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      ‘Champions League’s worst stadium’ set to be demolished after hosting infamous England clash and ‘starting a war’

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      STADION MAKSIMIR is set to be torn down and completely reconstructed.The 112-year-old stadium is the historic home of Dinamo Zagreb and the Croatia national team.Stadion Maksimir is set to be torn down and reconstructedCredit: GettyThe Croatian stadium has witnessed plenty of historic momentsCredit: GettyDespite its poignant past, the ground has been deemed no longer fit for purpose at the highest level.Dubbed the “Champions League’s worst stadium” by Stadium DB, Stadion Maksimir has received the green light from government to be reconstructed.The stadium, which currently holds 25,912, will have its capacity increased to 35,000 as part of the £145million project.It will also be built in compliance with Uefa’s highest standards.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIn addition to a plush new football venue, the site will also have a pool, recreational area and 1,500 parking spaces constructed.The project is expected to begin in late 2026, after the redevelopment of Stadion Kranjceviceva across the city is completed.At that point, Dinamo will temporarily play home games at Stadion Kranjceviceva until the reconstruction of their own traditional home is completed.The Stadion Maksimir project is expected to be completed during the 2028-29 season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMaksimir has been the home of some infamous nights for English football fans.In 2006, Croatia beat the Three Lions 2-0 there in a Euro 2008 qualifier.Inside Man City’s £300MILLION new stadium upgrade with futuristic Etihad project to rival AnfieldThe match is best remembered for Gary Neville’s own goal, which saw a backpass bobble over Paul Robinson’s foot and in.Dinamo knocked Tottenham Hotspur out of the Europa League there in 2021, beating Jose Mourinho’s side 3-0 to overturn a two-goal first leg deficit.Two seasons later they beat Chelsea 1-0 in the Champions League, a result that led to Thomas Tuchel being sacked by the Blues.Paul Robinson conceded a bizarre Gary Neville own goal at Stadion MaksimirCredit: PATottenham Hotspur were embarrassed at Maksimir in 2021Credit: GettyThe famous stadium hosted Thomas Tuchel’s final match as Chelsea managerCredit: GettyIn May 1990, Zvonimir Boban infamously kicked a policeman during a riot on the Maksimir pitch.Amid growing tensions within Yugoslavia, Dinamo Zagreb hosted Red Star Belgrade at their famous old home.The match witnessed some of the most shocking hooliganism in football history, with the match abandoned amid the violence after just 10 minutes.With fighting having spilled onto the pitch, Boban spotted a policeman getting in the way of Croatian fans.In a fit of anger, the legendary midfielder, who would go on to star for AC Milan, ran over and launched a flying knee at the copper.While obviously not solely responsible for starting the Croatian War of Independence, Boban’s kick served as an emblem of the simmering tensions of the day.The war would formally start the following year, tragically resulting in 100,000 deaths over the following decade.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs for Boban, he went on to win four Serie A titles and the Champions League during his time with AC Milan.A national hero, he helped an iconic Croatia team to the 1998 World Cup semi-finals.Zvonimir Boban launches a flying knee at a policemanCredit: YouTube/Trans World Sport More

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      Awkward moment David Seaman overhears former Premier League star calling Peter Schmeichel his favourite goalkeeper

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      DAVID SEAMAN hilariously overheard Jamie O’Hara name Peter Schmeichel as his favourite goalkeeper. Sky Sports captured the awkward moment Arsenal legend Seaman side eyed O’Hara – who is speaking off camera. David seaman overheard Jamie O’Hara name Peter Schmeichel as his favourite goalkeeperCredit: Sky SportsSeaman and Schmeichel were former rivalsCredit: ReutersAnd after bursting into laughter, he said: “I heard that!” The whole room were left chuckling as ex-Tottenham star O’Hara gave former Gunner Seaman a hug. Seaman made 563 Arsenal appearances winning two Premier League titles and four FA Cups in his 13 seasons. For England, he made 75 caps and sits behind only Peter Shilton as the most capped Three Lions keeper. READ MORE IN footballSchmeichel meanwhile made 398 appearances for Manchester United, winning FIVE Prem titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League in 1999. The great Dane is widely considered to be one of the best keepers the league has ever seen. And according to Seaman himself, Schmeichel is the best. He told The Metro in 2024: “I’ve got to go for Peter Schmeichel. Look at what he did and what he achieved. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The way he kept goal was totally different from me, both styles obviously work, but he brought a new style into the Premier League.”Schmeichel had stints with Sporting Lisbon, Aston Villa and City before retiring in 2003 and now works as a pundit. Seaman also joined City after leaving Arsenal and hung up his gloves in 2004 – occasionally working in the media as well. Inside Man City’s £300MILLION new stadium upgrade with futuristic Etihad project to rival Anfield More

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      Liverpool paid Jurgen Klopp and staff MILLIONS to leave as Reds announce record losses for last season

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      LIVERPOOL lost a record £57MILLION last season – despite an all-time revenue high.The £9.6m cost of paying off Jurgen Klopp and his coaching staff at the end of a campaign without Champions League football meant the Anfield side posted the loss even though the club grossed £614m in income.Liverpool lost a stunning £57million last season – despite producing an all-time revenue highCredit: AFPThe departure of club icon Jurgen Klopp had a small part to do with the huge lossesCredit: GETTYKlopp and his coaching staff were paid £9.6million at the end of the 2023/24 seasonCredit: GETTYBeing out of the European elite represented the bulk of the £38m drop in broadcast income.Wages rose by £14m to £386m, with the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.But the losses – up by more than £40m from 2022-23 – were mitigated by the opening of the new Anfield Road Stand adding £22m to matchday revenues.There was also a substantial uptick in commercial income, up by £36 million to £308million after four new global partner sponsorship deals were struck.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLiverpool are on course to make £100m-plus from their Champions League campaign if they get past PSG in this month’s last 16 tie.Chief Financial Officer Jenny Beacham said: “Operating a financially sustainable club continues to be our priority.”And with the continued increase in costs, it’s essential to grow income streams year on year to maintain financial stability.“The global appeal of this football club continues to be phenomenal and is the underlying strength and opportunity we have for continued growth.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe arrivals of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister contributed to a £14million increase in club wagesCredit: Rex“We will continue to operate in accordance with football’s financial rules and regulations while maintaining investment opportunities in our operations, infrastructure and players.“Our focus right now is to finish this season as strong as possible, both on and off the pitch, to fulfil our collective ambitions for success.”Ex-Liverpool boss and heavy metal fan Jurgen Klopp soundproofs £6m mansion in Germany’s ‘Beverly Hills’Prem table-toppers Liverpool will be back in action on Wednesday, travelling to Paris to take on PSG in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie. More

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      AC Milan boss ready to quit without compensation just two months after joining – despite already winning a trophy

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      AC MILAN manager Sergio Conceicao has furiously threatened to QUIT the club after just two months in charge.Conceicao took over at the San Siro in December after replacing Paulo Fonseca.AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao has furiously threatened to quit the clubCredit: RexAnd he has already led Milan to Italian Supercup glory – beating arch rivals Inter 3-2 in the final. But their league form has dipped with Conceicao winning just eight and losing five of his 16 games in charge. Milan sit eighth in the league and recently lost 2-1 to Bologna – leaving Conceicao considering his future. He said: “Every day, people talk about my situation and it’s not fair.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I know what I want, I know what I can do, I see a lot of people talking about me but the situation is simple. “If I have to leave, they tell me ‘you’re no longer needed’, I take my suitcase and leave without asking for a single Euro more. “I don’t come from nowhere. I have almost 100 games in the Champions League, I have won 13 trophies, but every day, they like to talk about me. “Coaches criticise me on match day. I have a family, I have people close to me and they see a lot of bad things about me and it’s not fair. Sorry for the outburst.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMilan – also knocked out of the Champions League – took the lead against Bologna through Rafael Leao. But goals from Santiago Castro and Dan Ndoye condemned the Serie A giants to defeat as Conceicao hit out at referee Maurizio Mariani. Cole Palmer left bemused as Chelsea star is asked about fighting giant chicken wingHe fumed: “There was a blatant handball in the first goal. All the incidents that are negative for us become decisive for the result. “We have to keep working, see what we did well. There are also our mistakes, obviously. “In general, we are connected to the game, we know where to attack and press. “When we are in the game and we do what we prepare, we create and arrive at the last 30 metres with ease and quality, but then incidents happen, sometimes through our fault and sometimes through the fault of others.” More

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      Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 26: European specialists and FA Cup wildcards

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      DREAM TEAM managers have until 6:30pm on Friday to confirm their transfers for Gameweek 26.As usual, we’ve trawled the Stats Centre and analysed the schedule to come up with some informed recommendations.Forget Man United’s performances and focus on their skipper’s individual outputCredit: Dream TeamBruno Fernandes (£6.2m)Manchester United’s captain is an excellent option for a number of reasons.Firstly, his rescue jobs against Everton and Ipswich produced more points (27) than any other player managed in Gameweek 25.Secondly, the Red Devils are one of just two teams set to play two fixtures this coming Gameweek: Fulham (h) and Real Sociedad (a).More broadly, Man United will play FIVE times before the March international break – some teams will be in action just twice in the same time frame.And thirdly, Fernandes has risen to third in the overall rankings and first among midfielders!Ollie Watkins (£5.2m)A popular recruit this weekCredit: PAAston Villa are the other club set to pull double duty this coming Gameweek.The Villains will host Cardiff on Friday night before flying to Belgium to take on Club Brugge in the Champions League round of 16.There’s no guarantee Watkins will be unleashed upon Championship opposition as Unai Emery may opt to rotate his squad but the England striker will almost certainly start in Bruges and is therefore a good selection either way.Most read in FootballAlternatively, you might want to target Villa’s FA Cup game and view the European away day as a bonus.Might Marcus Rashford (£3.4m) start against Cardiff and then come off the bench in midweek?Marco Asensio (£3.2m) bagged 17 points in Gameweek 25 and should get his fair share of minutes across the two games.And of course, Morgan Rogers (£3.8m) remains a strong option having recovered from a minor injury and scored against Crystal Palace.Dominik Szoboszlai (£4.3m)Hungary for moreCredit: RexLiverpool have just one fixture in Gameweek 26 and a tricky one at that; PSG in the French capital on Wednesday night.Gone are the days of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe but Luis Enrique’s side are a dangerous prospect at present having won 14 of their last 15 games in all competitions.Ousmane Dembele and company racked up an aggregate score of 10-0 over Brest in the play-offs to reach the Champions League last 16.All that being said, Arne Slot’s side finished top of the league phase in Europe’s premier competition and are cruising towards Premier League glory.Mohamed Salah (£8.3m), Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) and Virgil van Dijk (£4.6m) are the bankers but Dream Team bosses searching for a potential difference-maker among Liverpool’s squad should consider Szoboszlai.The Hungarian No8 has amassed 52 points in his last six games and currently features in just 6.8% of teams.Daniel Munoz (£5.1m) and/or Jean-Philippe Mateta (£4.7m)Firmly back among the goalsCredit: ReutersGaffers hoping to target an FA Cup mismatch should look to Selhurst Park.Oliver Glasner tends to name strong sides in the domestic cups and so it would be no surprise if Munoz and Mateta, two of the game’s most in-form players right now, started at home to Millwall on Saturday.The Lions are currently 12th in the Championship and should be no match for a Palace outfit that have improved immeasurably since the first quarter of the campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESMunoz ranks joint-third among Dream Team defenders – he took 15 points off Doncaster in the FA Cup fourth round – while only Salah has earned more points than Mateta from his last three outings among forwards.These don’t need to be one-week punts either as the Eagles are due to face relegation-threatened Ipswich in Gameweek 27. More

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      Javier Dorado dead at 48: Former Real Madrid star dies after long illness as club pays touching tribute

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      FORMER Real Madrid star Javier Dorado has passed away aged 48 after a brave battle with cancer.The Spaniard was part of the Los Blancos academy system in 1996 before getting a promotion under Vicente del Bosque.Former Real Madrid star Javier Dorado has passed away aged 48Tributes have flooded in to honour and remember Dorado, who made his Madrid debut in 1999 against Valencia in the Copa del Rey.He won the Champions League a season later with Liverpool legend Steve McManaman, who scored an incredible volley in Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Valencia.Dorado was part of the squad that beat Manchester United over two legs in the quarter-finals of that winning 2000 campaign. But, in his second campaign, Dorado made only seven appearances due to a fierce competition with Brazilian icon Roberto Carlos.READ MORE FOOTBALLThe left-back was loaned out to UD Salamanca and Sporting Gijon, before leaving joining Rayo Vallecano on a permanent basis.He continued his career with other Spanish sides, such as Mallorca and Atletico Baleares, where he retired in 2012 at the age of 35.Dorado had been battling cancer since 2022, according to Spanish outlet Marca.The former defender told El Comercio a few months ago: “I’ve been here for a while now.Most read in FootballDorado won the Champions League with Madrid in 2000″And I hope that this time this nightmare will end, that we can go out and be at peace. “I’ve been fighting for years and the tough treatments take their toll , especially when they end because they leave me a little more tired and a little more affected, but I try to lead a normal life.”A club statement on Thursday read: ‘Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of Javier Dorado.”We would like to express its condolences and affection to his family, his team-mates, all his loved ones and all the clubs he was a part of.”During the two seasons he played for Real Madrid, Javier Dorado won one European Cup, the Eighth in Paris (2000).”Born in Talavera de la Reina, Dorado also featured in four matches for Spain’s Under 21s between 1998 and 2000.He made eight appearances for Madrid’s first team, while most of his career games came in the Spanish second division.A fan honoured his memory saying: “What a great player. May you rest in peace.” More

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      ‘Watch this space’ – Cole Palmer tipped for sensational move to Chelsea rivals by former Premier League star

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      COLE PALMER has been tipped to leave Chelsea for a Premier League rival.The 22-year-old enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Stamford Bridge, managing 40 goal contributions in 46 appearances.Cole Palmer has been tipped to join LiverpoolCredit: GettyDwight Yorke believes he would be a great replacement for Mohamed SalahCredit: EPASalah is set to leave Liverpool this summerCredit: GettyHowever, his future recently came into question amid concerns that Chelsea will not qualify for the Champions League this term.Several pundits have suggested that Palmer could leave the club if Chelsea fail to earn a place in the top five – even though he still has eight years remaining on his contract.And former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke believes he could be the perfect replacement for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool.While the ex-striker is not convinced that Palmer would force a transfer, he does think the England ace would be tempted by a move to Anfield.Read More in FootballAsked by CasinoBeats if he could see Palmer push for an exit this summer, Yorke said: “He doesn’t strike me as that kind individual.”I don’t think he would demand to leave Chelsea if he’s playing a season out of the Champions League.”He’s still very young, and he’s gone there and turned his career around and became the top man there. Why would you walk away from being in a club and being the top man at the same time?”Where is he going to go and become a top player and the top man? Liverpool?Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPalmer is in his second season with Chelsea”Okay, maybe Man United, he said he’s a Man United fan, but he won’t go there because he’s a City man. Outside of that is Arsenal, he won’t go there because Bukayo Saka is there.”Liverpool might be an option if Mo Salah were to leave, so that might be something that they might look to do. So, watch this space with that if Mo Salah leaves.Cole Palmer shows off his goal scoring skills at Chelsea Training “There’s no reason why it would not happen if Mo Salah is to leave. Otherwise, why would he want to leave Chelsea?”He’s the top man at the club. He plays week in, week out. Yes, the Champions League is important. If we keep missing out on Champions League, only then does it become a problem for Cole Palmer.”Next year, if Chelsea come back, work hard, and make sure they can qualify for the Champions League and compete for the Premier League, then everything is happy for Palmer.”I genuinely believe that the only club that could tempt him would be Liverpool, and even then, they would have to let Salah go first.”Salah is set to leave Liverpool when his contract expires this summer.He appeared to drop a huge hint about an exit earlier this week, telling TNT Sports: “I just want fans to remember that I gave it all to the fans, I gave it all to the city.”I was here, I wasn’t lazy, I just enjoyed my football and gave it my all.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think that’s what the city is about, they give you love, you have a connection with them.”I just want them to remember that I was here for eight years…or whatever.”Chelsea ratings vs Southampton as Cole Palmer STILL can’t score or assist… and gets a horror grade More

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      Which teams have the most favourable fixtures until the March international break?

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      FEBRUARY is almost at an end which means the March international break is coming into view.Dream Team will pause for World Cup qualifiers at the end of March but managers have three Gameweeks to navigate before then and they should take note of which teams have the most favourable fixtures in this time.Target additional European fixtures in MarchCredit: Dream TeamThe first thing to note is that Crystal Palace, West Ham, Everton, Southampton, Brentford and Leicester have just two fixtures each across the next three Gameweeks – a light workload.The Eagles’ two games are relatively favourable – Millwall and Ipswich – but backers of Daniel Munoz (£5.1m), Eberechi Eze (£4.5m) and friends should be wary of their blank in Gameweek 28.Now let’s take a closer look at the teams with three fixtures to fulfil until the international break.MANCHESTER CITY: Plymouth (h), Nottingham Forest (a), Brighton (h) NEWCASTLE: Brighton (h), West Ham (a), Liverpool (n)NOTTINGHAM FOREST: Ipswich (h), Manchester City (a), Ipswich (h)BOURNEMOUTH: Wolves (h), Tottenham (a), Brentford (h)WOLVES: Bournemouth (a), Everton (h), Southampton (a) FULHAM: Manchester United (a), Brighton (a), Tottenham (h)BRIGHTON: Newcastle (a), Fulham (h), Manchester City (a)IPSWICH: Nottingham Forest (a), Crystal Palace (h), Nottingham Forest (a)In previous seasons, Pep Guardiola’s side have nearly always been on the right side of any fixture imbalances but their elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid means the likes of Erling Haaland (£8.1m), Josko Gvardiol (£4.3m) and Phil Foden (£6.3m) won’t have as many point-scoring opportunities as usual.This will never be more apparent than in Gameweek 27 when six English clubs will have a European round of 16 second leg as an additional midweek fixture while Man City’s stars twiddle their thumbs.Man City will not be involved in the Champions League round of 16Credit: GettyA quick glance at those match-ups suggests there could be more points to come from in-form players such as Chris Wood (£4.2m), Alexander Isak (£6m) and Matheus Cunha (£5.2m) but gaffers shouldn’t accommodate too many players with just three games in the diary from now until the end of Gameweek 28.The focus should be on individuals with a busy schedule, which brings us neatly onto the clubs with FOUR fixtures…Most read in FootballLIVERPOOL: PSG (a), Southampton (h), PSG (h), Newcastle (n)ARSENAL: PSV (a), Manchester United (a), PSV (h), Chelsea (h)ASTON VILLA: Cardiff (h), Club Brugge (a), Brentford (a), Club Brugge (h)TOTTENHAM: AZ Alkmaar (a), Bournemouth (h), AZ Alkmaar (h), Fulham (a)CHELSEA: Copenhagen (a), Leicester (h), Copenhagen (h), Arsenal (a)The Reds’ double header at Anfield in Gameweek 27 against Saints and PSG looks particularly appealing – Mohamed Salah (£8.3m) could go stratospheric – and it will be interesting to see what Cole Palmer (£5.8m) can achieve in the Conference League now he’s been added to Chelsea’s squad for the knockout stage.Gaffers keen on Morgan Rogers (£3.8m), Ollie Watkins (£5.2m) and other Villa assets should bear in mind that Unai Emery’s troops will blank in Gameweek 28 – their four games are crammed into Gameweeks 26 and 27.Rogers and Watkins have two double headers then a blank across the next three GameweeksCredit: GettySpurs remain 13th in the Premier League but several of their players have excelled in Dream Team this season.Son Heung-min (£4.8m), Dejan Kulusevski (£4.4m), Pedro Porro (£4.8m), James Maddison (£4.3m) and Brennan Johnson (£3.5m) are all among the elite group of 26 assets on 200+ points at this stage of the campaign.An emphatic performance over two legs against Eredivisie opposition in the Europa League last 16 would be very useful indeed.Last but by no means least, it’s Manchester United, the only team with FIVE fixtures across the next three Gameweeks.MANCHESTER UNITED: Fulham (h), Real Sociedad (a), Arsenal (h), Real Sociedad (h), Leicester (a)This quirk in the schedule would usually encourage Dream Team managers to stock up on Red Devils but such a strategy feels counterintuitive given the unconvincing nature of their performances.By far and away Man United’s top performer in Dream TeamCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes (£6.2m) is the blindingly obvious exception.The Portuguese playmaker is a one-man army who has amassed 271 points to date, a tally only bettered by Salah and Haaland.READ MORE SUN STORIESFernandes’ form combined with his fixtures essentially makes him a must-have lock for March.Among available players, Alejandro Garnacho (£3.1m), Noussair Mazraoui (£3.1m) and Diogo Dalot (£2.7m) are Man United’s next best performers in terms of total points but many gaffers will be understandably hesitant to put their trust in any Old Trafford resident other than Fernandes. More