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      Two Premier League teammates are in a relationship and open about being a gay couple

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      TWO Premier League players in the same team are in a relationship — and open about being a gay couple.But although it’s no secret in the dressing room, the stars are reluctant to publicly come out.
      Two Premier League players in the same team are in a relationship — and open about being a gay couple (stock image)
      Blackpool player Jake Daniels revealed he was gay in May after gaining the acceptance of teammatesCredit:
      It comes after we told earlier this earlier this year how a gay former England and Premier League player is in talks about becoming the first to come out in a TV documentary.
      And brave Blackpool player Jake Daniels, 17, revealed he was gay in May after gaining the acceptance of teammates.
      The two Prem stars got together earlier this year.
      A source said: “They did not see the need to hide from their teammates — and why should they?
      READ MORE ON PREMIER LEAGUE
      “No one was remotely bothered about it and they had the backing of the manager and the hierarchy at the club.
      “But they decided not to come out publicly — although neither are ashamed and it could happen down the line.
      “During the the season they wanted to concentrate on their football.
      “While making a statement would positive, it could take their attention away from their performances on the pitch.
      Most read in The Sun
      “Their teammates have also been told not to say anything publicly to protect their privacy.”
      There was uproar this week when Qatari World Cup ambassador Khalid Salman described homosexuality as “a damage in the mind” in an interview.
      England legend Gary Lineker, 61, said last month he knows of “one or two” gay Premier League players who have been very close to coming out.
      And The Sun on Sunday has told how one Prem ace could open up about his sexuality in a show currently in production, and likely to be aired on Channel 4.
      Read More on The Sun
      A source said: “This could be a massive step forward for gay players.
      “Everyone in football has been talking about it.” More

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      Crystal Palace starlet Malcolm Ebiowei wanted by Hull on loan transfer as Rosenior looks to link up with 19-year-old

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      HULL boss Liam Rosenior wants to sign old boy Malcolm Ebiowei on loan from Crystal Palace.Rosenior worked with the 19-year-old winger at Derby County and would like to take him for the second half of the season.
      Malcolm Ebiowei is a loan target for HullCredit: Getty
      Palace are prepared to let Ebiowei go for the game time.
      But they may also want to sign an extra wideman on loan to make up for the loss.
      Ebiowei joined Crystal Palace in the summer after leaving the Rams.
      He forced his way into the first team at Pride Park during the second half of the campaign.
      Read More In Football
      Ebiowei has came off the bench twice in the Premier League this season.
      He has also been a sub twice in the Carabao Cup, and saw his penalty saved in Wednesday’s shootout defeat to Newcastle.
      SunSport exclusively revealed in the summer that Ebiowei snubbed Manchester United in favour of signing for Palace.
      And now new Hull boss Rosenior is targeting the teenager to help fire his side up the Championship.
      Most read in Football
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      Rosenior took over the Tigers earlier this month after Shota Arveladze was sacked in September.
      His side are currently 20th in the Championship following today’s home defeat to Reading. More

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      Crystal Palace to offer Vicente Guaita and Jordan Ayew new deals with club not wanting to lose both on free transfers

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      CRYSTAL PALACE are set to offer new contracts to goalkeeper Vicente Guaita and forward Jordan Ayew.Both players have been regulars under Patrick Vieira this campaign.
      Vicente Guaita is set to be rewarded with a new Crystal Palace contractCredit: Alamy
      The Eagles also plan to offer Jordan Ayew fresh termsCredit: Reuters
      Spanish stopper Guaita’s deal runs out at the end of the season.
      Although Palace do have the option to extend that by another year.
      The 35-year-old’s form has been so good that the club are keen to hand him a new contract, possibly for even longer.
      Meanwhile Ayew, 31, could be a free agent this summer.
      Read More In Football
      The Eagles want to avoid that as the Ghana international has started 10 Premier League games this season.
      He has failed to score this term, but has provided two assists in his 15 appearances in all competitions.
      Guaita on the other hand has played all 13 of Palace’s Prem games this campaign.
      Elsewhere, SunSport exclusively revealed last week that Manchester United will loan Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Palace if the two clubs can agree a deal.
      Most read in Football
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      Boss Vieira would take the former defender back at Selhurst Park.
      But a loan move is the only way the Eagles can afford to re-sign the defender.
      Wan-Bissaka, 24, has played just four minutes of action in all competitions this season. More

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      West Ham youth coach Kevin Keen on shortlist to become new Crawley boss after Kevin Betsy left League Two side

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      WEST HAM U18 coach Kevin Keen is on the shortlist for the Crawley Town job.Former Hammers player Keen, 55, works with the youngsters and knows the club’s traditions inside out
      West Ham U18 coach Kevin Keen is on Crawley Town’s manager shortlistCredit: Rex
      Keen has previous managerial experience with ColchesterCredit: PA
      But he also had a year with Colchester as a manager in 2015-16.
      Keen has been working with West Ham U18s since the summer of 2019, and has been named caretaker manager of the first team in the past.
      Keen has also had various coaching roles with the likes of Liverpool, West Brom, Fulham, Reading, Crystal Palace and Southend.
      Crawley have been looking for a boss since Kevin Betsy left last month.
      Read More In Football
      Betsy took over in June but was axed after a disastrous start to the campaign.
      He departed with the club rock bottom of League Two following a 3-0 loss to Grimbsy on October 8th.
      Lewis Young has been in caretaker charge of Town ever since.
      The club are unbeaten in five games since Betsy left, and have climbed up to 18th in the table.
      Most read in EFL
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      As a player, Keen played over 200 games for West Ham.
      He also had a six-year spell with Stoke. More

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      World Cup fans hoping to dodge £13-a-pint prices face a Qatar happy-hour ban

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      WORLD Cup fans face the sobering prospect of a Qatar happy-hour ban.England and Wales supporters had hoped to dodge £13-a-pint prices.
      Licenced hotels fear they will be overwhelmed by more than a million thirsty fansCredit: Getty
      But licenced hotels, the only places normally selling booze in the Muslim desert state, fear they will be overwhelmed by more than a million thirsty footie followers from around the globe.
      And leading chains have responded by banning popular happy-hour reductions.
      They have also axed boozy “bottomless” brunches — or have ramped up the prices.
      Friday and Saturday brunch prices at the Four Seasons Hotel bar in the capital Doha will soar from £130 to £306 for the tournament.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Its happy hours offering all-you-can-drink bottled beer for £42 have been halted.
      The five-star Kempinski has stopped cut-price sessions too, charging £11 a bottle instead of a “bargain” £8.40.
      A Four Seasons worker said: “We wouldn’t cope if thousands tried to take advantage of our happy hours.”
      Fan zone prices have yet to be set. Insiders estimate £7-a-pint.
      Most read in The Sun
      1966 coin is tossed up in sale
      THE coin used for the toss before the 1966 World Cup Final at Wembley is up for auction.
      Memorabilia collector Bryan Horsnell was given it directly by Swiss referee Gottfried Dienst.
      The 1966-dated coin may fetch up to £2,000 at a World Cup Memorabilia sale in London next week.
      Read More on The Sun
      Hundreds of lots include Sir Geoff Hurst’s 1970 shirt, which could sell for £3,000.
      A Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to 1966 commentary legend and RAF volunteer Kenneth Wolstenholme is set to go for at least £10,000. More

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      Three Lions ace Ivan Toney hands mobile to FA investigators looking into match-betting claims

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      THREE Lions striker Ivan Toney has handed his phone to FA investigators looking into match-betting claims, The Sun can reveal.The £50million star was also understood to have allowed officials into his apartment to look at personal records.
      He has been questioned over claims that wagers were placed on games, in strict breach of FA rules on gamblingCredit: Shutterstock
      Despite being caught up in the seven-month investigation, Brentford ace Toney was surprisingly still picked by Gareth SouthgateCredit: Getty
      After handing over his mobile to the investigators, a string of the 26-year-old’s contacts on the handset have been approached.
      It raises the prospect that other top-flight footballers have been questioned over claims that wagers were placed on games — in breach of strict FA rules on gambling.
      Brentford ace Toney, 26, was surprisingly still picked by Gareth Southgate despite being caught up in the seven-month investigation.
      He is widely expected to be named in his England squad for the World Cup in Qatar on Thursday.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      But football’s integrity will be questioned if he is picked and later charged.
      Sources say the ace has become “incredibly worried” the investigation could cost him his place.
      One said: “Ivan isn’t stupid, he knows it doesn’t look good — even though he insists he has done nothing wrong.
      “The best thing for everyone would be if the FA could clear him in time — so his place in Gareth Southgate’s squad comes down to his football.
      Most read in The Sun
      “He has done everything that is asked of him — he has handed over his phone and records and even spoken to investigators at his apartment.
      “Some of his closest friends have already been contacted — so it is clear the FA are taking this seriously.
      “Ivan just doesn’t want anything to get in the way of his dream of playing for his country at a World Cup.”
      There is no suggestion of any criminal activity by Toney or that he attempted to fix the outcome of any match.
      Read More on The Sun
      No charges have been brought by FA chiefs against the player.
      Toney’s agent and the FA were approached for comment. More

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      Premier League star suffers serious groin injury from embarrassing reason, top doctor reveals

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      A PREMIER League star suffered a serious groin injury from “vociferous sex”, a top surgeon has revealed.The ace even showed him the unusual position in which he picked up the injury.
      A Premier League ace has picked up a groin injury performing an unusual sex actCredit: Getty
      He had to have a keyhole op and was keen to not share the detail with his manager.
      In an exclusive interview, Professor Aali Sheen, 51 — known as The Herniator because of his expertise fixing hundreds of sports stars’ groin injuries — has lifted the lid on it all.
      One Prem ace needed surgery after a coughing and sneezing bout.
      Prof Aali, from South London but now based in Manchester, has a book out called The Painted Surgeon.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL NEWS
      He has treated over 3,000 sports patients and often sees players from the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea.
      He told The Sun on Sunday: “Groin injuries all come about from twisting and turning but it can happen in unusual circumstances sometimes.
      “One top Premier League player was sent to me by his club doctor.
      “He had serious pain in his groin and he told me he’d been having hard and vociferous sex with his partner.
      Most read in The Sun
      “He was graphic about what happened and even showed me the position he suffered it in, which was unusual but helpful.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I operated on him and he was fully fit again in four weeks.”
      The Painted Surgeon is out now priced at £12.99. More

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      Three Lions ace Ivan Toney investigated by FA over match-betting ahead of this month’s World Cup

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      THREE Lions ace Ivan Toney is at the centre of a match-betting probe.The £50million Brentford striker is being investigated by Football Association officials over allegations of wagers placed on games.
      Three Lions ace Ivan Toney is at the centre of a match-betting probe.Credit: Getty
      The allegations are believed to relate solely to the period when Toney was at one of his previous clubs – not current Premier League side BrentfordCredit: Focus Images
      Toney seen training with England skipper Harry KaneCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Toney, 26, is widely expected to be in England’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar, which starts a fortnight today.
      Astonishingly, despite the ongoing investigation, he was picked for Three Lions duty during recent Nations League matches — but did not play.
      The allegations are believed to relate solely to the period when Toney was at one of his previous clubs. A source said: “Ivan is aware of the investigation. He is concerned but is adamant that he has done nothing wrong.
      “The FA is duty-bound to act fully on allegations they receive. But it is obviously a highly sensitive matter for the FA as he is a potential candidate for the England World Cup squad.”
      READ MORE ON QATAR 22
      No charges have been brought by FA chiefs against the player.
      There is no suggestion of any criminal activity by Toney — who also previously played for Newcastle United — or that he attempted to fix the outcome of any match.
      However, under FA rules, all ­professional men and top women players face a worldwide ban on all football betting.
      The laws are so strict they include gambling on transfers, manager jobs and team selection and apply to players and managers, match officials and club staff.
      Most read in Football
      They state that players “shall not bet, either directly or indirectly, or instruct, permit, cause or enable any person to bet on the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of, or occurrence in or in connection with a football match or competition.
      “Or any other matter concerning or related to football anywhere in the world, including, for example and without limitation, the transfer of players, employment of managers, team selection or disciplinary matters.”
      Last night Toney tweeted: “I have been assisting the Football Association with their enquiries and will not be making any comment until such investigation has reached its conclusion. 
      “I am a proud Englishman and it has always been my dream to play for my country at a World Cup.”
      Toney — regarded as one of the world’s best penalty-takers — was selected for Three Lions duty for Nations League matches against Germany and Italy in September.
      Despite hailing Toney’s place at the training camp, England boss Southgate failed to use him, then appeared to cast doubt on his squad place. 
      Southgate said: “I understand the push as it is so close to the World Cup but there is life for Ivan Toney beyond the World Cup as well. He’s very much in the frame and what he does with his club between now and then is also really important.”
      The fact that he was selected by FA bosses while he was being probed by the investigators from the same organisation will prompt questions about the governing body’s handling of the matter.
      If Toney is found to have breached FA rules his selection would be in conflict with the FA’s commitment to transparency over betting. Its website says: “The FA wants to preserve what is great in the beautiful game and has devised rules regarding betting in football to help protect the integrity and future of football.”
      Despite hailing Toney’s place at the training camp, England boss Southgate failed to use him, then appeared to cast doubt on his place in the squadCredit: Getty
      If Toney is found to have breached FA rules his selection would be in conflict with the FA’s commitment to transparency over betting.Credit: Rex
      It adds: “The FA, the Gambling Commission and betting companies have sophisticated systems to monitor and detect breaches of the betting rules. These organisations advise us of issues that arise in the cash, telephone and online betting markets.
      “If found guilty, then this can lead to financial penalties, suspensions, and in some instances, lifetime bans.
      “It is your responsibility to make sure you know the rules and help support the collective effort from the football authorities, players, clubs and officials, to protect the integrity of the game. The rules have never been clearer or easier to understand.”
      A source said: “It seems incredible that a high-profile star could be chosen for England duty at the same time that he is being investigated over betting. England footballers are role models for millions of youngsters and their conduct in relation to the sport must reflect that status.
      “Fans have a right to know if a star player is being probed — their focus must be entirely on winning the World Cup with no distractions.”
      Tory MP Julian Knight, chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee, said: “These are serious allegations being made.
      “Football needs to be transparent. Any allegation of this nature needs to be investigated and there is a clear public interest.”
      Although there is no suggestion Toney is a gambling addict, Gareth Southgate is concerned about the impact of gambling on players.
      He witnessed first-hand its impact on ex-England team-mates Paul Merson, Tony Adams and Paul Gascoigne when he was a player.
      Before taking up his current role, he said: “Gambling is an addictive pastime. I think it’s for the national manager to step in if they feel there is an issue. 
      “People have always gambled in squads and sometimes in the squads I was involved in it got people together. But some of the sums being spoken at the moment would be disturbing no matter what you’re earning.
      “There is a duty for everybody involved to make sure those problems don’t get out of hand.” 
      The FA’s regulations were put in place after football was rocked by a string of betting controversies in 2014. A number of top players have been hit with bans — though they all involved more serious conduct than that being investigated over Toney.
      In 2020 ex-Chelsea star Daniel Sturridge was banned for four months and fined £150,000 for texting brother Leon to bet on his possible move from Liverpool to Sevilla.
      In 2019 Newcastle and England full-back Kieran Trippier was banned for ten weeks and fined £70,000 for WhatsApping pals “Lump on if you want” over his rumoured move to Atletico Madrid.
      In 2017, Joey Barton was banned for 18 months after placing 1,260 bets on matches between 2006 and 2013 — including games in which he played.
      In October ex-Reading defender Kynan Isaac was banned for 12 years for deliberately earning a yellow card in an FA Cup first-round tie.
      Read More on The Sun
      He was hit with a ten-year ban for the scam with pals and a further two years for failing to co-operate with the FA investigation and further betting.
      Toney’s agent and the FA were approached for comment. 
      SPOT-KICK KING’S RISE TO THE TOPBy Michael Hamilton
      IVAN Toney has risen from relative obscurity to the brink of England’s World Cup squad.
      He has won plaudits for his swashbuckling style and has scored eight times this season for Premier League side Brentford.
      Toney joined Newcastle in 2015 as a teenager but only made two appearances for the Toon, who sent him out on loans. He plied his trade at Wigan, Scunthorpe and Barnsley.
      He moved to Peterborough in 2018 — scoring 40 times in 76 appearances before switching to Brentford in 2020 for a modest £5million.
      Toney scored 31 Championship goals to fire the West London club into the Premier League. His good form continued last season as he scored 12 times.
      He has an impressive penalty record – netting 25 of 26 spot-kicks.
      A World Cup place would take him to new heights. More