More stories

  • in

    ‘Punished for having a big booty? Game has gone’ say fans after unfortunate VAR decision in Champions League

    THE Champions League saw a very cheeky VAR decision last night.And the call left one team with the rump as it ultimately decided the match.Donyell Malen netted a late winner against Sturm Graz in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettySerhou Guirassy was just onside in the build-up due to Emanuel Aiwu’s bottomThe bizarre incident came in the clash between Sturm Graz and Borussia Dortmund which the German side won 1-0.Donyell Malen netted the 85th-minute winner at Signal Iduna Park.But it was only given when a VAR check went in their favour.Incredible replays showed that Dortmund star Serhou Guirassy was kept onside in the build up to the goal by the tightest of margins.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUpon further inspection, it turned out that Guirassy was onside thanks to Emanuel Aiwu’s BACKSIDE.Fans could not help but feel bad for the defender who came unstuck due to his kiester.One posted: “Punished for having a thick stack? Game has gone.”A second wrote: “Booty too Big.”Most read in FootballIt was Emanuel Aiwu’s backside that ensured Dortmund remained onsideCredit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third commented: “I like big butts and I can not lie – Dortmund.”A fourth said: “He’s assisting Dortmund there, cheeky decision by VAR.”Watch the moment Dortmund and Celtic fans BOTH sing You’ll Never Walk AloneAnother added: “Saved by the butt.”The goal helped Dortmund seal the win to take their record in the competition to three wins from four games.After the game, manager and former Liverpool star Nuri Sahin praised his side’s performance as he insisted their energy levels were not “normal”.He told Dazn: “We completely controlled the game, apart from one phase between the 60th and 70th minutes.”We need to score our first goal earlier, that opens the door. We didn’t manage to do that. Up to the box, we were good and the plan worked out.”When you score the goal, the spaces get bigger. In the end, we got our reward.READ MORE SUN STORIES’I’m glad that we kept clear heads and got the job done. I told Donny that he needed to bring some intensity to the game.”I have to take my hat off to them. The way the boys ran, it wasn’t normal.”New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink. More

  • in

    Should Dream Team bosses be concerned about Manchester City’s creaking form?

    HOW quickly things can change in the world of Dream Team.Prior to Gameweek 10, Manchester City were imperious Premier League leaders and undefeated in the Champions League.Suddenly, after consecutive defeats to Tottenham, Bournemouth and Sporting CP, they’re in crisis.Panic stations?Credit: Dream TeamPep Guardiola’s side aren’t truly in crisis of course; their 2-1 loss to the Cherries ended the fourth-longest unbeaten streak in Premier League history and the decorated tactician will still feel confident of a place in the Champions League knockout stage in the new year.But everything is relative to the standards expected of the club in question and the nature of City’s Gameweek 10 disappointments will have unnerved more than a few Dream Team managers.For starters, Erling Haaland (£8.9m) has been usurped at the top of the rankings by Mohamed Salah (£7.3m).The Norwegian No9’s tally of 150 points remains hugely impressive and he’s still comfortably the top goalscorer in all competitions (14) but gaffers who captained him in Gameweek 10 have been left unsatisfied.Haaland failed to convert any of his chances in Gameweek 10Credit: PAHaaland let fly with plenty of shots against Bournemouth and Sporting but failed to find the net with any of them, including a missed penalty in the Portuguese capital on Tuesday night.As a result, he notched just six points from the two outings while Liverpool’s Egyptian hero banked 22 points at the expense of Brighton and Bayer Leverkusen to claim top spot.Those who captained Salah over Haaland have benefited from a huge swing this week!Most read in FootballElsewhere, Gameweek 10 was also a nightmare for Rico Lewis (£4m).The talented teenager has been one of the best value-for-money assets in the game throughout the first quarter of the season but, with City having conceded six goals, he mustered just a single point across his two most recent outings.Dream Team’s new points leader!Credit: GettyLewis remains fourth in the defensive rankings on 86 points but it’s interesting that he’s currently among the five most transferred-out players ahead of Gameweek 11 – a significant chunk of gaffers have quickly lost faith.Josko Gvardiol (£4.8m) avoided a similarly damaging Gameweek as it was the Croatia left-back who scored City’s only goal at the Vitality Stadium.Generally speaking, it was a dismal Gameweek for the defending champions but Phil Foden (£6m) managed to earn 16 points amid the chaos via a goal and four bonus points – his resurgence is a minor point of optimism at least.Foden provided healthy returns despite Man City’s defeatsCredit: GettyDream Team bosses would be more inclined to remain loyal to their Man City assets if it wasn’t for a spate of troublesome injuries.Guardiola half-prepared fans for these results when he told reporters that he had just 13 players available after his side’s defeat to Spurs in the Carabao Cup in Gameweek 9.While that turned out to be an exaggeration, there’s no doubt the Citizens are feeling the impact of their absentees at present.It’s a well established trend by now that City’s results dip when Ballon d’Or winner Rodri (£4m) is unavailable.On the plus side, Kevin De Bruyne (£6.3m) managed six minutes at the end against the Portuguese champions and may therefore play a more prominent role at Brighton this Saturday.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 NOWBut hopes of a clean sheet in Gameweek 11 appear relatively low after 19-year-old centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey was given a baptism of fire by Sporting’s hat-trick hero Viktor Gyokeres.The Seagulls will be quietly confident of their chances on home soil having seen Guardiola’s men give up a string of big chances in recent outings.Guardiola rarely suffers three consecutive defeatsCredit: RexIt’s too soon to earnestly discuss whether Haaland still warrants a place in a competitive Dream Team XI as he took Sparta Prague and Southampton for a combined 31 points as recently as late October but another blank this weekend would set a cat among the pigeons.READ MORE SUN STORIESDream Team managers have rarely had to worry about the viability of Man City players in relation to the club’s form in recent years but three defeats on the spin has set tongues wagging.It will be interesting to see to what extent gaffers abandon the likes of Haaland, Lewis and Gvardiol during the international break if Gameweek 11 also ends badly.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

  • in

    Thierry Henry aims huge dig at Arsenal in awkward CBS Sports moment as fans ask ‘why are you s***ting on your own club?’

    THIERRY HENRY aimed a savage dig at former club Arsenal in a brutal moment during CBS Sports’ Champions League coverage.In light of the US election on Tuesday, CBS opted to carry out their own poll to find out the viewers’ favourite on the show.Therry Henry aimed a savage dig at ArsenalCredit: CBSMicah Richards celebrated winning the pollCredit: CBSHenry was left with his head in his hands at Richards’ dancingCredit: CBSKate Abdo won on X and Richards claimed victory on InstagramCredit: CBSKate Abdo, Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards were all listed in the vote – which was carried out on X and Instagram.Host Abdo won on X ahead of Henry, while Richards beat the Arsenal icon on Instagram – with Carragher last in both.And Henry responded to finishing runner-up in both with a ruthless comment.As the camera cut to him, he said: “I’m just like Arsenal, always second best every time.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Gunners have not won the Premier League in 20 years and finished second behind Manchester City in each of the last two seasons.And Arsenal supporters could not believe their record scorer savaged them in such a public manner.One replied: “Why s*** on your own club?”While another added: “When your mate shoots you down to impress the cool kids.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSArsenal player ratings vs NewcastleARSENAL fell to defeat to Newcastle in a fresh blow to their title ambitions.The Magpies won 1-0 thanks to a fine header from Alexander Isak.Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates the players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Great early distribution to go long over the Newcastle press but nothing he could do with Isak’s pin-point header.Was barely troubled in the second half but was forced to watch a lacklustre Arsenal dawdle to another defeat.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Looks really comfortable in that role, even if it is only temporary, but obviously lacks an attacking threat of a full-back which hindered Saka slightly.Moved back into midfield on the hour mark with Arsenal chasing the game.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7A welcome presence back in the defensive line following suspension. Covered his defensive partner well and kept his cool amid Arsenal’s frustration.GABRIEL – 5Lost Isak in the box for Newcastle’s opener and nearly handed the hosts another chance with a sloppy pass out.Normally a rock, this was one of those rare jittery displays we thought were a thing of the past.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Looked good in attack but arguably should have closed down Gordon’s cross before the hosts took the lead and struggled to contain the England winger in the first half.MIKEL MERINO – 5Unfortunate not to get on the score sheet against his former club from close range after a scramble from a corner.But as a whole, he currently looks lost in his position, unsure of when to go and when to sit deep, meaning Newcastle were able to prize Arsenal’s midfield open.Feels like we are not seeing the best of him just yet.DECLAN RICE – 6On set-piece duty, his delivery was unusually poor, failing to beat the first man on numerous occasions and struggled to impose himself in open play too, even if he came close with a deflected effort in the second half before fluffing a great headed chance in injury time.If he is going to be the anchor of this team and dictate play, he has got to be a lot better.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5Pretty anonymous other than a few surging runs. Another player that looks lost in a floating No.10 role behind the main striker.The Belgian is at his best cutting in and using his blistering pace. He can do neither through the middle against a compact opposition set-up.BUKAYO SAKA – 6Looked to be getting the better of Toon right-back Hall early on but his game faded after that, along with his team’s.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Showed glimpses of being back to his buzzing best, taking on defenders and stretching the game for Arsenal, but only lasted an hour before being taken off.KAI HAVERTZ – 6Never got a sniff, but got to put that down to a complete lack of service from Arsenal’s wide players. He was desperate to attack a decent cross that never really came.SUBS:ETHAN NWANERI (MERINO, 61) – 6Given a nice welcome to Tyneside with a crunching tackle from Willock seconds after coming on.Found some nice pockets of space and look sharp as he blazed one over from range, but was always a big ask for him to be Arsenal’s saviour.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (MARTINELLI, 61) – 5Thrown on to bring tempo and control. Brought neither from an inverted left-back position.BEN WHITE (TIMBER, 71) – 6Had only completed half a session to prepare for this one having picked up a knock against Liverpool last weekend, so was a surprise to even see him at all.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD) – 5Tasked with creating something special from out wide, but there is a reason the Brazilian is only a bit-part player nowadays.JORGINHO (PARTEY, 86) – N/AClick here to read more on Arsenal.A third responded: “Oo, self burn – those are rare!”And a fourth simply said: “Friendly fire.”Jamie Carragher SAVAGES Arsenal on Monday Night Football and says they’re ‘like a Mourinho team without the trophies’Henry’s remark comes amid a poor run of form for Arsenal – which has seen them pick up just one point from their last three Premier League games.Mikel Arteta’s men are already seven points adrift of pacesetters Liverpool after just 10 matches.But they travel to Inter Milan on Wednesday night hoping to extend their unbeaten start in the Champions League – having won two and drawn one so far.Meanwhile, Richards celebrated wildly at winning one of the CBS polls.And Henry was left with his head in his hands as the ex-Man City full-back danced live on air.Arsenal and Edu resignation statement in fullEdu Gaspar has today resigned from his position as our Sporting Director.Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of Technical Director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to Sporting Director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s and academy football.   We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart. Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.”Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.  “I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. “Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”Our Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.  “Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.  “Change and evolution is a part of our club.  We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.” More

  • in

    Man Utd fans in meltdown over ‘Amorim way’ as video of Sporting scoring sublime goal from kick-off against City emerges

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans are buzzing over the ‘Amorim way’ after Sporting’s sensational team goal against Man City.Sporting thrashed Pep Guardiola’s side to inflict a third defeat in a row for the Citizens – their worst run for six years.Sporting scored a goal directly from kick-offPedro Goncalves produced a clever piece of skill to help set up the moveCredit: TNTMaximiliano Araujo finished off the move by firing past EdersonCredit: TNTViktor Gyokeres stole the limelight with a hat-trick, but it was Maximiliano Araujo’s goal which captured United fans’ attention.It came immediately after half-time with the scoreline 1-1 after Gyokeres cancelled out Phil Foden’s early opener.From kick-off Sporting played the ball back to centre-back Ousmane Diomande, a £70million United transfer target, who then started a brilliant passing move.Sporting moved the ball quickly from defence to midfield and Pedro Goncalves dropped his shoulder brilliantly to deceive Mateo Kovacic.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA clever run from Gyokeres dragged a defender away from his team-mate, with Goncalves moving into acres of space as he dribbled closer to goal.He then slipped in Araujo who had also made a brilliant run, and the midfielder made no mistake with the finish as he fired beyond Ederson.City were caught off guard, a rarity for them, and United fans are excited to see similar football under Amorim at Old Trafford.One fan reacted saying: “His way.. the Amorim way.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother added: “That’s Amorim ball.”A third wrote: “Now it’s Man United Way 😁”Man Utd fans cry ‘please, not you as well’ as Ruben Amorim copies Ten Hag’s worrying comments after Sporting beat City And another commented: “We hope this is what he’s bringing to Manchester United.”Amorim has built a reputation for free-flowing attacking football at Sporting with his side scoring 52 goals in 17 games this season.However, fans of the Red Devils who expect to see the same football at Old Trafford could be in for a shock.Amorim last night said: “We cannot transport one reality to another.”Manchester United cannot play the way we play, and we will have to adapt.”Some thought the Portuguese boss sounded like Erik ten Hag with his warning. More

  • in

    Benjamin Mendy WINS battle against Man City over £11m unpaid wages after salary stopped following rape charge

    BENJAMIN Mendy has won his battle against Man City for the majority of his £11.5million in unpaid wages following his rape charge.The 30-year-old took the Premier League winners to an employment tribunal when his £500,000-a-month salary was halted in 2021.Benjamin Mendy took Man City to an employment tribunalCredit: GettyMendy stood trial twice on a string of rape and attempted rape charges but was cleared last year.The star, who now plays for French Ligue 2 club Lorient, claimed for “unauthorised deductions” from his wages.Mendy has today won the fight for the majority of his unpaid salary while he was facing the charges.The exact amount will have to be calculated by Mendy and the club, or determined at a future hearing if they cannot reach an agreement.Read more in newsBut City could end up forking out around £8.5million, which covers the 17-month period his pay was wrongly blocked. Employment Judge Joanne Dunlop ruled Mendy is “entitled to recover some, but not all of the sums claimed”.This is because five months of the 22 months Mendy claimed he was owed were spent in custody after he breached his bail conditions.The judge found that when Mendy was not in custody, he was “ready and willing” to work and was “prevented from doing” so by reasons that were “unavoidable or involuntary on his part”.Most read in FootballManchester Employment Tribunal heard how his contract showed that on top of his salary, the star would receive a £900,000 bonus for appearing in 60 per cent of matches.Mendy would then also be handed a £1million bonus if City qualified for the Champions League, and an annual £1.2million payment to his image rights company.Benjamin Mendy says ‘several’ Man City stars JOINED sex parties as he sues club for £11m unpaid wages after rape chargeBut a month after he was charged, City bosses told Mendy they were stopping wages as he was “not presently ready and able to perform the obligations of his contract”.He claimed he was assured by Man City’s then chief football operating officer Omar Berrada that he would receive his unpaid wages once he had been cleared.But the tribunal was told when Mendy messaged the chief in November 2022 asking for confirmation, he received no response.The French international also claimed he got no message back from Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the Emirati chief executive of the club.As a result, Mendy told the tribunal he was forced to borrow money from his teammates after he ran out of cash “very quickly”.The court was told current and former players Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez helped the left-back out.Mendy also had to sell his Cheshire mansion to cover legal fees, bills and child support payments after his wages were withheld.But Sean Jones KC, representing City, told the tribunal Mendy had only himself to blame for not being paid because of his own irresponsible behaviour.This included reports of lockdown-busting parties at his mansion and breaking his bail conditions.Mr Jones added: “The essence of the submission by Mr Mendy is that his contract creates a moral hazard.”He says, ‘I can behave as irresponsibly as I like, I can ignore all the rules, both legal, of the club and common sense to the point where my behaviour results in prison’.”He is trying to make a moral hazard into a virtue.”He says, ‘It should in no way affect my entitlement to pay. There should be no consequences to my behaviour’.”Mendy urges City to do ‘honourable’ thingIn a statement, Mendy said: “Today the Employment Tribunal upheld the main part of my claim against Manchester City Football Club for unpaid wages, finding that the club had unlawfully made deductions from my wages for a total period of 16 months and 23 days.”Having had to wait for three years for my wages, I am delighted with the decision and sincerely hope that the club will now do the honourable thing and pay the outstanding amounts, as well as the other amounts promised to me under the contract, without further delay, so I can finally put this difficult part of my life behind me.”I would like to thank my friends, family, agent (Meissa N’Diaye) and my legal team (Nick De Marco KC, Laffer Abogados and Fletcher Sports Law) for all of their support.”City spent a reported £49.2million signing Mendy from French side Monaco in 2017 on a six-year contract.The tribunal heard the club continued to pay Mendy following his first arrest in November 2020.He left the club when his contract expired in June 2023 after not playing for the club since his second arrest in 2021.READ MORE SUN STORIESLast year, Mendy was found not guilty of one charge of rape and one charge of attempted rape following a retrial.He had previously been cleared of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.Mendy was twice cleared of rape chargesCredit: PAThe tribunal heard his £500k-a-month City salary was stopped after he was chargedCredit: PAMendy claimed he had to borrow money from his teammates including SterlingCredit: AP:Associated PressThe club told the tribunal Mendy had only himself to blame for not being paidCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney buy UK’s oldest lager brewery in shock side hustle

    RYAN REYNOLDS and Rob McElhenney have invested in a shock side hustle.The Wrexham AFC owners have taken co-ownership of the UK’s oldest lager brewery.Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have invested in Wrexham LagerCredit: InstagramThe pair made the announcement in a social media videoCredit: InstagramWrexham Lager is already the sponsor of the Welsh football club and has now been added to the owners’ empire.The pair said: “Wrexham Lager has a 140-year-old recipe and a storied history and we’re excited to help write its next chapter.”Reynolds and McElhenney have also joked that they have “learned a lot” since entering the football world.They announced their latest purchase on social media in a video in which Morse code was used to translate their message.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis was to enforce the message of the 1882-founded brewery’s history.They added: “We’re now proud co-owners of Wrexham Lager, brewed since 1882, which is why we’re using 1882 technology.”The connection between club and community, the intricacies of the offside rule and the occasional need for beer — especially after finance meetings.”They have been doing wonders for the town of Wrexham and strongly share our passion for once again seeing Wrexham Lager enjoyed in all the far-flung corners of the globe.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey took over Wrexham in a £2million deal back in February 2021 when it had been slumped in the National League.The club has since risen up the English football leagues having won back-to-back promotions to League One.Wrexham’s James McClean catches beer thrown by Birmingham fans and pretends to drink it as he winds up supporters in huge League One clashThey used telegraph keys as a nod to the age of the breweryCredit: InstagramWrexham have settled into life in League One well and are currently third in the division.They have won seven of their opening 13 games and are sitting just four points outside of the automatic promotion spots.However, the club was dumped out of the FA Cup by League Two outfit Harrogate Town in the first round.Meanwhile, the club has also agreed to a three-year partnership with M&S Food, which will see it support community initiatives.It is the first time M&S has partnered a league side, after sponsoring the UK’s four national teams. More

  • in

    John Dempsey dead at 78: Chelsea legend who won FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup dies as tributes pour in

    CHELSEA legend John Dempsey has died aged 78.The former defender spent nine years at Stamford Bridge between 1969 and 1978.Chelsea legend John Dempsey passed away at the age of 78Credit: AlamyThe former defender played 207 times for the BluesCredit: Rex FeaturesThat saw him lift the FA Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in back-to-back seasons for the Blues. In fact, the centre-back scored “one of the crispest volleys seen from a Chelsea player” as the Blues beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the 1971 final replay in Greece. In total, he scored seven goals in 207 games for the club, having joined from West London rivals Fulham where he started his career.Chelsea announced his sad passing on Wednesday morning.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe club said: “It is with tremendous sadness that Chelsea Football Club announces the passing of our former centre-back and FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup winner John Dempsey. He was 78.”All at Chelsea send our heartfelt condolences to John’s wife Trish and all his family and friends at this difficult time.”Dempsey had stints with the Serbian White Eagles and Philadelphia Fury in North America before finishing his career as player-manager at Dundalk in Ireland in 1984.Born in London, he represented the Republic of Ireland 19 times.Most read in FootballThe defender became the first Irish player to be sent off in a World Cup qualifier when he saw red against Hungary before the 1970 tournament.After his time in football, Dempsey spent time working as a carer supporting adults with autism and learning difficulties in North London. How Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ‘donut solution’ kicked off Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd revolution earlyJohn Dempsey’s careerPOSITIONCentre-backCLUB CAREER1964–1969 Fulham 149 league games (4 league goals)1969–1978 Chelsea 166 (4)1976 Serbian White Eagles1978–1980 Philadelphia Fury 81 (2)1983–1984 Dundalk 10 (0)Total 404 (10)INTERNATIONAL CAREER1966–1972 Republic of Ireland 19 (1)TROPHIESFA Cup: 1969–70European Cup Winners’ Cup: 1970–71MANAGERIAL CAREER1976 Serbian White Eagles1982 Maidenhead United1983–1984 DundalkEgham TownSource: WikipediaTributes poured in from the footballing world for Dempsey following his passing. One fan said: “Sorry to hear about the death of John Dempsey. A very underrated centre-half and as most of you will know a particular favourite of mine for his iconic hairstyles.”A second wrote: “Rest in peace legend.”A third added: “With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Chelsea legend John Dempsey. His legacy on the field and his contributions to our club will never be forgotten. “Our deepest condolences to John’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”A fourth typed: “A true Chelsea legend who will never be forgotten.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd a fifth replied: “Really sad to hear that Chelsea’s legendary 1970s centre-back John Dempsey has died. “My ex-wife’s sister worked for the Philadelphia Fury team when he played there and stayed close to him. As a result I got to chat to him and found him to be a lovely, warm, humble man.”Dempsey started out at Fulham before making the short switch across West LondonCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe scored in the final of the 1971 European Cup Winners’ Cup against Real MadridCredit: PA:Empics SportDempsey worked for local charities and supporting adults with autism and learning difficulties after footballCredit: Rex Features More

  • in

    Micah Richards offered chance to be frontman for football club with ‘big investors’ and pick manager and players

    MICAH RICHARDS has been offered the chance to become the ‘frontman’ for a football club – a role that included picking players and appointing a manager.The former Manchester City and England defender, 36, moved immediately into punditry after retiring from football in 2019.Micah Richards has revealed a club wanted him to become the ‘frontman’ for themCredit: GettyHe has worked for a host of broadcasters including BBC, Sky Sports and CBS Sports – while he is also a Man City ambassador.Over the course of two decades Richards has also developed an extensive portfolio of properties.He owns places in Leeds, Harrogate and Manchester – a venture he has previously stated has been “really good for me”.Now he has opened up about an opportunity that was presented to him to become the face of an unnamed football club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on The Rest Is Football, he said: “I won’t mention the club but a club got in contact with me to basically be the frontman for their club. Big investors.”They wanted me to be the guy who would bring everyone together, pick a coach, pick the players that I wanted.”But what they wanted from it was too much, it was too far from my house. It was never going to work.”Alan Shearer jokingly responded: “What the f*** did they see in you that they thought you could run a football club?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTo which Richards replied: “They needed someone with charisma. Someone who is knowledgeable about the game. Someone that has got contacts.”Before Gary Lineker sarcastically added: “This was obviously Manchester City but in the end you just opted for an ambassadorial role.” Fans ask ‘do they hate him-‘ as Micah Richards gets savaged live on CBS Sports with segment dedicated to his mistakesRichards has admitted in the past that his work ethic is fuelled by regretfully rejecting a lucrative Man City contract.Speaking last year, he said: “You had to have so much English players for the quota.”So Man City offered by £100,000-a-week, five-and-a-half year deal. And I said no.”He then went on to add: “Why do you think I work for every f***ing broadcaster?” More