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      Borussia Dortmund in chaos and forced to move 140 MILES AWAY after horror bout of flu at training ground

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND have been thrown into chaos by a savage bout of Die Manflu.Last season’s Champions League finalists are being forced to quit their training ground as a result and move into the German FA headquarters in Frankfurt which is 140 miles away.A flu outbreak has wreaked havoc with Borussia Dortmund’s squadCredit: GettyThe Germans have been forced to temporarily leave their training ground as a of a resultCredit: GETTYThey are due to play at Holstein Kiel tonight but the squad has been severely weakened by illness.Dortmund were beaten 3-2 at home on Friday night by Bayer Leverkusen – conceding after only 25 seconds.The players have been banned from shaking hands with only fist bumps allowed to minimise the risk of infection.Dortmund will continue to base themselves at the HQ of Germany – known as Die Mannschaft – until their own training ground gets the all clear.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSManager Nuri Sahin said of the outbreak: “Emre, Ramy, Pascal, Filippo and Alex are the sick ones and their hearts are fine now.”But to be honest, we don’t know yet whether it’ll be enough.”The boys were really ill and they’re on the right track, but we still have to wait and see how they tolerate training.”Karim’s got it too, and he’s a big question mark, Jamie is question mark for the game and with Donny we have to wait and see.”Most read in FootballManager Nuri Sahin has gone to extreme lengths to quell the outbreakCredit: GETTYSahin himself is struggling, saying: “Maybe you can tell by my voice it broke us all a bit.”We’re very careful in our interaction but somehow this virus got in and now we have to endure it.”Watch the moment Dortmund and Celtic fans BOTH sing You’ll Never Walk AloneDespite his side being ravaged by illness, Sahin insists his troops won’t go down without a fight.He said: “We still want to achieve our goals.”Of course, it’s a bit harder but we play in Kiel tomorrow to get the three points.”No matter what the personnel situation is, we will play 11 against 11 tomorrow, and as Borussia Dortmund we want to win the game.” More

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      Bundesliga result overturned from 1-1 draw to 2-0 win after German sports court left with ‘no other choice’

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      VFL BOCHUM have had their 1-1 draw with Union Berlin overturned to a 2-0 win by Bundesliga chiefs.The match finished in controversial circumstances last month.Patrick Drewes felt an object thrown at himCredit: BundesligaThe Bochum goalkeeper went down holding his headCredit: BundesligaDrewes received treatment after being struckCredit: GettyBochum players were fuming after the incidentCredit: APBochum had gone down to 10 men just 13 minutes into the contest after former Birmingham ace Koji Miyoshi saw red.Nevertheless, Ibrahima Sissoko gave his side the lead on 23 minutes in the German capital.Union didn’t take long to hit back, with Benedict Hollerbach levelling shortly after the half hour.Having been a man short for most of the game, Bochum were understandably content to secure a draw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the first minute of second half stoppage time, goalkeeper Patrick Drewes was booked for timewasting.As the stopper lined up to take the following goal kick, he appeared to be struck by a lighter thrown from the crowd.After the object whistled past him, Drewes went down holding his head.Amid fury from home supporters, who felt that Drewes was exaggerating the contact, the goalkeeper received medical attention.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDrewes shows the officials the lighter he was struck byCredit: APFour minutes after the incident occurred, Bochum players were sent back to the dressing room by the referee.A further four minutes later, Union players followed suit.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowSixteen minutes after the original incident, the home side returned to the pitch.Bochum eventually re-emerged too, with the game resuming around 25 minutes after the lighter was thrown.With Drewes feeling unable to continue, and the visitors having already used all their substitutes, striker Philipp Hofmann went in goal.But fans needn’t have worried about whether Hofmann was any good between the sticks or not, because the two teams seemingly agreed to just pass the ball between themselves for the remaining minutes, rather than looking to score.This saw the strange contest finish 1-1, but that was not to be the end of it.Bochum chiefs opted to appeal the referee’s decision to resume the match.Their case centred around Drewes being unable to continue due to the actions of a supporter.The stopper, 31, said he “felt dizzy” following the incident.’NO OTHER CHOICE’The German football federation’s sports court accepted Bochum’s case and opted to award them a 2-0 victory.Head of the court Stefan Oberholz claimed that they had “no other choice”.Union will have a week to appeal the ruling, if they so wish.They claim that they will make a decision after receiving the ruling in writing.Prior to the ruling, Union were 12th in the Bundesliga table with 17 points from 12 games.Losing the point earned against Bochum will not see them fall any places.READ MORE SUN STORIESBochum, meanwhile, are bottom of the league, having won just once all season.The two extra points gained sees them go level with 17th-placed Holstein Kiel, although their goal difference remains inferior. More

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      James Rodriguez becomes unemployed again as Colombia legend, 33, is released on sixth free transfer in six years

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      JAMES RODRIGUEZ has become unemployed for the sixth year in a row and is reportedly considering a return to the Premier League.The 33-year-old is available as a free agent after his contract at LaLiga side Rayo Vallecano was mutually terminated.James Rodriguez has become unemployed again after leaving Rayo VallecanoCredit: GettyHe moved to Rayo in August but has been restricted to just seven appearances in all competitions.Rodriguez had signed a one-year deal with Rayo, who sit 12th in the Spanish top-flight, with the option of a further 12 months.There are both economic and sporting reasons for the former Real Madrid man’s early departure, according to The Athletic.The Colombia international joined Rayo off the back of winning the Golden Ball at the 2024 Copa America.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe produced six assists to help fire Colombia to the final, only for he and his team-mates to suffer heartbreak with a 1-0 defeat to Argentina.However, Rodriguez has featured just six times in LaLiga this season and predominantly as a substitute.And the former World Cup breakthrough star has not played in the league since a 13-minute cameo against Las Palmas on November 8.Rodriguez moved to Rayo on a free transfer in the summer after leaving Sao Paulo one season into a two-year contract.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former Bayern Munich forward has had spells at Everton, Olympiacos and Al-Rayyan since leaving the Bernabeu in 2020.He joined the Toffees in 2020 to reunite with his former Madrid and  Bayern Munich boss Carlo Ancelotti.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersRodriguez became a favourite at Goodison Park, before being frozen out by Ancelotti’s unpopular successor Rafael Benitez.He starred 26 times for the Toffees, scoring six goals and laying on eight assists, but they could only finish 10th.And a return to Premier League action is not off the table, according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo.The report cites Aston Villa, Wolves, Fulham and Nottingham Forest as all being interested in the Colombian.It was at the 2014 World Cup when Rodriguez burst on to the scene as one of the hottest properties in football.Rodriguez burst on to the scene with Colombia at the 2014 World Cup in BrazilCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut amid offers from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, he opted to join Real Madrid after lighting up the tournament in Brazil.Rodriguez went on to win two LaLiga titles and a pair of Champions Leagues with Madrid.He then spent two years on loan at Bayern Munich between 2017 and 2019, adding a pair of Bundesliga titles to his trophy collection.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe returned to Real Madrid for the 2019-20 campaign, before joining Everton on a free in September 2020.He captains Colombia and has been capped 112 times at international level, scoring 29 goals.Rodriguez played 26 times for Everton More

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      Michael Olise looks incredibly awkward as Bayern Munich stars get into Christmas mood by singing Jingle Bells

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      HE could have Olise tried to look interested.But instead Michael Olise just looked incredibly awkward as the Bayern Munich squad belted out ‘Jingle Bells’ in a recent Christmas shoot.Michael Olise has well and truly hit the ground running at Bayern MunichCredit: EPAThe winger is seemingly getting on swimmingly with his new team-matesCredit: GETTYOlise looked incredibly awkward during a recent photo and videoshoot with his team-matesCredit: BAYERN MUNICHThe France international has been in Bavaria for five months following a £50million move from Crystal Palace.Olise has got on swimmingly with his new team-mates on the pitch, bagging nearly double-digit goals and assists in his debut season.But the 23-year-old looked somewhat awkward as the squad posed for Xmas photos and sang ‘Jingle Bells’ during a recent clubshoot.Footage of the German giants singing the Christmas classic went viral on social media.READ MORE ON OLISEAnd all of the squad, including England skipper Harry Kane, got into the spirit of things – except Olise.He looked vacantly towards the camera as the rest of his team-mates gleefully belted out the song.Footie fans were quick to react to his apparent non-enjoyment of the festivities, with one saying: “Man don’t dance.”Another said: “Nonchalant final boss.”Most read in FootballAnd another said: “He’s so cool.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMichael Olise has been one of Bayern Munich’s star performers this seasonCredit: APOne remarked: “I swear every video I see of Olise, he looks so annoyed.”Bro looking like he don’t wanna associate with anyone, just play ball.”Michael Olise completes £49.5m Bayern Munich transfer as Crystal Palace release classy farewell statementAnother chimed in: “He’s just a shy guy who needs time to get comfortable.”Wing wizard Olise has taken to life in the Bundesliga like a duck to water.The London-born Frenchman has scored nine goals and provided nine assists in 23 appearances in all competitions this season.Bayern boss Vincent Kompany wasn’t at all surprised by Olise’s incredible start, saying in September: “It’s exactly what we were expecting.”I think he’s really playing a big role, which isn’t easy when you’ve arrived in the Bundesliga and at a club like Bayern.”He will take further steps.READ MORE SUN STORIES”From my point of view, it’s very positive, but I stay calm as well.”Because I know it’s important to continue the way he does in order to experience good times.”Michael Olise is seemingly enjoying his time at Bayern MunichCredit: AFP More

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      Man Utd and Chelsea ‘locked in transfer battle with European giants’ for former Man City star Leroy Sane

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane.Sane, 28, enjoyed four successful years at Manchester City, where he won two Premier League titles and the FA Cup, but returned to Germany in 2020.Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham are eyeing Bayern Munich star Leroy SaneCredit: GettySane is also being targeted by Barcelona ahead of the January transfer windowCredit: RexHowever, the winger’s contract runs out in June and there has been no breakthrough in negotiations with the German giants so far.According to Sport, the standstill between the Germany international and the Munich outfit has led to intense interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs.Among them are United, Chelsea as well as Tottenham ahead of the January transfer window.However, the Premier League trio could face competition from Barcelona, who are very interested in Sane.Read More on FootballBarca need more quality down the wings especially after losing Lamine Yamal to injury.That has led to reports suggesting the Blaugrana are keeping tabs on Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.However, Barcelona’s financial woes are pushing them towards more affordable cases, such as Sane who could become a free agent in the summer.However, the German prefers to stay in the Bundesliga despite the complicated contract talks with his current club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBayern would prefer to agree on a new deal with a lower salary, especially considering the options down the wing with Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, Michael Olise and Kingsley Coman available.Sane has scored just five goals and bagged one assist in 19 appearances this season.Leroy Sane shoves Marc Cucurella in Euros clashIn his career at Bayern, he has 53 goals and 51 assists in 194 matches.Sane was once highly thought-of at Man CityCredit: EPA More

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      Harry Kane responds to deadly Magdeburg Xmas market attack as Bayern Munich star says it ‘puts things in perspective’

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      HARRY Kane has responded to the deadly Magdeburg Christmas attack that has so far killed four people.At least 86 people were injured in the attack in Magdeburg, with at least 15 being seriously hurt after the car ploughed into unsuspecting revellers.Harry Kane of FC Bayern München during the Bundesliga matchCredit: GettyThe smashed-up car that drove into a large crowd at a Magdeburg Christmas market in GermanyCredit: ReutersFootage caught the moment the car ploughed into the marketCredit: XStar English footballer Harry Kane, who is playing for Bayern Munich, shared a heartbreaking tribute in a post on X.He said: “Hearing news of the tragedy in Magdeburg puts things in perspective and on nights like this football isn’t what’s most important.”My thoughts and condolences are with all those affected by the horrific tragedy.”Kane, 30, lives with his family above the River Isar near Munich.read more sportThe area is dubbed the “Beverly Hills of Bavaria”.The German footballing giants in Munich decided to cancel a planned Christmas ceremony which was scheduled for after their clash with RB Leipzig yesterday.The crowd came together instead and sang an emotional rendition of Silent Night, Holy Night with a local choir.The suspect of the attack was travelling at up to 40mph when he first smashed into those at the festive celebrations, horrified witnesses said.Most read in FootballHe reportedly raced through the packed market for at least 400m (1,300ft) – leaving trails of devastation in his path.Officials fear the number of deaths could rise in the coming hours due to the severity of many of the victim’s injuries.Footage later captured the driver of a black BMW being arrested at the scene just after 7.04pm local time on Friday.The suspect is a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006, the state’s prime minister Reiner Haseloff said.Saudi suspect arrested after driving through German Xmas marketThe man was not known to German authorities as an Islamic extremist, Germany’s DPA news agency reported.Mr Haseloff told reporters at the scene: “We have arrested the perpetrator.“From what we currently know he was a lone attacker so we don’t think there is any further danger for the city.”The man’s motive remains unclear.German newspaper Bild initially suggested that 11 people had been killed however just two deaths have been confirmed so far.There were also reports claiming there may have been a bomb in the passenger seat of the BMW after a suspicious piece of luggage was found.The city of Halle is now increasing security at its Christmas market as tensions remain high.The car was driven “across the Christmas market”, according to a police spokesman.Witnesses said the ground was covered in blood and tinsel as doctors scrambled to treat the injured.The two initial deaths were later confirmed by Mr Haseloff with city authorities confirming a total of 68 people were hurt.The car went “through people” and sent others “going over it”, a man standing just feet away from the crash added.Some of the injured are said to be in a critical condition with a huge number of emergency workers at the scene.Tents were immediately set up to treat victims while all hospitals in the area said they were preparing for a “mass casualty event”.Neighbouring cities, including Halle, around 50 miles from Magdeburg, also prepared their hospitals to take in victims.A special hotline was set up last night for family and friends fearing for their loved ones.Lars Frohmüller, a reporter for German public broadcaster MDR told the BBC: “It was a real chaotic situation.”We saw blood on the floor, we saw people sitting beside each other and having golden and silver foils around them.”And we saw many doctors trying to keep people warm and help them with their injuries.”Everywhere were ambulances, there were police, there were a lot of firefighters.”Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry has condemned the attack and said it will stand in solidarity with Germany and the victim’s love ones.Dozens of injured revellers were being treated in tents at the sceneCredit: GettyFootage captured the moment the suspect was arrested by copsA black BMW drove through a crowded Christmas Market in MagdeburgCredit: APArmed cops were stationed all around the area – with pictures showing people led away on stretchers.One witness who gave her name as Nadine said her boyfriend Marco was ripped out of her arms when he was hit by the car.She told Bild: “He was hit and pulled away from my side. It was terrible.”Nobody even screamed. You couldn’t hear the car either.Marco had injuries to his leg and head: “We don’t know which hospital he went to. The uncertainty is unbearable.”The Christmas market posted to Instagram to ask people to stay away.German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said “reports from Magdeburg lead us to fear the worst”. He added: “My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.“We stand by their side and by the side of all Magdeburg residents. My thanks to all the emergency services in these difficult hours.”Mr Scholz and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will travel to the scene of the incident today.Robert Habeck, Germany’s vice-chancellor, said on X: “What terrible news from Magdeburg, where people wanted to spend the advent season in peace and community.“My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all the emergency services on site who are doing everything they can to help and to clarify the background.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X: “I am horrified by the atrocious attack in Magdeburg tonight.”My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. We stand with the people of Germany.”German special police forces attended the crime sceneCredit: APEmergency teams worked tirelessly to get those injured medical supportCredit: gETTY More

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      Rodrigo Bentancur punishment decision confirmed after Tottenham star’s appeal against seven-game ban

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      RODRIGO BENTANCUR’S appeal against his seven-game ban for racism has failed.The Tottenham midfielder had hoped to cut the lengthy suspension by one match, meaning he would be available for Sunday’s hosting of league-leaders Liverpool.Rodrigo Bentancur’s seven-game ban was upheldCredit: GettyBut an independent appeal board has dismissed his claim so will be unavailable for the clash with Arne Slot’s Reds, as well as Thursday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United.He has already missed Premier League games against Manchester City, Fulham, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Southampton.The ex-Juventus man, though, has been allowed to play in the Europa League.Bentancur, 27, was slapped with a seven-game suspension for bigoted comments aimed towards Spurs team-mate Son Heung-min.Read more in footballThe Uruguayan used the racial slur while appearing in a TV interview in his homeland in June.He was asked by the interviewer to provide a shirt belonging to a Spurs player.And Bentancur replied: “Sonny’s? I could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”Bentancur was also hit with a £100,000 fine and ordered to take part in a mandatory face-to-face education programme.Most read in FootballSpurs accepted the charge but felt seven games was “severe” and so appealed.But the original ban was upheld. Ruthless Postecoglou tells Werrner ‘I’m not worried about bruised egos’ after slamming ‘unacceptable’ Tottenham star The FA said in a statement on Tuesday: “An independent Appeal Board has dismissed an appeal by Rodrigo Bentancur in relation to his recent suspension.“An independent Regulatory Commission imposed a seven-match suspension on the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder for an aggravated breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a media interview.“This appeal was dismissed following a hearing, and the seven-match suspension remains as ordered by the Regulatory Commission.”The Uruguayan was punished following his comments about team-mate Son Heung-minCredit: PA More

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      Bundesliga’s youngest-ever scorer in age scandal as Dortmund star’s father admits he ‘lied about date of birth’

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      GERMANY star Youssoufa Moukoko is at the centre of an age scandal after his father claimed to have lied about his date of birth.The Borussia Dortmund wonderkid, who is currently on loan at French side Nice, is seen as one of the best young players in the world.A man claiming to be Youssoufa Moukoko’s father claims he is 24-years-old not 20Credit: GettyMoukoko starred for Germany at the 2022 World CupCredit: GettyMoukoko is 20-years-old – but a man claiming to be his registered dad has shockingly alleged the player is actually 24 years of age.He also says the striker is NOT his biological son and is using a fake name.The incredible claims are due to be aired on German TV channel ProSieben on Sunday night, in a documentary named “Tricks, Cheats, Deception – The Million Dollar Business with Football Talents”.Dortmund have responded to the accusations, insisting they are unaware of any wrongdoing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club said in a statement: “In the case of Youssoufa Moukoko, the biological parents and the date of birth are derived from official identification documents and birth certificates issued by a German authority.”These documents are still valid today and are the basis for playing authorisations and permits for clubs, regardless of whether they are domestic or foreign, and of course also for association teams such as the German U21 national team. “Please also note that both the player and the biological parents identified in the above-mentioned documents have declared to us and, in the case of the parents, even to third parties through affidavits in the context of legal proceedings that the information contained in the aforementioned official documents is correct. “This factual status is of course decisive for us, the DFB, and the player’s current club.”Most read in BundesligaIn the show, the man claiming to be the player’s registered father, Joseph Moukoko, confesses to falsifying documents about his age and identity.He says: “Youssoufa Moukoko is not the biological son of me and my wife Marie Moukoko. Nor was he born on November 20, 2004 in Yaounde, Cameroon.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”He was actually born on July 19, 2000. We made him four years younger.”He later admits: “We did it so he could have better opportunities in European football.”Moukoko has two senior caps for Germany and became the nation’s youngest ever player aged 17 years and 361 days and the youngest to feature at a World Cup, aged 18 years and 3 days.He burst onto the scene as the Bundesliga’s youngest ever player, with his debut coming at the age of 16 years and 1 day.The starlet then broke the record as the league’s youngest ever goalscorer, hitting the back of the net 27 days after his debut.Moukoko, who has previously been linked with a move to Chelsea, shone in youth-team football for Dortmund and Germany.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe lifted the Under-21 Euros two years ago and clinched the Fritz Walter Medal for best young prospect in Germany twice.Back during his days in Dortmund’s Under-17s and Under-19s team, he scored 141 goals in just 88 games.Moukoko scored for Dortmund at the age of 16 years and 1 dayCredit: Getty More