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      Liverpool and Everton release joint statement slamming sick abuse towards Abdoulaye Doucoure as police launch probe

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      LIVERPOOL and Everton have released a joint statement slamming vile racist abuse aimed at Abdoulaye Doucoure.The midfielder was involved in a post-match bust-up with Curtis Jones after celebrating Everton’s 98th minute derby equaliser in front of travelling Liverpool fans.Liverpool and Everton have released a joint statement condemning racist abuse of Abdoulaye DoucoureCredit: GettyDoucoure was sent off for brawling with Curtis Jones after Everton’s late derby equaliserCredit: AFPIt sparked a mass brawl as teammates from both sides rushed in to the fray.And both Doucoure and Jones were shown straight red cards by referee Michael Oliver.However, Doucoure was subjected to disgraceful racist abuse in the wake of the game.It’s led to Liverpool and Everton putting aside their rivalry to condone the sick behaviour while offering their unconditional support to the midfielder.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA joint statement read: “Liverpool FC and Everton FC are aware of – and condemn in the strongest possible terms – racist abuse received by Abdoulaye Doucoure following Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby.”Such abuse is reprehensible and will not, and should not, be tolerated.”Together, the two clubs will work with Merseyside Police, who are conducting an investigation with the aim of identifying the individuals responsible.”We also encourage people who witness or experience online abuse to report and highlight it to the social media platforms on which it appears.Most read in FootballEverton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stunt”We must all, including the social media companies, take a zero-tolerance stance. Platforms need to take accountability and action to ban such abusers.”Racism and hate has no place online, in our stadiums or in our communities.”Doucoure and Jones weren’t the only ones to receive red cards after the Merseyside derby.Liverpool boss Arne Slot and No2 Sipke Hulshoff also received their marching orders from Oliver.Slot approached the ref to have a few words and shake his hand.But as the pair shook hands, Oliver quickly reached into his pocket before producing a red card for the Dutchman.Arne Slot was sent off after the final whistleSlot could yet be in charge for Liverpool’s next match against WolvesCredit: GettyThe manager was also seen berating an assistant referee.The Premier League then revealed on their website that Slot will face two matches away from the sidelines as a result of the incident.The Reds boss is said to have used “offensive, insulting, or abusive language”.But just an hour later, the Premier League’s statement on Slot’s ban had been deleted.If Slot is banned for two games, he will be in the stands for Liverpool’s home match with Wolves on Sunday and their trip to face Aston Villa on February 19.However, it’s understood that the FA still needs to review Michael Oliver’s post-match report.They then have to decide on one of three options: whether to charge Slot, remind him of his responsibilities or take no further action.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt means there’s a possibility the Liverpool manager and his assistant could be in the dugout for the game against Wolves.If both Slot and Hulshoff are banned, former Everton star Johnny Heitinga could the nod to lead Liverpool. More

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      Virgil van Dijk swipes at Everton with brutal ‘cup final’ dig live on TV after last-gasp equaliser in Merseyside derby

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      LIVERPOOL captain Virgil van Dijk belittled Everton with a cheeky dig following the Merseyside derby.The Dutch defender took aim at Everton and Abdoulaye Doucoure after a full-time bust up took place at Goodison Park.Virgil van Dijk spoke to TNT Sports after the gameCurtis Jones was involved in the post match scrap with Doucoure at Goodison.Credit: ReutersVan Dijk had words with the match officials at full-time after controversial decisions were made during the game.Everton equalised late in stoppage time to salvage a point in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before The Toffees move into their new stadium in the summer.James Tarkowski’s equaliser in the eighth minute of stoppage time caused tension after five extra minutes were initially awarded in the 90th minute.The drama boiled over once the full-time whistle was blown with players from both sides clashing as Everton celebrated a draw.Doucoure and Curtis Jones were both shown red cards for their part in the post match clash.Read more on footballArne Slot was also sent off after words with Michael Oliver at full-time, along with his assistant Sipke Hulshoff.Speaking live to TNT Sports in a post match interview a frustrated Van Dijk said: “We all know this is their cup final”, suggesting that the match was the biggest of Everton’s season.While Van Dijk’s comments may have ruffled some feathers, it was a huge game for Everton as the final Merseyside derby at their famous ground.The occasion saw fans swarming the streets with banners before kick off and produced one of the best derby day atmospheres in recent memory that exploded when Tarkowski equalised.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVan Dijk continued: “A lot of battles. Very disappointing to concede in the last second of the game, or even over extra time, but it is what it is.”It isn’t easy to accept it, especially in the manner how, but we take it and move on.David Moyes says ‘boiling hot Goodison Park deserved drama’ in final Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton “I think the referee had a big part in the game today in terms of certain challenges were given as fouls and similar weren’t.”Speaking on the post match incident involving his teammate, Van Dijk added: “I think Doucoure wanted to provoke our fans, I think, that’s what I saw.”Curtis didn’t think that was the right thing to do and then obviously you know what happens when there is a little tussle.”The result meant Liverpool couldn’t take full advantage of their game in hand over second place Arsenal, but they still sit seven points ahead of the Gunners.As for Everton, David Moyes’ unbeaten streak in the league extends to four games with the point moving them up to 15th and ten points clear of the relegation zone.James Tarkowski’s volley at the death earned Everton a point in their final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.Credit: Getty More

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      Footballer, 18, who was part of special Bayern Munich squad tragically left brain dead after knee to head in match

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      A FORMER Bayern Munich youth star has been left brain dead at the age of 18, according to his brother.Defender Guo Jiaxuan was reportedly struck in the face by a knee during a training match in Spain last Thursday.Guo Jiaxuan has been left brain dead after being struck in the face by kneeCredit: Jam PressGuo had been playing in a game against Spanish side RC Alcobendas at a camp organised by the Beijing Football Association.Guo, an academy recruit of Chinese Super League (CSL) club Beijing Guoan, represented Bayern’s World Squad in 2023.His brother tragically revealed on social media that Guo had suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage following an accidental collision. The haemorrhage took the form of a stroke caused by bleeding on the brain.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHis sibling wrote on Chinese platform RedNote : “During training, he was rushed to hospital after being hit in the head by another player’s knee.”From the interpreter, I learned that the doctor at the hospital said my brother had too much bleeding in his head and that there was little hope of survival.”The hospital was going to remove his life support tubes.”The post said that a Spanish doctor told the family that Guo was at one stage clinically dead as a result of a lack of oxygen in his brain.Most read in FootballGuo’s father arrived in Spain on Saturday and reportedly refused the doctor’s suggestion to turn off his son’s life support.His family are seeking to bring him back to China for further treatment.A staff member from the Beijing FA noted that “they are fully committed to ensuring his treatment.”Following the match last week, RC Alcobendas offered a message of support for Guo and his family.A club statement read: “We want to express our deep concern for the player from the Beijing FA delegation who suffered an accident during the friendly match played this morning against our first team.”We send all our support to him, his family and his team at this difficult time. We sincerely wish your speedy recovery.”Guo was the only Chinese player selected for Bayern’s World Squad two years ago.The squad was part of an international project by the German giants aimed at developing promising players from around the world.The talented footballer was born in Beijing in 2006 and has represented China’s under-17s. More

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      My dad’s a Premier League legend and Chelsea icon, now I’m making my own way in football

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      PETR CECH’s daughter is following in her father’s footsteps after she made her national team debut.The Chelsea legend played in England for a decade and a half while also playing in goal for the Czech Republic for 14 years.Petr Cech’s daughter is following in his footstepsCredit: ReutersAdela Cechova made her debut for the Czech Republic Under-17 sideBut the 42-year-old’s daughter, Adela Cechova, has now taken the next steps in following her father’s career.On Tuesday the 17-year-old made her debut for Czechia’s Under-17 national team.She starred off the bench in a 3-0 defeat to Mexico in the MIMA Cup being held in Spain.The tournament will also see Cechova taking on England and Scotland before the end of the current international break.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Cechova is a defender rather than a goalkeeper like her father.Her coach, Daniel Smejkal, says of her: “She’s a promising defender.”Now we are taking her with us to Spain to train so that we can get to know her better.”Cechova wears the number 21 on her back.Most read in FootballShe has also kept her club football routes close to home, playing for Chelsea’s local rivals Fulham.Tonight Cechova will have the chance to help her nation get a win on the board when they face England, before another opportunity presents itself against Scotland on Saturday.Premier League legend makes professional ice hockey debut at 41 years old after joining championsCech actually missed the birth of his daughter on January 23, 2008, because he was with the Chelsea team for a League Cup semi-final tie against Everton.Chelsea would win the tie 2-1, although Cech did not play in the game – not even being named on the bench – with Hilario deputising in goal as picked by Avram Grant.On missing her birth, Cech told People Magazine: “It was the best day of my life and at the same time the saddest.”I was happy to be a father and proud of my wife, but sad to have missed the birth.”My daughter decided she would come in the middle of the night without me being able to do anything, so I had to wait glued to the phone.”Cech, who now plays ice hockey, has two children with his wife Martina.They have a boy, named Damian, who is following more directly in his father’s footsteps, being a goalkeeper with the Under-15s at Fulham.According to Czech outlet iDNES.cz, Cech does not want either of his children to play for Chelsea.The publication explains: “She will always be ‘Cech’s daughter’, but I don’t think he will push her up.”Quite the opposite, because he doesn’t want any of his children to play for a Chelsea team where he is a legend.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Playing with the national team is a new football and life experience for her.”Both of Cech’s children are kept away from the media spotlight in general and are said to be reluctant to give interviews.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson, 83, set for shock return to dugout after Man Utd legend ‘immediately’ accepts offer

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      SIR Alex Ferguson is weeks away from making a shock return to the dugout, according to his former player.The legendary British manager retired from Manchester United in 2013 after a glittering 26-year career at Old Trafford.Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly set to return to the dugout next monthCredit: AlamyFormer United star Giuseppe Rossi is holding a farewell match in Italy next monthCredit: EPARossi announced the retirement game on WednesdayBut Ferguson will reportedly return to the technical area on March 22 to help coach at a game in Florence.Former Italy international Giuseppe Rossi, 38, has organised a farewell match to honour his retirement next month.The ex-Fiorentina star’s “last dance” will be at the Stadio Franchi Stadium and has been dubbed ‘Pepito Day’.Due to his successful spell in LaLiga, the former striker earned the nickname ‘Pepito Rossi’, a reference to namesake Paolo Rossi.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe latter was nicknamed ‘Pablito’ following his goalscoring performances in Italy’s victorious 1982 World Cup campaign in Spain.And Rossi – who has a close relationship with Ferguson – revealed that the Scottish icon, 83, will be back in the dugout for his farewell.Rossi said: “Ferguson will be there as a coach. He was my first coach, I signed when I was 17. “I only did three years with him and played little, but he immediately said yes and this shows what kind of person he is.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I did little at United but he treats me like Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 1000 goals.”Ferguson gave Rossi his debut in senior football at United in 2004, before he went on to score four goals across 14 appearances in all competitions.Sir Alex Ferguson joins Man Utd players past and present to honour Denis Law at Old TraffordFerguson gave Rossi his senior debut in 2004Credit: Getty – ContributorFerguson is Britain’s most successful managerCredit: GettyRossi was loaned out to Newcastle and Parma between 2006 and 2007, before joining Villarreal permanently in 2007.Despite his love for Florence, Rossi’s most prolific years came with the LaLiga side, scoring 82 goals and provided 25 assists in 192 appearances.He then moved to Fiorentina from 2013 to 2017, notching 19 goals in 42 games, before being loaned out to Levante and Celta in 2016.The Italian announced on Wednesday that many of his ex-Fiorentina team-mates and some Serie A legends would play in the farewell game.Luca Toni, Antonio Cassano, Sebastien Frey, Borja Valero and Gabriel Omar Batistuta will be among the former players taking part.The teams haven’t been decided yet, but they will be made up of former stars.Meanwhile, it won’t be the first time Ferguson has returned to the dugout for a one-off occasion. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Scot oversaw United legend’s 1999 reunion match against Bayern Munich legends at Old Trafford in 2019.The home side stormed to a 5-0 victory, with David Beckham, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Dwight Yorke, Nicky Butt and Louis Saha on the scoresheet. More

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      Score Predictor tips for Matchweek 22: Newcastle to swarm Manchester City’s brittle defence

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      MATCHWEEK 22 features some intriguing match-ups that will test the foresight of Score Predictor users.As usual, there’s £250 up for grabs and it’s completely free to play – why not get involved?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 NOWSimply enter your predictions for the five selected Premier League games and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you amass the most points then you’ll claim the cash prize!Allow us to present some key stats and facts for each relevant fixture to help inform your decisions…Manchester City v NewcastleA fascinating encounter first up with Pep Guardiola’s side having capitulated late on (not for the first time this season) against Real Madrid in midweek.The defending champions have been guilty of far too many errors in recent weeks and they continue to give up a wealth of clearcut chances.Alexander Isak will certainly fancy his chances of exploiting City’s weaknesses, though to what extent may depend on the availability of Anthony Gordon, who is a doubt at this stage.Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali could feasibly dominate the middle third too with Rodri’s absence still a huge disadvantage for the hosts.Most read in FootballThat being said, City pack a punch in attack and in Erling Haaland they have one of very few players in Europe to have outscored Isak in 2024/25.Eddie Howe’s side lost to Fulham in their last league outing but so did Man City, that 5-1 mauling at the hands of Arsenal.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawGuardiola has a lot of his mind right nowCredit: ReutersSouthampton v BournemouthSaints beat Ipswich in their last league game but that’s the full extent of the positive outlook if truth be told.Ivan Juric’s side still need three points to go past Derby’s record-low tally for a Premier League campaign from 2007/08 and it seems unlikely they’ll take anything off Andoni Iraola’s well-drilled outfit on Saturday.The Cherries only defeat in their last 14 games in all competitions came against Liverpool and even Arne Slot admitted his side benefited from a slice of luck that day.Southampton have conceded the most goals in the top flight this season while Bournemouth have scored 11 goals in their last four outings.Our Prediction: 3-0 to BournemouthKluivert and company have been among the goals latelyCredit: GettyCrystal Palace v EvertonTwo bottom-half teams who have made significant strides forward of late.Only Arsenal have taken more points from their last six league games than the Eagles while David Moyes oversaw three wins in four before Wednesday night’s spirited draw against Liverpool.Palace have tightened up at the back since the turn of the year and have consequently kept five clean sheets in their last six games.However, Oliver Glasner’s troops have had a lot more success on the road this term – only four teams have earned fewer points at home.Dwight McNeil inspired Everton to a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture back in September but he’s injured for this weekend’s trip to the capital.There’s also the question of how much an emotionally-charged Merseyside derby has taken out of Moyes’ men?Our Prediction: 1-1 drawMoyes’ return has buoyed EvertonCredit: GettyLiverpool v WolvesThe same question could be asked of the Reds but a home game against opponents currently 17th in the table represents a relatively simple task on paper.Wolves have registered back-to-back 2-0 wins against Aston Villa and Blackburn this month and Slot will be wary of the threat posed by Matheus Cunha but it’s hard to look past the hosts on Sunday.Liverpool are the top scorers in the league, thanks to Mohamed Salah’s blistering form, while only Leicester and Southampton have conceded more goals than Wolves.Our Prediction: 3-1 to LiverpoolUnstoppableCredit: AFPTottenham v Manchester UnitedOn the one hand, this is a meeting of two of the world’s richest clubs, both members of the Premier League’s so-called ‘big six’.On the other hand, it’s 14th vs 13th.Spurs’ 3-0 victory at Old Trafford in September is among the rare high points of their otherwise bitterly disappointing league campaign and Ange Postecoglou also enjoyed a 4-3 win over the Red Devils in the Carabao Cup just before Christmas.Unfortunately, Dominic Solanke, who has scored three goals against Man United this season, isn’t expected to return from injury until the end of the month.Defeats to Liverpool and Aston Villa in the cups have all but erased memories of Spurs’ impressive win at Brentford at the start of the month.As for Ruben Amorim’s side, who knows what to make of them?Recent wins over Rangers, Fulham, FCSB and Leicester have given fans reasons to be cheerful but even the most partisan members of the Old Trafford faithful would admit there’s still plenty of room for improvement.Sunday’s main event is essentially a meeting between the Premier League’s two biggest underachievers at present – nightmare fuel for Score Predictor users.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 3-2 to SpursProve you know better by entering your predictions for Matchweek 22 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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      ‘I cried in my car’ – Roy Keane reveals emotional reaction to Man Utd exit after bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson

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      ROY KEANE broke down in tears following his acrimonious departure from Manchester United.The former Red Devils skipper left the club by mutual consent in November 2005 following his infamous MUTV interview after their 4-1 defeat to Middlesbrough.Roy Keane left Manchester United by mutual consent in November 2005Credit: GETTYAn explosive row with Sir Alex Ferguson after his interview MUTV interview proved to be the straw that broke the camel’s backCredit: TIMES NEWSPAPERS LTDKeane admits he shed a tear after his departure from Old TraffordCredit: PAKeane blasted several of his team-mates by name for their displays at the Riverside and claimed they “let down the club” in an interview that wasn’t aired.An explosive row with Sir Alex Ferguson, in which he told the Scot “we need f***ing more from you”, proved to be the straw which broke the camel’s back.Keane was all too happy to leave the club following a tense meeting with Fergie and former club CEO David Gill but ended up shedding a tear once the reality of his exit hit home.During the latest episode of Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet, the Irishman admitted: “When I left United, I did cry that morning. Cried in my car.”READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSDespite his explosive departure, Keane is still beloved by the Old Trafford faithful.But the former Republic of Ireland international doesn’t have the same love for his former side.The 53-year-old revealed: “I don’t have that affinity with the clubs I’ve played for.”I don’t support Manchester United, I don’t support Nottingham Forest.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSRoy Keane admits he doesn’t support the Red DevilsCredit: APHe continued: “I have more of an insight with how it works at the club and the expectations.”But I wouldn’t say that I’m a fan – their results don’t make or break my weekend.Roy Keane launches incredible blast at ‘shocking and boring’ Man Utd after woeful first half vs Leicester”I wouldn’t go home going, ‘Get in there, that was a great win.’ I’d be looking at it in a professional way.”Keane joined United in 1993 from Nottingham Forest for a then-record British transfer fee of £3.75 million.He made 479 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 51 goals and racking up 41 assists in all competitions.Keane left The Theatre of Dreams having won 17 trophies with the club, including seven Premier League titles. More

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      Awkward moment King Charles asks Son Heung-min if Tottenham are ‘in good order’ in front of Daniel Levy

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      THIS is the awkward moment King Charles asks Son Heung-Min if Spurs are “in good order” in front of Daniel Levy.The unlikely meeting occurred as the King visited the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday.Son Heung-Min was asked an awkward question by King Charles in front of Daniel LevyCredit: TIKTOK @ESPNUKHis Majesty wanted to know if Spurs are ‘in good order’Credit: TIKTOK @ESPNUKHis Majesty arrived at the north London arena to great fanfare.And he was met by Spurs chief Levy before getting a tour of the stadium.On his travels, King Charles bumped into Tottenham captain Son.The South Korean star and teammates are enduring a woeful season under manager Ange Postecoglou.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpurs lie 14th in the table after winning just eight of their 24 league matches.And last week saw them dumped out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup within the space of several days.Tottenham are now preparing to face Manchester United at home on Sunday.And speaking to Son, King Charles asked whether Tottenham felt confident about their chances.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut the encounter was made all the more awkward by the fact that Son was being watched by Spurs supremo Levy in the background.King Charles initiated the conversation by asking: “So who are you playing this weekend then?”King Charles visits Tottenham Hotspur StadiumSon answered: “We are going to play against Manchester United on Sunday.”The King then asked: “Have you got a good chance?”Son replied: “I hope so!”His Majesty continued: “Is the team in good order at the moment?”Son pondered the question before answering: “We are in a difficult moment but we are working hard.”The King quickly asked: “Are you?”Son replied simply: “Yes.”Fans responded to the awkward moment on social media.One said: “Levy at the back.”Another declared: “I hope this guy lifts a trophy before he leaves.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “At least he’s honest.”Another added: “King Charles is too funny.” More