Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 288 Shares34 Views

      in Soccer

      I’ve had deaths threats after games with thugs hoping my mum dies of AIDS & I end up paralysed, says ex-ref David Coote

      by

      DAVID Coote last night revealed the sickening abuse aimed at match officials — including death threats and warped internet trolls saying they hope his mum dies of AIDS in her sleep.Sacked Coote called for TV pundits to stop “whipping up” fans into a frenzy against referees amid “hysterical” analysis, claiming messages he has received from crazed supporters added to his spiral into cocaine abuse.David Coote revealed the sickening abuse aimed at match officialsCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdThe sacked ref has received death threats and had warped internet trolls saying they hope his mum dies of AIDS in her sleepCredit: PAMichael Oliver sent off Gunner Myles Lewis-Skelly during Saturday’s Wolves versus Arsenal Premier League clashCredit: PAWeeping, the 42-year-old, who described some messages as “abhorrent”, told The Sun: “I’ve received death threats during my career. “I’ve needed an accelerated response tag on my home address for me to speak to the police in an emergency.“I’ve also had messages from irate supporters hoping that I had an accident on the way home from a game. “They didn’t just want me to die but to be paralysed, so I’d suffer every day for the rest of my life.Read More on Sport“Other messages included hoping that my mum dies of AIDS overnight.“People target referees without accountability on social media, and at matches. “I can’t see how that is acceptable. “There is standard abuse on a regular basis, but some crosses any line of acceptability.Most read in Football“I’m sorry people are talking about me for the wrong reasons. “I’m not here looking for sympathy. Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder“I just want to say that I am a human being that’s made mistakes.“I’m paying the consequences. “I’m taking responsibility for making those mistakes. “I hope that others in my situation seek help in the right ways as I’m now trying to do.”Coote revealed that at the elite level of the game it’s not always a stadium full of 60,000 fans screaming ‘the referee’s a w*****’ that causes the most upset.He said: “We have an earpiece in, and are on comms. “We’re constantly talking to each other and listening to players on the field, so actually the noise in the stadium doesn’t impact us very much.“But what is more impactful is the things you hear and see that are individual — the targeted abuse.“There are fans who decide to hang around for an hour or two after a game to individually abuse us, hanging over the barriers as we leave the stadium.“And there are those who take to social media. “Some refs might not be on social media, but it still has an impact on friends and family.“Some of the things said are abhorrent. “That has more impact on us as individuals, and as people.”He went on: “Every official that takes the pitch up and down the country from a local playing field to the Premier League is a human being, not just a referee.“They have feelings. “They may not show them, but it will impact them when they’re receiving abuse. “I’ve struggled and I’ve tried to get through it in my own way and made poor decisions in doing so.“I hope that others make better decisions  and that referees are given an easier ride in the levels of scrutiny, and levels of abuse that come in their direction.“I hope this shines a light on the impact it can have on a person.”Coote spoke out as fellow referee Michael Oliver, his partner Laura and two-year-old daughter, received death threats after Saturday’s Wolves versus Arsenal Premier League clash, when he sent off Gunner Myles Lewis-Skelly.Fans said they knew where he lived and were going to brick his windows.Three weeks ago, after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United, someone said they were going to blow up Oliver’s car with his family inside it.Coote said of the menaces towards his friend: “This isn’t the first time this season we’ve heard of such abuse. “Sadly, it won’t be the last.“I know only too well the toll these appalling and frightening threats can have, but you have no option other than to take it.“Referees have no right of reply, while those who make the threats face no action. “It has to change.”Referees have no right of reply, while those who make the threats face no action. It has to changeDavid CooteDespite his fall from grace, Coote is keen to draw attention to how tough refereeing can be. He pointed out that officials are increasingly forced into “centre stage”.In the January 8 Carabao Cup semi-final between Spurs and Liverpool, Stuart Attwell became the first ref in England to announce a VAR decision in the stadium when he explained why Dominic Solanke’s late goal for Spurs was ruled out. Coote said: “The difficulty with being a referee is that the concept of resilience is key to doing what we do.“That means the opposite of resilience is a vulnerability or a weakness. “If I’ve got to be resilient to do the job then showing weakness and vulnerability immediately casts doubt over the ability to do that role.“I hope others who are finding things difficult are given the support they need to be able to show weakness and vulnerability because it’s impossible to keep up the facade over the course of time.”Coote’s sacking triggered change in the PGMOL, the referees’ governing body, including providing psychological support.He said officials had had the chance to have their say on “what could be done differently”. He said he was grateful for the support of colleagues, the PGMOL’s Howard Webb and Danielle Every and well-wishers in the street.The support has helped me get through some really tough timesDavid CooteHe said: “The support has helped me get through some really tough times.“My episodes hit the whole refereeing community hard because it showed just how accountable everybody in the game is.”Coote, a fan of League Two Notts County, began his route to top-level officiating by running the line for his dad and uncle’s Sunday team aged 14.He was urged to take a referees’ course and progressed through the levels of the game until he was invited to become a full-time Championship official.The Premier League followed and, a few years later, he added the VAR skill set.He said: “Nobody really prepares you for moving through each level and then arriving in the Premier League, which is like a goldfish bowl.”You don’t apply for promotion, people just take a judgment on your performances and you as a person, and give you the opportunity at a new level.“All of us who operate at the top levels of the game, we’re just normal guys, football fans who’ve been fortunate enough to be selected and move through the levels.“I’ve been really fortunate as a football fan to have seen the great players at such close quarters. “But there is a trade-off. “We don’t get an easy ride of it.”Coote said there’s no a simple fix to make football genuinely inclusive.He said: “It’s a difficult world to work in. “To be ‘me’ in football wasn’t easy. “I didn’t want to draw unnecessary attention to myself and I understand why others wouldn’t want to do the same.“I’ve no doubt that if somebody did come out there would be a lot of support but also they’d be opening themselves up to online abuse and prejudicial views that have no place in the society we live in.“It’s much more than a football problem. “It’s more of a society problem, particularly given how tribal football fans can be in a win-at-all-costs game.”Despite the scandal, Coote hopes to remain in the game and is keen to play a role speaking out for refs in the media.For now, he is training for a marathon in May to raise funds for research into motor neurone disease, which his uncle has.He said: “I’ll be looking to make sure my health and wellbeing is in the best possible place.”IT’S VERY BRAVE MOVEBy AMAL FASHANU, Niece of Justin who runs foundation in his name“IT is very brave for anyone to come out, but more so for someone in the public eye.“This will affect David Coote and is a big step but it should have less of an effect that in would on a player. Amal Fashanu, niece of JustinCredit: Darren FletcherNorwich striker Justin killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come outCredit: Getty – Contributor“It’s not the same level of fame.”Amal, whose former Norwich striker uncle killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come out, added: “We’d love to chat to him at the foundation.“We’d be there to offer any support and counselling.“We also help people with mental health problems and would be there for him if that was an issue.“There’s still something very wrong at the top of football.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re in 2025, when everyone is supposedly liberal and accepting, yet something is stopping these men accepting who they are.“Football is still failing in this regard.” More

    • 263 Shares30 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m gay but hid my sexuality in macho football world…it led to behaviour I deeply regret, says shamed ex-ref David Coote

      by

      SACKED referee David Coote has revealed he turned to cocaine over fear of coming out in the “macho world” of the Premier League.Tearful Coote said he took coke to “escape” after being forced to hide being gay.David Coote says he felt unable to come out as gay as he feared the abuse he received for doing his job would get even worseCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdThe Sun exclusively revealed film of him snorting powder at last summer’s Euros in GermanyCoote says he has been in an ‘incredibly dark place’ since news emerged of his drug-taking at Euro 2024Credit: PACoote also admitted he was “not sober” in his rant at ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, and got abuse and death threats as a ref.The sacked 42-year-old told how living a lie led him down paths that eventually torpedoed his career.Coote told The Sun: “I felt a deep sense of shame during my teenage years in particular.“I didn’t come out to my parents until I was 21. I didn’t come out to my friends until I was 25.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTE“My sexuality isn’t the only reason that led me to be in that position. But I’m not telling an authentic story if I don’t say that I’m gay, and that I’ve had real struggles dealing with hiding that.“I hid my emotions as a young ref and I hid my sexuality as well — a good quality as a referee but a terrible quality as a human being.“And that’s led me to a whole course of behaviours.”He says he has been in an “incredibly dark place” since news emerged of his drug-taking at Euro 2024. Without the support of family and colleagues, he added, “I’m not sure I’d be here today”.Most read in FootballGiving his first interview since the scandal broke, he said he hoped to help break down the “macho world” of Premier League football.He added: “I’ve had issues around my self-esteem — and that relates to my sexuality. I’m gay and I’ve struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period of time.Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder“I have received deeply unpleasant abuse during my career as a ref and to add my sexuality to that would have been really difficult.“There’s a lot to be done throughout football and more widely in society with regard to discrimination.“I didn’t want to be that person that was putting their head above the parapet to be shot at, given the abuse we all get as a referee in any event.”Coote was suspended last October after footage showed him calling then-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “c***”.The Sun then revealed a film of him snorting powder at last summer’s Euros in Germany.We also told how he tried to arrange a drugs party during Spurs’ Carabao Cup win over Man City on October 30.Coote was then the subject of a new FA probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to order — before he was eventually fired.In an emotional interview, he says a “pressure cooker” of suppressed emotion, combined with a punishing work schedule, left him wanting to “escape” with cocaine.Coote was suspended last October after footage showed him calling then-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ‘c***’Credit: XThe sacked 42-year-old said living a lie led him down paths which eventually torpedoed his careerCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdHe said: “It’s not something I was reliant on day by day, week by week, month by month.“I’ve had long periods where I’ve not used it — but it was one of the escape routes I had. Just getting away from the stresses, the relentlessness of the job. It fills me with a huge sense of shame to say that I took that route.”He recalled: “In 2023 I lost my mum very suddenly. At the same time my uncle was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. After Covid and the introduction of VAR, six officials were suddenly needed for each game.“I was selected by Fifa for the U17 World Cup in Indonesia, as well as the Euros and Olympics last year.“It meant that over the course of the 2023-24 season I was involved in more than 90 games — often back to back. At the end of last season I went straight into the Euros and that was incredibly pressurised. I had another tournament coming up immediately — heading to Paris for the Olympics.”The cocaine footage saw him inhale a 4in line up a US banknote. Another image showed his bank card next to six chopped-up lines.I’m gay and I have struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period of timeHe said: “I don’t recognise myself in the cocaine video. I can’t resonate with how I felt then, but that was me. I was struggling with the schedule and there was no opportunity to stop. And so I found myself in that position — escaping.”Coote is still being probed after a pal told him he was putting money on Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski getting booked before a 2019 clash against West Brom.Coote did caution the player and later messaged his friend: “I hope you backed as discussed.” However he told The Sun: “There was no agreement prior to the game. I went and did my job. The player committed a yellow card tackle.”He added: “I received nothing for it. I’m really disappointed that anything like this has come out because it tarnishes the integrity of the game. And whatever people think of me as a referee, as a human I have always gone out and done my best on the pitch.”Coote says he was merely trying to “deflect” the pal but admitted: “I wasn’t in a great place, and I was messaging people that in hindsight I shouldn’t have trusted. I was naive.” Coote says he “made some really poor choices and I really wish I could turn back the clock now and do things differently”.But he said he can instead take responsibility. After seeking therapy, he has kicked his drug habitCoote believes the dramatic turn of events which cost him his beloved job in football has helped him re-evaluate his lifeCredit: GettyCoote said: “I put on this hard exterior. Football became a place where I could go and referee and be engrossed in the game.“But then I’d come home and it would be more difficult because I’m living a double sense of being.“To other people who are in my situation, I’d say seek help and talk to somebody because if you bottle it up like I have done it has to come out in some way.”’POOR CHOICES’Coote believes the dramatic events which cost him his beloved job in football has helped him take stock.He said: “It’s been incredibly tough because I loved the game. I started refereeing when I was 14.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve found it easier since knowing my fate and being able to re-evaluate what’s important to me.“To spend some quality time with family and friends, and take time to make sure I’m in the best place to move forwards.”’IT’S A VERY BRAVE MOVE’By Amal Fashanu, niece of Justin who runs foundation in his name“IT is very brave for anyone to come out, but more so for someone in the public eye.“This will affect David Coote and is a big step but it should have less of an effect that in would on a player. It’s not the same level of fame.”Amal, whose former Norwich striker uncle killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come out, added: “We’d love to chat to him at the foundation.“We’d be there to offer any support and counselling.“We also help people with mental health problems and would be there for him if that was an issue.“There’s still something very wrong at the top of football.“We’re in 2025, when everyone is supposedly liberal and accepting, yet something is stopping these men accepting who they are. Football is still failing in this regard.” More

    • 225 Shares18 Views

      in Soccer

      From snorting coke to moaning he was ‘too big’ to ref Coventry, nine moments in David Coote’s downfall

      by

      TWO days after his Klopp comments went viral, The Sun revealed on November 13 Coote snorted cocaine in a video taken on July 6 while he was officiating at the Euros.COOTE: “The drugs happened on an entirely ad-hoc basis. It fills me with a huge sense of shame to sit here and to say that I took that route.”The nine moments in Premier League referee David Coote’s downfallCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd1.The Sun revealed that Coote snorted cocaine in a video taken while he was officiating at the Euros2.Coote said in video chats table toppers Liverpool ‘will not win the Premier League’Credit: GettyCOOTE said in video chats table toppers Liverpool “will not win the Premier League”.COOTE: “I guess I’m a human being who made a mistake in a moment I now deeply regret.”3.He branded the Reds defender Andy Robertson a ‘Scottish p****’Credit: GettyTHE ref branded the Reds defender Andy Robertson a “Scottish p****.”COOTE: “I certainly don’t think that. Everybody who takes to the football field is full of emotion. When we’re involved in the game, things will be said that people don’t mean. Read More on Sport”I’m pretty sure there’s been plenty of players or managers that have said things about me they wouldn’t sit here and say they believe. The same is true of us as match officials.”4.Coote said Everton’s Goodison Park was the worst place to referee, due to the fans ‘shouting abuse so close to the pitch’Credit: GettyHE said Everton’s Goodison Park was the worst place to referee, due to the fans “shouting abuse so close to the pitch”.COOTE: “It’s certainly not the worst place to officiate. Each ground, depending on how the result goes, can be just as difficult as any other. “So there’s no particular ground that’s more difficult than the other because it’s all really circumstance dependent.”Most read in Football5.The ref said he hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it is ‘too far away’Credit: GettyCOOTE said he hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it is “too far away”.COOTE: “We’re asked to go north, south, east and west, and all over Europe. Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder”There’s teams of officials that have been as far as Kazakhstan to do games. I was sent to Indonesia, so distance travel is never an issue.”6.He moaned he was ‘too big’ to have to ref at Coventry’s ground for their Championship clash against Oxford UtdCredit: GettyTHE ref moaned he was “too big” to have to ref at Coventry’s ground for their Championship clash against Oxford Utd on August 16.COOTE: “The Championship is a fantastic league and my experience of Coventry and all of the other games in the league have been really good ones — some of the most exciting football you’ll get to see.”7.The ref arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester CityCredit: ReutersCOOTE arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester City on October 30. During the interval he messaged his pal to say: “Hope you’re getting ready for me.”COOTE: “It never happened. These kinds of messages were among the behaviours I engaged with in order to escape.“It was almost like a different me and it’s something I really regret doing.“Clearly now I regret entering into those conversations.“I’ve paid the price for having them and that’s been a heavy one from a career and emotional perspective.”8.Coote giving a yellow card to Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski before a 2019 match against West BromCredit: YouTubeAT the centre of an FA betting probe after he discussed giving a yellow card to Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski before a 2019 match against West Brom. He messaged a pal: “I hope you backed as discussed.”COOTE: “I can categorically say that I’ve only ever done my best when I’ve gone onto the field of play.”9. Coote was sacked by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL)Credit: PASACKED by the PGMOL.COOTE: “I have nearly 30 years experience of refereeing and I understood the implications of the situation I found myself in and the position the PGMOL were in.”The Sun’s back page reported on Coote’s X-rated Klopp rantIT’S VERY BRAVE MOVEBy AMAL FASHANU, Niece of Justin who runs foundation in his name“IT is very brave for anyone to come out, but more so for someone in the public eye.“This will affect David Coote and is a big step but it should have less of an effect that in would on a player. It’s not the same level of fame.”Amal Fashanu, niece of JustinCredit: Darren FletcherNorwich striker Justin killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come outCredit: Getty – ContributorAmal, whose former Norwich striker uncle killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come out, added: “We’d love to chat to him at the foundation.“We’d be there to offer any support and counselling.“We also help people with mental health problems and would be there for him if that was an issue.“There’s still something very wrong at the top of football.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re in 2025, when everyone is supposedly liberal and accepting, yet something is stopping these men accepting who they are.“Football is still failing in this regard.” More

    • 250 Shares18 Views

      in Soccer

      Burnley vs Leeds LIVE RESULT: Top of the table sides share point after tough Turf Moor battle – latest updates

      by

      BURNLEY and Leeds played out a tense draw and earned a point each on Monday night.Top of the table Leeds United travel to third-placed Burnley with only three points separating them.After Sheffield United suffered a shock 3-0 home defeat to Hull City on Friday night, a Leeds win would extend their lead at the top of the table to four points.A Burnley win would see them leapfrog the Blades into second, although Leeds hold a seven-goal advantage in goal difference.Kick -off: 8pmTV: Sky Sports Main EventBurnley XI: Trafford, Esteve, Egan-Riley, Brownhill, Anthony, Humphreys, Roberts, Foster, Flemming, Cullen, Laurent.Leeds XI: Meslier, Bogle, Byram, Rodon, Ampadu, Gruev, Tanaka, James, Aaronson, Solomon, Piroe.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Leeds boss Daniel Farke interviewHe told Sky Sports: “It’s a good result. We’ve here a difficult away game against of the best sides in this league. They are unbeaten since ages and then to come away with a point on the road is always a good result in this league.”It’s another clean sheet which is pretty good. Yes it’s difficult to score goals against them. I think we could have been a bit committed and convincing in some situations. Our decision making in their box – when you face an opponent who play that well in defending – you have to anticipate a little bit more.”Our commitment in defence could have been better and then we could have won the game but overall it’s a good result and a good point for us.”Copy linkCopied”We’ll take it”Player of the match Burnley’s Maxime Esteve to Sky Sports: “I prefer the three points but that was a good performance defensively.”We know that Leeds are a strong team so that’s a good point. We’ll take it.”It was crucial not to lose but if you honestly look at the game – we didn’t have any shots on target. So honestly we’ll take this.”Copy linkCopied”We’re going to back ourselves”Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley told Sky Sports: “We’re working hard every day on the defence stuff and at the moment its working for us.”For me it’s the full team, the full XI – it’s not just the back four, it starts at the top of the pitch with the strikers and the pressing. The important thing If we keep this going we should be ok.”We know how the table looks, there are a few teams up there on similar points, we’re going to back ourselves. this game has gone, we will look back on it, reflect, we didn’t lose, we’ll go again next week.”Copy linkCopiedWhat it meansIf anyone is still awake after that then you should be reminded that none of the top-four have won so Leeds stay top, while Burnley epic defensive run continues.Scott Parker’s Clarets extend unbeaten run to 16 games with a seventh successive clean sheet and Burnley close to within a point of second-placed Sheffield United.Daniel Farke’s Leeds are now unbeaten in 11 matches.Copy linkCopiedJustin Allen’s view WHAT a boring night served up by these two Championship super powersIt wasn’t until the 89th minute when Leeds winger Dan James volleyed straight at James Trafford that either keeper was called into action.You would think that two clubs trying to go into the Premier League would be able to produce something better and more positive than this.Burnley still have not conceded a goal since December 21 at Watford and nine goals all season.And they frustrated leaders Leeds, who themselves were way too safe and not prepared to take risks. It was a “must-not-lose” approach by both managers.This was a bad avert for the Championship and frankly a worry for either team if they are promoted to the Premier League. They will be coming straight back down with this sort of approach.Copy linkCopiedFulltime 0-0 Well that’s 90 minutes of our lives we’ll never get back again…Copy linkCopiedFirst shot on target…88 minutes in!James Trafford leapt like a cat to protect his goal from a rasping shot from James. Trafford tipped it over the bar and the corner is dealt with.Alamy Live News. 2S9WB1G James Trafford (Burnley) during the Sky Bet Championship match between Burnley and Leeds United at Turf Moor, Burnley on Monday 27th January 2025. (Photo: Pat Scaasi | MI News) Credit: MI News & Sport /Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.Copy linkCopied83 – Will Dan James rescue this misery?If anyone is going to conjure up a goal it’s going to be James. He weaves his way through the middle before being bought down by Brownhill. Livid away fans are calling for a yellow card, which never came. The defence is on top for now. Copy linkCopied80 – Crunch challengeAmpadu commits a crunchy tackle on Brownhill who looked to have got the ball but free kick given. The damage was mopped up and you guessed it… it stays 0-0. Copy linkCopied78 – Tempers flare Josh Brownhill wins a free-kick after a challenge from Ilia Gruev, which leaves Leeds players livid. Brownhill has to hobble off for 30 seconds after a spot of treatment but Jaidon Anthony’s cross goes behind. Ilan Meslier was thanking his lucky stars having sauntered off his line and nowhere near it.Copy linkCopied73 – Substitution Lyle Foster has put his body on the line for Scott Parker tonight, despite not coming close to a goal he has done the dirty work tracking back to snaffle up bogle as best he can.He’s applauded off the pitch while Brighton loanee Jeremy Sarmiento enters the fray. Copy linkCopied71 – Daniel Farke makes his move first Largie Ramazani and Mateo Joseph are on while Joel Piroe and Manor Solomon are hooked off. Copy linkCopied67 minutes – it’s getting spicy Jayden Bogle is the latest Leeds man in the book after complaining for a free-kick against Lyle Foster.Three yellows for the yellow team with Manor Solomon and Dan James already in the book.Copy linkCopiedJustin Allen’s verdict Both sides are too safe. The centre of the pitch is like being stuck in a traffic jam on the M25 – rammed with no space to move.But Leeds do at least show a bit more attacking ambition down the flanks.Dan James and Manor Solomon are constantly looking to turn and attack – while Lyle Taylor and Jaidon Anthony did not look to take on the full-backs with them often passing backwards.That frustrates fans.I’m so impressed with CJ Egan-Riley again. The centre-half superbly cut out that quick Joe Rodon pass. The former Manchester City kid has been one of the standout Championship players so far this season.Copy linkCopied60 – Yellow card Dan James mows down CJ Egan-Riley cynically in midfield and referee Josh Smith doesn’t hesitate whipping out his yellow card. Copy linkCopied58 – Leeds nearly score but the flag is up! Bogle cracks a volley jut wide from inside the box but flag is up straight away. It came after Manor Solomon curled in a cross, which sees Joel Piroe flagged for offside, before the ball dropped to Bogle. The tempo has cranked up at Turf Moor with both sets of fans giving it large.Copy linkCopied50 – Leeds chipping away A peach of a pass from Liam Cullen found Zian Flemming, who put the ball beyond Lyle Foster to chase. The Burnley man nudged Joe Rodon as he came back to cover, with the Welsh defender clattering to the floor, to bag a free-kick from referee Josh Smith.Copy linkCopiedSeven minutes of pure scrappiness With the greatest respect to the two best sides in the league, this start to the first-half has not been pretty. You can tell these this game is full to the brim with desperation from both sides not to lose. Copy linkCopiedIt’s all feeling a bit flat right nowThink we’re all looking like Zian Flemming watching this game right now. Head in hands at the lack of clear cut chances, with not a single shot on target so far. Copy linkCopiedTeams are back outNeither boss has made any changes to their line-up as we head into the second-half. Let’s hope for an early goal to liven things up . Copy linkCopiedEx-Burnley centre-back Ben Mee has his say “Seems like this game will need a moment of magic or a slip up to make the difference.”Copy linkCopiedBoredrawThis game certainly hasn’t got pulses racing with one Leeds fan joking on Twitter: “Thank you Burnley vs Leeds for saving my brother who has been in a coma for 10 years. “The game was so boring that he got out of be to turn it to another channel.”Copy linkCopiedJustin Allen reckons there is a goal brewing for Leeds Burnley content to sit in and close space when Leeds are in possession.You feel if a goal is to come for the Yorkshire side the source will be from down the right flank because Jayden Bogle has been excellent.The ex-Sheffield United ace has plenty of pace and tricks to open up even a tight defensive unit like Burnley.This game is crying out for a goal. A Leeds one would make it much more interesting.They have lots of options on the bench with the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Largie Ramazani.Copy linkCopiedAll square at half-timeIt’s 0-0 at half-time with the one-minute of injury time saying it all. Copy linkCopied42 – Zian Flemming blazes it over The Dutchman tried his luck from long-range, but lashed his dipping volley into the gods Copy linkCopied More

    • 225 Shares20 Views

      in Soccer

      Michael Oliver to make immediate return in huge clash despite sick death threats after controversial Arsenal red card

      by

      MICHAEL OLIVER will make an immediate return to action despite receiving death threats following his decision to send off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.The 39-year-old official has been appointed to referee Barcelona’s Champions League group game against Atalanta on Wednesday, and is expected to resume Premier League duty this weekend. Michael Oliver will make an immediate return to action despite receiving death threatsCredit: GettyOliver’s family have been targets of sick abuse that are being investigated by the police, which led former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett to suggest he should be taken out of the firing line.Oliver has told Uefa and PGMOL bosses that he wants to carry on however, with both backing his judgement.PGMOL will announce the refereeing appointments for this weekend’s Premier League matches on Tuesday.Oliver held talks with current PGMOL boss Howard Webb on Monday, with the refs’ chief reaffirming their support.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe police investigation into the death threats made against Oliver was stepped up yesterday with the case handed to specialist officers at the UK Football Policing Unit.UKFPU officers are working with social media companies to track down the individuals who sent vile abuse, with the police determined to prosecute.“If people think they can hide behind their keyboards, they are mistaken,” said UKFPU chief, Mark Roberts. “And we will pursue offenders abroad too, with the assistance of overseas forces.”Oliver was targeted after his decision to send off Lewis-Skelly in the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Wolves on Saturday.Most read in Football“Officers from the UKFPU have launched an investigation after a number of abusive messages were directed toward a referee following a Premier League match,” UKFPU said in a statement yesterday.“On Sunday January 26 police were contacted by the UK Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in relation to social media messages directed towards referee Michael Oliver.“Enquiries are in the early stages and officers are working closely with social media providers, including Facebook and X, to identify those responsible for the messages.”Fans spot Arsenal star Leandro Trossard’s 6-word comment about Michael Oliver to Wolves ace More

    • 250 Shares32 Views

      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola ditches tiki-taka for LONG BALLS as new signing Omar Marmoush sees Man City boss make THREE huge changes

      by

      OMAR MARMOUSH’S dazzling debut got Manchester City fans off their seats again.The £59million buy from Frankfurt ran Chelsea ragged for 74 minutes in their 3-1 win on Saturday — and was unlucky not to score.Pep Guardiola changed his tactics to accommodate new signing Omar MarmoushCredit: GettyMarmoush looked sharp on his Man City debutCredit: The SunAnd in SunSport’s Tactics Exposed show, DEAN SCOGGINS looks at how Marmoush is central to Pep Guardiola’s new ‘direct’ tactical plan as he tries to reignite their push for trophies this season.Here are three tactical nuggets from City’s Etihad triumph…1)  NOT TIKI-TAKA, BUT QUICK ATTACKERMarmoush was electric, playing off the left as more of an ‘inside forward’ rather than a winger or No 10.It was noticeable how direct City were — it was not the short, quick passes between the lines we are so used to from Guardiola teams.Read more football newsBut, instead, there were balls over the top and around Chelsea to the likes of Marmoush, Josko Gvardiol and Matheus Nunes bursting through the defence.Marmoush set the tone — pointing to where he wanted the ball played, coming short, off striker Erling Haaland, before spinning and darting into spaces behind Chelsea’s high line.Norwegian striker Haaland had cut a lonely and isolated figure during City’s horror run in November and December but he was back smiling again on Saturday.Marmoush was a constant threat, telling his new team-mates where he wanted the ball and running in behindCredit: Sun SportMan City played 53 long passes in the game as Guardiola evolved his tiki taka styleCredit: Sun SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe scored a wonderful goal and had some mates to play with. Marmoush complemented Phil Foden on the other side in playing off and around the frontman.Most read in FootballCity keeper Ederson was direct and played it straight up to Haaland when he was left one-v-one against a defender.Pep Guardiola ‘SPLITS from wife after 30 years and three children together’ according to reports in SpainMarmoush and Phil Foden gave Chelsea’s defenders nightmares by running beyond Erling HaalandCredit: Sun SportBut it wasn’t just ‘hoof it’, this was a tactical plan with Marmoush and Foden completing a triangle of attackers that gave Chelsea’s backline nightmares.As Haaland pinned the defenders, Foden and Marmoush supported him. And when Haaland came short, his partners in attack burst into the space behind.It gave City a new dimension and, as Pep admitted last week, was more akin to the ‘modern’ style of Liverpool, Newcastle, Bournemouth and Brighton.2) NEW SHAPE, NEW CITYSpaniard Guardiola’s switch-up was not just in their direct style, it was also the shape he got his players to take up.Lots of Premier League teams move into a 3-2-5 attacking shape from whatever their ‘on-paper’ line up is.City would usually do this from a 4-3-3 set-up by inverting a full-back into midfield, leaving three defenders, a holding midfielder alongside that full-back in midfield and five attackers to roam ahead.Guardiola traditionally inverts a full-back into midfield while in possession allowing two attacking midfielders to join the attack in a 3-2-5 formationCredit: Sun SportHowever against Chelsea that all changed as his full-backs bombed on to leave just two defenders backCredit: Sun SportBut against Chelsea, Pep’s new shape saw it become a 2-3-5 in attack with Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan playing as the three in front of the centre-backs and full-backs Gvardiol and Nunes pushing right up into the attacking line.It was bold — Chelsea almost punished City losing possession early on but Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer wasted chances — though City grew into the game and were a constant threat to Chelsea.Enzo Maresca’s side pack midfield, so City went around and over it.3) FULL-BACKS A THROWBACKGvardiol is now the top-scoring defender in the Prem, so it’s no surprise to see him bursting forward into the box.It was more of a shock to see Nunes play at right-back in previous games — but in this shape, he wasn’t really a defender for most of the match.Matheus Nunes was a right-back only in name in this formationCredit: Sun SportPep got his full-backs to play like Nineties and Noughties attacking full-backsCredit: Sun SportPep got his full-backs to play like Nineties and Noughties attacking full-backs, overlapping, hugging the line and pushing their opposition wingers back.READ MORE SUN STORIESTheir heat maps show they barely ventured infield and Gvardiol’s goal came from Nunes’ shot and run being parried by Robert Sanchez as BOTH made runs beyond Haaland and in behind Chelsea.Gvardiol pinning back Noni Madueke also saw the Blues winger play Nunes onside for City’s opening goal. More

    • 288 Shares20 Views

      in Soccer

      Fresh blow for Kyle Walker as raging wife Annie Kilner REFUSES to watch AC Milan debut as CBB bosses plot to sign her

      by

      KYLE Walker’s raging wife Annie Kilner is to snub his Italian footie debut — while Celebrity Big Brother bosses want her on the new series.Annie, 31, is refusing to travel to see her love cheat hubby, 34, play for AC Milan against arch-rivals Inter this weekend.Kyle Walker’s raging wife Annie Kilner is to snub his Italian footie debut for AC MilanCredit: GettyAnnie has been told to ‘name your price’ to sign up for Celebrity Big BrotherCredit: annievkilner/InstagramAnnie was expected to fly to Milan last weekend with their four boys to see Kyle being unveiled to fansCredit: GettySources said they are barely speaking after a series of rows over his ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman’s reported plans to relocate abroad.Meanwhile, mum-of-four Annie has been told to “name your price” to sign up for CBB, which airs this Easter.A source told The Sun: “ITV have approached Annie’s team. Coleen Rooney’s success on I’m A Celebrity proved how much interest there is for Wags and they would love to replicate her success on CBB.“Annie’s team were told to name their price — they’ll do anything to get her on board. It would be an absolute coup to get her in the Big Brother house.”READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERShe was expected to fly to Milan last weekend with their four boys to see Kyle being unveiled to fans.But Annie, sporting a new braided hairstyle, celebrated a pal’s 40th birthday instead.She is now refusing to fly out this weekend too. A source said: “She’s sick and tired of dropping everything for Kyle and is putting her foot down.Most read in Football“He’s flown his mates out and she’s livid. He appears to be settling in very well and that’s not helping matters either.“Kyle’s mum and dad are going to be in the San Siro on Sunday to support him. Kyle Walker’s ex Lauryn Goodman in bid to QUIT UK with their kids – and makes plea to Man City star for help”Again, she had no idea and was furious when she found out. They’re not communicating whatsoever.”Kyle, who has two kids with influencer Lauryn, 34, is on loan from Man City.She’s sick and tired of dropping everything for Kyle and is putting her foot down, a source revealedCredit: GettyAnnie Kilner is a top target for Celebrity Big BrotherCredit: instagram/annievkilnerHusband Kyle has just moved to MilanCredit: InstagramAnnie, who was recently pictured sporting a new braided hairstyle, celebrated a pal’s 40th birthday instead of flying to ItalyCredit: GettyKyle, who has two kids with influencer Lauryn, 34, is on loan from Man CityCredit: Splash More

    • 225 Shares20 Views

      in Soccer

      The Sun’s new betting show Weekend Wager hits the target thanks to Fulham star who delivered against Man Utd

      by

      SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager got off to a flying start – with a 17/2 tip that came in after just 18 minutes.In the first of our weekly shows digging out the best value bets from the sporting world, our betting experts racked their brains to preview the sporting weekend.Alex Iwobi delivered a 17/2 tip from SunSport’s Weekend WagerCredit: GettyOur new weekly betting show provides the perfect preview to the weekend’s sporting actionCredit: SunSportAnd that included a superb tip from Betfair’s guru James Mackie.Mackie’s suggestion for Fulham’s home clash with Manchester United on Sunday night was all about Alex Iwobi.On the show, he said: “I’ve just gone for a single selection here. And I think it’s actually a bit of hidden value here. It’s 17/2 for Alex Iwobi to have two shots on target.“If you look at some of the stats around Iwobi, he’s had two first shots in each of his last five matches. Including three shots on target in his last three.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“He has been absolutely superb under Silva. That front four have been absolutely brilliant and Iwobi’s been a big part of that.“If you look on the side, he’s going to play against Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui.“They give up opportunities, left, right and centre. I think it’s a cracking bet.”And so it proved.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesBecause after just 18 MINUTES at Craven Cottage, Iwobi had already registered two shots on target and the 17/2 tip had come in.That was not the only success Mackie enjoyed this weekend, either.Man Utd’s Player Ratings vs FulhamHe also had East India Dock to win the 1.15 at Cheltenham on Saturday.He caught the value as he tipped James Owen’s hurdler at evens – with the 4-year-old winning by a massive TEN LENGTHS after being backed in to 1/2.Mackie added: “The last Cheltenham meeting before the Cheltenham Festival in March. Seven unbelievable trials for that four days in March.“I’ve gone for at Cheltenham, look, it’s not going to blow anyone away. It’s even money.“It’s one to start you off for your day before the football begins at three o’clock. It’s the East India Dock to win the 1.15 at Cheltenham.“This horse, he won last time out at Cheltenham in a Grade 2 Triumph Trial in November and I personally think this should be shorter. He’s only run twice over hurdles. He’s improved from run to run.“He was a brilliant flat horse and I think he’s going places for trainer James Owen this season.”“The angle to take with him, though, if you don’t want to take the short price of even money, he’s 6/1 for the Triumph Hurdle at the Festival. I think he’ll be about three or two to one after winning.“So maybe the angle is to play the anti-post market at a bigger price and watch and have a really nice ticket when it comes to the Cheltenham Festival.”READ MORE SUN STORIESEast India Dock is indeed now 11/4 for the Triumph Hurdle, the first race on the final day of the festival.Our next episode of Weekend Wager will drop on Friday – giving you plenty of time to place your bets before another blockbuster set of sporting fixtures.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.ukEast India Dock won the 1.15 at Cheltenham – as tipped on Weekend WagerCredit: PA More