More stories

  • in

    ‘Deeply disrespectful’ – Lookman releases statement after own manager called him ‘one of worst penalty takers ever’

    ADEMOLA LOOKMAN has called criticism of him “deeply disrespectful” after his manager slammed his missed penalty.The former Fulham and Everton star was in action for Atalanta last night as they were dumped out of the Champions League by Club Brugge.Ademola Lookman missed a spot kick last nightCredit: AFPSimon Mignolet saved Lookman’s penaltyCredit: AFPAtalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini was unimpressed with the wingerCredit: RexThe Serie A side trailed 3-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate at half time in Bergamo.Lookman, 27, pulled a goal back in the first minute of the second period, before being handed a golden opportunity to further reduce his side’s deficit from the penalty spot.The Nigeria international’s spot kick was saved by Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, however, with Atalanta going on to lose 3-1 on the night.After the game, Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini said: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. (Mateo) Retegui and (Charles) De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”Lookman has since hit back at criticism directed his way.In a statement posted to his social media accounts, he wrote: “It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement – most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city.”Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here – the majority of which I have never spoken about because in my opinion the team must always be protected and must come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful.”Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are hurting too with last night’s result.Scottish fan is only away supporter to turn up to cheer on Atalanta against Napoli”During the match the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty; and to support the team I took responsibility in the moment to do so.”Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power which l’ll continue to do.”Lookman’s botched spot kick last night was not his first underwhelming penalty.With Fulham trailing West Ham 1-0 in November 2020, the winger stepped up from 12 yards in the 98th minute.He infamously attempted a Panenka penalty, which was easily saved by the goalkeeper.Prior to last night, however, he had scored all four spot kicks taken for Atalanta’LOST HIS HEAD’In the closing stages of last night’s match, Atalanta skipper Rafael Toloi “lost his head”.As the 34-year-old went to take a throw in, he was needlessly bumped by Maxim De Cuyper.The red mist then descended upon Toloi, who tried to throw the ball at his opponent.It slipped out of his hand, however, and he fell over.Feeling embarrassed, Toloi got up and begun to charge at De Cuyper, who had turned and was walking away.The referee attempted to get in the Brazilian’s away but his efforts were futile, Toloi bundling over his opponent.He went on to be sent off for his head loss, while De Cuyper was yellow carded.READ MORE SUN STORIESGasperini, 67, added of the incident: “That was an ugly incident and we must never lose our heads.”Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona.”Rafael Toloi bundled over an opponentCredit: TNT SPORTS More

  • in

    Man Utd statement confirms ‘exceptional’ cost of sacking Erik ten Hag and staff including Dan Ashworth

    MANCHESTER UNITED have revealed how much money they spent to sack Erik ten Hag, his staff and Dan Ashworth.Ten Hag was sacked by the Red Devils in October after winning just three of their opening nine Premier League games.The cost for Man Utd to sack Erik ten Hag and his staff has been revealedCredit: PAThe figure also includes the cost of parting ways with Dan Ashworth after just five monthsCredit: PAThe interest paid back on the debt owed by Avram Glazer, right, and his family has hit £1bnCredit: The TimesThe club also got rid of the Dutchman’s staff as they swept the board clean for Ruben Amorim and the arrival of his own coaching team.While that move was not too surprising, at the start of December it was announced sporting director Ashworth would be leaving after just five months in charge.United have now confirmed the cost of parting ways with them.In the club’s second-quarter fiscal results for 2025 published today, it was noted under “exceptional items” that United spent £14.5million – £10.4m to sack Ten Hag and his staff and £4.1m on Ashworth’s exit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fiscal report also revealed the club’s total revenue was down 12 per cent over the quarter and the staggering cost of servicing the Galzer family’s debt.The loss of income was due to a 42.1 per cent reduction in broadcasting revenue, falling to £61.6m from the lack of Champions League football.That came despite commercial revenue increasing by 18.5 per cent driven by a new shirt sponsorship with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon brand.The accounts revealed United had an operating profit of £3.1m, with EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) of £70.5m, down 22.9 per cent from £91.4m in 2Q24.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, including player trading, this figure resulted in a £27.7m loss.The balance sheet of the club was also strengthened by an £80m investment by Ineos – without which Man Utd would have been left with just £15m in cash.Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-upInterest costs since the 2005 Glazer buy-out have now gone over £1billion after £18.8m payment, while the total debt stands at £731m – with around £300m still owed on transfers.In a statement, CEO Omar Berrada spoke about the challenges facing the club and the ongoing work to regenerate Old Trafford and redevelop the Carrington training centre.He said: “We recognise the challenges in improving our men’s team’s league position and we are all working hard, collectively, to achieve that. “At the same time, we are pleased to have progressed to the knock-out phase of the UEFA Europa League and the 5th Round of the FA Cup. “Meanwhile, our women’s team is currently placed second in the Women’s Super League, and has reached the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup.“Our redevelopment of the Carrington Training Complex remains on track. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We continue to work towards a decision on the future of Old Trafford as part of a wider regeneration programme, which has now attracted UK Government support. “This follows the work of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force in demonstrating the significant economic potential of a revitalised area around a future stadium project.” More

  • in

    Wayne Rooney spotted training his England teammate Kyle Walker’s six-year-old son at £8k Dubai holiday camp

    WAYNE Rooney is training up the next generation of football stars – including former England teammate Kyle Walker’s six-year-old son.Ex Manchester United ace Rooney has been spotted at an £8,000 kids’ football camp based at a five-star Dubai hotel.Wayne Rooney’s son Cass and Kyle Walker’s son Reign are at the footie campWalker remains in Milan for football training after last night’s drawCredit: ReutersRooney is coaching the kids’ team after a setback in his own careerCredit: Football EscapesThe legendary goalscorer, 39, is back coaching this February half-term – two months after being sacked as Plymouth Argyle manager after just seven months in charge.Pictures show Wayne’s son Cass, also six, playing footie with Walker’s third child Reign as his dad’s AC Milan team were knocked out of the Champions League.Walker, 34, looked gutted last night to lose out at the play-off stage with a 1-1 draw to Dutch team Feyenoord, having quit Man City for the Italian club and admitting: “Winning the Champions League would be a dream come true. I have experienced it in a great final with City.”Meanwhile his football mad son Reign is almost 4,000 miles away in Dubai with his mum Annie Kilner and brothers Roman, Riaan and Rezon, where Rooney is hosting a special event at the stunning Jumeirah Beach as the new Football Escapes ambassador.READ MORE ON WAYNE ROONEYRunning from February 17-21, Wayne is putting the kids through their paces as they learn from one of England’s all-time greats.A spokesman for Football Escapes posted on social media: “Wayne Rooney’s first Football Escapes course is in full flow, and it’s been nothing short of amazing. “Expert coaching, plenty of laughs, and memories being made on and off the pitch.”Since leaving Plymouth Argyle, Rooney landed a punditry gig for Amazon Prime’s live coverage of Man City’s Champions League efeat to Real Madrid last week.Most read in FootballHe’s now back coaching again in his new role as ambassador for Football Escapes – after being sacked for winning just four of his 23 Championship matches.He’s being used as a way to entice parents to splurge on the package, with prices for a family of four averaging between £7,500 and £8,650.Wayne Rooney starts new job in Middle East as Man Utd legend touches down for first day after leaving Plymouth “While the children learn from one of football’s most celebrated players, parents can relax by the private beach”, says the event website.”Indulge in fine dining, or explore the many family-focused activities the resort has to offer.”From football coaching with a Premier League legend to relaxing in Dubai’s luxurious setting, this Football Escapes holiday strikes the perfect balance of fun, learning, and quality family time.”Rooney got involved as he put the kids through their pacesCredit: Football Escapes More

  • in

    ‘He’s really lost his head’ – Atalanta captain sent off for moment of madness after ’embarrassing’ blunder

    ATALANTA captain Rafael Toloi saw red as the Serie A side crashed out of the Champions League.The Italians went into last night’s second leg trailing Belgians Club Brugge 2-1 from the first match.Rafael Toloi attempted to throw the ball at an opponentCredit: TNT SPORTSHe then bundled over the Club Brugge aceCredit: TNT SPORTSThings swiftly went from bad to worse for Gian Piero Gasperini’s men, as a disastrous first half saw them fall 3-0 down on the night.Ademola Lookman pulled one back for the Serie A side moments into the second half.But after the former Everton and Fulham man missed a penalty on the hour mark, Atalanta’s hope began to ebb away.In the 86th minute, Toloi’s frustration boiled over.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs the 34-year-old went to take a throw in, he was needlessly bumped by Maxim De Cuyper.The red mist then descended upon Toloi, who tried to throw the ball at his opponent.It slipped out of his hand, however, and he fell over.Feeling embarrassed, Toloi got up and begun to charge at De Cuyper, who had turned and was walking away.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe referee attempted to get in the Brazilian’s away but his efforts were futile, Toloi bundling over his opponent.He went on to be sent off for his head loss, while De Cuyper was yellow carded.AC Milan manager walks out of Champions League press conference after just one question After the game, veteran boss Gasperini was disappointed at his skipper.He said: “That was an ugly incident and we must never lose our heads.”Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona.”On the winger’s botched penalty, the 67-year-old added: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.”He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them.”Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”Ademola Lookman botched his second half penaltyCredit: AFP More

  • in

    ‘You got it right, I lied’ – Pep Guardiola makes U-turn on Champions League prediction ahead of Real Madrid clash

    PEP GUARDIOLA lied when he said Manchester City only have a one per cent chance of knocking out Real Madrid.But the Spaniard still accepts his side will have to be “almost perfect” if they are to overturn a 3-2 Champions League play-off round first-leg deficit at the Bernabeu.Pep Guardiola admitted City have a more than one per cent chance of knocking Real Madrid out the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersThe Etihad chief wants his players to give the holders a “scare” and said: “Every time I say what I think, you don’t believe me but this time you got it right — I lied.”With a smile on his face, Guardiola added: “It’s true I said it because after the match in England, we were out.“Always it’s very tough coming to the Bernabeu, with the history but we’ve had good moments here.“Let’s see if we can at least scare them and we’ll see what happens.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReal manager Carlo Ancelotti laughed off Pep’s claims, saying: “Before the game I’ll ask him if he really thinks they have a one per cent chance of winning.“We certainly don’t think we have a 99 per cent chance. We have a small advantage but have to make the most of it.”City have won at the home of the Spanish giants before  — back in 2020 — and will have to repeat that to stay in the competition.Yet one thing his team have not been short of in this troubled season is goals — with 33 coming in their last ten games in all competitions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey will need more if they are to get through as Madrid will fancy their chances of adding to the three they netted in the first leg.That came after City threw away a 2-1 lead with just four minutes of normal time remaining to lose 3-2.How Pep used the world’s best striker Haaaland as a decoy to set up Marmoush masterclassGuardiola said: “We have to be almost perfect but we are coming here with a situation that is not perfect. We have to attack and score goals.“You have to play with courage, you have to be yourself. You have to play to win the game.”Madrid have only ONCE failed to go through in this competition after winning the away leg first — and that was to Erik ten Hag’s Ajax in a 4-1 loss six years ago.Guardiola said: “The pressure is there but  it’s welcome. You cannot perform well without it.“It depends how we play, how we handle the moments. In the big  stadiums you have to suffer the bad moments.”City have been boosted as Erling Haaland was passed fit despite jarring his knee on Saturday. More

  • in

    Bayern Munich 1 Celtic 1 (3-2 on Agg): Late heartache as Davies sucker punch sees Hoops crash OUT despite Kuhn Leveller

    THEY were dared to dream.Challenged to leave nothing out there to try and make the impossible possible.Nicolas Kuhn levels the tieAlphonso Davies of Bayern Munich celebrates his winnerCredit: GettyBrendan Rodgers’ Celtic did that and more in the Allianz Arena last night – but were still left devastated.Nicolas Kuhn scored against his old club Bayern to make their fans belief.But cruelly in the final, dying seconds of four minutes of stoppage time Alphonso Davies booked the Bundesliga giants’ place in the last 16.Rodgers’ side were moments away from taking this tie into extra-time after producing a performance no-one saw coming.It just wasn’t meant to be with gut-wrenching agony coming with virtually the last kick of the ball.But the Scottish Premiership champions did themselves and the country proud.It’s incredible to think Celtic had FOUR huge chances to score inside the first 20 minutes.Real, proper opportunities to take the lead and really stun their opposition.They set traps for Bayern.And the German, Bundesliga giants walked right into them.Awkward moment Martin O’Neill calls out Brendan Rodgers over 2019 Celtic exit to Leicester Callum McGregor just needed to show a little bit more composure when he burst through on goal instead of going for power and missing the target.Kuhn just needed to get a little bit more on his shot which was cleared off the line by defender Raphaël Guerreiro.Daizen Maeda just needed to take a step forward when Arne Engels flashed as low ball across goal and he would have had a tap in.Just seconds later he just needed to take a little bit off his attempted chip over Manuel Neuer.Down on the touchline Rodgers held his head in his hands at each passed up chance, fearing they’d live to regret them.What the moments did, though, was convince Celtic’s players they could cause Bayern problems.It wasn’t backs to the wall either.It wasn’t a Scottish team defending for its life.Celtic were outstanding in the first-half.The odds were always stacked against Rodgers’ side even before a ball was kicked.Bayern hadn’t lost at home in UEFA’s flagship competition for four long years.While Celtic came here knowing they had never won on German soil. Alphonso Davies celebrates his winnerCredit: AFPEver.Rodgers talked the talk in the build-up – insisting anything was possible – but it was a huge ask for his players to go out and walk the walk. Bayern had the added incentive of this season’s final being here in their awesome Allianz Arena on May 31.The last time that happened, in 2012, they were left devastated to lose to Chelsea in a penalty shootout.The German giants have lifted the trophy twice in the years since. But the prospect of going all the way this time was there for them.Ending that dream felt insurmountable for Celtic.There wouldn’t have been many of their supporters who were genuinely confident of seeing history being created.Rodgers and his team have given them some special European memories this season with big wins over the likes of Slovan Bratislava, RB Leipzig and Young Boys, along with draws against Atalanta, Dinamo Zagreb and Club Brugge.Sure, the defeats to Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa were humbling.But overall Rogers can point to genuine progress at this elite level. And this performance typified that like nothing else.Bayern would have been worried at the break, no doubt about it.Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers stands dejected after the Allianz Arena clashCredit: PAThey had moments of their own in front of Kasper Schmeichel’s goal with Harry Kane closest to scoring with a shot from outside the box which rattled the crossbar.Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise were always a threat.But the way Celtic defended, the way they got back into their shape when they lost possession, was sensational.Seeing Kane fail to appear for the second half was a boost for Celtic.Kompany clearly wasn’t kidding when he rated the England striker as an injury doubt, even though he started.Because other than the shot off the woodwork he did next to nothing.Bayern could have gone ahead right at the start of the second half but Schmeichel denied Leon Goretzka with a good block.But Celtic’s composure remained.After an hour Rodgers changed it with Jota taken off after running out of energy. Adam Idah went opt and was pushed through the middle with Maeda moved onto the left.And in 63 minutes they attacked on the break to take the lead.Defender Dayot Upamecano didn’t cover himself in glory with his attempted challenge on Kuhn after brilliant play from Maeda.But what a finish from the winger.Celtic’s Arne Engels stands dejected after the UEFA Champions League matchCredit: PAAfter powering his way into the box, he steadied himself and slammed his shot low and hard past Neuer.The away fans high up in the stands went wild as they started to dream big.Bayern were stunned.This wasn’t in the script with Celts more than worth their lead on the night.They still had it all to do, though, with Kompany’s side going all out to get the next goal and book their place in the next round.Schemeichel made saves with his team-mates in front him throwing themselves in front of shots to protect their lead.They were literally seconds away from taking the tie to extra time after four minutes of stoppage time.But agonisingly, it wasn’t means to be.In their very last attack of the night, a cross into the box saw Schmeichel save a point blank header.But the ball broke between Davies and Carter-Vickers with it finding the net.The final whistle was blown and it was over.Bayern Munich XI: Neuer, Stanisic, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro, Kimmich, Goretzka, Olise, Musiala, Gnabry, Kane. Subs: Urbig, Sane, Coman, Dier, Palhinha, Davies, Ito, Boey, Vidovic, Müller, Laimer, Pavlovic.Celtic X: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Schlupp, McGregor, Engels, Hatate, Kühn, Maeda, Jota. Subs: Sinisalo, Bain, Scales, Taylor, Idah, Yang, McCowan, Nawrocki, Kenny, Murray, Ralston, Bonnar.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

  • in

    Bayern Munich 1 Celtic 1 (3-2 on agg): Scots dumped OUT of Champions League after heartbreaking goal in dying seconds

    HARRY KANE’S Champions League dream is alive and kicking – just – as Bayern Munich scraped past brave Celtic.Alphonso Davies bundled home from a yard out at the death to keep their hopes of lifting the famous trophy for a seventh time in their own city intact.Celtic suffered heartbreak at the death to be knocked out of the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyAlphonso Davies scored a last second equaliser to win the game on aggregateCredit: ReutersBrendan Rodgers’ side were on the brink of forcing extra time in BavariaCredit: RexHarry Kane’s dream of European glory lives onCredit: RexHowever, it was heartbreak for Brendan Rodgers and his side after they missed a host of glorious chances.England’s top goalscorer barely had a touch before he was taken off at the break amid fears the facial injury that kept him out of training on Monday had flared up again.He still managed to hit the woodwork – but he and his team-mates were the fortunate ones not to be trailing at the break as they were almost caught cold.Celtic made a flying start in trying to secure a first knockout tie in this competition for 36 years and should have been at least two up inside the opening 20 minutes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCaptain Callum McGregor sliced over after being sent clean through early on.The Bhoys carved the hosts wide open again when Jota flew past Josip Stanisic and pulled it from the left to the unmarked Nicolas Kuhn.The ex-Bayern ace met it left footed at the far post and beat Manuel Neuer, but Raphael Guerreiro was able to clear on the line.Vincent Kompany’s side were struggling and alarm bells started to ring as Celtic came close once more.Most read in FootballKasper Schmeichel had a superb gameNicolas Kuhn gave Celtic the lead and looked to start a miracle in MunichCredit: RexKuhn capitalised on a Kim Min-jae mistakeCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis time Kuhn flashed a ball along the front of goal but team-mate Daizen Maeda was just unable to reach.Bayern looked completely rattled, but once more the visitors failed to take advantage when Maeda shot wide with a first-time effort to leave Brendan Rodgers tearing his hair out.Rod Stewart steals show as he does duet with Carragher and dances at Celtic v Bayern Kane, chasing his 30th goal of the season, almost punished Celtic as he forced his ex-Leicester City team-mate Kasper Schmeichel into action.Bayern were now starting to get a grip of the game with Joshua Kimmich shooting wide from 20 yards.And Kane, who only had ten touches during the opening period, almost broke the deadlock with the last kick of the half as he rattled the crossbar from 12 yards.That would be the hotshot’s final act as he was replaced by Kingsley Coman.Schmeichel produced a vital save to deny Leon Goretzka after the restart and it proved to be crucial as Celtic soon stunned the Allianz Arena.Maeda’s through-ball should have been bread and butter for Kim Min-jae, but his poor defending was pounced on by Kuhn as the winger coolly drilled a low shot past Neuer.Celtic were level on aggregate but they missed another huge opportunity to lead the tie for the first time when Japanese ace Maeda’s diving header was straight at the keeper.Goretzka and Leroy Sane were both off target as Bayern desperately tried to fight back.READ MORE SUN STORIESSchmeichel then produced an acrobatic flying save to push away Kimmich’s long-ranger.Though there was a cruel twist in the fourth minute of added time when Schmeichel brilliantly saved from Goretzka’s header, Canadian Davies reacted quickest to smash home and win 3-2 on aggregate.Davies bundled home the winner in the final secondsCredit: ReutersBayern celebrate their goal wildlyCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Kyle Walker’s AC Milan loan turns into nightmare after European giants suffer disastrous Champions League exit

    KYLE WALKER’s stint with AC Milan has suffered an unexpected and embarrassing blow.The England international joined the Italian giants on loan last month from Manchester City.Kyle Walker joined AC Milan on loan from Manchester City in JanuaryCredit: GettyMilan having Champions League football likely played a role in his decision to move to the San SiroCredit: GettyBut they won’t be playing in Europe’s elite competition any more after being knocked out by FeyenoordCredit: APKyle Walker and his Milan team-mates let their frustrations get the better of them during the matchCredit: TNT SportsThe prospect of playing Champions League football at the iconic San Siro stadium was no doubt one of the things that attracted Walker to the move.But just 25 days after his arrival, the Rossoneiri are now no longer in Europe’s elite club competition.Milan were dumped out of the prestigious tournament thanks to a 2-1 aggregate defeat in their last-16 qualifier against Feyenoord.Feyenoord, who secured a stunning 3-3 draw with Walker’s parent club last year, went into the second leg leading the tie 1-0. READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERBut Santiago Jiminez cancelled out their lead just 43 seconds into the return leg and laid the foundations for a big comeback. Sergio Conceicao’s troops huffed and puffed but failed to breach the vistors’ goal a second time. And they paid the price in the 73rd minute when Julian Carranza struck to restore the visitor’s advantage and fire them into the last 16.Walker and his Milan team-mates cut frustrated figures after the final whilst.Most read in FootballKyle Walker has enjoyed a mixed start to life with AC MilanCredit: GettyThe visitors, on the other hand, were ecstatic with their famous progression through to the knockout stages.It’s been a rough few days for Walker, who is currently renting a £10,000-a-week apartment in the heart of Milan.Kyle Walker pictured reuniting with wife Annie & four kids over a meal after flying to Italy to watch him play for AC MilanThe former Sheffield United and Spurs ace was hooked at HALF-TIME during AC Milan’s 1-0 win over Hellas Verona last weekend.And to make matters worse, his replacement, Alex Jimenez, went on to help set up the winning goal.Walker has made six appearances for Milan since his temporary transfer. Milan have only won three of those matches, four of which Walker has played the full 90 minutes. Walker and his team-mates will be back in action on Saturday evening, travelling to Turin to take on Torino. More