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    ‘Classless’ – Fans fume as EFL star’s ‘disgusting’ behaviour sparks row that sees manager sent off days after dad died

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    FANS fumed at a Swansea star’s “disgusting” behaviour after Cardiff manager Omer Riza was sent off days after his dad died.Riza travelled to London on Thursday to see his father Josh before he passed away.Omer Riza clashed with Gonçalo FrancoCredit: RexHe had to be held back by his own playersCredit: GettyThe Cardiff boss was sent off for his reactionCredit: GettyRiza lost his dad this weekCredit: ColorsportBut he was back in Cardiff a day later to help his team prepare for the derby, which his side won 3-0.The Bluebirds boss also took to the touchline but was sent to the stands mid-way through the match following an altercation with Swansea star Gonçalo Franco.The Swans star tried to stop a loose pass from going out of play and bundled into Riza in an aggressive manner.Riza fumed after regaining his balance and ran onto the pitch to confront Franco.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pair went head to head before the Cardiff boss was held back by his players.The referee then brandished a red card to send off Riza as Franco went unpunished, much to the fury of fans.One reacted saying: “Disgusting behaviour from Franco here in any circumstances, but on a man who’s just lost his father it’s just despicable. “The red card went to the wrong man and if ever a team deserved to be hammered out of sight, it’s Franco’s.”Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother added: “Swansea player kicking out at a man who’s just lost his father. Absolutely classless.”A third wrote: “Passion from the gaffer, love it.”Cardiff & Leeds fans unite for moving Sol Bamba tribute after star’s deathHowever, Swansea fans unsurprisingly had a different opinion.One wrote: “In what world is that Franco’s fault?”And another posted: “That’s why there’s a technical area” More

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      Major broadcasting change as massive EFL derby to be shown on free-to-air TV after landmark deal

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      A HUGE EFL derby is the next match to be shown on free-to-air TV as part of a landmark deal.Leeds’ clash at Elland Road against Sheffield Wednesday will be shown on ITV on Sunday.Leeds vs Sheffield Wednesday will be shown free-to-air on ITVCredit: RexSky and ITV announced they had reached an agreement to show Championship and Carabao Cup fixtures free-to-air earlier in the season. The deal started in January with the first leg of the Carabao Cup tie between Arsenal and Newcastle. Now Championship football will follow on ITV with top of the table Leeds kicking it off against Wednesday. Middlesbrough’s derby with Sunderland will then follow on ITV on Monday, February 3. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFive Championship games are scheduled to be broadcast for free over the second half of this season. And the second leg of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham is also going to be on ITV on February 6.The Premier League leaders are currently trailing 1-0. EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch said: “The EFL is home to some of the most popular and exciting competitions in world football.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And the competition for promotion places is already shaping up to be as competitive as ever across the three divisions as we head into the second half of the season.”We are delighted that this agreement between the League, ITV and Sky Sports will open them up to an even wider audience, and would like to extend our thanks to both partners for making this possible.”Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the Day More

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      Championship clash delayed due to medical emergency after three seconds with players sent back to the dressing room

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      A CHAMPIONSHIP clash was stopped just three seconds after kick-off due to a major medical emergency.Portsmouth’s match against Middlesbrough was stopped seconds after the start.Portsmouth’s game was stopped due to a medical emergencyCredit: Focus ImagesA spectator had fallen ill in the standsCredit: Focus ImagesPompey players immediately alerted the referee, calling for help from their physios when they saw that a spectator had fallen ill.Medical staff immediately rushed into the Fratton Park crowd, and one of them was seen pumping the chest of the stricken spectator.Both sets of players kept warm by kicking the ball between each other.That was until referee Gavin Ward told them to return to the dressing room when the seriousness of the situation was known.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMedical staff spent many minutes pumping the home fan’s chest as stewards shielded the incident in the north stand with white sheets.Pompey confirmed the stoppage on social media with a brief statement.It read: “There’s been a delay to kick-off at Fratton Park due to a medical emergency in the crowd.”After over 20 minutes, the fan was lifted onto the side of the pitch on a stretcher.Most read in FootballThe fans immediately applauded as an ambulance arrived in the corner of the Fratton Park end.Both sets of fans applauded again when the stretcher, surrounded by staff with sheets, made its way to the ambulance.The players returned for their warm-ups when it was announced the kick-off would be 3.35pm.Both clubs sent their best wishes to the person involved.Pompey posted: “Our thoughts are with the supporter who is receiving medical attention.”Boro wrote: “Sending all of our thoughts and best wishes to the individual concerned.”Fans also reacted to the incident by sending their well wishes.One posted: “Hope whoever is involved is okay.”A second wrote: “Hope they’re ok.”A third commented: “Can only hope and pray that the fan at the Portsmouth game who is receiving medical treatment is ok.”A fourth said: “Wishing all the best to those involved.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother added: “Hope the person in question is going to be ok.”It was not the only game to be delayed due to a fan emergency, as Blackpool’s draw against Huddersfield was also disrupted. More

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      I’m Championship star who played with Harry Kane and Steven Gerrard before being sacked for paying fine in PENNIES

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      LAWRENCE VIGOUROUX has spoken for the first time about being sacked by Swindon for paying a £50 fine in PENNIES.The Swansea goalkeeper built such a notorious reputation regarding his attitude that no club on these shores would touch him.Lawrence Vigouroux is a changed man at SwanseaCredit: GettyThe attitude and ‘extras’ of Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane when he was a Tottenham youngster inspired VigourouxCredit: GettyThe keeper is looking forward to a huge derby clash with CardiffCredit: RexBut Vigouroux has since learned the error of his ways and hopes to continue producing top performances to help the Welsh side return to the Premier League.The 31-year-old is relishing playing in Saturday lunchtime’s South Wales derby at Cardiff.The London-born former Chile Under-20 international used to be Harry Kane’s shooting training partner at Tottenham and rubbed shoulders with the likes of Steven Gerrard while a youngster at Liverpool. But    he caused a stink in Swindon when the Anfield giants loaned them the then 21-year-old stopper in 2015.READ MORE SWANSEA NEWSVigouroux explained: “I was late to training after being delayed by a visit to the dentist. “I had bad toothache and felt I shouldn’t have been fined because you cannot train when your teeth are hurting. But they insisted I pay.“Because I felt hard done by, I decided to make it ­difficult for them so I visited the bank and asked for £50 in one pennies.“The woman behind the counter thought I was a shopkeeper who needed change — but she only had £20 in one pennies. So in the end I settled for them plus another £20 of 2ps and a tenner of 5ps.Most read in ChampionshipVigouroux has reunited with ex-Swindon chief Luke Williams at SwanseaCredit: RexThe stopper has been called up for Chile’s senior squadCredit: AlamyJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“I dropped them off to the fines collector — captain Nathan Thompson, who now plays for Stevenage — who wasn’t happy.“Our manager Mark Cooper told me to leave and never come back.Lincoln’s Ethan Erhahon reveals players STOLE the physio’s car and he was offered a ‘scrap’ with a fan – What the EFL“I felt bad and took the pennies back and paid it in notes.“But when I returned to Liverpool, they weren’t happy.“I had a frosty couple of days training from 8am to 6pm.“Eventually Cooper invited me to Doncaster where Swindon were playing. I swallowed my pride, apologised and he took me back.”Vigouroux concedes it was situations like that and often being late for training that made his name mud across the EFL.And his advice to any youngster is: Be professional every day because nothing happens by luck. You can be in the right place at the right time to get an opportunity but if your attitude is not right you will not maintain it.He said: “The easiest thing is making your debut, staying in the team is the hardest. You see lots of players from top clubs who drop down the leagues and find it hard to come back.”One player he uses as a model pro is ex-Spurs team-mate Kane — now at Bayern Munich. Vigouroux, who initially came through the youth ranks at Brentford, spent two seasons in North London. He said: “Tottenham needed a training keeper for the Under-18s so I went there and they ended up signing me.“The one thing I learned was how important the extras were. After training Harry would be on his own or I’d be with him in goal for an hour doing finishing.Jurgen Klopp wanted to take a look at Vigouroux after becoming Liverpool bossCredit: APVigouroux will always remember Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard congratulating him on winning a new contract at AnfieldCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The Times“It was good for me because I was working with someone who was unbelievable at finishing and seeing how his brain worked with angles and where he was more likely to score from. That helped me and him.“That’s the main reason he is where he is now.“It’s that attitude of it’s never enough and do those extras to hone your skills.”Vigouroux was snapped up by Liverpool after a successful trial, following his Spurs coach and now Anfield academy director Alex Inglethorpe to Merseyside.He said: “It’s a mental city. Everyone is football crazy, they support the team like it’s everything.“Even though I was only playing in the Under-21s, I’d got spotted in the streets and stopped by fans.“I didn’t even know how they knew me — but they did, perhaps from watching the Under-21s on Liverpool TV.”And the keeper will never forget how,  after agreeing a new contract at Anfield, Kop legend Gerrard came over at the training ground to congratulate him.He said: “It’s something that has stuck with me my whole career.“It doesn’t matter how big you are in the game, you should always be there to help and inspire youngsters.”The penny-gate saga was not the only time Vigouroux was recalled to Liverpool from Swindon.When Jurgen Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers in 2015, the German wanted to take a look at the keeper in training.Vigouroux recalled: “It didn’t matter who you were or where you were, he got everyone in for a week to take a look. He wanted to know what he had.”Swansea was once a Premier League club. We’re working as hard as we can and see where it takes us.Lawrene VigourouxVigouroux went on to sign for Swindon permanently where he spent three years — including playing for current Swans boss Luke Williams — before spending six months in his dad’s home nation Chile playing for Everton de Vina del Mar.He soon missed England but found it difficult to find a club before eventually Leyton Orient gave him a chance.He said: “No one here would take me because of my reputation for attitude and being late for training.“I got offered a contract, which was nowhere near the money I’d been earning before, but it was my last chance.”Vigouroux took it with both hands and spent 3½ years there, winning the League Two title under boss Richie Wellens, who had earlier released him from Swindon.He spent last season as a back-up keeper at Burnley during their doomed Premier League campaign before joining Swansea in the summer.And his form has seen him called up for the last few Chile squads as they bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.Vigouroux is happy to be reunited with Williams and said: “I knew he was a great coach at Swindon but he’s in a different stratosphere now.“He’s a huge key to our success so far. Swansea was once a Premier League club. We’re working as hard as we can and see where it takes us.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Cardiff is going to be a hostile ­atmosphere but we mustn’t let the occasion get to us.”Vigouroux must be dreaming of going to the 2026 World CupCredit: Getty More

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      Watch England U21 goalkeeper save TWO penalties after ‘incredible s***housery’ as opponent is left in tears

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      JAMES TRAFFORD saved TWO penalties to deny Sunderland a crucial win in the race for the Premier League. The Burnley goalkeeper twice saved from Wilson Isidor during a chaotic 0-0 draw at Turf Moor. James Trafford was the Burnley hero after saving two penalties against SunderlandCredit: ReutersThe Clarets keeper twice leapt to his right to keep out Wilson IsidorCredit: ReutersTrafford hit the deck prior to the second penalty as a fracas broke out on the fieldCredit: ReutersIsidor was consoled by teammates and in tears after the second missCredit: ReutersTrafford was the hero after keeping out Isidor’s first spot-kick with just five minutes remaining of normal time.The England Under-21 keeper was animated on his line, jumping around and slapping the crossbar as Isidor began his run-up.He dived to his right and was able to successfully palm the penalty away.Scott Parker’s men didn’t learn their lesson though, with Oliver Sonne adjudged to have brought down Dennis Cirkin in the box four minutes into stoppage time.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA fracas broke out as players from both sides piled in.And Trafford was hailed by Burnley fans for his “incredible s***housery” as he hit the deck in the melee, eventually earning himself a yellow card. Isidor was given a chance to appease his earlier miss by Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris – but was made to wait for almost two minutes before tempers calmed down.The 24-year-old went for the same spot as his first attempt, slamming the ball towards the bottom right corner.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Trafford guessed correctly again, palming the ball behind for a corner before being mobbed by his teammates.A gutted Isidor was spotted in tears, as one fan wrote on X in response to the madness: “Two poor penalty decisions by the ref, two poor penalties.”Behind the scenes with Burnley goalkeeper James TraffordAnother said: “Why on earth would you let him hit the 2nd after missing the 1st? Baffling decision.”And a third argued: “Embarrassing giving him MoM after the gamesmanship.”While one Newcastle fan laughed: “Sign him up right now hahahaha.”The goalless draw leaves Burnley sitting second in the Championship, level on points with leaders Leeds who now have a game in hand.Trafford’s heroics ensure Burnley stay in the Championship promotion spotsCredit: ReutersSunderland are back in fourth, just two points off the automatic spots.Midfielder Enzo Le Fee made his debut for the Black Cats at Turf Moor after a high-profile loan switch from Roma.Le Fee joined the Serie A club last summer in a £19.4million deal from French club Rennes.READ MORE SUN STORIESLe Bris said: “It’s a good statement for the club because it shows that we are attractive.”The environment is positive to grow, to live big emotions and to improve.” More

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      Tony Mowbray closing in on return to management after EFL legend given all-clear following bowel cancer fight

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      TONY MOWBRAY is the front-runner to land the West Brom job.The popular manager, 61, has been out of work since having to step down as Birmingham boss last February after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.Tony Mowbray is the front-runner to land the West Brom jobCredit: PAMowbray, 61, was a hugely popular boss at The Hawthorns between 2006 and 2009Credit: PA:Press AssociationHaving now been cleared to return to work by doctors and the League Managers’ Association, Mowbray is closing in on an emotional return to West Brom.According to the Telegraph, the experienced boss held “detailed talks” with Baggies chiefs on Thursday.Mowbray previously managed West Brom between 2006 and 2009.During that spell he guided them to the Championship title, before leaving for Celtic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe subsequently managed Middlesbrough, Coventry, Blackburn and Sunderland.On his desire to return to work, Mowbray said in November: “I do want to go back to work because football is in my blood, it’s what I do.”I still have issues, I’m still, at the moment, not 100 per cent ready for work, but somewhere down the line. My body’s telling me that I’m not ready yet.”West Brom had been in advanced talks with former Young Boys boss Raphael Wicky.Most read in ChampionshipMowbray won the Championship title with West Brom in 2008Credit: PA:Press AssociationBut talks broke down with the Swiss boss, with issues surrounding his backroom staff thought to be the main sticking point.West Brom have been without a manager since December 24.Premier League fathers and sonsFormer boss Carlos Corberan left to take charge of LaLiga strugglers Valencia.The Baggies are in promotion contention, currently sitting seventh in the Championship, one point behind the play-off places.They have lost just four games so far this season but have been draw specialists – with their tally of 13 more than any other team in the Championship.Carlos Corberan left for Valencia on Christmas EveCredit: Getty More

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      Wayne Rooney in classy gesture to Plymouth coach after FA Cup giant-killing just weeks after he’s axed

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      WAYNE ROONEY made a classy gesture after former side Plymouth Argyle’s 1-0 FA Cup upset of Brentford yesterday.The Pilgrims, who had not won away from home all season, stunned the Bees courtesy of Morgan Whittaker’s 82nd minute goal.Wayne Rooney was axed as Argyle boss last monthCredit: GettyKevin Nancekivell has been in caretaker chargeCredit: GettyMorgan Whittaker celebrates bagging Argyle’s brilliant winnerCredit: RexRooney was axed on New Year’s Eve with his side sitting bottom of the Championship.But the Manchester United legend clearly holds no hard feelings towards Argyle.Since Rooney’s departure, Kevin Nancekivell has been in caretaker charge alongside club captain Joe Edwards.Devon-born Nancekivell, 53, briefly represented Argyle during his playing days and has worked in a variety of different coaching roles at Home Park since landing a job in the club’s academy 20 years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNancekivell made up part of Rooney’s coaching staff during the first half of the season.And while Mike Phelan and Simon Ireland departed alongside Rooney, Nancekivell stayed put.After masterminding yesterday’s result, the Argyle caretaker was encouraged to soak up the adulation of the fans by midfielder Darko Gyabi.Nancekivell duly obliged, fist pumping towards the travelling supporters and screaming in delight.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWayne Rooney congratulated Nancekivell and ArgyleCredit: Instagram @waynerooneyArgyle subsequently posted a video clip of Nancekivell’s celebration.And Rooney reposted it to his own Instagram Story, writing: “So happy for this man. Legend.”Inside Wayne Rooney’s woeful spell at Plymouth as Manchester United legend AXEDThe 39-year-old’s gesture did not go unnoticed by Argyle supporters online.One wrote on X: “Fair play to him for that touch of class.”While a second commented: “Very classy from WR.”A third said: “Just shows he did care about the club.”And another added: “What a guy Rooney is isn’t he.”A FRESH STARTYesterday’s game was Nancekivell’s last in caretaker charge, having also earned draws with Bristol City and Stoke.On Friday, Argyle confirmed the appointment of Miron Muslic as Rooney’s successor.The Austrian-Bosnian boss, 42, last managed Belgian side Cercle Brugge, and watched on at the Gtech Community Stadium alongside owner Simon Hallett.READ MORE SUN STORIESArgyle have confirmed that Nancekivell will remain as part of Muslic’s first team staff.Rooney, meanwhile, is set to take training sessions in Dubai after teaming up with holiday company Football Escapes.Miron Muslic watched on at the Gtech Community StadiumCredit: Getty More

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      Plymouth announce Wayne Rooney successor as little-known Austrian boss, 42, is named new manager

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      PLYMOUTH have announced little-known Austrian Miron Muslic as successor to sacked boss Wayne Rooney.Muslic, 42, is taking over the Championship’s bottom side after he himself was AXED a month ago – by Belgian top-flight side Cercle Brugge.Miron Muslic arrives in the Championship after a month out of workWayne Rooney departed with Plymouth bottom of the second tierCredit: RexManchester United legend Rooney only arrived at Argyle in the summer but paid the price for an alarming dip in form following a mini-revival. And Plymouth unveiled his replacement on the eve of Saturday’s FA Cup third-round trip to Prem side Brentford.Muslic played for a string of Austrian clubs below the top level before becoming caretaker chief at the last of them, Ried, in the second tier.He then bossed Ried youths, Austrian 2 rivals Floridsdorfer and Ried’s first team in the same division, before Cercle pounced in September 2022.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe steered them away from relegation trouble for a sixth-placed finish but was sacked on December 2 last year.It followed a 3-2 loss against bottom side Beerschot after Cercle led 2-0.A statement from the Pilgrims read: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Miron Muslic as Argyle’s new Head Coach. Welcome to Argyle, Miron!”Plymouth appointed former England skipper Rooney, 39, despite his poor spell in charge of Birmingham. Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd after the ex-Derby boss was axed, Argyle chairman Simon Hallett denied his arrival had been a publicity stunt.Hallett told the club website: “Raising our profile was not one of the considerations in hiring Wayne Rooney.Rooney has bagged a new role for 2025 as house husband – after blowing the final whistle on his manager job with failing Plymouth Argyle”We thought that he would be able to help us win football matches. “During Wayne’s tenure as Head Coach, we saw glimpses of what was possible, but clearly both results and underlying performances were showing few signs of being at the level we need.”But Hallett added: “We thank Wayne for what he did achieve in his months at the Club. “He united the players, helped restore a positive attitude at the Club and won over the fans whose support had been tested for a few months in 2024. “His approachable nature and down to earth personality made him a popular figure and we will miss him.”Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again. More

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      Several EFL clashes CALLED OFF just hours before kick-offs as freezing weather wreaks havoc on English football

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      SEVERAL EFL clashes have been called off this Saturday with freezing conditions wreaking havoc upon English football.Earlier today, Shrewsbury Town’s League One clash against Huddersfield Town was postponed due to a frozen pitch.Shrewsbury’s clash against Huddersfield has been postponedVale Park is surrounded by snowCredit: GettyThe decision was made despite the game being scheduled for 3pm on Saturday.The pitch was judged to be “unplayable” due to the cold weather throughout the UK.A statement read: “Shrewsbury Town can confirm our League One clash against Huddersfield has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.”Scheduled to take place at the Croud Meadow tomorrow, the surface has been deemed unplayable due to the freezing temperatures across the country.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Our ground staff have been working throughout the week to try and get the game on, with covers placed over the pitch earlier in the week.”But following a pitch inspection this morning, the decision has been made with officials from the EFL to postpone the fixture.”Updates regarding a rescheduled date will be shared with supporters in due course.”All tickets for the postponed fixture will be valid for the re-arranged date.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPlenty of other games soon followed in being KO’d.Tonight’s Premier League 2 clash between Leeds and Manchester United has also been postponed.Watch bizarre moment non-league chairman KAYAKS on his club’s pitch as flooding wreaks havoc againWhile several postponements have struck the EFL.Saturday’s FA Cup clashes between Mansfield Town and Bolton has fallen foul of the freezing weather, as well as Preston vs Charlton.In League One, Northampton vs Barnsley has also been called off.The fourth tier has also been affected; with Carlisle vs MK Dons and Port Vale vs Barrow having been postponed.Meanwhile, three National League games have so far had to be called off.Saturday football postponementsFA CupMansfield P-P BoltonPreston P-P CharltonLeague OneShrewsbury P-P HuddersfieldNorthampton P-P BarnsleyLeague TwoCarlisle P-P MK DonsPort Vale P-P BarrowNational LeagueAltrincham P-P WealdstoneBarnet P-P HartlepoolAFC Fylde P-P SuttonGatehead P-P BraintreeMaidenhead P-P York CityOldham P-P Eastleigh More