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      Why NOBODY is right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man Utd with Tuchel already gone and best bosses certain to snub them

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      MANCHESTER UNITED sacking Erik ten Hag, at last, was the easy part.Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham – leaving the Red Devils FOURTEENTH in the Premier League, with just 11 points from nine games – proved to be the final straw.Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is facing the axe after another miserable lossCredit: GettyTen Hag risks turning Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous Tottenham team talk on its headCredit: GettyTen Hag’s United didn’t just lose consistently, they were thrashed consistently.Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford are among the teams to have demolished his outfit.Sir Alex Ferguson’s most famous three-word team talk — “Lads, it’s Tottenham” — could now be turned on its head by Ange Postecoglou or several other Premier League bosses.“Lads, it’s Man United.”Read More on Man UtdFacing United hasn’t held a fear factor for many years.Now, it is a fixture openly relished by many — a big-name scalp which is relatively easy to come by.There has been a regular cycle of doom around Old Trafford for the last 11 years, under six different managers.United are trounced on a Sunday afternoon, Gary Neville and Roy Keane rant on the telly, everyone speculates on the manager’s future on a Monday.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSManagers come and go, many players linger for too long, and United continue to be largely terrible.Yet under Ten Hag — who offered little as a coach or man-manager — the bad days got even worse.Gary Neville predicts exact date Erik ten Hag will be sacked as he rants Man Utd ‘can’t be 14th after nine games’ It was the wrong decision for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos crew to keep faith with the former Ajax boss after last season’s FA Cup win.And then to have signed another tranche of overpriced Dutch players.At last, Ratcliffe and his fellow Old Trafford chiefs have seen sense.So now for the hard part. Who, realistically, takes over?And, more pertinently, who would want to?This is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.Emery wouldn’t take United job – he’s not stark raving madAnd Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Who could replace Ten Hag at Man Utd?ERIK TEN HAG has finally been put out of his Manchester United misery – but who will be the manager to lead them into the future?Ruud van NistelrooyThe Red Devils legend, 48, is no stranger to the pressures of Old Trafford.Van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in 219 games for Man Utd and helped them to the 2002-03 Premier League title.The striker also starred for another monster club, Real Madrid, as a player before going into coaching.The 70-cap ex-Holland international managed PSV’s youth team before landing the senior job for the 2022-23 season.Van Nistelrooy landed a coaching job under Ten Hag earlier this year and is said to have done a superb job working with the clubs strikers behind the scenes.And now he will have the chance to show what he can do in a live ‘interview’ of sorts.How long the club will give him is another matter.Gareth SouthgateThe former England boss, 54, has long been linked with the Man Utd job.The former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender has gone on to enjoy great success as a manager – albeit without getting his hands on a major trophy.Southgate managed Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009 before taking on the England Under-21s job between 2013 and 2016.The 57-cap former Three Lions international then took the senior national job, replacing Roy Hodgson.Southgate brought the nation together as he led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, as well as the final of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.However, he left his role in the summer following the defeat to Spain and was replaced by Lee Carsley on an interim basis.Thomas Tuchel – another boss long linked with the Old Trafford job – will take over the reins in 2025.Southgate has been out of club management for 15 years and a portion of England fans were frustrated by what they deemed a defensive style.However, his ability to largely galvanise the fan-base and deal with the pressure of one of the biggest jobs in sport with real class would be a huge asset for United.Edin TerzicEarlier this month, SunSport revealed Edin Terzic is the shock name on United’s list to replace Ten Hag.German Terzic took Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final last season before surprisingly quitting.He has many admirers at Old Trafford and it would he a smart but unexpected move to go for him if they sack under-fire Ten Hag.Terzic, 41, did his coaching badges in England, where he was friends with fellow United target Graham Potter, and then worked as Slaven Bilic’s No 2 at West Ham.He rose to the top in Germany during two spells at Dortmund before he walked away in June.Graham PotterThe English boss, 49, has been out of work since being axed by Chelsea in April 2023.Potter excited fans with his attacking approach at Brighton before he was poached by the Blues.However, he failed to lift Chelsea out of their funk and was given his marching orders.Potter’s fans include Manchester City mastermind Pep Guardiola.And there’s no doubt the ex-OstersundS FK and Swansea boss would get United playing on the front foot, something Old Trafford fans have long craved.Kieran McKennaCruelly denied a playing career due to injury, the former Tottenham youth prospect has excelled as a coach.McKenna, 38, worked as Under-18s coach at both Spurs and Man Utd before landing the top job at Ipswich Town.The young boss incredibly guided the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions, guiding them from League One back to the Premier League, ending the club’s 22-year absence.McKenna was quickly added to a host of clubs’ wish-lists, including Man Utd, according to reports.But Ipswich reacted swiftly to offer him a new, long-term contract.However, his side are yet to win any of their opening nine Premier League games, with four wins and five defeats.McKenna has Ipswich playing exciting, expansive football – something Man Utd fans crave.The big question now is whether McKenna opts to jump ship or stay loyal.Ruben Amorim, Xavi and Thomas Frank are also three names very much believed to be in the running.Not many optionsEmery would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Gareth Southgate concernYet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the  equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel was talked about at United’s top target, and would have been a popular and gettable option, but the FA have already beaten United to the German.Despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Replacement needs to succeed Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a “figurehead” manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer, will take the reins at interim boss, but surely lacks the experience to take the job full-time.And United would be wise to avoid another Ole Gunnar Solskjaer situation.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag was the easy part.READ MORE SUN STORIESFor Ratcliffe, Ashworth and the rest of United’s new management structure, the hard part is what happens next.And it is a decision they desperately need to nail.Thomas Tuchel would have been a popular replacement for Ten Hag but the FA got him for EnglandCredit: GettyMan Utd assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken over as interim bossCredit: GettySouthgate is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by Man Utd last springCredit: Getty More

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      LaLiga ref exposed as secret Real Madrid fan by a PARROT live on TV as official desperately tries to silence pet bird

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      FORMER LaLiga referee Pajares Paz was left squirming after being exposed by his pet PARROT on live TV.And fans believe the exotic bird’s blunder confirmed Paz as a secret Real Madrid fan.Retired ref Pajares Paz begged his pet parrot to ‘shut up’ on live TVThe parrot started whistling Real Madrid’s anthemThe 75-year-old was discussing a controversial penalty decision in the closing moments of the Villarreal’s 1-1 draw with Getafe last Sunday.However, what happened during the conversation caught everyone by surprise.Paz’s parrot started singing the Hala Madrid’s anthem live on Spanish TV show El Chiringuito.The wide-eyed embarrassed ex-referee tried to calm the bird by shushing it and begging it to “shut up”.READ MORE FOOTBALLBut the mimicry kept singing, while the four hosts in the studio could barely contain their laughter, with two covering their eyes and mouths.Parrots are vocal learners, which means they are able to imitate and repeat new sounds.And while the comical moment is not total evidence that Paz is actually a Real Madrid fan, he had some explaining to do.He later dropped ex-referee Urizar Azpitarte in it, after claiming he has a parrot that says “Cabron” (b*****ds) when it hears the word “Barcelona”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans were quick to assume that the parrot had exposed Paz as a Madrid supporter.One wrote: “Madrid will never beat the allegations of favouritism.”Watch Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham roll his eyes at how he is introduced to fans at EA FC 25 launchA second said: “This referee, who teaches his parrot the Madrid anthem, used to whistle classics and now he acts as impartial.”Another commented: “The tokens keep falling. Shameless.”One more added: “How much do VARdrid pay the parrots? 😂😂”Paz retired as a referee at the end of the 1994/95 season.The Spanish official oversaw eight Madrid games, where the Los Blancos won seven, drew one and lost zero.Furious Jose Mourinho’s CUTTING dig at referee Clement Turpin after red card vs Man UtdJOSE MOURINHO launched a sarcastic blast at ref Clement Turpin after he was red-carded in his clash with former club Manchester United. The Fenerbahce boss saw his side fight back to earn a point as United tossed away the lead for a third successive drawn Europa League match.Mourinho was sent to the stands after raging against Turpin’s failure to award a penalty against Manuel Ugarte for a challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel.And Mourinho scowled: “The referee told me something incredible. He said at the same time he could see the action in the box and my behaviour on the touchline.“I congratulate him because he is absolutely incredible. During the game, 100 miles per hour, he had one eye on the penalty situation and one eye on my behaviour on the bench. That’s the explanation he gave me.”That is why he is one of the best referees in the world!” More

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      Real Madrid 0 Barcelona 4: Mbappe suffers NIGHTMARE in his first Clasico as Lewandowski double sees Barca run riot

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI scored twice as Barcelona shattered Real Madrid’s 42-game unbeaten run in LaLiga.But it was a night of frustration for Kylian Mbappe in his first Clasico as the Frenchman saw TWO goals ruled out for offside.Robert Lewandowski outshone Kylian Mbappe as his double downed Real MadridCredit: GettyLewandowski scored twice after the break as Barcelona won 4-0 at the BernabeuCredit: GettyInstead it was Lewandowski who was the star of the show as he netted his 16th and 17th goals of the season to send Barca six points clear at the top.Lewandowski’s first, in the 54th minute, followed a superb pass by Barca’s latest youth talent Marc Casado.And he followed it up with a header almost immediately after the restart to silence the Santiago Bernabeu.In fact, it should have been a historic hat-trick as Lewandowski somehow hit the post with an open goal after Raphinha’s cross cut out Los Blancos keeper Andriy Lunin.read more football newsLamine Yamal made it a rout in the 77th when the teenage phenom somehow rifled a shot from an angle over Lunin.Raphinha got involved in the burgundy-and-blue party when he broke free with Madrid pressing forward and chipped the keeper in the 84th.Mbappe had a frustrating first game against Barcelona in a white shirt.The France star was repeatedly caught offside by Barcelona’s synchronized back four and failed to beat second-choice goalkeeper Inaki Pena one-on-one with his team down two goals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMbappe has two goals ruled out for offside on a frustrating nightCredit: ReutersJude Bellingham was off the boil for MadridCredit: ReutersHansi Flick, meanwhile, had a night to remember in the first Clasico for the German coach.Barcelona still have financial troubles that cast doubt over their future but they have made huge steps forward since Flick replaced Barcelona great Xavi Hernandez in the summer.Inside Real Madrid’s incredible hi-tech free-kick training as stars use robots to hone technique Casado, an unknown reserve team player until Flick picked him to be his holding midfielder, was one of five home-grown players that Flick put in his starting line-up, the same 11 that beat Bayern Munich 4-1 in the Champions League three days before.A total of six players under 22 years old started for Barcelona, led by 17-year-olds Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, and showed no signs of being intimidated by the scenario.Yamal upstaged Mbappe this summer when Spain beat France en route to winning the European Championship.And he did it again when he displayed the finishing touch that Mbappe was lacking.Mbappe himself was ruled offside no less than five times in the first half hour, as Barcelona pressed high up the field.While Jude Bellingham was largely anonymous as the game slipped away from the increasingly desperate hosts.Vinicius Junior, who is set to win the Ballon d’Or on Monday, didn’t fare much better as he missed a golden chance to give Madrid the lead in the first half. More

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      Arsenal’s title hopes are OVER if they lose to Liverpool, warns Gunners legend Tony Adams

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      TONY ADAMS has warned Arsenal ahead of today’s Prem showdown with Liverpool: Lose and you can forget the title.Gunners legend Adams believes they will have more chance of lifting the Champions League if they slip SEVEN  points  behind  Arne Slot’s Reds and SIX behind Manchester City.Arsenal’s legendary captain Tony Adams says the Gunners’ title hopes will be OVER if they lose to LiverpoolCredit: GettyMikel Arteta has an injury headache for the crunch title clashCredit: GettyThe ex-Arsenal captain, four times a champion with the club, said: “This is not quite a must-win game but it is a must-not-lose.“We can’t lose, because then we would not be far off having more chance of winning the Champions League than the title, even this early.“At the back end of the season, you will also have a City squad that has been rotated and is full of beans. Usually they don’t lose a game.“You have to stay in touch with your rivals. If you get to April within three points of the title, you still have a chance.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAdams is the only player to win the title in three different decades — skippering the Gunners to glory in 1989, 1991, 1998 and 2002.But Adams, 58, feels his injury-hit former club have it all to do at the Emirates this afternoon.Defender William Saliba is banned after a red card against Bournemouth.Boss Mikel Arteta fears Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber will not be fit while skipper Martin Odegaard is a long-term absentee.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTony Adams: Red cards are sign of a winning mentality… Arsenal need to be MORE aggressiveBACK in the day at Arsenal, red cards were regarded as signs of a winning mentality — not a failing that could cost them titles.The Gunners go into Sunday’s clash with Liverpool without defender William Saliba after he became the THIRD player in Mikel Arteta’s squad to be sent off this season.When fellow Frenchman Patrick Vieira was dismissed in a home game with the Reds in August 2000, there was indeed talk of crisis in Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal team.But for Arsenal’s captain that day, Tony Adams, Vieira’s disciplinary record and reaction to his latest misdemeanour were water off a duck’s back.Adams told SunSport’s Dan King, chuckling: “It was par for the course, Patrick getting sent off — everyday occurrence. “If I thought Patrick was being out of order, I would have had a quiet word. But I wasn’t going to go up to Patrick and say, ‘Calm yourself down, for God’s sake!’“Because that was half of his game. I needed that from him.“And if sometimes we got red cards — and Arsene said, ‘Oh, I didn’t see it’ — then that’s the way it was.”“When they were closing down people, putting in tackles and getting involved, putting pressure on teams and maybe mistiming a tackle to get a yellow or a red, I didn’t have a problem with that.“I would rather have had that than have no-one getting sent off and accepting losing every week.”I’d like Arsenal to be MORE aggressive in making tackles and closing down.”Read Tony Adams’ full thoughts on Arsenal’s red card woes…Adams added: “With Saliba out and the injuries, everything is pointing to an away win.“As soon as Saliba went off against Bournemouth, you saw it fall apart. We lost our balance.’If Arsenal lose to Liverpool, they are out of the Premier League title race… the gulf is massive’“It’s the first time in about three years that we’ve had a few injuries and it is highlighting weaknesses in the squad.“City have got an array of talent. That level of quality throughout your squad makes a difference over the season.”Adams is also not sure if Arteta has a centre-back good enough to make up for the absence of Saliba.The ex-England captain said: “When we won the league in ’89, we had me and Steve Bould, with Dave O’Leary as back-up.We can’t lose, because then we would not be far off having more chance of winning the Champions League than the title, even this early.Tony Adams“If one of us was out, we were OK. When you have that level of quality in your squad, you are winning titles.”But Adams reckons they CAN get a result.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “Liverpool are confident and Mo Salah is on fire but I have a funny feeling Arsenal will get a point.“I would love it if we got all three — and if that means getting another red card in the process, so be it.”Arsenal ratings vs Shakhtar: Jesus reminds fans of his quality but Trossard flops for poor GunnersARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners…DAVID RAYA – 7Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Gabriel or Saliba until the final stagesPushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.BEN WHITE – 6Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.Marked improvement in the second half.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.DECLAN RICE – 6Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Nothing quite went right for him all night with some sloppy touches ending attacks and putting Arsenal in trouble.Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.GABRIEL JESUS – 8Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing.Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in.Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal, of sorts, after 30 minutes.Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. KAI HAVERTZ – 7Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal.Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.SUBSMikel Merino (on for White HT) – 6Some nice touches and stitched play together well. A solid yet unspectacular performance.Raheem Sterling (on for Jesus 68 mins) – 6Tried to play on the shoulder of the last man but did not have the pace find the clear cut chance he would have liked.Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Calafiori 71 mins) – 6Slotted in at left-back and was not afraid to show for the ball but often did not receive it while tucking infield.Jorginho (on for Trossard 88 mins) – N/A More

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      Man City accidentally name injured star with horror broken leg on teamsheet – before quickly correcting mistake

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      MANCHESTER CITY accidentally named an injured star on their bench to play Southampton – before quickly changing it. The Premier League champions host the Saints sitting a point behind leaders Liverpool. Oscar Bobb with manager Pep GuardiolaCredit: PAAnd they went into the match with four first-team players missing; Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish. But there was actually a fifth with Oscar Bobb also sidelined – but the matchday teamsheet said otherwise. Bobb – out with a horror broken leg injury – was mistakenly named instead of James McAtee.But City soon amended the mistake with a re-print of the team sheet. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBobb was a standout in City’s pre-season tour but a freak training injury before the season started has left him sidelined until the New Year. City are still without playmaker Kevin de Bruyne too after he came off in the Champions League against Inter Milan in September. He has missed the last seven games with manager Pep Guardiola unsure when he will return. Guardiola said when probed: “I don’t know. Of course, I prefer to have all of the squad with the amount of games but it is what it is.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Hopefully he comes back soon but I don’t know yet. I would like to tell you but I don’t know.” City come into the game having won their last four, running riot midweek with a 5-0 hammering against Sparta Praha. Man City player ratings: Even Pep Guardiola can’t believe how good Erling Haaland is as new Samba man fails to shine (1) More

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      Uefa issue two referees with huge bans after drunkenly taking road sign before Champions League clash

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      UEFA have banned two referees for drunkenly taking a road sign before a Champions League clash.Bartosz Frankowski and Tomasz Musial were arrested in the Polish city of Lubin back in August.Uefa have banned Polish referee Bartosz Frankowski after he drunkenly took a signCredit: GettyTomasz Musial has also been suspended following the incident in Lubin back in AugustCredit: GettyThe pair had been appointed as VAR and AVAR officials for the third qualifying round tie between Dynamo Kyiv and Rangers.However, they were replaced by the Polish FA following their drunken antics the night before the match.Police caught the two referees on CCTV before arresting them, with Uefa fining them at the time.Frankowski and Musial have now both been handed lengthy bans for their behaviour.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey have been suspended until June 30, 2025 by Uefa’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body.Their punishment is for breaking “basic rules of decent conduct”, the governing body confirmed.In a statement, Frankowski said: “I am still trying to find words that will sufficiently express how much I regret this incident and how sorry I am.”I realise that with one such violation, I ruined 22 years of refereeing, ruined my entire career. I should have calmly prepared for the match and not gone anywhere.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”As one of the police officers later told me, our prank was spotted by CCTV cameras and they intervened. I would like to clarify that we were in no way aggressive. These were stupid jokes.”We did not suspect that it would be perceived this way. We had no bad intentions. It was stupidity, an idiotic fantasy, I don’t even know what to call it.”Furious former Champions League finalists’ fans protest against club owner He also claimed the incident was simply a “prank” and had been a “stupid game” that went wrong.The 38-year-old, who is a Fifa referee, added: “Now, looking back, I understand that it was not a very smart idea.”It was a sign that was lying next to where road works were being carried out and we were passing by.”I am very sorry that this happened. And on a purely human level, it was stupid, because I know that my unfortunate behaviour will cast a shadow on many years of hard work.”What happened was irresponsible and unprofessional on my part, and I am fully aware of that.”I would just like to emphasise that there were no acts of aggression in my behaviour, I did not break the law and there was no unlawful behaviour on my part towards police officers or anyone.”Frankowski admits the incident was a ‘stupid game’ which went wrongCredit: Getty More

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      Inside Real Madrid’s incredible hi-tech free-kick training as stars use ROBOTS to hone technique

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      REAL MADRID continue to show why they’re a cut above the rest and football’s leading flagship club.Los Blancos have taken their training into the future with the addition of a ROBOT wall to allow players to master their free-kick techniques.Real Madrid implemented futuristic technology at their training ground in 2022Footage showed stars such as Luka Modric and Eder Militao perfecting their free-kicksThe mannequins are operated by a control panel on a tabletGone are the days of players bending the ball over stationary metal men in training, these guys can actually jump!Footage from Madrid’s Valdebebas Park base shows players working with a robot wall in front of goal.The mechanical free-kick wall allows coaches to adjust the specific height of each of the humanoids by a control panel on a tablet.This means players can practice against the height of different defenders they’re about to play against.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo, ahead of the El Clasico on Friday, Madrid stars could practice shooting over a mannequin that resembles the height of Jules Kounde or Raphinha.In a resurfaced video shared on Real Madrid’s social media, several players including midfielder Luka Modric managed to curl shots into the net.Eder Militao also successfully avoided the wall that consisted of five ‘mechanical men’.The clip shows sculpted torsos bearing Real Madrid kits mimicking the effect of jumping, akin to how a human wall would react in a game.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut despite the advance in technology at their £100m base, the robot wall has not brought about many direct results on the pitch yet.In fact, the last time Madrid scored from a direct free-kick was Rodrygo’s strike against LaLiga outfit Sevilla on May 27 2023.Watch mortified Real Madrid legend Marcelo cover his face in embarrassment as son, 9, nutmegs him with outrageous skillParis Saint-Germain also attempted to implement something similar, albeit not to the same aesthetics.PSG practice free-kicks with a wall of mannequins on wheels which move up and down to block shots. Meanwhile, Madrid’s new free-kick taker Kylian Mbappe has never scored from a direct set piece.The France international has become the primary free-kick taker following the retirement of German legend Toni Kroos.Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi is the primary free kick specialist at PSG and was during Mbappe’s time at Parc des Princes.Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. More

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      You’ve been saying AZ Alkmaar all wrong and 12 other teams too… here’s why

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      WE ALL think we know our football.But do we know it quite as well as we think? Really?AZ Alkmaar and Athletic Bilbao are both incorrect namesCredit: GettyBecause there are a whole load of teams whose names we’ve been saying wrong for ages – many of us without even realising. A large part of that is down to geography.Of the 92 clubs in English professional football, all but two have the name of their city, town, borough or region in their title.The exceptions are Port Vale and Arsenal – although the Gunners were originally called Woolwich Arsenal when they played in South London. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs a result, we often tend to add the place names for some clubs that go by a single name to help us clarify which team we are referring to – more on that later.For other examples, it is a case of mistranslation – or, more specifically, partial translation. Finally, it could simply be a bit of laziness or ignorance.Anyway, with that all said, who are some of the regular football clubs we mispronounce or simply get wrong?Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAZ Alkmaar is a common mistake.The Dutch side are actually called Alkmaar Zaanstreek.Football stars’ weird phobiasThis often gets nicknamed to AZ Alkmaar – but the A in AZ stands for Alkmaar.So AZ Alkmaar would mean Alkmaar Zaanstreek Alkmaar.To make things even more confusing, Alkmaar is the city the club is based in while Zaanstreek refers to the Zaan district in North-West Netherlands. Got it?Sticking in the Eredeivisie, there are regularly mentions of PSV Eindhoven when in actual fact the club’s full name is Philips Sport Vereniging, or PSV for short.There is no mention of Eindhoven, the city where they are based. The same rule applies to various other teams – where the city has been added for overseas fans to grasp exactly where they play.See Zenit Saint Petersburg and CSKA Moscow in Russia – officially Zenit and CSKA – AEK Athens.The Greek outfit are formally Athlitiki Enosis Konstantinoupoleos – with no mention of the capital city name – while AEK is pronounced as one word rather than A-E-K. TV fixtures in DecemberHere are all the games that will be televised in December…Tuesday 3 December19:30 Ipswich v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Leicester v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)Wednesday 4 December19:30 Everton v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Man City v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Southampton v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Aston Villa v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)Thursday 5 December19:30 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)Saturday 7 December12:30 Everton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 8 December14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Chelsea (Sky Sports)Monday 9 December20:00 West Ham v Wolves (Sky Sports)Saturday 14 December17:30 Nott’m Forest v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Sunday 15 December14:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Man City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)19:00 Southampton v Spurs (TNT Sports)Monday 16 December20:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Saturday 21 December12:30 Aston Villa v Man City (TNT Sports)17:30 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Sunday 22 December14:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Thursday 26 December12:30 Man City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Chelsea v Fulham (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Nott’m Forest v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)17:30 Wolves v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:00 Liverpool v Leicester (Amazon Prime Video)Friday 27 December19:30 Brighton v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Ipswich (Amazon Prime Video)Sunday 29 December14:30 Leicester v Man City (Sky Sports)17:15 West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 30 December20:00 Man Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports)We don’t do the same to PSG Paris, Juventus Turin, Schalke Gelsenkirchen or Real Betis Seville. In Spain, it is Atletico de Madrid, not Atletico Madrid or worse still Athletico Madrid.Athletic should be used for the team in Bilbao. But they are Athletic Club or simply Athletic – and definitely not Athletic Bilbao. In Spain, there is just one major club it could refer to whereas in England we have Charlton and Wigan, for example. Across the border in Portugal, it is a similar mistake with Sporting Lisbon. They are actually Sporting Clube de Portugal, Sporting CP or Sporting – but not Sporting Lisbon. It is such a touchy subject that a #NotSportingLisbon campaign was launched to raise awareness for the error. The 2010 Champions League final was contested between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.However, Inter Milan should be referred to as Internazionale or Inter – although the official name is Football Club Internazionale Milano.As for the German giants, Bayern Munich sees half of the name translated into English – Munchen to Munich – but Bayern left in German. So it should either be Bayern Munchen – the official name – or Bavaria Munich. One of the other big teams in Germany also needs flagging.RB Leipzig are part of the Red Bull group along with Red Bull Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.But the RB in RB Leipzig’s name does not stand for Red Bull – well, not technically.It is no coincidence that the letters are RB – to make people think of Red Bull – alongside the red bulls on their logo.However, the German FA ban corporate company brands in club names.So they found a workaround and called the club RasenBallsport Leipzig instead – RasenBallsport translates as Lawn Ball Sports. Many refer to the Serbian team as Red Star Belgrade when “red star” is simply a literal English translation of their official name, Crvena Zvezda. And finally, the 1985-86 European Cup was won by Steaua Bucuresti, not Steaua Bucharest.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlthough they now have a new name, formally switching to FCSB in 2017 as a shortened version of FC Steaua Bucuresti.But the team is categorically not called Steaua Bucharest – which would be like the half-translation of Bayern Munich – because “steaua” is “star” in Romanian. Atletico de Madrid is the official name of the Spanish giantsCredit: GettyThe 2010 Champions League final was Bayern Munchen vs InternazionaleCredit: AP:Associated PressSporting fans get very frustrated with the incorrect use of Sporting LisbonCredit: GettyThe RB is RB Leipzig stands for RasenBallsport – not Red BullCredit: Getty More