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      Man City to rake in £41m windfall for summer rebuild after picking best possible year for early Champions League exit

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      MANCHESTER CITY can press ahead with their team-rebuilding plans this summer despite their early Champions League exit.Pep Guardiola’s men failed to reach the last 16 of the lucrative competition for the first time since 2013 after Kylian Mbappe’s stunning hat-trick for Real Madrid.Manchester City were dumped out of the Champions League by Real Madrid this weekCredit: GETTYTheir stint in this season’s Champions League has added to Pep Guardiola’s summer war chestCredit: GETTYThat means they miss out on around £9million for reaching the knockout stage proper — along with the chance to go for around £44m more in prize money.Normally that could have hit their summer budget but City are heading for the money-spinning Club World Cup in June and July.The 32 teams are set to bank around £41m apiece just for playing in the USA tournament — with the prospect of doubling that for going all the way to the final.That should help to bridge any shortfall in the City coffers from a rare failure in Uefa’s showpiece competition — which saw them knocked out in the play-off round by Real Madrid on Wednesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey have secured Champions League football every year since they first qualified in 2011 — but face a battle to extend that sequence into next season.Despite spending more than £175m on four signings last month, Guardiola is keen to bring in more new faces this summer.Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz and Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso are targets.City’s elimination at the hands of Real has raised further doubts over Guardiola’s future with the club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPep Guardiola insists he will still be in charge of Manchester City next seasonCredit: GettyBut when asked if he’ll be at Eastlands next season, the Catalan told Movistar: “Yes, yes, yes, I’m going to stay [at City]. “We have drawn a very strong opponent at the best moment of the season and when the opponent is superior.’Pep Guardiola is stressed, man’ – Fans fear for Man City boss as Etihad legend spotted with fresh scratches on head”There is no other option than to congratulate them. Ten or 12 years ago we weren’t even in the picture.”It’s a competition with many details, a very emotional competition, and I have very few complaints about how we’ve behaved in Europe.”City will be back in action on Sunday, welcoming title-chasing Liverpool to the Etihad. More

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      Conference League clash SUSPENDED mid-game after fan chaos as rivals throw flares at each other

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      RIVAL fans hurled flares and fought in the stands – forcing a Uefa Conference League game to be SUSPENDED near the end.The shocking scenes erupted as Slovenian side Olimpija Ljubljana battled Bosnian visitors Borac Banja Luka.Trouble exploded late in a tense finale to the play-offMatch officials had no choice but to halt playLithuanian ref Manfredas Lukjancukas halted the play-off at the Stadion Stozice as smoke billowed out from behind a goal.Fans threw missiles and it even appeared that pieces of railing were detached from the stands as the skirmishes continued.The lengthy delay was one reason for 19 MINUTES of stoppage time.Both clubs are now certain to face a Uefa probe.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBorac went through to the last 16 as a 0-0 draw meant they triumphed 1-0 on aggregate.It came on the same night Fenerbahce’s Europa League clash with Anderlecht was suspended for FIFTEEN minutes after fighting in the stands.Footage on social media reportedly showed a small segment of Olimpija fans attacking their counterparts.Some Borac supporters responded by throwing flares at the advancing yobs.Most read in FootballThe away supporters could be seen charging at the home fans after flares were thrown in their directionBut they ended up being lobbed back at them as the louts continued to run riot.The stadium announcer repeatedly pleaded for order, which was only restored after more than five minutes.Earthquake strikes Lisbon during Champions League press conference and leaves whole room shakingSlovenian midfielder Sandi Ogrinec had hit the only goal of the tie for Borac against his home-country club in time added on during the first leg.And in Thursday’s return, Olimpija’s Alex Blanco saw Djordje Despotovic save his seventh-minute penalty – a costly failure as it turned out. More

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      Tributes flood in as Celtic European Cup final hero dies

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      TRIBUTES are being paid to former Celtic goalkeeper Evan Williams, who has sadly died at the age of 81.Williams, born in Dumbarton, played for the Hoops between 1969 and 1974 and was the goalie for their second European Cup final appearance.Evan Williams (right) at the funeral of fellow Celtic hero Tommy GemmellCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowWilliams in action for Celtic in the 1972 Drybrough Cup final against AberdeenCredit: Scottish News and SportWhen Celtic took on Feyenoord in 1970, Williams won man of the match on a night when the Glasgow side lost 2-0 but it could have been a lot worse if not for the man between the sticks pulling off a string of impressive saves.Williams was the first choice ‘keeper in three league title-winning seasons from 1970 through to 1972 and had the unenviable task of taking over from Lisbon Lion hero Ronnie Simpson.He held onto the No.1 jersey after signing from Wolves despite the attentions of John Fallon and Denis Connaghan.Williams made 148 appearances for Celtic before leaving to join Kilmarnock, taking with him four league winners’ medals and two Scottish Cup winners’ medals.Hugh Jordan, a journalist who was a friend of Williams, posted on Facebook: “It’s with great sadness I report the death of my friend Evan Williams, the former Celtic goalkeeper. “He passed away in Helensburgh earlier today, aged 81. “As schoolboys, Evan and I both played football for St.Patrick’s, Dumbarton, although he was a few years older. Not a lot of people know this, but Evan was capped as a schoolboy international playing outfield, which he did at every opportunity. “He would have been well suited to the modern game. Evan signed for Celtic after a stint with Wolverhampton Wanderers and he soon became Jock Stein’s most trusted keeper. Most read in Football”He gave a great performance in the 1972 European Cup final when Celtic lost 2-1 to Feyenoord and afterwards, Dutch superstar Wim Van Hannigan handed Evan his jersey, which he treasured. “40 years ago in July, I accidentally broke my arm, but hadn’t realised until I woke up in agony at 3.00am. Unable to move, I rang Evan who was working as a taxi driver. He came straight over, helped me get dressed and took me to hospital. Barry Robson Part 2 The Tommy Burns quip which brought him crashing to earth on day one at Celtic and the attitude problems which hit him at Rangers”Evan’s dad was Welsh and although I didn’t know him, I knew his mum Nellie very well. She was very proud of Evan and so was I. “I fondly remember great European nights at Celtic Park when he provided a safe pair of hands between the posts.”Upon hearing the news, one fan said: “Sad to hear the news that former Celtic goalkeeper Evan Williams has passed away.”Another said: “So sad to hear my old school friend and Celtic goalkeeper Evan Williams has passed away rest in peace God bless, hail hail.”Maryhill Bertie Auld CSC commented: “Rest in peace Evan Williams. A lovely man and a great Celt.”While this supporter said: “Farewell to Evan Williams who has passed away. The first goalie I ever saw play for Celtic in 1972. A Celt to the core. rest in peace, Evan.”David Currie, who was coached by Williams, recalled: “Sad to hear of the passing of former Celtic goalkeeper Evan Williams. He was my goalie coach at Dumbarton Harp under 21s and I remember he would regularly tell me that Pelé ‘took two touches but scored three goals’ against him! Lovely guy and great coach. RIP the ‘Golden Throw’.”Legendary Celts boss Jock Stein once said of Williams: “I didn’t realise how important you were to Celtic until you weren’t there anymore, and I didn’t realise that goalkeeper is the hardest position of all.”Williams also played for East Fife, Third Lanark, Aston Villa, Clyde and Stranraer before retiring in 1976.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe managed Vale of Leven and then Ardeer Thistle in the junior ranks.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Europa League clash STOPPED with players immediately sent off pitch after chaos breaks out in stands

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      A EUROPA League clash was suspended for FIFTEEN minutes after a fight broke out in the stands.Fenerbahce and Anderlecht players were asked to leave the pitch just SEVEN minutes into their second leg knockout tie in Brussels.A Europa League clash was suspended for 15 minutes after a fight broke out in the standsBoth sets of players were asked to leave the pitchThe referee and Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho were asked to make way down the tunnel insideFenerbahce went 1-0 up inside four minutesFenerbahce were 3-0 up after the first leg in Turkey last week and things got off to the perfect start on Thursday after Youssef En-Nesyri scored inside four minutes.But, just after the celebrations had calmed down, the match was suspended after fans began fighting in the crowd.Both sets of players headed over to where the trouble was, including former Manchester United star Fred, before they were pulled away.Former QPR star Bright Osayi-Samuel went the closest to the chaos and urged security staff to intervene, before Milan Skriniar dragged him away from the area.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFenerbahce gaffer Jose Mourinho appeared to instruct his players to come off the pitch amid mayhem in the stands.Both teams headed back to the dressing room, although other fans at Anderlecht’s Lotto Park Stadium remained in their seats. It was initially unclear what caused the halt to the game, but TNT Sports’ live coverage claimed it was due to a security issue.Referee Sandro Schaerer and Mourinho also swiftly made their way down the tunnel to allow riot police to deal with the disturbance. Most read in FootballRiot police rushed into the stands to deal with the crowd trouble, while stewards also did what they could to defuse tensions.The match has since resumed after a 15 minute stoppage.Anderlecht equalised through Luis Vazquez, before taking the lead in the 55th minute.But centre-back Yusuf Akcicek made it 2-2, which saw Mourinho’s side win 5-2 on aggregate. Fenerbahce are enjoying an impressive season, although they languish six points behind arch-rivals Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig despite winning 18 of their 23 league games.Their squad includes several former Prem stars including Tadic, Dzeko, Fred, Caglar Soyuncu, Diego Carlos, Allan Saint-Maximin, Sofyan Amrabat and Cenk Tosun. More

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      Micah Richards reveals he supports two Premier League teams but it ‘depends if I’m off air or on air’

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      MICAH RICHARDS revealed he supports TWO Premier League teams… and his loyalty depends on whether or not he’s on TV.Richards, 36, rose to prominence in 2005 with Manchester City and went on to win the Premier League title in 2012 as well as the FA Cup the year before.Micah Richards revealed he supports two Premier League teamsCredit: SkyRichards supports Manchester City and Arsenal, depending on whether he’s on airCredit: SkyThe former defender amassed a total of nine goals and 11 assists in 245 appearances with City, where he played for 10 years.The ex-England international enjoyed his most prominent years at Man City, so it comes as no surprise when he roots for Pep Guardiola’s side while on air.But Richards revealed he also supports another team when he’s off air… and that’s none other than Arsenal.Big Meeks appeared on the latest edition of A League of Their Own, where he joined host Romesh Ranganathan as well as guests Tony Bellew and Sean Dyche.Read More on FootballBellew asked the former Aston Villa ace: “Meeks, who do you support champ?”Richards responded: “Who do I support? Well, depends if I’m on air or off air.”Bellew insisted: “Well, we are on air then tell us the truth.”Richards replied: “Man City.”Most read in FootballRanganathan jumped in: “Off air: Arsenal!”Richards confirmed: “Yes!”‘How wrong…’ – Kate Abdo mercilessly trolls CBS Sports panel as Henry, Carra & Richards ‘left her out’ of TV outingThat led to quite a mixed reaction with some members of the crowd exclaiming in shock. More

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      Pep Guardiola targeted with sick ‘homophobic’ chants from Real Madrid supporters during Champions League thumping

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      REAL MADRID supporters allegedly directed homophobic chants at Pep Guardiola during last night’s Champions League clash.His Cityzens crashed out of the competition as Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick sealed a 3-1 defeat and a 6-3 aggregate loss in the play-off round.Pep Guardiola’s side were well beaten by Real Madrid last nightCredit: GettyMadrid fans revelled in the victory over Guardiola, who won the Champions League twice and three LaLiga titles with their bitter rivals Barcelona from 2008 to 2012.However, Spanish publication Marca claim that they began chanting towards the Catalan coach at 2-0, in which they referenced an area of Madrid that is known as the heart of the gay district.The actual word also has a double meaning and is used as slang for somebody “crooked”.Though Marca’s report states this particular chant did have homophobic undertones.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe targeting of the Man City manager comes just weeks after Guardiola’s shock split from wife Cristina Serra after 30 years.Showbiz reporters Lorena Vasquez and Laura Fa would later claim that Serra, a fashion entrepreneur, decided “enough was enough” when he penned a new City contract after previously telling her he would move away from the UK.The couple were married in 2014 but have lived apart for at least the last five years due to Serra moving back to Barcelona to live with one of their three children.This fresh report also adds that after Mbappe had claimed the matchball, an ironic chant of “Guardiola, stay” was directed at him on at least three occasions.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSKylian Mbappe bagged a stunning hat-trickCredit: GettyMbappe took just four minutes to give Real Madrid the lead on the night.The Frenchman grabbed his second on 33 minutes, before sealing his hat-trick shortly after the hour mark – with Nico Gonzalez scoring a consolation late on.Pep Guardiola says Akanji’s season all-but over as Man City star suffers injury while playing ‘in emergency’ More

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      Champions League supercomputer predicts Arsenal to be stunned in last 16 with Liverpool in seven-goal final thriller

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      ARSENAL will be knocked out in the Champions League Round of 16 according to a supercomputer.The Gunners could face either PSV Eindhoven or Feyenoord in the next round after they beat Juventus and AC Milan respectively in the play-offs.Arsenal will lose to PSV in the next round according to a supercomputerCredit: RexLiverpool will get their hands on the Champions League trophy once againCredit: GettyThey face a tricky path to the final but a supercomputer predicts they will not get over their first obstacle – PSV.A supercomputer run by CasinoHawks has determined the Gunners will lose 2-0 in the first leg, away from home.And with the Gunners plagued by injuries in attack it has been predicted they will only respond with a 1-0 win at the Emirates, knocking them out of Europe.PSV are then tipped to meet Real Madrid in the next round and lose, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side progressing to face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final.READ MORE ON ARSENALMeanwhile Aston Villa are also predicted to lose in the Round of 16, to Borussia Dortmund, meaning Liverpool will be the only English side to reach the latter stages.The Reds will beat Benfica 8-3 on aggregate next up before conquering Dortmund to reach the last four.The supercomputer claims Liverpool will go all the way, beating Inter Milan before a 4-3 victory over PSG in what would be a thrilling final in Munich.Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa will find out their Round of 16 opponents on Friday.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLiverpool will face PSG or Benfica while Villa take on Borussia Dortmund or Club Brugge.Manchester City were the first English team to be knocked out of the Champions League this season after falling to a 6-3 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid.’It’s like Messi… there I said it’ – Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him ‘potential superstar’ More

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      ‘Not even half the team that made us park the bus’ – Real Madrid stars’ BRUTAL verdict after smashing ‘fragile’ Man City

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      REAL MADRID stars took just 45 minutes to realise Manchester City weren’t even “half the team” they faced in recent years.Real and City failed to finish in the Champions League’s top eight during the league phase and that set up a blockbuster play-off for a place in the Last 16.Real Madrid realised they weren’t facing the same Manchester City from the last three yearsCredit: RexReal found Man City weren’t ‘half the team’ they faced last yearCredit: GettyReal decided to play attacking football during half-time at Man CityCredit: PAReal dumped Man City out of the Champions League in dominant second legCredit: GettyThe two giants first met at the Etihad last week for the first leg, which Los Blancos approached with the utmost respect and refused to pay any attention to Man City’s immense woes in the Premier League.The Citizens found themselves leading at half-time thanks to Erling Haaland’s opener, and that is when Carlo Ancelotti’s stars came to a sudden realisation.According to Marca, a big conversation took place in the visitors’ dressing room.The visitors understood they weren’t playing against the same City that took them to the limit the last three years, during which they faced off in six thrilling Champions League knockout games.Read More on FootballThat was when Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham and co asked themselves: “What are we doing?”The reigning European champions previously adopted a more defensive strategy, such as last year when they “parked the bus” on the edge of their area in the quarter-finals.However, the Spanish champions knew they could push this team and press higher as Pep Guardiola’s side was nothing like the rivals they remembered.Real stars found their opponents to be “physically bad” when pressed with “lots of gaps, lots of gaps” and a “surprisingly fragile” defence.Most read in Champions LeagueAncelotti’s men returned to the pitch and equalised with Mbappe and kept fighting despite Haaland’s double 10 minutes before full-time as they levelled things up with Brahim Diaz and got the winner through Bellingham during stoppage time.Real used the lessons they learned in the second leg as they only played attacking football, which was completely different than what they displayed last season against City.Man City boss Pep Guardiola responds to late collapse to Real Madrid It paid dividends as Mbappe scored a hat-trick during a dominant display that saw Guardiola’s side being often unable to cross the halfway line.And Man City struggled so much they couldn’t get a shot on or off target until the latter stages of the second half, which saw Nico Gonzalez scoring a consolation goal during stoppage time. More