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      Premier League’s newest stadium sees record attendance before planned evacuation 65 minutes into match

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      EVERTON’S second test match in their new stadium ended with an evacuation.The Toffees are ready to leave their historic Goodison Park ground – England’s first major football stadium – after 132 years.Everton’s second test match in their new stadium ended with an evacuationCredit: AFPEverton are ready to leave their historic Goodison Park groundCredit: AFPAnd the Merseysiders are moving in to their brand new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium in May.The Premier League outfit held their first test event at their 52,888-capacity ground last month.About 10,000 lucky fans won a ballot and got to watch Everton’s Under-18s take on Wigan’s reserves, who won the friendly match with a score of 2-1.The club decided to take advantage of the international break to host a second test match.Read More on FootballThis time a record 25,000 fans got to watch the Under-21s take on Bolton’s B team at the £800million venue on Sunday.Everton youngster Kingsford Boayke scored the only goal of the match before a planned evacuation was announced after 65 minutes.The clearance took place in order to ensure the club can obtain a safety license for their new stadiumEverton posted earlier this week: “An evacuation exercise will be performed at Everton’s new stadium as part of the test event schedule that will enable the Club to obtain a safety licence for the 52,888-capacity waterfront venue.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The 25,000-plus supporters attending the stadium’s second test event – a friendly between the Blues’ Under-21s and Bolton Wanderers ‘B’ on Sunday 23 March – are to be asked to exit the stadium during the second half, before the full-time whistle.”The process will allow the emergency services and local authorities to monitor a large-scale evacuation from the Bramley-Moore Dock site and supporters attending the event are being asked to play their part in making the exercise a success.Everton’s £760million new stadium close to completion as incredible new video of ground is revealed “The planned evacuation will signal the end of the match and supporters will not be allowed to return to the stadium. “Attendees will be safely guided out of the stadium and will not be required to muster or congregate.”Instead, once out of the stadium, fans will be encouraged to leave as they would if they were leaving after a game.”The Club is working with transport authorities to ensure local services are timed to manage the flow of people away from Bramley-Moore Dock as they exit the stadium.”Everton Under-21s took on Bolton in their second test matchCredit: PAEverton are moving in to their brand new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium in MayCredit: EPA More

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      Thomas Tuchel warns England’s army of talented playmakers that some will watch World Cup on sofa after blasting Foden

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      THOMAS TUCHEL told his army of talented playmakers  that some of them will be watching the World Cup from their sofas.The new England boss has more candidates for No 10 than a voter at a general election.Thomas Tuchel has warned England’s playmakers that not all of them will be going to the World CupCredit: GettyTuchel admits Phil Foden is yet to transfer his Man City form to an England shirtCredit: GettyJude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Morgan Gibbs-White are all vying to play as central attacking midfielders.But Tuchel has warned  that some of them will not be going to the United States next summer because he must select the most well- balanced squad rather than simply picking all of his best players.The England boss claims that Real Madrid Galactico Bellingham, 21, and Manchester City’s 24-year-old Foden can play in the same team, despite plenty of evidence to the contrary.Chelsea talisman Palmer is out injured but is also a world-class No 10, while fellow 22-year-old Rogers — who plays in that role for  Champions League quarter-finalists Aston Villa — is expected to start on the wing against Latvia on Monday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Gibbs-White, 25, who replaced Palmer in the squad for Friday night’s 2-0 win over Albania  has been outstanding in that position for high-flying Nottingham Forest.But Tuchel said: “Some No 10s simply cannot play. We have to get the process right to find the best group. If that means we leave very good and talented players out of the squad this can happen.“We need to get the team right because it’s one thing to play  qualifiers, it’s another thing to play tournament football.”Tuchel seems committed to Bellingham as his first-choice No 10, after predecessor Gareth Southgate frequently shunted him on to the left flank to accommodate Foden.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIn the autumn interim boss Lee Carsley selected Bellingham, Foden and Palmer in the same unorthodox starting line-up and it backfired badly as the Three Lions suffered an embarrassing 2-1 Nations League home defeat by Greece.Carsley also employed City’s Jack Grealish, predominantly a winger, as a No 10 during his six-match reign last autumn but Tuchel has left out the 29-year-old due to a lack of game-time with his club.’I don’t expect anything’ Roy Keane savages England star after below-par display in Thomas Tuchel’s first gameJude Bellingham looks to have already cemented his place as England’s first-choice No10Credit: GettyMorgan Rogers is set to get a start out wide against LatviaCredit: GettyTuchel admits Foden has rarely produced his club form in a 44-cap England career.He said: “Phil would prefer to play No 10, maybe it would suit him more.“We also have Rogers who’s very impressive. We also have Palmer.“The players have to take what they get. Phil can play on the wing, as a nine in the middle of the pitch.“He is just missing what these creative players sometimes are  missing — confidence and the flow.Cole Palmer was forced to withdraw from England’s squad due to injuryCredit: AFPHe was replaced by Morgan Gibbs-White, who had not initially been called upCredit: PA“He’s trying hard, you see his investment in defensive actions.“It’s just not really happening. You sometimes see it in the clubs, it’s not only here with England.”But asked whether Bellingham and Foden can play well in tandem, Tuchel answered: “One hundred per cent, they can play together.“Phil’s numbers are unbelievably good for Man City. They are not so good for the national team, so we need to try to build something to see the Phil Foden from Man City.”Tuchel was surprised his public criticism of Foden and Marcus  Rashford attracted so much attention.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “We try to be honest. But nothing I say in public is something they haven’t heard from me before.“Sometimes I’m surprised with what people try to make out of it, that Marcus and Phil should be offended. I don’t see it.” More

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      Thomas Tuchel takes swipe at Arsenal boss Arteta as he risks club vs country row by vowing not to rest England stars

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      THOMAS TUCHEL will show no mercy to Prem bosses by refusing to rest England stars.And that is because the Three Lions chief says his club counterparts do not care about international managers.Thomas Tuchel has a strong retort for any worried Prem bossesCredit: GettyTuchel spoke out on Mikel Arteta’s use of Declan Rice for ArsenalCredit: GettyTuchel will resist the temptation to make sweeping changes for tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia at Wembley.He insists his coaches will not ‘break our heads’ worrying about rotation — pointing out Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta did not rest Declan Rice for a Champions League tie with PSV Eindhoven.The German said: “Given the fact Declan Rice played in the second leg with Arsenal after a 7-1 first-leg lead, I didn’t have the feeling they think so much about us.“So I don’t think we have to break our heads about this.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS“I take care of the players. We take care about the schedule.  But it would be the wrong signal to tell players now ‘you have tough (club) matches coming up, so I rest you now’.“We have a qualifier to play, we do what’s good for us. We are in contact with the clubs, we are in high-level monitoring where the fitness statuses are known and we won’t take any unprofessional risks.”Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had ‘never been so angry’ as when John Stones returned injured after Tuchel’s predecessor Gareth Southgate started the defender in two England friendlies in four days last year.But Tuchel claims he never asked players to skip internationals while manager of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, where he managed Harry Kane.Most read in FootballPep Guardiola was angry over England’s use of John StonesCredit: The TimesBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe said: “This window is at a time where clubs play a crucial part of the season.“They play for championships and  quarter-finals in the Champions League. We’re well aware of it but we also have our own goals and targets. The players are keen to play and it has to be like this.’I don’t expect anything’ Roy Keane savages England star after below-par display in Thomas Tuchel’s first game“I never pushed any national coach because I hoped my players did get picked, I was also hoping they are proud to play.“You’re never happy if something happens. No one can predict there is no accident, but  we’ll take responsible decisions.“I feel responsible for the players. I want the players to play in the quarter-finals of the Champions League — all of them — because I want to watch it.”A hip injury has forced Anthony Gordon to return to Newcastle for treatment. The winger, 24, limped off down the tunnel after Friday’s 2-0 win over Albania. More

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      Reading FC could become one of the most tragic stories in football history if EFL lose game of chicken with Dai Yongge

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      READING and their fans are being held hostage by a Chinese owner  edging them closer to what would be one of the most tragic stories in English football history.Supporters are genuinely scared they could become Bury The Sequel after the EFL told owner Dai Yongge to sell up by April 4 or else.Reading vs Port Vale was abandoned after home fans invaded the pitchCredit: AlamySupporters vented their fury over club owner Dai YonggeCredit: PAThe Chinese businessman has rightly been disqualified from owning a club in the Football League and ordered to sell his shares by next month.And if he fails to do so the EFL management board will meet in late April to consider the options — which include suspending the club or booting them out altogether.It has worrying echoes of the spring and summer months of 2019 when the EFL were trying to force Bury owner Steve Dale to sell the League One club that he paid only a pound for.Dale was unable to provide proof of funds to finance the club then failed to sell up and the Shakers were expelled from the League after 125 years of continuous membership.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNow they’re plying their trade in the North West Counties League Premier Division, the ninth tier of English football.Such an Armageddon scenario doesn’t bear thinking about for a club believed to be the  seventh oldest in England.The EFL are clearly trying to force his hand — with league chiefs, Reading fans plus  club players and staff fed up after more than 500 days of Yongge failing to enact a sale.A clear choice is on the table for Yongge: sell up today for somewhere around £25million as a League One club which has potential to climb to the Premier League or get booted out of the EFL and then  pocket only a fraction of that amount.Most read in EFLThe message from Reading fans is clear as they demand actionCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMost sensible people would at this point know the game is up.But on evidence so far,  applying the law of common sense — or even showing an ounce of business acumen — is something that deserts Yongge.Alan Pardew calls out the EFL amid controversial situation at Reading football clubThe Chinese businessmen — and his sister Dai Xiu Li — incredibly allowed 99-year-old Belgian team KSV Roeselare to go bankrupt with debts of only £17,000!Beijing Chengfeng, another club he owned, tumbled from the Chinese Super League to their third tier before they were dissolved in 2021.Then you only have to look at how he signed players like Liam Moore on wages believed to be around £40,000-£50,000 a week — then failed to sell him to Brighton for a fee of £9MILLION with only a year left on his deal.The defender then got crocked and walked away on a free.Yongge is known to be stubborn, which leads to all common sense going out of the window.And there are genuine fears he could dig his heels in.He has already stripped the club of its main assets — their stadium and training ground.So he could be minded to not give a hoot what happens to the club in the safe knowledge he has a couple of decent chunks of land to sell.Yongge is pictured with former Royals manager Jaap StamCredit: RexA big problem as things stand is the gaping hole between corporate law and competition rules.The EFL regulations say they can disqualify an owner and order him to sell — but cannot take the shares off him like a compulsory purchase order.Yongge could just ignore them — and, in the meantime, hold Reading FC as hostages. You take me down, you take down the club.It has become a dangerous game of chicken.And it brings into sharp focus why there must be changes in the law to protect community assets such as football clubs.So a compulsory purchase can be enacted if an owner is behaving recklessly.The good news is Yongge’s excuse that any progress on selling the club is being held up by a legal dispute with American Rob Couhig has now been  officially rejected by a court.New laws must be passed so teams like Reading cannot be held hostage by an unruly owner.The former Wycombe owner — whose takeover bid fell through last summer — wants the  £5million back he lent the club, with the training ground and stadium being put up as  securities by Yongge.Couhig’s Redwood Holdings is currently suing Yongge’s Renhe Sports Management for allegedly breaking exclusivity rules while negotiating the sale of the club last year.That is now a side issue and Yongge cannot blame that  dispute in holding up any sale.The Royals owner was finally disqualified by the EFL after it was found he had been added to a bad creditors list by the Chinese government.It is something Caroline Parker from fan group Sell Before We Dai has been lobbying the EFL over for some time.Let’s hope that Yongge finally sees sense and releases the  hostage that is Reading FC.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd for crying out loud can Parliament and the football authorities work together to close every single loophole that allows such a person to treat one of our oldest clubs in such a reckless way.New laws must be passed so teams like Reading cannot be held hostage by an unruly owner. 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      Cristiano Ronaldo takes ‘worst penalty ever’ in Nations League play-off as fans say ‘Hojlund got in his head’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO took the “worst penalty ever” as fans said “Rasmus Hojlund got in his head.”The 40-year-old’s side arrived chasing a 1-0 deficit from the first leg after Hojlund netted the winner in Copenhagen.Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo missed the ‘worst penalty’ ever against DenmarkFans joked Rasmus Hojlund had left CR7 rattled after his ‘Siu’ celebration in mid-weekCredit: GettyThe Man Utd star then toasted the strike by imitating Ronaldo’s “Siu” celebration.Prior to Sunday’s return leg, CR7 snapped at a journalist after questions over his form.Ronaldo also urged Portugal fans to get behind the team and help them reach the Nations League semis.But the iconic forward spurned a glorious opportunity to give the home support something to cheer about in Lisbon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith just five minutes on the clock, Portugal were gifted an incredible route back into the game when they won a penalty.Ronaldo, who has scored a record 135 international goals, stepped up to the spot.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut after taking his traditional run-up, the striker hit a tame effort at goal.Denmark goalie Kasper Schmeichel easily collected the shot.Most read in Football’Bro you don’t look like me, you’re very ugly’ – Cristiano Ronaldo destroys lookalike fan at Al-Nassr matchInside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar.And Ronaldo was left with his head in his hands as Portugal fans groaned in despair.Meanwhile, other supporters flocked online to react to Ronaldo’s missOne said: “That’s one of the worst penalties I’ve ever seen.”Another declared: “Rasmus Hojlund got into the head of Ronaldo.”One noted: “Last week Hojlund turned into Ronaldo, so this time he turned up as Hojlund.”Another added: “Why didn’t he full power it?”Ronaldo would go on to help Portugal book a Nations League semi-final spot, and even scored, as they sunk Denmark 5-2 after extra time for a 5-3 aggregate win.The Portuguese found their equaliser in bizarre circumstances, with Joachim Andersen heading into his own goal to make it 1-0 on the night and 1-1 on aggregate.However, Denmark netted in the 57th minute through Rasmus Kristensen, who scored in the right net with a back-post header very similar to Andersen’s own goal.Ronaldo then finally did grab his goal with a strike in the 72nd minute.But Denmark went back ahead when Christian Eriksen tapped home moments later.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, Portugal managed to send the game to extra time thanks to a sublime 86th minute effort from Francisco Trincao.The winger and Goncalo Ramos then struck in the added half-hour as the home side went through. More

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      Kyle Walker signs big money deal to model huge fashion brand’s underwear just like David Beckham

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      FOOTIE ace Kyle Walker is modelling pants for Hugo Boss — just like David Beckham.Love rat Kyle, 34, has long been known for an apparent inability to keep his undies on.Kyle was pictured wearing Calvin Klein pants during lockdown in 2020Credit: instagramAnnie Kilner, who filed for divorce last year, is said to want half of Kyle’s £27million fortuneCredit: Refer to CaptionDavid Beckham was also a pin-up of Hugo Boss, helping him launch his business empireCredit: The Mega AgencyBut the England star wears nothing else in a new campaign for the fashion brand, of which Becks was also a pin-up.He will feature in ads next month in a lucrative deal said to be worth six figures.Man City star Kyle has also signed on loan for Goldenballs’ old club AC Milan and asked to wear his number 32 shirt.It comes as he faces a costly divorce from Annie Kilner, 31, after fathering a second child with ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman, 34.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERA source said: “He’s so excited about this, he can’t contain himself.“He’s been reluctant to do anything like this in the past because he doesn’t like the spotlight, but things are different now.“He’s loving his new lease of life with AC Milan and hopes his performances can help him reach 100 caps for England.“But he’s also thinking about the future and has half an eye on life beyond football.”Most read in FootballKyle was pictured wearing Calvin Klein pants during lockdown in 2020 — before dropping them to enjoy a sex party with two escorts.The defender also modelled for GQ last month, and said: “People do say in the dressing room that my style is OK.Inside Kyle Walker’s night with 2 party girls in Milan day after wife Annie flew home – & his whopping bar bill revealed“A lot of team-mates put me in their top three.”Beckham’s Hugo Boss campaigns helped him launch his successful business empire.The source added: “Kyle saw what Becks did and wants to follow in his footsteps to create something beyond football.”Mum-of-four Annie, who filed for divorce last year, is said to want half his £27million fortune. Kyle has signed on loan for Goldenballs’ old club AC MilanCredit: Getty More

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      Nations League play-off descends into chaos as fans invade pitch and fight in stands in shocking scenes

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      A NATIONS LEAGUE play-off match between Armenia and Georgia descended into utter chaos at the sound of the whistle.Fans poured onto the pitch in Georgia in scenes that saw fighting, objects being thrown and a pitch invasion.Fans poured onto the pitch following Georgia’s win over Armenia in the Nations LeagueCredit: X @robananyanHundreds of supporters flooded the playing surfaceCredit: X @robananyanFans were seen hopping barriers to get on the pitchCredit: X @robananyanCrowd trouble occurred in the stands tooCredit: X @robananyanPolice and stewards tried to stop the chaosCredit: X @robananyanThe game, which ended in a 6-1 win for Georgia, had seen tensions rise, but the whole thing boiled over after full-time.Video taken at the game showed hundreds of supporters leaping over seats and barriers to get on the pitch after the final whistle.While supporters could be seen hurling objects at other sections of the ground.A report from Armenian journalist Robert Ananyan claimed that Georgian fans were throwing objects towards Armenian fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPolice and stewards inside the stadium were attempting to calm the chaos, but the sheer number of fans causing havoc prevented there from being much of an impact.Georgia and Armenia are neighbouring countries, but at present there is no known reason behind the chaos inside the ground.In fact, earlier this week the two nations announced a shared bid to co-host the 2029 U20 World Cup.Fans initially seemed to enter the pitch in order to ask for shirts and take pictures with the players.Most read in FootballFans seemed to initially invade to pitch to get photos with playersCredit: GettyKhvicha Kvaratskhelia was mobbed by fans at full-timeCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe incident could now result in Georgia fans being handed a stadium ban.Willy Sagnol’s team face Turkey and Bulgaria in World Cup qualifiers in September.Shock moment Aston Villa & Celtic fans clash before Champions League showdown as FLARE launched towards home supportersGeorgia’s dominant 6-1 win on the night was spearheaded by a top performance from PSG star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.The star winger netted Georgia’s sixth goal, joining Georges Mikautadze, Giorgi Chakvetadz and Otar Kiteishvilli on the scoresheet.The 9-1 aggregate win means that the Georgians will remain in League B of the Nations League next season.While Armenia be stuck in League C, despite a positive campaign that saw them finish second in their group.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia starred as Georgia won the gameCredit: GettyArmenia will remain in League C of the Nations League following their defeatCredit: Getty More

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      Former Premier League star barely recognisable as he shows off horror injuries suffered in World Cup qualifying

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      FORMER Manchester City star Edin Dzeko looked almost unrecognisable in a photo he shared online following facial injuries during the international break.Dzeko, 39, took part in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Romania on Friday, but left the stadium bruised and battered.Edin Dzeko looked unrecognisable after suffering facial injuries while on international dutyCredit: edindzeko/instagramThe Bosnia and Herzegovina star was kicked in the face during a match against RomaniaCredit: edindzeko/instagramDzeko was already wearing a wrist support from a recent injuryCredit: EPAHe shared a close up of stitches above his eye from an injury sustained with his clubCredit: edindzeko/instagramDzeko was left bleeding from his eye in a recent Fenerbahce matchCredit: edindzeko/instagramThe veteran striker shared the message that he is, “ALL IN or nothing”, on Instagram after being clattered in the face by a Romanian defender during the clash.Dzeko suffered horror injuries to his face, including two black eyes and busted nose and was forced off the pitch as a result.The Fenerbahce forward looked as though he had been through the wars as he added his international injuries to a stitched up eye and bandaged hand from his club duties in recent weeks.In fact, the Inter Milan and Roma man even shared a picture of blood pouring from his eye earlier in the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis worse for wear look left his teammates over the years teasing him in the comments section of his post.Mario Balotelli wrote: “You look nice in this”.While Radja Nainggolan added: “You look great”.Anderson Talisca chimed in with some words of support, writing: “Cheers brother! You will come back stronger”.Most read in FootballDzeko won two Premier League titles with Manchester CityCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Fenerbahce goalkeeper Ifran Can Egribayat simply wrote: “Legend”.Dzeko, who won two Premier League titles with Man City, is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s captain and all-time record appearance holder.Sol Campbell reveals he’d have never have made controversial transfer to Arsenal if it wasn’t for Lord Sugar He also holds the title of record goalscorer for the nation, scoring 67 goals in his 140 caps.Unfortunately he will be unable to extend either of those records on Monday when Bosnia and Herzegovina face Cyprus, after his fresh injury has ruled him out of contention.According to Fenerbahce, Dzeko is returning to Turkey for further tests and will miss out on the game.Bosnia and Herzegovina boss Sergej Barbarez suggested that Dzeko could have broken his nose.He said: “I think Edin Dzeko’s nose is broken. He wasn’t in the dressing room. I don’t have full information yet”. More