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      Chelsea fans warned they face ‘prison food’ as opponents for Europa Conference League confirmed

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      CHELSEA fans face being served grub ‘worse than prison food’ when they play their Europa Conference League play-off at the end of August.Enzo Maresca’s men must win the two-legged tie against Swiss side Servette if they are to enjoy group stage European football this season.Chelsea fans have been warned they face ‘prison food’Credit: Instagram @footyscranAs Cole Palmer and co. head to Switzerland on August 29Credit: GettyBut the Chelsea faithful should brace themselves for an unappealing bland hotdog when they play in Switzerland.A picture resurfaced of the paltry portion offered up at Servette after it was shared on popular football food account “Footy Scran” last year.The photo shows a sausage on its own with no bun and nothing else but a single small piece of bread – no sauce or toppings.And they’ll have to pay at least £7.20 for the privilege.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAt the time of posting, 89.1 per cent of a 18,000 strong poll said they would refuse to eat it.Taking to X, one fan wrote: “I’ve seen prisons with better food.”A second said: “Pretty sure that violates the Geneva Convention😭.”A third added: “For £7.20 you’d expect a bun or two slices of bread at least FFS.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite a sixth-place finish Chelsea dropped into the Europa Conference League after Manchester United claimed the FA Cup against Manchester City in May and took their Europa League place.Supporters also blasted the prices charged for a matchday snack at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersThe masala potatoes available have been slapped with a £7.50 price tag as their team continues to splash the cash on players.Chelsea have signed nine new faces for Maresca so far this window, with former Wolves winger Pedro Neto’s £54million arrival their latest bit of business.The Blues kick off their Premier League campaign on Sunday at home to champions Manchester City.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Ajax into Europa League after incredible shootout with 34 penalties taken and 40-year-old keeper saving five and scoring

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      SHOOTOUTS don’t get much longer, more jaw-dropping, less believable than this.Ajax qualified for the Europa League after beating Panathinaikos 13-12 on penalties – with 40-year-old keeper Remko Pasveer saving five and scoring one of the THIRTY-FOUR spot-kicks.Ajax mob hero keeper Remko Pasveer after an amazing shootout winCredit: AFPPasveer saveds in the shootout from Daniel Mancini, who later scored his second attempt but in vain as Ajax went throughCredit: GettyJordan Henderson converted one penalty but gave up the decisive oneCredit: GettyLiverpool legend Jordan Henderson netted in the 25-MINUTE shootout.And in another twist, the ex-England midfielder even had the chance to hit the winning penalty.He later explained the rather generous reason he handed it over for Anton Gaaei to convert.The drama had begun to spiral from the 89th minute of normal time.READ MORE TOP STORIESBrazilian winger Tete sneaked a second-leg winner for the Greek visitors.That levelled the third-qualifying round tie at 1-1 – sending it into extra time, which finished goalless, with little sign of what was to come.Up stepped Pasveer to become the surprise hero – in a manner he could never have dreamed of when starting his senior career 20 years ago.The Dutch stopper has been labelled a Jimmy Bullard look-alike since British fans noticed him playing against Liverpool two seasons ago.Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBullard, 45, was a cult performer for Wigan and Fulham before co-hosting Sky Sports’ Soccer AM and starring on Celebrity Masterchef.But it was Pasveer who was cooking in Amsterdam on Thursday night.Arsenal announce third summer transfer as England wonderkid joins from Champions League giantsHe launched the shootout by thwarting the very first kick – from Argentinian winger Daniel Mancini.The two sides were then locked at 4-4 when it went to sudden death.Pasveer tucked in Ajax’s 11th shootout penalty to level at 8-8 as tension soared – incredibly with much more to follow.And ironically it was a Dutchman who fluffed the last Panathinaikos effort to leave the scores at 12-12.Ex-Netherlands midfielder Tonny Vilhena, 29 couldn’t repeat his success from the spot for the Greek giants earlier in the shootout.And that enabled Gaaei to win it for Ajax by making it two out of two for himself from the spot.But even that added a flourish to the saga – as Henderson was the man designated to take the penalty.The former Three Lions’ anchorman, 34, told Ziggo Sport: “After Brian Brobbey missed, Anton Gaaei said to me, ‘if they score now, you can take it, but if they miss, can I take it?’READ MORE SUN STORIES”I said, ‘sure, go take the glory’. And he is probably better at penalties anyway. He deserves it, he’s a great lad.”A straightforward explanation to an evening that had been anything but!Experienced keeper Pasveer was the hero on a stunning night of dramaCredit: EPAAnton Gaaei celebrates his winning penalty past Bartlomiej DrągowskiCredit: RexGaaei stepped up to steal the glory for Ajax against PanathinaikosCredit: Rex More

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      Get £50 in free bets for Real Madrid vs Atalanta in European Super Cup with Betfred

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      REAL MADRID and Atalanta meet in the European Super Cup on Wednesday – and Betfred have a Super offer to mark it.New customers who register a brand new Betfred account and stake £10 on the Euro showdown will be rewarded with £50 in free football bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereGet £50 in free bets for Real Madrid vs Atalanta in European Super Cup with BetfredYou can’t accuse Real Madrid of resting on their laurels, despite a conquering seasons last time out.The Champions of Europe wrapped up the signing of superstar Kylian Mbappe to add to their roster of world class talent already.Vinicius Jr has been linked with an eye-watering move to Saudi Arabia this week, so his involvement will be watched intensely.Fitting Mbappe into that dominant forward line will be key and they’ll be warm favourites to defend that crown.Serie A side Atalanta come into this game as underdogs but earned their right to take part in this contest.The 3-0 Europa League final win over Bayer Leverkusen – who’d enjoyed an unbeaten campaign domestically and in Europe up until that point – rocked European football.How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: SUMMER50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*They’ve tried to strengthen in the summer, having multiple bids for Celtic’s Matt O’Riley knocked back.New to Betfred? You’re in luck! YOU are eligible to claim this spectacular Euro 2024 offer!Simply register a brand new account with Betfred HERE* using the Promo Code: SUMMER50 and deposit a minimum of £10 using a debit card.Once that’s done and dusted, stake a tenner on any qualifying sports market at odds of Evens or greater, including the Euros.After that, you’ll receive the following free bets and bonuses;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)Betfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.begambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*New customers only. Register with SUMMER50 between 31/05/24 – 14/07/24. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

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      Man Utd 3 Real Betis 2: Marcus Rashford looks back to his best before he is forced off in huge injury scare

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      PERHAPS Manchester United are going to get the real Marcus Rashford back again.The evidence of this pre-season game against Real Betis suggests they are.Manchester United picked up an impressive victory against Real BetisCredit: AFPMan Utd are facing an anxious wait after Marcus Rashford’s injuryCredit: APThey have just got to hope that the challenge which saw him limp off in the 61st minute of this game is nothing serious.He looked in a pain, stopping twice as he made his way to the tunnel. A sad end to a great night for him.Rashford was buzzing, looking like he was enjoying the ball at his feet once more.The 26-year-old even spoke with manager Erik ten Hag during the game.Read More on Man UtdThose two barely exchanged a word in the second half of last season.That came after the player had partied until the early hours of the morning in Belfast on a day when he was supposed to be training ahead of the FA Cup game at Newport last January.He phoned in sick, Ten Hag later found out the background and was fuming.Had Ten Hag not been short of numbers, Rashford could have even ended up sidelined for a considerable period.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAs it was, his form did not demand a consistent first-team place as the season progressed. He would fall out the England squad for the Euros as well.Having posted career best figures of 30 goals the season before, he would grab only eight in the last campaign.Man Utd fans convinced Marcus Rashford ‘scoring 40 goals this season’ after seeing video of him ‘feeling like Maradona’On nights like this in San Diego you wonder quite why he lost his way so badly last season.His focus certainly seemed to go away from football.The sight of him in tears in front of the United fans after a good display in that triumphant FA Cup Final did show, however, how much this club still means to him.He has medals from his time with the club – two FA Cups, two League Cups and a Europa League – but when he spoke this week it was clear he has eyes on bigger prizes.Rashford said: “I still have dreams of winning the big trophies, the Premier League and Champions League with Man United. So hopefully we can get that done.”For now it is just about getting further up the Premier League after finishing a club record low of eighth last season.Back to goalscoring waysThey will need Rashford’s goals to do that particularly with Rasmus Hojlund missing the first four games with a hamstring injury.The arrival of Joshua Zirkzee will help but United need the goals coming the whole front four.They were in good form in front of goal in this game.After Iker Losada had given Betis a 15th-minute lead at the Snapdragon Stadium, it was Rashford who equalised from the spot just two minutes later.Amad Diallo had won it and what a performance the 22-year-old put in as well.A constant threat, he scored a cracker to put United ahead in the 25th minute using superb control to take the cross from Harry Amass before curling the ball home.It was three on 31 minutes. Amad appeared to over hit a corner but Rashford was beyond the far post to feed the ball back across goal for Casemiro to turn in.READ MORE SUN STORIESBetis would get a goal back on 61 minutes from Diego Llorente’s header.Now the anxious wait for news on Rashford…Amad Diallo put together an impressive performance for Man UtdCredit: GettyCasemiro sealed an impressive victory for Man Utd against Real BetisCredit: AFP More

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      Football free bets: Get £20 plus £10 casino bonus and Europa League qualifying price boost with BoyleSports

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      EUROPEAN qualification comes thick and fast at this early stage of the season and there’s a bumper card this week.And bookmakers BoyleSports are celebrating the return of domestic football with a fantastic offer for brand new customers with £20 in free bets plus an extra £10 casino bonus up for grabs!Not just that! There’s also a super price enhancement on offer for Thursday’s Europa League qualifiers with Panathanaikos, Ajax and Braga all to win and both teams to score in each match available at 25/1!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereGet £20 in free bets, £10 casino bonus and Europa League boost with BoyleSportsBet £10 to get £20 in free bets and £10 casino bonus – CLAIM HERE*Panathanaikos, Ajax and Braga all to win and BTTS in each match at 25/1 – CLAIM HERE*How to claim..BoyleSports offerVisit the BoyleSports website via your mobile HERE*Register a new account — no Promo Code requiredDeposit a minimum of £10 using CardsPlace a bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/1 or greaterOnce that’s settled, BoyleSports will credit your account with £20 in free bets plus an extra £10 casino bonusBoyleSports – Claim £20 in free bets and a £10 casino bonus HERE*Not got a BoyleSports account? No problem!Brand new BoyleSports customers who register an account will receive £20 in free bets and a £10 bonus to spend in the casino!It’s very easy to sign-up. Simply visit the BoyleSports website, register and deposit at least a tenner.Stake a tenner or more at odds of 1/1 or greater and once that’s settled — you’ll have your account credited with a £30 welcome bonus.Bet £10 to get £20 in free bets and £10 casino bonus – CLAIM HERE*Panathanaikos, Ajax and Braga all to win and BTTS in each match at 25/1 – CLAIM HERE**New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Mobile Exclusive. £30 in FREE Bets (FB) as £20 in sports bets & a £10 casino bonus (CB). Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7-day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Account & Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept £10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable £100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. 18+. T&Cs apply. 18+. Prices subject to fluctuation & availability. Bet responsibly. 90 mins only. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Pub team who stunned Derry in Conference League rewarded with amazing tie vs giants who beat Man Utd last season

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      THE pub team that caused one of the biggest European upsets in recent memory has landed a huge tie for their second Europa Conference League qualifier.Bruno’s Magpies stunned the footie world earlier this month by dumping Derry City out of the qualifiers for Europe’s third club competition.Bruno’s Magpies dumped Derry City out of the Europa League qualifiers earlier this monthCredit: SPORTSFILEThe Gibraltans – who were formed in 2013 by a group of friends who drank in a bar called Bruno’s – won their tie with the League of Ireland side 3-2 to move a step closer to qualification for the tournament.But they’ve landed an almighty big fish for their second qualifier, the first leg of which takes place next Thursday.The minnows, whose name went viral, will have to go through Danish giants FC Copenhagen if they’re to have any hope of qualifying for the competition.The tie quickly became the talk of footie fans on social media, with one of whom said: “Living the dream.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnother said: “So crazy.”And another said: “Amateur pub team vs the biggest club in the QR2.”No matter the result, it’s going to be a magical experience for the Magpies.”One remarked: “Absolutely love football.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother chimed in: “Absolutely epic that “The best pub team in the world” will face off against the capital city of Denmark.”Bruno’s Magpies will face an incredibly difficult task to replicate their giant-killing of Derry against the Danes.Play Home Games and guess which sporting icon lived in this dream mansionCopenhagen played Champions League football last season and played a big role in dumping Manchester United out of the tournament.The Danes lost their first Group A match against the Red Devils 1-0, although they beat them 4-3 in the return tie.They have been rewarded with a second-round tie against FC CopenhagenCredit: AFPFC Copenhagen beat Manchester United in last season’s Champions LeagueCredit: Getty More

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      Europa Conference League shock as PUB TEAM progress after knocking out former league champions

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      QUALIFYING for the Europa and Europa Conference League pulled out some major shocks.The competitions does not start until September 25/26 and October 3 respectively.Gibraltar pub team Bruno’s Magpies stunned Derry City in Europa Conference League tableCredit: SportsfileDerry manager called it a ‘real low point’Credit: SportsfileHowever, with 236 clubs from 54 Uefa member countries across the two competitions and the Champions League, there are clubs from all walks of life trying to earn their spot.Clubs from as far east as Astana and as far west as Iceland all face off in the hopes of making the group stages. Thursday saw the second legs for the first qualifying round for the Europa League and Conference League completed.And this pulled up some huge shocks on the cards that one might only expect in a fairytale.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne stunning result saw Bruno’s Magpies – a team founded in 2013 by friends drinking at a PUB called Bruno’s bar – beat former Irish champions Derry City.Following a 2-0 defeat at the Magpies’ 5,000-capacity Victoria Stadium a week earlier, Derry hosted the second leg at the Brandywell.Goals from Mark Connelly and Pat Hoban before half-time looked set to put them on the path of qualification.But they were unable to find the all-important third before Evan De Haro fired home a rebounded strike from a long-range effort in extra-time to secure a stunning win for the Magpies.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis has set up a huge tie against Champions League regulars FC Copenhagen – the former club of Manchester United stars Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo – to be played over the next two weeks.The game saw Andorran ref Antoine Paul Chiaramonti disallow a goal from Pat Hobans before also issuing a red card to Candystripes star Adam O’Reilly.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersOn the defeat, Derry manager Ruaidhri Higgins said: “It’s a real low point personally and for the club.”It’s a tie we should be winning. There’s no point in saying otherwise. It’s a tie we should be winning and it’s poor. “It’s going to hurt badly probably for a long time internally but we don’t have too much time to dwell on it.”Elsewhere in Europe, there were some blockbuster wins.La Fiorita, a San Marino team from the village of Montegiardino with less than 1,000 people, beat Belarusian side Isloch.There were wins for second-tier clubs from Poland, Wisła Kraków, and Romania, Cornivul, as well as a Moldovan club, Milsami Orhei, whose owner is alleged to have stolen $1billion.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere is a chance, albeit a slim one, that Chelsea face one of these teams.After being knocked into the competition following Manchester United’s FA Cup win, the Blues are entering the play-off round to be played on August 22 and 29. More

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      Man Utd and City learn Champions League fate as Uefa make decision on multi-club ownership which will affect transfers

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      MANCHESTER giants City and United will both play in Europe after their owners took advantage of a new Uefa loophole.The two clubs each faced issues over Uefa’s “multi-club ownership” rules and fears over the “integrity” of competitions.Both Manchester City and Manchester United will play in Europe next seasonCredit: The TimesWhile Premier League champions Man City were guaranteed to be in the Champions League next term, their Spanish sister outfit Girona would have been excluded.But the boot could be on the other foot in 2025-26 if the Catalan club earn a higher finishing position in La Liga than City do in the Premier League in the new campaign. Man Utd’s issues came as a direct result of new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe taking charge at the club because he was already boss of French outfit Nice, who also qualified for the Europa League. Two months ago, Uefa drafted new guidelines designed to give clubs currently part of the same stable a way to get round the “integrity” issues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOwnership groups were told that they can sell shares in EITHER club to an independent third party, as long as one of their stakes reduces to below the 30 per cent “control” threshold.Alternatively, all shares in one of the clubs could be transferred to a blind trust overseen by a Uefa-appointed panel but with a hand-picked trustee.And Uefa have now confirmed both the Premier League clubs have taken the second option.Uefa explained: “The concerned investors have transferred their shares in Girona FC and OGC Nice to independent trustees through a blind trust structure established under the supervision of the Club Financial Control Board First Chamber. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Such blind trust was accepted by the Chamber on an exceptional basis for the 2024/25 Uefa  competitions. “The trustees will regularly exchange information with Chamber during the 2024/25 season.”Watch Man City fan silence Man Utd legend Gary Neville with cheeky ‘milk’ comment However, the agreement scuppers any chance of United signing Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo or City taking anyone on the books of the Catalan club.Uefa added: “As additional evidence of their independence, the concerned clubs committed that they will not transfer players to each other, whether permanently or on loan, directly or indirectly, from July 2024 until September 2025.”The exception is pre-existing transfer agreements that had been entered into before the opening of the proceedings.”Also, the clubs will not conclude any kind of cooperation, joint technical or commercial agreements between each other.”And the clubs will not use any joint scouting or player database.”If the clubs are not in the same Uefa competitions as their sister sides next season, the shares can be transferred back but the share transfers clear the way for all four clubs to compete from September. More