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      James Ward-Prowse sent off in Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest clash as fans say ‘thought he was playing rugby’

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST ace James Ward-Prowse was sent off against Chelsea following a bizarre challenge.Ward-Prowse, 29, started for Forest in their Premier League clash against the Blues at Stamford Bridge, where the visitors picked up a 1-1 draw.Nottingham Forest ace James Ward-Prowse was sent off after lunging to the ball with his handsWard-Prowse was shown a second yellow card against ChelseaCredit: RexBut the midfielder was shown a second yellow card in the second half as he chased Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson down the halfway line for a loose ball.The England international lunged for the ball but lost his balance and fell on it with his torso.And he ultimately fell on the ball, grabbing it with both hands.The referee had no option but to give the West Ham loanee his marching orders in the 78th minute after booking him in the first half.Read More on FootballFans were left baffled by the ex-Southampton star’s reaction as it looked like he was playing rugby or cricket, rather than football.One fan tweeted: “Ward-Prowse thought they were playing rugby.”Another commented: “Bro, James Ward-Prowse just jumped on the ball like it was a fumble.”A third wrote: “Ward-Prowse just did one of the most comical actions in a football pitch ever.”Most read in FootballThis fan said: “That’s the dumbest red card I’ve seen all season, what is James Ward-Prowse thinking.”And that one posted: “Ward-Prowse. Red card. Cricket level fielding. This is the funniest thing of the day.”Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest: Player Ratings and Team PerformanceWard-Prowse joined Forest on loan from West Ham on transfer deadline day last summer.The central midfielder has since amassed five appearances across all competitions with the Tricky Trees.Chelsea player ratings vs Forest: Madueke shines again but hot-head Jackson too busy arguing CHELSEA were held by ten-man Nottingham Forest as frustration filled Stamford Bridge.Noni Madueke cancelled out Chris Wood’s opener but the Blues couldn’t find a winner.And frustrations boiled over with a mass brawl in added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Figg rated the Blues stars.Robert Sanchez – 8Excellent positioning to snuff out Forest counter on hour mark and made two sensational late saves to deny the visitor’s a winner.Malo Gusto – 6Wasn’t able to prevent Nikola Milenkovic’s flick on to set up Wood’s opener but he produced a great block to deny Gibbs-White in the box.Wesley Fofana – 7Forming a good partnership at the back with Colwill. Finally some consistency at centre-half for Chelsea.Levi Colwill – 7Made a huge block to prevent Yates in the first half. John Terry-esque defending.Marc Cucurella – 5Lacked attacking creativity down the left having filled in at centre-back at times. Failed to form much of a threat with Sancho.Moises Caicedo – 6Agonisingly close to getting ahead of Wood to prevent the Forest opener. Took the role as deep-lying midfielder in front of back line.Enzo Fernandez – 5Still looks to be finding his best position under Maresca. Not a natural holding midfielder but denied preferred advanced role by Palmer.Cole Palmer – 6Looked lively when afforded space in the centre but the Chelsea superstar saw a huge chance saved thanks to Matz Sels double save.Noni Madueke – 8Constant threat down the right side with his goal well deserved. But the winger finds himself guilty of making the wrong choice in the final third.Jadon Sancho – 4Largely absent throughout the match with Aina doing a stellar job in keeping the tricky forward quiet. Lacked killer instinct going forward.Nicolas Jackson – 4Apart from pressing, quiet throughout. Slow to react in the box in a frustrating sign of inconsistency after recent goalscoring form. Spent more time arguing with team-mates at points.SubsJoao Felix (for Fernandez 80 mins) – 6Christopher Nkaunku (for Jackson 80 mins) – 6Mykhailo Mudryk (for Sancho 89 mins) -5Pedro Neto (for Madueke 89 mins) – 6Tosin Adarabioyo (for Colwill 90+3 mins) – 5 More

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      Former Chelsea star swaps national teams and vows to fight for England spot despite playing twice for Jamaica

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      FORMER Chelsea midfielder Omari Hutchinson has confirmed his allegiance to England and will battle for a place in the Three Lions squad.The 20-year-old earned two full caps with Jamaica before being called up to England’s U21s in August after a breakthrough season with Ipswich.Omari Hutchinson has committed to England, according to reportsCredit: RexThe former Chelsea midfielder previously earned two caps for Jamaica through his dadCredit: GettySeveral meetings have been held at various intervals over the last 12 months with Jamaica asking him to fully commit to them.While people close with the England U21s camp have been trying to convince him to return to the Three Lions fold.According to The Athletic, Hutchinson enjoyed playing for Jamaica with his dad Leon born on the Caribbean island.But Hutchinson has decided to fully commit to England – despite the vast difference in talent pools and competition for places.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Ipswich star was forced into a final decision because if he’d earned one more cap for Jamaica he wouldn’t be able to switch allegiance.A football player becomes cap-tied to a nation after playing more than three matches for that team – or one competitive appearance.But Hutchinson has played two friendlies with Jamaica against Catalonia in May 2022 and Trinidad and Tobago last year.He had previously represented England at U17 and U19 level.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJamaica boss Steve McClaren, who was appointed in July, was involved in trying to convince Hutchinson to earn more caps there.Hutchinson decided to opt out of international football last year to focus on securing Ipswich promotion to the Prem.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsIn March, he told the Athletic: “I got called up for both England and Jamaica, but I said, ‘Look, I want to leave internationals out for this season and focus on Ipswich’.“There are a lot of games and my body is quite sore as it’s my first season in men’s football.”Hutchinson has been called up to the England U21 squad for their upcoming European Championship qualifiers.His fine form on loan with The Tractor Boys last term saw him score 10 Championship goals and provide five assists, as Ipswich finished second to earn automatic promotion.Ipswich earned promotion to the Prem last season and currently sit 17thCredit: ReutersHutchinson then permanently joined Ipswich in a club-record deal from Chelsea for an initial fee of £18m plus performance related add-ons in July.Arsenal pocketed a tidy near £4m windfall after Chelsea sold Hutchinson, after the forward signed for the Gunners aged 12.He will have to compete with a strong senior England side once he makes the jump from the U21s – who have been given more chances of late.READ MORE SUN STORIESAngel Gomes and Morgan Gibbs-White have been called up under interim boss Lee Carsley – but they’ll have to fight Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice and Cole Palmer for minutes.Meanwhile, Mason Greenwood has chosen to go the other way by turning his back on England to play for Jamaica pending Fifa approval. More

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      Chelsea wonderkid Kendry Paez, 17, warned about his off-the-field antics by his national team head coach

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      CHELSEA wonderkid Kendry Paez has been WARNED about his conduct off-the-pitch after the teenager was caught partying AGAIN.Paez, who will officially sign for Chelsea in a £17.2m move in May 2025, made headlines in March after his Ecuador team-mates reportedly took him to a strip joint.Chelsea wonderkid Kendry Paez has been warned about his conduct off the field after being caught partying for the second time this yearEcuador manager Sebastian Beccacece said the 17-year-old must learn to handle the pressures of life in the spotlightPaez made headlines in March when he was allegedly taken to a New York strip club by Ecuador team-mates despite being underageEcuador’s national federation threatened to axe several senior stars after videos allegedly showed a then 16-year-old Paez in a New York strip club.His presence raised alarm due to the teenager being a minor, with US law banning anyone under the age of 21 from being present. And now the attacking midfielder, 17, has raised eyebrows again after being caught partying in a nightclub for the second time this year, according to the Daily Mail.The fresh incident has caused Ecuador’s head coach Sebastian Beccacece to offer some timely advice to the teenager.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBeccacece said Paez must learn how to handle his new-found fame as he prepares for a life-changing move to Stamford Bridge.He told Ecuadorian outlet Studio Futbol: “I have experience with him. I rely on that, but I don’t ignore what happens on social networks or at his club.”It’s my responsibility to be aware. But my experience with him has made me empathetic. “He is very talented, and he knows he must learn to handle this, especially now that he is sold to a club and is part of the national team.”Most read in FootballPaez appeared to be alongside those in the New York strip club in MarchVideos showed a number of players visiting the club before their defeat to ItalyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe manager added: “He has been important in day-to-day practices.”He was significant when he came on against Brazil and stood out against Peru, hitting from outside and connecting well with Pervis. Chelsea fans fume after Gent supporters throw chairs and rip down banners from stands in ugly scenes during clash “I would like him to play outside, but he can’t because of age restrictions. But I’m attentive to him, and he has been respectful to us.”Paez will join Chelsea once he turns 18 in May 2025, with many fans believing he is a “Ballon d’Or level player”.Chelsea agreed a deal for the talented youngster from Independiente del Valle in the summer of 2023 when he was only 16. In October last year he became the youngest-ever South American to score in a World Cup qualifier – a goal assisted by future Chelsea team-mate Moises Caicedo. Since being called up to the senior squad in June 2023, Paez has made 15 appearances for the Ecuador national team, scoring twice.Real Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Manchester United, Manchester City and several other European clubs scouted him before Chelsea secured his signature, with Paez continuing to learn English before his arrival.Midfielder Paez is a raising star in Ecuador More

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      Football could be forced to adopt US-style transfer system with game becoming Wild West after Lassana Diarra ruling

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      FOOTBALL has always believed it did not have to follow the American model.But if the ramifications of the latest European Court ruling on the game are as claimed by the man who broke the system in the 1990s, we could be entering the Wild West.Lassana Diarra’s beef with Fifa’s rules could lead to the end of the current transfer systemCredit: GettyFootball could be entering a US-styled Wild West after the latest European Court rulingCredit: GettyFor players, it will be like walking into the casinos in Las Vegas with a massive pile of chips but knowing they have already been dealt a winning hand on a loaded table.Jean-Louis Dupont was the lawyer who beat Uefa over the treatment of Belgian player Jean-Marc Bosman.That landmark judgement meant clubs could no longer demand a fee for a player who was out of contract.But the secondary repercussions was the end of the “three plus two” rule demanding that clubs fielded a minimum quota of homegrown stars, turning European club football into a continent without borders.Read More on FootballAnd even if former Chelsea ace Lassana Diarra’s beef with Fifa’s rules was about his right to walk away from Lokomotiv Moscow when they stopped paying him in 2014, the final outcome could well be the end of the current transfer system.The ruling of the five senior Judges in the Luxembourg-based Court said: “The rules in question impede the free movement of footballers wishing to develop their activity by going to work for a new club.“Those rules impose considerable legal risks, potentially very high financial risks as well as major sporting risks on those players and clubs wishing to employ them.”No wonder a crowing Dupont claimed a “total victory”, adding that the Court had “severely censured the structurally illegal actions of the current regulations”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMore critically, he predicted: “This paves the way for a modernisation of governance, in particular through the use of collective bargaining between employees and employers.”And that was always Dupont’s end-game as he allied himself with the international players’ union Fifpro to take on Fifa.Transfer fees could be scrapped in biggest change to football in 30 years after landmark court case brought against Fifa If clubs cannot demand transfer fees for players who are under contract, then it is all about the package they are offered.Either their current club puts so much on the table, with US-style ten-year contracts including massive £100million-plus loyalty bonuses for seeing out the deal, that the player wants to stay.Or they simply jump when a higher bidder knocks on the door. And whichever is the outcome, the players and their agents win. Of course, Dupont would say that. He is not averse to exaggeration.On the other side, Fifa attempted to downplay its significance, claiming this was a very narrow ruling with no wider implications.Transfer fees scrapped Q&A: How landmark ruling could mean NFL-style trades and stars suing for millionsFORMER Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra has won his landmark case at the European Court of Justice.SunSport’s Martin Lipton explains what it was all about – and what it might mean for the future of football…What was the case about?Diarra argued Fifa’s transfer rules were illegal after the world body backed Lokomotiv Moscow’s claim that he had broken his contract by refusing to train with them.Is that it?No. Belgian club Charleroi wanted to sign Diarra but were told they would have to pay the money he was fined by Moscow, while Fifa refused to issue an International Transfer Certificate unless they coughed up.Okay, so what does the ruling mean?Theoretically players will have the right to break their contracts and switch clubs without a fee changing hands – just like any employee in any other industry.Hang on – does that mean the END of transfer fees?Potentially, yes. Although players would have to want to move.We would basically end up with a US-style “collective bargaining” model where players would be free to move within transfer windows without impunity.Clubs might be able to “trade” players – swap deals – but with no extra cash changing hands.Is everybody agreed about this?Absolutely not. Fifa claimed the ruling “only puts in question two paragraphs of two articles” of its transfer regulations.Yet the Judges said the current rules were “prohibited” under EU law and “anti-competitive” as they “limit the freedom of action” of players to change employer.Read SunSport’s full Q&A with football on the brink of the biggest shake-up in 30 years…A spokesman said: “Fifa is satisfied that the legality of key principles of the transfer system have been re-confirmed.“The ruling only puts in question two paragraphs of two articles of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.” Transfers could changeFifa insiders are pointing fingers at Fifpro, asking what the union hopes to gain.They do, though, concede the world body should have intervened to grant the International Transfer Certificate which would have allowed Diarra to join Belgian side Charleroi after his fall-out with Moscow and must now rewrite that aspect of its rulebook.Likewise, the rules that meant Charleroi would have been liable to pay Diarra’s fine from Moscow will also have to go.Yet many fear this could be a case of shutting the stable door after the entire herd has bolted.There are also concerns that the consequences will go way beyond the initial scope of the case.The judges did rule, specifically, that a “certain degree of stability in the squads of all professional football clubs” was a good thing during a season.They implicitly backed the current transfer registration windows that mean players can only move in the summer and in January.Likewise, if a club can be found, unquestionably, to have “incited” a player to walk out on a rival, then a sanction might be appropriate.Good luck in getting hold of those WhatsApp messages.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut with the current regulations now deemed to have breached EU law, the very fabric of the transfer rulebook will be in question.And nobody can be sure where it will end up. 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      Ex-Man Utd coach reveals ‘no one knew anything about Sancho’ and admits Chelsea star would ‘sneak off to London a lot’

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      JADON SANCHO’S stint at Manchester United failed because the coaching team knew “literally nothing” about him.That is according to ex-United first-team coach Benni McCarthy, who spent the last two years at Old Trafford working under manager Erik ten Hag.Chelsea star Jadon Sancho failed at Man Utd because of a ‘lack of communication and understanding’Credit: GettyEx-Man Utd first-team coach Benni McCarthy claims no one knew anything about SanchoCredit: GettySancho fell out with Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag before his move to ChelseaCredit: PASancho would also ‘sneak out’ to London during his time at Man UtdCredit: PASancho, 24, joined the Red Devils in 2021 after a staggering £73million move from Borussia Dortmund, where he thrived for four years but never managed to live up to his billing in Manchester.The winger ultimately fell out of favour last year after a public spat with Ten Hag, who claimed he left him out of the squad because of his performances in training.The player responded with a fiery post on social media claiming he was turned into a “scapegoat” amid the team’s turbulent start to the campaign.The England international refused to backtrack and that led to the Dutch tactician axing him from the first team entirely.Read More on Man UtdMcCarthy, 46, claims the main reason behind Sancho’s hapless United stint was down to a “lack of communication and understanding” between the forward and the coaching staff.And that led to Ten Hag as well as his assistants never really getting to know the now Chelsea star as a player.McCarthy said on the On The Whistle podcast: “Just a bit of communication problems, really, because Sanch is a very quiet guy.”No one knows literally nothing about Jadon. Jadon comes in, he does his job, he does his work, and then it’s just like, very quiet.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”[He’s] A great boy, great character, fantastic footballer, unbelievable the things that he can do. “For me, it was a real shame that it didn’t work out for Jadon at United, because I thought he was the type of player that would flourish in a United shirt. Man Utd flop Jadon Sancho makes bizarre claim about Enzo Maresca being reason he joined Chelsea but it doesn’t add up”But unfortunately, I think lack of communication and understanding, I think was was part of the downside that didn’t end up working with Sanch.”Sancho returned to Dortmund on loan in January and showed glimpses of his former self as he helped the Bundesliga giants make it to the Champions League final.The forward returned to United in the summer and reached an uneasy truce with Ten Hag but still couldn’t manage to convince on the pitch and thus joined Chelsea on loan with an obligation to buy.McCarthy believes Sancho may finally reach his full potential with the Blues, especially after an impressive start under new manager Enzo Maresca, as he is now closer to home.The South Africa legend suggested the fact the Camberwell native was far from home also contributed to his troubles at Man Utd as he revealed he would often “sneak out” to London.McCarthy added: “He’s closer to home because he did sneak out to come to London quite a lot.Sancho would ‘sneak out’ to London”So probably the fact that he was missing home, and, just wanted to be a bit closer to family and friends and his culture.”The London culture is quite strong, so I think Jadon maybe wanted more of that. So that’s why he kept on. He was in London quite a lot.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Now he is closer to home, so hopefully he can find that peace, he can find that bit of magic that he found when he went to Dortmund, and he gets the love that he deserves from the coaching staff, the players.”I think he will turn out to be a special player again. Because I think every single one that knows Sancho that would want him to be at that level, because it’s good for world football.” More

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      Chelsea fans fume after Gent supporters throw chairs and rip down banners from stands in ugly scenes during clash

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      GENT supporters caused chaos both inside and outside of Stamford Bridge before Chelsea’s Europa Conference League match. Enzo Maresca’s Blues hammered the travelling Belgian side 4-2. Gent fans threw chair seats at Stamford BridgeCredit: AFPIt caused ugly scenes inside Stamford BridgeCredit: AFPThe Bobby Tambling banner from the upper tier was torn downCredit: GettyScenes turned ugly in the Chelsea away endCredit: GettyA ripped up broken seat is chucked by away fansCredit: GettyBut the visiting Gent fans made their presence known in the hours leading up to the game. They filled the plush streets of West London with flares and loud chants as they made their way into the stadium. Fans waved scarves above their heads and blocked the middle of the road as cyclists tried to weave between the crowd while buses were completely halted.And when inside, the carnage continued when some fans tore up chairs in the stands and THREW them. READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe Chelsea faithful were left further horrified when the Bobby Tambling banner from the upper tier was torn down. One said: “Disgraceful.”Another added: “The Gent fans were absolutely disgraceful.”Both sets of fans engaged in aggressive chanting back and forth as things looked to be on the brink of escalating. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOn the pitch, Chelsea breezed to a comfortable win thanks to goals from Renato Veiga, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. It was Maresca’s fifth win on the spin and he said: “We are performing not only in attack but defensively very well. We are happy. Enzo Maresca insists identity of Chelsea is starting to take shape “I need to repeat always the same: For sure, we can do many, many things better – we can attack better and defend better. “Tonight probably the most important thing we can learn is even if we are 4-1, even to the final whistle you have to switch on, you cannot switch off.”I think we conceded the second goal just because we saw the game was already finished. “I think if we want to be one step forward, even when you are 4-1 and the game is almost finished, you need to continue and not concede another goal. “We are really happy with the performance. We approached it very well. These games are never easy. “So I am very happy with the performance and the result.”Enzo Maresca celebrates with his playersCredit: Reuters More

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      Chelsea legend cheers on RIVALS Gent from stands during Conference League clash as son, 22, plays against Blues

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      CHELSEA icon Eidur Gudjohnsen was caught in two minds as was spotted at Stamford Bridge, cheering on his son.Gudjohnsen, 46, starred for Chelsea across six seasons from 2000 to 2006.Chelsea icon Eidur Gudjohnsen returned to Stamford Bridge last nightCredit: GettyBut he was there to cheer on their rivals as his son starred for GentCredit: GettyAndri Gudjohnsen chipped in with an assist but was on the losing side as Chelsea won 4-2Credit: GettyGudjohnsen, 46, was joined in the stands by eldest son Sveinn Aron GudjohnsenCredit: RexWhile at Stamford Bridge the Iceland international made 263 appearances, scoring 78 goals and adding 40 assists.His exploits helped the Blues win the Premier League twice under Jose Mourinho and landed the League Cup and Community Shield twice – one of which was pre-Mourinho.Gudjohnsen returned to his old stomping ground during Chelsea’s clash with Gent in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night, but was not simply there to support the home side.Instead, Gudjohnsen was present to cheer on his son, Andri, who was appearing for the visitors. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 22-year-old managed to chip in with an assist as Tsuyoshi Watanabe scored for the Belgian side in the second half.However, it was not enough to overcome Enzo Maresca’s side as they romped to a 4-2 victory thanks to goals from Renato Veiga, Pedro Nero, Christopher Nkunku and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.Gudjohnsen senior was spotted in the stands wearing a black jumper, blue blazer and flat cap while also enjoying a hot beverage.The 88-cap Iceland star has one daughter and three sons, all of whom are footballers at different levels.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAndri is his middle son, while 26-year-old eldest son Sveinn Aron stars for Norwegian outfit Sarpsborg 08 and youngest son Daníel Tristán stars for Swedish club Malmo.Sveinn Aron joined his father on the trip, taking to Instagram to share a video as the stars emerged from the tunnel before the game.Chelsea’s player ratings against GentFollowing his time at Chelsea Gudjohnsen went on to star for Barcelona from 2006, winning the Continental Treble under Pep Guardiola in 2009.After moving to Monaco, Gudjohnsen then returned to England on loan with Tottenham from January 2010 to June 2010.This was followed by a permanent transfer to Stoke that summer, where he stayed until January when he went to Fulham on loan.Stints with Club Brugge, Bolton and Molde would follow before he retired in 2017.Andri called it a “nice moment for me and my family” as he spoke on TNT Sports following the match. More

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      Ex-Chelsea star Alvaro Morata forced to move house just days after moving in after town’s Mayor leaked new home

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      ALVARO MORATA has said he had to make an instant house move – after his new town’s mayor revealed where the striker lives.Spain captain Morata, 31, joined AC Milan in July after leaving Atletico Madrid.Alvaro Morata made an instant house move after his new town’s mayor revealed where he livesMorata made the reveal onlineThe ex-Chelsea striker moved into a luxury home in Corbetta, a town of 18,000 people west of Milan.But the former £60million Chelsea record buy felt his family’s security was endangered after Corbetta’s mayor Marco Ballarini posted news of their arrival on social media.The report swiftly went viral among townsfolk, prompting the Moratas to move out.Euro 2024 winner Morata fumed on Instagram: “Dear Mr Mayor, thanks for violating my privacy. Thankfully I don’t have anything of value.READ MORE IN football”The only treasures I have are my children, whose security has been jeopardised by you.”I thought that the town of Corbetta could afford me a certain amount of privacy.”Instead I find myself having to move house straight away, thanks to your inabilities to use social media and to safeguard your citizens.”Mayor Ballarini had previously proudly written: “Alvaro Morata is a Corbetta citizen. Here We Go!Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The Spanish striker, newly signed by Milan, is finalising the paperwork for the move to his marvellous new home in our town.”I am a huge Inter Milan fan, but it is with pleasure that I offer Alvaro Morata a welcome to our big family in Corbetta.”Morata scored 24 goals in 72 Chelsea appearances following his 2017 arrival from Juventus.However, he spent just 18 months at Stamford Bridge before returning home to join Atletico.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 Seasons More