Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Erling Haaland refuses post-match interviews after suffering biggest EVER defeat… before apologising on social media

      by

      ERLING HAALAND refused to do a post-match interview following Norway’s 5-1 defeat to Austria – before issuing an apology on social media.The Manchester City striker led the line in last night’s Nations League clash with captain and Arsenal ace Martin Odegaard still out with an ankle injury.Erling Haaland apologised after refusing to do a post-match interviewCredit: RexBut, after becoming Norway’s record goal scorer in Thursday’s 3-0 win against Slovenia, Haaland ended up on the receiving end of a rare hammering.Ex-Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s Austria fired five goals past Norway in a one-sided match, leaving the Man City star distraught.It was his biggest-ever defeat as a senior player for either club or country.And after the final whistle, Haaland was in no mood to talk.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe forward refused to answer questions from Norwegian press in the mixed zone.But later in the evening, Haaland issued a grovelling apology for his silent treatment.Posting on Instagram, he said: “Sorry everyone, this was far too bad on my part.“In November, we go for six points.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite Haaland’s refusal to answer questions, he was still defended by Norway teammate Sander Berge.The Fulham star said: “He has every right to do that.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League stars“You can feel the disappointment now. We as a team in there, we stand in ups and downs regardless.“The most important thing is that we are united, that’s how it is.”However, Haaland was criticised by compatriot Kristoffer Lokberg, who made seven appearances for Norway’s U18s.He said: “It’s a shame. If there’s anyone we want to hear from after a violent slump, it’s the captain.Sorry everyone, this was far too bad on my part.Erling Haaland“How was it communicated out here? How do you think after the 3-1 goal?“Do you gather? What do you do? When you are captain, you have been assigned a role that requires a little extra.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Then you should stand up. At the same time, I have great respect for the fact he’s in a special position when it comes to attention and requests.“I understand he has a strict regime around him in everyday life. But when you have the captain’s armband, he should stand up and say a few words.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd hero ‘takes gap year then casually comes back as highest-rated player in Europe’ after Old Trafford exit

      by

      DAVID DE GEA has enjoyed a stunning return to form with Fiorentina after a YEAR away from the pitch – and now has the stats to back it up.The former Manchester United star is the highest-rated goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues this season.Former Man Utd keeper De Gea is the highest rated goalkeeper in EuropeDe Gea joined Serie A side Fiorentina as a free agent this summerThe decision to let long-term servant De Gea depart on a free transfer and replace him with £41m-recruit Andre Onana was bold.And now De Gea’s exploits in Italy are starting to raise further question marks on Erik ten Hag’s decision.The Spaniard, who spent 12 seasons at Old Trafford, had to wait 446 days to enter the pitch again.Fiorentina placed their trust in him during the summer, securing his services on a one-year contract.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSSo far, the Serie A side’s move has proven to be a masterstroke.In fact, De Gea’s rating of 7.61 makes him the highest rated goalkeeper in Europe this season, according to match ratings site WhoScored.De Gea has been putting in brilliant displays for the Florence-based outfit on a regular basis.He saved two penalties to help Fiorentina seal a memorable 2-1 win over AC Milan before the international break.Most read in FootballDe Gea saved TWO penalties in Fiorentina’s 2-1 win over AC MilanHe was thanked by his team-mates on both occasionsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDe Gea got down low to his left to save Theo Hernandez’s first-half spot-kick before superbly diving to his right to prevent Tammy Abraham scoring his penalty in the second half.The 33-year-old also made an incredible save to deny Samuel Chukwueze’s strike from rattling the net.Roy Keane reveals his pick for next England manager as Man Utd legend says ‘the FA better get busy’ As per WhoScored, he has made 4.3 saves per game in Serie A so far this term.And fans were quick to comment on De Gea’s new rating.One user wrote: “Bro casually took a gap year and came back the highest rated keeper as if he’s in high school 😂❤.”A second said: “Man United are kicking themselves right now for letting him go.”Another added: “And we dumped him for Onana 😶.”A fourth declared: “Forget playing it out from the back. There is something to be said about just being a good shot stopper.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile one more said: “One of the best goalkeepers ever. A United legend.”Meanwhile, Onana has shown promise this campaign, but he is yet to establish himself as a reliable figure between the sticks. More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League star ‘scared for our lives’ as Nigeria complain team being ‘held hostage’ at abandoned Libyan airport

      by

      WILFRED NDIDI revealed “I’m scared for our lives” with the Nigerian football team held “hostage” in a locked abandoned airport for more than 18 hours. The Super Eagles are due to play Libya in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier tomorrow night.Nigeria’s players were locked in an abandoned airportCredit: XThe players were in their tracksuits on their way to play LibyaCredit: X @WTroostEkongThe players tried to sleep on the chairsCredit: X @WTroostEkongWilfred Ndidi expressed his fears on social mediaCredit: InstagramHowever, their Sunday chartered flight was diverted during the descent and they were banned from leaving the airport in chaotic and worrying scenes with no access to food, drink and phone connections.And now Nigeria are refusing to play in the match in protest at the awful treatment, which started yesterday evening, and are instead set to fly straight back to Nigeria. Ndidi put on his Instagram story: “This is not football. Very embarrassing. Hostage to a national team. Disgrace.”He later added: “This is becoming scary… I’m scared for our lives.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTeam-mate Victor Boniface tweeted at 12.24pm UK time – 1.24pm in Libya – on Monday lunchtime: “This is getting scary now. You guys can have the point. We just want to return to our country.”Then 40 minutes later, captain William Troost-Ekong wrote: “Power of social media. “Apparently our plane is being fuelled as we speak and we should be leaving to Nigeria shortly. Thanks for everyone’s support! “I REITERATE: We would NEVER treat a guest nation for a game in this way. Mistakes happen, delays happen. But never on purpose!”Most read in FootballThe stranded squad was understood to include Premier League stars Alex Iwobi and Taiwo Awoniyi – plus ex-Leicester pair Ademola Lookman and Kelechi Iheanacho.Bayer Leverkusen striker earlier Boniface wrote: “Been at the airport for almost 13 hours, no food no wifi nowhere to sleep. Africa we can do better.”Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtHe added a video on X at 10.12am UK time from the grounds and claimed they had been holed up at the airport for 16 hours at that point – before his next update more than two hours later.Approximately 15 minutes after Troost-Ekong said they should be “leaving shortly”, a photo was posted on social media at 1.20pm of the players queueing up to board the flight home. Reports from Nigerian journalists alleged Libya charged five times the current market price for the fuel – after the Government eventually relented and issued a clearance to fly. Nigeria beat Libya at home on Friday and were travelling for the return clash in northern Africa at the Benina Martyrs Stadium just outside Benghazi, Libya.However, their plane was diverted at the last minute allegedly under Libyan Government orders to the tiny Al-Abraq Airport, a 150-mile, nearly four-hour drive from Benghazi and usually used for military purposes.Libya had complained of their “poor treatment” in Friday’s match where Fissayo Dele-Bashiru grabbed the only goal. That led to the woeful conditions for the Nigerian players, who were pictured trying to sleep on the seats in the empty terminal with their suitcases.Video footage also appeared to show Nigerian football chiefs desperately pleading and negotiating with Libyan airport staff. Former Tottenham and Watford defender Troost-Ekong updated fans throughout the shocking ordeal on X on Monday morning.’WE WILL NOT PLAY’He initially wrote at 7.42am UK time: “12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.”They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games.”I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa but this is disgraceful behaviour. “Even the Tunisian pilot who thankfully managed to navigate the last-minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land had never seen something like this before.”Upon arrival, he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew to be denied at every hotel again under Government instruction. “He could sleep there but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane which is parked up.”At this point, we have called for our Nigerian Government to intervene and rescue us.”Troost-Ekong continued: “As the captain together with the team we have decided that we will NOT play this game. “CAF should look at the report and what is happening here. Even if they decide to allow this kind of behaviour, let them have the points. “We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here even with security it’s not safe. “We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like given to us IF we continued.”We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. “Mistakes happen but these things on purpose have nothing to do with international football.”Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar stepped in to get involved and help resolve the problems. He revealed a compatriot arrived at the airport at 6am this morning with “necessary supplies and internet access”. Tuggar wrote: “I have been closely monitoring the situation involving the Super Eagles in Libya.”The Mission has maintained contact with the NFF, and the Libyan authorities since last night. “Despite efforts, Libyan authorities have not yet authorised the Nigerian Mission’s trip to Bayda City, where the airport is located.”Actions like this go against the spirit of sportsmanship… this is uncalled for and inhumaneVictor OsimhenVictor Osimhen is not with the squad but also hit out at the treatment of his team-mates. He wrote on Instagram: “I am disappointed by the unfair treatment my brothers and coaches are facing at the Libya airport last night.”Actions like this go against the spirit of sportsmanship. My support is with my team, and I know they’ll stay strong despite these obstacles.”I call on CAF (Confederation of African Football) to intervene, as my team-mates and officials are still stranded at the airport in Libya. “This is uncalled for and inhumane. We stand together, stronger than ever.”Players posted various videos from the airport on social media.And one showed a minibus that was eventually pulled up, likely to transport the team.However, the Nigeria squad did not board.Troost-Ekong added just before 12.30pm UK time: “Can I shock you?! The pilot has just told us there has been fuel at this airport for the plane all this time. “They could have released it but haven’t given us permission since. Can you imagine?! “So how long are they planning to hold us hostage here!!! Still just waiting.Nigeria players tried to keep their spirits upCredit: https://x.com/thecablengWilfred Ndidi let rip on his Instagram storyCredit: Instagram @ndidi25They were kept in overnightCredit: https://x.com/thecablengThe gates of the airport were lockedCredit: https://x.com/thecablengA member of airport staff tried to speak with officialsCredit: https://x.com/thecableng”After our first tweets magically a team bus arrived and a driver who has been standing inside the airport filming us and laughing with some of the other staff since last night said the bus was ready 12 hours after we landed. “Now we have been waiting for fuel since morning…”At this point I’m even tired of laughing instead of crying.”Libya’s initial anger stemmed from the reverse clash in Nigeria last week.Captain Faisal Al-Badri claimed the Nigerian Football Federation disrupted their own travel plans into Nigeria.He said: “We left the hotel at six in the morning, and the plane took off at nine.”The flight took four hours, and thus we arrived in Nigeria at one in the afternoon, Libyan time.”Our luggage was searched inside the plane for an hour, and we were also delayed in transportation from one city to another for three hours, even though we travelled on a private plane, and there was an airport close to the city we wanted to play in.”We later contacted the company responsible for transporting and securing the mission, but they informed us that there was no police patrol at the time, which increased the risk.”After a long time, three non-air-conditioned minibuses and a police car arrived, in addition to two cars from the Libyan embassy.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, the NFF assistant director Emmanuel Ayanbunmi rejected the accusations and insisted he was not made fully aware of Libya’s itinerary because the Libyan FA general secretary “said he would get back to me but never did”. Ayanbunmi also suggested that Libya refused the NFF’s offer of transportation arrangements and decided to hire buses independently.Plenty of stars took to social media to fume at the conditionsCredit: X @WTroostEkongThe chaotic scenes were filmed by some of the playersCredit: https://x.com/JayNaijaTvThere was initially no access to food or waterCredit: https://x.com/JayNaijaTvA minibus was brought in to transport the playersCredit: X @boniface_jrnThey were let out for fresh air at the airport in the morningCredit: X @boniface_jrn More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Football transfers could be set for major change that will see some players under contract able to move for FREE

      by

      FIFA has launched its battle to ensure the transfer system remains – by asking the rest of football how the rulebook needs to be reworked.But world chiefs have conceded that clubs may NOT be able to ask for a fee for every player who wants to leave them.Fifa are desperate to ensure the current transfer system remains in placeCredit: GettyLassana Diarra’s landmark victory threatens to disrupt the marketCredit: GettyFormer Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra’s victory over the world body at the European Court of Justice saw a major threat to the current system.Diarra’s lawyer, Jean-Louis Dupont declared the only possible outcome will be the end of clubs being able to demand fees for players.The ECJ ruled that current regulations, which mean clubs can sue players for breaking contracts and prevent them being able to move to a rival in another country, “impede the free movement of professional footballers wishing to develop their activity by going to work for a new club”.It added: “Those rules impose considerable legal risks, unforeseeable and potentially very high financial risks as well as major sporting risks on those players and clubs wishing to employ them which, taken together, are such as to impede international transfers of those players.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDupont, who was also the successful lawyer behind the Jean-Marc Bosman case that upended European football in the 1990s, argued the decision would inevitably lead to US-style collective bargaining agreements between players and clubs and “trades” – swap deals – rather than transfer fees being paid.FIFA had initially reacted to the verdict by insisting that only a minor tweak of “two paragraphs of two articles” of the regulations needed to be amended.But now Zurich legal bosses have announced Fifa will “open a global dialogue on the transfer system, involving key stakeholders” to redraft the rules.Fifa legal boss Emilio Garcia Silvero insisted that the ruling “confirms the sanctity of contracts”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, asked if the ECJ decision does “mean the end of transfers or transfer fees” his reply hinted at a recognition that some players will be able to move for nothing.Silvero said: “The Diarra decision does not question that employment contracts between players and clubs must be respected. Top 10 highest-paid Premier League stars“Consequently, if players wish to be released from a contract, there will be financial consequences. “If a club wishes to engage a player under a valid contract, this will often still mean that the transfer fee needs to be paid.”Using the word “often” rather than “always” was a significant change of position.Last week’s general assembly of the powerful European Club Association was dominated by behind the scenes discussions of the potentially “terrible” impact of the ruling, with serious fears the business models of clubs in “selling” countries like Portugal, France, Holland, Belgium and in Scandinavia could be destroyed.One prominent figure suggested every case where a player walks out of a current deal might see clubs having to sue for compensation in their local courts, creating a “law of the jungle” situation.Silvero confirmed that clubs, leagues and player unions will now be asked to comment on new proposals.He said: “The Diarra decision confirms it remains Fifa’s responsibility to establish, protect and enforce a robust regulatory system for international football, in particular to safeguard the regulations and integrity of a sports competition. “This includes rules related to the composition of teams, such as transfers, registration periods, contractual stability and many other important topics. READ MORE SUN STORIES“Fifa will now initiate a global dialogue with key stakeholders. “Together with them, Fifa will determine what conclusions must be drawn from the Diarra decision, and which changes are most appropriate and suitable.”Transfer fees scrapped Q&A: How landmark ruling could mean NFL-style trades and stars suing for millionsFORMER Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra has won his landmark case at the European Court of Justice.SunSport’s Martin Lipton explains what it was all about – and what it might mean for the future of football…What was the case about?Diarra argued Fifa’s transfer rules were illegal after the world body backed Lokomotiv Moscow’s claim that he had broken his contract by refusing to train with them.Is that it?No. Belgian club Charleroi wanted to sign Diarra but were told they would have to pay the money he was fined by Moscow, while Fifa refused to issue an International Transfer Certificate unless they coughed up.Okay, so what does the ruling mean?Theoretically players will have the right to break their contracts and switch clubs without a fee changing hands – just like any employee in any other industry.Hang on – does that mean the END of transfer fees?Potentially, yes. Although players would have to want to move.We would basically end up with a US-style “collective bargaining” model where players would be free to move within transfer windows without impunity.Clubs might be able to “trade” players – swap deals – but with no extra cash changing hands.Is everybody agreed about this?Absolutely not. Fifa claimed the ruling “only puts in question two paragraphs of two articles” of its transfer regulations.Yet the Judges said the current rules were “prohibited” under EU law and “anti-competitive” as they “limit the freedom of action” of players to change employer.Read SunSport’s full Q&A with football on the brink of the biggest shake-up in 30 years… More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal suffer international break injury nightmare as Gabriel Martinelli sparks concerns with MRI scan

      by

      ARSENAL have suffered another injury scare ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth.Gunners winger Gabriel Martinelli underwent an MRI scan on Sunday evening after complaining of pain in his right calf.Gabriel Martinelli has suffered an injury scare while on international dutyCredit: AlamyThe winger has been a key player for Arsenal in recent weeksCredit: APHe is currently on international duty with the Brazil squad, but will not feature against Peru on Tuesday night.The 23-year-old was spotted with a team doctor ahead of the World Cup qualifier.Martinelli was introduced as a late substitute during Brazil’s 2-1 win over Chile on Friday.His recent scan was understood to be precautionary.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe winger’s potential injury adds to Mikel Arteta’s list of concerns ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming trip to Bournemouth.Martin Odegaard is expected to remain unavailable due to injury.Star man Bukayo Saka also suffered a scare while on international duty.The winger was forced off during England’s match against Greece on Thursday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBukayo Saka was forced off against Greece on ThursdayCredit: PAHe subsequently had to withdraw from the squad as a precaution.However, his knock is not thought to be a serious concern.Ecstatic Arsenal fans say ‘my captain is BACK’ as Martin Odegaard shares workout video in huge boost following injuryEngland interim boss Lee Carsley said: “Bukayo would have been close but it would have been unfair to take a risk with him.”He’s a positive person and I expect him to be fine.”Arsenal will look to continue their unbeaten start to the Premier League season against Bournemouth on Saturday.They currently sit third in the table, just one point adrift of leaders Liverpool and level with Manchester City. More

    • 300 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool sent a private jet to sign me and Klopp called me a mix of Fabregas and Gundogan – but I turned him down

      by

      NOT many players can say Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool all wanted to sign them – but Piotr Zielinski can.From the VIP treatment at Jurgen Klopp’s house to Bruno Fernandes begging him to move to Old Trafford, the midfielder is used to a convincing sales pitch.Piotr Zielinski was wanted by a host of Premier League clubsCredit: RexJurgen Klopp flew him to Liverpool on a private jetCredit: PABut despite several chances to move to the Premier League, Zielinski has always felt his home was in Italy.The Poland star was just 14 when Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool were keen on him.But he did not want to leave his homeland and decided to stay put.Eventually, he went to Udinese in 2011 and Serie A has been his playground ever since.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 30-year-old joined Napoli five years later and went on to play 364 times for the club, winning the league title there in the 2022/23 season.He joined Inter Milan in the summer – but some of the world’s biggest clubs chased his signature during his time in Udine and Naples.He told the Foot Truck podcast: “At one time, Fernandes wanted me to end up at Manchester United. “We are still in touch and we talk quite often. We played together at Udinese and in one of the matches we practically single-handedly beat Milan.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Liverpool sent a private jet to Florence for me and I flew with my agent Bartlomiej Bolek.”We drove up to Klopp’s house afterwards, we had a great conversation. It was the first time I had flown like that. How Liverpool’s Jude Bellingham plan backfired with Trent Alexander-Arnold”He said that for him I was a mix of Ilkay Gundogan and Cesc Fabregas.”We watched a Premier League match at his place on his giant TV, I had never seen anything like that either.”Arsenal and Barcelona were also once interested, with his move to Spain not materialising because Napoli demanded players in a swap deal.And when his contract running down in 2022, West Ham tried to sign him before they ended up with Lucas Paqueta.Zielinski revealed: “It was also close, Napoli were already convinced about the offer, they threw in £30million.”They were already looking around for medical care for my wife and child and where I was going to live.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But Luciano Spalletti took me aside and asked me what was going on and I said I would rather stay to fight for the title. “He said I want you to stay and I stayed because I did not really feel London either.” More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      New quirk of Jurgen Klopp’s job emerges after former Liverpool manager lands £10m-a-year role at Red Bull

      by

      A NEW surprising detail of Jurgen Klopp’s job with Red Bull has emerged.The former Liverpool boss is set to earn a bumper £10m-a-year pay packet as the Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull.A new quirk to Jurgen Klopp’s job at Red Bull will see him not appear at any stadium until the end of the seasonRed Bull have made their new executive’s life a little easier by reducing his travel during his first season.So much so that Klopp might not appear in any stadium until the end of the current 2024/2025 campaign, according to Sky Germany.Journalist Florian Plettenberg said: “He intends to work in the background at the start and will be getting a feel for the Red Bull teams on-site.”Klopp will oversee the management of RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, two clubs in Brazil and a third-tier Japanese side.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe former Dortmund boss has signed a long-term contract with Red Bull but will not begin in his new job until January 1 2025.It’s an opportunity that keeps Klopp involved in football without the draining day-to-day demands of being a manager. Klopp has also been assured that he can walk away from this deal if there is another concrete offer that he wishes to pursue.The position of the German national team head coach remains an option for him in the future.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAfter a very public admission of exhaustion at Liverpool, the 57-year-old can be forgiven for taking the less gruelling option with Red Bull.The Austrian energy drinks producer has landed a public relations coup by hiring one of the most respected figures in European football.Trent Alexander Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk and Jurgen Klopps wife tearful as Klopp leaves LiverpoolIn 2009, Red Bull caused controversy in German football when it took over fifth-division club SSV Markranstadt and turned it into RB Leipzig.German Football Association (DFB) laws state German clubs must operate on a ’50+1′ rule, meaning members – essentially fans – own the majority of shares and can influence decisions such as ticket prices.Rivals feel RB Leipzig exploited the system by having just 17 members with voting rights – most are directly linked to Red Bull.Klopp, who left Liverpool in May after “running out of energy”, has received a lot of criticism for joining Red Bull – especially among fans of his former club Dortmund.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave KiddNOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.Klopp got it wrong.Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Man Utd star Darron Gibson ‘bit chunks out of his tongue’ in terrifying seizure that almost killed him

      by

      FORMER Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson bit chunks out of his tongue during a terrifying seizure that almost killed him.But the shocking ordeal prompted him to open up on his mental health struggles – and ultimately save his life. Danielle Gibson thought her footballer husband Darron had died after a seizure at homeCredit: GettyThe ex-Ireland international, 36, was watching the Manchester derby at home three years ago.But things took a horrifying twist which left Gibson’s wife Danielle thinking he was dead.She told The Sunday Times: “He had gone so stiff and the sweat was dripping from him and he was biting chunks out of his tongue.“I was trying to stop him doing that, but I couldn’t lift him. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”His body was so wet and his eyes were like a roulette machine, they were whirring around so fast.“It lasted about three minutes and then there was a stillness.”His lips turned blue and I thought he had died.”I just thought, in a really sad way, that whatever demons he has been living with, he is at peace now.”Most read in FootballGibson was rushed to hospital in Manchester.He had two days under careful watch from doctors and underwent various tests. Roy Keane reveals his pick for next England manager as Man Utd legend says ‘the FA better get busy’ But Gibson was well aware of what had caused the seizure after getting addicted to sleeping pills.The reliance on the prescription medication Zopiclone was triggered following a leg break.The injury in October 2020 during his stint with Salford City ultimately ended his playing career after 245 club appearances for United, Royal Antwerp, Wolves, Everton, Sunderland, Wigan and Salford. The 2010-11 Premier League winner – whose other struggles included childhood bullying and twice being banned from driving following crashes while over the alcohol limit – said: “They were doing brain scans and epilepsy scans.“I knew deep down what happened but I was too embarrassed to tell them.”Finally I said, ‘Listen, it’s not that.’ I had taken 12 sleeping tablets the night before and about six more before I sat down to watch the match.“If you have got the money and the connections you can get whatever [medication] you want.”How to get help with alcohol and drug abuseAlcoholics Anonymous (AA)0800 9177 650help@aamail.orgalcoholics-anonymous.org.ukHelp and support for anyone with alcohol problems.Club Drug Clinic020 3317 3000clubdrugclinic.cnwl.nhs.ukInformation and support for people worried about their use of recreational drugs.The brave confessions to Danielle led to a strict ultimatum – either he handed over the pills or he would lose his wife and children.Danielle added: “I was expecting him to give me a packet of sleeping tablets.“He brought out a plastic carrier bag and just said, ‘There you go.’”In the short term, the sacrifice took its toll on his sleep.But Gibson knows now it was definitely the right decision – because he believes he would no longer be here otherwise. He continued: “I didn’t sleep for a month. Literally I could not get to sleep. “I was going to bed, just lying there thinking ‘F***,’ but I knew I had to do it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was grey. I looked horrific.”I would be dead. If I hadn’t had the seizure, I possibly would not be here now, I was taking that many of them.”Gibson came through at Manchester United and played 60 times for the clubCredit: PA:Empics Sport More