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      Chelsea player ratings: Weak Levi Colwill gets punished again as Moises Caicedo battles bravely against Brighton taunts

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      CHELSEA have handed Brighton staggering sums of money in recent years and ironically, it was them proving that Enzo Maresca’s squad is still not good enough.The Blues crashed out of the FA Cup at the Amex on Saturday night and less than a week later they were beaten 3-0 by the Seagulls in the Premier League.Chelsea goalkeeper woes showed no sign of stopping with Filip Jorgensen between the sticksCredit: AlamyLevi Colwill was given a torrid night by Brighton’s attackCredit: ReutersOn a poor night for Chelsea, here is how SunSport’s Isabelle Barker rated the performances.FILIP JORGENSEN 5 Jorgensen wasn’t all to blame for letting in the three goals, particularly Kaoru Mitoma’s wonder strike. But Chelsea fans will be thinking ‘be careful what you wish for’ with Rob Sanchez not looking so bad anymore. MALO GUSTO 6 READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSGusto stood his ground well at times with Mitoma one-on-one for some of Chelsea’s better defending in the match. LEVI COLWILL 5When Colwill lost the ball under minimal pressure and stayed on the ground, making no attempt to recover his position it summed up his game. Twice in two matches he’s given goals away for being weak.TREVOH CHALOBAH 5 Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe centre-back flapped about when marking Mitoma for the opener. MARC CUCURELLA 5 Struggled to keep Yankuba Minteh in check and was fully sat down by the Gambia winger for Brighton’s third goal – much to the pleasure of the booing home fans. Inside Chelsea’s new £1.6BILLION stadium plans with Stamford Bridge project set to rival Tottenham’sMOISES CAICEDO 7 Caicedo was jeered by chants of “what a waste of money”.He has been one of the Blues’ only bright sparks for the last six months and, even today, he was Maresca’s best player. It was surprising to see him come off, but maybe it was worth just resting him when the game went out of reach. ENZO FERNANDEZ 6 The Chelsea skipper was unlucky not to have nabbed an equaliser after rising above Joel Veltman on 36 minutes to head home – but he fouled the Dutchman in the build up. Looked sluggish in other areas of the game though. NONI MADUEKE 5 Had little influence as he was substituted off on 20 minutes due to a hamstring injury. The Blues are running out of forwards with him joining Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu on the injured list. Meanwhile, Joao Felix has been allowed to join AC Milan on loan and Mykhailo Mudryk has been suspended for allegedly testing positive for a banned substance.COLE PALMER 5Palmer was reeling throughout both halves, constantly throwing his hands up in frustration at the lack of service from his teammates. He blazed well over, when he did have a shot and the Blues didn’t have a single effort on target tonight. PEDRO NETO 5 It was not clear what Neto’s purpose was on the pitch, he only really looked good at sprinting and still couldn’t beat Tariq Lamptey in a 1v1. CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU 5 Nkunku did a very good job at jogging around and not doing a lot. Blues would probably rather see Jackson starting if he wasn’t also out injured. SUBS:JADON SANCHO 5 Sancho looks as though he is doing what he did at Manchester United, starting well but going off the boil. In his last 11 games across all competitions, he has nabbed just one assist. KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL – 6READ MORE SUN STORIESREECE JAMES – 6 TYRIQUE GEORGE – 6 More

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      Brighton vs Chelsea LIVE RESULT: Minteh’s double and Mitoma’s OUTRAGEOUS goal see Seagulls dominate Blues at the Amex

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      YANKUBA MINTEH scored twice as Brighton beat Chelsea for the second time in a week.Just six days after a 2-1 win sent the Blues crashing out of the FA Cup, Brighton dominated on their way to a 3-0 win. Karou Mitoma opened the scoring with a BRILLIANT touch and finish before Minteh scored one in each half.Chelsea were atrocious – they managed ZERO shots on target despite having 70 PER CENT possession.Kick off time: 8pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main EventLive stream: NOW/Sky Sports appCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Horror return to old clubHe was booed from start to finish, with the Brighton fans not hiding their feelings about Marc Cucurella.At first, he found it amusing but as each goal went in his night became more of a nightmare.Leaving a club for better things and to win silverware does not cut the mustard when you return and are handed a hiding by your ex-employers.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedHaving a Fab time at Amex StadiumAfter tonight’s impressive win, the manager spoke with Sky Sports who asked if he thought this was the perfect performance:I wouldn’t say it was a complete performance. Sometimes we became too passive. We changed it in the second-half and that was key today. Defending was key, in the Premier League if you have the mindset you can defend then you can score goals at the other end. I give the best for the success of the club and my players, that is what I always promise myself.Fabian HurzelerBrightonCopy linkCopiedTime to shine for BrightonThe Seagulls showed some fantastic form at the start of the season that saw them, at one stage, in the top four.Hurzeler needs to use this victory to find that consistency again.If Brighton can do that, they can really push on and try to secure some European football next campaign.Copy linkCopiedSeagulls flying high in the leagueBrighton have moved into eighth spot with victory tonight.They are now only six points behind fourth placed Chelsea.Fabian Hurzeler’s side really have a chance to push on from this moment and do something special in the Premier League this season.Another European campaign on the horizon would be some achievement for the young manager’s first season in charge.Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedBlues need to right wrongs quicklyWith some tough fixtures coming up, Chelsea have no time to feel sorry for themselves.Maresca’s side have to travel to both Aston Villa and Arsenal in the coming weeks, with victories desperately needed.Should they only qualify for one of Europe’s lesser trophies again, that simply isn’t good enough for a club of this size.Copy linkCopiedBoss fails to let defeat affect mindsetSpeaking with Sky Sports after the match, the Chelsea manager laid out his thoughts on tonight’s game:With fourteen games to go, we need to do much better than we did tonight. In terms of controlling the game or keep possession, we did that. We arrive quite well to the edge of the box but we struggled from there. Fortunately, we are still in a good position and we have to finish in the best way.Enzo MarescaChelseaCopy linkCopiedMaresca’s side freeze on big stageOn a freezing cold evening in Brighton, The Blues really failed to deliver in a game they needed to win.While they stay in fourth spot, for now, the chasing pack will have the chance to displace them from that coveted Champions League spot.Having lost here in the FA Cup last weekend, they knew what was required of them and failed to turn up at all.You have to feel for their fans who made the trip from West London mostly, what a waste of an evening.Copy linkCopiedMitoma tears Blues apartThe Brighton winger opened the scoring this evening with a contender for the goal of the month competition.Verbruggen’s long ball was pulled out of the air by the Japanese winger before a delightful curling shot to beat the Chelsea keeper.Whenever The Seagulls got the ball to him, he was causing Maresca’s side all sorts of problems.Turning down that offer from Saudi in the January transfer window seems some shrewd business right now.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedWest Londoners humbled on south coastOver the years, Chelsea have poached managers, coaches and players from Brighton for some huge money.However, you would think it was the other way around if you watched this game tonight.At some point, the owners may start to ask questions of Maresca and whether this squad has improved at all from the one Pochettino had last season.Copy linkCopiedNow I’m a BalebaCarlos Baleba was a very close second for the man of the match award this evening.He physical presence, tackling and hunger to get forward caused Chelsea problems all evening.Despite the fact he was going up against two opposing centre midfielders who cost in excess of £200m, he really showed them up tonight.Copy linkCopiedBlues fold like a pack of cardsThis was a dismal display from the West London outfit.Rarely will you see a top-flight side fail to register a single shot on target over the course of a game but Chelsea have achieved that.Despite dominating possession, there is just nothing about this team at all.Anyone who thinks this will blossom into one of Europe’s finest teams may need to consider drugs counselling.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 3-0 ChelseaThis has been nothing short of a humbling this evening.Chelsea failed to have a single shot on target in this game.Brighton controlled this match after opening the scoring through Mitoma.Copy linkCopiedFT: Brighton 3-0 ChelseaThe referee brings the game to a close.It is an emphatic victory for Fabian Hurzeler’s side.For Chelsea, a definite night to forget.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea90+4. The home fans are cheering every touch now.The ultimate insult for these Chelsea players.Imagine being a Blues’ fan and having got into it with your girlfriend for leaving her alone tonight so you could come to this game.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea90+2. Mitoma has been awarded the man of the match award.The Japanese winger has been sensational this evening.That said, so many of the Brighton players have been on form this evening.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea90. You would not want to sit by Maresca on that bus home.If looks could kill, Brighton would be playing against two of three players if it were the case.We are going to have six added minutes.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea88. What a save from Verbruggen for the hosts.As the ball is crossed in from the right wing, Webster slides in to intercept and sends it towards his own goal.The keeper turns it around the post with an outstretched leg.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea86. This will go down as one of Chelsea’s worst defeats this season.They have offered nothing whatsoever in the final third.Granted, they have strikers out injured but for the money they have spent, this is not good enough.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea84. Almost a fourth goal for the hosts.Veltman makes a late run into the box and his shot strikes the post and comes back into play.Chelsea were appealing for offside but as the replay showed, it would have stood.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea82. Palmer is penalised for a foul.The Chelsea fans are all heading out of the Amex Stadium, planning their trips back to West London.Even if you are single, this was a terrible way to spend Valentines’ night.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea80. Chelsea are just fouling all of the time now.Whenever Brighton look to hold the ball up, one of Maresca’s players comes flying in with a challenge.Considering what they are producing, Todd Boelhy’s £1.3bn spend has been for nothing.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea78. Brighton will take a lot of confidence from the last week.These two wins over Chelsea could act as a springboard to the remainder of their season. Having dropped out of form of late, that is now all forgotten.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea76. Pedro is bundled over and wins his side a free-kick.Chelsea are just looking more and more frustrated.Another Brighton goal would demoralise the visitors.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea74. Gomez and Pedro have come on for the hosts.They replace Hinshelwood and Rutter.Jorgensen scuffs a goal kick straight to the striker but his first-time shot sails over the target.Copy linkCopiedBrighton 3-0 Chelsea72. Brighton are just picking off Chelsea on the break.As a move for the visitors breaks down, suddenly The Seagulls are away.Mitoma has it and gets a sight of goal but his shot is straight at Jorgensen.To be fair, that seems the only way to get a save out of a Chelsea keeper this season.Copy linkCopied More

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      Brighton 3 Chelsea 0: Enzo Maresca’s embarrassing Blues have ZERO shots on target as Seagulls run riot

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      FORGET fighting on four fronts? Chelsea can’t even do it on the seafront.A second trip to the South Coast in a week, another abject performance from Enzo Maresca’s team which is suddenly in danger of collapse.Kaoru Mitoma got the party started for a rampant Brighton at the AmexCredit: GettyThe Japanese star curled in an exquisite openerCredit: AFPYankuba Minteh slammed in Brighton’s second as Chelsea wilted on the South CoastCredit: AFPMinteh bagged his second after the break as Chelsea fell apartCredit: GettyAnd Kauro Mitoma torturing them yet again with his second goal in as many games – this time showing world class quality to make a £1 billion squad look two bob.Last Saturday, head coach Maresca was forced to look for silver linings after being dumped out of the FA Cup on this same patch of ground.They are also out of the Carabao Cup and after this result could be booted out of the Premier League top four this afternoon by either Manchester City or Newcastle. Maresca claims his injury-hit and youthful players are not ready to challenge in the three domestic and one European competition yet. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRight now it’s the third-rate Conference League or bust as the energy drains from the legs and hearts of his wobbling boys in blue.Last Saturday was bad enough, seeing how Chelsea got a lucky break through a Brighton own goal, only to wilt.Yet far from turning it on and responding in historic Stamford Bridge style, the bald Italian had his head in his hands again as a debut season which promised so much for him before Christmas is now in freefall.This was even worse than last week. Not even a glimmer of early hope like they were when gifted an early lead through a Brighton own goal. Instead just plain old surrender.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBrighton fans were singing ‘Can we play you every week?’ long before halftime – ignoring the fact they actually do.The Chelsea fans were long gone before the final whistle having reverted to type and called for former owner Roman Abramovich.Inside Chelsea’s new £1.6BILLION stadium plans with Stamford Bridge project set to rival Tottenham’sIf there is any consolation for them, they got to see a stunning goal scored right in front of them by a class act – just a shame it was against their team.Mitoma’s ice-cool control taking down a long punt upfield from keeper Bart Verbruggen redefines route one football.The weighty hoof landed on his outstretched right foot like a plunging meteorite, yet the Japanese winger cushioned it like a fragile, newborn baby.He then slammed on the air brakes and left Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah for dead before curling a classy finish into the corner of the net.Go Google Dennis Bergkamp’s immortal strike for Holland against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup finals and you’ll see what everybody is raving about.It would be nice to write how Brighton added to that with goals of similar quality but the two scruffy efforts from Yankuba Minteh were in stark contrast.Filip Jorgensen was named the new No. 1 for Chelsea before KO – but had a game to forgetCredit: AlamyMitoma showed off an outrageous first touch to bring the ball down for the opening goalCredit: PASeven minutes before half time he poked home a shot from inside the box through a ruck of legs after Chelsea failed to clear.He then wrapped it all up in the 63rd minute by bundling home a shot deflected off Chalobah.Where Chelsea are floundering, Brighton have their tails up and have done wonders to further their own outside push for European football next season.They move up to eighth on the back of this extraordinary victory in the Premier League’s newest grudge match.Enzo Fernandez thought he had equalised but saw his header ruled out for a foulCredit: AFPMaresca’s refusal to pass comment on Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler may just be a simple act of loyalty towards his old mate and the German’s predecessor Robert de Zerbi.But it’s made for simmering bad feelings regardless, even though the two coaches shook hands briefly before kick off and at the end.It doesn’t need words from either man to work out who has emerged the winner of this particular battle. Moises Caicedo had a night to forget on his return to the AmexCredit: GettyMaresca can point to the lack of a fit striker as much as he likes and it is a fair point.But none of Brighton’s goals was scored by a striker to underline that you can get goals from other positions if you get the mood right.And it certainly isn’t at Chelsea at the moment.READ MORE SUN STORIESStar player Cole Palmer looks desperately unhappy. Maresca’s best player wasted two good chances in the first half and then spent the rest of the game either out of sight or throwing his hands up in frustration at every wrong turn by a team-mate. More

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      Man City win landmark case leaving Premier League at risk of being plunged into crisis with financial rules ‘unlawful’

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      MANCHESTER CITY have won their war with the Premier League over “unlawful” financial rules.An independent tribunal today ruled in favour of the four-in-a-row champions — insisting the regulations are “void and unenforceable”.Man City won their court battle with the Premier LeagueCredit: ReutersThe bombshell verdict could now trigger a series of multi-million-pound compensation claims from clubs and plunge the competition into crisis.And it means City have landed a blow in their ongoing legal battle with the Prem and their chief Richard Masters, despite the ruling being separate to the charges of 130 financial rule breaches levelled at the club.An 18-page tribunal verdict has ruled the Prem’s sponsorship regulations on Associated Party Transactions — which ran from December 2021 to November 2024 — were unlawful in their entirety.Today’s landmark ruling from a panel of three eminent former judges means the League now face coughing up £20million to pay their legal bills — and City’s.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSThe APT rules were implemented following the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle and covered sponsorship deals with companies related to a club’s owners.But the verdict opens the door to the Toon, Abu Dhabi-owned City and other clubs making massive compensation claims.City — whose legal team was led by Lord Pannick — took the Prem to court after proposed deals with Etihad Airways and First Abu Dhabi Bank were blocked in 2023.They also accused Prem chiefs of attempting to mislead clubs ahead of November’s vote on ATP rule amendments, which were passed following a  majority 16-4 vote.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMasters wrote to all 20 clubs today, conceding the “previous rules as a while are void and unenforceable,” but insisting “new rules were voted into force” and that clubs must comply with them.Today’s panel, including former Master of the Rolls Lord Dyson, judged the ATP rules could not be amended by a series of “discrete” tweaks.Man City boss Pep Guardiola responds to late collapse to Real Madrid But a Prem statement read: “This decision does not impact the valid operation of the new rules.“The new APT rules are in full force and  clubs remain required to comply with all aspects of the system.”Richard Masters has written to all 20 Premier League clubsCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea fans can’t decide which goalkeeper is worse as Jorgensen ‘makes TWO mistakes’ after Robert Sanchez axe

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      CHELSEA goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen had a first half to forget against Brighton – prompting calls for him to be replaced.The Swede stopper, 22, took over from axed Robert Sanchez as the new No. 1 for the Blues’ Friday night trip to the South Coast.Filip Jorgensen conceded two soft goals as he took over as Chelsea’s No. 1Credit: AlamyKaoru Mitoma curled a long-range effort past the stricken 22-year-oldCredit: AFPJorgensen’s positioning was in question as Yankuba Minteh smashed in a secondCredit: AFPRobert Sanchez will now be Jorgensen’s backup at the BridgeCredit: GettySanchez, 27, has been responsible for multiple clangers this season.In a recent stats deep-dive by SunSport, only one Premier League keeper was found to have committed more errors than the Spaniard this season. Enzo Maresca confirmed before the clash Jorgensen would be between the sticks to face the Seagulls.The Chelsea boss said on Friday: “The idea is not game by game to change the ‘keeper.”READ MORE ON CHELSEABut some Blues fans were begging him to reconsider after Jorgensen put up a stinker of an opening 45 minutes. The 22-year-old was easily beaten by a curling shot from Kaoru Mitoma, despite the Japanese star being well out of the box.He later conceded again, looking well out of position as Yankuba Minteh smashed home after some dismal defending. One Chelsea fan raged on X: “Starting Jorgensen ahead of Robert Sanchez is like replacing a basket with a sieve. No difference.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother said: “As much as I hate to admit, Sanchez would have saved that [Minteh goal]. Jorgensen is better with his feet.While a third added: “Jorgensen comfortable with the ball and doesn’t make foolish mistakes, but can’t stop a shot for his life. Sanchez very good shot stopping but makes the most foolish decisions with the ball. 2 problems one club.”Inside Chelsea’s new £1.6BILLION stadium plans with Stamford Bridge project set to rival Tottenham’sAnd a fourth said: “I still prefer Sanchez with all his errors to this Jorgensen guy. Jorgensen is not good enough.”He went on to concede one more, as Minteh made it 3-0 which is how the game ended.Jorgensen arrived at Stamford Bridge last July from LaLiga club Villareal.The Blues shelled out £20.7million for his services, with the 22-year-old penning a seven-year deal.Prior to Friday’s game in Brighton, Jorgensen had played 14 times for Chelsea this season, conceding 13 goals. More

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      I’m one-cap England star who ALWAYS had good games against Liverpool – they were just one of those teams I loved playing

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      FORMER Premier League star Matt Jarvis has lifted the lid on playing at Anfield and his love of coming up against Liverpool.The one-cap England winger was part of the Wolves side that beat the Reds 1-0 back in 2010.Matt Jarvis was Wolves’ main man in the season they beat Liverpool at Anfield 1-0Credit: Action ImagesJarvis was capped once by EnglandCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe shock three points helped the club narrowly avoid relegation that season, with Jarvis the star man.He recalled to SunSport: “I always had great games against Liverpool — they were just one of those opponents I really enjoyed playing.”I also couldn’t wait for matches at Anfield. It remains one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world.”When people talk about being intimidated playing at Liverpool because of the ‘This Is Anfield’ sign in the tunnel, or hearing the Never Walk Alone anthem before the start, I never quite get it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”For me it was the greatest incentive and sent my competitive and energy levels through the roof.”We went into this game at the bottom of the table, four points adrift from safety, so this was a completely free hit for us. We had absolutely nothing to lose.”I was lucky enough to play with a squad of players that season who had great character and who never knew when they were beaten.”We also had a manager in Mick McCarthy who each and every player would run through brick walls for.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”The greatest compliment I can pay Mick is that he was the best manager I played under.”He was honest, would tell it to you straight, was always on the training field with his coaches and would give you every tool ­possible to make you better and win games of football.New footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver emerges as mystery surrounds Liverpool manager’s red card “It’s also great to know that I was part of Mick’s one win at Anfield.”The frustration leading up to this game was we had lost matches where we should have picked up points.”But we finally got our rewards by picking up three points here.”As soon as Stephen Ward had given us the lead just before the hour mark it was then a case of digging in and holding out.”The stats show we had two shots on target in the match. But it doesn’t matter how few you have as long as you make them count more than the opposition.”Ultimately this victory at Anfield was one of the key moments in us staying up.”We spent something like 33 days on the bottom of the table that season — and 206 days in the ­bottom three. But the most important fact is we survived that season and were 17th when it mattered most on the last day of the 2010-11 campaign.”I had spent most of that December out with an injury but came back on Boxing Day at home against Wigan, then played three days later at Liverpool followed by a match at West Ham 72 hours later.”I came off with about a minute to go at Anfield knowing I would be at Upton Park on New Year’s Day.”It’s wonderful in reflection to have won both the Supporters’ Player of the Year and the Players’ Player of the Year at Wolves in 2010-11.”There is no greater honour than the fans and your peers voting for you. But was this the best season in my career?”I never reflect on my best or worst seasons because I always gave as much as I could every time I played so I could never have regrets about whether I could have played better.”Wolves’ trip to Anfield”Looking ahead to Sunday’s game at Anfield you could almost mirror our build-up to the game 14 years ago to this Wolves side.”For them, it’s a free hit just like it was for us. No one is expecting anything other than a home win.”But I have been saying for the last few weeks  this Wolves side is more than capable and in Matheus Cunha they possess arguably the best player in the ­Premier League outside the ‘big six’ teams. When he is on the pitch his inspiration to the rest is a huge weapon.READ MORE SUN STORIES”On the back of two successive 2-0 wins against Villa and Blackburn, who knows?”If they can hold out at Liverpool and nick a goal like we did back then — and have the little bit of luck along the way that you always need — this is a Wolves team more than capable of surprising the league leaders.”Jarvis has hailed Matheus Cunha as the best player outside the top sixCredit: Rex More

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      Kim Jong-Un bans Spurs and two other Premier League clubs from being shown in North Korea for bizarre reason

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      TYRANT Kim Jong-un has banned Tottenham Hotspur matches from being shown in North Korea.His madcap regime insists no games involving teams with players from his hated neighbours are broadcast there — and Spurs are captained by South Korean icon Son Heung-min.Dictator Kim Jong-un has banned three Premier League clubs from being shown in North Korea.Tottenham Hotspur star player Heung-Min Son is South Korea’s most famous footballerCredit: PAIt means impoverished citizens allowed to watch Premier League games before the 5pm news do not get to see the erratic North London club on their screens.But Jong-un may come to regret his ban on 32-year-old Son and his Spurs side as they take on the tubby despot’s favourite team Manchester United tomorrow.A report also revealed coverage in North Korea of last year’s Premier League did not include Wolverhampton Wanderers because of their South Korean forward Hwang Hee-chan, or Brentford, who have his countryman, defender Kim Ji-soo.Match coverage in the secretive state is shortened from 90 minutes to 60 and games are shown before news bulletins — and about four months after they are played.READ MORE ON TOTTENHAMWith his team languishing 14th in the league, Tottenham fan Tom Bell said: “The way this season has gone for Spurs, North Koreans can count themselves lucky not being subjected to their games.”The findings come in a report by the independent US think tank Stimson Center’s probe into North Korea. State TV is rife with propaganda but sport is “one of the few moments each day when state TV is not trying to send an overt or underlying message to its viewers,” analysis found.The Center’s Martyn Williams said: “We thought it was interesting.Most read in Football”We just saw a lot of football on KCTV. It’s the main international sport they broadcast.”Awkward moment King Charles asks Son Heung-min if Tottenham are ‘in good order’ in front of Daniel Levy The report says that in 2022, North Korean telly carried coverage of England’s top flight plus Germany’s Bundesliga, Spain’s La Liga, France’s Ligue 1 and Italy’s Serie A.But the following year, KCTV settled the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League and the World Cup.English football has also found fans among other dictators. Late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro was an Arsenal fan and Zimbabwe tyrant Robert Mugabe, who died in 2019, supported Chelsea.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.fCredit: Reuters More

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      Chelsea fans fume at ‘amateur ownership’ as key man goes off with hamstring injury 19 minutes into Brighton clash

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      NONI MADUEKE has been substituted after pulling up with an injury just 19 minutes into Chelsea’s clash with Brighton.The England international, 22, signalled that he wanted to go off with what looked like a hamstring issue.Noni Madueke had to be substituted early on at BrightonCredit: ReutersMadueke, 22, was substituted barely 20 minutes into the contestCredit: RexThe winger sat on the turf in clear discomfort before receiving medical attention.He was then replaced by substitute Jadon Sancho.Madueke has been a regular for Chelsea this season, starting 18 of their 25 Premier League games.Fans watching on at home fumed at the Blues’ lack of other available options – blaming their board.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSOne wrote: “Madueke injured. That’s what you get for not signing anyone and letting players leave for peanuts. Amateur ownership.”While a second blasted: “Noni Madueke hamstring… Thanks Chelsea sporting directors!”Another moaned: “Just end the season.”After the match, Chelsea manager EnzoMaresca confirmed: “Unfortunately, Noni has a hamstring problem. He will be out for a while.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSChelsea were already without forwards Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu.While Mykhailo Mudryk is suspended.’They know the situation’ – Enzo Maresca confirms Robert Sanchez axed as Chelsea No1 after series of howlersAnd the Blues recently allowed Joao Felix to join AC Milan on loan.Maresca’s side have won just two of their last eight Premier League matches.While last time out they were dumped out of the FA Cup by the Seagulls.Shortly after losing Madueke to injury, they fell behind – with Kaoru Mitoma firing Brighton into the lead.Yankuba Minteh then made it 2-0 before half-time.Minteh then added a third in the second period as Brighton won 3-0.READ MORE SUN STORIESMadueke had been being watched by England boss Thomas Tuchel.The German is set to take charge of his first games as Three Lions manager next month. More