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    ‘We should not see it’ – Como coach Fabregas fires brutal warning to Dele as ex-Spurs star breaks silence on red card

    COMO boss Cesc Fabregas has hit out at Dele Alli’s “grave mistake” after the former Spurs star was sent off just TEN minutes into his club debut.Alli – making his first appearance in 748 days – was shown a red card during second-half stoppage time for a rash challenge on AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.Dele Alli made his Como debut on Saturday night but was sent off within 10 minutesThe ex-England midfielder caught Ruben Loftus-Cheek on the back of the legSubstitute Alli’s yellow card was controversially upgraded to a red by the refereeComo head coach Cesc Fabregas took aim at Alli afterwardsThe former England midfielder signed for Italian club Como in January on a free transfer.Como were trailing 2-1 and desperately chasing a winner when Fabregas turned to Alli in the 81st minute to find a goal.But the cameo quickly turned into a nightmare for the ex-Tottenham ace.Alli was shown a yellow card for a late ankle tackle on Loftus-Cheek in the closing stages at the San Siro.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSReferee Matteo Marchetti was called to the monitor after an intervention from VAR.After studying the tackle for several minutes, Marchetti decided to upgrade Alli’s yellow card to a red.But Fabregas had little sympathy Alli, describing the incident as a tackle that “hurts to watch” in his post-match press conference.Fabregas told DAZN: “Dele Alli is a player who can score goals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He perhaps didn’t deserve this opportunity because he has only been working with us for two weeks and has a lot to improve.”It is a grave mistake, one that we should not see from a player of his experience.Beaming Dele Alli left speechless as Pochettino delivers heartwarming message live on Sky Sports”It was a clear red card, there’s nothing to be said about that, he left the team down to ten men during a crucial moment when we were pushing for 2-2.”That is the most negative thing about this evening, but we keep going.”But Fabregas was also sent off for his reaction to the incident.Alli wrote on Instagram: “I was always going to announce my return in some way after these past two years.”But would rather it had been with a goal but feels good to be back.”Christian Pulisic and Tijani Reijnders scored in the second half for Milan, after Lucas da Cunha put the visitors ahead before the break.Milan’s Kyle Walker – a former England and Spurs team-mate of Alli – was seen begging with the ref not to send the 28-year-old off.One fan agreed on X: “That’s a yellow. The force is so little. Slow motion makes it look 10x harder.”Even Alli’s ex-Spurs and England team-mate Kyle Walker tried to talk the referee roundDele debut timeline81st minute – Alli comes on to make Como debut89th minute – Alli makes the challenge on Ruben Loftus-Cheek and is yellow carded91st minute – His yellow card upgraded to a red after VAR review94th minute – Cesc Fabregas is also sent off for his reaction to the incidentAnother said: “Even Walker was saying to not give him a red for it. That’s actually heartbreaking.”Fabregas’ team ended the day in 13th, still seven points clear of the drop, while Milan sit seventh after their victory.Alli began training with Fabregas’ side over Christmas, although the former Arsenal ace was reluctant to claim whether it would lead to anything.But Fabregas elected to sign Alli on a permanent basis as the 37-cap England international penned a deal until 2026, with the option of a further 12 months.The former England star left Everton permanently in 2024 after being shipped out on a season-long loan to Besiktas 2023.His last game before Como’s clash in Milan was a 0-0 draw with Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig on February 26, 2023.The midfielder was praised for a groundbreaking interview with Manchester United legend Gary Neville later that year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe midfielder opened up on his mental health struggles, opening up on childhood trauma including being abused and selling drugs.He broke through as a teenager at MK Dons before earning a big-money move to Tottenham in 2015.Alli broke his silence on Instagram after Como’s defeat More

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    ‘He lives it’ – Craig Bellamy reveals shock at Arne Slot impact and doubts over replacing ‘personality of Jurgen Klopp’

    CRAIG BELLAMY has hailed “incredible” Arne Slot for matching the high-energy personality of Jurgen Klopp.The Liverpool boss bids to breathe new life into a stunning debut season with his first silverware for the club after the midweek Champions League penalty shootout exit to Paris Saint-Germain. Slot has had an impressive first season with Liverpool; 15 points clear in the Prem and a League Cup final appearance at WembleyThe ex-Feyenoord boss replaced high-energy Jurgen Klopp on Merseyside last summerCredit: GETTYSlot, 46, leads his impressive Reds in today’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley.And the Dutchman already has one hand firmly on the Premier League title as his runaway leaders are a mammoth 15 points clear of nearest rivals Arsenal.Bellamy, who played for both of today’s finalists, says he never thought anyone could rival giant-like figure Klopp.But the Wales manager has admired ex-Feyenoord chief Slot for his sheer enthusiasm since replacing the German on Merseyside last summer.read more footballBellamy said: “I’ve been impressed with Arne. All day. First season at the biggest club in the world, he’s been incredible.”I just didn’t know if anyone could replace the personality of Klopp. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”They are not coming from two different worlds in terms of coaching. It’s quite similar in how they play.”Of course, Slot has his own influences but it was more the personality. How do you replace that type of profile and person of Klopp?Most read in Football”He was 100-mile an hour. Managers like that live it with you.”I feel that it’s quite important that someone breathes it with you.Liverpool boss Arne Slot looks ahead to Carabao Cup final against Newcastle Bellamy, now the manager of Wales, played in the Premier League for both Liverpool and NewcastleCredit: Alamy”Klopp would grip you with a bear hug after a match – he’s living it with you. And you could see the affection that they had for him.”Slot is different. He shows it in a different way but to have the season he’s had has been incredible. Nothing short of that.”So what attribute has really stood-out for boyhood Liverpool fan Bellamy?Bellamy, who had two one-season stints at Anfield in 2006 and 2011 – and then won the League Cup with Liverpool against hometown club Cardiff in 2012, replied: “Energy. He lives it. How do you find that? To be able to find that twice a week – I find that really impressive.”Student of the game Bellamy has tracked Slot’s path before his arrival in the Premier League.The 45-year-old is a big fan of Dutch football having spent a week in the Netherlands as a kid when he was just a budding footballer.Bellamy added: “I was impressed with Slot before when he was at Feyenoord. I have a soft spot for them.”It’s mad. I love the De Kuip. It’s one of my favourite stadiums. I scored there for Newcastle in the Champions League.”It seemed every European tournament that I watched as a kid had the final at that ground. It always felt like an amazing stadium.”I spent a week there as a kid. We went to Feyenoord and Ajax as well. Ajax were such an amazing team at the time.”But there’s something about Feyenoord, Rotterdam and De Kuip.”So it was really nice watching Slot with them over the last few seasons and then to watch him take Liverpool.”Bellamy will watch his old teams do battle in the first domestic final of the season at Wales’ Vale of Glamorgan HQ on the outskirts of Cardiff.The Dragons boss will be preparing for his nation’s opening World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign against Kazakhstan next Saturday night.Then Wales follow that up with a trip to North Macedonia three days later.But, before his Welsh players start arriving late on Sunday, Bellamy, who had a four-year spell at Newcastle between 2001-05, is excited to tune in.When asked how he saw the final panning out, he joked: “I couldn’t care. No Welsh players. I hope football is the winner.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Bellamy then raised a smile and added: “It’s a good game. I really like them both. I love the intensity that they go at.”It will be nice to watch. I’m not going to give you a prediction but it doesn’t interfere with my game so I’ll watch it. I’m actually quite excited for the game.” More

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    ‘We would have had a chance’ – Nikos Dabizas still haunted by ‘bitter taste’ of sliding doors Wembley miss for Newcastle

    NEWCASTLE legend Nikos Dabizas still has a “bitter taste” over his sliding doors Wembley moment.The former Greek defender, famed for scoring the winner at Sunderland in 2002, nearly achieved an even greater feat four years earlier.Newcastle legend Nikolas Dabizas is still haunted by a Wembley momentCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe former defender will be at Wembley today to watch his beloved old clubCredit: GettyHe was part of Kenny Dalglish’s Toon side that lost 2-0 to double winners Arsenal in the FA Cup Final.No Newcastle player has managed a goal in a Wembley showpiece since Alan Gowling’s strike in the 1976 League Cup Final defeat.However, Dabizas almost ended that against the Gunners only to be denied an equaliser by the woodwork and has been left wondering what could have been ever since.He told Sun Sport: “If we would have equalised at that stage we would have had a chance. But we didn’t and in these kind of games you need these type of details to come with you.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”It’s one of two moments in my career I think about. The other was with the national team and a header when we played Denmark, with Peter Schmeichel, in goal. That left a bitter taste and I have that same feeling with the Arsenal one.”I had the privilege of scoring against Sunderland and that stays forever but to have scored at Wembley or win an FA cup with Newcastle would have been an absolute dream come true. “But football is like this. That’s why it makes it so special. It seems just centimetres between success and from defeat. “You need a little bit of luck and it can go with or against you. And history tells us that it wasn’t to be that day.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives”The momentum was with us. When you score a goal and you’re on top, that can change easily. So of course it will be a completely different story if it would have gone in.”Dabizas, who spent five years at St James’ Park before moving to Leicester in 2003, would suffer two more Wembley disappointments in black and white.Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-upHe lost in both the following season’s FA Cup Final to the treble-winning Manchester United side and then 2-1 to Chelsea in the semi-final of the same competition in 2000.The 51-year-old is now one of the top commentators on Greek TV and will be at Wembley to watch Eddie Howe’s team try and conquer the trophy drought.Although he feels his presence could be a bad omen having also watched Toon lose two years ago against Manchester United from the gantry.He half-joked: “I was thinking about keeping away to be honest. I don’t have the best memories.”If anyone is to end the alleged curse on the club and fire Newcastle back to glory then surely it is Alexander Isak.How Howe turned Toon around WITHOUT Saudi billionsBY GARY STONEHOUSEEDDIE HOWE has got “the richest club in the world” fighting for honours regularly again despite not being able to blow the big Saudi bucks.The 47-year-old achieved legendary status at Bournemouth by guiding the then-skint Cherries all the way from League Two into the Premier League promised land.Now he is potentially on the verge of writing his name into Newcastle’s history books if he can end their 70-year wait for a major trophy.Howe came mightily close two years ago when he and the Magpies suffered heartbreak in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.Qualifying for the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish softened that blow, and now he is eyeing more than just another Wembley outing as he takes Toon to Arsenal for the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semis.Of course, it has been nothing like those early days at Bournemouth for Howe since he took charge in November 2021 just weeks after their Saudi takeover.There was a big outlay that January transfer window in order to assure the club’s Premier League status, but despite reaching the Champions League, PSR rules have delayed their path straight to football’s top table.Though, despite the purse strings being tightened and even being forced to sell young starlets against his wishes, Howe still has Newcastle punching with the big boys for silverware.The question is though – how has he done it and how far can he go?Dabizas played with the greatest striker in Toon’s history in Alan Shearer, whose statue now stands outside their stadium.Fan favourite Dabizas believes Isak still has work to do to be compared with Shearer – but admits the Swede could get a statue himself if he bags the Wembley winner.He said: “I think Alan is a different story because we have to judge them equally over longevity.“Alexander probably is one of the best strikers in the world and would fit in the first 11 of maybe Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich even if they already have top strikers.“They are completely different types of players with different styles and Alan scored so many goals in his career.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But at the end of the day, if Alexander scores on Sunday then everything goes out of the window. He will be a hero.“Combine that with if he can lift the trophy or get the winning goal then yeah [statue].”How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story… More

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    ‘Saw him and screamed’ – Fans stunned after spotting under-fire Man Utd boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘hiding’ at Australian GP

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE stunned viewers after popping up on TV screens at Formula One’s season opener in Australia.The Ineos chief was at the Albert Park race over the weekend with the Mercedes F1 team, which Ratcliffe owns a third of.Sir Jim Ratcliffe was in attendance at the F1 Australia Grand Prix this weekendCredit: GettyThe Ineos chief owns a third share in MercedesCredit: GettyMercedes celebrated a podium with George Russell while rookie team-mate Kimi Antonelli finished P4Credit: RexBut Ratcliffe has had a nightmare week dealing with Man UtdCredit: GettyThe chaotic race was won by McLaren’s Lando Norris while Lewis Hamilton was left fuming at his new Ferrari team. But there was delight for Mercedes as George Russell scored a podium by finishing third and rookie Kimi Antonelli produced a strong recovery drive to go from P16 to finish P4 on his debut.While Ratcliffe would have been celebrating the success of the team, who now sit joint top in the F1 constructors’ championship, it was a far cry from the week he has had dealing with another of his teams. The British billionaire, 70, has had a nightmare week following a series of interviews he gave on Monday regarding his investment in Manchester United.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRatcliffe took a 27.7 per cent share last February, but his first year of managing the Red Devils has been overshadowed by controversial decisions and poor performances on the pitch.Man Utd sit 14th in the Premier League table and have only one realistic chance of playing in Europe next season via victory in the Europa League.Off the pitch, the club are £1billion in debt, including £300millon in transfer fees owed for players.Unpopular decisions have been made by the new club hierarchy brought in by Ratcliffe, ranging from the removal of a £40,000 donation to the Former Players Association, the sacking of 250 staff last summer, with up to another 200 set to follow, and the removal of concessionary pricing for tickets.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe also blasted the squad as “not good enough” and addressed mistakes he and the management team have made, including the sackings of Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth.That set of interviews came the day before Man Utd announced plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium.Lewis Hamilton blasts ‘big opportunity missed’ after Ferrari strategy blunder at F1 Australia Grand PrixAnd yesterday another Ratcliffe interview was released in which he planted the blame for the club’s demise at the feet of Ed Woodward and Richard Arnold rather than the much-maligned majority owners, the Glazers.Ratcliffe admitted if he got the same level of abuse the American owners got he would consider quitting his role, while he insisted the Glazers were “decent people”.Reacting to his appearance in the Melbourne F1 paddock, one social media user said: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe is hiding in Australia with the F1.”A second said: “Jim Ratcliffe in the Mercedes garage instead of building Zippos circus for Utd.”A third said: “Saw Jim Ratcliffe appear on the screen on the f1 and screamed.”Man Utd take on Leicester this evening, and Ratcliffe will be hoping another one of his sporting investments can have a good day.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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    Sadio Mane, 32, welcomes first child with wife Aisha, 19, after wedding last year – and dedicates goal to baby daughter

    SADIO MANE dedicated his goal to his newborn daughter after welcoming his first child with wife Aisha Tamba.Mane, 32, tied the knot with Tamba, 19, last year in Keur Massar, an area in Senegal’s capital city of Dakar.Sadio Mane dedicated his Al-Nassr goal to his newborn daughter on FridayMane celebrated by rocking his arms as Al-Nassr came out 3-1 winnersMane and teenage wife Aisha Tamba have welcomed their first child in RiyadhThe ceremony was just six days before the start of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.The couple have now welcomed their first child, 14 months after their shock wedding, which was confirmed by Mane’s Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.And in dedication to his baby girl, Mane celebrated by rocking his arms while beaming with pride.The former Liverpool star’s goal doubled Al-Nassr’s lead in the club’s 3-1 win over Al Kholood on Friday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFellow ex-Prem stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Jhon Duran also scored, before Al-Nassr went down to ten men as Nawaf Boushal was sent off.Al-Nassr were at the heart of Mane’s public reveal of his new baby.The club posted a video of the footballer reciting a verse from the Quran while walking through the club’s training facility.Mane recited: “Wealth and children are the adornment of this worldly life, but the everlasting good deeds are far better with your Lord in reward and in hope.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for Al-NassrThe video was captioned: “A new blessing for Sadio Mane! Wishing him and his family endless joy.”Allah provided them with its righteousness, and made her one of His righteous servants.”Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starAl-Nassr need to have a flawless final nine games if they are to close the 10-point gap on leaders Al-Ittihad.Mane, 31, won the Premier League and Champions League during his spell with Liverpool.He now reportedly earns £650,000 per week with Al-Nassr. The former Anfield star met Tamba through his agent, who was friends with her construction boss dad.A source told MailOnline: “Sadio and Aissata’s romance blossomed after his agent met her father.”Madou Tamba is a respected construction manager in Senegal and was tasked by Sadio’s agent to oversee the footballer’s various building projects in the country.”The two men developed a trusting working relationship and through that relationship Sadio was introduced to his daughter.”Everyone in the village of Bambali is delighted for them.”Sadio is a good man. He has given lots of money to the people of Bambali and he deserves to be happy.”Mane was playing for Bayern Munich at the time of their marriage, when Aisha was 18 years old.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey kept their relationship a secret until pictures of their wedding were revealed. Tamba was still a student when they met, but Mane reportedly vowed to marry her as soon as they started dating.Mane, 32, tied the knot with Tamba, 19, last year in Keur Massar, a suburb in Senegal’s capital More

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    How 3 MILLION dogs are being slaughtered ahead of World Cup with executions & poisoned food… but Fifa is doing nothing

    AGAINST a backdrop of pained barking, an emaciated pooch hobbles over to a dirt-covered animal pile, which it licks, bites and then tugs at — eager to pry off any flesh to stave off starvation.It’s a haunting moment now regularly seen in Morocco, stray dogs are resorting to cannibalism to survive after a terrifying “street cleanse”, while others are killed in ghoulish ways and left to rot. Animal rights campaigners claim stray dogs are being rounded up and then killedCredit: International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC)One dog has resorted to cannibalism, as seen in footage supplied to The SunCredit: International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC)They claim dogs have been shot, beaten with weapons, poisoned and stabbedCredit: ‘International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC)A design of Morocco’s upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup venue set to be built in CasablancaCredit: Courtesy Populous/Oualolou + ChoiThe north-west African nation is allegedly in the midst of a mass butchering spree to eradicate three million homeless dogs in time for the 2030 FIFA World Cup – despite vowing they’d ended the killings.Horrifying videos released by animal rights campaigners expose the horrors being unleashed on the streets of Morocco on the canines.Heartbreaking footage shows dogs being stabbed with poisonous sticks, violently impaled with hooks, left to bleed out from gunshot wounds and abandoned in pounds without food or water. It flies in the face of FIFA’s Bid Evaluation Report, which claimed Morocco had “outlined its commitment to the protection of animal rights” and since August had ruled “the culling of animals is prohibited in the country”.READ MORE FROM FEATURESHere The Sun refutes that with a damning dossier of evidence obtained on the ground through the International Animal Welfare Protect Coalition (IAWPC), which was also presented to FIFA.They say Morocco has violated their vow and lied to the footballing body. And that means their implementation as a host nation – alongside Spain and Portugal – is a “sham” and they must be stripped of their duties, campaigners say. The campaign calling for action from FIFA has been backed by celebrities including Downton Abbey star Peter Egan, music legend Gary Numan, conservationist Chris Packham and world-renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall.Most read in FootballChariots of Fire actor Peter tells The Sun: “Football is regarded as the ‘beautiful game’ and for it to be celebrated in such ugly circumstances is a betrayal of all ethics. FIFA must act now.“I’m absolutely appalled by the situation and the football-loving public will be too, the majority of people who love the beautiful game cannot endorse such cruelty by knowing about it, ignoring it and supporting the World Cup. “It’s almost impossible to get one’s head around why any country would choose to brutally slaughter millions of animals just to ‘tidy their streets’ for a football match. It’s inconceivable.“They choose the cheapest way of destroying these poor creatures too, often this is starving them to death or bludgeoning them with a weapon. It’s absolutely shocking.”Dog that mauled man to death ‘attacked schoolboy days earlier’ in East LondonOne stray dog being shot on the streets in MoroccoCredit: International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC)One stray was dragged along the ground for a lengthy amount of time to cause injuryCredit: International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC)’Absolute evil’The new footage, shot in the coastal city of Kenitra, shows animals waiting in dark and damp spaces to starve to death and canine cannibalism.Les Ward, President of the IAWPC, tells The Sun “absolute evil is going on in Morocco” and that cruel dog catchers are being dispatched to the streets to round up strays for slaughter. He explains: “The Moroccan Government hasn’t even got a clue what animal rights means. “They are setting up ‘dispensaries’ and ‘clinics’, which are killing stations to eradicate dogs, not help them.“At these killing pounds the dogs are thrown into a mass of frightened animals. They don’t feed them, they don’t give them water. If they do feed them it’s with poisoned bait that kills them.“Cannibalism is occurring. These dogs are being starved to death and as a result, start to eat one another. “Others are being killed, shot and poisoned and then thrown in the bin.”They don’t die immediately, they thrash around, crying as blood pours out of themLes Ward, IAWPC PresidentAnother heartbreaking clip shows several emaciated pooches cower in their alleyway-like prison, some lifelessly looking up at the camera, while others could be seen with wounds. A few had given birth.An IAWPC campaigner, who asked to remain anonymous to avoid persecution, told us: “The dogs are starving and dying. “It is a tiny space with up to 400 dogs cramped into it and they are living in their own waste. “Some of them die from sickness or poisoning, the others eat them because they are starving… the dogs are kept next to a slaughterhouse which uses them as food. “It is inhumane and unbearable.”World Cup ‘horror’Moroccan authorities are estimated to be killing 300,000 homeless dogs each year, despite it being ruled illegal since 2019.Supporters claim it will end rabies, which kills roughly 80 people a year, but campaigners argue culling won’t work.Instead, they insist their Trap Neuter Release (TNR) programme, currently being implemented by volunteers, is the only way to succeed. Previously it helped Goa, in India, become a rabies-free state.A poison-tipped stick that’s used to kill strays in MoroccoCredit: International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC)A dead dog moments before it was feasted on by a starving strayCredit: International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC)Animals filled a narrow alleyway in a ‘kill shelter’ in Kenitra, MoroccoCredit: International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC)Les tells us: “Morocco’s approach will exacerbate the problem because rabies-infected dogs will continue to breed and more will move into the area. Killing is not the solution, it’s a horror.”Campaigners claim the culling has been ramping up since the 2023 Club World Cup, which was a ‘trial event’ from FIFA officials after Morocco lost an unprecedented five main tournament bids.Some oppose the slaughter – in 2022, a judge fined the Governor of the Nador Province 6,000MAD (£490) after discovering they had killed strays.The judge labelled it “uncivilised” and stated the brutality “which dates back to ancient times, are no longer acceptable”.In 2023, hundreds of strays and tagged dogs were killed in Tangier, which the founder of SFT Animal Sanctuary insisted was “because of FIFA’s visit” for the Club World Cup.She claimed the orders came “from the governor” and that all tagged dogs had to be “removed… from the posh areas around the stadium where FIFA will be”.’Inhumane killings’Now a World Cup host for 2030, campaigners allege the butchery is increasing and often the barbaric street killings are taking place in front of children. IAWPC footage shows men of the attacks by men in orange suits, including one who stuck his fingers up at the camera.Using “tong-like” implements, which have a painful debilitating effect, they pick up dogs the size of German Shepherds and throw them into vans pile with other dogs. One ‘dog catcher’ flips up his fingers at a cameraCredit: International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC)They then use giant tongs to pick up a German Shephard and chuck it into a vanCredit: International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC)Dead dogs being taken to the tip to be disposed of alongside rubbishCredit: International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC)They are then taken to ‘holding’ centres where they are starved to death or “inhumanely killed”, we are told.One day is seen with blood trickling down from the midriff due to being cruelly dragged along the streets and beaten.Les says: “Some of the dogs are left to decompose on the street. Young children are seeing this. That’s traumatic for them and there are links between regularly seeing traumatising things and becoming violent in adult life.” Some dogs are killed with a stick that holds a syringe containing poison at the end, others are fed deadly bait by hand – both practices cause “considerable pain, suffering and lingering death”.Les explains: “Any vet will tell you killing a dog by strychnine is a cruel and lengthy process. They lure the dogs close by getting unsuspecting members of the public to tell them the dogs’ names.”Gun squads allegedly “shoot dogs around the clock with rifles and pistols” but cruelly they are “rarely killed outright” and left to bleed to death on the streets.he was banging on the door so hard and she was left standing in the street screaming as he was driven away. Louise Smith, victim of dog catchersLes adds: “These aren’t bullets that pass through they lodge in the body of dogs, meaning they don’t die immediately, they thrash around, crying as blood pours out of them.“I recently saw a harrowing photo of a dog seconds after its face was obliterated with a shotgun. It’s all extremely cruel.” Dog catchers Many of the animals are being rounded up by groups of dog catchers – and some seized them because they “know owners will bribe them to get their pets back”. Among them is Scottish mum Louise Smith, 46, who has paid to retrieve her six-year-old daughter Salma’s dogs “multiple times” but more recently she notes they are “all about killing.”“I tried to bargain with the dog catchers,” she says. “Salma was beside herself, she cut her knuckles. She was banging on the door so hard and she was left standing in the street screaming as he was driven away.”Dog catchers collect the animals and transport them to ‘kill centres’Credit: International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC)Six-year-old Salma was devastated when her dog Bingo was taken by dog catchersCredit: International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC)One man shoots a dog in the streetCredit: International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC)FIFA ‘betrayal’Pressure is mounting against FIFA to take action – celebrities to join the campaign include Dr Jane Goodall, who’s famed for her work with wild chimpanzees. In a letter, she demanded urgent intervention, writing: “If you fail to act, however, FIFA will be known for its complicity in a horrific act of barbarity – on your watch.”There is simply no excuse for the awful campaign of cruelty that is being executed in football’s name.” Les says the IAWPC has sent letters to FIFA every week, supplied photo and video evidence as well as written testimony, only to receive “no reply, nothing whatsoever”. He says: “Absolute evil is going in Morocco and FIFA and its associations should know better. In the UK, anyone found shooting, poisoning, starving or clubbing a dog would be thrown in jail, because it’s a criminal offence. “This World Cup is being built on three million dead dogs and god knows how many traumatised children, that’s a blood scandal and raises the question of whether we should be sending our football teams there at all.“Allowing Morocco to host the World Cup has greenlit their killing groups to pick up and murder as many dogs as they can, as quickly as they can before 2030. “FIFA is complicit by maintaining the wall of silence. They are not stopping the government from killing their dogs, so they are party to it and complicit.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Sun contacted FIFA, officials in Morocco and the Moroccan embassy but received no response.Find out more about the IAWPC here or sign their petition.Dog catchers using metal tongs, which cause immense pain, to pick up poochesCredit: International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC)Morocco is preparing to host the 2030 World CupCredit: AFPFIFA President Gianni Infantino has been slammed by animal rights campaignersCredit: EPA More

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    Moyes’ genius Pickford tactic before transfer shake-up and AC Milan eye unlikely ace – latest exclusives from Alan Nixon

    ALAN NIXON is SunSport’s Boss of Goss.Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…SunSport’s Boss of Goss Alan Nixon has this week’s latest transfer inside scoopsJordan Pickford has been told to cut down his mammoth long kicks upfield by David MoyesCredit: GettyNEW PICK KICK TRICKJORDAN PICKFORD’S kicking is getting shorter and more accurate after a quiet word from David Moyes.Everton’s England No 1 has a big reputation for smashing balls huge distances.But boss Moyes felt his Toffees would benefit with more control from his keeper.So he suggested Pickford ease off the gas and start to aim more down the middle — and the impact has been shown in results as Everton have lost just twice in ten games since Moyes returned to Goodison.Meanwhile, Everton’s incoming chief executive Angus Kinnear WILL snap up two of his old Leeds transfer team.Kinnear, who starts work on June 1, has lined up top adviser Nicky Hammond and leading scout Gary Penrice for a new-look backroom team.Hammond and Penrice will be in charge of transfers — just like they were at Elland Road.We revealed in January the club’s director of football Kevin Thelwell would be leaving.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMoyes was keen to bring in some of his former allies such as Rob Newman and Mick Doherty.But Kinnear — who Leeds have confirmed will be leaving Elland Road at the end of the season — has had the final say.Why Gakpo v Isak will decide Liverpool v Newcastle Carabao Cup Final | Experts’ bets – Weekend WagerEverton are interested in West Brom youngster Tom FellowsCredit: PAAnd Everton are staying on top of their interest in West Brom youngster Tom Fellows.The Toffees failed to land the highly-rated winger on deadline day. But boss Moyes has asked scouts Alan Irvine and Charlie Adam to keep tabs on the 21-year-old.MAX FACTORAC MILAN are cranking up their interest in Burnley centre-half Maxime Esteve.The Italian side watched Esteve, 22, again last week — but Everton and West Ham scouts also saw the Frenchman star in the Clarets’ draw with West Brom.AC Milan sent scouts to watch Maxime Esteve in action for BurnleyCredit: GettyAWAY DWEHSHEFFIELD UNITED fancy Liberian centre-half Sampson Dweh.The Viktoria Plzen ace, 23, has shone in the Europa League.Wolves are keen too but United could swoop first if they reach the Prem.Sampson Dweh has shone at centre-back for Viktoria Plzen, catching the attention of Sheffield United and WolvesCredit: SplashFOOTBALL SHORTSPRESTON are keeping an eye out for Manchester City babe Jacob Wright, 19.Norwich have an option to buy the midfielder when his loan ends in the summer. But North End may try a £2million-plus bid using cash from their FA Cup run.Preston and Norwich may both be after Jacob Wright in the summerCredit: GettyLEEDS owners’ hopes of taking control of Rangers will require a change of EFL rules if they miss out on promotion.49ers Enterprises — who also own the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers — are lining up a move to buy a 51 per cent stake in the Scottish giants.Current EFL regulations do not allow ownership of other British clubs. But the Premier League has no such restrictions.Leeds’ rivals Burnley’s tie-up with Scottish Premiership side Dundee is classed as a collaboration rather than ownership.ROB PAGE is looking for a crack at club management with the Barnsley job in his sights.Page left the Wales post in June and is keen to be back in the dugout.Conor Hourihane is in caretaker charge at Barnsley — who sacked Darrell Clarke on Wednesday — and is keen on the job.But Page, 50, may have a chance if Tykes look elsewhere.Former Wales boss Rob Page is keen to return to the dugout, possibly at BarnsleyCredit: AP More

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    Premier League star faces High Court showdown over claims he owes an agent £650k in unpaid fees

    A PREM star faces a High Court showdown over claims he owes an agent £650,000 in unpaid fees.Crystal Palace ace Daniel Muñoz is facing a legal battle over an intermediary involved in his £6.5m transfer to Selhurst Park.Crystal Palace full-back Daniel Muñoz, 28, is ­facing a legal battle over his £6.5million transfer to Selhurst ParkThe full-back, already a summer target of Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona, has been written to by lawyers.In paperwork seen by The Sun, the Colombian 28-year-old is accused of not paying an invoice sent by agent Ruben Caicedo.The agent insists he was promised 10% commission on the £6.5m deal which took Munoz to Palace from Belgian side Genk.Colombian Mr Caicedo says he tracked his countryman’s career and proved pivotal in bringing the player to England.Read more on footballHe could also claim a cut of a deal which is likely this summer when the much lauded player is set to leave Palace for a bigger club if his £25m release fee is met as expected.Palace have told Mr Caicedo that an agent’s fee was paid as part of the Munoz signing – but they were sent to another agent.Mr Caicedo, who has worked alongside some of the game’s biggest figureheads, including Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson, is understood to have paperwork and recordings to support his legal claim against Daniel Munoz.Munoz, who played for Aguilas Doradas and Atletico Nacional in Colombia before a 2020 switch to Belgium, is represented by former Aston Villa legend Juan Pablo Ángel.Most read in FootballBut a source close to proceedings told The Sun: “Ruben Caicedo was the individual responsible for getting Daniel to Crystal Palace.“Ruben initiated the negotiations, and he gave the player his partner’s number, and the process continued. It led to a positive outcome in January last year.“But neither Ruben or his partner have received the commission due to them.“Daniel has gone from being in touch with Ruben and incredibly grateful to not answering his phone or letters.“The player is now on notice he is facing legal action. Daniel is heading to the High Court in what is a very unlikely legal showdown involving a Premier League millionaire.”Munoz – who has scored three goals in 42 impressive appearances for the Eagles, earning him 36 Colombia caps – did not comment. Crystal Palace also chose not to provide a statement. More