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    Aitana Bonmati insists Spain players’ equality battle ‘has not been in vain’ following Rubiales case verdict

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    AITANA BONMATI reckons Spain have become even stronger after “suffering” in their equality battle.The La Roja playmaker hailed Sarina Wiegman and England’s stars for sympathising with her team’s ordeal.Aitana Bonmati hopes Spain’s national women’s team will be better respected following sexual assault conviction of ex-Spanish football chief Luis RubialesCredit: ReutersBonmati and her Spain team-mates are set to face England at Wembley in the Women’s Nations LeagueCredit: PABonmati was speaking in support of her national team-mate Jenni Hermoso who filed a criminal complaint against RubialesCredit: ReutersRubiales kissing Hermoso on the mouth after the 2023 World Cup final sparked outrage and protests in SpainCredit: ReutersBonmati, 27, was speaking earlier Tuesday ahead of Spain’s Wembley duel with the Lionesses on Wednesday night. The February 25 clash comes six days after Luis Rubiales, 47, was convicted of sexual assault following a trial at Spain’s High Court. The former Spanish Football Federation boss was  found guilty of kissing Spain striker Jenni Hermoso, 34, on the mouth without her consent. However Rubiales, who was fined 10,800 euros (£8,274), but spared a prison sentence, was acquitted of a separate charge of coercion.Read More Football StoriesThe controversial incident occurred shortly after Hermoso’s side beat England 1-0 in the World Cup final in Sydney, Australia August 2023. A month later Rubiales resigned following Fifa banning him from football  for three years, after initially resisting calls to stand down After the ex-Spanish football chief was acquitted of allegedly attempting to pressure Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual, the 110-capped striker said she intends to appeal. And she hopes the outcome of the case, which sparked nationwide protests in her country, has set an “important precedent”. Most read in FootballBarcelona star Bonmati said: “Everybody here knows what has happened in the last few months and years. “The sentence is correct, it is a positive thing and the team feels the same. “I was surprised there was no sentence linked to coercion but the trial has served a purpose. “We are all happy. We have been doing well on the pitch and supporting our teammates. “We have battled hard and we know what we have done has not been in vain.”I hope this case makes changes in our country, in our football, to respect us better as footballers. “But it’s also a global case. I don’t want to only speak about footballers as I think this happens in other jobs. “I hope this case helps anyone who is going through these things.”Lucy Bronze and Alessia Russo are among the Lionesses who have spoken out in support of Spain’s stars. Bronze, who joined Chelsea last July, played for two years with Bonmati at Barcelona after joining the club in June 2022. Sarina Wiegman and her England aces have been supportive of Spain’s players’ pushing for federation changes and better working conditions. And two-time Euros-winning boss Wiegman hopes their ordeal leads to changes for the better for their team.  The Lioness gaffer said: “It’s a testament to the players to be so brave to speak out but also to still be performing at the level they are.”It’s really a shame that they’ve had to go through this.”Bonmati added: “I heard Sarina speaking a lot of times and supporting us with our issues.”I appreciate her words and also Lucy Bronze’s and Alessia Russo’s. England boss Sarina Wiegman said Spain players’ were “brave to speak out”Credit: PA”We didn’t feel alone on this issue. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They also feel it’s a global case not only a Spanish case.”They feel our suffering and they support us so I appreciate that a lot.” More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Levi Colwill steps up when needed most but Cole Palmer well off the boil as he hits new low

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      CHELSEA reverted to winning ways as they smashed Southampton 4-0 at Stamford Bridge.Goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella set the Blues on their way to victory.Chelsea cruised to a 4-0 win over Southampton on Tuesday nightCredit: PAThe Blues ended their run of three successive defeatsCredit: GettyIt ended a run of three straight defeats in all competitions.Chelsea had lost twice to Brighton, including once in the FA Cup, before suffering a late defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.And victory came after fans held a protest on the Fulham Road, with banners taking aim at Todd Boehly and BlueCo.The result saw Chelsea move back into fourth to keep their Champions League dream alive.Just four points separate them from 10th-place Villa.And Chelsea will be hoping to build some momentum in their next games against Copenhagen and Leicester.But who was Chelsea’s best player on the night?Was there someone on the bench who did enough to impress boss Enzo Maresca?BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd did anyone have a game to forget despite the result?Here, SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield delivers his Chelsea player ratings against Southampton…Enzo Maresca hopes to change Chelsea’s over-reliance on Cole Palmer FILIP JORGENSEN – 6He’s no Petr Cech or Thibaut Courtois, but he recovered from his Villa Park howler with a clean sheet against the Saints.Fans are still not convinced by the Dane, and groans echoed around the ground when he got the ball at his feet – though they were grateful for him when he made a cat-like save to deny Onuachu in the first half.If you gave them a chance they’d probably take on-loan Petrovic back from Strasbourg, the Serbian stopper has three clean sheets in his last three – typical.MALO GUSTO – 6Put in a fantastic challenge on Sulemana early in the second half, which was symbolic of his aggression on the right side of defence tonight.Defended well throughout the game, but perhaps could’ve offered more from an attacking point of view as Reece James often does.Chelsea will be pleased to see him improve though as two performing right-backs in this side is essential.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 8’Uncle Tosin’ as he is affectionately known in the dressing room, was imperious in the air at the back for the Blues.He rose highest to flick the ball on to Christopher Nkunku as Maresca’s men opened the scoring in the first half, as well as saving Chelsea at the back early on in the game.His second half showing was equally as solid, and he has been a more than important signing from local rivals Fulham this campaign.LEVI COLWILL – 9Marking 6ft 7inch giant Paul Onuachu is no easy feat no matter how good you are, but Chelsea’s own Levi Colwill did that job pretty well.It was a necessary assured performance from the man touted as a future club captain after a few sloppy showings.He stepped into his challenges brilliantly and scored a powerful header to add a third to Chelsea’s tally in the first half.MARC CUCURELLA – 9Chelsea’s pantomime villain has made the inverted fullback role his own under Enzo Maresca, and is one of the best in the Premier League at doing that job.Intercepted numerous Southampton passes into midfield and progresses the Blues so well down the left, playing a vital role in Chelsea’s second goal doing exactly that.Topped off an almost perfect night with a fantastic finish into the bottom right corner to totally kill the game off.Gets a bonus point for his penguin celebration…MOISES CAICEDO – 8A pretty regular night by his standards, though the standards of a £115m midfielder are pretty lofty.The Ecuadorian was combative in midfield, working tirelessly to consistently win the ball back in Chelsea’s midfield as N’Golo Kante once did before him.While he is controlled on the ball and looks more than comfortable with it at his feet, it is his off-the-ball work which really sets him apart from other defensive mids in this league.ENZO FERNANDEZ (C) – 8Probably Chelsea’s most creative player in the first half, Enzo played a deeper role than he has the past two games and was arguably robbed of two assists by Cole Palmer.The Argentine was Chelsea’s midfield metronome, setting the tempo for his side and keeping attacks flowing smoothly throughout.His only criticism would be a tendency to take one too many touches and occasionally slow down promising breaks for his side.JADON SANCHO – 4A pretty quiet showing from him on the right wing tonight, with Nkunku occupying his usual spot on the left.Had a few flashes of good footwork as he always does, and wasn’t bad by any means but it didn’t look like the electric Jadon Sancho we saw when he first joined.He will surely welcome the return of Nicolas Jackson or Marc Guiu when they are back, as he looked a little lost without a real target to aim for with crosses into the box.COLE PALMER – 2It’s tough to write this, but it looks as though Cole Palmer has gone well and truly off the boil at the moment.The usually ever-reliable goal scorer missed THREE huge first-half chances which could’ve seen his side 6-0 up at half-time, and looked devoid of confidence after rolling the third wide.There is no doubt among fans that he will be back, as they sung his name loud and proud, but it looks like he’s in need of one of those moments of magic to re-ignite the spark in that fantastic left foot of his.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 8The Frenchman popped up at the back post after a Chelsea corner to deflate Southampton’s hopes of a result at Stamford Bridge within 25 minutes.Just 10 minutes later his perfectly weighted pass for Neto saw an assist added to his performance too.This game should give him a much needed confidence boost ahead of Copenhagen and Leicester where he will expect to have his blue balloon out once more.PEDRO NETO – 8What could’ve been a tough night for Neto turned into a brilliant one when he smashed the ball past Aaron Ramsdale and into the back of the net in the first half.The Portuguese winger was playing up front in the absence of Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, and got his just reward after working his socks off throughout the night.Also claimed an assist with a whipped free-kick perfect for Levi Colwill to power home.SUBSKiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Pedro Neto, 68) – 5Helped regulate the Chelsea midfield as they played without a striker when he came on, but ultimately didn’t impact the game much.Tyrique George (Jadon Sancho, 68) – 7Cobham star Tyrique George followed up a bright showing at Brighton with a first Premier League assist and tricky performance on both wings at times after coming on.There wouldn’t be many complaints from home supporters if he was given a start over Jadon Sancho against Copenhagen or Leicester.Josh Achaempong (Christopher Nkunku, 83) – 5Didn’t have much to do at the back after coming on as Chelsea were dominant until the end.Mathis Amougou (Moises Caicedo, 83) – 5Like Acheampong, did not have enough time to make an impact.Shim Mhueka (Enzo Fernandez, 87) – 6Almost scored with his first touch after coming on at the death to make his debut, but his header was denied by Ramsdale.Having watched him shine for the academy this season, you can rest assured this guy is a striker to look out for and don’t be surprised to see him given further chances this season. More

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      Man Utd face eye-watering £12MILLION bill if they sack Ruben Amorim thanks to watertight contract clause

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will face an eye-watering £12MILLION bill if they sack Ruben Amorim this summer.The Red Devils’ head coach is understood to have a watertight clause in his contract — meaning he gets the remainder of his 2½-year deal paid up if he is ever axed.Ruben Amorim’s pay-off would be huge if he is axed this yearCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe faces a £20m hit were Amorim and staff to be sackedCredit: AlamyThere is no suggestion under-fire part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has any plans to dump the Portuguese, who only joined the club in November after Erik ten Hag was sacked.And that is despite a shocking run of eight defeats and just four wins in his 15 Prem games.But if things deteriorated further for a team Amorim labelled “the worst” in United history, he would walk away with whatever is left on his £6m-per-year agreement.The same financial  security is understood to apply to all the backroom staff he brought with him when he left Sporting.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd that would see the total cost of the P45s for Amorim and his coaches hit a whopping £20m.Last week, accounts until the end of 2024 showed United owe a huge £1billion, including £300m to clubs for transfer fees they are paying on drip.Amorim, 40, whose 15th-placed side host struggling Ipswich at Old Trafford tonight, said: “When you start a season it’s completely different.“In pre-season you have time to change things. That was my choice. I knew it would be tough.”Most read in FootballAfter tackling Ipswich on Wednesday, the Red Devils have a busy start to MarchBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIronically, revelations over Amorim’s contract come amid claims rival clubs are looking to buy United’s sell-on clauses for ex-Red Devils.Such clauses have been popular with Old Trafford chiefs when offloading players in recent years.Federico Macheda says he’d get into this Man Utd team and reveals Sir Alex Ferguson’s amazing claim about himScott McTominay, Mason Greenwood, Facundo Pellistri and Hannibal Mejbri are amongst stars with lucrative fees owed if they are sold on. United would get a much-needed financial boost from selling clauses.Ratcliffe is already set to axe another 200 jobs around the club, on top of 250 staff being made redundant last summer. Man Utd could consider letting other clubs buy their sell-on clauses for some ex-players, which might include Marseille’s Mason GreenwoodCredit: AFP More

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      Alessia Russo says England are focused on playing best football against Spain – not revenge for World Cup ‘hurt’

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      ALESSIA RUSSO is backing England to show Spain why they can be world beaters at Wembley on Wednesday night.Tomorrow’s 8:00pm Nations League clash will be their first meeting since Spain broke Lionesses’ hearts in the 2023 World Cup final.Alessia Russo and Keira Walsh were all smiles in training on Tuesday ahead of their highly anticipated clash with SpainCredit: GettyRusso, who scored in the Lionesses’ 1-1 draw with Portugal, hopes they can register their first win in this year’s Nations League in their second League A group C gameCredit: GettyEngland’s clash with Spain at Wembley will be sternest competitive test since the 2023 World Cup finalCredit: PAEngland have not beaten the best women’s side on the planet since the quarter-finals of their Euro 2022 winning campaign.But the squad that toppled Spain that day will be entirely different to the one that steps out in front of a 55,000-strong crowd at the national stadium.Five players are injured – including joint-Golden Boot winner Beth Mead and match winner Georgia Stanway – while Jill Scott, Ellen White and Rachel Daly have retired.Arsenal striker Russo wants England to move forward with their new generation and avoid focusing on revenge for the World Cup.Read More Football StoriesAmong England’s newer rising stars is Grace Clinton who started against Portugal on February 21 in a League A group C encounter. Tonight could the six-capped Manchester United ace feature in midfield again with Stanway recovering from a collateral knee ligament tear. Russo said: “We have lots of new faces and quality in the squad now.“Revenge reflects on the past a little bit. It hurt and it wasn’t nice to lose out, but we want to be moving forward.Most read in Football“We have a new opportunity and we have all of our fans there.“We have a new team now, lots of different new faces, lots of energy around the place which is nice. We are in a good place and enjoying our football.”A lacklustre 1-1 draw with Portugal last Friday led to criticism of England’s form with just two wins from their last six games.But victory tomorrow for head coach Sarina Wiegman would not be about making critics eat their words.The Lioness boss said: “We’re not playing football to beat the critics. We’re playing football to win games and we can just try to be at our best.“We want to get more consistency to keep it going longer. Then we move forward.“Sometimes things go really well, sometimes things don’t go as well. We try to stay neutral.”Russo, who scored the opener against Portugal, could face Arsenal pals Mariona Caldentey and Laia Codina.The trio all featured in the last World Cup final in Sydney, which Spain won 1-0.She added: “Laia and Mariona are both very funny and great additions (for Arsenal)“I really enjoy speaking to them and talking about (our) different experiences.Tomorrow’s game will see Russo go up against her Arsenal team-mates Mariona Caldentey and Laia CodinaCredit: Alamy“To play alongside them, they bring so much quality.READ MORE SUN STORIES“As opponents, they are top players. The whole Spanish squad is full of talent.“This is a test against some of the best players in the world, but it’s also a chance for us to put on some of our best football.” More

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      ‘Shaken not stirred’ – TNT Sports pundit makes his case to be next James Bond with namesake 66/1 in betting

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      JOE COLE joked about becoming the next James Bond with his namesake in the running for the role.The pundit appeared on commentary for TNT Sports’ coverage of Chelsea’s dominant win over Southampton.Joe Cole joked about becoming the next James BondCredit: AlamyThe actor Joe Cole is 66/1 with the bookies to succeed Daniel CraigCredit: GettySeveral stars have been linked to the role of James BondCredit: PAAnd he was asked about the betting odds for the next James Bond because actor Joe Cole of Peaky Blinders fame could land the role.Darren Fletcher brought up the link on commentary with former Chelsea star Cole.He joked: “I saw this morning if you get a second to ask him tonight that Joe Cole is 66/1 in the betting to be the next James Bond.”Cole was happy to humour his colleague, and responded: “He’s been desperate to get me on that. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Of course I know it’s another actor, but listen I think I should be shorter odds. Shaken not stirred.”For now Cole is concentrating on his day job and would have been happy with the evening as his former side won 4-0.Cole Palmer may not have been at the races, missing a hatful of chances, but Pedro Neto inspired the Blues to their first win in four matches.Neto scored one and produced one as Christopher Nkunku, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella also scored.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe actor Joe Cole actually supports the club where his namesake first started out – West Ham.He is 66/1 to become the next James Bond after Daniel Craig, the same odds as Game of Thrones star Kit Harrington and Daniel Kaluuya of Get Out and Black Mirror fame.Happy Valley star James Norton is favourite at 3/1.Colwill celebrates scoring Chelsea’s third goal with NkunkuCredit: ReutersEnzo Maresca hopes to change Chelsea’s over-reliance on Cole Palmer More

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      Chelsea 4 Southampton 0: Blues make light work of relegation fodder Saints… but Cole Palmer’s nightmare run continues

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      WHEN all else fails there is always Southampton.And so Chelsea, decimated and dishevelled in early 2025, were granted 90 minutes in the company of the Premier League equivalent of The Samaritans.Christopher Nkunku ended his goal drought as Chelsea thrashed SouthamptonCredit: GettyThe 27-year-old opened the floodgates at Stamford BridgeCredit: PASaints keeper Aaron Ramsdale made a number of key savesCredit: PALevi Colwill powered in a header just before the break to make it 3-0Credit: ReutersJust one hour and a half session and Enzo Maresca and his players emerged rejuvenated and believing life is good again.Pre-match protests aimed at the board’s management of the club and a stuttering season gave way to a resounding win and climbing back into the top four and the prospect of Champions League football next term.It may only be temporary with a batch of games on Wednesday but after the run of results Chelsea have endured of late they will seize on any crumb of self-confidence.And one thing that hopeless Southampton are good at is  making even the most uncertain opponents feel like world champions.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGoals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Levi Colwill had three points wrapped up by half time.And following a run of just two wins in the previous ten Premier League games, shocking defeats against Brighton and chucking away the lead at Aston Villa last weekend, this felt like a change in the air – much like the subtle approach of Spring time at this time of year.It wasn’t text book. It came against a backdrop of angry fans outside the ground, nervous ones inside and even resentment of the way Chelsea are playing.The players dilly-dallied when the crowd wanted to see some old-fashioned boot through the ball and they let them know it. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThere remains a sense that more hardcore supporters are not buying into the project of buying young players at vast expense and sitting around to wait for success to come.A knot of them gathered at the stadium gates to voice their discontent before kick off.Enzo Maresca hopes to change Chelsea’s over-reliance on Cole Palmer While not large in number, the blue smoke bombs and chanting made a point.They were calling for their Chelsea back, where just before Christmas they were singing about having their Chelsea back.When they beat Brentford on December 15 to move second in the table it was all Christmas festivity and winter sparkle. Just a couple of months later and the world seems wonky as they scramble to keep pace with the top teams.Yet Chelsea remain favourites to win a European trophy this season – albeit the third-rate Conference League. That’s something even if it’s taken a billion quid spent on the squad to get there.Try being one of the 3,000 Southampton supporters who must have trooped past that gaggle of mardiness wondering what all the fuss is about.Chelsea ratings vs Southampton as Cole Palmer STILL can’t score or assist… and gets a horror gradePedro Neto fired in a brilliant team goal as Saints wilted under the lightsCredit: GettyChelsea fans protested against owner Todd Boehly before the gameCredit: EPAThe bottom team are plummeting headlong back to the Championship a season after coming up to the top flight via the Play Offs. And that was a year after they finished bottom of the Premier League in 2023. Not even Hamley’s make yoyos as big as Southampton Football Club.Yet the gallows humour of the visiting fans was in stark contrast to Chelsea’s demo brigade parading banners digging out co-chairman Todd Boehly over his involvement in the Vivid Seats ticket resale website. Fair dos.But they also sang for former managers Thomas Tuchel, long departed Jose Mourinho and even sanctioned former chairman Roman Abramovich.These are confusing times at Chelsea on and off the pitch.Team selection is also a guessing game. Fragile skipper Reece James on the bench having played 90 minutes at the weekend. Neto up front in the absence of a fit striker eventually giving way to rookie Tyrique George.Cole Palmer’s goal drought extended to seven games despite a hatful of chancesCredit: GettyThe fans would argue there is little they recognise about their Chelsea at the moment. And it looked that way when Southampton bagged the first meaningful chance of the game when Paul Onuachu belted a powerful shot over the bar from inside the box on 14 minutes.It didn’t seriously test keeper Filip Jorgensen but it was closer than anything the home side had produced in the opening spell as they struggled to find a pattern of play.The lack of confidence was picked up by the crowd who groaned as their team dithered in front of its own goal, with Jorgensen and his defenders determined to build from the back when the fans called for more route one stuff.When Chelsea got their breakthrough against the worst team in the division it was a characteristically muddled moment.A 24th minute corner was headed on by Tosin and Nkunku battled shoulder to shoulder with Will Smallbone at the far post. It’s still debatable who actually got the last touch before the ball was bundled over the line. Marc Cucurella sealed an emphatic win with a second half strikeCredit: AFPNumber two which arrived 12 minutes later was far more slick and underlined how Chelsea were finally growing in confidence despite Cole Palmer and Fernandez having missed glaring chances.It was handed to them on a plate when Saints’ midfielder Flynn Downes passed directly to Marc Cucurella with the Chelsea defender then feeding Nkunku through the middle.Neto drifted to his left, picked up the pass and was ruthless in his finish through the gloves of Aaron Ramsdale.Centre half Colwill made it 3-0 a minute before the break with a powerful downward header onto Neto’s curling free kick from deep.Cucurella made it 4-0 with 12 minutes to go – with teenager George claiming the assist.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut there was no goal for Palmer, with the England star’s drought now extended to seven matches. And the visibly frustrated ex-City maestro has not even registered an assist since December 1. More

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      Fenerbahce accuse Galatasaray of ‘pathetic slander’ as huge war erupts accusing Jose Mourinho of ‘racist statements’

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      FENERBAHCE accused Galatasaray of “pathetic slander” over claims Jose Mourinho made “racist statements”.Ex-Chelsea and Manchester United boss Mourinho, now in charge of Fenerbahce, claimed the Galatasaray bench “jumped around like monkeys” in a bid to get a rival booked during Monday’s 0-0 draw.Galatasaray accused Jose Mourinho of making ‘racist statements’Credit: GettyThe Portuguese was alleged to have said the match was made better by the fact it was NOT officiated by a Turkish ref, with Slovenian Slavko Vincic in charge.Galatasaray announced they intended to “initiate criminal proceedings concerning the racist statements made by Jose Mourinho”, and would submit official complaints to Uefa and Fifa.Fenerbahce responded: “A statement made by Jose Mourinho after the match was taken completely out of context and deliberately distorted.“These expressions, used by Jose Mourinho to describe the extreme reaction of the opposing team’s technical staff to the referee’s decisions during the match, can in no way be associated with racism.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Trying to portray this discourse as racist is a completely malevolent approach. “We would like to inform the public that we will exercise our legal rights regarding this pathetic slander that aims to take the competition out of the field, change the agenda and manipulate it.”Fenerbahce vice-president Acun Ilicali said: “As a club I can clearly say that we are behind our coach, we are supporting him 100 per cent.”Galatasaray’s statement after the game said: “Since the commencement of his managerial duties in Turkey, Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has persistently issued derogatory statements directed towards the Turkish people.Most read in Football“We formally declare our intention to initiate criminal proceedings concerning the racist statements made by Jose Mourinho, and shall accordingly submit official complaints to UEFA and FIFA.”Jose Mourinho launches new side hustle alongside Fenerbahce job as John Terry vows to be first customer Mourinho praised Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, who was drafted in to take charge amid contorversies surrounding Turkish officials, for remaining resolute.The Portuguse, 62 – who was criticised for visiting the referee’s dressing room after the game – said: “The reason this was a good match was because of the referee’s performance.”He had enough honesty to manage this match well. They tried to get a yellow card for our 18-year-old player from the first minute, but the referee managed the game well.” More

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      Brighton 2 Bournemouth 1: Seagulls take huge leap towards European football with huge win over South Coast rivals

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      BRIGHTON’S Danny Welbeck claimed the South Coast Champions League bragging rights against Bournemouth.The super-sub beat-up the Cherries with a stylish second-half winner which had the Seagulls flying level on points with their coastal rivals.Brighton secured a 2-1 win over Bournemouth in their south coast derbyCredit: ReutersThe result saw the Seagulls move level on points with the CherriesCredit: ReutersJoao Pedro had given the hosts the lead from the penalty spot but that was wiped out by a fabulous Justin Kluivert equaliser.But former Manchester United and Arsenal star Welbeck won the neighbourly contest with the winner 15 minutes from time.Both seaside towns have been in splashing form in their bid to claim their place at the top European table next season.But it was the side from Sussex who came out on top again with their fourth successive home win against the boys from Dorset.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBournemouth were forced to rearrange their back line when defender Illia Zabarnyi lost his appeal against Saturday’s sending off against Wolves.James Hill took his place alongside teenage centre-back sensation Dean Huijsen.It was a big blow for the Cherries as the Ukraine star had played every minute of the season until he was red carded against Wanderers.Brighton gave their January signing, former Inter-Miami star Diego Gomez his full debut-and the Paraguayan didn’t let his team down.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe was a constant threat and did indeed provide the pass that led to Pedro’s first half penalty.The visitors started well with Ryan Christie forcing Albion goalkeeper to Bart Verbruggen to dive full length to his left to claw his shot away.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersBrighton responded well and had the Cherries new look defence in disarray.Georginio Rutter sent a powerful header wide just before Kaoru Mitoma ran through and sent a side-effort rolling past the far post.But Gomez made his mark when he sent Joao Pedro into the box hounded by defender Dean Huijsen.The striker kept his feet until Cherries stopper Kepa raced out of goal and bundled him over.Joao Pedro gave Brighton an early leadCredit: GettyPedro hit the target from the penalty spotCredit: GettyReferee Michael Oliver immediately pointed to the spot which didn’t go down with the Chelsea loanee claiming he didn’t touch the player.But VAR confirmed the 12th minute spot-kick and Pedro sent Kepa the wrong way for his seventh goal of the campaign.The visitors got their game back on track but were dealt a blow when a hobbling Christie had to be replaced by Alex Scott on 26 minutes.Bournemouth were being pinned back by a vibrant Albion side but were always threatening with a quick counter-attack.Justin Kluivert fired in a rocket to equaliseCredit: ReutersThe Dutchman has been in top form this seasonCredit: ReutersThe Seagulls were unlucky not to double their lead on 37 minutes when Mitoma volleyed Tariq Lamptey cross against the post.At the other end Antoine Semenyo showed three home players a clean pair of heels before he thumped his shot straight at Verbruggen.   Brighton looked dangerous whenever they attacked no doubt fired up by the fact they had just beaten Chelsea 3-0 and Southampton 4-0 in their last league fixtures.Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert, who had scored nine times on the road in the Premier League, had a quiet first half.Danny Welbeck came off the bench to net Brighton’s winnerCredit: ReutersThe veteran striker was delighted with his late impactCredit: ReutersBut straight after the break the Dutchman came alive seeing his cross glide just wide of the home goal.Kluivert wasn’t looking glum for long because he was soon celebrating his 13th goal of the campaign on 61 minutes.The winger took Milos Kerkez’s pass in his stride, moved inside before thumping a rocket into the far corner of the net from 18 yards.READ MORE SUN STORIESBournemouth had their tails up but Welbeck brought them down to earth soon after entering the field.He controlled Rutter’s pass with his right foot before gently placing it with his left past Kepa into the net. More

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      Crystal Palace 4 Aston Villa 1: Adam Wharton runs the show on return to starting XI in front of England boss Tuchel

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      HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Ismaila Sarr – what a wonderful way to celebrate your big day.The Senegal striker marked his 27th birthday with two brilliant goals – scored against different goalkeepers – as clinical Crystal Palace returned to winning ways at Selhurst Park.Ismaila Sarr scored twice to sink Aston VillaCredit: GettyJean-Philippe continued his good goalscoring formCredit: ReutersAdam Wharton ran the match on his first start after three months out injuredCredit: GettyThe ex-Watford star became just the third Palace player to score a Premier League goal on his birthday after Christian Benteke (against Bournemouth in 2016) and Luka Milivojevic (against Southampton in 2018).As Sarr blew out the candles on his cake, the result was a huge blow to Unai Emery’s hopes of Aston Villa keeping pace with the top-four spots as they slipped two places down to tenth.After meeting the future King, new England boss Thomas Tuchel went from Windsor Palace to the (Crystal) Palace for the evening’s entertainment.And the decision to visit atmospheric SE25 was a wise one given there were TEN Englishmen involved across the two starting line-ups.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere were six for Palace and four for Villa but Manchester United’s on-loan ace Marcus Rashford, the winner of 60 England caps, had to wait until being introduced on 68 minutes – and when he did appear, he did not offer much as Villa really struggled.There has been considerable criticism for Tuchel’s apparent work-from-home policy – he has spent more time with his family in Germany rather than sit in the cold at English football grounds – but there was plenty to ponder as he watched the homegrown contingent.For Adam Wharton, making his first Premier League start since October, this was a timely moment to show off his abilities to England’s third overseas manager in history.The 21-year-old midfielder – an unused member of Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad at the 2024 European Championships – has had his minutes managed by boss Oliver Glasner.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis is because he had surgery last autumn for a persistent groin problem and was absent for four months in the middle of the campaign.Pain-free and fully recovered, his return to the picture after three sub appearances was at the expense of Colombian Jefferson Lerma, who had started in the superb 2-0 win at Fulham last Saturday.Crystal Palace and Lyon chief John Textor wears cowboy hat in sarcastic response to rivalAnd on 29 minutes, the Lancastrian showed Tuchel that he possesses a wand of a left foot because it was his delivery that gave the home side the opener.The former Blackburn Rovers man switched the ball right to left and then whipped in the cross, which survived a VAR check because while Tyrick Mitchell was offside, he was not interfering with play.And though Emiliano Martinez stopped the initial header from Chris Richards, the Argentine World Cup-winning goalkeeper could not prevent Sarr from scoring at the back post.Several minutes before that opener, Villa had had a goal disallowed for offside as Ollie Watkins brilliantly fed in Jacob Ramsey – a lovely England 1-2 combination – but the finish was all in vain.On that occasion, it was the right call by VAR, a clear and obvious error from the on-field team.The Stockley Park officials were drawing their lines on the screen three minutes before half-time and my goodness, how infuriatingly close for Villa it was.Rogers played in Watkins – who, in turn, provided the return pass – but the latter’s knee was adjudged to have been offside.Emery, whose side could have gone fifth with a win, celebrated like a maniac on the touchline but that joy quickly disappeared and he could only look on with bemusement as it was scrubbed out.Now, Martinez might be trademarked these days as the world’s best goalkeeper but he simply cannot keep any clean sheets.It is 16 out of 17 games in a row where he has had to retrieve the ball from his net at least once.Though he did redeem himself with one decent save from Sarr, Martinez was replaced at half-time for fitness reasons by sub Robin Olsen.the-sun-22-23-heat-map-af243e58-a164-483b-ab95-9a423dbb4314In true pantomime fashion, the giant Swedish stopper was booed loudly by the Holmesdale Fanatics behind him.That is because during the half-time break he stopped some small kids from having some fun shots as it was disrupting his warm-up routines.Olsen was the one laughing on 52 minutes when he launched the ball ‘route one’ like Wimbledon used to do when they ground-shared here decades ago.Watkins won the header, outjumping defender Marc Guehi, and then Rogers demonstrated tremendous trickery to win possession of the bouncing ball with his head, twist past Chris Richards and then fire past Dean Henderson.Parity only lasted for seven minutes becauseMateta is a man in form and playing with supreme confidence and he fired past Olsen after being played in by Eze and Wharton.It was his 12th Prem goal this season and eight of those have come this calendar year, a tally matched by Liverpool’s Mo Salah in 2025.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn 71 minutes, Sarr made his special day even better as he hooked in a Daniel Munoz cut-back and though party-pooping VAR tried to spoil everything with a check, this was an evening for him and his family to remember.And there was one final English combination for Tuchel to enjoy as Mitchell crossed for Eddie Nketiah to score on an excellent night for the Eagles. 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