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      Rangers hit with suspended stadium CLOSURE over racist/discriminatory banner as club warns fans about ‘illicit songs’

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      RANGERS have been hit with a suspended stadium CLOSURE by Uefa following the recent clash with Fenerbahce.The punishment, suspended for a period of two years, has been handed down in relation to ‘racist and/or discriminatory behaviour.’Uefa have come down hard over this bannerCredit: GettyIt was displayed during the Fenerbahce match at IbroxCredit: GettyRangers have also been charged over the throwing of objectsCredit: ReutersRangers won the tie after a penalty shoot-outCredit: Willie VassLast week, Rangers released a ferocious statement where they blasted sections of their OWN support over behaviour.They revealed that Uefa sanctions were incoming following the match against Fenerbahce, held at Ibrox on Thursday, March 13.After a dramatic encounter, the Gers emerged victorious after a penalty shoot-out.But in the aftermath, Rangers raged at the ‘saddening and frankly embarrassing behaviour’ in the stands and hit out at the display of a banner in the Union Bears section.A banner displayed by the ultras read: “Keep woke foreign ideologies out. Defend Europe.”Rangers subsequently hit out at the “racist and/or discriminatory banner” as they revealed they had been hit with a number of Uefa charges.Now, the exact punishment from that charge has been handed down.Rangers have been hit with a partial stadium CLOSURE over the banner.Most read in Europa LeagueThat punishment would see the Copland Stand will SHUT for a Uefa match at Ibrox.However, it will NOT be the upcoming clash with Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals.That’s because the punishment is suspended for a probationary period of two years.Rangers ultras barred from Celtic ParkThat does, however, mean any Rangers have also been fined £25,000 in relation to the ‘racist and/or discriminatory behaviour.’The fuming club have unleashed a blistering statement, warning fans that any further discriminatory behaviour – including the singing of what they call ‘illicit songs’ – could result in the closure coming into force.Rangers also revealed they are issuing LIFETIME BANS to those responsible for the banner.In a statement, Rangers said: “Rangers notes the outcome of the UEFA disciplinary case, and the respective sanctions imposed upon the club for several issues at the recent Ibrox match with Fenerbahce.”Most notably, the club has been served with a suspended closure of the Copland Stand should there be any repeat of racist and/or discriminatory behaviour within the next two years.”This punishment must serve as a severe and significant reminder to the small minority of supporters who bring the name of Rangers into disrepute. Any repeat of any discriminatory behaviour (and this also includes the singing of illicit songs) may result in the famed ‘Rangers end’ of our home being closed for a UEFA match.”Not only will the reputation and finances of the club be harmed by such a punishment, but the chances of the team in a potentially key European match will also suffer enormously, while thousands of innocent fans will be unable to attend a massive fixture.”In response to the displaying of the racist and/or discriminatory banner at the Fenerbahce game, the club can confirm that it is in the process of issuing lifetime bans to the individuals responsible.”Rangers’ Uefa finesImproper conduct of the team (5 players or more), Art. 15(4) DR – Fine: £6,680Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b) DR – Fine: £3,755Blocking of public passageways, Art. 38 UEFA Safety & Security Regulations – Fine: £5,000Racist and/or discriminatory behaviour, Art. 14(2) DR – Fine: £25,000; Partial stadium closure (i.e. the Copland Stand) during the next one UEFA club competition match it will play as host club. Said partial stadium closure is suspended during a probationary period of two years.Rangers were also hit with THREE further Uefa fines.They were hit with a fine in relation to improper conduct of the team of around £6,750, £3,750 for throwing of objects and £5,000 for blocking of passageways.Meanwhile, Rangers have also revealed that the groups responsible for the pyrotechnics charge relating to the recent Old Firm game will be directly hit.Rangers – as well as Celtic – will receive a ticket reduction of 500 supporters at their next Premier Sports Cup match at Hampden in relation to pyro use.The statement continued: “Further, following the use of pyrotechnics at Parkhead in the Old Firm game, the club can confirm the groups responsible for their discharge will be directly impacted by the 500 ticket reduction issued as a sanction the next time the club appears in the latter stages of the Premier Sports Cup at Hampden.”The club again stresses a future use of pyrotechnics at any SPFL match may lead to a further reduction of 800 tickets at a latter-stage Premier Sports Cup match.”The strongest asset this football club has is our support, and the club knows the overwhelming majority of our supporters will be angered by these episodes and the consequences they have for the club and its supporters.”We reiterate our call for all supporters to back the team in the correct manner, and to challenge those who seek to further damage the good name of Rangers.”Celtic were also hit with three Uefa charges in the latest round of sanctions, including a suspended one-match ban for manager Brendan Rodgers.READ MORE SUN STORIESAll three sanctions stem from the Champions League tie against Bayern Munich.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Man Utd make contact with Olympiacos over wonderkid also chased by Arsenal but pair face stiff transfer competition

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      OLYMPIACOS wonderkid Babis Kostoulas is being eyed by Manchester United and Arsenal amid a stunning breakout season in Greece.Kostoulas, 17, burst onto the scene last term when he led the Piraeus outfit’s Under-19s to the Uefa Youth Cup.Manchester United made contact with Olympiacos over Arsenal target Babis KostoulasCredit: GettyKostoulas also received interest from Spain after Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A linksCredit: APThat made Olympiacos’ youth team the first ever Greek club to win a European title shortly before the seniors made history by conquering the Europa Conference League.The versatile forward was quickly promoted to the first team under manager Jose Luis Mendilibar and earned a place in the starting line-up.The Greece Under-21 international, who will soon be joining the senior national team, has so far amassed a total of six goals and two assists in 33 appearances with Olympiacos this season.That has led to interest from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Aston Villa.Read More on FootballUnited have even made contact with the Greek giants, who are not keen to sell their most promising prospect this summer.Man Utd and other interested Premier League sides face competition from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and AC Milan.SunSport also understand there is interest from Spain for Kostoulas.This comes after last month’s reports suggesting Real Madrid are keeping tabs on the Greek teenage sensation.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordSunSport can’t confirm any interest from Real but the striker has certainly turned heads in LaLiga.Kostoulas was set to join Greece during the current international break for the Nations League play-offs against Scotland.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewHowever, the youngster didn’t make the cut due to a hamstring injury he suffered three weeks ago in the Europa League’s Last 16 first leg against Bodo/Glimt.However, SunSport understand the rising star will be in contention for Sunday’s crunch play-off derby against rivals Panathinaikos at Georgios Karaiskakis. More

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      Race for Europe is hotting up and table shows Premier League is a meritocracy with likes of Brentford and Palace in mix

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      THE RACE for Europe is really hotting up as teams chase the dream of a trip to Munich, Bilbao or Bratislava.This season though looks very different as a side as low as 11th in the Premier League could qualify for continental competition.Teams will look to emulate West Ham’s success in the Europa Conference LeagueCredit: GettyMan Utd’s failures show that the Premier League is a meritocracyCredit: GettyOK, it would take a set of circumstances more complex than the welfare benefits system.But what the current table does show is that the Premier League is every inch a meritocracy.Rubbish, I hear you say. The same big teams keep winning the league.That may or may not be true — 2016 champions Leicester being a case in point — but just one look at the table and it struck me that plenty of the so-called “smaller” clubs are doing remarkably well.Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Fulham, Bournemouth, Brentford and Crystal Palace are all vying for those vaunted European places and only one of them has ever won the English title — Forest under the late, great Brian Clough.Read more football newsIndeed, this season has shown above many others that reputations mean precious little with big clubs such as Manchester United, Spurs and Everton all at the wrong end of the table.At West Ham we know only too well how a European competition can light up your season.No one will ever forget that remarkable night in Prague two years ago when Jarrod Bowen’s late winner clinched us the Uefa Conference League crown.So for those chasing the coveted European places, there is a real incentive to give their fans something to get excited about.Most read in FootballWith only a few games to go this scrap is the most exciting element left to play out, with Liverpool 12 points clear at the top of the Prem and the bottom three seemingly cast adrift from the rest.Michail Antonio given hero’s welcome as he returns to West Ham for 1st time since escaping death in horror Ferrari crashYou’ll have to bear with me as the late Professor Stephen Hawking would have struggled with the mathematics — but it is theoretically possible for the 11th-placed team in the Premier League to qualify for Europe. Very unlikely, but possible.So, here goes.Liverpool, Arsenal, Forest and Manchester City qualify for the Champions League by finishing in the top four.Newcastle end fifth but collect the extra Champions League place awarded due to our teams doing so well in Europe this season.So far, so good.What this underlines for me is that the Premier League is both the strongest in the world — and the most competitive. It also has little respect for previous achievements and stature.Karren BradyBrighton finish sixth and qualify for the Europa League, while Bournemouth end seventh but win the FA Cup, thus qualifying for the Europa League as well.Chelsea finish eighth and win the Conference League, therefore also qualifying for the Europa League.Phew. But here is where it gets a bit complicated.Aston Villa end the season in ninth but win the Champions League, giving them the right to defend their trophy.Carabao Cup winners Newcastle could find themselves in the Champions LeagueCredit: RexNottingham Forest are on the brink of European qualification for the first time in 30 yearsCredit: AlamyMeanwhile Manchester United or Spurs finish tenth, but by winning the Europa League they also qualify for next season’s Champions League.With fifth-place Newcastle in the Champions League, their Conference League slot for winning the Carabao Cup would go to the 11th-placed side in the table — with the top ten already in Europe.It was a long and winding road, but we got there in the end.Of those “smaller” clubs vying for those qualification places, two-times European champions Forest were last in Europe 30 years ago.Fulham reached a European final 15 years ago while Brighton got to the Europa League round of 16 in 2024. The others never had a sniff at sipping coffee in Copenhagen, or biting into a Bratwurst in Berlin.What this underlines for me is that the Premier League is both the strongest in the world — and the most competitive.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt also has little respect for previous achievements and stature.But between now and the end of the season on May 25, there promises to be more twists and turns than at Silverstone as clubs race for the finishing line. More

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      Man Utd files: Ruben Amorim to go all out for £50m Jarrad Branthwaite transfer but Everton star sets strict condition

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are facing a turbulent time, with troubles on and off the pitch.Keep up to date with the latest goings-on behind the scenes at Old Trafford with our Man Utd Files.LYING IN WAITEMANCHESTER United have targeted Jarrad Branthwaite to be their next defensive kingpin.But Ruben Amorim will have to win the Europa League and achieve Champions League football to prise the Everton ace out of Goodison this summer.United bosses have been hot on Branthwaite, 22, for more than a year and are ready to meet his £50m-plus valuation.Branthwaite, who made his England debut in the pre-Euro 2024 friendly against Bosnia, has not featured for the Three Lions since and was a surprise omission from Thomas Tuchel’s first squad.The Cumbrian-born defender is understood to be ready to consider the short journey from Merseyside for the profile a move to United would give him.But Branthwaite is determined that any move should be to a team playing in the Champions League, offering him a genuine showcase for his top-tier talents – and the opportunity to persuade Tuchel he should be in the World Cup mix.Spurs, whose season, like United’s, is now all about the Europa League, are potential rivals for Branthwaite’s signature.But the Old Trafford side believe they can get the deal over the line.Jarrad Branthwaite has cemented his place as a top Premier League playerBRANDON BACK ON TRACKFORMER United left-back Brandon Williams is looking to get his career back on track after a tough 12 months.Williams, 24, looked set for a golden future at Old Trafford after making 38 appearances for United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Covid-interrupted 2019-20 campaign.But his United career fizzled out with 14 matches the next season and just one more appearance either side of loan spells at Norwich and Ipswich before he was released when his contract expired last summer.This month, Williams pleaded guilty to dangerous driving after being caught speeding at 99mph in a 70 zone before a crash in August 2023, with a sentencing hearing scheduled for May.Yet a reflective Williams was able to talk about the highs and lows of being a professional footballer on the new “More than a Match” podcast in what seemed like a first step towards a better future.Senior United officials are aware of his difficulties off the pitch and would like nothing more than to see him back in football.Brandon Williams played a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas in 2023Credit: GettyMan Utd boss Ruben Amorim hails ‘perfect captain’ Bruno Fernandes after hat-trick heroics against Real Sociedad THE BIONIQ MANDIOGO Dalot would have had more than just Portugal’s Nations League quarter-final against Croatia to discuss with Cristiano Ronaldo this week – after teaming up with the one-time King of Old Trafford in a business venture.Dalot was announced as having made a €1million (£840,000) investment in nutritional supplement company Bioniq.Ronaldo was unveiled as a “major investor” in the company last year.Dalot says he has “created his own supplement routine, allowing him to vary his nutrient intake based on his performance goals”.To be fair, he has been a consistent performer in an inconsistent season for United, missing just one Prem game and making 45 appearances in all competitions.Diogo Dalot has teamed up with compatriot Cristiano RonaldoCredit: EPABLAME GAMEMAN United’s decision to raise season ticket prices by five per cent for fans aged 16-plus has not exactly gone down well.Even if all 52,000 current season ticket holders were working age adults – senior citizens will get an across the board 25 per cent reduction next term – it would raise only an extra £1.5m in revenues for the club.But failing to win the Europa League and missing out on Europe altogether will mean at least four fewer home games next season.A number of current season ticket holders exercised their “opt out” on European ties but every game at Old Trafford sees United bank more than £5m – and the quarter-final first leg against Lyon next month will be their sixth match in the competition this term.JOB LOTUNITED may be in turmoil on and off the pitch but that has not changed the tone of the club’s upbeat job adverts – despite a planned second wave of mass redundancies.While a total of 450 jobs wil be shed as part of the club’s cost-cutting drive, United are actually hiring a head of sports nutrition.And the upbeat tone of the ad still makes United’s Carrington training ground a fun place to work.The club boasts: “At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch.“Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success.“We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.“We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. “We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.”Despite showing the door to hundreds of loyal workers in the past 12 months, the ad continues: “Here at Manchester United, we place great emphasis on a culture of connection, respect, and teamwork.” More

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      How 11th place in the Premier League could get into Europe thanks to Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win

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      THE Premier League could have as many as 11 teams competing in Europe next season.Newcastle secured a place in the Europa Conference League on Sunday after winning the Carabao Cup at Wembley.Newcastle secured a space in the Europa Conference League by winning the Carabao CupCredit: GettyHowever, Eddie Howe and Co are aiming for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyShould Newcastle qualify for Europe’s elite competition, as many as 11 Prem teams could get European footballCredit: GettyThe Magpies beat Liverpool 2-1 to end their 70-year trophy drought and take home the first piece of silverware on offer this season.Although Conference League qualification is already in the bag, Eddie Howe and Co will be hoping to go one better come the end of the Premier League campaign.Newcastle currently sit sixth in the Prem table, just one point behind fifth-placed Manchester City.As things stand, five clubs are set to earn Champions League football due to the performance of English teams in Europe this term.Read More in FootballConsequently, if the Magpies do earn a spot in Europe’s elite competition in May, their Conference League place will be passed down.It is part of a domino effect that could see up to 11 clubs qualify for European football ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.How could 11 teams qualify for Europe?There are a few varying scenarios that could lead to the 11th-placed team in the Premier League earning European qualification.For example, Liverpool, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Man City may all qualify for the Champions League as the top four teams, leaving Newcastle as the fifth.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBournemouth could qualify for the Europa League by winning the FA CupCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Man Utd could finish 10th and still qualify for the Champions League if they win the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyBrighton could then find themselves taking a Europa League place by finishing sixth.Bournemouth may earn a spot in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup one week before the Prem season concludes.Eddie Howe fights back tears as he dedicates Carabao Cup to late mum as Newcastle hero Dan Burn says ‘don’t wake me up’In addition, Chelsea could bag a place in the competition by winning the Conference League.And by finishing eighth or lower in the Prem, that would likely open up another place.Should Aston Villa finish even lower but win the Champions League, they would retain their spot in the elite competition without costing any other English team a place.And finally, if all of the above were to happen and either Manchester United or Tottenham finish 10th and qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League, the team in 11th would be allocated the final Conference League place.In that scenario – although it is unlikely – the top 10 teams would have all qualified for Europe themselves, leaving the 11th-placed club with the final position.Carabao Cup final ratingsNEWCASTLE ended their 70-year trophy drought in style by beating Premier League champions-elect Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.The 2-1 scoreline flattered the Reds in truth, with Eddie Howe’s Toon having produced a sensational performance to flatten runaway league leaders.Local lad Dan Burn, fresh off his first England call-up, rose highest to head his boyhood club into the lead on the stroke of half-time.Alexander Isak then deservedly doubled Newcastle’s lead shortly after the break.The Toon could have further increased their advantage, only for forgotten man Federico Chiesa to hand Liverpool a late lifeline on 94 minutes.But that goal was unable to spur a further comeback as Newcastle saw out the remaining added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Liverpool players and Gary Stonehouse rated the Newcastle players. More

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      Fans spot ‘disappointed father’ Casemiro giving Diogo Dalot death stare after Man Utd star made huge blunder

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      CASEMIRO made his feelings towards Diogo Dalot abundantly clear by giving him a death stare during last night’s win over Real Sociedad.Manchester United romped to a 4-1 victory over the Spaniards at Old Trafford in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.Casemiro gave Diogo Dalot a death stare following an inexplicable errorDalot tried to shield the ball out of play but lost possession to a Real Sociedad attackerCredit: GettyCasemiro slid in to rescue Dalot but made sure his team-mate knew what he thought about itCredit: RexThe visitors took the lead when Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the spot before Bruno Fernandes scored two penalties of his own to give the Red Devils the lead. However, minutes after going in front Dalot made an inexplicable error in his own penalty area.The 25-year-old, playing at right wing-back, tried to shield the ball out of play following a stray pass.But the ball lacked the necessary speed to be shepherded out, with Dalot then being moved aside by Ander Barrenetxea who had the chance to create a dangerous opportunity out of nothing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFortunately for Dalot, Casemiro was on hand to quickly snuff out the danger by sliding in and putting the ball out for a corner.As he got back up to his feet, the Brazilian veteran then turned to look at Dalot.And fans could not help but notice the intensity of the stare, with the five-time Champions League winner not pleased by Dalot’s soft error.Taking to social media, one fan said: “BRO GAVE DALOT THE EYES.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsA second said: “Man looked like a disappointed father.”A third said: “Casemiro staring at Dalot killed me.”Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’Another said: “Casemiro giving Dalot the death stare completely finished me.”A fifth added: “Glad Dalot walked away cause this was an Undertaker WrestleMania stare.”Minutes later, his opposite wing-back, Patrick Dorgu, was played in behind by Joshua Zirkzee before being fouled by the last defender Jon Aramburu, who was subsequently sent off.Dorgu had earlier won the penalty for Fernandes’ second goal of the evening.Ruben Amorim’s side, now with a player advantage, continued to put pressure on the visitors, with Casemiro being replaced by Toby Collyer in the 78th minute after a strong display.They looked set to be handed another goal when referee Benoît Bastien awarded a fourth penalty of the night following a foul on Dorgu by Hamari Traoré.However, Dorgu made a classy gesture by admitting to the ref that the tackle was not a penalty.Amorim said of the gesture: “It is the right thing to do so I am quite proud of him but I cannot say if it is 0-0 or we are losing that I’d have the same response.”United’s attacking play was rewarded when Fernandes raced through on goal to smash his third goal into the bottom corner.READ MORE SUN STORIESDalot added a fourth in injury time following some exquisite play by Rasmus Hojlund, who did everything but score in a bright performance.Man Utd’s 5-2 aggregate win has set up a quarter-final tie against Lyon in April.Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings. More

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      Fenerbahce fans tear seats to shreds at Ibrox in loss to Rangers as shock images emerge

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      DOZENS of Ibrox seats were smashed to pieces by frustrated Fenerbahce fans after they saw their team crash out of the Europa League to Rangers.The Scottish Premiership side marched into the quarter-finals of the Europa League with a dramatic penalty shootout win in Glasgow.The damage at Ibrox was significantCredit: WILLIE VASSSeveral chairs were ripped apart in the away sectionCredit: WILLIE VASSAround 2,000 Fenerbahce fans were in attendance at the gameCredit: WILLIE VASSGers lost 2-0 on the night to the Turkish giants after a 3-1 win in Istanbul but triumphed in the end thanks to two spot kick saves by Jack Butland and a howler from Mert Hakan Yandaş.For most of the night in the stands the relationship between the two sets of supporters was cordial.Both home and away fans joined together in a minute’s applause for tragic Gers supporter Chris Potter, who died in a car accident in Istanbul last week.Rangers had erected segregation netting inside the stadium for the first time.It will be in use again for the home tie against Athletic Bilbao and the next Old Firm game against Celtic.However towards the end of the match, things turned sour.Contentious decisions on the pitch – including three penalty claims for Fenerbahce – led to some unsavoury scenes in the stands.Fenerbahce goalkeeper İrfan Can Eğribayat was targeted by a missile thrown from the crowd during extra-time.Most read in FootballThe keeper picked up a vape and handed it to referee Espen Eskas, who disposed of it beside the pitch.Meanwhile at the other end of the stadium in the Broomloan Stand (the incident involving Eğribayat happened down towards the Copland Stand), images show the damage caused to seats at Ibrox by some Fenerbahce louts.Celtic ultras spray paint train green and white as Rangers build-up begins Several of the chairs had the backs and/or the seat ripped from its hinges.The vandalism took place in the lower tier of the stand, nearest to the goal.Ibrox won’t host another match until April 5, when Gers welcome Hibs, allowing for repairs to be carried out.Ferguson hails heroesBy BILL LECKIEAfter the game, Barry Ferguson hailed his Rangers heroes for riding a rollercoaster to Euro glory.The caretaker Ibrox boss went through every emotion as his leg-weary side clung on to win a nerve-shredding penalty shootout after throwing away a two-goal first leg led.And a drained Ferguson said: “This team has been fine when they’ve gone ahead, but when something goes against them they go into their shells.“But this time, they didn’t. They kept driving on, they kept running themselves into the ground. They didn’t feel sorry for themselves, they showed character – and maybe some people will now start to think these guys have got something about them. “This was definitely one of the longest rollercoaster rides you’ll ever be on. I mean, where do you start? We played well, we could have done better on their two goals, then we handled the penalties situation really well.“I’m delighted for Jack. I’ve known him since he was a young boy at Birmingham when I played there and he’s a great lad. He’s taken a lot of flak recently, but he’s been brilliant here.“I’m delighted for all the players, for the board of directors and most of all for the supporters, who now get another great away day.”But Ferguson refused to rate his side’s chances against Athletic Bilbao in the last eight – because all he wants to think about is facing Celtic two days from now.He said: “As soon as I ran on the park and jumped on Jack’s back, all that was in my head was who’d be ready for Sunday.“It’s about who’s going to walk into the  training centre in half-decent condition, that’s all I’m thinking just now. We’ll take care of the Bilbao situation after we play another few games.“The most important thing for me here was just to get into the last eight. It gets the club a couple of pounds, but also it gives my group of players to go and showcase their talents against really top opposition. “We need to go and show what it means to play at this club. It’s a long shot in terms of getting to the final, but we’re going to give it our best shot.”Meanwhile, gutted Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho – who swears his side should have had a penalty for a Nico Raskin tackle on Hakan Yandas in the last minute of extra time – says it will be a PHENOMENAL result if Rangers knock out Bilbao.The Spaniards beat his former club Roma earlier in the evening and he smiled: “I see Roma played with ten men from the tenth minute. And the final is in Bilbao.“It’s the Road to Bilbao, yes?“So it will be phenomenal if Rangers beat them. I played against Bilbao in the group stage and they are a stronger side than Rangers, but anything is possible.“As for us, we won tonight. We won 2-0. Only one team scored, only one team deserved to score more, only one team deserved to win after 90 minutes, after 120 minutes. READ MORE SUN STORIES“On 120 minutes, we should have had a penalty – though maybe we would have missed it.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      ‘It’s a shame this is so rare in football’ – Fans spot Patrick Dorgu’s incredibly classy gesture in Man Utd win

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      FANS hailed Patrick Dorgu after spotting the Manchester United star’s incredibly classy gesture against Real Sociedad.The Red Devils cruised into the quarter-finals of the Europa League with a 4-1 win over their Spanish opponents on Thursday night.Fans loved Patrick Dorgu’s incredible gesture after winning a penalty for Man UtdThe ace went down as his side smashed Real Sociedad 4-1Credit: RexBruno Fernandes netted a hat-trick at Old Trafford, with two of his goals coming from the penalty spot.Diogo Dalot put the finishing touches on a wonderful result as United sealed a 5-2 aggregate win to set up a final eight tie against French giants Lyon.Meanwhile, Sociedad’s sole goal in the second leg also came via a penalty, making it three successful spot-kicks on the night.But there were actually FOUR penalties given at the Theatre of Dreams.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFernandes looked set for a stunning spot-kick treble against 10-man Sociedad when referee Benoit Bastien awarded United their third of the game.January arrival Dorgu looked to have been fouled in the box by Hamari Traore.But the left-back immediately made a classy gesture as he went over to the official to insist he had NOT been fouled.VAR then got involved, with video replays showing Traore had indeed made contact with the ball during his challenge.Most read in Europa LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe slow-motion action, along with Dorgu’s incredible sportsmanship, saw Bastien overturn his original decision.And despite United missing out on the chance to score yet another penalty, fans revealed they were incredibly proud of Dorgu’s brilliant gesture.Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings.One said: “It’s a shame this kind of thing is so rare in football, brilliant sportsmanship.”Another declared: “Great sportsmanship, good kid.”One noted: “At least bro is honest.”Another added: “Great show of sportsmanship in a game that doesn’t have a lot of it, well done Dorgu.”Boss Ruben Amorim was also pleased with Dorgu’s behaviour.He said: “It is the right thing to do so I am quite proud of him but I cannot say if it is 0-0 or we are losing that I’d have the same response.” More