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    Liverpool star Thiago breaks down in tears on bench after missing Carabao Cup final vs Chelsea with injury in warm-up

    THIAGO was left in tears after injuring himself in the Carabao Cup final warm-up and missing the game. The Spanish international was due to start in Liverpool’s midfield against Chelsea at Wembley.
    Thiago was left in tears after injuring himself in the Carabao Cup final warm-up and missing the game

    But it was revealed he suffered a knock in the pre-match preparations and was replaced by Naby Keita.
    Cameras were focussed on Thiago before kick off and showed Liverpool keeper Alisson comforting his tearful team-mate.
    Fans online sympathised for the former Bayern Munich star, who has already suffered hip and calf problems this season.
    One tweeted: “Heartbroken for Thiago, you can see how much he wanted to play.”
    Another posted: “Thiago is crying. Absolutely gutted for him.”
    One added: “I feel so sorry for Thiago though, being forced to sit out an important game for your team is sad.”
    Another added: “Nah Thiago’s tears are too valuable.”
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    BETTING SPECIAL – GET TAYLOR TO BEAT CATTERALL AT 20/1
    Thiago has missed 21 games this season and Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp this week admitted keeping the playmaker fit is a problem.
    He said: “I think we all agree, Thiago agrees, there were moments when he struggled injury-wise, that’s how it is.
    “Then coming back, even with his quality it’s not that you can get rhythm all the time immediately.
    “You can get rhythm, but not always immediately. It’s very helpful if you can stay fit for a longer period.
    “It’s not so important if you play the first 60 [minutes], or the last 30, or 45 or whatever. We have to try to find the right intensity for him.
    “Even when we work now longer together, obviously it’s still not ages and it’s not that we know absolutely everything.
    “That’s why we try to – without keeping him outside when he’s ready to play – do the right things. That’s worked out now the last few games.
    “That he’s a very, very good player, we were never in doubt about that. His skillset is insane.
    “But it’s all about staying fit. That’s what we are working on together.”
    Trent Alexander-Arnold and Thiago in Liverpool’s pre-match warm upCredit: Getty More

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    Sunderland clash with Burton suspended for 50 minutes due to medical emergency in stands with stewards evacuating area

    SUNDERLAND’S game with Burton was suspended due to a medical emergency in the stands – as stewards evacuated the area.Just four minutes had been played of the League One fixture when referee Robert Lewis paused proceedings after a fan fell ill in the West Stand.
    Sunderland’s game with Burton was suspended due to a medical emergency in the standsCredit: MatchDay Images Limited
    Both teams returned to the changing rooms while stewards cleared a path to allow emergency services access to the stricken supporter.
    The game was delayed for almost 50 minutes while the fan received treatment before he was eventually taken to hospital. 
    The club tweeted: “Stewards are currently clearing the area to ensure the emergency services can safely transfer the patient from the seating deck.
    “Further information regarding the game will be communicated in due course.
    “The emergency services are continuing to work and we appreciate your continued understanding.
    “Our thoughts remain with the supporter involved and we will communicate further information when we have it.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    “Fans are advised that play will resume following a ten-minute warm-up.
    “We continue to send our best wishes to the supporter involved and thank you all for your cooperation and support.”
    When play did resume Burton took a second half lead through Cameron Borthwick-Jackson before Ross Stewart snatched a point for the hosts in injury time.
    It is the latest in a string of incidents in which medics were rushed into the stands to treat a fan.
    In January, tragically a Fulham supporter passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest in the Craven Cottage stands.
    Only last week, again Burton’s match, this time at home to Bolton, was also halted.
    Three minutes into the second period the match was stopped as the medical teams from both clubs raced into action.
    Burton and Sunderland players before leaving the pitchCredit: MatchDay Images Limited More

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    Man Utd legend Roy Keane snubbed return to management with Sunderland due to the length of the contract offered

    ROY KEANE rejected a return to management with old club Sunderland because of the length of the contract.The Black Cats would only guarantee the Sky Sports pundit a position for the season.
    Keane was not happy with the length of contract he was offered by SunderlandCredit: Getty
    Keane, 50, would have needed to shelve his lucrative TV deal to risk it all on gaining League One promotion.
    The Irishman was not concerned about the drop in wages but there was no chance for him to plan ahead with the initial suggestion of a short-term stay.
    Grant McCann was also offered a similar short deal, likewise stalwart Neil Warnock.
    In the end Alex Neil took the post on a reported one-year rolling contract.
    Keane initially looked set to agree a move to Sunderland when he appeared on ITV amid speculation over a Black Cats return.
    But when asked why a deal fell through, he told The Overlap Live in Manchester: “The deal has to be right for everyone.  It didn’t fall into place last week. It wasn’t meant to be. 
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    “Everything has to be right – the right challenge, the right contract. You have to fancy it.
    “I’ve not had the opportunity the last few years. There has not been a club where I think, ‘I’m the right fit for that club’.
    He also insisted he is happy to continue as a pundit if the right managerial move does not become available.
    “If I don’t get another chance, it’s no big deal,” he added.
    “You need a bit of luck. The right club has to give you the call. That hasn’t happened. It’s no big deal.” More

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    Man Utd legend Roy Keane snubbed return to management with Sunderland because of the length of the contract

    ROY KEANE snubbed a return to management with old club Sunderland because of the length of the contract.The Black Cats would only guarantee the Sky Sports pundit a position for the season.
    Keane was not happy with the length of contract he was offered by SunderlandCredit: Getty
    Keane, 50, would have needed to shelve his lucrative TV deal to risk it all on gaining League One promotion.
    The Irishman was not concerned about the drop in wages but there was no chance for him to plan ahead with the initial suggestion of a short-term stay.
    Grant McCann was also offered a similar short deal, likewise stalwart Neil Warnock.
    In the end Alex Neil took the post on a reported one-year rolling contract.
    Keane initially looked set to agree a move to Sunderland when he appeared on ITV amid speculation over a Black Cats return.
    But when asked why a deal fell through, he told The Overlap Live in Manchester: “The deal has to be right for everyone.  It didn’t fall into place last week. It wasn’t meant to be. 
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    “Everything has to be right – the right challenge, the right contract. You have to fancy it.
    “I’ve not had the opportunity the last few years. There has not been a club where I think, ‘I’m the right fit for that club’.
    He also insisted he is happy to continue as a pundit if the right managerial move does not become available.
    “If I don’t get another chance, it’s no big deal,” he added.
    “You need a bit of luck. The right club has to give you the call. That hasn’t happened. It’s no big deal.” More

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    Dion Charles backing himself to become new Jamie Vardy and go from non-league to Premier League after great Bolton start

    DION CHARLES is backing himself to become the next Jamie Vardy.Less than three years ago, the  forward, 26, was playing in National League North with Southport.
    Dion Charles (centre) celebrates his first goal for Bolton, the winner at ShrewsburyCredit: Rex
    Charles would like to emulate Jamie Vardy’s rise from non-league to Premier LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Now he is an established Northern Ireland international with six caps while also  banging them in for new club Bolton.
    Vardy became the most expensive signing from  non-league  when Leicester  bought him for £1million from Fleetwood Town when they were still in the  Conference Premier in 2012.
    He has long since made his name as an England hitman with the Foxes.
    A decade on, Charles still sees  veteran  Vardy, 35, as his inspiration and  seeing is believing.
    Charles even spent two years at Fleetwood after signing in 2016 — but never made a League One appearance and found himself back down in tier six at Halifax Town before switching to Southport.
    Yet he joined Accrington  in 2019 and, last summer,  was wanted by Championship sides Bristol City, Barnsley and  Huddersfield.
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    FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
    After  20 goals last season, Charles joined the Trotters for £320,000 in January and has five in nine games.
    Ahead of hosting AFC Wimbledon today, he vowed: “The journey is only  beginning for me  and I’m determined that if Jamie Vardy could  make it to the top, then so can I.
    “I’ve  got plenty of mates back at Southport and   always told them  I’d end up in the Championship — at least.
    “Well, I’m not in the Championship, yet. But  I play international football  for Northern Ireland — I’ve played in World Cup qualifiers.
    NINTCHDBPICT000712744950Credit: Rex
    “So, that’s got to be higher. Right?  I keep saying to my girlfriend Alex that I’m going  all the way — that I’ll play in the Championship at least with Bolton and she’s like my pals at Southport.
    “She keeps saying I’m asking for the impossible, but I’ve got tunnel vision.
    “For me, nothing’s impossible and you only have to look at the example Jamie set to all non–league players.
    “If you try hard enough and work hard enough, you can live your dream.
    “I’ve always admired him for his focus, his work ethic, his refusal  to accept that he was ‘only’ from  non-league football.
    “He showed not only what can  be done, but how it can be done — his attitude is an example to us all who started in humble beginnings.”
    If you try hard enough and work hard enough, you can live your dreamDion Charles
    Charles scored the first of his five goals with a brilliant volley to clinch a 1–0 win over Shrewsbury, earning  him the Sky Bet goal of the month award for January.
    The striker and his missus  celebrated the birth of their  second child, Hattie, a month ago.
    He explained: “For all Alex keeps telling me not to get too carried away, she’s been brilliant.
    “When I’m not training I’m spending hours in the gym and she’s been  doing all the night feeds to let me  concentrate on making it.
    “I keep telling her that anything can happen if you want it bad enough and I’m not letting up on my ambitions.
    Charles’ strike against Shrewsbury won him SkyBet’s League One goal of the month award for JanuaryCredit: Kevin Hayden
    “The first target is to get this massive club back into the Championship where it at least belongs.
    “That’s where I believe I can and will be — at least. Then we’ll go again.
    “Jamie  proved anything can happen. All you have to do is believe.” More

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    Barrow manager Mark Cooper banned for eight games for ‘abusive or insulting reference to female assistant ref’s gender’

    BARROW manager Mark Cooper has been handed an EIGHT-GAME touchline ban for referring to an assistant referee’s gender.The incident took place during Barrow’s League Two clash with Exeter on August 17.
    Cooper has been handed an eight-game ban by the FACredit: Alamy
    Cooper, 53, was sent off late in the game by the referee for alleged comments made to assistant Helen Edwards.
    The Bluebirds boss denies the allegations, but was found guilty by an independent regulatory commission.
    As well as the eight-game touchline ban, Cooper has also been fined £3,000 and ordered to attend a face-to-face education course.
    An FA statement read: “It was alleged that the manager used abusive and/or insulting words in the 91st minute, which are contrary to FA Rule E3.1.
    “These words constitute an ‘aggravated breach’, as defined in FA Rule E3.2 as they included a reference, whether express or implied, to gender.
    “Mark Cooper denied these allegations, which remain subject to appeal, after reviewing the available evidence. The written reasons for their decisions will be published in due course.”
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    Barrow are set to visit Exeter for the return fixture on Saturday.
    A Barrow statement read: “The club is aware of the decision made by the FA Regulatory Commission in the case of our manager, Mark Cooper.
    “Mark is obviously disappointed by the decision. Neither he nor the club have yet received the reasons for the decision, which will be considered with a view to appeal.”
    Cooper’s assistant Richard Dryden spoke to the media following the 0-0 draw back in August.
    He said: “I honestly didn’t hear what he said or what went on. I looked round and all of a sudden there was a red card out.” More

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    England set to be beaten by Wales for 15-year-old starlet Freddie Issaka after becoming Plymouth’s youngest ever player

    WALES are confident of winning the race over England for 15-year-old whizkid Freddie Issaka.The Plymouth striker, who became the club’s youngest ever player earlier this season, has played for both countries at Under-16 level.
    Plymouth starlet Freddie Issaka is likelier to play for Wales rather than England in the futureCredit: Getty
    Freddie Issaka became Plymouth’s youngest ever player this seasonCredit: Getty
    But Issaka was called up for a five-day Wales Under-17 training camp this week as the Dragons prepare for the Euro Championship elite round, which is due to be played in Slovenia next month.
    It is believed Truro-born Issaka, who isn’t 16 until July, qualifies for Wales through a grandparent as well as England and Ghana.
    Issaka made his Plymouth debut – at the age of 15 years and 34 days – as a substitute in the EFL Trophy loss to Newport on August 31.
    The forward has already agreed to sign a professional contract with the League One club when he turns 17.
    Wales have a decent track record of identifying and nurturing dual-nationality talent.
    The likes of English-born Dan James, Ethan Ampadu, David Brooks, Chris Mepham, Ben Woodburn and Brennan Johnson all coming through the system.
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    Issaka has made two appearances for Plymouth this season as he has played in the EFL Trophy and the FA Youth Cup.
    The youngster spent 21 minutes on the pitch at Newport but couldn’t help his team avoid a 2-0 loss.
    He was on the bench for the competition’s other two games against Arsenal’s Under-23s and Swindon. More

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    Watch hilarious moment ballboy walks on pitch and stops Luton attack during Birmingham fans’ bizarre tennis ball protest

    LUTON were stopped in their tracks during a promising attack as a ballboy strolled onto the pitch and stopped play at St Andrews.The Birmingham fans were lobbing tennis balls onto the pitch to protest against the club’s owners.

    Luton forward Elijah Adebayo brought the ball down inside the home box before twisting and turning the Brum defender.
    A hooded ballboy stalled for a moment but then casually walked across the ongoing play.
    The helper then bent down to pick up the tennis ball and throw it back into the crowd as the referee stopped proceedings.
    The Blues faithful have been holding furious protests against the club’s parent company, Hong Kong-based Birmingham Sports Holdings Ltd ‘BSHL’.
    Birmingham went on to win the game 3-0 through goals from Juninho Bacuna, Lyle Taylor and Onel Hernandez.
    It was a big win for City, who now sit in seventeenth place in the Championship.
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    Boss Lee Bowyer spoke to the Birmingham Mail about the tennis ball protest and how his team came out fighting afterwards.
    He said: “I don’t know but I do know that Gary Gardner, captain, got us going.
    “I thought our fans were great, we are all going home with a smile on our face, three new signings all scored.”
    Previous protests have attempted to encourage BSHL to sell up.
    Last month, fans set off flares outside the stadium ahead of their 2-1 victory over Barnsley. More