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    Premier League LIVE SCORES: 10-man Liverpool TRAILING to Fulham, Newcastle thrashing Leicester – latest

    MATCHWEEK 16 of the Premier League promises to be a blockbuster – with some huge games taking place RIGHT NOW!League leaders Liverpool are currently trailing to Fulham, and are now down to 10 men after Andy Robertson’s red card.Elsewhere, Newcastle are hosting Leicester, who are unbeaten under new boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.Plus, SunSport will bring you all the goals from the remaining three games taking place on Saturday.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Goal – Alexander Isak (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 2-0 Leicester47. The Magpies make the perfect start to the second-half.As a free kick is worked into the box, Hall heads it across goal for Guimaraes to head home from close range.This would seem like game, set and match at St James’ Park.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Ken Lawrence on Anfield matchAnother Nottingham Forest moment could well be happening for Arne Slot.His only defeat since replacing Jurgen Klopp was early in the season against them at Anfield.Nobody saw that 1 – 0 loss coming, far less that Fulham might have a chance of coming up with another shock result against the Dutchmen’s ten men following Andy Robertson’s 17th minute straight red.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Hill at MolineuxIpswich have the upper hand thanks to a farcical Matt Doherty own goal, but while Wolves are still in it and have created openings, they will have to up their game in the second half. Wolves fans were patient before the break, but there were loud boos at half-time.Meanwhile, the TV cameras have highlighted the fact that Wolves have Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant in their directors’ box – with Ipswich’s Ed Sheeran here today. Ipswich may be leading, but there’s only one winner in the music stakes.Copy linkCopiedHT: Wolves 0-1 Ipswich TownKieran McKenna’s side have seemingly stepped up to the plate so far today in this six-pointer.They have taken the game to the hosts and created the better chances.The next goal will crucial in this one, if the visitors are able to get it, it is hard to see a way back for Wolves.Copy linkCopiedHT: Newcastle 1-0 LeicesterIt has been a solid start by Eddie Howe’s side.Leicester have looked like a rabbit in the car headlights for the majority of the first-half.The Magpies are dominating and should be leading by more.Copy linkCopiedHT: Liverpool 0-1 FulhamIt has all gone pear-shaped for the league leaders at the moment.Fulham took the lead before the hosts then had a player sent-off.It seems like a big struggle for Arne Slot’s side to come from behind to win this game with the visitors having a man advantage.Copy linkCopiedHT: Arsenal 0-0 EvertonIt all going according to plan for Sean Dyche right now.He will be more than happy to go in at the break with their clean sheet intact. Arsenal need to get their shooting boots on, despite all their possession, they are not working Pickford enough in the Everton goal.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at The EmiratesJordan Pickford and James Tarkowski really are in a “none shall pass” mood. A personal highlight of a goalless half was Myles Lewis-Skelly dropping the ball on his own head and then trying again, but having a foul throw awarded against him. Not enough foul throws are given these days, especially in European competition. The atmosphere at the Emirates is curiously flat. Arsenal should be one or two up but aren’t turning domination into goals. Yet. Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse at St James’ ParkIt should really be game over here in Newcastle, who lead by just one goal at the break.But Alexander Isak wasted a great opportunity to double that advantage when he was sent through, but the usually lethal Swede shot straight at the goalie.And even though Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Foxes have barely mounted an attack, they are still firmly in this one ahead of the second period.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 1-0 Leicester43. Van Nistelrooy needs to find a ‘plan B’ in this one.His team are not even at the races at St James’ Park.It is all one-way traffic and only baffling thing is how The Magpies have only scored one goal so far.Pope could go and do his Christmas shopping this afternoon and not be missed as it stands.Copy linkCopiedArsenal 0-0 Everton38. Arsenal are dominating the game at The Emirates.With in excess of 70% possession, they are just struggling to find the target to work Pickford.It is one of those games where you constantly think the goal is coming from the hosts, but we are still waiting.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-1 Fulham37. The Reds are struggling with ten men at Anfield.To their credit, Fulham are playing well and taking the game to the hosts.As it stands, it is hard to see a way back into this game for Arne Slot’s side with the sending off.That could all change.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 1-0 Leicester30. Anthony Gordon provides the assist as The Magpies take the lead.His ball into the box finds Murphy, who sweeps the ball into the bottom corner of the goal.St James’ Park erupts as it hits the back of the net.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Jacob Murphy (Newcastle)Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Ken Lawrence on match at AnfieldIt also denied the Fulham attacker and obvious scoring opportunity.A bad, bad day for the Scotland captain for while Andreas Pereira did connect acrobatically to score in the 11th minute the ball deflected off the right back to leave Alisson with no chance.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Graham Hill at MolineuxThings are going from bad to worse for Wolves – with a comedic own goal giving Ipswich a 15th minute lead.Liam Delap got the better of new skipper Nelson Semedo. Keeper Sam Johnstone pushed the ball out to Omari Hutchinson whose shot is blocked by Matt Doherty on the line – before Conor Chaplin’s shot hit Toti and bounced in off Doherty.Cue abusive chants from the fans – but aimed at chairman Jeff Shi. Jean Bellegarde then blazed over when presented with a clear chance to equalise.Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Ipswich Town25. There will be massive pressure on Gary O’Neil here now.Ipswich have come to Molineux to go for Wolves today, that is for sure.They are looking creative and testing the hosts’ keeper regularly.The fans are getting disgrutled and are not happy with what they are seeing from the home side.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King at The EmiratesThe second enjoyable contest so far was between the fans. The home crowd told Jordan Pickford he was “just a s**t Aaron Ramsdale” and the travelling Blues responded by reminding everyone that their man is “England’s No 1”.Even better is the way Everton boss Sean Dyche keeps moaning to the fourth official and nearside assistant referee about the decisions that keep going against his side. The Arsenal fans take every chance to mock his gesticulations and rants. The news from Anfield must have filtered through and it feels like an Arsenal goal is coming. Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 0-0 Leicester20. It is all Newcastle at St James’ Park so far.The Foxes have yet to register a shot on or off target.The Magpies are keeping Hermansen very busy in these early stages.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-1 Fulham20. It is adjudged Wilson was onside and Robertson is given his marching orders.Liverpool are a goal down and also reduced to ten men.The former Liverpool youngster almost scores with the resulting free-kick.This is a massive uphill struggle at Anfield.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 0-1 Fulham15. It is all going an Anfield.The referee has sent Andrew Robertson off for a foul on the edge of the box, being the last man.He allowed play to continue and Jimenez chipped over Alisson, only for van Dijk to clear off the line.He brought it back for the foul and showed the Liverpool man red.However, VAR is now reviewing it as Harry Wilson may have been offside in the build-up.Copy linkCopiedRed card – Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-1 Ipswich Town10. Drama at Molineux.Of all the times to get an own goal, this was not it for Wolves’ Matt Doherty.The Tractor Boys take an early lead here.Copy linkCopied More

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    Fuming Ukrainian FA blast Fifa over ‘unacceptable error’ during World Cup 2026 qualifying draw

    THE Ukrainian FA sent a furious letter to Fifa and Uefa complaining about an “unacceptable error” during the World Cup qualifying draw. Ukraine learnt who they will face to try and book their spot at the 2026 tournament in North America. Ukraine hit out at Fifa and Uefa following an ‘unacceptable error’Credit: ReutersThe World Cup qualifying draw map excluded Crimea from UkraineCredit: X @KarpatyLvivFCHowever, the country was left apoplectic following a map graphic depicting countries which could not cross borders to face each other – such as Ukraine and Belarus, Spain and Gibraltar and Kosovo versus either Bosnia and Herzegovina or Serbia.On it, though, the shaded Ukrainian region excluded the territory of Crimea.The peninsula in the Black Sea – officially the Autonomous Republic of Crimea – is classed as an administrative division of Ukraine after previously being annexed by Russia in 2014.Russia occupy the territory and have several military air bases stationed there during the war between the two nations, which has now claimed the lives or injured a million people since Vladimir Putin ordered the illegal invasion in February 2022. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUkraine, though, continue to view the region as part of their country so they were understandably indignant following Friday’s draw.And the Ukrainian Association of Football wrote to Fifa Secretary General Matthias Grafstrom and Uefa Secretary General Theodore Theodoridis to express their anger. The raging letter said: “We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the infographic map of Europe shown during the TV broadcast of the European Qualifiers draw for the Fifa World Cup 2026 on December 13, 2024. “The map, which indicated the countries unable to cross borders, highlighted the territory of Ukraine without the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.Most read in Football”Considering several official decisions and resolutions passed by the Fifa Council and the Uefa Executive Committee since 2014, which addressed the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the protection of football stakeholders in our country from the aggressive policies of the Russian terrorist state, including regarding the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, we emphasise that the version of the map presented by Fifa during the global broadcast to a multi-million audience is unacceptable. “It appears as an inconsistent stance by Fifa and Uefa on this crucial issue, especially in light of the ongoing destructive invasion initiated by Russia against Ukraine in the 21st century, in the heart of Europe.”Russia’s invasion of Ukraine timelineVLADIMIR Putin waged a murderous invasion ok his neighbouring country in 2022, following years of heated Russo-Ukranian tensions.24 February 2022: Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine with an invasion of the eastern territory of Donbas. Explosions were also reported in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa25 February 2022: Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky and his team posted a video following rumours they had fled the country.16 March 2022: Russia blitzed Mariupol’s Drama Theater where around 1,300 civilians were sheltering.1 September 2022: Russian forces flee the eastern Kharkiv region following a strong Ukrainian counteroffensive.21 September 2022: Putin announced a controversial partial mobilization to draft soldiers, the country’s first since World War Two.12 November 2022: The city of Kherson, in the south of Ukraine, was liberated after an eight-month occupation.21 December 2022: Zelensky travels to Washington D.C. to meet President Joe Biden and address Congress.25 January 2023: Germany approves sending tanks to Ukraine20 February 2023: US President Joe Biden makes a surprise visit to Kyiv for the first time since the invasion began.23 June 2023: Russian mercenaries stage a mutiny attempt with the paramilitary organization Wagner.24 June 2023: The shortlived Wagner Group march to Moscow and the coup attempt ends.27 August 2023: Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was confirmed dead in a plane crash.8 February 2024: Zelensky replaces his top army leader Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi.20 April 2024: US House of Representatives approves a huge foreign aid package for Ukraine.6 August 2024: Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion into Russia’s western Kursk region.19 November 2024: Ukraine fires several long-range US-supplied missiles into Russia for the first time.21 November 2024: Putin’s forces fire new ballistic missiles into Ukraine for the first time.SunSport has contacted Fifa for comment.  Ukraine were pitted in Group D alongside Iceland, Azerbaijan and the winners of the two-legged France vs Croatia Nations League quarter-final.Thomas Tuchel’s England, meanwhile, got Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra in a five-team Group K. World Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar More

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    Former Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer watches on at struggling Premier League club amid talks of managerial return

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is in attendance at Molineux as Wolves take on Ipswich this afternoon.The former Manchester United boss, 51, has been out of work since being sacked by the Red Devils in 2021.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been spotted at Molineux this afternoonCredit: PAHe has since turned down several opportunities to return to the dugout.Solskjaer snubbed the Denmark national team job.While he recently turned down a third stint at Norwegian side Molde following talks.The former striker is in the stands for today’s game between Wolves and Ipswich Town.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAhead of the game, he caught up with old pal Kieran McKenna.The Tractor Boys boss, 38, was part of Solskjaer’s coaching staff at Old Trafford.After briefly remaining at United under Ralf Rangnick, McKenna departed in December 2021 to take over at Ipswich.He has since guided the Tractor Boys from League One to the Premier League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSolskjaer, 51, caught up with Kieran McKenna ahead of the gameCredit: GettyThe Norwegian also chatted with Shaun DerryCredit: PAIn addition to McKenna, Solskjaer also chatted with Wolves first-team coach Shaun Derry.Molineux boss Gary O’Neil has been under intense pressure in recent weeks.Gary O’Neil confirms Nelson Semedo will replace Mario Lemina as Wolves captain Wolves go into today’s match 19th in the Premier League, having won just twice in 15 games.Last time out they were beaten 2-1 by West Ham, while in their previous game Wolves were whacked 4-0 at Everton.Following the Hammers defeat, Wolves’ hierarchy continued to back their boss.Yesterday O’Neil announced that he’d stripped Mario Lemina of the club captaincy, with Nelson Semedo now taking on the armband.Under-fire O’Neil arrived at today’s gameCredit: Getty More

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    Ben Godrey willing to give up winning Serie A for Premier League return as two clubs lead transfer chase

    BEN GODFREY is willing to give up winning Serie A for a return to the Premier League.The 26-year-old joined Italian table-toppers Atalanta from Everton in a £10million deal last summer.Ben Godfrey is keen on a move back to EnglandCredit: GettyBut Wolves and Nottingham Forest are leading the chase in bringing versatile defender Godfrey back to England.Godfrey has made just four appearances for last season’s Europa League winners Atalanta since the move to Italy.In his four games, only one came in Serie A, which came as a substitute in the 4-0 over Lecce in August.But the two-cap England ace has had to wait for minutes in Gian Piero Gasperini’s side because of the Italian club’s shock success in Serie A.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGodfrey’s last appearance came in the 6-1 Champions League away victory over Young Boys last month.Atalanta currently have a two-point lead at the top and play Cagliari on Saturday afternoon while second-placed Napoli travel to Udinese.But SunSport understands Godfrey would be prepared to play football rather than sit on the bench and potentially collect a medal next May.Atalanta will also have to deal with the likes of Inter Milan and Fiorentina, who are hot on their heels.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBoth teams are three points behind the Bergamo side with a game in hand.Back in September, it was claimed that Godrey had been “struggling” to adapt to Gian Piero Gasperini’s system.Ruben Amorim introduces rarely-seen pre-match training tactic ahead of 4-0 thrashing of Everton Godrey came through the youth academy at York City before hearing a move to Norwich City in 2016.He spent four years at Carrow Road and helped the club back into the Premier League in 2019.However, after suffering relegation in 2020, he remained in the top-flight after sealing a transfer to Everton for a potential £25m fee.Godrey went on to make 93 appearances for the Toffees before leaving the club for Italy.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Former Premier League star Che Adams scores sublime goal from halfway line ‘you have to see to believe’

    FORMER Premier League star Che Adams scored an incredible goal from the halfway line last night.The Scotland international, 28, quit Southampton for Torino in the summer.Che Adams took aim from the centre circleCredit: X @SerieA_ENHis shot fizzed over the Empoli goalkeeperCredit: X @SerieA_ENAdams, 28, celebrates his wonder-strikeCredit: GettyAdams scored three goals in his first six games for the Serie A club, but was dropped to the bench for last night’s trip to Empoli having not netted since September.Just six minutes after coming on, the forward ended his goal drought in spectacular fashion.With the score level at 0-0, Adams collected the ball on the halfway line.Following one touch to set himself, the 33-cap international let fly.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis shot brilliantly fizzed over Empoli goalkeeper Devis Vasquez and into the net.Adams’ goal turned out to be the winner, with the home side reduced to ten men late on when former AC Milan and Juventus star Mattia De Sciglio was sent off.The magnificent strike went on to go viral on social media.One fan wrote: “Beautiful goal Beckham style.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile a second gushed: “Stunning goal!”Another added: “That was a wild goal, really shows his skill and vision.”Che Adams withdrawing despite not being injured is a turning point in Steve Clarke’s Scotland reignOne commented: “You have to see it to believe it!”Torino’s win saw them rise up to 11th in the Serie A table.They will be back in action next Saturday, when they host Bologna.Adams lets rip six minutes after coming onCredit: GettyThe Scotland star wheels away in celebrationCredit: Getty More

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    Spurs fans beware – if they turn on Daniel Levy, it will be Ange Postecoglou who will be sacked, not the chairman

    WHEN Ange Postecoglou first came to Tottenham he was like a breath of fresh air.But lately his injury-hit side have stunk the place out in certain games – leaving some fans to wonder if his radical ideas have gone stale already.Tottenham have been inconsistent this season under Ange PostecoglouCredit: GettyBut fans shouldn’t turn on Tottenham chairman Daniel LevyCredit: AlamyTurning on Levy could lead to Postecoglou leaving TottenhamCredit: RexIt is the Aussie’s challenge right now to prove that is not the case amid a punishing fixture list and the worst injury crisis he says he has ever experienced in 26 years of management.His walking wounded are on a dismal run of one win in their last eight games.Albeit that victory, the 4-0 trouncing of Manchester City at the Etihad last month, was one of their best ever in the Premier League.That historic triumph proved just what is possible under the 59-year-old when everything clicks.Read More on FootballBut, as many supporters have pointed out, it counts for little when it is preceded by a 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich and followed up 12 days later by a limp loss at Bournemouth.The pressure is ramping up and arguably starting to show, with Postecoglou uncharacteristically calling out one of his players in public this week.He hammered Timo Werner’s display in Thursday’s 1-1 draw at Rangers as “unacceptable”.Werner had been awful against the Scottish giants and was subbed at half-time for Dejan Kulusevski, who went on to rescue a precious point at Ibrox.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe guy is a Champions League winner, a German international of considerable experience: Postecoglou was not wrong in his evaluation of Werner’s contribution.Yet it still felt significant to hear the Spurs chief go after one of his charges in a press conference.Ange Postecoglou calls Tottenham flop’s performance ‘unacceptable’ in brutal blast after hauling him off at half-timeParticularly, as just 24 hours earlier, he had said it was something he never does when explaining why Cristian Romero was wrong to air his grievances with Daniel Levy and the Spurs’ hierarchy to the media.Postecoglou refuted the suggestion that he had criticised Werner in Friday’s press conference back at Spurs, branding it simply “an assessment of his performance”.One man’s blast is another’s constructive feedback, perhaps.But to those who have followed Postecoglou’s journey at Spurs from week to week, ears certainly pricked up when he went off on one about his shotshy loanee.Postecoglou followed up his defence of his Werner rant with words that succinctly summed up Spurs’, and specifically his, situation: “We’re in a fight here.”Kulusevski had similar battle-themed rhetoric in a flash interview after Rangers, commenting: “Football is war. You have to be prepared 100 per cent. If not, you’ll be eaten alive.”Injury crisisPostecoglou so far has not come close to being the 12th manager to be chewed up by Spurs under Levy’s reign.The word after Sunday’s 4-3 home defeat to Chelsea – where Spurs chucked away a 2-0 lead – was that Postecoglou retained the support of the club, who understood that a crippling injury list was playing its part.Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, Wilson Odobert, Mikey Moore and Richarlison are all currently out injured.While midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is four games into a seven-match ban for racist comments about team-mate Son Heung-min.Postecoglou certainly has the backing of the players, as Romero made plain last week, amid the Argentine’s dig aimed towards the board.Supporters seem to be a bit more split, with some unconvinced Postecoglou’s approach will deliver the “glorious” success he has promised.Daniel Levy backingSome even shouted abuse at him from the stands of Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium at full-time a week ago after a drab 1-0 loss on the South Coast.While others believe the ex-Celtic boss needs proper backing – beyond just signing teenagers for the future, which was largely the club’s transfer policy in the summer, barring the £65million capture of Dominic Solanke and the re-loaning of Werner.Chairman Levy’s resolve over Postecoglou – whom he claimed had “brought our Tottenham back” thanks to his exciting style in September last year – will be tested if the next few games go pear-shaped.Southampton, the scene of Antonio Conte’s infamous press-conference diatribe where he torched the players, the owners and the club, is up next on Sunday.Most clubs lick their lips ahead of playing Russell Martin’s basement-boys, who have just five points this season and are eight shy of safety.But on their day they still play good football, as Liverpool discovered recently until Mohamed Salah did what he does.Possible saving graceAnd with out-of-form Spurs regularly giving up chances at the best of times under Postecoglou’s attack-minded system, three points for the North Londoners feels far from guaranteed.That is followed by an absolutely massive Carabao Cup quarter-final at home to Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United on Thursday.The cups could be Postecoglou’s saving grace this term and allow him to make good on his unnecessary, ante-upping declaration in September that “I always win things in my second year” in a job.But go out to Amorim’s side, and alarm bells will well and truly be ringing by the time top-of-the-table Liverpool come to N17 the following Sunday.Every game for Postecoglou this season has felt crucial because of how wildly inconsistent they have been. But it really feels like crunch time now.The key may well prove to be how much heat comes Levy’s way via the supporters.Protests against ENIC, the club’s majority owners, have happened before and another one is said to be being planned for the Liverpool game on December 22.READ MORE SUN STORIESHistorically Spurs managers have not fared well when the man who appointed them has been in the firing line.If results do not improve, then expect that to ramp up, and for Postecoglou to be in peril. More

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    Ex-Premier League footballer becomes Georgia’s president in victory for Putin after weeks of protests against regime

    A FORMER Premier League footballer has been appointed president of Georgia in a victory for mad Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.Mikheil Kavelashvili, 53, was a striker for Manchester City between 1996 and 1997 who went on to play for several clubs in the Swiss Super League.Mikheil Kavelashvili has become president of GeorgiaKavelashvili poses in front of the FIFA world cup trophy during its world tour, at a ceremony in Tbilisi in 2018Credit: AFPAnti-government demonstrators hold caricatures of the newly elected presidentCredit: AFPHe was elected to parliament back in 2016 and in 2022 co-founded the People’s Power political movement.This was allied with the ruling party dubbed Georgian Dream, which became renowned for its strong far-right and anti-West rhetoric.Kavelashvili easily won the vote as the Georgian Dream party controls the 300-seat electoral college.This replaced direct presidential elections 2017. read more newsIt’s made up of members of Parliament, municipal councils and regional legislatures.Georgian Dream has vowed to continue pushing toward EU accession but also wants to reset ties with Russia.In 2008 Russia fought a brief war with Georgia, which led to Moscow’s recognition of two breakaway regions as independent, and an increase in the Russian military presence in South Ossetia and Abkhazia.Critics have accused Georgian Dream, established by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a shadowy billionaire who made his fortune in Russia, of becoming increasingly authoritarian and tilted toward Moscow.Most read in FootballThese are accusations the ruling party has denied.The party recently pushed through laws similar to those used by the Kremlin to crack down on freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights.Anti-government demonstrators gather outside the parliament building as parliament members elect a new president in TbilisiCredit: AFPAnti-government demonstrators gather outside the parliament buildingCredit: AFPPeople hold a banner saying ‘Hands off my child’ in Georgian,protesting outside of the Georgian parliamentCredit: APThe opposition denounced Saturday’s election as “illegitimate” and said the sitting president, Salome Zurabishvili remains the country’s sole legitimate leader.Pro-Western Zurabishvili – who is in heated disagreements with Georgian Dream – has refused to step down.She is demanding new parliamentary elections, paving the way for a constitutional showdown.On Saturday morning, protesters began gathering outside the parliament building, which was cordoned off by police, ahead of a rally scheduled for the evening.Protests are scheduled to take place at around a dozen locations in Tbilisi.Thousands of pro-EU demonstrators filled the streets of the capital on Friday before gathering outside parliament for the 16th consecutive day.It comes after riot cops fired tear gas and beat up men as they battled raging protesters who gathered across Georgia for numerous nights of violence prior to the election.Brutal clashes erupted outside Georgia’s parliament as thousands of demonstrators protested the government’s decision to delay European Union membership.More than 100 people were arrested as crowds clashed with riot cops armed with tear gas bombs.Dramatic footage captured protesters hurling fireworks at masked officers in riot gear who were firing rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons to disperse the masses.Flames were seen coming from a window of the parliament building as protestors erected barricades on Tbilisi’s main avenue.READ MORE SUN STORIESMany were chased and beaten by police as demonstrators rallied in front of the country’s parliament building.Georgia plunged into crisis when the country’s newly-elected government put a pause on its long-standing bid to join the EU until 2028.Mikhail Kavelashvili (L) fights for the ball at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo 20 May 1999 during Euro 2000 group 2 qualifierCredit: AFPMikheil Kavelashvili reacts after he was elected the country’s new president in the parliament, in Tbilisi, GeorgiaCredit: ReutersAnti-government demonstrators gather outside the parliament building as parliament members elect a new president in TbilisiCredit: AFPCrowds gather during a protest near the parliament building over the results of last month’s parliamentary election on December 6Credit: GettyProtesters shot fireworks at violent police in fierce clashesCredit: AFPProtesters clash with Police over the results of last month’s parliamentary electionCredit: GettyA police officer uses a crowd control spray against protesters in early DecemberCredit: ReutersPolice officers escort a demonstrator with a bloody face during the brutal clashesCredit: Reuters More

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    Ryan Reynolds joined by Hollywood legend as he buys round for entire Wrexham pub and makes brilliant speech

    RYAN REYNOLDS was joined by a fellow Hollywood A-lister as he bought a round for an entire Wrexham pub last night.Reynolds, 48, co-owns League One Wrexham alongside It’s Always Sunny star Rob McElhenney.Ryan Reynolds addressed a crowd of punters at a Wrexham pub last nightCredit: X @wrexhamReynolds, 48, got a round in for fansCredit: X @wrexhamReynolds owns Wrexham alongside Rob McElhenneyCredit: GettyIn town ahead of this afternoon’s clash with Cambridge at the Racecourse Ground, Reynolds pulled up to a local pub to surprise punters.The actor turned up at The Fat Boar in Wrexham and delivered a speech to fans.Speaking into a microphone, he said: “I’m buying a round for everyone in here, which might be bussing in another hundred people as we speak but that’s fine.”And then I’m going to go right now get the f*** out and go to bed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I have four kids and this is a night off where I just get to go to bed when I want to, which I’m very excited about.”And I’m also very excited about tomorrow – I hope you’ll all be watching and, you know, up the town, right.”Reynolds then joked: “If I don’t come and visit each and everyone of you tonight in your homes, I just want to say happy holidays and all my love to your families.”In pictures posted by the pub’s social media accounts, Reynolds could be seen posing with fans for snaps alongside pal Channing Tatum., who dressed casually in a hoodie and hat.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReynolds was joined in the pub by fellow Hollywood A-lister Channing Tatum, third from left, and actor Brandon Sklenar, third from rightCredit: X @FatBoarWXMThe pair recently starred together in Deadpool & Wolverine alongside Hugh Jackman.Also in the film was Wrexham forward Paul Mullin, who made an appearance as “Welshpool”.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LAPhil Parkinson’s side have attracted plenty of celebrity interest this season.Their recent match against Barnsley was screened at Cosm in Los Angeles.In attendance was McElhenney’s It’s Always Sunny colleague Danny DeVito, who was seen celebrating Wrexham’s late winner.Co-stars Kaitlin Olson, Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton were also in attendance, as well as NFL stars Cameron Dicker and Josh Harris.Newly-promoted Wrexham have enjoyed a strong start to life in the third tier.Parkinson’s men go into this afternoon’s match second in the table, only behind leaders Wycombe on goal difference but having played a game more.Wrexham are a point above Birmingham, partially owned by Tom Brady, although Blues have played two matches fewer.Wrexham are second in the League One tableCredit: GettyDanny DeVito celebrates Wrexham’s winner vs BarnsleyCredit: X More