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      David Beckham’s former team-mate becomes referee and one of first ex-players to make the jump

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      CHRIS BIRCHALL’s football career took him from Port Vale to Los Angeles – and now he’s eyeing up the Premier League. The former LA Galaxy midfielder has retrained as a referee since hanging up his boots in 2016.Chris Birchall (right) could finally be ready to achieve his Premier League dreamCredit: GettyThe former LA Galaxy midfielder has retrained as a refereeCredit: Paul TongeBirchall played alongside David Beckham in LACredit: Paul TongeBirchall started the process of becoming an official earlier this year.The 40-year-old signed up for a special PGMOL initiative aimed at fast-tracking ex-pros into refereeing. Birchall took charge of his first qualification game in April.And he told SunSport just a month later: “I’d love to ref in the EFL. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”The hardest things are positioning  yourself and making split-second decisions.”Birchall has now secured a three-year deal with the FA, blazing a trail for ex-players going into the profession.He revealed on Monday: “I am over the moon to accept a 3yr contract offer from the PGMOL to become one of the first ex-players to transition into professional refereeing! “Huge thanks to the PFA and Premier League along with PGMOL for this opportunity.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTagging in Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, a vocal referee critic, he added: “Don’t be sceptical, be very excited!”The new recruitment drive is part of the Elite Referee Development Plan, which is funded and supported by the Premier League. Fans dub David Beckham’s dream 5-a-side team ‘probably the best ever’ as legend picks just one former Man Utd team-mateIt aims to revamp refereeing in English football, giving ex-professionals a fast-track route into the system.Chief refereeing officer Howard Webb explained: “We’ve made no secret that we are looking to broaden our pool of officials and entice people from other areas of the game and society into refereeing who may have historically not been well represented.”It’s been fantastic to collaborate with the PFA on this programme.”The level of interest from their members strongly indicates they feel this is an exciting opportunity to explore an avenue which could potentially lead them to the highest levels of our game – this time as a match official.”VAR: Imagine the future…Martin Lipton’s pro VAR viewFAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you.Birchall spent much of his early career in England’s lower leagues, playing for Vale, Coventry and Brighton.His world was turned upside down in 2009 when he joined the Galaxy, replacing David Beckham on his debut. Speaking to SunSport earlier this year, Birchall said: “David was great with me. “Although I played with him towards the end of his career, wow what a player. He could pick you out with a pass from 40 yards.”There was banter between us as English guys. He’d come into training every morning and say to me, ‘Hi, Mr Perfect’ and I was like, ‘If anyone should be called that it’s you!’What do David Beckham’s tattoos mean?HandsStarting with the hands, and David Beckham has the word “Love” inked across the top of his left hand, with a swallow on either side.This is joined by the numbers 723, a combination of the shirts he famously wore for Manchester United and later Real Madrid.On his little finger, he has the year he was married.Becks also has a small female-stick figure designed by his daughter Harper.The devoted husband has “Posh” tattooed on a finger as a nod to wife Victoria Beckham’s Spice Girls nickname.ArmsBecks has two sleeve tattoos on both his arms with the centrepieces paying tribute to his marriage to Victoria.The most famous of his body art comes in the shape of her name along the inside of his forearm, which is inked in Sanskrit.Both Posh and Becks have Hebrew tattoos, which they got to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary.The matching tatts translate to, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine”.Meanwhile, Becks also has a separate rose inking on his left arm to mark the couple’s tenth anniversary.NeckOne of Beckham’s most famous tattoos is on his neck, which is a gothic style cross and wings.It is symbolic of to his religion and acts as a protective guardian of his son Romeo, whose name is tattooed just below the angel wings.Beckham also has the name of his daughter, Harper, on the side of his neck.This was later updated to include the words “Pretty Lady”, to mark her fourth birthday.BackBeckham’s back tattoos serve as tribute to his sons.He has angel wings at the top as a sign of protection for them.Becks has both his eldest on Brooklyn, and his youngest son Cruz’s names inked across his back.BodyBeckham has a large chest tattoo that is an image of himself as Jesus, with three cherubs representing his sons, Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz.The footy ace also has a vertical tattoo down his left side in Chinese symbols – this translates as “Death and life have determined appointments”.Paying homage to his father, he has an inking of a ship at full mast – which is identical to the same one his dad has.”He sends video messages when it’s my lad’s birthday and I’ll text him when any big news happens. He’s humble and the type of person you want to be associated with.”Birchall played international football for Trinidad & Tobago, facing off against Golden Balls in the 2006 World Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe remembers: “My biggest memory was Beckham shaking my hand at the end and telling me, ‘You had one hell of a game’. “He was my hero so that was special.” More

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      European giants selling off part of iconic stadium after incredible £1billion renovation

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      REAL MADRID’S first-team locker room from the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium will be auctioned off.Real’s historic dressing room will be sold by Sotheby’s, who will open the bidding online from 12 November for two weeks.Real Madrid’s first-team locker room from Santiago Bernabeu will be auctioned.This comes after the most extensive renovation of the Bernabeu, which cost £1billionCredit: GettyBidders will be offered 24 individual lockers used by legends of the gameCredit: GettyThe auction is being held in partnership with Pursuit 3 Marketing Group S.L., which is the club’s official memorabilia partner.It comes after the massive renovation of the Bernabeu, which cost a staggering £1billion.Bidders will be offered 24 individual lockers used by legends, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham. Zinedine Zidane, Sergio Ramos and Luis Figo.Bidding starts at £10,000 and each locker will be presented as it appeared during the 2022 season.Read More on FootballThat means that the lockers could be sold for at least £250,000.And each will be accompanied by a letter certifying its authenticity, listing each of the players who once called the locker their own.The sale will also include the Real Madrid Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Mosaic measuring approximately three metres wide with bids starting at £12,000.Also up for grabs are the stadium’s metal doors, which will go for at least £8,000.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA portion of the proceeds will go to the Real Madrid Foundation, which is committed to encouraging the education of children.The foundation also promotes social inclusion of the most vulnerable members of society and builds a world-class memorabilia programme for the club as well as its fans.Headline Legendary stadium looks unrecognisable with football pitch in underground greenhouse and amazing 360-degree big screenReal are currently second in LaLiga with nine points separating them from leaders Barcelona.Bidding will be taking place at sothebys.com. More

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      There’s something wrong with refereeing after Martinez dodged red for career-threatening Palmer foul, says ex-Prem ref

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      LISANDRO MARTINEZ avoiding a red card for his shocking challenge on Cole Palmer signals something could be wrong with refereeing, according to Mark Halsey.The former Premier League referee believes the Manchester United defender was “very lucky” to escape a red card.Lisandro Martinez escaped a red card for his high tackle on Cole PalmerCredit: PAThe challenge could gave caused a serious injuryCredit: PAMark Halsey questioned why VAR did not intervene to send off MartinezCredit: AFPMartinez caught Palmer high on his knee with a reckless lunge that could have led to a serious injury.Ref Rob Jones booked Martinez for the tackle but VAR did not recommend a review, so there was no opportunity to increase the Argentine’s punishment.Halsey cannot understand why VAR did not intervene and he believes Martinez would have walked if the ref took a second look at the incident.Halsey told SunSport’s Whistleblower: “I was surprised that VAR didn’t recommend a review because I don’t think Martinez could have any complaints had he seen red card for that offence. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”Because it was for me, it was serious foul play. It was a challenge that endangered the player’s safety because he was so high. Okay, the force wasn’t there.”But it’s a career threatening challenge when you’re going that high on someone’s knee.”If officials do not think that’s a red card. Then there’s something seriously wrong. It’s not about knowing the laws of the game.”I think Martinez was very, very lucky that he didn’t see red.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans were also shocked Martinez did not walk, as was Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.He said after the match: “I think there is not intention to take the ball and the foul is quite dangerous.”Manchester United vs Chelsea: Player Ratings Breakdown (2)”It is quite clear it is a red.”While Gary Neville said in commentary: “When you go that high I think you’re asking for a red card. I think he’s lucky.”When you go knee-high and the ball’s gone, I think it’s a red.” More

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      Tottenham star Pedro Porro will donate part of wages to help clean up flood-hit Valencia

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      TOTTENHAM star Pedro Porro will donate part of his salary to help with the clean-up of flood-hit Valencia.Spain is in mourning after more than 200 people were killed in the catastrophe, which began on Tuesday following a period of intense rainfall.Pedro Porro will donate part of his salary to the Valencia relief fundCredit: AlamyFloods have devastated ValenciaCredit: AFPThe horrific weather conditions have caused a huge amount of damage to the areaCredit: EPAIt was the worst flood to hit the country for decades which saw bridges collapse and nearby towns covered in thick mud.Spanish international Porro, who comes from humble beginnings himself, said he would be back in his homeland now helping with the tidy-up if his football schedule allowed.Instead the 25-year-old is offering up some of his wages to go towards any resources needed to restore the area.Porro, speaking after playing in Spurs’ 4-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday, said: “First of all, I just want to say that, well, for a Spaniard, today, for all Spaniards, it’s a sad day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I think we’ve had three, four, five days of terrible suffering. I can’t even imagine what it’s like for everyone involved in Valencia.“And, as I posted on social media, I want to dedicate this victory to them.”Porro wrote a message on Instagram after the thumping win over top-four rivals Aston Villa that read: “Big result. I want to dedicate today’s win to all those who are currently suffering in Valencia at this extremely difficult time. You are in all of our prayers”, together with a black-coloured heart emoji.Spurs and Villa’s players all wore black armbands during the game in tribute to the victims of the flood, which totalled a tragic 217.Most read in FootballAsked what it has been like for him watching on from England: “There’s a sense of helplessness.“Helplessness about not being there, because I know what it’s like to be ‘in the mud’.Mum sobs as she begs for help to find daughter missing for 4 days in Valencia floods as 10k troops deployed & 213 dead“I’d be the first one there to help, to show up, but I’m in London, I have competitions, I can’t.“I’d say it’s helplessness because I’d like to help.“But I’ve already spoken to my agents, and I’m going to donate part of my salary to cover whatever they need, to buy shovels, food, especially anything they need.”Porro joined Spurs from Sporting Lisbon for £40million, after an initial loan spell, in 2023.He arrived from Sporting Lisbon, where he worked under incoming Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim.Porro praised Amorim for how he boosted his confidence after he joined the Portuguese side from Manchester City – and for how the 39-year-old’s 3-4-3 system suited his skillset.The five-cap La Roja full-back said: “He’s a great coach. I worked with him for three years.“He’s coming to one of the best stages in the world, which is the Premier League. I wish him the best and hope things go as well as possible for him.“He helped me a lot with confidence. I think the confidence he gave me was fundamental for me, and that’s why, when I arrived at Sporting, things went well for me.“The style of play also suited me well.”Several players shared their condolences and sent well-wishes to those affected by the floods in Spain over the weekend.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti claimed on Monday that fixtures around the country should not have taken place.He explained: “I think the whole football world has been quite clear on this.”Nobody wanted to play and that seemed to me to be the right decision. We are not the ones in charge and we have to respect the decision of those in charge.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s very difficult to prepare for a match like this because you have it in your head all the time. What happened was unbelievable and terrible.”It’s been a difficult week — it’s a difficult week because the atmosphere is not normal, but nothing to do with the Ballon d’Or, which has already happened and we congratulate the winners… The sadness is not there, but in what is happening here in Spain.”A red warning is in place for Valencia with orange and yellow warnings along the east coast More

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      Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table after shock slip-ups for Arsenal and Man City

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      THE WEEKEND’S Premier League action saw shock defeats for Arsenal and Manchester City as Liverpool returned to the top of the table.And with both of last season’s title challengers slipping up, a supercomputer has predicted how the league table could look come the end of the season.Arsenal lost 1-0 to Newcastle on Saturday in a huge blow to their title hopesCredit: GettyManchester City fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of BournemouthCredit: AlamyLiverpool returned to the top of the table as Mohamed Salah helped them beat Brighton 2-1Credit: GettyArsenal’s toothless defeat to Newcastle was their second loss of the season already, while City tasted defeat for the first time this term at the hands of Bournemouth.The boffins at Bettingexpert.com have enlisted their supercomputer BETSiE to find out what those dropped points could mean in May.The tech whizzes simulated the league season 100,000 times, taking into account team form, results, financial data and xG to take a swing at the likely table at the end of the season.It doesn’t make good reading Arsenal fans, who are set to see their team fail to lift the league title for a third year running.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd this time they’re in line to finish in third place with both Liverpool and Man City above them.But despite Arne Slot’s Reds flying high on top of the tree at the moment, the supercomputer is predicting Man City to win an unprecedented FIFTH consecutive title.City have got a 47.9% chance of retaining their crown as champions of England, and are predicted to do so with their lowest ever points tally at just 83 POINTS.Liverpool are predicted to sit in second on 79 points, just four points ahead of Arsenal in third on 76.Most read in FootballChelsea are expected to return to the top fourCredit: GettyNottingham Forest’s electric start looks like it might lose steamCredit: ReutersFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLiverpool still have a 38.7% chance of lifting the trophy, while Arsenal’s chances are dwindling at just 9.4%.Chelsea’s impressive start to the season is expected to continue with the Blues earning the final spot in the top four under Ezno Maresca.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersNottingham Forest currently sit above Arsenal in the table after a start to the season that has been nothing short of sensational.But the Tricky Trees are expected to trip up with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side predicted to finish 10th come May.The Supercomputer reckons it’ll be Tottenham who finish fifth, Aston Villa in sixth and Newcastle in seventh spot.While Ruben Amorim will be unable to better Erik ten Hag’s eighth place finish, with BETSiE expecting United to come eighth once again.As for the bottom of the table, it’s grim reading for the newly promoted clubs.It’s predicted that all three of the Championship arrivals will be heading straight back down with Leicester finishing 18th, Southampton in 19th and Ipswich Town rock bottom of the pile.Wolves are expected to make a great escape and come in 17th, but still face a 36.5% chance of heading down.Wolves are predicted to make a great escapeCredit: ReutersIpswich Town are set to finish bottom of the pileCredit: Alamy More

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      How Edu made Arsenal great again from culling toxic flops and backing Arteta to becoming major transfer force again

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      EDU GASPAR has been a MAGA man from the start.Make Arsenal Great Again has been his mantra since returning to the club he played for 2019 – and his shock departure will hit the club hard, especially with Premier League clubs already in for him.Edu is credited with Arsenal’s rise back to the top and his presence will be missedCredit: GettyEdu stood by Mikel Arteta even after a tough few years early in his reignCredit: GettyAfter a few wobbles early on – signing Nicolas Pepe will never reflect well – the Brazilian has, alongside Mikel Arteta, been crucial in the club’s transformation.Without his contributions the Gunners may not be competing back at the top table of English and European football.Arteta was brought in as the new manager within months of Edu’s return to North London and the former midfielder stuck by the boss when the pressure was on two years into the job.Instead of making the knee-jerk decision to change manager again, the former Brazil international, joined forces with Arteta to institute a huge change of culture at The Emirates.READ MORE SPORT STORIESOverpaid toxic influences such as Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were purged from the dressing room and Arsenal set about adding strong characters.Edu may not be the man waving a lightbulb around London Colney or setting pick-pockets on his players but he has been a significant supporter of Arteta’s slightly unhinged ideas.But after years of Arsenal having to carefully balance the books, it is in the transfer market where Edu has battled to get the club competing again – signing no fewer than 35 players.After the questionable early signings, Edu quickly grew into the role.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe signing of Declan Rice, tipped to join Man City, proved Arsenal were right back in the mix for signing the world’s top talentCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard has been an outstanding capture for the club while the Gunners’ trio of Brazilian Gabriels: Magalhaes, Martinelli and Jesus have all made big contributions.In landing Declan Rice ahead of Manchester City last year Arsenal showed they could compete for and sign some of Europe’s biggest talents once more.Arsenal vs Newcastle: Player RatingsArsenal have become one of the most attractive clubs in the Premier League and one of the most efficient in the market.At the end of the summer window, after signing Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, Neto and Raheem Sterling, Edu said: “We as a club have to be proud once again. The way we are working together, the way we did all the deals.”We are in a very good situation when see all the loan players in the right clubs.”You see the signings we have like Riccardo and like Merino, so the players that we planned to sign, our targets, they are here.”Also the players that we decided to sell, I think we sold them for the right price, to the right clubs, in the right way also which is important.”Edu’s 35 signings rankedEDU oversaw the arrival of 35 players during his time at the club.Some worked out better than others.Here, SunSport ranks them from worst to best…35. Nicolas Pepe (£72m)34. Willian (Free)33. David Luiz (£8m)32. Runar Alex Runarsson (£2m)31. Mat Ryan (Loan)30. Fabio Vieira (£34m)29. Neto (Loan)28. Marquinhos (£3m)27. Nuno Tavares (£8m)26. Matt Turner (£5m)25. Cedric Soares (Free)24. Albert Sambi Lokonga (£17m)23. Pablo Mari (£5m)22. Dani Ceballos (Loan)21. Raheem Sterling (Loan)20. Jakub Kiwior (£17m)19. Jorginho (£12m)18. Riccardo Calafiori (£42m)17. Kieran Tierney (£25m)16. Takehiro Tomiyasu (£20m)15. Mikel Merino (£28m)14. Aaron Ramsdale (£24m)13. Oleksandr Zinchenko (£30m)12. Gabriel Jesus (£45m)11. Kai Havertz (£65m)10. Jurrien Timber (£38m)9. Gabriel Martinelli (£6m)8. David Raya (£27m)7. Leandro Trossard (£20m)6. Thomas Partey (£45m)5. Ben White (£50m)4. Gabriel Magalhaes (£27m)3. Declan Rice (£105m)2. William Saliba (£27m)1. Martin Odegaard (£30m)Click here to read more Arsenal stories.While there have been big deals for the likes of Rice and Calafiori, there have been smart ones too – picking out value where others have lost hope.Kai Havertz appeared as a surprising signing after a dreadful season at Chelsea. But after Edu gave the German space and support to rebuild his confidence he has developed into a fine asset for Arteta.Edu does not only have a tight relationship with Arteta – who many fans will be glad signed a new deal before the sporting director’s departure – but the players too.READ MORE SUN STORIESThroughout injury troubles or losses of form the former midfielder is always ready and waiting to check in, keep them going.London Colney and The Emirates will feel a very different place for all of them without Edu – the closest support for players and manager in the boardroom.Arsenal player ratings vs NewcastleARSENAL fell to defeat to Newcastle in a fresh blow to their title ambitions.The Magpies won 1-0 thanks to a fine header from Alexander Isak.Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates the players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Great early distribution to go long over the Newcastle press but nothing he could do with Isak’s pin-point header.Was barely troubled in the second half but was forced to watch a lacklustre Arsenal dawdle to another defeat.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Looks really comfortable in that role, even if it is only temporary, but obviously lacks an attacking threat of a full-back which hindered Saka slightly.Moved back into midfield on the hour mark with Arsenal chasing the game.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7A welcome presence back in the defensive line following suspension. Covered his defensive partner well and kept his cool amid Arsenal’s frustration.GABRIEL – 5Lost Isak in the box for Newcastle’s opener and nearly handed the hosts another chance with a sloppy pass out.Normally a rock, this was one of those rare jittery displays we thought were a thing of the past.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Looked good in attack but arguably should have closed down Gordon’s cross before the hosts took the lead and struggled to contain the England winger in the first half.MIKEL MERINO – 5Unfortunate not to get on the score sheet against his former club from close range after a scramble from a corner.But as a whole, he currently looks lost in his position, unsure of when to go and when to sit deep, meaning Newcastle were able to prize Arsenal’s midfield open.Feels like we are not seeing the best of him just yet.DECLAN RICE – 6On set-piece duty, his delivery was unusually poor, failing to beat the first man on numerous occasions and struggled to impose himself in open play too, even if he came close with a deflected effort in the second half before fluffing a great headed chance in injury time.If he is going to be the anchor of this team and dictate play, he has got to be a lot better.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5Pretty anonymous other than a few surging runs. Another player that looks lost in a floating No.10 role behind the main striker.The Belgian is at his best cutting in and using his blistering pace. He can do neither through the middle against a compact opposition set-up.BUKAYO SAKA – 6Looked to be getting the better of Toon right-back Hall early on but his game faded after that, along with his team’s.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Showed glimpses of being back to his buzzing best, taking on defenders and stretching the game for Arsenal, but only lasted an hour before being taken off.KAI HAVERTZ – 6Never got a sniff, but got to put that down to a complete lack of service from Arsenal’s wide players. He was desperate to attack a decent cross that never really came.SUBS:ETHAN NWANERI (MERINO, 61) – 6Given a nice welcome to Tyneside with a crunching tackle from Willock seconds after coming on.Found some nice pockets of space and look sharp as he blazed one over from range, but was always a big ask for him to be Arsenal’s saviour.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (MARTINELLI, 61) – 5Thrown on to bring tempo and control. Brought neither from an inverted left-back position.BEN WHITE (TIMBER, 71) – 6Had only completed half a session to prepare for this one having picked up a knock against Liverpool last weekend, so was a surprise to even see him at all.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD) – 5Tasked with creating something special from out wide, but there is a reason the Brazilian is only a bit-part player nowadays.JORGINHO (PARTEY, 86) – N/AClick here to read more on Arsenal. More

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      Jose Mourinho goads feared Trabzonspor fans in ‘wildest celebration since Camp Nou’ as explosion heard in background

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      JOSE MOURINHO goaded Trabzonspor fans after his Fenerbahce side netted a dramatic late winner away from home.The Portuguese boss could not contain his emotions when Manchester United flop Sofyan Amrabat made it 3-2 to the visitors in the TWELFTH minute of added time.Jose Mourinho goaded Trabzonspor fans after Fenerbahce’s late winCredit: GettyThe visitors netted a winner in the 12th minute of added timeCredit: GettyMourinho was still celebrating as he left the fieldFener went ahead in the Turkish Sup Lig match through Fred before Simon Banza’s controversial two penalties put Trabzonspor 2-1 up.Edin Dzeko then levelled things in the 75th minute.But Amrabat’s dramatic late winner caused wild celebrations among Fenerbahce players and fans.Yet nobody toasted the occasion with more passion than Mourinho.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe gaffer ran onto the pitch before sliding to his knees as players piled on top of him.Mourinho waved both arms in the air as he walked off the pitch.And as he approached the tunnel, the Special One passionately jumped and punched the air while being escorted by Fenerbahce stars.At the same time, a loud explosion could be heard going off, which sounded like a firework.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Mourinho was quickly ushered into the tunnel to escape any forthcoming wrath from Trabzonspor fans.The home supporters have a history of trouble, having attacked Fener players in last season’s match.Watch moment Jose Mourinho wiped out in training exercise and collapses to floor as stars help him off pitchSome fans compared Mourinho’s celebrations to the ones he did against Barcelona in 2010Credit: AP:Associated PressMourinho held nothing back at the Nou Camp as Inter Milan won on their way to Champions League gloryCredit: AP:Associated PressTrabzonspor lost that game 3-2 as well, and their fans charged the field before fighting Fenerbahce stars including Michy Batshuayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel.Mourinho was not manager at the time, having only moved to Istanbul in July.Yet last night’s passionate celebration was heralded by many as his most intense since Inter Milan beat Barcelona on their way to winning the Champions League in 2010.One fan said: “The last time Mourinho went crazy like this was at the Nou Camp.”Another declared: “The guy is crazy.”One noted: “He’s made the Turkish league relevant.”Another added: “Did he just win the Champions League.”After the game, Mourinho blasted referee standards in Turkey after VAR controversially gave Trabzonspor two penalties.Fener also felt they were denied a penalty late on after a handball from the hosts.He said in the tunnel afterwards: “I blame the Fenerbahce people that brought me here. They told me only half of the truth.”They didn’t tell me the whole truth because if they told me the whole truth, I wouldn’t come.Mourinho’s press conference rant in full“I will watch the matches until I can because nobody wants to watch the Turkish league.“Who wants to watch this Turkish league abroad? They have the Premier League, the French league, the German league, the Portuguese league, the Dutch league.“Why should they see this? When the president met me, the director, even before that I met other important and respectful clubs in Turkey.“I couldn’t believe that this was the dimension. It’s too grey, it’s too dark, smells bad.“We were in good control, winning 1-0 when Atilla (Karaoglan, VAR ref), woke up because in the first half he was probably having Turkish tea.“Not to say an alcoholic drink so probably was Turkish tea. There was a clear red card on Bright (Oyasi-Samuel). If it is a Fenerbahce player he would wake up, even the ref on the pitch wouldn’t be afraid to give the card.“Referees are afraid to give decisions to us. For me the biggest scandal is a penalty in our favour.“As I was saying before, I don’t think abroad many people watch the Turkish league. I think in London only my son watches the Turkish league, nobody else.“I’m going to post on my Instagram. I don’t have many but I think more than five million will watch more of that penalty.“So they will know what the Turkish league is. (On a scale of 1-10 what grade would I give myself?) Zero.””But, with half of the truth and my boys, we fight opponents and the system.”The man of the match was (VAR ref) Atilla Karaoglan.”We didn’t see him but he was the referee. The referee was just a little boy that was there on the pitch, but the referee was Atilla Karaoglan.”He goes from the invisible man to the most important man in the match.”I think I am speaking on behalf of every Fenerbahce fan – we don’t want him again.”We don’t want him as a VAR. We don’t want him on the pitch but, on the VAR, even less.”Aftewards, Mourinho went on another rant at his press conference.He added: “Who wants to watch this Turkish league abroad? I couldn’t believe that this was the dimension (the standard of refereeing). It’s too grey, it’s too dark, smells bad.“We were in good control, winning 1-0 when Atilla (Karaoglan, VAR ref), woke up because in the first half he was probably having Turkish tea.“Not to say an alcoholic drink so probably was Turkish tea. “I don’t think abroad many people watch the Turkish league. I think in London only my son watches the Turkish league, nobody else.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m going to post on my Instagram. I don’t have many but I think more than five million will watch more of that penalty.“So they will know what the Turkish league is.” More

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      Chelsea legend Michael Essien takes latest step in football management journey as he continues to rise to top

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      CHELSEA legend Michael Essien has taken the next step on his journey into football management by completing his UEFA course.The 41-year-old expressed a desire to continue working in football after hanging up his boots over six years ago.Michael Essien has completed his UEFA management courseCredit: X @MichaelEssienHe took up a coaching role with Danish side Nordsjaelland in 2020 and was tasked with helping young players transition into the first team.While working for the club, Essien has continued to collect his coaching badges.The Premier League icon recently completed his UEFA Certificate in Football Management course, meaning he is now prepared to take the next step in his coaching career.Essien shared his achievement on social media last week.READ MORE ON CHELSEAHe wrote: “Finally done with my UEFA certificate in football management journey.”Thanks all for the help. I keep learning about the beautiful game.”In a recent interview with Joy Sports, Essien revealed he initially had no interest in becoming a coach when he was a player.However, his mindset quickly changed when he retired.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe explained: “When I was playing, if you asked me if I wanted to go into coaching, I would say no.”But as time passed, I started thinking: I’ve been in football all my life; why not take up coaching and acquire my license to still stay in football and be around the players?”Chelsea ratings vs Man UtdEssien joined Chelsea in a £24.4million transfer from Lyon in 2005 and went on to make 256 appearances.He also won the Champions League, two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the League Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.Bastia, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Panathinaikos, Persib Bandung and Sabail are among the other clubs he played for.Essien was also capped 59 times by the Ghana national team as a player. More