Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares23 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Ideas, plans, surprises’ – Mikel Arteta tells new Arsenal transfer chief how he can turn Gunners into title-winners

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA has told his new transfer chief Arsenal MUST spend big to fight on all fronts next season.The Gunners’ title bid could be over if they lose to Ipswich tomorrow — four days after reaching the Champions League semi-final with a stunning win over Real Madrid.Mikel Arteta has sent a message to the club’s new transfer chiefCredit: AFPAndrea Berta was appointed as the club’s new sporting director last monthCredit: GettyAnd Arteta knows sporting director Andrea Berta is the key to sustaining Premier League and European challenges next campaign.He said: “Squad quality and availability — without those, we cannot compete in four competitions.”At this level, especially in this country, it is impossible. The higher the quality, the higher the availability, the more chances you have.”After you have to do it. But the probability goes high.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”I hope that Andrea has many more ideas, plans, surprises, positive ones.”And his experience, his creativity, his intuition as well to help us make the right calls.”Liverpool will be crowned champions if they beat Leicester tomorrow and Arsenal lose to struggling Ipswich.Arteta added: “For sure there would be things we could have done to challenge Liverpool.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”If not you would have won every game regardless of any injuries, any situation, any red card, any referee decision.”But it is what it is. We will make an analysis of what we’ve done well and not well at the end of the season.”Gabriel goes wild with friends and family celebrating Arsenal’s epic win over Real Madrid Arteta has also hinted he would like midfielder Thomas Partey to be handed a new deal.Partey, 31, is out of contract this summer but is having his best season since joining the club five years ago.Arteta said that progress is being made with a number of players and his intent with Partey is clear — though the decision will sit with Berta.The Spaniard said: “Yes, there is progress with all the players.”I’ll leave that to Andrea and the club to decide and to talk about.”The intention is very clear. I’ll leave that to Andrea and the club to take a step forward.”Read More on The SunPartey’s form this season has been largely down to his availability, having desperately struggled with injuries across his time in north London.Arsenal will consider his age and fitness record before making a final decision on a new deal. More

    • 163 Shares47 Views

      in Soccer

      Why is Eddie Howe not on the touchline for Newcastle vs Aston Villa?

      by

      NEWCASTLE face Aston Villa in a crunching Premier League encounter TODAY – but there’ll be no Eddie Howe on the touchline.The Toon have been flying since ending their 70-year trophy drought with a Carabao Cup win against Liverpool in March.Eddie Howe will be absent from the touchline against Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyHarvey Barnes’ double sandwiched by strikes from Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães, saw off Manchester United on the weekend to reaffirm Newcastle’s position in the Champions League race. Then the Tyneside club thrashed Crystal Palace 5-0 in their game in hand, which was initially postponed due to League Cup final involvement.But Howe is absent from the match today and SunSport can explain why.Why is Eddie Howe not on the touchline vs Aston Villa?As announced on Newcastle’s social media account, Eddie Howe is recovering in the hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia.Read more on Eddie HoweA club statement read, “The club continues to extend its best wishes and support to Eddie and his family as he continues his recovery.”Howe was absent for the game against Manchester United with what the club cited as an “illness” at the time. The 47-year-old was admitted to the hospital last Friday evening, having felt unwell for a number of days. In the club’s joint statement, Howe said: “A huge thank you to everyone connected with Newcastle United and the wider football community for your messages and warm wishes. They have meant a lot to me and my family.Most read in Football”I also want to pay tribute to our incredible NHS and the hospital staff who have treated me. I’m immensely grateful for the specialist care I’m receiving and, after a period of recovery, I look forward to being back as soon as possible.”Who will step in for Eddie Howe?Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will step in for Eddie Howe while the Newcastle boss recovers.And Tindall gave a re-update on Howe with the club’s in-house media ahead of the Wednesday night game. The Toon assistant manager said: “He’s in the best possible hands and he’ll be back as soon as he feels he’s ready to come back. “Your health is the most important thing, that’s why it’s so important that when he comes back he is able to lead the team as we know he does, which I’m sure he will do.”What time does Newcastle vs Aston Villa kick-off?Aston Villa vs Newcastle is scheduled to get underway at 5:30pm BST.Villa Park is the allocated venue for this huge match and it can host 42,640 fans.Fans can watch the entire action on Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports Premier League.Newcastle dismantled Aston Villa 3-0 when the sides last met. More

    • 188 Shares23 Views

      in Soccer

      Renee Slegers backs Arsenal to ‘take opportunity’ to reach Women’s Champions League final ‘by the throat’

      by

      RENEE SLEGERS urged Arsenal to go for the jugular in the first round of their battle with Lyon for a Women’s Champions League final spot. The Gunners will face one of their biggest tests this term when they face the contest’s record winners at the Emirates on Saturday. Renee Slegers believes Arsenal have enough quality to see off the threat posed by LyonCredit: GettyAlessia Russo is expected to return to action when Arsenal face the French giants following an injury she sustained on England dutyCredit: GettyForward Chloe Kelly will also be available for the Gunners having worked her way back to fitness following a foot injuryCredit: PAAnd they have been given a fitness boost with Alessia Russo’s and Chloe Kelly’s return from injury. However goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar is still sidelined, with the Netherlands stopper set to miss encoubter.    The lunchtime clash will see Slegers’ players push for a first-leg semis victory. A result that would put them one win or draw away from reaching the contest’s decider for the first time since 2007. Read More Football Stories It was during that year, under former boss Vic Akers, the Gunners made history becoming the first English side to lift the trophy. Arsenal boss Slegers, 36, said: “We want to go for it and take the opportunity by the throat.”There will be an enormous crowd so we’re going to go from the start because we enjoy playing at the Emirates. “We know this is our chance and I think 40,000 tickets have been soldMost read in Football“We’re at one of the final stages of the Champions League. It’s a huge moment.”A 5-1 drubbing of Leicester on Tuesday was Arsenal’s last result at the Emirates. The win led to them cutting Chelsea’s lead at the WSL’s summit to three points. However Lyon will be a far different proposition to the Foxes, with the latter currently having the worst away record in the WSL this term. The French giants, currently managed by ex-Gunners boss Joe Montemurro, have won the trophy eight times since 2011. The most recent of those triumphs came almost three years ago when they beat current holders Barcelona 3-1 under former boss Sonia BompastorUnder the head coach, who now manages Chelsea, they also reached last season’s final where they fell to a 2-0 loss to Spain’s reigning champions. This term Lyon have scored 24 times in the tournament whilst conceding just twice in the tournament. Despite the visitors’ formidable Champions League form, Slegers reckons Arsenal has the quality to see off the European heavyweights. She adds: “I have huge respect for their history and what they have been doing and producing in the Champions League “But us playing at the Emirates, and the hunger and the belief that we have at the moment, we’re going to go and play our game to the best we can.”Even though we have huge respect for their qualities and threats, we believe we can do something.”Among the Gunners aces certain to be starting later is versatile forward Mariona Caldentey. The Spain superstar, 29, knows all about helping a club make Champions League history having won it three-times with her old side Barcelona. And Caldentey reckons Arsenal have the hunger they need to end their 18-year wait to become queens of Europe once again. Joe Montemurro’s Lyon are currently top of the table in France’s top tier and have conceded just two goals in eight Champions League games this termCredit: AlamyShe said: “We want to win titles and the Champions League is a big one. “We are still a bit far away right now, it’s three games for that.Read More on The Sun”But everyone is hungry for it so it’s a mentality we need to keep. We are here because we deserve it.”Arsenal vs Lyon in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League semi-finals can be watched live from 12:30pm on April 19 on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ More

    • 325 Shares25 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I just see one guy who is good in the box’ – Amorim to keep playing Harry Maguire as striker as Man Utd eye £100m prize

      by

      HARRY MAGUIRE is happy to keep playing as a makeshift striker so Manchester United stay on course for a £100million jackpot.The England centre-back did his bit to help ‘Make Amorim Great Again’ with an incredible 121st-minute winner against Lyon to secure a Europa League semi-final.Harry Maguire is keen to cause more late mayhem after his winner against Lyon put Man Utd in the Europa League semi-finalsCredit: AlamyThe makeshift attacker capped a MAGA-nificent comebackCredit: RexRuben Amorim says Maguire ‘knows how to behave’ in the boxCredit: GettyGlory in that competition would hand United a lucrative ticket to next season’s Champions League.But boss Ruben Amorim has a striker crisis with Joshua Zirkzee crocked and Rasmus Hojlund scoring just one goal in 27 games.Maguire, who has scored four key goals this season, said: “You can see that we’re probably short on attackers.“We had two attackers in Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus that gave everything out there.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We lost Josh, so if he asks me to go up there, I’m willing to go up there.“I do see myself as a threat and I do feel like I can cause problems and score a goal up there when the balls and crosses are coming in.”“I only got 30 minutes up there and it’s a lot harder than playing centre back.”Amorim has no plans to use Maguire as a forward from the start – but he has been impressed by the impact he can make.Most read in Europa LeagueMaguire saw plenty of the ball in both penalty areasBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKUnited’s boss has seen enough in training and in matches to know the £80m man is a useful attacking weapon when needed.Asked about the possibility of him starting up front, Amorim said: “To play a normal game, no. But in these moments it is something that is really important.Man Utd star calls out fans who left Old Trafford early before epic Lyon comeback with 15-word swipe“When I see Harry and put him as a striker, I just see one guy who is good in the box. He knows how to behave in that space.”United were staring at the prospect of no European football next season when ten-man Lyon took a 4-2 lead in the 109th minute at Old Trafford on Thursday.But the home side struck three times in seven minutes to turn the quarter final on its head – with Maguire stealing the glory with his winner.If United can beat Athletic Bilbao in the semis and then lift the trophy three weeks later then it would be huge for the Red Devils.Doing that alone would be worth around £14.8m for United while the Super Cup in Italy in August would bank another £4.3m.When I see Harry and put him as a striker, I just see one guy who is good in the box. He knows how to behave in that space.Ruben AmorimHowever it is the ticket to next season’s Champions League which will really prove to be invaluable for owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers.They would be guaranteed around £49m, due to their Uefa co-efficient,  while four home games would add another £20m in income.In addition, even an average season at Europe’s top table – such as the one neighbours City had this season – would see them pocket around £11m in prize money.If they reached the first knock-out round then that would be £5m more.The Europa League also brought the start of Maguire’s goalscoring exploits in October — a superb last-gasp header to level up a six-goal thriller in Porto.Then came February’s injury-time winner in the 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round win over his old club Leicester at Old Trafford.Rasmus Hojlund has netted just once in 27 games while fellow Red Devils’ frontman Joshua Zirkzee is now injuredCredit: GettyTeam-mates mobbed Maguire after he rounded off United’s sensational revival of three goals in seven minutes to KO Lyon in extra timeCredit: GettyThree weeks later, he nodded the decisive goal to spare United’s blushes against relegation-bound Ipswich at the Theatre of Dreams.So it should surprise nobody that he has used his bonce to good effect again — stooping to put his team into the semi-finals on an unforgettable night.Maguire, who seemed set for the exit door with West Ham under two years ago, added: “It’s an incredible feeling — I’ve obviously managed to do it a few times this year in the last minute, the dying moments.“There’s no better feeling than scoring here, particularly when it’s the match-winner.“I’ve had some amazing moments at this club, I’ve been here six years now. I’ve had some great times — and some bad ones as well.“That game pretty much summed up my time at the club.“It was a game full of emotion and the strangest, maddest game I’ve ever played in or witnessed.”United’s season of turmoil looked to be hitting a new low as they blew a 2-0 lead to trail ten-man Lyon 4-2 in extra-time.But three goals in seven minutes turned a topsy-turvy tie on its head, with Maguire stealing the glory right at the end.The Yorkshireman added: “This season has been so difficult for everyone involved, all the fans, players and staff.Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, seen congratulating scorer Diogo Dalot, were praised by Maguire for their incredible workrateCredit: Getty“It’s just been nowhere near good enough and when you get moments like that, and memories you create, it’s so important for the fans to go home with a smile on their faces.”The turnaround was so incredible you could not escape the feeling their name might just be on the Europa League.But they will need to perform far better to see off Ernesto Valverde’s impressive Athletic Bilbao outfit.The fact they shipped four goals at home will concern United manager Ruben Amorim.And just one of United’s seven goals in the tie with Lyon was scored by a striker — and that was Zirkzee, who has since suffered a hamstring injury.Maguire said: “We’ve got to do far better than that if we want to win this competition. We can’t be doing that and be leaving it to turn it around in that situation.I think they thought they had won it, the way they were celebrating. That gave us more of an incentive to turn the game around.Harry Maguire“But it does show great spirit, fight, togetherness. And that’s the one thing this group of lads is doing — they’re giving everything.“The worst feeling was that we felt we’d thrown it away, rather than lost the game at that moment.“Also how we managed to get ourselves into that situation.“Going into extra-time at 2-2, we obviously can’t get done on two counter-attacks like that when we’re playing against ten men. It’s criminal.”At that stage, United looked out for the count, even with a man extra. But the sight of Lyon wildly ­celebrating their goals and getting ready to mark a famous win seemed to ignite something inside United’s players.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordMaguire added: “I still thought there was a lot of time on the clock. “And it was the 109th minute when they scored the fourth.“I think they thought they had won it, the way they were celebrating. “That gave us more of an incentive to turn the game around.”In stark contrast to their Premier League form, United are the only unbeaten team left in European competition this season.Read More on The SunAnd lifting the trophy in Bilbao on May 21, would take them back into the Champions League.Should that happen, the inspirational Maguire’s latest late show will have been priceless.Man Utd ratings vs LyonMANCHESTER UNITED scored three goals in seven unbelievable minutes to beat Lyon in one of the all-time great nights at Old Trafford.The Red Devils looked to be putting in one of their best displays since Ruben Amorim took over as they raced into a 2-0 lead.But after conceding one goal, they let the ground slip from under them, quickly giving away another to allow Lyon to take the game to extra time.Not even a red card for Corentin Tolisso could get United out of their slump as the French side completely dominated most of the additional 30 minutes.Rayan Cherki and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty meant the visitors looked home and hosed before Casemiro was fouled and Bruno Fernandes hit home from the spot.Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire then both netted in stoppage time of extra time to secure a scarcely believable win.Here’s how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the United stars on a night that went from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again. More

    • 238 Shares35 Views

      in Soccer

      Shocking amount Prem clubs spent on agent fees last year is a SCANDAL.. here’s how football can fix it

      by

      FIGURES released this week showed that more than £400million was spent by Premier League clubs on agent fees — a staggering amount and nothing short of a scandal.Between February last year and this February, the total was £409.1m – money which is being trousered by agents, often for setting up deals which had already been agreed.Agent fees across football have skyrocketed again this seasonCredit: GettyFor the past two seasons, Prem clubs have shelled out over £400million to agentsCredit: AlamyAcross the top five leagues in England, the actual total was even higher — £483.6m — with Championship sides accounting for a whopping £63m.And even the women’s game is not immune as over £2m went to agents working for WSL players.A worldwide total for how much agents have earned in recent years would run into the billions of pounds.Football supporters will be asking themselves, ‘Why?’.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhat benefit do agents bring to the game and why is this colossal amount of money not going to where it should be?The huge sums paid to intermediaries and facilitators means it is not going to the game’s grass roots, or improving stadiums, or developing the women’s game, or encouraging fans from all sections of society to come to matches, or… the list could go on.Above all, though, the role of agents is to actively encourage players to move clubs.They get paid, substantially when players switch, so it is a massive incentive towards instability and every club in the land, from Arsenal to Accrington Stanley, suffers.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAgents are rewarded when their players show disloyalty to a club.Therefore, it is no surprise that those same players move with alarming frequency.Fifa reveal how tournament will work – and give Champions League side new nameWhat irks me even more is that some agents, although not all, use threats to get what they want.The conversation goes something like this, ‘Pay me this or the player won’t come’. I am suspicious of this because I’m convinced, more often than not, that players aren’t aware of how their agent is behaving.Effectively, they can hold clubs to ransom, which is wholly unfair.The overall effect is agents get paid, in vast sums, while clubs, and sometimes even players, pay the price, literally.While agent fees go up, transfers go up and that also creates a bubble that football lives in, but surely cannot sustain any longer.So, what is the answer? I don’t know anyone who thinks this is good for the game.The proposed new Independent Football Regulator could fix agents’ fees.Premier League set for another campaign of confused anger caused by incompetent VAR, says Karren BradyI HAD spent the summer desperately hoping VAR and the standard of Premier League officiating would improve this season, writes Karren Brady.But we’re one game in and it already looks like we are set for another campaign of anger and confusion caused by people who don’t understand the pain and anguish their mistakes cause.Newcastle’s Fabian Schar was sent off for a “headbutt” on Southampton’s Ben Brereton Diaz — even though the Saints striker thrust his head forward with as much “force” as Schar.Yet at Arsenal, Wolves’ Yerson Mosquera was not even booked despite appearing to strangle Kai Havertz and squeezing Gabriel Jesus’ backside!So infuriating VAR inconsistencies are back, it seems.No referee or VAR sets out to deprive teams of goals, deliberately award dodgy penalties or send players off for no reason.They are honest, genuine mistakes. But that’s what VAR was supposed to sort out. Instead, it has made things worse.The whole thing needs a complete rethink and a fresh approach.Sadly, as the summer is the best time to implement change, it seems that ship has sailed for another 12 months.Read Karren Brady’s take on the latest VAR shambles in full…Or check out all of Lady Brady’s SunSport columns.I know it has been tried before by Fifa, who lost that battle in court, but the IFR could slap a levy on all fees so that they could be used constructively and reinvested into the game.In the meantime, the money being drained away into the pockets of agents, many of whom are already wealthy beyond their wildest dreams, continues its unchanging way.Perhaps one of the most concerning aspects of this monetary merry-go-round for agents is the fact that wealthier clubs can afford the more excessive fees.And this trend for astronomical agent fees has got worse in recent years because in season 2021-22 that figure stood at ‘only’ £272m for the top flight.A year later it was £318m and now, two seasons in a row, it has topped £400m.I know what supporters will make of this. It is a racket and money which should be going towards lowering ticket prices, improving stadiums and developing the game at all levels is simply being rinsed away.Read More on The SunThis agent-driven transfer system is bad for football and it rewards sharp business practices, not sporting endeavour.If we can find possible signs of life on a planet 729 trillion miles away, surely we can fix this, an arrangement which serves only one master — agents. More

    • 250 Shares47 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘They don’t care enough’ – Matt Le Tissier tears into Southampton flops & moans watching them get outclassed is ‘chore’

      by

      MATT LE TISSIER has accused Southampton players of lacking the fight to stay in the Premier League.And the Saints legend confessed to SunSport that it has been “a chore” watching his beloved team slump to a record low this season.Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has torn into Saints’ flopsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe Saints are battling to avoid the humiliation of the Prem’s worst points totalCredit: GettyThe South Coast flops became the quickest Premier League outfit to be relegated when they lost to Spurs last Sunday week with SEVEN games to go.Southampton have picked up just ten points from 32 games and need TWO more to beat Derby’s dismal lowest Prem total of 11 set in 2008-09.And Le Tissier, who spent his entire career with the Saints —  scoring 161 goals in 443 appearances — has not enjoyed what he’s seen from his own Suite at the club.The 56-year-old said: “This has been a tough season to watch.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“We’ve had relegations before but never quite on this scale.“It’s hard to watch a team which is so far away from the rest of the division. That was probably the toughest season that I have had to watch us play football — it’s been a real chore.“It’s not been enjoyable seeing our team get outclassed on a ­regular basis.“It’s not something I’m used to seeing even when we were close to getting ­relegated when I was playing.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“We were reasonably competitive and had a go.“We might have suffered a bit in a lack of quality but never in terms of having a real fight for it.I hated playing against Arsenal Invincible, he’d pinch me and stand on my toes, I only spoke to him to abuse him“But there just didn’t seem to be that amount of fight in this team and that’s symptomatic of a lot of footballers this day and age.“There doesn’t seem to be the same connection between the players and the fans on the terrace like we had.“I was in at least five relegation scraps. We never got relegated — and definitely four went to the last day of the season.”The poor form cost Ivan Juric his job as manager. But Channel Islander Le Tissier, nicknamed Le God, does not think all Saints fans will be upset seeing their team back in the second tier one year after Adam Armstrong’s goal saw them beat Leeds 1-0 in the play-off final.He said: “When we went to the play-offs last season I would say there was a 50-50 split with Saints fans who didn’t want to go up because of exactly what has happened.We are still fighting not to become the worst Premier League team ever with the number of points we’ve got.Matt Le Tissier“I was speaking to a lot of them a year ago and they were saying they didn’t mind if they lose the final.“That’s not a great position to be in as a football club where you know if you go up you are going to get battered every week.“I’m quite happy to interact with people and talk about football all day long but their frustration is palpable.“Most of that frustration is at the presence given out by the players that they don’t care enough about the football club.“Clubs do have their ups and downs throughout the seasons-but this is a pretty big downer.“And it shows just how low we’ve got to by the fact we are still fighting not to become the worst Premier League team ever with the number of points we’ve got.”The former Sky Sports Soccer ­Saturday pundit is revered by Saints supporters – having devoted all his professional days to the club.Back in the day he was renowned for scoring spectacular goals and in his prime became the midfielder to reach a century fastest in the Prem era.Le Tiss, who is never afraid to speak his mind, would like to see a young manager with local connections replace Juric, who was sacked earlier this month.But he feels Russell Martin, who was axed in December, might have kept his job had he not stuck to the passing game that had earned his side such plaudits in the Championship.Most of that frustration is at the presence given out by the players that they don’t care enough about the football club.Matt Le TissierLe Tissier added: “To be honest I would like to see a young, progressive manager, ­somebody who is not afraid to change his tactics when the need arises.“Had Russell Martin been more pragmatic in his approach he would still be in the job. They liked him down here and it wouldn’t have taken much for him to have stayed had he swallowed his pride a bit.“He was so stubborn about passing out from the back and giving goals away from defensive errors each week.“He had taken us out of the league we are heading back to with his style of football – which you can get away with in the Championship but not in the Premier League.Read More on The Sun“If the new manager had a connection with the club that would go a long way with the fans and that is ­something I would like to see.“But that, I guess, is different from the business perspective of the owners and the CEO making the decisions they think is going to be the best chance to get back up.” More

    • 238 Shares33 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Nicky Butt cautioned for head-butting security guard at his 50th birthday party with other football stars

      by

      EX-England and Manchester United star Nicky Butt has been given a police caution for head-butting a security guard at his own 50th party.The Sun revealed in January that the guard was treated for a suspected broken nose — and can today name Butt for the first time.Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has been cautioned for head-butting a security guard at his 50th birthday partyCredit: PAButt helped United win a host of trophies under manager Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe accepted the criminal sanction for actual bodily harm over the attack at Soho Farmhouse near Great Tew, Oxfordshire.The former Manchester United star also agreed to donate to charity.He had snapped and attacked the security guard during a seven-hour bash on January 24.Today we can reveal bar staff refused to serve him any drinks shortly before the incident.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTrouble erupted between 7pm and 8pm after the ex-midfielder left the bar for a courtyard.The guard was said to have seen Butt relieving himself against a wall.A row developed and sources said Butt lashed out in a fury.The guard was treated in hospital for facial injuries amid fears of a broken nose.Most read in FootballA source said previously: “There was blood everywhere. People were shocked as the guard came inside with his face a mess. It ruined a lovely day.”The guard took time off work but later returned.Man Utd star Nicky Butt’s 50th party at centre of police probe after ‘head-butt’ left security guard with ‘broken nose’Butt was first quizzed six days after the assault.The Sun understands he accepted the caution within the last month.Police retain the details and flag them in criminal record checks.A caution can only be given if the perpetrator admits the offence.Thames Valley Police confirmed: “The investigation has now concluded. A man was given a caution for the offence of ABH.”Butt had turned 50 three days before the party.Guests included David and Victoria Beckham, and fellow United Class of ’92 stars Paul Scholes and Gary Neville and their partners.The group of around 30 guests dined in a private room before moving to the bar.Former teammate David Beckham attended the do at Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: PAMan Utd’s Paul Scholes was another of the Class of ’92 to attend the bashCredit: AlamyPundit Gary Neville was in attendance at the partyCredit: GettyPolice were then alerted by the club at 9.15pm — around two hours after the assault.Butt helped United win a host of trophies under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.He won 39 England caps from 1997-2004 and played for Newcastle before finishing his playing career in China in 2011.Butt had been CEO of League Two Salford until quitting last year.In 2019 he was charged with assault on ex-wife Shelley.The CPS later dropped the case owing to insufficient evidence.However, Butt was given a caution for causing £800-worth of criminal damage to her iPhone.Last June he got a year’s road ban and 100 hours’ unpaid work after admitting causing serious injury by careless driving.Read More on The SunHis Land Rover collided with motorcyclist Andrew Fielding in Burnley, leaving the biker needing metal rods in a broken leg.His Land Rover collided with motorcyclist Andrew Fielding in Burnley, leaving the biker needing metal rods in a broken leg.The incident occurred at Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: soho farmhouse More

    • 250 Shares23 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle’s Jason Tindall opens up on the Wham! jumper that wound up Unai Emery after 20-man tunnel brawl last Christmas

      by

      JASON TINDALL vowed to carry on rattling opposition bosses – as his ‘Wham! hoodie’ feud continues at Aston Villa today.Tindall, in charge of Newcastle while Eddie Howe recovers from pneumonia, sparked a mass tunnel brawl during Villa’s 3-0 Boxing Day defeat at St. James’ Park.Jason Tindall will be in the dugout as Newcastle take on Aston VillaCredit: GettyIt will be the first meeting between the teams since Tindall infamously wore a Wham! hoodie on Boxing DayCredit: GettyVilla boss Unai Emery clashed with Tindall during a bad-tempered gameCredit: GettyEmery previously snubbed a handshake from Tindall, who shushed the Spaniard then wore a Wham! top to celebrate victory.Ahead of today’s clash, Tindall said: “The only thing that crosses your mind during battle is that you want to come out on top.“I know the hoodie got quite a bit of publicity but you certainly won’t be seeing any at Villa Park.”Tindall is known to friends and foes as Mad Dog – but it is opposition managers he has a knack of leaving foaming at the mouth.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNewcastle’s No 2 has been involved with public bust-ups with high-profile bosses such as Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta.With Eddie Howe sidelined by pneumonia, Tindall has stepped in, leading the Magpies to big victories over Manchester United and Crystal Palace.But, after the ruckus last Christmas, it is Saturday evening’s powderkeg trip to Aston Villa which promises to really test the discipline of the 47-year-old Toon assistant to the limit.Because it is not just Villa and Newcastle fans who have grown a rivalry over the years.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBoth benches rub each other up the wrong way, too.Fate has now put Tindall in charge of the Geordies for their latest showdown with Villa. Fans spot Kevin Nolan’s classy gesture before hugging Klopp and joke Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall ‘needs to learn’ And that is sure to pour petrol on the flames — just four months after bedlam broke between the two benches.Emery was incensed when Jhon Duran was sent off and protested to the fourth official — then snapped as Tindall fanned the flames by putting his finger to his lips.A 20-man brawl broke out at half-time, with Tindall in the thick of it as Villa analyst Victor Manas squared up and accused him of disrespect.Mayhem ensued and Villa’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, landed on his backside, while Tindall and Manas were both red-carded by referee Anthony Taylor.Both clubs were fined after accepting FA charges – but Tindall, who returned at the end of the game wearing a Wham! hoodie, denied the allegations against him.Newcastle said they could not provide CCTV images of the mayhem.Villa were rattled enough to mention it in their statement to the FA, which read: “Mr Tindall on the 85th minute reappeared within the tunnel wearing a Wham! jumper joking around with other members of Newcastle United’s staff.”Tindall already had previous with Emery, who refused to shake his hand after Newcastle’s last visit to Villa Park, when the Magpies won 3-1.I’ll certainly hold my hand out and if the manager wants to shake it, I’m sure he will.Jason TindallAsked if he would shake Emery’s hand this time, Tindall replied: “I’ll certainly hold my hand out and if the manager wants to shake it, I’m sure he will.“There was a lot of talk before the game about the hoodie.“It was pre-arranged — a fan asked me before the game to wear it, and I said I would if we won.“If people that don’t know me want to talk, then that’s fine.”Asked about Tindall on Friday, Emery replied: “I don’t have a problem. Sometimes we can be extremely competitive. But if we get the balance right, there is no problem. I will focus on the match and, of course, send my best wishes to Eddie.“I hope he comes back soon and is healthy.”Jhon Duran’s red card sparked the mass melee in the gameCredit: AlamyThere remains bad blood between the teamsCredit: GettyThe bitterness in the stands goes back to May 2009 when Villa fans unfurled banners taunting ‘Sob on the Tyne’ and ‘Who’s your next Messiah, Ant or Dec?’ to celebrate a win that sent their opponents Toon down to the Championship.Now Newcastle have some bragging rights after landing their first major domestic trophy for 70 years following last month’s Carabao Cup triumph.They look down on Villa from third place on the back of five Premier wins on the spin.And the Toon have won five of their last six meetings.Read More on The SunSpaniard Emery added: “They are in their best moment. They are feeling confident and strong.“There are still 18 points to play for and they have five more than us — this means a lot!” More