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      Chelsea player ratings: Jackson shows signs of life at crucial time as Caicedo stars but Palmer again a passenger

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      ENZO MARESCA watched on from behind me as he served the touchline ban he earned himself vs Fulham – and he’ll be pleased with what he saw as Chelsea stole a 1-0 win at home to Everton. The game was shocked into life after 26 minutes when good pressure from the home side saw Nicolas Jackson take the ball on the turn and rifle it into the back of Jordan Pickford’s net, his first goal since returning from injury. Nicolas Jackson got Chelsea underway at Stamford Bridge with his first goal in 13 gamesCredit: ReutersEnzo Maresca watched on from the sidelinesCredit: ReutersIt was by no means easy after they grabbed the opener though, as the Blues dominated possession but failed to add more goals to their tally.Everton had chances too, and David Moyes’ side ramped up the pressure as the game went on, calling Robert Sanchez into action on multiple occasions in the second half.Jackson thought he’d finally given his side a safety net as the game came to a close, but the offside flag denied him his 11th Premier League goal of the season.Three points puts Chelsea in a good position to battle for the coveted Champions League places now, but they arguably have the hardest run-in of the teams they are competing against.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHere’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Blues against Everton.Robert Sanchez – 7Credit where credit is due, Sanchez was a force to be reckoned with today. In the early stages he looked like the same old shaky Sanchez, coming to claim crosses and then spilling them, opportunities which a more dangerous opposition may have punished. But as the game went on he made a vital save to deny Beto, was better in terms of his distribution, and by the end of the game looked as though he had glue on his gloves – coming and claiming every cross that came his way. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeMoises Caicedo – 9Moi has arguably been Chelsea’s player of the season as a combative holding midfielder, but was playing in the inverted fullback role for this game to accommodate Romeo Lavia’s inclusion. He is in fact so good that he can play there as well as any natural right back that Chelsea have got, with an impeccable work rate, great feet on the ball and an eye for a pass too. Inside Chelsea’s Strasbourg talent factory as angry fans fight identity crisis His importance to this side cannot be understated, with the Ecuadorian always in the right place at the right time and able to show up for his side with a level of consistency matched by no other player in the squad. No one really brings up the price tag Chelsea paid for him anymore, which is testament to just how good he has become. Trevoh Chalobah – 8With rumours swirling that Trevoh Chalobah could be expected to depart Chelsea for good this summer, if he is to leave then the Cobham graduate can go with his head held high. Trev played a vital role in the build up to Jackson’s opener, pressing Beto on the ball and winning it just before the Senegalese forward rifled home. Levi Colwill – 8 It’s no easy task marking 6’4″ Beto up front for Everton, who has caused chaos for numerous Premier League defences this campaign, but Levi marshalled him really well. Chelsea’s ever-present CB this season has been really growing into a leadership role in his recent performances, and today’s was no different.It’s easy to see in games like today why the Blues value their academy born centre-half so, so highly. Marc Cucurella – 8 Alongside Caicedo, Marc Cucurella has probably been Chelsea’s most consistent performer this season. The Stamford Bridge faithful have got used to him flying forward and playing almost as a second striker at times, but he was tasked with a slightly different job today and asked to be more defensive with Caicedo inverting instead of him. For me there has been no better left-back in the league this season, and today’s performance echoed that sentiment – winning crucial tackles, stepping in to intercept whenever necessary and progressing the ball well too. Romeo Lavia – 7When a £115million midfielder is moved to right-back so that you can fit in the starting XI, it emphasises how good of a player you are. Romeo returned to the starting XI today for only the ninth time this season, and has been missing from the Chelsea side entirely since mid-march when he played just eight minutes vs Arsenal. His passing was somewhat rusty, which was expected of a player who has been out for so long, but on the half-turn in midfield he really makes a difference for Maresca’s side and is vital in most good things the team do. If he can stay fit I truly believe he can be one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. Enzo Fernandez – 7 Picked up his seventh assist of the season with a neat pass into Jackson on the edge of the box in what was a well rounded performance from Chelsea’s number eight. It was quietly one of the most assured performances I’ve seen since Enzo’s arrival here, as he showed quality on and off the ball as well as all of the passion and leadership that has made the regulars at Stamford Bridge adore him so much. Noni Madueke – 6Noni was preferred to the in-form Jadon Sancho on the left wing today with Neto earning a spot on his preferred right hand-side given the nature of his winner against Fulham last time out. His style of play is less-suited to the left side, as a winger who takes a high volume of shots after cutting inside on his left foot and has a great relationship with Cole Palmer who also prefers to be on the right side of attack.Nonetheless it was a trickery-laden performance from him, and he had Nathan Patterson on strings for most of the first half with his quick feet – his defensive work didn’t go unnoticed either as he often supported Cucurella in that sense. Cole Palmer – 3Palmer stole the show against Everton last season with FOUR goals at Goodison Park, a performance he bought up recently in an Instagram story that he captioned ‘Enjoyment’. The ice-cold midfielder has gone somewhat off the boil since the turn of the year though, with many fans conspiring he’s not enjoying himself so much under the current manager.Maresca claimed in the week that it was a mentality issue for Palmer, and not a tactical thing, and to me that seems clear to see. The Chelsea star has faded to the point he was almost translucent in today’s game, which is just painful to see when you know how he can be when fully firing.Pedro Neto – 6 Neto gave Mykolenko a torrid time down the right flank, with an incredulous amount of hard work once again. There was no moment of magic like we saw against Fulham in the last match, and his end product on a consistent basis still needs to improve, but he still showed up for his side outside of that. Deserves huge credit for his defensive efforts, as he made a number of vital tackles in clutch moments, especially as the game came to a close. Nicolas Jackson – 8 THAT is exactly what Jackson can do. So many times in a Chelsea shirt we have seen him do everything required of him as a striker, apart from putting the ball in the back of the net when it’s needed most. His strike in the 26th minute from outside the box nestled perfectly in the bottom left corner to give the Blues the lead after a great touch on the half-turn. Aside from the goal, his hard work was much appreciated by the home support, as he often dropped deep to collect the ball and even tracked back to make a last man challenge on Beto at one stage in the second half.SubsReece James (on for Lavia, 67mins) – 6Replaced Lavia, who was excellent in midfield, and the Blues didn’t look worse off at all. Probably more solid in terms of defense and offered slighly less in transition than Lavia, but that was probably exactly what was needed from him given the state of the game when he came on. Jadon Sancho (on for Madueke, 78mins) – 5Showed flashes of his quick feet and ability, but Chelsea were seeing the game out for most of the time he was on the pitch. Didn’t see much of the ball, but did his defensive due diligence. Read More on The SunTyrique George (on for Jackson, 90mins) – 5Wasn’t given enough time to impact the game.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (on for Palmer, 90mins) – 5Wasn’t given enough time to impact the game. More

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      Chelsea 1 Everton 0: Jackson scores first goal since December as Blues grab vital three points ahead of horror run-in

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      THERE seems no end to Cole Palmer’s personal misery.But Nicolas Jackson ended his own scoring drought to take Chelsea a huge step nearer the Champions League place that will mean so much.Nicolas Jackson netted his first goal since December 15Credit: ReutersThe striker notched his 10th goal in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyPalmer’s wait for his first goal since mid-January now stands at 17 games and counting.As the England ace struggled to make any impression against an Everton side who only started to play in the final half hour, it was hard to see how Enzo Maresca’s suggestion his woes are a “mental thing” has done ANYONE much good.Palmer is a pale imitation of the player who was so good for his first season and a half at the Bridge.Those impish runs, the confident flicks and impudent self-belief have vanished, with him looking a shadow of the player who scored four against the Toffees in the corresponding match last term.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLYou can see it is affecting him, too, long before he was brought off in stoppage time as the home fans bit their fingernails through the dying minutes either side of Robert Sanchez’ crucial save from Dwight McNeil.Yet for Chelsea and Maresca, forced to watch from the back of the press box as he was suspended from the dug-out, this was a vital win. Jackson’s superb turn and strike just before the half-hour ended his own four-month spell without finding the net to extend the Stamford Bridge misery for David Moyes and Everton.It was a quality finish, too, after Trevoh Chalabah dispossessed Beto to feed Enzo Fernandes, with the Senegal striker spinning  on a sixpence to rifle beyond Jordan Pickford’s right hand.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIn truth, it was no more than a lacklustre Everton deserved, too, with David Moyes’ game-plan clearly about staying in the contest for long enough for home nerves to flutter.Moyes’ winless run in SW6 now stands at 25 games and counting, while Everton last took three points from the Bridge in 1994.Liverpool fans work out where guard of honour could be with Steven Gerrard humiliation in line to be avenged a decade onWilly Caballero was on the touchlineCredit: ReutersCole Palmer failed to break his goalscoring duckCredit: GettyAnd while Jackson’s winner was an emphatic answer to his doubters, none of the other three streaks ever really looked like ending.Chelsea were, for much of a match played in a subdued, almost listless atmosphere, far superior – without ever really grabbing the bull by the horns.Maresca had parked himself in the corner of the back row of the press box, choosing the semi-restricted “letter-box” view of the pitch.Then again, plenty of Blues fans have watched much of this season with their fingers in front of their eyes.In fairness, despite Palmer’s cloak of invisibility, this was not one of those.Full-backs Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke, operating off the left, were the stand-out performers.Madueke was first denied by Pickford’s left hand after playing a lovely one-two with Cucurella before advancing to the edge of the box.Chelsea player ratings vs EvertonBy Lloyd CanfieldENZO MARESCA watched on from the stands as Chelsea stole a 1-0 win at home to Everton. The game was shocked into life after 26 minutes when good pressure from the home side saw Nicolas Jackson take the ball on the turn and rifle it into the back of Jordan Pickford’s net, his first goal since returning from injury. It was by no means easy after they grabbed the opener though, as the Blues dominated possession but failed to add more goals to their tally.So who was to blame for another lethargic display? Did Cole Palmer finally show signs of improvement?Check out our Chelsea player ratings.But while the England keeper was lucky to get away with a weak punch straight to Cucurella – Chelsea rightly demanded a corner as the final touch came off Iliman Ndiaye – the officials’ “mistake” directly led to the goal.Pickford’s goal-kick up to Beto was picked off by Chalobah to instigate the move finished as Jackson span and shot instantly from 20 yards.Jackson’s response to the end of his own 13-match scoring drought – his previous goal came against Brentford in December – was a mixture of delight and relief. The home fans have not turned on the Senegal striker.They are, though, less keen on Sanchez – although the keeper ended up the hero of the hour with two vital second half stops.Sanchez remains a strange mix, his decision making and handling off his line enough to make you wonder if Chelsea surely have a better option among their battalion of glove-men.But when  it mattered, either side of two terrific Pickford saves – one with his left foot, the other with his left glove – the Spaniard stood firm.The first came with what was Beto’s final touch before he was pulled off, a snapshot from the edge of the box which was heading for the bottom corner before Sanchez sprang to his right.And three minutes from time, just after the flag rightly denied Jackson his second of the afternoon when Pickford was unable to hold Cucurella’s low 18-yarder, and with the fingernails of the home fans starting to be bitten, Sanchez made another big play.Carlos Alcaraz, whose half-time introduction for an utterly ineffective Ilian Ndiaye had made a difference, burst down the left to deliver to the penalty spot.Fellow substitute McNeil had to adjust his feet as the ball was slightly behind him but still made enough contact on the volley to hit the target.Once more, though, Sanchez anticipated down to his right, getting enough on the ball to ensure it went behind for a corner.Read More on The SunIt was enough to secure the points. Chelsea remain masters of their Champions League destiny, although with Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United and Forest to play, they have by far the toughest run-in of the contenders.To get over the line, surely, they need Palmer to rediscover his mojo. Quickly. More

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      Four ex-Premier League stars running London Marathon bidding to beat incredible record time for an ex-Prem player

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      FOUR Premier League heroes will be running the London Marathon with a purpose.The annual race takes place this Sunday in the capital and will feature several celebrities.Danny Mills is among four ex- Premier League stars taking part in the London MarathonChelsea legend John Terry will be looking to break the record of fastest finish by an ex-Prem starFormer Chelsea ace Jody Morris will also be running in LondonSteve Sidwell is the third Chelsea hero to run the marathonAmong them will be ex-Chelsea aces John Terry, Jody Morris and Steve Sidwell as well as former England international Danny Mills.The quartet will be joined by Oxford United manager Gary Rowett at the start line in Greenwich Park.Juventus and Italy legend Leonardo Bonucci has also been registered for the run.And they will all be looking to become the fastest ex-Premier League footballer to compete in the London Marathon.Read More on ChelseaSo far, the record stands at an impressive three hours and six minutes.And it belongs to ex-Scotland international Christian Dailly, who played for the likes of West Ham, Blackburn and Charlton.The aforementioned players would also love to break the overall marathon record held by a former footballer.And that belongs to former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben.Most read in FootballRobben holds an impressive two hours and 57 minutes under his belt.Mills told Story Shop on behalf of Puresport: “Running a marathon is something you do for yourself — nobody else cares about your time.John Terry clashes with Mark Clattenburg as the 26ers face F.C RTW in the Baller League “But crossing that finish line, knowing what you’ve put in, is one of the best feelings in the world.“Having said that, knowing there are some ex-footballers taking part has obviously awoken the competitive spirit. John and Jody are fit guys, but I’m hoping experience will win out. “John’s got a lot more medals at football than me so I’ll have to go for the running one.  Leonardo’s the unknown quantity!”Leonardo Bonucci will be competing against the former Premier League starsArjen Robben holds the fastest marathon record for a former footballerChristian Dailly holds the fastest record for an ex-Premier League star in the London Marathon More

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      Chelsea ‘open transfer talks to sign £80m-rated English wonderkid Jamie Gittens, 20, in shock swoop from Dortmund’

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      CHELSEA have opened talks with Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens, according to reports.The Blues are looking to add a winger to Enzo Maresca’s squad this summer and the Englishman is a top target.Chelsea are in talks over a deal for Jamie GittensCredit: RexSky Sports Germany claim the club have been in contact with Gittens’ representatives.The 20-year-old takes home £2.5million-a-year at Dortmund and Chelsea are said to be willing to double his wages.Gittens has been valued at £80m in the past but the latest report suggests a fee could be agreed between £43m and £51m.The England Under-21s international started the season in stunning form and has scored 12 goals in 44 games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he has fallen out of favour under Niko Kovac, who took over as Dortmund boss in January.Gittens could therefore decide to leave the Bundesliga side this summer and return to his homeland with Tottenham also interested.But staying put is not out of the question as the player’s reps have also been in talks with Dortmund chief Lars Ricken over his future.If Gittens joins Chelsea, it would see him return to the club he spent a short time with as a schoolboy.Most read in BundesligaJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Berkshire-born ace eventually decided to stay with Reading before joining Manchester City’s academy aged 14.He then moved to Dortmund two years later and made his senior debut at the age of 17 years and 251 days. The making of Tyrique George, who’s family made sacrifices to help Chelsea wonderkid with ‘dynamite’ shot live his dreamAs alternatives to Gittens, Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams are being considered.AC Milan star Rafael Leao is reportedly not seen as an option. More

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      ‘No wonder I didn’t play more’ – Darwin Nunez appears to take swipe at Liverpool as he reacts to transfer clause rumour

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      DARWIN NUNEZ has allegedly deleted a tweet criticising his lack of playing time at Liverpool this season.The Reds ace, 25, shared a cryptic social media post on Saturday morning where he appeared to take aim at his situation at the club.Darwin Nunez appears to have taken aim at his lack of starts at LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe now-deleted post criticised his lack of starts after a transfer clause rumour came to lightCredit: X @Darwinn99Nunez has made 42 appearances in Liverpool colours this season, but only 17 of these have come from starts, while he has 14 goal contributions with seven goals and seven assists in all comps.His frustrating lack of minutes led to a sensational report from Portugal earlier this week that Nunez was not being selected to start for financial reasons.A Bola claimed Liverpool would have to pay Benfica another £4.3million when he makes his 50th start in the Premier League and Champions League, though this was denied by manager Arne Slot.Nunez has started 49 Prem and Champions League games combined for Liverpool since joining from Benfica in an £85million transfer almost three years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd in a now-deleted post on X, Nunez is said to have wrote: “No wonder I don’t play more, because the last game I started in the Premier League went well and suddenly…”The alleged Nunez comment was swiftly deleted from his page, before his profile picture was also changed.Nunez’s last Premier League start came against bottom-club Southampton in March, where he registered a goal and assist in a 3-1 win before he returned to the bench for the next game against Everton.However, Nunez’s general form and commitment this season have been openly questioned by fans and Slot alike.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSlot previously said: “I helped him by saying you can miss a chance. I wasn’t only hard on him. But for the second time in a row I wasn’t happy with his work effort, against Wolves and against Villa.”I can’t accept if a player doesn’t give everything. That is clear. I can accept it once, but twice was a bit too much. That’s why I addressed it.”Shocking new footage of Darwin Nunez throwing CHAIR at Colombia fans emerges after Copa America clashThe allegedly removed post was replaced by another morning post where Nunez shared a selfie of himself alongside midfielder Alexis Mac Allister drinking Argentine staple drink, mate, captioned: “Good morning.”Liverpool look set to win the Premier League this weekend.Slot’s team need just a point to secure the title, so need at least a draw against 16th-place Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.The title will be the club’s second of the Premier League era and 20th English league title overall, drawing them level with Manchester United. More

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      PSG fans unfurl banner aimed at Arsenal before suffering shock loss as Enrique admits ‘the players are clearly affected’

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN fans unfurled a banner aimed at Arsenal before losing their first Ligue 1 game of the season.The French giants were on course to match the Gunners’ invincible achievement this campaign.Paris Saint-Germain showed off a banner aimed at ArsenalCredit: AFPThe French giants were then beaten by NiceCredit: GettyFormer Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Sanson netted twiceCredit: ReutersLuis Enrique fielded a strong teamCredit: AFPPSG have already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title with a massive 23-point advantage over second-placed Marseille.Ahead of Friday night’s clash against Nice at the Parc de Princes the club’s supporters had other things on their mind.The club are set to take on Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday.Supporters showed off a banner in the crowd that targeted Mikel Arteta’s side.READ MORE ON ARSENALIt read: “Eliminate Arsenal, bring us to the final”.However, the performance on the pitch may have dented their ambitions ahead of the tie.Former Aston Villa ace Morgan Sanson netted a brace on either side of a goal from Fabian Ruiz to put the visitors ahead.The result was wrapped up for Franck Haise’s men when Youssouf Ndayishimiye netted his side’s third in the 70th minute. Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPSG lost the game with all three of Nice’s shots on target finding the net.Manager Luis Enrique admitted that his players were left “affected” by the result.How Arsenal can outsmart PSG in Champions League semi-finalEnrique did not want to give any clues to Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyHowever, he did insist that they deserved to win and that he would be “signing up” for the matches against Arsenal.He said: “Based on what I saw, I’m signing up straight away for Tuesday in London and the return leg.”Not for the result, obviously, but I saw a team that had 30 chances to score. I’m not worried at all.”We attacked, didn’t calculate, and we came up against a goalkeeper who made some incredible saves.”We are the best team in France, by far, we proved it. We have to be brave now and think about winning the Champions League.”Right now, the players are clearly affected. We deserved to win, no doubt about it.”But if the opponent is 100 per cent efficient and you’re not as efficient as usual, things turn around. It’s as simple as that.”The former Barcelona boss fielded a full-strength side against Nice, which included stars such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire DoueHe was quizzed on why he made that decision and quipped that he did not want to help Arteta.Read More on The SunHe said: “Draw whatever conclusions you want from that.”I’m not going to give any clues to Arteta.” More

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      Real Madrid issue statement after making ref break down in tears and ‘threat to BOYCOTT Copa del Rey final vs Barcelona’

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      REAL MADRID have issued a statement following a referee breaking down in tears ahead of the Copa del Rey final.Los Blancos are due to face rivals Barcelona at the Estadio de La Cartuja tonight.Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea broke down in tears during a press conferenceCredit: Copa Del ReyThe official was targeted by a video released by RMTVCredit: APThe video showcased his decisions against Real MadridCredit: ReutersThere were thoughts that Los Blancos could boycott the Copa del Rey finalCredit: GettyHowever, the capital-based club pulled out of pre-match activities after referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea’s press conference.The Spanish official broke down as he responded to a video by Real’s in-house TV channel RMTV.The video highlighted decisions that had gone against Real, which the club believe to have been incorrect.An emotional De Brugos said: “To see your son come from school crying because some kids have said his dad is a crook is very hard to take.READ MORE FOOTBALL”What I do is tell my son that his father is honourable. I make mistakes, like any athlete, but I am honourable.”I want my son to be proud of his father and of the refereeing profession.”Nobody has the right to submit my colleagues to what they are dealing with.”Reuters has claimed that Real views the ref’s comments as a “clear conflict of interest.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA source told the outlet that the club believe that the refereeing team should be changed for the final.However, the Spanish FA rejected the request.You’re a football superfan if you can work out Brazil and Real Madrid legend’s son, 16, by his iconic playing style Real Madrid statementHere is the full statement released by Real Madrid…It read: “In light of the rumours that have arisen in the last few hours, Real Madrid C.F. communicates that our team never considered refusing to play in the final.”Our club understands that the unfortunate and inappropriate statements from the referees appointed for this match, made 24 hours before the final, cannot tarnish a sporting event of global importance that will be watched by hundreds of millions of people and also out of respect also for all the fans who are planning to travel to Seville, and for all those who are already in the Andalusian capital.”Real Madrid understands that football’s values must prevail, despite the hostility and animosity that has today once again been shown against our club, by the referees appointed for the final.”The actions of the club led many to believe that they may boycott the final entirely.However, Real later released a statement that insisted that it “never considered” withdrawing from the match.The club continued to argue that “football’s values must prevail, despite animosity that has once again been shown against our club”.The final VAR, Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, joined De Brugos at his press conference.He insisted that referees will soon take action against the constant pressure they are under.He added: “In a few days, you all will see.”We are going to make history and we are not going to continue to put up with what we are putting up with.”A strike? You will have news from us soon.”Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has also weighed in on the referee debacle.The German insisted that officials, like players, need to be protected,He said: “For me, it’s only a sport. It’s only a game.Read More on The Sun”It’s only football.”It is our responsibility to protect not only the players but all the people involved in the game.”Hansi Flick claimed referees need to be protectedCredit: Getty More

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      Dimitri Payet breaks silence on claims he beat lover & made her film sick sex acts saying relationship was ‘consensual’

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      FORMER Premier League star Dimitri Payet has broken his silence after abuse claims made by his ex-lover.Larissa Ferrari alleged the married midfielder subjected her to “physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence” – including forcing her to film degrading videos, in an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday.Ex-lover Larissa Ferrari accused the ex-West Ham ace of ‘physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence’Credit: NewsflashThe footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa, 28, over Instagram last August using a fake profile, claims LarissaCredit: NewsflashLarissa showed The Sun on Sunday pictures of bruises, which she also handed to policeThe Brazilian lawyer, 28, also accused the former West Ham and French international Payet, 38, of making her take part in a fake wedding and wearing a ring to “prove her love”.She also alleged he made her drink her own urine and water from the toilet, and lick the floor.Larissa showed The Sun on Sunday photos of her bruises which she said she’d handed to police.The mum-of-two said: “He’s a sick monster. I was scared for my life, and I’m still scared.”READ MORE NEWSPayet, however, has denied “physical and psychological violence” in a statement to Brazilian cops, reports local outlet G1, which claims to have seen a document detailing the case. The footballer admitted to having had a seven-month affair with his accuser after “becoming lonely” while playing for Vasco da Gama in Rio de Janeiro.Larissa told G1 she suffers from Borderline personality disorder and claims Payet took advantage of her condition.”Dimitri knew about my passion and psychological problems, using this against me,” she is reported to have said by the Brazilian outlet. Most read in Football”Dimitri convinced me to put my head in the trash, in the toilet, made me drink my own urine and other sexual bizarre acts.”However, Payet’s statement allegedly sees him claim everything was consensual and proposed by his accuser.Dimitri Payet breaks down in tears after announcing he is leaving Marseille It refers to an incident where Larissa “requested slaps during sexual intercourse” which resulted in marks on her body.The footballer is also said to have claimed the pair used wooden chairs during sex.G1 reports Payet alleges he refused Larissa’s wish to continue their relationship as he prepares to return to France, which would include him paying her expenses.Payet has four children with his wife of nearly 20 years, Ludivine, who remained in France after he joined the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club in 2023. Payet’s lawyer Sheila Lustoza told G1: “It is regrettable that confidential records were leaked, but the case reveals with evidence something that is very clear: a woman exercising her freedom and will, as it should be, contrary to what has been publicly narrated up until now. “The defence is confident that the truth that is proven by documents will demonstrate these facts.”‘I only want justice’Speaking to The Sun on Sunday previously, Larissa went on to say: “I not only want justice but to also help other women who are blindly allowing their partners to abuse them.”Payet spent 18 months with West Ham before Marseille paid £25million for him in January 2017. He then moved to Rio in 2023 after signing for Vasco de Gama.Payet spent 18 months with Premier League side West HamCredit: PA:Press AssociationLarissa wearing bridal gear for ‘ceremony’The footballer struck up a conversation with Larissa over Instagram last August. She claims that Payet used a fake profile. They then started messaging on WhatsApp.Larissa, who knew the star was married, initially flew 1,500 miles from her home in the state of Parana to meet him in Rio’s Windsor Hotel where his team were staying before a match.She said: “He was very sweet and romantic. It was a very intense date and the following day I went to watch him play. He was so attentive and there was lots of hugging and kissing. I thought he seemed like a lovely man.”As the relationship grew, they started staying together for days at a time.Larissa said she stopped dating other people and they acted as a “normal couple”. But in early December Larissa’s pal posted on social media a snap of two match tickets Payet had given them.Larissa claimed Payet became aggressive and screamed at her. She said: “This was the first time I saw this side of him.”Read More on The SunShe alleges that sparked off the abuse.In text messages seen by The Sun, Payet asked for “humiliating” sexual videos of Larissa. WhatsApp messages also show Payet asking for “disgusting acts” to prove her love.Domestic abuse – how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone – including men – and does not always involve physical violence.Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship:Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak toThreats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten.Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent.If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers:Remember, you are not alone.1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.Payet and his wife Ludivine, a mum of fourCredit: AFPLarrisa claims Payet made her wear a wedding ring More