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    Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale reveals touching reason why he brought his granddad’s ashes with him to transfer unveiling

    AARON RAMSDALE has revealed the touching reason why he brought his late granddad’s ashes with him after signing for Arsenal. The goalkeeper finally completed his £30million dream move to the Emirates and was recently unveiled as a Gunners player.
    Aaron Ramsdale brought his late granddad’s ashes with him after signing for ArsenalCredit: Instagram @aaronramsdale
    The goalkeeper finally completed his £30million dream move to ArsenalCredit: Getty
    And as he posed for pictures with an Arsenal shirt, he did so with his grandfather’s ashes beside him.
    Ramsdale, 23, said: “The day my mum found out she was pregnant with me was the day he died.
    “He was called Ron and was from Bloxwich in Birmingham and they used to say, ‘Oh, we’re going to see our Ron’.
    “So I’m Aaron for ‘our Ron’. When his ashes were spread my dad kept some of his ashes.
    “He’s gone on a little tour of the 92 [teams in the Football League]!
    “My dad brings him all to the games and will have a picture with him in the stadiums.
    “I did say in the car this morning that he wasn’t coming out but it was a nice touch… he would have been a footballer if his dad had allowed him and he was a goalkeeper so there are little connections between us both.
    “My dad takes him everywhere. It keeps him close to his heart.”
    Ramsdale has been linked with a move to the Emirates all summer, where he will provide competition to German Bernd Leno, 29.

    But Sheffield United refused to budge on their price tag, leaving the England keeper’s future up in the air until Arsenal paid the £30m.
    Ramsdale said: “It’s been difficult. It’s never easy when you are trying to focus on playing your football with speculation in the background, it’s difficult. Now, I am here and everything is sorted.
    “It’s been a long few days, but it’s finally over the line and now I can get onto the training pitch and crack on and hopefully do what I do best.”
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    Neil Warnock slammed by Ref Support UK as ’embarrassment to football’ after Middlesbrough bosses latest rant

    NEIL WARNOCK was labelled an “embarrassment to football” by a referee charity after the Middlesbrough boss’ latest rant. A furious Warnock marched onto the pitch following Boro’s 3-2 defeat to QPR and tore into ref Steve Martin, blasting him for missing an apparent headbutt from Rangers’ Charlie Austin on defender Grant Hall.
    Middlesbrough boss Warnock was furious because he felt Martin had missed a headbutt from QPR’s Charlie Austin on defender Grant HallCredit: Getty
    Warnock was blasted by a ref charity for “encouraging abuse”Credit: Getty
    But Ref Support UK hammered the 72-year-old, who is no stranger to dishing it out to officials, for encouraging others to do the same. 
    They said: “On the day that ITV run a two-day special report on ref abuse, this happens. 
    “This man is an embarrassment to football. Every season his pantomime show encourages ref abuse. 
    “Clubs that employ him, like Middlesbrough, need to take a hard, long look at themselves. Disgraceful.”
    Uche Ikpeazu gave Middlesbrought the lead at the Riverside from the penalty spot before Jonny Howson’s own goal made it 1-1. 
    Rangers then had Moses Odubajo sent off for a second yellow card before Lyndon Dykes put the visitors ahead. 
    Matt Crooks equalised for the Teessiders but Chris Willock, in front of his younger brother Joe who has just signed for Newcastle from Arsenal for £25million, won it. 
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    After Wednesday’s defeat, Warnock fumed: ”It’s just amazing really.
    “I thought he (Austin) headbutted Hall. It’s a straightforward headbutt. The ref saw it and thought it was a clash of heads but when you see the video it’s a bit different. I find it amazing they only see certain things. 
    “We have not been helped (by the officials). 
    “The linesman has given two offsides which are never offside in a million years and you expect better from that officials and I just told them that. I’ll have to write about it and I’ll get a report saying “yeah, you were right…”
    Neil Warnock in X-rated rant at referee at Middlesbrough youth game vs Leeds just 24 hours after Brentford loss
    Warnock, 72, has been the scourge of officials for over 40 yearsCredit: Getty More

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    Ex-Chelsea star Gary Cahill wanted on free transfer by Bournemouth with Norwich City and Rangers also keen on defender

    BOURNEMOUTH boss Scott Parker is making a bold bid to sign Gary Cahill on a free transfer.Cahill, 35, needs a new home after leaving Crystal Palace.
    Gary Cahill is on the hunt for a new club following his release from Crystal PalaceCredit: AP
    He could get the deal he wants from the Cherries although Norwich could offer Premier League football.
    The centre-half was also wanted by Rangers.
    But their failure to make the Champions League means they have less cash to offer him.
    If he signs, it may see Steve Cook, 30, leave the Vitality.
    Cahill spent two seasons at Selhurst Park but was part of the major clearout over the summer as 22 players were released – with defenders Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi among those signed by new boss Patrick Vieira.
    He made 47 appearances for the Eagles, chipping in with one goal.

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    Upon his exit, the 61-cap England international described playing for Palace as a ‘privilege’.
    Cahill tweeted: “After much thought and deliberation, I can confirm that I have left Crystal Palace after an enjoyable two years.
    “I have really enjoyed my time at the club and I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone involved at the club, especially the fans and staff who welcomed me into their South London family.

    “It’s been a privilege to play at Selhurst Park, especially in that first season where I got to experience the atmosphere that the Eagles fans create on a match day.
    “Playing in front of the Holmesdale Road stand is a memory that I will cherish in particular.
    “I would like to wish the club all the best for the future and wish them every success for the coming season.”

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    Derby aware of ‘racist and homophobic’ comments from their OWN fans to striker Kamil Jozwiak and a Peterborough rival

    DERBY COUNTY are aware of alleged racist and homophobic comments made during today’s clash with Peterborough United.The Championship crisis club travelled to London Road to take on Posh in front of a packed travelling contingent.
    Derby took on Peterborough in the ChampionshipCredit: Rex
    Since full-time, accusations of racist and homophobic comments towards Derby star Kamil Jozwiak and an unnamed Peterborough player have been made by Rams supporters’ group Punjabi Rams.
    They wrote on Twitter: “A disappointing result but what was even more disappointing was the fact a minority of our fans made a homophobic slur towards a Peterborough player and racist comments towards Jozwiak.
    “We’ve reported the incidents and encourage others to do the same if heard or seen.”
    Acknowledging the accusations, Derby responded in a brief statement: “We thank Punjabi Rams for rightly reporting these incidents and do not, in any way, condone these actions.
    “We will work with the relevant authorities to determine who these individuals were.
    “Enough is enough.”
    An EFL spokesperson told SunSport: “The EFL is sickened and saddened to hear allegations of homophobic and racist abuse at Peterborough United v Derby County today.

    “The message is clear, discrimination, prejudice and abuse, whether in the stadium or online has absolutely no place in our game.
    “The EFL and its Clubs stand together against discrimination and those who do not agree are not welcome.”
    Derby’s off-season was marred by a number of off-field issues – with manager Wayne Rooney having to cobble together a team at the last minute.
    The Rams drew their Championship opener 1-1 with Covid-hit Huddersfield Town last weekend.
    They then bowed out of the League Cup to Salford City on penalties in mid-week.
    Rams supporters were hoping for a better outcome against the Posh, when Jack Stretton gave them a 77th minute lead.
    But that advantage evaporated in stoppage time – with Harrison Burrows equalising in the 91st minute before Siriki Dembele fired home a dramatic winner in the 100th minute.
    Wayne Rooney watched on as his side fell to a 2-1 defeatCredit: PA
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    Birmingham City trolled for selling ‘worst cheesy chips ever’ after fan posts hilarious pic – but many amazed at price

    BIRMINGHAM CITY have been trolled for selling the ‘worst cheesy chips ever’ after a fan’s photo went viral.The tasty snack is a staple at football grounds up and down the country.
    This portion of cheesy chips was said to have been served at St AndrewsCredit: TWITTERDREAM TEAM 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON

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    On matchdays, you can see many a fan tucking into them as a last-minute treat before kick-off or as something to accompany a half-time pint.
    But one recent visitor to St Andrews received arguably the worst ever portion of the carb-heavy snack.
    BBC reporter Mark Webber tweeted a picture of the cheesy chips he was given during his visit to the home of the Blues.
    And to the shock of his followers, the image showed a portion of chips with a sorry slice of American cheese on top.
    Webber was left gobsmacked and made his gripe known when replying to a tweet about the ongoing building works at St Andrews.
    He tweeted: “Never mind that! What about the real scandal at St Andrew’s.

    “This is what passes for cheesy chips in their away end. Price to you – £4 (with a pint).”
    The tweet quickly started doing the rounds on social media and caused quite the stir.
    One footie fan said: “The worst cheesy chips ever.”
    Another said: “WTF lol. I feel your pain there m8.”
    Another said: “Surely (slice of) cheese ON chips would be a more accurate description.”
    The worst cheesy chips ever.A footie fan on Twitter
    One remarked: “Cheese is there for banter. Slap it on your mates face when he’s not expecting it and it’s paid for itself.”
    Most footie fans that came across the tweet, however, were almost as stunned Webber was able to buy a portion of chips with cheese and a pint for only £4.
    One said: “Try getting thar pint alone for less than £6 in London.”
    Another said: “£4 for chips and a pint??? Jesus, I can barely even buy a bottle of water at West Ham for £4.”
    And another said: “At West Ham it’s £6 for a beer alone.”
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    One asked: “£4 for chips, cheese and a pint? Why are you complaining?”
    Birmingham kicked off their Championship campaign last weekend with a 1-0 victory away at Sheffield United.
    The Blues will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, welcoming third-placed Stoke City to St Andrews.

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    Arsenal ‘in advanced talks to seal Aaron Ramsdale transfer in £30m deal’ after Sheff Utd axe him from EFL Cup squad

    ARSENAL are in advanced talks to sign highly rated goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United, according to reports.The Gunners have been tracking Ramsdale all summer long, and could finally get their hands on their man.
    Ramsdale started his career at The Blades before joining Bournemouth for a reported fee of £1mCredit: GETTY IMAGES
    According to Football.london, Arsenal are in talks to sign Ramsdale who will deputise Bernd Leno.
    The Blades value Ramsdale at £30million and Arsenal are expected to pay £24m up front.
    And based on the England international’s performance, United could receive bonuses taking the deal up to their £30m price tag.
    The Gunners have already seen two bids rejected for Ramsdale, and the keeper was left out of the match day squad for Tuesday’s EFL Cup win over Carlisle leading to speculation of an imminent transfer.
    But boss Slavisa Jokanovic squashed the speculation saying there was “nothing” in his absence.
    The Blades boss said after the 1-0 win: “There is nothing in his absence, no, nothing.
    “I just needed to give some players a chance and others a rest.”
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    The boss also stated that Ramsdale is his No1 choice heading into the Championship season.
    He added: “Aaron is my first choice, that I can definitely say.
    “But I need to see what other people can do in case something happens. What other options we have and what other choices are here.”
    ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from The Emirates

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    Punter scoops £185,000 from £20 bet after correctly predicting results of NINE Championship footie matches

    A PUNTER was celebrating after the opening weekend of the Championship as he scooped £185,000 — for a £20 bet.The football fan correctly predicted the results for all nine of Saturday’s matches.
    Blackpool players celebrate a goal with a fan during the match with Bristol CityCredit: Getty
    Blackpool’s 93rd-minute equaliser at Bristol City sealed the winning accumulator for the punter, from East London.
    John Hill, of Coral, which took the bet, said: “It will be a Saturday afternoon that our punter will never forget.
    “After correctly predicting the match results in all nine Championship matches on the opening Saturday of the season, he is now £185,000 better off.
    “Our customer will be raising a glass to Blackpool as the Tangerines equalised deep into stoppage time to help him land his astonishing bet.
    “Maybe a trip to the seaside in Blackpool will be in order as part of his celebrations.”

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