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      Burnley star Johann Gudmundsson hit on head with object thrown from crowd as he celebrates goal against Middlesbrough

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      BURNLEY star Johann Gudmundsson was struck on the head by a missile from a fan during their 2-1 Championship win over Middlesbrough.The 32-year-old Icelandic international was celebrating the visitor’s second goal of the game at The Riverside when he was hit by an object thrown from the crowd.
      Johan Gudmundsson was struck by an object while celebrating Burnley’s goalCredit: Getty
      Gudmundsson hit the floor and held his head in pain as replays showed the shocking incident moments after Connor Roberts’ decisive strike.
      He eventually made it back to his feet and carried on.
      But in the 79th minute he was replaced by Jack Cork – although it was unclear whether injuries sustained from the missile thrown led to the substitution.
      Burnley knew a win would secure them promotion back to the Premier League with seven games to spare.
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      And they managed to hold on to seal their return and spark huge celebrations.
      And they got off to the best possible start when Ashley Barnes gave them the lead in the 12th minute.
      But fourth-place Boro were not making things easy for the league leaders and they found a way back into the game at the start of the second half.
      Josh Cullen went down under minimal contact from Cameron Archer and the referee pointed to the spot.
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      Chuba Akpom stepped up to rifle the spot kick into the bottom corner as bedlam ensued at The Riverside.
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      But Burnley, who are on course to collect more than 100 points this season, were not done yet.
      Nathan Tella, on loan from Premier League side Southampton, burst into the box and cut the ball back for Roberts to fire home.
      And Vincent Kompany’s men held on to clinch promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking. More

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      Vicious brawl breaks out between Swansea and Coventry fans with steward caught in the face trying to break it up

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      A VICIOUS brawl has broken out between Swansea and Coventry fans with a steward caught in the face as he tried to break it up.An incredible 2,000 travelling supporters made the journey to Wales for the Championship clash.
      The Coventry fan (right) fought the Swansea supporter (left)Credit: Alamy
      A steward was caught up in the scrapCredit: Alamy
      The brawl occurred during the matchCredit: Alamy
      However, the day was marred by crowd trouble.
      An incident occurred at the Swansea.com Stadium as tempers flared near the away end.
      Two yobs attacked each other during the match.
      Stewards jumped in an attempt to separate the pair and one was hit in the face.
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      The security official saw his hat knocked off and he was pictured holding his nose in pain.
      The game between the two Championship sides ended 0-0.
      Swansea look set to stay in the division next season, sitting 15th in the league table.
      Meanwhile, Coventry have aims of making the play-offs and they are just three points behind sixth place.
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      This is not the first time fans of the Swans have been involved in trouble in recent weeks.
      The club had to issue a statement slamming the behaviour of a “minority of supporters” after “several incidents of disruption and anti-social behaviour” when they met rivals Cardiff last weekend. More

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      Preston star Liam Lindsay left with blood pouring from his head after sickening blow to the head in QPR clash

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      PRESTON star Liam Lindsay was left in a bloodied state after a sickening blow to the head. Blood could be seen pouring from the back of Lindsay’s head following the incident.
      Liam Lindsay was on the end of a sickening head blowCredit: Rex
      Which left blood pouring from his headCredit: Rex
      Medics rushed on to treat himCredit: Rex
      Lindsay was bandaged up following the collisionCredit: Rex
      It came after a collision with QPR ace Lyndon Dykes.
      Medics rushed onto the pitch to treat the defender for his wound, with Lindsay pictured grimacing in pain.
      Lindsay, 27, was then bandaged up and allowed to carry on.
      One fan was left baffled at how a red card was not shown.
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      Taking to Twitter, they said: “How is that not a red he’s bust his head open.”
      Another fan reported hearing booing from QPR fans, describing Dykes as a “lunatic” for his part in the collision.
      They commented: “QPR fans booing Liam Lindsay who is down on the floor with a gash on his head from Lyndon Dykes throwing his elbows about like a lunatic 😂.”
      Scottish duo Lindsay and Dykes have both played big parts in their teams respective league campaigns.
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      Preston are currently chasing a spot in the Championship play-offs.
      Meanwhile, QPR are looking to secure their status in the division for next season by moving themselves away from the relegation zone. More

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      Club spends entire season’s Premier League matchday revenue on sacking managers as dismissals reach record high

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      WATFORD spent their entire matchday revenue earned last season on sacking managers.The Hornets have become renowned for their ruthlessness, axing Rob Edwards and Slaven Bilic just this season.
      Claudio Ranieri was sacked by Watford last seasonCredit: Reuters
      The Championship side have had 18 managers in the past decade – including three last season.
      Roy Hodgson ultimately oversaw their relegation, although Xisco Munoz and Claudio Ranieri also had stints in charge.
      According to the Watford Observer, accounts show that the Hornets shelled out a staggering £7.81million in manager termination payments.
      This exceeds the £6.76m in matchday revenue the club brought in for games at Vicarage Road.
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      Despite being in the Premier League last year, Watford made a loss of £18m.
      Now managed by Chris Wilder, the Hornets are 11th in the Championship table.
      Sitting six points off the play-offs with seven matches left to play, another season in the second-tier appears to be beckoning.
      Should that be the case, Watford will likely feel pressure to sell top assets including Joao Pedro and Ismaila Sarr.
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      Xisco Munoz’s promotion success didn’t grant him much time in the Premier LeagueCredit: PA
      The Premier League has experienced a record number of manager sackings this season.
      Graham Potter became the 12th English top flight manager to lose their job on Sunday, just hours after Brendan Rodgers was the 11th.
      Scott Parker, Thomas Tuchel, Bruno Lage, Steven Gerrard, Ralph Hasenhuttl, Frank Lampard, Jesse Marsch, Nathan Jones, Patrick Vieira and Antonio Conte have all been shown the door.
      Under-fire West Ham boss David Moyes could yet become the 13th, although SunSport understands he WILL take charge of this weekend’s trip to Fulham.
      Lampard, meanwhile, is set to take caretaker charge of Chelsea until the end of the season – while the Blues assess other targets including Luis Enrique, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte.
      Graham Potter became the 12th Prem boss to lose their job this season last SundayCredit: PA More

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      I shared a Premier League dressing-room at Watford – players had disgraceful attitudes and the manager was miserable

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      DAN GOSLING has launched a scathing attack on Watford’s relegation season, hitting out at the “disgraceful attitudes” of the “worst dressing room” he has been in and a “miserable” Claudio Ranieri.The Hornets finished 15 points clear of safety last season and worked their way through THREE managers.
      Dan Gosling has hit out at the bad attitudes in Watford’s dressing room last seasonCredit: Rex
      Gosling has also slammed Claudio Ranieri for his role in Watford’s relegationCredit: Reuters
      Gosling started the season under Xisco Munoz, who was replaced by Ranieri before Roy Hodgson took the club back down to the Championship.
      The midfielder was axed from the club’s 25-man squad by Ranieri and said the Italian’s spell was the worst time of his career.
      Gosling was reinstated after Ashley Fletcher left the club but hit out at players who didn’t care for or fight for Watford as they dropped back to the second tier.
      He said: “We had players walking into training saying they’d had enough now.
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      “The team was down and we had players that knew they’d be leaving. Players were saying ‘well I’ve played 20 games, the team is down, I’m done here and someone else can have a go’.
      “I thought that attitude was a disgrace. There were a lot of disgraceful attitudes here last season and that’s ultimately the reason we went down.
      “It wasn’t a question of ability. Maybe some players didn’t always hit the levels they are capable of, but it was the attitude of individuals that did for us.
      “It was a real disgrace, easily the worst dressing room I’ve ever been a part of. So now that we’re clearing the decks and trying to build something new is refreshing.”
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      Under Ranieri, Watford lost 11 of his 14 games in charge, winning just twice.
      Speaking to the Watford Observer, Gosling said: “That time with Ranieri was just really unenjoyable.
      “The training we did, the spirit they created, the staff that came with him – the whole thing was just miserable. They were miserable, and it made it miserable.
      “I was surprised they lasted four months to be honest. I have been in football a long time, and so have a few boys in the squad, and that time was as bad as it can get.”
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      The Italian was then replaced by Hodgson, who came out of retirement with long-time assistant Ray Lewington in a bid to keep them up.
      Gosling acknowledges that the ex-England boss was an upgrade on Ranieri but felt his methods too were outdated and that the veteran checked out before the end of the season.
      He said: “To be fair to Roy, what he did in training was very repetitive, but at least it was game-like situations. You do need to freshen it up a bit though. This is 2022.
      “Roy and Ray gave it a good go at the start, but after a while they seemed to give up as well. When you see that, and you see and hear arguments – well, what chance have you got?” More

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      Ryan Giggs’ son Zach, 16, looks set for Man Utd transfer exit but could be making Premier League debut next season

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      THE son of Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs looks set to leave the club. Zach, 16, is nearing a move to Sheffield United and therefore could be part of a Premier League squad next season.
      Zach Giggs is close to joining Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty
      Zach is the son of Man Utd hero Ryan GiggsCredit: AFP
      The Blades are in the hunt for promotion and sit in second place in the Championship.
      Giggs has been part of the United academy since 2019, hoping to emulate his father at the club.
      He has played for the Under-18s side, but his hopes of landing a professional deal at United have been dampened.
      The left-back is on trial at Bramall Lane, but his move could be prevented by an EFL transfer embargo.
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      Sheffield United face the ban due to not meeting repayments on signings made.
      This also impacts the club’s academy, meaning that Giggs would not be able to sign a senior deal.
      A scholarship contract would potentially work but complications could arise if Man United demand funds for the player.
      On the possibility of Giggs joining the club, Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom said: “There’s nothing I can say on it, but I know he’s [Giggs] in.
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      “It would be Del [Derek Geary, academy manager] making a decision on that.
      “We had a meeting last week talking about the scholars and the lads who are going to stay on and be a first-year pro. 
      “It’s important to be involved in it but I want them to back their decision.
      “It wouldn’t be independent but if someone has been working with a player for four weeks and wants to put their name to them then brilliant, I’ll back them.
      “I don’t know Zach’s situation [with Man Utd]. I am not privy to it at all, we can’t sign players.
      “We have had lads in who we want to sign, but we can’t sign them, and we have lost some and they have gone elsewhere or they are on trial elsewhere now.
      “If we get it lifted we can start recruiting again. It’s still the same in the academy if you are a pro. If someone is coming in as a pro we can’t sign them, it all depends on the type of contract.” More

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      Norwich confirm legend Teemu Pukki will LEAVE at end of season after five years as he targets new transfer ‘challenge’

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      NORWICH have revealed fan favourite Teemu Pukki will leave the club at the end of the season.The Canaries forward, 33, has scored 88 goals in 204 games for the Norfolk side, helping them secure two promotions since arriving from Brondby in 2018.
      Teemu Pukki has confirmed he will leave Carrow Road in the summerCredit: PA
      But now the Finland international has confirmed he will depart in the summer in search of a new challenge.
      Speaking to the club website, he said: “This has not been an easy decision because of what Norwich City means and has done for me.
      “I’ve loved my time with this great club, but considering the stage of my career, and I know I have a few more years in me, I’m keen for another new experience.
      “I have some amazing memories from my time here, with so many ups and downs. The two promotions were amazing.
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      “These five years have probably been the best of my career, both from a professional and personal perspective. I don’t think anyone believed it would go as well as it has. This club and city will always have a special place in my heart.
      “This club means so much to me. I think back to when I signed here, it was such an easy club to settle in at. I’ve really enjoyed my time here and I will miss the whole club. The people around the place, players and support staff are amazing.
      “I feel I have a special relationship with Norwich and our supporters. I’ve always had a positive feeling from them. I hope I help give them one final gift with a few goals and a positive end to the season.”
      Norwich are still in the hunt for promotion this season as they seek an immediate return to the Premier League.
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      They sit seventh in the Championship, four points adrift of the play-off places with seven games remaining.
      And Pukki, who was linked with a move to Manchester United back in 2020, is adamant he will put every ounce of energy into trying to secure a third promotion with Norwich.
      He added: “Obviously, there is still a lot riding on these final few games.
      “All my focus is on this season and doing everything we can to achieve success. We know we can still achieve our targets.” More

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      Ched Evans’ career under threat as he faces ‘life-changing consequences’ after developing serious medical condition

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      CHED EVANS’ football career is under threat after being diagnosed with a serious medical condition.The Preston forward requires surgery to fix the issue, which carries “life-changing consequences”.
      Ched Evans will undergo surgery after being diagnosed with a serious medical conditionCredit: Getty
      The issue has arisen as a result of “repeated high force contact”, and is more commonly seen in rugby or American football players.
      Evans is set to be out for an extended period of time following the surgery, and at 34 he does not have much time to make his return to the game.
      Preston confirmed the news in a statement which reads: “The 34-year-old forward is facing potentially life-changing consequences as a result of repeated high-force contact which he has received on a weekly basis throughout his career.
      “More common in American football and rugby players, the condition requires surgery to address his current symptoms and to prevent any further damage from occurring in the future.
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      “Over the course of the past week, the club have consulted with the country’s leading specialists and are currently working together to finalise arrangements for the surgery.
      “Pending a successful surgery, the striker – who has scored nine goals this season – will spend an extended period of time doing rehabilitation work.
      “Specific time frames for a potential return will not be disclosed until the outcome of the surgery is known, but all parties remain hopeful that Ched will be back playing and scoring goals in a PNE shirt in the future.”
      Evans is Preston’s top scorer this season with nine goals in 26 Championship games.
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      He has been an important player for manager Ryan Lowe, who is hopeful Evans will be able to return to playing.
      He said: “We’ll be there for him every single day, whatever he needs we’ll be there for him and the family.
      “It’s been tough for me, the staff and the players because it’s a bit sickening when you get that news in the blink of an eye.
      “More importantly for me as the manager it’s about Ched’s health. We’ve got to step back and let him decide what he wants to do.
      “He’s got a strong family behind him who will make sure he’s right. Once he’s had the surgery we’ll hopefully see a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel because having the surgery doesn’t mean that’s him done.
      “He’ll have to decide what he wants to do with his future and whatever he chooses to do we’ll back 100 per cent.”
      Evans previously had a lengthy spell out of football in 2014 as he was convicted of raping a 19-year-old woman before a 2016 retrial found him not guilty.
      The striker spent two-and-a-half years in prison after being convicted for the rape, and returned to the game with Chesterfield following his release. More