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    Norwich star Giannoulis suffers horror ankle injury and needs gas and air after Wigan boss screams at ref to stop play

    NORWICH star Dimitris Giannoulis was left in agony after suffering a horror ankle injury in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Wigan.The Greek ace needed gas and air as medics rushed to his side in today’s Championship clash.
    Norwich star Dimitris Giannoulis was left in agony after suffering a horror ankle injuryCredit: Focus Images
    The ace needed gas as Wigan boss Leam Richardson screamed for play to be stoppedCredit: Focus Images
    Wigan boss Leam Richardson screamed at the referee to stop play when Giannoulis went down with around 35 minutes left.
    And the Norwich defender was left in tears as he was stretchered off the field with his ankle heavily bandaged.
    Fans and players looked shocked as Giannoulis was replaced by Sam McCallum.
    And Dean Smith’s No1 left-back could now be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
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    The gruesome incident occurred with Norwich 1-0 down at Carrow Road.
    James McClean fired last season’s League One champions ahead after 29 minutes.
    But Norwich, relegated from the Premier League in May after finishing bottom, pulled a goal back just minutes after Giannoulis’ injury through Max Aarons.
    Yet neither side could find the ultimate breakthrough despite there being TEN minutes of additional time.
    Stunned players and fans watched on as Giannoulis received treatment from medicsCredit: Focus Images
    The Greek star was stretchered off the field in tearsCredit: Focus Images
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    Norwich boss Smith was also left fuming after a late foul by Tom Naylor on Aarons did not result in a penalty.
    He said: “It was a scandalous decision and a scandalous tackle that should have resulted in a penalty and a red card.
    “Max is okay but has a gaping wound in his shin, which tells you everything.
    “Getting the ball wasn’t an excuse when I played. If you went over the top of the ball you were off.
    Giannoulis could face a lengthy spell on the sidelinesCredit: Focus Images
    “I certainly don’t think he went over easy there, did he? I haven’t seen any of the others back but that was the one my analyst was keen to show me.”
    Opposition boss Richardson fired back: “I didn’t think any of them were penalties. I thought they went down very easy.
    “The referee managed the game very well. There must have been five or six shouts but our lads defended resolutely.”
    The result means Norwich are yet to win this season after an opening day defeat to Cardiff.
    And they must now prepare for a Carabao Cup clash against Birmingham on Tuesday before next Saturday’s trip to Hull.
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    As for Wigan, it’s a second point on the board following last weekend’s 0-0 against Preston.
    They next take on Fleetwood Town in the Cup ahead of a clash with Bristol City in a week’s time. More

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    Coventry clash with Rotherham in HUGE doubt over pitch safety fears after Commonwealth Games rugby sevens matches

    COVENTRY’S Championship clash with Rotherham on Sunday is in HUGE doubt due to concerns over the safety of the pitch.It comes after the Commonwealth Games rugby sevens matches were played at the Ricoh Arena.
    The Ricoh has been hosting rugby sevens matches at the Commonwealth Games
    The Ricoh Arena pitch has been impacted by hosting the Commonwealth GamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    A pitch inspection is due to take place on Sunday to see if the match can go ahead.
    But Coventry manager Mark Robins has been left furious and insists there is no way they can play.
    He said: “We’ve been badly let down, professional players cannot play on that.
    “Hopefully we can do something to bring it up to standard.”
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    All of the rugby sevens at the Commonwealth Games was held at Coventry’s home ground.
    It took place between July 29 and July 31.

    South Africa claimed the gold medal in the men’s, with Australia triumphing in the women’s.
    But this is not the first time an unrelated event has handed another some issues.
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    In 1970, the FA Cup final was played days after the Horse of the Year show at Wembley.
    Meanwhile, Coventry kicked off their Championship campaign last weekend away at Sunderland.
    And Viktor Gyokeres’ 84th-minute equaliser was enough to hand them a well-earned point as they held The Black Cats to a 1-1 draw.
    Meanwhile, Rotherham also began the season with a draw as they shared the spoils at home to Swansea.
    Chiedozie Ogbene’s opener was cancelled out by Harry Darling seven minutes before half-time. More

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    West Ham snap up Maxwel Cornet after activating £17.5m transfer relegation release clause from Burnley

    MAXWEL CORNET will re-join the Premier League after West Ham triggered his release clause at Burnley. Cornet, 25, was relegated last season with Burnley as their top goalscorer with 10 goals.
    Maxwel Cornet will trade the claret of Burnley for the claret of West HamCredit: PA
    His performances and the subsequent relegation of the Clarets caused Cornet to attract a lot of interest.
    Among the interested parties have been Nottingham Forest, Everton and super-rich Newcastle.
    But despite the Ivorian having a release clause of just £17.5million, no club had triggered it before West Ham.
    Consequently, David Moyes’ side were first to the punch and have completed their fifth signing of the summer.
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    SunSport understands Cornet will be having his medical tonight.
    The Hammers have already splashed out north of £80m on signing Gianluca Scamacca, Nayef Aguerd, Flynn Downes and making Alphonse Areola’s stay permanent.

    The club have also reportedly agreed a £35m fee to sign Lille midfielder Amadou Onana, though personal terms are yet to be agreed.
    Provided they win their qualifying game, West Ham will venture into Europe once again next season in the form of the Europa Conference League.
    However, after with Cornet they will have far better options than what they did last season when they made it all the way to the semi-finals of the Europa League.
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    For Moyes keeping the likes of Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen out of the clutches of the big six was also paramount, and thus far this has been a resounding success for them.
    West Ham will kick off their season against Premier League champions Manchester City when they host them at the London Stadium on Sunday. More

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    Sheffield United star Oli McBurnie, 26, facing trial for ‘stamping on Notts Forest fan during pitch invasion’

    SHEFFIELD Utd star Oli McBurnie is facing trial after he today denied stomping on a rival fan during a pitch invasion.The striker is accused of assaulting Nottingham Forest supporter George Brinkley, 26, as chaos erupted at the Championship play-offs.
    Oli McBurnie denied assault by beating when he appeared in court todayCredit: PA
    McBurnie, 26, was filmed in an alleged altercation with the fan after the pitch was invaded by celebrating Forest supporters.
    He appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court today charged with assault by beating.
    The Scottish international denied the offence with a provisional trial date set for December 7.
    He faces a maximum sentence of six months in prison if he’s convicted.
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    The drama unfolded after Forest beat Sheffield Utd on penalties to secure a spot in the Premier League.
    Thousands of supporters stormed the pitch to celebrate the promotion.
    Blades striker Billy Sharp was headbutted by a fan during the mayhem at the City Ground on May 17.
    He required four stitches after being attacked by season ticket holder Robert Biggs.
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    McBurnie’s teammate Rhian Brewster, 22, was also charged following the drama but the case was dropped by police.
    Sheffield United said previously: “We are disappointed to learn that Rhian Brewster and Oli McBurnie have been charged.
    “Both players voluntarily engaged in interviews with Nottinghamshire Police in the aftermath of the fixture which saw their team-mate, Billy Sharp, the victim of assault in the chaos which followed the final whistle.
    “Brewster and McBurnie strenuously deny the charges brought against them and football manager Paul Heckingbottom, who wrote letters to the League Managers’ Association, the Professional Footballers’ Association, the EFL and FA following a number of pitch invasions last month, including one involving Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira, is continuing discussions with key stakeholders in a bid to better protect players and staff in their place of work.”
    McBurnie allegedly stomped on a Nottingham Forest fanCredit: PA
    It came after Sheffield Utd missed out a spot in the Premier LeagueCredit: PA
    Thousands of Nottingham Forest supporters flooded the pitchCredit: PA More

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    Arsenal send Charlie Patino, 18, to Blackpool on season-long loan transfer to give midfielder first-team experience

    ARSENAL starlet Charlie Patino has completed his season-long loan switch to Championship side Blackpool.The 18-year-old, who has been likened to Phil Foden, has signed for the Seasiders in his quest to play regular first-team football.
    Blackpool have announced the signing of midfielder Charlie Patino from Arsenal on loanCredit: Twitter: @CharliePatino10
    Patino has joined the Seasiders in his bid to play regular first-team footballCredit: Twitter: @CharliePatino10
    But the deal does not include a buy-option – with the Gunners believing the midfielder has a huge future in North London.
    Patino featured twice under Mikel Arteta last term with the teenager scoring on his debut against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup just before Christmas.
    He then started in the 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup, but he struggled against Steve Cooper’s side.
    And he has now decided to link up with Blackpool, where he could feature against Stoke on Saturday.
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    Speaking to Blackpool’s website: “This is a great opportunity for me, and I think I’m ready to take this on. It’s the next step of my career and I’m really excited to get going.
    “I spoke to Danny Ballard and Dujon Sterling before coming to the Club and they were full of praise and said it’s an amazing place to be where everybody is welcome.
    “They also mentioned the fans, the Tangerine Army, who are always on their feet at home and away games.
    “I’m just buzzing to play in front of them and show them what I’m about.”   
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    Boss Michael Appleton added: “Charlie is a very talented boy and I’m delighted that Arsenal have trusted us to look after him and further his development.
    “The club has a good relationship with Arsenal from previous loan deals, as I have personally from taking players to my former clubs, with Brooke Norton-Cuffy being the most recent last season.
    “Charlie is one of the best midfielders in his age group and I can’t wait to start working with him.”
    Patino has followed academy team-mate Folarin Balogin out the Arsenal door, with the exciting striker linking up with French side Reims on loan.
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    Meanwhile. playmaker Marcelo Flores has opted to join Spanish club Real Oviedo on a temporary deal.
    And goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has already made the move to League One outfit Crewe on loan, where he played in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Rochdale.
    England youth international Patino could feature against Stoke on SaturdayCredit: Twitter: @CharliePatino10 More

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    Carlos Corberan takes over as new Olympiacos boss less than a month after quitting Championship side Huddersfield

    CARLOS CORBERAN has reportedly taken over as the new boss of Olympiacos.It comes after Corberan resigned as Huddersfield Town manager less than one month ago.
    Carlos Corberan shocked Huddersfield with his resignation last monthCredit: Getty
    The 39-year-old is now set to lead Olympiacos out against Slovan Bratislava in a Europa League qualifier on Thursday.
    Corberan shocked The Terriers with his resignation just weeks before the new season began.
    The Spanish coach led the club to the Championship play-off final last season, where they ultimately lost to Nottingham Forest and were thus denied promotion back to the Premier League.
    In a statement on the club’s website, head of football operations Leigh Bromby said: “It is with sadness that we have accepted Carlos’ resignation.
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    “He was obviously a big part of what was a fantastic season in 2021/22, but he has subsequently come to us over the last 24 hours and made it clear that he doesn’t think he is the man to take us forward.
    “The timing is disappointing, with our preparations for the new season already under way.
    “However, we have worked very hard here over the last few years to build a coaching and support structure around the first team that gives us continuity and stability when there’s change.
    “We’ve also created succession plans for every eventuality.”
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    Danny Schofield was subsequently thrust into the position of head coach at the John Smith’s Stadium.
    Schofield oversaw a losing start to his reign as a rebranded Burnley side took a 1-0 victory thanks to a stunning goal from Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen.
    Danny Schofield will want to get back to winning when his side play BirminghamCredit: PA More

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    Ex-Crystal Palace striker Connor Wickham wanted by League One side Forest Green on shock free transfer

    FOREST GREEN ROVERS are pushing to sign Connor Wickham on a free transfer, according to reports.The newly-promoted League One side have already signed seven new players this summer, including former Huddersfield midfielder Reece Brown.
    Wickham is in talks to join Forest Green RoversCredit: Getty
    But, manager Ian Burchnall is now looking to add more experience to the squad as a sign of intent.
    And he is hoping to do so with a huge statement signing.
    According to Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath, Forest Green have identified Wickham as a top transfer target.
    Club chiefs have reportedly been in talks with the 29-year-old’s representatives to discuss the possibility of a deal.
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    Wickham became a free agent when he was released by MK Dons at the end of last season.
    If he were to join Forest Green before the transfer window closes, it would mark the eighth move of his career.
    The striker signed his first professional contract with Ipswich Town in 2009 before joining Sunderland two years later.
    He was then loaned out for two consecutive seasons to Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds respectively.
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    In 2015 he signed a long-term deal with Crystal Palace.
    During his time at Selhurst Park he scored 11 goals in 50 appearances for The Eagles, but it wasn’t enough to see him earn a new contract.
    Wickham swapped Palace for Preston North End in 2021, where he spent six months before being released.
    MK Dons then decided to sign him on a short-term deal, but he was released once again upon the expiry of his contract. More

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    Man Utd enquire over Alex Scott transfer with 18-year-old midfielder impressing at Championship side Bristol City

    MANCHESTER UNITED have enquired about Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott, according to reports.The teenager was one of the Championship’s standout young players last season in his breakthrough year at the Robins.
    Alex Scott of Bristol City has caught the eye of Man UtdCredit: Getty
    The 18-year-old became a first-team regular playing 39 times for the club scoring four goals and registering two assists.
    Scott, who won the club’s player of the season award last campaign, has also shone on the international stage being a part of the England Under-19 side that won the European Under-19 Championship.
    His impressive form at such a young age has caught the attention of Man Utd, claim The United Stand.
    If United do sign him then they are reportedly willing to loan him back to Bristol City so he can continue to gain first-team experience.
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    Scott signed a new deal at the club last year keeping him at Ashton Gate until 2025 so they may be reluctant to sell.
    The teenager is capable of playing as a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and on the right-wing.
    Speculation has previously suggested that both Leeds and Tottenham have been monitoring him.
    United under new boss Erik ten Hag are keen to build for the future and add youth to their squad.
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    They have been targeting lots of young players in the transfer market such as Ajax’s Antony and RB Salzburg Benjamin Sesko, according to reports.
    Ten Hag seems willing to give youngsters a chance with the club keen to tie down highly rated winger Alejandro Garnacho to a new long-term contract after he impressed in pre-season.
    The new boss is also ready to sell fringe players like Eric Bailly and Alex Telles which could help players from the academy get a chance. More