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      George Baldock: Greek PFA slam Uefa in damning statement for refusing to postpone England game after star’s tragic death

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      ENGLAND’S match against Greece will go ahead despite Premier League and EFL hero George Baldock’s tragic death.Baldock was found dead at the age of 31 in his home in Athens on Wednesday night, plunging the entire Greek football community into mourning.Greece’s PFA lambasted Uefa’s decision not to postpone the match with England after George Baldock’s deathCredit: APSheffield United legend Baldock was found dead in his home at the age of 31Credit: GettyThe Greek football association [EPO] held talks with Uefa in their bid to reschedule the fixture after their beloved player’s shock passing.However, the football governing body refused to postpone tonight’s Nations League clash due to scheduling conflicts.That led to a furious reaction from Greece’s professional footballers’ association, the Panhellenic Association of Paid [Male] Footballers [and Female] Footballers [PSAPP], who lambasted Uefa.The association didn’t hold back on their criticism with a damning post on social media berating football bosses for disregarding the game’s “human” aspect.Read More on FootballThey even described Uefa’s reasoning behind their decision as a “pretext”.The union also took aim at the “inhumane” schedule, which bloated after the introduction of the controversially repackaged Club World Cup.The 32-team tournament takes place this summer in the US and sparked global outrage, especially from players who even hinted at a strike.PSAPP posted on Facebook: “The game of our National team against England will take place as scheduled despite the Greek federation’s attempt to postpone it, with the pretext of not being able to find an alternative date in an already inhumane – in terms of work – calendar. Most read in Football”Once again those who make the decisions did not have time to think about our internationals. “The need to finally understand that the person should always be placed above all else.”Greece boss Poyet reveals Sheff Utd ace Baldock played through ‘unimaginable’ injury when he silenced France’s MbappeGeorge Baldock career statsGeorge Baldock has tragically died aged 312009-2017 – MK Dons 125 games (2 goals)2011 – Tamworth (loan) 3 (0)2012 – IBV (loan) 18 (1)2012 – Tamworth (loan) 15 (1)2015-16 – Oxford United (loan) 47 (3)2017-2024 – Sheffield United 219 (6)2024 – Panathinaikos 4 (0)Uefa confirmed that both sets of players will wear black armbands and there will be a minute’s silence at Wembley.The same is set to take place at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on Sunday when Greece host the Republic of Ireland.Buckingham-born Baldock switched to Greece in 2022 following a series of stunning performances with Sheffield United, whom he helped achieve two Premier League promotions.The ex-MK Dons star, who qualified through his Greek grandmother, quickly became Ethniki’s starting right-back and earned immense praise after picking up his first caps.The full-back amassed a staggering 125 appearances during an eight-year stint with MK Dons and a whopping 219 with Sheffield United.After seven years with the Blades, the Greece international moved to Panathinaikos last summer, where he played four times.The defender’s last ever game saw him competing against eternal rivals Olympiacos on Sunday at the Olympic Stadium where he helped his team pick up a brave goalless draw.Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to. More

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      George Baldock’s life-saving gesture for young fan with heart condition revealed by mum who salutes ‘our Starman’

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      A HEARTBROKEN mum has revealed George Baldock’s incredible impact on her young son. The former Sheffield United star was found dead at his Athens home on Wednesday.Former Sheffield Utd star George Baldock was found dead on WednesdayCredit: RexThe 31-year-old had bought Harvey, a young Blades fan, a defibrillator after learning of his heart conditionCredit: X @Marie_LadyBladeHarvey’s mum Marie paid tribute to the ex-Utd star following his tragic passingCredit: X @Marie_LadyBladeBaldock was discovered in his communal swimming pool after his concerned wife had struggled to get in touch with him from England.The 31-year-old spent the majority of his career playing with United in the Championship and Premier League. One Blades fan took to social media to highlight Baldock’s remarkable efforts in helping her young son, Harvey.X user Marie revealed Harvey was diagnosed with a faulty heart valve, resulting in his Sunday league team being forced to fundraise for a new defibrillator.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMarie added that Baldock ‘stepped in” and “bought Harvey a defibrillator outright.”Following news of Baldock’s passing, Marie took to social media to pay tribute to the Greek international. She wrote: “[We] thanked him every time we saw him, but feel we haven’t thanked him enough. “George bought Harvey a defib, which helped him continue to play football and the things he enjoys. Most read in Football”He gave us peace of mind as parents on the sideline!”She added with a heartbroken emoji: “Our Starman.”George Baldock’s heartbreaking summer farewell message to Sheffield Utd fans re-emerges after star found dead aged 31Marie accompanied the message with snaps of Baldock alongside Harvey, including at last year’s Player of the Year awards. She continued: “Thank you George. I’m saying it again! You always replied, ‘No problem’ and always asked how Harvey was getting on. “Last time I saw you at (this years POTYA’s) Harvey’s team had just got promoted and Harvey had taken the winning penalty x.”You couldn’t believe how tall he was x”Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to.Baldock played over 200 times for Sheffield Utd between 2017 and 2024.He left the club over the summer to join Panathinaikos in the Greek Super League. The Blades put out a statement on Wednesday, writing: “Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.”The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him.”The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.”READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland face Greece on Thursday night in a Nations League clash at Wembley. Baldock, who won 12 caps for Greece, is set to be honoured before the contest. More

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      Wayne Rooney reveals Mikel Arteta is COPYING his set-piece tactics as he exposes Arsenal scoring identical goal to Derby

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      WAYNE ROONEY revealed Mikel Arteta is COPYING his set pieces.Arsenal have been hailed for their potent approach to dead-ball situations. Wayne Rooney reckons Mikel Arteta could be nicking his set-piece tacticsCredit: YouTubeArsenal boss Arteta is reaping the rewards of Nicolas Jover’s inputCredit: GettyIn fact, no team can match the Gunners’ tally of 23 goals from set pieces and 16 from corners in the Premier League since the beginning of last season. But Rooney hinted Arteta could be nicking his tactics – after exposing Arsenal for scoring an identical goal to his Derby side nearly four years ago. Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast about the importance of set pieces, Plymouth boss Rooney said: “Set pieces are so important, the amount of matches won or lost by them is huge. “One of the coaches does it then I come in with some weird ideas.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The Arsenal one they scored with, I did that four years ago against Middlesbrough and we scored from it.”Rooney was likely referencing Gabriel Magalhaes’ header against Manchester City.At the Etihad last month, a cluster of Arsenal players started beyond the back post and flooded the six-yard box, allowing the defender to storm in from the penalty spot and nod into the back of the net.But the positioning of the players struck a familiar chord for Rooney.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBecause when managing Derby, the Rams found the net in very similar fashion at home to Middlesbrough in a 2-1 win in February 2021. Again, at an inswinging corner from the right, the attacking side positioned a host of players way out at the back edge of the area.Roy Keane reveals he has ‘given up’ with Man Utd as he, Rooney and Neville lay into Ten Hag’s ‘disgusting’ flops And as Martyn Waghorn gave the signal, the Derby men split and four of the five ran at different angles towards the goal, causing chaos for the Boro backline. Defender Lee Buchanan made the first contact at the back post.Although unlike Gabriel, he teed the ball up across the goal as team-mate Lee Gregory headed in. Arsenal have employed Nicolas Jover as their set-piece coach and are reaping the rewards of a dedicated member of staff for a crucial part of football – both offensively and defensively.It did not work out so well at Wolves, though, who sacked their first set-piece coach Jack Wilson this week following the 5-3 defeat at Brentford.Since his summer arrival from Manchester City, winless Wolves have conceded from dead-ball situations in five of their seven Premier League matches and scored from one as they sit rooted to the bottom of the table. Rooney also referenced another of his custom set pieces, where he got a player to stand on the four corners of the penalty area and three in the D and all charged towards the mixer. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he suggested it nearly paid off with a goal last weekend when Plymouth beat Blackburn in dramatic fashion. But then Morgan Whittacker grabbed a 97th-minute winner as the Pilgrims picked up their third victory of the season to sit 14th in the Championship table. Gabriel scored from a corner at the EtihadCredit: GettyArsenal set up for the dead-ball situation by overloading the back postCredit: YouTubeIt is virtually identical to the way Derby scored against Middlesbrough in February 2021Credit: dcfc.co.ukLee Gregory nodded in after the ball was headed back across the face of goalCredit: dcfc.co.uk More

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      Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to Sheff Utd and Greece great George Baldock

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      IT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis retired from international duty after 101 caps and a scintillating service after Giourkas Seitaridis helped us do the unthinkable and win Euro 2004.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up but unfortunately none of them could fill those big boots.George Baldock leaves a legacy behind after stunning displays for Sheffield United and GreeceCredit: APBaldock became Greece’s starting right-back upon his arrival in 2022Credit: GettyBaldock put together an amazing performance against France star Kylian Mbappe despite being injuredCredit: GettyBaldock’s last ever match was an impressive display with Panathinaikos before his tragic deathCredit: RexBut soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage that plays as a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Ethniki through his Greek grandmother.And what a season he was having, the right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.And Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played, which was the joint highest return along a select few – only seven of which were outfield players, such as Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.Read More on FootballThe defender was fully keen to make the big step to the international stage with the country of his grandmother’s homeland and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork hell stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming COVID-19 and Brexit slowed things down.But finally, Greece got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Most read in FootballPerhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Greece boss Poyet reveals Sheff Utd ace Baldock played through ‘unimaginable’ injury when he silenced France’s MbappeThe Tottenham hero reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”A loyal soldierIt’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock has been to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.And he served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tagic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to.George Baldock career statsGeorge Baldock has tragically died aged 312009-2017 – MK Dons 125 games (2 goals)2011 – Tamworth (loan) 3 (0)2012 – IBV (loan) 18 (1)2012 – Tamworth (loan) 15 (1)2015-16 – Oxford United (loan) 47 (3)2017-2024 – Sheffield United 219 (6)2024 – Panathinaikos 4 (0) More

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      My brother’s a Love Island star and musician, I’m making my way in the EFL and scoring unstoppable headers

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      SOME families just have talent in their DNA and the Nelson family are certainly one of them.Derby County defender Curtis Nelson has become an EFL star over the years, while brother Wes has been starring on TV screens and releasing UK Top 10 hits.Brothers Wes and Curtis Nelson are both succeeding in wildly different fieldsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @EFLCurtis Nelson has made his name as a professional footballer and is currently playing for Derby CountyCredit: GettyWes Nelson made a name for himself on Love IslandCredit: ITVNow he’s a top music artistCredit: GettyCurtis, 31, has made over 500 EFL appearances across five different clubs and helped Derby earn promotion to the Championship last season – earning the Rams’ Player of the Season award in the process.While brother Wes rose to fame on reality show Love Island in 2018 – a springboard for a successful music career that has seen him collaborate with huge artists such as Clean Bandit and Craig David.Despite the bright lights of the stage being a world away from Pride Park, Wes claims that brother Curtis has always been his inspiration to achieve big things.Speaking to the EFL, Wes said: “When people say ‘who’s your biggest idol in your career’, they act a bit shocked when it’s my brother in football.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAdding: “Behind the scenes, I’ve personally never met anyone that is more dedicated to their craft.”When it comes to drinking, you [Curtis] are not drinking, you’re not going out and doing this. You’re putting in the hours and you’re always running.”I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone hit a ball against a garage ball so many times when I was younger.”The practice really does seem to make perfect for Curtis who has been playing some of his best football since joining Derby in 2023.Most read in FootballNelson was named Derby County Player of the Season last term and has already got this campaign off to a flying startCredit: PAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd for the former Blackpool and Cardiff man, it’s the pair’s parents that have been his biggest inspiration.He said: “Mum and dad did a lot for us didn’t they, especially growing up.’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?!”Even now they take you [Wes] around and come and see you at shows and in the studio.”They’ve done so much for us and for me, my idol would have been our parents.” More used to scoring bullet headers – as he did for the Rams against QPR on Saturday – than being an internet sensation, Curtis has had to step out of his comfort zone to support his brother.The former England youth international was actually the brains behind Wes’ social media during the 26-year-old’s stint on Love Island.Perhaps success really does run in the Nelson blood with the pair not the only familiar faces in the family.The pair are the cousins of Ashleigh and Alexander Nelson, a brother and sister sprinting duo who represented Team GB at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnbelievably, Wes and Curtis aren’t the only Love Island and professional football brothers around in the English game at the moment.Manchester United and England star Kobbie Mainoo is the brother of fellow Love Islander Jordan Hames. Curtis and Wes aren’t the only Love Island and footballer duoCredit: X formerly Twitter / @EFLKobbie Mainoo and Love Island star Jordan Hames are also brothersCredit: InstagramWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Wayne Rooney charged with misconduct for red card as boss reveals he broke pal’s glasses celebrating late goal in tunnel

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      WAYNE ROONEY has admitted that he joined in Plymouth’s wild celebrations against Blackburn despite being sent off.The Manchester United legend is managing the Pilgrims, having landed the Championship job in the summer.Wayne Rooney has revealed his hilarious celebration after Plymouth’s win over BlackburnCredit: RexMorgan Whittaker scored a later winner for the PilgrimsCredit: GettyRooney was unable to cheer on the sideline as he had been sent off earlier in the matchCredit: GettyRooney, 38, has enjoyed a solid start to his reign in charge of the Pilgrims, with the side currently 14th in the league.His best result came against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday as Plymouth beat the promotion contenders 2-1 at Home Park.The victory came thanks to a winning goal from Morgan Whittaker in the 97th minute.However, Rooney could not join in with the players as he had been shown a red card for a touchline outburst earlier in the match.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe retired striker had been dismissed by referee James Linington for his reaction to a decision in the build-up to Joe Rankin-Costello’s equaliser for the visitors.But that did not stop Rooney from having his own celebrations as he went wild with the club secretary in the tunnel.He told talkSPORT: “Me and the club secretary in the tunnel were celebrating, I broke his glasses celebrating.”So the win was a deserved win, but sometimes it boils over a little bit and that’s the nature of football.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRooney’s red card against Blackburn was his first since becoming a manager, despite stints at Derby County, DC United and Birmingham City.He has insisted that the decision to dismiss him was “harsh” but admitted that his reaction was not the best.Wayne Rooney hailed for management style as Plymouth surge up Championship table under Man Utd legendRooney has won three of his nine Plymouth matchesCredit: GettyHe added: “It was my first time as a manager [getting sent off].”I think as a manager or a head coach, decisions happen on the pitch and looking back, it’s a free kick, so the goal shouldn’t have stood.”In the Championship you don’t have VAR so the officials missed it and your emotions kick in and you know, I’m a passionate person, we want to win.”We worked extremely hard to win the game and to have that taken away by what I feel was a mistake by the officials, I felt was really harsh.”I reacted in a manner in which I shouldn’t have and the red card was deserved.”From my point of view the fans were fantastic, it almost galvanised the players and the stadium and we kept pushing to get the winning goal.”Rooney has since been charged the FA, though, for his conduct both during and after the incident which saw him dismissed.In a statement released on Tuesday, an FA spokesperson said: “Wayne Rooney has been charged following Plymouth Argyle’s match against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, 5 October, in the EFL Championship.”The manager’s conduct around the 87th minute was allegedly improper and/or he used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match officials, which led to his dismissal.”It’s further alleged that his conduct after being dismissed was improper and/or violent.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s also alleged that by returning to the field of play after being dismissed his behaviour was improper.”Wayne Rooney has until Tuesday, 15 October, to respond.” More

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      EFL side slapped with fresh TRANSFER BAN as years-long nightmare goes from bad to worse

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      READING have been plunged into further crisis after being hit with a new transfer embargo by the EFL.The Royals are more than familiar with nightmare transfer bans after being slapped with their THIRD different market restriction since 2021.Reading have been plunged into further turmoil after being slapped with yet another transfer embargoCredit: GettyOwner Dai Yongge has suffered a tumultuous seven-year financially stricken reignCredit: Rex FeaturesIn fact, Reading were already under an embargo until 2025 as a punishment for last year’s financial misdemeanours. But the latest ruling relates to the late filing of accounts to Companies House for the 2022-23 financial year.The stricken club were hit with a second embargo just last year for failing to pay taxes on time.That came after Reading were punished with a two-year transfer ban in the summer of 2021 for an outstanding tax debt.read more football newsThe League One outfit had only been able to sign players from other clubs on loan or if they were free agents.A Reading FC statement read: ” The Club can also confirm that – alongside the requirement to operate under the terms of its business plan – it has today been placed under a formal registration embargo by the EFL.“We are working closely with our auditing partner to finalise these accounts at the earliest opportunity – at which point the embargo will be lifted immediately.”Reading have not purchased a player for a transfer fee since signing Ovie Ejaira from Liverpool for around £3million in August 2020, but the winger is now a free agent after agreeing to leave in December.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe crisis club are currently in the midst of a long ongoing takeover saga after hated current owner Dai Yongge put it up for sale earlier this year.American business Couhig were expected to complete a deal, however talks broke down late in the process and the club moved on.EFL star banned for eight matches for biting Liverpool legend Ian Rush’s nephew Reading were relegated from the Championship in May 2023 after ten years in the second tier. The club would have escaped relegation if it hadn’t been hit with a six-point deduction for various off-field breaches.The Royals finished the season on 50 points, which would have left them 19th and one point above the drop.The club were again docked six points from the League One table last season after failing to pay a HMRC bill within a specified 80-day window.Yongge has seen Reading get deducted a total of 18 points since his 2017 takeover.Reading currently sit 16th in League One, with 13 points from nine games under manager Ruben Selles.Reading timeline since Dai Yongge takeoverHere is how events have unfolded under Dai Yongge:May 2017 – Yongge takes control of 75 per cent of the club after they lost Championship play-off final on penalties to Huddersfield2021 – Reading’s accounts show pre-tax losses of £146million, with 234 per cent of its revenue spent on player wages2023 – Reading breach Financial Fair Play rules and amass deductions totalling six pointsMay 2023 – Reading relegated down to the third tier for the first time in 31 yearsAugust 2023 – Docked one point and issued a suspended three-point punishment for breaching EFL regulationsSeptember 2023 – Suspended three-point deduction triggeredFebruary 2024 – Docked two more points for yet more breachesMarch 2024 – Yongge attempts to sell training ground to fellow League One side WycombeMarch 2024 – Selling of the training ground put on hold due to planning limitationsOctober 2024 – Reading hit with third transfer embargo since 2021 More

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      Ronaldinho’s son, 19, moves to England with influencer girlfriend as he follows in Barcelona legend’s footsteps

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      RONALDINHO’S son has moved to England and is set to play for Burnley.Joao Mendes, 19, has made a permanent move to the UK with his girlfriend Giovanna Buscacio, 24.Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes has moved to England with his girlfriendCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes is following in his father Ronaldinho’s footsteps in footballCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashMendes is set to play for Burnley in the ChampionshipCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashMendes has moved to the UK with his influencer girlfriend Giovanna BuscacioCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashGiovanna has over 131,000 followers on InstagramCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes was pictured with a Clarets shirt in August after reportedly signing with the Championship outfit.Reports now suggest the winger, who could start out in Burnley’s Under-21 side, has now moved to Manchester.The Brazilian has reportedly been living in Manchester since September with his influencer girlfriend with whom he’s been with for two years.Giovanna has over 131,000 followers on Instagram and has been sharing several snaps on social media showing their new life in England.Read More on FootballMendes has been following in his father’s footsteps since the age of 13 when he started playing club football in Brazil.The led the forward to Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy where he played until June.Mendes’ contract with Burnley will reportedly run for the next two years.Ronaldinho, 44, burst onto the scene in the 2002 World Cup when he helped Brazil lift the trophy by beating Germany in the final.Most read in ChampionshipThat led to a lucrative move to Barcelona in 2003 where he amassed a staggering total of 94 goals and 71 assists in 207 appearances.The star forward also won two LaLiga titles, the 2005 Ballon d’Or and the 2006 Champions League during his five-year stint with Barca.Watch as Lamine Yamal, 17, stars alongside Ronaldinho and Barcelona legends in incredible new kit advertThe Brazil legend rolled credits on his 17-year career, which also saw him playing for Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, in 2015 with 33 goals in 97 caps.Giovanna has already started sharing snaps from their new life in EnglandCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashMendes is set to start playing for Burnley’s Under-21 sideCredit: @_mendesjoao_/NewsflashGiovanna shares a series of glam pics on social mediaCredit: @giobuscacio/NewsflashGiovanna will be rooting for Mendes from the standsCredit: @giobuscacio/Newsflash More