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      Aston Villa release ‘scandalous’ Champions League ticket prices as fans rage ‘game has never been more gone’

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      ASTON VILLA fans have raged at the club’s “scandalous” Champions League ticket prices.Unai Emery’s men are playing in this season’s competition after last term’s magnificent fourth-place finish.Aston Villa fans are unhappy with ticket prices for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyAnd they have a host of amazing fixtures on the horizon in the new-look group stage.It is the first time Villa – who won the European Cup in 1982 – have featured Europe’s premier competition in 41 years.Villa start their European adventure away to Swiss side Young Boys this month before hosting German giants Bayern Munich in October.They then welcome Italians Bologna to Villa Park before paying a visit to Belgian outfit Club Brugge in November.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJuventus will then head to the midlands in December, with Villa then going to RB Leipzig.The final two games in January has Emery’s men heading to France to play Monaco before returning home to face Scottish champions Celtic.However, Villa fans have been left furious by the club’s Champions League ticket prices.The cheapest adult seat appears to start at £85, with the price climbing to £94 and then £97 for premier tickets.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFor season ticket holders this scales back to £70, £79 and £82.While fans over 66 and under 21 can get tickets a bit cheaper at £75, but those also eventually climb to £97 for a better location.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonThe £97 fee, which is for a padded seat in the ’1888’ section and a club scarf, has also been listed for members of the armed forces and fans under the age of 18.The latter can also get their hands on the cheapest tickets of £30 though, with armed forces members having an option for £78 tickets.Like the adult seats, all the other options become marginally cheaper for season ticket holders.But Villa fans have still been left unhappy with the prices.One said: “The game has never been more gone.”Another declared: “That’s actually disgusting.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Those prices are disgraceful.”Another added: “You should be ashamed of yourselves, you’ve let your fans down big time.” More

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      Former Arsenal star, 28, posts gruesome photo of ankle injury after being ruled out for two months

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      REAL MADRID’S former Arsenal star Dani Ceballos has posted a picture of his gruesome ankle injury on social media.The Spanish midfielder, 28, has been ruled out for two months after sustaining a grim sprain in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Real Betis on Sunday.Dani Ceballos posted this gruesome picture on social media after Madrid’s winThe Madrid midfielder spent two seasons on loan with ArsenalA Real Madrid statement read: “Ceballos has been diagnosed with a Grade III sprain affecting the ligaments in the right ankle. He will be unavailable for six to eight weeks.”Ceballos did not show any visible signs of pain after a tussle with Betis defender Youssouf Sabaly, before being replaced by Brahim Diaz in the 65th minute.Several snaps showed his ankle looking bruised and swollen.The former Gunners loanee posted an update with the grim picture on his Instagram story alongside the caption: “One less day to return🙏🏼”.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSMoments after his substitution, new signing Kylian Mbappe scored his first LaLiga goals – a double in the space of nine minutes.But the swollen ankle injury has put a dent in Ceballos’ hopes of taking advatage of Madrid’s midfield injuries and becoming a regular in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.The former Prem loan star was given his first start of the campaign after barely featuring in Madrid’s first four games.England ace Jude Bellingham has been forced to watch from the sidelines so far this season after picking up a plantar fasciitis injury in his right leg in summer training.Most read in FootballMadrid fans were initially unaware of Ceballos’ injury as he was subbedFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLeft-back Ferland Mendy and midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni have both withdrawn from France’s Uefa Nations League camp. Mendy was sent back to the Bernabeu with hamstring fatigue and Tchoumameni has a strained left foot.Mesut Ozil shows off incredible body transformation in new video as ex-Arsenal star takes fans inside insane workoutsFellow midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is also out injured after missing Madrid’s 2-0 Uefa Super Cup victory over Atalanta.Ceballos moved to Madrid from Real Betis in 2017.He subsequently spent two years on loan at Arsenal between 2019 and 2021, playing 77 times under Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.He was picked as part of Spain’s Olympic squad for Tokyo 2021, but his tournament was cut short with a horrific ankle injury then too.Upon his return to Madrid he managed to carve out a role for himself, and won two Champions Leagues, in 2022 and this year.Ceballos’ Arsenal stintMidfielder spent two seasons with the Gunners2019-20 season:37 appearancesTwo goalsTwo assistsNotable for: Unai Emery being sacked on November 29, and replaced by Mikel Arteta the following month. Winning the FA Cup, and starting the final against Chelsea.2020-21 season:40 appearancesZero goalsThree assistsNotable for: Losing his earlier prominence, starting just 17 Premier League games. Slumping to eighth in Arteta’s first season in charge. More

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      Kyle Walker reveals former England star ‘couldn’t stop crying’ after manager sacking with whole dressing room in tears

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      KYLE WALKER revealed the whole Tottenham dressing room burst into tears when former boss Andre Villas-Boas was sacked.Villas-Boas was given his marching orders after a chastening 5-0 home defeat against Liverpool in December 2013 – but one former England star was particularly distraught.Kyle Walker revealed a former England star ‘couldn’t stop crying’ in 2013After then manager Andre Villas Boas was sacked amid a poor run of resultsThe Manchester City defender, who spent eight years at Spurs between 2009-17, described his former manager as “so, so nice”.On the latest episode of the You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker podcast, he said: “I can remember when he left, Levy sacked him and he came downstairs and was sort of crying in front of us.”He started crying. I’ve got tears running down my eyes… Michael Dawson is welling up and couldn’t stop crying, like emotionally crying. “Because that’s how much he meant to the lads. Now we probably did not do him justice on the pitch because that’s why he got the sack.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But for 10 or 12 men to be crying because the manager’s gone. He’s done something well in the dressing room and I think a footballer’s side is connected with us as well.”England defender Dawson was Tottenham’s captain at the time and was particularly close with Villas-Boas.Walker – who is now managed by the fair but ruthless Pep Guardiola – also explained that perhaps Villas-Boas was “too nice” and would text players on their birthdays.The England star added: “I think that [niceness] probably killed him.”Most read in FootballWhile nearly 12 players cried, it was Michael Dawson who was the most distraughtFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSVillas-Boas enjoyed a good first season at White Hart Lane during 2012-13, taking Spurs to the brink of the Champions League with a squad that included an emergent Gareth Bale.But Bale was sold to Real Madrid for £85.3 million after the North London side missed out on qualification for Europe’s elite competition by one point to rivals Arsenal.The Welshman’s fee – a world record at the time – was invested badly and Villas-Boas soon found himself under pressure, with Luka Modric sold to Madrid for £33m during the previous summer.Boy Wonders: Spurs star Will Lankshear the next Harry Kane?Spurs replaced Bale with Christian Eriksen, Paulinho, Roberto Soldado, Nacer Chadli, Etienne Capoue, Erik Lamela and Vlad Chiriches. Walker admitted he regrets the fact the team did not perform well enough to keep Villas-Boas in his job.The 34-year-old added: “Bale was a massive, massive loss.”They signed seven players off the back of the Bale money. There’s a lot of changes there and we just never really gelled in time for the manager to then do well.”Walker left Spurs for Man City in 2017 for £45m, where he established himself as one of the world’s best right-backs, and became the Etihad’s captain at the start of last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Villas-Boas took over at Zenit Saint Petersburg shortly after leaving the Premier League, going on to manage Shanghai SIPG and most recently Marseille in Ligue 1. The 46-year-old is now the president of Porto, the club where he captured a treble that included the Europa League before he moved to England with Chelsea in 2011.Kyle Walker has gone onto to win everything in football with Man City More

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      Meet Ivan Toney’s new team-mates after Saudi Arabia transfer including three Champions League winners and Barcelona flop

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      IVAN TONEY will be joined by a star-studded cast when he makes his debut in Saudi Arabia.Toney, 28, completed a £40million transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli from Brentford on deadline day.Ivan Toney completed a £40m transfer to Al-Ahli on deadline dayCredit: Instagram @alahliclub.saHe will be joining stars with top pedigree such as Riyad MahrezCredit: GettyChampions League winner Edouard Mendy is also at the clubCredit: GettyFormer Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino joined the club last summerCredit: GettyThe six-cap England international has already been greeted by fans of the Jeddah-based outfit, though he cast an awkward look as they sang a new chant for him.However, while Toney brings star power in his own right, he will be joining a host of big names who can boast major European silverware.So much so that, even though Toney is earning a whopping £403,000-a-week at base, he is not even close to being top earner at the club.That title belongs to a certain Riyad Mahrez, who reportedly nets a stunning £850,000-a-week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMahrez, 33, won five Premier League titles – one with Leicester and four with Manchester City – as well as two FA Cups, three League Cups and the Champions League.The international stage has also seen Mahrez crowned the African Footballer of the Year for 2016, win the African Cup of Nations with Algeria in 2019 and twice win his nations Player of the Year award.Mahrez headed to the club last summer, the first of a wave of star signings.Those included Chelsea Champions League winner Edouard Mendy, 32, and Prem and Champions League winner Roberto Firmino, 32.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReports suggest Firmino is earning £326,000-a-week and Mendy is taking home £216,000 per week.Al-Ahli’s incredible wage bill is also topped up by Barcelona flop Franck Kessie on £230,000 a week.XI amazing players worth £78m available for freeThe 27-year-old played just 43 times for the Spanish giants in an underwhelming spell following a transfer from AC Milan.Elsewhere in the squad there is highly-rated 22-year-old Gabri Veiga.The midfielder is a former transfer target of Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City.He was labelled “embarrassing” by World Cup winner Toni Kroos after completing a transfer to the club for £34m from Celta Vigo last year.Veiga is estimated to make just shy of £200,000-a-week.Making up the defence, Al-Ahli have ex-Roma star Roger Ibanez, 25, and former Juventus star Merih Demiral, 26.Both centre-backs also played at Atalanta, though the latter of them was hit by a Uefa ban for his controversial “Grey Wolf” goal celebration while playing for Turkey at Euro 2024.It’s at full-back where some Saudi players make the side, with 24-year-old pairing Ali Majrashi and Bassam Al-Hurayji filling in on either side so far this season.As well as the arrival of Toney, Al-Ahli have also handed former RB Salzburg coach Matthias Jaissle a new defensive midfielder in the form of 20-year-old Alexsander, who joined from Fluminense.These stars play at the multi-use King Abdullah Sports City stadium, which can hold more than 62,000 spectators.However, just over 20,000 turned out for their opening home match against Al-Orobah.That game ended in a 2-0 win, while their first away game ended in a 1-0 defeat at Al-Fateh.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Toney could make his debut for the Royals against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr on September 13.Al-Ahli finished third in the Saudi Pro League last season, but will be hoping the addition of Toney can fire them to the title for the first time since 2016.The Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium in Jeddah seats 12,000 peopleCredit: GettyBarcelona flop Franck Kessie joined Al-Ahli last seasonCredit: GettyGabri Veiga was labelled ’embarrassing’ by Toni Kroos when he moved to Saudi Arabia from Celta VigoCredit: Getty More

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      Man City forced to play twice in 49 hours as police refuse to budge on Carabao Cup clash

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      MANCHESTER CITY are set to play twice in the space of 49 hours later this month.City meet Watford in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday, 25 September.Pep Guardiola will have to manage a hectic fixture scheduleCredit: AlamyPep Guardiola’s side face Premier League title rivals Arsenal on Sunday, 22 September, before travelling to Newcastle on Saturday, 28 September.But neighbours Manchester United are playing their Europa League group stage opener against FC Twente on Wednesday night, when City’s game against Watford would have beenmost suitable.Therefore, City will be forced to play twice in three days because Greater Manchester Police are reluctant to let them play at home on the same night.Not since October 2015, when City thumped Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup and United lost on penalties to Middlesbrough, has that happened.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt has been confirmed that the clash with the Hornets will take place on the Tuesday.By the time the match at the Etihad Stadium kicks off, it will be just over 48 hours after City’s crucial meeting with the Gunners finishes, meaning Guardiola will have to utilise his talented squad.The fixture comes during a hectic period where the reigning Premier League champions play five times in 15 days following the return of the Champions League.City host Inter Milan on September 18, four days before playing Brentford at home after the international break.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan City has started the season perfectly as they aim to win their fifth Premier League title in a row.The Citizens won the curtain-raising Community Shield over rivals Man United. Micah Richards explains awkward exchange with Erling Haaland live on Sky Sports after Man City’s win over ChelseaGuardiola’s side have since won all three of their league matches, starting with the victory over Chelsea.City then followed up on the win at Stamford Bridge with successes against Ipswich Town and West Ham.Erling Haaland has been sensational so far this season in front of goal.The Norweigian striker has already scored seven goals in his three league matches.This includes back-to-back hat-tricks against the Tractor Boys and the Hammers.Pep Guardiola set for final Man City seasonBy Martin BlackburnAFTER eight glorious years of stability, Manchester City now head into an uncertain 12 months.And Saturday’s FA Cup final defeat to neighbours United was a reminder that this glittering and unforgettable era will not go on for ever.Around this time in 2025, City will be preparing for the highly-lucrative Fifa Club World Cup in the US.Yet in all likelihood they will also be getting ready to say their goodbyes to manager Pep Guardiola, who has brought so much success to the east side of Manchester.Meanwhile, there could be a verdict on 115 charges of financial irregularity which have been levelled at the club by Premier League chiefs.The suggestion is the hearing could start later this year but is likely to take several months to reach a conclusion.City continue to deny any wrongdoing and are confident they will be cleared by the independent commission.Read Martin Blackburn’s full column here. More

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      Scott Carson is forgotten man with more Prem titles than Cristiano Ronaldo and more Champions Leagues than Ronaldinho

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      IF you are asked to name current Manchester City players, you would be forgiven for not remembering third-choice keeper Scott Carson.But the 39-year-old, who celebrates his birthday today, has a glittering trophy cabinet that puts legends to shame.Scott Carson has won four Premier League trophies at Man CityCredit: GettyHe has lifted 14 trophies in 11 matches for City and LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe keeper has been called a role model by Pep GuardiolaCredit: RexA record 18 years separate Carson’s (back right) two Champions League triumphsCredit: RexCarson is one of the most decorated players in English football history thanks to his spells at Liverpool and City.Despite only playing 11 matches for the two clubs, the veteran has won an incredible 14 trophies combined during his time at both sides.Four Premier Leagues, two Champions Leagues, two Super Cups, two League Cups, two Community Shields, a Club World Cup and an FA Cup is not a bad showing for a total of 917 minutes on the pitch.In fact, that’s more Prem titles won than Cristiano Ronaldo, Patrick Vieira and Frank Lampard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis two Champions League crowns mean he has got his hands on the trophy more times than Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.Carson also holds the record for the longest gap between his first and last triumphs in the competition.His first came in 2005 when he was on the bench for Liverpool as they beat AC Milan in the final in Istanbul.A remarkable 18 years later in the same stadium, Carson was part of the squad as Man City beat Inter Milan to pick up his second Champions League medal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSScott Carson has more Premier League titles to his name than Cristiano RonaldoCredit: ReutersCarson has even got one more Champions League crown than icon RonaldinhoCredit: Getty – ContributorIt is easy to dismiss his trophies due to a lack of time on the pitch and fans have said he has “the best job ever” being amongst the world’s best teams without the pressure of playing.But his role at Man City should not be underestimated.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelCarson’s training ground keeper job is vital and his influence in the dressing room is huge.Pep Guardiola explained: “The best advice I could give to the young players is to stay around Scott Carson as much as possible in the locker room.”Every second he is training and every minute you get on the pitch and in the changing room with Carson, you value.“It’s like the young actors have to be with the old actors on the set. They are wiser and have the values of the profession.”On other occasions, Guardiola has said: “I was fortunate to know this guy. He’s like a captain, built incredible love for the team. I’m pretty sure when we need him, he’ll respond.”And the boss has added: “He is a guy when he talks everybody listens. He helps take quality training sessions.”Carson’s leadership is valued so much by City that he has now been there for six seasons.He gained his experience playing for the likes of Leeds, Charlton, Aston Villa and West Brom in the Premier League.The stopper even had a two-year spell in Turkey with Bursaspor and time in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday, Wigan and Derby.But nobody would have expected Carson to have such an incredible career after he made an infamous mistake while in goal for England.During a crucial Euros qualifier against Croatia, the keeper with four caps parried a speculative Niko Kranjcar effort into his own net that stopped England making the 2008 tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESSteve McClaren was sacked the day after and Carson’s time at the top could well have been over.But he has bounced back in incredible style and hopes to guide City to a fifth consecutive Prem title from behind-the-scenes once again. Scott Carson made a horror mistake for England that stopped them making Euro 2008Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Uefa confirm major change to European football in huge boost to Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal fans

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      UEFA have announced a major change to ticket prices for this season’s Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.The European governing body confirmed a price cap for away fans following their favourite club in various stadium visits around the continent.UEFA have announced a price cap on away tickets for this season’s competitionsCredit: ReutersAway tickets will be reduced further more next season in Uefa competitionsCredit: GettyThe maximum ticket prices for away fans will be €60 (£51m) in the Champions League, €40 (£34) in the Europa League and €20 (£17) in the Conference League.Things will get even better next season as visiting supporters will pay no more than €50 (£42) in the Champions League, €35 (£29) in the Europa League and €20 (£17) in the Conference League.Uefa came to the decision following an agreement with European Clubs’ Association and Football Supporters’ Europe.A statement read: “Starting with the 2024/25 season, the maximum ticket prices for away fans will be €60 in the UEFA Champions League, €40 in the UEFA Europa League and €20 in the UEFA Conference League. Read More on Football”This will be further reduced in the 2025/26 season to a maximum price of €50 in the UEFA Champions League, €35 in the UEFA Europa League and still €20 in the UEFA Conference League.”The news will be welcomed by the Premier League’s representatives for this season’s Uefa competitions.Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa fans are set for four trips in the Champions League.The same goes for Tottenham and Manchester United supporters in the Europa League.Most read in FootballChelsea fans, on the other hand, will be going on three away games in the Conference League.There will be more trips in the knockout stages if the Premier League clubs finish in the top 24 places in their competition.Cristiano Ronaldo reveals bizarre thing that ‘turns him on’ during live Champions League drawIf they finish in the top eight of their respective league phase then they will qualify straight to the Last 16 and avoid the play-off round. More

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      Premier League club ready to revamp training ground with 40-room accommodation block and huge dome installed

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      ASTON VILLA are looking to revamp their Bodymoor Heath training ground amid the club’s continuous growth.Villa have risen to new heights under manager Unai Emery and president of football operations Monchi who led them to this season’s Champions League.Aston Villa are planning developments for their Bodymoor Heath training groundCredit: GettyAnd Villa’s plans will be considered by North Warwickshire Borough Council’s planning boardCredit: GettyAnd now the Villans are planning to evolve their training ground by developing overnight accommodation of 40 bedrooms for players and staff to use after returning from evening matches.The plans also include improved facilities for the club’s women and youth teams.In addition, Villa are looking to build a permanent new office space for administrative and media staff.The Premier League club also wants to create a purpose-built academy.Read More on FootballThe existing academy building will be converted into the admin and media offices.However, the indoor 3G pitch next to it will stay in place with another one, covered by a 15-metre dome. And Villa’s plans have received a boost as they will be considered by North Warwickshire Borough Council’s planning board at a meeting this Monday.A council report says: “Normally, such overnight accommodation would only be considered to be appropriate on site for security reasons.Most read in Football”However, this is connected to the established use and activity of the club, particularly in order to retain its status both nationally and internationally. “It is therefore a provision that only relates to the current applicant.”Arsenal ratings vs Aston VillaIf Villa’s plans get the green light then the decision still has to be looked at by Deputy Prime Minister as well as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Angela Rayner. More