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      BBC staff fear MOTD will go woke after ruined Football Focus was geared towards ‘snowflakes and millennials’

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      RANK and file staff at the BBC fear Gary Lineker’s departure could see Match of the Day go woke — just like much-mocked Football Focus.They predict some of the traditional fans’ favourite pundits could be ditched to reduce the number of middle-aged, male former players.BBC staff fear Gary Lineker’s departure could see Match of the Day go wokeCredit: GettyAlex Kay-Jelski, who became the BBC’s Director of Sport seven months agoInstead, under Alex Kay-Jelski who became Director of Sport seven months ago, they could be replaced by online influencers and celebrities.That has happened on sister show Football Focus, with core viewers complaining it is being geared more towards “millennials and snowflakes”.A BBC insider said: “The hope would be to draw in younger, new audiences — but the danger is they end up alienating their current viewers and driving them away.“Everyone expects there to be some changes but they don’t want to have MOTD left unrecognisable just because of the whims of a handful of executives.READ MORE ON MATCH OF THE DAY“They want experts on the show who have some genuine expertise and experience, not amateurs who are brought on for their star appeal or online pulling power.“But with change at the top, there’s the concern that the BBC will take the chance to make a major overhaul.”The Sun exclusively revealed on Tuesday that ex-England captain Gary, 63, was leaving as the show’s frontman after 25 years.Yesterday it emerged that bosses wanted Mark Chapman and Kelly Somers to take turns as host, but Chappers is against the idea. MOTD this year celebrated its 60th birthday while Football Focus has been screened on Saturday afternoons since 1974.Most read in FootballHowever, it has been derided due to some of the stars featured.These include Love Island’s Jordan Mainoo-Hames interviewing players, and actors Will Mellor and Ralf Little who appeared together in BBC sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.Mark Chapman refuses Match of the Day job share as Gary Lineker quits after 25 yearsFormer Lioness Alex Scott took over as host of the show in 2021.By last year it had lost a third of its viewers in the space of four years, leaving some fearing the Beeb may end up axing it.Previous presenter Dan Walker said at the time: “It’s hard to see Football Focus struggling. I loved it growing up and it was an honour to host it and I still miss it.“We poured everything into that show each week and worked hard to keep it relevant. I hope it stays part of the TV landscape.” More

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      Moment scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024

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      SUSPENDED Premier League ref David Coote snorts white powder in a shocking video taken while he was officiating at this summer’s Euros.In the eight second Whatsapp film the under-fire VAR specialist is wide-eyed as he uses a rolled up US bank note to snort a four inch line of what appears to be cocaine.David Coote was filmed snorting the white powderCoote is expected to quit as a referee before he’s sackedCredit: ReutersThe video was filmed during Euro 2024Coote, 42, was suspended by the PGMOL, governing body for professional referees, this week after a separate video emerged of him, again wide-eyed,  calling former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “German c**t”.The Sun’s exclusive new video was taken on July 6 – a day after the Euro 2024 quarter final clash between France and Portugal, where he acted  as a support VAR official.On the bedside table alongside the white powder are scattered packets of prescription drugs, a credit card, and the Terry Hayes novel The Year of The Locust.He sent the clip to a pal and it’s believed he filmed himself in his Uefa-funded hotel room he used during the tournament.Read More David CooteThe ref sent another photo from Frankfurt on July 1.  It showed his credit cards on a saucer either side of six chopped-up lines of suspicious white powder. He was staying in hotel rooms appointed by tournament organiser UEFA.The pal, who wishes to remain anonymous, also reveals that the referee made other derogatory remarks about Everton football club and Liverpool player Andy Robertson.Coote’s previous comments about Klopp are now at the centre of both a PGMOL and FA investigation into his conduct.As the scandal grew this week, Uefa also took him off their roster for games during this weekend’s international break.Most read in FootballOther videos were sent over the summer from France, where Coote officiated at three football matches at the Paris Olympics. They included the Israel versus Japan clash on July 30, where he was in charge of VAR.His pal has told how Coote said in video chats that table toppers Liverpool “will not win the Premier League” this season.Shocking David Coote Klopp video in fullFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.“Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.“So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.“Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”Coote also branded Goodison Park – the ground of Liverpool’s rivals Everton – as the worst place to referee due to the fans “shouting abuse so close to the pitch”.He hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it’s “too far away” and moaned he was “too big” to have to ref at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena for their Championship clash against Oxford United on August 16.The pal is speaking out to highlight Coote apparently bragging of taking drugs repeatedly during tournaments and big Prem matches.They told The Sun: “I believe that the FA and the governing body of the referees have to make sure that the sport we all love is protected and being officiated by the right people. My message to David Coote is…there’s help out there.”The pal added: “The video of him bad-mouthing Klopp didn’t surprise me at all.“He said to me Liverpool would definitely not win the Premier League. It just makes me question the kind of people running the Prem. He also described Andy Robertson as a ‘Scottish prick’.“He did say that the worst place to referee was Goodison Park due to the young Scousers screaming, shouting, swearing at him and calling every name under the sun before the games had even started. And he mentioned he hated going to Bournemouth because it was just such a long way away.“He did mention about Coventry City versus Oxford United on a Friday night on Sky Sports. He couldn’t really be a**** with this game…the fact that he had to go and referee in front of an empty Ricoh Arena. He said ‘I’m a bit too big for this’.”A PGMOL spokesperson told The Sun: “We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation. “David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period. “We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”Coote was suspended by PGMOL bosses earlier this week after a leaked video showed the ref abusing Liverpool and their ex manager Jurgen Klopp.The footage was said to have been taken during the Covid-19 pandemic.An investigation is now taking place and the FA are also initiating their own probe, as Coote could be charged with an aggravated breach of FA rules after mentioning Klopp’s nationality in the initial leaked video.Outside of England, UEFA has also taken action against the Prem ref by removing him from their list of officials for the upcoming international fixtures.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf Coote decides to quit, or is sacked, he is set to lose over £1m over the next few years.Referee David Coote was caught in an earlier video labelling ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ‘German c***’Credit: XCoote unleashed an astonishing rant at ex-Liverpool boss KloppCredit: AP More

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      Alexander Isak breaks silence on Arsenal transfer speculation after ‘breakdown in Newcastle contract talks’

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      ALEXANDER ISAK has broke his silence on rumours he might leave Newcastle.The striker scored 25 goals in 40 games last season, with his form catching the eye of some other of Europe’s top clubs like Arsenal.Alexander Isak has lifted the lid on his Newcastle futureCredit: RexThere were preliminary contract talks in the summer, but they went no further and there are no plans to reopen discussions. This led to reports of a “breakdown” between Isak and Newcastle.But SunSport understands neither the player or the club see a new contract as a top priority as his deal does not expire until 2028.Isak has now had his say, telling The Chronicle: “Throughout my career, I have never talked about or really commented on the move rumours during the season. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There have been many such years where it has been talked about. It does not affect me.“I am commenting on my situation in Newcastle and I have never had any problem there. “I am fully focused on my task there and that we will have a fantastic season. “There are still great opportunities for that. I have no thoughts about anything else.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The only thing I can say is that a lot of information and rumours often come out but much of what I read is not true.”That is about all I can say about the whole thing.”Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelIsak has scored five goals in 11 games this season and is believed to still be wanted by Arsenal.Newcastle could demand more than £100million for the 25-year-old Swede, who they signed for £63m from Real Sociedad in 2022. More

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      Former Chelsea star Courtois in talks to make shock Belgium return after refusing to play until manager was sacked

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      THIBAUT COURTOIS is in talks over a Belgium return after refusing to play for his country again until the manager was sacked.The Real Madrid goalkeeper had a huge falling out with boss Domenico Tedesco in June last year.Thibaut Courtois is in talks over a shock Belgium returnCredit: ReutersThe keeper had a huge falling out with manager Domenico TedescoCredit: RexTheir bust-up came after Courtois was shockingly stripped of the captaincy for games against Austria and Estonia.The 102-timed capped international claimed he was not told why he was snubbed of the armband and that Tedesco did not appreciate him.After a lengthy injury lay-off, Courtois then revealed he would not play for Belgium again while the ex-RB Leipzig gaffer remained in charge.But Belgian FA chief Peter Willems is trying to get the former Chelsea No1 to reconsider.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLQuizzed on the talks, Tedesco said: “Peter informed me some weeks ago about it, so I knew.”He asked me what do you think about it? For me, first of all, he has all the rights to do that as a CEO, of course. “And second, I was always and I am still completely open to it. “I think that on this topic, everything has been discussed.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn his bombshell statement ahead of the Euros earlier this year, Courtois said: “Unfortunately, following the events with the coach and after much reflection, I have decided not to return to the Belgian national team under his management.”In this matter, I accept my share of responsibility. Football stars’ weird phobias”However, looking forward, my lack of confidence in him would not contribute to maintaining the necessary atmosphere of cordiality.”The federation, with whom I have had several discussions, accepts my position and the reasons that led me to this painful but coherent decision.”I regret possibly disappointing some fans, but I am convinced that this is the best course of action for Belgium, as it closes a debate and allows the team to focus on pursuing its goals.”The Red Devils had a disappointing Euros, scoring just two goals en route to crashing out in the last-16 stage to France.Belgium are sticking by Tedesco despite pressure, with Willems saying he is “absolutely the right man in the right place”. More

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      Claudio Ranieri makes shock AS Roma return aged 73 for third spell after Serie A side sacked Ivan Juric

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      CLAUDIO RANIERI has completed a shock retirement U-turn to return for a third stint as Roma manager.The legendary Italian, 73, took charge of the Serie A giants from 2009 to 2011 and then again in 2019.Claudio Ranieri has returned to Roma for a third spell as managerCredit: APRanieri made a U-turn on his retirement just six months after leaving CagliariCredit: GettyHe was mobbed by fans as he arrived at Rome Airport after talks with the club’s ownerCredit: EPABut he called time on his illustrious career in management when he left Cagliari at the end of last season.However, he has now agreed a deal to head back to the Stadio Olimpico dugout.The veteran flew to London for a meeting with Roma owner Dan Friedkin to thrash out his comeback and he was mobbed by around 200 fans when landing back in the Italian capital.Tennis player Flavio Cobolli was bizarrely one of those swarming the legend. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNews outlet Ansa asked Ranieri if he is a “tough nut to crack”.He is quoted as replying: “That’s why they called me.”He added when quizzed on the big turnaround job on his hands: “Ready! Our players are coming.”Ranieri becomes Roma’s third manager of the season.Most read in FootballDaniele De Rossi, who took over from Jose Mourinho in January, was sacked just four games into the 2024-25 campaign and then the board axed Ivan Juric earlier this week.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRoma sit way down in 12th in the Serie A table following Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at home to Bologna.That was their fourth loss in their last five league matches – including a 5-1 thumping at Fiorentina – and spelt the end for Juric after just 53 days and 12 games in charge.Emotional moment Claudio Ranieri breaks down in tears as ex-Chelsea manager leads Cagliari to Serie A for third time Erik ten Hag was available for the Roma vacancy while Turkey national team boss Vincenzo Montella was considered but both were overlooked in favour of Ranieri. Ranieri’s his first match in charge will be a trip to Napoli on November 24 after the international break, before facing Tottenham in the Europa League in North London four days later.He will have to wait until December 2 before being greeted by his adoring home fans when Roma host Atalanta. The veteran gaffer, a childhood Roma fan, missed out on both the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia in heartbreaking fashion to Mourinho’s Treble-winning Inter side in 2010.He resigned in February 2011 after losing 4-3 to Genoa from 3-0 up.In his brief comeback in March 2019 to see out the remainder of the season.His outstanding achievement, though, will always be the iconic Premier League title win with 5,000-1 Leicester City in 2015-16.The Dilly-Ding Dilly-Dong boss famously led the relegation-tipped Foxes to the unlikely triumph, finishing ten points clear at the top of the table and booking their spot in the Champions League. Ranieri announced his departure from club management earlier this year after leading Cagliari – who he first managed in 1988 – to promotion to Serie A and then kept them in the top flight. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe had suggested Cagliari would be his final club team but remained open to international offers despite having a nightmare with Greece in 2014.However, the lure of another spell at his beloved Roma was too much to resist. Ranieri led Cagliari to promotion in 2023 then stepped aside at the end of last seasonCredit: GettyThe Italian won the Premier League with Leicester in 2015-16Credit: PA More

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      ‘I don’t really like it’ – Harry Kane blasts England’s NINE Nations League dropouts for ‘taking advantage’

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      HARRY KANE hit out at the NINE England players who have pulled out of the Nations League squad.Lee Carsley’s final camp as interim Three Lions boss has turned into a farce with so many withdrawals through “injury”.Harry Kane hit out at the nine England players to withdraw from the current campCredit: PAHe made his feelings clear in an interview with ITV SportThe FA decided to allow new gaffer Thomas Tuchel to take over as Gareth Southgate’s successor in the New Year.That has meant Carsley remains at the helm for two more matches – against Greece and Ireland – before stepping aside for Tuchel.However, it appears some players have seen this as an opportunity to skip international duty and make the most of a rare break in the hectic fixture list.Captain Kane, though, accused them of “taking advantage” of the unusual predicament of there being no full-time manager in post. READ MORE ON ENGLANDThe 101-cap striker, 31, told ITV Sport: “I think England comes before anything. It comes before club and it is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer.“Gareth was hot on that and he wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players. “It’s a shame this week obviously. I think it’s a tough period of the season and maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit.“I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. I think England comes before anything, any club situation. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“The joy to play for England. I think Gareth brought that back. Every camp, people were excited to come, every camp people wanted to play for England.”In his last camp in charge, Carsley had an embarrassment of riches to choose from – and experimented by squeezing as many stars as possible into the starting XI against Greece.England’s international break is a mess before a ball’s been kicked This time he is scraping the barrel after the mass exodus of Premier League stars. Chelsea duo Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill both played 90 minutes of their side’s 1-1 with Arsenal on Sunday, while Phil Foden also completed Manchester City’s weekend defeat at Brighton.Yet all three pulled out of Carsley’s squad for this week’s two Nations League fixtures.Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice also withdrew on Monday after were both substituted against Chelsea – although Rice played for the Gunners despite having a broken toe.  I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. I think England comes before anything, any club situation. Harry KaneTrent Alexander-Arnold limped out of Liverpool’s win over Aston Villa with a hamstring injury.Jack Grealish has missed City’s last six games while goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has a broken finger.  All three passed up the opportunity to meet up with their England team-mates and represent their country.Jarrad Branthwaite was drafted in as late cover following the mass exodus.But he then left the camp again to return to Everton for treatment on a “minor groin issue” and had his spot filled by Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah for what has turned out to be an important double header as Carsley bows out.READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland must defeat Greece in Athens by at least two goals tomorrow and then beat Ireland at Wembley on Sunday if they are to stand a realistic chance of winning their Nations League group and earning promotion back to the top tier. With nearly an entire potential starting XI absent through injury, the interim manager is expected to name a midfield three of Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher and Angel Gomes – who all play abroad – behind Bayern Munich’s Kane, while English-based players drop like flies.Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. More

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      Ruud van Nistelrooy could make instant return to English football with shock move after being brutally axed by Man Utd

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY could be set for a quickfire return to football, SunSport has learned.The Dutchman has left Old Trafford after new Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim decided he did not want him as part of his coaching staff.Ruud van Nistelrooy has admirers at BurnleyCredit: GettyThat decision came despite Van Nistelrooy winning three and drawing one of his four matches as United’s interim boss.His spell at the Red Devils, on top of his impressive season in charge of PSV, have seen his stocks rise and SunSport understands Burnley are interested.Their managerial hunt in the summer saw both Van Nistelrooy and Scott Parker as candidates – with the Clarets appointing the latter.The decision was taken out of their hands somewhat as Van Nistelrooy instead chose to join Man Utd as Erik ten Hag’s assistant despite holding talks to be top man at Burnley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe allure of an Old Trafford homecoming was too much for Van Nistelrooy to turn down.But Burnley could now look to revisit that situation if they feel they are heading in the wrong direction under Parker.Owner Alan Pace is well-known for giving managers time, as he has done with Sean Dyche and Vincent Kompany.So it seems unlikely he will axe Parker just yet.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut it will certainly be at the back of his mind amid significant fan unrest.Kicking-off their Championship campaign with 4-1 win against Luton and 5-0 win over Cardiff, Parker got off to a great start before things started to go downhill.How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyBut across Burnley’s last 13 league games since, they’ve only managed nine goals.A disgruntled Turf Moor could be beginning to turn on Parker despite them still sitting fourth in the table.Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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      Ex-Liverpool ace Djibril Cisse handed eight-month suspended jail sentence and slapped with huge fine

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      EX-LIVERPOOL star Djibril Cisse has landed an eight-month suspended jail term in France – for failing to submit his tax returns.The France striker won the Champions League during his two seasons at Anfield, scoring 24 goals in 82 games.Djibril Cisse was handed an eight-month suspended jail termCredit: ReutersThe former Liverpool striker was also fined £17,000Credit: AP:Associated PressEccentric Cisse, 43, left for Marseille in 2006.  He later played for Sunderland and QPR, and now works as a DJ and a pundit – and even did some modelling for Lidl.But a court in Bastia sentenced him on Wednesday after hearing his Corsica-based accountancy firm had been late in reporting details.Cisse was also fined £17,000 – 20,000 euros – after the judge found him guilty of abusing social funds.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, the ex-international revealed his relief at not being punished for tax evasion.Cisse declared: “As I have always said, I have never cheated the taxman.  “The court has proved me right.”Cisse’s lawyer Malcolm Mouldaia added: “This was a tax fraud case, but my client has been acquitted.  Most read in Football”I am delighted.”Prosecutors had called at a hearing in September for the footballer to receive a fixed one-year jail term, plus two years suspended and an £85,000 fine.Ex-Prem ref fears for David Coote’s career after his x-rated Klopp video suspensionThe trial heard an account set up to handle Cisse’s tax affairs was £465,000 in debt.Liverpool paid Auxerre £14million for Cisse in 2004, and he helped the Reds win the FA Cup the year after the unforgettable comeback against AC Milan in Istanbul.He left for Marseille, initially on loan, and went on to play in Greece, Italy, Qatar, Russia, Reunion and Switzerland as well as stints with the Black Cats and the Hoops.Cisse won 41 caps for France, scoring nine goals.Two of his sons are now making their own way in football with Cassius Clay Cisse at Notts County and Prince Kobe on the books at Liverpool.Cisse won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005Credit: AP:Associated Press More