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      Premier League LIVE RESULTS: Szoboszlai and Mac Allister goals send Reds THIRTEEN clear at top of Premier League

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      LIVERPOOL go a whopping 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League table with the Reds dismantling Champions League-chasing Newcastle.Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister struck for the flying Reds.Newcastle were without Alexander Isak – who missed the Anfield clash with a groin injury.Elsewhere, Arsenal dropped yet more points in a drab goalless draw at Nottingham Forest and Man City won at Spurs.Also, Brentford were pegged back by Everton’s Jake O’Brien on the 77th minute following Yoane Wissa’s opener.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…That’s all from us at SunSportProbably safe to say Liverpool are close to winning the Premier League title after beating Newcastle 2-0 with 10 games left to play.The Reds are now 13 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal after Mikel Arteta’s men drew 0-0 with third-placed Nottingham Forest, who continue to make a strong case for a surprise top-four finish.Manchester City are still fourth after beating Tottenham 1-0 thanks to the returning Erling Haaland’s winner.Manchester United avoided even more misery with a dramatic 3-2 win over relegation strugglers Ipswich Town, despite losing Patrick Dorgu to a straight red card in the first half.Brentford and Everton drew 1-1 in a match that could have easily had a winner.That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a wonderful night!Copy linkCopiedThomas Frank reactsBrentford boss Thomas Frank had mixed feelings after his team took a deserved lead but ultimately relied on goalkeeper Mark Flekken, who made his third save of the night from Everton striker Beto in the dying minutes.I felt it was a game we could have, should have won. But on the overall performance it was probably a fair result.If we make it 2-0, we win. On the flipside, Mark Flekken was outstanding, probably the man of the match in a game where he was not too busy but made three crucial saves.He’s extremely good in those one on ones, one of the best in the league.Thomas FrankCopy linkCopiedLiverpool vs Newcastle statsLiverpool controlled 62 per cent of possession against Newcastle.The Reds produced 12 shots, three of which were on target at Anfield.The Magpies, on the other hand, only managed three shots off target.More below:Copy linkCopiedLiverpool vs Newcastle analysisArne Slot has been looking nice and relaxed in his seat in the stands at Anfield but little wonder.At no stage when he arrived in England would have expected Liverpool to be 13 points clear with 10 games to go.They should just hand the title to Liverpool now.Copy linkCopiedFT: Liverpool 2-0 NewcastlePeep!And that’s the final whistle at Anfield!!!Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-0 NewcastleSeven minutes of stoppage time to go.Liverpool are about to seal a comfortable distance between them and second-placed Arsenal, who dropped more points at Nottingham Forest.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-0 NewcastleNO GOALLiverpool get the ball behind Newcastle’s net after a corner-kick but the referee deems Ibrahima Konate fouled goalkeeper Nick Pope in the build-up.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-0 NewcastleNewcastle are pushing forward with a series of crosses looking to make it a nervy finale.But the Magpies have less than five minutes available, plus stoppage time.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-0 Newcastle Just 10 more minutes to go at Anfield, plus stoppage time.Liverpool continue to dominate and could have scored more goals against Newcastle.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-0 NewcastleLiverpool miss two major chances to put the match away.Mohamed Salah first dinks the ball to Trent Alexander-Arnold but he cannot get the necessary touch on 71 minutes.Salah then produces another beautiful ball just two minutes later for Luis Diaz but his shot goes wide.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool statLiverpool have scored at least twice in each of their last 18 home matches across all competitions. The last top-flight side to have a longer run in that department were Sunderland.The Black Cats’ run lasted 19 consecutive matches between February and December 1935.Copy linkCopiedWord from Old TraffordHarry maguire was the toast of Old Trafford again as he headed in a second-half winner for a second straight game. United did their best to lose at home for an eighth time this season as Patrick Dorgu gifted the visitors an early goal and later got a red card on his first home appearance in the Prem.But credit to Ruben Amorim’s men for showing the spirit needed to recover from a calamitous end to the first half and steady the ship before claiming the points.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-0 NewcastleLiverpool are sealing the three points and possibly the Premier League title.Mohamed Salah tees up Alexis Mac Allister, who beats Nick Pope for the Reds’ second.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-0 NewcastleGoal!Liverpool double their lead with Alexis Mac Allister on 63 minutes!!!Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-2 IpswichManchester United pick up a stressful win over relegation strugglers Ipswich.Man Utd are now 14th in the Premier League table, while the Tractor Boys are deep in relegation trouble with five points separating them from safety.Copy linkCopiedWord from TottenhamFull-time at Spurs – what a dramatic finale that was.Haaland thought he made it 2-0 in the fourth minute of injury time when the ball bounced around in the box and he was suddenly one-on-one with Vicario and finished expertly – he ran off to celebrate and it took him a long time to realise ref Gillett had blown his whistle for handball.Speaking of a long time, VAR Graham Scott had a detailed look to see if a) it hit Haaland or Danso’s arm and b) if it did hit Haaland, was it a handball or above the so-called t-shirt line – before eventually agreeing with the on-field decision. Then somehow Spurs still had a glorious chance to equalise – Son flicked on Porro’s cross but Sarr headed well over in the 98th minute. Earlier on, sub Sarr had skewed wide then Son thought he had the leveller on 84 minutes.Johnson burned past Kovacic and slid a low ball across which the South Korean took first time and kept it low but Ederson saved brilliantly – not quite as good as Stefan Ortega’s stop to deny Son at the end of last season which effectively won City the title here last term, mind. Some boos around the ground when it was announced Maddison was going off to be replaced by Timo Werner – seems very few people, myself included, thought he was going to provide that magic moment for Tottenham… we were right. Triple “ole” for Spurs fans to cheer about when Danso made a last-ditch tackle to deny Savinho, then won the free-kick – and ref Gillett took a tumble as he blew his whistle. Wahey! The Aussie tried to save face by looking down at the turf and checking his studs – the classic, we’ve all been there.City and their travelling fans have the last laugh, though, as they hold on for a narrow 1-0 victory. That sees them leapfrog Chelsea back into fourth while that is Spurs’ 14th defeat of the season – only the bottom four have more.Copy linkCopiedWord from BrentfordA fair result, overall. Brentford still can’t win at home, and Everton keep on not losing. Beto really should have given them a win but missed his third good chance of the evening with less than three minutes to go. If Brentford can put a run of form together they can still be in that top-half mix and even challenge for Europe. But they won’t do it with limp second-half displays like this. As the song by Hard-Fi that is currently playing at the Gtech says, Everton under David Moyes are “Hard To Beat”.Copy linkCopiedFT: Tottenham 0-1 Man CityManchester City pick up a huge win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and are fourth with seven points separating them from second place.Tottenham, on the other hand, are down in 13th place.Copy linkCopiedFT: Brentford 1-1 EvertonIt’s a draw at the Gtech Community Stadium between Brentford and Everton.The Toffees now comfortably above the relegation zone with 15 points separating them from the bottom three.Copy linkCopiedFT: Nottingham Forest 0-0 ArsenalArsenal drop even more points and are now 13 points behind Liverpool, who are 1-0 up against Newcastle.Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, are in third place with Manchester City fourth.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 1-0 NewcastlePeep!We are back underway at Anfield!Copy linkCopiedStoppage timeWe’re past the 90-minute mark at Tottenham vs Manchester City and Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal.Man City are 1-0 ahead thanks to Erling Haaland’s opener, while the Gunners and Forest are still goalless.But news for Arsenal as Liverpool lead against Newcastle.Copy linkCopiedAlmost full-timeJust about 10 minutes to go across the board, with the exception of Liverpool vs Newcastle.Waiting to find out how much stoppage time will be added.Copy linkCopiedBrentford 1-1 EvertonGoal!Everton equalise with Jake O’Brien on 77 minutes!!!Copy linkCopiedPremier League tableAs it stands, Liverpool are still top of the league, but with THIRTEEN points ahead of second place:Copy linkCopied More

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      Inside Man City’s futuristic stadium plans with Sky Bar over the pitch, unique fan zone, roof walk and alcohol free zone

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      MANCHESTER CITY have become one of European football’s dominant forces over the last 15 years.The Etihad Stadium has provided the backdrop for the Cityzens as they have won six of the last seven Premier League titles, cemented themselves in history as European champions and created a legacy in the English game thanks to their Treble triumph.Manchester City are undergoing a huge renovation at the Eithad StadiumCredit: GettyThe Etihad has been the backdrop to some of City’s most iconic momentsCredit: PA:Press AssociationBut it hasn’t always been a packed out stadium fit for four-in-a-row champions.In fact, City have invested millions into redeveloping their ground after moving out of their iconic home of Maine Road back in 2003.The City Group have strived to give the club a home that made them look the part and matched their ambition on the pitch.And the billionaire bigwigs in charge don’t plan on stopping any time soon, with Man City in the midst of sensational redevelopment plans that will make the Etihad one of the best stadiums in the country.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHistoryMan City would probably be considered as a ‘superclub’ these days, but that hasn’t always been the case.Founded in 1880, Man City’s first permanent home was a place called Hyde Road.The Manchester ground played host to City from 1887 to 1923 and had humble beginnings that meant players had to change in a local pub before kick off for the first nine years in the ground.For most football fans who can remember a pre-takeover Man City, Maine Road is considered as the “real home” of the Cityzens.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMaine Road hosted Man City’s home games for 80 years, seeing the club through nine relegations, nine promotions and six league titles.City even shared the iconic ground with fierce rivals Manchester United for a few years after Old Trafford had suffered damage from bombing during the war.But their memories at Maine Road came to an end in 2003, when the decision to close the 35,150-seat stadium was made.Now the stadium has been demolished and a housing estate with over 400 properties stands in its place.City spent 80 years playing at Maine Road before moving to the Etihad StadiumCredit: GettyA housing development now sits in place of the iconic stadiumCredit: GettyInside Chelsea’s new £1.6BILLION stadium plans with Stamford Bridge project set to rival Tottenham’sThe Etihad storyThe Etihad Stadium is synonymous with Manchester City these days, but before the Premier League heavyweights moved into the ground it was home to a completely different sport.Built for an initial £112m, the stadium began life as an athletics arena for the 2002 Commonwealth Games.Unusually, the ground was custom-built to be changed almost immediately.After the conclusion of the 10-day event, work began to convert the single-tiered 38,000 seat athletics stadium into a two-tiered 48,000 seat football stadium for City to call home.The running track was removed and the ground was lowered inside the bowl to make room for a football pitch and some more seats in a nearly year-long renovation project.A few things were vastly different when City first moved into the ground back in 2003.Firstly, they hadn’t sold the naming rights to their new ground yet – meaning it was still called the City of Manchester Stadium.While they were also a relegation battling side, finishing 16th in their first season in the new ground.They also weren’t owned by Sheikh Mansour and the City Football Group, who didn’t take ownership of the club until 2008.The new unfathomably rich owners had big plans for the stadium when they arrived, and they didn’t take long to put those plans into action.The City of Manchester Stadium was built in 2002Credit: AFPThe stadium was used for the Commonwealth Games before being converted into a football stadiumCredit: GettyWhat upgrades have been made so far?Unbelievably, the Etihad is still owned by Manchester City Council.But it’s leased to Man City for a reported £3m per season in a 250-year agreement that means the club are responsible for all operating, maintenance and future costs.City renegotiated their lease to gain naming rights for the stadium after their takeover in 2011, meaning they now pocket an eye-watering £15m per season for the privilege of calling their home the Etihad Stadium.That sort of cash helped the club to reinvest into the ground after the success of winning their first two Premier League titles.In August 2015, City unveiled an expansion that added a 7,000-seat third tier to the South Stand – subsequently increasing the Etihad’s capacity to 55,000.Since then there has been heavy investment into the hospitality areas, concourse food and drink stands and the addition of statues of club legends including Colin Bell, Francis Lee, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany.Depsite the Etihad’s true capacity being 55,000, City are playing in front of maximum crowd of 52,900 this season due to new work going on.The improved facilities now makes Man City one of the premier locations not just for football, but for music too.The stadium has hosted superstar artists such as Oasis, One Direction, Beyonce and Taylor Swift.And it’s not just stadium tours that are playing at the Etihad campus either.City football group, alongside developers Oak View Group and superstar investor Harry Styles, have built a 23,500 capacity indoor music arena called Co-op Live.The arena, which is located on the Etihad campus just a stone’s throw away from the stadium itself, opened in May last year with the intention of providing entertainment to Man City fans and the wider community.It has already hosted stars such as Paul McCartney and Sam Fender, and is scheduled to welcome Olivia Rodrigo, Bruce Springsteen and Billie Eilish later this year.That project is believed to have cost all involved parties a combined fee of around £365million, yet City still aren’t slowing down with their investments elsewhere.Sheikh Mansour has already invested heavily into the Etihad StadiumCredit: GettyCity sold the rights to name the stadium to EtihadCredit: RexThe stadium has become a more fitting home to the team’s achievementsCredit: ReutersIconic moments and memories have made the Etihad feel like home to the fans used to the Maine Road groundCredit: PA:Press AssociationSome moments have been immortalised with statues outside the ground alreadyCredit: PAWhy now?For Man City, it’s not about catching up – it’s about being the best.That philosophy has changed City on the pitch over the past 15 years and the owners want to make sure it echoes throughout every part of the club.At its current reduced capacity of 52,900, due to the ongoing work on a new expansion, the Etihad is only the seventh largest capacity football stadium in England – not particularly fitting for the best team in the country over the last seven years.Plans to redevelop and add more seats would likely see it become the fifth largest ground in the country, boasting a similar capacity to title rivals like Arsenal and Liverpool’s grounds.But it’s not just about cramming in fans for City, it’s about improving the facilities as a whole.Everyone has seen the incredible features at Tottenham’s new state-of-the-art stadium, the stunning changes at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu and Barcelona’s ambitious Camp Nou project.Even Fulham have just installed a swimming pool at Craven Cottage.If City want to maintain their image as one of the elite, they have to make sure they look the part while doing so.City don’t just want thousands of seats, they want fans to have an unforgettable experience on a matchday.And crucially, a smaller less appealing ground means less matchday revenue, which in the age of PSR and FFP means cold hard cash that most modern owners don’t want to miss out on. City have the sixth largest stadium by capacity in the Premier LeagueTottenham Hotspur Stadium is leaps and bounds ahead of others in the Premier LeagueCredit: PAReal Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu recently had a massive makeoverCredit: GettySo, what are City doing?How exactly do you ensure that you’re amongst the best?Well, first you start with your capacity, and the four-in-a-row champions are renovating their North Stand in an expansion that will see their stadium capacity rise to around 62,000.The plans, which are due to be completed during the 2025/26 season, will reportedly add around 7,000 seats to the stadium.But it’s not just about more fans, it’s also about increasing the noise and atmosphere in process. For City, that means adding a huge standing area of the Etihad crowd.That expansion will include 3,000 safe-standing rail seats, making it the Premier League’s largest safe standing area.While they have also announced plans to “create a legacy by establishing new pathways for the next generation of Manchester City fans to enjoy matches”.That is expected to mean City will set aside a number of tickets for fans under the age of 21.Progression is also important for City too and as such, other areas of the redeveloped stand will be made to accommodate different cultures and younger fans with breakout spaces, religious rooms and alcohol-free zones.A brand new hospitality area will also be included in the additions which will house 800 guests and include a 500-seat food hall and a premium bar.Plus fans can look forward to an incredible Sky Bar with views overlooking the pitch and a stadium roof walk experience.The changes aren’t just happening inside the stadium either.Work is also underway on the ‘City Square fan zone’, a 3,000- capacity fan zone that will offer up food and drink as well as screens for supporters to watch the match on the Etihad campus.A new club shop and a museum will also be added to the surrounding area to help improve on the matchday experience.And if you’re wondering where you can stay nearby to be close to all the action then City have you covered – they’re also building a 400-bed hotel.Man City are in the midst of an incredible redevelopment of the North Stand at the EtihadCredit: Man CityThey also plan to build a hotel and redevelop the stadium’s surrondingsCredit: Man CityThe Etihad will have the largest safe-standing are in the Premier League after the redevelopment is completeCredit: Man CityThe project will also add a fan park for supporters on matchdaysCredit: Man CityWork has already started on expanding the North StandCredit: RexWhat will it cost?Since Sheikh Mansour came through the door at the Etihad he hasn’t stopped writing cheques, be it for superstar players or renovated stands.And now he’s about to part ways with the biggest single payment since his arrival, with City’s incredible new plans for the Etihad.City’s mammoth expansion project is going to cost an eye-watering £300MILLION.That hefty price tag isn’t just almost THREE TIMES the original cost of the ground itself, but it’s also £90MILLION MORE than Sheikh Mansour forked out to buy the club back in 2008.In comparison, Liverpool just paid £80m for their Anfield Road Stand expansion, while Fulham spent £120m on their Riverside Stand.Is it all worth it?Well, the project is already underway, so Sheikh Mansour will certainly be hoping that the investment is worth his while.And it definitely could be. Man City earned a whopping £76.5MILLION in matchday revenue over the course of last season.It’s estimated that figure could rise to an incredible £86.4MILLION with the addition of the proposed 7,000 new seats.That improved matchday revenue figure would move City into a similar bracket to their rivals, but would still have them trailing behind the likes of Arsenal (£128m), Spurs (£103m) and Manchester United (£127m).However, City could pocket even more cash through the fan park and hotel that are coming to the Etihad too.City are lagging behing their rivals when it comes to matchday revenueWhat does the future hold?We know that the immediate future holds cranes, scaffolding and building work as City work towards getting their project over the line at some point during the 2025/26 campaign.That deadline is set for the new North Stand to be completed, but City Square fan zone, hotel and more are expected to be completed by late 2026.Beyond 2026 the sky is the limit for Man City.Don’t expect any more major changes in the immediate future, but with the club growing in stature season by season, there’s certainly going to be a desire for the stadium to grow with it.READ MORE SUN STORIESCity won’t sit around and let their rivals bypass them for very long and will always be striving to be at the forefront of European football on all fronts.And soon there’ll be even more room for fans to sit back and watch it all unfold.Cranes and scaffolding surround the EtihadCredit: RexWork continues on their ambitious projectCredit: RexThe redevelopment is due to be complete by late 2026Credit: Rex More

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      ‘I can see him going into that job’ – Ashley Cole tipped for first role in management by former Chelsea team-mate

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      CHELSEA and Arsenal legend Ashley Cole has been tipped for a huge managerial role, despite having no experience.Ashley, 44, is considered by many as the greatest left-back in Premier League history following a stunning career with the Gunners, the Blues and England.Chelsea and Arsenal legend Ashley Cole has been touted as the next Rangers managerCredit: GettyJoe Cole strongly recommends ex-Chelsea team-mate Ashley for the top job at RangersCredit: GettyThe former defender retired in 2019 and crossed over to coaching as he mainly worked as assistant manager for Chelsea and Everton under Frank Lampard as well as Birmingham under Wayne Rooney.The ex-Roma star currently works as assistant boss at England under manager Thomas Tuchel.Ashley has never worked as head coach, but former Chelsea team-mate Joe Cole insists his namesake has what it takes for that role.So much so that Joe, 43, strongly recommended him for the vacant Rangers job following Philippe Clement’s dismissal on Monday.Read More on ChelseaThe pundit believes Ashley would be ideal for the Gers’ top job due to his undying dedication to the game.The ex-Liverpool ace also suggested the legendary full-back would be as successful as Steven Gerrard, who also had no head coach experience before moving to Ibrox.Joe told The Dressing Room Podcast: “Where do they go, Rangers? I’m going to throw a name in there. “He’s our guy, Ashley Cole. I’m going to throw him in. I know he’s got a great job working with the England Under-21s…Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Rangers had such a great spell with Stevie G, another ex-England legend, and I can see Coley going into that job.”I worked with him doing a bit of media in a foreign country. We had the afternoon off and we were sitting on the sunbeds, ordered a couple of drinks, and I’m thinking, ‘This is a good job, Coley, I’m enjoying myself!’Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?”I’m watching the world go by, 90 degrees, and he just gets his laptop out and he’s showing me throw-ins! “The dedication… his dedication to football. We love him. But that would be perfect for him.”Rangers hired club legend Barry Ferguson as interim manager until the end of the season following Clement’s dismissal.The likes of Gerrard, Russell Martin, Lampard, Neil Warnock, Sam Allardyce and David Wagner have all been linked with the top job. More

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      Moment Antony told red card has been OVERTURNED and he can play Real Madrid as Man Utd flop celebrates with team-mates

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      ANTONY celebrated with coaches and team-mates when he was told his red card had been overturned and he can play Real Madrid. The Manchester United flop, 25, joined Real Betis on loan in January.Antony was all smiles when he found out his red card was rescindedCredit: Real BetisThe winger received the good news from a first-team coachCredit: Real BetisAntony saw red for this needless sliding tackle in injury timeCredit: LaLigaBut his stunning start – including three goals and two assists in six games – hit a stumbling block when he saw red on Sunday. Antony controversially received his marching orders for a needless and cynical late sliding tackle in injury time during the 2-1 win over Getafe.And that looked set to prompt a suspension – and crucially the Brazilian winger would miss Real Madrid’s visit to the Estadio Benito Villamarin on Saturday. The game will have major implications on both the LaLiga title race and battle for European places.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLos Blancos are second but level on 54 points with leaders Barcelona while Betis sit seventh as one of three teams on 35 points. And Antony’s absence at the weekend could have been hugely significant.However, Betis appealed the red card, arguing the tackle was reckless but not dangerous or displaying serious foul play.And the Spanish FA’s disciplinary committee agreed – and wiped out the sending off, thus making Antony available for Saturday’s crunch clash.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSReal Betis’ social media team captured the moment Antony heard the good news from first-team coach Alexis Trujillo alongside manager Manuel Pellegrini. Antony hugged Trujillo then shook hands with various coaches and fellow players before sharing a joke with Pellegrini on the training pitch. Antony shows his excitement as he joins Real Betis The £85.5million man vowed to make the hassle and stress worthwhile.He said: “I was always hoping. I’m very happy, very happy.”I’m ready for Saturday’s game. I was just leaving training and someone from the staff told me and everyone is very happy now.”I have to be focused. We know what we’re playing for in front of our fans.”Playmaker Isco added: “Have they taken it off? Thank goodness.”And ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian joked: “Don’t throw yourself on the ground like that again or I’ll kill you.”Antony enjoyed a joke with Manuel PellegriniCredit: Real BetisThe Manchester United flop has been in great form during his loan to SpainCredit: Getty More

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      Referee who asked Lionel Messi for his autograph ‘banned for SIX MONTHS’ and faces indefinite punishment if he reoffends

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      A REFEREE who asked Lionel Messi for his signature has reportedly been banned for six months.Mexican official Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava, 36, made the bizarre request during last week’s Champions Cup clash between Inter Miami and Sporting Kansas City.A referee who asked for Lionel Messi’s autograph has been banned for six monthsCredit: XMarco Antonio Ortiz Nava has been warned of an even worse punishment in the futureCredit: XMessi opened the scoring in Miami’s 3-1 win.And at full-time, Nava approached the World Cup winner asking for an autograph.It’s claimed he wanted it as a gift for a family member with special needs.But North America’s football governing body, CONCACAF, opened an investigation after concerns were raised over impartiality.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd ESPN reports Nava has now been banned for six months from CONCACAF competitions.It’s added he will be “punished indefinitely” for any further breaches.And Nava is said to have apologised for his actions.However, it appears he will continue to officiate in his native Mexico.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat’s despite the country being part of CONCACAF.Nava was in action on Friday for the top flight clash between Puebla and Club Tijuana.Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 degrees temperatures Yet it remains to be seen if he will be handed another game in the next round of fixtures.As for Messi, he found himself in hot water at the weekend following a clash in the MLS.Messi was seen putting his hand on the back of the neck of a New York City coach.The incident occurred at the end of Miami’s 2-2 clash on Sunday.And a disciplinary committee fined Messi an undisclosed amount for his actions. More

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      ‘How can my dad be racist?’ says Chelsea legend Didier Drogba as he defends Jose Mourinho after wild Galatasaray claims

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      DIDIER DROGBA has passionately defended his former boss Jose Mourinho over accusations of racism. Fenerbahce boss Mourinho is the target of legal action from rivals Galatasaray following a bad-tempered Istanbul derby on Monday.Jose Mourinho has been the subject of racism claims from GalatasarayCredit: RexThe claims were made following a fractious Istanbul derby on MondayCredit: GettyDidier Drogba, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea, has come to his former boss’s defenceCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe Special One guided his team to a 0-0 draw in a hostile atmosphere at RAMS Park.Fenerbahce are six points behind Galatasaray in the Super Lig title race.But a comment made by Mourinho following the game has prompted fury from the club. Mourinho accused Galatasaray’s bench of “jumping around like monkeys” while trying to get a rival player booked during his post-match press conference.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe ex-Chelsea boss has been a vocal critic of officiating in Turkey throughout the season.Slovenian ref Slavko Vincic was drafted in by the Turkish FA specially for the grudge match. After the stalemate, Mourinho said: “We thank the referee because after the big dive in the first minute and their bench jumping like monkeys on the top of the kid, with a Turkish referee, the kid would have a yellow card after one minute and after five minutes I would have to change. “Thankfully it was a perfect experience for him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGalatasaray reacted furiously to the comments, with the club releasing a statement on Tuesday.It included their “intention to initiate criminal proceedings concerning the racist statements made by Jose Mourinho”.Jose Mourinho launches new side hustle alongside Fenerbahce job as John Terry vows to be first customer Drogba, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea and won three Premier League titles, took to social media to defend his ex-boss.The Ivorian, who also played two seasons for Galatasaray, wrote a plea to his former employers. He said: “Dear@GalatasaraySK. You know how proud I was to wear the yellow and red jersey and my love for the most decorated club in Turkey!! “We all know how passionate and heated rivalries can be, and I’ve been lucky enough to experience it. “I’ve seen the recent comments about Jose Mourinho. Trust me when I tell you I have known Jose for xx years and he is not a racist and history (past and recent ) is there to prove it. “Let’s focus on our games, support our brilliant lions and let’s win the league to get close to our 5.”Drogba added: “How can my “Dad” be a racist? Come on guys.”Fenerbahce released their own counter-statement on Tuesday, defending Mourinho.It read: “A statement made by our technical director Jose Mourinho after the match was completely taken out of context and an attempt was made to deliberately distort it.”As every sensible person can see and understand; these statements used by Jose Mourinho to describe the excessive reaction of the opposing team’s technical staff to the referee decisions during the match can in no way be associated with racism.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Trying to portray this statement as racist is a completely malicious approach.”We would like to inform the public that we will use our legal rights regarding this pathetic slander that was made in order to take the competition off the field, change the agenda and manipulate it.” More

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      Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner spotted without wedding ring at Sainsbury’s as Lauryn Goodman’s move to Italy stalls

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      ANNIE KILNER has been spotted popping to the shops without her wedding ring on.Kyle Walker’s wife, 31, headed to her local Sainsbury’s to pick up some shopping.Annie Kilner headed out to do some shoppingCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeKyle Walker’s wife was spotted without her wedding ringCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeAnnie wore a red jacket and black leggings… but not her wedding band.This is not the first time that she’s been spotted without it, having been pictured not wearing her ring last month.Kyle and Annie wed in 2021 and have four children together; Roman, Riaan, Reign and Rezon – born last April.The pair’s relationship has been made complicated by Lauryn Goodman.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERWalker, 34, has fathered two children with his ex-mistress Lauryn.Annie filed for divorce from the England defender last August.Last month, he quit English football to join AC Milan on loan from Manchester City.Despite the strains placed on her relationship with Kyle, Annie brought the kids over to Italy to watch their dad in action on his Milan debut.Most read in FootballKyle Walker has been in action for AC MilanCredit: RexSince moving to Italy, Walker has been staying at the plush five-star Melia Milano hotel.Located 40 minutes from Milan’s training ground and barely 10 from the San Siro, Walker’s temporary home has so far proved to be ideal.Annie Kilner seen for 1st time since REFUSING to watch Kyle Walker’s AC Milan debut as she steps out without ringHe is only likely to go house-hunting in the Italian city should he make his loan permanent in the summer.Lauryn, meanwhile, posed for pictures by a removals van earlier this month claiming that she’s moving to Italy to be closer to Kyle.But sources say that she remains in the UK, with her plans having stalled.Lauryn Goodman previously claimed to be heading to ItalyCredit: AlamyWalker wed long-term girlfriend Annie in 2021Credit: Instagram More

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      Cole Palmer has gone off the boil but appealing fixtures encourage Dream Team bosses to hold their nerve

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      FOR the first time in his career, Cole Palmer (£5.8m) has gone off the boil.After an uncharacteristically wasteful performance against Southampton on Tuesday night, Chelsea’s talisman took to Instagram to tell fans: “Don’t worry I will be back.”Palmer wasn’t his usual self against SouthamptonCredit: Dream TeamPalmer has now gone seven games without a goal, which isn’t a catastrophe for a midfielder by any means but it represents a significant downturn from the immensely high standards he has set for himself since his move to Stamford Bridge.A home game against bottom-of-the-league Saints seemed like the perfect opportunity for the 22-year-old to end his drought but he squandered several chances, failing to exhibit the composure he has become known for in the last year.Christopher Nkunku (£3.2m), Pedro Neto (£2.8m), Levi Colwill (£2.7m) and Marc Cucurella (£3.6m) all got on the scoresheet in what was a much-needed win for the Blues but Palmer’s dipping form remains a concern for Enzo Maresca.And it’s giving plenty of Dream Team managers headaches too.Stick or twist?Credit: GettyWith 260 points to his name, Palmer’s overall record remains hugely impressive.Even now, only runaway leader Mohamed Salah (£8.3m) boasts a superior points-per-game average.Alongside his 14 goals and nine assists, Palmer ranks third among all assets for shots on target, joint-fourth for big chances created, and joint-ninth for bonus points.The fact the 56.8%-owned midfielder has so many avenues to points has proved useful in recent weeks when goals have deserted him.Most read in FootballSince his last goal, Palmer has ticked over with 39 points at an average of 5.6 points-per-game, which is not to be sniffed at in the slightest.Such is the England star’s level that his returns have remained healthy enough during his ‘bad spell’.Maresca has added Palmer to his Conference League squadCredit: ReutersBut his owners have every right to feel frustrated as more than a few points have gone begging in the last month or so.What’s telling is that, at this moment in time, Palmer is among the most transferred-out players ahead of Gameweek 26.Having been eliminated from the FA Cup by Brighton, Chelsea’s only fixture this coming Gameweek is against Copenhagen in the Conference League round of 16.Dream Team managers should be aware that Palmer has been added to the club’s European squad and is therefore eligible to play in Denmark next Thursday.He wasn’t included in the squad for the league phase in an effort to manage his workload but with the West Londoners heavy favourites to lift the trophy come May, Maresca has called up his star player.Palmer might feature against CopenhagenCredit: PAIt’s still difficult to predict Palmer’s minutes against Copenhagen but the prospect of him playing in Europe’s tertiary competition is an appealing one.Looking slightly further ahead, Gameweek 27 appears mightily favourable for Chelsea on paper.READ MORE SUN STORIES19th-placed Leicester are due in the capital four days before Copenhagen fly over for the second leg.Palmer may not be at his best but gaffers prepared to go without him for that double header will surely be worried about extensive damage. More