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    Fans claim Champions League is ‘FIXED’ as Real Madrid vs Bayern ends in major controversy with Germans denied goal

    FANS fumed that the Champions League is “FIXED” after Bayern Munich were denied a late leveller against Real Madrid in bizarre circumstances.Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel raged that the “disaster” decision was “against the rules”.Fans fumed after this was given offside without a VAR checkMatthijs de Ligt thought he scored a late levellerHarry Kane & Co were left fumingFans took to social media to voice ‘fix’ and ‘rigged’ allegationsThe Bundesliga giants looked to be on the way to an all-German final at Wembley after Alphonso Davies had made it 1-0 on the night and 3-3 on aggregate. But a late double from super-sub Joselu turned the tie on its head in the space of three minutes. But the drama did not end there as Bayern launched one last attack in the 12th MINUTE of added time and found the back of the net.A ball was launched into the Madrid box and headed down to centre-back Matthijs de Ligt. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut just before the Dutchman hammered home, the whistle was blown after the offside flag had been raised.Bayern players on the pitch and dugout fumed at the officials, in disbelief that play had not been allowed to continue before being reviewed.Harry Kane was among those raging over the rapid whistle blowing with the England captain seen screaming at officials.And replays revealed it would have been a super-tight offside decision had it gone to VAR.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTuchel said after the game: “We scored one and there was a disastrous decision from the linesman and the referee. It feels like a betrayal in the end.”The linesman says sorry but that does not help. To raise the flag in a moment like this… The referee sees we get the second ball and we get the shot – it’s a very, very bad decision. Moment riot cop hits fan with baton as police and supporters clash in Madrid ahead of Real’s clash with Bayern Munich”It’s against the rules. It’s a disaster. It’s hard to swallow but that’s the way it is.”Disappointed De Ligt told Movistar: “I don’t want to say that Real Madrid always has the referees with them but that made the difference today.“Real, when you think they are dead, have a last breath… that is why they have 14 Champions Leagues.”He later added: “The linesman told me: sorry, I made a mistake.”Fans reactIt was not only the Bayern staff that were unhappy as fans let their anger out online with one saying: “Champions league is fixed.”Another added: “That was onside!!! Why would a ref raise his flag that quickly when you have VAR? Another UCL rigged for Madrid to win.”One fumed: “How wasn’t that a goal for Bayern at the end? Ridiculous! They will rightly be outraged.”READ MORE SUN STORIESManchester United legend Paul Scholes believed the officials were too quick to call offside. He said: “I’m not sure he’s offside. So the linesman is too hasty. He’s got to wait. Those are the rules.” De Ligt and Kane look on in shock after the gameCredit: Reuters More

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    Real Madrid 2 Bayern Munich 1 (4-3 on aggregate): Stoke flop Joselu the hero with two stunning late goals to KO Kane

    JUDE BELLINGHAM will be joining the world’s most illustrious team on a grubby industrial estate in North West London in a bid to achieve a footballing dream.Bellingham is on his way to Wembley to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final on June 1 in the hope of capping an already memorable year by lifting the biggest prize in club football.Joselu came off the bench to fire Real Madrid to the Champions League finalCredit: GettyHe equalised in the 88th minute before grabbing the winner moments laterCredit: AFPBayern’s Alphonso Davies thought he had secured victory for them with a rocketCredit: APJude Bellingham got the better of his England pal Harry KaneCredit: GettyThe 20-year-old must be thinking he is in dreamland already though for the way the 14 times winners of this competition clawed their way back into a game with two goals in three minutes in a pulsating end of the game.They were heading out after Bayern Munich sub Alphonso Davies put the Germans ahead with 22 minutes to go and looked set for heartbreak only to pull yet another stunning victory on home turf out of the bag.A horrendous slip from Munich keeper Manuel Neuer let Madrid sub Joselu in to pounce and level in the 88th minute.And a nerve-wracking VAR check a minute into nine of added at the end eventually ruled his second goal onside when it was initially disallowed. Former Stoke City man Joselu got that as well.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut Bellingham won’t care if his team scraped it. He is on his way to London on June 1 and just 90 minutes away from becoming a complete Galactico at the end of a sensational first season in Spain.Suffering the pain of defeat will be Harry Kane, Bellingham’s national team captain for England.His superb pass had put the Germans ahead and looked to be heading to the second Champions League final.Kane had been Bayern’s biggest threat on Madrid’s goal all night but then turned provider with 22 minutes left by sending a sublime diagonal pass to Davies who promptly cut into the box and rifled home a cracking shot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMadrid thought they had levelled just three minutes later when centre back Nacho headed in but after a VAR check, it was ruled out for a foul by the same player.The 14 times European champions were considered lucky to have got past Manchester City on penalties in the last round and needed every trick in the book to get through last night.Rio Ferdinand shows Real Madrid ultimate respect with classy act as Man Utd legend soaks up ‘best stadium in the world’The roof was closed to maximise the atmosphere even though from walking up to the ground in closed streets amid plumes of smoke, it didn’t seem like it would need any help.Madrid hadn’t lost a home game all season prior to this game. In fact they had only lost one anywhere – at city rivals Atletico.With the Spanish title already in the bag, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was free to focus on the Champions League. For Bayern, Europe was a much-needed distraction from letting the Bundesliga slip from their grasp after a decade of domination.With the game so delicately poised at two apiece and with no away goals rule now, it was going one of two ways. Either delicate and cautious or straight for the jugular, which is how it panned out.Madrid went close within the first five minutes when Dani Carvajal’s low cross sailed across the Bayern box.Munich replied in similar fashion when Serge Gnabry slid a diagonal across the face of Madrid’s goal. An inch or two further back and Kane would have met it to toe poke it home.Then came a let off when Vinicius Jnr hit the post in the 13th minute. It was adrenaline fuelled stuff from the off.The good thing about the roof being on at this new and impressive stadium is that the atmosphere was incessant. The bad news for the players is that it trapped the heat from a warm day in the Spanish capital.Nobody expected either team to be able to play at their opening tempo for the full match but by the 25th minute the pace settled down.Even so, Kane went close again for the Germans when he volleyed from the edge of the box, winning a corner just before the half hour mark.In the tussle between the two England heavyweights Kane enjoyed the upper hand over Bellingham in the first half at least.Kane was just beaten to the ball by Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin on the stroke of half time while for Bellingham, his input was largely restricted to defensive work.Two great tackles and some clever footwork on the hoof, but not much in the way of offensive play to put the frighteners on Bayern in the way that he can.Eight minutes into the second half, Madrid and Bellginham were fading. Kane was growing stronger and went close for a third time with a shot on the end of a bullying run into the box.Even so, had Kane’s old Tottenham team-mate Eric Dier not been alert to the sudden threat of danger, Madrid would have taken the lead against the run of play when Rodrygo pounced upon a particularly cutting pass from Vinicius Jnr.Bayern were under the cosh again but broke free and when Kane picked up the ball in his own half, he spotted Alphonso on the run and delivered the best pass of the match for his team-mate to run through and score.All Bayern had to do was hold on for 11 minutes but an uncharacteristic slip by Neuer triggered a devastating end to their hopes.The keeper failed to hold a routine shot from Vinicius and Joselu cashed in.And then again in added time to turn a wild game on its head.The result means that this is the first season since 2011/12 that Bayern Munich have not won a major trophy, while £104m summer signing Kane is still waiting to get his hands on a piece of silverware.Bayern Munich were left devastated after their late collapseCredit: GettyJude Bellingham was dancing for joy after the incredible finishCredit: ReutersHowever, Bellingham is dreaming of lifting the cup with the big ears and defeating his old club.He told TNT Sports: “There have been a lot of times we have looked dead and buried, but we have that mentality of never say die.“Joselu deserves it all, he has been an amazing squad member this season.“There is a reason we turn around so many games, it’s because of these lot [the fans].READ MORE SUN STORIES“They give you an energy you can’t get from anything else.“When I was seven years old in Birmingham, I was dreaming of nights like this.”Harry Kane is still waiting for his first piece of silverwareCredit: Getty More

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    Julen Lopetegui ‘SNUBS Bayern Munich’ as he closes in on West Ham jobs as baffled fans say ‘have I read this correctly?’

    FOOTBALL fans are baffled after learning Julen Lopetegui reportedly turned down Bayern Munich because he wants to join West Ham.The ex-Real Madrid and Wolves boss, 57, has agreed terms to join the Hammers in the summer when David Moyes’ contract expires.Julen Lopetegui is poised to succeed David Moyes at West HamCredit: PAHe was understood to be in the frame for the Bayern Munich job as they search for a successor to Thomas Tuchel – who will depart at the end of the campaign.According to The Athletic, the Bundesliga giants enquired about Lopetegui on Monday.However, he is said to want to join West Ham over the Champions League semi-finalists.And a lot of people on social media cannot believe he is rejecting Bayern for the East London club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan said: “I never thought I’d hear someone preferring West Ham over Bayern.”Another added: “Have I read this correctly?”A third replied: “Turning down Bayern for West Ham isn’t something I thought I’d ever read.”A fourth responded: “Everyone running away from Bayern Munich job, what is happening over there.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWho is Julen Lopetegui?Julen Lopetegui enjoyed a 17-year career as a goalkeeper for the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
    He won the LaLiga title with Real Madrid in 1990 and two Spanish Super Cups with Barcelona, before stepping into management in 2003.
    He began coaching as an assistant for Spain’s U17s side, before stints with Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid’s B team.
    Lopetegui then returned to the Spain set-up to manage their various age group teams, leaving in 2014 for the Porto job.
    He landed Spain’s top job in 2016 and spent two years at the helm of the national team, but was dismissed before the 2018 World Cup after it was announced he would become Real Madrid boss after the tournament.
    The Spaniard was sacked after just two months at the Bernabeu following a dismal spell.
    He joined Sevilla in 2019 and won the Europa League with them the following year.
    Lopetegui departed Sevilla in 2022 and joined Wolves in the November, guiding them to a 13th place finish.
    He left in August of last year, shortly before the start of the season, before Gary O’Neil replaced him.

    And a fifth said: “He chose West Ham over Bayern Munich? 😭😭😭. I’m am laughing wayyyy too much. Bayern are an embarrassment.”Bayern have already had failed conversations with a number of managers including Julian Nagelsmann and Ralf Rangnick.David Moyes reveals why Declan Rice is behind West Ham’s horror run of formBrighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is now the favourite for the vacancy, despite him insisting last week that he wants to stay with the South Coast side.He said: “We’re going to speak with Tony [Bloom, Brighton owner].”I think I would like to stay in Brighton because I love my players. I love this city. I love my club, my fans.”I said in the meeting with the fans, if I’m happy, there isn’t any club can bring myself to change a team but I want to keep my passion always. More

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    Bayern Munich ‘make contact with Erik ten Hag’s agent’ in shock bid to end Dutchman’s Man Utd misery

    BAYERN MUNICH have “made contact with Erik ten Hag’s agent”, according to reports.The Dutchman, 54, is coming under huge pressure at Old Trafford and is in danger of being sacked at the end of the season.Erik ten Hag could be set to land another huge job if he is sacked by Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyBut he could walk straight into another top job as Bundesliga giants Bayern consider him for their top job.It has already been revealed that Ten Hag is one of the names on a three-man shortlist alongside ex-Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui and Benfica’s Roger Schmidt.But now Sky Sports understand Bayern have “made contact” with Ten Hag’s agent, Kees Vos, to see if he would be open to the move.No formal talks have taken place, but the Man Utd boss is said to be aware of the interest.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes after ex-Red Devils boss Ralf Rangnick rejected Bayern last month to stay on as Austria head coach.The German side are looking for a new manager after it was confirmed Thomas Tuchel will be leaving at the end of the season.Bayern have failed to win the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012 as Bayer Leverkusen cantered to the crown.However, Tuchel’s men are still in with a chance of winning the Champions League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBayern drew 2-2 at home in the first leg of their semi-final tie against Real Madrid on Tuesday.If they make it through, it will be Tuchel’s third Champions League final in four years – after his defeat with Paris Saint-Germain in 2020 and triumph with Chelsea in 2021.Three key things Ten Hag is getting wrong at Man UnitedMeanwhile, Ten Hag’s final game as Man Utd boss could be the FA Cup final on May 25 if he is dismissed at the end of the season.He will be determined to avenge last season’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at Wembley. More

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    Erik ten Hag ‘on three-man shortlist to become next Bayern Munich manager’ as Man Utd line up his replacement

    ERIK TEN HAG is on a three-man shortlist to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.The Dutch manager may depart from Old Trafford at the end of the season amid rumours that Manchester United could sack him.Erik ten Hag is on a three-man shortlist to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern MunichCredit: ReutersTuchel is set to leave the Bundesliga giants at the end of the seasonCredit: PADespite the 54-year-old’s nightmare season at the Red Devils Ten Hag is still highly-rated enough to be linked with one of Europe’s biggest clubs.The United boss recently revealed that Ajax would like him to return and admitted in the future he would be interested.Tuchel is stepping down at the end of the season after a disappointing campaign that ended Bayern Munich’s 11-season Bundesliga winning streak.Ten Hag is one of three candidates for the leading role on the Bavarian side next term.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAccording to reporter Christian Falk “Bayern’s Head of Sport Max Eberl, is checking three, four candidates for the new Manager of FC Bayern.”And that list includes ex-Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui, Benfica’s Roger Schmidt and Ten Hag.Falk claims Roberto De Zerbi has snubbed the chance to take charge of Germany’s most famous side to stay at Brighton.However, should Ten Hag move to the Allianz Arena, United could see a direct exchange of managers, with Tuchel coming the other way.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, SunSport exclusively revealed that ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and England gaffer Gareth Southgate are in the running to take over.Tuchel’s farewell is far from over in Germany and he can still end the season on a high as Bayern are a step away from the Champions League final, drawing 2-2 at home to Real Madrid in the first leg of the semi.Gary Neville reveals telltale signs Erik ten Hag is suffering Man Utd ‘breakdown’ as winless run goes onThe same goes for Ten Hag as United managed to secure a spot in the FA Cup final against Manchester City after a thrilling penalty shootout against Coventry in the semi-final.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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    Under-pressure Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag shock name ‘being discussed’ by Bayern Munich to replace outgoing Tuchel

    ERIK TEN HAG is reportedly a shock candidate to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.The German manager will leave the Bundesliga giants at the end of the season.Erik ten Hag is reportedly getting interest from Bayern MunichCredit: GettyManager Thomas Tuchel is leaving the club at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyTuchel, 50, announced his decision to leave Bayern back in February.Last year he won the Bundesliga title by capitalising on Borussia Dortmund’s final game draw to Mainz.However, this season has seen Bayern surrender the title for the first time in 11 years.The club were also knocked out of the DFB-Pokal by third-tier minnows FC Saarbrucken.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTuchel’s side has reached the Champions League semi-finals and could reach the final after drawing 2-2 in the first leg against Real Madrid.Despite this Tuchel is still set to leave the club and a host of names have been attracting interest to replace him.Bayern had been linked with the likes of Unai Emery and Ralf Rangnick but have so far been unsuccessful.Outlet BILD has now reported that Ten Hag is being discussed at Bayern.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Dutchman is under huge pressure at Manchester United after a disappointing season.The Red Devils dropped out of the Champions League at the group stage and look set to miss out on the top four.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?If United decide to pull the trigger on Ten Hag then he could find a new job at the Allianz Arena.The report also adds that Tuchel is interested in replacing Ten Hag at Old Trafford.It is also suggested that he does not want to speak to the club until after Bayern’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Madrid.The match is scheduled for May 8 which could suggest that talks could open up before the season is over.There has already been a host of names linked with the managerial role at United.England boss Gareth Southgate and former Chelsea manager Graham Potter are reportedly of interest.Willy Kambwala wants to become rock at the back for Man Utd… but Erik ten Hag probably won’t be around to see itBy Ken Lawrence
    ERIK TEN HAG insists he is still the right man to take Manchester United forward.
    The Dutchman believes he can recapture their former glories, despite escaping for the second time in a row what could have been humiliation by Liverpool at the weekend.
    And teen Willy Kambwala revealed his “passion” is to become a rock at the heart of United’s defence after making just his second start of the season against their bitter rivals.
    United trailed 1-0 at half-time on Sunday but fought back to take a 2-1 lead before Mo Salah’s 84th-minute equaliser from the penalty spot.
    Ten Hag was pleased with the second-half performance, declaring it “another signal and message for the future,” before adding, “the team and squad have high potential.”
    Yet the Old Trafford chief sounds more and more like he has his finger stuck in a leaky dyke and does not think it is going to hold.
    Comeback or not, United still threw away a lead for the third time in eight days following their 4-3 defeat to Chelsea and 1-1 draw with Brentford — both deep into injury time.
    And his body language suggests he expects to be crossing it to go back to Holland with his P45 this summer
    Read Ken Lawrence’s comment piece in full.
    Or read more from Ken Lawrence. More

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    Harry Kane set for huge windfall after smashing targets in record-breaking season despite Bayern Munich slump

    HARRY KANE is set for a major bonus payment after meeting a stunning goalscoring clause in his Bayern Munich contract.Bayern are undergoing a turbulent campaign that saw them surrendering their Bundesliga crown to Bayer Leverkusen and missing out on the German Cup as well as the Super Cup.Bayern Munich star Harry Kane is set for a bonus of over £200,000 after scoring over 40 goalsCredit: GettyKane is also on course to break Robert Lewandowski’s historic recordCredit: GettyKane is the Bundesliga’s top goalscorer in his first season with BayernHowever, Kane, 30, has been enjoying a marvellous season which has led the Bavarians to the Champions League semi-finals, where they will meet Real Madrid after eliminating his former rivals Arsenal.According to BILD, the star striker’s incredible performances will lead him to a lucrative €250,000 (£218,000) bonus.That is due to a clause in the England captain’s contract that stipulates he is entitled to that windfall if he scores over 40 goals across all competitions.And Kane has already registered a staggering total of 41 goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances.Read More on FootballThe centre-forward also tops the Bundesliga goalscoring charts with 34 goals in 31 matches.The Tottenham legend is on course for the Golden Boot with Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy in second place with 25 goals.Kane is targeting another special Bundesliga record in only his first season with Bayern.The forward is only eight goals away from beating Robert Lewandowski’s career best return of 41 league goals in a single campaign.Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat record took almost 50 years to break after Gerd Muller set the bar during the 1971-72 campaign with 40 goals.And Kane seems to be well on his way, while he has also been directly involved in 42 goals this season.Eight times Arsenal and Tottenham’s North London rivalry got pettySince detailed data collection began in the German top flight back in in 1992/93, nobody has ever reached that figure so quickly. More

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    Unai Emery signs Aston Villa contract extension in blow to Bayern Munich and Premier League giants

    UNAI EMERY has committed his long term future to Aston Villa by signing a one-year extension to his contract.The news will come as a blow to Bayern Munich who had identified the 52-year-old Spaniard as their preferred candidate to replace Thomas Tuchel this summer.Unai Emery has committed his future to Aston VillaCredit: GettyThe Spaniard has ended Bayern Munich’s hopes of landing himCredit: GettyIt will also rule out Manchester United and Liverpool from targeting the former PSG, Arsenal, Sevilla and Valencia boss.Villa moved swiftly to extend Emery’s current deal, which already had three years to run, after a sensational season.He has led Villa to fourth place in the Premier League and to their first European semi-final in 42 years.The club’s billionaire owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens are so delighted with the transformation he has brought about at Villa they intend to sit down with Emery this summer to prolong the deal even further.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey believe they currently have one of the best bosses in Europe, who is on a par with Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp and who could become their version of Sir Alex Ferguson.They have backed Emery since he arrived from Villarreal on a four-and-a-half year deal in October 2022.That was when Villa were languishing in 17th place in the Premier League.Emery has had a major say in every significant club appointment since from Head of Recruitment Monchi, down to his large staff of coaches and video analysts.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIt is that autonomy which has allowed Emery to control almost every aspect of life at Villa, which the likes of Bayern could never grant him.Emery is understood to love the project he has taken on at Villa and the power he has due to the trust the owners have placed in him.Former Aston Villa CEO joins fans in Unai Emery chant at Stamford Bridge away end during Chelsea winNews of Emery’s contract extension until 2027 will be greeted with joy by Villa’s players such as Ollie Watkins and skipper John McGinn, who have seen their own performances soar under the gifted Spanish coach.Villa fans will also rejoice at the news Emery has turned his back on some of the giants of the European game to commit his future to their club, in what will come as a huge boost for the remainder of their season.Emery takes his side to Chelsea on Saturday looking to take another step towards Champions League qualification.They are currently fourth in the top-flight, three points ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham having played two games more.Villa have a trip to Brighton and a home clash with title-chasing Liverpool to go before their final day showdown with Crystal Palace.However, they also have a two-legged Europa Conference League semi-final with Greek giants Olympiacos to navigate.The winner of that will face the victors of Fiorentina and Club Brugge in the final next month.Our beautiful game is brokenBy Dave Kidd
    When Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
    Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
    There is so much wrong.
    After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
    The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
    Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
    Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
    Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More