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    Barcelona in talks over free transfer swoop for Arsenal’s Thomas Partey who ‘wants a deal that reflects his standing’

    BARCELONA are lining up a sensational swoop for Arsenal midfield warrior Thomas Partey and he won’t cost them a penny.The La Liga giants’ representatives have opened talks with the Ghanaian hardman’s camp over a free transfer this summer with Partey’s future at the Emirates still up in the air.Thomas Partey and Mikel Arteta share a strong bond and that could tilt the balanceCredit: GettyThe Ghanaian is coming off one of his best campaigns for the GunnersCredit: GettyThe 31-year-old is settled in London but wants a good deal to stayCredit: GettyPartey, 31, is out of contract at the end of June but has yet to agree a new deal with Arsenal despite Mikel Arteta publicly confirming he would like to keep him.The complex and slow-moving nature of negotiations has encouraged clubs like Barcelona and Atletico Madrid who are both looking to bolster their midfield muscle without breaking the bank.Sources close to the player have told SunSport that Partey is seen as a cut-price fix for Barcelona’s engine room with boss Hansi Flick a big admirer of the ex-Atletico Madrid star.The Ghana international who joined the Gunners in 2020 for £45million has endured an injury-plagued spell in North London — but when fit remains a dominant presence in midfield.READ MORE FOOTBALLHe enjoyed a strong campaign, playing in 35 league games as Arsenal pushed Liverpool for the title. Sunsport understands that the Ghanaian would ideally like to stay in north London having built a strong relationship with Arteta.Partey also recently welcomed a new baby and with his family settled in London, he would love the continuity. However, he is looking for a deal that doesn’t require him to take a significant pay cut- aware that this could be his final major contract.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe turns 32 this month and is seeking a deal that reflects his status as one of the club’s most important players.Barcelona are still grappling with Financial Fair Play restrictions but they love the idea of securing a top-tier player on a free transfer.Chloe Kelly stuns Arsenal fans as she heads straight to local PUB after Champions League trophy paradeBeyond Barcelona, Partey has also attracted interest from Saudi clubs- but it’s the Catalan giants who have made the first serious move and are keeping the pressure on.One source close to the player told SunSport: “Thomas respects Arsenal massively and loves living in London, but he also knows his worth and wants a deal that reflects his standing at the club.”Partey’s potential exit from Arsenal would free up a space in the midfield for next season.And the Gunners are keen to bring Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer and are set to trigger his £51million release clause.According to reports in Spanish outlet Cope, senior Arsenal figures expect the deal to be completed swiftly.Personal terms and the relevant documents have already been signed and agreed, as well as the payment structure around the Spaniard’s release clause.Read More on The SunZubimendi is highly rated by Arteta, who convinced the Euro 2024 winner of the North London project after he turned down a switch to Arne Slot’s Liverpool last summer.It is the start of a huge summer of incomings for Arsenal as they prepare to splash around £200m on new talent to fire them to Premier League glory next term. More

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    ‘F****** hell Rio’ – Laura Woods drops F-bomb as Rio Ferdinand ruins her intro in unseen Champions League final footage

    LAURA WOODS dropped an F-bomb while working on the Champions League final as Rio Ferdinand ruined her intro.The match saw Paris Saint-Germain thrash Inter Milan 5-0 in Munich.Laura Woods was seen practicing an intro ahead of the Champions League final on TNT SportsCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyBut she dropped the F-bomb as Rio Ferdinand walked across the shotCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyWoods was stood in disbelief after the interruptionCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyFerdinand came back to prank Woods by taking the microphone off herCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyHe then realised he was in shot and issued a grovelling apologyCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsyBefore the game, Woods – who has returned to presenting duties on TNT Sports after having a baby with former Love Island star Adam Collard – was practicing her introduction before going live on air.But Woods’ attempt ended in disaster as she was interrupted by Ferdinand – who was working on his final game for TNT Sports.Woods, 37, shared a video of the pre-broadcast footage to her social media.In it she can be seen talking through her interview with a microphone to her mouth before Ferdinand walks across the shot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs the former Manchester United star ambles across, the frustrated presenter then said: “F***ing hell Rio,” before slamming her microphone down and laughing to herself.Woods then joked “that was going to be some of my best work ever,” before Ferdinand walked back in front.The 46-year-old then playfully takes the microphone away from Woods just as she starts to explain she was doing a practice take.The pair are heard having a laugh, with Ferdinand holding the mic to Woods’ mouth with him then pulling it away.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWoods is seen cracking up at the prank before the former defender spots the camera next to him and realises he was in shot.Flustered Ferdinand then looks back at Woods and apologises to her for getting in the way before jumping out of frame.Laura Woods gives Adam Collard a telling off as they watch Newcastle vs Arsenal and reveal who their baby is supportingHowever, the presenter was unable to hold back her laughter and collapsed on the table, with Ferdinand also heard laughing away in the background.The clip ends with Ferdinand apologising again before Woods says: “I wish that was live.”During the live broadcast, Woods issued a heartfelt tribute to Ferdinand as he bids farewell after working for them for 10 years as a pundit.She said: “Rio, before we leave, just one final goodbye.”From us here at TNT Sport, to you. That is it for your career here, for now.”Can I just say on behalf of all of us – including everyone behind the camera – you’ve been an absolute pleasure.Read More on The Sun”And personally since I joined, you’ve been so incredibly welcoming.”You’ll be sorely, sorely missed.” More

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    Leon Bailey set to seal life-changing £25m Saudi Arabia transfer after being left out in cold by Aston Villa

    LEON BAILEY is expected to seal a life-changing £25 million move to Saudi Arabia this week.The Aston Villa forward is the subject of an offer believed to be from league newcomers Neom.Leon Bailey scored only two goals in 38 games for Villa this seasonCredit: ReutersThe Jamaican international did not enjoy a good second half of the seasonCredit: ReutersVilla boss Unai Emery has a big summer ahead of himCredit: ReutersHis agents have already held initial discussions with the Pro League club.Jamaican international Bailey, 27, is set to earn up to £10 million a year, tax-free.He was a key member of the Villa squad that qualified for the Champions League last season but has since fallen out of favour.The emergence of Morgan Rogers and the arrival of Marcus Rashford, combined with a series of niggling injuries, frustrated Bailey throughout the past campaign.READ MORE FOOTBALLBailey’s imminent departure adds to mounting speculation that Emi Martinez could also leave the club this summer.The Argentine World Cup winner was left in tears after Villa’s final home game of the season, further fuelling rumours that it may have been his last appearance at Villa Park.When asked about the futures of both Bailey and Martinez ahead of the final game of the season, Villa boss Unai Emery said: “Now we are focused on the matches we are playing. “It is the last match here I don’t know, we will see. We will see about the team and the players. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”How they respond and how focused they are on how we prepare for games.”Why these WILD Chris Wood & Morgan Rogers stats could spell disaster for Chelsea & Man Utd | Experts’ best bets – Weekend WagerVilla are set for a big summer having already said goodbye to winger Marcus Rashford, who arrived from Manchester United late last season and made a significant impact.The 27-year-old had been sidelined by United manager Ruben Amorim but was a breath of fresh air as Villa narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot.Sunsport understands Rashford has not entirely ruled out a return to Villa Park. However, interest from clubs abroad has made negotiations delicate at this stage.Martinez, 32, fuelled speculation when he broke down in tears and  took a bow in front of the Holte End after Villa’s final home game of the season.Some feared it was a farewell and since then he was  linked with a  lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League.Man United, Arsenal, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also rumoured to be keen.Martinez’s contract runs until 2029 but a bid of £40million or more would ease Villa’s PSR concerns. More

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    Awkward moment UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov snubs Kate Abdo’s handshake for religious reasons live on TV

    THIS is the awkward moment UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov refused to shake the hand of CBS Sports presenter Kate Abdo.Abdo was working for the broadcaster alongside the terrible trio of Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards for the Champions League final in Munich.Kate Abdo was involved in an awkward exchange with Khabib Nurmagomedov live on TVCredit: X @CBSSportsGolazoAbdo was snubbed by a handshake from the UFC legend for religious reasonsCredit: X @CBSSportsGolazoAbdo was joined in show by usual suspects Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards.Credit: X/CBSSportsGolazoThe match ended in a record-breaking defeat as Paris Saint-Germain thrashed Inter Milan 5-0.The quartet was joined by special guests Khabib Nurmagomedov, and streamer IShowSpeed immediately after the final whistle.Nurmagomedov embraced each member of the crew before Abdo, 43, held out her hand in a greeting.However, the unbeaten UFC star declined the offer by holding his hand on his chest instead, with Abdo quickly reclining it and offering an apology as she welcomed him to the show.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe reason for this is due to the 36-year-old’s religious beliefs as a devout Sunni Muslim.In Islam, it is a forbidden to touch a member of the opposite sex that they are not related to.A similar incident occurred back in 2020 with fellow MMA fighter Cynthia Calvillo, who revealed that Nurmagomedov refused to directly train with her.She explained to theScore: “It’s a little bit weird because of their religion… they won’t train with women.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”(Khabib) is still showing technique and stuff like that. So I still get to watch it. “But it doesn’t bother me … because they’re not really being directly rude to me.”Kate Abdo ‘subbed off’ CBS Sports Champions League final coverage as new presenter leaves Micah Richards ecstaticFans on social media praised Abdo’s response to the awkward exchange with the Dagestani native.One user said: “Mad respect to Kate for understanding afterwards and issuing an apology.”Another said: “Massive respect to Kate for understanding Khabib’s decision and not making a fuss of it in front of other pundits.”A third added: “Love how Khabib respectfully declined Kate’s handshake and she respected his approach. Love that from both of them.”Once that hurdle was cleared, Abdo asked the retired UFC fighter who he was supporting tonight, revealing he was there in support of PSG – despite him previously describing himself as a Real Madrid fan.In another crossover that nobody would have had on their Champions League bingo card, IShowSpeed was playfully confronted by Nurmagomedov about them possibly having a race or fight.Carragher, who hilariously tried resorting to cheating when he lost a race against Speed – real name Darren Hawkins – asked Nurmagomedov: “Do you think you could beat Speed in a fight or a race?”Nurmagomedov said he would be humble and conceded that Speed had the better of him in running, but declared he could easily outdo him in football IQ, before joking: “Don’t forget, between us there is nobody right now.”Abdo then suggested that Richards, ever the brunt of a few jokes on the show, was the “arm wrestling champion” of CBS.However, before the presenter – who married boxer Malik Scott last year – could finish her sentence, the ex-England international said: “No thank you.”Before the match itself, Abdo was subbed out of presenting duties by colleague Anita Nneka Jones, joking she had “other friends waiting for me tonight”.As Henry, Richards and Carragher groaned, Abdo pointed at Jones and added: “Look who’s coming!”Carra shouted “Anita!” before screaming as footage showed Abdo’s pals David Beckham and Tom Cruise hanging out the Allianz Arena.Abdo then waved as she walked off set, adding: “Bye, bye, bye.”Richards asked “Is it a substitution then?” – with Abdo pausing.Read More on The SunThe former Manchester City star then guffawed as Peter Schmeichel held the fourth official’s board to announce the substitution.Richards turned to Jones and bellowed: “Finally some real funny in the studio.” More

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    Matheus Cunha spotted leaving hotel in Manchester as Brazilian star completes £62.5million move from Wolves

    MATHEUS CUNHA broke cover in Manchester just hours ahead of his blockbuster move to Old Trafford.Manchester United have confirmed the £62.5million capture of the Brazilian forward. Matheus Cunha was spotted leaving a Manchester hotel hours before his move from Wolves was finalisedCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe Brazilian star stepped out into the Manchester drizzle from The Lowry on Sunday morningCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeCunha immediately got in a taxi for the airport, where he jetted off on international dutyCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeCunha, 26, was spotted checking out of The Lowry Hotel on Sunday morning. The hotel is just a short drive from United’s Carrington training centre. It was the first time the Brazilian had been spotted in the North West ahead of his eagerly-awaited switch from Wolves.The 26-year-old was joined by his pregnant wife Gabriela and their young son.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCunha’s representatives met with United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, on Saturday night to finalise terms. United triggered Cunha’s £62.5m release clause and will pay the hefty transfer tag in instalments over the next three years.Cunha netted 15 Premier League goals in 33 appearances for Wolves last season.He was high on Ruben Amorim’s summer wishlist, with the Portuguese boss keen to move on from a horror campaign and get business done early. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCunha headed straight to the airport from the hotel, where he jetted out for international duty with Brazil.United’s squad are currently heading home from a horror post-season tour of Asia.Matheus Cunha gifts Wolves team-mates Joao Gomes and Andre a Rolex ahead of Man Utd transferThe trip has been marred by a series of gaffes, including a bizarre open-top bus appearance and players flashing middle fingers at supporters.Club legend David Beckham was among those to take a swipe at the players, branding their behaviour “not ok.”Cunha released his own statement after Wolves’ final game of the season on May 25.Addressing fans on Instagram and saying goodbye, he wrote: “Wolves, what can I say to you?”What an incredible season. We didn’t get to where you deserve to be, but we did everything we could to make you proud. I love these guys.”Individually, it was the best season of my life. All of this was only possible because of all the dedication and love I have for this club. “I became the Brazilian with the most goals in a Premier League season, along with @roberto_firmino and @gabriel.martinelli. “I made mistakes and got things right, but always because I lived this club so much. “All I ever wanted was to do the impossible for Wolves. Another one is over. And thank you all for all the affection.”United are in desperate need of firepower after mustering just 44 league goals last season.Club captain Bruno Fernandes is said to be “seriously considering” an offer from Saudi side Al Hilal.Read More on The SunAlejandro Garnacho also appears set for the exit door, with Chelsea interested in the £50m-rated Argentine. While SunSport revealed last week that out-of-favour Marcus Rashford is holding out for Champions League football. More

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    ‘Players are not acting in the right manner’ – David Beckham slams Man Utd stars’ behaviour after fan clashes on tour

    DAVID BECKHAM has launched a stinging attack on Manchester United’s flops for their off-field conduct in Malaysia. The Red Devils legend slammed recent behaviour from United’s stars as “not okay”. David Beckham has torn into Manchester United’s players for their off-field conductCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho appeared to give the middle finger to supporters in Kuala LumpurCredit: XAmad Diallo gave a similar gesture to fans during the team’s tour of AsiaCredit: TikTok/@ahmdhakimiBeckham won the Premier League title six times during his glittering career at Old Trafford.But Golden Balls has been left far from impressed by the current crop, accusing them of lacking “manners”.United have been on a brief trip to Asia on a disastrous post-season tour, taking in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.Players have been snapped in altercations with supporters, as well as giving the middle finger. READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt comes after a dismal campaign, with United winning no silverware and finishing 15th in the Prem. Beckham told CBS Sports ahead of the Champions League final: “It’s tough times [at United].”I don’t like seeing some of things that are going on at the club.”On the pitch is what counts but in all honesty I’m seeing a lot of things that are not okay in my eyes as a fan and as a lover of Man United.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”You have to represent the badge. That’s what it is about. “I’ve seen a lot of things where players are not acting in the right manner.”Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho show middle finger to fans during Man Utd’s post-season tour in MalaysiaUnited embarked on a 4,150-mile round trip to Malaysia just hours after the Prem season ended on May 25.Alejandro Garnacho was involved in a fan altercation after looking bored and disinterested at meet and greets.The Argentine, along with Amad Diallo, were also spotted giving the middle finger to some supporters. Beckham continued: “We were a part of a team that was so well mannered. “We understood what it meant to play for Manchester United. We understood what the badge meant. “Wherever we travelled, whether it was in Europe or in Asia, we respected the fans. “We respected the fact that they were turning up, paying money and wanting you to sign and take pictures. You respect that.” More

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    Massive fire rips through Fiorentina’s training ground in 2am blaze with three children and an adult rushed to hospital

    FIREFIGHTERS battled against a terrifying blaze at the training base of Fiorentina last night as four people were rushed to hospital.According to reports in Italy, the flames broke out from inside the pavilion that houses the rooms of young Fiorentina footballers at Viola Park.A huge fire broke out at the training ground of Fiorentina at 2am last nightCredit: Instagram @firenzeprimaedopoFour people were taken to hospital as firefighters spent four hours tackling the blazeCredit: Instagram @firenzeprimaedopoThe inferno could be seen raging into the night as 20 units of firefighters battled itCredit: Instagram @fiorentinaunoThis included ladder trucks, tankers and an air wagonCredit: Instagram @florence_tvThe local mayor described it as a ‘night of fear’Credit: Instagram @fiorentinaunoThe entire area was evacuated as the inferno raged throughout the night.Four people – three boys and an adult accompanying them – were taken to hospital for checks due to exposure to the fumes. The blaze is said to have started at around 2:15am, with Florence fire command and the Pontassieve detachment deploying 20 units on site, including ladder trucks, tankers and an air wagon.Extinguishing operations are reported to have continued until 6:15am.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInvestigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.Reports indicate the fire started in the C South pavilion of the training centre before quickly spreading to the hallway, damaging some doors and the ceiling.The building has been rendered unusable after the scary incident.A Fiorentina statement on the incident said: “During the night a fire, the causes of which are still unclear, broke out inside a room in the pavilion dedicated to the youth sector of the ‘Rocco B. Commisso’ Viola Park. Most read in Football”The alarm system, emergency procedures and the preparation of the staff present ensured the rapid evacuation of the structure. “Some people were taken to hospital for checks and accompanied by our health workers, and have already been discharged in good condition. Man Utd legend David De Gea shows off his skills in manic training session “The area of ​​the pavilion affected by the fire has, at the moment, been isolated and made safe.”The mayor of Bagno a Ripoli, Francesco Pignotti, said that the fire had caused a “night of fear” but was thankful no one was seriously hurt while giving special praise to the response of the Fire Brigade.He said: “The images of the flames at Viola Park are terrible. A night of fear that fortunately did not cause serious damage to people. “The three boys and the adult taken to the hospital are under observation but are fine. “We are in contact with Fiorentina and our entire community is close to them. “Thanks to the firefighters and the staff who intervened promptly, avoiding the worst.”Fiorentina’s Viola Park training centre was opened in October 2023 and is the largest in Italy and one of the largest in Europe.The site includes two stadiums which sit a total of 4,500 spectators.They are named the Curva Fiesole, with seats 3,000, and the Davide Astori – named in tribute to the club’s late captain who died from a cardiac arrest in 2018 – which seats 1,500.Prior to its completion, Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso said it would cost around £67million.The facilities there include 12 football pitches, with five being grass, five hybrid, two mini-fields for children, and one for goalkeepers.It also features four exercise facilities with more than 130 training stations and an 80m squared rehabilitation centre.Read More on The SunThese are supplemented by dormitories with 75 rooms and 116 beds across 12 buildings in total, alongside a media centre, medical and wellness centre, a 25m swimming pool, two vascular pools, a cryotherapy facility, sauna and Turkish bath.Fiorentina finished sixth place in the Serie A this season. More

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    I was in the heart of PSG’s celebrations in Paris – it was a war zone with yobs throwing bottles and launching fireworks

    OUTSIDE the Parc des Princes last night, it was carnage. Absolute carnage.No sooner had the final whistle blown in Munich – as Paris Saint-Germain sealed a record-breaking 5-0 Champions League Final win over Inter Milan – the French capital erupted in celebration.Thousands of PSG supporters hit the streets after their team’s Champions League triumphCredit: GettyThe Paris sky was lit up by fireworks as thousands came out to celebrateCredit: GettyFlares were lit by PSG ultras before things began to spiral out of controlCredit: GettySupporters partied well into the night after the 5-0 victoryCredit: GettyThose who live within a few-mile radius of the club’s home ground had prepared for the worst, sensibly boarding up their shops and cafes in anticipation of mass trouble, and it proved to be a wise decision.Tens of thousands of people, mostly young men wearing PSG shirts, sprinted away from the club’s football ground and once they were outside of the wide police security perimeter, chaos ensued.Motorists had to take evasive action coming off the motorway slip-roads as people dangerously spilled into the street, throwing flares into their path.Soon, the traffic was completely stopped around Porte d’Auteuil as supporters started celebrating in the street – and even jumped on stationary cars.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCoaches were blocked from moving forward and it was a surprise nobody was run over in the bedlam and disorder.One large truck did try to drive its way through the mayhem but dozens of blokes simply hitched a ride on the back.The air around the ground filled with the sound of air horns and revving motorbikes.Red and white flares were lit by bare-chested fans who either had scarves around their faces or dodgy cigarettes in their mouths.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSmoke bombs were let off and some PSG Ultras brought along firework GUNS, shooting the pyrotechnics high into the Parisian sky at a frequent rate.Though generally it was a mood of celebration and jubilation – it was the club’s first Champions League success after all – there were some inevitable casualties.HISTORIC scenes as PSG demolish Inter Milan in record-breaking Champions League final I saw one woman hurt and needing attention from friends while others cowered for cover as fans rushed forward.Ambulances were called to the area and so, too, were fire trucks.And your SunSport correspondent had to sprint away for safety at one point when some of the remnants of the fireworks landed too close for his comfort.The streets around the Parc des Princes, not far from where the Roland Garros tennis takes place, are in a well-heeled area, an influential region similar to Kensington and Chelsea in West London.Yet anyone living in nearby expensive flats, who had been hoping to get to sleep early, would have soon realised their misgivings as the partying went on for hours, and long after 1am.Those who were walking back to the Metro station after watching Novak Djokovic’s win on Court Philippe-Chatrier must have thought they were walking in a war zone.Champions League final REACTION – PSG 5-0 InterMost of the yobs would not have lived in the local area themselves but they saw this European success as an excuse to break the law and cause disruption.Some reckless parents even brought along their small children when really they should have all been at home.What was surprising was the lack of a police presence to control the lawless situation.There were reports of problems on the Champs-Élysées but in the well-to-do 16th arrondissement there was no police management or control.Almost as if they thought, well we have our perimeter, that is all we are doing, but away from that, you are on your own, lads…Local businesses are used to large numbers of people whenever PSG play at home but this was different – this was on a scale that locals had never seen before.Fireworks were fired towards police as clashes broke out on the streetsCredit: GettyTear gas was also fired as fans took over the streets in the French capitalCredit: GettyIn any other situation, these scenes of unlawfulness would not be acceptable but because it is football, the authorities tend to shrug it off as what fans do to celebrate.As someone who has reported on football matches for more than 23 years – and was a season-ticket holder at West Ham back in the 1990s – I’m not easily intimidated by these situations or by rowdy football crowds.Yet you had to keep your wits about you as fireworks constantly went off and fans gathered in large numbers, smoking weed and sitting on bus stops.I had sympathy for those families trapped in their cars as they were surrounded by groups of young men.It could have all easily and quickly turned very nasty – imagine what it would have been like had Inter had won the final?Read More on The SunOne or two individuals did throw bottles at the odd police van trying to drive through the streets. Shards of glass were scattered all over the pavements.And inevitably, some poor souls will be the ones clearing up all the mess this morning left by the hooligans. More