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      Michael Oliver handed huge Premier League title clash after Arsenal controversy as referee’s next games are revealed

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      MICHAEL OLIVER will referee a Premier League game this Saturday and a huge title clash next month.The official is at the centre of huge controversy for sending off Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly in a decision that has been slammed by fans and pundits.Michael Oliver’s next games have been confirmedCredit: AlamyOliver controversially handed Myles Lewis-Skelly a red cardCredit: RexThe ref has come under fierce criticism from fans and punditsCredit: PABut he will be back on the field in the Champions League on Wednesday for Barcelona vs Atalanta and then this weekend he will oversee the Ipswich vs Southampton.The 39-year-old ref will then have the whistle for the Merseyside derby on February 12 as Everton welcome Liverpool to Goodison Park.The fixture has been re-arranged from December 7 after it was postponed due to Storm Darragh. Liverpool currently sit six points above Arsenal at the top of the table and the derby is their game in-hand over the Gunners.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOliver was the subject of fierce criticism for red carding Lewis-Skelly against Wolves for a foul on Matt Doherty.The wonderkid cynically tripped the defender as he broke away on the counter-attack, with most expecting a yellow to be shown.But Oliver shockingly brandished a red for serious foul play and the decision was not overturned by VAR.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was left “absolutely fuming” and club icon Ian Wright slammed it as a “joke”.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBBC pundit Pat Nevin hit out at the standard of officiating, claiming it set a “bar so low even a limbo dancing snake couldn’t get under it”.Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett agreed that Oliver made a “major error” and felt he needed a “rest for a couple of weeks” to stay out the firing line.Fans spot Arsenal star Leandro Trossard’s 6-word comment about Michael Oliver to Wolves ace Police have also launched an investigation after the Newcastle-born whistleblower received vile death threats.The PGMOL issued a statement on Sunday, saying it was “appalled” by the “abhorrent” threats and abuse aimed at their official.Darren England, who was on VAR in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves and decided not to overturn Lewis-Skelly’s red card, has also come under fire.He will ref another title-impacting game this Saturday as he has been given Bournemouth vs Liverpool.MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one. More

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      Wayne Rooney’s wife Coleen gives glimpse inside £20million mansion as she shares pic of stunning foyer and chandelier

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      COLEEN ROONEY gave fans a glimpse inside the stunning £20milllion mansion she shares with husband Wayne.The Rooney family moved into the luxury home in Cheshire three-and-a-half years ago.Coleen gave fans a rare glimpse inside the Rooney mansionCredit: InstagramShe previously shared a snap of a lavish bar from inside the homeCredit: InstagramThe Cheshire house is valued at £20mCredit: The Mega AgencyColeen and Wayne live there with their four sonsCredit: Getty ImagesColeen shared a rare snap from inside the property to her 1.5 million Instagram followers this morning.The photo shows the house’s grand foyer, lavish winding staircase and huge chandelier.There is also a seating area before a few steps take you down to what appears to be the living room.Coleen captioned the post: “Thanks Hyper Cleaning for coming to the rescue while I was in the jungle. Fab as usual.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe company is popular with several celebs, including Paris Fury, Peter Andre, Ashley Banjo and Joey Essex.Rooney paid a rumoured £4million for the plot of land the mansion is built on in 2017.The home’s official name is High Lake Manor and it sits on 50 acres of old farmland.Inside the six bedroom palace is a football pitch, an underground tunnel, a wine cellar, a home cinema, a huge swimming pool and a few bars.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThere is also a glittering trophy room where Rooney’s displays his awards. An incredible array of memorabilia from England caps, Manchester United shirts, match balls, trophies, medals and man of the match bottles of champagne line the walls.Coleen Rooney opens up on husband Wayne’s bizarre bedroom habit and the time Man Utd legend started a fire Their property is situated in Cheshire’s affluent “Golden Triangle”, which is an area that several footballers call home.Rooney has a huge trophy room displaying his football accoladesCredit: ITVRooney’s England caps are proudly on displayCredit: ITVHis Champions League winners medal is in his trophy cabinetCredit: ITVUnopened man of the match champagne bottles cover the walls More

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      Which Dream Team defenders provide the most attacking threat?

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      DREAM TEAM managers should ensure at least one of their defenders provides a certain degree of threat going forward.Clean sheets are important but comparatively rare and so gaffers should make use of individuals who also chip in with their fair share of goal involvements.More than just defendersCredit: Dream TeamAt the time of writing, just eight players have reached double figures for clean sheets in Dream Team this season.Whereas 21 players have notched at least ten goals with two standout stars, Erling Haaland (£7.9m) and Mohamed Salah (£8m), on 20+ in all competitions.Defenders who have multiple avenues to points are worth their weight in gold.With that in mind, let’s analyse which individuals have provided the greatest attacking threat from the back so far this season.MOST GOALS AMONG DEFENDERS THIS SEASON:5 – Gabriel5 – Josko Gvardiol4 – Toisin Adarabioyo4 – Rayan Ait-Nouri4 – Fabian Schar4 – James JustinArsenal’s Brazilian centre-back is a top-tier defender because not only is he ranked joint-fourth for clean sheets, he doubles up as a potent threat from set pieces.The Gunners have honed their corner routine to devastating effect this season and Gabriel is generally the primary target, hence his handy return of five goals to date.Most read in FootballManchester City have struggled in defence this season but Gvardiol remains a top ten defender in terms of total points because he persistently takes up advanced positions from left-back.The Croatia international has banked 152 points while only one other City defender (Rico Lewis) has more than 81 to his name.Gabriel’s aerial threat is a huge boostCredit: GettyMOST SHOTS ON TARGET AMONG DEFENDERS THIS SEASON:13 – Pedro Porro11 – Josko Gvardiol11 – Daniel Munoz9 – Trent Alexander-Arnold9 – Rayan Ait-Nouri9 – James JustinTottenham’s right-back is encouraged to influence play in the final third by Ange Postecoglou and he’s certainly not shy when it comes to testing the opposition goalkeeper.Some Spurs fans might say Porro is overly shot-happy but from a Dream Team perspective, his unwavering desire to contribute in attack is a huge plus.The Spaniard has registered just six clean sheets in 2024/25, fewer than Ashley Young (£2.9m) and Tino Livramento (£2.8m), but he’s currently second among defenders overall with 171 points to his name, such is the value of his offensive play – he’s also a bonus point magnet.Crystal Palace’s Munoz averages a mightily impressive 6.2 points-per-game this season – the third highest rate among players in his position.The Colombian wing-back gets through mountains of defensive work – only Noussair Mazraoui (£2.7m) has made more tackles – but his role in the Eagles’ set-up means he often occupies shooting areas.A dual threatCredit: GettyMOST ASSISTS AMONG DEFENDERS THIS SEASON:9 – Antonee Robinson 8 – Trent Alexander-Arnold8 – Pedro Porro5 – Rayan Ait-Nouri5 – Nathan Collins5 – Lewis HallFulham’s left-back leads the way in this metric; a hugely impressive feat without additional European fixtures to bolster his schedule.The USA international also comes out on top for bonus points (29) in his position.Robinson deserves plenty of praise but he’ll have to produce something special to keep Liverpool’s No66 at bay in the final third of the campaign…Robinson has played superbly this season but has perhaps been a tad lucky in regards to his assist tallyCredit: GettyMOST BIG CHANCES CREATED AMONG DEFENDERS THIS SEASON: 15 – Trent Alexander-Arnold13 – Lucas Digne10 – Leif Davis8 – Tyrick Mitchell7 – Andy Robertson7 – Kostas Tsimikas7 – Yukinari SugawaraAlexander-Arnold has long rubbed shoulders with Dream Team’s best playmakers in the creative department and so it’s no surprise to see him leading the way here.He remains Liverpool’s best passer and crosser of a ball in Liverpool’s ranks.Robinson’s absence from his list suggests he’s been rather fortunate to amass nine assists – his team-mates have been clinical from his service.Aston Villa should have made more of Digne’s service this season and the Frenchman’s backers probably deserve a flurry of assists at some point in the coming months.Ipswich’s forward-thinking left-back produced a shed-load of assists in the Championship and he’s doing his best to carve out opportunities in the top flight but the Tractor Boys’ defensive vulnerabilities means Davis isn’t truly a viable option for Dream Team bosses.A playmaking giant from right-backCredit: GettyMOST GOAL INVOLVEMENTS (GOALS + ASSISTS) AMONG DEFENDERS THIS SEASON:10 – Trent Alexander-Arnold10 – Pedro Porro9 – Antonee Robinson9 – Rayan Ait-Nouri7 – Gabriel7 – Nathan CollinsAit-Nouri features in all but one of the above lists but much like Davis, his attacking contributions are negated by his team’s broader problems in defence.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt would be interesting to see what the 23-year-old could do as a regular starter for one of the league’s stronger teams.Combining goals and assists probably gives the fairest reflection of attacking threat as Alexander-Arnold and Porro have been the standout defenders in this regard, hence why they are ranked first and second in the position for total points right now.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      What Miguel Almiron’s £10m transfer sale means for Newcastle’s January spending

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED are set to bolster their transfer kitty by nearly ten million quid – but it’ll stay locked up until the summer.Miguel Almiron has left the North East and is jetting to America today to seal his return to former club Atlanta.Miguel Almiron said his goodbyes after the Southampton matchCredit: ReutersThe Magpies have accepted a £9.5million offer from the MLS side for the Paraguayan winger, 30.Almiron is now Stateside to undergo a medical having already agreed personal terms.However, despite his departure, Eddie Howe still looks unlikely to be able to use the money and get a replacement before next Monday.Newcastle’s recruitment team have been watching right-wingers for months and have come up with a long list of potential new signings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is a big favourite and regularly has Toon scouts in attendance.Although, despite Howe admitting that he would like at least one new addition in January, he looks certain to have to make do with what he has left after the exit of Almiron.Newcastle’s need to comply with PSR means that the board at St James’ are unlikely to give the green light to any significant new incoming.That means that the cash will be saved and will instead go towards Howe’s summer transfer kitty.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe departure of Almiron, who has agreed a four-and-a-half year contract with Atlanta, means Howe currently only has two fit specialised wingers in Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon with Harvey Barnes sidelined for at least another fortnight.Howe stressed last week the importance he felt adding new players to his squad. Former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew reveals why he axed Hatem Ben Arfa despite him being an ‘unbelievable talent’ He said: “When you look at our squad at the moment, we’re a little bit heavy on defenders, which is not a negative thing. But the balance is slightly off.“Our attacking players, we have lost Harvey and Callum [Wilson]. So our attacking options from the bench is slightly limited. We have real quality in a lot of positions, just maybe not in that top line. And when you’re looking to make attacking subs and change the game, they’re the ones that you want. That is a slight issue for us.“But in terms of the quality of the squad and players we have – we have 20 fit players available – I think they’re outstanding and our squad is really strong.“The second point I want to make to the question is about freshness of the squad. When you go consecutive windows without freshening the group in any major way, you could run into difficult waters with staleness. I think healthy rotation of the squad with transfers in and out is important.”Almiron, meanwhile, received a fine send-off from the travelling Toon Army when he came off the bench in the closing stages of Saturday’s 3-1 win at Southampton.That was his 223rd appearance for the Magpies – who signed him back in 2019 for £21m from Atlanta. More

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      LaLiga ace Alex Berenguer & model wife ‘have gun pointed at them’ after three balaclava-wearing robbers break into home

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      A LALIGA footballer and his wife reportedly had a gun pointed at them during an armed robbery of their home.Athletic Bilbao forward Alex Berenguer, 29, and model Sofia Jem were targeted at their villa in Mungia, in the Basque country, on Monday night.Spanish footballer Alex Berenguer and his wife Sofia Jem were victims of an armed robbery attemptCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerrThe couple were at home on Monday night when three masked men tried to force entryCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerrBerenguer plays in attack for Athletic BilbaoCredit: RexAccording to El Correo in Spain, three armed men wearing balaclavas attempted to break in.The report adds that Berenguer managed to close a glass door which stopped the trio from entering. It is then claimed that a gun was aimed at both Berenguer and Jem.Thankfully, the shocking ordeal ended as the footballer was able to alert the police during the attempted raid and the robbers fled. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpanish authorities launched an investigation.It is understood neither Berenguer nor aerospace engineer Jem were injured in the raid but are both likely heavily shaken up. Neither have commented publicly just yet. Berenguer came through the youth academy at Osasuna then joined Torino in 2017.Most read in FootballThe Spaniard spent three years in Italy before returning to his homeland, signing for Bilbao in 2020.Berenguer scored the winning penalty in last season’s Copa del Rey final shootout victory over Mallorca – ending the club’s 40-year trophy drought. Joelinton’s mansion targeted by thieves as Newcastle winger calls cops after getting alert burglars were lurking in homeDespite the key moment, his contract technically ran out for a week last summer – briefly making him a free agent – before signing a new deal with Bilbao until 2027. He has racked up 32 goals in 199 games – and could make his 200th appearance in Thursday’s Europa League clash with Viktoria Plzen or against Real Betis on Sunday. Bilbao are enjoying a fine season, sitting fourth in LaLiga and third in the Europa League. Various Premier League footballers have also been targeted by thieves in recent years including Paul Pogba, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Dele Alli and Joelinton. The footballer and aerospace engineer are marriedCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerrJem is a model and studied aerospace engineerCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerrThe pair regularly post holiday snaps togetherCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerrNeither of them have commented publicly on the ordeal just yetCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerrThey enjoyed a trip to Disneyland while Berenguer was at TorinoCredit: Instagram @alexberenguerr More

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      Burnley and Leeds fans call for refunds after ‘worst game of any form of sport ever’ – as woeful stats emerge

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      BURNLEY and Leeds fans are demanding refunds after watching the “worst game of any form of sport ever.”The Championship title contenders went head-to-head last night in what had been billed as an epic showdown.Burnley and Leeds fans want refunds after last night’s dismal 0-0 drawCredit: RexLeeds were already top of the table after second-place Sheffield United lost to Hull on Friday.While third-place Burnley, three points off the summit, were hoping to go level with Leeds after losing just twice so far this season.Scott Parker’s men boast the meanest defence in English football with only nine goals conceded.But Daniel Farke’s side are no slouches themselves and have suffered just three defeats so far.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnfortunately for fans though, what should have been a thriller quickly turned into a drab affair.Neither side wanted to relinquish their statuses as incredibly tough teams to beat.And across the entire 90 minutes, just ONE shot between the sides was on target.That honour went to Leeds, who ended up having eight attempts on goal.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAs for Burnley, they managed just four shots and failed to get a single one on target.The Clarets also made sure to disrupt play as much as possible as their dogged stars made 13 tackles – resulting in nine fouls.Ex-Man Utd star Hannibal Mejbri dubbed ‘epic s—house’ after outrageously taunting Leeds fans in tense Burnley winBut Leeds incredibly managed to give away 11 fouls despite only making eight tackles themselves.And fans were left to bemoan the lack of action as the whistle blew on a dismal 0-0 stalemate.One said: “This Burnley Leeds game is, with no exaggeration, the worst game of any form of sport to have ever taken place.“Every single person at the game, or who watched it, should be reimbursed.”Another declared: “Drained the life out of me tonight.”One noted: “I fell asleep and I was in the stadium.”Another added: “Absolutely shambolic, poor fans.” More

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      Holland star, 23, set to swap football career for darts after watching Rob Cross win Dutch Masters

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      DUTCH international Quilindschy Hartman has declared his aim to swap boots for bullseyes by becoming a pro dart player.The Feyenoord defender won the 2022 Eredivisie title and 2023 domestic cup under current Liverpool boss Arne Slot.Quilindschy Hartman has aspirations to become a darts player and was at the Dutch Masters last weekThe Dutch star thinks he can one day play at Ally PallyCredit: GettyHartman, capped four times by Holland, has been with the Rotterdam club since the age of eight.And although only 23, the left-back has outlined his future plans, revealing his ambition to play in the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.Darts is a huge sport in Holland, with the country producing legends such as Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld.Hartman showed up at the Dutch Darts Masters in Den Bosch at the weekend to watch Englishman Rob Cross see off compatriot Stephen Bunting.READ MORE ON DARTSAnd he has a passion for the sport, saying: “I play darts a lot and think that after my football career is over, I’m really going to throw plenty of them.”I will want to play in competitions, as that is something I love. “I don’t get much time for it at present because of the busy fixture calendar.”But if I’m still as keen on darts when I retire as I am now, then I will really go for it.Most read in DartsJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”It would be a dream for me to play on a big stage like Alexandra Palace. That would be amazing.”I genuinely think that is something I’ll be able to do if I get more time to practise.Sky Sports forced to apologise for second time in 24 hours as Van Gerwen makes ANOTHER X-rated comment on live TV”If I play more often, I believe I can get there.”The exotically-named defender is close to a footballing return after nine months out following a knee injury.Valued at £20million, he has made 72 senior Feyenoord appearances – scoring twice.He has been linked with a transfer to the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham.Rob Cross won the Dutch Darts MastersCredit: Getty More

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      Real Madrid ‘to go all out to sign Enzo Fernandez with Chelsea set to be offered sensational swap transfer’

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      REAL MADRID are reportedly ready to offer an £86million first-team star in a sensational swap deal for Chelsea vice-captain Enzo Fernandez.The Argentine World Cup winner has emerged as a key man for the Blues this season, two years after a record £106million move from Benfica.Real Madrid are lining up a mega swap deal for Chelsea star Enzo FernandezCredit: ReutersFernandez already has three league goals this season, as many as he managed in his previous 18 months at Stamford Bridge.But reports suggest the midfield ace is unsettled at Chelsea.And DSports claims Fernandez has now emerged as a target for Real Madrid.The Spanish champs are said to be huge fans of Enzo Maresca’s vice-skipper.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReal feel they are lacking in creative midfield areas this season following Toni Kroos’ surprise retirement.And with Luka Modric possibly exiting ahead of his 40th birthday in September, Fernandez would be an ideal signing.However, he is tied down to Chelsea until 2032 on a mega-contract worth £180,000-a-week.It means Real would need to pay a pretty penny for Fernandez’s signature.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd Carlo Ancelotti is ready to soften the blow by offering a player in exchange, with Frenchman Aurelian Tchouameni set to be sacrificed.The versatile holding midfielder was an £86m purchase from Monaco in 2022.Jude Bellingham caught ‘humbling’ LaLiga rival who threatened to knock Real Madrid team-mate out ‘in 10 seconds’Real are ready to part ways with Aurelien TchouameniCredit: AFPHe’s since gone on to make 114 appearances while winning a LaLiga title and Champions League.But nearly half of Tchouameni’s games this season have come at centre-back.He is reportedly unhappy with his lack of chances further up the pitch and is looking for an exit before deadline day.Chelsea could apparently be tempted to accept Real’s offer, which would see them rake in some cash for a new winger while also bolstering their squad with a player of Tchouameni’s quality.Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho has been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.It’s thougt he could cost as much as £60m, although Napoli are also said to be in talks with the ace. More