emergency.He said: “It’s difficult to talk about football at the moment.”After the game, we didn’t celebrate as much as we normally do. Of course, the boys only noticed it after the game.”We always hope that our fans and all of them go home safe and sound. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case today.”And forward Thomas Muller added: “We noticed it, how and wherefore. I think we saw right before kick-off what would have been possible in terms of atmosphere.”The whole group in the south curve was jumping. But of course, when something like that happens, it’s also a nice sign of solidarity that the fans don’t put their own party first, but show a bit of humanity.”The fan was taken away on a stretcher but died on the way to the hospitalCredit: AP More

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      Mikel Arteta launches furious rant as Arsenal star Merino ‘punched in the head’ but no penalty given in Inter defeat

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      MIKEL ARTETA was left seething with the officials after Arsenal were sunk at the San Siro after a tale of TWO penalties.The Gunners boss raged over Hakan Calhanoglu’s first half spot-kick for a controversial handball against Mikel Merino that earned Inter Milan a famous Champions League victory.Mikel Arteta was left seething with the officials after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Inter MilanCredit: GettyInter goalkeeper Yann Sommer appeared to punch Mikel Merino in the head, but Arsenal were not awarded a penaltyCredit: AFPInter’s goal came from controversial handball decision involving Merino as wellCredit: TNT SPORTSAnd Arteta then argued his side deserved to have a penalty of their own “one thousand percent” after Merino was PUNCHED by Inter keeper Yann Sommer in the head.Arteta said: “We were very harshly done. I don’t understand [Inter’s penalty]. It is a deflection. There is no danger, no reaction because it is very close to his body.“There is nothing he can do. I don’t know how you can get away from it.“We were told at the start of the season that was not going to be a penalty but it was a different story.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“But if that is a penalty then when Merino is punched in the head it is one thousand percent a penalty. It is very difficult to accept that.”Arsenal legend and TNT pundit Martin Keown said: “It was a controversial moment. Fine margins. I don’t believe it was a penalty and I feel it was really harsh.“Where are you supposed put your arm in that position? Who’s made these rules? Have they played the game?“Mikel Merino is so close and the arm has come up to go into a challenge. It is really harsh.Most read in FootballMartin Keown gave his thoughts on the controversial refereeing decisionsCredit: RexMartin Keown’s assessmentHere’s a look at what Arsenal hero Martin Keown made of the referee’s decisions…On Yann Sommer clashing with Mikel Merino…”You can see there is a follow-through. On another night the referee might see that as a violent act.”He [referee Istvan Kovacs] was levelling it up and dishing it out to players, but he didn’t level up on penalties.”The one against Arsenal is really harsh.”On the penalty decision…”It was a controversial moment. Fine margins. I don’t believe it was a penalty and I feel it was really harsh.”Where are you supposed put your arm in that position? Who’s made these rules? Have they played the game?”Mikel Merino is so close to Mehdi Taremi and the arm has come up to go into a challenge – it is really harsh.”Merino is preparing to go with his first action and then the ball deflects.”FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMerino is preparing to go with his first action and then the ball deflects.”On Sommer’s connection with Merino, Keown added: “You can see there is a follow-through. On another night the referee might see that as a violent act.Thierry Henry aims huge dig at Arsenal in awkward CBS Sports moment as fans ask ‘why are you s***ting on your own club?“He [referee Istvan Kovacs] was levelling it up and dishing it out to players, but he didn’t level up on penalties.”Arteta confirmed that Merino was taken off at half time as a result of that collision with Sommer, admitting he did not feel well before kick-off and was left “groggy”.Arsenal have now lost three of their last six games in all competitions as their poor run continues both in the Premier League and in Europe.They now travel to Stamford Bridge to take on in-form Chelsea on Sunday, with Kai Havertz now also a doubt after requiring stitches following a clash of heads late on against Inter.But the visitors had their chances, attempting 20 shots, their most without scoring in a Champions League game since November 2006 against CSKA Moscow.Arteta added: “I’m very proud of my players. If we play like we did tonight we can win at Chelsea.“With the number of situations we created we should have scored. “But that was more us tonight, we dominated one of the best teams in Europe in their stadium, I’m proud of them.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The worst thing of the night is the result, the performance, attitude, the dominance against one of the best teams in Europe, I haven’t seen it in the games I watched.“We had many situations we could have resolved much better and scored at least two goals and we are extremely frustrated – in both boxes we did not do what we have to do.”Mikel Merino was substituted at half-time after feeling ‘groggy’ from the collisionCredit: PAKai Havertz is a doubt for Arsenal’s trip to Stamford Bridge after requiring stitches after a clash of headsCredit: GettyArsenal player ratings v Inter MilanTOOTHLESS Arsenal were beaten by a superb Italian job in Milan as they lost 1-0 thanks to a controversial penalty.Here’s how the Gunners stars were rated by SunSport’s Tony Robertson.David Raya – 6Unfortunate with the penalty on an otherwise quiet night. Passing was below par with on three out of nine long passes finding their mark.Ben White – 7Dependable as ever at right back. Can’t be blamed for the defeat from a defensive standpoint.William Saliba – 7Marshalled defence well and produced some strong passes.  Three clearances and six duels won said everything about his performance.Gabriel Magalhaes – 7Had a slightly better time in duels than Saliba but was worse on the ball.Jurrien Timber – 7 Had a good rapport with Martinelli down the left flank. Dependable but undone by the controversial penalty call.Mikel Merino – 5 Difficult to see what he brings to the midfield at the moment. Clearly Arteta likes his height and strength, but not on the same wavelength as team-mates tonight. Unlucky to give away the penalty.Thomas Partey – 6Should have been given more licence to roam forward in the second half. But didn’t look like he had the legs to do that job.Bukayo Saka – 6Captain for the night with Odegaard only fit for the bench. Saka was always a threat, but all too often or not chose the wrong option to go inside or out.Gabriel Martinelli – 7Flashes of brilliance and a thorn throughout the clash. Created four chances but team-mates were unable to help him out.Kai Havertz – 6  Couple of flashes of brilliance, including a beautiful curled effort at goal that forced Sommer to punch clear, but needed to be a stronger force up top. Went off with a bloody head in injury time.Leandro Trossard – 6 Buzzed around and had threatening moments. But just didn’t get the ball enough in dangerous positions. More

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      ‘Referee had no choice but to award a penalty, Mings needs to have a look at himself and ask, What on earth was I doing?

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      ASTON VILLA conceded one of the most bizarre penalties in Champions League history on Wednesday night.Villa boss Unai Emery slammed Tyron Mings’ bizarre decision to PICK UP the ball as “the biggest mistake I witnessed in my career”.Tyrone Mings’ inexplicable error cost Aston Villa all three points against Club BruggeCredit: GettyMings picked up the ball from a goal kick, giving away a penalty by doing soCredit: TNT SPORTSFormer Premier League referee and SunSport columnist Mark Halsey has given his verdict on the controversial decisionCredit: AFPMings gifted Club Brugge a penalty in the second half when he was passed the ball inside the area by Emi Martinez from a goal-kick and decided to bend down and pick it up.It can only be assumed that Mings had a lapse in concentration and thought he had been rolled the ball to take the goal-kick himself.But referee Tobias Stieler stuck to the letter of the law and pointed to the spot, a decision that cost Villa all three points as Brugge captain Hans Vanaken converted the resulting penalty to score the only goal of the game.Former Premier League referee and SunSport columnist Mark Halsey gives his verdict on the controversial decision that marred Villa’s defeat to Club Brugge…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking exclusively to SunSport Halsey explained that official Stieler made the right call and said that Aston Villa can have “no complaints whatsoever”.He said: “We see it week in week out in every league around the globe, where the goalkeeper takes a quick goal kick giving it to the defender, and the defender plays it away.”Adding: “The referee has no option whatsoever to to give that penalty because the ball is in play and it’s a it’s a schoolboy error by by Tyrone Mings. “It’s just unbelievable for a player of his calibre to do what he did in the second half.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So Aston Villa can have no complaints whatsoever.”The incident was remarkably similar to Arsenal centre-back Gabriel’s blunder against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last season.Arsenal star Gabriel got away with a similar incident in last season’s Champions LeagueCredit: TNT SPORTS’Career threatening!’ Ex-Prem ref reacts to Martinez’s tackle on Cole Palmer in Man Utd vs Chelsea | The Whistleblower, Mark HalseyThe Brazilian defender was let off the hook that night with Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg saying that it was a “kid’s mistake” that wasn’t in the spirit of the game to punish a team for.Halsey reckons you can feel sorry for Mings, but the decision ultimately has to be a penalty by the letter of the law.He added: “Tyrone Mings needs to have a look at himself and ask himself, What on earth was I doing?”Listen, yes. You do feel a little bit for him, but they’re professional footballers. They should know the laws of the game.”And as I say It’s a quick goal kick and, once the goal kick has been taken the ball is in play.”So, as I said before, Aston Villa could have no complaints at the award of a penalty by the referee.”Villa players also found themselves complaining that the referee hadn’t blown his whistle to restart play yet, but Halsey has clarified there’s no substance in that argument either.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe explained: “The referee doesn’t need to blow his whistle in that situation to restart play. It’s just ‘away we go’.”Villa’s defeat knocked them off their perch in Europe and ended their 100% start to the Champions League this season.Unai Emery labelled Mings’ gaffe as the ‘biggest mistake I witnessed in my career’Credit: Getty More

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      Man Utd star Harry Maguire facing HUGE fine after being clocked speeding in £200k Land Rover twice in two days

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      MANCHESTER United star Harry Maguire is facing a hefty fine after he was clocked speeding in his £200,000 motor twice in two days.The England defender, 31, was caught exceeding a 50mph limit by a manned traffic camera.Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is facing a HUGE fine after being clocked speeding in his £200k Land Rover twice in two daysCredit: GettyMaguire, reportedly paid £190,000 a week, was in his Land Rover SV on March 5 in Wilmslow, Gtr Manchester.Two days later, in the same car, he was caught travelling at 68mph in a 60mph zone in Sheffield, South Yorks.In September he admitted that offence at the city’s magistrates’ court, was ordered to pay £1,028 and handed three points.Yesterday Maguire was due to appear before Bolton magistrates after pleading guilty last month for the first offence.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut he had given notice he would not attend and the hearing was adj­ourned to January 8.In September, The Sun revealed that Maguire’s pal Marcus Rashford was banned from the road after speeding at 104mph on the M60.The forward was pulled over by an undercover cop car and claimed he only sped up as he was scared of being followed.Last year Rashford, 26, infamously collided with a grandmother in his £700,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan as he left United’s Carrington training ground.Most read in FootballBoth drivers luckily escaped without harm.Fellow England star Jack Grealish, of United’s rivals Man City, was also fined £666 earlier this year for speeding at 44 in a 30mph zone.Maguire was due to appear before Bolton magistrates after pleading guilty last month for the first offenceCredit: APMan Utd fans say Harry Maguire ‘should still be captain’ as they spot ‘class act’ towards academy stars in pre-season More