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    Man Utd ‘eye shock transfer move for Stoke flop Joselu, 34, as Red Devils send representatives to Spain’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly eyeing a shock transfer move for Stoke flop Joselu.The 34-year-old striker is currently on loan at Real Madrid from Espanyol.Credit: GettyCredit: Phil Shephard-Lewis – The SunHe has 14 goals in 38 games for the LaLiga leaders.But despite struggling in the Premier League with both Stoke and Newcastle, Joselu is now said to be a target for United.Relevo claims representatives from Old Trafford have already jetted to Spain to enquire about a summer deal.Joselu is technically still tied down to Espanyol, with his contract expiring in 2025.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd United believe he fits the bill for a back-up role to Rasmus Hojlund.However, the Red Devils reportedly face competition from several other English sides.A move for Joselu would also depend on the viewpoint of their next sporting director, which could be Dan Ashworth.And the fact remains that Joselu’s priority is to remain at Real Madrid.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe hitman is likely to continue in a fringe role should Los Blancos complete a deal for Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe.But Carlo Ancelotti and his staff have been left impressed by Joselu’s professional attitude and eye for goal.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-UpsCredit: Getty Images – GettyAnd despite more negotiations needed with Espanyol, those behind the scenes at Real apparently expect Joselu to stay with them for another season.The veteran is certainly enjoying the best spell of his career, having also become a regular for Spain following his debut last year.Joselu now has five goals in ten games for his country and helped them win the Nations League.It’s a far cry from earlier in his career, where he bounced around from club to club before leaving Newcastle for Alaves in 2019.Indeed, Joselu has already matched his second-best ever total goals for a season.And he needs just four more to set a career high.Joselu’s playing career revealedThose numbers in full…

    Celta Vigo, 2008-2010: 30 games, 4 goals

    Real Madrid, 2010-2012: 2 games, 2 goals

    Hoffenheim, 2012-2013: 25 games, 5 goals

    Eintracht Frankfurt, 2013-2014: 33 games, 14 goals

    Hannover 96, 2014-2015: 32 games, 10 goals

    Stoke City, 2015-16: 27 games, 4 goals

    Deportivo La Coruna, 2016-2017: 24 games, 6 goals

    Newcastle, 2017-2019: 52 games, 7 goals

    Alaves, 2019-2022: 113 games, 36 goals

    Espanyol, 2022-2023: 38 games, 17 goals

    Real Madrid, 2023-2024: 38 games, 14 goals

    Spain, 2023-2024: 10 games, 5 goals

    Trophies: Spanish Super Cup (Real Madrid); Nations League (Spain) More

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    Larry Lloyd death updates — Nottingham Forest lead tributes as former England icon dies aged 75

    FORMER Nottingham Forest and England star Larry Lloyd has died aged 75.The football icon spent five years at Liverpool before joining Forest and winning back-to-back European Cups.Paying tribute to the beloved defender, the Premier League side wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Larry Lloyd.”Part of the Miracle Men, Larry was an integral player in the Forest side that memorably won back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, making 218 appearances for the club in total.”We send our condolences to Larry’s friends and family at this truly sad time.”Follow our live blog below for the latest news and updates…Fans pay tribute to Larry the ‘Big Man’
    Plenty of fans also rushed to pay tribute to four-cap former England international Lloyd.
    One wrote: “So sad RIP Larry thank you for everything you did for this club.”
    While a second gushed: “Thank you for all the memories Big Man. Condolences to all.”
    Copy linkCopiedWhat did Larry do after he retired from football?
    After hanging up his boots he went on to cover Forest as a pundit on local radio, before spending many years in Spain and working as a pub landlord.
    Lloyd spent his final years back in Nottinghamshire, having returned in 2021.
    Copy linkCopiedLarry’s club and country caps
    Bristol Rovers 1968-69 – 43 games
    Liverpool 1969-1974  – 214 games 
    Coventry City 1974-76 – 54 games
    Nottingham Forest 1976-80 – 214 games
    Wigan – 1980-83 – 57 games
    England – Four caps
    Copy linkCopiedLarry’s early career
    Lloyd began his career with hometown team Bristol Rovers, playing 43 times before signing for Liverpool in 1969.
    He played 214 times for the Reds over five years, winning the First Division and the Uefa Cup.
    Two years at Coventry followed, before he joined Clough’s revolution at Forest.
    Having been recommended by Cloughie’s former No2 Peter Taylor, Lloyd arrived at The City ground in a £60,000 deal.
    Copy linkCopiedTributes flood in for Larry
    Tributes have flooded in following the tragic news.
    One person wrote on X: “Sad to hear Larry Lloyd has died. He made around 50 appearances for the Sky Blues in the mid 70s, after moving from Liverpool.”
    A second added: “From turning out in the Bristol Downs League for Henbury Old Boys, to reaching the pinnacle of club football with Nottingham Forest, West Country boy Larry Lloyd’s story is stuff of fairytale #RIPLarry.”
    Copy linkCopiedLarry’s life after football
    After hanging up his boots he went on to cover Forest as a pundit on local radio.
    He went on to become a pub landlord in Spain.
    Lloyd spent his final years back in Nottinghamshire, having returned in 2021.
    Copy linkCopiedLarry’s career in pictures
    Larry Lloyd made history winning back-to-back European Cups with Nottingham Forest.
    He also starred for Liverpool and England during his career.
    Credit: PA
    Credit: GETTY
    Credit: PA
    Copy linkCopiedEngland pays tribute
    The official England national team X page has paid tribute to Larry Lloyd.
    Taking to social media, the team wrote: “We are saddened to hear that Larry Lloyd, who won four caps for the #ThreeLions between 1971 and 1980, has passed away aged 75.
    “Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

    Copy linkCopiedInside Lloyd’s legendary stint at Nottingham Forest
    Larry Lloyd joined a Nottingham Forest side languishing in the second tier of England football.
    Within three years, however, he was one of the “Miracle Men” who won the European Cup against Malmo in Munich.
    Alongside Kenny Burns and England icon Peter Shilton, Lloyd forged an almost impassable defence.
    Lloyd also starred alongside the likes of John McGovern, Viv Anderson, John Robertson Tony Woodcock in the final.
    Copy linkCopiedMore tributes flood in
    Fans have continued to flood social media with tributes to Nottingham Forest and England legend Larry Lloyd.
    One said: “Thanks for the memories Larry.”
    And another added: “Gutted. Massive part of the change from second-tier also-rans to champions of Europe. RIP Larry.”

    Copy linkCopiedLarry Lloyd’s career in numbers

    Bristol Rovers 1968-69 – 43 games
    Liverpool 1969-1974  – 214 games 
    Coventry City 1974-76 – 54 games
    Nottingham Forest 1976-80 – 214 games
    Wigan – 1980-83 – 57 games
    England – Four caps

    Honours: 

    Liverpool – First Division 1973, Uefa Cup – 1973
    Nottingham Forest – European Cup 1979, 1980. League Cup – 1978, 1979, Super Cup – 1979

    Copy linkCopiedHeartbroken fans share tributes
    Fans have flooded social media with tributes to Larry Lloyd.
    One wrote: “So sad RIP Larry thank you for everything u did for this club.”
    While a second gushed: “Thank you for all the memories Big Man. Condolences to all.”
    Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest pays tribute
    In a statement, Nottingham Forest wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Larry Lloyd.
    “Part of the Miracle Men, Larry was an integral player in the Forest side that memorably won back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, making 218 appearances for the club in total.
    “We send our condolences to Larry’s friends and family at this truly sad time.
    “Rest in peace, Larry.”
    Credit: REX
    Copy linkCopiedFormer England star dies aged 75
    Former England star Larry Lloyd has died aged 75.
    The defender starred for Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, winning back-to-back European cups during his career.
    Copy linkCopied More

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    Man Utd legend Gary Neville gives verdict on Gareth Southgate to Old Trafford rumours as Erik ten Hag fights for job

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville has urged his former club to stick with Erik ten Hag this summer as he is yet to be convinced by any other managerial candidates.Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford is currently uncertain amid inconsistent form and fractured relationships behind the scenes.Gary Neville is not convinced Southgate will ‘fit’ as Man Utd managerCredit: PAGareth Southgate has been heavily linked with the jobCredit: ReutersSeveral managers have been linked with a move to Man Utd, including Graham Potter, Gary O’Neil and England boss Gareth Southgate.Reports claim Southgate is currently the favourite, but ex-United star Neville is not convinced he would be the right man for the job.In the latest episode of The Overlap, he explained: “Everywhere I look, I just think to myself, we could end up with someone who’s probably not as good as Erik ten Hag and got the pedigree of him.”And he’s actually got two years of experience, and the fact he’s had that good first season and he’s experienced that difficulty means that he should be better for it.Read More on Man Utd”So I think that I would like to see that. I don’t like the idea of him leaving and bringing in one of the names that have been suggested. That doesn’t feel right.”I’d rather stick with Erik ten Hag and think right, okay, let’s just give him… I wouldn’t even say another year, I’d say just believe in him.”He continued “I said on Stick to Football last week that even Gareth [Southgate], as well as Gareth’s done with England, I’ve never seen the fit between Gareth and Manchester United.”I’ve never seen the fit between Graham Potter and Manchester United, and that’s been a strong rumour.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I don’t see the fit between Gary O’Neil and Manchester United.”I don’t know [what fit I see]. Instinctively as a fan of a club when you hear a name, you feel it or you don’t feel it. You just do.Shaun Custis and Martin Lipton discuss the possibility of Manchester United going for Gareth Southgate as their new boss “It’s not a feeling I’ve had. I’ve not woke up thinking that looks like a United manager.”Man Utd CEO Omar Berrada is set to make a decision on Ten Hag’s future this summer.United are currently operating under the assumption that the Dutchman will remain in charge next season.Ten Hag has been involved in planning for this summer’s pre-season tour of the USA as well as the transfer window. More

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    Chelsea hit by injury crisis with NINE stars out and Chilwell a doubt as fuming fans blast ‘this is getting out of hand’

    CHELSEA fans are becoming exasperated by their ever-growing injury list.The Blues now have nine first-team players on the treatment table and unavailable for Saturday’s clash against Burnley, taking their tally to 47 different injuries for the season.Mauricio Pochettino has several key players unavailable due to injuryCredit: GettyRomeo Lavia has been ruled out for the rest of the seasonCredit: GettyRobert Sanchez has suffered a fresh injury setbackCredit: AlamySome are long-term injury absentees like Reece James and Wesley Fofana.But forward Christopher Nkunku has suffered another injury setback in what has been an injury-plagued debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.Another summer arrival Romeo Lavia has also been hit with fitness problems throughout the season and has made just one appearance for the club.The midfielder has now been ruled out for the rest of the season after experiencing a setback in his bid to overcome a thigh issue he picked up in December.READ MORE ON CHELSEAPrior to that an ankle injury had kept him sidelined since the beginning of the season.Pochettino now has fresh concerns as Trevoh Chalobah has joined the nine-man injury list – having just broken into the side.Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and Carney Chukwuemeka were also close to a return to the team after lengthy injury lay-offs but have picked up fresh injuries.They have been consigned to the treatment room along with Chelsea captain Reece James.Most read in FootballChelsea injury list

    Christopher Nkunku – Hamstring, unknown return date
    Romeo Lavia – Thigh, out for the season
    Reece James – Hamstring, April return
    Levi Colwill – Toe, 1-2 weeks
    Robert Sanchez – Knee
    Trevoh Chalobah
    Wesley Fofana – Knee
    Carney Chukwuemeka – Ankle
    Lesley Ugochukwu – Hamstring

    BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERPochettino is also without Levi Colwill and Lesley Ugochukwu, while the Chelsea boss confirmed Ben Chilwell has a knock.The left-back featured for England against Brazil and Belgium over the international break – which Pochettino revealed his surprise at.Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?One Chelsea fan reacted to the injury news saying: “It’s getting out of hand.”Another added: “It’s now looking like a curse.”And a third wrote: “This is actually not funny anymore.” More

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    Man Utd ‘must fork out £40MILLION to sign former Barcelona star’ as Sir Jim Ratcliffe targets defensive overhaul

    MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to shake things up at the back next season with a number of defensive targets being considered.But they will reportedly have to fork out £40m if they are to get hold of one of the stars on their list.Manchester United will reportedly have to pay £40m if they want to sign Jean-Clair TodiboCredit: GettyThe Red Devils have long been linked with OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo and could make a move for the 24-year-old this summer.Although transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Nice value Todibo at around £40m ahead of this summer’s transfer window.It’s claimed that Man Utd have been monitoring the defender since last summer, but could face competition for his signature with a number of other Premier League clubs interested.However, the Old Trafford outfit may feel they will have an advantage in negotiations with Nice being owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRatcliffe had his 27.7 per cent takeover of Man Utd ratified by the Premier League last month and he and his team have since taken over football operations at the historic club.Todibo has been a crucial part of the Nice team since joining the Ligue 1 outfit from Barcelona in 2021.He has made 128 appearances for the club and his stand-out performances saw him earn a first cap for the French national team in September of last year.Todibo left the door open for a potential move away from Nice this summer when asked about his future last month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I am at Nice and we’re having a great season. I don’t have my head elsewhere. If I did it would be difficult for me personally and for the group too.”I feel really good at Nice. We’ll see what happens in the summer but we’re not there yet. I don’t want to get ahead of myself.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans for Manchester United’s stadium, Old Trafford, could be a new ground for the cost of an old ground refit”I don’t want to give false hope. For now, I’m here at Nice.”Before adding: “Football moves quickly, you never know what’s going to happen. I’ll wait until the summer to make my decision.”If my decision is to stay, I’ll announce it, if it is to leave, I’ll announce it too and I’ll thank everyone, but we’re not there yet.”Todibo isn’t the only defender being eyed by the Manchester giants with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite also linked with a switch following his breakthrough season on Merseyside.While the Premier League’s sixth placed side are also rumoured to be targeting Juventus star Gleison Bremer who is said to have a £43m release clause. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Erik ten Hag are in search of a new-look defence for next seasonCredit: Getty More

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    Larry Lloyd dead at 75: Former England and Nottingham Forest star who won European Cup twice dies as tributes pour in

    FORMER England star Larry Lloyd has died aged 75.The legendary defender starred for Liverpool for five years between 1969 and 1974, before going on to win back-to-back European Cups with Nottingham Forest.Larry Lloyd starred for Nottingham Forest under Brian CloughCredit: PA:Empics SportLloyd twice won the European Cup under Brian Clough at ForestCredit: RexLloyd went on to become a pub landlord after retiringCredit: AlamyForest have paid tribute to their Bristol-born former hero.In a statement, they wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Larry Lloyd.”Part of the Miracle Men, Larry was an integral player in the Forest side that memorably won back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, making 218 appearances for the club in total.”We send our condolences to Larry’s friends and family at this truly sad time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Rest in peace, Larry.”Liverpool also paid tribute, writing: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of former defender Larry Lloyd, aged 75.”The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Larry’s family and friends.”The England national team added: “We are saddened to hear that Larry Lloyd, who won four caps for the #ThreeLions between 1971 and 1980, has passed away aged 75.Most read in FootballWho were the Miracle Men?By Sam Street

    The Miracle Men was the name given to Nottingham Forest’s greatest squad of players.
    When Brian Clough arrived as manager in 1975, the Reds were languishing in mid-table in the second tier.
    Two years later, they were promoted to the First Division which set in motion arguably the most incredible three seasons in the history of English football.
    In 1978 – their first season back in the top flight – Clough’s Forest easily beat champions Liverpool to the title, losing just three games.
    A year later, they would beat Liverpool again in the European Cup before knocking out fancied German champions Cologne in the semi-final and defeating Swedish side Malmo to win the trophy that we know today as the Champions League.
    And in 1980 they would win it again with a 1-0 victory over Kevin Keegan’s Hamburg in Madrid.
    Along with Liverpool, Clough’s Nottingham Forest are to this day the only English team to have retained Europe’s top football trophy.

    “Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”Plenty of fans also rushed to pay tribute to four-cap former England international Lloyd.One wrote: “So sad RIP Larry thank you for everything you did for this club.”While a second gushed: “Thank you for all the memories Big Man. Condolences to all.”A third echoed: “Thanks for the memories Larry.”And another added: “Gutted. Massive part of the change from second-tier also-rans to champions of Europe. RIP Larry.”Lloyd began his career with hometown team Bristol Rovers, playing 43 times before signing for Liverpool in 1969.He played 214 times for the Reds over five years, winning the First Division and the Uefa Cup.Two years at Coventry followed, before he joined Clough’s revolution at Forest.Having been recommended by Cloughie’s former No2 Peter Taylor, Lloyd arrived at The City ground in a £60,000 deal.Lloyd arrived at a Forest side languishing in the second tier, but within three years was one of the “Miracle Men” that won the European Cup against Malmo in Munich.He forged a rock-solid partnership with Kenny Burns at the back, ahead of England icon Peter Shilton between the sticks.Lloyd also starred alongside the likes of John McGovern, Viv Anderson, John Robertson Tony Woodcock in the final.While it was £1million man Trevor Francis who memorably netted the winner.Larry Lloyd’s career in numbers
    Bristol Rovers 1968-69 – 43 games
    Liverpool 1969-1974  – 214 games 
    Coventry City 1974-76 – 54 games
    Nottingham Forest 1976-80 – 214 games
    Wigan – 1980-83 – 57 games
    England – Four caps
    Honours: 
    Liverpool – First Division 1973, Uefa Cup – 1973
    Nottingham Forest – European Cup 1979, 1980. League Cup – 1978, 1979, Super Cup – 1979

    The no-nonsense centre-back, once described as “almost as big as Nottingham Castle” by Clough, was once again a pillar in the side that retained the European Cup the following year, again starting alongside Burns as Forest beat Kevin Keegan’s Hamburg 1-0 in Madrid.Lloyd eventually left Forest in 1981, moving to Wigan as player-manager.Following two years in the role he took over as Notts County boss.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter hanging up his boots he went on to cover Forest as a pundit on local radio, before spending many years in Spain and working as a pub landlord.Lloyd spent his final years back in Nottinghamshire, having returned in 2021.Lloyd, right clutches the European Cup alongside Tony WoodcockCredit: GettyThe defender was a key man at Forest under CloughCredit: Getty More

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    Fulham star Joao Palhinha reveals shock transfer offer from Premier League rivals before Bayern Munich’s failed pursuit

    FULHAM star Joao Palhinha has revealed a shock transfer offer from West Ham was made before his failed Bayern Munich pursuit. The Portuguese ace had his medical tests done in Germany last summer ahead of a £55m transfer to Bayern, yet the deal collapsed as Fulham failed to find a replacement before the window shut.Joao Palhinha has revealed he had a shock transfer offer from West HamCredit: RexMarco Silva’s side took the 28-year-old from Sporting in the summer of 2022 and he shinned in his debut season at Fulham, making 40 appearances and scoring four goals.The Fulham star’s impressive performances had convinced Bayern Munich to bet on him but the deal ended up falling through.But it was not just the Bundesliga side who wanted Palhinha’s signatures as the Hammers also approached the midfielder.And in the end, the Cottagers ended up extending Palhinha’s contract until 2028 with an option for another year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Portugal international was asked if the renewal was a result of the failed move to Bayern but the star ended up revealing the Hammers made an offer before the German side in the summer.He told O Jogo: “At the time, I had received an excellent offer from West Ham and had a conversation with Fulham’s owner, who committed himself to renewing my contract. “I took it as a vote of confidence. I never expected that Bayern would turn up in the final stages of the market.”The former Sporting man did not provide further details of West Ham’s offer and whether it was him, Fulham or both who turned it down.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAfter West Ham sold Declan Rice for a club record of £100million they were on the hunt for another defensive midfielder like Palhinha.David Moyes’ side ended up recruiting Edson Alvarez from Ajax who has been an excellent addition to the East London squad.Joao Palhinha shows off his skills at football training Meanwhile, Palhinha who has been integral to Silva’s plans for Fulham could still face transfer attempts again in the summer. More

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    Scandal as Champions League hopefuls play out ‘fixed’ draw before boss is SACKED, captains banned and every player fined

    BELGIAN football has been rocked by a major scandal after two teams played out a ‘fixed’ draw.Westerlo and Genk drew 1-1 with each other in their final Belgian Pro League fixture of the season on March 17.Westerlo players passed the ball amongst themselves as the two teams played out a 1-1 drawCredit: AFPGenk were happy not to push for a winner after scoring a late equaliserCredit: GettyPlayers even shook hands before the full-time whistleCredit: X/@ElevenBeFRGenk manager Wouter Vrancken was spotted laughing on the touchlineCredit: X/@ElevenBeFRWhile referee Lawrence Visser appeared bemused by the situationBut the two teams stopped playing after Bryan Heynen equalised for Genk in the 86th minute.Despite having an extra man following a Genk red card, Westerlo passed the ball amongst themselves as both teams were happy to see the game out with the score level.One Genk player even decided to undergo fitness exercises and players shook hands before the full-time whistle instead of trying to go for the win.That is because Westerlo needed just a point to escape relegation, while Genk only needed one point to finish sixth and secure qualification for the Championship round.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey beat Gent to the last qualification spot by that single point and will now challenge for the league title, which offers an automatic place in the Champions League.But the result has been met with backlash as Belgian FA chiefs slammed a “sham of fairness” and a “parody” and have now issued fines on all 21 players on the pitch and bans for the two captains and both coaches.The two clubs could also be fined £8,500 over what the Federal Prosecutor’s Office has labelled “blatant fraud”.Both captains and managers have received a two-match ban but Westerlo went one step further by sacking boss Rik De Mil.Most read in FootballWesterlo have sacked manager Rik De MilCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe club released a statement explaining their decision which read: “The club has terminated the contract with head coach Rik De Mil with immediate effect. “Despite considering long-term collaboration, we found it necessary to make this decision. Football icons’ strange hobbies”The club regrets having to take this measure but cannot accept that its values and norms would be questioned. We thank Rik for his performance and dedication, and wish him every success in the future.”The Prosecutor’s Office slammed the two managers for their role in the affair, suggesting they were best placed to prevent the fiasco from unfolding.A statement read: “The only people who could have stopped this unsporting scene because they could influence the players were the coaches, which did not happen (consciously).“It is impossible to determine who took the initiative, and no one would feel called upon to make statements about it.“It is absolutely unbelievable that they could not stop this spectacle.”Fans have also been left fuming with one reacting saying: “Genk is a shame for football I hope they get slapped in PO1.”Another added: “A real shame for football which has become a rotten and uninteresting sport. Sad.” More