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    ‘Out for a long time after that’ – Angry, frustrated Man Utd boss Ferguson picked injured star and ‘it didn’t end well’

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON was well known for taking risks throughout his career, but Paul Scholes has revealed when one of these backfired spectacularly.Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, Scholes recalled the story of how Owen Hargreaves was left to bare the consequences of one of those risks.Paul Scholes has recalled how Sir Alex Ferguson took a big risk on the fitness of Owen HargreavesCredit: ReutersHargreaves’ injury record had left Ferguson ‘frustrated’Credit: GettyHargreaves joined Man Utd in 2007 and played there through until 2011, but only appeared 27 times due to being plagued by injury.However, Ferguson had grown frustrated and angry with the persistent injuries the midfielder suffered from.And with a crunch match against Arsenal coming up in just over a month’s time, Ferguson was keen to hand Hargreaves some minutes against Wolves.Hargreaves was named in the starting XI for the clash against Wolves, which was his first start since September 2008 and only his second Premier League game since a recurring patellar tendinitis problem.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Scholes recalled how Hargreaves had warned the Scottish coach he was feeling a hamstring injury before Ferguson told him he was playing, only to get injured and be sidelined for a long time.One-club legend Scholes said: “I remember, we had Owen Hargreaves who was unfortunately injured a lot, and the manager eventually became frustrated because we couldn’t get him back.”I remember one game where we were playing Arsenal at home, Owen had been out for some time and was nearly back, and he went out for the warmup and came in feeling his hamstring and you could just see the anger and frustration in the manager’s face.”He said, ‘You’re playing,’ and that was it. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”It didn’t end well – within 15 minutes, Owen had to come off and was out for a long time after that – there has to be frustration from managers as well.”Hargreaves was replaced by Bebe on the right wing after just 10 minutes of the clash, which they won thanks to a brace from Ji-sung Park. ‘He battered me’ – Wayne Rooney reveals worst ever rollicking from Sir Alex Ferguson and Man Utd legend snapped backFerguson had admitted after the game he had taken a risk on the midfielder’s fitness. He said: “We were at the stage where we knew Owen’s knee was okay.”His training performances for eight or nine days previously had been terrific.”He had done really well, which is why we took the chance. “But maybe the tension in the build-up for the lad was too much and he suffered because of it.”It would be Hargreaves’ last game in a Red Devils shirt, with Ferguson saying in his 2013 autobiography that Hargreaves was one of his most disappointing signings.Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings. More

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    ‘I know he loves it there’ – Mo Salah’s ex-coach drops transfer hint over Liverpool ace’s future amid contract stand-off

    LIVERPOOL star Mohamed Salah has been urged to snub interest from Saudi Arabia and focus on creating a lasting legacy at Liverpool, even if he wins the Premier League and Champions League this season.This could be the 32-year-old’s final season at Anfield, with his contract set to expire in the summer and little progress being made on a new deal.Mohamed Salah’s contract expires at the end of the seasonCredit: RexThis could be the Egyptian’s last season at AnfieldCredit: EPAEgyptian coach Diaa El-SayedCredit: AFPThe Reds have some key decisions to make in the coming months, with the important duo of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk in the same boat as Salah.But Diaa El-Sayed, who was Salah’s under-20 coach in 2011 with Egypt and helped transform him from a left-back into a lethal finisher, says everyone in Egypt supports Liverpool because of Salah and would love to see him end his career at Merseyside.He told Sunsport in an exclusive interview from his base in Cairo, Egypt: “I have known Salah since he was just a kid, and I know how honest he is as a human being. “He’s had eight amazing years at Liverpool, and his numbers are just incredible.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“His time there has been amazing, with his teammates, the managers he has worked with, the media, and the fans.“Of course, I want him to stay at Liverpool. We in Egypt would love him to stay beyond this summer. “I also know Salah loves being in Liverpool, and he loves the city too.“He would love to stay at Liverpool to complete his amazing football career. I don’t want to hear that he’s moving to Saudi Arabia, PSG, or any other club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“Because of him, we all follow Liverpool, and so for us, that is where we want to see him end it all.”Salah is the Premier League’s top scorer with 25 goals in 28 games and has risen to third on the all-time Liverpool top scorers’ list, with 131 goals in 241 games. Only Roger Hunt (152) and the great Ian Rush (166) are ahead of him.Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been careful with his words when asked about Salah’s future, especially with reports linking him to a move to Saudi Arabia.Mo Salah calls out Jamie Carragher after Liverpool legend urged him to ‘take a leaf out of Virgil van Dijk’s book’The Liverpool boss said: “Everybody wants him, including us. We want him to extend, of course – that is clear.“I’m not surprised that Saudi Arabia wants him, but I wouldn’t be surprised if other countries want him as well.“He is old enough and wise enough and has done so many smart things in his career that he will make the right decision for himself, and hopefully for us as well.”Mo Salah is the league’s top scorerFive Mo Salah strops at LiverpoolFive times things have got heated during Mo Salah’s Liverpool career.West Ham 2 Liverpool 2 – April 28, 2024Salah gets into a heated argument with Klopp as he refuses to shake the manager’s hand before coming on at the London Stadium.Liverpool 3 Sheffield United 1 – April 4, 2024Salah shakes his head as he is subbed off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over the basement club.Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 – August 13, 2023Salah storms off the pitch after being replaced on 77 minutes on the first day of the season.Brighton 1 Liverpool 1 – November 28, 2020Salah throws his arms up in the air and barely looks at Klopp after being subbed off. Brighton go on to equalise with a last minute penalty.Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 – August 31, 2019Salah gets in a public spat with Sadio Mane after failing to pass to the winger. Team-mate Roberto Firmino says the row had been brewing for some time.Read the full article from Jack Rosser More

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    ‘Nobody wants to throw the baby out with the bath water’ – Gabby Logan’s bizarre hint about new-look Match of the Day

    GABBY Logan used an old turn of phrase to promise that Match of the Day will NOT radically change from next season.Logan, 51, will team up with Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates to host the BBC’s flagship football show, with Lineker stepping down from the role after 26 years in the hotseat.Gabby Logan has vowed fans that Match of the Day ‘won’t be totally different’ in the futureCredit: AlamyKelly Cates (left), Mark Chapman (centre) and Logan have teamed up to host the BBC’s flagship football show from the start of next season, with Gary Lineker stepping down after 26 yearsCredit: PAGary Lineker will step down from the BBC flagship show in MayCates, Chapman, and Logan are set to split presenting duties for Match of the Day and the Sunday show between the three of them.Lineker’s quitting statement said the Beeb planned to make changes when its new contract for the rights to Premier League football began in August.But, despite the end of an era, Logan has vowed that the content of the show will stay the same.Logan told the ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast: “We’ve all presented the show before as stand ins.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But it will feel very exciting at the start of next season. It won’t be totally different.”Nobody wants to throw the baby out with the bath water. It’s a football highlights show, we’ve got the same kind of pundit.”And it’s all about the football.”The idiom is a warning against accidentally throwing away something good when discarding something else.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLogan also revealed the lengths to which she and her co-hosts went to keep the news a secret ahead of January’s official announcement.The former Sky Sports presenter was forced to keep it from her closest pals and family, only husband Kenny being told.’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly She explained: “I didn’t even tell my mum. I set up a group chat and called it ‘The Match of the Day three’.”And there were disappearing messages as Chappers [Chapman] was really paranoid about this. The only person I told was Kenny!”Logan was not the only one to keep her new position secret. New colleague Cates also kept it to herself, with even Dad Kenny Dalglish kept in the dark.They will become the show’s first permanent female presenters.Logan said broadcasting was a “completely different landscape” for women working in sport, both in front of and behind the camera, since she started her career.She added: “There are now so many great male and female broadcasters.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But also, so many more females working in sports, not just in front of the camera or the microphone, but also behind the scenes.”The BBC have confirmed that Alan Shearer and Micah Richards will continue as pundits of Match of the Day next season. More

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    Michael Oliver NOT given Premier League game after horror blunder to not send off Millwall star for brutal kung-fu kick

    BLUNDER ref Michael Oliver has not been given a Premier League game this weekend, following his stunning initial decision not to send off a Millwall player for a kung-fu kick on Saturday.Oliver, 40, needed a VAR intervention to persuade him to issue a red card to Lions keeper Liam Roberts for his outrageous challenge on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.Michael Oliver has been dropped from this weekend’s Premier League actionCredit: RexThe referee initially did not give a free kick for Liam Roberts’ kick on Jean-Philippe MatetaCredit: ReutersMateta required 25 stitches for the gash on his earCredit: ReutersThe whistler had not even awarded a free-kick for the horrifying incident in the FA Cup, which saw Mateta taken to hospital and have TWENTY-FIVE stitches for a gashed ear.Eagles chairman Steve Parish branded the reckless tackle as “endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life”.The home side went on to win the FA Cup 3-1 at Selhurst Park and knock out the Championship outfit.The forward was later discharged from hospital after all scans were clear and he was “feeling well”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMillwall manager Alex Neil and Roberts both reached out to Mateta to check on his well-being after the game.Oliver has not been given a match to ref this weekend, and is not down to be a fourth official or VAR.He will officiate Harry Kane’s all-German Champions League clash though as Bayern Munich take on Bayer Leverkusen in their last-16 first leg.The clash will take place tomorrow night at the Allianz Arena.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPGMOL sources pointed to the fact that ref rotation is a common occurrence in the Premier League.Oliver had the weekend of February 15-16 off too, which followed his reffing of a feisty Merseyside derby which ended 2-2 and saw two players and two coaches sent off.Crystal Palace star Mateta stretchered off with horror injury after shock kung-fu kick from Milwall keeper who sees redArne Slot was furious with Oliver after the Merseyside derby last monthCredit: ReutersLiverpool boss Arne Slot was left fuming after the match by Oliver’s performance.The Dutchman was given a two-match ban and a £70,000 fine for his meltdown after the full-time whistle.Slot told Oliver that he would “F*****G BLAME” him should Liverpool go on to lose the Premier League title.The Reds are the favourites to lift the title at the end of the season despite dropping two points against the Toffees.The FA has backed Oliver on this occasion after publishing the full written reasons for the penalties imposed on Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff.Both clubs were also punished for the incidents that were sparked by Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure’s stoppage-time celebrations.A three-person commission explained: “It was reported by the Referee that following the full-time whistle, he was approached by Arne Slot who had entered the field of play to confront the referee and the match officials team. “Tensions were running high. It was alleged that Arne Slot’s manner was confrontational and aggressive. “It was alleged that he initially used abusive words whilst shaking the referee’s hand.”Including that the referee had ‘f****** give them everything’ and that he hoped that the Referee “was proud of that performance.” “The referee thereafter confirms (having reviewed the video footage to clarify) that he was approached again by Arne Slot around one minute later. “In this exchange, Arne Slot once again shook the referee’s hand and said, ‘If we don’t win the league, I’ll f****** blame you.” “It is then further alleged that Arne Slot turned to the assistant referee and shouted twice that it was ‘a f****** disgrace.’READ MORE SUN STORIES”As a result, he was shown a red card by the referee.”Oliver also reported that Hulshoff, who also received a two-game touchline ban but was only fined £7,000, had continued the verbal tirade.Steve Parish on Mateta injuryCrystal Palace chairman Steve Parish spoke to the media at half time about the injury to Jean-Philippe Mateta…He told the BBC: “So far what we know is he’s got a bad gash behind his ear and a head injury. He’s at the hospital so we hope for the best.”There’s a lot of emotion in football but we need to talk about that challenge.”In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve never seen a challenge like it.”I looked to see how old the keeper is, he’s 30 years old.”That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen.”And he needs to have a long, hard look at himself that lad.”Because he’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe even his life, with a challenge like that.” More

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    Tottenham dealt fresh cruel injury blow as Dejan Kulusevski set for stint on the sidelines with foot problem

    TOTTENHAM’S injury crisis has gone from bad to worse as star forward Dejan Kulusevski has suffered a foot injury.Spurs’ 2024-25 campaign has been marred by injuries, with key players including James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, Radu Dragusin, and Micky van de Ven suffering extended absences.Kulusevski is set for a spell on the sidelines amid a prolific seasonCredit: GettyDominic Solanke is one of many Spurs players to have been injured this yearCredit: GettySweden international Kulusevski is the latest among the wounded. He has been a fixture in Ange Postecoglou’s side this season, contributing seven goals and four assists in 27 league appearances.The Daily Mail report he is undergoing tests as Tottenham look to confirm the full extent of the injury.It is not yet clear how the injury was sustained, though he will likely miss Thursday’s trip to face AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League knockout stage.He will also be a doubt as Spurs host Bournemouth on Sunday in a crunch Premier League tie as Spurs look to climb back into the top half of the table.Read more football storiesSpurs may also ask him to skip Sweden’s matches against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland in the March international break so as to continue his recovery in London.This injury is the first of Kulusevski’s season and only the second he has suffered since signing for Tottenham. The last came in September 2022 when he missed 10 matches with a thigh problem.Postecoglou and Tottenham’s season has been heavily impacted by injuries, with various key players regularly missing extended spells. Solanke Most read in FootballA run of one win in 11 matches between December and January saw Spurs plunge to 15th in the table. He has now recovered slightly to 13th, Postecoglou has been quick to deflect blame. The rise and fall of Ange Postecoglou as Spurs boss”Its just injuries,” he said in late January. “I think the squad we have got together now, they are an exciting squad.”When they are all fit the club will benefit, not just this year but for many years to come.” More

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    ‘Come back any time’ – Humble Jack Grealish praised after paying for 200 PINTS and chatting with locals at social club

    JACK GREALISH has won over fans at a Newcastle pub – after putting £500 behind the bar. The Manchester City star stunned punters after walking into North Biddick Social Club in Washington on Sunday.Jack Grealish stunned punters in a North East pub on SundayCredit: AlamyThe England star turned up at a social club in Washington, Tyne and WearCredit: X @footballbreakzThe 29-year-old chatted with locals and put £500 behind the barCredit: X @footballbreakzGrealish, 29, wasted no time in making friends at the pub, where pints go for just £2.90.He put enough money behind the bar for regulars to sup up to 200 PINTS.Grealish posed for photos and chatted with locals on a visit to Richard Logan, 37, brother of fellow Three Lions star Jordan Pickford.One local punter told The Daily Mail: “Jack was a total gentleman.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”£500 is enough to keep the whole bar in pints for a good few hours. “What a star he was, he can come back any time.”Word quickly spread Grealish was in the social club, with fans flocking in and the venue quickly filling up. One laughed on Facebook: “Never seen word spread around so much.”Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother told the Mail: “He was with a couple of friends who live nearby.”I think they just fancied a quiet pint in a place where Jack wasn’t going to get any hassle. Jack Grealish’s reaction to Cole Palmer becoming a manager says it all as he and Maguire apologise to Chelsea star”Word spread very quickly though and people started to arrive from all over to see him, it’s such an unexpected place to see a big football star. “He was a really, really nice guy. “Nothing was too much trouble for him, he sat and chatted with the locals and was happy to pose for pictures. “But when he paid for everyone’s drinks that was just amazing, he didn’t need to do it but he did and it showed a lot of class and generosity. “He’ll definitely be welcome back if he ever wants to come down again.”Grealish has endured a tough two years at City, losing his England place and lacking game time.He has featured 25 times for Pep Guardiola’s side across all competitions, scoring just twice.SunSport revealed last month both Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund were tracking Grealish. Guardiola has questioned the £100m man’s fitness and mentality this season.The Spaniard said: “Do I want the Jack that won the Treble? Yeah, I want it, but I try to be honest with myself for that.”They have to fight. You can say it’s unfair.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Ok, if you think that, then it’s fine, but you have to prove [to me], ‘ok, I’m going to fight with Savinho, to deserve to play in that position.'”Every single day, every single week and every single month.” More

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    Man City ready to go through tribunal to snap up 15-year-old wonderkid Jeremy Monga from relegation-bound Leicester

    MANCHESTER CITY are ready to make a move for Leicester City wonderkid Jeremy Monga.The teenage star has already featured on The Foxes’ first team bench despite being only 15.Jeremy Monga is extremely highly-rated at LeicesterCredit: GettyThe versatile winger has been captain of England’s Under-16s too and trained with City’s U-21s squad as a result of his potential.But that has only helped to catch the eye of some of Europe’s top clubs and City are now hovering and hoping to tie up a move this summer.Leicester are five points adrift of safety in the Premier League with only 11 games to play. They looked doomed for relegation.Even so, the club is desperate to hang onto budding talents like schoolboy Monga to help them bounce back into the top flight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBecause of his age any deal will have to go through a tribunal with mega-rich Man City forced to pay compensation to Leicester should they nab one of the club’s brightest prospects.Monga featured in all three of Leicester Under-21s’ EFL Trophy matches earlier this season.Last month he was even named on Ruud van Nistelrooy’s bench for the Foxes’ 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.He has featured seven times in the PL2 this season, scoring once and laying on an assist.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMonga has so far earned eight caps for England’s Under-16s.He scored in a 7-3 win over Denmark last month.Fans plead with Pep Guardiola as they spot secret Mo Salah charm offensive after Liverpool loss More

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    ‘If we don’t win the league I’ll f***ing blame you’ – Arne Slot’s furious derby rant at Michael Oliver revealed in full

    ARNE Slot told referee Michael Oliver that he would “F*****G BLAME” him if Liverpool did not win the league in a four-letter torrent of abuse after last month’s Merseyside derby.Reds boss Slot was handed a two-match ban and fined £70,000 for his meltdown after the 2-2 Goodison draw.Arne Slot had some choice words for Michael Oliver after the Merseyside derbyCredit: GETTYThe Dutchman was given a red card and subsequently slapped with a two-match banCredit: GETTYThe FA have revealed the full written reasons for Slot’s punishmentCredit: REUTERSAnd the FA has now published the full written reasons for the penalties imposed on Slot, his assistant Sipke Hulshoff and BOTH clubs after incidents sparked by Abdoulaye Doucoure’s stoppage-time equaliser celebrations.The three-person commission explained: “It was reported by the Referee that following the full-time whistle, he was approached by Arne Slot who had entered the field of play to confront the referee and the match officials team. “Tensions were running high. It was alleged that Arne Slot’s manner was confrontational and aggressive. “It was alleged that he initially used abusive words whilst shaking the referee’s hand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Including that the referee had ‘f****** give them everything’ and that he hoped that the Referee “was proud of that performance.” “The referee thereafter confirms (having reviewed the video footage to clarify) that he was approached again by Arne Slot around one minute later. “In this exchange, Arne Slot once again shook the referee’s hand and said, ‘If we don’t win the league, I’ll f****** blame you.” “It is then further alleged that Arne Slot turned to the assistant referee and shouted twice that it was ‘a f****** disgrace.’ Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSArne Slot said he’d blame Michael Oliver that he’d blame him if Liverpool didn’t win the leagueCredit: GettySlot will be suspended for Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Southampton on SaturdayCredit: REUTERS”As a result, he was shown a red card by the referee.”Oliver also reported that Hulshoff, who also received a two-game touchline ban but was only fined £7,000, had continued the verbal fusillade.Liverpool boss Arne Slot breaks silence on red card controversy and mystery over ban The commission said: “Hulshoff is alleged to have entered the field of play following the full-time whistle to confront the referee in an ‘extremely aggressive manner.’“It is alleged he said the referee was ‘f*****g’ s**t’ and ‘gave them everything’ and he was a ‘f****** disgrace.’“We are advised that the referee attempts to remove himself from the situation to deal with the dismissals of Jones and Doucoure but Hulshoff continues to follow him and is eventually restrained by colleagues, but continues to shout ‘f****** shit.’ “He was also shown a red card by the Referee and dismissed.”While both Slot and Hulshoff admitted their misconduct charges, the manager “disputed” Oliver’s version of events.He claimed he had actually said: “If we don’t win the league, I will have you to thank for that” but conceded his actions were “unacceptable”.But the panel determined it was “more likely than not” that Oliver’s recall was correct, pointing out that Slot was a “role model” who “should be exercising good discipline both on and off the pitch, and setting an example to his players”.The commission, headed by leading sports solicitor Laura McCallum, accepted that the last Merseyside derby at Goodison before Everton’s move to their new home at Bramley Moore Dock had taken place in an “emotional atmosphere both on and off the pitch.”It condemned Doucoure for his response to the final whistle, which ended in an angry altercation involving Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, players from both sides, police and stewards.Both Doucoure and Jones were handed second yellow cards and dismissed and the commission ruled: “Instead of celebrating with his teammates or indeed his own supporters, Doucoure chooses to run 20-25 yards and goad the Liverpool support. “We consider that that was inflammatory in itself and but for that action, the mass confrontation may have been avoided. “Equally, Curtis Jones’ actions in response were aggressive and disproportionate. Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure’s red cards sparked pandemoniumCredit: PAA mass melee ensued, which ressulted in both clubs being fined for failing to control their playersCredit: PA“Once Doucoure and Jones come together, Doucoure is supported by two other Everton players. “Instead of pulling him away, they appear to back him up aggressively so it becomes three against one. “This causes the confrontation to spiral with more and more players running into the melee, with involvement then from police officers and stewards.”Both clubs argued for the “standard penalty” of £20,000 for failing to control their players, but Everton were fined £65,000 and Liverpool £50,000.Slot initially refused to divulge details of his interaction with Oliver after the match but admitted he’d overstepped the mark.He said: “The emotions got the better of me. If I could [do] it differently, I would love to. I would hope to do it differently next time. “There were many things that happened in extra-time that led me to being emotional.”But there is a process now which I have to respect so I won’t go into details.”There was a VAR check and then five minutes of extra-time ended up as eight minutes, a lot of things happened that led me to be emotional.”But it wouldn’t be smart to go into every incident.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSlot’s ban saw him miss the Reds’ 2-0 win over Newcastle United last Wednesday.The suspension will also see the 46-year-old miss Saturday’s visit of Championship-bound Southampton. More